Pulte - The Flats at Metrowest (Need Reviews) (Fairfax, Vienna: for sale, 2015)

[gauravpriya]

People who have either been living around the area or have recently purchased/moved in to "Pulte - The Flats at Metrowest", Please share your views as to why you think this area/location is attractive than other surrounding areas and what could be the reasons to buy at such a high cost which most likely does not look to be sustainable (and affordable).

Though, they are almost sold out - 5 building of condos (~160 condos).

Their current selling price for a new 2 bed / 2 Bath condo is $525K (min) - New Homes at MetroWest | Fairfax, VA | Pulte Homes New Home Builders

[Markoloden]

My wife and I moved into one of the newer Pulte Metrowest condo buildings in November 2015. So far we couldn't be happier! It's less than a five minute walk to the Vienna metro and a wonderful alternative to dealing with 66 traffic and/or parking at one of the metro parking garages.

The quality of our condo is great, good sound insulation, never hear anyone through the walls and neighbors are all really friendly and happy. Love the location too with Wegmans, Whole Foods, MOM's, the Mosaic District, Church Street in Vienna and Tyson's all about 10 minutes away, plus awesome walking and hiking with quick/easy access to the Accotink Trail.

Now the question as to whether the condos are worth what they are selling for is subjective. From our standpoint absolutely yes, part because we love the quality and uniqueness of our home but also for the lifestyle it offers. We can roll out of bed at 7:00 every morning and be at work by 8:30. Once you start getting a good night's sleep on a regular basis and not having to deal with traffic it's pretty much worth a million dollars.

How well the properties retain or increase in value largely depends on what will be built in the remaining massive undeveloped area. At present this is a stalemate between Clark construction, Pulte and the city of Fairfax. Under the current contract any additional/new construction for Pulte is restricted to a group of 55+ condos on the far west side of the property (at Vaden and Saintsbury) which is slated to begin selling sometime in 2016.

Pulte cannot build any more homes in the main/vast open area until Clark has started construction of a mixed use building with substantial office space (directly in front of the Vienna metro). This clause in the contract was obviously put in before the recession hit where Fairfax county now has 20+ million square feet of vacant office space. So Clark has no incentive or good business reason to build which prevents Pulte from completing their plans of 6-8 story condo buildings with first floor businesses and swimming pools. Combine this with a bloated/lethargic re-zoning process with the city results in a very large area to walk your dog. It would be great to think the plans for town center would be revived but the locals apparently put an end to that idea a few years back due to increased traffic concerns. None of this really worries us as there are far greater powers who are expecting far greater returns on their investments. In the interim we have the largest front yard of anyone in the area lol.

The last piece to mention is the Metrowest condos are very much geared towards residents with no kids. There are a wide range of ages living here from millennials to retirees. A previously built/owned and more expensive townhome with multilevel living in the Metrowest development are a far better choice for families.

Hope this very late answer helps with your questions! I believe there are a few units left for sale which I imagine will go quickly come spring 2016.

[dickied00]

Pulte has a strong reputation as a first class homebuilder.


Having said that the company like any developer will leave its legal liabilities behind as soon as possible after selling all of the units. They have been extraordinarily successful at Metrowest Fairfax to date. That demonstrates the company's reputation.


A key problem with condos is HOA fees. In this instance they are very low. That of course will change.
A new condo is an opportunity to get involved with the new HOA before the big spenders can become entrenched in the hierarchy.


Being within walking distance of the Vienna Metrorail will be a key value driver.