Tag: SEpdx

SOLD in South Tabor // Blank Canvas Ready for Their Vision!

Posted on by Olivia Rush

Congratulations to Rachel and Ryan on the purchase of their first home!

Rachel and Ryan took a few detours in their home journey. They originally reached out to me via Instagram in 2020, but surprise, had to make some life pivots that year.

They landed in Seattle, had a second child, and traveled through Europe. This summer Ryan landed a job in Portland, so they reached back out and we picked up right where we had left off.

Y’all see me post a lot of *pretty* houses, but there’s a special kind of house, a pragmatic choice, an underdog in a sea of MCMs and Craftsmans, that I encourage my buyers to consider. The humble, the plain, the practical Snout House. (The “snout’ refers to the garage-forward design of these homes).

You’ve seen ‘em all over SE neighborhoods. They are small but mighty, and often a better bang for your buck. No unlivable basements or 100+ year old foundations. Newer systems and one-level living. Convenient attached garages and fairly open living spaces. And if you’re lucky: two full baths and vaulted ceilings.

Not everyone’s cup of tea – but Rachel and Ryan were open. As we toured more homes, the benefits of a home like this became more apparent.

We found this South Tabor Plain Jane in a stellar location on a tucked-away cul-de-sac. As we toured it, it started checking off boxes. Maybe every box except for “cute.” But that is the beauty of a blank canvas – you get to cute-ify it to your own taste, at your own pace, without paying for someone else’s design choices.

Fortunately, R+R both work in design, so the *vision* piece came naturally. We scooped her up right after a big price drop, $25K under their max budget – money they can now invest in upgrades THEY choose. Lovingly cared for by the original owner for 30+ years, and with fresh paint and flooring already done, she’s also move-in ready for this family of 4.

The bonus? I helped my friends (another young family) purchase the house two doors down a few years ago. They met during our showing, chatting on the sidewalk with the kids running around in the cul-de-sac. Instant community, we love to see it.

CONGRATULATIONS Rachel and Ryan! I’m excited to see how you transform this house into your home.

#portlandrealtor #pdxrealtor #snouthouse #firsttimehomebuyers #southtabor

Off-Market Success: Finally Home in Foster Powell!

Posted on by Olivia Rush

Look at these two, looking the cutest on key day!

It’s been a journey. We started looking at homes in fall 2022. In November 2023, we had an offer accepted on a very, very different type of property. Thankfully, we dodged a bullet and terminated.

Terminating a transaction can feel like taking a giant step back. Instead, I encourage my clients to view it as a massive learning experience. We often get REAL CLEAR on what we do/don’t want after these experiences.

So it was with laser focus that N+L started looking again this spring/summer. We learned about an off market property coming to market in a few weeks and threw our hat in the ring.

Lucky for us, the sellers were eager to get the ball rolling. Double lucky for us, inspections were suuuuper chill. (Actually, not luck, but part of our strategy in looking at newer homes this time around).

The home appraised quite a bit higher than our purchase price – always love that instant equity. After closing and 3 weeks of rent back, these two finally got the keys to their first home (but not after a minor key fiasco as the final cherry on top of our 2+ year journey).

Cheers Nick + Lorreina 🥂 Welcome to the neighborhood! ✨

Just Listed: Portland At Your Fingertips!

Posted on by Olivia Rush

City living at its finest in the heart of SE! Welcome to this livable corner unit at the Belmont Dairy Rowhouses, one of the first historic infill projects in inner Portland. This established community resides along a peaceful promenade just moments from the best of Belmont in the Sunnyside Neighborhood.

This efficient floor plan with two en-suite bedrooms is the largest in the community and offers flexible live/work options, with 3 beds and 3 full baths. Nestled on the interior of a paver courtyard with arbors teeming with greenery, the home features its own gated pied-a-terre entry, perfect for your container garden or BBQ.

The ground floor features a generous entry area, en-suite bedroom (perfect for working from home or hosting guests), plus access to the attached 1-car garage. The second level features an open layout for modern living, with tall ceilings, a gas fireplace, and so many windows casting beautiful natural light throughout the day. The efficient kitchen features stainless steel appliances, ample storage with a large pantry, and opens to the spacious dining and living areas, perfect for entertaining. On the third level, discover the second en-suite bedroom with walk-in closet, plus third bedroom and third full bath with washer/dryer down the hallway.

From this sleek, modern perch, Portland is at your fingertips. Buslines, restaurants, cafes, bars, grocery, library, gyms, salons all literally a stone’s throw away. Moments to Laurelhurst Park, H Mart, Old Pal, Stumptown, and so much more.

Freshly painted interior, newer water heater, new roof in 2021, wired for CAT6 ethernet & fiber, many USB outlets throughout, smart-home lighting & thermostat. 95 walkscore, 100 bikescore, 7 energy score! Rent cap not met, HOA $355/month.

3 bed | 3 bath | 1779 sq ft | 1 car attached garage | built 1999 | HOA: $355/monthly

Offered at $550,000 | MLS: 24260582.

View photos, video, floor plan, and 3d tour here!

Listed by Olivia Rush w/ Living Room Realty.

Just Listed: Sweet + Sunny Woodstock Bungalow

Posted on by Olivia Rush

This Woodstock bungalow is a sunny delight that checks all the boxes! This 4-bed, 2-bath home exudes charm and offers options and opportunity.  The spacious living room features a gas fireplace, original hardwoods and built-ins, picture rail and coved ceilings.

The kitchen was remodeled in 2017, including new cabinets, counters, backsplash, and SS appliances. It opens to a large dining space, brightly lit by a large south-facing picture window.  The main level offers flexible living options, with three spacious bedrooms and a full bathroom featuring original patterned penny tile.

Head downstairs to find a large 4th bedroom with double closets and egress window, plus a second full bath, and large utility and flex spaces, ripe for work-from-home options, another hangout zone, or thanks to exterior entry, potential future separate living quarters?

Don’t miss the front porch and sunroom, perfect for plants and all your gear, as you head outside. Fresh landscaping and mature plantings give the fully fenced yard a private feel, and several garden beds await your green thumb! Oversized 2-car garage with attached storage shed offers even more potential development potential, or perfect as-is for your workshop or storing all your gear.

Move in or add it to your investment portfolio! Updates include: newer roof (2019), chimney work (2019), sewer line (2014), kitchen remodel (2017), decommissioned oil tank (2014). Ideally located minutes to parks, cafes, shops, and restaurants in Woodstock and Fopo. 

4 BD | 2 BA | 2118 SF | 0.11 AC | c. 1928

MLS: 23584008 | Offered at $575,000

See more photos here!

Just Listed // Pleasant Surprise Backyard Oasis in FoPo!

Posted on by Olivia Rush

This one’s for the dreamers and the doers! A pleasant surprise to all who enter, this small but mighty home lives much larger than you’d expect. The efficient layout maximizes space and instantly gives off home-sweet-home vibes.

The living room, with its original hardwoods and large picture window, opens to the kitchen and dining space, perfect for entertaining, cooking, and gatherings large and small! Continue on to two spacious bedrooms with sizable closets and a bathroom that pays homage to this home’s love of plants.

The kitchen flows effortlessly outside for optimal BBQing and relaxing dinners under the stars year round. While you’re out there, enjoy the large covered patio, gardening area, shed, mature poplar tree, privacy fencing, and hot tub zone.

Lots of recent updates (mini split system with AC, new water line + heater, roof, seismic upgrades, marmoleum kitchen floors, interior paint, privacy fencing and large pergola), so you can focus on the fun stuff.

4606 SE 78th Ave, Portland, OR 97206

2 bed | 1 bath | 792 sq ft | 0.16 acres | built 1954

Offered at $400,000 | Click for more photos!

Adorable SE Bungalow

Posted on by Karim Alaeddine

Adorable Southeast Bungalow

4611 SE 50th Ave | Portland, OR 97206

Offered at $399,900 | ML #22240309

2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 824 SF

Adorable Southeast Bungalow. Clean one level layout features ample kitchen space, two bedrooms and renovated bathroom. Great outdoor spaces; gardens, fenced private yard, covered front porch. Updates throughout; lighting, windows, siding, paint, roof. Area amenities include parks, restaurants, cafes, bike routes and all the offerings of Foster and Woodstock.

Photo Slideshow

Start ’em Young…Tyler’s First Investment

Posted on by Olivia Rush

Congratulations to Tyler, who has just purchased his first real estate investment at the ripe old age of 24!

Tyler was referred to me by past clients/friends of mine. He is a foreman at an electrical company, and seriously ambitious. During our first conversations, Tyler shared with me his long-term goal of acquiring properties as a means of passive income and eventually to fund his retirement.

Tyler was open to many different neighborhoods, but wanted to be on the east side. Initially, he thought he wanted a house that needed some sweat equity. We saw a handful of homes, and his search quickly pivoted. Since he wanted to rent out some bedrooms right away, homes in better shape were more appealing.

I had had my eye on a house a few blocks away from me that was newly listed and had used it as an example of the kind of house we should be looking for. It was what I call a “plain Jane” home – clean and in good condition but nothing fancy – and a 3/2. It was listed a bit above Tyler’s price max, but after just one week on the market, it dropped 30K in price.

Tyler called me as soon he saw the price drop, and we both agreed we needed to see it STAT. Even though he had just driven all the way back to Beaverton from seeing other homes in SE, he got back in his car. Since the house was literally blocks away, I was able to sneak away from a gathering I was hosting for 10 minutes to show the house.

It didn’t even take 10 minutes – Tyler wanted this house. We knew we needed to submit an offer that evening, before the weekend’s open houses. We offered a bit over the new price but less than the previous price – and added a $5K signing bonus if they accepted it before noon the next day. The house had been a rental property, the Sellers just wanted it sold – we were pending by 9:30am!

We were able to negotiate a sizable chunk of credit for repairs, and the appraisal came in supporting value. Tyler got his keys over the weekend, and we celebrated as one does when they buy their first house at 24 – with a shot of tequila! Cheers to this smart young man for taking steps early on to set himself up for success later. Can’t wait to help with the purchase of investment property 2!

A Lifetime’s Work

Posted on by Olivia Rush

This realtor just may have accomplished her most impressive and life-spanning goal yet.

Mikaela and I grew up together in Maine. We were two young, fun-loving dorks (still are, less young); see photo below for reference.

Boston Museum of Science photo booth, c. 1996.

Over the years, we’ve only grown closer. We visited each other at college, danced together at concerts, traveled 6 months through South America, been bridesmaids in our friends’ weddings, hiked through national parks and encountered bears, pampered ourselves in Hawaiian resort hotel rooms, and shared too many bottles of wine and hours of trash TV to count.

Problem was, we never lived in the same place. I uprooted from the East coast in 2008, drove cross country to Portland, and haven’t looked back. Mikaela has always lived for Big City Energy – first Brooklyn, then San Fran, and a very brief stint in Amsterdam. We visited each other as often as possible over the past 15 years, and it was always my grand plan to get all my Maine ladies out to Portland. I had succeeded with two so far, but Mik proved to be a more challenging convert.

Then 2020 happened. Life plans upended by COVID, Mikaela moved to Portland [tentatively] and into my house in April 2020. To be clear, this was for-the-time-being. But Portland – even during a pandemic – has its way of growing on you.

Slowly. It grew slowly. Mikaela toyed with putting down roots here, and made some offers on houses that received an ungodly amount of interest – 24 and 29 offers, respectively. But, as we realtors like to preach, things usually happen for a reason. As we turned the corner to summer 2021, life stuff started to fall into place, and Mikaela firmly dug in. A couple offers were made with more conviction, but alas – neither house was meant to be.

What WAS meant to be was the ABSOLUTELY MOST PERFECT CHARMER OF A BUNGALOW that happened to be…[honestly too good to be true]…four blocks from my house. We were stunned when we saw it hit the market. Bonus – it was listed by fellow Living Room agents Tracy Dau and Chris Speth. We revved up for what turned out to be one of the most intense down-to-the-last-minute, submit-your-absolute-highest-and-best-and-then-make-it-even-a-little-stronger, offer scenarios I’ve participated in.

Getting our offer accepted was truthfully biggest challenge – it didn’t really matter what happened after that. Of course, a 1909 bungalow will always come with its quirks and projects, but it had been well loved and cared for. Despite there being a very strong backup offer in place, the sellers were willing to work with us on a few age-related items, which sweetened the situation even more.

I could tear up thinking about how special it has been to have my best friend of 25+ years live with me during a very challenging time, but the waterworks really come on when I realize she is here to stay. Few transactions have felt as special as this one. I am overjoyed to officially welcome Mikaela to Portland (and to our beloved FoPo!) and congratulate her on independently purchasing her first home. Cheers to Mikaela, and cheers to many more hours of wine-sipping and TV-watching in her Living Room!

 

Two older fun-loving dorks, Portland OR, c. 2021.

Backup for the Win in Woodstock!

Posted on by Olivia Rush

Congratulations to Jewelie, Andy, and their sweet pup Odessa on the purchase of their new home in Woodstock!

Jewelie and Andy had been having a rough go of it in this Sellers’ market. Last summer, they sold their NE home of 30 years with a different agent. They were tired of living on a busy street, and were ready for their next house project. Purchasing a home proved to be a more difficult task than selling.

Jewelie and Andy worked with two realtors prior to reaching out to Living Room Realty. They had put offers on eight homes with no success, and felt that their agents were not advocating for them. When we were connected, I explained the realities of this market, but swore to them that I would do everything in my power to help them secure their next home.

Since they had sold their home last summer, Jewelie and Andy had been living in a rudimentary cabin out by Mt. Hood. Therefore, we had to be strategic about timing their trips into town to coordinate when most new inventory was hitting the market.

After seeing the first few homes with Jewelie, her love of older, classic Portland homes became apparent. She would gush about the details and in-tact finishes of historic homes. We saw several homes that would be considered “updated” or “turnkey,” but it was the rougher-around-the-edges homes needing a little love that really excited her.

Wary of more heartbreak, Jewelie and Andy held off on making any offers the first few times we toured. That is, until we toured the worn-down-but-well-loved bungalow on a quarter acre in Woodstock. Jewelie loved it so much that we toured it twice, and even brought Odessa to get her advice on the yard and neighborhood!

Revising our offer multiple times, Jewelie and Andy put forth their very highest and best. Unfortunately, out of six offers, there was one other buyer who was able to offer more attractive pricing and terms. With heads hung, we signed backup offer paperwork, but knew this ship had sailed. Who backs out of a transaction in this market?

Turns out, the first position buyer! After inspections, she was overwhelmed by the amount of work needed and bailed. Jewelie and Andy, having fixed up many older homes, were not afraid of the work, and we began gathering bids for the various repairs needed. The list was quite long, and in the end our concession ask totaled above $55,000. An insane amount, but also, necessary to make the repairs to bring the house to livable standards.

We held our breath as we sent over our ask. Lo and behold, with less than 24 hours left in our due diligence period, the Seller sent back a signed acceptance! Two weeks later, and not without some last minute closing- and wire- related snafus, I was able to finally hand Jewelie and Andy the keys to their new Portland home!

I am so proud of these two for their tenacity and creativity, and can’t wait to see the magic they work there. (I’ve already seen about a hundred wallpaper and tile samples, and let me tell you, this house is NOT going to be like every other white-walled home out there!) The work has just begun, but for Jewelie and Andy, it’s all downhill from here. Cheers to the new homeowners!

 

Ice Storm Win!

Posted on by Olivia Rush

Congratulations to Lauren and Taran on the successful purchase of their first home together! This was NOT your typical buying in  Portland in 2021 scenario – and thank goodness for that.

Lauren and Taran are dear friends of mine, so we got down to the nitty gritty quickly. We saw a handful of “cute, charming” homes that would have “worked,” but nothing we saw felt right. As the days grew shorter, inventory dwindled. They were eager to get in the game, but nothing of interest was popping up. We had numerous conversations (almost every time we saw a home) about holding out until we found something that really clicked. They considered writing a few offers on a couple homes (one of which received 29 offers – no thanks!), but ultimately stuck to their guns.

And good thing, too! It was in early February that their patience paid off (maybe with the help of some divine weather intervention.) A home popped up that checked their boxes – especially the large-lot-in-fantastic-location box – and was well under budget.  Thanks to an ice storm, we were some of the only people who viewed the property over the first weekend. (Reason #784 why I love my AWD RAV4!) Taran and Lauren excitedly submitted their first offer Friday evening and anxiously waited three days for the Seller’s response. Finally, the good news came: we were able to secure the house AT list price without giving up their firstborn child or a kidney!

From that point, the transaction moved forward smoothly. Overall, the home was in GREAT condition, especially for its age. We were able to negotiate a small credit for a honey-do list of repairs, and the appraisal came in a good chunk ABOVE what my clients paid.

In this incredibly competitive sellers market, this transaction was a HUGE win on all accounts. Now let’s carry this same easy-breezy energy into selling their home next month!

Multiple Offers in SE Portland!

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

This awesome SE Portland home Just Sold over the asking price!  It was on the market just 3 days and received 3 offers in what is typically a slower time of the year!

Updated & Move-In Ready 2 Bed, 1 Bath in SE Portland. Perfect one level starter home, down-sizer or investment property! Recent updates include: roof, triple paned windows, exterior paint, kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, window coverings, interior paint, flooring, light fixtures, & bathroom. Fenced backyard with garden area. Room for RV parking! Trails & parks nearby.

One of the coolest things about my job is when I have multiple offers to present to my sellers!  Call me at 503-701-1000 to learn about what I do to get homes SOLD!