Congrats to my rad client Amanda (and fam). This Sun-Filled bungalow featuring high ceilings, hardwood floors, a fireplace, a dreamy front porch perfect for tea sippin’, an updated kitchen, bonus room upstairs, newer exterior paint, and a sweet backyard deck ready for Portland Summer received multiple offers in a short period of time. We were able to secure a great buyer, had a seamless closing, and a free rent back to boot. It was wonderful working with my client and I wish them the best!
Congrats to my clients that just closed on the cutest little craftsman that you ever did see.We were victorious in a multiple offer situation and my clients were ecstatic.The home has been well maintained over the years. It has a wonderful and quaint layout, a separate garage, and beautiful backyard. It checks all the boxes. My clients paused their search earlier this year after making a couple of offers in the height of the extremely competitive market. They paused, collected themselves, saved up a bit more, and viola. With persistence, patience, and, practicality. They are now officially homeowners!
Sometimes your packages come BEFORE keys. Haha. No worries, I was able to get permission to put the items securely in the home on closing day. Problem solving is an agents’ middle name! Congrats to my clients Kim & Ian on closing this very sweet home in the Brooklyn neighborhood. It was a pleasure to work with them as they move her to the Pacific Northwest! This bungalow craftsman ticked all their boxes. I’m excited to see what they do with the place!
Congrats to my clients that just closed on this beautiful McMansion! We were able to put an offer in the same day, sight unseen! And the Offer was ACCEPTED!
My clients arrived two days later for inspections and loved the home even more person!
(Thank goodness for that!)
We closed swiftly, 21 days to be exact!
I love smooth transactions with rad clients! Welcome to the Pacific Northwest Abraham & Neyguis! I hope you love it here and your new home!
Congrats to my clients Noah & Leah as they closed on their beautiful new home. It’s surrounded by beautifully tall trees, has grand lofted ceilings, beams galore, and a view of downtown from the backyard! If I was in the market for a home, I would have absolutely wanted this one too. Congrats again! I can’t wait to see what you have done with the place.
I am thrilled to hand off keys to my clients! They both worked so hard to land themselves a sweet lil home! Admittedly, our search was quick! Two days in and BOOM, we found the one. Beautiful high ceilings, a lovely deck, and the largest closets I’ve seen to date. I can’t wait until they settle in. My clients are artists and have so many plans for the space. I am promised lots of photos!
Meet up for the first time.
See 4 homes.
See a great home, that’s a really sweet deal, that just had a price reduction.
Sent in an offer the same night.
Boom, offer accepted!
What a whirlwind!
Congrats to my clients on finding a wonderful first home with upgrades galore.
Talk about on it, responsive, well planned, good communicators, with the most combined skills amongst a couple I have seen!
Can’t wait to see what they do with this wonderful place.
Congrats to my clients that just scored a pretty sweet abode. The process was swift, but not without some of the best wit that I have encountered in quite some time. I hope this home treats them with cozy sweetness for years to come. They have some many great ideas about how they envision this home, including Zero energy. Can’t wait to see how it turns out! I’m just so thrilled that could be apart of the journey!!! Have I ever told you how much I love my clients?!
Pizza.
The meal that never seems to disappoint imma right?
I bring to you.
Top 5 Pizza places in Portland in no particular order.
Life of Pie
Papa John’s
Dove Viva
Baby Doll
Virtuous Pie
I’m still in need of trying Ranch PDX Woodlawn!
Ironically Sizzle Pie did not make the slice.
There you have it!
Change my mind
Who did this? Because I want to Thank them. Some days, I take an afternoon stroll with my partner. We take several routes, depending on our mood. We walk slowly. And my partner can be found, well, smelling the flowers. My partner really appreciates things like that. And I, in turn, really appreciate that about her. I, on the other hand can be found gazing at roofs, siding, and paint color choices.
But there is one house, a very very very fine house that we pass often. The flowers can’t be overlooked. They stand radiantly bright and center. They seem to kindly extend their petals like open arms and say “Have yourself a beautiful day, ya here.” Every time I pass this house, I feel gratitude and wonder what simple thing I can do to make this subtle impact on strangers in my day to day.
Another one and done! This market is brutal, yes! But it doesn’t always have to be. It’s all about a little cheer called: Be Strategic. B.E. Strategic! And that’s exactly what my clients did! And I’m so incredibly proud of them. They scored a beautiful home, in a beautiful location, with beautiful views. I scored an amazing homemade pear pie! WIN WIN! It was wonderful working with these two. They compliment each other so well. Together, can’t imagine another they can’t do. I can’t wait to see what they do with the place! There style of dress leads me to think this home will be SO COOL!
From the moment we stepped in this home I could hear it in my clients’ voice. It wasn’t like any of the others we had seen. This must be the place. Room to room, “Oh my gosh, this home just keeps surprising me.” was all I could hear. It was immaculately kept. Original Vintage Charm Galore. This was going to be competitive, but hey, I’m an Aries, I love a little competition. I knew I COULD NOT LET THEM DOWN. Not these two! And not on my watch. I pulled out all stops, hit the listing agent with a little bit o’ Ja-mo charm, wrote a wonderfully competitive offer, and voila. Here we are closed, after a short 21 days. Calling your clients to let them know that they are in contract NEVER gets old. I’m so VERY excited for these two. Or shall I say four. Great work team. Congratulations! This home is STUNNING!
In this competitive market, never underestimate great communication, great coaching, teamwork and trust.
Congrats to my client John that just closed on his very first home!
John was on the search for small home with a huge backyard. I’d say we nailed it!
This property has a 70×140 lot size. Plenty of space for rabbits, chickens, and most importantly an urban farm! He has a solid plan to make a greenhouse and create a pretty happening homestead. I can’t wait to go by and see what he has done with the place! Congrats John. I hope this home treats you well over the years to come!
Congrats to my clients that were able to score a 4 bedroom 2 bath home!
We were on the search, both high and low for an opportunity to get them a home that fit their needs and boy did we ever!
Sometimes luck and perseverance comes into play. And sometimes it’s just sure karma that lifts you up and gives you blessings that you would have never imagined possible. No matter how it came about, I’m happy that my client was on the receiving end. I can’t wait to see how they grow into this beautiful space! It was amazing to be apart of their journey!
Congratulations to my client Tye that scored this cute little starter home.
If A Home Were Written As A Poem It Would Resemble This One. Feel at ease in this welcoming sun filled bungalow that features recent updates including: a remodeled upstairs bedroom with bathroom ensuite, custom built-ins, new exterior paint, metal roof, and a gas fireplace. Sip tea in the afternoons on the wisteria covered back deck framing the garden. Read a book in the soaking tub underneath the skylights. Get creative in the bonus office/studio nestled in the garden.
Welcome Home!
I’ll tell you the things that I’m really good at.
Real estate.
Resourceful and practical thinking.
Quick puns.
Being reliable.
Taking care of kiddos.
You wanna know what I’m not good at?
Gardening and plants.
Here’s what I want to know:
How do folks acquire their green thumbs?
What types of jobs do avid gardeners tend to have?
How does one learn to move so slowly in the world to actually garden?
I can remember house sitting for folks.
Folks with beautiful gardens.
And I’d ask the specifics.
You know, to get it right.
How much water and how often?
To which they would reply, you know just make sure that they are watered.
Like, what does this mean?
The same folks that would be able to tell me if the windows in the home are south facing,
what time of day the sun hits the strawberries, and exact time, day, and location that you should plant your starters.
But they can never quite answer the specifics of how much water it takes to keep the garden green. You know it’s true!
It’s all a mystery to the rest of us.
Deep down inside, we all want to be a secret gardener!
I want to become a houseplant parent so badly.
As soon as this reno is done, it’s going to be house plant city baby!
Send me your favorite, easy to take care of house plant list!
3 months.
That’s how long it took to get our new stove delivered.
3 whole months.
Is it the one we ordered?
We don’t know, but I’ll tell you what else, we don’t even care.
We’re not returning a single thing.
No way will we enter that cue again.
Due to Covid, many factories that assemble appliances shut down.
(And I’m happy that they weren’t forced to continue work!!!)
Never-the-less, there is a shortage of supply and high demand.
Which creates a rather timely delay.
Pro-tip: Order all of your home appliances early.
And know that delays may occur.
Good luck to everyone out there.
Ok before you roll your eyes at me and yawn, here me out!
I was recently able to get out of town for a few days. I booked a quaint little rustic cabin on Lake Sammamish, Washington. In all honestly, I booked it rather last minute and shrugged my shoulders at the Lake itself. I thought it looked inviting enough. But then we arrived. And then we got in. And the water was warm. And then there where no rip tides to be concerned about. And then I felt completely at ease. And then the water carried me away.
Being from Florida, lakes really weren’t a relaxing thing to “escape to”. They were either too polluted, had gators in them, or both. Florida beaches are where it’s at, I guess. But then there’s red tide and sometimes sharks to worry about. To me, a lake purchase feels so much more cozy, carefree and practical.
I know what you’re going to say, “But look at how beautiful the Oregon Coast is.” It’s true, it’s SOOO Pretty. It’s also SOOO cold. I argue that a beach should have a minimum temperature of 70 degrees. Otherwise, let’s call it what it is, a coastline. AM I Right?
So, I’ll ask you your thoughts on this heated debate. Lakeside or The Coast? If ever given the opportunity, where would you buy?
All of the charm of a 1918 home with an amazing deck and large yard. Low maintenance, landscaped front yard to be enjoyed from a sweet covered front porch. Period restored bathroom. New siding, electric panel, and newer pex plumbing throughout. Potential for more livable space in the attic and basement. We present to you a well taken care of home that has been filled with lots of love throughout its years.
Congrats to my clients that snagged this dreamy Mid-Century Modern! I’ll tell you, I am so lucky to have the great fortune of selling wonderful homes. But, as I walked through this one during our appointment, I just kept saying WOW. It’s glorious, expansive, and lives grand. Like a museum. Even though I see hundreds of homes a year. I only have a list of about three that I would hands down offer on. This home hands down makes the list. I’m so happy for my clients! I hope this home treats them well over the years. I’ll be stopping by to see what they have done with the place. I hope maybe one day they decide to sell it to me.
So far, the verdict is still out!
Recently, I came across a home in a wonderful neighborhood that was listed for cash or rehab only. It sat for more than 2 weeks and I was so curious of why each time it popped up in my search. So, I decided to investigate more of what’s behind the mysterious rehab loan or alternatively known as a 203k. Once reading more about it, the Aries in me yelled out “Challenge Accepted” and two days later, my partner and I had an offer accepted! Dang ok! I guess we’re doing this.
The most surprising things that I have learned thus far.
I’m still in the process of it all………
I’ll let you know how it turns out!
The last concert I went to was well, Sarah McLachlan. Ok. Don’t judge me, that concert was lit. I miss live music SO much. I had a inkling of how much I needed music. But this last year, I think about when we’ll see it again. I’ve got Alanis Morrisette tickets burning a hole in my pocket for July. That’s right, you outta know. But will we know? Will we go? Sending so much love and respect to artists of the world. They provide so much escape, so much healing, joy, sadness, you name it. It’s always been my free therapy. I can remember coming home after school, locking my bedroom door, and then Boom! Dance Fever. Nobody couldn’t tell me nothing. I use to have MOVES. You hear me. Here’s to hoping we can get past these Covid times quickly. Yes, I know there are so many more immediate needs than music. But, I do know that the world could use a little joy right now in the form of it.
Congrats to my clients Kim & Kobby that scored a 3 bed 2.5 bath beauty just in the nick of time. They are pregnant with their first kiddo. Due in June! They closed in just enough time to get settled in and of course get the nursery ready. While in the process of selling, it turns out that the selling couple is also expecting. Also due in June. I don’t know what type of heavens aligned to create this magical transaction line up, but BOY will we take it. We all know that this market is brutal, and when things work out seamlessly, it’s a cause for celebration.
Major congratulations to my awesome clients Ashley and Raquel, the new homeowners of this immaculately kept beautiful home. Both Ashley and Raquel are both in the medical industry and it felt incredible to find these hard working folks a place that would take good care of them. Matching what they do for so many day after day. My clients were able to make one offer in this very competitive market. It’s not just about the offer price y’all. It’s also about having an agent that can coach you through effective strategies to get an offer accepted!
I can’t wait to come by for a visit to see how these two go about decorating their new digs!
Looks dreamy right?
This place is tucked away in Coos Bay. A relatively cheap option to stay on the Oregon Coast.
It’s pretty beautiful out there. Rivers, tides, calm, fresh air.
I was excited about some downtown and shared meals with my partner.
But
REAL ESTATE.
I think I wrote 4 offers on that vacation, that which is not a vacation.
I’ll be the first to say that I LOVE my job.
I enjoy it day in and day out.
I work really hard and I will figure out a way to make something happen. And quick.
But boy o’ boy, I can’t remember the last time that I have had a day off.
I ask around often, to see if any colleagues out there have figured out a good work life balance.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
So far, I’m not sure that anyone has.
I’m not missing too much (other than real quality time) with my partner. Since we’re in a panini (pandemic) it doesn’t feel like
there’s no too much to miss.
But as soon as/whenever things return to “normal” I’m taking a real vacation!
It just may or may not look like a working one. hahaha.
#RealEstateLife
Congratulations to my clients Sarah & Shani that just scored their very own McMansion!
We toured homes for two weekends and none of the homes they chose to tour captured them.
At the end of the second weekend, I asked “What’s your top 3 wants?”
They proceeded to tell me and I took note. I went home, searched the database, and within 30 minutes, we found ourselves on our way to see the home I thought could be a good fit.
And indeed it was. Skylights, A Deep Bath, Manicured Yard, Engineered Hard Wood Floors, A Double Car Garage, and A Wooded Area full of chirping birds behind and to the left of their house. SCORE. These two are lively and send THE BEST gifs! I’m going to miss talking everyday. And I can’t wait to take them up on their invite to a BBQ once Covid subsides!
Congrats you two!
Ok real talk,
It’s been really interesting to think about how to market myself.
Congrats to my clients who not only found a home, but found a home that came with an additional lot, but not only did that home come with an additional lot, it came with a treehouse, an artist studio, and a PLAYGROUND on it! Now that’s a deal! Sure, everyone deserves housing. I agree. But let’s take it up a notch for 2021. I think everyone deserves a playground too! I mean think about it. Do you remember the wind against your face on the tire swing? Rolling down the slide in shorts, only to find that the sun has cooked it. The insta blisters on your finger from the monkey bars? Have you tried monkey bars as an adult? WOOO It’s not for the weak!
OMG!
Sometimes you have a transaction that just makes your heart smile.
When the sellers and buyers are mellow and aligned.
It’s more of a passing along of a torch than a purchase.
A big congrats to my clients who just scored a really sweet home on the day before XMAS.
I am really hoping no creatures were stirring, specifically and not limited to a mouse.
My clients were wonderful to work with and grateful to find themselves in such a wonderful location.
Clearly my clients were NOT on the NAUGHTY LIST.
Thanks Santa!
SOLD
I won’t even mention the bonus Home Warranty. So coooooool!
Somehow in this very intense market my clients scored BIG TIME!
A major congratulations are in order. I’m really grateful to have been able to assist these folx on their paths to Home Ownership. This was a very kind transaction on both sides of the coin. Both clients work in healthcare and now have a place to relax after longs days at work. Here’s to wishing them happiness and a cozy time in their new digs.
Congrats to my recent clients on their closing!
This couple had all the tenacity and charm one could ask for!
Cooperatively, we snagged a beautiful 1927 Craftsman in Arbor Lodge!
There is plenty to love about this home. It’s cozy and spacious at the same time.
Boosting AMAZING WALLPAPER!
This place is quirky, cute, and well suited for these two!
I’m excited for them to share plenty of great meals, lots of laughter, and live their best lives within!
You want it? It’s got it! Maple Hardwood Floors. A/C. Newer Roof. Gas Stove. Covered Patio. Check! Come see this Move In Ready, Meticulously Cared For, One Story Home. Boosting Summers filled with Scents and Sights of Purple Lilac and Wisteria. Garden Beds O’ Plenty. Great for First Time Home Buyers. Just 2 blocks from Woodstock Blvd and Nearby Mt. Scott Arleta Park. Come Get Cozy This Winter in this SE Stunner.
Ya’ll.
All of my clients drive Subarus.
Ok, Maybe like 80%
Ok, actually, if I want to get Virgo about it only 52.9%
What is it about these cool cats and kittens?
Why do Subaru Drivers seek me out?
I don’t know, but here’s the overlap thus far:
They are outdoorsy, there is likely some type of bike, kayak, or similar car attachment.
They grew at least 16.2 plant varieties: tomatoes, herbs, and scarlet runner beans usually make the list.
They wear their masks, at all times, respectfully, no questions asked.
They eat at my favorite pizza places, specifically Dove Vivi.
They are resourceful. If something needs to happen, they will make it happen.
They remind me of old Portland. Ahhhhhhh.
They still stop for pedestrians.
They know really good bands to check out. Like REALLY good.
They have 1.1 dogs, SADLY Not one of them believe in cats.
You guessed it, they listen to NPR.
They are hands on and handy, if they can’t fix it, they know someone that can.
They have considered being vegan at one point or another.
They’re all 100% ready for a side-gig in real estate. I mean they are really so good.
Fred Meyer who? They shop at farmers markets. New seasons if they are feeling cute.
After careful review of this list.
I too am considering a purchase of a Subaru.
Whenever I deliver keys I put on a song in celebration.
I have a couple of go-to’s but the other day I got to thinking.
How many popular HOME songs are there?
Here’s a few of my favorites:
1. My House -Flo Rida
2. Home -Edward Sharpe & The Magnetics
3. Brick House -Commodores
4. Our House -Crosby, Stiles, Nash & Young
5. Take Me Home -Phil Collins
6. This Must Be The Place -Talking Heads
7. Take Me Home, Country Roads -Mountain Man
8. Take Me Home -Cher (I don’t even know this Song But C’Mon, it’s Cher)
9. Take The Long Way Home -Supertramp
10. Our House -Madness
11. In My House -Mary Jane Girls
12. Take Me Home Tonight -Eddie Money
13. Homeward Bound -Simon & Garfunkel
14. In My Room -The Beach Boys
15. Coming Home -Leon Bridges
16. House A Home -Parker Ainsworth & Butch Walker
17. Bedroom -Litany
18. Home -Micheal Buble’
These last two hit a little to close to HOME if you know what I mean.
19. Bored in the House -Tyga & Curtis Roach
20. Burning Down The House -Tom Jones
What songs did I miss?
Reach out and let me know!
I’m taking this list pretty seriously. Haha.
You can find this playlist here:
1. Pandemic rom-com list
2. You can’t tell a house by the doorknob
3. Why are dogs incompetent at life? Asking for a friend
4. Let me name your baby!
5. What kind of pie should you bake in your new kitchen? A culinary adventure.
6. Looking for another oil tank, please don’t be a haunted house
7. 12 reasons an adult should watch frozen
8. I catcall houses while I drive around town, “ooh baby, new roof.” (It’s true)
9. Teacher for professor, social worker for social worker and other stories about people supporting people.
10. Which room of a house is most important to you?
Hi! I’m an Agent Thanks!
Yes. A Real Estate Agent!
Things I’m not:
An Intruder.
Waiting for MY agent to show up.
The homeowner.
A nosey neighbor.
Lost.
I’m an agent, thanks.
I sat down and studied for it.
Passed the exam on the first try in fact.
Is there a reason you assume that I’m anything else?
It’s likely an assumption based on bias and stereotype.
Please don’t look to my client and assume they are the Agent in charge.
Please don’t call me on your security ring and ask me if I belong there and ask where my agent is.
Please don’t engage in RMLS conversations with me and still ask me if I’m waiting on my agent right after we engage in conversation about the RMLS.
These are called a micro aggressions. It happens more often than not and really hurts my feelings.
I can only imagine BIPOC doctors walking around proudly, only to be assumed as ANYTHING LESS THAN THAT.
Perhaps you haven’t seen anyone outside of what you think an agent will present as.
Right.
No button downs here.
Dreadlocks a flowing.
Usually slacks and a beanie too.
Well, I’m here to tell you, that I too am an agent.
Please, say hello and assume as such.
I got a call while driving to the office one day in Pre-Covid times. It was a voice that felt familiar, though we hadn’t met before. Matta introduced themself. We quickly traced circles and connected our paths through mutual friends. They had just returned to the PNW to start their quest to settle in a home and grow roots. Matta had sought me out. We both shared queer identities, preferred they pronouns, loved older homes, and really good coffee. We saw ourselves in each other. Something I was really hoping to bring to Real Estate when I started. We checked out a few homes that Matta liked, but it wasn’t until we saw what I refer to as “THE CHAPEL” when Matta got “the look”. Equipped with pews, a skylight in the bathroom, beautiful woodwork, and church like exterior, the home really resonated with Matta. You see, Matta is a Pastor and how could a pastors house not have a pew. Okay, maybe it was more like a kitchen nook bench, but whatever. Just let us have the moment!
So, Congrats on being a New Home Owner Matta!
Can’t wait to see what you’ve done to the place.
Spencer & Jessie are nearly settled into their dreamy new home.
Skylight in the kitchen. CHECK!
Water spigot over the stove for pasta. CHECK!
A Dining Room Bay Box Windows, CHECK!
2 Living Rooms CHECK CHECK!
An Upstairs Balcony off the master bedroom. CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK!
How many checks can one home have?
And while it’s been over a month since they have been in their new place.
It’s only been a day since last we have texted.
I have met their parents.
We are planning camping getaways.
My partner is gifting them a sourdough starter.
Spencer & Jessie may have gotten their dream home.
But I can confidently say that I got lifelong friends out of the deal! CHECK!
This family! That baby! Does it get any cuter? I don’t think so.
Without further ado, please allow me to introduce these new homeowners! The Jenkins Family. A couple of months ago, I texted Jordyn, congratulating her on Baby Taj. We caught up briefly. I inquired about their address to send the baby a gift and Jordyn asked about homes. Two weeks later, we’re pounding the pavement, looking for the families’ dream home.
While touring the first home, Jordyn looked over at me to ask, “How many homes do people normally see before they find their home?”
I knew this look, it was the “I’m in love with this house, but how could I be so sure so soon look.” I see this look often. I imagine most agents do. It’s pretty undeniable. Nothing to take lightly.
We followed up with a few other places. But the other homes paled in comparison. We pinpointed the market and surrounding neighborhood stats. We negotiated a new cedar fence and closing costs on behalf of my clients. The Jenkins family closed with a bit of equity in the home too. Given the current Portland Housing Market. I’d say: WE ROCKED THIS TRANSACTION!
Congrats Jordyn, Xzavier, & Taj! I can’t wait to spend summer days in your backyard!
But luckily I DO!
This past week I pulled off a somewhat cool birthday for my partner. We usually take a vacation for each of our birthdays respectively, but not this year! Covid has shut our household down! My partner is strict, you hear me?
No restaurants, no social distanced hangouts, NO NOTHING. I had to get creative. And so, I bring you a list of creative Covid celebrations that just might work for you!
1. Camping in your backyard. Add a kiddie pool, a bbq, a tent, a fire, s’mores, and cornhole and you’ve got yourself a PAAARRRRRTTTTAYYY!*Bonus if you can add a projector to screen a movie too.
2. A Great Scavenger Hunt. Hide clues around the house to lead the special birthday person to several small gifts, or one big one.
3. A large family ZOOM in which stories are shared about the special birthday person.
4. A food themed day. Make several amuse bouches (bite-sized hors d’oeuvres)to eat throughout the day. And then make a multiple course dinner if you please. Make sure to have The Great British Baking Show on in the background. So you can feel fancy.
5. Day drinking. I mean, in these times. Yes! You can have a drink mixing competition. Set up a wine tasting station.For my partner’s birthday I made a dry gin, limoncello, and flamed lavender cocktail.That’s right! It was good too!
6. Arts and crafts and DIY all day. My favorite is turning old toys and household items into plants!
7. Treat Yo Self or rather the birthday person to a home spa day. Make coupons for a massage, pedicure, and or manicure. Set up a comfy spot, oils, lotions, and aroma for ambiannnnce. YASSSS. Don’t forget the eye cucumbers.
8. Dress yourself up fancy. Create and invite the birthday person to Dinner & a Dance Party. Choose a theme and make a playlist in advance! Get cute. YOLO!
9. The infamous karaoke party. I’ve also just seen an online karaoke option that allows you to sing with folks via computer. How hype is this!
10. If you’re trying to WIN at a cool birthday option, hire a band that will come play in your driveway and keep very far away from YOU. No horn section I guess?
See, so many ways to celebrate a special person.
You’re Welcome!
If you know me, you’d know that I always ask my clients what their Zodiac signs are. I love it! Not because I’m super woo or anything. It’s more so a quick fun conversation. Some are really into it, others not so much. I see horoscopes all the time and thought I’d take a stab at it. So, without further ado. Here’s what shopping for a homes with each Zodiac sign might like.
Oh Hi. Hello.
Catchy Title huh?
Full transparency:
I was a community organizer before I was a real estate agent and damn if I’m not grateful for that perspective.
Community Organizer to Real Estate Agent during a Global Pandemic.
During an Uprising. What a twist.
I love to organize behind the scenes, strategy based.
Some have reached out and wondered?
What can they actually do?
I don’t know baby, but it better be something, and quick.
If you didn’t already know me, my politics are VERY BEYONCE.
To the left to the left.
But, you’re in luck.
This will not be a linguistically dense, judgey, guilt invoking, pointing of the finger kinda list.
Just some things I’m thinking about or doing.
Things you may be thinking about, doing, or want to consider doing, too.
To be fair, I’m clear that we currently all live in contradiction.
Real Estate and Capitalism will continue on for the foreseeable future.
We need a cell phone and computer to do our jobs. Clothes to leave the house, cars to take us there. And while we all have variations of what we chose to recognize that gets these resources to our homes, bodies, and bellies, deep down, even with the cognitive dissonance of a mountain, we know that in order to capitalize on most opportunities, it’s likely at the expense of someone else’s loss, low wage labor, safety, and place in society. We can choose not to talk about it, be complicit in it, and be business as usual.
Or, we can make strides to acknowledge it and work actively towards change and justice. In Real Estate we tend to be long term goal orientated. We know how equity is built. That will help you greatly.
Do be warned, Creating real change takes effort, is an inconvenience to YOU, YOUR time, money, and your energy. It’s more than a FB post. It lasts longer than a riot.
It’s going to your local mom and pop shops, finding alternatives to Amazon and waiting days to get your order delivered, demanding big businesses to pay taxes, engaging in dialogue with family members when racism comes up at the turkey day table, actually researching elected officials policies, supporting people other than what’s in your sphere of contacts. It means supporting people even if there is no return in value.
So
What have I been doing whilst the world is on fire?
Taking action, educating myself, and asking questions.
Here’s about 30 of um.
1. I’m wondering how I can bring equity to real estate.
2. I’m enjoying watching folks Leverage their Privilege & Power.
3. I’m making lists of Black, Indigenous, POC businesses, services, contractors and programs I can use/contribute to.
They don’t have a website? Use your resources to help them build one. They don’t have equipment that’s necessary to do the job? Fundraise for that equipment on their behalf.
4. I’m asking others to ask themselves if their company not only has diverse representation, but more importantly, does it also have retention of BIPOC. Are you prioritizing and supporting those people when they reach out. Let’s take it one step further, are you helping them BEFORE they need to reach out?. How are you inviting them to work with you? Providing resources? Sharing knowledge?
5. I’m voting in accordance with benefiting people vs benefiting my pockets.
6. I’m enjoying the enjoyment of enjoying whatever I can find to enjoy.
7. I’m thinking critically. How much does it take to fund the blue angels to fly over hospitals vs PPE costs for our doctors and nurses. How do police officers casually have tanks but we can’t seem to get clean water in Flint, Michigan.
8. I’m noting that the government decided to bail out businesses before bailing out its people.
9. I’m reminding myself to be MY OWN moral compass, in a world that tells you laws should be. You wouldn’t believe it, but my existence was once against the law.
10. I’m Understanding my impact as a Real Estate Agent on gentrification, how I am complicit, and how I can counter that in an effective way.
11.I’m realizing how germaphobic my partner is and still having the audacity to wear my Coachella wristband from Beyonces’ 2018 Homecoming performance (Front Row NEVER FORGET)
12. I’m Recognizing that this land originally belonged to the Multnomah tribe of Chinookan. This was not MY land to sell and thus I contribute a percentage of my sales to. https://nayapdx.org/ or another Native tribe of choice.
13. I’m being clear and impeccable with my word.
14. I’m rejoicing in seeing socialist actions in an anti-socialist country.
15. I’m reading history that says the Boston Tea Party, Stonewall, the Civil Rights riots lead to historic human rights.
Remembering that MLK was one of the MOST hated men in the America at one time.
16. I’m reminding others that PROFITS ARE NOT more important than PEOPLE. I repeat PROFITS WILL NEVER BE more important than people.
17. I’m recognizing that Target & Banks have ample insurance money to rebuild their million dollar industry.
18. I’m connecting the dots.
17. I’m recognizing that the folks who wrote the history books were also the folks in power.
18. I’m enjoying my kick ass therapist partner for “seeing” clients in need, distress, sadness, and depression.
19. I’m giving props to the often “invisible” and forgotten workers that deserve to earn a living wage : Hey Migrate Farmers and JANITORS. We see you.
20, I’m Community Organizing and Strategizing.
21. I’m wondering how some people can identify a plant and recite its scientific name, tell me who won the world series game in 1982, but still can’t understand systematic racism and this history of injustice in America.
22. I’m Focusing on creating Structural Change. Band-aids do not work.
23. I’m thinking about why someone would be more upset at looting than a life stolen.
24. I’m recognizing that Hate Speech is not the same as Freedom of Speech.
25. I’m thinking about how many white friends’ young kiddos still think I’m an actual biological relative of their parent sans questions asked.
26. I’m wondering how the Lakers qualified as a small business and got a PPP loan.
27. I’m regretting the fact that I didn’t invest in Zoom 2 year prior to Covid-19.
28. I’m recognizing that grief looks different for different people.
29. I’m actively Googling the requirements to immigrate to Cuba, Ireland, and or New Zealand.
30. I’m standing up for Black Lives, because they Matter.
There are things we can and cannot change in these times.
Can is the word that I am holding onto.
Be well my friends.
Love on each other, just from a little further away.
![My Partner in [Gay] Crime.](https://www.livingroomre.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Gay-Crimes.jpg)
