Nov. 14, 2006 - Eastside-Condo-$200,000 to $400,000

There are tons of options in this price range.  The end unit townhome above in 98052 Renton is a good single family alternative at just under $330,000.

I don't like "red curbs"and speed bumps, but otherwise this one in Bellevue 98007 is another decent single family alternative.

For those looking for a condo with a view, this one at almost 1,300 square feet on one floor for about $350,000 is interesting.

On the Eastside, a "condo" can be a townhome or one level unit.  It can be newer as in the first two above, or built in the late 70's to early 80's like the one with the view.  There are currently 260 condos for sale in the zip codes noted as "Eastside" from Kenmore to Issaquah.

My observations are that one level unit is better if the square footage is 950sf or less.  The 32 units for sale with two bedrooms but only one bathroom are a bit risky with regard to appreciation.  There are 147 with 2 bedrooms and at least 1 3/4 baths, so opting for only 1 bathroom would have to come with a great price and hard to beat location.  I encourage stepping up in price a little if needed, to upgrade from only one bathroom for resale considerations.  There are 46 with 3 bedrooms, but the locations for most are a bit "out there".  Great as single family alternatives, but a two bedroom, two bath closer in for the single crowd who want to be close to the gym or some nightlife and shopping.

The 260 condos for sale on the Eastside are pretty spread out area-wise.  So unless you had your heart set on living in Medina for under $400,000 where the lowest price of anything for sale is $1,440.000...you can pretty much have your pick of location in this price range.

Stats for tracking inventory: 13 in 98004, 21 in 98005, 18 in 98006, 8 in 98007, 9 in 98008, 37 in 980011, 1 in 98014, 8 in 98028, 39 in 98029, 31 in 98033, 40 in 98034, 6 on Mercer Island 98040, 24 in 98052, 1 in 98053 and 7 in 98072