Plasma TV incentives have become something of a punchline among real-estate agents these days. For a while, they were offered as “buyer incentives” just about everywhere, but now it seems to be understood by most that a new television set probably isn’t going to convince buyers to take the plunge in the current market.
At least one developer is sticking with the TV deal though. Katherine Bafia from Prime Properties Realty says buyers of the last four homes in 2130 North, a 12-unit development in Bucktown, can choose from a free plasma TV or a one year of free assessments. (Monthly assessments range from $189 to $250 per unit, she says.)
Learning of the TV incentive reminded me of a Boston Globe story that’s been circulating around the Web this week. The article offers a glimpse at what a full-on economic depression might look like in 2009, compared to previous depressions, concluding that a 21st century depression would be an isolating experience that would convert jobless masses into couch potatoes.
“With the diminishing price of televisions and the proliferation of channels, it’s getting easier and easier to kill time alone,” the article says, predicting that “the icon of a modern-day depression might be something as subtle as the flickering glow of millions of televisions glimpsed through living room windows, as the nation’s unemployed sit at home filling their days with the cheapest form of distraction available.”
So if you find that unsettling, you can still opt for the paid assessments.
Bafia says the four remaining homes at 2130 W North Ave include a 1,350 square-foot two-bedroom / two-bath priced in the $530s, two 1,735 square-foot three-bedroom / 2.5-baths priced in the $580s, and an 1,800 square-foot three-bedroom / 2.5-bath condo priced in the $610s.
– Rate and review 2130 W North Ave at NewHomeNotebook.com.
