Tag: Portland living

Exploring Houseboat Living in Portland, Oregon: Benefits and Drawbacks

Posted on by Will Sing

Houseboat Living in Portland, Oregon: Is It Right for You?

Are you considering houseboat living in Portland, Oregon? If you love the water and crave a unique living experience, houseboat living might be the perfect fit. In this guide, we’ll explore what houseboat living entails, the pros and cons, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. Let’s dive in!

What is a Houseboat?

A houseboat is a boat designed or modified to serve as a home. While many houseboats are stationary, some are mobile, allowing for the freedom to move to different docks as desired.

Pros of Houseboat Living

  • Waterfront Living: Enjoy wonderful waterfront views and easy access to water activities.
  • Affordability: Typically, houseboat living can be more affordable than traditional waterfront properties.
  • Mobility: If you don’t like your current location, you can move your houseboat to a different dock.

Cons of Houseboat Living

  • Depreciating Asset: Similar to mobile homes, houseboats usually depreciate over time.
  • Limited Financing Options: Few lenders offer loans for houseboats, and the associated fees can be higher.
  • Maintenance: Houseboats often require more maintenance and upkeep.
  • Ongoing Fees: Expect to pay higher fees, including HOA or mooring fees, since you don’t own the water or land beneath your houseboat.

Is Houseboat Living Right for You?

Only you can decide if houseboat living is the right fit. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Lifestyle: If you seek a flexible, water-centric lifestyle, a houseboat could be perfect for you.
  • Cost Considerations: While upfront costs and ongoing fees can be higher, houseboats can be more affordable than traditional homes.
  • Long-Term Goals: If you’re looking for an appreciating asset, consider condos or townhouses instead.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Houseboat

  • Five to Ten-Year Plan: Think about your long-term goals and whether houseboat living aligns with them.
  • Maintenance Needs: Be prepared for ongoing maintenance and higher costs associated with houseboat living.
  • Financing and Fees: Understand the financing options and the various fees involved in houseboat ownership.

Houseboat living offers a unique and flexible lifestyle, but it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. If you value mobility and waterfront living, it might be a great option. However, if you’re looking for a traditional home that appreciates over time, you might want to explore other options like condos or townhouses.

If you currently live on a houseboat or have experience with this lifestyle, I’d love to hear your feedback!

Watch the Full Video: Houseboat Living in Portland, Oregon | Real Estate Guide

If you have any questions about buying a home or need more personalized advice, feel free to reach out to me. Connect with me on YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook.

For a more detailed consultation or to get started on your home buying journey, schedule a free strategy session here. You can also access my Free Buyer’s Guide to help you through every step of the process here.

Navigating the Portland Real Estate Market: September 2023 Update

Posted on by Will Sing

Hello, fellow Portlandians and prospective home buyers and sellers! It’s Will here, bringing you the latest scoop on the Portland real estate market as we step into September 2023. Buckle up as we dive deep into the current trends, predictions, and some golden advice for both buyers and sellers in the vibrant Portland market. Don’t forget to hit that like and subscribe button for more real estate insights!

Current Market Dynamics

First things first, let’s talk numbers. The interest rates have been hovering around the mid to low-sevens, and while core inflation has ticked down slightly, the overall inflation has seen an uptick. The median sales price has decreased by about 2.7% compared to last year, and we are witnessing a competitive market in the $300,000 to $700,000 price range.

Predicting the Market’s Path

As we venture further into 2023, there are a few scenarios we might see unfolding in the Portland market:

  1. Interest Rates Decreasing: This would be a boon for buyers, potentially bringing about 5 million new buyers nationally. However, it could spur a demand-supply imbalance, pushing the prices up.
  2. Steady Interest Rates: If the rates remain unchanged, we might be looking at a stable market for the next 12 to 18 months, albeit with a persistent demand in the affordable first-time homebuyer range. This is the most likely scenario of the three.
  3. Interest Rates Increasing: Not the best news for buyers as affordability would take a hit. Sellers might have to get creative with offers to attract buyers. We may also see a slight decrease in pricing but not 20-30% drops.

Golden Advice for Buyers

If you are a first-time homebuyer eyeing properties in the $300,000 to $600,000 range, brace yourself for some competition. But hey, don’t lose heart; you might just snag some cool concessions from the sellers, including a 2-1 rate buy down or additional closing costs assistance.

Seller’s Corner

Sellers, it’s time to put on your aggressive hats when it comes to pricing. With fewer buyers in the market, you might want to keep a close eye on comparable listings to price your property competitively. And if you are selling a condo, patience is key as the days on the market have increased.

Let’s Connect

Got questions or need personalized advice? Feel free to reach out; I am here to guide you in your real estate journey in Portland. And before you go, do hit that like and subscribe button to stay updated with the latest in the Portland real estate world.

Emerald Escapes

Posted on by Jené DeSpain

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I have a thing for emeralds. I always have. The color. The gemstone. The cut. There’s something about the deep richness of this shade of green and the geometric elegance of an emerald cut stone that makes my heart purr. An equally satisfying obsession of mine is entering a space and envisioning what it could transform into by seeing an array of colors, textures, forms, and light to completely bring about a new room. This eye to see the potential of an interior has been immensely helpful and fun in my efforts to assist my clients. While we tour homes, I love the trust my buying clients extend to me as they let me share my visions of how they could personalize a home to make it theirs, on our walks through properties together. Exploring how we can affordably and creatively enhance their homes for a modern market, while keeping the original charm, is one of my favorite aspects of working with my sellers, as we prepare for listing.

While I have been spending this season steadily at home, a number of my clients are in the middle of home remodels and have reached out to chat about their adventures of these undertakings during this time of covid 19. Our conversations have sparked my love for emerald and my recent ache for a fresh landscape to blend, leading me to peruse the internet for deep, glossy, green spaces.

If you are equally feeling a desire to find yourself far away in a world other than the location of your current quarantine, may I suggest the refuge to be found in these luxurious, calming, gem colored bathrooms. Each one swoon worthy of a mental getaway. Who knows, this just might be the inspiration you’re needing to jump start your search for a new home. If you are hoping to pair with an agent who can see beyond just the walls immediately around us and knows how to safely voyage into today’s listings, I would adore partnering with you to seek out and successfully close on that dream!

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Design by Soho House

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Bathroom at the Trullo dei Pini House in Puglia, Italy 

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Riad Yasmine Hotel in Marrakesh, Morocco

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Julie de Libran’s home. Paris, France 

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“Arsenic” wallpaper by Divine Savages

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Aryne + Dulcinea’s Economic Forecast 2020

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

What’s on the horizon for 2020? Aryne + Dulcinea attended multiple 2020 economic forecasts to see if the trends aligned. Our big take away was that Portland still looks strong and could remain stronger than many other parts of the country. The big highlight? HIPSTURBIA – hipster havens in the suburbs around Portland. Places like Beaverton, Milwaukie and Oregon City. Why? Lots of reasons!!! Properties are less expensive than the inner city, so buyers get more bang for their buck. Suburbs were originally designed for convenience, now they offer even more of the 21st century amenities that everyone wants including coffee shops, brew pubs, locally owned stores, skate parks and dog parks, yoga studios and shared work spaces. All of this attracts talent, creates livability, breeds great culture and fosters opportunity for training and employment.

Check out some of our favorite listings in these great locales:

Oregon City

Milwaukie

Beaverton

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.