By Genmae Rianelli, January 8, 2025
When I think of incredible journeys to finding the perfect home, Lynne’s story is one that truly stands out. I was brought on to this transaction by Bridge to Portland Group Team Lead, Sharon Bloudek, after Lynne was referred to her by a good friend.
Sharon and I first met Lynne back in the winter of 2023 at our SW Portland Living Room Realty office while she was in town from Montana. During her visit, we had a meaningful conversation about her hopes for a potential move to Portland to be closer to family, what she was looking for in her next home, and how she might navigate this move while she was also preparing to sell her current home in Montana.
Touring Through Portland’s Winter Wonderland
From the start, Lynne’s enthusiasm and determination were apparent. We began touring homes immediately, undeterred by Portland’s snow and ice storm that hit last January just as we were starting our search. Despite the weather, we explored lots of possibilities, with Lynne envisioning her next chapter in each space.
A Magical Discovery Off Hawthorne
Among the many properties we visited, one stood out above the rest: a sweet, brick-lined, 1930s condo just off of Hawthorne Street. It was magical. Everything just felt like it lined up—the unit itself was unique and charming, the space fit her needs, and the location meant that she could walk to everything she needed.
Lynne was excited and ready to move forward so we connected her with an excellent Montana agent to list her current home and worked on making an offer on the Portland condo.
Her offer was accepted with a bumpable status, a contingency that allows the seller to accept another offer if Lynne’s Montana home wasn’t sold in time. This was a strategic move, giving Lynne a chance to secure the condo while also avoiding unnecessary expenses, like inspections, until her existing home sale was secured.
A Roadblock and a Renewed Search
Lynne’s Montana home quickly went under contract, so we were able to get things started on her Portland sale relatively soon. However, inspections revealed that the 1930s condo building had extensive and expensive future repairs coming her way. Disheartened but resolute, Lynne decided it wasn’t the right fit for her after all and the search continued.
The Perfect Match
After more home tours and even more determination, Lynne found IT—a stunning mid-century condo with unmatched vibes that was walkable to great local shops and restaurants. From the moment she stepped inside, she knew this was the one. The condo’s character and location captured her heart, and we moved quickly to submit an offer. By late November, Lynne was in contract, with her close date set for just before Christmas.
Final Steps and a Happy Ending
Inspections on the mid-century condo went smoothly, and we negotiated a price reduction in lieu of repairs, ensuring a fair agreement for both parties. Lynne navigated the simultaneous sale of her Montana home with grace and confidence and everything came together just in time for her to celebrate the holidays in her new Portland home.
A Moment to Remember
Handing Lynne the keys to her dream condo was a really special moment. Her journey was a long one (over a year in the making!) but she remained resilient, flexible, and true to the vision of the life she wanted to build. Sharon and I are thrilled to have been part of her story and we can’t wait to see how she makes this beautiful condo her own.
Congratulations, Lynne, and welcome to Portland!
Genmae Rianelli
Broker | OR
She/Her
Genmae has over five years of experience in the real estate industry. She earned recognition at Living Room Realty with the Brokers Advisory Group Award for Joy and, fittingly, she now serves as the Joy Chair for this group. Her outstanding performance was also acknowledged with the Rising Star Real Estate Award for 2023 and 2024.
Genmae has an expert ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, understanding their unique needs in communication and in their real estate objectives. Her genuine approach has fostered numerous successful relationships, many of which have evolved into lasting friendships. Genmae has partnered with dozens of homeowners throughout her career and, as a valued member of the Bridge to Portland Group team, she frequently collaborates with colleagues to provide comprehensive support to their clients as well.
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Genmae was raised in Southwest Portland and she maintains strong community ties, supporting local businesses in Multnomah Village. She has lived in four states and two countries, moving a total of six times, crafting her ability to communicate with people of different backgrounds and naturally create lasting relationships wherever she goes. Outside of work, Genmae enjoys exploring Portland's vibrant restaurant scene and cheering on the Portland Trail Blazers.
Learn more about Genmae and the Bridge to Portland Group here.- T: 503-867-5208
- genmae@bridgetoportland.com
