Do your shrubs need a check up?

 

Where’s the house?

Are your shrubs taking over?  The Portland area nearly bursts with greenery in May and June as our wet months combine with warmer weather and sunlight.

As relatively static components of our landscaping, shrubs tend to escape notice as they creep larger over the years.  When you’re ready to sell, you may need a fresh set of eyes to see that your once reasonable plantings have expanded!  Likewise, plants and shrubs growing right up against the siding and windows of the home can promote moss growth and moisture retention, so are best trimmed away from the home.

I found this issue at this home in Beaverton, Oregon.  The plantings in front of the house had all matured to the point where they were too big to all occupy the area directly in front of the windows, and adjacent to the front door.  This created a crowded and bushy impression, and the large vaulted living room felt dark and enclosed. As much as I love plants, this area needed a refresh!

Before: the house was a rental and plantings in front not reassessed for several years.

Bright interiors are key when selling a home in the (sometimes gloomy) Pacific Northwest!  These utilitarian plantings were chosen to be low maintenance and green, and require little care since the house had been a rental.  Had the plants been specially selected or lovingly cultivated, it may have been a different story.  In this case, with the seller’s approval, we removed the largest shrub, pruned and shaped up the others.  The interior was flooded with fresh sunlight, and the home was a hit!  Inundated with showings all weekend, the sellers received multiple offers and accepted one within 4 days of going on the market.  I can’t give full credit to the exterior shrub editing, but it certainly helped to make a great first impression.

After yard prep, and ready for market!
ta da! let the light shine in.

CRESTWOOD HEIGHTS VIEW HOME

Crestwood Heights

15653 SW Oriole Ct.  | Sherwood, OR 97140

Offered at $699,900 | ML #22693642

3 Bedrooms | 2/1 Baths | 2,407 SF

Crestwood Heights view home! Main floor owner’s suite features elegant bath w/soaking tub. Additional features: roomy main floor office, cook’s kitchen w/oversized island & wine fridge, upgraded laundry room w/built-ins. Downstairs, find a 2nd living space w/separate entrance, two beds & a bath. Upgraded farmhouse chic finishes: custom live edge woodwork, shiplap, barn doors, designer tile, large Trex deck that’s perfect for entertaining. Wonderful location near Snyder Park & Old Town Sherwood.

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Concordia Midcentury

Concordia Midcentury

6615 NE 36th Ave | Portland, OR 97211

Offered at $575,000 | ML #22351007

4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,992 SF

Stylish Concordia Midcentury! Open concept living/dining/kitchen  with separate media/bonus room. Full basement remodel with separate entrance features 3rd bd with egress, 4th non-conforming bed/office, a high-end Scandi inspired bath with soaking tub, & huge workshop/storage. Woodfloors, oversized windows, seismic retrofit, custom built-ins, new waterline, a/c, built-in sound system, and private backyard with mature plantings and covered patio. Near Fernhill Park, Kennedy School, New Seasons and Alberta. HES=3

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Piedmont Bungalow

Piedmont Bungalow

215 NE Morgan St | Portland, OR 97211

Offered at $549,900 | ML #22104149

3 Bedrooms | 1 + 1/2 Baths | 2,492 SF

Light-filled Piedmont bungalow! Three beds plus bonus loft space. Primary bedroom up features ensuite half bath with room to expand. Vinate features include: wood floors, built-ins, cozy fireplace. Updated light fixtures, newer windows, abundant storage in the full height basement. Fully enclosed yard with deck & fire pit. A plant parent’s dream: enclosed sunroom for plant babie starts, established gardens, fruit trees & flowers. Ideal location: 1/2 mile to Dekum hotspots & 3/4 mile to spectacular Peninsula Park. HES 6.

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Stunning Roseway Bungalow

Stunning Roseway Bungalow

4135 NE 71st Ave | Portland, OR 97218

Offered at $599,900 | ML #22675217

4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,045 SF

Stunning Roseway Bungalow. Gorgeous 4 bed/2 bath 1940s cutie with amazing outdoor rec/retreat-like areas. Renovated throughout; updated systems, smart spaces & beautiful finishes. Private, fenced yard features covered dining w/lighting/electrical/hardwood decking, storage sheds, BBQ corral, established landscaping. Inside; two beds & full bath on each floor, formal dining, built-ins, living, family rooms, cozy entry, laundry room & ample storage. One seller is a licensed Realtor in Oregon.

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Hawthorne Modern

Hawthorne Modern

1388 SE 33rd Ave | Portland, OR 97214

Offered at $950,000 | ML #22490755

3 Bedrooms | 2 full + 2 half Baths | 2,848 SF

Stunning Modern in the heart of Southeast. Bright, open main floor; high ceilings, fireplace, wood flooring, open kitchen w/quartz, tile, generous breakfast bar, private deck & den/office. Vaulted master suite, 2 additional beds & laundry up. Daylight lower level features family room/guest suite, add’l storage & walk-out patio into private corner-lot garden w/established flora & hardscaping. Central location; blocks from Hawthorne, Belmont, Division amenities & Sunnyside Environmental School and park.

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Stellar 1-Level in Linwood

Stellar 1-Level in Linwood

6616 SE Madrona Dr | Milwaukie, OR 97222

Offered at $450,000 | ML #21242945

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,320 SF

A modern layout 3 bedroom/2 bathroom set on a gorgeous .18 acre lot. Mature landscaping, fire pit, established natives & beds. Lovely master suite, tiled bathrooms, open concept floorplan with pass through kitchen/dining/family room, leading to covered patio & backyard. Tesla Solar PV, double attached garage with additional storage & laundry. Local amenities; 3-Creeks Nature Preserve, aquatic center, grocery, restaurants, shopping.

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Vermont Hills

Vermont Hills 3 Bedroom

6146 SW 46th Ave | Portland, OR 97221

Offered at $450,000 | ML #21004540

3 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 1,089 SF

Vermont Hills 3 bedroom set on a gorgeous 7,035 SF lot. 1950s charm; wood floors, picture paned windows. Stellar layout with lofted 3rd bedroom/work space. Indoor/outdoor living abounds; large sliding doors, covered entertainer’s deck and BBQ patio. Renovated kitchen with quartz countertops & new appliances. Ample storage, attached garage, PV solar panel array. Fully fenced yard w/established landscaping, mature natives, garden beds and trees. Blocks from Gabriel Park and local amenities.

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