Phoenix Condos in Arlington Clarendon, Video of Fire House Noise

I previously did a blog post reviewing Phoenix Condos in Clarendon. I was worried about the noise of the fire house. But I never heard it myself.

However, recently a listing agent at the Phoenix Condos in Arlington Virginia assured me that the fire trucks don't let off their sirens until they are far away from the building. I was impressed.

Until today when I heard and saw this and was able to get a few seconds on my phone.



Wow, can't imagine that. I have no idea if this was a rare special event, but it was LOUD!

So I am still biased toward Clarendon 1021, where I lived for 5 years. Much better rooftop with a DC view and hot tub, much lower condo fees (which equate to like $15k-$25k in buying power) and not firehouse next door.

Phoenix Condominiums - Insider View

So I have written a few posts on the Phoenix Condominiums near Clarendon Metro, in Arlington Virginia. I have tried to show some of the pros and possible cons. People come to these blogs in droves looking for a 3rd party opinion.

Recently I have a client that is attempting to put a Phoenix Condo unit under contract. In an attempt to do some due diligence for him, I reached out to a former client that bought there. Here was the exchange:

Hey Edward,
How are things over at the Phoenix? I have a client that is interested in a unit there, so I wanted to see what the inside scoop was. Any plans to jack up the condo fees? How is the firehouse? Any other complaints? Like parking?
Hope all is well, Frank

Reply from Edward:
Hi Frank!
Good hearing from you. I haven't heard anything about jacking-up the condos fee - but I would think they wouldn't want to brag about that - just hit us with it... :)

The firehouse doesn't really bother me... For me, it's all part of the noises of city life, but that's just me. If your client is a light sleeper, then they will get woken up. In regards to the decibel level, it really no louder than when you hear the siren in ANY part of Clarendon. The sound seems to echo through the area quite nicely... ;) Personally, I really like it AND I'm not that fussy about things.

I like it because of the area and I walk around quite a bit.

Parking is fine, I've really not heard too many complaints there. There seems to be some discussion about Comcast and a poor signal, but the condo group is taking care of that.

I wouldn't say it's quite a party complex though... A few people are trying to get things going - that might be part of being in a new building... No problems with more questions if you got them!
Take care! Edward

If anybody has any other questions, please email me or add a comment below and I will reach out to Edward.Written by Frank Borges LL0SA- Broker FranklyRealty.com

Phoenix Condos in Arlington Va Reviewed. Pros & Cons ie Fire Dept

The Phoenix Condo in Clarendon Arlington Virginia (video tour) was completed in 2007.

After two other Arlington Condos, including Zoso went "non-condo" there was speculation whether or not Phoenix would continue their condo project. While they had 100+ units under contract, the risks were high. Subsequently they decided to go for it. And as expected, many people backed out of their contract (ask for details).

I live in Clarendon 1021, just around the corner. I have a strong bias toward that building, but I'll do my best in comparing the two.

Background: The Phoenix initially priced their units at the TOP of the market, comparable to 1021. The first 10 sellers of Clarendon 1021 made a $80,000 profit (now they lose $25k). That is when Phoenix priced their "Pre-construction" prices. A 2 bedroom in 1021 went as high as $670,000, now you can get a similar one for $570,000. A $100,000 price drop. Now do you see why people forfeited (and some fought, ask for details) their $35,000 deposits at Phoenix?

So now the question is if you like Clarendon (side note, all my friends that bought in Courthouse or Ballston, they all meet up... in Clarendon), is the Phoenix a "deal?" Yes it is less expensive after subsequent price drops versus 1021, but I go at length in my post about the risks with new construction.

Blatant side note: I know many of you think Realtors are worthless. You have two legs right? You can just walk on into a new construction. You don't need no stinking agent! Well maybe, just maybe, we know a thing or two that might help you. Don't like my style, find somebody else. Whatever you do, have somebody on YOUR side. Oh, and did I mention, there is no additional cost to you.

Anyhow, here are a few photos of ThePhoenixCondo :




Here are another 28 photos of The Phoenix Condos in Arlington
I have more photos of units, but those can't be published online without seller permission. But I can email them to you upon request.

Pros:

1. Less expensive. For the most part this is true. But if there is a bank owned 1021 unit, you might get a similar price.
2. Built to be a condo. Meanwhile 1021 was built to be an apartment complex, and was later converted. Builders cut more corners for apartments complexes.
3. Nicer appliances
4. Rooftop pool, slightly deeper pool and larger areas for events, but no DC view.
   
5. Large party room (the one at 1021 was sold off! as a unit)

Cons:

1. Fire Department! Is located just behind the building. So depending on where your unit is located, the noise will be a factor for many buyers.
2. Large remaining inventory to sell. What if they auction off units like Parkside Alexandria.
   
3. No Hot-Tub. Clarendon 1021 has a great rooftop, now with an outdoor HotTub that is even on during the winter. With a monument view.
   
4. No Monument Views. An apartment complex blocks any Washington Monument view.
5. Cathedral View? Currently yes, some units have a Cathedral view. However, last week a 12 story building was announced. Just over Clarendon Grill. I have asked the sales team to look into whether this would block any unit's views. They are looking into it, they didn't know about the upcoming building (see above why it helps to have somebody on your side asking the right questions, all for no extra cost to you)

So the location is great. The price is currently lower than other Clarendon Condos, but there are many things to weigh in making the right choice.

I'd like to open this forum up for people to list other pros and cons (when comparing Clarendon condos) that I might have missed.

Written by Frank Borges LL0SA- Broker FranklyRealty.com

Trend: Phoenix Condos= Backing out. In Arlington Va

A ton of people have been emailing me about the New Phoenix Condos in Arlington Virginia (which just started closings) after reading my blogs about: IO PIAZZA. Possible Class Action? Default? Deposits + Interest and Zoso Officially Drops out of the Arlington Condo Market

So I thought I'd write about The Phoenix in Clarendon Virginia specifically.

Ok, so here is the scoop... oh wait, before that, how about a nonobligatory donation of $500 to the St. Bernard Pr0ject (Katrina relief)? All I'm saying, is if this blog saves you at least $10,000 in one form or another, will you give a donation to them? Yes, great, No? Shame on you!

First off, a little "Wow! How did you know!?" mind reading...

So you are in a contract to buy a Phoenix condominium and you thought... "Why don't I call and pretend to be a prospective buyer and see what the units are going for!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Low and behold... they are selling for MORE than your contract price! You are rich!

Yet you wonder why they aren't advertising, and how are they able to sell units for a premium in this marketplace. Well, I'll tell you why... Probably 90% of their calls today are people FAKING as prospective buyers. They sniff you out like a 10 year old sniffs Elmer's.

If you were trying to sell a ton of units to people under contract for 2 years, wouldn't you artificially keep your prices HIGH until they all closed?... and then after they close, start advertising your blue light specials!

Yes, my prediction is that after the current contracts close, the prices will fall and get more in line with other available units on the market, like at Clarendon 1021 Arlington Condo.

So you think you have two options...
1) Close on your unit at the current price and hope that you don't go bankrupt like 5 people over at 1021. Or hope that you can sell in 2 years and break even. Maybe. But a very possible, maybe not! (especially after those damn Realtor fees, check out Go FSBO! Save $20,000!)

2) You walk away from your $25,000 deposit.

I say you have a few options, but it will cost you a few bucks (but nothing compared to your options above)!

1. Get a good lawyer. I don't care if you are a lawyer and you have read the contract and there is no way out, get a lawyer that knows specifically about new constructions.

   
   

2. Get your own independent appraisal! What you are gonna use the condo recommended lender, who will use a lender recommended appraisal? If you already got one, look at it. I won't say they are fraudulent, but how about "highly suspect"

3. Renegotiate. Oh, you tried? Of course they will say no. Even if you pant and yell and scream. For this, please see #1 above.
   

And for all of you that bought these places without a Realtor, can you at least stop and recognize that we are not as worthless as you initially thought? The cost is the same to you, yet you figure, "I'll just walk in and sign the papers, I don't need no stinking Realtor."

Best of luck, if you need the name of a lawyer or appraiser (no I don't get kickbacks, but I can guilt you into giving a donation as I mentioned above) please send me an email and post a comment about your situation (don't put your email in that comment).

Also I encourage comment postings so that others can be kept in the loop. My other Io Piazza blog had many conflicting comments, so lets get a good discussion going here.


- Written by Frank Borges LL0SA- Broker/ Realtor
www.FranklyRealty.com

(please email me typos, I don't like looking dumb, oh and sign up for new blogs via my main blog blog.FranklyRealty.com)
Keywords: 1020 N. Highland North Clarendon 1021 Zoso Mcwilliams Ballard ed peete The Phoenix at Clarendon Metro 22201