Tag: best real estate agent

Carly’s Clients!

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery
Leah Rutz was Carly’s client and I had the privilege to work with her briefly in the purchase of her condo. As Carly always did, she stayed in contact with thoughtful notes and timely calls and they became friends as often was the case with Carly.  When Leah called me to help with the sale of that same condo and the purchase of a new home that would accommodate herself and her partner, now both working from home, I was honored to be on the team.
To serve Carly’s people has always been a privilege AND fun, now more than ever it is an honor. I miss Carly and it is actually really nice to have someone to share stories with. It makes me feel closer to my friend. Carly loved her work and, maybe even more, she loved her clients. It feels good to care for Carly’s peeps.
Don’t you worry Carly, we’re here for you <3
From this beautiful Condo…
To this single family cutie in Irvington!

Awesome House, Awesome People.

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Hannah and Sasha are just plain awesome and therefore it makes sense that we got them into a truly awesome house. They gave me fair warning at the onset that they weren’t in a hurry and anticipated being very patient in their efforts to find the one. Lucky for them, that the awesome house they wanted showed up more quickly than anyone could have hoped.  Congratulations Hannah and Sasha!  I couldn’t be happier for you!

 

Just Listed: 425 NE 92nd Pl – Updated Montavilla Ranch

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery

UPDATED MONTAVILLA RANCH  $349,000

425 NE 92nd Pl Portland OR 97220

This well cared for home has so many recent updates!  All new kitchen and appliances,  flooring in kitchen and laundry,  hardwood flooring in living and bedrooms, updated bathroom, interior paint,  front and back door, electrical panel,  recently cleaned ducts and freshly serviced HVAC system!  This well laid out home has three bedrooms and a bath off of a generous hall.  The partially finished basement is an excellent flex space.  The open living + kitchen + dining area has direct access to the back yard through the kitchen, with the laundry room serving as the perfect mud room.  Cute back yard has chicken coop and garage; ready for all your gardening dreams and hobbies.   This property has two lots and it appears that you have the option to choose from two different school districts, PPS or David Douglas! One of the options is Cherry Park Elementary School which rates a 7 on the Great Schools Ratings.  Buyer to do their own due diligence.

3 bed | 1 bath | 1796 sq. ft.
MLS# 20658102 | Taxes: $3209.65 | Lot Size: .11 Acre

 

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery
Offer Deadline Today at 5 PM
426 NE 92nd Ave
Portland, OR 97215
Stylish Mid-Century Gem

This mid-century Montavilla home has a well laid out main floor with updated bathroom, cozy kitchen and light drenched front room complete with natural wood built-ins, fireplace and stylish wallpaper.  Direct access to a luscious back yard full of mature plants and edibles. Yard provides tidy areas to lounge and entertain at a distance and dreamy garden shed.  Surprising basement with light filled family room, storage, laundry and a workshop  One car garage and additional off street parking in the drive.
Offered at $399,000
MLS# 20014802 | SQFT: 1900
 3 Bedrooms | 1.1 Bathrooms
Year Built: 1954 | Tax: $4191.99
Take a tour from home!

SEAN O’FEERY
206-795-0703
Sean@livingroomre.com

Moving to Mt Bike Country!

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery

It is so exciting to see clients and friends’ lives progressing through the lens of working in Real Estate. I met Brandon while working at Plywerk, we got along well and when it came time for Brandon to buy his first home we got him a great place in Lents. The home is great, but on the ‘efficient’ size of things.

 

Recently, we met again at his home to set up a search for the ‘next’ home. Brandon now has a partner and the desire to get out of town to a home with a bit more room,  and within easy access to Mt Biking trails,  started to take a bigger priority.  We looked in all the little nooks and crannies within an hour of Portland and decided to come back to the first home we toured. Fortunately, this gem was still on the market.

 

On Monday Brandon and Brook turned the key to their new home in Sandy, OR just a few miles from the Sand Ridge Trail.

 

“Sandy Ridge is a must-ride area on an Oregon mountain biking road trip, or a great option for Portland based riders looking for fun downhill mountain bike trails.”
 
 
Next up will be the sale of the Lents home so keep your eye out and If you’re looking for a real estate professional, give me a call!

Just Listed: S. Albina Grand Dame with ADU!

Posted on by Erika George & Kari McGee

Stunning and historic foursquare craftsman home with permitted, leased basement ADU. Four floors of gorgeous living space with unpainted woodwork, custom built-ins, remodeled gourmet kitchen (circa 2011), formal entryway, third floor bonus space, lower level guest suite, and modern and bright 1-bed, 850 SF ADU with separate entrance. Check out our 3D Self-Guided Virtual Tour, Floor Plan Sketch or Property Website.

Upstairs:

The second floor houses the primary bedroom suite (with lovely city and bridge views), plus two additional large bedrooms and a second full bathroom.

Downstairs:

In the finished basement you will find a guest suite for use by the residents of the main home, plus a one-bedroom ADU (accessory dwelling unit) with separate exterior entrance, providing both income and flexibility! This Guest Suite rents on Air BnB for $75/night.

The ADU:

This modern and bright one-bedroom ADU rents for $1,400/mo. It has a separate exterior entrance and shares a laundry room with the guest suite next door.

Add to all this:

A finished room above the detached garage for all of your workshop, hobby, studio or storage needs.

Centrally Located:

In the South Albina neighborhood at the base of the lively Williams Corridor, this property is less than a mile walk to the Pearl District, half a mile to the Moda Center, or hop on the streetcar to jet where you need to get! PDX foodie favorites Pine Street Biscuits, Ex Novo and Sizzle Pie are just blocks away, and don’t miss the new food cart pod, Cartside PDX, two blocks south on N. Williams Ave!

Main house and guest suite are vacant and easy to show. ADU is tenant occupied (please do not disturb). Please text us for showing appointments!

Please follow COVID-19 Best Practices: wear masks, use gloves (provided), practice social distancing and please make use of our self-guided tour before showing!

Buying or Selling a Home: It Can Be Hard Sometimes

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery
Buying or selling a home can be hard sometimes.
When the stakes are high…
When emotions are involved…
When it is something as essential as your home…
When there aren’t a lot of homes on the market…
When the demand for quality homes is high…
Make sure you are working with an Agent that will honor this process and work with you to through the challenges.
Carly, my business partner, and I really do care for our clients and will take care of you from before the start to well after the finish line. Feel free to give me a call. I start and end with a commitment to service!

When you decide to buy a house together

Posted on by Living Room Realty

 

Sometimes buying a house together is just a breeze.  This was one of those times.  Kara and Nicole are one of those couples that works well together and were on the same page while shopping.  Looking to move out a little further for some more space, inside and outside, these two were open to a lot of options.  They settled on outer lents in a delightful little pocket neighborhood.

Kara was my very first client in 2013 and it has been great to watch her grow both personally and professionally and continue developing our friendship along the way.  These two caring, giving nurses brought masks to us and special treats specifically for me as I dealt with some health concerns.  It’s great to see them settle in a house that will allow for them to build their future family together.  It has been very rewarding to be part of that process. I can’t to see what the future holds for them!

When Should a New Homeowner Remodel, Now or Later?

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery

We got the house!!

Now what??

Gabe and Alana are wonderful thoughtful folks and new homeowners! Their new home is not new, in fact it is a beautiful 1915 craftsman. The home is truly wonderful, just steps to Multnomah Village with a beautiful yard and has been lovingly cared for and maintained. Here is the rub, the last remodel was just before the previous owners moved in… 30 years ago. They can, and want to, remodel but a question has been posed:
Do we move in and live in the home and let our plans for a remodel develop as we grow and know the home?
Or
Do we get started with the remodel based on design concepts and our known goals?
We’ve had a fair amount of discussion on the subject and for them, the jury is still out for the time being.
Here are the sticking points:
  • The issues of living in a home and living through the remodel with a young family
  • The idea of getting to know how the house lives and what becomes your priorities after being there for some time.  Does that knowledge and insight outweigh the inconvenience of living through a remodel?
I have only ever done significant remodel work on home before we moved in  because I can’t stand drywall dust, I repeat, I loath drywall dust.
I’m landing at – live in the house, make plans as they develop, plan for the work to be done with a trusted contractor and take a vacation or rent while it is being done.
Ha! If only we had a budget like that!!
Congratulations on your new home and I’m super excited to see what you make of it!!

Just Listed | Stylish Parkrose Home on Large Lot!

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery

 

 

11635 NE PRESCOTT
Portland, OR 97220

Offered at $379,900

MLS# 20594413 | SQFT: 2135

 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms

Year Built: 1947 | Tax: $3653.09

 

Open House on Saturday 1-3

 

This larger than it looks home is on the quiet end of Prescott. You’ll find a sunny front deck, cool back covered patio, fenced back yard and tool shed. Inside, this home has great details and will surprise you! Built ins, fireplace, bay window, upgraded kitchen, wood floors, open living area and excellent basement lounge/family rm. All bedrooms above grade. New roof, siding and windows in 2015. Come see it today!

 

 

Virtually tour this home right here!

SOLD : 8605 N Dana Ave.

Posted on by Leanne Bach

Received multiple offers and sold for over asking price!

This post-war era home was made for gatherings. Large living area with wood fireplace and huge open kitchen/dining area.

Two bedrooms on the main floor plus 2 bedrooms upstairs.

Freshly refinished oak floors down, new carpet up, fresh interior pain and large garage!

Like parks? This cutie sits smack dab in between Columbia and University Parks. Don’t like parks? Cool, stay within the confines of your fenced backyard!

Just Listed: Spacious, Bright Pier Park Home

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery

 

The health of our community is very important to us. Keeping agents, buyers and sellers safe is our top priority.  There is a video tour to experience this home from the comfort of yours via link at the bottom of this post. Private video walk-through tours can also be made available by request to thoroughly vet this home before an in-person tour. We will be offering a handwashing station at the home and will be utilizing Showing Time to ensure only one party is touring at a time. Please be safe out there!

Now to what you’re here for…

SPACIOUS, BRIGHT PIER PARK HOME  $449,000

8410 N Swenson St  
3 bed | 2.5 bath | 2097 sq. ft.
MLS# 20568277 | Taxes: $4371.11 | Lot Size: .13 Acre
Video Tour
High above the street, this newly painted St. Johns home has room to live. With a coveted open floor plan, warm, wide plank wood floors, and plenty of light, this home lives easy.  With all square footage above grade, all of the space is light and bright.
Open the French Doors from the kitchen to seamlessly expand your living space to the large covered deck and back yard. Fully fenced, private yard with raised beds, fire pit and shed for all your toys.
Don’t want your dirty self/pet/child/partner coming in from the yard through the French doors?  No problem! Come in from the back yard through the generous mud/half bath/laundry room and keep the mess contained.
Newly updated On-suite bedroom on main floor makes a great office, guest suite or whatever your heart desires.
Two spacious, airy bedrooms with lofts, bathroom and a bonus area upstairs make a great separate area for imagining, working, reading, fort building, indoor treehousing, storing or exercising.
Please see our video tour!
And more photos!

Buyer Protocol for House Showings During Pandemic

Posted on by Erika George & Kari McGee

House hunting during a pandemic? We get that the timing of your house purchase may not always be convenient.  Here’s our protocol for buyers to keep everyone safe and do our part to help #FlattenTheCurve.

Steps to buying a house in a World Pandemic

  1. Complete a “fully underwritten” pre-approval process with a lender (Call us if you need some recommendations!) or obtain proof of liquid cash funds.
    • Most sellers/listing agents are requiring a pre-approval letter or proof of liquid cash funds prior to scheduling an in-person showing of a home.
  2. View all virtual listing tools such as:
    • 3-D virtual tour.
    • Video.
    • Live stream virtual open house.
    • Photo slideshow.
    • Floor plan sketch.
    • Map.
  3. Do a drive-by of the property, and tour the neighborhood and nearby community amenities.
  4. Now call us to schedule an in-person showing. We will bring:
    • Gloves, hand sanitizer, and booties for you. We are asking that buyer clients please wear masks for in-person showings. We will be wearing masks too. Many people have sewn their own masks, or make an easy mask out of a cotton t-shirt and a paper towel. (See our HouseLovePDX Instagram account for a photo of Kari sporting that snazzy option!)
    • We are following the national mandates of no more than two people in the home at one time, and maintaining the social distance requirements of no less than six feet apart.
  5. Be prepared to write an offer “subject to interior inspection.”
    • That means you write an offer first, then go see the house in person when/if your offer is accepted. This practice has become more common for owner-occupied homes especially with at-risk or medically fragile owners.
  6. Offer accepted? Hurray! Here’s what to expect:
    • Expect your home inspection “wrap-up” to be done via technology. Most home inspectors will only inspect homes alone. They will generally FaceTime with you to discuss the findings of the inspection. We can make arrangements to get you in the home after the inspection so you can do a walk-through of the home with the findings in mind.
    • Expect there to be hurdles and delays. Lending guidelines are changing rapidly, which may mean some bobbing and weaving. Humor, flexibility and empathy all are important in this market to make it to closing!
    • Expect a LOT of Zoom calls with Erika and/or Kari! It really helps to see people’s faces – even on a screen.
  7. Closing!! Watch this video to see how we’re getting keys to buyers these days:

Just Listed – CULLY CAPE COD CUTIE

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery

IMPORTANT NOTICE

We care about the health of our community.

Keeping agents and clients safe is our top priority. We will be offering a hand washing station in this listing and ask that only one party is in the home at a time. We have left the house in a way that you should be able to minimize the need to touch or open anything during your viewing. Please take care and use your best judgment.

Thank you!

NOW TO WHAT YOU’RE HERE FOR…

 

CULLY CAPE COD CUTIE  $349,000

5133 NE 73rd Ave
Step into this story book cape cod with stylish updates. Tucked away on a quiet street on the east end of Cully. Come find a great home at the right price. Extra space abound with a fourth non-conforming bonus room, converted garage for extra living space, large mud/laundry room all on a wonderful large lot . Back yard provides all the garden options: raised beds, storage shed, edibles /native plantings and chicken coop! Steps to the new Tom Cully Park, Sacajawea Park with off leash dog area and running path, Kʰunamokwst Park and Gartners Meats. Close to restaurants on Cully Blvd and 42nd ave. Showings for Pre-Qualified buyers only. 
3 bed | 1 bath | 1451 sq. ft.
MLS# 20434144 | Taxes: $2991 | Lot Size: .17 Acre

Real Estate and Working During a Pandemic

Posted on by Julia Robertson

Real Estate & working during a Pandemic.

Real Estate must go on. Needless to say, it is critical to be cautious and considerate during a time like this. I have clients in contract that are buying homes and clients planning to sell in the coming weeks. Whereas business is not as usual, contract deadlines and negotiation are still critical.

My how quickly things have changed…

Two weeks ago I was meeting contractors, scheduling inspections, driving clients around for buyer tours, and running around town. Knowing that the first confirmed case in Oregon was announced, I was already using antibacterial spray after each handshake. I supplied my car with nitrile gloves, lysol wipes, and was introducing myself to contractors and unfamiliar agents with a “virtual” handshake. Call me a germaphobe, but besides this “virus”, I was really avoiding the nasty cold going around.

One week ago while attending an inspection, I had conversations about the virus with inspectors and clients. The common theme was “whats the big deal, it’s just a flu”. Most people were brushing it off. I’m not here to convince anyone otherwise, but I gave my two cents about being careful.

Here we are, and this week I’m reaching out to my clients stressing the pre-cautions we are now taking 1) as a company at Living Room Realty, 2) my own actions, and 3) what does this mean for you, my Dear Clients in your purchase or sale of real estate?

If you are searching for a real estate investment, or have a commercial real estate property for sale I recommend to visit https://www.williampitt.com/search/real-estate-sales/greenwich-ct/, they are experts to identify opportunities, mitigate risks and maximize returns. I’ve talked with new clients that plan to buy and sell real estate in the coming weeks.  I’ve talked some clients off a ledge, considering cancelling their pending sales contract because of the volatile stock market. I met with an appraiser, and gave him my elevator speech about how serious it is to be cautious. I had my nitrile gloves on, advised him to allow me to open doors, switch lights on/off, and that I would be sanitizing any surface he touched. When he realized how serious I was, he appeared both shocked and thankful.

How to do Real Estate in a time like this?

As a company, we at Living Room Realty are having conversations in real time, as the epidemic unfolds daily. We are pleading Brokers to step back for these next few weeks and practice social distancing. Only essential one on one meetings, virtual tours for new listings, and video tours for our buyer clients. Open Houses and Broker tours are… let’s face it, too risky. 

Buying a house?

I highly recommend to people looking to purchase a home, to consider the risks of attending open houses. Overall you may see these activities disappear in the coming weeks. Hire a Real Estate Broker to do the work for you! Lean in to technology and ask your agent to provide virtual tours.

Selling a house?

If you’re selling a home, hire a Real Estate Broker that embraces the advantages of technology- Matterport, virtual tours, “Live Open Houses”, killer professional photography, and digital marketing marketing marketing.

You’ll see in the coming months which Real Estate agents will provide these services and which will not provide at all(Ahem, discount Brokers). I, along with my colleagues at Living Room Realty can provide these advanced services. In fact, we already provided the ‘advanced services’. It’s an investment and we take quality marketing to heart. Everyone will continue house shopping and selling, but in an advanced and pre-cautionary way. Certainly cautious until the Pandemic is no longer a threat.

If you’re curious about buying or selling and want to take advantage of historically low mortgage interest rates, or need a real estate agent that ‘gets it’- contact me! We’ll get through this together and I’m here for you.

Virtual Hugs, Julia

Julia Robertson | Living Room Realty

Broker licensed in Oregon & Washington

541-505-1111 | julia@rebyjulia.com

Needle in a haystack

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery
A  condo that can be a home away from home with the potential to rent as an AirBnB.   Who does not want one of these?!? The problem is finding one. Sure you could do it with a single family home but that comes at a price, a price my Seattle residents/Portland hometown buyers did not have. The hunt was for a condo, or more specifically a HOA, that would be in the price range, be truly walkable, in a desirable location and allow for this specific type of rental. It is not hard to find an HOA that will allow for 30 day minimum rentals, but the true short term, the lucrative holy grail of 1 or 2 or 3 day AirBnB, that proved to be a challenge. But once it was found, we were on it. We zeroed in on a one bedroom unit facing Mississippi Ave on the third floor and locked it in at touch under the listing price- with 24 months of free parking. A tidy piece of negotiating, if I do say so myself.
Congratulations to Eden and Zach on your cash flowing home away from home here in your hometown. I could not be happier for you both!!
If you are looking for something special and want a focused & professional Real Estate Agent to bird dog for you, give me a call!

Classic Belmont Bungalow

Posted on by Erika George & Kari McGee

NEW BELMONT LISTING!

727 SE 48th Ave., Portland, OR 97215

You’ll love this classic PDX bungalow in the heart of SE Belmont! Versatile floor plan with three floors of gracious living space. Delightful front rooms with warm fir floors and unpainted woodwork. Master options on main and second floors, full bath on each floor, and lots of closet space and built-ins. Great ADU/Rental potential in the modern, bright basement; plumbed for kitchen or wet bar, with separate side entrance.

Private side yard perfect for pets and green thumbs. Short distances to Laurelhurst and Mt. Tabor parks, and the restaurants and shops of Belmont!

Don’t miss our kitchen remodel design package and 3-D tour!

OPEN SATURDAY February 8, from 1 – 3 p.m.
OFFERED AT: $565,000

3 bed | 3 baths | 2,248 SF

MLS# 19031823 | Taxes: $6,408

Country in the City!

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery

JUST LISTED

COUNTRY IN THE CITY  $329,000

13290 SW Pearl St Beaverton OR 97005

This cute and roomy ranch home on a large lot is located right in the heart of Beaverton but tucked away on a quiet undeveloped cul-de-sac. Floor to ceiling windows bring in natural light.  The yard boasts mature fruit trees, covered patio, firepit, chicken coop and a tool shed. The open floor plan has updated flooring,  lighting and a cozy fireplace.  This well laid out home fits in some great extras such as a bonus room with warm oak flooring, a laundry room, closet built-ins and a period perfect mid-century hutch. Close to the Beaverton Farmer’s market, downtown eateries and parks.  There is so much to love here at a price that fits just right!

 

3 bed | 1 bath | 1085 sq. ft.
MLS# 20649264 | Taxes: $3022 | Lot Size: .20 Acre
SEAN O’FEERY and CARLY VAN AART
Licensed Brokers in Oregon
206-795-0703
sean@livingroomre.com

 

We Wear Many Hats: Chapter 4

Posted on by Living Room Realty

From an outsider’s perspective a career in real estate can seem like a dream. With HGTV cranking out series after series depicting agents showing a few houses one day, a short montage of renovation and a happy family reveal, it makes it all look so easy. With it’s flexible schedule and theoretically enormous income, what’s not to love?! Well, as with any job, there is more to being a REALTOR® than meets the eye. A truly dedicated REALTOR®, in my mind, is far more than a salesperson. Although marketing and showing a home in it’s best light is indeed a much needed skill, a good REALTOR® is most importantly an advocate for their buyers and sellers and, as such, there is great depth to the job. All said and done, our work requires us to utilize a very diverse set of skills and this blog series lets you in on the nitty gritty of some of the less commonly acknowledged hats that we wear.

Real Estate Agent as a Marketing Guru:

Anyone that has ever shopped for houses online can tell you a story about the horrendous pictures they’ve seen of homes or if you’ve toured a few houses you know some pictures make a home look either better or worse than the reality of the home. These listings did not represent the home to the world in its best light. A good agent has an eye for how to make your house shine and will work hard to play up its best features and minimize any issues that could be objectionable.  A good agent also works hard to ensure that the home is seen by as many prospective buyers as possible. Holding open houses and making individual tours as easy as possible can go a long way to both help as many people see the house as possible, but also to build good will with the agent of a prospective buyer.   Maintaining a reputation as an outstanding agent is equally important to our success as is marketing on behalf of each client.  I find that often I will get opportunities both buying and selling homes because I am a full time dedicated agent with an agency that is highly respected.  Agents on the other side of a deal want to be sure the offer they are accepting is the real deal and my reputation as an agent and the quality of communication I bring can help bring strength to an offer.

Portland iBuyers: What Home Sellers Need to Know About Instant Offers

Posted on by Erika George & Kari McGee

You probably have heard the OpenDoor radio ads, or maybe you’ve seen Zillow’s “make me an offer” button and the resulting property sales in town. These cash offers are often referred to as “instant offers” and there’s a lot of buzz about how the real estate selling process may be changing as a result of these new players in the real estate industry. We break down the pros and cons of this new trend so you can understand what your options really are, and what makes the most sense for you when selling your home.

 

Exactly What is an iBuyer?

An “iBuyer” is a nickname that’s commonly used to describe an internet, or institutional real estate buyer. iBuyers are generally large national companies or pools of investors who have cash for real estate purchases and who offer quick and easy closings that you schedule at your convenience. You can close in 14 days, you can close in 90 days, or more – the choice is yours. If you choose to accept an offer from an iBuyer, generally this is the process to expect:

  • They will schedule a “property evaluation,” which is very similar to a traditional buyer inspection.
  • The iBuyer company may elect to adjust the sales price to reflect repairs they think will need to be made in order to sell the property on the open market, or hold the property as a rental investment.
  • Any requested repairs will be completed by the iBuyer company after closing so there will be no inconvenience to you if you agree to their reduced sale price.
  • You then have the choice to accept their revised offer and move on to closing, or cancel the sale.

 

What’s the Catch?

Sounds great, right? The iBuyer approach offers convenience, control and certainty, which – depending on market conditions – may be in short supply in a traditional real estate sale. So what’s the catch? Well, the catch is their fee structure.

According to research from real estate data firm Collateral Analytics, iBuyer options cost more in fees and result in a lower-priced sale than properties sold by traditional agents. Overall the total direct costs, ignoring repair credits, seem to run in the 13% -15% range depending on the iBuyer, versus the typical 5% to 9% combined seller and buyer costs with a traditional broker .

Of course there are many additional details to consider. Given your needs and your circumstances, paying a bit extra for the convenience of an iBuyer offer may actually save you money in the long run. Or your particular priorities may place a lower weight on your net sales price. The certainty of an upfront, known closing date and price may offer you some new options in terms of selling your existing home and buying your dream home, or even trading one property for another. These scenarios have been difficult to accomplish with a traditional “retail” sale in most real estate markets.

 

How We Can Help You

We are now certified iRep™ real estate agents. We are trained to solicit iBuyer offers for your property on your behalf. We then present you with a side-by-side comparison of the details of the various iBuyer offers you may receive, along with the details of a traditional real estate sale with us. Then you can decide what makes the most sense for you.

Like all buyers, iBuyers will only be interested in certain types of properties. However, our professional skills in property marketing, and our ability to see and highlight potential in most real estate properties, will absolutely yield you a higher offer from an iBuyer than if you were to do this yourself. Additionally, our training in completing an effective iBuyer analysis of your property should yield you a lower repair adjustment, which can be the difference between a successful instant cash offer and a disappointing one.

We would love to share our knowledge with you about these new developments in the Portland area real estate market. More iBuyer companies will be doing business in Portland starting in 2020, and that means more (potentially confusing!) options for sellers. Give us a call, or click here if you are contemplating a sale. We can help you make the most of your very important real estate asset by presenting ALL of the selling options available to you.

Hidden Gems

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery
Deep in South East Portland is a condo development that will surprise you, it’s called the Wade Park Estates.
This is going to sound like a sales pitch, but keep in mind I’m not currently selling a unit there. I have helped to sell one of the condos and just recently had clients purchase a home there.   I  have some recent, first hand experience with the HOA and the homes. This gem is in a location that you might not expect… at all. As you turn off one of the east sides main thoroughfares, Powell St, it quickly gets quiet and residential.  By the time you turn into the Wade Park Estates, you’re tucked away. It is a wooded area with condos that naturally blend in with the park like grounds. There are over 300 mature pine trees on site.
Every home either has a deck and an outdoor porch and all condos are generously sized.
The price point is usually in the low $200k and the HOA is strong with dues at about $500/mo.
If you’re looking to downsize or find a place to call home feel free to let me know. I’d love to share this little gem with you!!

Hunting for a Unicorn

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery
I love a good challenge and when Megan and Mali came to me with the goal of finding a family sized home, within their budget, with a half acre lot, in inner NE,  I knew I had a tiger by the tail. Fortunately, we had plenty of time.
We looked for about a year and a half and had some near misses but nothing really fit the bill until. A home in their target location, with a great layout, updated kitchen, play room downstairs and, get this, a .41 acre lot, all for a number within reach. We were on it right away and started to develop a plan to get the home and get good value.
Long story short, Megan and Mali got their keys last Friday and the house appraised over the negotiated sales price. So much winning!!
Congratulations to you and your growing family!
I am honored to have been a part of fulfilling this dream.
If you are looking for sincere representation with your Real Estate goals with your interest in heart and an agent that is patient and keeps a steady focus please reach out and let me know. I love a challenge!!

Be the Wolf – Be Like Chris

Posted on by Living Room Realty

My real estate partner, Chris Speth, has always reminded me of a character played by Harvey Keitel in the movie Pulp Fiction. That character is called “The Wolf”. Technically, the Wolf is a cleaner, which is a person that is brought in to fix a messy situation in a hurry. You call them to do the job that you personally don’t have the skills to do.  Cleaners are specialized people who remove incriminating evidence from a crime scene (usually one involving murder) in order to make the legal consequences of the crime go away. Cleaners flip a scene, shake things up, and transform a space so that it is whole again.  The house with stained carpet ✔ (taken care of), the house with the car that needs to be removed from the garage ✔ (hauled off), the filth and decay ✔ (bleach does the job), lastly, the multiple dump runs to clean the scene ✔ – done (by Chris personally- using his trailer).  Being a great REALTOR® is one thing, but being a combo ‘cleaner/realtor’ is something so incredibly special; it’s like having a bad-ass Tinker bell sitting on your shoulder protecting you at all times.

Elite cleaners, like my partner Chris, often work for agencies (government or boutique firms). You rarely hear about them because they are quiet and humble – stealth-like. You might hear a whisper about an event that ‘might have’ happened, but you will never know who cleaned it up because the cleaner never leaves a trail. Not only does he manage to get the job done, but he gets it done with grace and style. He’s the epitome of cool under pressure. Chris uses a checklist, and then he delivers. He doesn’t over-promise to his clients, nor is he cocky—instead; he surveys the scene, gets the facts and then confidently states what his plan is. Rather jumping-the-gun and diving in to the “the really messy parts”, Chris will often come up with a plan to delegate tasks. He understands that the goal can’t be met if he attempts to do it all himself, so he has a secretive team that he calls on: Clark, Jeff, and Jimmie often divvy up the work.

When all of the tasks are completed with the highest level of attention by the team members, the results can be extraordinary.  The key is to stay calm, cool, and collected throughout it all— and no one does this better than these guys.  The ‘situation’ that was once needing dire attention, is now cleaned up and transformed.

A Wolf understands that he must treat his help with encouraging words and celebrate all successful clean-ups at the Space Room.  Setting a holistic approach from the start of a clean-up, to consistently not loosing sight that whiskey is the perfect ending for all involved in the job. This assures everyone that the situation is under control. With a clink of glasses its done.  Cleaned, listed, ‘BOOM’ – Offer in the next day!

     The Wolf/Chris Check List:

  1. Introduce yourself to your new client
  2. Identify their needs
  3. Survey the scene
  4. Take notes – make a list
  5. Assess the situation
  6. Identify all of the shit that can go wrong
  7. Prioritize tasks
  8. Get to work and delegate if needed
  9. Always have a backup plan.  Always have a bag packed.

Craftsman Bungalow with Inspiring Architectural Details and Laurelhurst Schools!

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery

Own a piece of Portland history in this spacious and graceful craftsman bungalow with inspiring architectural detailing. The story goes that this home was built for the President of Providence Hospital.

This home features an expansive front porch, stately fireplace, robust craftsman woodwork, large living and dining room with outstanding parquet flooring. No space is wasted with built-ins throughout including a built in desk next to the fireplace.

Two bedrooms on the main floor and executive suite upstairs with on-suite bathroom, nursery/office with built-ins and walk in closet.

Home is set back from the street, has mature landscaping & lives quiet and serene. South facing deck and back yard provide sunny, private outdoor space.

Off street parking & tuck under garage are included.  The tall ceilings in full unfinished basement adds serious upswing potential for ADU, additional living space or garage space for all your collector cars.

All this AND coveted Laurelhurst K-8 and Grant HS. Walk score of 80 and bike score of 98!

Come see this house, it will surprise you!  

DREAMY WOODLAWN BUNGALOW

Posted on by Living Room Realty

This house is dialed! Complete remodel by Olson Design 2 years ago includes Pental quartz counters, stainless appliances, and high end cabinetry with custom walnut accents. Tiled shower & bathroom floors, cork floors on the main, and new roof & siding two years ago. Basement professionally waterproofed for additional living. Home Energy Score of 9! Entertain here or travel a few blocks to any of the Dekum Triangle hot spots; Coffee, Restaurants, and Breakside brewing await!

Working with someone who knows how to help you prepare your house for the market is a big piece of getting an offer quickly – in this case it only took 4 days for someone to fall in love and take the plunge.

Bike Score 90, Walk 84.

2br/1ba 470K MLS #19144732

 

 

Buying or Selling from Afar

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery
I find myself closing on another deal for clients that have purchased a home when they don’t live in Portland yet. This is not the first time, nor will it be the last time, that I  help a client buy or sell a home from out of town. I want to be an ambassador to this great city I call home. I welcome fine folks from all over to become home owners and get down with the good times here in Portland and sometimes, sadly, life takes you away from this beautiful city.

The relationships I develop with my clients are so important to me and I think the trust created in that relationship helps people feel comfortable with making decisions from afar.

What do I do to build that trust with a client?
1. I’m brutally honest: If there is a concern, I’ll voice it.
2. I don’t try to sell anyone a home they don’t want, it doesn’t work so I just don’t even try.
3. Service is job one, if you want to Skype or FaceTime through a home or a meeting let’s get it scheduled.
4. One of my core values is getting good value for my clients. Knowing neighborhoods and tracking sale prices is a must for me.

Here is a recent review from a client who sold their Portland home after they had moved back to the Bay Area:

“Sean sold our house while we were out of town!!! Because we hired him. He’s the most professional friendly person you could ask for. And he went beyond the call of duty getting our house ready to sell. We got over the asking price and could not be happier.”

David and Faith

Give me a call if you’re looking through the screen and want to find out more about buying or selling in the Portland area!

ADU Magic is in the air, reach out and grab it!

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery
We set out to find a small and stylish affordable home here in Portland area at a starter home price. There are, and were, a few really good options out there, but none of them had that spark the creates the excitement it takes to sign on the bottom line.
UNTIL!  She found a home that fit the bill with an ADU for just a little over $100k more then the original price point we were looking in. Now, I know not everyone can do this, but if you can afford to, the rewards are there. Her plan is to live in one and rent the other. If she wants more room at a later time, she can switch from the small house to the larger one. If she wants her family to live with her for a time, they can have her own house. The flexibility is such a huge value and the rental income offset means her payments are significantly less than the mortgage for the home we were looking for when we started out.
I am so proud to help with this purchase, it’s a big step ahead in the financial stability of a good friend.
As the owner of a home and ADU, I want to express the value and flexibility that comes with this form of home ownership. If you can qualify for the purchase, the rewards are enduring.
Call me if you’d like to own a little piece of your own magic!

It’s Funny How Life Changes…

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Over the course of a couple years Tiffany would casually reach out  with questions about a property here, a house there.  Perhaps only two or three properties in total. She had dreams of one day, someday, buying a house.  She wasn’t serious about moving from her cozy St. John’s condo in which she’d lived for over a decade. Her three closest friends lived in North Portland, and aside from a daily commute to West Linn, all was well in her housing world.

 

That changed quickly however, when, in the span of a few month,  those three friends moved away to Idaho, Vancouver and SE Portland. Although the first two locations were not viable options for Tiffany, SE Portland held great appeal, not only due to the proximity to her friend, but also on account of the drastically reduced commute time that it would guarantee. She had also, a year prior, adopted a sweet and energetic pup who longed to have a yard in which to frolic. Suddenly, Tiffany kicked her search into high gear and set out to find her own little plot in SE Portland.

 

Within a matter of weeks she identified a perfect little country house on which she placed an offer.  She won despite two other competing bids. Sadly, during inspections it was found that various pests had been gnawing on the post, floor joists, and general foundation components, compromising it’s structure. Luckily, these issues were identified in inspections and she was able to decide against taking on these issues and this house.

 

Tiffany moved on to discover an even better fit – a tidy bungalow in the Woodstock neighborhood in very close proximity to New Seasons and popular restaurants.  Although I was traveling when she found this gem, my fantastic business partner, Sean O’Feery,  was able to get her purchase underway! By the time I returned less than a week later, we were sailing quickly into inspections which turned out to be far less “buggy” than those that came before. We were able to immediately get to work preparing her cute condo to sell!  Congratulations Tiffany on your new home and the sale of your condo!

 

Hello Craftsman

Posted on by Living Room Realty

My dear friends, Klaudia and Trevor, scored this beautiful old craftsman in Piedmont. Having spent the past few years completely renovating their previous home they were very clear on what they were looking for when it came time to scale up. We saw a select few, and really lovely, properties over a couple of months but this beauty was the ultimate winner. Check out the detail on the original buffet, it’s swoon worthy. Congratulations you guys!

 

If you are interested in making a move to a gorgeous home, give me a call!

NEW BEAUMONT VILLAGE LISTING!

Posted on by Erika George & Kari McGee

4221 NE Beech St., Portland, OR 97213

This beautiful 4 bedroom, 3.1 bath home is chock-full of modern amenities. The main floor features gorgeous Acacia hardwood floors, formal entry, open living room, gourmet kitchen with island, light-filled formal dining room, powder room, and den with french doors and custom built-ins. The upstairs master suite is a peaceful retreat with tall coved ceilings, gas fireplace, large walk-in closet and deluxe bathroom. You’ll find two additional bedrooms upstairs next to an ample bathroom with two sinks for easy sharing, and a cheerful laundry room just where you need it! The finished basement boasts a guest suite and great room, which is plumbed for a second kitchen for great ADU potential. This bonus space has uncommonly high ceilings and will accommodate a wide variety of rumpus room needs! The inviting back deck is perfect for outdoor dining, with steps down to the fully fenced and beautifully landscaped yard and pool for outdoor living at its best. Mere blocks to Beaumont Village, Wilshire Park and Alberta Arts District. High home energy score of 7.

OPEN SATURDAY, May 11, from 1 – 4 p.m.

OFFERED AT: $959,900

4 bed | 3.1 bath | 3,434 sf

MLS# 19381740 | 5,280 SF Lot | Garage: 1 attached, oversized | Taxes: $8,111

Sweet success

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery
I met Jed and Jackie at an open house for one of my listings and we made a good connection. Although that was a great house, it was not the right time for them.  When they called and asked if I represent buyers, I was thrilled because they had stood out as a really fun and thoughtful couple on the hunt for a home.
We got the basics squared away with a great lender and started the looking at homes in earnest. We made a couple of offers on homes that could have been a good fit before we found the one!
It is a great home with lots of space, really more than they had considered in the past, but the price was right and we jumped on it. There were more than a dozen other offers made on the home, but with the combination of thoughtful buyers like Jed and Jackie and my skillful negotiation and good reputation working on their behalf we got it ‘into contract’.
I could not be happier for these two!
 
Thank you to Jed and Jackie for being rad, and inviting me to be your trusted advisor in the purchase of your first home!
If you would like genuine, focused and sincere representation in the sale or purchase of your home please call or email. Providing excellent service has been a long-standing source of pride.

So damn cute!

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery
Let’s be clear I’m not a big fan of the descriptor ‘cute’ but I just can’t stop it with this house, it’s so damn cute! Really simple, this St John’s, two bedroom, one bathroom, has nothing you don’t need and everything you’d want in a home. Jenny was the best buyer.  Everyone involved made mention of how organized, efficient and level headed she was in the purchase. Everything about this house and the process, including Eddie, the colleague that referred Jenny and the sellers agent, was a dream. Can I have 100 more just like this one, please?
Congratulations to Jenny on your dreamy little home!
If you would like genuine, focused and sincere representation in the sale or purchase of your home please call or email, providing excellent service has been a long-standing source of pride.

Portland Monthly Names Kari McGee a Five Star REALTOR®

Posted on by Erika George & Kari McGee

Portland Monthly has named Kari McGee, principal broker of the HouseLovePDX Team, a Five Star REALTOR®! Kari has received this award annually for seven years, making her a seven-time winner. Less than five percent of Portland REALTORS® receive this award.

Portland Monthly compiles a list of top REALTORS® each year to help consumers find the best local professionals. Criteria includes client feedback, and surveys of industry peers and professionals. This process helps ensure only the best REALTORS® make the list.

Kari has helped clients successfully navigate the evolving Portland real estate market since 2005. Kari originally hails from Salem, Oregon. After a globetrotting career focused on music and acting, she returned to Oregon in 2004. Her personal experience with relocating galvanized her belief that wherever you go, it’s crucial to connect in meaningful ways to a new home and new community. In 2005 she started her own business as a realtor, with the goal of helping people transition successfully to new neighborhoods and start their next chapter on solid ground.

In 2011 Kari joined the brokerage Living Room Realty and further developed her role as a relocation specialist who helps families get connected to Portland’s community and culture. As Kari’s business grew, she looked to her cousin and attorney, Erika George, to help meet the needs of her clients. Together, Kari and Erika formed HouseLovePDX, a REALTOR® team that draws on Erika’s 20 years of experience as a lawyer and Kari’s expertise in real estate.

To learn more about how Kari and Erika can help your goals become a reality, reach them for a free consultation and market analysis at karianderika@livingroomre.com or 971-322-6612.