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.

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!!

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.

WRIGHT PARK

Has anyone noticed how magnificent Wright Park is looking these days? I must tell you...living only 7 blocks from the park and having lived here for 14 years, I have seen such transition to this area. The transition of Wright Park has been phenomenal! I am a runner so I have always used the park for the trails and the hills. Well...I will admit to you that there were times long ago that I did not feel so safe in the park. Even in the daytime. Well now I feel so totally comfortable. Family's have really come back to the park. There are pic-nics going on, school outings, joggers, moms with strollers, painters, weddings, festivals! I could go on and on! The new sprayground will be fantastic, if we ever get a summer. Come check it out!
BTW...as it relates to real estate....the home values in the area do nothing but benefit from the revitalization of our beautiful Wright Park.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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!!!

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!

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.

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!

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.