FANTASTIC HISTORIC PAINT JOB!!!

WELL...How's this for a before and after? The paint job is finally finished on this amazing historic home two doors down from me. I pretty much love it! We're the best looking block on "I" Street!!

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!!

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

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!

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

HOMEBUYER TAX CREDITS!!! YAY!!

Ok....These are amazing times with amazing opportunities! What with the interest rates at about 4.7%, buying a home right now is something you should definitely look seriously at.

Last week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed an extension and expansion of the home buyer tax credit. The House of Representatives approved the agreement reached in the Senate by a vote of 403-12. The bill has now passed both chambers and is awaiting the President's signature.

The $8,000 tax credit will be extended and available for first-time home buyers who purchase before May 1, 2010.

AND....

A new $6,500 tax credit will be available for repeat buyers who purchase between December 1, 2009, and May 1, 2010. To qualify for this provision, buyers must have used the home sold or being sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years.

Prospective purchasers with binding contracts in place as of April 30, 2010, will be allowed an additional 60 days to complete the transaction.

Income limits are expanded to $125,000 on a single return and $225,000 on a joint return.

For a complete summary of changes to the tax credit visit: NAR Issue Brief - Homebuyer Tax Credit

www.marthamendenhall.mywindermere.com

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!

HELP HAS ARRIVED!!!!!

FIRST TIME, LOW INCOME, HOME BUYERS...

help is here from the City of Tacoma! This is an opportunity for you to pay much less down on the purchase of a home. Check this out!

THE ANSONIA CONDOMINIUMS

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the

Ansonia Condominiums!!!

I've heard people wispering and talking about them as they are touring my open house. I can tell they have just come from there. Some people are critical, saying how they wasted so much space, blah, blah, blah. OMG!!!! I have gone through a TON of condos in Tacoma (cuz there are a ton of condos in Tacoma now) and I have not seen anything like them.

I am a multi-faceted person. I am actually more than one person. (Am I freakin you out now?) I love my historic homes and buildings but, I also have seen some amazing ultra modern living spaces that I could totally live in and love. It's rare to find something that is truly set apart and different than the others but, they are out there. (Call me and I'll take you to the best of the best ones!)

The Ansonia gets a thumbs up from me because they are the best of both worlds. A great balance between the wonderful craftsman ship of the crown moldings, fireplace mantles, trim work, windows, not to mention, a fabulous, vintage building, and the modern conveniences of the great appliances, granit countertops, gas fireplace, open kitchen/gathering places. But my very favorite part about them is the flow of the units. This is not a condo in a box! These feel like homes! They flow from one living area to another through hallways that make great little reading nooks, computer spaces, library walls, etc. Ohhhh...I love them!!! Come let me show them to you.

I give a thumbs up to the "Triangle" Condo's too. They are different than anything I've seen in a townhome. I like them because you own the ground that your unit sits on, everyone has a view from a rooftop patio (except for one unlucky guy), they're greenbuilt, tankless hotwater heaters, open and airy, and just feel like an Urban Treehouse to me. (Thats my plug for the Triangles) I could live there and love it!

If I had to choose....I'd have to opt for the Ansonia. I'm just sayin...

THE HIDDEN HOUSE

IHAVE A HOUSE FOR SALE!

Duhhhhhh. What a surprise!

When I got this listing, I was SO excited! I still am! The problem is this: This Awesome, Cape Cod with a View is hidden!!! It's on a little appendix of Stadium Way. Oh the house is ON Stadium Way but it's on the small, dead end portion that is somewhat of a tributary of the main street. Now, that is a good thing, for the most part, because it is so quaint and quiet and all of the neighbors know eachother and get along and have somewhat of a happy little community with darn nice views. BUT...(there's always one of those, isn't there) people are having a tough time finding this little house.

On Open House days, it's tough to get enough signs out there to direct people to the home. We're only allowed 3 you know.

NOW...get this...the city is tearing up the whole Stadium Way to put in new water lines and eventually bury all of the wires that are above ground on poles. So the poles and the wires will be gone!!!! That's a good thing, right? Yea! Except for the street is almost totally blocked off and IS impassable at times throughout the day. This is extremely discouraging for potential buyers of this fantastic home (not to mention, their agent:-)

I think what I need to do is don a gorilla suit and a sandwich board and dance around up on Tacoma Avenue and direct the Open Housers down the hill to 910 N Stadium Way! Any other ideas!

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!

OLD TOWN CAPE COD FOR SALE!

CHECK THIS OUT! Man I love this house! It sits right in Old Town and it has a view of the sound, Browns Point and Vashon Island from almost every window! It's strange how when you walk in to this house it is such a surprise! You just don't expect it to feel so sophisticated. It's also bigger than it appears. It's about 2800 sq ft with 3BR/2.5BA. But I'll tell you...if you love to cook, this is the place for you. Look at the kitchen. It's a gourmet restaurant quality kitchen with a 14 foot granite slab island that seats 10+. It has a sub-Zero refrigerator and two extra viking wine/water coolers under the island at either end. High end cabinetry, a pot filler and a six burner viking range. The other thing about this house that is awesome is that it has these cool multi level decks overlooking a manicured side yard with palms all around it. There is even a viewing deck high up on the back of the property where you can watch the fireworks on the fourth. That's where I was this year. There Master bedroom has this little balcony off the front of the house where you can sit at your little Bistro table and have your coffee in the morning. Of course you can only do that if it's not raining, and you do live in the great northwest, ya know. Pardon the sarcasm (is that even how you spell that word?)...I'm a little sick of the weather lately.