RockFarmer Properties has announced the launch of a new broker/buyer appreciation program at The Rowan, Astoria’s most luxurious new ground-up condominium.
“Since launching sales in January, The Rowan has seen tremendous interest and early success from buyers. Much of that success is attributed to the hard-working brokers—who (normally) have to wait until closings to get paid. We wanted to make sure that brokers supporting us are taken care of during this difficult time,” said John Petras, managing principal of RockFarmer Properties. “As REBNY members, we also believe it’s important to support our colleagues facing unimaginable challenges as a result of COVID-19. The ‘Member in Need’ fund provides a wonderful opportunity to directly help those in need.”
The Rowan’s new sales appreciation incentives, initially offered from May 1 through July 31, include:
- 50% of Commissions Paid Up Front: Brokers will receive 50% of their commission up front, representing a payment of approximately $6,000 to $12,000 depending on the unit; the remaining balance will be paid at the closing. This incentive ensures that the brokers, who often wait many months to get paid on a transaction, are supported during this difficult time
- “Satisfaction Guarantee” Review Period for Buyers: Buyers who purchase at The Rowan during this period will have a “satisfaction guaranteed” purchase. That is, once The Rowan’s sales office and development site are allowed to legally re-open, buyers will have five days to confirm their purchase without consequence
- Donations to REBNY’s “Member in Need” fund: For each contract signed during this period, The Rowan will donate $1,000 to REBNY’s “Member in Need” fund, a program established by the organization’s Residential Brokerage Division to provide grants to residential agents who are in financial need because of an unexpected illness or hardship
- 5% Down at Signing: Buyers are only required to put five percent down at signing. An additional 5% will be due by October 1, offering buyers greater financial flexibility over the next several months. Closings at The Rowan are expected to begin in early 2021
“For buyers, we understand the difficulty of committing to the purchase of a new home sight-unseen, not including for the virtual tours offered by our sales team,” said George Michelis, managing principal of RockFarmer Properties. “The Rowan’s sales appreciation program allows buyers to come in, see the actual unit in-person and change their mind if they need to—we think it’s the right way to approach transactions at this time.”
When complete in 2021, the six-story luxury condominium will comprise 46 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom residences ranging in size from approximately 425 to 1,857 square feet. Asking prices for the carefully crafted one- to three-bedroom homes now available range from $695,000 to $2,495,000, offering an attractive option for buyers looking to move to one of New York City’s most established and diverse neighborhoods.
Designed by New York City-based DXA Studio, The Rowan features a terraced massing of light gray brick masonry resting above a 210-foot-long glass retail base. Located one block from the N train at 21-21 31st Street in the burgeoning Ditmars section of Astoria, Queens, the landscape-focused condominium will boast a dramatic wood and glass enclosed lobby that opens onto a lush private sensory garden—a welcoming respite from residents’ daily lives. Utilizing the site’s incredible light and air, The Rowan has been designed as a modern, amenity-rich condominium development where natural light, organic materials and native plantings intertwine to create a peaceful urban oasis.
The Rowan will feature a number of thoughtfully designed amenities and features including a fitness center; indoor/outdoor resident’s lounge with kitchenette, dining area and library with direct access to the building’s sensory garden; engaging children’s playroom; soundproof music practice room; pet spa; package room, and bicycle and storage spaces. Residents will be able to enjoy an expansive landscaped roof deck offering sweeping views of Manhattan that features an outdoor kitchen with a BBQ station, relaxation and dining areas, and private cabanas. The Rowan will also feature a part-time attended lobby, virtual concierge and dedicated building staff.
The Rowan will feature a fully automated parking garage by U-tron, one of the first systems in New York City and the only one in Queens. The unique parking system will comprise 96 parking spaces in a three-story structure underneath the building. Residents will be able to call for their cars on demand using a phone app; the car is then delivered within minutes. The automated system utilizes AI to learn behaviors of resident’s driving habits—such as what time they typically leave each morning—to deliver vehicles faster over time.
The Rowan is located just 15 minutes from Manhattan in the heart of Astoria’s Ditmars neighborhood on 31st Street between Ditmars Boulevard and 21st Avenue near many of the area’s best schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and nightlife. The Rowan also enjoys close proximity to Astoria Park and offers convenient transportation options including the N and W subway lines and close access to the East River Ferry, BQE, Grand Central Parkway, RFK Bridge and LaGuardia Airport.
