WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE NORTH SLOPE!!!

I can't tell you how many people I talk to at my North Slope open houses that love this historic area! They actually stay and listen to me spew on about the activities in our North Slope, the people who live here and our passion for preservation. We really do feel like a big family with a really extensive call tree. If someone jacks a car in our neighborhood, it spreads like wildfire! We pride ourselves in getting the word out, identifying the culprit and getting him apprehended before he can drive out of the neighborhood! Ha ha...well....that's a bit of an exaggeration but, you get the idea.

There has been a bit of reorganization in the North Slope Historic Board over the years, and then reorganization yet again, but, it is all with the intention of providing the best balance of representation for the residents of our area.

So if you are interested in finding out about ALL that the North Slope Historic Neighborhood has to offer it's residents, AND have a voice and a say about it, come on!!! Get involved! Come check us out! You can find out how by checking out our website or by our cute little old fashioned newspaper called the "Trolly Times." Call me if you want any information (I am a board member, by the way) or have any questions. I can make sure you get the "Trolly Times" delivered to your home or emailed to you each time a new one comes out.

"OLD TIME FIRST TIME" HOMES

So....After checking out today's MSN News' compilation of the "Best Old Houses Neighborhoods for First Time Home Buyers" around the country;(there are 26 that they have chosen), I must say I was left a little unimpressed. Well....not really unimpressed...probably more like, challenged and a little defensive of our fabulous collection of historic beauties here in Tacoma. Why were WE not chosen! Humph. Our little pocket neighborhoods around here are chock full of personality and character, and not all are huge, costly "Monster Mansions." We really do have many very reasonably priced "Old Time First Time" Homes.

The North Slope has some of the most adorable Foursquares, quaint craftsman bungalows and small Shot GunVictorian sweeties around these parts. Up around the Proctor District are blocks full of smaller bungalows and traditional "Leave it to Beaver" classics. Heck! Our East Side has it's own collection of treasures being discovered and resucitated. I'm telling you...wise buyers are seeing the value in these homes as their construction is solid and their historic character is valuable.

I've seen clear beams and wood in these old homes that can no longer be found as they are not milling old growth trees like that anymore. I've seen staining and finishing techniques such as a Kerosene and Turpentine I've seen matching hardware in these homes, worth a thousands of dollars! Most people wouldn't even notice whether hardware matched everywhere in the house but, when dealing with an historic home, it matters! It adds value. Old postage stamp tile designs in baths and entryways that are works of art all on their own! And if you are REALLY in love with these historic dwellings you marvel at the angled, coffered and box beam ceilings. Let me go on....beautiful built in's, bevelled, stained, leaded glass, ornate wainscot, window seats, plate and picture rails, pass through kitchen doors, magnificent stair ballasts, transoms, laundry shoots....

Geez! Snap out of it Martha! I just REALLY love these old houses! I try to explore the historic districts of cities that I travel to whenever possible. I'll be sure to share with you when I do.

You can always feel free to contact me if you have questions about or are looking for an historic home. Well...honestly...ANY home. I DO sell all kinds of homes but, we ALL know where my heart lies;-)

http://realestate.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=28239516&gt1=35006