Seattle homes that were built nearly a century ago are full of architectural character, charm, and wonderful regional history. Thanks to accurately kept censes records, newspaper clippings, and immigration records, we can piece together the story of the original owners, the Nenezich family, who emigrated from eastern Europe, sold groceries to locals, and raised four children in this lovely home.

The original owners, Nicoli (Nick) Nenezich of Montenegro and Mary Tomanovitch Nenezich of Czechoslovakia, came to America via New York in 1903. The couple met in New York shortly after their arrival and married 2 years later. The couple worked hard in New York as grocery retailers and saved a percentage of each paycheck for the move west. After the birth of their first child, they made the long trip to Seattle and opened their own grocery store. In 1916 they purchased the home at 4526 38^th Ave South.

Soon after Daughter Millie was born, came John, Mike, and Peter. The children raised in this home had interesting lives and careers and went on to help build our unique city. Millie worked as a telephone operator then a reporter and Mike worked as a bakery sales/delivery person. Things got really interesting when John, the couple’s second born described by family and friends as a real character, blazed his own trail.

John Nenezich attended Franklin High School and was a fine athlete excelling in baseball and boxing. He trained at the Columbia City boxing gym and fought professionally as "Dynamite Johnny Morgan". Unfortunately, this professional status as a boxer made him ineligible for his true calling as a high school or college baseball player.

He loved the game so much, he found work as an umpire for Seattle Public Schools and also in minor league ball with the Seattle Rainiers and was known as a fair and tough umpire. He was also a member of the Washington State Boxing Commission and judged over 1000 fights during his career.

"He was a lively, friendly guy who could make fun of himself and loved to tell stories.” said Seattle Times columnist Emmett Watson, a friend since the 1930s, when Watson played high-school baseball and Mr. Nenezich "umped" it.

Edo Vanni, a popular former Seattle Rainier player and manager, recalled that John Nenezich was an incredibly generous man. "He dug down deep in his pockets many a time to help out some of the old guys, particularly the old ball players."

In order to keep busy off-season and earn extra money, John Nenezich worked as a bartender and lunchtime host at Seattle's Metropolitan Grill. He was well known by regulars as a character, and handed out business cards that read:

 John Nenezich: soldier of fortune, a soft-shoe dancer, a tiger-tamer, riverboat gambler and the last of the big-time spenders.

"He was a good old feisty character who could get a laugh out of almost anybody," said Bill Rynd, the restaurant's general manager in 1997. Even though the restaurant doesn't open until 11 a.m., Mr. Nenezich would show up between 7 and 8 a.m. every weekday "to keep everybody else here in line."

This wonderful home is waiting for the next owner to continue the Seattle story and pursue their own dreams and opportunities.

1903

Walking through the house and gardens at 1820 Warren Ave North, one can only imagine what life must have been like in 1903, the year this beautiful home was lovingly built from strong old growth timber. This home is on the market here. 1903 was the year that The Seattle Public Library's first branch officially opened in Fremont. John Olmsted arrived in Seattle after he was commissioned to design our city parks and President Theodore Roosevelt visited Seattle, and Chief Joseph (1840-1904) and his nephew Red Thunder traveled to Seattle to watch a University of Washington football game. Later in the evening, Chief Joseph would speak to a large audience at the Seattle Theatre (3rd Avenue and Cherry) through an interpreter. 1903 was also the year Wilbur and Orville Wright made four brief flights at Kitty Hawk with their first gas powered aircraft.

Thanks to census reports and archive documents, we know a little bit about the first owner, Robert Benjamin Lehman (1861-1935). Born in North Carolina during an era when education was reserved for the privileged, he was a precocious student and excelled at debate and rhetoric. Upon graduating from High School, he attended law school and clerked in the District Court of New Jersey. He married and had a child, Robert Jr. Sometime shortly after his son was born, his young wife sadly died. As a widower and looking for a fresh start, he packed up young Robert Jr. and as so many did in the day, made his way West for the promise of opportunity and a new start in Seattle. He bought the home at 1820 Warren Ave North, opened a successful boutique law practice, which he eventually moved to the Smith Tower after completion in 1914. He hired 27 year old Lizzie Cowell to look after the home and his son Robert. The young woman was born on the Oregon frontier to German immigrants and helped Robert create a lovely home.

A True Craftsman

Not on the market in nearly 30 years, this lovingly maintained home is a true craftsman honoring fine workmanship. The very first thing many people notice when walking up the steps is the grand arbor, climbing roses and fence built by the current owner’s father. The lumber was a Christmas gift, the fence and architectural details a labor of love.

Next, visitors enjoy the tall clinker brick chimney that services the home’s three fireplaces. Clinker brick is quintessentially Arts and Crafts in style, as every chunk of vitrified clay is unique. Before 1900, these bricks were seen as discards because they were not uniform in size, shape, and color. Those who honor the Arts and Crafts era would soon discover that these bricks were stronger than their “perfect” brethren, and would make for some of the most interesting, unique, and artistic home exteriors and walkways of the time. The Lake Union Brick Works was most likely the source of this wonderfully artistic architectural element.

“In these days of automated manufacturing, when perfectly identical bricks are produced thousands at a time, clinkers are all but non-existent,” Susan VanHecke wrote in an article titled “The Accidental Charm of Clinker Bricks” in Old House Journal.

After tuck pointing the chimney, the owners happened upon 3 chimney pots imported from York, England. They couldn’t resist the charm and the way these would work with their eclectic chimney and hired several masons to install them. All moldings and picture rails are original to the home and create a dramatic effect upon entry. It is understood that the builder took pride in all the details of the time.

Music House

This beautiful home has been the setting for music lessons, recitals, rehearsal dinners, auction dinners, graduation parties, holiday dinners, as well as a wedding. Sometime in the 1950s, a piano teacher lived at 1820 Warren Ave North. We know this as several Queen Anne Manor residents out for daily walks have regaled the current owners with stories about taking lessons and practicing for the recitals that would fill the home with eager parents, guests, and neighborhood students. Rows of chairs would extend into the dining room beyond the pocket doors. The piano was tucked under the “piano window” in the living room, the very same spot the current owners placed their grand piano, and the same room where two little boys would study music and make it their vocation.

Jazz artist Bert Wilson called 1820 Warren Ave North home and used this address for his music label, Au Roar Productions, during the late 1970s. He was a much sought after and beloved Seattle saxophone teacher and performer. Some of his students included 3 time Grammy-winning saxophonist, composer, and educator Jeff Coffin of Dave Matthews Band fame, Los Angeles sax legend Ernie Watts, and New York legend Lenny Pickett, famous for his work with Tower of Power and the leader of the Saturday Night Live Band. Mr. Wilson traveled the world and played with many of the greats and is said to have once jammed with John Coltrane while gigging in Los Angeles in 1966. Mr. Wilson retired and moved to Olympia, Washington with his long time wife and companion, the flutist Nancy Curtis in the early 80s. JazzTimes magazine called Bert Wilson “a major contemporary figure of the tenor saxophone.” One of Mr. Wilson’s albums with the distinctive 1820 Warren Ave North address will be left at the home for the new owners.

The two boys who grew up in this home are both accomplished musicians, both began studying piano and guitar at age 5. The oldest son works as a Technical Sound Designer. The younger son is at University where he studies Media and Jazz. He has worked as a guitar teacher, plays in the University Jazz ensemble, and recently started his own Jazz Quartet. Several bands have been launched in the basement and the dining room of this home. A barbershop quartet regularly rehearsed in the living room, under the pocket doors for the best acoustics, before walking 2 blocks to SeaChordsmen practice at 1st Ave North. Ukulele and guitar strumming can often be heard from various porches, which draws neighbors to stop, listen, and chat. They enjoy and expect to hear music coming from this home.

Maybe it’s something about the proximity to the local arts community, but this is a home that has always been filled with music. Whether you enjoy playing or listening, this home is ready and waiting for the next stewards to fill it with joyful sounds.

Seattle has a love affair with old homes, and if you are fortunate enough to own a pre-1936 property, there is a good chance that an old image exists in the King County Archives.  Financed by the Federal Works Progress Administration, a county wide land survey was conducted between 1936 and 1940 to inventory all property ownership. Before then, parcel records were unorganized, often inaccurately recorded, and undervalued. The country was coming out of the Great Depression, and municipalities needed revenue to restart local economies.

The home located at 2109 2^nd Ave North falls into this category, which means we have unearthed some wonderful historic documents (the house is on the market here). The original owners, Glen and Ethel McCollough purchased the home new from the builder in 1935 and built a beautiful life together.

Glen McCollough (1906-1978) was born to William McCollough and Anna May Smith McCullough in Clarkston, Washington. Glen’s father, William, was a minister and his mother Anna worked hard to keep her three children fed and educated. Glen’s father William died at the age of 50, leaving Anna a young widow with three children to care for and support.

After the death of Glen’s father, the family moved to Seattle and rented a home on Capitol Hill. Anna took a position as a home nurse and oldest brother Dale attended school at the University of Washington.

Glen attended high school in Seattle and excelled in math. He was later employed as a bookkeeper at Gerke’s Pharmacy in Ballard in the building where The Matador is located today. He met and married Ethel Lois who was also employed as a bookkeeper in 1934. The couple saved and purchased the home in 1935, inviting Glen’s mother Anna to live with them. The couple had one child, Roger, who was born in 1936 and raised on Queen Anne. What a beautiful life it must have been for him, living in a multigenerational house. We do not have a record of Glen going to war, but we do have his draft card. In 1940, the Selective Training and Service Act was established, which required all men between the ages of 21 and 45 to register for the draft. Those selected in a lottery were required to serve at least one year in the armed forces.

Census reports list many interesting occupations on this block: nurse, gardener, mail carrier, stenographer, and Ford car salesman. Technology and occupations have changed since this home was built; however, Seattleites continue to be known as trailblazers and innovators

This lovely home is waiting for the next owner to build community and continue the story in a city that has seen much change. What legacy will the next owner leave for future generations?

Your home may be your most cherished and valuable asset, but there comes a time for nearly everyone when it is time to sell. But how do you know when the time is right? Our team got together and talked about the telltale signs that it might be the right time to sell.

1.                 Your family has outgrown your current home.

That starter home you fell in love with might have been great for a single person or a couple, but add a child or two, a grandparent, or another family member, and a home can start to feel small. Our team has learned over the years that the number one reason why people sell their homes is that they've outgrown the space. If your home is not serving your family in the way it once was, it may be time to sell.

2.                 Your home is too big.

If your life takes up less space than it once did, it may be time to sell. Have the kids grown up and moved out? Are you entertaining the idea of being a snowbird in retirement? These are indications that it may be time to downsize. A paid off mortgage may leave extra cash in your pocket at the time of the sale, and a smaller home will likely come with a lower tax bill. We have one client who is holding on to their Ballard home as their retirement travel nest egg. When they retire, they plan on selling and traveling full time. They aren’t sure where they will land, but they will have cash in hand to make that decision when the right opportunity presents itself.

3.                 You're emotionally ready to sell your home. 

Unlike stocks, mutual funds, and other investments, your home carries an emotional component that shouldn’t be overlooked. Perhaps you are selling the home where you raised your children or maybe it is the first home you ever purchased. Part of the process of selling is knowing when to let go and embrace the next stage of life. If you have outgrown your current home, that may mean that you are ready to purchase a larger home for your growing family. If you are an empty nester, it may be time to downsize and embrace new opportunities. Whatever the reason is for selling, make sure you are ready and look forward to the future.

4.                 The real estate market is strong.

We continue to enjoy a robust sellers’ market. It isn’t uncommon for owners to receive multiple offers when a property is priced right. Recently, our team has seen upwards of 10 offers on homes in the Queen Anne neighborhood. Look at comparable homes for an idea of what you might get for your home. If you would be happy to sell at these prices, this is also a signal that it is the right time to list your home. Working with a realtor who can help you properly price your home and help you understand offers is crucial. Homes priced too high will sit on the market and become stale. Homes priced just right will sell quickly.

5.                 There has been a shift in work, school, and lifestyle.  

If nothing else, the global pandemic has taught is that most of us really can work remotely. This lifestyle shift may mean that it is time to reexamine your work-from-home space. If multiple family members are working remotely, (one of our clients recently had 5 family members at home either working or attending school), you may have run out of home office space. Remote work and education may also mean that you don’t need to live in a metropolitan area. If you have always wanted to live in a rural place or in another part of the state or country, this may be a great time to try something new. With tech companies continuing to move in-person work dates back, there is flexibility for workers, and many businesses have chosen to stay remote altogether. With no office to return to, it might be a great time to sell and investigate other lifestyle options.

6.                 You can financially transition relatively easily

Buying before selling your existing home can be complex, but there are many options and financial vehicles available to sellers. If you buy before you sell, you may need to carry two mortgages for a time. If you have been in your home for a long time, you may own it outright or have a nearly paid off mortgage. You have most likely benefited from low interest rates and lower prices, so cashing out will mean you have much more equity, making the purchase of another home relatively painless, especially if you can make an all cash offer.

Ready? If you are considering selling this year, call for a complimentary and confidential consultation with Queen Anne’s #1 Real Estate Team.

If you are a typical Seattleite, you 1) fiercely recycle, 2) donate or repurpose as many of your used items as possible, and 3) aren’t sure what to do with all those Prime envelopes. Enter a 4-year-old Seattle startup called Ridwell! Their mission is to make it simple to get rid of your stuff responsibly.

We have written about recycling in the past, and it can be frustrating as the rules keep changing. Who accepts used pillows? Do old car seats really need to go to landfills? What should I do with burned out lightbulbs? There are many items in our modern lives that don’t have great recycling solution. Ridwell, a unique subscription-based program, offers a rotating recycling pickup program that deals with these used items that live in that “complicated to recycle” category.

Started on Queen Anne by Ryan Metzger and his son Owen, the two were simply trying to figure out how to recycle batteries. After making several calls to locate a battery recycling center, the pair thought perhaps other neighbors had the same issue, so they began what they called a “recycling carpool”. Things snowballed, and word of mouth fueled the growth of this neighborly endeavor. Recycling carpools became so large that it was clear the pair were onto an innovative solution to a common problem. There was so much demand for help with recycling, that the family turned it into a subscription service company.

To assist with decluttering and keeping things out of landfills, Ridwell offers a rotating category calendar to assist you in planning. There are so many items that don’t fit into curbside recycling programs that many items (that could have been recycled) end up in landfills.

Plastic film is picked up with each visit, but what about polystyrene, packing peanuts, old cords, chargers, or electronics? Ridwell heroes come to your home on a rotating schedule, take items away, and deliver them to the proper place for recycling. Polystyrene foam is taken to Styro Recycle in Kent. Prime envelopes? It turns out they can be recycled to make Trex composite decking. Who knew?

Simply sign up (plans begin at $10 per month if you sign up for a full year), log into your account, check the calendar for pickup items, and leave items on your porch in the darling vintage style box the company provides.

One of our team members signed up for the service and has found the user interface and dashboard to be well organized and easy to use. With several software engineers working on the website, it is intuitive, beautiful, and functional. The program has been rolled out in Portland, Denver, and Seattle, and more cities will follow soon.

While Ridwell can’t guarantee that each of these categories will be on the pickup rotation, they are eager to hear from their customers and get their feedback. Some of the items they are planning to pick up this year include:

Electronics, Eyeglasses, Bras, Halloween candy, Holiday lights, Kitchenware, Loose diapers, Kid’s clothes, Winter/summer wear, Kid’s toys, Car seats, Pet toys & supplies, Jewelry, Wine corks, Canned and packaged foods, Formal wear, School and office supplies, Birthday decorations, Tennis balls, Lego blocks, Cords and chargers.

If you are working to declutter your home or simply looking for better recycling opportunities, give www.Ridwell.com a try.

Everyone on our team loves to cook. But with school back in session, after school activities, and many parents back working in the office, the slow cooking of last year will need to wait until the weekend. So how do you get dinner on the table in 30-minutes (besides ordering pizza)? Team member Jen Svrcek shared this super easy crowd pleaser; a meal that is adult friendly and that kids gobble right up. This is an Instant Pot® recipe (your new favorite kitchen tool) but could easily be adapted for your slow cooker. Enjoy the last few weeks of September!

INGREDIENTS

• 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 15.5oz jar of salsa (we like Tostitos Chunky Salsa Medium)

• 1 8oz block of Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese

• Tortillas, taco shells, shredded lettuce, diced onions, cilantro, olives, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, or any favorite toppings for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Add the entire jar of salsa and chicken to your Instant Pot®.

2) Lock the lid and select High Pressure.

3) Cook for 12 minutes.

4) Prep toppings and heat tortillas or taco shells.

5) After time is up, turn off the pot and use the quick pressure release.

6) Carefully open the Instant Pot® and remove the chicken from the pot.

7) Add the block of cream cheese to the sauce in the pot. Use the sauté setting and stir until melted, combined, and smooth.

8) Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the cooking pot, stirring to combine.

9) Salt and pepper to taste.

10) Serve with warm tortillas, taco shells, shredded lettuce, diced onions, cilantro, olives, diced tomatoes, or diced avocado.

Queen Anne homes that were built nearly a century ago are full of architectural character, charm, and wonderful regional history. Thanks to local archives, we can piece together the story of the original owners of 1915 Dexter Ave N (it's for sale! click to see), the Lindgren family, who contributed to the live music and dancing culture in Seattle and Western Washington.

Berthold Ferdinand Alexander (Bert) Lindgren (1891 – 1950) emigrated from Sweden in 1893 at the age of 2 with his parents, Nils, and Laura Lindgren, professional tailors. They lived in Colorado for a short time before setting up shop in Everett, Washington. Bert was a precocious music student, and learned to play the piano, organ, and accordion. As a young man, he was the theater organist for several silent film houses in Seattle and Everett. He was a member of the Musicians Union and the Swedish Club, and found work playing keys at the plethora of Scandinavian dances that Seattle was famous for.

Bert met Rosamond Wrage, a professional violinist, at one of these dances. The couple married in 1919 and had one daughter, Laurene (born in 1921). Much of their work was in Seattle at theaters and dance halls, so purchasing the new home at 1915 Dexter Ave from the builder in 1927 meant less commute time for the couple. Rosamond taught their daughter Laurene to play the violin, and the family was well known throughout the northwest for their wide variety of musical styles.

There was a gradual transition from silent films to "talkies" in Seattle between 1928 and 1933. As theaters added this new sound technology, Bert’s work as a silent film organist diminished. He continued to play at dances and perhaps area churches, but he yearned to run his own show. After several years of planning, he opened “Bert Lindgren's Old Time Dance” at the Bothell Way Pavilion in 1939. He was a natural entertainer and was well known for his charisma, charm, and musical knowledge. It was truly a family affair, with wife Rosamond and daughter Laurene playing violin at these popular dances. Of interest, census reports state that the two violinists worked 12 hours per week, and ads for the dances state “5 hours of dancing from 9pm to 2am Friday and Saturday”. The ads the family ran in the local newspapers also state that dances featured modern, old-time, Scandinavian, square dance, and the “winning Russian sleigh bells” styles of music.

This wonderful home is waiting for the next owner to continue the Seattle story and pursue their own dreams and opportunities.

With more than 46 percent of the U.S. population fully vaccinated, it appears that life as we once knew it is returning. Meeting with friends and family for dinner and gatherings is becoming more frequent, and offices all around the country are slowly opening their doors and welcoming employees back to work in person. Although we are making progress, there are still many parts of quarantine life that are still with us. Restrictive international travel is just one of them.

While many sought-after countries by American tourists are starting to open such as Mexico and Netherlands, there are still many countries in Europe and Asia that are closed or restricted to US tourists. Europe is often one of the most popular destinations among American tourists; in fact, according to ETIAS US, each year, approximately 12 million Americans visit countries like France, Italy, and Germany.

But what are we to do while some of the most enchanting cities and countries to visit are still approaching proper conditions to open their borders to American passport holders? Many people in the US have been doing their best to create exciting and innovative “staycations”. In fact, one of our Queen Anne clients decided to treat their family to a staycation in West Seattle by the beach. They packed up and rented a beach house on Airbnb with a pool and lived there for a week to enjoy beautiful Alki Beach and its many amenities. 

Our team was inspired by this idea and understand the rich opportunities there are for Seattle residents to engage in their own “staycations” with an area featuring such diverse experiences. So, for you and yours, here is a list of the top five Seattle staycation ideas as the world slowly starts opening again.

1.     Rent an Airbnb in a Seattle Neighborhood You Have Yet to Explore

There are plenty of beautiful neighborhoods in Seattle with many reasonably priced Airbnbs in good locations. Some of the best areas to explore with options on Airbnb include Ballard, Capitol Hill, Fremont, Belltown, and South Lake Union.

These neighborhoods are great spots because they are all close to the water, and all are uniquely Seattle. Ballard has historic sights to see, Capitol Hill offers some of the more beautiful architecturally significant homes in the northwest, Fremont boasts some of the best parks for an afternoon picnic with views of the city, Belltown is perfectly located by Pike Place Market, and South Lake Union is the ideal summer spot for anyone who would like to boat, swim, or urban sightsee.

2. Reserve a Campsite in a Washington State Park.

One of the reasons so many people end up permanently relocating to Washington state is the proximity to nature and outdoor activities within an hour's drive of the city. Many Washington State Parks have available campsites and make reserving a spot inexpensive and easy. Go to www.Recreation.gov to access a multitude of state parks with an easy reservation system. The campsites make it easy to either car camp, or if you are feeling adventurous, pitch a tent and set up a proper site. Each park offers unique amenities and often features hiking trails and sights for the whole family. Some recommendations for parks close to the city include:

●       Lake Sammamish State Park

●       Yakima River Canyon

●       Denny Creek Campground

●       Olallie State Park

3. Book an Urban Nature Home

One urban treehouse in Seattle has garnered a lot of attention from staycationers and tourists alike. On VRBO the “Seattle Urban Tree House” is located just ten minutes from downtown and offers the beautiful, lush nature of the northwest while still being centrally located. Perfect for people wanting a quiet weekend by the pool (yes, there is a pool) or people looking for an ideal location for a night out on the town.

4. Rent a Houseboat

This is one of the best ways to experience life on the water unique to only a few Seattleites. For a weekend or longer, you can experience peaceful life on the water. There are many services that rent these precursors to the tiny home, including Airbnb, VRBO, and private rentals from residents. A perfect location to the University District, Fremont, and Queen Anne. Don’t forget that Ivar’s Salmon House is just down the way for a relaxing sunset dinner on the water.

5. Rent a Room at the Westin Hotel Seattle

The pinnacle of class in Seattle, this 891 room hotel is the perfect city getaway for a weekend or extended stay. Fully airconditioned, it fills up when the temperature goes up. The Westin features gorgeous views of the Seattle skyline, a fully operational gym, the famous 1900 Bar and Lounge, and they welcome Fido. In addition to the luxurious dining options the hotel provides, there are several restaurants within walking distance. Don’t forget about Dimitriou's Jazz Alley!

We hope that this list inspires you to get out and see what the city has to offer. Sometimes we forget about the treasures in our own backyard.  We also encourage you to come up with your own staycation ideas and share them with our team. Now, get out there and explore!

Walking through the house and gardens at 1512 – 1^st Avenue West, (listing here) one can only imagine what it must have been like in 1905 when this enchanting home was built. Who were the original owners? What brought them to Seattle? What did they do for work? Thanks to census reports and meticulously kept records at the University of Washington and the Washington State Archives, we can share the story of Corry and Harriet Bushnell, the original owners, who made this their home.

Corydon “Corry” Addison Bushnell was born in Eugene Oregon in 1866, one of 8 children born to John Corydon “J. C.” Bushnell, a homesteader and farmer, and Jemima Melvina Bushnell. Corry’s parents came to Oregon from Ohio, taking full advantage of the Homestead Act of 1862 which gave individuals from the United States and around the world the opportunity to claim free government land. Over 1.6 million people were offered the opportunity to claim and settle more than 270 million acres of public land, including single women over the age of 21.

We do not know about Corry’s youth in Oregon, but we know that he grew up to be a revered photographer of the time, capturing stunning photographic portraits of local actresses, musicians, opera singers, politicians, business owners, and notable suffragettes. About 159 Bushnell portraits are preserved in the University of Washington Archives.

Corydon and Harriet were married in Oregon, then a few years later moved to Seattle where he established the James and Bushnell Studio in 1902. Harriet Jane Hattie Herron Bushnell purchased the home; her name alone was on the deed. This was quite unusual for the time but would have been practical if Harriet were protecting an inheritance or if the couple wanted to shelter their largest asset from creditors in case the newly founded photography studio was not a success. Corry Bushnell did indeed have a successful and prosperous career documenting Seattle’s elite, and the studio was in business until 1922, when Bushnell joined forces with the Pinney Photography Studio.

Not much is known about Harriet, and the couple never had children, but they lived in the beautiful home at 1512 – 1^st Avenue West for more than 40 years. In his retirement, Corry took photographs to accompany a volume of poetry written by Pearl Riggs Crouch, a notable author of the time. This volume can be seen at the University of Washington Archives.

Of interest, occupations among neighbors in the 1930s included a train conductor, a ship captain, a painter, a candy maker, a billing clerk, a gardener, and a fireman. This historic home is waiting for the next owner to continue the story of trailblazing in a city that has seen much change and opportunity in the last 100 years. If you would like to learn about the history of your old home, contact our team.

Your home is most likely your greatest investment. For most of us, there is a lot of equity locked up within those walls. But what if there was an easy way to tap into that equity and use it to elevate your home? By providing upfront costs associated with those improvements and services, Compass Concierge does just that. Our team will help you develop a plan with suggested home improvements to prepare your home for the market so you can get top dollar without tapping into your savings or taking out a high-interest loan. This program is a no-interest loan (up to $50,000) to sellers so you can make all those improvements that will make your home more desirable to today’s buyers.

1. Maximize the value of your home.

Most Seattle buyers are looking for turnkey properties. Projects are not for everyone, and it is our experience that buyers want a house that is ready to live in, and they are willing to pay a premium for that option. This will easily increase the market value of your home and make it attractive to a wider range of buyers. 

2. Show your home in its best light.

From fresh paint to refinished or new flooring, the Compass Concierge program can help your home look its very best before going on the market. Everyone enjoys walking through a beautifully maintained and well-appointed home.

3. Sell your home faster.

We have watched over the years how fast homes sell when they are “move in ready”. The Compass Concierge program will help you attract more buyers, which translates into your home selling more quickly.

4. Reduce the risk of buyers backing out.

Offering a home for sale that is in pristine condition reduces the likelihood that a buyer will pull out of the sale after the home goes to escrow. Buyers feel most comfortable purchasing homes that are in good repair and ready to live in. Flaws and “projects” sometimes scare buyers, especially as the closing date gets closer. Offer a home that is move in ready, and your buyer will be excited about closing quickly.

5. No upfront costs or interest to homeowners.

The funds will be advanced to you for home improvement services, and you can use any provider. If you have a favorite painter or handyperson, hire her/him/them. Do you need some help finding good people? We have worked with many wonderful vendors over the years and can help you find just the right person. When your home sells, you pay back the costs of services rendered and nothing more. 

6. Compass Concierge is hassle free.

From assessing which updates will increase your home’s value the most, to recommending the very best professionals and trades, we will be there every step of the way.

7. No loans or lines of credit to apply for

Getting a home equity loan or a line of credit to pay for repairs and improvements is expensive and time-consuming. There are loan origination fees, interest, and other expenses, not to mention your time with a banker or a loan officer. With the Compass Concierge program, you are granted a line of credit in the form of a no-interest cash card. Use it to pay your favorite vendors!

Many services are approved, but not limited to:

• Interior Design

• General Contractor

• Handyperson

• Stager

• Plumber

• Roofer

• Electrician

• Professional Cleaner

• Landscaper / Designer

• Gardener

Contact us today to find out more about this innovative program. We are here to help you get your home in top condition and ready to sell.