THE LRR SUMMER NEWSLETTER IS HERE!
Check out Living Room Realty’s Summer newsletter full of stories, recipes, horoscopes, and so much more!
Tag: Aryne + Ducinea
PORTLAND NEWS: VOTE FOR US!
VOTE FOR US!
It’s that time of year when the Willie Week’s BEST OF PORTLAND asks you to vote for who you love!
GO HERE TO VOTE NOW!
REAL ESTATE NEWS: ARCHITECTURAL STYLES IN PORTLAND
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES IN PORTLAND
Portland homes definitely have style! Whenever we host an open house or tour property with a person who is new to town, we always hear about how gorgeous the houses are (we agree)! Portland has many different styles of homes, and a large portion of them commonly fall into these categories.
PORTLAND NEWS: HAPPY EARTH DAY
HAPPY EARTH DAY!!
Monday, April 22, 2024
Isn’t every day Earth Day? We think so! The great thing about a day to celebrate the planet is that it gives us time and focus to decide how we can do better and perhaps either work on a project or make lasting changes. Here is a list of events around the Portland area to get out and participate in Earth Day activities and here are some great ideas for making your life more earth-friendly!
REAL ESTATE NEWS: LIVINGROOM SPRING NEWSLETTER!
THE LRR SPRING NEWSLETTER IS HERE!
Check out Living Room Realty’s Spring newsletter full of stories, recipes, horoscopes, and so much more!
PORTLAND NEWS: 12 SEASONS OF PORTLAND
12 SEASONS OF PORTLAND
THIS IS A FUNNY ONE! PORTLAND IS KNOWN FOR (4) SEASONS. BUT IF YOU ASK ANY LOCAL, THEY MAY SAY WE HAVE MANY MORE! WE HAVE SEEN THIS FUN LIST FLOATING AROUND SOCIAL MEDIA AND THOUGHT IT WOULD BE FUN TO SHARE!
THE 12 SEASONS OF PORTLAND…
WINTER
FOOL’S SPRING
2ND WINTER
SPRING OF DECEPTION/RAINBOW SEASON
3RD WINTER
THE POLLENING
ACTUAL SPRING
SUMMER
HELL’S FRONT PORCH
FALSE FALL
SECOND SUMMER
ACTUAL FALL
and back to where we started… WINTER
WHICH SEASON DO YOU THINK WE ARE IN?
REAL ESTATE NEWS: CELEBRATING OUR TEAM!
CELEBRATING OUR TEAM!
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On this International Women’s Day, we want to highlight this ALL WOMAN team and celebrate their spirit, determination, and the amazing energy they bring to work every day.
When they are not hard at work for you, here are some fun things to know about our team members (and a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT below):
Aryne, our lead Buyer’s Agent loves getting into challenging yoga poses, enjoying sports with her family, and hiking both in nature and around the city!
Dulcinea, our lead Seller’s Agent loves entertaining, traveling the world, art and design, and spending time with her family + pets!
Jen Barefield, our Operations Manager loves to throw pots on the wheel, spend time with her dogs and family, and loves to dig in the dirt in her amazing garden.
Isabelle Richard, our Team Assistant… SPECIAL SHOUTOUT to Isabelle who has been working with us since July 2021. Isabelle is an avid cook and loves to go for long city walks. We couldn’t have found a better team assistant. She is about to say good-bye to us and move into a new field as an assistant apparel buyer.
We will miss her dearly and are so happy for her and her new adventure! Go, Isabelle!
#portlandrealestate #toprealestateagentspdx #realestateportland #livingroomrealty #ADUexperts #ADUspecialists #ADUconsultation #realestateagent #topagents #bestportlandrealtor #buyingahouse #sellingyourhome #buyingandsellingrealestate #investmentproperty #firsttimehomebuyer #paringdown #emptynesters #excellentclientcare #bestexperience #propertymavens #dulcineamyersnewcomb #aryneblumklotz #buying #selling #wheresyourlivingroom #movingtoportland #relocation #lovewhereyoulive #buyyourdreamhome
REAL ESTATE NEWS: A NEW BILL TO HELP BUILD MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
GOVERNER KOTEK INTRODUCES A NEW BILL
TO HELP BUILD MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
SB1537 DESCRIPTION: “Requires the Department of Land Conservation and Development and the Department of Consumer and Business Services to jointly establish and administer the Housing Accountability and Production Office.” See more HERE.
1000 Friends of Oregon breaks down how bill SB1537 can better support equitable housing policy. See more HERE.
REAL ESTATE NEWS: WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO LIST MY HOUSE IN 2024?
WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO LIST MY HOUSE IN 2024?
Sellers want to know! Folks are coming out of the woodwork to call us and ask…”When should I list my home this year?” You might be wondering, why is this year different? Drum roll please… it’s a presidential election year. Some experts predict that the spring and summer will be great times to list, while the fall will be quieter than usual… Hmmm… less competition for sellers or a listing that sits? Reach out to us today to discuss this more! We are here to help.
REAL ESTATE NEWS: HOW MUCH IS YOUR HOME WORTH?
HOW MUCH IS YOUR HOME WORTH?
You may have no thoughts on selling your home anytime soon, but knowing the current value of your home is critical in being able to make those spontaneous decisions. Whether you want to go live abroad, have been thinking that it might be cool to move to another neighborhood, town, or state, or are looking in the future to care for a loved one, knowing your home’s current value allows you to make on-the-fly decisions. We tell our clients all the time, “plan ahead to be spontaneous”! Book an appointment with us today to find out your property’s value.
REAL ESTATE NEWS: WE SELL A LOT OF PROPERTIES
WE SELL A LOT OF PROPERTIES…
OUR LISTINGS AVERAGE OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS:
6.6 DAYS ON THE MARKET
5.65% OVER ASKING
Since 2019 our listings have gone pending in under ONE week and at almost 6% above the list price.
How do we do it?
Data Based Pricing – The list price is a marketing tool! We conduct detailed research on the local real estate market at large and your property specifically to determine a list price that will attract the most qualified buyers. Final list price is based on real numbers and up to date data.
Prepping With Purpose – Home sellers who clear the clutter, deep clean their homes and tidy their yards, complete light repairs, paint and stage they get the biggest bang for their buck. Buyers who can see the highlights and features of a property without distraction make strong offers and envision themselves in the space make strong offers and successfully close deals.
REAL ESTATE NEWS: WINTER 2024 LIVINGROOM REALTY NEWSLETTER
THE WINTER 2024
LIVING ROOM REALITY NEWSLETTER
See great stories, listings, events, astrology, recipes, and more!
Take a look HERE!
REAL ESTATE NEWS: THE 6 D’S TOP REASONS WHY SELLERS SELL
THE 6 D’S:
TOP REASONS WHY SELLERS SELL
No matter the real estate market, people’s lives don’t stop them from needing to sell their homes. Here are the top six reasons people sell their home in any type of market. (We will start with the less happy reasons)
DEATH: A homeowner has passed and the family needs to sell the property.
DEBT: A homeowner can recover from debt by selling the property and using the profits to pay the debt.
DIVORCE: An uncoupling has taken place and the property no longer works for their new chapter
DIAMONDS: A couple has decided to marry or merge and selling their current property to buy a house together is how they proceed.
DIAPERS: A new family member has arrived and the current house just doesn’t support the homeowners anymore.
DISCOVERY: A homeowner has taken a job elsewhere or wants to move to a new location.
PORTLAND LIFE: SNOWY DAY STEWS
SNOWY DAY STEWS
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It’s really cold outside. Are you ready?
Here are three warming stews to keep you nourished and comforted in the cold of winter! They are PACKED with flavor and can be made plant-based.
Click below or through the photos above for recipes!
POSOLE – A Mexican stew with hominy and pork or tripe.
AFRICAN PEANUT STEW, MAAFE – A West African stew made with chicken or beef, veggies, and peanuts.
MINESTRONE– Italian soup made with beef or pork, pasta, beans, and veggies.
PORTLAND LIFE: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024!
ANNUAL YEAR IN REVIEW COLLAGE
As 2023 comes to a close, we want to send thanks for your continued support! We have helped you find your dream home or your new chapter home and helped you sell your home. You have sent us your friends, and family to help with their real estate needs. We are ever grateful and are so lucky to have you in our lives!
THANK YOU!
GET YOUR GROOVE ON IN 2024
WITH THIS CHILL AND FUN PLAYLIST!
SCAN BELOW OR CLICK HERE
PORTLAND LIFE: HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM US TO YOU!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM US TO YOU!
It is a magical time full of rituals, alchemy, traditions, and tons of sugar! Every year at this time here in Portland, folks gather to celebrate many holidays including Hanukkah, Solstice, Christmas, Kwanza, and more! Friends and families gather to bring cheer to the darkness and celebrate the return of the light.
We all have fun holiday traditions from walking Peacock Lane to going to Zoo Lights to watching Adam Sandler sing the Hannukah song. Some people have dinner and work holiday parties, galas, holiday happy hours, and cookie and gift exchanges. While others commit extra time this year to volunteering, and drawing attention to charitable organizations. Maybe you have an annual sock party, or trim your tree to old holiday classics, or have an all-month holiday movie marathon…whatever it is you do this season, we wish you a merry time!
PORTLAND LIFE: JOIN US IN SHARING WARMTH AND JOY
JOIN US IN SHARING WARMTH AND JOY
PORTLAND LIFE: PARING DOWN AS ABUNDANCE MAKING
Paring Down As Abundance Making
Whether you follow Marie Kondo or the Swedish Death Cleaning philosophy, decluttering mindsets are all about editing the items, functions, and activities that block, clog, stall joy, and create negativity in your life. The idea of paring down is making more room for the abundance you really look for (time, money, human connection, etc). If you want to pare down and need direction, take a look at this helpful way to start. We also have a great list of amazing home organizers that offer a variety of services. Want to know more? Reach out to us today.
PORTLAND LIFE: THE ART OF GRATITUDE
THE ART OF GRATITUDE
This month we focus on gratitude. A time to give thanks and acknowledge the abundance we have in our lives. At Living Room Realty, we have eight core values, one being abundance. This value states that we: “appreciate and value what we have in order to create true generosity.”
Write someone a card, just because…
One way we show gratitude and honor abundance is to write cards to our friends, family, and clients. Sometimes it is a short message, but we want to send it anyway. Who doesn’t like getting a little card in the mail – a message of kindness, friendship, or thoughtfulness? As Thanksgiving approaches, consider incorporating card writing as a holiday activity for the whole family. Some of our favorite local cardmakers are WATERKNOT and EGGPRESS.
REAL ESTATE NEWS: FALL LRR NEWSLETTER
THE FALL LIVING ROOM REALITY NEWSLETTER!
Great buyer stories, listings, astrology, recipes, and more!
Take a look HERE!
REAL ESTATE NEWS: IS NOW A TERRIBLE TIME TO BUY A HOUSE?
Then it’s a great time to come to this class!
Serving delicious dinner and a great convo about buying in this market!
REAL ESTATE NEWS: HOW BIG CAN I BUILD WITHOUT GETTING A PERMIT?
ADU ADVENTURES
IF I WANT TO BUILD A SMALL STUDIO, HOW BIG CAN I BUILD WITHOUT GETTING A PERMIT?
250 square feet or smaller does not require a permit for building a structure. Want to build a workspace, meditation studio, art space, or guest room? If you keep it small, you do not need a permit.
Want to know more?
PORTLAND LIFE: SPOOKY HOUSE CHALLENGE
SPOOKY HOUSE CHALLENGE
Share your spooky house photo with us!
Let’s have a bit of fun! Photograph your home at night or when it looks its spookiest. Send your photos to us by October 23rd and we’ll put all the images in our October 27th newsletter. We can’t wait to see what turns up!
CONTACT US
PORTLAND LIFE: COZY AUTUMN SOUPS
COZY AUTUMN SOUPS
The weather is changing, and the soup cometh! Warm, healthy, sharable, one-pot meals that comfort. CLICK THROUGH the images above to discover three great new soup recipes!
PORTLAND LIFE: STYLE UP YOUR FIREPLACE
STYLE UP YOUR FIREPLACE
Here is another fresh idea to call in the fall vibes! Style your fireplace! Whether you paint it, tile it, wallpaper around it, or build spaces near it, bringing your fireplace to life is a great way to celebrate the seasons to come! Click through the images to find out more!
Q1 Real Estate Market Update: Multnomah County
Portland Real Estate Listings and Sales Slump in the First Quarter of 2023
A population decline hasn’t produced a drop in home prices
Activity in the Portland real estate market slumped in the first quarter of 2023, with new listings, pending sales, and closed sales all falling compared with the year-ago period, according to the latest report from the Regional Multiple Listing Service, a firm that tracks sales in the Northwest.
RMLS doesn’t give reasons for market changes, providing just data, but higher interest rates have been weighing on the market for months, and they appeared to suppress activity again in the first quarter. New listings fell 25% to 6,389, pending sales dropped 30% to 5,358, and closed sales tumbled 34% to 4,340, RMLS said.
Prices, meantime, held firmer, with the median sale price falling just 2.8% to $514,900. Inventory in March 2023 rose just 0.9% from March 2022, RMLS said.
Aryne Blumklotz, a broker at Living Room Realty, says the market is in flux because the outlook for interest rates is so murky. Rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have gyrated between 4.72% and 7.08% during the past 12 months, according to Freddie Mac. They stood at 6.28% on April 6.
“There is no rhyme or reason to this market,” Blumklotz says. “If interest rates would just hold, we could all get our heads around it. The changes make people anxious about buying and selling.”
Some houses are sitting on the market, Blumklotz says, while bidders fight over others. A property in a posh eastside neighborhood got four offers, all of them over $1 million, and all in cash, she says.
“We were as aggressive as we could be,” Blumklotz said of her bidder.
Buyers are still coming to Portland from out of state, Blumklotz says. She has represented several from California, one of whom closed this week and another coming later this month.
Those sales are good news for sellers amid the shrinking population in Multnomah County. The county’s population stood at 795,083 on July 1, 2022, down 1.3% from 805,593 a year earlier, the U.S. Census Bureau said on March 30. Multnomah’s population fell by about the same amount in 2021.
Read the full article by Anthony Effinger in the Willamette Week HERE.
Portland Monthly: Property Watch
A Pioneering, Climate-Friendly Home in Cully
Sometime in the late aughts, a pocket of the Cully neighborhood in Northeast Portland became the grounds for a mini, hyperlocal eco-renaissance, led by a group of like-minded neighbors. “We often call it an accidental intentional community,” said one resident. Dubbing themselves the Ainsworth Collective, and spread over the blocks near the intersection of NE Ainsworth and 45th Avenue, this unofficial group would meet monthly in support of living more mindfully with the environment. As such, several members bought land and built pioneering eco-homes that pushed the green technology of the day, seven of which were profiled by us in 2009.
One of those houses, designed by DeBar Architecture and built by W. A. Hughes Construction in 2008, is LEED-Certified Platinum and now for sale. It might draw on the past for its traditional gabled form, but everything else about it, from the rooftop solar panels, to the earthen floor in the living room, are forward-thinking, and aimed at reducing environmental impact.
Listing Fast Facts
Address: 6022 NE 45th Ave, Portland, OR 97218
Size: 3,216 square feet/3 bedroom/3.5 bath
List Date: 10/28/2022
List Price: $874,000
Listing Agent: Aryne Blumklotz and Dulcinea Myers-Newcomb, Living Room Realty
Read the full article and get more amazing details on this home in the article by Melissa Dalton for Portland Monthly.
Portland Monthly Property Watch: A Classic Portland Craftsman in the Sabin Neighborhood
Original details mix with some charming changes in this classic Portland Craftsman in the Sabin neighborhood.
As far as Portland neighborhoods go, Sabin is a hidden-in-plain-sight gem. It’s not very big, yet there are two commercial corridors, NE Prescott cutting through its north section and NE Fremont along the south edge, which bookend the residential core. That core is filled to the brim with some classic, early-20th-century Portland homes. Not the ones built for the rich and fancy—these are for everybody else
This particular listing on Northeast 18th Avenue is charming from the start: the front porch spans the entire front and begs an afternoon sit chatting with the neighbors. It has a very symmetrical façade, with the wooden and glass front door centered on the front steps, and flanked on either side by an identical set of four windows.
Built in 1909, the home still has original details, like those aforementioned windows and interior woodwork, as well as some unexpected, and totally delightful, updates. Case in point: in the living room, there’s a skosh of painted trim (purple!) alongside the original stained wood. There’s also a skylight, one of six throughout the home, which must have been added at a later date to bring in lots of natural light everywhere, as Craftsmans, depending on their orientation and window layout, have been called dark in comparison to their modern counterparts.
The highly desirable Alberta Arts District is only one block away, giving this location a Walkscore of 93, and a plethora of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to try nearby. Also close? The Sabin HydroPark, where the grounds beneath two water treatment towers were reinvented into a petite park, with a community garden, play structure for kids, and an off-leash area for pups. Just another way, aside from its modest housing stock, that this neighborhood proves how small can actually be quite mighty.
Listing Fast Facts:
Address: 4715 NE 18th Ave, Portland, OR 97211
Size: 2,576 square feet/3 bedroom/2 bath
List Date: 9/15/2022
List Price: $699,900
Listing Agent: Dulcinea Myers-Newcomb and Aryne Blumklotz, Living Room Realty