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.

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!!

GEORGE WASHINGTON VISITS THE NORTH SLOPE!

George Washington visited the North Slope on Tuesday and cut down the flowering Cherry Tree that grew in our back yard. At least that's our story and we're stick'n to it!

For the folks who have asked us about taking down a tree without the approval of Landmark Preservation, Hellooooo! It was NOT an old growth indigenous species. It was a rather young flowering cherry that was planted in our yard by the owners before us. It contracted a disease last year that we just couldn't get on top of and it had to come down. The flowering cherry became an nonflowering cherry and was in danger of infecting other trees. It was a mercy killing of sorts. Sooooo....lay down your arms and thank us instead!

Just do what we're doing and blame it on George.

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.

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

NEW TACOMA HOT SPOT!

Well...it's probably not exactly a "Hot Spot" yet but, I certainly will be when word gets out. The location of the "Side Bar Bistro" is a little bit like the bottom edge of a round cake that didn't get frosted. It's not in the heart of our downtown where many of our other great spots are like Matador, Paddy Coynes, Surreal and Macconi's. It's up on Tacoma Ave and 11th in red Kelly's old place. Sounds like a great spot though. Give it a try! It's open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner! I don't know about you but, I'm checkin it out. I'll let you know what I think. You can let me know too. Just leave a comment!

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

2416 NORTH ALDER STREET

DOES THIS HOUSE LOOK FAMILIAR? I have featured this home before. There have been some changes since I last talked about it though.

THIS IS A TRUE VICTORIAN!!!! Does it need some work? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely! This home is 1893 and the flow and feel is that of a true Victorian. If you're interested in hearing my opinion regarding the changes I think should be made....just give me a call. I know this house inside and out! I even know the history of the house and the story of the Bradbury and Bradbury wallpaper. The wood floors have all been refinished (that means that the hideous dark green carpet that was all through the upstairs and on the stairs is GONE). The living room and dining room have been redone. One of the bedrooms upstairs is a great illustration of what the house could look like with paint on the walls. IT'S JUST PAPER FOLKS!! IT COMES OFF! The good news is....there is only one layer of paper on any of the walls in the house.

It's adorable! The yard is cute too AND it has a two car garage with extra storage space. Just had brand new garage doors put on:-)

You really need to see this house. Call me for a tour!

1101 NORTH CEDAR STREET, TACOMA

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, MAY 30TH 1-4

Well...This listing I have at 1101 N Cedar Street is an interesting home. From the street, It appears to be a small cottage but, it's actually got 2728 finished sqare feet! It's definitely no cottage! When my client bought this home 25 years ago, he was a single guy. He used the whole upstairs as a master suite. That totally makes sense once you see it. There is a bedroom, large bath, another small room that had been a large walk in closet (It's now being used as his daughters room) and a neat landing area that would be excellent for a cozy reading spot or music area.

Downstairs there are three bedrooms and a full bath. Then in the basement level there is a great family room with a fireplace and an extra finished room that they use for a workout room. The laundry room is also on the lower level.

The really cool thing about this house is how meticulously it was cared for. The woodwork in this home is amazing. It's never been painted. The wood floors are beautiful too! The custom cabinetry in the kitchen is gorgeous....all high end, soft close. The breakfast nook is so stinkin cute!!!

So...we know the inside is great! The outside is really cute and it's so close to everything! Close to all the restaraunts and night life on 6th Ave; walking distance to the quaint Proctor District; right next to University of Puget Sound campus and just up the hill from Old Town and the waterfront!

Hope you can come to our Open House on SATURDAY, MAY 30th from 1-4.

MOVIN' ON!

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

JUST LETTING ALL OF MY FRIENDS AND READERS KNOW THAT I HAVE NOW JOINED THE

WINDERMERE FAMILY OF PROFESSIONAL PARTNERS!

I CAN STILL BE REACHED BY MY CELL PHONE NUMBER AND IT WILL BE BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR ME. MY HOME OFFICE IS WHERE I WILL BE MOSTLY WORKING FROM, ALTHOUGH I DO HAVE A DESK AT THE OFFICE.

EXCITING!

THE "GREY MANSION"/IS IT INVISIBLE?

What's up with the "Grey Mansion?"

Am I the only one that see's it for it's incredible historic contribution to Tacoma? Does no one else recognize it's incredible architecture? Is nobody else intriqued with the fact that it was the Music Professor's home when the Seminary was Whitworth College? Or that it was built as a replica of Henery Wadsworth Longfellow's Cambridge home? Come on People!! This place should be GONE! The list price is $789,000, but the seller will look at anything! I mean where else can you get over 4000 square feet of view property for $196 a square foot. That doesn't include the historic value and the potential for this home to be one of Tacoma's most prominent historic structures. After all....it was, back in the day.

COME ON PEOPLE!!!! OPEN YOUR EYES!!!

AH HA!!!!!

You know....I'v had this blog for quite a while now, but have never been able to figure out how to allow comments. TA DA!!!!! I finally figured it out. So if you are reading this...please leave me a comment so I can see if I've done it successfully. Just a test comment if you have no legitimate comment to make. Come on....you can think of something to say.

TWO NORTH SLOPE RESTORATIONS YOU CAN'T MISS!!

Let's talk for a moment about a couple of new contracting companies that have come on the scene in Tacoma just recently. I have two stories to tell to describe the quality of work that these contractors do. The first story is called "VIOLA!"

That's the word that I think of when I see the before and after pictures of the property at 516 N "J" Street

http://marthamendenhall.mywindermere.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Listing.ListingDetail&ListingID=18771353.

The eyesore of the neighborhood get's a make-over by "Ovation Properties" and the neighbors are so excited about it that they even bring bottled water and occasional cookies over to the crew on the job. What a gorgeous home that dilapidated dump turned out to be after the incredible expertise and workmanship of the OP crew. Their two part motto of "Fair Bids" and "On Time" have proven to serve them well. Not to mention that their finished products are incredible!

Well...are you ready for the ugly duckling story? This is yet another account of an old historic WRECK of a house (the ugly duckling) in our historic district, that someone (namely Dave and Josie) fell in love with and totally and miraculously transformed in to a "Beautiful Swan." for our North Slope Dave, Josie and their son, Dylan, are living in the home instead of just flipping it because guess what?... That makes us neighbors! Doubly (is that a word?) lucky is the fact that Dave has decided to do this type of work for a living! That would be Sound Construction. He's already working on another North Slope project.

You probably know the house; it sits on the corner of 5th and "I" Street. It spent many years crumbling and cowering under the overgrowth of the bushes and trees that surrounded it, and the porch columns supporting the second floor had begun to give way creating injury to everything above them.

Back in the day this home had been grand, I'm sure, but when Dave & Josie got hold of it...well...I'm certain that it had never been so grand as it is now, and all in the name of historic preservation. Bravo Sound Construction!

So check out this before and after slide show of the "Ugly Duckling" house. It's amazing!

Link to Sound Construction I Street Project

FINALLY!

FINALLY! Is all I can think of to say about this amazing Historic Tudor on "I" Street. Built in 1903 for A.J. Rhodes by the great architect, Ambrose Russell, this poor house has basically been treated like an abandon child who's been bounced from foster home to foster home. Since it's initial sale, a little over a year ago, to an investor who's intention was to flip it and make some money, it has become so dishevelled and abused that the original owners find it hard to drive by it.

Let me tell you about the original owners. We'll call them C and M. C and M left their home a little over a year ago after living there for a jillion years. They are an elderly couple who were fastidious about the maintenance and upkeep of the place. M grew up in that house; it was her childhood home, so you can only imagine how much it meant to her. The young couple with baby that came to purchase the home, said they wanted to raise their kids there and that they loved it. C and M couldn't have been happier that a family would be living in the home. Ha! Mr. Buyer had only one intention and that was to flip it. Apparently his other finished flippers, did not sell, the market took a dive and his other properties went in to bankruptcy, and no longer had the financial potential to turn this house. So...after 6 months, back on the market it went. Problem was, he was trying to get $200,000 more for it than he had paid. WHAT THE MONKEY!!!

Basically, he couldn't sell it; it went in to foreclosure, went to auction and is bank owned now.

WELL NOT FOR LONG! I just sold it to a wonderful family with 3 little girls, who love the house and only want to make cosmetic changes. They are so excited about it that they can hardly stand themselves! I am so excited because this home is one of our most distinctive historic homes, and it deserves some love and affection. Let's hear it for TLC!

REPLICA OF LONGFELLOW'S CAMBRIDGE HOUSE!

THIS IS AN AMAZING HOME! In 1908 it was built as a replica of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Cambridge house in Massachusetts.

http://marthamendenhall.mywindermere.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Listing.ListingDetail&ListingID=18921281

At the time, it was built as the home of the president of the music department at Whitworth College, which is now the Baptist Seminary. It's such a majestic home and it sits on one of the highest point of the Seminary District.

One of the coolest things about this house is the view. From the two bedrooms on the second floor you have great views o the sound and vashon. From the third floor windows...well...OMG! You can see all the way to Seattle from there, and guess what? If you were to take out the middledormer (that would not really change the look of the house that much) and put in french doors with windows on each side where the inside wall is. Create a balcony between the two end dormers and match the historic railing that exists on the second floor. You would then have a wall of windows that would open up an incredible, expansive view! At that point you could so easily create a huge master suite in the third floor with a large master bath and walk in closet. The plumbing is right in the right spot. I can imagine a beautiful clawfoot or soaking tub with right below that huge webbed window (check it out above). If you haven't seen this house, uh...I really think you're missing out.

If you love Tacoma's history....why not live in it? I do, and I love it!