Mary and Phil simply deserve the best — they are an amazing couple centered on family connection and were seeking a place to not only age in place, but to provide spaces for all their beloved family. They knew this was going to be hard based on some of their needs, but when buyers are crystal clear on what they need and ready to act when the right one hits, only good things happen! Their house hit the market and they jumped, beating out 5 other super strong offers on their first try. Helping this family was such an honor — we are so excited that they found a home to host large family events and have all their sisters and grandchildren visit!
Tag: excellence
Can you really get it all?
Julia and Scott entered the market with hopes to secure a great home in their current neighborhood. They had been warned about the “crazy” market and were honestly a bit scared. Those fears were answered with strong counsel, realistic expectations, and an advocate that helps empower buyers to navigate through safe realistic concessions. As we ventured out into the market to find their home we never thought that not only would they find a home with little to no concessions, but that they would be successful with their first offer! We are so excited for them to get keys today to their dream home!
Jessica LeDoux
Honest Advisor
Is this our opportunity?
Finding a home in one of the most sought-after NE neighborhoods is a huge accomplishment and to make it happen they had to decide if taking on a large fixer offered by their landlord was a good opportunity for them. After a lot of counsel, weighing of options, and consideration of how competitive the market is, all arrows pointed to YES! Congratulations on securing an amazing home with an ADU!!
Jessica LeDoux
Honest Advisor
Classic Vernon Bungalow with Backyard Oasis
Just Listed: 5936 NE 17th Ave
Offered at $515,000
3 Bed | 1 Bath | 2236 SF | MLS# 21259073 | Taxes: $2,893
OPEN HOUSE SAT 5/15 12:30PM-2:30PM
TAKE THE VIDEO TOUR
Come for the location, stay for the updates and charm! This classic Vernon Bungalow sits proud with timeless architectural features, formal dining room with vintage built-ins, light-filled rooms and a detached bonus space with vaulted ceiling.
A sweet front porch and fresh exterior paint will catch your eye upon arrival. Entering into the living room, you’ll feel the love: with gleaming hardwood floors, classic woodwork and a charming wood-burning fireplace.
While this home retains much of its original character, the updated kitchen boasts updates including gorgeous quartz countertops, stylish hardware, tile backsplash and plenty of extra storage in the pantry. The kitchen flows into the formal dining room. It’s just perfect for big dinner parties and intimate dinners alike.
The layout of the home is ideal, with 2 bedrooms and a bathroom on the main level. The second floor offers a lovely third bedroom with wonderful natural light and room for a spacious home office.
Moving through the kitchen you’ll find your backyard oasis! This fully fenced sanctuary feels very private and is brimming with beauty. You’re going to love this converted garage! A clean and spacious room with raw wood beams, this could be an office, detached living space, home school room, yoga room… really, the possibilities are endless!
The full, unfinished basement with an exterior entrance is clean and ready for projects and lots of storage. Complete with newer 96% efficiency furnace! Plus a great shed in the backyard for bike storage.
This location is absolutely ideal! Situated on a quiet street, easy walking distance to Alberta Park, the Alberta Arts district and so many restaurants & shops on Killingsworth!
So much to love in this well-maintained and inviting classic Vernon Bungalow!
Home Ownership Dream…
The Portland market is a hard place to make this dream come true especially when looking under $375,000. This dream is almost unattainable especially inside 82nd but Olivia and Zac hit the market with realistic expectations and the ability to leverage what made them unique as buyers so when a cute little house with a huge shop hit the market within their budget they were ready to take on some of the quirks! Many people feel it is impossible, but these guys were focused and realistic so they won on the first offer they submitted and now are homeowners in a walkable up-and-coming area well within the 82nd border. Congratulations!
Jessica LeDoux
Negotiator, Counselor, Advocate
Last Tango in Mt Tabor
I first met Galen through his partner, Kyra, who I’ve known for years through my old college roommates and Oregon Country Fair friends. He contacted me to say he was ready to buy a home and asked if I could help him. Naturally, I said yes because he’s a great guy and I like helping people purchase homes.
After about a month of searching and some stressful pressure to move quickly on the homes he liked, we finally found this fantastic Mt Tabor home. This house has one of the best entertaining kitchens I’ve ever seen. It is open concept AND has double French doors that open onto the large deck and back yard. I have major kitchen envy. 🙂
Now, the market being what it is, we naturally had to compete to get the home. Luckily, Galen wrote a heartfelt letter about how he loves to dance and entertain, and along with our stellar terms that sealed the deal.
I can’t wait to come fete your new home with you at some point, Galen!
If you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell a home in the Portland area, please contact Amanda Haworth at 503-453-7698 or amanda@livingroomre.com.
Building a Portfolio
Congratulations to my clients, D&Y, for purchasing their 4th property in 2 years! I truly enjoy being a part of helping my clients build up a real estate portfolio, and helping them utilize real estate as part of their wealth building strategy. It’s something that I believe in personally, so it’s great to connect with friends and clients who feel the same way.
Schools, community, safety
These were the items of focus! Pat and Greg were searching to find a community they could invest in to raise their son and enjoy walks in their neighborhood. The search was challenging, as it is for most buyers in this competitive/scarce inventory market, but we didn’t lose faith or compromise! This is a hard thing to accomplish – but we did! I am proud to say they didn’t settle and found an amazing home in Happy Valley… CONGRATULATIONS!
Jessica
Partner, advocate, real estate life coach
Gorgeous Mississippi Bungalow
Just Listed: 4520 N CONGRESS AVE
2 BED | 1.5 BATH | 1848 SF | MLS# 21414082
OFFERED AT $539,000
TAKE THE VIDEO TOUR
This beautiful Mississippi Bungalow is packed with sophisticated updates while holding strong to the original character. Sitting high above the street you’ll love the gorgeous landscaping and darling deck above the garage, the perfect place to relax and with your morning coffee or chat with friends and neighbors.
As you enter into a lovely foyer you will find classic architectural features, efficient and expansive spaces and light-filled rooms. Make your way into the living room which features gorgeous millwork, original hardwood floors, a stylishly updated mantle with a gas fireplace and an elegant flow into the formal dining room. The dining room itself is quite large and acts as a nice axis point to the living room and kitchen, the perfect layout for entertaining!
A half-wall opens to a recently remodeled chef’s kitchen featuring beautiful quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, gas range with hood, original fir floors, beautiful tile to the ceiling, sink disposal and an integrated dishwasher.
Making your way upstairs, you’ll find 2 light-filled bedrooms with full closets. The layout is perfect with a stylishly updated, full bathroom with refinished clawfoot tub and skylights.
On the lower level, a large partially finished basement offers a great flex space! Easily imagined as a home office, yoga room, homeschool room, media room, ect.! Plus, it offers an exterior entrance and plenty of dedicated storage space.
Step outside into your back garden deck oasis! A petite and powerful garden that requires limited maintenance is brimming with beauty. Exterior storage with access at the rear of the house.
So many upgrades including 90+ furnace, AC, gas fireplace, upgraded foundation & seismic, upgraded electrical panel, pex plumbing, skylights and recently added half bath on the first floor.
Desirable, convenient location with a street designed for light traffic flow and ample street parking. Walk score 89 & Bike score 99!
Welcome home!
Why is Housing Inventory So Low
The Portland Real Estate Market has strongly favored Sellers for the greater part of 7 years now, and this has largely been driven by a shortage of supply, coupled with low mortgage interest rates. There are many motivated Buyers, looking to lock in a home purchase at a great rate, but just not enough supply to meet the demand, which has caused the high level of competition we are seeing for Buyers.
But why is that? What is causing this seemingly never-ending cycle of low inventory in our region? Below are my thoughts on some of the main contributing factors.
1. Lack of New Construction:
According to Portland Alliance, despite historic economic expansion, our region has produced the fewest housing units over any 10-year period since World War II.
With the number of new households in the area exceeding the number of new homes being built, we have a situation where demand for housing cannot be met at current building rates. In order to balance the market, there needs to be a larger supply of new construction to keep up with the growth in our region.
This is a particularly complex issue, which dates back to the Recession in 2008-2012. Residential new construction hit all time lows during that time period, and it simply hasn’t ever fully recovered.
Additionally, the cost to build is significantly higher now, and I am sure many of us are aware that the price of lumber has skyrocketed during the pandemic — nearly quadrupling in price.
2. Hesitation to Enter the Market
Another issue that contributes to the lack of inventory, is a hesitancy from current homeowners to trade-up or downsize in the current market climate. I have spoken with a number of clients in the last year, and discussed the pros and cons of making a move in this market. There are many people who would love to take advantage of this opportunity to sell their current home, but the prospect of then entering the market as a buyer, is not all that appealing.
Buying and selling a home in the same market will always favor one side of this coin, but in the current climate, it so strongly favors sellers, that it intimidates some from even attempting to make the transition.
3. Duration of Homeownership
Another interesting factor contributing to the lack of housing supply, is that people are staying in their homes for longer periods of time. According to the US Census Bureau, the average tenure for homeownership in the United States is just over 8 years. In comparison, the average tenure was only 4 years between 2000-2007.
We can certainly speculate as to why this might be, but there doesn’t seem to be any overwhelmingly compelling evidence that points to exactly why people are staying put longer.
In any event, the solution to the lack of housing inventory is massively complex, and it will likely be a slow moving process to reach a point where there is enough housing supply in our region to meet the demand.
In the meantime, there are definitely still ways to make a transition in this market (see my previous blog post), and there are also ways to be strategic with your offer structure to help ensure you win in multiple offer scenarios. As always, I am more than happy to set up a time to meet, and discuss market conditions in further detail, so you can see how all of these moving parts affect your own personal sutuiaton.
The Little Buyers Who Could
When I say this market is tough on buyers, that may be an understatement for what Andrea and Amar (and sweet 1-year-old daughter Maeve) have been through. When we first met they were coming out of the process of getting bids for their current home to expand it to fit their growing family. They decided it would be easier to just purchase something else instead. Little did they know the challenges that lay ahead.
After a few weeks of searching, we finally found their “dream home.” We put in a stellar offer, and although the listing agent told us ours was the strongest, the sellers picked another offer based on the buyer letter. Crushing. And, frankly, unethical. So Andrea and Amar took a little time off from the hunt and regrouped.
A few weeks of looking later, a home popped up that looked promising. It had the big yard they had dreamed of, it was a “granny ranch” with great bones and a ton of potential to make it into exactly what they want. The problem was, we would have to fight for it. There was a ton of competition for this home, including a cash offer that was very appealing to the sellers.
Insert super lender Jen Bell into the mix. She said she could get us a 10 day closing to compete with the cash buyer. So we put our best foot forward and I had a lot of heart-to-hearts with the listing agent. When she finally called to tell us we got it, she said, “I feel like we’re old friends at this point!” 🙂
Needless to say, Andrea and Amar are THRILLED with how things panned out. And so am I! I can’t wait to see how their amazing remodel will turn out. They have a great eye for design and I just know they are going to have the coolest house when this is all done! So happy for them!
If you, or anyone you know, are looking to buy or sell a home in the greater Portland area, please contact Amanda Haworth at 503-453-7698 or amanda@livingroomre.com.
St. John’s Boomerang
Sarah and Dan were renting in the St.John’s neighborhood when we began their search. While we set the search up to stretch the boundaries of this neighborhood, as we toured in different areas of town it became clear that St. John’s was where their hearts lived and so we continually returned to the possibilities there. Sarah and Dan came into the market clear-eyed about the fact that there are no signs of it slowing and weighed their options with graceful and grounded perspectives. They ended up striking a balance between wanting a home with built-in charm and knowing that opting for more of a “blank slate” increased their chances of success. They landed a home with a perfect combination of the two – room to add character, but with enough mid-century flair that they felt they were not settling for something that lacked charm. But most importantly, they are moving within the neighborhood they are committed to and love.
Serene and Stylish Mid-Century Ranch
JUST LISTED: 633 NE 151st Ave, Portland OR
Offered at $459,000
4 Bed | 2 Bath | 1784 SF | MLS# 21538388 | Taxes: $4,837
TAKE THE VIDEO TOUR
This is the Mid-Century Ranch you’ve been looking for! Picture perfect, this 1950’s classic is located on a peaceful, quiet street in a mature neighborhood, and is surrounded by gorgeous landscaping, majestic fir trees, and graceful Japanese maples. A lovely entrance with a generous foyer draws you into the heart of the home– a warm and inviting living room with rich wood paneling, classic brick fireplace, and a huge picture window with a view out to the park-like backyard. Hardwood floors, beautiful millwork, and modern lighting create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for cozying up with a good book or playing a rousing board game by the fire.
The dining room is open to both the living room and kitchen and has period built-ins. A large, floor-to-ceiling window opens to the backyard and patio, creating a year-round experience of “outdoor dining.” A convenient breakfast bar separates the eating area and the kitchen, providing space for informal meals or laying a spread when it’s your turn to host. This is a wonderful space for entertaining and also perfect for intimate dinners.
The remodeled kitchen has a great layout plus many updates, including quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, newer dishwasher, custom tile work, classic Marmoleum flooring, and ample, well-lit counter space. Just off the kitchen is a large master bedroom with a full bathroom. This space has great potential for a home office, family room, or home gym.
Away from the kitchen toward the other end of the home, you’ll find three quiet, light-filled bedrooms with beautiful millwork, warm wood floors, and ample closets. A roomy modern bathroom with double sinks and stylish updates accommodates everyone during the morning rush, or in the evening allows a relaxing soak in the tub before bed.
The fully fenced backyard is gorgeously landscaped. Ample patio space ringed by mature Japanese maples and a stand of large fir trees creates a private northwest retreat, perfect for entertaining on a warm summer evening, or for relaxing with a hot cup of coffee and a crossword on a sunny morning. The charming garden shed enhances the park-like atmosphere and keeps all your tools and toys tastefully out of sight. A large mudroom complete with laundry and storage allows entry from the backyard and provides a convenient spot to slip off muddy boots after gardening or playing.
Lovingly cared for this home has professionally landscaped yards with built-in watering systems, newer double pane windows, updated plumbing, a recent water main replacement, and newer central A/C.
Located away from the hustle and bustle but with easy access to shopping and hwys I-84 & I-205. Close proximity to Glendoveer Golf Course and walking trails, and a short walk to the MAX line serving the greater metro area, including downtown and PDX airport. Enjoy your own private park and quiet, one-level living while still experiencing all the benefits of city life.
Jewel of Woodstock
JUST LISTED
Offered at $449,000
5223 SE Steele St, Portland OR 97206
2 Bed | 1 Bath | 1128 SF | MLS# 21207202 | Taxes: $3,154
This Woodstock charmer is packed with sophisticated updates while holding strong to its classic Bungalow style.
VIDEO TOUR
Upon arrival, you’ll notice the high level of care and attention given to this home. A lovely landscaped front yard welcomes you with well-designed cedar fencing, fresh exterior paint and newer double-pane windows!
Once inside this south-facing home, you’ll enjoy wonderful natural light, gorgeous wood floors, tasteful updates and classic details. The living room is stylish with a beautiful picture window, wood moldings and gorgeous, recently installed white oak, hardwood floors.
Take in the character of the home as you make your way seamlessly from the living room into the kitchen with tasteful modern updates and timeless period finishes. A picture-perfect dining nook rounds out the kitchen. Updates include newer integrated dishwasher, fridge, gas range with range hood, wood floors, solid wood cabinets and countertops, sink and white oak hardwood floors. Through the hall you’ll find 2 lovely bedrooms with tall windows. The well-maintained bathroom features a claw-foot tub with shower.
Step out into the beautiful, ample backyard which feels very private. The space is highlighted by a custom brick patio, custom cedar fencing and lush green landscaping. The oversized garage, with alley access, could be used for so many things! Currently, owners are using the garage as a woodshop, but it is ready for your imagination, possibly an ADU? The backyard boasts plenty of room for entertaining, a firepit, gardening or playing with furry friends! Clean, unfinished partial basement has great ceiling height and plenty of room for storage and laundry area.
Lucky you because this house is located in the sweet spot! Just blocks from Woodstock town center, Woodstock park and the wonderful shops and restaurants the neighborhood has to offer.
So much to love in this darling home! It is ready for you to move in and enjoy so come check it out! This is one level living at its best!
Congratulations to Eddie & Family
Congratulations to Eddie and Family
I helped Eddie buy a house about 5 years ago and was so happy to work with him again. If you know me, you know that I love homes and helping my clients make life transitions. I love being a real estate agent for so many reasons! And, I’ve got to tell you, there was a little sparkle in this story for me because Eddie purchased this condo so his parents could live closer to him and his daughter, Viv! It really is so fun to help families to be closer to one another.
The single-family home market is definitely experiencing a very competitive seller’s market and a lack of inventory. However, on the condo side of things, there are a lot more units available so if you are considering a condo, it’s a great time to buy. Eddie and his Mom found a sweet 2 bedroom condo with a view in the Lloyd Center neighborhood for a very reasonable price!
And one more thing! Speaking of lovely people to work with people- a big shout out to Uli Sommers, my favorite home inspector. I know that everyone who works with her is going to get the best service at the best price and she did a great job for Eddie and his parents as well.
EAGLE EYE
Suzanne and Charles were like a pair of eagles flying over Hillsdale waiting to swoop down on a great option near their daughter’s house! We had passively watched the market for over 2 years as they prepared to sell their home — moving 40+ years of life was a daunting task, but a successful one indeed. Their house sold and they were ready to swoop into the Portland market and claim a new homestead. Shortly after their arrival, the perfect house with amazing views and gardening space hit the market. They set their eyes on catching this outstanding mid-century home on a lovely 1/3 acre parcel and were successful! Congratulations, we are thrilled for you both.
Who said this couldn’t be fun?
Shasta and Joe flirted with the idea of upgrading their current pad last year, but after some initial research decided to hunker back down and do more preparing with plans to start the official hunt in the spring of 2021. Despite the rapid growth in the market and scarcity of options Shasta and Joe were still positioned well. Once the house search ramps up, staying organized is crucial, and with so many forms of communication, this can be difficult, especially around text messages. We have found a simple group thread that avoids text messages getting lost and multiple threads getting started – genius, you say – Nah, but kinda feels that way :). This thread is critical for quick questions, property sharing, and updates, BUT with Shasta and Joe, it also was full of witty banter, hilarious references, and spot-on GIF sends. Their light-hearted attitude was so much fun and will be missed — Congratulations on scoring such a beautiful house.
Elbow Room
Meghan, Luke, and their son were living in a cute as a button home of approximately 700 sq. ft. before they started the house hunt. It takes a particular kind of innovation to thrive in an environment that small, which they certainly did! (As a business owner specializing in quilting, Meghan spent a good deal of time producing beautiful quilts from her kitchen table.) As much as they loved their cozy space, they were ready for a little more elbow room and the search began. With a strong love for vintage homes, Meghan and Luke sought a home with some charm that they could pour their love into and one that would have enough bonus spaces to complement their busy lives. Next week we will hand them the keys to a home triple the size! We can’t wait to see the difference this makes in their lives.
Climbing Mount Everest
Finding a home that would not eat them alive, provide spaces for a family, and allow Ayala to work from home felt like climbing Mount Everest. We put on our gear, and I was their sherpa. Our climb began in August of 2020, we headed out with hopes of getting to the top safely and quickly, but this mountain grew as we traveled and the journey threw roadblocks we could not see coming in our way. We made adjustments and detours along the way, experienced many disappointments and failed attempts, but we kept putting one foot in front of the other, learning and adjusting with each step. The cold hard truth was that without extra tools, it was looking like they could not compete against uncontrollable forces. This journey was hard but was full of growth, education, and most of all, their AMAZING spirits to make it to the end. I have been a sherpa (aka REALTOR) for 16 years and used every bit of knowledge I have to help them make it and loved being of service to them. On March 3rd they started the descent off this mountain and have arrived back at base camp. Today is a day of celebration for them and me because the home they are getting keys to is AMAZING and will provide many years full of enjoyment instead of years of projects.
Welcome home to your lovely new home, a place to nest and get ready for your first child and maybe someday a puppy too!
Jessica LeDoux
Realtor, Sherpa, Advocate
THE ONE!
Searching for a home when your priorities are so clear and focused still requires a lot of patience and trust. Marilyn and Don knew what mattered — 1) Distance to their daughter and the grandbaby on the way! 2) One level – move-in ready condition. This narrowed our search to a very small radius in an area with a lot of fixers. They knew they would be giving up a lot, but only the basic amenities mattered because achieving the main goal was what was motivating their move. With limited inventory and prices on the rise, this felt like an almost impossible task, but they patiently waited and trusted the home would come, and it did! A home in better condition and with better amenities than they had hoped for — Love and Family was their driving force and trusting that led them to the optimal outcome!
Grit & Persistence Get Amanda and Iain Where They Want To Be
Congratulations to Amanda and Iain!
This transaction was a great example of sticking with it until you get what you want! Amanda and Iain are whip-smart and tenacious, which are the best qualities a buyer could have in this current market.
Jasmine and I love working with first-time home buyers and homeownership is something we want to see for everyone who is interested. We pride ourselves on our initial buyer’s meeting setting up reasonable expectations to empower our clients. By breaking the process into manageable pieces the whole thing makes sense, flows nicely and clients know they will get the home they want.
I appreciate so much how Iain and Amanda kept their eyes on the prize, they didn’t let disappointments slow their roll and, in the end, they made their dream come true! They bought a gorgeous home!
And, as we all know, in real estate, there is truly nothing better than a GREAT referral and I am thrilled that Jasmine was referred to Amanda and Iain by their mutual friends! They are fun and wonderful people and I’m so happy to have worked with them.
Education is always KEY!
Marissa and Danny entered the market with determination, but not a lot of knowledge on what is needed to buy a home, so education was so important. They had financing in place, closing costs saved, but did not know 100% what other costs they would incur and the actual dollars needed. Clarifying this piece was critical and they went back to saving. Once ready to re-enter the market the loan product once available to them was gone due to the pandemic, but the months of saving bridged that gap. I am proud to say NO time was lost, every valuable minute of their life was preserved and focused on real efforts to make their dream of homeownership come true. Nearly a year later the hunt was on and it was not an easy path, but every turn added to their knowledge base, empowering them to find an amazing home with more space than they ever thought possible. Congratulations Danny and Marissa, you both are simply the best!
I Sold My House! Now Where Do I Go?
One of the biggest challenges for would-be Sellers in the Portland real estate market, is what to do after you have sold your home. With this quite possibly being the hottest Seller’s Market we have ever seen, it often feels like selling your home is a forgone conclusion — it’s just a matter of how many offers you will get, and how high over your asking price those offers will be. While this isn’t always the case, it certainly stands true that if you price your home appropriately, and you have a solid product to offer, there will be a line of Buyers ready and willing to offer you the moon for your home. But, what do you do next?
Knowing that the market is extremely competitive and challenging for Buyers, many people are nervous about the prospect of selling their current home, simply because they don’t know where they will live once it’s sold. They would love to take advantage of the current market on the selling side, but don’t relish the prospect of having a ticking clock on when they need to find their next home. So, here are three tips for how to make that transition, without feeling the stress of needing to make a major life decision, with a finite amount of time to make it.
- Negotiate a rent-back on your current property — Oftentimes in this market, Buyers are willing to offer any and all terms the Seller is looking for. A question we often get when listing property is, “what do the Sellers need out of the offer?” Negotiating a rent-back would allow you to stay in your current home for an additional 30-60 days after closing on the sale. In some cases, we can negotiate for this period of time to be free of charge. In others, you simply cover the cost of the new owner’s mortgage payment each month. If the Buyer of your home is financing the purchase, their Lender will always have a maximum number of days you are allowed rent the property back from the new owner, so this certainly isn’t a long-term solution. However, it can be an attractive option to at least buy some additional time to begin looking for your next place!
- Find a furnished short-term rental home — While you will likely end up paying more per month than you were paying for your mortgage, a furnished short-term rental property is a great way to buy yourself more time to shop for a home. This allows you to sell your current home, get a pre-approval for your next purchase, and have a comfortable place to live for an extended period of time. By renting a furnished home, you can also avoid the dreaded prospect of moving twice — just store your furniture in a storage unit or Pod, and then have it all delivered to your new home once you find it!
- Purchase your next home before you sell — this option requires you to be somewhat risk-tolerant, along with also being able to qualify for carrying both mortgages simultaneously (for both your current home and your new home). While the amount of time you carry both mortgages will likely be short in most cases, you will still need to be approved by your Lender for both payments. This is by far the most ideal way to make your transition, but is not an available option for everyone. If you are interested in making a move in this market, I would recommend talking with your Lender first, so you can understand whether this is an option for you. Then, we can discuss what the go-to-market strategy would look like for your current home, to ensure you feel comfortable with that process as well!
Whichever route you end up choosing, there will be a certain level of discomfort involved, so it’s wise to spend some time strategizing and preparing, prior to embarking on the journey of selling and buying in this market. This will allow you to feel well-prepared and open to making short-term sacrifices, which will ultimately help you accomplish your goal of finding your next home!
Doesn’t hurt to try!
We had the pleasure of helping Jenny and Will purchase a great home in Alameda when they moved to Portland. While they’ve loved a lot about this home, the characteristically small living spaces of their bungalow were not quite working when their home became the hub for ALL aspects of work, life, and education. They explored ways of expanding their spaces, but that option was not ideal and the idea of moving was hard because they absolutely LOVE their neighbors. On walks, Jenny and Will admired a more expansive craftsman style home on their street that was for sale, but at that time not obtainable. The home was taken off of the market, but when the possibility of moving became a viable option they called us, hoping to learn more about the home and see if it would become available again. This spurred our team into action and we reached out to the former listing agent to see if the seller was still planning to sell and would consider an off market offer. At first this did not look hopeful, but with patience and persistence the conversation started to advance! Immediately after touring this home they knew it was exactly what they wanted and on the same street… this home would be a dream come true for their family! Immediately we presented an off market offer and it was accepted! It was such a delight to hand over the keys to such an awesome family and it was truly an honor to work with these fantastic people again!
Don’t chase the market
Being frugal or conservative are both very sound ways of analyzing huge financial decisions. These characteristics are critical when entering the real estate market, but they also can cause you to chase a growing market. It is important to balance this nature with a broader perspective by not simply analyzing each home fiscally. Home ownership is more than an investment, it is shelter and security. If one can shift their conservative thinking to focus on longevity, the unchangeable elements of a home, and future options within their means, this will inherently protect one’s investment no matter what direction the market goes. This balanced perspective is what our team works diligently to help buyers see because if you purchase a home wisely, that home will provide you with many years and will prevent the feeling of having to move. Instead it will allow you to time your sale in the most optimal market for a return on your investment when the time comes to sell.
Patience is key
Ali and Matt were in the market for quite some time before they succeeded at getting into contract on their new home. As strategic buyers, one of their strengths was being able to walk away from homes that became overly competitive and shot above and beyond their comfort zone. They remained true to themselves. But during their search, the market took a swing upward and they worried they would not be able to compete in any of the locations they sought. So when a home with some rough edges, but all the potential they were looking for popped up in their favorite part of town, they moved confidently and were victorious. Their position was truly strengthened by the expanded knowledge that formed during the searching process and broadened their ability to see potential in the less than shiny. This process is different for everyone and it is wonderful to see buyers in a hyper competitive price range emerge empowered.
Quintessential Grant Park Bungalow
Quintessential Grant Park Bungalow
3328 NE Schuyler ST | Portland, OR 97212
Offered at $799,900 | ML #21072650
5 Bedrooms | 4 Baths | 3,106 sf
Quintessential Grant Park bungalow completely remodeled to the studs in 2018. Open floor plan with marvelous kitchen that will delight your guests. Practical main level living and separate living quarters in the basement with independent exterior entrance, a second master and bonus area in the attic. Lovely covered patio and easy maintenance yard ready to enjoy this spring. Convenient location close to New Seasons, restaurants, Grant Park amenities, library and BCS/Grant schools.
Seller Who Collects Rocks Finds Buyers Who Love Rocks
My buyers Alexandra and Ray are first time home buyers and just scored on a great ranch house in Fo-Wo section of Woodstock- between Foster and Woodstock. They were fantastic to work with because they knew what they wanted and they were prepared to jump head first into this nutball of our early 2021 market where there is 1 house for every 20 buyers. After walking into what would become their house, the first thing they said was- we could be friends with this seller. The seller had quite the display of rocks, gems and minerals and before we got very far into the house, my buyers were ooohhhing and ahhhhing over the sellers collection- admiring and even naming some of the rocks. Once we got past the rocks we explored the house, a mid-century 900 sf with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom on an oversized lot graced by a front yard tree with a trunk the size of a truck. I could tel as we walked around that this was “the one” for them. They are also woodworkers and one of their strong wants was a home that had a great space to build stuff in, and this house has a newer oversized garage/ shop that is perfect for woodworking.
We had talked extensively about the state of the market, and how every house was getting multiple offers with buyers offering appraisal make-up gaps in case the house does not appraise for purchase price, buyers taking on homes as-is with few if any repairs made by sellers, and with home prices up between 15-20% over January of 2020. The house was priced at what would have been the top of the price-range only a few months ago for a house like this and in this location, which made it really difficult to decide what to offer without going to crazy. But Alexandra and Ray were prepared to go over asking, and with interest rates as low as they are, their monthly payment was still in a comfortable range for them. It takes some true hardiness as a buyer to be able to succeed in getting their offer accepted, and after I spelled out all the potential bells, whistles and deal sweeteners they could use in an offer, Alexandra and Ray put their trust in me and offered well over list, stated in the offer that they would limit repair requests to only bigger issues, offered the seller free rent-back after closing and wrote a letter to the seller mentioning how much they loved his rock collection. They were also able to offer what has become the number one denominator in winning offers- the ability to make up an appraisal gap if the appraised value came in less then purchase price. Prices are rising faster then appraisals can keep up with them, and to mitigate the real threat of a low appraisal, buyers who can state in writing that they can bring in a higher downpayment to cover that gap are who are having offers accepted. Alexandra and Ray’s offer was not the highest, but the seller and the listing agent loved their terms and letter enough to come back to me and give them the opportunity to come up just a hair to match the highest offer, which they did. Fortunately the house inspected like a dream- one of the best houses my inspector has seen to date this year. We did run into a slight appraisal issue when the house did not appraise at the purchase price, but Alexandra and Ray were prepared so that was an easy enough hoop for them to crawl through. The seller is holding onto the house for a few weeks after closing while he prepares to move, and I am looking forward to handing the keys to my buyers at the end of the month.
Dad, please come to Portland!
Brian sat in the co-seat of his sons’ purchases and got to watch their aspirations of homeownership come true. We got to watch a great family, rooted in service, help each other. What we did not acknowledge is Brian was also watching how our team works, and our commitment to the people we serve. So when his boys sent him a badass North Portland condo in an attempt to get him closer, he took the bait and when they asked him what he wanted to do next, he replied, “call Jessica”. When he shared this with me I felt joy and appreciation at another chance to help this family. What an honor that we are so pleased to have earned from such amazing people. Welcome to Portland, Brian!
We are blessed!
We are blessed to help such amazing people like Juno and Nick. Juno has been a friend since we first picked up weights together at the Refinery. I was a new gym rat, exploring the early morning scene, and instantly felt she would be a great workout buddy. My instincts were right! I have long left the Refinery, and miss working out side–by–side with Juno, but luckily we have stayed in contact, and Juno has followed her instincts to trust the entire team! It has been such a joy to help them navigate the difficult and stressful process of buying and selling a home. If she were writing this, she would say something to the effect that they were needy — as she often expressed this out of concern, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth! We pride ourselves on breaking this process into bite-sized pieces to help focus efforts where progress can be made and worries can be answered. Being of service is what makes this career fulfilling; we would not have it any other way. Education, exploration, and preparation was an enjoyable 1-2 year process with life and covid delaying the start, leading us to concrete plans to enter the market in the spring of 2021 and start touring options as they hit in the New Year. Juno and Nick were prepared, knew what they wanted, and relied on us to make it happen, and this was the perfect balance to deliver success on their first very competitive offer they made. Celebrations are underway as their new house closes, and they head out of town for the debut of their current home hitting the market!
Struck Gold!
Grace and Mike began their search with open minds. Though they loved the part of town they were in, they did not want to limit their search to only nearby neighborhoods. They hit the ground running in a highly competitive market, with record low inventory, and explored new areas of town. But when an amazing home (with room to grow!) hit, in the area of town they know and love, they jumped at the opportunity. They had found their dream home, in their dream neighborhood, and with friends close by, instant community. All with plenty of space to start a family someday. Congratulations!
Room to grow
Meggie and Jamie started the hunt right before COVID hit. Like so many, the uncertainty surrounding 2020 made them take a step back to evaluate their next move. Disengaging from the market for several months helped clarify what they were looking for – space to grow into, to garden. Simply put, they were after their long-term dream home. Meggie and Jamie are savvy buyers, with a keen eye for investment potential. This flair for recognizing possibilities and their love for mid-century design led them to an outstanding mid-century home that just needed a little elbow grease to shine. We can’t wait to see the transformations as they make it their own for years to come.
Stars align
Emily and Matt had been touring for some time and were smitten with a sweet home that hit the market in the Roseway neighborhood. The home went pending with another buyer and they continued their search, believing they had missed their opportunity at this dream home. A few weeks into the transaction, the buyer of the home backed away from the sale and Emily and Matt jumped at the opportunity to submit their best offer quickly, before the home was released into the open market once more. Their surety about the home was clear and their offer was accepted. We just had the great pleasure of handing them the keys to their new home! Their story is proof that sometimes staying hopeful about a long shot pays off.
Same House Different Clients Four Years Later
Who doesn’t love getting an email from new buyers letting you know they want to work with you because you could be their dream agent. And that’s exactly what my buyers Liz and Alex wrote to me when they first got in touch. After we had a Zoom meeting, I could tell they were going to be dream buyers. Liz and Alex were looking for a home where they could start a family, live as close-in as possible on the east side, and wanted vintage charm out the wazoo.
We started off by seeing a few homes that at least on paper looked like they checked the boxes, but when we went to see them in person, I pointed out all sorts of flaws with foundations, layouts, and other not so fun stuff. After our first foray into seeing what was on the market- which wasn’t much, it really helped them hone in on what was important to so they put together a needs and wants list that was super helpful for both of us in narrowing down their search.
A few days after they put together their magic lists, Liz sent me a listing that had just popped up on the market in NE in the Rose City Park/Laurelhurst neighborhood. This house hit all the marks. The address sounded familiar, and after looking at the photos, I realized that I had listed this very same house back in the summer of 2016! It had belonged to some dear friends of mine that I met when our kids were born around the same time back in 2010, and it was a house that I had spent many hours in. When I sold it in 2016, the buyers had a great agent, and thankfully that same agent was now representing the same folks, this time as sellers. Because I had a really good idea of what Liz and Alex wanted, I was able to tell them with confidence that I thought this might be the perfect house for them. I even let my past sellers know that I now had buyers interested in their old house, which tickled them to no end.
As I had predicted, Liz and Alex loved the house. The worst part about the house when my sellers sold it was the very dated kitchen. The current owners had re-done the kitchen so it was super efficient and stylish. I shared with Liz and Alex all the good times and warm memories that I had in this house and what my sellers had done to the house, along with what was new since I sold it. I called the listing agent to let her know my buyers were really interested. We both remarked how strange but exciting it would be to work together again, on the same house. Liz and Alex wrote up an offer a hair over asking, and that was enough to get the sellers to joyfully accept our offer. Right after we finished up repair negotiations, a tree in the backyard fell over. Alex is an arborist and the sellers asked us for a recommendation for who they should call to have the tree removed, and Alex volunteered to do it himself on the next Saturday, his day off, which the sellers greatly appreciated. Good vibes all around.
When my sellers sold the house in 2016, the roof was nearing the end of it’s life, but still had a good 3-5 years left. This g0-around, our inspector noted that the roof was past due for replacing. The sellers were on it and with only a couple days to spare, the sellers had the roof replaced and we closed on time. I’ve been selling homes since 2007, and this was the first time I’ve sold the same exact home twice- once on each end. The sellers are remaining in the home for 30 days after closing, but I can’t wait to meet Liz and Alex next month to hand them keys!
Kismet in Ladd’s Addition for My Sister
My sister Jamie moved from our hometown of Portland to New York City to pursue a career in visual arts in 1999, before Y2K, before 9/11, and during the last year of the Clinton era. Along the way she met my now brother-in-law Paul, bought a townhouse in Brooklyn during the height of the recession for a rock bottom price, had my now 8 year old niece and adopted the sweetest little mutt who they named Zucchini- an homage to our childhood dog Squash. For the past 21+ years Jamie, and then Jamie and family, have spent extended amounts of time in Portland, usually at least a couple of months over the summer. They had vague plans of moving to Portland “some day” but no super motivating factor to do the hard work of packing up, figuring out where to live in Portland, and all that goes along with moving across the country. Then 2020 came and like millions of other folks, they re-evaluated where they lived, and the motivation to live closer to family (us) and to get out of the suffocating humdrum of life in New York during the pandemic became stronger with each passing month. We had fantasies of them buying a house in my neighborhood, Ladd’s Addition, and being walking distance from each other so our kids could easily go back and forth between houses.
The market for single family homes in Brooklyn, and especially those with a driveway for off-street parking, a private back-yard and a renovated home like Jamie and Paul’s house, exploded. Just as they timed buying their home at the right time during the bottom of the market, they couldn’t have timed listing their home better. Within a week, they had 8 offers, all over asking. New York real estate sales take at least two to three times as long as Oregon transactions, which take about 30 days, so even though their house was pending, it would still be at least 2-3 months before they made the journey west. Once their house was under contract, my sister started seriously looking at listings in Portland. She sent me a listing of a house in my neighborhood, Ladd’s Addition, that was very intriguing. It was a gorgeous 1905 home with tons of original unpainted woodwork and leaded glass windows everywhere. But the thing that really stuck out for her was that it had an attic that looked like a 1950’s A-frame cabin with floor to ceiling windows facing west and a detached extra large 2 car garage. My brother-in-law is a composer so the 2 things that were most important to them besides price and location, was being able to have 2 studios- one for my sister’s visual art and one that could be turned into a soundproof music studio for my brother-in-law. This house in Ladd’s had both. They were still a couple months off from closing on their New York house, but I told her I would keep an eye on it.
In early December, they found out that their buyers were a sure thing and that their house in NY should close within a month. My sister asked me again about the house in Ladd’s, so the next day I did a 2+ hour FaceTime tour with Jamie and Paul. The house had had a front-porch make-over in the 1950’s, so it looked a little funky in the front, the kitchen is small and dated, and it didn’t have much in the way of upgrades to systems. It had been sitting on the market for 2 months, and despite that, it was reasonably priced. The entire time I toured the home with them on my phone, around every corner was another detail worth oooohhhing and ahhhhhing over. Once I was up on the third floor, in the third floor A-frame space, we were struck that the practically floor to ceiling windows revealed an amazing view of downtown Portland and the west hills. The ceilings peaked at over 12′ and the walls were covered in this beautifully textured mid-century plywood. After spending time up there, we realized that for my sister, there was never going to be another art studio attached to a house that was as inspiring, spacious and convenient as this space. In New York, my sister’s art studio was in a basement with low ceilings and little natural light, so having a studio with such an incredible city view was a dream come true. After we toured the house, we looked at the garage. It was built in 1978 and seemed super sturdy and about 500 sf- a huge garage for inner-city Portland standards. By the time I left, it was clear that they had found their dream home.
We wrote up an offer that evening, and had it accepted the next day. We FaceTimed again for the inspection wrap up, which confirmed that the house had great bones, but was sorely in need of electrical, plumbing, and a couple of small structural corrections- all issues that I could tell by just walking through. The sellers were adamant about selling it as-is, which was pretty disappointing. All of the issues were easily fixable, but really started to add up. After overthinking it and overthinking it, Jamie and Paul couldn’t imagine finding a more perfect house that had the location they wanted, in their price range, and already had both of their ideal studio spaces, so they decided to continue onward with the purchase. Throughout all of the transaction, my sister kept wondering why such a great house had been sitting on the market for so long as 2 months in this market is an eternity. After helping folks buy and sells homes in Portland for 14 years, I truly believe that some houses pick their owners, and this one was just waiting for Jamie and Paul.
Livability and income potential
Molly was on the hunt for a home she could thrive in with her kids, within a certain driving distance to the primary locations of their lives. Some thoughtful strategy around her desired commute time radius left open the possibility of moving to different neighborhoods in Portland. Molly was also interested in a home with long term investment potential. Sometimes the second you jump into the market the right one hits, and such was the case when Molly recognized the potential in a 1911 Craftsman with an oversized garage, seemingly MADE for an ADU conversion. This home was too good to let slip away, so she played her strongest cards in a highly competitive scenario and it paid off!
Just Listed: Light & Bright Hillsboro Ranch
JUST LISTED: 2457 NE GRANT ST
Offered at $399,900
3 Bed | 2 Bath | SF 1414 | MLS# 20106662 | Taxes: $2860
2457 NE Grant St, Hillsboro OR 97124
This well-maintained and inviting one level Ranch is the one! You’re going to love the fantastic layout, comfortable features and wonderful location!
Entering the foyer and into the living room, you are immediately greeted with vaulted ceilings and wonderful natural light. Open to the living room is a large dining room with plenty of room for relaxation and gatherings alike!
Make your way through the heart of the home and you’ll find an open concept kitchen with an eating bar that flows nicely into a family room. Big windows overlooking the backyard and a wood fireplace make this space feel both spacious and inviting.
The layout and flow throughout the home is easy to navigate and absolutely ideal for a home of this size. Through the hall, you’ll find a full bathroom and 2 bedrooms filled with great natural light. A lovely primary suite with two large closets and a lovely mirrored barn door to the bathroom.
This home has been carefully maintained with a newer furnace, A/C and double pane vinyl windows! Rounding out the home is a nice sized laundry room and 2-car garage with plenty of storage.
Step outside into a beautiful, oversized backyard! Established landscaping and greenery surround a patio ready for entertaining or lounging on hot summer days. Plus, you’ll love what bounty the warmer weather brings including roses, lilacs & mature fruit trees: apple, Asian pear, plums and grapevines. The yard is fully fenced for privacy which makes this a delightful space for entertaining and Fido-friendly too! Located in a quiet neighborhood walking distance to MAX, Shopping Center and Shadywood Park with trails and a playground. Easy commute to Intel, Nike and HWY 26. This is a wonderful place to call home!
More Information
Dancing Into Homeownership
I met Dianne and Luke through our mutual friend, Angie. The three of them are part of the Lindy Hop community, and met when they were all living on the east coast. Lindy Hop is a form of dance that became popular in Black communities in the 1920s. The dance has continued to rise in popularity in no small part because of the uplifting and fun form. According to one website, “The spirit of Lindy Hop today is about inclusivity, creativity, and improvisation.”
This beautiful couple decided to transplant to the west coast and we started their search over a year ago, but due to issues with the sale of their home back east, they ended up waiting to purchase until the end of 2020. Though not without some challenges, we finally found them a beautiful bungalow sandwiched between the Mississippi and Vancouver/Williams corridor neighborhoods. This home is spectacular! Original details and updates where needed.
I hope Dianne and Luke are happy in this home for many years to come.
If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell a home, please contact Amanda Haworth at 503-453-7698 or amanda@livingroomre.com.
Tips for Buying a Multi-Family Home
Purchasing a multi-family home offers a unique set of challenges, when compared to buying a single family residence — especially if you plan on occupying one or more of the units in the multiplex. Given the impact of the global pandemic, there are some additional challenges that buyers will face as well. Outlined below is a (non-exhaustive) list of things to consider and prepare for, if you would like to buy a multi-family home:
- You will likely have to write an offer before seeing the interior — If the multiplex is currently leased, there is a strong chance that all offers will need to be written “subject to interior inspection.” Meaning, you have to submit an offer (and have it accepted) prior to setting foot inside any of the units. This isn’t quite as scary as it sounds, though. If you walk through the units, and are not satisfied with what you see, you can attempt to renegotiate the terms of the offer, or simply terminate the agreement altogether. This type of requirement is usually in place to protect the tenants from having to vacate the premises over and over again for showings. Requiring all prospective buyers to submit an offer (and have it accepted) prior to viewing the interior, helps ensure that only the most serious buyers are being shown the property.
- Occupancy may have some challenges — If the current tenants are signed to long-term leases, any new owner of the property will be required to let those leases run their course. If you plan on occupying one or more of the units, this can provide some significant challenges, as most Lenders will require that you move into at least one of the units within 60-90 days of closing — otherwise they will consider it a purchase of an investment property. If the tenants are on month-to-month leases, they will still have to be given 90-days notice for a move-out date, so it’s important to negotiate all of these terms as part of the initial offer for the property.
- Inspection and Repair Considerations — When it comes time to inspect a multi-family property, there are a few additional things to consider. a) The inspection will likely take much longer than an inspection of a single-family home, and will also cost more. Both of these will of course depend on the number of units in the multiplex. b) The tenants are not required to move their furniture or personal belongings (nor can we make them) for the inspection. This might mean certain areas are not able to be inspected as thoroughly as we might like. c) The tenants are not required to leave for the inspection (nor can we make them), so there is always a chance that they are present for the duration of inspections. d) If repairs are needed, it may be easiest for all parties if these are handled through a credit or price reduction. Coordinating repairs, providing proper notice to tenants and working out access for contractors — that also fits with the tenants’ schedules — can prove quite difficult, so handling these items monetarily is often the most effective method.
- Seek guidance from a Real Estate Attorney — As a Realtor, I specialize in helping my clients buy and sell property. And while I have a loose grasp on a number of the laws regarding tenant’s rights, I am simply not qualified to provide legal advice on those matters. I strongly encourage my clients to speak with a Real Estate Attorney early on in the process, so as to ensure all rules and regulations are properly followed — especially when it comes to taking responsibility for vacating a tenant. It’s 100% worth the financial and time investment to do so. Trying to navigate these topics on your own is just not worth the risk in my opinion.
- The Pandemic Effect — Throughout the last year, there have been a number of eviction moratoriums and temporary rule changes when it comes to tenant’s rights. Having an understanding of which laws apply to the property you are interested in will prove critical for a successful purchase. Again, here is where I would defer to an Attorney to provide the proper guidance, which only underscores the importance of having a solid Real Estate Attorney on your team for this venture.
While this list is certainly not exhaustive of all the things to consider when buying a multi-family home in the Portland area, it’s a good start towards preparing yourself for this type of investment!
Next Stage
The Wandschneider family just grew to a family of 4, so it was time to think about moving from their cute little bungalow to a home to grow into. They knew this would be their forever home, so finding a wonderful home and community was very important. We set out on our first tour and saw a handful of homes not expecting to find “the one,” but as soon as we entered the last home on the tour it was clear this home stood in a league of its own and was very close to their current neighborhood, which they love. It was fate and we are so very excited to deliver keys to this wonderful home and family!
3 Key Tips for Relocating to Portland
If you are relocating to the Portland area, and looking to buy a home, here are 3 key things worth considering, which will help prepare yourself for success in this current real estate market.
- Find a place to rent first — the timeline for finding the right home to buy might take longer than expected. Extremely low inventory means there will be less homes to choose from, and the multiple offer scenarios we see regularly might mean you miss on a couple homes before ultimately having an offer accepted. Having a stable, open-ended housing situation in the meantime will take a lot of stress out of the process, and help ensure that you don’t have external pressures that force you to settle on a home that you might not otherwise want to buy.
- Choose a local Lender — Having a Lender with local market knowledge is crucial for your success in this market. Many Lenders are licensed in multiple states, so it might be tempting to work with your Lender from California, or your big bank that you have an established relationship with. While this may seem like the path of least resistance, I have seen too many scenarios in which this type of Lender selection has worked against a Buyer; particularly during a multiple offer situation. Listing Agents and Sellers want to know that the Buyer’s Lender is in-tune with the local market and local appraiser timelines, which will help ensure the deal closes on time.
- Be Open Minded with Location — There are so many great neighborhoods and micro-markets here in the Portland area, and if you are relocating here, you may not be aware of all of them. Oftentimes, it’s helpful to consider the characteristics that you are looking for in the neighborhood that you want to live in. If you have a list of what those things are, I can help identify which neighborhoods might be a great fit! Then, I always recommend spending time exploring those neighborhoods — even spending a weekend doing normal “weekend activities” in the different areas you want to consider. Being open minded is key in this market, as some neighborhoods only have a handful of homes sell in a given month. Eliminating certain areas without giving them proper consideration could mean missing on a great home!
While this list is certainly not exhaustive of all the things to consider when relocating to Portland, it’s a good start towards preparing yourself for a move here!
2020 wasn’t only full of crap!
2020 wasn’t only full of crap!
It goes without saying that 2020 has been a messed up year. Politics, COVID, and social unrest aside, I still find myself in a place of gratitude. It is in times like this we see what really matters… Helping people! I am thankful for the amazing clients I get to help navigate this competitive market and come out on the other side victorious. Today Carson gets the keys to his new house, a place for him and his daughter to make home!
How to get it done!
In a market of record-low inventory, increasing prices, and fierce competition, Stefan had the right formula to find a home quickly. He put less emphasis on the charm and more emphasis on functionality. The home Stefan found is solid, practical, and on a huge lot. It will provide him with space for roommates, low maintenance, a quarter acre of yard, and an awesome outbuilding. The home truly has it all and Stefan saw that so he dove in, threw down, and scored a fabulous home in a growing NE neighborhood well within budget! Finding a quality home under $450,000 with good spaces and condition in Portland is hard to say the least and Stefan came out victorious!
Family first
Nathan was looking for a home in Sellwood that would be close to family and a great spot for his girls. At Nathan’s price point, homes in Sellwood came with a bit of fixing, but Nathan was motivated and clear on his priorities. He is embracing the idea of future projects, knowing the tradeoff is remaining connected to his community and staying in the best location for his kids. Congratulations Nathan!
The long haul…
Sarah and Charles had been in the market for about two years. At a tough price point in a competitive market and with clear location parameters, their search was about the waiting game. To top it off, they were touring homes exclusively virtually, so being their eyes and ears was our goal. Like many buyers, vintage charm (or the potential for the restoration of charm) was something that was important to them. But, charm at this price point can often mean cramped spaces, awkward layouts, or other hurdles. So, when an older St. John’s home with the open spaces they were missing in so many of the others popped on the market, they jumped. They were not the highest offer, but they wrote competitive terms that created a strong case for them as buyers and they won! It was amazing to tour the home with them in person after so much distance and to see their patience pay off!
Cross Country Move…
Amber and Jared were selling their home out of state and had a limited timeline to purchase their new Portland home, so they were motivated buyers with their eyes on the goal! Amber grew up in Oregon, but Portland has changed so dramatically since her time here that their search was in part about becoming reacquainted with the city and finding neighborhoods that would be compatible with their lifestyle. They were moving from a community they LOVED, so finding a neighborhood that fosters connection was important to them. Luckily, they still have close friends and family in town, and those that know them best pointed them toward the Maywood neighborhood. When they drove down Maywood’s tree-lined streets, busy with neighbors walking and socializing, it simply felt like home.
Masquerade Ball…
Or at least that’s how it felt… Duplex, Triplex, and ADU were the costume themes for this ball, but what lay underneath was non-confirming units, no permits, and much much more. The process involved a lot of researching and educating our client on the risk he would be taking on and the impact this has on value. We do not take this process lightly and our client saw that. As an agent who prides herself on education and helping a client see potential pitfalls, constantly poo-pooing options felt daunting… The search felt like a game of line them up and knock them down UNTIL we came across an amazing property with historic character intact and permits! This home was as it seemed… a place for our client to settle into, that would also provide income. Way to be patient!
Sweet Opportunity ~ SW Palatine Street Lots
SW Palatine Street Lots
Arnold Creek Neighborhood
2 Lots: R164923 & R164924
Asking: $175,000 | MLS# 20196259
Total .97 Acres | Taxes: $1,325
Sweet Opportunity on nearly 1 Acre. Arnold Creek Neighborhood Beautiful Buildable Site a few miles from Lewis & Clark, PCC, the Willamette River and Lake Oswego. Incredible setting near Tryon Creek, Maricara, Loll Wildwood & Kerr Natural Areas. SW Palatine Street Lots back up to undeveloped land. Zoned R20c (conservation overlay)
Fresh Energy!
The stress and anxiety leading up to the election this year was like none other before it. It felt like so much of our future hinged on this election, and I was nervous about whether Americans would vote to restore a sense of competency in the White House. As a Realtor and business-owner, it was such a huge relief to see Joe Biden elected as President; knowing that someone who actually cared about the American people and small business would be running the show. There are so many challenges we will all face as we try to dig our way out of the devastating effects of the pandemic, but for the first time in 2020, it feels like there is light at the end of the tunnel. Congratulations to President-elect, Joe Biden, and Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris!
Get Out Your Favorite Pens Folks Because We Are About To Check ALL THE BOXES
Congratulations to Nathan & Isabelle!!
My clients are some of my favorite people! I’m proud to say my business is entirely referral-based which means there is a high level of trust naturally built-in to our relationship from the beginning. Nathan and Isabelle were no exception. They were referred to me by Nathans’s sister, Jenn, who has been a client for years. As expected from already knowing Jenn, Nathan and Isabelle are some of the sweetest people on the planet. They were looking for a cute house with a yard and an oversized, clean garage. Nathan’s hobby is car racing so he needs a nice space to work on cars.
Nathan and Isabelle saw a good number of homes that didn’t quite hit the mark, but they were troopers and stuck with it. They knew exactly what they wanted and they were not willing to compromise. So, when this cutie popped up they knew it was the ONE and they were ready to jump on it!
The market is very competitive right now and Nathan and Isabelle were on board to put together a very competitive offer that was accepted without hesitation! I think it really helped that they had seen a lot of houses already, so they knew a gem when they saw it and were ready to fight for it. This house couldn’t be a better fit for Nathan and Isabelle! Seriously, it almost seems as if they manifested it, that’s what a great fit it is. They did the right thing by waiting for something that checked all the boxes!
Here’s to their new home!
MID-CENTURY LOVE
Jenna and Jeff loved their mid-century home, but needed more space and wanted to improve their school district. We explored older homes, but nothing gave them the comfort of solid mid-century construction. They were patient, realistic, and open-minded, all of which led us to the perfect storybook home and sale. The sellers were a couple that cared for their amazing mid-century for the past 55 years and were ready to move to a smaller place. Jenna and Jeff were ready to take on the stewardship of this well-loved home and yard (Jeff’s an avid gardener). This experience has been more than they ever expected, both because of the house and the rare opportunity to truly meet the owners.
To Be Young Again
It was so much fun helping Alex and Jessica find their first home and start their life together. They have been married for 2 years, living with roommates as they saved for this. All their hard work and patience to make their dream come true was supported by appreciation, eagerness, and excitement, which I simply found so refreshing and a privilege to be a part of. Now they have a space for their big couch (a couch they bought together and love) and a yard for a new puppy!
A New Perspective
As we approach the end of the year, I always spend time reflecting back on the market for that year — where my business came from, whether I was able to improve my level of service and expertise, and the motivations that inspired buying and selling decisions. This year was markedly different from any previous year for many obvious reasons. As Realtors, we all had to adapt to changes in the way we conduct business — Zoom calls instead of face-to-face meetings, no-contact showings and never-ending supplies of hand sanitizer.
In many ways, the vast reduction in face-to-face interaction was the hardest part to cope with. Building and maintaining solid connections with my friends and clients is one of the most rewarding parts about my career, and being able to spend time together in-person has always been my favorite way to do so.
With that said, the intrinsic gratification of helping a client accomplish their goals seemed to be at an all-time high this year. Many people’s motivation for buying or selling a home this year was predicated on the idea of finding more space. Whether that be for multiple offices to work-from-home, more yard space for spending time outdoors or more space to spread out at home and stay sane, it seemed that everyone was looking for ways to develop a new appreciation for being at home, since all of us were spending so much more time there. And with the heightened sense of anxiety that so many of us have been feeling, there were additional layers of stress added to each real estate transaction.
All of this made things just that much more exciting though, when a client was able to successfully accomplish what they set out to do. And, it helped add some sparks of joy to both mine and my client’s year. I am always so grateful for all my friends and clients who choose to work with me, but this year has been extra special. Thank you all for your continued trust and support!
Knowledge is power
Amber wanted a place of her own, but in the height of the summer market, competing at her price point was tough. Luckily, Amber’s open mindedness helped clarify an accessible niche in the market for her. She began her search with the preconception that HOA fees would rule out condos, but after digging a little deeper into the reality of condo expenses, her fears were alleviated and it became clear that not all HOAs are equal. This created an opportunity for us to seek condos with HOAs that carry enough costs to offset the additional fees and with enough space to live like a single family home. We were able to secure a spacious condo for Amber that will bring her closer to her work, to family, and at an ideal price point that will allow for more financial freedom. We are thrilled for her!
Hollywood Here I Come!
Wow. This truly stunning home located in Hollywood/Grant Park has undergone a complete designer remodel that successfully preserved it’s beauty as a 1915 bungalow. The home is full of light filled spaces that feel warm and comfortable, even on the rainiest of days. Your eye will be drawn to the custom cabinets and lighting, restored wood windows, restored hardware, and beautiful hardwood floors. Behind the scenes new plumbing, sewer, wiring and electrical panel, water main, HVAC system, radon system, and earthquake retrofit will keep your mind at ease! And just when you thought it couldn’t get better you’ll find the separate living space in the basement with it’s own laundry, full bath and private entrance.
I love working with our sellers to make their home shine when it’s time to list… it’s kind of my thing. 🖤
Finding The Elusive Unicorn In Record Low Inventory
Eva and Ben are a young newlywed couple looking for their first home. When I first met them we hit it off right away. They were eager but they needed guidance. I knew I could help them find their first home where they could build their lives. They asked to see a home right down the street from their current rental. They already loved their neighborhood in Milwaukie and the move, should they get the home, would be a cinch!
Because they were just starting out in their journey, I hooked them up with my favorite mortgage banker at OnPoint, and as a result they received their approval in a matter of days! Sadly, the house that we had seen in their neighborhood that they loved had gone pending. This market is FAST, y’all! I sent them other listings for a few weeks but they just couldn’t get that first home out of their minds. Then, out of what seemed like kismet the house came back on the market! They quickly called me to go see it again. That was it. The second look just confirmed that they loved the home, the location and the layout. They wanted to make an offer.
Now, this rarely happens that the first and only home a client sees is the one that they make an offer on and it is accepted right away, especially during this tough market for buyers. But this was the unicorn agents and buyers are always looking for! Offer accepted! As first time home buyers, I made sure to walk with them every step of the way. Thanks to their perseverance, quick decision making and hiring themselves an agent that goes the extra mile they finally have a place they can start their lives as a married couple after saving for so long! Congrats to my wonderful clients!
First time home buyer? I’m here for you! Contact me 503.267.0923 or savanna@livingroomre.com
A Neighborhood Favorite Finds an Adorable Bungalow
Congratulations to Tim & Artie!
Tim and I have known each other for long time. He is a dear friend and, as the owner of Little T American Baker on SE Division, a beloved part of our community. He is beyond kind and very thoughtful. Good vibes lead the way in everything he does. That charm led the way for Tim to find a very special home!
Firstly, Tim found a house that wasn’t even listed for sale, all on his own! A friend of his knew another friend was planning to sell her cute Bungalow in the Hawthorne district. Seemingly a red carpet rolled out in front of Tim because shortly thereafter we were inside the house taking a look around. It was a perfect size, had ideal updates and was in fantastic condition!
Another part of what made this transaction special was the seller and her agent. They were clear, prompt communicators and a pleasure to work with. Buying a home is a big deal, and it’s always going to bring a little stress along with it. But when both sides can work toward a shared goal and with mutual respect, it can be a great experience!
I’m over the moon for my dear friend Tim and his new house!
Work Hard & Be Kind
Congratulations to Maggie and Hoyt!
Work hard and be kind really sums up my whole work philosophy, and for that matter, probably my whole LIFE philosophy! It also sums up Hoyt and Maggie!
I love working with other hard workers. Maggie and Hoyt are a great example of how hard work, kindness, and trust can take you a long way down the road of life.
I first met Hoyt and Maggie years ago when they were purchasing their first home. And oh how time flies! Fast forward to 2019 and their family has outgrown that lovely ranch and is ready for more room.
One of my favorite parts of being a Real Estate Broker is helping clients prepare their homes for sale. It’s very rewarding to suggest updates and tweaks that prove to have a big impact on the outcome of the sale. Maggie and Hoyt worked super hard and did an amazing job updating their home. Their kitchen remodel looked fantastic! And because of all that hard work, they were extra jazzed when they received 6 offers on the house!
So, you can imaging that after all the work Hoyt and Maggie had just done to sell their home they now wanted to buy a home that didn’t require much updating while big enough for a growing family. Plus, they have fantastic style, so that was a given! After a few near-misses, we found the CUTEST, remodeled home on a corner lot in Piedmont. The big yard is full of potential and garden space, with plenty of room to improve the value.
I am so grateful to have hard-working and kind clients such as Hoyt and Maggie!
Chloe & Alex found the ONE!
Congratulations to Chloe & Alex!
Meet Alex and Chloe, first time home buyers looking for their first home together. They are whip-smart, fun, and data-oriented, which, of course, made me want to work with them from our first introduction! …But, Alex really got me when he said he was looking for an agent who wouldn’t just tell him what he wanted to hear. BINGO! We were a match. And, as expected, it was a joy to get to dive into the details of the process with them and give them my honest opinion throughout.
The market is very competitive for buyers right now so when Chloe and Alex found the house that checked all the boxes plus tugged at their heartstrings, they were ready to pull out all the stops to make it happen! Plus, I think there was a little extra fairy dust sprinkled on this one because even though there were 2 offers higher than theirs, the terms of the sale were strong enough that they managed to get into first position and breeze through the sale. We even closed a week early! Big shout out to JJ Lee Kwai at Two Rivers Mortgage for making that happen!! I’m so happy for Chloe and Alex.
One more note, Chloe and Alex were referred to me by way of a wonderful past client who I had the chance to catch up with at my Social Distance Party this Summer. Hooray for referrals! My business is built on referrals for a reason and Chloe and Alex’s experience was a great example of why referrals are important. We build trust a lot faster when a friend has already vouched for the top-notch experience they can expect from me and my team. This especially makes a difference in our current competitive market. Chloe and Alex trusted my advice and it made all the difference in getting the home.
Horray for Alex and Chloe!
Pride of Ownership
A couple of years ago, Paul and Jana started dreaming of finding a more spacious “forever” home. As long time occupants of one of Portland’s historic Craftsmans, they value preservation and knew they were seeking a home with vintage attributes that they could be stewards of for years to come. Part of finding the right place was finding a seller who aligned with these values and took pride in upholding a home’s original character. When they walked into the meticulously maintained Irvington Craftsman that would become their home, it was clear the seller had a kindred perspective and they jumped at the opportunity. Congratulations Jana and Paul! Here’s to safeguarding a piece of Portland’s history.
New Construction Offers Opportunity
Buying a home in the Portland Real Estate Market can be extremely challenging right now. With the average sale price up 9% from where it was this time last year, and with inventory levels at record lows, the competitive frenzy that is the Portland Market is full of challenges for would-be buyers to overcome. With multiple offers on seemingly every property, buyers have to be aggressive, take risks and be ready to make major decisions within a matter of hours after seeing a home. For some, this can be exhausting and overwhelming, and even cause a sense of burnout when it comes to searching for a home.
For some of my clients, it has caused them to reframe their goals for purchasing a home, and some have begun to look for new construction in the various new communities that are popping up outside of Portland. New construction communities can oftentimes offer an opportunity to purchase a home without having to compete with other buyers; meaning less stress, more time to make decisions and more options to choose from. In many cases, you are able to make upgrades or add customizations as well. Not to mention, all the systems of the home are brand new, so maintenance costs and repairs are kept to a minimum!
Many of these new construction communities are still selling out quickly though, so it definitely pays to know about these communities early. As your resource in the industry, I am constantly keeping a pulse on new construction communities that are in the works, so my clients can be the first to know about them and have an opportunity to see the available inventory!
An Eastside Dream Realized
Buying a home anywhere west of SE 82nd is a tall order these days. Being able to buy a home without any competing offers, is nearly impossible. Congratulations to R&C for being able to find the diamond in the rough, and landing a home in their target neighborhood, without having to compete with any other offers. There are definitely a few projects to get started on right away, but I look forward to seeing how they transform their new home!
The Ultimate Project
Buying a project home is never easy, and it takes a lot of guts to really give something like this a go. To take this step while buying your first home… now that’s a major power move! I am so excited for my wonderful client, Lia, who just closed on the ultimate project house! Lia has all the vision required for a major overhaul, and I can’t wait to see the before and after photos. I just know she will make the most of this, and really maximize the potential of the space! Congratulations, Lia!
Taking the Long Way Home
Congratulations to Dustin, who is closing on his third real estate purchase in the last year! It’s been so great to reconnect with Dustin, who was a long-lost friend from High School. After trying unsuccessfully to buy a property – unrepresented – last year, Dustin gave me a call and asked, “are you still in real estate?” A month later, we closed on the investment property he had been trying to buy. 3 months later, he and his wife bought another investment property! Fast forward to this summer, and they just purchased a new primary residence, while finding a tenant to begin renting their current home. This most recent transaction wasn’t an easy one, and even involved a lender change during the middle of the transaction! But, with some creativity and brainstorming, we were able to pull it all together and make it happen. The extra hoops we had to jump through just make it that much sweeter to finally close! I’m so thankful for your trust, and am grateful to be a part of building your real estate empire! Looking forward to the next one!
Navigating with integrity
When Jill and Chris were offered the opportunity to relocate to Portland for work, they knew one of their goals would be finding a place to call their own. With trusted friends already located in Portland, they were fortunate to have people to lean on as they carved out their first step. Luckily for us, their friends pointed them our way and we began the first time homebuyer hunt, which in a competitive market and price point, can be daunting. Jill and Chris were realistic and driven. This perspective and the willingness to throw down the gauntlet to win, landed them a fantastic home in an incredibly scarce price point inside of 82nd. We made it through some large surprises during inspections, Jill and Chris always keeping in integrity to the terms they wrote to win the home. They are great people that are emerging victorious because of their dedication and openness to counsel in an often challenging market. We are so honored to have helped them and to have them in our amazing network of clients.
Jessica LeDoux
realtor + warrior + advocate
A Smooth & Successful Downsize
Congratulations to CJ on successfully downsizing, and finding a nice compact home, with a HUGE backyard for the doggos to run around in! I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with you, and am happy for you to make this transition! Thank you for trusting me to guide you through the process, and for being willing to really “go for it” to get this great house! Being aggressive with your offer terms can certainly be scary, but in this market, it’s often the only way you will come out the “winner” in multiple offer scenarios.
It takes a village…
When Michele set out to find her new home, it was clear one of her top priorities was community. Having moved to Portland five years ago with her sister and Mom, her sense of familial connection was strong. She had been living with her sister and wanted a home that would support this daily support system and allow her to stay integrated in her nephew Bruno’s life. Moving into her own space separate from this cherished family dynamic was a bitter sweet prospect, until we came across a condo mere blocks from her family! Michele was able to embrace the excitement of having her own space, all within walking distance to those she loves. The village will remain intact! We have such admiration for their powerful family unit and couldn’t be happier for them.
It Only Takes One!
Big congratulations to S&V for purchasing their first home together! This was one of those rare moments, where the first house they saw ended up being the one! Props to the both of them for being decisive, and taking action — in this market, decisiveness is key, and it really paid off.
In my experience, it’s hard for many buyers to get over the idea of there being “something better” out there that hasn’t hit the market yet — especially for first time buyers. I have also learned that often times there isn’t’ something better, and many clients have missed out on great homes, because they aren’t able to be decisive.
Many of my clients have heard me remind them to look for that 85% perfect home, and when it comes along, be ready to take action! In some cases, it’s the first house you see, like this one was for S&V. Congrats to you both again, it was a pleasure working with you!
Second chance Bungalow
Patrick and Quang were out-of-state buyers who jumped into the market initially via a real estate app. In our quick market, the allure of convenience that these apps offer can be enticing. However, big business brokerages with alternative service models are often juggling overwhelming volume and are not always able to provide personalized service to their buyers. Such was the experience of Patrick and Quang and when they toured the perfect Irvington bungalow and made an offer, they were not armed with the leverage of information and strategy in presenting their terms and lost out to the competition. Some Portland friends sent them our way and we were grateful for the opportunity to offer them more engaged representation. As luck would have it, the bungalow they had been after came back on the market and we were able to present an informed, competitive offer that was just what the seller was looking for. We are so glad Patrick and Quang got a second chance at the home they loved!
They Finally Got One!
Congratulations to D&A on finding a great home in Thompson Woods! After a couple of tries in competitive situations, I am so happy to see you find such a great home for you and your boys! The home was built just 2 years ago in 2018, and features an open floor plan with beautiful high-end finishes, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and tons of natural light! The Thompson Woods neighborhood features newer construction homes built by Arbor Homes, West Hills Homes and Toll Brothers. This particular home was built by Arbor Homes, and features all of the upgrades and detail that Buyers have come to expect from this builder — large open kitchen, beautiful built-ins, high-end finishes and spacious bedrooms. It even has a Smart Refrigerator with a huge touch screen! I am excited to see you settle into your new place, and look forward to seeing your little ones grow up in a beautiful home!
Dream street
When first coming to Portland years ago, Jacq drove down a beautiful NW Portland street, lined with historic homes, and imagined living there one day. As we began touring with Jacq and Charles, there were many homes that seemed like potential options for their family, but when they walked into the gorgeously restored 1906 home on this very street, their excitement jumped to a whole new level. They anticipated finding a place that would work well for them, but the real possibility of inhabiting a house they were ecstatic about was eye-opening and they moved with surety on what is now their new home. Helping Jacq and Charles live their dream was a true honor and pleasure. They are warm, generous hearted people and we couldn’t be happier for them.
Light-filled Belmont Bungalow
Light-filled Belmont Bungalow
718 SE 32nd Ave | Portland, OR 97214
Offered at $585,000 | ML #20262880
3+ Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 2,607 SF
Winter is coming! What better way to beat the Oregon grays than with a home filled with windows and light? Perfectly situated within blocks of Laurelhurst Park, Sunnyside Environmental School, H-Mart, Stumptown Coffee, The Liquor Store and some of the city’s best dining and shopping, this west-facing charmer sits high up off the street and features a covered front porch, hardwood floors and period built-ins. A light and bright living room with wood burning fireplace flows to a formal dining room with a built-in window bench with storage, which in turn opens up to the beautifully updated kitchen, finally transitioning to the back yard via french doors with a large deck and patio area for outdoor dinners and grassy area for kiddos and pets. Large hedges provide privacy galore. Working from home? There is a large upstairs workspace perfectly appointed for your home office needs. Basement has loads of potential with a workshop space and room for an ADU or anything you can dream up.
Click here for Virtual Tour
JUST LISTED: Darling Lents Ranch
JUST LISTED: 6134 SE 102ND AVE
6134 SE 102ND AVE, Portland OR 97266
Offered at $319,000
3 Bed | 1 Bath | 943 SF | MLS# 20344559 | Taxes: $3319
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday 8/15 11am-1pm
VIDEO TOUR
Wow! This well-maintained and inviting one level Ranch is cute as a button and lives large! Situated on an oversized lot with a large front and back yard you’ll notice the open feel right away. This home has been carefully maintained with the added bonus of a newer roof, furnace, hot water heater, and double pane vinyl windows!
Entering into the heart of the home is an airy living room with classic hardwood floors, plenty of natural light and a wood-burning fireplace for cozy evenings. Nestled between the living room and kitchen is an excellent dining area, perfect for entertaining and intimate dinners at home.
Flowing easily into a freshly updated kitchen touting new countertops, eating bar, stainless steel appliances, ample counter space, vinyl flooring, new light fixtures, fresh paint, and a lovely garden window.
The layout and flow throughout the home is absolutely ideal for a home of this size. Through the hall, you’ll find three bedrooms filled with natural light and ample closets. Also, a roomy bathroom with double sinks and stylish updates.
There are a generous laundry room and mudroom in the garage for your convenience.
Rounding out the home is a huge, fully fenced backyard with plenty of room to roam and tons of potential! A great space for gardening and outdoor entertaining. And, Fido-friendly too!
The garage offers room for storage and with two full driveways, you’ll have the extra space you need for RV or boat.
This home sits on a quiet street close to multiple parks and offers easy access to HWY 205 and all the shopping the heart of Lents offers.
We get to pick this time!
I had the privilege of helping Kristin’s parents find her a condominium close to her school in Oregon in 2012. The family arrived from Green Bay, MI, and Mom and Dad knew what type of home they were looking for as an investment in their daughter’s future as she entered her last four years to get her master’s degree. Four years later Kristin graduated and Mom and Dad called to get the condo sold. It was a complete success for Kristin and her parents’ investment. In school, Kristin met her husband and they moved into the home Van’s parents picked out for him. Two families with amazing support, connection, and love helped these two arrive at this spot and they are so grateful, but now eight years later it is time to sell the home Van’s parents picked and buy a home THEY picked out! A home with many rooms to fill as they both work from home and plan to start a family. Say goodbye to Mom and Dad’s picks and say hello to the home you can envision growing your family in and making roots in the community you chose!
Jessica
Your REALTOR® for Life
Making Magic Happen In A Magnificent Mid-Century Dunthorpe Estate
Magnificent Mid-Century Dunthorpe Estate
Welcome back to Portland, Amy & Katie!
A while back, I helped Amy and Katie buy a lovely home in SE Portland. Then I helped them sell that home a few years later for a big and unexpected move to San Francisco. We had become friends and I knew I would miss them! I was honored to be a part of their wedding celebration in 2019. I got to meet their amazing family and I just adore them both so much. They’ve lived all over the place, so I figured we would catch up here and there throughout the years. And, besides it would be a great excuse to visit them in San Francisco!
Fast forward to last month, I had just helped Amy’s sister, Ashley and brother-in-law, Cody buy a cute house in SW Portland to start their new family (woot woot for referrals!). The baby is due in December!
Funny how life happens because the next thing I know Amy and Katie called to say that they really missed Portland, they already found their dream house in Dunthorpe and they were eager to move back to Portland! I did an extensive FaceTime tour with them and we wrote an offer and had an accepted offer within a few short days.
The house itself is beyond stunning: some of the notable features are walls of sliding glass that gracefully blur the line between the outside and in, lush landsacping, a serene courtyard, spa-like master bath, and a gentle stream running through the property which is over a third of an acre. It’s truly a breathtaking home and was recently featured in the Oregonian! A local and very respected architect, Sid Scott of Scott Edwards Architecture and his wife Teresa Scott bought this home about 4 years ago and have been busy with a “down to the studs” renovation of this mid-century home. The incredible transformation of this home and so wonderful to see job design and projects like this happening in Portland.
Here’s to family (weather given or chosen), making everlasting memories and togetherness. Congratulations Amy and Katie!
First Time
After nearly 15 years as a REALTOR®, I still love helping first time home buyers. John and Shannon’s excitement and eagerness to understand the current market was awesome. They took on this competitive market with realistic expectations and an attitude of gratefulness. It’s not easy entering the Portland Market, but it is a privilege, and one they never lost sight of. Way to go!
Jessica
Educator, Advocate, REALTOR®
Trust + Perseverance = Magic
Congratulations to our First Time Home Buyers!
A big hooray for my lovely first-time homebuyers, Ashley and Cody who charged ahead with patience and grace in Portland’s competitive real estate market.
Firstly, these are some of the sweetest people I know! They have big hearts, sharp minds and were a joy to work with. And they are expecting their first child later this year!! See the small baby bump?
Over the course of a couple of months, we submitted 4 offers and came in just barely below the winning offer each time. Not easy and super frustrating! But I knew there was magic was in our mutual trust and open communication. We regularly went over strategies for being competitive in a strong seller’s market and they had plenty of determination.
In the end, sticking with it has forever changed their lives because… bada-boom bada-bing, the 5th offer was accepted and are new homeowners for the first time!
The house has a ton of updates and was so well maintained that we enjoyed a smooth transaction. And the huge yard, trees all around and vintage apple tree are the tops!
Empty Nester Plans
Jamie and Wendy are on the precipice of becoming empty nesters. This can be a very emotional time for parents, and this fact is no different for these two, but it can also be exciting! They have been preparing to make it a fun new phase of life and a simpler time. After selling two of their rental properties they were ready to find a new place to call home. The goal was to find a smaller, energy-efficient mid-century home, with livability on one floor and quality extra living space for the kids to come home and visit. Finding all of this while maintaining the same walkability and proximity to friends was not an easy task, but when this home hit the market they simply knew it was the one. The competition was fierce, and what was needed to be the chosen offer was uncomfortable, but thanks to a huge amount of trust and counsel they charged forward and their offer was accepted. We simply love these two, and it was such an honor to help them!
Jessica + Karim
Fierce Real Estate Duo
Bullseye
One thing Sahar and Tim were certain about from the start was location. We identified their favorite area of town, the “bullseye,” and built the search with this in mind. Because they were in a highly competitive price point, the houses that met the criteria and lived up to their location dreams were few and far between. As the search continued, they began to stretch their initial neighborhood goals. So, when a home they loved (and did not have to compromise on location for!) hit the market, they jumped and beat out some hefty competition. As we dug into inspections on this home, it became clear that the foundation issues were too great to take on. So, they bravely plunged into the market again. Finally, after many bumps along the way, we truly did find “the one” and in their bullseye no less! They kept a level perspective all the way through, which was such a testament to how wonderful they are as individuals and as a couple. It was a privilege to help them find their home
Community
Paul and Mel are simply some of the most involved, down to earth, lovely people. Wherever they go community follows, whether it be through their locally owned restaurant, teaching at our schools, or volunteering. This level of commitment creates a very full, busy life and they simply needed a larger space for their family to come home to and be able to enjoy during their cherished moments of togetherness. Searching for their dream home was challenging due to COVID, but so much fun. They knew what they wanted, but most importantly they knew what was most important to both of them. Many homes fit only one of their “wishlists” and no time was lost considering it because they knew that “their house” was out there. And it was… I opened the door and toured it solo, instantly knowing this was the one and after Mel and Paul toured as well, this was confirmed. They found their dream home! We are simply ecstatic for your family and cannot wait until we can deliver you the keys!
Jessica
Advocate, Dream Weaver
Move-in Ready Bungalow
Move-in Ready Bungalow
3237 NE 57th Ave | Portland, OR 97213
Offered at $425,000 | ML #20510056
2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 5,000 SF Lot
Move-in ready Bungalow in Rose City. Coveted 2 bathroom layout features master en suite w/walk-in closet. Vintage details throughout; period lighting, original built-ins, millwork & wood flooring. Covered front & back porches, private back garden with established flora. Entry closet & ample storage throughout. Formal dining room, kitchen breakfast nook, unfinished basement. Blocks from Beaumont cafes, restaurants & amenities.
All the Single Ladies, All the Single Ladies
Put your hands up for Jess!
She just bought the perfect townhouse in NE Portland for her and her dog Luigi.
Let’s take a minute to celebrate being single! There is so much strength in creating and appreciating your own space, and Jess is over the moon in this townhouse!
This year I have helped a lot of single ladies buy homes, condos, and townhouses. It’s inspiring to see the commitment they have to themselves and creating their best life.
I love helping all people buy homes and this feeling has amplified in the pandemic. So many people are realizing just how important their home is in relation to working from home, quarantining, homeschooling, etc..
It was an honor to help Jess and her dog Luigi buy a spacious townhouse with a huge garage for not only the car but a motorcycle and a home gym. May their new home be a foundation for love and contentment!
Moving mom next door?
The rental next door to their secluded little oasis had been empty for quite awhile. Curiosity set in; were they planning to sell it? Could they buy it? So many questions, but they were not comfortable approaching the owner so they called us. We gladly did some digging and found that the seller was not looking to sell. Bummer, but the idea of moving Mom into their current home and moving to a home with more space and a garage was born. Congratulations Rachelann and Paul!
Fresh Beaumont Craftsman
JUST LISTED
3606 NE 43rd Ave, Portland OR 97213
The health and safety of the community is our top priority. Please be sure to see and share this virtual tour to get a feel for the home prior to showing. Please follow posted COVID protocols and contact Tracey with questions. Thank you!
Offered at $899,000
4 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 3112 SF
MLS# 20173576 | Taxes: $8,568
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday 7/4 12-2pm
VIRTUAL TOUR
Light abounds in this Beautiful Craftsman home, built both for efficiency and classic beauty! Perched up off the street this home offers charming open spaces, chef’s kitchen, custom details and so much more.
It’s possible you’ll fall in love with this home even before entering! Fresh coat of paint inside and out plus a dreamy oversized porch greet you upon arrival. Entering this lovely home you will find a formal entry with built-ins!
Continue through the main floor featuring soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, big bright windows and a lovely gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry, gas range and beautiful island. Ample dining room is perfect for both intimate dinners and entertaining. The living room glows with big corner windows and a stylish fireplace with mantle for cozy evenings.
The second level features a gorgeous master en suite with 2 additional bedrooms, ample closets and classic woodworking throughout.
Spacious 3rd floor walk-up with spectacular tree-top views and generous ceiling height is great for family or media room.
Lower level offers plenty of storage and extra deep 2 car garage with more opportunity for storage and shop.
This Energy Star Certified home features a high-efficiency furnace and A/C and tankless hot water heater.
Gorgeous, low maintenance landscaped back yard perfect for gatherings and dinner on the deck. A lovely walk to Fremont shops, restaurants and parks! Great schools, biking score and public transportation! Welcome home!
Tennessee to Portland
Jenny’s Mom lives in Tennessee with her brother. Jenny has often said they should move to Portland… but Mom shut that conversation down every time until COVID-19. The way COVID was being handled in Tennessee was simply not acceptable to them and they felt Mom was at risk. Within a day or two of this conversation, a cute little bungalow hit the market just around the corner from Jenny. This felt like fate, so Jenny called and we headed out to see the home that day and they wrote an offer that was accepted. Wow, Mom is on her way to Portland now!!
Community
In 2019, Priya and Sujata planned to move Mom and Dad and sell their home with Karim in February of this year. Priya was living with her parents and did not know yet what her next step would be until the idea of buying the home next to Sujata was born. They often helped their neighbor and knew she needed to move to a retirement community because the care and upkeep of the home was simply too much for her. Her need to sell was overwhelming her, and she discussed this with Sujata, which lead to the idea of buying her home so that Priya could live next door. But how could this work, putting their parents home on the market in December was not the best idea? Well, when everyone’s best interest is at the forefront, plans seem to come together. The path was not easy, and there were many uncontrollable bumps along the way, but the love and respect in their little community was strong and everybody worked to help one another when needed… 6 months later they now own the home next door and after the seller gets settled in her new community, Priya will move in and become part of her sister’s neighborhood!
1,2, PAUSE, 3, and Bam!
Dharam and Susanne had found a home and we were about to submit an addendum after inspections when the floodgates opened around COVID-19. The uncertainty our times brought them caused them to terminate and wait a bit to see how everything would unfold. Fast forward to April and they fortunately had strong employment still and felt comfortable starting to look again. Almost immediately their home hit the market. It was perfect… Great area, great street, and an amazing home on a large lot with chickens to boot! During these times of uncertainty and hardship it is great to see something all work out for the better. We are simply ecstatic for them!
Jessica
Advocate, REALTOR®
Gorgeous 1-level Retreat on Powell Butte
Powell Butte Retreat Home
16442 SE High Meadow Loop | Portland, OR 97236
Offered at $399,900 | ML # 20362113
Gorgeous one-level retreat, nestled up to Powell Butte Nature Park. Extensive backyard features; pond & waterfall, patio, gardens, established native flora & private entrance to the trail system. Vaulted ceilings, expansive master en suite with soaking tub, shower, walk-in closet & backyard access. Ample storage, oversized garage, laundry room, island kitchen with nook and formal dining room. Sunny spaces & great flow throughout.
See the Photo Slideshow
Helping the whole family move to Newburg
I’ve know Amelia since she was around 10 years old. God, that makes me feel a little old! I saw her grow up and celebrated with her, Brad and the whole family at their wedding a few years back. I attended to their baby shower and adore their little bean, Charlotte. And just this month, I had the honor to help them achieve another milestone in their life, buying the first home! I have to say we had some fun even in the middle of a pandemic!
We honed in on Newberg pretty early on and there was no looking back. Newburg is a wonderful place for this family because they love the schools and the smaller town feel. Next, I’m helping her parents move from Bull Mountain to Newberg so they can all be close to one another.
Congratulations to Brad, Amelia and Charlotte, you are like family to me!
In spite of COVID-19
In spite of coming into the market at the beginning of quarantine, closure of businesses, and the complete unknown, Emma and Gabe conquered all! They navigated the new normal with grace, understanding, and trust. Their dream home hit the market and offers had to be written “subject to interior inspection.” This requirement is not for the faint of heart, but the house seemed perfect, no wait… it was perfect and after much counsel about what it’s like to offer on a home BEFORE even seeing it, they took the leap and threw down a very competitive no-nonsense offer. They narrowly missed the deadline to even have it considered, but their offer made it in to the agent in time and was accepted!!! Holy moly, they were dumbfounded and in shock. We were in the house the next day and it was more than they had dreamed for… pure joy was on both of their faces! Such a dream story for amazing people… they kicked COVID’s butt!
Jessica
The stars aligned…
Quarantine had begun and Audra’s business was in danger, but she is not one to just let something happen without trying everything first. She was able to quickly restructure her business model and provide online classes that her community responded well to. The business was saved, now she had to solve the problem of homeownership… Her lease was up and she feared not having shelter, but we connected her with our property management department to help her understand her rights as a tenant, which solved the immediate problem! Now it was time to shop… Audra is a strong, independent woman and knows what she wants and the stars aligned and HER home appeared. Light throughout, yard space to garden, bedrooms for her kiddos, and in a great neighborhood. Audra, we are so excited for you!
Educator, Negotiator, Advocate
Jessica LeDoux
So many options…
When you have clients like Mike and Amy there are so many possibilities because they are open to all ideas. We spent a few months learning about the different investment potential properties provide and weighed this against the need for a solid place to live. The only thing that delayed us was the need for a specific school district, but after much counsel and research the boundaries of our search opened and we found a home with unlimited potential and a view! They are already ripping out walls… we can’t wait to see the transformation.
Jessica
Educator, Advocate, Portland Native
The kiddos are what matters…
Sometimes life takes us in directions we had not planned, but what does hopefully stay the same is parents’ love for their kids. This was 100% Jeff’s main concern when searching for a home. He wanted to stay within a walkable distance to Mom’s house and all their friends. In addition, he wanted to maintain their style of living, which is focused around connection with each other. These were not easy things to find within the tight map boundaries, but with patience and a clear vision, we found the right house! I cannot wait to hear how excited the kids are to claim their space and enjoy hanging with Dad in their new home.
Jessica
Advocate, Eagle Eye, REALTOR®
Can’t let the good one go…
Mark was on the hunt for a home his son, brother, and he could inhabit. Because the three of them wanted to have the option of existing collectively and separately in the home, we were looking for a house with a unique blend of individual and communal living spaces. Mark was able to visit Portland to explore neighborhoods and prepare to continue the search from a distance. After investigating a variety of homes from afar, we kept returning our attention to one of the homes we toured the first day of his trip. No other homes were coming close to competing with this move-in ready newer construction in the Arnold Creek neighborhood. Sometimes the right one is there from the very start. Congratulations, Mark! We know this will be the perfect space for you and your family.
Finding Community
Tim and Mel moved to Portland over a year ago and have enjoyed living in the popular Mississippi area. The convenience of everything within a few blocks was very seductive, but when it came to buying, the desire to purchase conservatively was even more seductive. We explored the surrounding areas, but the reality of their options left them looking for alternatives. We started to explore Cedar Hills and other great neighborhoods on the westside. This willingness to explore more neighborhoods and communities led them to an amazing corner townhome with a treelined view off their balcony, in a fantastic community close to the Helvetia farmers market, Orenco Station, and more. They are overjoyed to have found another amazing area in our beautiful state and are excited to become a part of another community.
Teacher, Advocate, Friend
Jessica LeDoux
Mt Scott Farmhouse
Mt Scott Farmhouse
5915 SE 67th Ave | Portland, Ore 97206
Offered at $349,900 | MLS #20636020
3 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 1,058 SF
Mt Scott Farmhouse set on a spacious corner lot. Renovated kitchen w/breakfast bar, sunny dining area, tiled bathroom. Balcony in 1 of 2 upstairs bedrooms, main floor hardwoods, central vac, mudroom, abundant light. Established permaculture gardens; fruit, natives, organic beds, 25+ perennial edibles, patios for entertainment, custom fencing, double garage & other artful, urban farm details. Blocks from both Woodstock & Foster-Powell amenities.
Virtual Tour and More Photos
Grit, Grace and the Good Stuff
Congratulations to our First Time Home Buyers!
I met Megan and Natasha at one of my open houses last fall. They stopped by with their adorable daughter, Paloma, and as we started chatting I felt a connection with them right away. We learned they were in town from Santa Cruz to check out houses in the Portland market and after a few days checking out the city and going to open houses, were feeling really good about making the move! We made the plan to keep in touch and, as all Portlanders do, we recommended some of our favorite restaurants to check out while they were in town.
Through emails and conference calls, we were able to get to know each other surprisingly well, and by the time they arrived for their first in-person visit to tour homes together, we were ready to hit the ground running. We toured a lot of homes in many different styles and vintages, all the while going over the benefits and drawbacks of each. Megan and Natasha are thoughtful, research-oriented and very good at asking questions, and those qualities that make them a great match for us! So with an accelerated home buying education, they decided that new construction was the best choice for their young family.
We found the sweetest new construction home in the fantastic Woodstock neighborhood on a picture-perfect street. Given we are all staying home to be safe for now, these buyers will be moving up to Portland as soon as this whole Covid-19 thing settles down. Welcome home!
A Sweet House for Smart Cookies
A Sweet House for Smart Cookies
My assistant, Jasmine, was referred to a lovely young family in the market to buy a new home in SE Portland. I’ve seen quite of few of these new construction townhouse style homes around town over the past 5 years and I’m a big fan. First of all, they are obviously gorgeous but so much of their goodness comes from being Earth Advantage certified, required to be at least 15% more efficient and with better overall performance than a house built to code. Plus they have all the bells and whistles to boot! Needless to say, it was very easy to get on board and support these clients through their home purchase. We are over the moon and excited for our internet-private-type clients to make this house a home.
We Love Referrals!
Just listed – Charming Richmond Townhome
2409 SE 51st Ave #2
Portland, Oregon, 97206
Beautiful post-war townhome located in one of Portland’s hippest neighborhoods. Some of the best restaurants, shopping, music venues, coffee shops and parks in town are within blocks. The home features beautiful hardwood floors, updated kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances and cherry cabinets. Upstairs you’ll find a large master bedroom and second room or office plus tiled bathroom. Also comes with a large storage unit with washer/dryer and a deeded, secured parking space.
OFFERED AT $325,000
2 BEDROOM | 1 BATH | 948 SQFT
MLS #20137290 | TAXES: $3,874
A house years in the making
I helped Rhett and Jen move to Portland a couple of years ago, when they arrived in the middle of winter with a two month old son and needed a rental home. We were able to find them a sweet little two bedroom house in SE Portland, and they settled into it and started raising their family and finding their place in Portland. I’ve been in touch with them since, and through several starts and stops, they were finally ready to look start looking in earnest to purchase their first house.
We met and set up the parameters for their search. We talked about their must-haves and wishlists for what their dream home would look like. We went on a couple tours, and Jen added a house that was floating above their top end price point because it was just a couple blocks away from where we finished. The house had it all. A big yard, garage, family room for the kids, and extra space for their offices– in a great neighborhood to boot. We kept an eye on it, and after a couple of weeks they were planning on submitting an offer below asking. Simultaneously the sellers dropped the price right as we submitted their offer. It was a fortuitous moment, and with a strong explanation of their love of the house, the sellers accepted it right away.
My buyers were thrilled, and as anticipated the house was in excellent condition for the age of the home. We had a great team working on their behalf, from the lender to their escrow agent, and solid communication with the listing agent. We were able to get the most important items addressed from their inspections, and it was a true win-win for everyone.
It’s been a long road from that initial time of helping Rhett and Jen find their rental, but I’m so honored and thrilled to have helped guide them to closing on their first new home today!