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The Condo Living Omaha
Report
by Steve
Torneten
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Downtown Midtown Bellevue
$
0 - $ 99,999 $ 0 - $
99,999 $ 0 - $
99,999
$ 100,000 - $
199,999 $ 100,000 - $ 199,999 $ 100,000 - $ 199,999
$ 200,000 - $
299,999 $ 200,000 - $ 299,999 $ 200,000 - $ 299,999
$ 300,000 - $
399,999 $ 300,000 - $ 399,999
$ 300,000 - $ 399,999
$ 400,000 - $
499,999 $ 400,000 - $ 499,999
$ 400,000 - $ 499,999
$
500,000 $
500,000 $ 500,000
P, S, F
P, S, F P, S, F
P = pending, S = sold
YTD, F = forclosure
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by Steve
Torneten
The criteria for
featuring a condo of the month in this newsletter is based
on quality, fair market value and reputation. Obviously Riverfront
Tower One meets all three or they wouldn't be building a second,
especially in this economy.
I would like
to emphasis fair market value for Riverfront Tower
One. Developers have diverted their marketing dollars to the second
tower promoting it as a new improved version and as a result
Tower One has temporally lost some value in the public eye. This is
good news for savy buyers but not so for sellers. If you are a
potential buyer don't be fooled by the hype in the new tower as
being superior to the first one. To me it's like comparing a 10
mega pixel camera to a 12. For all practical purposes it really
does not matter. The question is do you really want to pay more for
the 2 extra mega pixels which you will most likely never use
anyway.
Tower Two is
being marketed for its improvements in functionality, quality and
a slightly better location. Are they worth paying that much extra
for. Lets examine. An example of functionality in this case would
be moving the fitness center and community room to the roof so all
can share in the view. Because Tower I will have access to the
second building, residence can simply walk on over and use the
facility. Most condo owners I know would appreciate the short walk
as a way of getting some fresh air or cooling down after a
workout.
There appears
to be no difference in quality between the two, its the quantity of
quality products that can be over looked. For instance, the most
expensive areas to build out in a condo are kitchens and
bathrooms. Are these finished areas smaller or the same. When
comparing, these are areas that need to be given special
consideration.
Location is
just a little closer to the river. I don't know if the view changes
much for the better when you go from a good panoramic view of the
river to being on top of it. I think its just different not
necessarily better.
Don't get me
wrong, the second Tower is an incredible project and currently one
of the more successful projects of its caliber in Omaha. Actually,
it is one of the more successful projects in the country. While
many condos in the country are facing bankruptcy, Riverfront Tower
II is building and selling. Think about it, they were approved by
one of the hardest hit institutions in this recession, banking.
They must be doing something right.
Some great
marketing for the second tower has temporally taken value away from
the first tower leaving a great opportunity for buyers to get more
for their money. Anyone purchasing in Tower One will not only get
to experience expansive breathtaking views of the river, city
skyline and the new College World Series stadium but, because the
prices are more reasonable they will also get more square footage
for their money. You are going to have incredible views in either
building so why not get more living space for your money. For
current listings in Tower One click here or for questions or
comments call Steve Torneten at 402-215-7118.
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Volunteer Downtown An excerpt from
the new book
"Retire Downtown".
By author Kyle
Ezell
Volunteering is as
much a part of urban living as Cosmopolitan Martinis. Initially,
most retirees become engaged in a wide variety of volunteer roles.
Logical places to begin are at the local offices of the United Way,
Volunteers of America, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Goodwill, or
other nationally known organizations. There are also homegrown
community organizations, faithbased agencies, and community
foundations to investigate.
Glady Boykin lives
in downtown Louisville and volunteers for a  foundation for the
blind by sitting on a panel that selects students to go on trips to
places like London or Mexico, and considers the students
inspirational because they refuse to be handicapped by their
disability. She also serves on the board of the Louisville
International Cultural Center to pair up employers with visitors
from Russia, China, and other countries. Her husband, Elton, enjoys
his work as a member of the Louisville's Downtown Residents'
Association to help to make his city a better and safer place to
live.
The issues that
deeply affect you tell you where you should focus your time and
energy. What makes you mad, sad, upset or irritated? For many, a
lot does---that's why so many downtown residents volunteer. For
example, did your elderly parents need companionship or special
care? Has a member of your family needed crisis counseling or help
overcoming an addiction? If you live downtown, you can find
organizations where your own personal experiences may help others.
Where can you leave your thumbprint? What kind of impact will you
leave on your new neighborhood? With will and courage, you can
cause something really fantastic to happen.
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