The Runner Up, Irvington

The One I Didn’t Get

In the summer of 2010, I had been working as an internal consultant for sales and marketing at a major pharmaceutical company. The next role for me within the company was to be a District Sales Manager. It had been a goal of mine for several years. I had taken on roles and jobs within that company over the course of five years in order to prepare myself for that sales manager job.

That summer I applied to five different sales manager positions within the company that would have moved me from the middle of the country back to one of many great cities on a coast, which I desperately wanted. Two of the positions, I was able to get a live interview for, which was a big deal. I thought one of my strengths was actually in face to face communication. It turns out, when you work for a great company in their sales and marketing department, there are many other people who share that same great strength. I did not get offered any of those positions that summer, although I heard I was the second choice for one of them. Which turns out, really doesn’t matter.

I was coming to the end of my 3 year assignment in the consultant role, and wasn’t willing to take on another role within the company. So I left. My #1 job didn’t pan out, so I went for my #2. I left the company, and the middle of the country, and started up my runner-up career. That was in real estate in Portland, Oregon.

The Runner Up House

Sometime getting your #1 house is a little like that. Your #1 doesn’t pan out, so you’re going for the runner up. That’s happening quite a bit right now. Many houses are getting multiple offers, and there’s only one person or family that’s getting that house. Often that means there are more disappointed than delighted buyers.

Or sometimes the #1 house isn’t what you thought it would be when you actually walk through it. There is only so much pictures, and even a video tour can convey. I have had several clients buy a property sight-unseen, and it’s worked out very well. In a competitive real estate market, sometimes that’s going to be the best option for getting a house that checks all of the boxes. And there are ways and strategies to mitigate that risk. But there is no replacing being inside the house and seeing it for yourself.

For my most recent out-of state buyers, their runner up house became their #1 house. Fortunately, on their trip to Portland to see the one they thought they wanted, we saw a couple others. This Irvington house was one of them, and is now the place they call home. Unsurprisingly, this house was the right choice for them, and I think this career was the right one for me too.

This restored beauty in Laurelhurst commanded multiple offers well over $1M. Check it out here.

Hood River or Bust…or Cully

 

Kyle and Angelique set out to find a unique home, one where they could get out of the city, and also set up their business. Hood River was calling their names. As designers, they had helped design a couple commercial building spaces in the city, so they had a chance to explore it pretty well. They also have a sailboat, so quick jaunts to the river sounded pretty appealing. Not to mention the idea of having a little more yard than what you typically find in Portland.

After a long search they found a great little house in Hood River that didn’t meet all of their needs, but enough. They went for it, and it didn’t work out. Someone else had gotten to it first. So, they kept looking.

That’s when they came across a unique property in Cully. It was on almost 1/2 an acre and it had an 1800 SF shop, which inadvertently was larger than the house. They started imagining what they could do with all of that space. Setting up their design business from there, and having plenty of other space to do what they wanted. Wanting a big yard and garden, they found they had plenty of room for it. And it was already full of well cared for pear and plum trees, grape vines, asparagus, and marionberries.

What struck me about this place for them was that they found something they didn’t fully know they were looking for, and in Cully, where they hadn’t really been looking. Their lives have been in Portland for many years, and they thought they were ready to venture out. They could have done that very easily. But instead they found a place to grow into, right in the city they already loved. They’re also still having a great time figuring out what to do with all of that shop space.

OUR ADU DREAM TEAM REVEALED!

You’re ready to add an ADU to your property, but where to begin? We have assembled a top-notch group of professionals, in order of who to call, to help guide you through the process. Why these folks? They are experts in their field who focus on creative solutions for you. Get your ideas ready, take a look at our list below, and call us today!

  1. Aryne + Dulcinea, Real Estate Brokers + ADU Specialists—Aryne or Dulcinea will come to your home to discuss your ADU goals, value, and what is possible for your property. Contact Aryne + Dulcinea at aryneanddulcinea.com
  2. Melissa Wright—Short term rental expert and consultant, strpermit.com
  3. Hillary Seiler—Lender Umpqua Bank—she has several programs to help with financing including ADU loans and construction loans.  www.umpquabank.com/hillary-seiler
  4. Lucas Gray-Propel Studio—He will help you create a design that works best for your space and goals, www.propelstudio.com/lucas-gray
  5. Taylor-Smith Construction—Contractors who specialize in ADU construction, taylorsmithsc.com

Look for our January 2020 DIY Developer class, coming soon, to meet these folks in person!

 

About Us:
Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

Just Listed: Designer Dream Home in Lake Oswego

16039 Bonaire Ave

Lake Oswego, OR 97035


This designer dream home is truly one of a kind. The interior, designed by Jasmine Vaughan of Maxwell Gray Interiors, features artisan Clé tile, Cedar & Moss light fixtures, wide plank oak floors and aged brass hardware.
The gourmet kitchen features an oversized butcher block island, extensive midnight grey cabinetry, quartz countertops and wide plank open shelving. Artisan designed Clé tile adorns the backsplash and hood vent.  A butler’s pantry connects the space to the dining room and serves as the perfect bar with additional storage.
Relax in the large open family room complete with a gas fire place, built in cabinets and a wall of windows to the lush backyard.  With two spacious dining areas there is ample room for entertaining guests.
Upstairs you’ll find a master suite with a luxurious bath including separate vanities, double walk in closets and a large tiled shower. Two additional bedrooms with hardwood floors and walk in closets are steps away while down the hall are a bonus room, full bathroom with double sinks and a laundry room with plenty of storage.
Step outside to the covered paver patio, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or evening meal. The spacious yard is thoughtfully landscaped and fully fenced. Walking distance to nearby parks, restaurants, grocery stores and much more!

OFFERED AT $979,900

4 BEDROOM | 3 BATH | 3,308 SQFT
MLS#19328661  | TAXES: $10,132.87

 

A Canvas for Creativity

House hunting with designer clients is just about as fun as it gets. These two architects with strong artistic vision and building expertise knew right where they wanted to be, they just needed to find the canvas for their creativity. Fortunately for these buyers the sweetest little cottage was just waiting for them in a pocket where so many great north and northeast Portland neighborhoods converge. Wood floors, cozy corners, bright windows, a big backyard and a designer’s shop are primed for their new ideas. We’re so excited to see how they make their dreams come true!

About Us:
Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.