January 22nd, 2012. The snow is gone!, it was fun, and now  mortgage interest rates have unbelievably dropped AGAIN!, and on TV's Charlie Rose one of the leading top private economic analysts says that we will, contrary to the doom and gloomers, slowly get better economically, gradually but quite certainly, as this year progresses! Huh, hey it's not me saying it, coming from a real estate agent that may be questionable, but this didn't come from me...we shall see...

OK, pictures of cool houses just now available:

I like this one: no ugly dysfunctional hard to clean gutters to clog and leak on this house, rain just drops straight to the Zen rockeries/drainage ditches below providing a lovely show:







Priced under a million, but where is it? you ask? contact me for more infomation.
206-841-0003 MODERNTOM@YAHOO.COM NO311755 2004990

WATERFRONT !!      
MLS#:312284 Status: Active on 1/22/12  List Price: $329,900
Dale Walters Real Estate
Commty: Poulsbo
Yr Blt: 1962
Beds: 2 Baths: 1.75
Cov Prk: 1 Frplc: 1
SF: 1,067
Lot Sz: .200 ac/8,712 sf
View: Bay, City, Mountain
Waterfront: Bank-Medium, Bay, Bulkhead, Saltwater
Key: Call Listing Office, MLS Keybox
 
Direct: From highway 3 Exit at Poulsbo Highway 305 go towards Bainbridge Island at Viking Ave take a RT travel about 1 mile and take LFT on Bovela Lane just before Heritage Fireplace Shoppe home on RT at end
 
Remarks: Come see the views of Liberty Bay! What a great opportunity to own a small little piece of "Little Norway" Imagine those great times you can enjoy watching those famous 3rd of July Fireworks from your very own waterfront deck and beach. This home is filled with light all year with an expansive southern facing wall of widows overlooking the bay and Mount Rainier. Large fenced yard and covered patio make this a great getaway all year long. Call for your appointment today!

Here's this week's SEWARD PARK! smokin' bargain, brick, WITH VIEW:

MERCER ISLAND BELOW, for $550K:

5850 57th Ave NE, Seattle 98105     
MLS#: 311427 Status: Active as of 1/22/12   List Price: $689,000
Skyline Properties, Inc.
Community: Windermere
\Yr Blt: 1943\
Beds: 3 Baths: 1.75\
Cov Prk: 1 Frplc: 1\
SF: 1,860\
Lot Sz: .200 ac/8,730 sf\
View: Territorial
 
Remarks: Stellar contemporary design with tons of light, classic functionality and an amazing location that's walking distance to the Warren G. Magnuson park, the Burke Gilman trail, Metropolitan Market, and Children's hospital make this a great home! The two story floor plan offers generous living spaces, plus three bedrooms, including a spacious master suite with a private deck. Noteworthy features include a detached garage, vaulted ceiling, and a spacious kitchen. On a 8,700 square foot corner lot.

CLICK ON the image below for much more info and full  size photos:





click on the collage below to see full info:

Here's my Milton Stricker
I'll be doing an OPEN HOUSE,
SUNDAY JANUARY 29th, 2012,
click on the image below for directions and more info, price reduced dramatically...
 

Magnolia $449,000:

 

text for the above images:
3010 25th Ave W, Seattle 98199    
MLS#: 310353 Status: Active as of Jan 14, 2012  List Price: $449,000
Residential Office: Coldwell Banker Bain
Commty: Magnolia
Yr Blt: 1961
Beds: 4 Baths: 1.75
Cov Prk: 1 Frplc: 2
SF: 2,320
Lot Sz: .129 ac/5,632 sf
 
Remarks: Hip Midcentury Modern with territorial views in Magnolia! Strong architectural lines, & level entry with enclosed private courtyard off the kitchen/dining area. Abundant potential here! Lots of opportunity to create a swank, modern abode...kitchen is large with room to expand; living room offers vaulted ceilings & huge bank of windows affording a nice territorial view & access to a huge deck. Basement features loads of space, good ceiling height, & opens to a second deck & backyard.

text for the above images:
6506 28th Ave NW, Seattle 98117   
MLS#: 310621 Status: Active on Jan 14, 2012  List Price: $375,000
Windermere R.E.N.W. Ballard
Commty: Ballard
Yr Blt: 1956
Beds: 3 Baths: 1
Cov Prk: 1 Frplc: 2
SF: 1,810
Lot Sz: .117 ac/5,100 sf

Direct: From NW Market St and 24th Ave NW, head North on 24th Ave NW. Head West on NW 65th St. Head North on 28th Ave NW. Home will be on the East side of the street.
 
Remarks: Located in the heart of Ballard, this mid-century is flooded with natural light & has oak flooring. The huge living room boasts a handsome sandstone fireplace & opens to a great dining room. The eat-in kitchen is ready to enjoy & has access to the back yard. Completing the main floor is 2 bedrooms & a full bath. There is a ton of potential to finish off the spacious downstairs with high ceilings. With all that Ballard has to offer, you'll want to make this "as is" estate yours today.

text for 

Next below is a house Tom Holst sold a few years ago in a gorgeous midcentury neighborhood in Tacoma, even the street names in this area are cool: "Skyline Drive", call me for a showing, I have to visit a friend in Tacoma and I drive most anywhere:





text for the above Tacoma house:
1330 N Skyline Dr, Tacoma 98406      
MLS#: 307491 Status: Active  List Price: $239,900
Keller Williams Realty PS
Commty: Highlands
Yr Blt: 1953
Beds: 4
Cov Prk: 2 Frplc: 1
SF: 2,888
Lot Sz: .246 ac/10,730 sf
 
Direct: From Pearl Street, W on Westgate Blvd, L on Skyline. Home on the R
 
Remarks: INDULGE your love of modernism. Stellar renovation in this marvelous example of the
post-and-beam mid-century style. Open rooms with high-beamed ceilings, expansive walls of
glass, overhanging eaves, outdoor living spaces. Well appointed with custom wood cabinetry,
hardwoods, tile mosaics, CaesarStone, ironwood deck, private master bath, spacious rec room.
Newer windows, roof, mechanicals, tankless hot water system. This mid-century home is poised
for new-century living.

Back to Innis Arden, below (this one 7 BR's 3.25 baths, 4,310 sq ft on 1.2 acres), this one for sale:
 
HEY,  I just made an "arrow" image to use! what a concept! some people had complained they couldn't figure out which text related to which photos, maybe this new invention, the arrow, will replace a lot of my directional verbosity:  (ah, tools, the things that separate us from the jungle, the thing that brings us civilation)...

Innis Arden house

text for the above photo:
18798 Ridgefield Rd NW, Shoreline 98177 
MLS#: 307908 Status: Active as of Jan 7, 2012  List Price: $890,000
RE/MAX Northwest Realtors
Commty: Innis Arden
Yr Blt: 1956
Beds: 7 Baths: 3.25
Cov Prk: 3 Frplc: 2
SF: 4,310
Lot Sz: 1.210 ac/52,707 sf
 
Direct: Main entrance to Innis Arden on Innis Arden Road - First Right onto Ridgefield Road NW -
house on private circular drive at 18798 Ridgefield Rd NW.
 
Remarks: Elegant one level stone & cedar mid-century modern on private 1.2 acre lot. Totally
remodeled with permits, this 7 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home (4300 sq ft) reflects quality
throughout. Large living & dining room perfect for entertaining, oversized rooms (especially the
family room opens to a huge patio), private master suite. Gourmet kitchen w/custom cherry
cabinets, extensive millwork, hardwood floors & new windows. Oversized 3 car garage w/shop
space. Gas heat + AC. Room for sport court/pool.

Kenmore  I'm kind of diggin the uniquely ROUND kitchen, what do you think?:






19331 67th Ave NE, Kenmore 98028
MLS#: 307584 Status: Active as of Jan 7, 2012  List Price: $425,000
Windermere Real Estate Co.
Commty: Kenmore
Project: Pentland Woods
Yr Blt: 1963
Beds: 3 Baths: 2.5
Cov Prk: 2 Frplc: 1
SF: 2,160
Lot Sz: .291 ac/12,664 sf
 
Direct: North on 68th Ave NE from Bothell Way in Kenmore. Left at NE 190th St, right onto 67th
Ave NE, house at end of block on left hand side.
 
Remarks: Mid-century modern rambler w/updated unique kitchen in the round & cork floors.
Vaulted tongue & groove ceiling, picture windows and beautiful stone gas fireplace in living room.
Formal dining, eating bar adjacent to family room. Large master suite w/travertine soaking tub,
heated floors. Radiant gas heat, ceiling fans, double vanity main bath. Enjoy the in-ground gunite
pool & patio in fenced private backyard. Large corner lot. Award winning NTH schools. Welcome
to toll-free Kenmore! 

2125 1st Ave #1101, Seattle 98121
MLS#: 307004 Status: Active  List Price: $549,000
Realogics Sotheby's Int'l Rlty
Commty: Belltown
Project: Continental Place
Prk Spc: 1
SF: 842
 
Direct: Between Lenora and Blanchard on W side of 1st Ave.
 
Remarks: You will not see another condominium in the city to rival this unit. A $500,000 remodel
was completed on this masterpiece within the last few years. Timeless architectural features in
one of the cities best buildings that takes it beyond even the new luxury building finishes, yet
affordable! Walls of windows with views of the sound, city and mountains. Full time concierge,
pool, spa, gym, sculpture garden. A wonderful home for the discriminating individual or a stunning
in city retreat!

I'm was honored to be one of the six JURORS, sitting next to Victor Steinbrueck's architect son Peter, and across from the program director for Historic Seattle, and a Yale and Harvard educated architect and another historian and author and more for the cover article of this month's (Jan 2012) issue of SeattleMet magazine's: "10 Greatest Homes". I nominated 2 of the 10, one by Paul Kirk and one by Frank Lloyd Wright, be sure to pick up a copy:


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text for the above pictures:
Location:  E Lake Joy Dr NE, Carnation 98014-6816   
MLS#: 304321 Status: Active Jan 1, 2012  List Price: $720,000
Residential Office: Irish Waters
Community: Lake Joy
Yr Blt: 1976
Cov Prk: 1 Frplc: 1
existing house SF: 1,010
Lot Sz: 2.002 acres / 87,200 sf
View: Lake
Waterfront: Lake
Appointment needed please! (do not disturb renter)
 
Remarks: Once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase over 200 ft of prime, serene and beautiful
Lake Joy Waterfront! This unique 2+acre property is comprised of 3 separate tax parcels. The
home is livable as-is, so move in or lease it while you create your dream estate, compound,
retreat, or....

Seward Park below for $289K:




text for the above house in Seward Park:
8304 Wolcott Ave S, Seattle 98118   
MLS#: 304594 Status: Active on Jan1, 2012  List Price: $289,000
Dimension Properties
Commty: Seward Park
Yr Blt: 1959
Beds: 6 Baths: 1.75
Frplc: 1
SF: 2,440
Lot Sz: .095 ac/4,136 sf
 
Remarks: Compare to New Construction!! You will be amazed by the high quality materials and
workmanship in this completely remodeled home. Dream kitchen with furniture quality cherry
cabinetry, stainless appliances, and Italian slab granite. All new doors and mill work and vinyl
windows, resort quality baths. Downstairs you will find your own theater/media room, custom
slab granite wet bar, 3 spacious bedrooms. Nice corner lot, with trail to Lake Washington, live
near the beach. Priced to sell!!

Ballard below:




text for the Ballard home is below:
912 A NW 52nd St, Seattle 98117   
MLS#: 305223 Status: Active  List Price: $449,950
Residential Office: Windermere R.E.N.W. Ballard
Commty: Ballard
 Yr Blt: 2011
Beds: 3 Baths: 2.5
Cov Prk: 1
SF: 1,760

 
Directions: Nice neighborhood on NW 52nd between 9th Ave NW and 11th Ave NW (Last home
available)
 
Remarks: Ballard Modern on the Park. Stylish new contemporary home in a popular location and
nice neighborhood. Steel, rough-hewn wood (from a local fallen tree) and tile finishes. Spacious
kitchen and great room, Southern exposure with wonderful floor to ceiling windows and natural
light. Master bedroom and full bath upstairs, with great rooftop deck. Two bedrooms and full bath
on the lower level. Care free yard, one car parking pad and good storage. New design, come see.
Built Green. Move right in!
 
Recent: 12/27/2011 : New

Three Tree Point below:




text for the above Three Tree Point images:
MLS#: 303998 Status: Active  List Price: $519,000
Office: John L. Scott, Inc.
Commty: Three Tree Point
Tri-Level
Yr Blt: 1966
Beds: 5 Baths: 2.5
Cov Prk: 2 Frplc: 2
SF: 2,960
Lot Sz: .358 ac/15,586 sf
View: Mountain, Sound
 
Directions: East on 152nd, South on 21st Ave SW, East on SW 159th, South on 23rd Ave SW, Home
on left.
 
Remarks: Fiery sunsets & the marine activity of Puget Sound create an alluring backdrop to this
unique contemporary hm. Oversized windows, recently refinished espresso hrdwds, robust beams,
2 fplc's & bold stone throughout. Supersized, eat-in kitchen w/new appl, granite counters, shaker
cabinetry & terrific walk-in pantry. Deluxe main flr mstr plus 4 more bd. Lwr lvl fam rm plumbed for
future MIL. Level homesite, fenced backyard, patio & wrap around deck. Wired for generator &
workshop off of garage.

Here for January is the Shorewood North area, for $240K, built in 1952::





text for the above Shorewood photos:
MLS#: 305568 Status: Active  List Price: $240,000
Residential Office: Windermere Bellevue Commons
Commty: North Shorewood
Yr Blt: 1952
Cov Prk: 2
SF: 2,380
Lot Sz: .155 ac/6,750 sf
View: Sound
(do not disturb tenant without appt)
 
Directions: Just west of 26th Ave SW. House on south side of street. 
 
Remarks: Nicely updated mid century modern with peek Sound views! Located in popular North
Shorewood. Private level backyard with covered patio. Cool mid century styling with vaulted
ceilings. Huge new double pane view windows. Awesome floor to ceiling stone fireplace with
heat-o-later feature! Spacious bedrooms with vaulted ceilings. Tiled bath, wide plank hardwoods.
Large rec room, 3/4 bath and plenty of storage in basement. Large tandem garage. Newer
commercial grade membrane roof!

Just for fun, a fun day trip away from the urban hustle and bustle: how about FIVE metal prefab silos in Quincy?: your dream prefabs, and what a piece of land!:

Yup, FIVE silos, here's the scoop:
silos:
23894 NW Baird Springs Road, Quincy 98848      
MLS#: 304134 Status: Active, Total List Price: $159,000
Office: Matrix Real Estate, LLC
Yr Blt: 1964

Directions: HWY 28 West towards Wenatchee approx. 7 miles. Take right on Baird Springs Road
property on left 1/4 mile.
 
Remarks: Here it is! Hard to find storage property in Trinidad-Crescent Bar. 1.25 Acres with 5
silos and scale house/shop property with plenty of ground to build. Two 30 foot silos are updated
with custom doors and newer electric. Will accommodate boats with towers. Owner possibly
willing to carry contract.  Recent: 12/20/2011 : New Listing

Issaquah below, for $264,950::










text for the Issaquah photos above:
27021 SE 156th St, Issaquah 98027     
MLS#: 304114 Status: Active on Jan 1, 2012  List Price: $264,950
Office: Miller Laine Properties
Commty: Tiger Mountain
Yr Blt: 1967
Beds: 3 Baths: 1.75
Cov Prk: 2 Frplc: 1
SF: 1,820
Lot Sz: .799 ac/34,800 sf

 
Direct: From Issaquah/Hobart Road, turn onto Tiger Mt. Road, Left on 156th St to home on Right.
 
Recent: 12/20/2011 : New
 

text for the above Lake Forest Park listing which includes 3 lots/2 tax parcels:
MLS#: 249686 Status: Active on Dec 17, 2011  List Price: $687,500
Windermere Real Estate Co.
Commty: Lake Forest Park
Yr Blt: 1963
Beds: 3 Baths: 2.25
Cov Prk: 2 Frplc: 2
SF: 2,180
Lot Sz: 2.289 ac/99,714 sf
 
Remarks: Private drive leads to the custom built home nestled in the middle of this beautiful property. Park-like 2.29 acres includes 3 lots/2 tax parcels for investors looking for a potential short-plat opportunity. Classic mid century designed home w/vaulted tongue & groove ceilings in living rm, open beams in family & dining rms, & large windows that showcase the sylvan setting. Remodeled kit, big rec-room, 2 car garage. Lk WA beach rights & boat ramp available through the Lake Forest Park Civic Club!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7OFbwrRlVk&feature=related  
and this the preview of the actual movie:  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUh0diX3b-8&feature=related ).
A fourth metaphor within a metaphor might also be for the current Republican presidential race me thinks,  but I digress...
 
The other two aluminum beauties below are more representative of the "small is beautiful" "not-so-big house", for those needing an "accessory dwelling unit" perhaps, or really downsizing in this economy: $600 buys you the second one, and $1,250 dollars buys you the third one, enjoy:


<today

<(in better times, 1958)

<(today)

Dec 16, 2011:
KALAKALA found a safe mooring in Tacoma but started to sink. Steve Rodrigues rescued her again and got her on an even keel, but now has lost his lease.
The Coast Guard has also demanded the move, concerned that she could go down in the Hylebos Waterway and disrupt commerce. A deadline has been set, January 1st 2012, after that a daily fine maybe imposed of $32,000 per day.
Ever hopeful, Steve is looking for investors, failing that the ship could be sold for as little as one dollar, but with the condition to restore the KALAKALA and not sell her for scrap.
Few ships have had as unlikely a history and career as the KALAKALA which translates as “Flying Bird” from the native Chinook language. As the world’s first streamlined ferry the KALAKALA had an Electro-welded superstructure with minimal rivets, curves everywhere, accented by rows of giant portholes along the vehicle deck and the passenger cabins fore and aft. It was like a silver Airstream trailer sailing across the water. The KALAKALA made her debut on July 3, 1935. As constructed the KALAKALA could carry 1,943 passengers and up to 110 cars.
In 1945, she became the first ferry to be outfitted with commercial radar. Visitors to the Seattle World Fair voted the Kalakala as the second biggest attraction, following the Space Needle. By the late 1960’s, her glamour days were over. More on Rodrigues’s proposals to save the KALAKALA at http://www.kalakala.org/
For a detailed history of the KALAKALA please see Steven J. Pickens website at http://www.evergreenfleet.com/kalakalasplashpage.html
Here's a section drawing I had to cut into two images to fit on this page and still be semi-readable:

update, apparently a new buyer has been found but we'll see...
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Here's the $600 option: and  below that the $1250 option...for sale not for rent... similar to the above in some ways, but about 30,000 times smaller, and much more manageable, economically feasable, and easier projects for those with time, energy and retro-imagination, (I'll go back to houses after this, pardon my silliness but these are for real, and real pieces of history):




Spartan 26 foot Aluminum travel trailer - $600
The seller has had this thing in the family "forever" and just now pulling it out to sell it. It's a 26 foot (including hitch) aluminum travel trailer project. Stamped on the frame it says: "20th century manufacturing co, Tulsa, OK". At first he  thought it was some kind of Airstream, but we had help identifying it as likely a Spartan Manor from 1947-'50. Full Aluminum skin with aluminum sinks and accents inside.
This is a PROJECT trailer! Somebody has graphitti'ed the wood paneling inside. Bill of sale from owner of last 20 years included. Missing at least 4 windows.
Pros: Cheap way to get into an all-aluminum deco "streamline-moderne" very early work of American modernism. Cool, retro interior and exterior with rollup corner windows, cool curved glass, etc. I like how the wheels are completely hidden, for streamlining...
Priced to sell at $600. (sounds better than "pre-fab" to me)...
-----------------------------------

OR, finally, how about an Airstream Trailer sitting in Bellevue just waiting for you, for $1,250:


1968 Airstream Safari 22'  $1,250.
Gutted interior, ready for your customization, tows perfectly, seller has temporary lights and 3 day trip permit to get you home....located in Bellevue WA.
(who says housing is too expensive around here!)
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Mini and Airstream, designed by the Republic of Fritz Hansen:

Three internationally revered icons of design have combined to create a one-off: the MINI Cooper S Clubman and the chrome Airstream camper trailer, each lovingly detailed by Copenhagen-based design firm Republic of Fritz Hansen.
For their part the Danes outfit a mid-century American classic, the Airstream trailer, with inspired twists on their countryman Arne Jacobsen's instantly recognizable, cushy Series Seven TM  and Swan TM  chairs. Retro wood interior paneling, Neoprene-wetsuit upholstery accents and - get this - a sunbathing bed leave no doubt: this camper is going to the beach.






Outside, the trailer's streamlined profile reflects sleek, sinister touches like a midnight-black roofline and lightning-green door etching. Meanwhile, our trusty MINI Cooper S Clubman gets treated to a one-off black paint scheme with the Airstream's lightning green tint trimming headlamps, alloy wheels and side mirrors, and creating fierce cutaway lines in its beautiful bodywork. (This section is from the "ifitshipitshere" blog)

 text for the above images:
12145 Arrow Point Lp NE, Bainbridge Island 98110  
MLS#: 302021 Status: Active as of Dec 17, 2011
Windermere RE Bainbridge
Commty: Arrow Point
Project: Arrow Point Beach
Yr Blt: 1993
Beds: 3 Baths: 3
Cov Prk: 2
SF: 3,515
Lot Sz: .650 ac/28,314 sf
View: Mountain, Sound
Waterfront, yes: Bank-Medium, Bulkhead, Saltwater, Sound

Remarks: Gorgeous contemporary waterfront home connects the sea and ever-changing mountain & sound views with sleek architectural elements. Flowing spaces, light industrial components, lofty ceilings, walls of glass combine with wood & natural materials to create inviting living spaces. 3BD/3BA; spectacular kitchen & dining room set in a dramatic 2-story space crowned by a pyramidal skylight, elegant living room, sumptuous master suite, main floor family room/bedroom, view patio and multiple decks.

Here again is our "IDX" (Internet Data Exchange) link to the entire NWMLS, check it daily, if you want to see EVERYTHING in the NWMLS. This "IDX feed" takes you directly to the NWMLS search database, but remember to call US at 206-841-0003 for all your negotiating/buying/selling/design thoughts and needs: