Immaculate 21-Unit in the Heart of Ballard

OVERVIEW

  • 14 tours, 40 signed CA
  • 21-Unit with views of Salmon Bay & Olympic Mountains
  • Sale Price: $4.85M
  • Current Cap Rate: 4.93%
  • Represented Seller & Buyer

For more information regarding this case study, please contact:

CANDICE CHEVAILLIER, CCIM
Principal
O (206) 773-2694
[email protected]

DANIEL LIM
Senior Vice President
O (206) 773-2692
[email protected]

DEA SUMANTRI
Vice President
O (206) 773-2680
[email protected]

SARAH BAGO
Associate
O (206) 773-2675
[email protected]

 

The Challenge

Our client, a longtime owner of an immaculate apartment building in the heart of Ballard, entrusted the Lee & Associates Multifamily team with their multifamily property sale. Commissioned by their parents, the building had served as a family legacy for over 50 years. It held deep sentimental value鈥攏ot just as an asset, but as a home for two family members still residing there. This added an extra layer of care and sensitivity to the process, as the sale meant saying goodbye to a part of the family鈥檚 history.

While achieving the highest price was critical, the seller also prioritized finding a buyer who would honor the property鈥檚 integrity and care for its tenants, many of whom had longstanding ties to the building. Pricing presented additional challenges due to below-market rents, persistent inflation, and the uncertainty surrounding an upcoming election.

Our Approach

Recognizing the family鈥檚 emotional connection and first-time experience with multifamily transactions, the Lee & Associates team provided personalized guidance at every step. The family鈥檚 pride in the property was evident in its pristine condition, strong tenant relationships, and their hands-on involvement in managing the building. With family members still living on-site, we took special care to approach the marketing and sale process with thoughtfulness and respect.

We began by preparing detailed due diligence materials and creating a comprehensive marketing campaign designed to highlight the building鈥檚 mid-century charm, exceptional upkeep, and value-add opportunities. Our Lee Multifamily team also leveraged its reputation for trustworthiness to instill buyer confidence and minimize contingencies. During our active marketing phase, as interest rates trended upward鈥攆urther complicating lending options for prospective buyers鈥攚e concurrently assisted the family in implementing essential maintenance enhancements to the building鈥檚 systems, ensuring the property maintained its operational integrity.

Despite these challenges, we conducted numerous tours, generated strong investor interest, and secured four initial offers. The feedback from the market prompted us to recommend a strategic price adjustment, which attracted even more qualified buyers. Ultimately, we identified a local buyer with a proven track record in multifamily acquisitions who shared the seller鈥檚 values and was committed to restoring the building鈥檚 mid-century gem.

The Outcome

By blending clear communication, expert market insights, and collaborative coordination with escrow and property management, the Lee & Associates Multifamily team successfully navigated market uncertainties to achieve a smooth closing. The sale preserved the seller鈥檚 legacy while meeting their financial and personal goals, demonstrating our commitment to delivering tailored solutions in complex transactions.

 

鈥淲orking with Dea, Candice, and the Lee Multifamily Team on the sale of Sunset House was a seamless and enjoyable experience. Their clear communication kept us informed at every step, and their positive, collaborative approach made the process effortless. They were highly accountable and proactive, facilitating every aspect of the transaction while providing immaculate due diligence files that kept everything on track. We truly appreciate their expertise and look forward to working with them again in the future.鈥澛�

- Buyer, Kite Partners