Good neighbors matter a lot!

When my husband and I moved into our second home 4 1/2 years ago, one of the first neighbors we met were Chris and Terrie.

My neighborhood has many homes where the families have lived there for three or more decades. Our own new home, we are the second owners of a 1962 custom split-level. It has been a nonstop job updating it from a new water main, new paint/fixtures/flooring to a lovely new owner’s bathroom.

Last year, we got a new puppy and we needed to enclose the backyard. The layout of our property was tricky due to a large leaf maple where our property meets Chris and Terrie’s. We wanted our contractor to build a gate on the north side and Chris wanted to make a joint project to which I was very happy. He was using a white picket panel and wire fencing to enclose his big boy, Beau. The white picket panel made it a tad difficult for me to visit on their back patio but thankfully I have long legs LOL!

Our contractor, Brian Newman of Custom Cut Remodeling, took my husband’s idea for a fence/gate and beautifully designed it to end at the maple. Now when I want to visit my neighbors, I just have to open both of our gates! When the weather is better, we’re putting a nice sealer/finish on and maybe some solar lighting on the posts.

If you are looking to buy a home, walk the neighborhood in the evening and weekend; talk to neighbors and make sure that’s where you want to be!

 

Dreamy Storybook Craftsman

This storybook Craftsman greets you with a large vaulted front porch and is surrounded by a quiet and serene yard. The deck delights with treetop views and is perfect for entertaining. 9’ ceilings and gorgeous stone fireplace create a feeling of comfort and warmth. The kitchen boasts fabulous cabinet colors and new stainless appliances. Two bedrooms on the main level, the larger is suitable as an owner’s suite with coved ceilings, a sitting area, and a walk-in closet. Heading to the lower level you’ll find the oversized owner’s suite with private entrance, full bathroom, and walk-in closet. Great contender for possible ADU conversion, check with the county. The remaining portion of the lower level contains a full workshop with workbenches and storage. This home is only two blocks from the river, yet is out of the flood zone. Close to dining, shops, and transit. Quick drive to downtown PDX!

Under the Oak Tree

 

“I feel at home under the oak tree,

Centuries old and standing tall.

And when I’m gone after a lifetime

The oak tree will remember my song. “

Haley Johnsen


When Haley & Erik set out to buy their first home, they never imagined they would get so lucky. They happened upon an open house in Milwaukie & decided to check it out. Immediately the colorful interior, spacious yard with the 200 year old oak tree and layout of the home felt right to them. With their ducks in a row, we were set to write an offer.

As first time buyers, Haley & Erik needed to make their offer stand out to the seller. I learned from the listing agent that that oak tree was extremely special to the seller & Haley & Erik felt connected to it as well. So what do you do when you are an amazing musician and you really want a house? You write a song about it!! Haley’s song can be heard here – and let’s just say the seller was in tears.

It was so special for me to lead Haley & Erik through this process. Not only are they amazing to work with – they are family. Congratulations Haley, Erik & Gifford!!! You did it!!!

To learn more about Haley’s work as a songwriter & performer, click here!