OTM: The Starter Home?
It seems that young couples these days have three options in Tacoma: buy a small condo, buy a fixer-upper, or be fabulously wealthy. It doesn’t seem to matter what neighborhood we consider. The relatively clean starter home seems rarer and rarer. We found two in the North End. One that we’ve seen before… one that’s new to us. $249k each.
The first is at 306 N G St, and is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home built in 1890. Walk-in closets in the upstairs bedrooms and a backyard. Two blocks to the Parkway. Two blocks to Guadelajara. Hey, it’s not the fanciest house on the block, and the neighbor has a strange lawn ornament addiction, but we know that at least a few of you would consider it.
The second house is at 714 N L St.
It’s a 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath, built in 1889 (1910 according to the tax assessor) and has a hot tub! Plus, we really like the North Slope neighborhood and homes at this price aren’t that common anymore. Sure, it could use some updating here and there… but how often do you find a historic home and a ducky?
306 N G St listed with John L Scott
714 N L St listed with Windermere
25 comments
J Jake January 3, 2008
“Two blocks to Guadelajara”
Is that really a plus?
S Sassy McButterpants January 3, 2008
Some people would say that having one of the most comprehensive karaoke song lists in Pierce County, a late night bartender who’s overly generous with the tequila, and a comfortable smoking area is an appealing amenity to rival any “executive” blah blah blah.
People like me.
:)
J Jake January 3, 2008
Well that great if you like to drink, break state law, and sing but the food in my few experiences there was nasty.
A Andrew Becherer January 4, 2008
I like the flautas at Guadelajara.
J jamie from thriceallamerican January 4, 2008
Now that song will be stuck in my head, all the live long day… I think I’ll have to head over the Seeqpod and pull me up some Prince.
E Erik S January 4, 2008
Man what the hell kind of remodel job is that on L street? On the plus side, with a clawfoot tub AND a hot tub, you can feel like the Fall Guy no matter what the season or weather. Break out the bubble bath!
Buy now or be priced out forever!
S Sassy McButterpants January 4, 2008
My Dearest Jake,
I must admit, I have not experimented with the Guadelajara food beyond the Margarita’s, “Alphonso Specials” and Nachos, so you might have me there. But for the record, the smoking area is perfectly legal, and the karaoke is muy caliente.
Love,
Sassy
A Andrew January 4, 2008
Sassy,
You sound like a woman after my own heart (well, except for the margaritas part. I could never stomach tequila).
Tell me, what’s your preffered karaoke stylings?
S Sassy McButterpants January 4, 2008
Andrew, I respond to crowd demand. Pat Benetar, Journey, The Beegees, Ace of Base, and… late at night… Mark Morrison…
A Andrew January 4, 2008
Crowd demand, eh? That’s cool, there’s no shame in pandering.
It probably beats the pants off my “pick a song that clearly no one in the audience knows, walk off sheepishly afterwards” routine.
S Sassy McButterpants January 4, 2008
We’ve all been there, dude.
A Andrew January 4, 2008
Perhaps, but after repeatedly doing stuff like Blur, Pulp, Crowded House, Alan Parsons Project, etc, you’d think I’d have learned my lesson by now.
Maybe I’m just a glutton for punishment.
T t-towner January 6, 2008
That “L” st home has been on the market forever. I actually viewed that house w/ an agent last summer. It was listed at $275k at the time — HORRIBLE remodel indeed! The home has NO curb appeal and looks like it was thrown together poorly inside and out.
When you walk into the house the first thing you see is a hot-tub behind a couch divided by a glass door. My friends and I actually laughed out loud at the cheesy set-up.
Sparkroot, I love your house… definitely would be on our list if we were still looking.
Have you had any offers yet?
S sparkrobot January 7, 2008
but it’s so, like, in the the north end.
thanks t-towner. we have not seen an offer, but traffic has picked up considerably after a lull in the run up to and including the holidays.
S Squid January 7, 2008
Did somebody say karaoke? I am so in. Was down at PSP the other night and knocked them OUT with my version of Play that Funky Music (White Boy). Also do a mean duet with my daughter of Short Skirt, Long Jacket.
All bets are off though when I start covering Dylan. If the playlist has Idiot Wind, you know I’ll be on stage. “I can’t even stand the books you’ve read.”
T t-towner January 7, 2008
“thanks t-towner. we have not seen an offer, but traffic has picked up considerably after a lull in the run up to and including the holidays.”
—————————
I’m surprised you haven’t had any offers yet since you put it on the market.
When we were house hunting last spring in that price range, similar homes were selling pretty quick.
Obviously spring attracts the most buyers but I’m guessing the recent slow down in the market/mortgage tightening is the main reason.
I still follow the listings and the home seems like it’s priced right compared to the rest of the inventory currently for-sale.
E Erik S January 7, 2008
Don’t take it personal-like, Sparkrobot. Not many places are changing hands these days.
S Sassy McButterpants January 7, 2008
The most important thing is that it’s clean and doesn’t smell funny, after that, it’s just pricing and patience!
S sparkrobot January 8, 2008
Thanks y’all, no worries. We’re not in a hurry. I think there was a bit of a different lending climate last spring. I’ve been watching the inventory too. And though there’s a lot of it, most pales in comparison. Like those listed above, for example. :)
E Erik S January 8, 2008
Aye. Loads of sellers clearly have unrealistic expectations. I think that they kept drinking long after the rest of the market laid down to wait for the hangover.
S Sassy McButterpants January 8, 2008
Everyone feels that their home is special and the exception to market conditions. It’s natural…
T Tressie January 9, 2008
after owning several homes in t-town and one farm, I know I’ll never own my home again, ever, unless Derek buys me one.
Karaoke is my specialty, however ! I love The Passenger…it’s so Tacoma. But I prefer 60s girl groups and songs where people die.
Tacoma — all the charm of Spanaway, and now ! Improved Seattle-Style Pricing !!
J joel413 January 9, 2008
sparkrobot, The market is picking up. I listed my house Dec 1, and freekishly got an offer after our second showing, last week.
Don’t give up, there are people looking!
T t-towner January 9, 2008
Well, the recent stats show anything but a pick-up in the market (102 days average on the market vs 69 days last Dec. for Pierce)
… you probably just priced your home better than most other sellers who are clue-less about the market conditions.
E Erik S January 9, 2008
Even in a down market, sales takes place. And at least with the first year-over-year decliens we shouldn’t have to listening to Seattle agents telling us about how amazingly unique the Emerald City is. We’re not like those awful, primitive cultures in Chicago, Minneapolis, and the rest of the US.
(I was born right on First Hill and I say this with relief.)