A few years back, my buyers Sasha and Paul entered the Portland home buying market and found themselves awash in the real estate frenzy back when every house was getting 12 offers and nearly every half-way decent house was going for at least 10% over list. After losing out on several homes, the pressure was too much so they bowed out of their home buying adventure. Fast forward a few years and in a better place financially, they decided that for once and for all, they were going to buy a house. They were introduced to me by a dear mutual friend and we hit it off right from the start. After a couple of months of pulling together what they needed for a pre-approval, we started looking in earnest. Sasha and Paul checked out a lot of open houses, I showed them a few houses, and then in mid-April they stopped by an open house in Kenton. I went back to the house with them the following day, and while there, Sasha asked me if after you see a house if you can’t get it out of your  mind and then you start looking at Pinterest for design ideas does that mean you love the house? To which I emphatically responded, YES! That’s often what happens when you find the right house.

After seeing the house in person, it was easy to see why they fell in love. Upon opening the front door, you walk into the mid-century living room, and the entire south side of the house is wall to wall windows looking out onto the expansive yard- a double lot in fact. The stunning wall of windows connects the house interior to the backyard so seamlessly, that curling up into a chair next to the window feels like you are lounging in the backyard. Add in the mid-century style fireplace, re-styled and dialed kitchen, 3 good sized bedrooms upstairs and a full basement with 8’+ ceilings, and the house is a total 10. Unlike the last time Sasha and Paul went house hunting, there was only one other competing offer so they didn’t even have to offer that much above list price to get the house. The transaction was smooth as silk, and as soon as at the sellers move to their new home in a couple of weeks, Sasha and Paul and their family get to move in just in time to enjoy a glorious Portland summer in their new home.

57344 Hazen Road, Warren, OR 97053

This enduring classic invites you to enjoy gracious living in a unique rural setting! 2.79 acres in Warren, Oregon. The home features 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, den, sunny breakfast nook, charming built-ins, wood floor, reading nook, and spacious mud room with a soothing view out of every window. The expansive master suite is on the main level with soaking tub, walk-in closet and French doors to the inviting outdoor living space with landscaped patio, paths and raised garden beds. There’s room to play on the 2.79 acres with fenced back yard, fire pit, tire swing, play structure and RV parking. The light and bright 1500 SF shop has concrete floor, 12’ doors and an additional storage structure. An easy commute to Portland and conveniently located close to golf, water sports and fishing. Discover its serenity for yourself!

Offered at: $575,000

5 bed | 2 bath | 3,468 sq. ft.
MLS# 18288831 | Taxes: $5,475.17 | Lot Size: 2.79 Acre

$584,900  5 Bedroom 3.5 Bathroom  3238sqft Built in 1991  rmls#18281539

Located on a well landscaped 1/2 acre private lot! This home shows pride of ownership with attention to detail. Amenities include: Fresh paint throughout, newer roof, two master suites on opposite sides of the house and both with walk-in closets, one with a wood burning fireplace, spa like bathrooms, large kitchen, two laundry rooms, great for possible multi-generational living, high-tech light switches, CAT 5e wired and wi-fi networking throughout, wonderful deck for entertaining, cute 24 X 16 storage barn, plenty of room for gardening, RVs and much more.

Scott Cotrell 503-679-6879

is Truly Meant to be…

Sometimes real estate is a wild ride! Sometimes you need to trust it will all work out. Rebecca and Josh are in the home that was truly meant to be for them, but it was not exactly smooth sailing getting there. Relocating from across the country can be really stressful. So can having to sell in order to buy your next place. Put that all together and add in a couple more dominoes, with layers of people with contingencies, and it can be a real powder keg.

Hold Out for the right house

Perseverance and luck prevailed in this real estate drama. The house in Georgia sold in a heart beat right before the house hunting trip to Portland. It seemed perfectly aligned. Portland’s tough spring market was pretty barren though and Josh and Rebecca faced heading back to prepare for the move west with no place to call home or making an offer on a make-do house. I never want to see clients buy the wrong property. Holding out hope till the last day of the visit, we were eyeballing new activity and, lo and behold, their dream home in the Hawthorne area popped up. Miraculously, the seller accepted their offer as they flew east to pack up for the big move.

They made it through the discoveries of a party sewer line, an abandoned oil tank and all the old house stuff, ready to be the new owners of this 112 year old classic. Delighted, the sellers went on to find their dream home in Washington state. Those sellers also made plans for their next home.  A serious line-up of contingencies. And then the big bummer happened… the Georgia buyers lost their financing and the dominoes began to topple. The folks up the chain could not extend. It was disappointing to say the least. The back up buyers took their place.

At home in Hawthorne

And then at break neck speed things changed again. The back up buyers weren’t on board with their inspection findings. A new offer, better than the first one, was accepted on the Georgia home. A little real estate miracle – from sale fail, to sold again in a matter of two or three days.

All the dust has settled; the move is complete. And, now, no more drama… peaceful summer days await this charmed family in their charming house and sweet yard. This was one for the real estate memoir.

I started working with Matthew and Carin in February of 2017 when we met to discuss listing their home in Arbor Lodge and then buying a new home. As we prepared their old  home to list, we started looking at homes reconnaissance style to get a sense of what was out there in the neighborhoods they were looking to buy in their price range. Once their home was listed in late April, they started their hunt in earnest. They had some very specific requirements relating to location and layout of the home, including the need to have a studio space separate from the house, the ability to have a separate bed/bath to be used as a short term rental and for visiting family, to be within a couple of school boundaries, had to have a foundation built like a tank, but most of all they really wanted as much yard as possible with as much dirt as possible for building a garden of Eden. Carin makes the best dill pickles you’ve ever tasted, so having room to grow those cucumbers was something I full heartedly supported. Last summer, they found a couple of homes they wrote offers on, but were outbid, and they found another home they thought they liked, had an offer accepted on, but when it came down to it, that house just didn’t sing to them. After their Arbor Lodge home sold, their buyers thankfully gave them a long rent back, but unfortunately Carin and Matthew didn’t find the right house, so they made the decision to find a rental. If seller/buyers are willing to move into a temporary place in between the sell and buy, it takes a huge stress weight off shoulders because then as buyers, they don’t feel like they have to buy something just because they don’t want to move into temporary housing.

Once they moved into the safety net of a temporary rental, that feeling of having to move right that minute eased. Of course they wanted to move, but given their chosen list of narrow requirements, not a lot of properties fit that bill. We looked at a lot of homes over a period of 12 months, while a number of them were close, none of them hit that sweet spot and the search began to feel like a hunt for the needle in the haystack. As these things tend to happen, I went on vacation over spring break, and dontcha know it? They found their house! One of my fabulous colleagues was watching my business while I was away and after my Carin and Matthew saw it, both they and my colleague were texting me with the unbelievable news- the magical unicorn was located. It seemed too good to be true, but after visiting the house a second time, Carin and Matthew were head over heels in love. They put their best foot forward and wrote as high as they could go with as generous terms as possible. Thankfully they found that rare seller who was more interested in selling the home to the right people, than selling to the highest bidder. You hear about the buyers offer letter working, and in this case, that was as true as can be as the other offer received was for quite a bit more. And thankfully the home was a late 1940’s solid as a rock build, with every possible update that one could possibly even think to do. The inspection was one of the absolute cleanest ones I’ve ever seen- with the worst thing being some electrical wire not in conduit in the basement. Carin and Matthew were more than happy to accept the home with no repairs or credits, and after a solid year of house hunting nearly every week, they closed on their dream home, and I’m looking forward to my jar of pickles in late summer.

Three years ago I met with Jacob and Martha to talk about selling their sweet little 880 sf ranchalow in SE and buying a bigger home for their growing family. At that time, they had 2 kids and were anticipating that as their little one grew bigger, they were going to need a bigger home.  They are avid gardeners and urban farm folks with chickens roaming their nearly a quarter acre lot directly across the street from Brentwood Park. Having a large yard was something they knew they wanted in their next house, but given how few large lots are in closer-in SE, they settled on the idea of being ok with a smaller yard in exchange for a larger house. They prepped their home for listing, got pre-approved and we set about finding them a new home. After getting beat out multiple times by cash offers, they decided to put the brakes on the whole endeavor. And then along came their third child.  And their house got even smaller. We stayed in touch and every now and then they would pop up to inquire about a house they had seen, or to ask questions about their home’s value. A couple of months ago we bumped into each other at a pullet day at a local farm/garden supply store. They mentioned they were still thinking about options on their house and were considering adding on and still thinking about maybe moving. Seeing as we were both there to add to our mutual chicken flocks, their family and my family each adopted 2 chickens, including a pair of sister Barred Rock chickens- they took one and we took the other.

One of my real estate super powers/obsession is my constant checking of all listings in all price ranges in all areas I work, even if I don’t have buyers currently looking in specific areas. On Friday, March 16th, a listing for a gorgeous 1920 large bungalow popped up in the Ardenwald neighborhood in Milwaukie. With three bedrooms and one bath upstairs, and a fourth bedroom, beautiful living room and dining room with built-ins and fireplace, and large kitchen on the  main floor, plus a full mainly finished basement, it seemed like a great catch for someone. As I looked at the listing a little closer, I had to do a double take because the lot size was listed at .4- nearly a 1/2 acre. It almost seemed too good to be true, and visions of Jacob and Martha’s family happily living it up in that house and yard danced in my brain. I sent them the listing noting that if it piqued their interest, to let me know. Within 1/2 hour of my sending the listing over to them, I got a response of YES- they were definitely interested. Seeing as they were not in the market to make a move, they didn’t have a recent pre-approval letter, so they managed to get all of their documents to the lender that day for a pre-approval. On Saturday morning we met at the house and it was even more glorious in person as it was in the listing. And that yard- the whole back of the house looks over onto the yard that just goes, and goes, and goes. It’s so vast that unless a homeowner want’s to spend a full day mowing the lawn, a full size ride-on mower is going to probably make it’s way to the property. Full of fruit trees, overgrown gardens, and open space beyond measure, for urban farmer types like Jacob and Martha, it couldn’t be dreamier. And the house and yard sit at the top of a hill, so both house and yard have lovely views of the west hills.

They had fallen head over heels in love with this house, and enough so to really push hard to get the house. They stopped back in at the open house on Sunday, and were able to meet with and chat with the listing agent. It was definitely underpriced given the size, charm, condition and lot size, and accordingly it received 5 offers, all well over list, within the first 3 days of being on the market. I kept in touch with the listing agent over the weekend, and explained to her how perfect it would be for Jacob and Martha’s family, and how this was the house they had been waiting for for three years. Between my buyers letter, their meeting the listing agent at the open house, and my making a case for how great my buyers were and how perfect this house was for them, the seller fell in love with my buyers through their letter and my story and really wanted to sell to Jacob and Martha. With a few nudges and an addendum increasing their offer amount, their offer rose to the cream of the top, and 5 and 1/2 half weeks from the day they saw the house, I handed them the keys to their new life.

They will be moving in this weekend and in two weeks I will list their beloved little ranchalow in SE. First order of business though will be building a new chicken coop and run as the one they have at their ranchalow isn’t going anywhere. By the time their ranchalow sells, their backyard flock, including one of my chickens sister, will have a landing pad in what’s probably the nicest house with the biggest yard in that part of town. Quite the epic three year journey, but given how special this Milwaukie house is, I know it’s all been worth it.

Classic Portland Duplex in the heart of the SE Hawthorne District

1229 SE 36th Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Super cool shared backyard with a generous patio area complete with a party hot tub and cascading fountain, pool house with a full bathroom and changing room and a beautifully landscaped private courtyard area.   This is an entertainer’s paradise!

As you enter from the covered porch you step into a shared entry area with hardwood floors and staircase to the upper unit, with a stain glass detail window adding a pop of color to the space. The main level unit has a formal living room with an updated kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances and easy access to the shared backyard. The upstairs unit features vaulted ceilings, an abundance of natural light, office/flex space, bedroom, living room and kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Enjoy a private balcony ideal for enjoying the warmer
weather.

When Justin and Virinia met a few years ago, Virinia was living in a perfect little place in Sellwood and while living there, they both grew to love the neighborhood. For a lot of folks, Sellwood feels like the yesteryear small town where everyone knows everyone on the block, the sun shines a little brighter, and the grass grows a little greener. After getting married, they moved to an apartment off Hawthorne,with the goal of one day moving back to Sellwood in a home of their own.

After being referred to me from some wonderful past clients, we met at a local coffee shop and three weeks later they had an accepted offer on a 3 bed 2 bath old bungalow in Sellwood. A huge part of why they wanted to purchase in Sellwood was to be a part of a close-knit community, and during their home inspection, we discovered that the local elementary school bus stops right in front of their house, so twice a day, all of the kids from the surrounding blocks and their parents gather in front of the house. Now for some folks, this might be a little much, but for Virinia and Justin this is exactly the kind of place they were looking for. The way the house sits on the lot, the sunny yard is mainly in front of the house surrounded by a white picket fence. Between the elementary bus stop in front of the house and the big sunny front yard, with summer approaching, their desire to really be engaged and immersed in their new neighborhood should be a slam dunk.

132 NE Ainsworth Street, PORTLAND, OR 97211

Own a piece of architectural history with this immaculately preserved 1909 A H Faber Prairie Style Craftsman!

Faber, the home’s notable architect, was best-known for his liberal experimentation with materials and techniques. Continually searching for ways to use local stone in his designs, you can definitely see his hand in this home.

Features of this ultra-desirable property include original woodwork in the main rooms, coffered ceilings and an ashlar stone fireplace surround with framed original artwork. As well as ashlar Phoenix Sandstone walls, Povey Brothers stained glass in the stairway, tripartite wooden columns flanking the entry to the coat closet, and a curved wooden banister. 

The third floor billiard room comes with its original raised detail fresco on all four sides of the ceiling, and the awning windows in the ballroom have Craftsman “nine-pane” muntins. Other highlighted architectural details include bellcast roofs on the house, dormers and porch, leaded glass in the entry, and a rough cut stone chimney with crenellated chimney cap. The attached garage features a 1 bedroom / 1 bath ADU on the second level.

Along with this stunning, masterpiece of a home is a beautiful outdoor area with multiple outdoor seating options for dining al fresco and entertaining.

OFFERED AT: $999,900

5 BED | 3.5 BATH | 5,100 SQ. FT.
MLS# 18198782 | TAXES: $9,265

One and done..

After taking some time to evaluate his real needs in a home, Brian was ready to start the hunt. We set out with realistic goals and an open mind. Brian went all in on the first house we toured… And is now the proud owner of an amazing home in Roseway. Way to go Brian!

Jessica + Karim, REALTORS® + Home Finders

6923 N NEWCASTLE AVENUE, PORTLAND OR 97217

4 BED | 2.5 BATH | 2,668 SQFT
MLS# 18445641 | Taxes $7,823
OFFERED AT $649,900

One owner Arbor Lodge 2010 built Old-Portland-style home. Meticulously maintained, rock-solid built & energy efficient. Extras include; walk-in kitchen pantry, office/bedroom with built-in desk & bookcase, 7’x6′ laundry room up, front & back covered porches, custom window coverings, en-suite bath with walk-in closet. Old Portland layout with modern/open kitchen/family room that connects nicely with the back yard. This home has it all!

7518 SE 30th Avenue, Portland OR 97202

Bedrooms: 4 | Bathrooms: 4 | Square feet: 2,995 sqft
MLS# 18031581 | Taxes: $13,291.19 | Year built: 1927

Classic Eastmoreland Tudor imbued with modern flair. So much to love. This super deal makes your fairy tale home a reality. Move right in, or deck the house out with more upgrades and you’ll have a million dollar home.

On a hard to find double lot, this incredible home wows from the moment you step through the arched door to the entry and are greeted by the open staircase. The built-in shelf and sweet octagonal window make a charming place to land and stow your stuff.

Take in the abundance of original casement windows and gorgeous fireplace with a gas log, making enjoying a cozy fire a breeze. The formal dining room, open to the kitchen, and the sun room, marrying the indoors with the outdoors, make this a perfect place for entertaining.

The spacious, bright kitchen features high end stainless steel appliances, including a 6-burner Dacor range and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. Don’t miss the appliance garage and laundry chute and the walk-in pantry is the perfect place to put up pickles and jam, or stock up on sale items.

Find space for everyone in this rare 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom floor plan, or merge two baths to make a roomier central bathroom in the future. Upstairs you will find three large bedrooms, including two master suites; one original, the other added later with a sitting room and bath with a steam shower. Built-ins and features galore make these rooms feel personal and stately.

A fully finished basement provides additional space to play and relax, featuring recessed lighting and vinyl plank flooring. The family/game room and large fourth bedroom (with egress) have built-in bookshelves. There is plenty of storage in the laundry room and under the stairs.

Even more amenities await you outside. Play ball on the fenced sport court, host a summer BBQ, watch the kids scramble around on the play structure and climb the big tree.

Central air conditioning, hot water heat in most of the house, solid mechanical systems and 2-car garage + extra parking complete the package!

HISTORIC + RESTORED PIEDMONT CRAFTSMAN 

5616 N Commercial Ave. Portland, OR 97217

Offered at $749,900

4 beds | 2 bath | 3,677  sq ft
MLS#18532562 | Taxes: $ 5, 775.28 | Year Built: 1913

Click here to visit this home online!

If you are interested in viewing this home, please contact Jennifer at 503-784-2204 or Eldridge at 503-926-2929. You can also visit our website at www.jennifer-johnston.com

Remember the song Anticipation? Carly Simon sang it, then it became a jingle for Heinz ketchup – all about waiting when something is worth the wait. Well that is certainly what these folks have been doing – in contract for the past 4 months!

Jenny and Marcus absolutely loved this superbly remodeled Queen Anne Victorian, but it wasn’t quite big enough for their family’s needs. We were encouraged to make an offer contingent upon getting permission for an addition. As this is in a historic neighborhood, this proved to be challenging. After 3.5 months it proved to be impossible – no addition, no way, no how. So we started to terminate the purchase. Bummer!

But wait – they really did love the house, and didn’t want to walk away. The Seller really wanted to simply be done. So we figured out a path forward involving some additional negotiating on terms, and ultimately closing. Whew!