I am thrilled to start out the new year by helping Tessa and Hayley purchase their first home. After wrapping up their doctorate work and related training they decided to make Portland their home. Tessa is a professor at PSU and I was honored when one of her colleagues, a past client of mine, referred them my way. Tessa and Hayley shared with me their desire for privacy, and ideally a home that was perched among the trees. Portland has a handful of pockets that feature these types of homes, however they are by no means common. As luck would have it, we struck gold early when we discovered “Ormandy” in the first weeks of our search. After touring this contemporary southwest home for a second time, Hayley and Tessa were certain this was the place for them. It had some projects they were game to tackle, while giving them the bones and space to turn the key and settle in comfortably right away. I am grateful for their trust and confidence and feel lucky that my path has crossed theirs. I can’t wait to see them put their own touches on this great home!
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Tag: Bridlemile
Herbal Tea for Winter Wellness
As the leaves change and the weather cools, we bundle up and prepare for winter! Usually the winter months bring holiday stress, new germs from back to school, and the cold wet Portland weather we all know (and love?) This combo can bring colds and sickness into our winter months.
Herbal remedies like teas and tinctures can be a great way to fortify our immune systems before getting sick, or if you are already feeling under the weather a hot cup of tea is just the ticket! Try this blend full of vitamins and minerals that are perfect for combating the cold winter months ahead.
Winter Tea Blend:
1/2 cup dried red raspberry leaf
- Raspberry leaf is high in calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. It can also be helpful in reducing menstrual cramps.
1/4 -1/2 cup dried nettle
- Nettle has more chlorophyll than any other herb, and is high in vitamins A, C, D and potassium and iron. It can have a bit of a bitter taste, so feel free to reduce the amount down to 1/3 or 1/4 cup depending on your taste.
1/3 cup dried lemon balm
- Lemonbalm has antiviral properties, and adds a tasty element to our tea blend.
1/4 cup dried rosehips
- Rosehips are higher in vitamin C than even citrus fruit, and are also high in antioxidants
1/4 cup dried elderberry
- Various studies have shown that elderberry has an antiviral effect, and can help shorten and alleviate flu symptoms.
1/3 cup dried hibiscus flower
- Hibiscus is high in antioxidants and vitamin C, and adds a delicious tart flavor to the tea.
Combine all herbs in a large glass jar, and seal. When ready to drink, steep 2-3 tablespoons in hot water for 4-7 minutes. Enjoy on its own or with honey!
For all your herbal needs, stop by Dragon Herbarium in SW Portland! There you will find a wide selection of medicinal bulk herbs, culinary herbs and cooking spice blends, herbal tinctures, incense and essential oils, and gems and candles.
Southwest Hills Contemporary with Possibility!
7455 SW Canyon Drive
Portland, OR 97225
Nestled in the trees in Portland’s SW Hills, this 1970’s Contemporary features 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths & plenty of room for everyone! This modern is ready for you to take it to the next level & make it the PNW Contemporary of your dreams. Washington County taxes, Portland Public Schools! Bridlemile, West Sylvan & Lincoln. Natural landscape across a third of an acre, relax on the back patio, under the gazebo or in the pool & sauna house! Superb layout w/ all 5 beds on upper level. Main floor includes large bonus room, formal living, dining, plus a family room & extra dining area off the open kitchen! 2 car garage plus a shop area.
OFFERED AT $648,000
5 BEDROOM | 2.5 BATH | 3,442 sqft
Just Listed: NORTHWEST STYLE ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE
4440 SW HILLSIDE DR
PORTLAND, OREGON 97221
Designed by William Fletcher in 1965, inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s famed Farnsworth house and the International Style of architecture. This stunning home is a magnificent example of true, high end mid century modern architecture with a Pacific Northwest touch. Custom updates compliment the original architecture with Western Oregon Black Walnut cabinets and fireplace mantel, designer tile throughout, luxe master suite with heated marble slab floors and a walk-in closet. Beautifully appointed updates in the kitchen, dining and family rooms with built-ins and creative spaces throughout. Floor to ceiling windows connect the home to the lush forested surroundings and bathes the interior with natural light. Perched in the hills of the desirable Bridlemile neighborhood and minutes to downtown Portland.
OFFERED AT $1,145,000
3 BEDROOM | 2.5 BATH | 2,708 SQFT
MLS#19354992 | TAXES: $10,113 | WEBSITE
Marisa Swenson – Specializing in Modern Home Sales
971-285-7955
modernhomesportland.com
Buyer in Back-up Wins Bridlemile Beauty
The day I walked into this beautiful Bridlemile home, I knew it was meant for Jewelia. It checked all her boxes. The location is close to work, to family, and things to do. The home has all the features she was looking for too! It has a fireplace, sunken living room, three beds, two baths, and nice sized yard. I knew it wouldn’t be on the market long, so I texted her immediately to schedule a tour.
My instincts were right, Jewelia loved the home too. We made an offer right away and while it was a strong offer, we were outbid. The seller’s accepted the other one, but I explained to Jewelia what a Back-Up Offer is and we asked if we could be put in back-up position.
Jewelia asked me how often back-up offers move to first position and become accepted offers. Even though she loved the house, she didn’t want to get her hopes up in case the first sale went through. I can’t say for certain how many times this happens because the home never goes off the market and then back on, it’s hard to track that data. All I could do was share my personal experience.
What is a Back-Up Offer?
A back-up offer is when the seller has accepted an offer already, but is willing to put your offer in “back-up”. This means that if the first deal falls apart, then the seller will notify you, and your offer is immediately accepted, or put into “first position”. You can continue to look for homes in the meantime, and just request to be taken out of back-up if they find something else.
This is also beneficial to the seller because the house never goes back on the market and they don’t have to worry about losing interested buyers who are now wondering if there was something wrong with the house. Houses that go pending, then go back on the market often don’t sell for as much as if the first sale had gone through.
Buying My Own Home
When I bought my first home, we made an offer that was rejected. Later, we saw the house come back on the market and made an offer again. This time we were put in back-up position. We thought there was no way we’d get it, but about a week later we learned ours was in first position! The house needed lots of work which is why it’s previous deals failed. But, our agent was a skilled negotiator and we bought it with some credits to put towards repairs.
I hoped sharing my experience would help, and Jewelia was put in back-up. A week or so later, she learned that she was put in first position! She was thrilled, as was I, and we moved forward with the purchase. The home had been very well maintained and there was little to negotiate. The transaction moved forward smoothly, and Jewelia closed on her first home last week! She went from back-up to getting the keys in just over a month!
It all started when Jewelia walked into our Multnomah Village office one day. She was curious about buying her first home. She and I were connected and I am so grateful we were. Getting to know her and help her through this important purchase was a joy. I can’t wait to see how she makes this house her home. Congrats Jewelia!!!!