5 Tips Before Buying a Home

BEFORE you buy a home, know these 5 things 👇

#1. How much you’re approved for if you’re financing and how much of your monthly budget do you want to dedicate to your housing costs?

#2. If you’re financing, be sure to talk to at least 2 lenders to compare products and rates.

#3. Find a realtor who is knowledgeable about the neighborhoods you’re looking in and that you connect with. Buying a home can be an intimate process so it’s important to feel aligned with your realtor’s “style”.

#4. How competitive is the market for buyers right now? Having perspective before you start shopping can help make the process smoother.

#5. What are the top things you’re looking for in a home that you AREN’T willing to compromise on?

If you live in the Portland area and need real estate guidance – whether that’s to buy or sell, get in touch with me. I’d love to chat and see how I could help!

How to Choose Your Buyer

No doubt it is exciting to receive multiple offers on your home, but when it comes time to actually accept an offer it’s not uncommon for sellers to feel torn or unclear as to which is the best offer for them (it can be different for every seller).

Home offers are hard to interpret so I wanted to offer some helpful tips for when you find yourself in a multiple offer situation (perhaps a Part I?):

—Offer language tells a lot 📝

A purchase offer clearly indicates a buyer’s intentions (along with the more obvious details like if they are qualified, ready to purchase and have a lender in place). In a pool of offers, a realtor with the right skills will identify those that are authentic and well considered.

—The buyer’s agents’ communication style 🗣️

When you sit down with your agent always ask about their take on the agent representing the other party. Communication style, what they say or don’t say, can say a lot about how the transaction can go. Keep your eye out for the agent that will ask well-constructed questions, will make sure to put forth a well-written offer, and educate the buyer about the terms discussed.

—Buyer’s past experience in the market 🏡

Have they been looking for a week or 3 months? Have they had issues with their past offers? Paying attention to details like past contracts, finances, and people involved in the purchase decision gives you a more robust understanding the offer and will help set expectations moving forward.

Did you find these tips helpful? Let me know if I should make a Part II.

Also! I share a lot more insights as a part of my monthly newsletter. I keep these correspondences very intentional and insightful. If you want to join my list, call or email me.

Selling a Historic Home

There’s so much to love about a historical home.

The charm of a bygone era, the detail in craftsmanship, the originality, I could go on and on!

If you’re a homeowner of one, I’m sure you can relate. But… when it comes time to sell, how do you market and attract the right buyer? 🤔

Think about it… what’s the main selling point of a historic property? Charm, character AND originality. By emphasizing these qualities in the home, you’re setting yourself up for success. ⭐️

A few quick tips on how to do just that…

☑️ Work with a real estate agent who understands and has experience selling historic homes. Let’s be honest, selling a historic property is a different ballgame than your cookie-cutter modern home. You need someone who can speak to the benefits of an older home, from construction materials to the sustainability aspect.

☑️ Assess and analyze what features of your historic home could use some gentle updating. Key word… GENTLE! We’re keeping the originality here to preserve its value, but sometimes we need a little upgrading to features in the kitchen or bathrooms (Especially if there is something not functioning properly).

☑️ Protect your historic home’s charm with an easement. Historic preservation easements are a permanent restriction that protect a property from future alternations that would impact the historic integrity or character of the property. When you do this – you’ll need to make sure you’re attracting the right buyer who’s also invested in preserving the historic home.

Questions? Let’s connect!

Portland Paradise In Irvington

Portland Paradise In Irvington

2138 NE Hancock Street, Portland, OR 97212

Offered at $1,265,000

   6 BEDROOM |  3 BATH |  4,446 SQ FT
MLS #21090594 | TAXES: $15,449

Grand Irvington Foursquare! Light-filled and spacious! Hardwood floors, chef’s kitchen, fresh paint, French doors to back deck and patio, formal living room with fireplace and picture window. 6 bedrooms and 3 full baths give this inner city oasis plenty of versatility. Full basement with new drainage system and side entrance – perfect for storage or dreaming big! Updates galore: roof, landscaping, tankless water heater, skylights, electrical panel and EV charging! Don’t forget the detached garage – create your own space for work, fitness, or art. With a bike score of 100 and a walk score of 87, get around the city with ease!

OPEN THIS WEEKEND
SAT, 1/22 from 1PM – 3PM
SUN, 1/23 from 1PM – 3PM

PLEASE SEE LISTING FOR COVID-19 SAFETY PROCEDURES.

WHAT’S AROUND 

  • Twisted Croissant
  • Steeplejack Brewing Company
  • Taco Pedaler
  • Rose & Thistle Public House
  • Broadway Flora Home & Garden
  • Saint Simon Coffee Co
  • Patisco
  • Milo’s City Cafe
  • New Seasons Market
  • McMenamins Broadway Pub
  • Blossoming Lotus
  • Thai Pod
  • Hilary Horvath Flowers
  • Irvington Tennis Club
  • Portland Music Company
  • Swift Lounge
  • Cadillac Cafe
  • Hollywood Fred Meyer
  • Broadway Books
  • Eyes on Broadway
  • Helen Bernhard Bakery
  • Woodblock Chocolate
  • Pets on Broadway
  • Kitchen Kaboodle
  • Footwise
  • Peet’s Coffee

HIGHLIGHTS + FEATURES:  

FANTASTIC FEATURES

  • Hardwood floors throughout
  • Stained glass windows
  • Tankless hot water heater 2021
  • New back deck 2021
  • New electrical panel 2017
  • EV (electric vehicle) charging outlet 2017
  • Coded locks on all exterior doors

EXTERIOR

  • Newly landscaped front and back yards 2021
  • Sand washed concrete path 2021
  • New sod 2021
  • Raised garden beds 2021
  • Patio, bark chips + deck 2021
  • Dog run 2021
  • Completely fenced yard
  • Deluxe chicken coop
  • Storage shed on east side of property with loft + room to store everything

MAIN FLOOR

  • Bright open floor plan
  • Cozy wood burning fireplace in living room
  • Pocket doors with French style window lights separate living and dining rooms
  • Remodeled chef’s kitchen 2014
  • Viking 6 burner gas range + hood
  • Large island with barstool seating + storage
  • Marble countertops
  • White subway tile backsplash
  • Spacious pantry
  • Vented closet for kegerator or wine refrigerator
  • Bonus room off entry suitable for bedroom, guest room, office or den
  • Formal dining with French doors to back deck and patio

SECOND FLOOR

  • 4 bedroom,1 bath + large central hall with beautiful built-in storage
  • Covered porch spans the south side of house
  • Large bathroom features original tile + door to covered porch
  • Staircase landing features stained glass window + sunny window seat

PENTHOUSE PRIMARY SUITE

  • Quiet retreat above the trees with full bath + cozy nooks
  • Skylights installed 2021
  • Bathroom features walk-in shower, wood finishes + skylights

LOWER LEVEL

  • Full 1,190 sf unfinished basement
  • Complete basement waterproofing + drainage 2021
  • High ceilings
  • Washer + dryer
  • Exterior entrance off driveway



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

Just Listed! Irvington English Tudor

2833 NE 13th Avenue

Portland, Oregon, 97212


Originally built in 1930, this classic Irvington Tudor stands out among the eclectic mix of architecture found throughout the neighborhood. As you approach the home, it immediately draws you in with the enchanting landscaping and brick vestibule. Beyond the front door, you’ll discover the perfect blend of old-world charm and new-world design. The dining and living room feature the original leaded glass windows, period lighting, oak hardwood floors, a welcoming gas fireplace, and original cast iron stair banisters. Walk through the dining room to find the gourmet dream kitchen featuring original built-ins, a breakfast nook, granite counters, a new Liebherr stainless steel refrigerator, and a GE CafĂŠ range. The main floor boasts over a thousand square feet and features a bedroom with a custom-built Italian Murphy bed and an updated bathroom. Moving upstairs you find two amazing dual primary suites and a flex space that can be used for a home office, reading, or yoga. On the north side of the upstairs, you will find the main primary suite with an expansive walk-in closet and bathroom. On the south side of upstairs, you will find the second primary suite with a claw foot tub and heated floors. Each bedroom is generously scaled. As you head back downstairs beyond the main floor is the home’s third level. This area has been completely finished to include a fourth bedroom, full bathroom, a family room with a gas fireplace, a laundry area, and storage. The downstairs is also home to a new high-efficiency furnace, newer plumbing, and updated electrical.
After touring the entire 3,200 square foot home, step through the backdoor into the comfortably landscaped backyard, which features a glass awning, patio seating, dining areas, and a gas barbecue and smoker. The home also features a Rachio smart digital outdoor sprinkler system, Nest fire, outdoor speakers, Indow window inserts, automatic blinds in offices, and a smart-enabled Lennox Air Conditioner. The two-car detached garage also gives you plenty of room for your dream shop or workspace. All this comfort and charm is conveniently located close to neighborhood cafes, restaurants, and shops on Fremont and Broadway.

OFFERED AT $1,165,900

4 BEDROOM | 4 BATH | 3,253 SQFT

MLS# 21319291 | TAXES: $10,935.67

The Sunburst House

Houses with the sunburst pattern in the siding over the front porch are special and this Irvington home with the sunniest of siding is no exception. My buyers recently moved up to Portland to be closer to family and after a couple of months of looking for the ONE, they found it here. Because it’s a special house, of course it had 3 great offers. My buyers were the first to write on the house, and when it came time for the sellers to choose which offer they would accept, thankfully being first offer in was a big point in our column.  Congratulations to my buyers on getting the first and only house they wrote on!

Vintage Irvington Condo – New Price

Vintage Irvington Condo – New Price

2005 NE 17th Ave, Unit #4 | Portland, Ore 97212

Offered at $339,900 | MLS #19237228

2 Bedrooms | Balcony | 1 Bath | HOA Dues: $350/Month

Vintage Irvington Condo … Gorgeous 2 bedroom loaded with period charm; millwork, hardwoods, tile and fireplace. Master bedroom with bonus space. Covered East-facing balcony for quiet morning coffee. Closets, built-ins and basement storage & laundry. Systems updates; furnace, water heater, building roof & drainage system. Blocks from the Irvington goodies; cafes, restaurants, transit, parks.

See the Photo Slideshow

Just Sold! Irvington Grand

Just Sold! 2547 NE 20th Ave
$830,000

Classic Craftsman in the heart of Portland’s finest neighborhood. First time on market in 50 years, this stately home features original oak floors, natural wood trim, gorgeous fireplace with bookcases, lead glass windows, generous rooms, open staircases, 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, finished basement and 3rd floor, plus a detached garage. Well-maintained landscaping makes for peaceful garden spaces and beautiful entertaining spots.

 

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