2nd Time’s A Charm for Fallon (aka: We Got Married Because of Rising Interest Rates)!

Posted on August 23, 2023September 19, 2023 by Erika George & Kari McGee

Fallon decided last summer that selling her house (and then trying to purchase another) in a quickly changing real estate market wasn’t going to meet her needs. She just felt like she was taking a hit on both her sale and her purchase. But Fallon had the luxury of flexibility (something we think is one of the most important aspects to have in order to make good real estate decisions). So, Fallon moved in with her then boyfriend, now husband Clyde (HURRAY – wedding present to be delivered soon!), rented out her cute NoPo home for a little under a year, and made some extra income on top of her mortgage for a while.

Fallon then put her home back on the market a year later when she and Clyde, had a much better sense of what their next steps would be after selling, ie: price point, location (they would have ended up in Wilsonville last year but now are concentrating on SE & SW PDX!), and ahem, exactly how they would be legally holding title together (married folks have automatic Rights of Survivorship in Oregon).

While Fallon accepted a lower offer on this property than she was expecting last summer, the benefits of this market for Fallon and Clyde as Buyers now are so much clearer. Prices are down in general so the lower offer she accepted on her home sale is a wash, they have a lot more inventory from which to choose in their price point, and a lot less competition. The whole picture just made so much more sense this year. It all just fell into place.

It’s clear to us that the keys to Fallon’s real estate success are definitely patience, flexibility & (surprise) love! Come to think of it, those same ingredients are probably a pretty good recipe for a happy life in general…

Congratulations to our wonderful client Fallon for selling her adorable NoPo “Tall-Skinny” and for getting hitched to one of the sweetest guys we’ve met!

Kari & Erika

June 2022 Buyers’ Market Update from the HouseLove PDX Team!

Posted on July 7, 2022 by Erika George & Kari McGee

HouseLove PDX Team June 2022 Buyer Update

Just Listed: Modern Elegance in the Heart of the Pearl

Posted on July 8, 2021July 9, 2021 by Erika George & Kari McGee

This beautiful one bedroom/one bath condominium unit is located in the desirable Riverstone building. Quality built with solid wood doors and trim, and energy-efficient Pella double-pane wood window. It features an open floor plan with high ceilings. The kitchen and bath have been recently updated with Quartz counters, new fixtures and high-end appliances. Like-new refinished floors, carpet and paint. The recently resurfaced private balcony has view of trees and city buildings, and more importantly, plenty of room for a bistro table and chairs. Check out our 3D Self Guided Tour and property website for more details.

The spacious Master Bedroom is a true separate room and features large windows and a walk-in closet. There is storage galore in the bathroom and hall, including a laundry closet with a washer and dryer. There is also deeded and secure storage and parking in the attached garage.

The buildings’ center courtyard is lush and peaceful, and provides easy access to the streetcar (on the other side of the building). The Riverstone HOA is expertly managed and the buildings are well maintained.

AND Location, Location Location! This property is smack dab in the middle of all the Pearl has to offer: the best shops, restaurants, parks and Portland’s beautiful riverfront!

The Perfect End to Our Week!

Posted on February 12, 2021February 12, 2021 by Erika George & Kari McGee

Sweet Clients – Sweet Note!

Of course, we never tire of real estate closings, but it’s the small, thoughtful gestures that are the real reasons why we love what we do so much.

This sweet note was given to us at closing by our clients Claire and Joe, who just moved into their new SW Portland home. It truly made our month!

Claire and Joe moved just in the nick of time because baby’s impending arrival in April, was definitely non-negotiable! Claire was more than ready to begin nesting in this lovely home, as made evident by the front stoop full of nursery item boxes when we arrived to hand over those house keys! In spite of a stressful real estate market for these ‘expecting’ home buyers, Claire and Joe got a great house within their desired time frame.

Even in this competitive buyer’s market, we are finding ways to be successful for our clients. And if you want to sell your current home and then purchase a new one that better meets your needs, we have options for you too! If you are wondering why it still makes sense to buy a house in this strong seller’s market? Simple answer: Crazy Low Interest Rates. These rates are worth the hustle it takes to buy a house right now. Buying power is strong!

Kari McGee & Erika George
971.322.6612 | 503.349.5449
www.houselovepdx.com

Another WIN for First Time Homebuyers!

Posted on December 3, 2020 by Erika George & Kari McGee

Congratulations to David and Mireille who closed on their first home on Monday. This is the ninth time (insert Ferris Bueller joke here!) we have helped first time homebuyers purchase a home in the last 4 months! Yes — low inventory and low interest rates makes this a sellers’ market, BUT the low interest rates work in our buyers’ favor too — they can afford to pay more for a house while keeping payments at a comfortable level. Moreover, first time homebuyers usually have an edge over competition as they don’t have a home to sell. They have good flexibility when it come to when they can close and take possession.

David and Mireille were flexible when it came to location, which is another hallmark of many of our successful first time homebuyers. Because they chose to consider homes in a broad swath of Southeast Portland, they found a cute and well maintained home in Brentwood Darlington that checked most of their boxes: three bedrooms, open concept living and dining, updated systems, and lovely outdoor spaces. It even has a a fun dining room peninsula from which their beloved cats can slink, play and pounce!

We know David and Mireille (and their kitties!) will have many happy years in their new home. Are you considering purchasing a home for the first time? Now is a great time to explore your options — Call us!

It’s all about the VIEW!

Posted on September 21, 2020 by Erika George & Kari McGee

Last summer, our client, Rick, decided to leave the city behind in search for more land and beautiful views! Within weeks he found the perfect Corbett home, with stunning views of the Columbia Gorge.

Of course, there was a slight catch — he had to sell his house first. We weren’t sure the sellers were going to accept his contingent offer given that they had other non-contingent offers in hand. However, good communication and flexibility won the day and the sellers accepted his offer. Luckily, his darling Rose City Park house sold in a flash, and, last week, during the most heinous smoky air conditions the greater Portland area has ever experienced, he closed on the Corbett house.

Normally, handing clients the keys to their new house is the best part of our day. Well, in this case, it was still exciting but there was a little “Wah Wah” about it, as this is the view to which we were greeted.

Luckily, Rick’s spirits were not dampened, and he reported last weekend that, once the smoke cleared, he was treated to the most wonderful view sipping his coffee on Sunday morning.

Congratulations Rick for taking action to make your Corbett dreams come true! We know you are going love you new home and will undoubtably enjoy many more cups of coffee enjoying the natural beauty of the Columbia Gorge!

First Time in Their New Home, Mask-Free

Posted on September 8, 2020September 9, 2020 by Erika George & Kari McGee

Hali & Lucas Keys — Hali & Lucas Get their Keys

We don’t mean to be controversial! Wearing masks during Covid is allowing us to do business during a very strange and difficult time. As a result, we and our clients spend a lot of time in masks these days. So much so, that as I (sanitized and then) handed over the keys to Hali and Lucas, I realized that they were about to enter their first home, mask-free, for the first time ever! We had only seen Hali and Lucas, mask-free via Zoom and it was truly such a joy to see their lovely faces in this moment…

There’s lots to be emotional about these days, but it definitely struck me how much has changed in our world and how we humans have the power to innovate, adapt, and overcome.

As first-time home buyers in an insanely competitive buyers’ market, with no childcare, and the pressures of balancing work life at home, and home life at home, Hali and Lucas gracefully handled one of the most challenging and stressful situations we can dream up. Now Hali and Lucas get to say goodbye to renting small spaces with ever changing monthly rents, and to that feeling of rent money going down the drain. Hali and Lucas can now put down some roots and start the process of building equity in real estate, which will contribute to the overall financial stability of their lives. They also now have a pretty nice place to weather a pandemic (and other life challenges and joys)!

From our point of view, the hardest thing about Lucas and Hali’s home search was not being able to hold that friggen adorable baby!! Truly, what has the world come to when Erika and Kari can’t hold our client’s cute babies?

If you are a first time home buyer and are daunted by this market, give us a shout. We have been successful for six of our first time home buyer clients this last month alone, and have some great strategies that we can share with you as well. We would love to help you find your own; your first, HouseLove!

Kari & Erika

971.322.6612

www.houselovepdx.com

Just Listed: Royal Woodlands Super Split-Level!

Posted on April 2, 2020 by Erika George & Kari McGee

Mid-Century Alert!! Check out our new listing in Beaverton’s popular mid-century neighborhood of Royal Woodlands!

Terrific, mid-century split level with great proximity to Nike, Intel and downtown PDX. Well cared-for by original owner with chic vaulted living room with wrap around balcony, master suite, and two gas fireplaces. Dependable floor plan with L-shaped formal living/dining room, separate bedroom wing, informal eating area off kitchen, basement family room and additional bonus office/den. Bring your mid-century cosmetic design ideas to make this home sparkle!

Offered at $535,000

3 Beds + Bonus Room | 3 Full Baths | 2448 SF

Taxes: $5821 | Lot Size: 8200 SF