Never to late to Congratulate!

Posted on December 14, 2024December 14, 2024 by Nicole Chavira

Never too late to Congratulate M, M & T!

Another success story of an FHA zero down with DPA (Down Payment Assistance).

When they found this home that was highly desired. We were up against 5 other offers!

Our offer was accepted WITH seller 10k credit to the buyers for their closing costs and a seller paid one year home warranty included.

It takes a team to make the dream!

Special thank you to their Brian Tovey, their escrow officer Kelsey Schaber, my co-op agent Lauren Goché and my gift basket maker Bri Arias!

The Value Of An Agent – Guiding Clients

Posted on October 18, 2024October 23, 2024 by Jessica LeDoux

The Value of Local Expertise

Expert real estate guidance is essential when you’re learning a new city. You may get to know the city and even understand it well, but it takes time to gain the deep-seated context that a lifetime resident has. The perspective and understanding of a long-time local often come from a broader and deeper well of experience. The same applies to real estate. While we work with people who have varying levels of real estate knowledge, even the most informed clients will encounter unknowns—questions you may not even think to ask unless you’re immersed in the daily flow of research and conversation that comes from being in this business for a long time. In short, there are always things you don’t know that you don’t know.

We want to lead the charge and help you ask the right questions. We want to elevate your questions, dig deeper so you are empowered to make the best decision for you and from a foundation of considering all angles and arriving at a place of clarity and understanding.

Creating a Lasting Connection with Your Home

This is more than a transaction, more than a piece of property, more than an investment. In many cases, this is where you are going to live and create memories. It’s the roof over your head. It’s security. We want to help you protect your investment, but also appreciate how momentous a decision this is and how impacting the right home can be through all the different phases of life. Needs change, but we can help you think through possible trajectories so you can optimize your relationship to your home in the long run.

Celebrating Your Real Estate Journey

Perhaps most importantly, this is FUN. You are approaching a change, a transition, crossing a milestone. We see how huge this is and know it is cause for celebration along the way.

Happy Seller, Happy Buyer

Posted on September 30, 2024 by Greg Washington

Selling a rental property can be challenging. Tenants need lead time to find a new place and sellers and buyers need to be prepared for a transaction that may take longer than the typical 30-45 days. So, I would like to congratulate my seller Darrell, as well as the buyers, on the successful close of a lovely house in NE Portland. Happy seller, happy buyer…that’s what we want when all is said and done!

Just Listed | Alberta Arts Eco-Craftsman | $849,000

Posted on September 13, 2024September 13, 2024 by Sean Patrick O'Feery

603 NE Webster St

4 Bedroom 3.1 Bathroom | 2640 Sq feet

MLS# 24264982 | Taxes: $10,300.05 | Lot Size: .07 acres

Modern construction, craftsman details and green features all in one house? It doesn’t get any better than this! This special home has many great features that make living here a dream. Main floor has open concept living with a living and family room. Upstairs there is a primary suite with private deck, two additional bedrooms, bathroom and laundry room. Lower level has a guest suite or office with its own bathroom and a tuck under garage with car charger. In addition, you’ll find character uncommon in newer construction with reclaimed fir floors, craftsman millwork and built ins, timeless black and white kitchen and Rejuvenation fixtures. Get outside with three decks and a low maintenance, fully fenced yard. Easy on your pocket book and mother earth, this house is equipped with Earth Advantage and Energy Star rated appliances, rainwater collection, recycled content roof and countertops, dual flush toilets, tankless hot water heater and two 95% efficiency furnaces. This dynamite house has a walk score of 94 and a bike score at a perfect 100. Come see the perfect NE house in the perfect NE location with all the best features. Buyer’s agent compensation is negotiable.

Meowdy! Congratulations to Woodstock Portland’s newest neighbors!

Posted on July 28, 2024 by Nicole Chavira

Story time about this dynamic duo Jason and Tamara! They began their home search with me in early 2021. They pulled out on a potential purchase that just wasn’t quite right for them that year. They took a break from the home search (this happens on occasion and for good reason). We stayed in touch over the next few years and I was thrilled when they came back around the end of 2023 to update their home search and peek at what the current market had to offer!

We got an offer accepted on a condo that turned out to need more repairs than the HOA had budgeted for, so they terminated. Thank goodness for the many contingencies during the home purchasing process that protected my clients to uncover all they needed to make the educated decision to move on from that one. Although it was a huge disappointment for them, they did not get discouraged or give up on their dreams of home ownership. They jumped right back on the saddle and asked to tour new homes! I was so proud of their trust in my guidance and faith in themselves to get to the finish line.

They found a gorgeous new construction home that offered what is called an SDC exemption (System Development Charge). This is a program that assists developers by reducing their development costs when building affordable residential housing. T & J diligently worked on getting that application in after our offer was accepted, and they were approved for $30k off the sales price AND over $9k in closing costs covered by the seller!

They are now MOTHER F*CKING HOME OWNERS!

Special shoutout to our trusted lender Cat Jerger with Guild Mortgage for her excellent service!

Way to go my friends! It’s been a true pleasure. Wishing you many beloved memories of game nights, play time with your fur baby Ophy and new neighborly friendships in your new home.

Shakira’s new digs in NE Portland!

Posted on July 28, 2024July 28, 2024 by Nicole Chavira

Our journey began when we first met at one of my open houses where I got the pleasure of meeting Natalie and her pup Shakira! We hit it off and I knew I wanted to become her trusted real estate professional and answer more of her home buying questions.

We kept in touch and she introduced me to her husband Steve when they attended one of my “First Time Home Buyer” classes, co-hosted with Cat Jerger at Guild Mortgage. We gave them education and confidence to take the next steps and applied for a mortgage loan.

Soon after they were pre-approved, we had our one-on-one buyer consult over zoom, set them up on a personalized home search and hit the pavement on a very enjoyable home search!

We even had some time to bring in a few of my trusted contractors to give them remodeling tips and bids to assist them in their decision making.

They found an amazing home to put an offer in on and we got it for $10k under the listing price AND got the seller to agree to pay the full $24k HOA special assessment that was due! The cherry on top is when their appraisal came back above their purchase price!

When I tell you that I continuously hit the jackpot when it comes to having the best clients that turn into friends, they are a prime example!

I have even had the joy of receiving remodeling updates from them since their closing day. I can’t wait for the invite when they are ready to showcase their hard work.

Steve and Natalie, I know you will turn the house into a home with the love you have for one another, the love you are putting into your new pad and the love you give to others.

Thank you for trusting me on your successful path to homeownership!

Also a special shout out to Jessie Hammons at WFG National Title for all her hard work!

“Is this a good time to buy a house?”

Posted on July 1, 2024May 31, 2024 by Yomari Cruz-DeWeese

“Is it a good time to buy a house?”

People always wonder when is the best time to buy a house. Many considerations go into answering this question – for example:

Are mortgage rates favorable? Are they likely to go up or down?
Are house prices likely to go up or down in the area in the near future?
How much inventory is on the market in the area where I want to buy?
Is the real estate market cyclical in the area where I want to buy?

All of these questions are important, and you can find many discussions of each of these questions with a quick Google search. I’ve put some thoughts below from my perspective as a real estate agent in Portland.

Where are mortgage rates likely to go?

Mortgage rates have improved since last year’s high of 7.9% (October 2023), and many people seem to think that they will continue falling slowly. Mortgage rates are generally influenced by the Federal Reserve, but also by rates of economic growth and inflation. Beginning in early 2022, with inflation concerns high, the Fed raised the benchmark federal funds rate (basically, the rate at which banks can borrow from each other), partially in an effort to curb inflation. This has contributed to rising mortgage rates. It’s hard for anyone to say exactly where mortgage rates will go in the future, because it depends both on how the economy in general does, and how the Federal Reserve reacts to concerns about inflation.

It’s helpful to remember that the extremely low mortgage rates we’ve seen since the Great Recession are somewhat of a historical anomaly. In the mid 1990’s, the federal funds rate was around the same level as it is now. Beginning in mid-2000, and continuing after the 9/11 attacks, the Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds rate drastically, culminating in a low of 1% in March 2004, in an effort to boost the economy. As the economy sped back up after that point, partially due to rampant subprime mortgage lending, the Federal Reserve increased the federal funds rate back up to around where it is now, and then after the subprime mortgage bubble collapsed in late 2007, resulting in the “Great Recession,” the Federal Reserve took the unprecedented step of lowering the federal funds rate almost to zero, where it stayed until it gradually began to increase in 2015.

When COVID hit, the Federal Reserve lowered the rate back down to zero, where it stayed until the Federal Reserve started increasing it in March 2022 in response to inflation concerns. This increase has leveled off at the current rate of 5.33%, and it is unknown where the Federal Reserve will go from here. All of this is really to say that where mortgage rates are going to go is difficult to predict even for financial geniuses. What’s less difficult to predict is the fact that we all need a roof over our heads. Also helpful in thinking about mortgage rates is that, if you get a mortgage, it’s going to stay the same unless you re-finance. So if mortgage rates go lower, you may have the option of taking advantage of those lower rates and re-financing later, and if they go higher, you are insulated from that increase because you already have a mortgage.

What about home prices?

Home prices are influenced not only by what mortgage rates are doing, but also by the housing inventory levels in your area. It’s a supply and demand thing. Stated simply, if mortgage rates are high and inventory is high, prices may decrease; but prices trend higher when demand increases and supply decreases. The housing inventory in the Portland metropolitan area has recently increased slightly from historically low levels, but is still low. More inventory can mean less competition for houses resulting in a market is more neutral or buyer-friendly, but because people who already have mortgages locked in at the historically low rates of 2020-21 may not yet be incentivized to make a move unless we see further decreases, the inventory has remained low, and prices haven’t seen much decline.

Is the Portland area real estate market cyclical?

The short answer is yes. Like everything else, the real estate market tends to lull during the holidays, then begin to ramp back up heading into February. This is especially true in Portland, because people generally don’t like to move here in the rainy season. The Portland market generally reaches its peak around April to June, and stays at a higher volume until August, when it gradually tapers down over the next few months. In the summer, you’ll potentially have more competition but more options. In the winter, you will likely have less competition but fewer home options. I would like to note here that while having more choice and looking at pretty gardens is fun, inspecting basements during the rainy season in Portland is an advantage not many consider, and they should.

So when should I buy?

While everything I explained above is important, at the end of the day the most important questions are very personal: why do YOU want to buy a house, and when does it make sense for YOU? If you currently have a great mortgage and would like to have a bigger house, maybe it’s not the best time financially, but maybe you have a growing family and you need the space. In that case, you need to decide how much it’s worth to you to get the right house for your family. If you are a cash buyer, now might be a great time to buy a house, because you won’t have so much competition, and you might get a great price on a very desirable house. If you’re looking to move out of a rental and into home ownership, and are financially flexible, it also might make sense to buy now. Because so much of it depends on each individual’s situation, consulting a buyer’s agent is key.

A buyer’s agent can help educate you so you can make the best decision for you and your family. After speaking with a great agent, you should feel more empowered, because you will understand all of these factors better. If the first thing an agent tells you when you speak to them is that it’s a great time to buy a house, without knowing anything about you, you might want to ask them why it’s a great time for you to buy a house, or find another agent.

If you are thinking about buying a house sometime in the future and are not sure whether to act now or wait for a little while, you can always take steps so you can make sure you’re ready when you feel the time is right. Check out my post about all the steps you can take now to be ready to put an offer on a house when it’s time!

Beaumont-Wilshire Charmer

Posted on June 28, 2024 by Martin Cross

You’ll just love this beautiful 1938, 4 bedroom 3 bath home is loaded with charming, vintage details, many of which are newer, but crafted to match the era of the home. On the main level you have a large, light filled living room with gorgeous period fireplace with gas insert, updated kitchen and bath that were both redone to uphold the wonderful vintage styling of the home and two bedrooms, both with access to the backyard deck and delightful backyard.

The upper level features the fantastic primary suite with hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, built ins, skylights and bathroom.

The lower level has access from the main floor or outside which lends to the potential for a lower level ADU. Warm and inviting family or media room, 4th bedroom with egress, laundry facilities and lots of storage.

The home sits on an oversized 75 x 100 lot which may offer room to build. Comes with an enormous three-car garage with attached garden shed, a lovely fenced backyard with both deck and patio, a rose garden and mature trees.

Recent updates include, new south side Marvin infinity double hung, lowE2 efficient windows with transferable warranty, new electrical service and panels for both the home (200 amp) and garage (100 amp), attic insulation and new backyard fencing.

The sweet neighborhood is quiet and full of lovely neighbors. It’s situated between the Albert Arts district and up and coming 42nd Ave. And just a short distance from Fremont St and all that has to offer. Plus it’s just short walk to the infamous Kennedy School, Common Grounds and New Seasons grocery.

Portland’s Real Estate Tapestry: Quirky, Green, and Welcoming

Posted on June 27, 2024 by Jessica LeDoux

Welcome to Portland, where the real estate market is as eclectic as the city itself. In 2024, navigating Portland’s housing scene feels like embarking on a treasure hunt through a maze of coffee shops, food trucks, and indie bookstores. Buckle up – we’re diving deep into the weird and wonderful world of Portland real estate!

Neighborhood Chronicles: Where the Streets Have a Story to Tell

Let’s start our journey in Southeast Portland, where each neighborhood has its own distinct personality. From the bohemian charm of Belmont to the artisanal vibes of Division, every street corner whispers tales of local lore and community spirit. Imagine strolling down Hawthorne Boulevard, where vintage shops rub elbows with craft breweries, and front porches are adorned with succulent gardens that rival the botanical gardens downtown.

Hipster Havens and Hidden Gems

Portland’s real estate scene isn’t just about homes; it’s about lifestyle choices. Want to live in a converted warehouse-turned-loft in the Pearl District? Or perhaps you’re drawn to the tiny house movement flourishing in Kenton? Every corner of Portland offers something unique, whether you’re craving a cozy bungalow in Laurelhurst or a sleek condo overlooking the Willamette River.

The Art of the Deal: Portland Style

In Portland, navigating real estate deals can feel like balancing on a unicycle at a street fair. Bidding wars are still a reality, especially for those charming, well-marketed homes that everyone loves. While some properties linger on the market, politely waiting for a price drop might mean missing out. The key? Partner with a savvy agent who can spot the hidden gems and negotiate before a new price tag sparks a frenzy. It’s not just about making an offer; it’s about crafting a strategy, staying ahead of the curve, and sometimes, acting faster than you can say “locally roasted coffee.”

Sustainability Meets Style

Speaking of sustainability, Portlanders take green living seriously. Homes with solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and edible gardens aren’t just trendy; they’re a testament to Portland’s commitment to eco-friendly living. Want to reduce your carbon footprint? There’s a passive house for that. Prefer to grow your own kale? Welcome to the urban farm movement.

The Portland Promise: Where Community Comes Home

Beyond the quirky cafes and food carts, Portland’s real estate market is a reflection of its vibrant community spirit. Neighborhood associations thrive, fostering a sense of belonging that goes beyond property lines. Whether you’re attending a block party in Sellwood or joining a community garden in Woodstock, buying a home in Portland isn’t just about four walls; it’s about becoming part of a larger narrative.

Finding Your Place in Portland’s Patchwork

As we wrap up our tour of Portland’s real estate scene in 2024, one thing is clear: this city isn’t just a place to live; it’s a place to belong. Whether you’re drawn to its quirky charm, its commitment to sustainability, or its thriving community spirit, Portland offers a home for every dreamer and doer. So, grab your bike, sip on some locally brewed kombucha, and let’s explore what makes Portland the city where weird meets wonderful – and where every house tells a story.

When Should You Bounce on a Pending Home Purchase?

Posted on June 26, 2024 by Lydia Hallay

Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make, and the stakes are high. In today’s market, competition for desirable homes can be intense- and once your offer is accepted, it’s easy to become emotionally attached to the idea of a new life in your new home. However, sometimes, despite the excitement and effort put into a winning offer, walking away from a pending purchase is the best decision. Here are key scenarios where it might make sense to reconsider your decision.

1. Unresolvable Issues in the Home Inspection

A thorough home inspection is a critical step in the home buying process. If your inspection uncovers significant issues such as structural damage, outdated electrical systems, plumbing problems, or mold infestation, these can lead to substantial repair costs and potential safety concerns. While most issues can be resolved (either through seller repairs or concessions from the seller that make repairs possible after closing), major problems may not be worth the risk or expense. Key questions to consider are, “is the seller willing to negotiate?” and “are these issues ones I can address over time?” Your realtor will be your best guide on sussing out what’s possible- and, making sure that you are able to protect your earnest money if you decide to walk.

2. Appraisal Comes in Lower Than the Purchase Price

In Portland’s competitive market, bidding wars can drive prices up. However, if the home appraises for less than the agreed-upon purchase price, your lender may not approve the full loan amount. This means you’ll need to come up with the difference out-of-pocket, which may not be feasible. If the seller is unwilling to lower the price- or, you’re unable to bring extra cash to the table to bridge the gap- it might be wise to walk away. If you suspect a home you’re writing an offer on won’t appraise at value, work with your realtor on crafting an offer that offers protection against appraisal gaps. While most homes out there appraise “at value,” a low appraisal doesn’t always mean you need to walk. Your realtor can often gather additional information to help you appeal an appraisal and hold things together.

3. Title Issues

A clear title is essential for a smooth home purchase. If the title search reveals unresolved liens, disputes, or legal issues, these could become your responsibility after the purchase. Title insurance can provide some protection, but unresolved title issues can be a deal-breaker. Your realtor can help you determine whether a title issue is resolvable, or whether it makes more sense to bounce.

4. Financing Falls Through

Even with pre-approval, changes in your financial situation or the lender’s policies can cause your mortgage to fall through. Losing your job, acquiring new debt, or significant changes in interest rates can impact your loan approval. Without secure financing, proceeding with the purchase isn’t possible without an alternative plan. Be sure to keep your realtor (and your lender) abreast of any potential changes- that way, there’s time to try and pivot.

5. Neighborhood Concerns

After making an offer, you might discover issues with the neighborhood that weren’t apparent initially. This could include plans for undesirable developments or zoning changes that change livability or future property values. If the community doesn’t meet your expectations for safety, amenities, or future growth, reconsidering the purchase is prudent. Working with a realtor who is well-versed in the neighborhoods you’re shopping in is a great way to avoid problems from the start.

6. HOA Restrictions

If the home is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), it’s crucial to review their rules and regulations. Excessive restrictions, high fees, or poorly managed HOAs can lead to ongoing frustrations and financial burdens. If the HOA terms don’t align with your lifestyle or budget, it’s a valid reason to walk away. Your realtor may suggest that you consult with an attorney as you are reviewing HOA documents.

7. Seller’s Non-Disclosure

If you discover that the seller has intentionally withheld important information about the property, such as past damage, renovations without permits, or neighborhood disputes, this breach of trust is a significant red flag. Full disclosure is essential for making an informed decision, and lack of it can justify backing out of the deal. It’s important to note that most sellers don’t know *everything* about the property they’re selling- so consult with your realtor if you have concerns about what’s been disclosed. Sometimes, it’s just an ordinary oversight on the part of a seller- and can be remedied with simple clarification paperwork. Other times, it’s more serious. Your realtor can help you sort the difference.

8. Personal Circumstances Change

Life is unpredictable. Job relocations, changes in family dynamics, or health issues can arise, making the purchase impractical. Personal well-being and stability should always come first, and sometimes that means delaying a home purchase. If you’re thinking of making a home purchase- let your realtor know of any potential life events that are on your radar. They can help you make informed decisions about how best to pivot, if pivoting is needed.

The Takeaway

Walking away from a pending home purchase isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. Sometimes, there are big financial consequences to bailing- including losing your earnest money or legal action from the seller for breach of contract. But sometimes- walking is the best course of action to protect your financial and personal well-being. Your realtor can help you evaluate options and guide you though the proper way to exit a transaction.

Buying a home is a big deal. Your realtor can help you conduct thorough due diligence, seek additional professional advice, and make decisions that protect your interests. The right home, free of significant issues and in a suitable neighborhood, will eventually come along. Remember, it’s better to wait for the right opportunity than to regret a rushed decision.

Have questions about the home buying process? Thinking of making a move? Reach out! I’d love to help you find your next Living Room.

Why don’t my roses smell good?

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Lita Batho

Portland is full of roses at this time of year! Have you purchased a home with roses in the yard but now you find that they don’t have that beautiful rosy fragrance?? You’re not crazy- some roses have strong fragrances, while some don’t. In this short post, I’ll try to set your garden on the path to fragrance wonderland.

Jude The Obscure, bred by David Austin Roses: my favorite for fragrance and the whole reason I started growing roses!

As you visit local rose gardens, or your own yard, and rose fragrance is lackluster, you are not alone. Home gardeners choose roses based upon the features that are important to them, just like we do with houses. While some home buyers may want a 2 car garage, some may not care at all. Similarly, the previous owner may have chosen roses for qualities they prefer. These can include thornless, shape, color, hardiness… not always fragrance.

Even within the subject of ‘fragrance’, you’ll find different types. Myrrh, Old Rose, Tea, Fruit and Musk are typically the five different categories of fragrance. The best way to determine what you like is, of course, to smell some roses, and take note!

The very first rose that I fell in love with was along a sidewalk where I frequently walked. It smelled so good, people would stop and smell them, and remark upon it. Finally I ran into the home owner, and they shared the name of the rose with me. It was Jude the Obscure, bred by English breeder David Austin. This started a pandemic-era deep dive into roses. There was a time when I didn’t want to plant anything prickly in my garden, but these roses won me over. They’re worth it.

Princess Charlene de Monaco: ruffly petals, long stems great for bouquets and a lovely rose fragrance.

Want inspiration?

I’ve added a few photos below of a few of my favorite fragrant roses! And guess what? Many modern roses are bred to be very easy to grow. With a a few simple tips you will be a success: most roses prefer at least 6 hours per day of sunlight, and an occasional deep watering once established. Also, most rose farms and growers will offer resources to help your success right on their website.

A good few good resources are: Heirloom Roses, Menagerie Flower Farm and David Austin Roses. If you’re into flowers, you’ll want to know about Floret Flower Farm too, although they don’t sell roses, they have amazing resource pages, including blogs about roses.

When to buy roses

You’ll find the best selection of roses at your local nursery in the spring. Springtime, after chance of frost has passed, but before roses have put out their new growth is the best time to plant and let your plant get established before the hot months of summer. Now is the perfect time to check out other gardens, do some research and pick your favorites for planting next spring. Fall is also a good time to plant, at least 6 weeks before frost, to allow a new plant to get established before winter.

Wishing you a good Portland rose season- and some good bouquets from your future roses.

Golden Celebration, bred by David Austin, has a stunning classic rose/fruity fragrance.

Earth Angel has about a million petals so it looks like a round ball and has ‘a fruity top note of lemon, and a hint of elderlfower.

Lady of Shallot rose, bred by David Austin, was one I couldnt resist for beauty, although it doesn’t have the MOST remarkable scent.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making an Offer on a House in Portland, Oregon

Posted on May 30, 2024May 31, 2024 by Yomari Cruz-DeWeese

Want to buy a house in Portland, Oregon? Here is your step-by-step guide to making an offer on a house!

In home buying as in everything else, knowledge is power. The following list of steps is intended as a step-by-step guide to what YOU can do to best prepare yourself for making an offer on a house and making one of the most important purchases for your family and your life.

These first two steps are fun, and you can start doing them and continue as you’re answering the harder questions which follow:
1. Start perusing online real estate listings as soon as you can, but with the idea that you are not necessarily looking for the house you want to buy, but rather just educating yourself about what’s out there. Look at lots and lots of houses and decide what excites you and what doesn’t. Do you like older houses? New construction? One or two (or more) floors? A finished basement? How important is a yard to you, and what do you want to do in the yard? How many bedrooms and bathrooms? You can also go to open houses.
2. Also, start frequenting the neighborhoods you’re interested in. If you want to buy a house in the neighborhood where you already live, you’ll do this naturally, but if, for example, you live on the west side of Portland and are interested in moving to the east, start walking around the eastside and getting to know the various districts, so you can get a feeling for where you might like to put down roots.
Identify the reason you want to buy a house. Is it because you want a place to live and raise a family over the long term? Is it because you want an investment? Do some soul searching, figure out your true objectives in buying a house and let that objective guide you in all the next steps. For example, if you’re looking for a place to raise a family, whether or not a particular house will rapidly appreciate in value (or even appreciate at all) may not be as much of a concern as if you are looking for a house as an investment.
Identify whether you have any time pressures. Is your lease ending soon? Do you have a good opportunity to sell your current house? What are the current mortgage rates, and how might that affect your ability to get into the house you want? For most people, buying a house is one of the most significant investments of their lives. You should look at tons of houses, all kinds of houses, and really figure out what kind of house you like, so you can make the best of this very important decision.
Identify whether this is the right time to buy a house for you. Answering this question really depends on your particular situation. In a market where interest rates are high, buyers who need to rely on financing for most of their purchase price may want to take a hard look at whether it is really the best time for them. At the same time, since so many people will be thinking the same thing, there may be less competition in a high-rate environment, so it may be easier to compete for the home you really want. And in a high-rate environment, cash buyers sometimes have great opportunities, for the same reason.
Identify whether you need a house that’s in perfect condition and needs no improvements, or whether you have appetite for somewhat of a fixer. If you’re handy, being open to a house that needs some work may open up some possibilities that you might otherwise not have.
Now make a list of wants and needs. Figure out what items are negotiable, and which are not. These may change over time, but it’s helpful to write this stuff down to organize your search. Be sure to share this list with your buyer’s agent!
Now it’s time to talk to a mortgage broker. While some people like to stick with the banking relationship they may have developed over a long period of time and get a mortgage directly from their bank, I generally recommend that people at least talk to a mortgage broker. Banks have the mortgage products they have, and bank employees don’t have much choice but to offer you those products, whatever they may be. In contrast, because mortgage brokers get paid by connecting people with lenders, mortgage brokers have a huge incentive to ferret out the best deals, and the best brokers will really spend some time with you to understand your particular financial situation and real estate objectives and find the best mortgage product for you.
Once you have talked to a mortgage broker, you will understand how much house you can afford, and what your range of purchase prices may be. Keep in mind that the purchase price of a house is only the starting point of how much the house will cost you – there may also be:
1. Mortgage insurance (usually applicable if you put less than 20% down);
2. Homeowners insurance;
3. Property tax; and
4. Utilities (water, sewer, garbage, gas, electric, etc).
Additional potential expenses:
1. Repairs and Maintenance. As you figure out how much house you can afford, keep in mind that you may need to budget for more than just monthly expenses. You should understand how much of a short term budget you have for both routine maintenance and necessary major repairs. What if you end up buying a house that will need a new roof in the next five years? What if the furnace breaks down? Thinking about these potential expenses, and understanding what cash you’ll have available to pay them, will help a lot when you find a house you want to make an offer on.
2. Other. Some houses have features that are great but cost money. Be aware.
  1. Homeowners Association Fees (can be a major cost);
  2. Pool and hot tub maintenance;
  3. Fireplaces and chimney cleaning;
  4. Etc.
Now it’s time to look at houses FOR YOU, but it’s also time decide whether you want to work with a real estate agent. Buyer’s agents are a dime a dozen on the internet; the trick is to pick the right one. There are many factors to consider, and I will write about this in another post, but, in a nutshell, you should first try to get referrals from friends you respect and who seem to “have it together.” If someone you trust had a great experience with an agent and got a house they love, you probably want to talk to that agent. Remember, this is one of the most significant purchases you may ever make, and you want to find someone who respects that and brings that perspective and sense of importance to helping you. That may not be the person who has spent the most money on making sure they appear first in Google searches. Then you should interview at least three or four agents before deciding. And once you pick one, remember, you’re not locked in to your buyer’s agent. If you hire someone and they’re not working out or you are losing confidence in them, you can almost always terminate the relationship and find someone else. Don’t worry about hurt feelings – we are professionals, and what we want (or should want) is for you to have confidence in the services you’re getting from us. If you don’t have that confidence, you should find someone who you click with better. This is our job, but it’s your life.
Look at houses. Lots of houses! In the beginning, try to cast as wide a net as possible, and look at a ton of different houses in a ton of different neighborhoods. You may think, going into the search, that you know what you want in a house and where you want to live, but you may change your mind after seeing what’s out there.
DO NOT FALL IN LOVE WITH A HOUSE (it’s easy to do!). This process is going to be full of emotional ups and downs. If you’re in a competitive market (and Portland is very competitive), it’s likely that you will be facing competing offers for the house you decide on. You may lose that competition, and it may happen multiple times. It is so easy to look at a bunch of beautiful house pictures on real estate websites and imagine yourself so happy living in one, and then be so disappointed when it doesn’t happen. But even more importantly, see if you can put some emotional distance between you and your house search process. Now that you’ve done the work of answering questions about what kind of house you want, why you want to buy, why it’s the right time for you to buy, and how much you can afford, you should be somewhat dispassionate about evaluating houses objectively to determine whether they fit your criteria. Honestly, this is a big reason people hire professionals to represent them – the professionals represent YOUR INTERESTS. Lawyers have a saying: “a person who is their own lawyer has a fool for a client” – meaning that it’s extremely helpful to rely on a professional who can bring their expertise to bear for your benefit, without any emotional entanglement or personal interest. The same thing is true for real estate agents.
When you’re looking at houses, remember to find out how much the expenses of that house truly are. What are the monthly taxes and approximate cost of utilities? Look at the condition of the roof and the basement. Determine whether any major repairs will be due, or if you’re going to have to do some remodeling to have the house you want. A good agent should be able to help you get accurate answers to these types of questions.
When you find a house that you want to buy, figure out what offer you can afford to make that will make the seller choose to accept your offer. Trusting your agent to gauge potential competition, tell you if the home is well priced, and to communicate with the listing agent to help you assess what a strong offer would be, is crucial. Knowing you can listen to your agent’s recommendations to put your best foot forward is how you get the house. Understand that after your offer is accepted, you will have an opportunity to get a professional home inspection done of the house, and if you don’t like what it reveals, you can terminate the transaction and move on, no harm no foul. In fact there are many protections for buyers in the standard Oregon sale agreements I will write about in a future post!
Before you make the offer and do a formal home inspection, there are a few things you can do to “kick the tires,” such as:
1. Does the house have a basement? Check it out in rainy weather to see if it’s leaking. Also check out the yard to see how it’s draining.
2. How is the water pressure in the house? How is the water pressure with all of the taps open and the toilet flushing?
3. Are there trees near the house? I love trees! Trees are great! However! If they are deciduous trees, you could be paying someone each year to clean your gutters. The roots could damage the foundation. And if you currently live in Portland, you’ve seen the damage falling trees can cause in ice storms. Tl/dr: trees = good, but be aware.
4. Look for squeaky floors; make sure the floors are level.
5. Look for signs of leaks around water fixtures, sinks, toilets, tubs and showers.
6. Check out how old and how clean the appliances are. Would you be happy using them for the foreseeable future, or will you want to buy new ones? If so, make sure you understand the cost of what you want to put in.

If you’ve done everything listed above and are satisfied that you would be comfortable assuming ownership of the house, and understand the costs involved, go ahead and make an offer! A great real estate agent can help you get through these steps, will guide you through the transaction once your offer is accepted, and will help you get to the finish line and into your new Living Room.

Just Listed | Completely Detached Luxury Condo in Hazelwood

Posted on April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 by Sean Patrick O'Feery

1131 NE 106th

$499,000

3 bed | 2.5 bath | 1529 sq. ft.

MLS# 24349587 | Taxes: $5706.46 | HOA dues: $83/mo

Open Houses | Saturday, April 27th 11-1 | Sunday, April 28th from 12-2

Immaculately maintained, almost new home! High-end COMPLETELY DETACHED, single-family style condo built in 2021! This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home is the perfect spot for you and your plant friends to soak up the Portland sun.

Special Features

Home Energy Score is a 9 out of 10 = low cost utilities
Luxury primary suite with bathroom and walk in closet
Low fee, well run HOA
A/C
Great floor plan with main floor powder room
Oak Laminate throughout
Well appointed kitchen with stainless appliances

Welcome!

The perfectly laid out living room has a gas fireplace flanked by a large window and slider that allows light to flood into the space.

The open floor plan has a great flow between kitchen, dining and living room.

The sleek, high-end kitchen has a powered island prep space, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops and plenty of storage.

The main floor is complete with a tucked away powder room.

Through the slider, you have easy flow between the house and the private, fully fenced patio.

The wide plank oak laminate floors also flow upstairs where you’ll find a luxurious primary suite with coved ceiling, walk in closet, soaking tub and shower.

Primary en suite bathroom has a shower and soaking tub.

You’ll also find double sinks and a separate toilet room in the en suite bathroom.

Down the hall are two nicely sized bedrooms, a well-appointed hall bathroom and a laundry room.

The attached, extra deep garage is right off the kitchen for easy access and gives space for storage or a workshop.

Quiet, tucked away neighborhood with great access to services, the freeway, PDX airport and public transport at Gateway transit.

Come see this luxurious, affordable home today and make it your own.

More photos here!

Home Buying: A Financial Resource Guide!

Posted on April 24, 2024November 14, 2024 by Jessica Ward

Hey!

Have you ever thought about buying a home but didn’t know where to begin?
Have you ever wondered what resources were out there for first time home buyers in Portland?
Has down payment, closing costs or other financial components kept you from achieving your goal of home ownership?

Well, have you heard the news?! The City Of Portland is helping first time home buyers with down payment assistance loans.

Down Payment Assistance Loans award amounts can be up to $80,000 – $100,000 and include the opportunity for total loan forgiveness. That’s right, the city of Portland is helping qualified first time home buyers with financial opportunities to make home ownership a realty.

Want to find out if you qualify? Contact a home buying counselor at a partnering organization listed below:

In addition, PHB also partners with the following agencies to provide homebuyer counseling, education, and homeownership assistance:

This is a unique opportunity that I have personal experience with as a home buyer and a realtor. Please reach out to me directly for details on my personal experience with the down payment assistance programs.

I specialize in all first time home buyers!

❤️ Jessica_TheHomeGirl

Just Listed: Dreamy Woodstock Ranch | 5515 SE 52nd Ave

Posted on April 19, 2024 by Olivia Rush

Income-producing, multi-generational, updated systems, oh my! This Woodstock ranch understood the assignment. Enjoy the full extent of all this home has to offer OR score a huge house hack win by renting out one level and living in the other.

The upstairs will make every purist’s heart go pitter patter with its original hardwoods, doors, and formica accents. It features 2 sizable bedrooms (think king beds) with ample closet space, bright living room with wood-burning fireplace, a spacious dining room, kitchen w/ nook and SS appliances, plus a full bathroom with dual vanity. And while she’s retro radical as-is, there’s still opportunity for value-add upstairs…we all love us some sweat equity!

Downstairs is a whole new world, equal parts stunning and functional. Accessed from inside or separately from the exterior, your renters or guests will enjoy high ceilings, a spacious living area, tasteful kitchenette fit for a chef, bedroom with egress, stunning full bath, and washer/dryer! *The downstairs unit most recently rented furnished for $2500/month!*

Large fully fenced backyard, covered patio, firepit. The detached garage features a second stackable washer/dryer and utility sink, and could double as the perfect workshop. So many updates: HVAC, plumbing, sewer, radon mitigation…the list goes on. Just minutes to Woodstock Park, Toast, New Seasons, Heart Coffee, Proper Pint, Cloud City Ice Cream, and everything else that Woodstock has to offer. DREAMY. Bikescore 99, Walkscore 81.

OPEN HOUSES: Sat 4/20 + Sun 4/21, 11-1pm

3 bed | 2 bath | 2212 sq ft | 0.11 acres | built 1949

$649,000

Visit the property website for more info, photos, and video!

Just Listed: Overlook: The Quintessential Craftsman | 3803 N Massachusetts Ave

Posted on April 18, 2024 by Olivia Rush

Looking to live the Portland dream? Quintessential craftsman, tight-knit neighborhood pride, lovingly updated but not stripped of its charm, with hardwoods and porches and location to boot? Meet Massachusetts!

Everything about this home feels right. Soft earthy colors, big picture windows, and open but defined spaces give “home sweet home” vibes. Sunny and spacious living and dining spaces spill into each other through original pocket doors. The updated kitchen features stainless steel appliances, reclaimed butcher block counters, and a breakfast nook that could offer extra pantry space or a homework spot. Two ample bedrooms w/ high ceilings and a darling bathroom with penny tile round out the main level.

The primary bedroom upstairs feels like a retreat from the rest of the house and offers privacy, tons of storage space, and a nook for potential work from home office. The spacious partially finished basement with exterior entry features a second full bath (with sauna!) and roomy 4th bed/flex space, begging the question – what else could you do down here?! An exciting opportunity for its next owners.

Private backyard with mature landscaping, Asian pears and blueberries to pick, plus a Trex deck perfect for entertaining and dining al fresco. Detached garage for your gear. EV charger. High-eff furnace, newer water heater, electrical panel, and light fixtures. So many cozy spaces to curl up with a good book in this one.

All this in the charming Overlook Triangle, half a block to the nature patch and park with expansive views of the river, bridges, and Forest Park. Minutes to transit, Mississippi, and downtown. Bike score 93!

OPEN HOUSES: Sat 4/20 + Sun 4/21, 11-1pm

3 bed | 2 bath | 2790 sq ft | 0.11 acres | built 1910

Visit our WEBSITE to view more photos/video!

Sold Fast in Rose City Park! Mint Juleps with Nana

Posted on April 11, 2024May 19, 2024 by Bonnie Roseman

2033 NE 53rd Ave.

Portland, Oregon, 97213

Listed to closed in 2 weeks!

Multi-gen magic and memories await at your new Rose City Park manor. Linger on the veranda with space for porch hangs for your whole crew. Watch the littles make chalk art while you enjoy the scene. Pass through the elegant divided light glass front door, flanked by sidelights into airy open space. Host holidays at your place – you’ve got a party perfect living room; sit down to dinner or brunch with plenty of elbowroom for friends and family to gather. Filtered sunlight dances through the panoply of windows looking out into trees. This grand dame retains the charm of yesteryear, with her brick front wood burning fireplace, built-in glass door cabinets and buffet, multiple sets of French doors, magnificent oak and fir floors, picture molding, classic clawfoot tub, two ornamental bedroom fireplaces and 5-paneled doors. Endowed with coveted features, including a colossal main floor primary bedroom, central flex room that opens out to the deck, main floor laundry and three bedrooms tucked upstairs together. You’ll appreciate the abundance of storage and closet space. The roomy kitchen features double wall ovens, a separate cooktop and a homey breakfast nook. Offering rare versatility, generous convertible quarters connect the main house to the tricked out, sleek, permitted in-law apartment with a private entrance – a luxe lair! Year round comfort throughout with a high efficiency mini split heating and air conditioning system. Ask to see the building plans for the completed basement construction and the vision for potential future upgrades. On a corner lot, featuring a modern 2-car garage with a new driveway, fenced backyard, elevated deck and 99 BikeScore! Enjoy speedy trips everywhere you want to go: zip down Sandy and be downtown in 10 minutes, easy access to 3 MAX lines, I-84, Hollywood and Beaumont Village, and Fido favorite, Normandale Park.

OFFERED AT $989,000

5 BED| 3 BATH | 3,486 SQ. FT.

MLS# 24391325 | TAXES: $7,867

Just Listed: The Sabin Solution | 4035 NE 17th Ave

Posted on April 5, 2024 by Olivia Rush

Introducing the Sabin Solution: the answer to your real estate equation. Dream location + quintessential charm + flexible layout = one smart move.

Open living on the main, with gas fireplace, custom shelving, and newly refinished hardwoods. The functional kitchen with quartz counters, custom wood cabinets, SS appliances & 5-burner gas range was designed by a chef and featured in cookbooks! Two beds + full bath up, with ample closets + new combo ceiling fan/lights with dimmable and color temp options.

Downstairs is freshly painted and accessible from inside but could be a whole separate living space with its exterior entry. Options for multigenerational living or income potential? Chill out in the large family room with gas fireplace and built-in speakers, or set up your workspace or studio. Put up guests in style with the bedroom, en-suite bath with jetted tub and dual head walk-in shower, plus laundry and wet bar.

Your own private oasis awaits you out back. Extensive landscaping, paver patio, hot tub, gas hookup, raised garden beds, and sleek, spacious toolshed, all under a gorgeous magnolia canopy.

Other recent updates include exterior paint, gutters, radon mitigation, central AC, custom glass awning, and recessed lighting. Plus newer windows throughout and a Home Energy Score of 9!

All of this in idyllic Sabin, minutes to Whole Foods, Starbucks, the best of Alberta, Irving Park, and public transit. Bike Score 100, Walk Score 85!

OPEN HOUSES: Sat 4/6 + Sun 4/7, 11-1pm

3 bed | 2 bath | 1612 sq ft | 0.12 acres | built 1947

Visit the Sabin Solution’s PROPERTY WEBSITE to see more photos, video, and a 3D tour!

Portland Oregon Real Estate Market Update for March 2024

Posted on March 28, 2024March 28, 2024 by Lily Ray Wyss

What we discuss:

How we are seeing higher real estate market activity across the board.

The benefits of this market for sellers.

How competition is high for buyers even though rates are still high.

The NAR settlement.

The Spring real estate market is in full swing and it shows in the numbers:

New listings were up 7% last month with 2,085 homes hitting the market.

Pending sales were up 16% with 1,742 homes going under contract.

Sold home activity was up 16% with 1,284 homes going to new homeowners.

Inventory of homes went back below 3.0 months down to 2.8 months.

The average sales price also did not move much with an average of $609,000.

Overall we have been trending back to a hot sellers market and that market is here.

Even with high interest rates (which unfortunately are predicted to stay at current levels through the summer) buyers are finding new motivation and are out there and ready to buy.

If you are a potential home seller this is great news.

When we take the proper steps to prep your home, stage it, market it and most importantly price it right (this is especially important with rates still being high) we have a higher likelihood of entering into a multiple offer situation than we have seen in the last year or so.

We should see buyer activity remain high through the rest of the Spring and early Summer but it will likely tapper off as we head further into the year. So time is of the essence to some degree if you are looking to take advantage of the current market.

If you are a home buyer or someone thinking of buying a home this year, competition certainly is back.

When we find a home you love, you can expect that you will likely be competing with at least one other buyer.

But don’t fret, we have a bunch of high level negotiation strategies we can use to help you compete and win.

Also, if you have seen the news lately, you have probably heard of the NAR (National Association of Realtors) Settlement regarding agent compensation and transparency. I talk a bit about it in the video above (I believe around minute 5) but if you have any questions and or want to talk about it in more detail I am here.

And as always, if you are wanting to talk more about your Spring home buying or selling plans I am here for you. While this market is seeing higher activity overall, different areas/price points/style of homes have their own unique micro markets, so its important that we talk one on one about what you can expect based on your own needs. You can find my contact information below.

Dogwood days of Milwaukie

Posted on March 27, 2024March 27, 2024 by Jessica LeDoux

Milwaukie, OR was founded in 1847 and in 1962 was dubbed “The Dogwood City of the West,” a nickname proudly and officially pronounced by the City Council alongside the dogwood blossom, which was simultaneously declared the city flower. At the time it was said that Milwaukie was home to the oldest and largest Dogwood tree in the world. Though that particular tree no longer stands today, the city continues to celebrate its affiliation with this iconic tree and in 1985 even declared May 21st to be a city holiday—Dogwood Day. The city has an instagram account and encourages residents to celebrate their beloved neighborhood dogwoods (#milwaukiedogwood).

Another fun tidbit—Milwaukie is also the birthplace of the Bing cherry, arguably the most ubiquitous sweet cherry in the U.S.

SEE…

Notable new developments in Milwaukie

Embracing the Tranquil Charms of Milwaukie, Oregon

The parks and green spaces of Milwaukie

Embracing the Tranquil Charms of Milwaukie, Oregon

Posted on March 27, 2024March 27, 2024 by Jessica LeDoux

In 2021, my life took an exciting turn as my husband accepted a position at Clackamas Fire, leading us to make the pivotal decision to relocate to Milwaukie, Oregon. Little did I know then that this quaint town nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest would capture my heart.

A multitude of factors drove our decision to move to Milwaukie. One of the primary draws was the promise of expansive lots, offering ample space for our family to thrive and grow. Coming from a bustling city, the prospect of a quieter community was incredibly appealing, providing a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Portland.

Accessibility was another key consideration in our relocation. Situated just south of Portland, Milwaukie boasts excellent connectivity, making it easy to commute to neighboring areas while still enjoying the tranquility of suburban living. Despite its proximity to the city, Milwaukie maintains its distinct identity, offering a unique blend of urban amenities and small-town charm.

One of the greatest joys of living in Milwaukie is its proximity to nature. The city is full of amazing green spaces and easy access to outdoor adventures like paddle boarding along the Willamette or floating the Sandy River.

For us, Milwaukie has become home and has offered the perfect blend of nature, space, and community.

SEE…

The parks and green spaces of Milwaukie

Dogwood days of Milwaukie

Notable new developments in Milwaukie

Posted on March 27, 2024March 27, 2024 by Jessica LeDoux

MILWAUKIE, a city just outside of Portland in Clackamas County (with the exception of a small portion of the city in Multnomah County), is a suburb known for its larger lots, smaller town demeanor, and affordability as compared to surrounding neighborhoods. For a long time Milwaukie has had “up and coming” written all over it, a fate recently confirmed by the addition of the Milwaukie New Seasons, the development of which has long been viewed as a major indicator of increased investment in a community.

Another upcoming welcome addition to the neighborhood is pFriem Family Brewers, anticipated to open in April of 2025. For buyers looking for close proximity to amenities such as shopping, pubs, and eats, Milwaukie has often not been on the radar. With these two big changes to the city, Milwaukie’s reputation as being at a social remove is evolving alongside its desirability and housing costs.

SEE…

Embracing the Tranquil Charms of Milwaukie, Oregon

The parks and green spaces of Milwaukie

Dogwood days of Milwaukie

Eating your way around the Sunnyside neighborhood

Posted on March 23, 2024March 26, 2024 by Karim Alaeddine

Eating your way around Sunnyside neighborhood

Since 2009, our family of four has been digging into delicious meals all over Sunnyside, Portland – we’ve tallied up around 640,000 of them! From cozy cafes to mom-and-pop joints, we’ve found our favorite spots for every occasion. Whether it’s a laid-back lunch or a special dinner out, these restaurants aren’t just places to eat – they’re where we’ve shared laughs, caught up with neighbors, and enjoyed some seriously tasty grub. Here are just a few of my family’s favorite places to eat in Portland’s Sunnyside neighborhood.

Hoda’s – Classic Lebanese Feeds My Soul

Located at the corner of SE Belmont and 34th, Hoda’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s a slice of home for those seeking comforting Middle Eastern flavors. From the first bite of their falafel to the last taste of their lamb shawarma, each dish feels like a warm embrace. But it’s not just the food that keeps drawing us back – it’s the hospitality and sense of community that radiates from every corner of Hoda’s. In a city known for its culinary scene, Hoda’s stands out as a place where you’re not just a customer, but a cherished guest welcomed with open arms.

Bluto’s – New Kid On The Block

Opening in early 2022 and located at the corner of SE Belmont and Se 29th, Bluto’s brings the vibrant flavors of Greece to the Pacific Northwest. With an eclectic menu showcasing traditional Greek dishes with a modern twist, every bite at Bluto’s is a delightful journey through Mediterranean cuisine. But it’s not just about the food – Bluto’s warm and inviting atmosphere creates a dining experience that’s both comforting and unforgettable.

Pad Thai Kitchen – Incredible Staff

Pad Thai Kitchen serves up authentic Thai cuisine that’s as flavorful as it is comforting. With traditional dishes like Pad Thai and Green Curry, ensuring each bite is exceptional. Beyond the food, its cozy atmosphere and consistently friendly service make it the ideal spot for a taste of Thailand in Portland. Whether you’re a Thai food enthusiast or simply seeking a satisfying meal, Pad Thai Kitchen provides an unforgettable dining experience that keeps patrons returning for more.

Waffle Window – The Kids #1 Choice

Waffle Window is a family-friendly spot, perfect for breakfast enthusiasts and sweet-toothed patrons. Since its inception, it has served up creative waffle creations, from classic Belgian waffles to indulgent savory options. With its cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and grab-and-go options, Waffle Window offers a memorable dining experience for families to enjoy together.

The Hazel Room – Tea & Conversations

The Hazel Room isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a cozy spot for tea lovers and those seeking meaningful conversations. With its welcoming atmosphere and comfortable surroundings, The Hazel Room is the perfect place to unwind with a cup of tea and engage in unhurried chats. Offering a diverse selection of teas, from classic blends to unique herbal varieties, there’s something to suit every taste. Whether you’re catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, The Hazel Room provides the ideal setting.

Harlow – Health Focused

Harlow serves delicious plant-based cuisine, catering to health-conscious foodies. Since its inception, the restaurant has been dedicated to crafting vibrant, nourishing dishes using locally-sourced, organic ingredients. From hearty grain bowls to refreshing smoothies, each menu item is carefully crafted for a satisfying dining experience. Whether you’re a devoted vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, Harlow offers a diverse menu to suit all tastes. With its cozy atmosphere and commitment to sustainability, Harlow invites diners to enjoy the flavors of the Pacific Northwest while nourishing both body and soul.

Straight From New York Pizza – A Favorite For The Kids

Straight From New York Pizza (SFNY) is a local favorite for those craving a taste of authentic New York-style pizza. Whether you’re looking for a whole pie to share with friends or a quick slice on the go, SFNY offers both options to satisfy your cravings. With a deep menu boasting a variety of toppings and specialty pizzas, there’s something for everyone. With its commitment to supporting local businesses and neighborhoods, SFNY not only offers delicious pizza but also contributes to the vibrant community spirit of Portland.

Looking To Learn More About Sunnyside?

Sunnyside and surrounding THEATERS

Posted on March 23, 2024March 23, 2024 by Karim Alaeddine

Multiple vintage theaters flank the Sunnyside neighborhood. And there’s no way you don’t run into others from the ‘hood at the Baghdad, Laurelhurst or Cinemagic while you’re there. McMenamins has spent decades preserving old Portland buildings with theaters and legacy bars like Greater Trumps. Old Portlanders will complain about the fries (or the price of the tots), but the spaces are as much a part of Portland as the White Stag/Old Town sign.

From the days of Hawthorne Street cars:

SEE…

March Magic: Attracting and Feeding Wild Birds in Your Portland Backyard

Posted on March 2, 2024March 2, 2024 by Lydia Hallay

Welcome to March Magic for Bird Lovers in Portland! As the city gears up for spring, it’s the perfect time to transform your backyard into a haven for wild birds. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, here’s your ultimate guide to attracting and feeding wild birds in Portland during March.

1. Choose the Best Bird Feeders

Selecting the right feeders is key to attracting diverse bird species to your backyard. Tube feeders cater to smaller birds like finches and chickadees, while platform feeders are ideal for ground-feeding species such as sparrows and juncos. Don’t forget suet feeders for woodpeckers and nuthatches!

2. Opt for Nutritious Bird Food Blends

Offer a diverse menu to entice various bird species. Invest in high-quality birdseed blends containing sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn. Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite among many backyard birds, while nyjer seed attracts finches like goldfinches and pine siskins. Backyard Bird Shop is one of my favorite local resources for all things bird-related.

3. Provide Fresh Water Daily

Even in chilly March, wild birds need access to clean water for drinking and bathing. Invest in a birdbath or shallow dish and ensure it’s filled with fresh water daily. Consider adding a heating element to prevent freezing during cold spells, ensuring year-round water access.

4. Create Shelter with Native Plants

Native plants provide essential shelter and habitat for wild birds. Plant native shrubs and trees like Oregon grape, serviceberry, and Pacific wax myrtle to offer protection from predators and additional food sources.

5. Maintain Cleanliness for Bird Health

Regular maintenance is crucial for the health of your avian visitors. Clean feeders and water sources regularly to prevent disease spread. Remove moldy or spoiled food promptly, and keep the feeding area clean by raking up fallen seed hulls and debris.

6. Be Patient and Observant

Attracting wild birds requires patience and observation. Spend time observing bird behavior from a distance to avoid disturbance. Keep a journal to record species encounters and track their visits over time.

Conclusion

As March brings longer days and warmer weather to Portland, it’s the perfect time to welcome back our feathered friends. By following these tips for attracting and feeding wild birds in your backyard, you can create a sanctuary that brings joy and wonder to your life. Get ready to embark on a birding adventure right in your own backyard!

Portland Home Buying Tips, Inspired by Hermit Crabs

Posted on February 21, 2024February 21, 2024 by Lydia Hallay

In Portland, Oregon, where creativity thrives and individuality is celebrated, the journey of a homebuyer can mirror that of the humble hermit crab, hunting for a shell along the rugged Oregon coast. As Portlanders embark on their house-hunting adventures, they can draw inspiration from the coastal creatures that navigate their surroundings in search of the ideal shell. Here’s what Portland home buyers can glean from the wisdom of hermit crabs:

Embrace Unconventional Spaces

Much like the eclectic spirit of Portland’s neighborhoods, hermit crabs are known for their ability to thrive in unconventional spaces. They’re not bound by traditional norms and are willing to explore hidden gems tucked away in unexpected corners. Portland home buyers, too, can embrace the city’s diverse architectural landscape, considering everything from cozy bungalows in Alberta Arts District to mid-century gems at the base of Mt. Tabor, each offering its own unique charm and character.

Size Isn’t Everything; Character Counts

In a city where individuality reigns supreme, Portlanders understand that size isn’t everything when it comes to finding the perfect home. Just as hermit crabs prioritize shells with character and charm over sheer size, Portland home buyers appreciate the quirks and nuances of older homes with history and personality. From craftsman cottages adorned with lush gardens to modern masterpieces nestled in the hills, it’s the character that truly makes a house feel like a home in Portland.

Location with a Dash of Quirkiness

Portland’s neighborhoods are as diverse as they come, each with its own distinct vibe and personality. Whether it’s the bustling energy of Southeast Division Street or the laid-back atmosphere of Laurelhurst, Portland neighborhoods reflect the unique interests and lifestyles of the people who live there. Like hermit crabs scouring the coastline for shells in prime locations, home buyers in Portland seek neighborhoods that offer a perfect blend of convenience, community, and, of course, a dash of quirkiness.

Embrace Sustainability and Green Living

Portland has long been recognized as a pioneer in sustainability and green living practices. Just as hermit crabs instinctively understand the importance of protecting their environment, Portland home buyers are drawn to eco-friendly homes that minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable living. Whether it’s a LEED-certified home in the Hawthorne District, or craftsman with a 10/10 energy score in Sellwood, Portlanders are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and preserving the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Lean on Local Experts

In a city where local expertise and community connections are highly valued, Portland home buyers can benefit from leaning on the knowledge and guidance of a local real estate professional who knows the ins and outs of Portland’s diverse neighborhoods. Whether you’re new to town or just new to the neighborhood, it can be helpful to work with a Realtor who’s familiar with all parts of the metro area, and sees the big picture of the competitive market.

In the end, just as hermit crabs find sanctuary in the perfect shell, Portland home buyers can find solace and belonging in a place they can truly call their own. With a spirit of adventure, a dash of quirkiness, and a deep appreciation for all things unique, Portlanders can embark on their house-hunting journey with excitement and optimism, knowing that the perfect home is waiting to be discovered in the heart of the Rose City.

Looking for Portland homes for sale? Whether you’re in search of Portland real estate tips, lender connections, or a Realtor who can be your expert guide to the city, I’d love to help. Reach out today!

Real Estate Market Forecast for 2024

Posted on January 24, 2024January 10, 2024 by Lily Ray Wyss

No one knows for certain what 2024 has in store in the world of real estate. But in the video above we discuss a few widely predicted trends.

Here are a few highlights:

Interest rates are already trending downwards (whoohoo).

With this we are already showing higher motivation from home buyers which will continue to increase.

Hopefully, this means we will also see higher motivation from home sellers (as sellers notice the higher demand from buyers). Leading to more homes and more options to the market.

Meaning we can predict an active Portland Oregon Real Estate Market for most of 2024. We could potentially see the market slow down in the second half of the year, if we follow trends from past election years.

Want to discuss your potential home buying or home selling needs for 2024? I would love to connect. Reach out and we can set up a time.

You can contact me below or reach me at lily@lilyrayres.com.

New Year, New To Do! ~January Home Maintenance

Posted on December 29, 2023 by Kiersten Frey

New Year, Fresh Checklist!

Winter is in full swing, and we know home maintenance can feel daunting, but fear not! Here to
make it easy on your time and wallet, let’s dive into the tasks that need your attention:

Holiday Cleanup:

Take down those festive lights and prevent tangles by wrapping them around a hanger.
Self-clean the oven and wipe the interior with a vinegar-soaked cloth.
Dispose of your Christmas tree wisely – compost or use it for midwinter mulching.
Pro Tip: Consider a one-time cleaning crew, costing around $200-$250.
Ask your Realtor to recommend a reliable cleaning contact or two.

Protect the Pipes:

Prevent frozen pipes by wrapping them with heat tape, controllable with a thermostat.
If you’re off for a winter vacation, turn off water to outdoor spigots, shut off water valves,
and drain existing water.
Pro Tip: Thaw frozen pipes with a heating pad or hairdryer. In case of a burst pipe, shut off the
main water valve and call a plumber or a water restoration company for cleanup.

Check for Storm Damage:

Post-winter storms, inspect your roof, siding, gutters, and yard for potential damage.
Use binoculars or invest in a drone to spot damage without climbing on the roof.
Pro Tip: Immediate repairs are crucial. A handyman can handle minor fixes, and
roofing experts can tackle more serious issues.

Remove Hidden Dirt:

Clean those often-neglected spots like range hoods, refrigerator coils, and HVAC vents.
Let your dishwasher handle metal parts, and toss dirty sponges and dishrags in for a quick clean.

Tighten Hardware:

Shine and tighten doorknobs, hinges, cabinet pulls, and nobs.
Level those cabinet doors for a quick facelift.
Pro Tip: Clean metal hardware with soapy water and shine with a microfiber
cloth dipped in vinegar or lemon juice. Brass polish works wonders on solid brass.

Deep Dive & Declutter:

Channel your inner Marie Kondo and declutter rooms, closets, and drawers.
Take it in small steps – tackle one room or corner each day.

Think Green:

Combat January gloom by planning for spring. Grab seed catalogs and start planning your gardens.
Pro Tip: Opt for raised-bed or container gardens for low-maintenance greenery. Create weed-free soil with vermiculite, peat moss, and compost.

There you go! Your efficient guide to a well-maintained home. Happy New Year!

Peppermints and Furnace Filters

Posted on December 29, 2023December 29, 2023 by Veronica Powell

This holiday season I promised myself that despite the typical holiday chaos, I would try to take some time for myself and do something fun that I’d been putting off. Binge watching the Great British Bake Off inspired me to finally attempt some Peppermint Meringues I’ve always wanted to try making. They ended up being super easy and delicious! I’m looking forward to taking this newly acquired meringue expertise to the next level by attempting a Boccone Dolce made of meringues, fruit and whipped cream. Yum! If I can master this in time for a birthday party I’m hosting, it would be such a win!

If you’ve been putting off something fun (i.e. baking) or maybe even something not so fun (i.e. changing your furnace filter) getting these little projects done before the 1st of the year can lead to some good momentum as we head towards New Years Resolution time.

If you have bigger projects on your resolution list, like buying or selling a house, I’d be happy to help you accomplish that goal by breaking that down into manageable steps. As with any project, baby steps (i.e. Peppermint Meringues) can be stepping stones to achieving the bigger goal (Boccone Dolce for that upcoming birthday party!).

Wishing you success on whatever is on your New Years Resolution list. May your accomplishments bring you peace and joy in the New Year!

Veronica Powell

Veronica@LivingRoomRE.com

503.936.3475

Congrats to Nichole on your first home!

Posted on December 12, 2023 by Greg Washington

I’m so thrilled to congratulate my buyer Nichole, a single mom, on the purchase of her first home! We were able to work through the challenge of higher interest rates to find a two bedroom townhome, the perfect place for mom and son to call their own. I wish them many happy years in their new home and neighborhood!

How to get what you want with a tight budget and a bit of know-how!

Posted on December 7, 2023 by Living Room Realty

Here are my thoughts on how to get what you want with a tight budget. Let’s get creative and be informed.

Look at Cosmetic Fixers:

Look past the paint and the details. Is the house filled with junk? Are the photos just bad? See everything on the market. You’ll be surprised! And, I love the hunt for a great diamond in the rough.

Fix your credit:

Some lenders are better than others at this. I can help you find a lender who will give you a clear idea of what you need to do to fix your credit and better qualify for a loan.

Talk to multiple lenders:

They are not all the same and it’s important you like the lender you work with. Look into first-time homebuyer programs, FHA or VA or Oregon Bond. I can help guide you to lenders who have the loan packages best for you. And, it’s important you feel comfortable talking with them about money and finances. This can feel very personal so you want to work with a lender who is a good fit for you.

Look into rate buydowns:

Because interest rates have been high this year, rate buydowns have become pretty common. Sometimes you can even negotiate this with the seller so they pay to buy down your rate. You can also buy down the rate on your own and your lender can walk you through that.

Always get an inspection:

This will save money in the long run. No one likes surprises in real estate so I highly recommend every single client has a home inspection done to avoid an expensive surprise after you get the keys. Home inspections cost money but they are worth it! I typically recommend these basic inspections- general home inspection, sewer scope, radon test and an underground storage tank scan.

Look for solid big-ticket items already in place:

This one is easy because most sellers are eager to let you know what has been updated recently. But it’s very important when we are crunching the numbers and deciding if the value is there for you.

Focus on location and layout:

These are two things you can’t easily change about a house so they are very important to focus on when you’re buying.

Be realistic about the renovation lifestyle:

This is a big one because no one wants to spend every single weekend and evening working on their home projects, no matter how much money it saves. I have a lot of clients who begin their house hunt very certain they can easily renovate a house. Then, they learn more and realize it’s not as simple as it seems. Especially on a budget. I will help you get bids for major renovations or big updates during your inspection period. That way you can make an informed decision about what works for you. This is case by case so I’ll advise according to each buyer’s situation.

Research the Market:

I am here to help you understand the local real estate market conditions. Are prices trending up or down? Are there any neighborhoods where prices are more favorable? Knowledge of the market will help you make informed decisions.

Look for Motivated Sellers:

Sellers who are motivated to sell quickly may be more willing to negotiate on price. These motivations can include job relocations, divorces, financial difficulties, or properties that have been on the market for an extended period. A big part of my job is to build rapport with other agents to get as much information as possible and find the win-win for everyone!

Don’t Lowball:

It’s better to look at the data and make informed offers. Sometimes buyers purchase below the list price but throwing a very low offer price out there just to see what happens is not productive. While you want a good deal, making an unrealistically low offer can turn off sellers and waste time. I work with clients to determine a fair and competitive offer based on market comparables.

Be Patient:

This is a big one. The timeline a buyer thinks they need is usually the first thing out the window. Don’t rush into a purchase. Sometimes, waiting for the right opportunity can lead to a better deal. Keep an eye on the market and be prepared to act when the time is right.

Backup Offers:

This dovetails with being patient. If a deal falls through for another buyer, having a backup offer ready can put you in a strong position to negotiate with a motivated seller. You’d be surprised how often this happens.

Flexibility:

Be open to compromise on non-essential features or repairs. Being flexible can help bridge gaps in negotiations. A lot of times these non-essential repairs feel like a big deal in the moment but they don’t need to be deal breakers.

Reach out if you’re interested in talking more about buying or selling a home. I’m here for you! If you’re a first-time home buyer I can set up a new-buyer meeting and go over everything step by step. If you already own a home and you’re ready to sell that one and get the next one, let’s make a plan that works for you.

Bringing authenticity into real estate is my calling- I love to engage with new people and listen carefully to their needs and goals, then throw all my energy into helping to achieve them! I am known for my knowledge of the market and my ability to educate and listen carefully, although my secret superpower is that I remember every house I’ve seen (which is a lot).

Jasmine Deatherage

503-320-0039

Jasminedeatherage@gmail.com

From North Portland to the Westside: A New Neighborhood for Patrick & JoAnne

Posted on December 7, 2023 by Beth Benner

I am so excited to welcome my clients Patrick & JoAnne home to their beautiful new house in SW Portland!

These clients began with a clear vision, searching for the perfect Westside house that they could call home. The initial excitement led us to some incredible houses, & after a promising start with a house that caught their hearts, reality hit hard when our first offer wasn’t accepted. Undeterred, we continued our search, evolving our criteria & areas of interest to focus on move-in ready one-level homes.

We saw some more great properties & wrote a couple of additional offers but nothing quite compared to that first house. Through it all, these two kept their spirits high & never gave up on the dream of their perfect forever home.

And then, finally, WE FOUND IT! We stumbled upon a property that checked nearly every box on their original list. The excitement was palpable & we knew that we had to act fast to beat the strong competition for a coveted one-level home. While the property had been sitting on the market for a while, it had just had a significant price reduction, so we knew it was an opportunity we couldn’t ignore.

Negotiations began & my team & I worked tirelessly to secure the deal. The outcome was worth every moment of anticipation. Not only did my clients get more home for their investment compared to previous contenders, but they also gained an incredible backyard space with a pool! This home was well worth the wait & Patrick & JoAnne are ready to settle in.

This transaction was a testament to the power of resilience, strategic planning, & teamwork. Consistent communication with the listing agent was crucial, from initial negotiations to repair discussions & wrapping up the final details. We also made sure that we were timely in scheduling showings to ensure that we were some of the first through the door. And when we found the one, we acted fast, gathering info & building our strategy as a team.

I am so honored to be a part of this incredible chapter in Patrick & JoAnne’s lives. Now they just have to wait patiently for summer to come so that they can host their first pool party! Congrats to this amazing couple!

Let us Discuss the POSITIVES of today’s Real Estate Market.

Posted on November 27, 2023November 27, 2023 by Lily Ray Wyss

Current real estate market conditions have made home affordability tough.

But with it always being my goal to provide well-rounded information about current real estate conditions so you can make empowered decisions, let’s talk about the opportunities in today’s market.

Home prices are generally lower:

Just yesterday I got a first-time home buyer under contract on a townhome. Looking at comparable properties, back in May a home with the exact same specs in the same community sold for over 30k more.

Oh, and we also got the buyer a closing credit paid by the seller to temporarily lower his interest rate.

Speaking of which…

Seller-paid closing credits:

On the majority of transactions I have helped buyers with this year, we have been successful in negotiating a large credit paid by the seller to cover a portion of the buyer’s closing costs and or temporarily buy down the buyer’s interest rate.

Contractor response time:

Right now booking inspections and contractor appointments in a timely manner has been highly dependable. With the market being generally slower, inspectors and other contractors have way better availability than super hot markets. This week we got two sets of buyers under contract and I was able to get their inspections scheduled for the next day in both cases.

This might seem like a small benefit, but getting to know the condition of the home you are buying the next day vs waiting a week is a huge stress reliever and allows us more time for fact-finding and negotiating.

Better negotiating power:

With homes sitting on the market for longer periods of time it’s made home sellers more willing to negotiate with home buyers on things like contract terms and repair needs.

You can hold on to your contingencies: In past real estate markets when things got super competitive for home buyers they became pressured to give up certain contingencies in order to win the home.

Look the best time for you to buy a home is when you are ready.

But if you are waiting to buy until interest rates drop, just know that so are 66% of other home buyers according to a US News Survey. So it could be worth us having a conversation about the opportunities in today’s market.

Either way, I am here for you. If you would like to discuss what it would look like to buy a home this winter or in 2024 I am here for you.

Oregon’s Top 10 Haunted Places

Posted on October 31, 2023October 31, 2023 by Lydia Hallay

Oregon is home to a diverse array of haunted places, each with its own unique spooky stories and paranormal legends. If you’re a fan of the supernatural and looking for some haunted locations to explore, here are 10 haunted places to visit in Oregon:

1. The Shanghai Tunnels, Portland: These underground passages were used in the 19th century to “shanghai” (or, kidnap) unsuspecting individuals into forced labor aboard ships. Visitors have reported ghostly encounters and eerie experiences in these tunnels, and they consistently rank among the most haunted places in Oregon.

2. Pittock Mansion, Portland: This stunning mansion is known for its beautiful architecture and the reported ghostly presence of its original owners, Henry and Georgiana Pittock.

3. Bagdad Theater, Portland: This historic theater is believed to be haunted by a ghost named Nigel. Staff and visitors have reported strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena.

4. Hot Lake Hotel, La Grande: This grand hotel (built in 1864) burned down in a 1990 fire, and was abandoned for over a decade before being revitalized as a hot springs destination. It’s reputed to be haunted by the spirits of former patients from when it served as a sanatorium and hospital.

5. Wolf Creek Inn, Wolf Creek: This historic inn is one of Oregon’s oldest and is rumored to have a few resident ghosts. Guests have reported mysterious happenings and eerie encounters.

6. Geiser Grand Hotel, Baker City: This elegant hotel is known for its luxurious accommodations and for being one of Oregon’s most haunted locations. Guests have reported ghostly apparitions and strange occurrences, including “the lady in blue.”

7. McMenamins Edgefield, Troutdale: This sprawling property is believed to be haunted by multiple spirits, and guests have experienced unexplained events.

8. Powell’s City of Books, Portland: The largest independent bookstore in the world is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former employee. Staff and customers have reported encounters with this friendly spirit.

9. Oregon Vortex, Gold Hill: This roadside attraction is famous for its optical illusions and mysterious gravitational anomalies. It’s said to be a site of strange occurrences and ghostly apparitions.

10. Lone Fir Cemetary, Portland: One of my favorite places to wander, Lone Fir has an eerie beauty about it. The first recorded grave dates back to 1846 (before the land became established as a cemetery in 1855). Within the cemetery’s thirty acres, there are over 25,000 graves-including numerous politicians, mayors, and famous people from Portland’s past.

These haunted places in Oregon offer a mix of historical intrigue and ghostly encounters, making them perfect destinations for those interested in the supernatural. Whether you’re an aficionado of the paranormal or just seeking a thrill, explore these spooky places in Oregon and experience these ghostly tales and haunted history for yourself. Happy ghost hunting!

Safeguarding Your Home & Family: Planning Basics for Disaster Scenarios in Portland, Oregon

Posted on October 25, 2023 by Living Room Realty

“It’s not a matter of if… but when.” We hear that a lot about The Big One. The earthquake that anyone who lives in the PacNW knows about. And wildfires? They seem to be edging closer to city limits every fire season.

Disaster planning isn’t our favorite thing to think about. No one wants to imagine themselves, their families, or their homes in danger. And, it can seem daunting on where to start, without sending strong prepper vibes. Here in Magicland we combed through some resources that will hopefully help.

Understand Local Hazards
Knowledge is power! Are you aware of the risks you may face based on where you live? Portland, situated in the Pacific Northwest, faces various risks, including earthquakes (Hello Cascadia Subduction Zone), wildfires during dry seasons, winter storms, and occasional flooding.

Earthquake Preplanning
No one knows when, but we can secure heavy furniture, appliances, and wall hangings to prevent injuries during an earthquake. It’s not a bad idea to consult an expert to conduct a structural assessment of your home and consider retrofitting if necessary. Identify safe spots within your home, such as under sturdy furniture, away from windows, and practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drills with your family. If you have young adults in your family who respond well to gaming, try sending them to https://www.cascadia9game.org/ a resource created to help prepare all of us for the potential of earthquakes.

Wildfire Safety
During those crucial dry months, take steps to protect your property and family. Create a defensible space around your home by removing dead vegetation and flammable materials. It’s a good idea to install spark arrestors on chimneys and vents and have an evacuation plan in place if you are in a high-risk area. Stay informed about wildfire alerts and advisories issued by local authorities. You can use the website, oralert.gov to see local alerts or text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts.

Flood Preparedness
Our beloved Portland is often at risk of flooding due to heavy downpours, this can lead to flooding, especially in low-lying areas. It’s imperative to know the flood risk for your home and to take preventative measures, which may include keeping electrical appliances off the floor or installing sump pumps. As always, stay up to date on local weather reports and disaster alerts and be prepared to evacuate as necessary.

Family Emergency Plan
Developing a family emergency plan is vital to ensure that every family member knows what to do and where to go in case of an emergency. Make time to sit down with your family and discuss evacuation routes, designated meeting points, and essential contact information for relatives and emergency services. Regular practice drills conducted every six months can reinforce the plan and ensure everyone is familiar with the procedures.

Build an Emergency Kit
Assembling a well-stocked emergency kit can be a lifesaver during disaster situations. Your kit should include essential items such as non-perishable food, drinking water, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, blankets, personal hygiene items, and any necessary medications. Customize the kit based on your family’s unique needs and remember to update it regularly to account for changing circumstances.

Disaster preparedness is not an option; it’s a responsibility that every homeowner with a family in Portland must shoulder. By understanding the potential hazards, creating a family emergency plan, building an emergency kit, and taking specific measures for earthquake, wildfire, and flood preparedness, you can significantly increase the safety and resilience of your home and loved ones.

Remember, preparedness is an ongoing process, and regularly reviewing and updating your plans will help you stay ahead of any potential disaster scenarios. By taking proactive steps today, you can face the future with confidence and ensure that your family’s well-being is protected, no matter what challenges may come your way. Stay safe and stay prepared!

Just Listed | Sunny Sabin Ranch | $485,000

Posted on October 25, 2023 by Sean Patrick O'Feery

Sunny Sabin Ranch

$485,000

4231 NE 11th Ave

Portland, OR 97211

Come see this charming ranch with the perfect open layout. Large east facing windows flood the living space and kitchen with light in the mornings. Cozy eat in kitchen nook for morning coffee and taking in the neighborhood activity. This home has fresh exterior paint, new heat pump for heating AND cooling, and a new roof. Beautifully renovated kitchen and bath with an eye toward retaining its period charm. Sweet vintage range in excellent condition and countertops made from reclaimed wood from the house. So much has been done on this home and there are a few projects left for you to add your personality. Fully fenced side yard, partial basement with access through garage. Large attached one car garage off kitchen has potential for future expansion. Corner lot has possibilities for adding on or ADU, buyer to do their own due diligence. Excellent location close to Alberta, Mississippi, Williams and Fremont business districts.

2 bed | 1 bath | 1238 sq. ft.

MLS# 23431614 | Taxes: $2,389.85 | Lot Size: .10 Acre

Just Listed! Sunnyside Victorian

Posted on September 26, 2023 by Greg Washington

Delightful Victorian with hardwood floors and original molding. Features include three upstairs bedrooms, formal entry with open staircase, spacious kitchen, cozy living room with Waterford gas heating stove, dining room with breakfast bar. Picture window in main floor bonus room looks out onto the lush backyard and with mature landscaping, deck and studio. Full baths on main and upper floors. New carpet, high efficiency forced air gas furnace, new sewer and water lines. Full basement offers ample storage. Sunny south-facing front porch. Backyard habitat certified. Located in a walking and biking paradise with restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks, and more. Walk score of 91! Don’t miss out on this gem!

3215 SE Taylor St., Portland / 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms / 2,000 total sq. ft.

$674,500

NEW PRICE – St John’s Cutie w/ Large Lot and Additional Living Quarters

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Lily Ray Wyss

COUNTRY VIBES IN THE CITY $565,000

10540 N Midway Ave, Portland, OR 97203

You’re St Johns homestead dreams have arrived! Custom finishes throughout makes this home anything but basic. Enjoy your morning coffee off either of the cozy balconies or walk down to your garden oasis. Separate downstairs living area provides the perfect opportunity for extended family/friend visits.

Offered at $565,000

4 bed | 2 bath | 2288 sq. ft.
MLS# 23027270 | Taxes: $5,282.00 Lot Size: .19 Acre

View Listing Details HERE

Want a private tour? Reach out through the contact info below.

What Makes the St. Johns Neighborhood Special -Part 2- Coffee Shops

Posted on September 20, 2023September 20, 2023 by Living Room Realty

Coffee shops are community!

Every time I head to a new city or even just a new part of town, I make finding a great coffee shop the first order of business because there’s no better starting point for understanding the local community, no matter where you are. When you visit the St. Johns neighborhood, you’ll notice life moves a tad bid slower and that’s a good thing. The coffee shops are alive and bustling with folks working, unwinding, socializing and connecting.

And with the University of Portland just down the street, you’ll find University students regularly taking advantage of these great study spots.

Coffee shops are special because they reflect the atmosphere of the neighborhood and St. Johns is fortunate to have many unique and vibrant coffee shops which makes choosing just one very hard! A good problem to have :)!

Here are a few of my favorites:

Great North Coffee

This café feels like the heart of St. Johns. A popular meet-up spot as well as a great place to work or unwind with a snack. They roast great coffee and have other nice choices like kombucha and teas. The room has high ceilings and plenty of seating which gives it such a lovely and classic café feel. Locally famous for their next-level breakfast sandwich made with chimichurri or romanesco, and can be made vegan. Delicious and addictive! Also, you’ll find the classic pastries, cookies and bagels you expect from a great café. Don’t miss the local art on the walls!

Two Stroke Coffee Co.

Two Strokes Coffee is a moto-inspired coffee shop on the main drag of St. Johns, conveniently located next to a cool motorcycle & scooter shop called Sabatino Moto. This is a really fun cafe to visit and a great place to hang out. They serve wonderful coffee, pastries and have great baristas. There are a few motorcycles in the café and some stylish merchandise as well.

Sparrow Bakery

Sparrow Bakery is well known for incredible baked goods. They have 2 locations (the other is in Bend Oregon) and do wholesale baking for many other cafés. We are so lucky to have them in St. Johns! Sparrow makes great coffee and fabulous baked goods- I feel like it is a full-time job trying not to eat their pastries every day :). They are perfection! Plus there’s a large food menu making it a great spot for breakfast or lunch.

Cathedral Coffee

This one isn’t technically in St. Johns but I just had to add it! It’s officially in the Cathedral Park neighborhood (hence the name), but it’s verrry close to downtown St. Johns. Cathedral Coffee is an eclectic cafe that is always busy but never feels crowded. A beautiful large space with big windows, natural light, tall wood bookshelves & large tables. They roast their own coffee and bake their own sweets & savories, which are fabulous!

I highly recommend the foldovers they make with veggies and cheese (some have meat). They are fantastic and always fresh! And the cinnamon rolls are incredible. Many wonderful baked goods to choose from.

They also have plenty of great outdoor seating!

What about St. Johns Real Estate?

One more note regarding this current real estate market. St. Johns has seen a steady increase in property values and demand over the past few years with the average home price this August landing at $470,000 (source RMLS). To put that in perspective, the average home price for all of Portland Metro was much higher by the end of this August at $608,300 (source RMLS).

If you’re considering the St. Johns neighborhood, I’m here to guide you.

I know the ins and outs of this neighborhood having lived here for more than 11 years. And, if you’re interested in other neighborhoods, that works too! I help people buy and sell homes all over Portland. I am known for my knowledge of the market and my ability to educate and listen carefully. You will benefit from my coaching heart and guidance that reduces stress and creates positive outcomes. I want to see you happy and satisfied with your real estate journey.

Read my reviews and bio for a good sense of what to expect from me.

I look forward to helping to make your home purchase pleasant, painless and hopefully even a little fun!

Before you go, here’s a fun fact: Did you know that St. Johns was once its own independent city before it was annexed into the city of Portland? In 1915, St. Johns voted to become part of the city, primarily to access the city’s services and infrastructure. The annexation was officially completed in 1915, and since then, St. Johns has been a neighborhood within the larger city of Portland.

Just Sold near Peninsula Park! Yay for my first-time home buyers!

Posted on September 8, 2023September 8, 2023 by Living Room Realty

Congratulations to my clients!

As you may already know, my business is referral based and I love meeting new people. So you can imagine how happy I was when a past client recommended Jane and their partner to me. It was such a joy getting to know them on their house hunt!

Here’s a little rundown of how it went.

We started with a buyer consultation and spent an hour going over the process in general. That’s the best way to get started, going over the current market and setting expectations for everyone. That’s when I ask the most questions about what my clients are looking for and we set the pace for the house hunt.

We saw multiple houses every week in various neighborhoods for many weeks until we narrowed it down and found the area that felt like home. The house they chose checked a lot of boxes, it was the perfect size in a great location and it had more than one bathroom plus a garage (bonus!). We saw the house 3 times just to be sure and then successfully got the offer accepted! They did a great job of getting financially ready, approved by a reputable lender, and had all their ducks in a row in that arena. (That truly is the first step!)

As we went through the inspection contingency period, I really liked that Jane and her partner asked a lot of questions along the way. One thing that people don’t always lean into when buying a house is making time to dive into research and ask all of the questions, even the dumb ones (and there are no dumb ones). Carving out time for this is so helpful because it’s the meat and potatoes of the whole deal. I’m here to advise and guide you along, but there is a lot to digest and having the time for those conversations and follow-up questions will always feel good.

Here is a general overview of the inspection contingency period. I will advise you while you look over the permit history, have the sewer scoped, the home tested for radon, the property searched for underground storage tanks, plus have a whole property general inspection as well. And that’s not always all, there are more investigations sometimes. It’s a lot and it’s awesome! Because after all of that, clients have a much better understanding of the home with all of its pros and cons.

So in this case, some things did come up in the investigations and we negotiated a credit and a price reduction. A couple of weeks later we had fun at the signing and a few days later we wrapped it all in a bow and I gave them keys.

Please reach out if you’re interested in talking about buying or selling a home. I’m always here for a check-in about the current market, lender recommendations or anything I can do to help advocate for your homeownership.

Lavender Fields Forever!

Posted on June 30, 2023 by Living Room Realty

Drink up the sun.

Summer is the season for a bounty of lavender flowers and that makes it the perfect time to try your hand at making homemade lavender tincture. A few drops of this delightful mixture transforms any drink into a crafted cocktail.

Bring your lavender dreams to life.

Gather a bundle of culinary-grade lavender and cut the excess stems off the flowers. Fill a large canning mason jar about 2/3 full of fresh lavender flowers. Top off the flowers with high proof alcohol. I used 80 proof Vodka for the high alcohol content, neutral flavor, and low price.

Be sure to use enough liquid to cover the flowers. Close the jar with a lid and place it in a cool, dark place. Every day you’ll need to shake the jar for about a minute. After two weeks, open the jar and check the fragrance.

Once you have a nice strong lavender fragrance you can strain out the flower debris and decant the tincture into storage jars. I’ve used coffee filters, cheesecloth, or muslin fabric for straining out the flowers.

I like to store it in dropper bottles so it’s easy to drop a bit of flavor into a cocktail. Dark tinted glass bottles are recommended to help preserve tinctures.

If you’re interested in visiting a lavender field to gather your own fresh blooms, you can check out Wayward Winds Lavender Farm in Newberg, OR. Their fields are scheduled to open July 1st with free admission.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Interested in making Portland your home?

Call Cheri Harney, at 503-319-4858.

Congratulations Annie and Doug!!

Posted on June 27, 2023 by Greg Washington

Life doesn’t always go the way you expect it to, but when life sent my clients a curveball, they hit it out of the park. This sweet house, with ADU potential, fills a need that they didn’t anticipate having but are meeting with practicality and even excitement. I’m looking forward to watching the changes to the house and yard, which are already underway! It was an honor to work with you and I wish you the very best of luck as you create your new life in your new neighborhood!

Getting to Know: NE Alberta & Killingsworth Neighborhoods

Posted on June 27, 2023 by Kat Gilpatrick

There are so many wonderful neighborhoods to get to know in Portland, and I wanted to highlight some of the most vibrant; the ones where the community is so passionate, the businesses packing loyal customers in, and sought after homes sell quickly.

In this edition, I’m covering NE Alberta, famous as the Alberta Arts District, with so much culture and history woven throughout, and the adjacent NE Killingsworth blocks. Both stretch across neighborhoods officially called Vernon and Concordia, and are colorful, parks-adjacent and full of fun. Minutes away from Alameda Ridge, Beaumont Wilshire and Cully neighborhoods, you’re right in the middle of the action. To the West you’ve got Mississippi and lots of nightlife and live music.

I put together a Best-Of-List I made to share with folks I’ve helped get into homes here as well as for those visiting my listings recently sold in this NE gem of a location. Good homes here for first time home buyers? For investment properties? Check. For families? Check. For walkability and sweet livability? CHECK. Read on, and bookmark this to share with friends coming to visit. Ping me with additions you feel might be worthy, and I’ll update.

Alberta/Killingsworth Top Picks & Resources

General:

Neighborhood park – Fernhill Park

Community/Event:

Last Thursday – Alberta Art walk/community – 15-block community event on NE Alberta Street between 15th and 30th Avenue from 6 -9 p.m.. In 2023, the event will take place on June 29, July 27, and August 31.

Kennedy School – Food, fun, drinks, movies, events, soaking tubs, places to stay for folks visiting, your all around local McMenamins hang – 33rd & Ainsworth
Farmers Markets – King (NE Wygant St &, NE 7th Ave, Portland, OR 97211 – Sunday) or Cully {5011 NE 42nd Ave – Thurs)

Restaurants:

Amazing stones-throw restaurant – Wilder. Wonderful food, great community place – walkable – no reservations – just off of Killingsworth at 30th
Bakery/Cafe – Flour Market – just off of Killingsworth at 30th
Toyshop Ramen – Excellent new Ramen place walkable to you
Bae’s Chicken – Super fantastic fried/hot chicken place – new NE location
Bar Cala – Wonderfully picturesque restaurant/bar on Alberta – a visual and literal feast
Burgers/Bar/Fun – Tulip Shop Bar
Radio Room – Restaurant/bar/DJ/great outdoor space on Alberta
Extracto Coffee – Your closest and possibly hippest coffee place
Expatriate – Fantastic close by cocktail bar
Brooks Wine/Chocolate pairings – Ok, it’s Irvington, but still super close!
Banh Mi Up Kitchen – Viet Namese/sandwiches, noodles, etc. on NE Alberta
Pasture PDX – Great butcher, sandwich shop

Stores:

Grocery – New Seasons
Hardware – Hankins Hardware – MLK
Garden Store/Landscaping Services – Portland Bloem 42nd & Alberta
Zig Zag Vintage – Great selection of vintage stuff – good mens collection
EcoVibe – Plants, home, decor – on Alberta
Psychic Sister – Art, Vintage, Crystals, Tarot

Entertainment/Wellness/Sport:

Yoga – People’s Yoga Killingsworth & 30th
North Portland Bikeworks – Fantastic local Bike store
Gladys – Bike store on Alberta
Common Ground Wellness – Massage, soaking tubs, sauna – beautiful relaxing urban oasis 33rd/Alberta-ish
Rose City Book Pub – Also Irvington but a great place to hang
Alberta Rose Theater – Productions, small concerts, etc.

And if you’d like your own run-down and adventure tour of this fantastic spot – or any others – just say the word, I’d love to show you around.

Next up in my neighborhoods feature? Beaumont-Wilshire & Rose City Park!

Settlers Point Beauty | $499,000 | 19446 S Prospector Terrace, Oregon City

Posted on June 23, 2023June 23, 2023 by Sean Patrick O'Feery

Settlers Point Beauty

$499,000

19446 S Prospector Terrace

Oregon City, OR 97045

Have you been looking for that house with everything? This one has it! This modern build three bedroom with a den and two bathrooms is all on one level and has been excellently maintained. Lofted ceiling, open floor plan and corner lot give that spacious, light filled feeling. The primary suite has a walk in closet and bathroom with dual sinks. One of the bedrooms even has a cool loft! You’ll also find a gas fireplace, large eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Easy indoor/outdoor living with a slider to back deck from the kitchen. Once outside you’ll find a newer covered gazebo on the Trex deck, raised beds, a fully fenced back yard and a private area with a spot for a hot tub (hot tub not included but negotiable). **Seriously there are so many good things! Keep going!** The two car oversized garage is there for all your storage needs. Recent upgrades include new interior and exterior paint and a new furnace. Choose your own new flooring with a $2500 flooring credit. This home is on a quiet street in Settlers Point neighborhood close to Hillendale and Wesley Lynn park. If you’re looking for a great spot in Oregon City with its rich history as the first American City to be incorporate west of the Rockies, check this home out. While it’s just 30 min from downtown Portland, it’s a world away. Downtown Oregon City is adjacent to the Willamette River and is dotted with great restaurants, coffee shops and breweries to explore.

3 bed + Den | 2 bath | 1690 sq. ft.

MLS# 23565668 | Taxes: $4497 | Lot Size: .12 Acre

Special Features

Lofted ceilings
Corner Lot
Oversized two car garage
All on one level
New interior and exterior paint
New Furnace
Covered gazebo on Trex deck

Click here for more photos

If you’d like to know more about this house or would like to buy or sell a home, give me a call and I’d be happy to help!

Sean O’Feery

Licensed Broker in Oregon

206-795-0703

sean@livingroomre.com

Mid-Century Modern Time Capsule

Posted on May 30, 2023May 30, 2023 by Living Room Realty

Have you ever wondered, what is the history of this house? Who designed it, why were some choices made, or who once lived here? I discovered just that with this mid-century modern time capsule in St. Johns, Oregon.

I LOVE history and especially love the hunt for house history. When searching for homes with my clients, I do my research to see what fun tib-bits I can find on the ones they love. While lounging on the couch, I’m a house sleuth online discovering what I can about the history of some of Portland’s finest houses. Sometimes there are some nuggets to be found, but most often a history can be lost if the records we’re not kept by previous owners, or the story of the house wasn’t passed down owner to owner.

I had the incredible opportunity to discover details about this mid-century modern time capsule in North Portland recently, as it was once upon a time in my family. Seeing pictures online from a friend in the industry that went to the estate sale recently, I knew I recognized that carpeted firepit. I sent the picture to my cousin to confirm and yes, this was the house! Putting an alert on the address, I knew it would most likely pop onto the market soon, and once it did, in the door we went. Turns out, my cousins Grandma Bunnie helped design this beauty back in 1956. There isn’t another like it out there. Over the weekend, we met at the house to explore, reminisce, and tell stories. As houses have so many of them.

This Mid-Century Modern home saw a family grow through almost four generations. Bunnie designed this to fit all of the needs of a large 1950’s family. There are built-ins with drawers and cupboards in nearly every room and hallway, easier to keep the house clean and organized. A once covered outdoor patio was remodeled early on to become an indoor space with the fire pit still intact. Then they added the spiral staircase to get downstairs to the pool/bar room, three other bedrooms, and an incredibly large workshop. There are electrical plugs everywhere, even on the ceiling in some rooms. No need for extension cords! There are two wet bars, one upstairs, one down. With over 5,000 square feet, this two-level mid-century modern home has it all, and has hardly been changed since it was built. There is still the old shag carpet, wallpaper, all the knobs, (there were hundreds, and they’re all the same!). I learned why there are two separate mailboxes, due to Little Bit, the poodle, that would eat the mail if it came through the slot. Why there is a custom switch alarm to lock the house up from the primary bedroom. How the intercom throughout the house was used. So many memories and stories with this one. A true time capsule.

I have a few memories coming here as a young child, playing with my cousins running up and down the spiral staircase, even though we weren’t supposed to, to even finding a hidden box of 1950’s Playboys in the basement! This house had it all. And well, it still does.

Want to know the history of a house? I love being a house sleuth and discovering the why’s, who’s and all the in-between. Every house has a story to tell, and this mid-century modern home sure struck close to home.

To see more videos of this MCM and many others, go to @janelleisrealestate on Instagram or TikTok.

Janelle Freeman, Realtor (@janelleisrealestate) | Instagram

The secret alarm switches hidden in the Primary bedroom closet.

Love Where You Live: A Portrait Series

Posted on May 10, 2023June 26, 2023 by Living Room Realty

As a photographer, realtor and extrovert and I love finding the intersections of work and play. I am using color film to photograph people in front of their home. For many, home is more than just a photograph. It brings a sense of belonging, growth, family stories and secrets, laughter, tears and more. Knowing why someone calls a place “Home” is the root of this project and how it was born.

Your home doesn’t have to be the fanciest on the block, you don’t need to dress up and have perfect smiles, or tilt your head every so slightly to the left. My aim is to take a couple semi candid shots with color film of you, your family, and/or your pets out in front of your home. What do you love about where you live? Is it the architecture, the yard, the community and neighbors, the memories, or is it that indescribable feeling you got when you walked in the door for the first time? Whatever it may be, I would love to hear about it.

All participants will receive a digital copy of the photograph via email. I will be featuring the photos and blurb on social media and on the Living Room blog. For privacy, I will not include last names or full addresses. For more information or questions about the project, please reach out to me.

Creston Turnkey

Posted on May 2, 2023 by Living Room Realty

What a ride this was! This past January I was referred to Maddie and Derreck by a friend that had just left Portland for the Midwest. At this time interest rates were climbing and my business had changed dramatically. The buyers pool dried up and my soon to be sellers were non-existent as they were looking for homes and all of a sudden they were priced out and would have nowhere to move to if they sold. I then thought “this is what is supposed to happen”. The market needs to slow down and all of my thoughts of “this can’t go on forever” ruminations were coming to fruition.

We started talking in January and when it came to marketing dates we had to be fluid due to the difficulty of them buying a home to move to. After being under contract twice they finally gave me the go ahead to list but with a few major caveats. One was that Derreck works from home during the day and Maddie works from home in the evening. Two was that they have a toddler at home that has nap times and meals and activities. Imagine trying to do showings during the day!

The main feedback I received was that this home was “turnkey” which means you should only have to open the door and move in. There should be no repairs, updates, or major issues to address. [I always recommend an inspection to my clients].

Well we did it! We listed on a Wednesday evening, they left town on a Friday, and we had several showings Thursday and Friday with 3 super strong, well above asking price, offers for them to choose. By the time they returned home on Monday we were under contract with two cancelled open houses and no future showings to plan for.

They’re happy, I’m happy, our mutual friend is happy, and it’s on to enjoying this sunny Portland day!

If you’d like to enjoy the upcoming sunny days here in Portland and are thinking of selling go ahead and reach out to me.

Benedict Samson | Living Room Realty | licensed in Oregon

503-217-4449 call or text

Ben@LivingRoomRE.com

How to buy a Duplex with FHA 3.5% Down Payment

Posted on April 24, 2023April 24, 2023 by Living Room Realty

By Sorcha Porter: Licensed Assistant to Shannon Dooley

In a time where interest rates are high the possibility of homeownership might feel like it’s becoming out of reach for many buyers. For every point interest rates go up nationally 5million people lose their ability to qualify for home ownership. That combined with financial experts like Dave Ramsay who encourage people to have 20% down when they buy makes the goal of home ownership feel extremely out of reach. Especially in places like Portland Oregon where the average home sells for $566K that downpayment combined with monthly payment makes homeownership feel super inaccessible.

But there’s another way to get on the property ladder that many first time buyers don’t think of. It’s a way that anyone who’s built an income from real estate will tell you either they did, or wish they did starting out. It sets you up for SO much success and can cost LESS than buying a standard single family home. To achieve this you can use the FHA 3.5% down loan to purchase a Duplex.

The main advantages to owning a multi unit property are the following;

Leverage rental income to offset or pay your monthly mortgage.
Use the income from the rental to increase your buying power, lenders can count 75% of market rate rental towards your income if the property is vacant and 75% of the actual rent if the unit is occupied towards your monthly income to help you qualify for more. Meaning you could potentially get into a better home, or neighborhood.
When your tenant is paying some or all of your mortgage you can save SO much money for emergencies, life goals and even future properties!

To break this down I connected with one of Living Room’s Partner lenders James Adair at Neo Home loans to give us the numbers on a property recently sold by Kim Parmon so you can actually see how this pencils out.

“Using the FHA loan program is a fantastic way to access multi unit properties IF you plan to owner occupy.

With both mortgage interest rates AND home prices rising, the cost to buy and hold real estate has simply never been higher, and it is pressuring the house hold incomes of many families. Buying a property that has more than one living space means you can offset your mortgage payments with the rental income on the other unit.

The example case study we are using to illustrate this is a recent sale on N Albina that was listed for $699,900.00.

N Albina Duplex Cream, with coral pink doors and green lawn. 4 windows on front and cute wreaths on doors — Front elevation of Kim Parmon’s adorable Albina Duplex listing.

The most common mortgage strategy for multi unit is the FHA loan program. The FHA simply offers the most LEVERAGE in that you are allowed to buy a 2-4 unit property with as little as 3.5% down payment.

Non-FHA insured alternatives usually require much more down, but the FHA really shines here. Not only can you access some income offsetting monthly mortgage costs with FHA –but you can also use the NEW RENTAL income to help you qualify for the mortgage. This means that you’re buying power is amplified when you get a multi unit property like this.

In our example the rented unit was producing approx. $2300 per month. This translates to $20,700.00 of additional qualifying income for the financing. More simply put- this particular property adds $140,000.00 of NEW BUYING POWER.

As this property is listed for $699k – if your max purchase price on a NORMAL SINGLE FAMILY property was $560k – you could conceivably qualify for this purchase price, due to the added qualifying income.

We estimate that this property with a minimum 3.5% down payment would translate to a total PITI+MI payment of approximately $5,200 per month. When you adjust for the $2300 of income, the NET cost to live here becomes $2,900 per month. If you wanted to land at a monthly mortgage of $2900, you’d end up capping out at a purchase price of about $355k (with the same down payment dollar amount).

The buying power is only part of the story- the ECONOMIC LIFESTYLE POWER is equivalent to the difference between $699,900 and $355,000 – that’s $344,500 of magic real estate bucks that the other unit creates for the buyer. “

In conclusion…

If you’re looking at buying a home in 2023, and you’re daunted by the interest rates, and rising costs this is a way for you to get on the property ladder, and once you’re on it it’s so much easier to climb and leverage it to your advantage. If you’d like to learn more about duplex purchases, and or buying an income property we’d love to talk to you. Just reach out to us here! And be sure to connect with a lender, James is licensed in 48 states so odds are good he can help you wherever you are!

Hooray to these FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS!

Posted on April 4, 2023 by Nicole Chavira

It has been a joy since our very first introduction that was thanks to a lovely past client 2 years ago. (Btw referrals are the biggest compliment and vital to my business so many thanks for all who recommend me🙏🏽) At the time, the housing market was a little coo-coo with those historic interest rates and an extremely competitive market. We got to know each other spending time seeing homes and then they decided to take a pause. A pause that turned out to be a blessing! As V excelled in her career with a promotion and a new little man was added to the mix, they reached back out and they were ready to make moves!

Literally and figuratively 😉

It was our first weekend checking out homes and they quickly found THE ONE! The right school district, space and location! It just felt right!

With 264 days on the market and 90k price reduction, over that span of time, we made an offer that was up against one other at the time. I was able to negotiate a 10k credit to my buyer’s towards their closing costs (this means less cash out of pocket at closing) a BRAND NEW ROOF and some other minor repairs!

When I say that I share the excitement of each and every one of my clients, I mean it! Their gratitude and trust in me as their Real Estate Professional created such a wonderful experience all around.

Thank you so very much for choosing me to go on this journey with you! Even on key day where the oldest boys ran from room to room seeing the home for the first time and leaping for joy, truly warmed my heart. Moments like those are exactly why I passionately advocate and love on my people.

Wishing you all the most beautiful of memories together as you make your new house a home!

You are an inspiration to so many other hard working individuals that the time to buy is when it’s right for YOU! Congratulations my friends 🥂🏡

How to Buy a Home in Portland, Oregon

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Bonnie Roseman

Empowerment in a Frenzied Market

If you find the current Portland real estate market overwhelming, you’re not alone. The good news is, new spring listings are popping up every day! Just not as many homes are available as there are buyers for them. Inventory is low and that creates a lot of organic competition, especially for the “best” properties. Homes that have been freshly remodeled, have a lot of style, and/or are in prime locations command attention, premium prices and aggressive terms. Many buyers feel priced-out after being out-bid in multiple-offer situations. Avoid Buyer’s Burn-out!

A Realtor from behind with grey curly hair which is standing on end in front of an orange background. Sweater has a "SOLD" sticker on it - implying how hair-raising the Portland market is. — It can be hair raising!

Fortunately, we’ve been at this a long time, and have assisted clients through every possible market on the spectrum.

Tips for nabbing your next home using creative shopping strategies:

I am not kidding about this- visit homes with ugly pictures! Beyond all the clutter and poor lighting you may find your treasure, hidden in plain sight and overlooked by most.
Consider properties that are showing a bit of wear and take on the project yourself to make it really shine. Sweat equity is real, but be honest with yourself. What resources will you have available to spruce up your new place. Is watching a how-to YouTube enough to help you handle the fixes, or will you need to hire experts? Skip wonky staircases, wacky floor plans and locations near freeways, bus stops, and busy streets. Buy smart!
Look at homes priced well below your budget to give you room to fight and be the winning bidder!
Shop slightly above your current price range. Consider properties that have been on the market a while (translation: homes that are likely over-priced).
Explore less expensive locations.
Re-evaluate your priorities and consider smaller homes and yards, homes without recent updates, etc.

How we can help!

Bonnie Roseman and Trish Sunderland, Realtors at Living Room Realty stand smiling in a staged dining/living room. — Bonnie Roseman and Trish Sunderland, Dynamic Real Estate Duo in Portland, OR

There are a few things we are doing behind the scenes for our buyer clients to help get them to the finish line. We scour Coming-Soon listings on the regular. We hustle to get our buyers into homes as soon as they hit the market. Pro tip: It’s not unheard of to persuade a seller to accept a compelling offer on day one on the market, thus avoiding a bidding war. We review old and expired listings and contact off-market homeowners who might consider selling. We leave no stone unturned to help you find your next home!

What can you do?

Get organized and prepare yourself. Consider your financing options and make a decision early in your journey. Where you will obtain your new mortgage? Your lender is your partner, just like your Realtor, in the homebuying process, so make sure you choose trusted advisors! Submit all of the needed documents and ask your lender to run your file through underwriting. Keep in touch with them and make sure you are crunching numbers using current interest rates and realistic estimates for property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. Don’t fall in love with a home only to discover the cash you need to close the deal, or to carry the monthly payments, are beyond your comfort level –OUCH!

If you have the good fortune to be paying with cash, make sure you have proof of funds at the ready!

Financial readiness means your documentation is ready to go!

If you are a cash buyer, or have a large down payment, have proof that the funds required for your purchase are in a checking or savings account in your own name. Believe it or not, mutual funds, ETFs, gifts and the like are NOT considered cash!
Engage a lender early, then obtain an up to date mortgage pre-approval letter that reflects the current interest rate and the property tax amount for each specific property you are considering. Your lender will also help you crunch the numbers so you know you are comfortable with the amount of cash you will need to close your purchase and cover the monthly carrying costs. If you love your lender- wonderful! If you don’t have one picked out yet, have no fear, we can connect you with a personal referral to a top notch local pro.

On your mark

Drive, bike or walk by exciting new listings the first day on the market. Let your Realtor know right away when a place shows possibility and make yourself available ASAP to get inside. After all that hurrying, be prepared to wait patiently. Many of the most desirable properties will have due dates for offers a while out and you will need to bide your time.

Understand pricing

Be prepared for newly-listed homes to sell for significantly more than the asking price, sometimes by a wide margin. If the listing has been on the market for 10-20 days it will probably go for right around asking price, and if it has been sitting for more than a month without a recent price reduction, a bigger discount may be in the cards.

You can stay up-to-date with current market conditions with the weekly Portland report from Altos Research.

Offer Terms- Price is not the only thing that matters to home sellers. Sometimes having the best terms can keep you in the running, or at least get you the opportunity to modify your offer without it being rejected out of hand, even if your offer isn’t the highest bid. Consider including terms that give the seller confidence in choosing you as their buyer.

When we work with our buyer clients, we discuss many creative ways to strengthen an offer. Two of the key items that can often make a difference are:

Repairs

When it comes to repairs, sellers want to know that they will not be nickel-and-dimed during the inspection process. While most buyers are not in a position to make totally as-is offers, it IS possible to limit the risk to the seller without leaving yourself wide open. One strategy is to commit to accepting responsibility for needed repairs that fall below a certain threshold. This way the seller knows you will only attempt to negotiate if something big comes up.

Appraisals

As prices increase, it can become very challenging for appraisers to find past home sales (AKA “comps”) that keep up with current values. This does not mean the value is not there, but rather that the data is not keeping up with rapid increases in market values. When a home appraises for less than the contract price, this is known as an “appraisal gap” because lenders base financing on the appraised value, not the purchase price.

Sellers want to know that you will close the transaction, even if there is an appraisal gap. You can solve this by adding cash to your down payment. Another approach is to keep your loan amount and down payment as planned, but preparing yourself for an adjustment in the Loan-to-Value ratio. This may have a small impact on your monthly payments in some cases. In others, it may have no impact on you at all!

Here’s an example:

If you are paying $100,000 for a home, putting down $8,000 and borrowing $92,000 (92% Loan-to-Value), but your appraisal comes in at $95,000, you could still borrow $92,000 – it would just be underwritten at a higher Loan-to-Value because the LtV is based on the appraised value.

100,000 sales price x 92% = $92,000 loan amount.

95,000 appraised value x 96.8% loan-to-value = $92,000 loan amount

The down payment is $8,000 either way!

Ready, Set, Go!

We pride ourselves on assisting clients to be selective in their home purchase decisions and writing offers with a high chance of acceptance in order to avoid a roller coaster ride. When you or your peeps are ready to buy – or even just thinking about buying in the future – it is always in your best interest to prepare ahead of time, with a solid team in place for when it’s time to make the leap. Drop us a line us at portland@realtor.com to get on our dance card! Thank you for trusting us. Your new home awaits and we WILL get you to the finish line!

The Hidden Gems of Portland

Posted on March 30, 2023March 30, 2023 by Living Room Realty

Like many Portlanders, I have seen a great deal of changes over the years, not all good (and that’s putting it mildly). I have a plan to fall back in love with Portland I’m taking note of all the cool things about this city that I call home. In all honesty, when I began my search, I was more than a little smug. I thought I knew all the places to go and sites to see, but it turns out, I was wrong. Being from Portland sometimes means that you’re the last to know. At least, this is the case for me. I have been wrapped up in the day-to-day grind of family, real estate, meal planning, grocery shopping, finding the “new norm” after a pandemic, laundry, repeat and I forgot that I needed to look up and notice how incredible this city is. I began to search for some of the amazing and bizarre events and attractions in Portland and around the state and it’s a gold mine for keeping you on your toes and living up to it’s nickname, “Keep Portland Weird”. Come with me as I take you on a tour of all the cool things you can do in this vibrant city!

I found that The Society Hotel (with two locations in Portland and in Bingen, OR) has a great list to start. It will take you all over Oregon!

Feel free to go to the website here or see the full list below.

NW

The Northwest is where a lot of the people are, and so many of Portland’s great hideaways are tucked into this bustling neighborhood. Discover what’s happening in NW Portland at:

Steam Train at the Oregon Zoo
Deepest Subway Station in America
Hoyt Arboretum
Fountain at Jamison Square
Tanner Creek Park
Upper Macleay Trail to the Audubon Society
Washington Park Archery

SW

The Southwest neighborhood of Portland is home to some of the city’s great natural wonders, but is also a great place to discover the hidden gems that ornament our town. Some of our favorite places to take friends and visitors are:

Bishop’s Close Garden at Elk Rock
Willamette Trolley to Lake Oswego
Wooden Boat Show on Lake Oswego
Tryon Creek State Park
Late Night Happy hour at Jake’s Crawfish
World’s Smallest Park
Portlandia Statue
OSHU Tram Ride

SE

Culture, flavor, and curiosity reign in Portland’s Southeast quadrant. Get in on the action and become part of the community by experiencing all the Southeast has to offer, including:

Adult Soapbox Derby on Mount Tabor
Rose Gardens in Ladd’s Addition
Powell Butte Mountain Biking
Basketball in the Caldera & Sunset Summit at Mt. Tabor Park
Oaks Bottom Park

NE

A blend of urban lifestyle, tree-lined streets, and parks, and shops make up the Northeast neighborhood of Portland. The Northeast has no shortage of unique escapes and secret amenities you have to explore, including:

Burnside Bridge Skate Park
The Grotto & Rocky Butte Park
Cycling Along Marine Drive with bikes from Folding Bike Hut
Island Café on Hayden Island
42nd Avenue Beach on the Columbia
&Historic Homes Tour in Irvington

N

North Portland (that’s “NoPo” for short), is a haven for man-made curiosities and outdoor adventure. Check out the many attractions NoPo has to offer, including:

Columbia Slough Trail
Smith and Bybee Lakes Trail
Cathedral Park
The Paul Bunyan Statue
Occidental Brewery Tasting Room
Dog Bowl Park on Willamette Blvd
Bamboo Tower at Bamboo Craftsmen
Harper’s Playground at Arbor Lodge Park
Disc Golf at Pier Park
Berry Picking & Summer Evening Concerts on Sauvie Island
2nd Run Theatres: Hollywood, Laurelhurst, Roseway

GORGE

Behold the breathtaking beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, one of the greater Portland area’s most awe-inspiring geological features. As part of your gorge experience, explore and experience:

Oneonta Gorge
Ponytail Falls
Multnomah Falls to Waakeena Falls Loop
Latourell Falls
Mosier Tunnels
Hamilton Mountain
Cape Horn Overlook & Trail
Bonneville Dam & Fish Ladders
Swimming Hole Past Tunnel Falls on Eagle Creek Trail
Fruit Loop Milkshakes at Apple Valley Country Store

VALLEY

The heart of the Willamette Valley is where so much of the organic, agriculture living that Portland is known for thrives. Take part in the rural retreats the valley has to offer, including:

St. Paul Rodeo
Oregon Country Fair
Aurora Mills Salvage
Wheatland Ferry
Bald Peak State Park
Momokawa Sakery in Forest Grove
Bamboo Garden in Hillsboro

COAST

Portland is but a short road trip away from the majesty and coveted shores of the Pacific Northwest, where the coast calls out and never lets you go. With various parks, trails, and excursions, the coast has tons to explore, including:

Indian Beach at Ecola State Park
Ship Watching in Astoria
Wading out to Proposal Rock in Neskowin
The Sand Dunes at Pacific City
Tillamook Air Museum & Hangar
Saddle Mountain Hike

MOUNTAINS

For more geological splendor, visit the mountains of Oregon, and their many attractions. With stunning vistas and towering summits, the earth is alive here in Oregon. Experience it all, including:

Palmer Glacier
Opal Creek
Breitenbush Hot Springs
Mirror Lake on Mount Hood
Canoe Rides on Lost Lake
White River Canyon

EASTERN OREGON

Eastern Oregon is home to so much of the natural wonder our state has to offer, be sure to journey inland and take in the sights and sounds of our neighbors to the east, including:

Tram Rides at Wallowa Lake
Painted Hills
Smith Rock
Cascade Lakes
Climbing South Sister
Breweries in Bend

KEEP IT WEIRD

Portland is known for keeping it weird, and there is absolutely no shortage of outlets for you to let fly your freak flag. Eccentricity is just what the doctor ordered to cull you from your shell and rediscover the person within. There’s plenty of ways to keep it weird in Portland, including:

The 24 Hour Church of Elvis
The Carpet at Portland Airport
The Blood Donut at Voodoo Doughnut
Baby Ketten Karaoke

OREGON REAL ESTATE HISTORY!

Posted on March 27, 2023February 27, 2023 by Jessica Ward

HISTORY IS MADE!

I am officially the first and only Black Realtor to close a transaction with an African American owed title & escrow company in the state of Oregon! Let’s go Vanport Title & Escrow!

Condo in the Heart of St Johns!

Posted on March 24, 2023 by Greg Washington

Townhouse style condo in the heart of St. Johns! Corner unit features an open floor plan with great natural light, living and dining areas, breakfast bar, mini split/AC, balcony, newer engineered hickory hardwood floors, master bedroom with bath, walk-in closet and mini-split (A/C), laundry closet upstairs, view of St. Johns bridge, storage under stairs and in garage. Walk score 92, bike score 93! Just move in and enjoy the parks, restaurants and shops that the neighborhood has to offer!

8549 N. Kellogg St., Portland, OR 97203 / 2 bd, 2.5 ba / 1,200 sq ft

$369,000

5 Myths About Real Estate You Should Stop Believing

Posted on March 11, 2023March 11, 2023 by Jessica LeDoux

If you’re thinking about buying a home or have already started the process, it’s likely you’ve come across mixed messaging or confusing advice. With so many “experts” out there, it can be hard to know who to listen to and who to ignore. To help clear things up, we’re busting 5 of the most common myths we hear about in real estate.

Myth #1 – You need a high down payment to buy a home

One of the most common myths we hear is that you need a large down payment, usually 20% of the purchase price, to buy a home. While it’s true that putting down 20% allows you to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), there are plenty of loan programs available that allow for lower down payments. In fact, many first-time homebuyers are able to put down as little as 3% with some programs. So if you don’t have a ton of cash saved up, don’t worry! There are still options available to you.

Myth #2 – Interest rates are historically high

While interest rates are currently rising after hitting all-time lows in recent years, they’re still inline with the historical average. The current rates have created opportunities for buyers that could not compete in the aggressive market Portland experienced in 2020-2022 due to the unprecedented low interest rates. In other words, now is still a great time to buy despite higher rates. Please reach out if you would like to chat in more depth about important factors to also consider when deciding if now is the right time for you to buy a new home.

Myth #3 – It’s better to buy a home without representation

When you purchase a home with representation, you have an experienced real estate agent by your side who can help to guide you through the entire process and answer any questions that you may have. From helping you find properties that fit within your budget to negotiating price and inspection items on your behalf—an experienced representative will always have your best interests at heart throughout every step of finding and purchasing your home. They can also provide invaluable advice when it comes to making decisions about inspections, title work, and other important steps in purchasing a home. Having someone on your side is essential for achieving success when buying a house.

Myth #4 – You Must Sell Your Current Home Before Buying a New One

If you own a home and are looking to upgrade or downsize, there’s no rule saying you have to sell your current home before buying a new one. In fact, many people choose to buy their new home first and then list their old one afterward. This gives them more time to find the right buyer and get top dollar for their old home instead of rushing through the process and leaving money on the table. However, this strategy isn’t without its risks since it requires being able to carry two mortgages at once, which can be tough on your budget. If you go this route, make sure you speak with a trusted lender and real estate professional beforehand so they can help ensure you’re making the best decision for your unique situation.

Myth #5 – Offer less than you’re willing to pay, so you have room to negotiate

This myth is perpetuated by TV shows and movies where buyers lowball sellers with an initial offer way below the asking price in an effort to leave room for negotiation. But in reality, this strategy rarely works since many Portland homes are still receiving multiple offers and when they do not there are still many factors to consider when determining what your best offer is. If you really want the home, start with your best offer right from the get-go because you may not be given an opportunity to amend.

Now that we’ve busted some of the most common real estate myths out there, we hope you feel more confident in your journey toward homeownership! When in doubt, always consult a professional who can provide guidance specific to your situation. Our team has over 30 years of experience and is focused on serving our community with integrity, empowering and educating future homeowners. If you have questions please reach out, we would love the opportunity to connect.

New Proud Ground Homeowner!

Posted on February 28, 2023February 28, 2023 by Nicole Chavira

🌟 CONGRATULATIONS NEW HOMEOWNER 🌟
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I have to give a big shoutout to my friend and client Earle for achieving his long time goal of home ownership! The cherry on top is this was a Habitat of Humanity condo with Proud Ground. Proud Ground is a non profit providing homes that are permanently affordable for first-time homebuyers.
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Earle went through a lot of hurdles and extended closing with a great attitude and stayed committed to his goals.
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I am so grateful when I get the opportunity to support people through the journey. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to get the job done for you!

Sticking With it Pays Off and My Clients are SO Happy!

Posted on February 21, 2023 by Living Room Realty

Congratulations to my sweet clients!

What a dream working with these dear humans (and their cute kitty)!

These two began their search just before the pandemic. Back when the market was vastly different and right before the pandemic and low-interest rates had their big effect on the market. I loved working with them, getting to know them and seeing homes together. We looked at a lot of homes over the years, wrote some offers and took a couple of breaks from searching while the market went nuts. Luckily these two had a strong sense of what they wanted and even though they lost out on a few homes along the way, the one they bought in the end, is definitely the BEST one with the best quality for the price! I’m so happy for them!

If you have questions about neighborhoods, the real estate market, buying or selling a house etc, let’s sit down and talk. My aim is to establish trust and serve you with warmth and attentive communication. I love to engage with new people and listen carefully to their needs and goals, then throw all my energy into helping to achieve them!

2022 Was a Very Good Year

Posted on January 3, 2023 by Alyssa Isenstein Krueger

I am in the bizzyness of selling houses to good humans in Portland, OR. In 2022 I had the pleasure and privilege of selling 27 magnificent homes to the best buyers and sellers in the world, including a handful of folx who bought and sold, or sold and bought. I work by referral only, and after working as a real estate broker for 15+ years, I have the divine fortune of being able to choose to only work with good people who I adore. For those of you who have worked with me over the past 15 years, and those of you who have referred your friends, family and colleagues, I am thankful beyond belief. Goodness gracious I am one lucky duck.

Selling During A Market Shift – A Good Story

Posted on November 22, 2022January 6, 2023 by Living Room Realty

It’s no wonder so many people are nervous to sell in a stabilizing market when we are being bombarded with articles titled: “The Fed is Killing The Housing Market”(CNN), “Here’s How Weird Things Are Getting In The Housing Market”(Bloomberg), and “Mortgage Application Plummets.”(NBC) But we can assure you there are still good stories out there, and you’re about to hear one.

Veery had the opportunity to work with Leigh a few years ago to sell her home, and we were delighted to get the opportunity to work with them again!

Raymond and Leigh were ready for a change. They had just begun a new chapter in their lives together and part of this new chapter was a new home. They decided to sell their custom-built 2017 home and our team, Current Dwelling Group, had the amazing opportunity to help make this happen.

Raymond + Leigh read the same headlines and articles. We asked if this made them worried going into the preparation of selling their home.

“My main fear was that the house would be sitting throughout winter. If we had not followed the advice from Veery and Jason and did the work to make the house super sellable we might have experienced that, but being well prepared and understanding the market position made a big difference in not being subject to that negativity. And the marketing plan pulled in the right people.” – Raymond

Right away we focused on gathering the right information for Raymond and Leigh to know where their home stood on the market and what was an ideal and attainable goal.

“Jason did a great job at looking at comps to help us optimize our position in the market. That was great! Veery is great at keeping us informed and giving us a heads up on potential wrinkles and making them feel so small. ” – Leigh

We got our plan together on how to make this house shine and emphasize it’s strengths. “We knew the house needed some work, but I didn’t realize that the painting, yard work and touch ups would end up looking this great. I didn’t understand the need for a fence, but you all did and it paid off!” – Raymond

Our greatest joy in listing prep is gaining our client’s trust and then blowing them away with the results. We have spent decades building up relationships with high quality, reliable vendors. Each and every one of them are incredibly skilled in their craft. Each of our vendors put their special touch on this house to get it ready for market. Not only did they pull it off, they made the home shine the way it should!

The home went live on October 6 and within a 3 days we had multiple serious and competitive offers. An offer was accepted 5 days after going live and a closing date set in 2 weeks time.

There are good sales happening right now during this market shift.

Having successfully sold their home during this shift, we asked Raymond + Leigh what advice they would give someone on their home selling journey:

Raymond “find someone you can trust and trust them.”
Leigh “If you don’t have someone. Call Veery!”

Here’s to you, Raymond + Leigh! Thank you for putting your trust in us and allowing us to serve you. We loved working with you both and hope this new season of life is full of peace and joy.

A Thanksgiving Story

Posted on November 19, 2022 by Kat Gilpatrick

A thanksgiving story — not in a traditional, seasonal holiday sense with turkey and stuffing and finding enough matching place settings for all the folks trundling your way, but one of some of the dearest clients: maybe-buyers I had the wonderful good fortune to meet in a lovely home I had held open in September, located smack dab in the neighborhood they’ve been rooted in together for years – they’d lived just a block away from there “close enough to get to Salt & Straw very quickly” being one of the qualifiers on location as it would turn out. Meeting these two immediately warmed my heart and enriched my life, setting us on a journey to find a solution together for the challenge they were facing: repair their current home, or search for something new to close a difficult chapter for them and move on from the loss and heartache brought on by a house fire Christmas eve 2021. They lost their cherished home they’d poured so much time and energy into. While they were originally planning to rebuild, they saw the above mentioned home in their neighborhood, OPEN HOUSE sign out front, and somehow that rekindled the sense that they could find something new to love and grow into.

While they didn’t end up getting that home, it was the jumping off point for a relatively quick adventure where we partnered and listed, we toured and talked, Lauren and Rafe, and their sweet chihuahua Ruby with them at times, at times (most times) on their bikes, and so much faith that the right thing was going to be out there for them, that would meet their requirements and also give them space to do what they love so much: woodworking in a wonderful space for Rafe to continue to practice this craft, and a garden in which they could both tend to the gorgeous yard — and get backyard habitat certified!

Working excitedly together, we found a contender for the perfect home in the Richmond/SE Portland neighborhood location as they wanted most – a home quite a bit bigger than they thought they might need, and older than they were considering — but with so many creative uses for the space, on the perfect street and situation and just such a solid wonderful house – their hearts and minds were won. Built in 1899 and so lovingly maintained by a family that had begun their lives there back in 1966.

Their soon to be new home had a story – history, and a feeling of permanence and stability. The home felt right and conveyed the kind of care and earnestness I’d come to know and love about this incredible couple. And of course, the neighborhood makes this area so meaningful for them to live in because of community as well as familiarity. As Lauren described to me: “The night of our house fire we were surrounded by neighbors providing us food, clothes, and support. This is such a caring community, and we want to stay in this area and reciprocate the kindness our neighbors have shown us.”

These two are getting married next year, and hoping to expand their family beyond them and their small dog. I can’t wait to watch them grow and move and thrive and add so much to our already abundant community. So thrilled for them as we say congratulations on their closing this November, and a very very grateful Thanksgiving.

✨JUST LISTED! Kings Heights, Wine Cellar, Sauna, Panoramic Views!

Posted on November 15, 2022January 6, 2023 by Living Room Realty

Kings Heights, Wine Cellar, In-Home Elevator & Panoramic Views!

2817 NW Fairfax Terrace, Portland, OR 97210

Offered at $1,450,000

4 Bed 3.5 Bath

Portland, OR 97210

VIEW LISTING

OPEN HOUSE Saturday (11/19) FROM 10 am – 12 pm

2817 NW Fairfax Terrace, Portland, OR 97210

With Sweeping Panoramic Views Of The City, Four Mountains, Bridges & The River This Home Inspires Awe From Every Angle! Spacious Living Area, Expansive Windows, And Large Decks Make This Home Ideal For Entertaining And Enjoying The Beauty Oregon Offers. Charming & Elegant, This Beautiful Home Exudes Luxury! Upon Entrance, It’s An Entertainer’s Dream With A Spacious Chef’s Kitchen Open to The Living Room, Dining Room, Office, And More! Soaring Ceilings, More Views, A Primary Suite, Two Bedrooms, And A Family Room Make Up The Private Main Level. Custom Features Include: Wine Cellar, A Custom Sound Protected Bedroom, Sauna & More! In-Home Elevator Makes Moving From Floor To Floor A Breeze! Gated Driveway Provides Privacy And Convenience! Walk to NW 23rd, Pearl District, Uptown Shopping, Easy Access to Rose Garden & Forest Park. Check Out The Extensive Update List!

OPEN HOUSE Saturday (11/19) From 10am – 12pm

OFFERED AT $1,450,000

4 BEDROOM | 3.5 BATH | 4,434 SQFT

2 Attached Garage | Lot Size: 0.16 Acres

MLS# 22193010 | TAXES: $28,679.71 (2021)

Highlights & Features

Panoramic Views
Freshly Painted
New Landscaping
Brand New Flooring
Newer Roof 2014
X-finity Security For Entire Home
5 Nest Smoke Alarms
Wine Cellar
Sauna
In-Home Elevator
Gym Space
Extra Storage Space

Where To Buy Your First Property in Portland Oregon

Posted on October 12, 2022 by Mel Marzahl

Looking to buy your first property in Portland Oregon? You’re in luck! This blog post will outline some great neighborhoods to invest in, as well as give you an idea of what type of lifestyle you can expect. Keep reading for more information!

Portland is a great city for first-time home buyers. There are plenty of neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own unique charm. Whether you’re looking for lowkey and quiet streets away from the hustle and bustle, or you want to be smack in the middle of the action, Portland has a place for you to call home. And with the help of a good real estate agent, you’re sure to find the perfect property for you.

If you’re looking for an urban lifestyle, then downtown Portland is the place for you. This neighborhood has everything you could want: shopping, dining, nightlife, and more. Plus, it’s conveniently located near public transportation options like MAX light rail and Portland Streetcar. In this area, you’ll find mostly condos and some historic Portland homes in areas such as Goose Hollow, or Nob Hill.

Looking for something a little more laid-back? Then check out NE Portland. This area is known for its hip cafes and boutiques and is full of beautiful homes, both contemporary and historic. It’s the perfect place to call home if you’re looking for a creative and vibrant community.

In the SE quadrant, you’ll find a lot of the icons that give Portland its “Portlandia” reputation. Vintage shops and food cart pods abound. Head further out of the city center, to areas such as Sellwood, Multnomah Village, or St. Johns for pleasant residential communities with quaint centers where locals go for a night at the theater or out to eat at their favorite spots.

No matter your lifestyle, Portland has a neighborhood that’s perfect for you. Start your search today and find the perfect property to call home! Portland, Oregon is waiting for you.

Mel Marzahl

503-443-5382

mel@livingroomre.com

What it takes to make the dream come true!

Posted on September 30, 2022September 30, 2022 by Living Room Realty

Hello!

I am pleased to say, I have had the privilege of helping the most amazing clients this year and I love my time with them. One thing folks don’t always consider when they are getting started, when either buying or selling a home, is how many people it takes to make a great experience in real estate. I am here as the dedicated advisor and through the years I have met many great inspectors and contractors.

I am happy to connect my clients with as many contractors and specialists as needed, along the way.

For example, I love working with a steadfast, smart, and grounded home inspector like Uli Sommers with Sommers Home Inspections. And my go-to Escrow officer, Steve Skare my go-to Escrow officer at First American Title.

Now, here is the eye candy; a few of the cute houses I’ve helped my clients buy and sell this year.

Just Listed! Concordia Cosmetic Fixer

Posted on July 11, 2022 by Greg Washington

4125 NE Ainsworth St., Portland, 97211

This cute 1951 Ranch style home needs a bit of TLC, but it has a great location going for it near New Seasons, restaurants, coffee shops and public transportation. It also sits right across the street from Fernhill Park. The home features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, an open floor plan, gas fireplace, attached garage and oversized lot/large fenced yard. So much potential here!

Asking $479,000

Nice Knowing You Quarter 2 of 2022

Posted on June 30, 2022 by Alyssa Isenstein Krueger

Between March 1st and June 30th of 2022, the real estate market here in Portland saw appreciation rise at a rate not seen since, well, ever. Over 20% year over year. Despite the challenges of the market, particularly being a buyer, I had 10 buyers and 5 sellers successfully close on homes- all on the east side in the City of Portland. Of those buyers and sellers- 2 sellers were able to buy first and closed in March, and then sold their homes April and May. Another of my sellers was able to sell their home and buy their next one within a couple of weeks in June. Six of my buyers were first time home buyers, and 1 of my sets of buyers purchased the home they had been renting directly from their landlord off-market. Lucky ducks. Of my 10 buyers, 7 got the first home they wrote an offer on, 2 got the second house they wrote on and 1 set got the third and best house they wrote on. The total number of homes I wrote a total of 14 offers. The youngest house I sold was a 1960 rancher in Parkrose Heights, and the oldest was a bungalow in the Richmond neighborhood built in 1912. Three of the houses got new roofs, 2 got new sewer lines, and 2 had leaking oil tanks- all of which were taken care of by the seller.

My 5 sellers did really well. Four of my sellers received multiple offers, and the fifth set of sellers accepted the first offer they received which was well over asking and submitted less than 24 hours after we went on the market. Of the 5 homes I listed, 4 were ones I had originally sold to the sellers. Bringing it full circle. Of my five sellers, 3 bought new and larger homes in Portland, and 2 moved out of state. The youngest house I sold was a condo built in 1972 on Jantzen Beach. All the other homes were built between 1906 and 1953. None of my sellers made any repairs, and only 2 gave closing cost credits/concessions for needed repairs. I sure know and love old houses.

Everyone of my clients was either a past client of mine, or a referral from another previous client, a friend or lenders I partner with. Fifteen transactions in 3 months is a lot for little old me who doesn’t have an assistant and doesn’t want one. Those are probably at least half the number of transactions I’ll have the honor of working on for the entire year. So much joy and happiness to be surrounded by.

City Living Unit in The Jefferson building recently sold

Posted on June 22, 2022 by Living Room Realty

A south facing, sun-soaked unit in the award winning building in Goose Hollow, The Jefferson, has recently changed hands. With an outdoor deck, high floating concrete ceilings, original bamboo floors, large glass windows and multiple custom features and upgrades throughout this 825 sq ft space is a great for young professionals.

In 2021 the bathroom was remodeled, new appliances were installed and Smart Home technology was added. Various custom-built pieces enhance the space and give a minimalist feel. The unit puts Portland’s best at your fingertips with restaurants, bars, MAX, entertainment and shopping all blocks from your door.

Preventing Buyer Remorse in a Competitive Market

Posted on June 20, 2022 by Jessica LeDoux

In a competitive market, having frenzy take hold and light fire under a buyer’s decision making is a true risk. Not only does a low inventory market promote a sense of “there’s not enough” that can create a survival mode mentality, but it fosters an environment of uncertainty that can lead buyers down a “don’t want to, but feel like we have to” path. If buyers succumb to the frenzy or are not partnered with wise and stable counsel, this can manifest as buyers offering over what they can comfortably pay for a home, settling on areas of a home that don’t line up with their core values, and investing in inspections unnecessarily on a home that ultimately will not be the right fit. We try to instill a sense of empowerment and stability in the midst of uncertainty. The reality is that nothing is certain, but what we can control is how we respond.

Here are a few simple tips:

1. MAKE A LIST of the top three things you do not want to compromise on. There is no perfect house, but if you are able to hone in on the areas you are willing to compromise on and take the time to get in touch with your non-negotiables, this will make for a more empowered search and you will feel clearer on when to walk away. If you are buying a home with someone else, make these lists separately, then discuss where your lists overlaps and make a new list together.

2. THE FINANCIAL GUT CHECK. This can be difficult because the reality of the market, your needs in a home, and your financial comfort all need to be considered and valued collectively. Taking the time to see if what you want in a home lines up with the reality of the market is step number one. There is nothing worse than chasing a unicorn to the point of disappointment months later. We will provide support as you test the waters and get a sense of what homes are within reach so you can make an educated decision for your life and financial future. If what you are seeing in the market at your price point lines up with your needs, we can move forward with realistic expectations and healthy boundaries around when (if ever) it makes sense to stretch your price point goals.

3. BUY LOCATION AND LAYOUT. Remodeling a kitchen is easier than moving a house. When we say “buy location,” we mean buy a home in a location you will be happy living in. Even if walkability is not one of your priorities, liking your neighborhood is important. This may seem obvious, but many people have fallen in love with homes in otherwise undesirable locations only to find themselves wanting to move a few years later. If you like where you live, you are buying longevity in the home. Simple as that. Of course, we need to balance this against your tolerance for home improvement, but the bottom line is paint can always come later. Likewise, it is much easier to change the cosmetics of a home than it is to change the layout. Look past the aesthetics to the fundamentals of a home’s layout to see whether it has the potential to meet your housing needs for years to come.

There is a lot of news right now about the instability of the housing market. While the market will always fluctuate, if you buy a home that can adapt to your life long-term if needed (regardless of your short-term plans), your satisfaction with your home and investment has a greater chance of outliving any market volatility.

Just Right in FoPo!

Posted on June 14, 2022 by Olivia Rush

Step aside bears…this Goldilocks has found his house! Last year, Devin told me he would be in touch with me soon about buying a house. His epic rental in NE had been the home of countless gatherings and parties, but he felt it was time to make the move to SE, where the majority of his community lived.

Having grown up helping his parents fix up homes, Devin wasn’t afraid of a fixer. He also was a sucker for classic charm and vintage details, so we found ourself looking at a wide variety of homes.

House 1 was a beautifully remodeled farmhouse with a cute backyard in Lents. Devin loved it and went back for a second viewing, bringing friends with him to share in his excitement. This was at the very beginning of the spring selling season, and about 20 other buyers also loved this turnkey home…so his first offer was beat out.

Next up, another Lents home, but make it major fixer on a huge lot. We had to fight and claw our way to this one as second backup, but we finally got our offer accepted. After inspections, however, it became clear why the other two buyers had terminated. In addition to some bigger known repairs, there were also too many unknowns that made taking on this project too risky. Sadly and a little deflated, Devin had to terminate.

For a minute, Devin took a break from the search. Riding the real estate roller coaster can be an emotionally exhausting process. But he kept one eye peeled, and when the *just right* cosmetic fixer in FOPO (his secret dream neighborhood) hit the market, we were ready.

Just 1 block away from some of his besties, this structurally-sound, plain-jane home was the perfect amount of project. This time Devin was determined, and We just barely beat out 4 other offers with some key strategic terms.

Fast forward to closing day. Devin has a list of to-dos and a neighborhood full of friends (including me!) welcoming to his new home. I couldn’t be happier for him and excited to see him work his magic to make this house a home.

Cheers Devin! Welcome to homeownership and to the neighborhood.

KEEPING THE ALBERTA ARTS ARTISTIC

Posted on May 23, 2022June 13, 2022 by Living Room Realty

Keeping The Alberta Arts Artistic

Chaz wearing the most fabulous outfit accompanied by a fancy champagne bottle in front of his new house on Keys Day™️ — Now this is how you show up to keys day!

I knew this home was special when I laid eyes on her; a stunning red Craftsman beauty whose walls have more stories to tell than I ever possibly could — eager and waiting to be lovingly restored. I am so glad this home landed into the illustrative and loving hands of the very talented tattoo artist, Chaz Vitale. If there is anyone with the proper eye and admiration of architectural design, it is Chaz. The amount of queer magic and love being poured into this home is absolutely immeasurable and I am beyond ecstatic to have had any part of it. We connected in more ways than one, coming from the same marginalized communities of being queer and trans people. I deeply believe this made our experience feel more bonded and emotional at that. Chaz, thank you for bringing your necessary artistic flair to the Alberta Arts District. You are needed here and I am so dang proud of you!

I can only aspire to continue to build connections with more BIPOC, queer, non-binary, trans, etc. clients in the future. Curating connections in our communities is vital to both my business and, well…my soul. My role in real estate is to advocate for all of my clients but especially those that come from similar backgrounds and share familiar life experiences. I am so grateful to have the trust of my clients in an industry that hasn’t always held our best interests; rest assured, I, Río Palomares will advocate to the best of my ability and ensure you get the representation you not only seek but deserve.

Follow me on Instagram!

Just Listed: Turnkey + Room to Grow in Lents!

Posted on May 21, 2022 by Olivia Rush

This cheerful, well-maintained home is 100% move-in ready as is. It also offers plenty of space for all your hobbies and opportunities to expand and grow your equity!

This entertainer’s dream features a massive open living room that flows into the kitchen and dining space, with treetop views and ample natural light pouring through the windows. Tons of storage and a large island make this kitchen a functional dream for the chef in your life. Enjoy your morning coffee or an after-work brewski on the covered back deck, directly through the sliding door off the dining area.

The large primary bedroom features a dreamy walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom, with two more large bedrooms, full bathroom, and dedicated laundry space rounding out the upstairs. Below, an oversized 4-car garage + 400 sq ft space with electrical, drywall, and dirt floor = unlimited potential. Build an ADU or massive workshop or expand the main house downstairs?

A sliding door from the kitchen to a private back deck increases your living space even more. Down the back steps, relax and enjoy the sunshine in this peaceful gardener’s backyard. Brand new roof in April 2022! Minutes to transit, highways, and the best of Lents + SE.

3 bed | 2 bath | 1402 sqft | 4 car garage + 690 sf unfinished space | 0.11 acres

10328 SE Ramona St, Portland, OR 97266

Offered at $439,000

Just Listed: Ainsworth Bungalow with ADU & Endless Opportunities!

Posted on April 28, 2022April 28, 2022 by Olivia Rush

This versatile, charming, and income-generating bungalow offers countless living options! Perched above the Ainsworth park blocks, vintage charm is preserved in the details: the hobbit door, coved and tray ceilings, original hardwoods, and penny tile floors.

The kitchen features a gas stove, large dining space with picture window maximizing natural lighting, wooden cabinets, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and newer light fixtures. The kitchen and dining space open to an ample living room, the focal point of the home. Curl up with a book or host game night here, enjoying the cozy warmth of the wood-burning fireplace.

Continue on to 2 bedrooms (one accommodating a king size bed and the other with a custom Murphy bed) and darling shared bathroom. The basement features a large flex space with kitchenette, bedroom with egress window, a full bathroom, and separate utility room with laundry. With direct access from the main house and additional exterior entry to the basement, the options are endless. Entertaining, work from home, guest space, or a potential second ADU? You choose!

The large 2-car garage was completed in 2020. Above it is a design-forward 400sqft ADU with all the goodies: custom woodworking, engineered maple hardwoods, quartz counters, Ikea cabinets with semi-handmade faces, Fisher Paykel refrigerator, dish drawer, and gas stove + Bosch washer and dryer, subway tile in shower, instant hot water heater (gas), double paned wood windows, and air-sourced heat pump for heating and cooling for year-round comfort.

The fenced backyard features raised beds and a newer paver patio for summer evenings under the stars. A wide gate provides direct alley access. Oh, and did I mention there’s a sauna? Come fall in love!

702 NE Ainsworth St, Portland, OR 97211 | MLS#: 22221306

Offered at $725,000 | Click for more photos!

Rose City English Cottage

Posted on April 19, 2022 by Greg Washington

Built in 1937, this lovely home has updated systems yet has retained its original charm. Refinished hardwoods on main, original mahogany trim, wood burning fireplace with original tile, built-in leaded glass cabinet and coved ceilings. Updates include Central AC, gas furnace and gas water heater, NEST thermostat, period light fixtures from Rejuvenation, storm windows, new subway tile surround in main floor bath, partially finished basement with family room, great yard with 2 patios, lawn area and in-ground sprinkler system. Just move in and enjoy!

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 1971 square feet

Just Listed | 5264 N Amherst St | Perfect University Park English | $579,000

Posted on April 1, 2022April 1, 2022 by Sean Patrick O'Feery

5264 N. Amherst St.

This delightful English Cottage in University Park is the one you have been waiting for. This spacious four bedroom home has a long list of thoughtful upgrades and improvements that nestle in seamlessly with the period charm. Improvements include new plumbing, new quartz countertops, newer roof, refinished wood floors, upgraded panel, new windows and NEW AC. Numerous built-ins and don’t miss the nook! Large lot with mature landscaping is Certified Backyard Habitat and includes greenhouse, studio, hot tub and private covered patio.

Open House | Saturday April 2 from 12 – 2 | Sunday April 3 from 11 – 1

4 bed | 1.1 bath | 2480 sq. ft.
MLS# 22285611 | Taxes: $5390.73

Just Listed: Magic on Madison!

Posted on February 23, 2022 by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED

4513 SE Madison Street, Portland, OR 97215

Offered at $675,000

4 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2,100 SF | MLS# 22113057 | Taxes: $8,714

OPEN HOUSES:

Thursday 2/24, 4 PM – 6 PM

Sunday 2/27, 11 AM – 1 PM

VIDEO TOUR

You will be smitten with this delightful 4 bedroom, 2 and a half bath modern home just north of Hawthorne Blvd! The modern and convenient features will make for easy living, and with a bike score of 100 and a walk score of 94 you’ll be central to some of the best of what Portland has to offer!

The front porch has room for hanging out and people-watching on summer evenings. Inside to the right you’ll find a sizable entry area with large windows, built-in bench & cubbies, and gleaming hardwood floors throughout the first floor. To the left is an office/den/media room with so many options.

As you proceed into the heart of the home, there is a spacious and open dining room, perfect for dinner parties! Moving through this open concept plan, you find yourself passing a perfectly placed bathroom as you move into the living room and kitchen. You will easily be able to see yourself relaxing in the living room, flooded with natural light and a cozy gas fireplace!

Efficiency meets elegance in the masterful kitchen! Take in the stainless steel appliances, gas range, and glistening tile backsplash, as well as the ample amount of quartz countertops that doubles as a breakfast bar. Don’t miss the huge walk-in pantry with tons of extra storage, more counter space and electrical outlets!

Head up the open staircase and you’ll find a balcony with more room for lounging and enjoying the outdoors. The primary bedroom is spacious, with large windows allowing for a lovely light-filled space, and be sure to check out the walk-in closet! The ensuite bathroom has a roomy and luxe walk-in shower with tile & glass doors and granite counter vanity. The other two upstairs bedrooms have great natural light coming in and good-sized closets!

The layout of the home is truly ideal, complete with lovely outdoor spaces, lots of storage, and a tuck-under garage. The location is enviable – you are just a quick walk from Hawthorne restaurants and shops, head the other direction and you have trendy SE Belmont bars and hot spots!

This home is a real treasure – don’t miss it!

Just Listed | Light and Bright Hawthorne Victorian

Posted on February 17, 2022February 17, 2022 by Sean Patrick O'Feery

LIGHT AND BRIGHT HAWTHORNE VICTORIAN

$549,000

1331 SE 36th Ave

Lovely Victorian in the heart of Hawthorne gets a gold medal for flow and natural light. Open floor plan with a generous sized living room and a wood burning fireplace. The built in bench makes the kitchen the perfect central hub. Putting the flex in flexible spaces, this home has an exterior entrance to the primary bed and bath for an opportunity to Airbnb, separate it off as a home office or whatever your heart desires. Tuck under garage and driveway for off street parking and bike storage. New carpet, new lighting and fresh paint throughout. Coveted Sunnyside Environmental School and close in SE location! Fully fenced yard for your pup.

Open House | Saturday Feb 19th from 12 – 2 | Sunday Feb 20th from 11-1

2 bed | 2 bath | 1720 sq. ft.
MLS# 22011413 | Taxes: $4629.88

Find more photos here.

JUST LISTED: Modern Hillsdale Haven

Posted on February 11, 2022 by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED

315 SW NEVADA CT, Portland, OR 97219

Offered at $825,000

4 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 3,464 SF | MLS# 22124079 | Taxes: $10,710 | 0.12 Acres

OPEN HOUSE:

Saturday 2/12, 11 AM – 1 PM

VIDEO TOUR

Come see what awaits you in this modern stunner! This newer constructed custom Hillsdale home has plenty of living space, fabulous contemporary features, and a breathtaking gourmet kitchen.

As you enter the home, you will be struck by the sizable entryway inside, where an inviting passageway leads into the living spaces. To your right through frosted double doors is a spacious and welcoming office/den area. This room is full of potential, and lovely natural light comes in from the front-facing window.

You’ll head down the crisp engineered hardwood floors to find a formal dining room! There is enough space for a large dinner party or a quiet intimate dinner – whatever suits you!

Across from the dining room is an impressively deep storage room with carpeted floor. You’ll also find the door to the large double garage! There’s so much storage space with this home.

Make your way into the generous living room with a cozy gas fireplace, half-bath, and huge floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as the sliding glass door that leads out to the private, terraced backyard with patio and gardening opportunity. You’ll love spending summer evenings out back!

Back in the house, you’ll fall in love with the sleek and elegant gourmet kitchen. Quartz countertops, a huge kitchen island, stainless steel appliances, and beautiful tile backsplash will all catch your eye, and the abundant cabinet storage space will delight! And that isn’t all – an adorable butler’s pantry bridges the kitchen to the dining room. An exquisite setup!

Moving up the open staircase, you’ll find an inviting and warm loft area. This bright, open space has so much possibility: a family/play space, a media room, a reading corner – the opportunities are endless!

Prepare to be wowed as you head over through the double doors into the stunning primary bedroom, with engineered hardwood floors, and a truly luxurious ensuite bathroom with beautiful tiled floors, a soaking tub, stand-up shower with glass and tile, and a double sink. And don’t miss the walk-in closet with built-ins!

Back through the landing you’ll find a perfectly located and well-sized laundry room with washer, dryer, and sink. This laundry room sits centrally amongst all the bedrooms – convenient and efficient!

The additional three bedrooms are all spacious with wall to wall carpeting and ample closet space, and there is another sleek bathroom with a double sink, storage, and tiled shower/bath combo.

The layout of the home is truly ideal, with all four bedrooms upstairs and general living areas down. The location is within very close proximity to downtown Hillsdale where shops, restaurants, groceries, and cafes await you. You will be kept cool by central air conditioning during the summers and toasty in the wither months with energy efficient forced air gas furnace.

There is so much to love in this modern and marvelous Hillsdale home!

JUST LISTED: Arbor Lodge Beauty

Posted on February 9, 2022 by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED

6947 N ATLANTIC AVE, Portland, OR 97217

Offered at $775,000

4 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2,430 SF | MLS# 22124079 | Taxes: $6,203 | 0.23 Acres

OPEN HOUSES:

Friday 2/11, 4 PM – 6 PM & Saturday 2/12, 9 AM – 11 AM

VIDEO TOUR

Come see for yourself just how much space, charm, and value this house has to offer! Brimming with updates and charm, plus an oversized yard, you’re going to fall in love with this gorgeous home! Upon arrival, a roomy front porch, beautiful garden beds, and mature landscaping greet you.

As you enter the living room, you’ll find a flood of natural light coming from the large front-facing windows, lovely classic wood molding, high coved ceilings, and the ideal open floor plan. The adjacent dining room boasts lovely leaded glass windows and box beams, a true vintage dream. While this home maintains much of its original character, the updated kitchen has a Wolf gas range, stainless steel refrigerator, disposal, dishwasher, and granite counters. And the far end of the kitchen opens nicely into a light-filled breakfast nook – perfect for enjoying your morning coffee!

Just off the main level living area and tucked to the side you’ll find a darling bedroom that looks out onto the backyard, along with a full bathroom with walk-in shower.

The layout on the second level is ideal, with a charming light-filled primary bedroom, big east-facing windows, two skylights, a ceiling fan, and a large walk-in closet with closet organizers. A spacious second bedroom sits adjacent to the primary bedroom with great natural light from south-facing windows, plus a ceiling fan and closet. And rounding it off is the roomy full bathroom with a large soaking tub, two adorable pedestal sinks, huge stand-up shower, pretty blue tiling, and charming vintage windows with leaded glass. A perfect space to relax!

Make your way back downstairs and just off the kitchen you’ll find a mudroom area with exterior entry to the backyard. A staircase leads down into the large finished basement, where the flex space provides so much opportunity. Easily imagined as a guest bedroom, a TV/family room, an artist studio, a reading den – there are endless options! Don’t miss the permitted half-bathroom and laundry area, and of course, tons of storage space!

Head out the backdoor and check out how much space there is to play and roam! The yard is huge, the landscaping is mature and includes a gorgeous Deodar cedar tree, plus an adorable lean-to shed with an additional covered area and plenty of patio space so you can enjoy the outdoors in any kind of weather.

Don’t miss the fabulous enclosed hot tub and oversized garage with attic storage and work space.

There is plenty of space for RV or boat parking!

This gorgeous and inviting bungalow offers an abundance of living space, plus so many delightful features! The home is close to many parks, cafes, shops, and grocery stores. Welcome home!

Vintage NE Cutie with Detached Workshop / Flex Space

Posted on February 4, 2022February 4, 2022 by Living Room Realty

1345 NE 63rd Ave, Portland, OR 97213

RMLS #22238205

Price: $425,000

This Vintage NE Cutie in Rose City Park neighborhood has charm and a classic front porch. The home is move-in ready and features an open layout with an updated kitchen, two bedrooms, and a combined bath/laundry all on one level.

The interior is freshly painted. All appliances will stay with the house, including two window air conditioners. The roof and sewer were both new in 2015.

Fabulous detached workshop/flex space offers 196 sq. ft. of potential. The shop was built in 2018 (no permits), is unheated, and has power. Buyers will have plenty of ideas on how to use this extra space.

There’s extra storage space in the foam insulated attic. Furnace and utilities are in the unfinished basement, which is accessed by an exterior door and has a dirt floor.

The yard is fully fenced with raised beds and a fire pit. The home is conveniently located just 0.3 mile away from the MAX station.

2 Bedroom | 1 Bath | 1391 Sq.ft. | 0.11 ac. lot

Taxes: $2595.83

Home Energy Score: 5
Transit Score: 67
Bike Score: 78

Schools: Rose City Park Elementary, Roseway Heights Middle, Leodis McDaniel HS

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Interested in making Portland your home?

Call Cheri Harney, at 503-319-4858.

Just Sold: A Streetcar “Loft” Called Desire

Posted on January 20, 2022January 20, 2022 by Living Room Realty

JUST SOLD

1030 NW 12th Ave #210
Portland, OR 97209

SOLD AT: $299,900

STUDIO | 1 BATH | 610 SQFT
MLS# 21593452

I met Austin by way of introduction by my colleague Bonnie Roseman. She was in a pinch and needed some assistance with someone familiar with condos. Austin was only in town for a weekend trip, and had set aside one day to do a tour-de-force of condo tours and I was lucky enough to be available to take him around the urban core of Portland and see a variety of homes that fit his budget and needs. We ranged from the Central Business District, to the Waterfront, Old Town, the Pearl District, NW Portland, Lloyd District, and areas of SE Portland as well. Austin was able to weigh the pros and cons of the various buildings, the associated HOA amounts (which varied greatly), and the difference between something built from the ground up in the last 20 years vs apartment conversions which ranged to almost 50-100 years old. The great thing about Austin was that he absorbed everything I relayed to him evenly, and processed it in a very thorough analysis of what worked best for him.

When we wrapped up, he landed on the decision to make an offer on a studio loft at the Streetcar Loft Condominiums in the North end of the Pearl District. Built in 2001, this iconic building sits along NW Lovejoy and features the large letters “GO BY STREETCAR” displayed on a corner of the building. Perfectly situated along the streetcar line, a few blocks away from grocery stores, shopping, and restaurants, this was a perfect mix of what Austin was looking for. It was also built to newer standards, than many of the other conversions we had seen, and included a rooftop garden, gym, and common room as part of the building Amenities.

We worked with Ethan Sackfield of the Mike Maier Mortgage Team with Fairway Mortgage on the financing side, and he hit it out of the park. His communication to all parties kept us up to date on where things were from their side, and had loan docs out and were ready to close early if we desired. In Real Estate transactions, we tend to get a bit jaded and expect the sky to fall any minute, but that was never the case here and it was a welcome change (and feeling) to not have to worry about anything at the 11th hour.

Lauren Sheehan and her team at the Sheehan Home Group of EXP Realty, LLC. did a wonderful job representing the Seller and were great on communication, follow-up and ability to put a deal together. I hope I have the chance to work with them again.

Congrats and welcome home Austin!

all photos courtesy of Lauren Sheehan of EXP Realty, LLC

The One That Nobody Wanted

Posted on January 3, 2022 by Leanne Bach

My last closing of 2021 was probably the easiest transaction I’ve had in a long time. My clients were looking for another rental to add to their profile, so when we saw a winner in Beaverton, we stood in line, knowing it would be competitive and hoping we could make things pencil out. Once we saw the property, we almost laughed, but we were really breathing a sigh of relief. The house didn’t show as well as the photos (do the ever, ha ha?), it smelled bad and I don’t think the seller even moved the frying pan from the stove with his leftover breakfast. Why were we relieved, you ask? We knew we could have little competition, at this point. Combine a savvy client and a savvy (if I do say so myself) ME, whaddya have? Deal makers! We offered. We got. We negotiated. We got more. The end.

What I’m realizing in this highly competitive market is that buyers are getting weary of over-spending on properties that aren’t absolutely turn-key, and I don’t blame them. Not everyone has the vision or the resources to take a property from ick to slick, so when the timing is right and you find a house that hasn’t been marketed well, or just plain cleaned up, that is when you find opportunity. To battle a seller’s market and get a client into a house for under market value (yet, it appraised for $15k over), I consider that a win, and I’ll take it! Great way to finish out 2021. Bring on 2022!

Moving closer to grandkids and family! Yay!

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to Mark and Mary Jo!!

I just had the privilege of helping Mark and Mary Jo buy a wonderful condo! I met them because their son, Chad, is one of my dearest clients and Mark and Mary Jo wanted to be closer to Chad, Libby and the Grandkids. This is truly one of the best parts of my job- helping families stay connected or become closer.

We were able to find Mark and Mary Jo a wonderful single-level condo in a sweet Hillsboro location and it checks all the boxes! It was a great transaction and I would like to take this opportunity to point out that when we help clients buy condos we highly recommend they do a review of the HOA docs with an attorney. As real estate agents, we cannot give legal advice so an attorney is integral to deciphering all of the HOA documents, rules, budget etc. In this case, we used Janet Grayson from Grason Law because we have worked with her many times and we know that she is thorough. This was such a big help to Mark and Mary Jo, as it is for all of our clients buying a home within an HOA. Thank you to Janet!

Congratulations and Cheers to Mark and Mary Jo! Here’s to building new memories with your sweet grandkiddos!

Irvington Tudor – Sold!

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Greg Washington

The potential in this 1937 Tudor was apparent to at least 4 buyers, who presented offers within days of the house going on the market. The house last sold in 1957 and retains much of its original character, but it does need a lot of work. The seller wanted the house to go to someone who wants to live in the neighborhood, rather than an investor, and that wish came true. I’d like to congratulate my seller on his quick transaction and wish the buyer many happy years in their new home!

Brooklyn Blue Bungalow

Posted on December 14, 2021 by Alyssa Isenstein Krueger

My buyer Theo wins the award for the single most expensive repair I have negotiated for a buyer. Theo was a first time buyer who was referred to me by a past client of mine who they work with. We met up on a chilly fall evening to talk about what they were looking for in a house and get the process started. Within a couple of days, Theo had their pre-approval letter in hand and we were ready to go. I sent them all of the available homes within the geographic boundaries, price range and features they were looking for. The list wasn’t very long and out of all of them, only 2 houses piqued their interest. We went to see one in NE, and that was a no-go. The second house we saw was bright blue 1920’s bungalow in the Brooklyn neighborhood. It had been on the market for about a month and had one sale fail. The home was lovely with a gigantic newly remodeled kitchen and a large upstairs bedroom with room to add a bathroom. The basement was decent enough with lots of windows and good ceiling height- a great candidate for future finishing. Theo slept on it and the next morning let me know they wanted to write on it. We put together a great offer and boom- got it accepted.

Most of the systems had been upgraded so I wasn’t too worried about the inspection. However, during the inspection our inspector did a few pokes at the foundation walls and the foundation just crumbled into sand. In the 1920’s during the huge housing building boom there were two concrete companies operating in Portland and those two companies provided all of the concrete for house foundations built during that time. One company had a better concrete formula and many of those foundations are still in reasonable shape. But the second company didn’t quite know how to mix concrete very well, and those foundations are showing their age as they reach the end of their useful life as seen in the crumbling foundation walls. This basement had been skim coated on the interior at some point, but in areas like behind a built in workshop and under the stairs, the tell tale signs of a rapidly deteriorating foundation were all there. For most buyers, that would have been the end of that and they would have terminated. But Theo really loved the house and location, so they took the next step and hired a structural engineer to come out to take a look so they could make a decision to either move forward with the transaction or terminate. I had a great conversation with the listing agent about the issue, and thankfully the sellers understood this wasn’t a repair they could put off if they wanted to sell the home. Thankfully the engineer was able to come out and made the determination that the foundation really was on its last legs. She told us there were 2 ways to approach a new foundation- one way was to lift the house and pour a brand new concrete foundation. This route is prohibitively expensive- costing in the $80k-$100k range. The other option is to have an engineered wood wall built. With this method, an engineer designs a wood wall that is built in the basement up against the old concrete foundation and embedded in a new interior concrete footing and attached to the framing of the house. As long as the engineered wood walls are kept dry, which involves rubber matting between the old concrete foundation and the new wood one and making sure the drainage system around the home is effectively channeling water away from the house, the new wood foundation can last indefinitely. And because it’s wood, it has give so also provides better seismic protection than old concrete foundations. The old concrete foundation stays in place, but it no longer functions as a support for the house. And the new foundation gives the basement an almost finished look.

We wound up doing 5 inspection extensions to get the engineer to have the drawings ready before closing, and to get a firm bid from a contractor to do the work after closing. Closing was delayed by 10 days- but we did it! Due to the whole supply chain, dearth of availability of contractors, etc., the work can’t be done for a while, but that’s ok because the contractor has already been paid and stated that they will complete the repair within the next year for the stated bid amount. The cost for something like this obviously depends on the total linear feet and some other factors, but in general, this type of repair will cost in the $35,000-$60,000 including drainage, which is a whole lot of money, but about half of what it would cost to replace the foundation with concrete.

When you know what you want, the rest just falls into place!

Posted on December 5, 2021 by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to David and Clara!!

Some folks just know what they want and it happens fast! This is definitely true in David and Clara’s case. This fun couple came to our team via my teammate, Jasmine Deatherage. They reached out, ready to start the process. We chatted briefly and I knew we were going to not only help them purchase a home but also have fun in the process! We scheduled our Buyer’s Meeting- a meeting we have with all buyers before we get started. We go over the buying process, what to expect in the current real estate market and how our team works. It’s pretty much a requirement for all of our buyers.

But hey… that meeting didn’t even happen!! Right after we scheduled our Buyer’s meeting, a fantastic home in a fantastic location popped up and they wanted to jumped on the opportunity! Things started rolling along and we just filled in the blanks as we went. David has bought a few homes in his life so he was familiar with the process.

And now, they own this darling home! The home has so many great updates, a fantastic layout and solid bones! Congratulations, David and Clara!! We are so excited to see how the kitchen remodel turns out.

Congrats to David and Clara!

How to Get An Offer Accepted Before An Open House

Posted on November 23, 2021November 23, 2021 by Alyssa Isenstein Krueger

Sarah and Tariq contacted me in early August after being referred to me by one of my favorite lenders. They used to live in Portland, and had moved to Los Angeles for work, and were now being transferred back to Portland. They were moving to Portland in mid-November, so they came to Portland in mid-October to find a home. Before they arrived, we had a flurry of emails back and forth narrowing down homes they wanted to see. They seemed to really hone in on mid-centuries and when we came up with our list of homes to see over the next few days, the majority were mid-centuries. They arrived on a Thursday evening, and we hit the ground running on Friday morning. We saw around 12 houses together over the next couple of days, and they saw even more homes on their own visiting open houses.

They did write on one home, but when that home received another offer that was higher and waived their inspection, Sarah and Tariq decided they didn’t love it enough to go that far. With 2 days left on their clock, they started leaning towards writing an offer on a house they didn’t love, but felt it met their needs and after buying it, they could fix it up to their liking. They wanted to be under contract before they flew back to LA and I think they were ok with settling for a less than perfect house for the sake of being able to leave Portland having a house under contract.

While they mulled that house over, a house came on the market in North Tabor that seemed like it could be the one. We immediately went and saw it and both Sarah and Tariq just beamed and they knew within 20 steps into the house that this was the one. It had a classic living room with fireplace, formal dining room and vintage kitchen that looked almost brand new. Two bedrooms on the main floor and one up plus a semi-finished basement. The house had a tuck under garage as well as an oversized double car garage behind the house. One of the things that was on their must have list was a garage for their motorcycles, and this house had the perfect set-up for their bikes. They loved it and decided on the spot they would take the home as-is and waive the inspection contingency. The home was an estate and prior to going on the market the seller pro-actively replaced the sewer line, did a radon test and had soil samples taken and the tank decommissioned. The home was a well built 1951 classic with a foundation built like a tank, but I could tell that the roof had at least 3 layers including the original wood shingle roof, it needed plumbing updates, both the furnace and water heater were ancient and the chimney had seen better days. I put together a list for Sarah and Tariq with repair estimates for all the issues based off very recent bids for similar work. After going through those numbers, it all felt pretty manageable budget wise. They decided they would go the distance to get this house, and the sooner they could get it under contract the better. 99% of the time I would never advise a first time home buyer to waive the home inspection contingency, but in this case it made sense considering the potential big unknowns, sewer and oil tank, were already taken care of and Sarah and Tariq were dying to get the house.

The house was scheduled to have an open house on Sunday, and Sarah and Tariq wanted to get this house under contract before then. We wrote up a great offer that was over asking, waived the right of revocation, ordered the appraisal on day one, did a 26 day close, released the earnest money upon acceptance by the seller and waived the home inspection contingency. I would never advice a buyer to release their earnest money right away, but they were so sure that this was their house that when they asked what else they could throw in to hopefully get the seller to accept their offer right away, that was the really the only thing left. When we submitted the offer on a Friday night, it was as watertight as could be.

The next day, on Saturday, the listing agent called me and said the seller was so pleased with Sarah and Tariq’s offer, that she decided to accept it right away and they canceled the open house scheduled for Sunday. Sarah and Tariq flew back to LA on Sunday knowing that when they drove back to Portland in November, they had a house waiting for them. Even though they waived the home inspection contingency, they still had the home inspected so they would be able to prioritize repairs and know what they were getting into. Thankfully the home inspected like a dream, and pretty much everything I said would come up in an inspection as an issue, came up, and overall the house was in terrific shape. The house closed on a Thursday, and on Saturday morning Sarah and Tariq arrived in Portland with their pup a rented mini-van full of plants and the glow that comes with having the satisfaction of getting keys to their dream home.

This party is just getting started!!

Posted on November 21, 2021 by Tracey Henkels

A big congratulations to Jessica, Michael & Family!

Welp, it happened again folks. I had the privilege of working with fantastic clients and now I want to adopt them! Or, at least have them over for dinner :).

Jessica and Michael were referred to my teammate, Jasmine, and they were such a delight to work with. They came to us looking for a home in inner southeast Portland. They were moving from an area with limited walkability so location was very important to them. We did end up finding a lovely home in a great location but after a hard inspection, we sadly had to move on and look for a different home.

…And I’m so glad we did!

We found the cutest, most special home in Ladd’s Addition for the family! Everything about this purchase was wonderful and full of good vibes! I wish every buyer had the chance to experience a purchase like this one. Jessica and Michael are so head over heels for the neighborhood they have convinced Jessica’s parents to move here to enjoy all the goodness they are experiencing. We are looking forward to working with her parents and hoping for the same kind of magical purchase!

Photo credit for photos of the home: Jack Burnett

Congrats on Your First Home!

Posted on November 9, 2021January 11, 2023 by Living Room Realty

Congratulations to my first-time buyer clients, Dennis and Sam, for closing on their new home! I am excited to see you settle into your new place, and look forward to seeing you make improvements to make the home yours! Thank you so much for your trust and support to guide you through this process.

Mid-Century Delight for Delightful Buyers In Kenton!

Posted on November 2, 2021 by Alyssa Isenstein Krueger

My buyers Annie and Ben were referred to me by one of the great lenders at Portland Housing Center. They were first time home buyers and during our meeting when we met to discuss their plan and get a feel to see if we would be a good fit to work together, we talked about the ideal house for them. They had a really clear idea of exactly what they were looking for and where they wanted to buy. Ben works in Vancouver and Annie works on the inner east side so their ideal house would be in North Portland in Kenton or near I-5. They also wanted something with vintage charm- preferably mid-century, and in good shape that would be easy to maintain. They also wanted a yard and their budget was $400k tops. They were still interviewing agents when a couple of days after we met, I got an email from my wonderful colleague Martin Cross here at Living Room with info on an open house a great listing of his in Kenton was having the next day. On paper that house seemed to meet all the criteria that Annie and Ben had, so I forwarded the email along to them. They responded that indeed, the house looked like it was great and they could tell I had a really good sense of what they were looking for, and that sealed the deal for us working together.

Annie and Ben stopped by the open house and let me know right afterwards the house was beautiful and perfect for them. I went back to see it with them the next day, and the following day we wrote up a great offer. The sellers accepted and 6 days after we first met they were under contract. We had the inspection and it was going really well, with the exception of the roof which we all suspected was toast. And then we got the bad news. At some point the tub overflow drain line had been disconnected so water had been getting behind the tub for a long, long time. Everything under there including subfloor and floor joists were toast. The rot had worked its way into the wall behind the tub plumbing and had spread out from just under the tub to most of the bathroom. The only real fix was to remove the tub, vanity and toilet, gut the bathroom, and then rebuild the bathroom from the subfloor up. Ouch.

A lot of buyers would have walked at this point, but after a few days of hard thinking, Annie and Ben decided that they still loved the house and felt that if there was a way to have this all fixed before they take possession, they would stick with it. They knew they wanted it fixed, and the last thing they wanted was to get keys to their new house and then have to find somewhere else to live while the only bathroom got rebuilt. The next move was finding a contractor who could do the job within the next month. Between Martin the listing agent and myself, we hunkered down and found a few contractors who could go out there to take a look. The first company to get back to us bid the job at nearly 3 times what the sellers wound up paying for the same scope of work and said it would take 4-6 months before the job could be completed. In the end, a contractor who the seller had personally used for other jobs said they could get the entire job done within a couple of weeks including mold remediation, and indeed they did. My buyers even got to pick out new flooring and a new toilet.

Despite such a huge repair, we wound up closing only one week late. The sellers are doing a 3 week occupancy after close, so on the last day of the weekend before Thanksgiving, I will have the honor and pleasure of meeting my buyers at the house to hand over keys.

What a cute house!

Posted on November 2, 2021 by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to Janice and Mic!

I had the pleasure of helping two very kind people buy a lovely home in SW! Janice and Mic were referred to me by a past client, they were looking forward to retiring soon and hoping to find a well-maintained home in a peaceful neighborhood. We found just the place! A lovely home in the Cedar Mill area, perfect for relaxing, close to everything and plenty of space for their cats. So many updates along with an added wing with vaulted ceilings. They couldn’t be happier!

Cheers to Janice and Mic!!

JUST LISTED: Exceptionally Renovated Classic Craftsman

Posted on October 28, 2021 by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED

Exceptionally Renovated Classic Craftsman

4114 SE 14th Ave, Portland, OR 97202

Offered at $799,000

4 Bed | 3 Bath | 2002 SF | MLS# 21169366 | Taxes: $6,644

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, October 30th 11AM-1PM

Video Tour

Gorgeous, remodeled Craftsman with hard-to-find custom woodwork detailing and built-ins, an impressive list of updates and character galore! Approaching the home, you’ll love the lush landscaping, Dutch front door and picture-perfect front porch!

This unique craftsman home has been modernized at almost every turn and it shows! To start, the home features updated cedar siding, beautiful energy-efficient wood windows, and upgraded insulation throughout the home. As you enter, the living and dining rooms are light and bright with gorgeous hardwood floors. The living room glows with a gas fireplace surrounded by a custom mantle and built-in shelving. The dining area touts a sweet corner custom-built wood storage bench with windows that let the light pour in and wrap around you.

The floorplan has great flow, smoothly transitioning you into the stylishly remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances, classic tile flooring & backsplash, custom island, quartz countertops, and lots of counter space. Just down the hall from the kitchen is a conveniently located full bathroom with a claw foot tub and bedroom/den/home office across the hall. A large back porch just off the kitchen offers ample space for outdoor living complete with gas hook-up perfect for your outdoor grill.

An exceptionally beautiful wood staircase leads you upstairs to a magical bonus room that you’re going to love! It’s midway up the stairs, just perfect for little ones, furry friends or whatever your heart desires. Moving all the way up to the top level, you’ll find an awesome family room on the landing with built-in speakers and big, beautiful windows. The primary bedroom at the end of the hall is very spacious with vaulted ceilings and double closets with built-in closet organizer. The en suite bathroom features a walk-in shower with double heads and a lovely cedar sauna. Just down the hall is another large bedroom with tons of windows and natural light.

Winding down the stairs, the mudroom surprises you halfway down to the basement and offers a convenient side door off the driveway, just perfect for unloading the groceries. This mudroom is thoughtfully designed with heated tile floors, custom wood benches and wood shelving/hooks. One of the coolest features in this room is a set of built-in dog bowls & a faucet so refilling their water is a cinch!

Making your way down to the basement, you’ll find a spacious room with built-in shelving, bright overhead lighting, and custom blinds. This area could be easily imagined as a private guest suite, media room, home office, or the coveted 4^th bedroom. The adjoining room is the ideal utility room with a laundry platform, hanger bar for drying clothes, counter space, built-in shelving and a vintage double utility sink.

The backyard is beautifully hardscaped and connects the home to an oversized one-car garage with lots of additional space. This was custom built as a woodshop with ducting for a ventilation system, skylights, many windows, built-in shelving and a large loft. The sky is the limit for what could be imagined for this space!

You will love this sought-after close-in SE location in the Brooklyn neighborhood, just blocks from Brooklyn School park and Winterhaven School! It’s a fantastic neighborhood for walking and biking. Plus, an easy commute to downtown or to I-5!

Updates and Features

A/C (2017)
Foundation with earthquake protection (2006)
New basement slab (2006)
Plumbing updated with pex and copper throughout (2007)
Electrical panels and wiring updated throughout (2007)
Double pane wood windows (2007)
Roof with architectural shingles (2007)
Upgraded insulation throughout with spray foam (2007)
Dry wells each corner of house (2006)
Radon mitigation system (2014)
Garage has an electrical subpanel with meter
Garage is plumbed for dust collection system

We Don’t Want To Waste Your Time

Posted on October 23, 2021January 11, 2023 by Living Room Realty

After 8 years in the real estate industry, I have heard it all. As a Realtor, I am often exposed to the most stressed-out version of each of my clients at one point or another throughout the process. And, since everyone’s timeline, financial situation and overall tolerance of risk is so different, I end up helping my clients work through a variety of different questions, fears, obstacles and decisions. These are the moments that can make or break a Realtor’s level of expertise in my opinion, and are a huge part of why I enjoy what I do.

I get to be a trusted Advisor for my clients during huge moments of their lives.

But back to the point. One of the most common phrases I have noticed over the years comes from my Buyer clients, when they tell me they “don’t want to waste my time.” So, I wanted to address that phrase in this blog installment.

Most commonly, I hear this phrase when someone is in the early stages of their home search, and they are still figuring out which locations to target and what budget they want to stay within. The other times I have heard this, is after weeks or months of looking at properties, without finding the right one.

What I find interesting about both of these scenarios, is that it seems as though people have been conditioned to believe that they shouldn’t call their Realtor, until they are ready to make an offer on a home. Or, that there is a finite period of time that they should be finding their home within. Otherwise, they might be wasting my time.

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Having sold nearly 200 homes in my time as a Realtor, I can confidently say that everyone’s timeframe for finding the right property is different. I have had people buy the very first house I showed them, and I have had people take a year or more to find “the one.” Neither instance is right, and neither is wrong. The goal remains the same — finding a property that you connect with and want to purchase!

Sometimes the best way to accomplish this goal, is to see as many homes as possible in person, which can provide super valuable information as to what will or won’t work for you in the property that you purchase. And I LOVE being a part of this process! The better understanding that I have for what your dream home is, or what your goals are for that particular property, the better I can serve you. Being involved in this part of the process also allows me to add my experience and expertise into the mix as well, and hopefully offer some valuable insight that you may not have thought about.

Either way, the bottom line is that working with you all is an absolute pleasure, and as your trusted real estate advisor, I love being involved in your process for buying or selling a home from start to finish!

Oh, and it never feels anything close to being a waste of time.

West Hills Beauty with Views!

Posted on October 21, 2021 by Veronica Powell

Beautifully updated for convenient, comfortable living. The main floor great room layout is perfect for busy every day lives and great for entertaining. The lower level family room has a slider to a 2nd balcony and a wet bar, great for cozy evenings and ready for your next party. A nicely placed 3BR/2BA + laundry are all on the same level. This one is move in ready and oh so lovely! Check out the link below for more photos and info.

3928 SW Hewett

Reach out for a private showing or, if you have a home to sell in the area, I’m happy to help.

Veronica Powell

Veronica@LivingRoomRE.com

503.936.3475

Thank you for being a friend!

Posted on October 21, 2021 by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to Laura & Her Kiddos!!

Laura is a good friend of my teammate, Jasmine Deatherage’s and I’m so glad I met her! She is so bright & funny! And now, Laura just closed on that house!! It’s a super unique A-Frame with tons of exposed wood and a fantastically updated upper level.

Another great part of Laura’s story is that she was able to use funds from the Portland Housing Center’s IDA program to help pay for her closing costs! I highly recommend that you look into this program to see if you or someone you know might qualify. HERE is the link!

Jasmine and I wish Laura all the best in her wonderful new home!

Just Listed! Waterfront Condo in Johns Landing

Posted on October 15, 2021 by Greg Washington

Top floor condo on the waterfront in Johns Landing. Features include sliding doors from living room and bedroom to large balcony with view to the Willamette River, open floor plan with vaulted ceiling, stone fireplace, central air, mini split. Gourmet kitchen features granite countertop, stainless appliances and eating bar. Hardwood and tile flooring in living area, carpet in bedroom. Deeded parking and washer/dryer included. Easy access to walking/bike path along the Willamette, easy trip to downtown (foot, bike and car) and I-5. Convenient urban living with the feel of a retreat!

5150 S. Landing Dr. Unit 305-B2, Portland, 97239

1 Bedroom/1 Bath/ 774 sq. ft.

I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying

Posted on October 13, 2021January 11, 2023 by Living Room Realty

One of the best things about being a Realtor, is getting to be part of such a momentous occasion in people’s lives. For many, purchasing a home is a goal they have had for many years, prior to actually being in a position to do so. Then, when it actually all comes together, the gratitude my clients express to me for guiding and advising them through the process, is truly humbling.

On many occasions, I end up becoming great friends with my clients, through the shared adversity, excitement and joy that can come from purchasing a home. When the deal closes, and the stress melts away, the friendship and bond that has been built doesn’t. Being able to work with clients who I genuinely enjoy and care for as people, is what gives me that extra level of passion for what I do.

Thank you all for always trusting me as your resource for all things Real Estate. I am forever grateful!

Arbor Lodge Cutie!

Posted on October 8, 2021October 8, 2021 by Veronica Powell

This Arbor Lodge cutie is SOLD!

If you are considering a move and live in the area (or want to!) I’d be happy to help.

The market is not as crazy as our springtime madness but listings that are properly prepped for market, priced strategically and marketed properly are still selling quickly. If you’re thinking of buying, Fall is a great time to do that too!

Reach out! I’m happy to share our current market conditions with you.

Veronica Powell

Veronica@LivingRoomRE.com

503.936.3475

JUST LISTED: Classy Sylvan Daylight Ranch

Posted on October 7, 2021October 7, 2021 by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED

710 SW VIEWMONT DR Portland, OR 97225

Offered at $720,000

5 Bed | 2 Bath | 2896 SF | MLS# 21169366 | Taxes: $7,179

OPEN HOUSES: Sat 10/9 10AM-12PM & Sun 10/10 11AM-1PM

VIDEO TOUR

This well-maintained daylight ranch is perched high off the street in the gorgeous West Haven-Sylvan neighborhood! Lovely terraced, mature landscaping and a convenient half circle driveway give this home so much curb appeal.

Entering the foyer, you’re going to love the vaulted entry and abundance of natural light. An open staircase leads you up to the main level with a wonderful open floor plan, hardwood floors throughout and updated double-pane windows all around. The spacious living room has a cozy gas fireplace for those chilly months of the year. In the adjacent formal dining room, French doors deliver you onto an oversized, covered patio terrace overlooking the lush out of doors. This private exterior terrace is an extension of the home and has ample space for both outdoor dining and lounging: a truly wonderful space for entertaining! The formal dining room is conveniently located next to the warm and inviting remodeled kitchen touting stainless steel appliances, plenty of storage, granite countertops and a gas range.

The layout of this 5-bedroom house is an absolute dream with 3 bedrooms on the main with a full bathroom and 2 more bedrooms on the lower level with a full bathroom. Both bathrooms are large & clean, perhaps they could be waiting for your personal touch. Stay comfortable all year with central air conditioning and 2 fireplaces.

Head on down to the stairs and you’ll find charm around every corner! The lower level is a cleverly designed space with optimum livability, featuring a family room with a wood-burning fireplace. This space is easily imagined as a media room, guest quarters, really the possibilities are endless! You’ll appreciate how much storage this home will bring you, with a large utility/storage room, ample closets throughout and an oversized 2-car garage with large hanging shelves to maximize storage.

Congratulations Jessi and Lily!!

Posted on October 6, 2021October 6, 2021 by Tracey Henkels

First-Time Home Buyers!! Making it Happen!!

I’m so impressed with Lily and Jessi! They were great to work with from day one. And, I know you hear me gush about how great my referrals are, a lot! But, hey, it’s true! Jasmine and I were very lucky to have met them and worked with them. They are two of the kindest people I’ve met.

Lily and Jessi were looking for a great starter home as well as something close to Lily’s parent’s house in NE Portland. We weren’t sure if we were going to be able to find something within their price range within blocks of her parent’s house. The market has been nuts and cute, well-maintained houses like this one have been flying off the shelf. On this one, I’m going to say we got it because we had very strong terms plus fantastic communication with the listing agent, right off the bat. And as it goes sometimes, we had big hurdles to overcome during the transaction and again, it was a great communication that kept it all together and pleasant for everyone involved.

I am so happy for Lily and Jessi!! This house is darling and in the perfect location to put down roots.

Cheers!

JUST LISTED: Awesome Ardenwald Bungalow

Posted on September 30, 2021September 30, 2021 by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED

8706 SE 28TH AVE Milwaukie, OR 97222

Offered at $525,000

4 Bed | 1 Bath | 2872 SF | MLS# 21231882 | Taxes: $3,976

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday 10/2 12PM-2PM

VIDEO TOUR

Check out this charming Ardenwald bungalow in a truly special pocket of Milwaukie. The home shines with classic detailing and character galore! Perched above the street, you’ll love the charming front porch and lovely front door with sidelights. It’s the perfect place to relax with your morning coffee or just watch the beauty that surrounds you.

An inviting and oversized living room greets you with hardwood floors and 2 beautiful picture windows. The entire home is bathed in bright natural light and cozy vibes. The living room flows seamlessly into the formal dining room which acts as a nice axis point to the kitchen and spacious backyard. The perfect layout for entertaining both inside and out!

Moving through to the kitchen, you’ll notice how large & spacious this space feels. This kitchen features lots of storage, counter space and cabinets as well as dishwasher & breakfast bar.

The layout of this 4 bedroom house is an absolute dream with 2 bedrooms up and 2 on the main level. The full bathroom on the main level is nicely remodeled and centrally located to all bedrooms!!

The low-maintenance backyard is lovely and perfect for outdoor living and entertaining. The yard is fully fenced and includes a large shed for additional, convenient storage for your lawnmower, outdoor furniture, gardening tools, etc… Walk only one block to connect to the Spring Water Corridor! Also, a short walk over the pedestrian bridge brings you swiftly to the MAX SE Tacoma/Johnson Creek park and ride for easy commutes and City fun!

Plus, loads of storage space and laundry in the unfinished basement!

This home has so much character, convenience and appeal that you might just fall head over heels!

Congratulations Zoe and Jonathan!

Posted on September 28, 2021 by Tracey Henkels

Congratulation!

I met Zoe and Jonathan through my teammate Jasmine Deatherage! GO TEAM!

Jasmine and I are a tight-knit duo and it’s been awesome meeting the clients that she brings to the fold. Zoe and Jonathan were wonderful to work with! They found the cutest townhouse in NE Portland and it’s the BEST unit in the building. They lucked out! It’s so well maintained and in a very walkable neighborhood.

I wish them all the best!

Distinctive University Park With A View

Posted on September 27, 2021September 27, 2021 by Tracey Henkels

Just Listed!

VIDEO TOUR

4717 N WILLAMETTE BLVD Portland, OR 97203

Offered at $625,000

3 Bed | 3 Bath | 2799 SF | MLS# 21344545 | Taxes: $8,235

TWILIGHT OPEN HOUSE: Thursday 9/30 5:30 PM-7:30 PM

What a knockout! Gorgeous, wonderfully preserved classic home with a classic Willamette Boulevard view.

Upon entry, you’ll notice the high level of care shown to this home with gorgeous wood floors, bright sunny spaces, remodeled kitchen, 2 remodeled bathrooms and a wonderful floor plan. The living room is perfect for entertaining with a classic wood fireplace, lovely mantle and large bay windows overlooking the city and river.

The open floorplan flows easily through the formal dining room and updated kitchen featuring plenty of counterspace, stainless steel appliances and classic tile backsplash. The formal dining room is bright and spacious with French doors opening onto the patio.

Moving through to the kitchen toward the back, you’ll find a fantastic informal dining room/sunroom. The space could be a wonderful spot for lounging, the perfect place for all of your house plants or a breakfast nook! This room opens to the very private backyard with breezeway to the oversized 2-car garage.

The layout of the home is ideal, with 2 large bedrooms and a full bathroom on the main level. The second floor offers a lovely primary suite with wood floors, a full bathroom, walk in closet and storage galore on one whole side room.

Winding downstairs to the basement you’ll find a clean basement with great ceiling height. A third bathroom just waiting for a remodel is conveniently located on the lower level. This is a very large space easily imagined as a media room, family room, yoga room… really, the possibilities are endless!

The location is ideal: Great for walking and biking. Check out this gorgeous and inviting home, you might just want it to be yours!

The Value of Local Expertise

Creating a Lasting Connection with Your Home

Celebrating Your Real Estate Journey

1. Unresolvable Issues in the Home Inspection

2. Appraisal Comes in Lower Than the Purchase Price

3. Title Issues

4. Financing Falls Through

5. Neighborhood Concerns

6. HOA Restrictions

7. Seller’s Non-Disclosure

8. Personal Circumstances Change

The Takeaway

1131 NE 106th

$499,000

Come see this luxurious, affordable home today and make it your own.

Well, have you heard the news?! The City Of Portland is helping first time home buyers with down payment assistance loans.

Down Payment Assistance Loans award amounts can be up to $80,000 – $100,000 and include the opportunity for total loan forgiveness. That’s right, the city of Portland is helping qualified first time home buyers with financial opportunities to make home ownership a realty.

2033 NE 53rd Ave.

Portland, Oregon, 97213

OFFERED AT $989,000

5 BED| 3 BATH | 3,486 SQ. FT.

MLS# 24391325 | TAXES: $7,867

Eating your way around Sunnyside neighborhood

Hoda’s – Classic Lebanese Feeds My Soul

Bluto’s – New Kid On The Block

Pad Thai Kitchen – Incredible Staff

Waffle Window – The Kids #1 Choice

The Hazel Room – Tea & Conversations

Harlow – Health Focused

Straight From New York Pizza – A Favorite For The Kids

1. Choose the Best Bird Feeders

2. Opt for Nutritious Bird Food Blends

3. Provide Fresh Water Daily

4. Create Shelter with Native Plants

5. Maintain Cleanliness for Bird Health

6. Be Patient and Observant

Conclusion

Here are my thoughts on how to get what you want with a tight budget. Let’s get creative and be informed.

Look at Cosmetic Fixers:

Fix your credit:

Talk to multiple lenders:

Look into rate buydowns:

Always get an inspection:

Look for solid big-ticket items already in place:

Focus on location and layout:

Be realistic about the renovation lifestyle:

Research the Market:

Look for Motivated Sellers:

Don’t Lowball:

Be Patient:

Backup Offers:

Flexibility:

COUNTRY VIBES IN THE CITY $565,000

10540 N Midway Ave, Portland, OR 97203

Offered at $565,000

4 bed | 2 bath | 2288 sq. ft. MLS# 23027270 | Taxes: $5,282.00 Lot Size: .19 Acre

View Listing Details HERE

Coffee shops are community!

What about St. Johns Real Estate?

If you’re considering the St. Johns neighborhood, I’m here to guide you.

Congratulations to my clients!

As you may already know, my business is referral based and I love meeting new people. So you can imagine how happy I was when a past client recommended Jane and their partner to me. It was such a joy getting to know them on their house hunt!

Here’s a little rundown of how it went.

So in this case, some things did come up in the investigations and we negotiated a credit and a price reduction. A couple of weeks later we had fun at the signing and a few days later we wrapped it all in a bow and I gave them keys.

Please reach out if you’re interested in talking about buying or selling a home. I’m always here for a check-in about the current market, lender recommendations or anything I can do to help advocate for your homeownership.

Drink up the sun.

Bring your lavender dreams to life.

Alberta/Killingsworth Top Picks & Resources

By Sorcha Porter: Licensed Assistant to Shannon Dooley

The main advantages to owning a multi unit property are the following;

The example case study we are using to illustrate this is a recent sale on N Albina that was listed for $699,900.00.

In conclusion…

Empowerment in a Frenzied Market

Tips for nabbing your next home using creative shopping strategies:

How we can help!

What can you do?

Financial readiness means your documentation is ready to go!

On your mark

Understand pricing

Repairs

4 bed | 2 bath | 2288 sq. ft.
MLS# 23027270 | Taxes: $5,282.00 Lot Size: .19 Acre