By Tracey Henkels, September 30, 2022
If you want to increase your home value in a big way, renovating your backyard is a great way to do so. During the pandemic I decided to add structure, an extensive garden, bioswales, and a fire pit to my backyard. I consulted with my incredible landscape desiger, Kristien with Fusion Landscape Design, and she helped me design the outdoor living space of my dreams.
I envisioned a space for intimate dinner parties, summer block parties, and monthly neighborhood hangouts in a serene setting. The landscapers “scraped the lot” – removed everything that was there down to the bolts and added a firepit, foliage, and garden beds. The only thing we saved was a vintage rhubarb plant, which we transplanted and remains in my yard to this day. A good friend of mine did all the metalwork and the custom planter beds. I grow tomatoes, figs, eggplants, and more. Every summer I have more than enough veggies for regular salads.
Outdoor living spaces add a ton of value to your home and is worth the investment. Being able to spend our glorious Portland summers out back in a place you designed can greatly contribute to quality of life and create great resale value.
Tracey Henkels
Principal Broker | Earth Advantage | OR
She/Her
Tracey Henkels attributes her disciplined nature and relentless work ethic to a childhood spent rising and retiring by the light of the sun on her family's apple orchard in Iowa. Gratefully, that Midwestern mentality has served her well over the years as Tracey continues to deliver excellent customer service, superior technical skill, and a wide array of industry knowledge on behalf of her clients.
While Tracey wouldn't trade her career as a Real Estate broker for any other, her first love was Architecture. After receiving her degree at Iowa State University, Tracey worked in the architecture world for over 6 years before deciding she wanted to forge a new professional path. In 2004, Tracey jumped heart-first into the world of helping her people buy and sell houses. She's never looked back.
When you meet Tracey, one of the first things you notice is her positive energy, and zest for life. One of her favorite things about being a broker is the ability to help people make powerful transitions. Tracey's natural patience, unwavering professionalism, and optimistic attitude make her both a compassionate broker and tough negotiator.
Tracey is committed to serving others, making a difference in her community, and giving back. When she isn't working hard to best serve her clients, you might find her tending to her garden, growing fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers, cross country skiing, or planning her next exciting adventure.
Tracey works as a team, alongside Kelsey Burkett, Broker Licensed in OR.
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- T: 503-715-6140
- traceyhenkels@gmail.com
