Downtown San Diego: Chicago in the Snow or San Diego in the Sun?

Where would you live? Chicago or San Diego?Is there any better compare and contrast to these two photos of Downtown Chicago and Downtown San Diego?  As a native Californian, I can't imagine being at the mercy of the weather like this.  We have a client from the UK who owns a condo in the San Diego Gaslamp District and he is on his way home from beautiful San Diego to cold UK via even colder Chicago.

Anyone looking for a second home/condo can look no farther than San Diego.  For a Downtown Chicago condo owner, Downtown San Diego is the place to own a second home.  Five minutes from San Diego Lindbergh Field, nine downtown San Diego Districts from Little Italy, Marina District, East Village, Embarcadero to Cortez Hill.  Pricing from $300,000 combined with interest rates hovering around 4%, a little less, a little more.  Homeowner fees ranging from $250 plus. 

If you are tired of snow or rain or both, Downtown San Diego may very well be the escape you are thinking about right now.  Contact us for a discussion about your choices and options.  There is something for everyone in Downtown San Diego.  Now may be the time because you might be frozen if you wait.

This is a series of articles by Sharyn and Victoria Crown, Downtown San Diego real estate agents.

Downtown San Diego Condos: Is this an Icon unit?

Part of our job as Downtown San Diego real estate agents is to preview properties in buildings such as Icon.  Icon is located in the East Village of Downtown San Diego, and is one of the few buildings that offers a good view into Petco Park.  Our previous posting regarding Icon's views will show you the good about the building.

During our preview of Icon, here is one of the units we viewed.

Icon Courtyard

Doesn't look so bad does it?  Great location for a courtyard view....

Wait until you see the unit's condition.   It is amazing. View from Icon unit

Let's view the interior condition of the unit because it is most interesting.

Icon unit kitchen or lack therof

Someone gave this Icon kitchen the "stripped bare" lookThe bathroom is no different.

Don't wait to take a shower in this Icon unit bath

As you can guess, someone lost this unit to foreclosure.  Not only did they take their belongings when they left, they also took everything including the kitchen sink.  While I can understand the anger and frustration over losing a unit, it is hard to justify the destruction of this unit.  When you lose you lose and it is just unfortunate that someone felt the need to be so destructive.

Now, with all that being said, this is a perfect unit for a remodel and for an investor purchase.  We have a group of investors who look for units exactly like this unit.  Hard to believe, isn't it.  However, we spoke to one of our investors and they now have an all cash offer on the table.  We will find out in a few days whether the bank is ready to move on from this unit or continue to keep this shell in their inventory.

This is a series of articles by Sharyn and Victoria Crown, Downtown San Diego real estate agents.

Downtown San Diego Condos: Icon

We previewed units at Icon today.  Icon is located on 10th and 11th in the East Village.  As you can see from the roof top deck, Icon has some fantastic views.  Both Icon and The Legend appeal to downtown San Diego condo owners who also want to "live" the San Diego Padres life.

Icon Rooftop views

Icon Petco Park View

Westerly views

 Right now, Icon has 18 units listed in the Multiple Listing Service for sale.  Prices bounce all over.  The low end of pricing is $199,000 and the high end is $639,000.  When sold several years ago, these same unit prices would have been $336,500 to $740,00.  This is an average of 14% - 41% price reductions.   Keep in mind these are just the asking prices.  Sales prices since May 1, 2010 range from $265,000 - $639,000, still below the majority of original sales prices. 

Wait until you see our next post about one of Icon's more unique units.  This unit is so unique, it is missing the sinks, the shower, the toilets and a variety of items in between.

This is a series of Downtown San Diego condo stories by Sharyn and Victoria Crown, Downtown San Diego real estate agents. 

Downtown San Diego Condos: Park Terrace Condo Sales

Park Terrace is one of the most interesting Downtown San Diego condo buildings located in East Village.  Surrounded by Petco Ballpark and open land to the south and East, the developers of Park Terrace are in the final stages of closeout.  We helped one of our buyers purchase a unit at Park Terrace and we are thrilled that he loves the unit he purchased.

Park Terrace consists of a midrise plus a high rise building and basically takes up the block.  If you are interested in the midrise located at 206 Park Ave. or the high rise portion located at 253 10th Ave., we will be glad to help you in your search.   Downtown San Diego condos are the place to visit in the current market.

 These sales are obtained from the Sandicor MLS system and reflect sales by a variety of sales agents.  Timeframe is April 1, 2010 - June 30, 2010.  Purchasing at Park Terrace in today's market is a really good investment for the right person.

This is a series of articles by Sharyn and Victoria Crown, Downtown San Diego real estate agents specialzing in San Diego real estate.  Visit us on  our San Diego Crowns Real Estate  Facebook page.  Text SDCROWN to 87778 to search properties on your mobile phone.

Downtown San Diego Condos: Nexus Mid-Rise Unit

If you like East Village, this Willis Allen listing in Nexus might be of interest to you. Some buyers prefer mid-rise buildings versus massive towers.  This one-bedroom unit is on the 7th floor and what makes this such a nice unit is there is no unit above.  There is something great about not having people tromping around above you in your unit.  For those who like smaller buildings, this 72-unit Nexus is perfect.  Priced at $339,000 makes this an affordable possibility.  If you would like the full listing printout for this Nexus unit, just email or give us a call.   

Nexus is located at 875 G St. in the East Village area of Downtown San DiegoThis is a series of articles by Sharyn and Victoria Crown, Downtown San Diego realtors.