As we embark on a new year at The New York Condo Blog we are planning on giving you, our reader, more posts, more information, more buildings and more access to deals we like throughout the city. Please feel free to send us some ideas on how you think we can make things better for you!

To start off, we’d like to share with you a 1 bedroom at the well known Armani Casa building in the financial district – 20 Pine: The Collection. With much publicity over the years, thanks in large part to the 24-hour sales office and unique marketing plan by Shvo, lengthy delays with construction and legal issues with the developer, Leviev Boymelgreen, 20 Pine is now complete with over 319 of the 408 apartments closed. The average dollar per sq foot is well over $1,000/ft. The amenities at 20 Pine include a roof terrace on the 25^th floor, state of the art gym, swimming pool, winter lounge, billiards room, Entourage style golf simulator and a Turkish steam room. While there are only a few 1-bedroom units available from the Sponsor, a quick glance at online listings and a call to the 20 Pine sales office show that there are no apartments priced and/or equipped quite like the apartment listed with Douglas Elliman.

When considering purchasing a resale (this unit closed in September of 2008 at $798k), buyers should consider the following savings:

-   1.825% transfer tax (paid by buyer when purchasing from developer but by Seller during a resale)

-   Window treatments, kitchen island, shower doors and bathroom hardware already installed (Elliman agent prices these items at approximately $20,000)

-   Pre-wired lighting and sound with a Control 4 Home System; in-wall home theater speakers throughout living room, kitchen area and bathroom (Agent prices this at approximately $15,000)

More importantly, while common charges are under $1/sq ft at $877/month, the real estate taxes at 20 Pine are currently $0 thanks to a 421-g tax abatement. (Per the sales office, the taxes are to be fully abated for another 7 ½ years!)

Details and pictures are below, but the apartment apparently comes with over 100 square feet of private storage, an option to be fully furnished as well as the ideal situation for an investor – option to have tenant in place through the end of 2010 with market rent!

Listing information, floorplan and photos are below and feel free to email us at nycondoblog@gmail.com for more information.

1 Bedroom, 1 ½ bath, 949 Sq Ft

$877/month common charges, $0 taxes,

$855,000

WRAP THIS ONE UP AND TAKE YOURSELF HOME TO 20 PINE…DOWNTOWN’S BEST PRICED 1-BD VALUE IN SUPERCHIC ARMANI CASA CONDO!!! Brand New, No Taxes for 8 Years, No Transfer Taxes, Cheapest 1-Bd Available, Soup-To-Nuts “Tricked Out” and Ready to Move-In! With Fabulous SOUTH light and Protected OPEN NY Stock Exchange Views, this STYLISH loft is a STEAL with $90K worth of Custom Design, Lighting, Control 4 Lighting/Sound System, Custom Built Kitchen Island….not to mention the High Ceilings, Ebony Hardwood Floors, Sumptuous Rainforest Shower, Brazilian wood Bath, Sub-Zero/Fisher Paykel/Miele Kitchen Appliances, Asko Washer/Dryer, and the DROP DEAD Amenities of the Swimming Pool,Turkish Hammam and Lounge, Spa Lounge with Massage Rooms, Saunas, Health Club with Lounge, Yoga Studios, Billiards, Golf Simulation, Outdoor Lounge with SunBeds, Library Lounge, all Of Course with 24-Hr Doorman/Concierge. 11 Trains at your Doorstep, 10 Minutes to Whole Foods, 5 min walk to Tribeca, Best Upside and Quality of Life! Come take a look today!!! Unit can be purchased with or without tenant…Great for investors!