My Social Profiles
Ok, so I mentioned a few posts ago that I am going to be working as the site agent for Element 20 Townhouses for the next few months. What it means to be a site agent is that you hold open houses and help people who wander in through open houses learn about the property and make offers if they want to. If people come in with agents, I work with the agents to get them any information they need for their clients to decide whether they want to make an offer.
Mostly it just means weekly open houses and answering a lot of phone calls. I used to do a lot of site work back in the day, but in the down market it just hasn’t seemed worth it. I’m making an exception for Element 20 because I think it’s a good little neighborhood with a lot going for it. The biggest advantage is that they are airspace townhomes, not condos (like City Steps, for example). This means that all of that headache and drama about financing I’ve been writing so much about is irrelevant. They can go FHA, VA, Conventional, whatever. You can live there or buy it as a rental investment without having to go to your condo board for permission. There are some minimal monthly dues for maintaining the small amount of common landscaping, but if you factor in the 10 year property tax abatement you’re still way ahead.
Much has changed since the heady days of 2008 when the original Element 20 on the market announcement hit Exit133.com. Back then, 2 bedrooms were slated to list for $389k and 3 bedrooms were listed at $429k. Yeah. I know.
Well, things have changed. The development is now owned by the bank who is working with a builder to build the remaining 6 townhouses. I’ll be holding an open house this Saturday from Noon-4pm. I’d love to have visitors come down and tell me what they think of the floorplans and the new prices- $175k for 2 bedrooms 2.5 bathroom townhouse and $242k for 3 bedroom 3.5 baths. Really, come visit.
Did you know that I can’t tell you which neighborhoods in Tacoma are “Good Neighborhoods?” It’s true. It’s illegal. And not just a little illegal like busting a U-turn on South Yakima or crossing Pacific Avenue against the light on a Sunday morning. There are huge fines for Real Estate Agents who run afoul of Fair Housing. There is PRISON. They do not fool around. In 1968 congress passed the Fair Housing Act. It’s pretty fascinating reading for someone who wasn’t born until 1979, but that law is NECCESSARY.
The reason for this is that my definition of a “Good Neighborhood” is likely different from yours. I have lived all over Pierce County and have experienced living in this place or that place, but ultimately, you need to do your own research and decide where you want to live. There are some GREAT tools for this in the internet age, including:
Trulia’s Heatmap: This is a heatmap of crimes by neighborhood in Tacoma. This is a fascinating look at how much things like break ins and such can vary street by street in a city. I highly recommend it.
Tacoma Police Neighborhood Crime Data: This is a great place to look at the official data. There is talk at the City of updating the website which is long overdue, but in the meantime this is a perfectly functional way of seeing what kinds of crimes are happening in different neighborhoods.
Your Noggin‘: We all have a spidey sense. When you are looking at a house, don’t just fall in love with it without taking in the context of the greater neighborhood. In your home buying fantasies are you walking to the grocery story? Then make sure there are sidewalks and a safe route before you sign on the dotted line. I recommend walking down the alley and checking things out there. Also, drive to the house on a Saturday night and walk around for 15 minutes. You’ll find out fast what kind of neighborhood you’re in then.
I’m holding an open house at Element 20, a small neighborhood of townhouses on 23rd & South Yakima across the street from the Jackson Building. They are bank owned but brand spankin’ new with a cool modern design. The bank is still building the remaining townhomes on the last 6 lots in the neighborhood, but there are 3 completed to look at. I’ll be writing more about Element 20 later this week, but in the meantime I’d love some company today from Noon-4pm. They’re priced between $175,000 – $242,000. You can see the pictures here! If you’re out for a drive come on by and take a look at them and tell me what you think of the floor plans and the prices.
Today the city unveiled the new “Goddess Of Commerce” statue to much fanfare in the St Helens Neighborhood of Tacoma. This particular block of St Helens is my favorite place in all of Tacoma and I like the new statue. There’s an interesting story behind it all and I strongly recommend checking out the TNT Article.
That send, I drove by yesterday when she was all wrapped up and she TOTALLY LOOKED LIKE….
… do you see? DO YOU SEE? A DEMENTOR. Just saying.
Aw, man! I am SO EXCITED! Today I got a Tweet from fellow agent Jim Tutton congratulating me on being voted Tacoma’s Best Real Estate Agent. WHAT? This is SOOOO exciting! On the heels of that whole Weekly Volcano thing, I am seriously flattered, humbled, and feeling oh so loved. Thanks so much voters!
I am in fantastic company on this list with some great local businesses like Pacific Grill (you know I love them), Caffei Dei (try the Piccante Mocha!), and Best Dentist Dr. Jamie Brooks!
As honored as I am, we all know that there are a lot of really amazing real estate agents in Tacoma, including my own personal list of the Best Tacoma Real Estate Agents. I am in excellent company in this town. Thanks so so so much, it makes me feel really good!
I actually had to pull over and take a picture of the lovely new paint job over at Le Mer, Tacoma condos on North I Street in the Stadium District. They just finished doing a nice little job of freshening up the exterior of the building.
Le Mer is located at 909 North I Street. They were built in 1980 and have some very spacious floor plans and secure underground garage parking. Some of them have excellent views of the water and they all have nice big balconies. There are currently 3 units for sale in Le Mer ranging from $229,000-$325,000. The last unit to sell there was a totally remodeled 2 bedroom 1.75 bath unit on the I Street side. It sold for $250,000.
Anyways, I know I can rant and rave on here sometimes and I just wanted to take a moment to say “Good Job, Le Mer! Looking good!”
Right now there are 39 condos for sale in the City of Tacoma with listed prices of $100,000 or less. From Downtown Tacoma Lofts for $60,000 to 3 bedroom townhouses in North Tacoma for $50,000, there’s something here for everyone, for much less than many people think.
I hesitate to make a big deal about this, I understand that when Real Estate Agents make a big deal about the market no one really listens anymore- but I’m telling you- THESE PRICES ARE AMAZING. Don’t take my word for it, take a look for yourself.
Whether you’re looking for an inexpensive and low maintenance first home or an investment property, some of the units are once and a lifetime good deals. Non-owner occupying investors typically need to make a downpayment of 25% to finance an investment property. In a healthy market, few people can afford that, but for a $50,000 condo that is only $12,500. At today’s insanely low interest rates, you can expect to make money each month from a rental like that even after property taxes, condo dues, and management fees.
Anyways, like I said, I know I sound like a total Realtor, but oh my gosh. CHEAP CONDOS, people! Let me know if you want one.
I was so thankful for Marguerite and the service we recieved from her. We were so stressed out working with the previous realtor and even having second thoughts if we were going to buy but once we switched to Marguerite she made everything so easy! Everything went so smooth she took us out looking for houses right away and would show us many at a time while we had a babysitter. It was so easy with her!
My Husband travels for work and when left to Texas shortly after we made the offer on this house. There were many forms he needed to sign she used docu sign and it made it SO EASY! He didnt need to use fax or pay for fax just click on the computer.
I compare her to the first agent I worked with and Marguerite exceeded all my expectations in all areas. If we wanted to see a house she would show us next day. She was always available for us in person, phone, text! I was never left wondering. She would answer no matter what time I emailed or text. She would drive to meet me where ever it was convenient for me. She was so easy to work with and was so nice! I never felt like I couldnt ask a question she always had an answer and I felt like I could ask anything. Her responses were def way quicker then I ever would of expected exp with her schedule. – Lisa & Rudy Sombra, first time buyers.