Can We Tell You a Story?

We recently listed an amazing retro home in Shoreline, Washington! It was built by a family with a fascinating story, which we’d like to share with you.

This house was built by Mike Rantz and his wife, Tine, with help from Mike’s father, Harry Rantz, Sr. (Pop), and Mike’s brothers, Joe and Harry Jr.

Pop was from Pennsylvania. An inventor at heart, Pop was one of the early automobile inventors and knew Henry Ford. He married his first wife in 1899 via telephone—she was in PA and he was in NY. The local newspaper said it was the first time that was ever done.

Anyone who has read the book, The Boys in the Boat, may recognize the Rantz name. The book tells the story of Joe Rantz and the other members of the 1936 UW Crew team. They won the gold medal at the Berlin Olympics.

Mike Rantz served in WWII with the 41st Infantry Division. He came home after the war in 1945 and married Tine Ochs in 1946. Mike went to school to get his engineering degree while Tine worked for Boeing. They saved until they were ready to begin building their home in 1956. The work on the house was done from 1956 to 1957 at a time when you built your own home with the intention that it was to be a legacy for your family.

And, just as Mike helped his brothers build their homes, Joe and Harry helped Mike.

Pop owned a lumber mill on the shores of Lake Washington (on land that is now Kenmore Air Harbor), and the lumber used to build this home was either milled by Pop or special-ordered. The siding is 1” cedar and the floor joists (still visible in the basement ceiling) are 2” old-growth Douglas Fir.

As a belated wedding gift, Tine’s brothers (who had a Lath and Plaster business) came out from South Dakota and hand-plastered the walls in the upstairs living spaces (except the kitchen). The original plaster is still in pristine condition.

Another unique aspect of this home is its location. When the original landowner sub-divided into lots, he left the topmost space empty for what was to be the KJR radio tower. When KJR chose a different location, the landowner gave the 1+ acre to the community to use as a park. There are only 13 homes with direct backyard access to it. Mike and Tine chose a lot that was level with the park … a great place for kids or pets to run and enjoy.

MLS#: 1714703

Photos and more information about this home can be found by clicking here. Or, you may email rebeccad@kw.com to schedule a private tour or with any questions.

SOLD! Authentic Retro Home in Shoreline!

After 16(!) offers and less than one week on market, this home has sold! While this home is no longer available, others are still on the market. If you complete the Contact Form below, we can set-up a personalized search for you.

First time on market! The Mike Rantz Family home is truly "Authentic Retro" and has been meticulously cared for.

Original 3/4 inch hardwoods, mahogany doors, and trim.

This home has three bedrooms, 1.75 bathrooms and 1410 square feet on the main level. In addition, there’s a 1090 square foot unfinished basement with a 3/4 bathroom and fireplace.

The formal living room has a woodstove, and the dining room has a slider to the patio. Other highlights include: a kitchen with eating space, laundry on the main floor and a quarter bath. If you’re looking for workspace, there’s a workshop with a huge workbench.

Enjoy the one-car garage, attached carport, and the backyard (a gardener’s delight!) with a gate to a magical private park/playground. Only 13 homes have direct access to this park.

Minutes to the new train station.

This home has enormous opportunity!

Call or email for more information or to schedule a tour! You can also fill out the contact form below and we’ll be in touch with you. Email: rebeccad@kw.com | Tel: 253.576.7707

3 Bedrooms | 2.25 Bathrooms | 1,410 Square Feet | $584,950 | MLS #1714703

January 2021 Workshops & Classes Announced!

Join me in the new year for one or more of my free classes and workshops!

Quantum Leap, where we’ll dig into the power principles and disciplines that can help anyone achieve a more abundant life, is on the schedule. This is one of my favorite ones to teach!

I’ll also be hosting Grow Your Keller Williams Profit Share Tree, where we’ll strategize about how to leverage the power of passive income to build wealth.

Our Lead Generation session in January will focus on FSBOs and expired listings.

And finally, I’m breaking down the Systematizing Lead Generation course into one hour sessions. The first in the series is happening in January and I’m excited to share it with you.

Details and registration at the links below. Email rebeccad@kw.com with questions.

January 14th, 2-3pm (PST), Lead Gen Session 8: FSBOs and Expired Listings

January 20th, 1-3pm (PST), Quantum Leap

January 27th, 1-2pm (PST), Grow Your Keller Williams Profit Share Tree

January 28th, 2-3pm (PST), Systematizing Lead Generation

Each Monday in January, from 4:30-5:30pm (PST) I’ll be hosting an orientation to real estate careers called, Wealth Building Strategies: The First 4 Income Streams to Get You Started. Click here to register.

Could You Use an Extra $500 This Holiday Season?

Could You Use an Extra $500 This Holiday Season?

We’re giving away $500 to one lucky winner on December 11, 2020!

Why?

When COVID first hit we weren’t sure what to do or what to expect. But as we close out 2020, our business has grown and thrived this year because of you. Our community of clients, friends and vendors gave us so much for which to be grateful.

Whether you chose us to handle the purchase or sale of your home; recommended us to someone you know; attended one of our online workshops or events; entered one of our giveaways; or simply left us a comment or liked one of our social media posts; we appreciate you.

We wish you all great health and happiness in 2021, and a joyous holiday season. If you’d like to enter for your chance to win the $500 prize, click here and complete the entry form. Only one entry per person and you must be 18 years of age or older.

Good luck!