Block Parties + Street Murals!

The Portland bureau of Transportation (PBOT) recently unveiled two new permit programs. The first program, call Healthy Blocks, allows Portlanders to apply for free permits to provide more space for neighbors to walk, roll, bike, play, and socialize physically distanced. Additionally, the Bureau is reintroducing street painting permits which allow Portlanders to paint large, decorative murals directly on the street to beautify neighborhoods and build community. Applications for both programs are now open! For more information visit portland.gov/transportation and click Safe Streets Healthy Blocks.

 

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.

feature photo by Taylor Nehrling 

A+ Grandparents Make A Move

Dennis and Eve new exactly where they hoped to find a house when we first met with them, something close-in Portland. They had a grandchild in inner NE and their biggest wish was that we help find them a house walk-able to their dearest little.

It took just about a year of house hunting, the pandemic halted meeting for awhile, but our young-at-heart adventures stuck with it and found a house only blocks away from family.

They will be leaving a backyard pond and nesting woodpeckers for a more urban landscape.  They couldn’t be more excited for their new adventure!  Their old house will list soon and becomes another persons backyard sanctuary.  A win-win.

 

 

Crawl Space: A Healthy Home Starts From the Ground Up!

Crawl spaces are out of sight and out of mind, making them easy to neglect. Crawl space issues OFTEN rear their ugly heads during a real estate transaction, so it’s important for homeowners to learn to maintain this area. A crawl space inspection is typically included in a standard home inspection when buying or selling a house. This is an area where issues tend to arise and can throw a wrench in the home sale. Both home sellers and buyers should be aware of the state of the crawl space in order to mitigate any potential problems prior to the sale.

Prior to listing their property, sellers should make sure they have adequate access to their home’s crawl space and consider having it inspected by a crawl space contractor. Buyers should make sure that their inspector fully inspects the crawl space. If access is not adequate for inspection, the buyer should not release the inspection contingency until it is provided.

 

Purpose of a Crawl Space

A crawl space, as its name implies, is a basement variation in which one crawls around. It may be only a foot tall, and the surface is often bare earth. Traditionally, crawl spaces are built within homes lacking a basement or homes that are built on the ground instead of a slab. The primary purpose of a crawl space is to promote air circulation through the home and allow easy access to plumbing, electrical work and other maintenance, repair and installation needs.

HouseLovePDX_Crawl_Space

 

Moisture

Signs of excessive moisture throughout the home are often noticeable, but signs of moisture in your crawl space may be harder to detect. Unfortunately, moisture in a crawl space can be just as problematic, causing complications such as mildew, dust mites, mold and wood rot. When there is nowhere left for moisture to go within a crawl space, it can travel into your insulation, flooring and walls to create even larger problems. Crawl spaces with exposed dirt most commonly have trouble with excess moisture. A vapor barrier is one of the best ways to protect your home against the encroachment of moisture. A vapor barrier is essentially a large plastic sheet placed over the base of a crawl space to fully cover any exposed dirt.

 

Energy Loss

A crawl space isn’t a livable part of the home, but insulation is still important to keep in the heat. Crawl spaces can be a major source of energy loss. If you find yourself running your furnace all winter long and driving up high energy bills, yet still feel cold on the ground floor of your home, your crawl space could be the issue. Insulating your crawl space depends on the general climate in the area. In warm or dry areas, insulation can be limited to just the area between the floor joists.

 

Pests

Crawl spaces can easily become a dwelling for pests if they are not properly secured and maintained. Since most homeowners don’t spend much time in their crawl space, it may be harder to determine if there is a pest problem. Pests such as mice, rats, termites, carpenter ants, spiders and more have the ability to damage insulation, crawl through vapor barriers, dig into wood, and even tunnel into your main living spaces. Proper crawl space maintenance can help prevent pests.

 

Structural Issues

Crawl spaces can experience structural sinking or sagging due to a variety of reasons:

  • Support columns spaced too far apart.
  • Joists, girders and posts have been weakened by rot.
  • Weak soil and poor footings cause columns to settle.

If these issues are identified, contractors with an expertise in crawl spaces and foundational supports should be called in to strengthen the weak points.

 

How to Identify & Avoid Crawl Space Water Issues

Issues relating to moisture in crawl spaces (and basements, for that matter) are becoming increasingly prevalent in real estate transactions as the Northwest’s rainy season is longer and wetter than it used to be. Home inspectors need to pay extra attention to evidence of water in subterranean spaces, especially during the dry season. 

According to Chris Nelson, of Blue Roof Home Inspections LLC, “Since most of the water entering crawlspaces and basements come from two sources: (1) Improper sloped hardscapes and soil and (2) Roof drainage issues, inspectors should be able to catch drainage problems in the dry seasons as well as the wet.”

Nelson reports that homeowners and future homeowners try to identify sources of moisture by looking around the home’s exterior. “Look at the site to ensure the soil, yard and hard surfaces are sloped away from the structure. Roof drainage issues are easier to see, simply by checking the slopes of the gutters, the joint connections, cleanliness of the gutters and checking that the downspouts are properly diverting the water far enough from the foundation.”

There can also be clues on the inside of the home. “Other clues in the crawlspaces and basements are visible during dry times that can help determine if there is a drainage issue that should be corrected.  Looking for efflorescence and moisture stains on the interior concrete walls, past and repetitive moisture stains on the bottoms of the support posts and pools of dry soil on top of the vapor barrier give additional evidence that a moisture/drainage problem exists.”

While we know that crawl space repairs are not sexy or the least bit fun, you can see why it’s not a good idea to space on your crawl space!

Living Large in Summerplace (55+)

This unit is a beautiful and spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, condo in the Glenwood/SummerPlace 55+ community! This unit is on the ground floor and has a patio with a keyed exterior entrance. The unit has been updated with hardwood floors, new windows, and some new appliances. Close to Glendoveer golf course and walking trails, shopping, dining, and freeway. Transfer fee to be paid by buyer at closing, $3500 total for both HOAs + $325 per person prorated annual assessment.

Mid-Century Beauty in Vancouver

This house is so dreamy! Don’t miss out on this absolutely beautiful 3br/2ba mid-century ranch with stunning views of the Columbia River, Fremont Bridge, and downtown Portland. It has a fireplace, hardwoods, and built-ins… just like you’re hoping it will. To make it even sweeter (not that it needed it) there is a separate 1br/1ba guest quarters downstairs with a private entrance. The almost third of an acre terraced lot is remarkable and has the perfect place to hang out no matter what mood you’re feeling. Garden? Check. Private hot tub? Check. Evening fire with views of the river and city? Check. You get it. Visit the listing for photos and a video tour. 🏡

When Should a New Homeowner Remodel, Now or Later?

We got the house!!

Now what??

Gabe and Alana are wonderful thoughtful folks and new homeowners! Their new home is not new, in fact it is a beautiful 1915 craftsman. The home is truly wonderful, just steps to Multnomah Village with a beautiful yard and has been lovingly cared for and maintained. Here is the rub, the last remodel was just before the previous owners moved in… 30 years ago. They can, and want to, remodel but a question has been posed:
Do we move in and live in the home and let our plans for a remodel develop as we grow and know the home?
Or
Do we get started with the remodel based on design concepts and our known goals?
We’ve had a fair amount of discussion on the subject and for them, the jury is still out for the time being.
Here are the sticking points:
  • The issues of living in a home and living through the remodel with a young family
  • The idea of getting to know how the house lives and what becomes your priorities after being there for some time.  Does that knowledge and insight outweigh the inconvenience of living through a remodel?
I have only ever done significant remodel work on home before we moved in  because I can’t stand drywall dust, I repeat, I loath drywall dust.
I’m landing at – live in the house, make plans as they develop, plan for the work to be done with a trusted contractor and take a vacation or rent while it is being done.
Ha! If only we had a budget like that!!
Congratulations on your new home and I’m super excited to see what you make of it!!

Just Listed: Spacious, Bright Pier Park Home

 

The health of our community is very important to us. Keeping agents, buyers and sellers safe is our top priority.  There is a video tour to experience this home from the comfort of yours via link at the bottom of this post. Private video walk-through tours can also be made available by request to thoroughly vet this home before an in-person tour. We will be offering a handwashing station at the home and will be utilizing Showing Time to ensure only one party is touring at a time. Please be safe out there!

Now to what you’re here for…

SPACIOUS, BRIGHT PIER PARK HOME  $449,000

3 bed | 2.5 bath | 2097 sq. ft.
MLS# 20568277 | Taxes: $4371.11 | Lot Size: .13 Acre
Video Tour
High above the street, this newly painted St. Johns home has room to live. With a coveted open floor plan, warm, wide plank wood floors, and plenty of light, this home lives easy.  With all square footage above grade, all of the space is light and bright.
Open the French Doors from the kitchen to seamlessly expand your living space to the large covered deck and back yard. Fully fenced, private yard with raised beds, fire pit and shed for all your toys.
Don’t want your dirty self/pet/child/partner coming in from the yard through the French doors?  No problem! Come in from the back yard through the generous mud/half bath/laundry room and keep the mess contained.
Newly updated On-suite bedroom on main floor makes a great office, guest suite or whatever your heart desires.
Two spacious, airy bedrooms with lofts, bathroom and a bonus area upstairs make a great separate area for imagining, working, reading, fort building, indoor treehousing, storing or exercising.
Please see our video tour!
And more photos!

Some good news from Portland Water Bureau.

Portland Water Bureau response to COVID-19

We’re all in this together. That’s not just a catchy saying to us, it’s part of our ethos. It guides every decision we make. Many Portlanders are struggling right now as we all adjust our lives and respond to COVID-19, here’s what we’ve done to help: No customer will have their water shut off. No late fees for non-payment. Our Customer Service team is staffed to answer any questions. It’s best to reach out by email for a quicker response at PWBCustomerService@portlandoregon.gov. We offer crisis vouchers and have programs for income-qualified customers. We’re all in this together. You can stay update on how we’re responding to COVID-19 here: https://bit.ly/2VEwDWK

Just Listed: Sellwood River-Bridge View Condo

New Listing in Sellwood!

196 SE Spokane St #201, Portland OR 97202

Don’t miss one of the best condos in town! NW corner 3-bed, 2-bath unit in an elevator building with real dining room, spacious kitchen and three private balconies by which to enjoy the gorgeous views of the Willamette River, the Sellwood Bridge and the western sun!

Two deeded parking spaces, storage unit, newly painted bldg exterior & unit interior, & new building-wide pipes! All in the heart of adorable Sellwood for your walking or rolling pleasure. You’ll be hard pressed to find this much river/bridge view sf, at this price point, in all of Portland. See the 3-D Tour & more here: www.196SESpokane201.com


OFFERED AT: $515,000

3 beds | 2 baths | 1,550 SF

MLS# 20239694 | Taxes: $6,384 | HOA Dues: $650/mo (Gas, Water, Hot Water, Sewer, Trash, Insurance, Party Room, Commons, Grounds Maintenance, Building Exterior, Management)


Bright, western facing master with ensuite bathroom complete with easy step-in shower and soaking tub:

On the north side you’ll find two more bedrooms (one with small balcony), and a shared bathroom:

Host your own private gathering in this delightful and elegant community party room with outdoor patio, or meet here with your new building friends:

Just a half a block away you will find Sellwood Riverfront Park and its 7.6 acres. The park has paths, picnic tables, a stage, a boat dock on the Willamette River, canoe launch, restrooms, a dog off-leash area and public parking. Or head SE half a mile to New Seasons Market to stock up on your shelter-in-place supplies!

 

VOTE ARYNE + DULCINEA FOR YOUR FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD REAL ESTATE AGENT!

Hi neighbors!

Every year, Nextdoor, the neighborhood hub, hosts local business awards called Neighborhood Favorites where neighbors vote for their favorite local businesses and service providers in a variety of categories. We’re in the running to become a 2020 Neighborhood Favorite REAL ESTATE AGENT, and we’d love your vote!

Voting runs from February 3-23, 2020. Here’s how to vote:

1. Head to nextdoor.com/favorites and log in. You’ll be taken directly to the Neighborhood Favorites voting flow.

2. Click “Start voting” to begin. You can vote for up to 25 categories – vote for us for favorite in the PROFESSIONAL category.

3. When you’ve finished voting, spread the word on Nextdoor, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Share our custom link to take neighbors directly to our business page to vote!

AND THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH!

 

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.

Country in the City!

JUST LISTED

COUNTRY IN THE CITY  $329,000

13290 SW Pearl St Beaverton OR 97005

This cute and roomy ranch home on a large lot is located right in the heart of Beaverton but tucked away on a quiet undeveloped cul-de-sac. Floor to ceiling windows bring in natural light.  The yard boasts mature fruit trees, covered patio, firepit, chicken coop and a tool shed. The open floor plan has updated flooring,  lighting and a cozy fireplace.  This well laid out home fits in some great extras such as a bonus room with warm oak flooring, a laundry room, closet built-ins and a period perfect mid-century hutch. Close to the Beaverton Farmer’s market, downtown eateries and parks.  There is so much to love here at a price that fits just right!

 

3 bed | 1 bath | 1085 sq. ft.
MLS# 20649264 | Taxes: $3022 | Lot Size: .20 Acre
SEAN O’FEERY and CARLY VAN AART
Licensed Brokers in Oregon
206-795-0703
sean@livingroomre.com

 

Hidden Gems

Deep in South East Portland is a condo development that will surprise you, it’s called the Wade Park Estates.
This is going to sound like a sales pitch, but keep in mind I’m not currently selling a unit there. I have helped to sell one of the condos and just recently had clients purchase a home there.   I  have some recent, first hand experience with the HOA and the homes. This gem is in a location that you might not expect… at all. As you turn off one of the east sides main thoroughfares, Powell St, it quickly gets quiet and residential.  By the time you turn into the Wade Park Estates, you’re tucked away. It is a wooded area with condos that naturally blend in with the park like grounds. There are over 300 mature pine trees on site.
Every home either has a deck and an outdoor porch and all condos are generously sized.
The price point is usually in the low $200k and the HOA is strong with dues at about $500/mo.
If you’re looking to downsize or find a place to call home feel free to let me know. I’d love to share this little gem with you!!

From Lawyer to REALTOR®: Q&A With Erika George

Erika George celebrated six years with Living Room Realty this year. Through Erika’s partnership with her cousin and real estate maven Kari McGee, Erika has been able to create the career she wants for herself – helping people buy and sell houses, a.k.a. find HouseLove. Where did her journey begin?

Before you became a realtor, what did you do for a living? 

Erika Construction Site
Erika at construction site

I was a lawyer specializing in construction and contracts. I worked in private practice for 12 years, and then spent three years working for the City of Portland, representing the construction and contracts bureaus. While I had my fair share of days in the courtroom, I spent even more days on construction sites and building remediation projects all over town!

How does your past experience influence your current role as a realtor? 

My legal skills are invaluable to my real estate clients. I continue to use them on a daily basis: client advocacy, problem solving, contract analysis and negotiation, and excellent client service.

It’s especially helpful to have a working knowledge of contract law. It allows me to pre-identify tricky issues and help explain potential pitfalls and ramifications to clients. 

Why did you decide to pursue a new career as a realtor? 

As much as I love being a lawyer (I really do!), after 15 years I was ready for a change. I could no longer deny the fact that my heart beat faster every time I had the chance to educate friends and acquaintances (and random people in coffee shops and wine bars) about all Portland has to offer when it comes to real estate and life. I believe that a home is more than the four walls you live in, and I love the process of turning a house into a home. 

Do you miss your old job? 

The truth is I still practice law “on the side.” While real estate keeps my schedule pretty darn full, I am still a part-time lawyer associated with a small law firm, and if you are interested to learn about the firm you can learn more at JD Injury Law website. I love being able to keep my skills sharp and my legal relationships intact!

Do your clients value your legal experience?

Kari and I often get really positive feedback from our clients, like this recent Google Review from David Lashen: “We highly recommend using Kari McGee and Erika George for your home buying/selling needs. We can’t thank them enough for finding us the perfect home in Portland. Having two agents is like two for the price of one! They are always available and will provide you with the best service. Kari and Erika’s negotiating skills are also fantastic. We felt like we got more than we thought was possible during the inspection period. Do yourself a favor and hire Kari and Erika!” 

When I read reviews like that, my heart soars! I know I made the right choice to team up with Kari to create HouseLovePDX and join Living Room Realty.

Kickin’ It in Kenton

Living in Kenton is just dreamy and these summer days are just making it better! Kenton has an open urban feel that fulfills your needs without having to leave the neighborhood. Spend your weekends with a walk through one of the many parks, chatting with neighbors strolling by as you work in the yard, or meeting up with friends for some food or drinks at the many awesome coffee shops, restaurants and bars. It’s really a fabulous place to be.

My recent client decided that after 16 years in Overlook she’d fallen for Kenton – so off we went! We looked at houses too large and too small and found the Goldilocks dream home in almost no time at all! A cute as a button 1920s Cape Cod. The homes in Kenton are varied in style and age; there are some incredible time capsules, a quiet basement bar movement, and some seriously intense urban gardens.

If you haven’t been to Kenton for awhile maybe it’s time to check it out!