Insignia

An article this morning about Manhattan condo developers (not included) eager to capitalize on low supply spurs me to finally jot my thoughts on Insignia (http://insigniabybosa.com/welcome); the only major condo construction underway in downtown Seattle.

With many buyers still wary of the arguably routinized construction defect litigation that hits most new condo projects, a relevant number do seem to be responding to the 707-unit project (the MLS shows 37 units pending since their launch in mid-September; 6 weeks ago). I’m impressed with the uptake, particularly given that the Insignia agreement calls for 5% of the purchase price converted to a non-refundable deposit at Mutual Acceptance and another 5% in September 2014. That’s right: 10% non-refundable, with no financing protections, likely six months before any product is delivered. Impressive.

The sales center staff has effectively argued the point that the buyer who commits to Insignia should want to know that all of their “neighbors” are similarly committed. They cite as guidance the early closing period at Escala, when a handful of buyers actually closed at their committed prices, while scores more headed for the exits (some with their earnest money).

So, they have certainly found a way to appeal to a relevant portion of the market. One of their methods is simplicity in pricing. They claim no negotiability. You want to pay less? Buy on a lower floor. You want another parking space? Buy a more expensive home that has additional parking allocated to it. I think this was a smart move.

It seems that the Buyer there will likely value at least one of the following:

-The Location: The closest “new” construction buildings (Enso, Escala, Mosler, etc) are at least two blocks away; mostly further

-Newness: Some people just prefer to purchase something that no one else has previously lived in.

-Developer: Some get excited about a developer, and just want to be a part of their vision

-Appreciation: The appeal of locking a price now with 5% down then adding another 5% in a year, and a hopeful higher value at closing, another six or so months later.

-Planning: Buying now with an 18 month delay of gratification may appeal to downsizers who need a plan, but also some time to execute.

If not those…there’s always the existing inventory.