Comments on: Prices at Macallen Building

By: ryan

ryan — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:37:58 +0000

Thanks, Great response! It may be that I rely too much on the $/SF…

As I am comparing both buildings, what concerns would you have with the low saturation in Allele (i.e. negative equity, HOA spikes, developer goes belly-up)? With these in mind, it might suggest Macallen is a safer bet.

By: Boston Condo Guy

Boston Condo Guy — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:19:27 +0000

Ryan, as of today, with what is listed for sale, price per square foot in Macallen is approximately $550, Allele is approximately $470, and 36 A is approximately $548. Price per square foot, when looking at the market, or even a neighborhood, is not the most appropriate statistic to focus on – there are some inherent limitations to the statistic. That said, price per square foot is an appropriate measure if comparing units within a single development, but only after taking into account unit differences (perhaps floor level and view for instance).

Amenities are an integral part of what creates a space, so if you “minus the amenities”, can you really make a reasonable comparison? As well, a comparison between Macallen and Allele (or Macallen and almost any other Boston condo development for that matter), regardless of building amenities, is a dangerous comparison to make given that construction standards were radically different at Macallen than elsewhere; on the surface, you may have a product that looks similar, but if you pull back the layers, Macallen is inherently more complex and intricate – that said, it doesn’t mean that everyone is willing to pay a higher price for the product, but it does provide justification for why it is higher (than Allele).

By: ryan

ryan — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:38:21 +0000

Macallen price/SF is significantly higher than Allele or 36A. What price point (with respect to $/SF) would you suggest the market rate is, and what can it be attributed to?

In some respects, minus the amenities, Allele sounds like a better investment – space for space. Agreed?

By: Boston Condo Guy

Boston Condo Guy — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:01:42 +0000

Sara, the least expensive unit in the building, unit 206, is being held open on Sunday, January 18, 2009 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM – it’s listed at $419,900, after a recent price reduction.

By: Sara

Sara — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:40:40 +0000

I’m considering Macallen because I heard there might be some steals over there recently. The blogs by people here have been really helpful in getting the lowdown. I like the idea of recycling, clean air and proximity to downtown, but also don’t like to hear about homeless people’s things being trashed. I’m going to see about the OH. If anyone sees this entry could you let me know if you have any updated info on it over there? Thanks.

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:56:49 +0000

I am not too familiar with Nouvelle at Natick aside from what has been written in the press, but I’m not a huge fan. However, I think the place holds a lot of value for older folks who desire covered parking, security, and shops at their doorsteps, not to mention that the mall is a great place to get some exercise when it’s too cold to walk around outside.

In my opinion, negatives include prices that seem to be very high, heavy traffic and the fact that luxury condos in the ‘burbs just don’t sound appealing to me.

I recall reading an article recently where an older couple purchased a condo and then convinced their single son to purchase one as well. It appealed to him (or his parents) because instead of going ‘out’ to a bar, he could go ‘down’ to a bar, and that it would be a great way to meet someone.

Another couple stated that they loved shopping so living above a mall made sense to them. Another individual who was considering the purchase of a unit explained she was attracted to the development because she spends too much money on Manolo’s to have people spill beer on them when she goes out in more college-student-saturated areas (this statement seemed a little ridiculous–has she ever been to the mall (or any mall) on a Saturday evening to check out the crowd?!).

Your potential neighbors should be a selling point when considering the purchase of a condo. To me, from the individual profiles they provided in this particular article, they seem more like a deterrent.

By: tl

tl — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 03:23:52 +0000

these blogs are really helpful, especially Jeremy and John. Thanks, guys. any comments on Nouvelle at Natick?

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 22:54:08 +0000

No one is casting judgment on others due ‘to their choice of residence.’ They are casting judgment on people who throw away the belongings of homeless people and complain about living in a more urban environment after voluntarily purchasing property there. Change takes time, and the neighborhood has transformed and will continue to do so….but for some people, they want an overnight turn around and that isn’t going to happen.

By: Macallen Resident

Macallen Resident — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:40:04 +0000

Being a recent Macallen resident, I find it utterly sad to see individuals that cast judgment upon others, due to their choice of residence. I have only found kind and “real” people that are far from the description painted above. The Macallen and Court Square buildings are a positive addition to the neighborhood with many positive and hard working people that chose to live there. Accept differences people, its the city with all walks of life and income levels.

By: MEE

MEE — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:17:42 +0000

Maybe after they finish throwing out the belongings of the homeless the Neighborhood Association can get to work re-routing that pesky parade that disrupts their lives every March. You know, in the name of safety and all that.