Heidi’s Exciting Journey to Purchasing a Rental Property in SE
Heidi was referred to us by a good friend whom we’ve been working with over the years in building their real estate investment portfolio. She approached us with the goal of buying a rental property with her parents. They were in the process of selling their out-of-state rental and wanted to reinvest closer to Heidi, who would take over managing the new investment. That way, they can continue to invest, but have Heidi as their boots on the ground watching over it. Initially, they were considering condos and townhouses, but we kept things open and Heidi ended up being drawn to single-family homes. It just felt right.
After several weeks of searching and becoming familiar with the market, the sale of their out of state rental closed, and they were ready to dive into writing offers in Portland! The timing was perfect. That same week, a beautifully renovated mid-century house in Close in SE hit the market, capturing Heidi’s heart. After careful consideration and discussions with her parents, they decided to make an offer on this perfect property.
Timing was crucial as they faced competition. Although they had the first offer in, another offer quickly followed. To secure the property, we had to be competitive and creative with their offer. In the end, our efforts paid off, and they successfully got the property under contract!
Throughout the inspection period, everything went smoothly, further cementing Heidi’s excitement and confidence in her decision. The transaction progressed seamlessly all the way up to closing. Heidi and her parents were overjoyed with their new property, seeing it as a significant step in their investment journey. Their dedication and trust, combined with our expertise, made this journey an exciting and rewarding experience for all of us! We celebrate Heidi’s achievement and wish her, along with her parents many fruitful years ahead!
Where to get your (plant-based) munch on, broken down by quadrant: Part #2
We’re so excited to continue the Rose City tour with highlights from the Southeast – which is home to some of our top picks in all of Portland!
Known popularly for its cool & trendy vibe, you could certainly wander through the neighborhoods and discover any number of hip gastropubs and vegan delights. But if you want to live and eat like a local, read on for our personal recommendations and a couple of hidden gems!
We would be remiss if we did not give a special shoutout to Belmont Street. A lot may have changed since our Beloved Belmont post in 2019, but only for the better as it has become a veritable oasis of plant based culinary treasures!
What do they offer? The first fully vegan Italian restaurant since Portobello closed in 2016, Lilla is the creation of Indian-American chef Sanjay Chandrasekaran. Popularly known for his restaurant The Sudra (see Part 1 of the tour!), Chef Chandrasekaran prepares mouth-watering vegan temptations.
What do they value? Lilla is located in the spot where vegan Middle Eastern restaurant Tiny Aviv once sat. When Tiny Aviv closed, Chandrasekaran decided to continue the lease with a new concept, and Lilla was born! You can find the best Italian-style comfort foods, all while enjoying the fact that they are plant based and cruelty-free!
What do they offer? Fully plant-based menu (plus brunch!) in casual atmosphere with counter service.
What do they value? Mirisata is proud to be worker-owned. They do not have a traditional “head chef” but instead collaborate on every dish to make original creations! Loosely translated from Sinhala, the name means “spicy curry” – and while not everything on their menu is spicy, you can be sure each item will be packed with flavor!
Our favs? First of all, prepare yourself for HUGE portion sizes! Our lunch there lasted all week, and Kendall took some to her non-vegan parents – they loved it! You have to try the Dolphin-style Kottu and Polos Cutlets.
What do they offer? Feel-good Japanese homestyle favorites that hit the spot!
What do they value? Obon owners Humiko Hozumi and Jason Duffany started their vegan concept by selling in farmers markets, then to the Morrison Market food hall, and finally to their brick and mortar location! Homestyle food is very important to them, with lots of house-made fermented foods and broths inspired by Hozumi’s family recipes.
Our favs? Hands-down, the Kakiage and the Kenchinjiru! They even have FREE dog sushi!
What do they offer? Small-batch, ethically-sourced vegan cashew cheeses.
What do they value? From their website: Cultured Kindness conducts business as a socially responsible member of its community. Their mission is to spread ethical veganism by removing the obstacles that prevent people from choosing a vegan lifestyle. They believe that veganism is better for the planet, for individual health, and most certainly for the animals who suffer in the dairy industry.
Our favs? Cultured Kindness recently catered a Broker’s Open for us. We love the Mushroom Melt, as well as their cheese and cracker boards!
What do they offer? 100% plant based pan-Asian food and inspired cocktails, with a menu that rotates seasonally. Nan and Prae are from southern Thailand, and draw inspiration from the region. (Norah’s sister restaurant is vegan-friendly Mestizo!)
What do they value? Norah is woman-owned. “The name Norah refers to a traditional dance reserved for celebrations and community gatherings in Southern Thailand where Nan and Prae grew up. The dance is a symbol of community vitality. We hope to bring that same energy of togetherness to the food we serve.”
Our fav? The Cauliflower Curry is INCREDIBLE! (roasted cauliflower, house curry & pickles, jasmine rice)
What do they offer? An amazing concept, combining café and wholesale bakery – you can stop in to have goodies made fresh daily, OR buy their treats wholesale to sell in your own establishment! Click here to see all of the locations that proudly sell Shoofly products!
What do they value? It’s really important to Shoofly to use as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. You can be assured that their treats are made IN Portland, and with love!
What do they offer? As the name might suggest, Cutiee Buys is a super cute convenience and grocery story…that’s ALL vegan! Next door at the iconic Coffee Beer, you’ll find…you guessed it…a selection of coffee and beer and plenty of tables indoors and outdoors to chat or simply relax.
What do they value? They value cuteness and kindness, and want everyone to feel welcome!
Unicorn Bake Shop — Delightful treats, always delicious and often *sparkly*
Eat, drink, and be ethically merry!
**At 8 years old, I had a revelation that animals meant too much to me to eat….then one day, I lost my vegetarian way. Years later, as I learned more about the planet and her inhabitants, I realized that, just as I avoid fossil fuels, I needed to wean myself off of animal products. While not everyone is ready to go vegan, in a city with such amazing options, perhaps it’s time for Meatless Mondays, or hey, how about Meatless March! – Bonnie
Stroll and roll through verdant streets with classic homes and lush landscaping, tucked under an array of trees. This well-loved original sits proudly on the corner, dappled with leaf-filtered sunlight. Original French paned windows, hardwood floors and arched fireplace beckon. Intimate dining room with corner built-in just off the kitchen. The bathroom features a high-quality original tub and hex tile floor. Spread out into the bonus room in the front dormer and the open space of the untapped potential of the basement. Portland-perfect year round outdoor solarium-style enclosed deck. Modern furnace, water heater and electrical panel, so you can focus on the fun stuff — put your designer touch on this sweet abode. Sought after residential neighborhood surrounded by the greenery of Reed College, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, the Eastmoreland Golf Course, plus easy access to the Springwater Corridor 40-Mile Loop. Just a hop, skip and a jump to 2 elementary schools!
I dare you to find a better treehouse in Portland. Ok, ok, us Portlanders are pretty creative, so I’m sure they’re out there. But you have to admit this treehouse is pretty sweet.
My clients Louise and Tom certainly thought so because they fell in love with the treehouse right away! More importantly, however, they fell in love with the gorgeous craftsman home on a double lot on the border of Woodstock and Eastmoreland that sits in front of it.
Louise and Tom just closed on their dreamhouse today! The home they purchased is complete with treehouse in the backyard, secret speakeasy storage space in the basement, and a bottle of homemade cider brewed on site by the previous owners! This home certainly has a history, but it checked a lot of boxes on Tom and Louise’s list.
They are originally from the UK, and often have visitors stay with them, so they wanted to make sure they had plenty of extra room. They also love to entertain and wanted a layout with a nice flow for parties. They also have a beautiful 9 year old Bernese mountain dog named Freya, who has lived in an apartment for most of her life. They wanted to make sure she had a nice yard to play in too. They got their wishes! The home they bought has 3 bedrooms, an office, and a partially finished basement with a great kitchen and outdoor space for entertaining their guests. They have big plans to make the treehouse into a tikibar and I hope they invite me to their first luau!
Congratulations Louise and Tom! You two were so much fun to work with and I wish you all the best in your beautiful new home.
Cute as a button cottage with tons of beautiful updates. Sunny living room features gorgeous wood fireplace and huge windows. Recent upgrades throughout with stunning high-end kitchen and two full baths. Solid materials and gorgeous modern fixtures, crown molding, built-ins. Dining room sliding door leads to outside deck. Fully finished basement with high ceilings offers lots of room to move and storage galore. Central A/C, 90% efficient furnace, new sewer line, well maintained.
4 bed | 2 bath | 2,442 sqft
MLS#20592349 | Taxes: $5910| Year Built: 1937
Fully updated and modern designer interior, this gorgeous mid-century is dressed to impress. A wall of windows spans the back of the house, offering the open living space a direct connection with the naturally landscaped, private and peaceful yard. High-end fixtures and appliances await the chef in the gourmet kitchen. Three fully finished levels of living space offer flexibility. Oversized garage and tons of storage throughout. New roof, sewer, furnace, central A/C. On a dead-end street in beautiful Eastmoreland two lots away from Save the Giants Park!
4 bed | 2 bath | 2,324 sqft
MLS#20578512 | Taxes: $8846| Year Built: 1951
All the style of an updated mid-century on a peaceful and quiet dead-end street.Incredible flow from the open floor plan into the gorgeous landscaped yardWall of windows connects seamlessly to outdoorsRich textures of modern wood paneling, brick fireplace, wood mantle with recessed lighting throughoutBookshelf at right hides a secret stairwell going upstairs to master!Bonus room upstairs is a great office/nursery and could be easily converted into bathroom, plumbing in place behind wallTwo good sized main level bedrooms with high-end blackout custom blinds, closet organizers and new windowsMaster bedroom connects to beautiful master bath and walk-in closetMaster bath with high quality fixturesIncredibly peaceful yard full of gardening and entertaining spaces
After a stint in North Carolina, Luke and Hilary are moving back home to start a family and be near friends and loved ones. Shopping for a home from afar adds a layer of complication to an already complicated process. luckily, their family in town, being so excited to have them back, was on board to stand in for showings, and be along during video tours to give perspective and advice.
One Friday night, last minute when we all had other plans, we moved everything around to look at the perfect colonial on the perfect street that had just hit the market. It couldn’t have been a better fit. Everything on the wish list was there, and to add to the pressure, there was a line of buyers waiting to get in to look at it. We had to move so fast!! They were brave, and trusted in us and their family to make the call. We really wrote an aggressive offer, and came out on top by the skin of our teeth! Whew! We hustled and negotiated our way through the short inspection period to everyone’s satisfaction, and rode a roller coaster of timing delays as the elderly seller struggled to get her paperwork notarized in England by the right person and get documents back to the US. Now, we are ready to deliver keys to the excited first time homeowners! I feel like we just ran a marathon!
Also, this story goes to show it really does take a village to make our way through life, and having family and friends who have your back is priceless. And of course, a great REALTOR® to lean on is critical too! 🙂
Lucca’s family has deep roots in Portland. After going to school and meeting her sweetheart Corey in the MidWest, she knew she would eventually come home to Portland, hoping he would come with her. They currently enjoy living in the Brooklyn neighborhood, in a well located apartment, but happened to find themselves soaking in some late Autumn Saturday sunshine with her parents out at open houses one day this November. We met at an open house I was hosting and everything just clicked together. They weren’t planning on buying for a little while, but the charming 2 bedroom cottage just captured their hearts. Bonus = it came with chickens and their very quaint chicken coop in the expansive front yard. We entered into the transaction with some fantastic Living Room agents on the listing side and bonded right away with the sellers. Come early 2020, Lucca and Corey will experience the classic Portlanders’ joy of raising chickens and bringing all their personal touches to this beloved Eastmoreland home. Congratulations to you both! I’m so happy to have met you and can’t wait to hear about your first collection of fresh eggs right from your garden.
Just two blocks from Duniway Elementary School sits this gorgeous Eastmoreland traditional. Originally built in 1947, this southeast home pays homage to the architectural strengths of the cape cod era, elegantly presented on a great lot complete with alley access, established grounds and plenty of space. The main floor stretches over nearly a thousand square feet with newly refinished oak hardwood floors, a wood burning fireplace and updated south facing windows. Featuring gorgeous formal spaces, two main floor bedrooms and a carefully remodeled bathroom with new fixtures and flooring. Rounding out the main floor is a quaint, south facing kitchen which gives a storybook perspective of the surrounding homes and stands as a reflection of why Portlanders cherish this community so much.
The second floor is a pristine four hundred plus square feet with knotty pine, v-groove paneling, newer carpet and a native gable which could offer the possibility of growing the upstairs. In addition, this floor presents a nice closet and clever storage access to the adjacent attic. Moving downstairs, the expansive basement showcases what many have come to love from mid-century Portland construction. A classic board formed foundation anchors both finished and unfinished spaces which make up over 800 square feet. Complementing the gracious basement stairwell is an open family room, adjacent bonus room with potential to be a fourth bedroom, a mechanical room and laundry room.
Central air conditioning, vinyl windows, a composition shingle roof, covered patio and a detached garage are among a host of other assets this home features. Located within one of Portland’s most sought after school catchment areas and not far from the burgeoning Woodstock business district, this Eastmoreland gem is a rare opportunity to get into the neighborhood for under $500,000!
Heather and John left Portland over 2 decades ago. They were heading north for work and soon started a family. Seattle treated them well. They renovated a stunning mid-century home and between work, and kids’ sports games, they spent sunny weekends at the lake at their cabin in Washington. All this time, Heather had kept her 503 number, and it was a good reason! They’ve made a move back to Portland, now with 2 cute kids and one curly dog in toe. Eastmoreland was the neighborhood they wanted for their family, and this Cape Cod was the place! Can’t wait to see what renovations they dream up at their new home!
We met Jen & Gil back in 2018 and have since become fast friends. Their quick wit and great sense of humor quickly drew us in. They wanted to become familiar with Portland before they fully bought in, quite literally. We picked Gil up from his hotel and in a day explored most areas of east side Portland. When we took him through Sellwood we could see that this area really would fit their needs in the beginning of the settling in process.
Jen came over shortly and also found that Sellwood had the charm and walk-ability that they both desired. After settling in they went to open houses and tried to decide which homes and areas would have the best resale potential in a market that is steadily rising in appreciation. We looked at moderns, bungalows, historical homes, etc. You name it, they saw it. What we truly appreciated about Jen & Gil, is that they knew that they couldn’t settle and that they both had to be equally as excited before they pulled the trigger. Another thing I truly appreciated about them was that they always welcomed our spunky daughter along with us during tours and joined me in bribing her with lollipops.
Then a home that they didn’t know if they would like based on the photos, quickly became the winner. It had the historical charm with a mostly updated interior and exterior in one of the most tranquil areas of Portland you could ask for, Eastmoreland. An early-twentieth century, tree-filled neighborhood in inner southeast Portland, Oregon, United States. Lush, spacious, quiet and close to amenities. A perfect blend of both of them and their previous homes combined into one home. Of all the homes I’ve toured, this one truly is special. There is a specific large picture window that makes you feel like you are in the Secret Garden. With a patio out front with a wooden bench that Sadé Bloom & I have already claimed as our own.
With 15 agent business cards on the table by day 2, we knew this home was priced very well for the location and condition in Eastmoreland and that we had to move quickly. Our clients had the representation they deserved all the way around with a stellar lender team, Dion Mancia w/ Caliber Loans, and Jason and I fighting on their behalf to beat out any competition that peaked its head around the corner. Just to make sure the cherry was on top Jen & Gill wrote the sellers a letter and we all personally introduced ourselves to the listing agent during the open house.
The listing agent said that putting a face to the names, the letter to the sellers and the excellent terms of the offer made it very easy for the sellers to go ahead and take the home off the market for our wonderful clients.
We were able to give them the good news that their offer was accepted while Jen & Gil were already celebrating at an open air concert.
Today is closing day and we couldn’t be happier for our friends Jen & Gil!
Beautifully updated home in Eastmoreland Heights + Woodstock adjacent. Gorgeous skylights and huge windows flood the living room with natural light as soon as you open the front door. Open floor plan kitchen is a chef’s dream with stainless steel appliances including a gas range w/ hood vent, quartz counters, fresh cabinets, and tiled backsplash. Bring the party outside to the entertainer’s deck right off the dining room. Unwind at the end of the day in the luxurious master suite with claw foot tub, tiled shower, dual sinks, quartz countertops, and modern fixtures. The fully waterproofed and partially finished basement boasts a laundry room with quarts counters, utility sink and storage cabinet. The mostly finished media room could be easily customized for regular movie nights – pick your flooring and you’re ready to stream. Huge front yard ideal for a garden, custom landscaping…or even an ADU?!?Recent major remodels also include AC, water heater, engineered hardwood floors, carpet in the bedrooms, new vinyl windows, water heater, and sump pump. Outside, this crib sparkles with newer roof, siding, paint and gutters. The fully waterproofed basement and garage give you the peace of mind that this house is so turnkey the only thing you’ll need to do is hang some art to make it your home!
Need a last minute Halloween costume idea? Why don’t you dress up as Julius Caesar Moreland, an Oregon pioneer and lawyer turned judge. He served on the Portland City Council and eventually became Clerk for the Oregon Supreme Court. Then you could go trick or treating in Eastmoreland, one of the three SE Portland neighborhoods named after Mr. Moreland. And while you’re there, you could knock on the door of 7322 SE 29th Avenue and ask for some candy. If you like what you see when the door swings open when you peak in, you could also ask to buy the house. It’s for sale. Candy not included.
What IS included is a sweet master bedroom on the main floor with French doors leading to the private, quiet backyard. While flooded with natural light during the day, the living room is also equipped with a gas fireplace for enjoying cozy winter evenings. Perfect your culinary talents in the charming and efficient kitchen, complete with built in seating. Upstairs you’ll find three bedrooms and a full bathroom. The West facing bedrooms has a big walk in closet and sitting area. And don’t forget to check out the finished basement!
Situated within walking distance to Duniway Middle School, Eastmoreland Golf Course and Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, this English Tudor style home is centrally located in one of the Portland’s most coveted and classic neighborhoods. This is the kind of home you can move right into and make your own.
So grab your topcoat and bowler, press those shirt collars as high as you can get them, four-in-hand that bowtie and Treat yourself to this elegant English Eastmoreland estate.
Bobby Curtis Principal Broker Licensed in Oregon Living Room Realty & Licensed Contractor CCB: 215071 503-502-3066
