UNNOTICED TREASURES IN AN OLD HOUSE!

I have found it interesting how little some folks know about Old Houses; Historic Houses, to be more specific. There is value in the fact that all of the windows are original, wood wrapped/double hung windows. Even though they may be a little drafty.

Another thing that goes unappreciated much of the time is matching hardware. When all of the door knobs, key holes, strike plates, hinges, drawer pulls, etc., are the original matching hardware, THATS really special. If it's not original...It would behoove you to choose wisely when outfitting your historic home with hardware.

Check out this article about Historic Homes Hardware from one of my favorite resources!

http://broadcaster.aimmedia.com/dm?id=E00FC9B66707202BC965205554796782

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!!

"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

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/

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