lovewhereyoulive Archives - Living Room Realty

Spectacular Vernacular ~ One of a Kind in University Park

Posted on April 4, 2024April 7, 2024 by Bonnie Roseman

6941 N McKenna Ave

Portland, Oregon, 97203

A Special Location

Original integrity abounds! Luxe renovation of this folk art inspired cottage, sitting proudly on a corner lot in University Park, one of the best kept secrets ~ a little slice of heaven with a small town feeling, just 20 minutes from the city’s center. Bordered by St. Johns, with its iconic bridge and bustling downtown, Kenton, with its retro vibe, MAX station and public library and Arbor Lodge, with both New Seasons and Fred Meyer! Sports fan, theater buff, gaga for Gilbert and Sullivan? About a half a mile away, the preeminent University of Portland offers a wide selection of athletic and cultural events, plus the new River Campus where wildlife will serenade you as you stroll along the water. A superb location!

Distinctive Design

Sashay up the steps of your one of a kind, thoughtfully finished homestead and delight in her brilliant treasures. Pause on the porch perched up above the road. Bask in the bright open floor plan and soak up the sunlight beaming in all directions through scads of divided light windows. Graced with authentic wood floors, you’ll be ready to entertain or hunker down in the warmth of your Jøtul gas stove in the spacious living room, feast with friends in the dining room and blanch, boil and braise in the gourmet kitchen of a renowned local chef, complete with a 5 burner gas stove! Oh, and do not miss the enclosed sunroom with French doors. Make your way up to the lofty lounge area, providing unusual privacy between the bedrooms. Woah, that double closet! Immerse yourself in the original clawfoot tub, which was relocated from the main floor during the remodel. Take in the jaw dropping private finished basement, with its full bath, ample space to play or study and bedroom fit for a King [sized bed]. Energy efficient mini splits provide comfortable heat and AC.

Gorgeous Grounds

Putter in the garage. Retreat to the oversized fenced backyard with park-like landscaping- an oasis with a greenhouse, critter resistant garden bed and lots of space for outdoor enthusiasts, perfect for farm to fork living, alfresco dining and blooms and blossoms galore!

OFFERED AT $639,000

3 BED| 2.5 BATHS | 2,088 SQ. FT.

MLS# 24254726 | TAXES: $4,492

Debunking Holiday Real Estate Myths

Posted on December 21, 2023December 21, 2023 by Shannon Ilas

Today we’re debunking winter real estate myths…

And what you should keep in mind if you want to buy or sell soon!

Myth 1: “No one buys or sells homes during the holidays.”

Reality: While the market might be less active, there are always situations, such as job or life changes? Or just a desire for change, that lead to serious buyers or sellers, even this time of year.

Myth 2: “It’s better to wait until spring to sell.”

Reality: While spring is a popular time, there might be less competition during the holidays, allowing your property to stand out to the serious buyers that are out there now.

Myth 3: “Buyers are too busy with the holidays to house hunt.”

Reality: Serious buyers often use their time off during the holidays to search for homes. Additionally, corporate relocations can happen at the end of the year, bringing in potential buyers.

Myth 4: “Homes don’t show well in winter months.”

Reality: Winter weather can actually help showcase a home’s coziness and highlight noteworthy features, such as fireplaces. Plus, holiday decorations can offer additional warmth and charm.

So if you’re thinking of making a move, now might be the perfect time to get started! Give me a call at 971-220-8165 or email shannon@shannonilashomes.com

Forget the view — this home has a root cellar and solar panels!

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Erika George & Kari McGee

CONGRATULATIONS to Thea and Angel who just closed on their first home together as a couple!

Thea and Angel are lovely souls with many interests and talents! Among them are 3D printing, beekeeping, historic car restoration and soap making! We were tasked to find them a house that was just right for their varied hobbies and skills. When we found this darling Tudor in Gresham, we all pinched ourselves, as it was truly “just right.” It has a great floor plan with an option for one-level living and ample space for entertaining and all of their varied hobbies. It has a modern open kitchen, a basement with a root cellar, a large garage for shop work, an orchard for bees, and raised beds with an irrigation system for gardening. AND, best of all, it boasts a wonderful back deck that Thea and Angel can use at the end of the day to relax and take stock of their handiwork. Did we mention that there are solar panels on the home and garage which allows them to sell back to the grid during most months? What a jewel!

Congratulations Thea and Angel — we are so happy for you and can’t wait to experience the products of your talents! Do you have some very specific needs when it comes to your next house? We can help you find the perfect one — Call us!

One Block At A Time

Posted on September 1, 2021 by Leanne Bach

It was very important for Daniel to find a house close to the one he just moved out of. He’s a dear friend of mine, as is his immediate family. His needs were similar to what mine are. I live within very close proximity of my ex, who is the father of my child. It’s important to us. We are pretty much best friends and we like to be close because it makes things easy for our child to go back and forth and I like how it extends our household.

Just last year we were looking for a house for Daniel’s mother in law, and we were dumbfounded at how cool it was that she’d be a mere “few houses down,” when we found it! Now Daniel (and Julia’s) son could run back and forth to his grandma’s house. We joked about finding another one on the block and just taking it over. That’s how much they love the neighborhood, ha ha!

Well, life happens and I was called again to help find another home. Would we be able to get lucky again, in this competitive market, in one of the hottest neighborhoods in Portland? We did. Daniel scored. We barely had any competition. It was just perfect summer timing. It’ll be a little love triangle, but not the one you’re thinking. 3 houses, the path to each creating a triangle built from a family that loves and respects one another. They may not own the whole block, but they sure are assets to the neighborhood. I wish them all the best.

Happy new year. Happy new house.

Posted on December 30, 2020December 30, 2020 by Living Room Realty

Maggie and Craig originally started their home search in early spring. The Covid-19 pandemic shut-down in late March put the brakes on their search. They simply weren’t interested in making a big purchase decision in such uncertain times.

Fast forward to late October and they were ready to restart their search with a strategic approach. After narrowing their locations by selecting a short list of elementary schools in the Portland area, Maggie and Craig prioritized homes that were bikeable to a MAX line and to downtown hospitals for Maggie’s work. They are a one-car family and they wanted to stay that way!

Before touring any home in person we prescreened homes with drive-bys, video tours, aerial map views, street-views, and floor plan drawings. We checked house history on portlandmaps.com and reviewed old listings for extra clues to the interior of homes.

Even as the pandemic continues to have a huge impact on our world, home buyers need to be ready to move fast and make quick, confident decisions in this fast-moving market. Homes are going pending in days. Multiple offer situations are common. And interest rates are fabulously low.

Despite the low inventory of homes for sale during this pandemic, this family found the perfect home. It’s a beautiful 100+ year old charmer with high-ceilings, beautiful woodwork, and a covered porch. The home has been well-cared for and the yard has great entertaining space, a picket fence, and climbing trees. It’s just 3 blocks from beautiful Westmoreland Park, it’s right on the bike route, and is walking distance to a MAX station. Coincidentally, it’s only 2 doors away from where they live now.

Happy new year to this happy family!

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Interested in making Portland your home?

Call Cheri Harney, at 503-319-4858.

Gratitude, Hope and Giving

Posted on November 24, 2020 by Andy Meeks

As the sun begins to set on the most unpredictable, challenging, and strange year ever, I am filled with gratitude for my best friend, teammate and wife Sarah, our home and our health, as well as my family and friends, the kickass community of brokers at Living Room Realty, and, of course, all of my clients. I look forward to this time every year to reflect on what brings me joy and harmony, health and resiliency, and to recharge in anticipation of a new year and a fresh start.

2021 is sure to deliver welcome and much-needed change, but we need to continue to work together to meet our collective challenges. I’m hopeful that we do that and continue along the pathway that was forged through the tumult of this year. May you and your loved ones find health, safety and comfort in the days ahead and I hope that we can all see each other again soon.

Every month, I match and donate 100% of my marketing budget to organizations fighting to end racism, providing access to housing, promoting human rights & preserving civil liberties. This month, I proudly donated to NAYA – the Native American Youth & Family Center, now in its 46th year serving the Portland metro region.

NAYA’s mission is to enhance the diverse strengths of native youth and families in partnership with the community through cultural identity and education. As a vibrant community center serving members from 380 tribes, NAYA is youth-centered, family driven, and Elder-guided. Learn more here: www.nayapdx.org