Neighborhood Spotlight: Hosford-Abernethy

The Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood dates back to the late 1800s. It includes Ladd’s Addition, one of Portland’s oldest planned residential developments. The neighborhood, also known as the Clinton or Clinton-Division neighborhood, is located in SE Portland. It sits east of the Willamette River, west of SE 29th Ave, north of Powell Blvd and south of Hawthorne Blvd. There are many business around its perimeter, but the interior is filled with quaint houses and plenty of greenery. The neighborhood is a blend of old and new. Classic East Portland homes— Craftsman, Foursquare and bungalows— sit alongside modern in-fill housing that thoughtfully complements the area’s historic character. Tree-lined streets, inviting front porches and a strong sense of community give the neighborhood a welcoming, lived-in feel, while its mix of walkable streets and quiet pockets make it a charming place to call home. It’s where Portland’s roots and its evolution come together. It’s where I’ve called “home” for over 20 years.

As you would expect, I know the area very well and consider myself an expert in SE neighborhoods (and beyond). On that note, here are a few of my go-to places in Hosford-Abernethy: 

Löyly

Löyly SE is a hidden Nordic gem for intentional self-care. They offer deeply restorative experiences including traditional sauna, therapeutic massage and holistic skin care. It’s the perfect place to slow down, reset, and reconnect.

little t baker

With an unwavering dedication to quality, little t baker has crafted some of the best bread and pastries in Portland since 2008. From perfectly crisp baguettes to flaky croissants, every bite reflects their passion for simple ingredients, expert technique, and the joy of a well-made loaf. They have great coffee and tea as well. 

Raylee Consignment

Raylee’s offers a thoughtfully curated selection of modern and timeless secondhand pieces, blending quality, style and sustainability. With a keen eye for design and a commitment to extending the life of well-made pieces, it’s a go-to for those who love fashion with a story.

Yama Sushi

If you’re looking for a great lunch spot, Yama has you covered. The space has soaring ceilings making it feel light and bright. They offer creative rolls, small plates & a robust sake list. In the warmer months, you can sit outdoors and and soak up the sun.

Ecovibe

Ecovibe is one of my favorite homegoods and gift shops in Portland. It’s a local, family and black-owned business that specializes in houseplants, pottery, textiles, kitchenware, candles, and gifts. They take time to consider where and how things are made, curating an array of environmental, ethical, and social impact products. They donate a portion of every sale to local environmental and social nonprofits and are committed to supporting important social causes in our community and beyond.

 

If you’re in the neighborhood, or want to learn more about it or the Portland market, give me a jingle: 503.715.6140.

Portland Oregon Real Estate Market Update for February 2025

What we discuss: 

  •  Signs of a really strong Spring Real Estate Market.
  • The great opportunities this Spring Market will bring for home sellers.
  •  How home buyers can be successful even with the market heating up.

Recap of the last few weeks:

We may be having “fake Spring,” weather-wise, but the Portland Metro Spring Real Estate Market seems to already be in full swing.

 

While we saw multiple offer situations continue to happen throughout the fall and winter on the most sought-after homes, we now are seeing the average home get at least one offer in the first weekend and a higher probability of multiple offers.

 

Here’s what this means if you are a home seller:

 

A whole lot more opportunity than you have seen in years. We were already predicting a strong market this Spring due to pent-up demand from buyers and historical trends (Spring is always busy). But this year, we are already starting to see those predictions come to fruition, and it’s not even March.

 

If your home is well-prepped, priced strategically, and marketed well (I take care of this aspect), you can likely expect great results.

 

However, keep in mind that while buyer demand is higher, buyers are still dealing with high interest rates, so they will have big expectations when it comes to the quality and upkeep of a home.

 

But with the right plan in place (which I can help you create), the possibility of getting you multiple strong offers on your home is there.

Okay, now let’s discuss what you home buyers can expect:

 

If what I have said above freaks you out at all, take a deep breath. While the market has become more competitive again, with the right plan and expectations, we can find you an amazing home, and the process can be quite seamless.

 

In this market, it is just going to be ever important to be super clear on your budget and comfort level when viewing properties and writing offers.

 

We will also want to keep a close eye on the data of properties similar to the ones you are interested in. If we see a home that was listed in your budget, sell for outside of your budget we will know to avoid homes like this as to not waste your time and cause heartache.

 

It will also be helpful to collect this data as it can help us know where we can compete when it comes to offers. In a market like we have now, I often recommend looking at homes well below your budget ($10-50,000 under, depending on some factors). That way, you have room to offer up and are in an empowered position.

 

Buying a home in a hot market is not always simple, but it doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful.

 

If you are looking to make a move this Spring or beyond I would love to chat. Just have a question? I am here for that too. You can find my contact information below. Reach out.

Exploring Houseboat Living in Portland, Oregon: Benefits and Drawbacks

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.

Portland Oregon Real Estate Market Forecast for 2025 + 2024 Recap

2024 was a doozy of a year for real estate and 2025 doesn’t seem like it will be any different. This coming year will have many unpredictable factors, a new administration, possible tariffs, interest rate fluctuations, etc.. But let’s recap the year we had and do a little bit of forecasting for 2025 so you can go into the year prepped with the context of the past year and an inkling of what is to come.

2024 Recap: 

This is the worst year in real estate we have had in decades when it comes to the number of sales.

In 2024 we saw half of the sales we had in 2008 during the great recession.

If you were attempting or successfully bought or sold a home in 2024 and felt it was hard, your feelings were valid and you were not alone. Both locally and nationally it was a tough time for the world of real estate.

At a talk with a local economist, Noah Blanton, he noted that we have been in this down cycle for almost 3 years at this point so we are likely nearing the end and should see growth in the new year.

Based on the numbers he noted that locally we have been at the bottom of the growth cycle so likely we can only go up from here.

Some good news from this past year: All Oregon Counties saw positive migration growth including Multnomah County in 2024. Inbound migrations’ ability to match or surpass outbound migration has suffered the last few years due to pandemic-era trends. It is a great sign of what is to come that we are now seeing positive growth locally as this will stimulate demand.

 

2025 forecast of what to come: 

There are many variables that will come into play as we talk about what to expect in 2025 but here are some things we can predict:

 

Interest rates:

Originally it was said that we would see 4 interest rate drops next year, now it is said we should see 2 moderate interest rate drops in 2025. Keyword moderate. Likely we will not see any drastic drops in rates, but should see some stable fluctuation and some slight relief.

In the talk with Noah Blanton, he said “Interest rates will not be a straight up or down. We have a bumpy road ahead of us for the next 6 months”.

No matter what happens with rates we should likely see a more robust market this year relative to 2024.

There has been a lot of pent-up demand and as folks get more comfortable with 6-7% rates becoming the reality we will likely see activity return to our market.

We often see a fresh spurt in activity here in January as everyone returns from the holidays and gets serious about their goals and we should see activity stabilize as we head toward the Spring.

Spring is predicted to be busy.

 

For home buyers: 

If you don’t find your dream home this winter you will see a lot of new homes come to market as the flowers start to bloom.

Just know this will also bring a lot of competition from other buyers. Many buyers think Spring is the only time to buy so getting ahead of the busy market can be a good call and is a conversation I am having with a lot of clients.

Many of my clients are choosing to actively search now to avoid competition on homes and to get a good deal. And for many, we are getting them incredible deals. Closing costs credits to buy down their interest rates, competitive terms on repairs, and solid prices. This will be less available come Spring when you may have 3+ other buyers vying for the same house.

For home sellers:

This is your time to prep. If you are planning to sell your home come Spring your time to start listing preparation is now. The more time you have the better.

Some tasks you can start now while you are stuck in your home this winter anyway:

  • Declutter your home.

  • Pack away any items that are not used frequently.

  • Take care of small repairs.

  • Coordinate bids and schedule work with contractors while their schedules are less busy.

  • Start getting educated on the local real estate market and the micro-market you are selling in.

If this all sounds overwhelming no worries I will be here to help you every step of the way. When it comes to selling your home it’s never possible for us to meet too early.

 

If you are wanting to sell sooner than the Spring that is totally possible too. You will have less buyers available but the ones out there are serious. With the right prep we can get you amazing results. The winter market can be slow, but the homes that are prepped well and have the right marketing are still getting getting under contract quickly and in some cases are getting multiple offers.

Looking to make a move in 2025? I am here for you. Reach out HERE and we can set up a time to chat.

Unlocking the Dream of Homeownership in Portland: A Comprehensive Guide from Offer to Keys

Embarking on the journey to homeownership in Portland, Oregon, is an exciting endeavor. With its vibrant neighborhoods, lush green spaces, and a dynamic real estate market, Portland offers a unique backdrop for finding your dream home. This guide aims to navigate the complexities of buying a home in the Rose City, from understanding market dynamics to sealing the deal on your dream property.

Understanding Portland’s Real Estate Market:

The Portland housing market is characterized by its competitive nature, influenced by factors like location, community amenities, and the city’s environmental policies. A dive into current trends reveals a fluctuating inventory and a premium on well-located, updated homes. Buyers should approach the market with flexibility and an open mind, ready to explore emerging neighborhoods or consider homes that might need a touch of personalization.

Building Your Dream Team:

  • Choosing the Right Realtor: Selecting a realtor who aligns with your goals and understands Portland’s nuances is critical. Look for professionals experienced in navigating competitive bids and adept at leveraging their network to uncover off-market opportunities.
  • Securing Financial Backing: Early engagement with a lender to understand your mortgage options and get pre-approved is crucial. This step not only clarifies your budget but also positions you as a serious buyer in the eyes of sellers.

Financial Preparation for Home Buying:

Budgeting for a home extends beyond the down payment. Prospective buyers should account for closing costs, inspections, and the ongoing maintenance associated with homeownership. Adequate financial preparation includes exploring various loan products, understanding the implications of interest rates, and setting aside reserves for unexpected expenses.

Home Searching Strategies That Work:

Prioritize your needs versus wants and remain adaptable. Utilizing online platforms for listings and attending open houses can provide a comprehensive view of the market. Engage with your realtor to discuss potential homes critically and schedule viewings promptly to stay ahead in the fast-paced market.

Making Your Offer Stand Out:

In Portland’s competitive market, crafting a compelling offer is an art. Consider flexibility on closing dates, a solid earnest money deposit, and minimal contingencies to appeal to sellers. Personal touches, like a heartfelt letter to the homeowners, can sometimes tilt the balance in your favor.

The Path from Offer to Ownership:

After your offer is accepted, the inspection period offers a critical look at your prospective home’s condition. Negotiate repairs wisely, balancing your budget with the home’s long-term value. The appraisal ensures the home’s price matches its market value, a step that can require negotiation if discrepancies arise.

Closing and Beyond:

Closing day marks the culmination of your home-buying journey but also the beginning of your homeownership adventure. Prepare by reviewing all documents and understanding the financial nuances of your mortgage. Once the keys are in hand, focus shifts to moving in and personalizing your new space.

Conclusion:

Buying a home in Portland is a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and learning opportunities. By understanding the market, preparing financially, and building a team of trusted professionals, you can navigate the process with confidence. Remember, homeownership is not just about finding the right house; it’s about creating a home that reflects your lifestyle and dreams.

For personalized advice or to explore Portland’s real estate market further, don’t hesitate to text me at 503-303-0822. Together, we can unlock the door to your new home in Portland!

Portland Oregon Real Estate Market Update for November 2024

Early sunsets are here and so is the Winter Real Estate Market.

Overall the last few weeks have been slow. However, this could be due more to the election than the typical slowdown we start to see this time of year. By the way, we will be discussing both what to expect from the winter market and the post-election market in today’s update.

What to Expect from the Winter Real Estate Market: 

 

For home buyers, you can expect fewer listings to come to market but to see a lot of home inventory sitting. This means a good deal of opportunity to snag a great home that is sitting due to other buyers being distracted by holiday plans.

For home sellers, you may choose to wait to sell your home until the Spring when the market should pick up. But know if you plan to buy as well that it could be a good opportunity to buy now, utilizing tools like a HELOC or a Bridge Loan, making the most of this market as a buyer, and then sell in the Spring when the market should be more in your favor as a seller.

What to Expect from the Post-Election Real Estate Market: 

While we cannot fully predict what will happen, especially given the administration taking office, here is what we can glean from past elections.

After 7 out of the 8 last elections, we saw a rise in both home sales and home prices. (2008 was the only exception for obvious reasons).

So if you are a home buyer, it is good to note that we could see a rise in home prices in the next year. This is especially true if we see a lowering in interest rates, which the next administration has said they plan to do. Though it is good to note that the president does not have direct control over interest rates (and the current Fed Chair publicly expressed that he will not play to the whims of the new president).

Realistically there does seem to be a lot of pent-up demand, so whether rates shift or not (many experts say we should see them stick in the high 6’s most of the year 😌) we will likely see a competitive seller’s market return come Spring. This does align with typical historic market trends year to year as well.

This is great news for home sellers. If you are considering selling your house in the Spring and want to make the most of the market, you should start preparing now.

Well really, whether you are planning on buying, selling (or both) starting your prep now will be key to your success. But no worries about figuring out what that plan will look like, I am here to help with all of it. You can contact me HERE.

3 questions to ask when hiring a realtor

Here’s a hard truth:

Not all realtors are the same. 

And I don’t just mean when it comes to level experience it’s also the specific experience a realtor must have to meet your specific needs. 

Here are some questions you can ask next time you meet with a realtor to decipher whether they are the right fit to help you take your goals to the finish line:

  • How many homes have you helped people sell in the specific neighborhood I am looking to buy or sell in? 

Every city, neighborhood, and area is performing drastically differently in The Portland Metro area right now. It is important that you work with a realtor who has the pulse on the micro-market you are looking to make a move in. 

A townhome selling for $450,000 in Lake Oswego will follow drastically different trends than a single-family home selling for $850,000 in Lake Oswego.  

  • How many active clients do you work with at one particular time? 

When working with an experienced realtor who goes above and beyond to make your home goals a reality, we do a lot more than just open doors for you or put a sign in the ground.  

With that for many of us, we cap how many active clients we work with at one time so we can best support our people and give them the best results. 

Asking this question will help ensure that whoever you choose follows similar practices. 

  • Do you have experience helping people buy the specific type of home I am looking to purchase? 

Every home purchase is vastly different and that is partly due to the fact that every style, age, and type of home comes with its own particular nuances and due diligence needs. 

If your goal is to buy a midcentury modern it would be extremely helpful to work with a realtor who has knowledge of the water intrusion risks that come with Rummer homes and the like. 

If your goal is to buy a condo or another property that comes with an HOA it is critical that you work with a realtor who has a grasp on HOA common practices, and pitfalls and can guide you through the HOA review process. 

Does this all sound overwhelming to you? No worries. If you are in The Portland area I would love to meet with you and will answer all of these questions before you even ask in our consult and see if I could be a good fit to be your realtor. 

Buying or selling a home elsewhere? I have a solid list of vetted realtors across the country with whom I can connect you. This is a group of people that I have personal relationships with and will personally vet further to make sure that they will meet your needs. 

Reach out and let’s connect.

Also, you can find me on Instagram HERE.

Portland Oregon Real Estate Market Update for October 2024

What we discuss:

 

How the current market is full of opportunities for homebuyers.

How timing is everything for sellers right now in the real estate market.

What we can expect from the Real Estate Market this winter.

 

Welp. Interest rates did not see the drop we were hoping for.

We saw a temporary decrease as news hit about a rate drop but then saw rates increase just a week later and continue to fluctuate.

Due to this news, we saw a brief increase in buyer and seller activity.

For home buyers:

In general, we are seeing a lot of opportunities for homebuyers active in the market right now.
While rate fluctuation is making affordability tough, for those buyers willing to act, we are getting some pretty great deals.

Just last week we got some first-time homebuyers under contract on a home in the ideal SE Portland location everyone seemingly wants and we only had to compete with one other offer to secure our client this really cool home with an awesome backyard for well under $600k.

For home sellers:

This market has also been volatile for those looking to sell their home. We actually saw a pretty significant decrease in sold home activity last month, down 13% with just 1,702 homes closing. And inventory of homes shot up to 3.5 months. Meaning homes just are not getting the demand they have had in previous markets.

For future home sellers, the biggest topic we will be discussing right now is timing. Deciding WHEN to list your home will be a big conversation. With the election less than a week away and the holidays fast approaching many are going to choose to pause the sale of their property unless they have an urgent need to sell.

Homebuyers you should take note of this as well. If you see a drastic decrease in new listings this week you can blame the election. And know that while we will see things hopefully pick up again, we will see activity trickle the closer we get to Christmas.

Looking ahead for everyone:

BUT it’s important to note for everyone, whether you are buying or selling, that the market will typically re-energize come January.

Many folks will have selling and or buying a home on their 2025 vision board and often won’t wait till Spring to make those dreams a reality.

And if you are someone who is looking to make a move sooner than later know that the market does not completely shut down this time of year. For home sellers, there are still home buyers out there looking for homes right now, and often they are the most serious. And for home buyers, this market can give you a bunch of advantages while other buyers are distracted by being festive.

Want to discuss your options to make a move before the year is over? Or want to talk about your 2025 home buying and or selling goals? I am here for it all. Reach out and let’s chat.

Let’s connect further, follow me on Instagram HERE.

Here’s how to not regret your home purchase:

It’s a sticky topic but let’s talk about it 👇🏼

There have been too many times when I am out in the world talking with someone or I overhear someone saying they regret buying a home.

But it’s often not that they dislike homeownership itself but the home they bought.

These are the main reasons I see people dislike their homes:

⁃ They didn’t fully understand the costs of maintaining the style of home they purchased. Many types of homes (like older properties) take a lot of work.

⁃ They stretched their budget more than they intended. Often if not counseled properly by a local lender, home buyers will focus on the price of the home but not the overall cost of their purchase and what their monthly payment will be.

⁃ They don’t research the neighborhood they bought in thoroughly enough and or didn’t test their commute.

⁃ They got distracted by unimportant things like the home’s staging and the marketed appeal but didn’t see past it to see the actual functionality and condition of the home.

If this all sounds overwhelming no worries this is where our job as a realtor comes in.

As a full-service realtor prior to even seeing homes, we will meet for a consultation and educational meeting and will have high-level in-depth conversations as you prepare for your home search.

During the consultation phase, we discuss what your capacity is to take on home and yard care when it comes to your energy, time, and finances.

On the education piece when it comes to seeing homes I’ll detail for you the realities of older homes and other styles that require a higher level of maintenance, and what it takes to care for a yard, or what it takes to pay someone else to do these things.

That way you can make informed decisions on what type of home is right for you.

I’ll share with you my Portland Neighborhood Guide full of Portland’s best-known neighborhoods, some less common ones, and the outer cities. Detailed in the guide you will find the best restaurants, bars, shops, parks, etc. So you can explore areas of interest before committing to living there.

I’ll connect you with amazing local lenders who will make sure you are empowered with the information you need to make informed decisions.

And throughout the home shopping process, I’ll counsel you to look past flashy home staging and will point out possible pitfalls in homes. And I will also help you see the potential in homes that may not look cute initially but could be a gem in disguise.

Basically, finding the right home for you is easy when you have the right support.

Want to discuss your options and co create your winning home buying strategy? Let’s talk. You can find my contact information below.