CondoWest Condominium Conversion Project Sells out First Phase in One Week
18-Unit Building Opens Doors to Homeownership for First Time Home Buyers CANOGA PARK, Calif.--(Business Wire)--Vassar Villas, a unique 18-unit condominium project located in Canoga Park, Calif., seems to be bucking the perception of a softening residential market. Phase one of the three-phase project sold out in less than one week. The former apartment complex, which is being developed by Pacific Realty Ventures' condominium division CondoWest.com, is located near Warner Center in Woodland Hills. According to Behzad Dabiran of Pinnacle Estate Properties, who brokered phase one sales with partner Lena Mikhail, the units sold between $269,000 and $339,000. The price is primarily aimed at first time home buyers in the low- to moderate-income range. For Daniel Khakshouri, president and founder of Pacific Realty Ventures Corp., the concept behind Vassar Villas was very simple: "Our goal was to provide a high-end product to those who could least afford it," said Khakshouri. This is the ninth condominium conversion project for the company, which specializes in repositioning and converting prime location apartment complexes throughout the greater Los Angeles area. CondoWest.com purchased the apartment complex in 2006 and immediately set out on an 18-month renovation process that included refurbishment of the interiors with designer lighting, marble bathrooms and Italian cabinetry in the kitchen, as well as the exterior of the building and all the landscaping. "This is the perfect time for a first time, low- to moderate-income earner to become a home owner," said Khakshouri. "In many cases, the cost of renting is equal to or more than the cost of actually purchasing a home." The firm points to its streamlined management process and its vertically integrated operation as drivers behind its ability to price high quality units at below market rates. According to Khakshouri, by running his own construction crews, buying quality materials such as marble and cabinetry by the container, and negotiating rates with home warranty companies, title insurance and escrow fees, the firm is able to pass the savings along to the buyer. In addition, the firm provides borrowers with access to a variety of state-run loan programs. If the buyer qualifies, these programs can provide financing that serves as a silent second mortgage, thus offering additional financing. While the state may share in a percentage of the equity of the home, these plans may defer repayment until the house is sold or refinanced. Until then, the buyer pays no interest on this portion. And when the buyer sells the property, he shares a percentage of the home's appreciation with the state. Photos available, please call 310-373-0103. About Pacific Realty Ventures/CondoWest.com Los Angeles-based Pacific Realty Ventures Corporation is a multi-disciplined investment firm that owns and manages a portfolio of retail, office, and apartment properties located throughout Los Angeles, Calif. Addressing the need for affordable housing for the first-time homebuyer, the firm's condominium division, CondoWest.com, focuses on the redevelopment of apartment buildings into high quality condominiums specifically for the first time low to moderate income home buyer. The firm's portfolio includes nine buildings with a total of 122 condominium units located throughout the Greater Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley area. For more information please visit www.condowest.com. The Hoyt Organization Leeza Hoyt, 310-373-0103 llhoyt@hoytorg.com or Mallori DelFiandra, mallori@hoytorg.com Copyright Business Wire 2007
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