Rob Glaser recently sold this downtown Seattle condo. [Photo: RPA Associates]

RealNetworks Chief Executive Rob Glaser has sold his 3-bedroom penthouse in downtown Seattle for a cool $9.75 million, not a bad return considering the software executive bought the condominium in 1998 for $4 million. But the soft real estate market is impacting the super rich too, since the property was  originally listed for sale at $12 million.

With sweeping views of Elliott Bay, an infinity pool overlooking the city and a glass-enclosed living room, the 4,663 square foot condo is nothing short of fabulous.

"Life unfolds before you w/ views of twinkling cityscapes, snow-capped mountains, the emerald waters of Puget Sound," according to the marketing description. "Grand living spaces open to a rare rooftop terrace: The infinity lap pool dances lightly across the horizon, a generous lawn offers contrast between cool waters, warm skies." The description sounds a little over the top, that is until you see the photo gallery.

The sale certainly is on the high-end for downtown Seattle, considering the Four Seasons project nearby is selling condos for between $2 million and $10 million. And there's more to the bill than just the hefty price tag. The marketing materials list home owner dues of roughly $22,000 per month.

So, what does the sale mean? Is Glaser abadoning the city? Does it signal some shift for Glaser at RealNetworks, the digital media company that's located just a few blocks away from the condo.

Company spokesman Bill Hankes said there's very little to the story. Glaser and his family moved into a new house in Seattle after having twins a couple years ago, said Hankes. "There is no implication for Rob's involvement at Real (except that his commute is slightly longer)," he said.

And who is now taking up residence on the "top of the world" in Glaser's old digs?

Records show the buyer as Larry Donckers, the owner of Coast Marine Services. With the sweeping views of Elliott Bay, Donckers should feel right at home.

UPDATE: Speaking of condo sales, The Seattle Times today has a story on some of the recent buyers at The Four Seasons project in downtown Seattle. Twenty two condos have been sold for an average of $5.5 million, with former Sierra Online executives Ken and Roberta Williams, venture capitalist and former ADIC chief Peter van Oppen and wireless tycoon Bruce McCaw reportedly among the buyers at the high-end project.