Written by Scott Cowan on March 9th, 2010

By
Scott Cowan
The City of Tacoma’s Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on March 17th. 2010 at 5:00pm. This hearing will concern the creation and review of the “Wedge Neighborhood” for consideration of being a historic district. This process was started in 2008 when residents of the “Wedge Neighborhood” requested to be designated as a historic district. In 2009 The Landmarks Preservation Commission sent a recommendation to the Planning Commission for the creation of a historic special review district surrounded by multiple conservation districts.
Interested individuals may testify in person or submit comments in writing by e-mail or fax, (253) 591-2002. Written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. March 26.
So, what exactly is a historic special review district? Glad you asked. Historic special review districts provided guidelines for the design of new construction within the district. Also, modifications to existing structures are reviewed for compliance to the guidelines approved. Properties within a historic district can potentially be eligible and receive certain tax benefits. Conservation districts are buffer areas between historic districts and other areas of the city. The goal is to provide guidelines for new construction and protection of historic buildings. Historic Districts are one way for our community to help preserve the classic and historic character of our neighborhoods. For the people who live within a historic district official designation can bring a sense of pride and community.
Classic Homes Northwest supports the creation of a Historic Wedge District.
Here is a copy of the hearing notice for the Wedge Neighborhood on March 17th.
Here is a copy of the Public Review Documents for the hearing.
Historic Tacoma produced a walking tour of the Wedge District. The walking tour is a fantastic way to learn more about one of the more interesting areas in Tacoma. Historic Tacoma has published the walking tour online and you can find the tour here.
Will we see you on March 17th?










Posted in Ramblings, Tacoma | No Responses »
Written by Ryan Christensen on March 8th, 2010

By
Ryan Christensen
The Fastest Way to Get A Down Payment
Without Saving Up For Years
What is it?
DownPaymentClass.com is an event registration website designed to help first-time home-buyers utilize non-traditional down payment assistance programs in the State of Washington.
Why do you need it?
Would you like to learn how to have someone else give you your down payment money? We’re talking about grants, city, county, & state programs designed to help you get into a house! Some money is completely free, some is ZERO % interest for years on end, others cost a little bit more. Of course since I work with a bank I have to tell you the fine print….
“There are many programs available through the WSHFC and the above is only a small representation of the Commissions many programs. The terms, interest rates and conditions are subject to change without notice and are under the authority of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.”
How much does it cost?
The class is free.
But it’s worth atl east $250.00
You’ll pay nothing when you click below! It’s Absolutely free! (Lol….I’ve always wanted to say that!)
www.DownPaymentClass.com
DownPaymentClass.com has just been launched by Sumner Home Mortgage & the Washington Housing Finance Commission.
Posted in Ramblings | No Responses »
Written by Scott Cowan on March 8th, 2010

By
Scott Cowan
If you are looking for a home and you work in Olympia, Washington we would like it if you would consider looking at our listing located at 5420 189th. Ln. SW Rochester, WA 98579
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This 3 bedroom 2 bath manufactured home is in fantastic condition. We have access to lenders three of them write here on this blog that can help you obtain financing for this property. Located on over an acre and set back off of a private lane this home is just waiting for you to make it yours. Fully paved driveway with a large 2 car garage. Tons of parking for all of your vehicles and an RV. Close to I-5 so your commute is an easy one.
Escape to the country today.
For more information please visit our custom listing page by following this link.
For answers to your questions please contact us today.
Posted in For Sale | No Responses »
Written by Scott Cowan on March 7th, 2010

By
Scott Cowan
Whether you are a home owner or if you are going to be a home owner soon the State of Washington wants to give you some money if you purchase new appliances. The Federal Government has approximately 5.6 million dollars available to help you if you purchase a new energy efficient appliances starting March 15th. 2010. The program will run until the funds are used up.
For example you can receive $75.00 if you purchase an ENERGY STAR refrigerator that is larger than 9 cubic feet. ENERGY STAR washing machines will qualify for a $100 rebate.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements for this recovery fund program? A: The eligibility requirements set forth by ARRA and Washington’s SEEARP include: · Rebates are available to all Washington State consumers on a first come, first served basis until funds run out. Rebates are NOT available retroactively for purchases made before the official start of the program. Rebates are for the replacement of existing appliances in residential occupancies in Washington. Rebates are limited to one refrigerator and one clothes washer per household. Rebates are for appliances purchased from a Washington State store or where proof of payment of Washington State sales tax is evident on the receipt. To receive the state rebate for a refrigerator, proof must be provided that the replaced refrigerator was recycled, or at least decommissioned in accordance with state disposal laws. Rebates cannot be paid to commercial or institutional organizations, Community Action agencies, new construction, or landlords.
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for the rebate? A. The rebate application and instructions will be available on line at www.CashforAppliancesWA.com.
An important point is that the rebates are only good if you are REPLACING an existing appliance. For those of you who are looking at buying a home and purchasing a washer or refrigerator for the home will not qualify for the rebate UNLESS you are replacing an older existing model.
For more information and the necessary rebate forms please visit www.CashforAppliancesWA.com










Posted in Ramblings | No Responses »
Written by Scott Cowan on March 6th, 2010

By
Scott Cowan
We’ve just listed a 3 bedroom 2.25 bath 1600 square foot home in the Scenic Shores development at Lake Lawrence. We will be updating our custom listing pages Sunday but for tonight here is a map to the listing and a photo to give you an idea of what it looks like. Please give us a call if you would like more informa
tion.
View Larger Map
Posted in For Sale | No Responses »
Written by Scott Cowan on March 4th, 2010

By
Scott Cowan
We are happy to have another author here in our little part of cyberspace. Rosemary Kendall is a Home Mortgage Consultant with Wells Fargo Bank. She is so excited to post here that she has already contributed her first post before we were able to publish her bio!
Rosemary Kendall is a Tacoma native. She attended Lakes High School and Pacific Lutheran University. She has been in the financial industry for over 20 years, a successful Mortgage Loan Officer for the past eight. Rosemary’s professional passion is helping the first time homebuyer navigate the financing process with confidence that comes from knowledge and having a trusted professional at their side along the way. Rosemary is experienced with FHA and VA loans, FHA 203(k), Washington State Bond “Housekeys” as well as local down payment assistance programs.
Rosemary enjoys living in this region for the natural and cultural beauty that surrounds us!
We are looking forward to reading more about the various home loan programs available for buyers who are looking to buy their first home in 2010!
Welcome Rosemary! we are happy to have you on board.
Posted in Ramblings, Vendors | 1 Response »