Historic Tacoma Home to be Auctioned!!!

Getting a unique home sold in an upper price range is proving to be a difficult task lately. Here is an unusual and creative idea that just might work!
Here's the article in the TNT

A bit of Tacoma history goes on the auction block http://www.thenewstribune.com/
A 104-year-old home designed by the man responsible for many of Tacoma’s historic gems will be auctioned this month.

I had an amazing 2 days of Open House traffic!!! Such "oooohs" and "ahhhhhs." I LOVE this house. I will really miss it. Selling it and going through the process really helps me to identify with my clients. Great experience for any agent.

THE GREAT RACE!!!

Picture this.....I'm having dinner with my daughter at our favorite haunt and my phone rings. It's a real estate agent (a well known real estate agent) wanting to bring clients through my home for sale. (My home....not just my listing). We just had a wedding in my home last weekend and had 128 guests. I'm just getting back to normal now and you want to WHAT? WHEN? AN HOUR? So....out we ran, jumped in the car, zoomed through the house non stop for an hour. We just squeezed out the back door when they were opening the front door.

I have a new appreciation for what my own clients go through sometimes. It's amazing what you can do under pressure though.

MORE OLD HOMES SELL IN NORTH TACOMA!

I did an interesting exercise for a client this morning! I researched in 10 year increments, homes that have sold in North Tacoma since 2008, by age. I wanted to see if more OLD homes have sold than newer. This is what I found:

1900 and below/150 homes sold

1900 to 1910/422

1910 to 1920/ 361

1920 to 1930 /329

1930 to 1940 /93

1940 to 1950/ 284

1950 to 1960/ 291

1960 to 1970 /259

1970 to 1980 /196

1980 to 1990 /175

1990 to 2000 /73

2000 and newer /280

YAY! I think it's pretty clear! 1900-1910 wins!!

HOMES FOR SALE IN THE NORTH SLOPE

When thinking about our North Slope neighborhood and how it is transitioning, it is good to be aware of where it sits in the larger Tacoma market.

My opinion has always been that the North Slope has it's very own Micro-Market (I think I just made that term up). The homes in the North Slope are a whole different animal in that, in addition to all of the features of a home and it's property that bring "value" to it, a HUGE majority of OUR homes posess "Historic Value." Depending on the condition of these homes, that "Historic Value" can be added or subtracted from a purchase price. It simply becomes yet another variable for comparing it to other homes. Unfortunately, it is not a recognized variable by MLS standards, or even most real estate agents. It's a sort of a secret club, if you will. The people with the knowlege and/or appreciation (members of the secret club, wink, wink)...see the value in these homes and gravitate toward these homes and areas. If you love these homes, areas, and all they represent, there is great value added. If you happen upon one of these homes (not a member of the secret club, LOL) and are comparing it to any other 3/BR 2/BA house....well....It will most likely produce apples and oranges in your mind.

Anyway...I found the following very interesting:

* We have 23 Active listings in the North Slope (13 of those are Condo's)
* The median price range for those active listings is $191,950
* The Average Days on Market for our Active listings is 181

* We have 4 properties that have gone pending since January 1
* The median price range for those pending properties is $224,900
* The Average Days on Market for the Pending listings is 77

* We've had 22 Properties in the North Slope sold since January (6 are Condo's)
* The median price range is $263,000
* The Average Days on Market for our Sold properties is 88

I have much more in depth information regarding the properties but, I think you get the gist of this.

THE ELKS PROJECT/MCMENAMINS

I couldn't be more excited about this amazing building being saved! I know there is some controversy about the fact that a grocery store is not included in this picture; however, I have a rather simplistic view of this problem. Mind you...this is only my opinion.

How many of us live within walking distance of a grocery store? Questions number two....How many of us actually walk it? Now I'm sure that some do...but there are so many people who live in homes or apartments that are not right next to a grocery store! So...we drive to the closest one. There may be those who say..."I don't live close enough to a grocery store to walk to it so I'll just not eat." Naahhh. From the Elks Building it is a hop skip and a jump up the hill to the nicest Grocery Store in the area, Stadium Thriftway! Newly remodeled, better than ever, gourmet this-and-that, great fish market, meat market, veggies, deli....It goes on and on! You could walk to it from the area of the Elks Building easily. I do it all the time!

Anyway....It sure would be nice to have a grocery store available down there, but if it isn't available, I will still be thanking the powers that be for saving and restoring what is CLEARLY one of Tacoma's most beautiful and recognizable Historic buildings EVER. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Now I'm hungry. I think I'll walk to Stadium Thriftway and get a fabulous burrito!

A PRETTY GOOD READ (I've been told)

Want to know more about what is is I do, what I stand for and why? Pick up a copy of the latest issue of our REALTOR Magazine. I had the privalege of being the profile subject of this issue and I must say...even I was impressed with the well written article and the awesome photos.

Thanks Laura Christian for your journalistic professionalism and many thanks to Brian with Amore Studios for two fabulous days of photo shoots and fun. BTW...you MUST visit his website cuz he is one of the best and most creative photographers I've ever worked with. Just click on his like above.

If you don't know where to get a copy of the magazine, just contact me and I'll send one to you or you can pick one up at our Windermere Office at 21st and Pearl in Tacoma.

This North Tacoma Home is "One of a Kind" for sure!

615 N 10th Street

North Tacoma has a few choice "Mission" style homes that are simply exquisit examples of the architecture. A number of them sprinkled around the Annie Wright area are, well...to say the least, not loved and cared for. THIS home is like stepping in to a Fairy Tale! It has been so loved and maintained that it actually seems to be Happy!

Everywhere you look on the outside of this home is a beautifully manicured splash of colorful love in it's flowers, fruit trees, berry bushes and mosses. It's the most impressive potted garden I've seen. Humming birds buzz all around the yard, and their potted Raspberry plants produce the biggest and best berries I've seen! They have a Kiwi tree, herb garden and strawberries too! I can't wait until their tomatoes are ripe:-)

Inside, this home is quaint and cozy. It's a fabulous condo alternative, as it is one bedroom and bath; however, there are some creative options for creating additional living space.

Sitting and talking with the owners makes you feel as if you've known them all your life. They are welcoming and never in a rush.

Go check out this happy house. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to sit a spell in the enchanting back yard.

FABULOUS HISTORIC HOME ON THE MARKET!

OMG!!! Don't miss this amazing 1905, Ambrose Russell home built for William R Nichols. It is seriously one of our most distinctive arhitectural residences in our Historic District.

http://www.marthamendenhall.mywindermere.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Listing.ListingDetail&ListingID=76142725

WINDERMERE GONE "WOW!"

OK....so....so many changes in the last few months have occurred at Windermere Professional Partners. I have always said that our office is set apart from the rest because of the fact that it is so well put together. We have such an eclectic group of experienced agents mixed with a crew of bright new talent, led by four amazing leaders. Equally important to this mix is the fact that our office staff is absolutely "Top Notch!" There is NO excuse for any agent in our office to not be up to date on the Market Trends, latest form changes, legislature campaigns in Olympia, and community service projects. WOW!! Talk about blowing your own horn:-) Can't help it though...If your house has our sign hanging in front of it, It means ALL of these things, not to mention that your agent abides by the Windermere Standards of Practice AND the NAR Code of Ethics!!!

Now...Things have just gotten better! We are in the process of implementing new technology that will make your home search or sale much smoother and further reaching. Just call me and I 'll explain to you what I and Windermere Pro Partners can do for you. Don't forget...I'm all about Results!

Martha Mendenhall, Agent
Windermere Professional Partners
253-861-8783
www.marthamendenhall.mywindermere.com

NORTH SLOPE ELECTIONS!!

Well...I'm pretty excited about the fact that I finally took a step, that I've wanted to take for years, to become more involved in our North Slope neighborhood. I was elected to the Board of the North Slope Historic District (NSHD) last week. There are 9 Board Members and a number of great committees that do a ton of valuable work for our district and residents. For years I've reaped the benefits of their labor and have wanted to be more involved; however, my life circumstances left me feeling that I couldn't give the committment 100%, so I passed. Not this time! I so look forward to giving back to this neighborhood. I love it! One of the things I'm passionate about is the possibility of educating Real Estate Agents about this district, the restrictions, historic value, etc., when they list a home here or represent a buyer. I want there to be no more excuses for misinformation and no more claims of ignorance. WOW!!! That sounded a little bit like I had been elected to the senate or something. Ha ha. Oh well...happy to serve.

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA'S HISTORIC AREA

Last month I had the opportunity to visit the Historic District in Jacksonville, Florida. Cool Huh?! I've been lucky enough to have toured the awesome historic homes of San Francisco, CA; Savanna, GA; Cambridge, Ma; and Key West, FL. Do ya think I love old houses? Oh...lets not forget our very own Tacoma and Seattle!

It just so happens that my Mother lives in Jacksonville (JAX) in an historic Bungalow; one of many that sit in the Willowbranch section of the Avondale Historic District in JAX. The trend, of late, has been to purchase these old bungalows and fix them up, not unlike most rejuvenated historic areas of cities like I mentioned above.

Most of these wonderful Districts are comprised of a myriad of architectural style and spice. Something for everyone, providing you love "old." I've gone on and on about the difference between a restoration and a remodel and I'm certain that anyone familiar with historic homes would agree that the only way to do it is to maintain the integrity of the era of the home while still incorporating the conveniences and amenities of modern living.

It's a wonderful thing when your historic district has a good partnership with its governing organization. I'm not sure if that's the term I should use but, the group of people who are appointed or hired to oversee that the district's resident are maintaining their homes in a way in which enriches the neighborhoods and does not detract from it. Face it people...if you live in an historic district you have a responsibility to care for, maintain and upkeep your home in the manner that conforms to the guidelines of the district. You may not like it but, there it is.

In JAX, the district is overseen by an organization called RAP (Riverside/Avondale Preservation). I strolled in to their offices located in an old historic home, of course, and simply asked to speak with someone who would be willing to answer a ton of questions about their Historic District. Susan Grich came right down. A very cheerful, young woman who made me feel quite comfortable about taking time away from her work day to be interrogated by me.

Susan shared with me the boundary lines for both of their historic jurisdictions and how they work in conjunction with the City of Jacksonville Planning Department. Sound familiar? I asked about what type of restrictions or guidelines they had for their historic neighborhoods and how they are enforced. I was surprised to learn that, just as in Tacoma, RAP really does not enforce them; that is all done through the City of Jacksonville. Everything goes through the City. Any complaints or violation go to the City Planning Department(CPD), and any fines or "Stop Work Orders" (SWO) come from the CPD.

Jacksonville has a design review process similar to what we have in place in Tacoma, although I am not certain who sits on that review committee. I do know that it is a City Planning Committee review so...sounds like it may not be mad up of such a diverse group as what we have here in Tacoma. The process, I was told, takes 30-45 days to go through.

Susan did say the RAP has a Real Estate Professional that works with them (I'm certain that they recommend him/her to anyone inquiring about buying or selling in that area) and is knowledgeable about the restrictions, design review process and other important information for the area.

So taking all of the information that Susan gave me and applying it to my Mom's neighborhood was interesting....

My mom lives in an adorable historic bungalow. Inside it is truly cute and clean with gleaming hardwood floors and a fireplace. She just had the outside painted and it shouts out "Florida Bungalow" with it's rosy coral colored stucco up top and sandstones below. The next project is to make the yard really nice. That's coming. We had the house on the market last year but, short of paying someone to come haul it away, it wasn't going anywhere. One of the things, other than the market, that held it back, were the homes in the neighborhood that were run down and trashy looking. In other words, they definitely were not conforming to the RAP/City guidelines and restrictions set up for the Historic District. One home in particular was right next door to my Mother's house. A rather vagrant older man was living in the house with no furniture, heat or electricity. Every weekend (and some week days) he would have a flea market out on his front lawn and sidewalk attracting many....well....questionable characters. Then he would leave his milk crates and ply wood out on the lawn and sidewalk for the next sale. It was an eyesore! My mother was not comfortable reporting the owner to the City in fear of retaliation. Funny...someone mysteriously turned the guy in last month. Hmmm;-)

I'm hoping to see that Willowbranch neighborhood come back and evolve in to and adorable, eclectic collection of historic Jacksonville Bungalows again.

http://www.marthamendenhall.mywindermere.com/