Tag: Shannon Dooley

Launchpad For Year Round Outdoor Fun!

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Tucked in at the base of the Mt. Hood National Forest in Estacada, this beautiful Thomas Heights home provides the perfect balance of open space, desirable amenities, and access to nature.

Open Living Area

The main floor greets you with an incredible great room illuminated by numerous windows that bring a sense of tranquility as they seemingly allow the trees to envelop you. Soaking in that feeling as you warm yourself by the gas fireplace on a cold rainy day is an experience that gives the word home a new meaning. Simply enjoying your coffee or unwinding from your day on the covered deck can make you feel like you’re at a getaway in the woods. The balance between nature and home is palpable here.

You’ll be ready to for cozy weekend brunch or hosting large gatherings with the chef’s kitchen featuring gas appliances, a sizable island, quartz countertops, farmhouse sink, tiled backsplash, and pantry. Before we leave the main floor we can’t overlook the full bathroom and a bedroom that could easily flex as an ample office space.

Upstairs three well appointed bedrooms share a full bathroom and a separate family room gives plenty of space for everyone in the home. The primary suite is filled with light, has a spa-like en suite bathroom with soaking tub, double sinks, and a walk-in tiled shower. From there you enter the expensive walk-in closet with direct access to the laundry room. The design details in this home create a flow of functionality that many builders and architects overlook.

This community has the vibe of modern Scandinavian farmhouse meets Pacific Northwest Mountainscape, a truly flattering combination. The development is made of up 33 homes and has given priority to preserving the natural areas, retaining over 7 acres of green space within the community. Greentown homes is known for designing energy efficient homes with luxury amenities, using sustainable materials, and thoughtful finishes, as their standard.

MLS# 22375707 | Taxes: $5179 | Lot Size: .18 Acre

Header Photo by Dale Nibbe on Unsplash

Dreamy Storybook Craftsman

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This storybook Craftsman greets you with a large vaulted front porch and is surrounded by a quiet and serene yard. The deck delights with treetop views and is perfect for entertaining. 9’ ceilings and gorgeous stone fireplace create a feeling of comfort and warmth. The kitchen boasts fabulous cabinet colors and new stainless appliances. Two bedrooms on the main level, the larger is suitable as an owner’s suite with coved ceilings, a sitting area, and a walk-in closet. Heading to the lower level you’ll find the oversized owner’s suite with private entrance, full bathroom, and walk-in closet. Great contender for possible ADU conversion, check with the county. The remaining portion of the lower level contains a full workshop with workbenches and storage. This home is only two blocks from the river, yet is out of the flood zone. Close to dining, shops, and transit. Quick drive to downtown PDX!

Easy Breezy Living in Vancouver

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This lovely home is ready for its next adventure!

On the main level the living room has a gas fireplace that is oh so inviting as the days get colder. Use the open space to create a beautiful dining space with  sliders that open to the patio while the open kitchen that looks over it all. Separated from the living area is a half bath and an office/den/bonus room. Upstairs the primary suite includes a full bathroom and walk in closet, and the other two bedrooms have a shared Jack/Jill style full bathroom. 2 car garage. Close to the neighborhood park, easy freeway access. Low HOA $39/mo

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts

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Today is special. Today I will give M & A keys to their first home. Their first home! It’s just so exciting. I’ve known M for about 15 years, we worked together, we commiserated together, and now when we see one another we can just chill together. It makes me so happy to be the person they chose to lead them through this process.

If you and I have ever had a conversation about real estate you already know that I find true joy in working with first time homebuyers.  There is just so much potential that comes with owning a home. In the big picture it’s a way to gain longitudinal wealth, an investment that may be used to propel you into something new, or simply the security of never having your rent raised again. In the day to day there is the feeling of safety, of having a place to grow and evolve, and knowing there is a place that offers comfort the moment you walk through the door. Lastly, we can’t forget the ever present improvements and projects. Sometimes fun and sometimes challenging, home projects almost always come through with an opportunity for growth. You’re going to learn things on YouTube that you never thought you’d need to know!

 

Charming Alberta Bungalow

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This 1909 Alberta Arts bungalow has been lovingly maintained and thoughtfully updated. With high ceilings, large windows and fresh interior paint, this space is full of light! The beautiful, original, fir floors in the formal living and dining room are still in place. Details include original moulding, new lighting, and an updated kitchen and bath. The outdoor areas do not disappoint with sweet covered front and back porches, a backyard patio, established apple and fig trees, grapes, blueberries and strawberries. The home offers off street parking, and is on a designated bike route with a walk score of 91!

Update: This house spent 4 days on the market and sold for $70K over asking!

Let’s Fix It Up!

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On a sunny Saturday morning I got a text from a client who saw a house in her neighborhood had come up for sale. It is incredibly rare that things in this small neighborhood come on the market so she was incredibly excited. The house was about a mile away from her parents, who she is incredibly close with, and was just the kind of fixer-upper she was looking for. A couple of hours later there we were, inside this house with amazing bones, great architectural details to work with, and a makeshift trapeze in the bedroom. I mean… really, what else does one need in their first home?

She knew immediately this was the perfect house for her, or it would be after she had a little time to do some fixing. So we got busy talking and came up with a competitive offer. We were up against several developers, who likely had oodles of cash to throw at this property, and we weren’t sure we could compete. And we were right, in the end we were not the highest offer. But our offer was accepted!

Three weeks later I was able to hand my client the keys to her first home. If you know me, you know how much I love giving keys to first time homebuyers. I feel like I’m handing them an endless world of possibilities that this investment will bring in the future. 🏡

 

Sometimes Everything Changes

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My clients loved their California home for decades, they made a lifetime of memories there. They enjoyed amazing friends and neighbors, being close to the beach, and weather that many people just dream about. Their kids were grown, living in Portland, which gave them  every opportunity to visit their second favorite city often. There had been talk of a small vacation home in Portland, but they never imagined they would leave their home. Fourteen months ago everything changed. The pandemic caused a lot of people to reevaluate their priorities and for my clients the importance of being geographically close to their kids was clear.

We spent a lot of time touring homes in search of just the right place. When moving to a new city it can take some time to figure out the right neighborhoods and architectural styles to suit you – so we explored. After narrowing down their ideal neighborhoods and really solidifying what they needed in a home we started making offers. It took a couple of times in this fierce market, but when we found their new home we got competitive and it felt like the stars had aligned. Their son and daughter in-law had lived near this home when they first moved to Portland and affectionately called this “the banjo lady house,” because one of the owners was often out front playing her banjo on the porch when they would walk by.

As we moved through our transaction we learned that the sellers and my buyers had a very similar story. Both were leaving their long time homes to be closer to family. Both were artistic and musical, “old hippies,” as they described themselves. Everything about this transition felt right. Soon this home will be the, “flute guy house,” and I just can’t wait to hear the music float through the neighborhood!

 

 

 

Spring Dreams

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Sometimes a house just calls to you and with everything in bloom that’s exactly what’s happening here in Portsmouth.
This light and bright 1940’s Cape Cod Bungalow maintains original charm with hardwoods, woodwork, hardware, and a retro kitchen. Updates include vinyl windows, new furnace and AC, new electrical panel, and custom carriage doors on the garage. Those carriage doors are 🤩!! The main living area has an open floor plan with the bedrooms at the back of the house for privacy. This little gem sits on a corner lot with two yard areas including a large fenced yard with deck for your summer gatherings. Close to food carts, New Seasons, Starbucks and more. 
If you haven’t explored North Portland now may be the time.

Swanky SW Midcentury

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I just love a solid midcentury house. This one is no exception. As my seller prepared for a big move and major life change I helped them update and refresh this amazing SW Portland home. You may not know this about me, but helping sellers prepare for the market is kind of my thing.

This particular Mid Century Modern Daylight Ranch is filled with light, sits on nearly 1/4 acre and has two fireplaces! The hardwood floors are eye catching, there are two fireplaces(!), large windows flood the home with with light, and fresh paint highlights the architecture and updated period lighting. The kitchen has been refreshed and provides a perfectly functional space. I know what you’re saying, “This is all normal house stuff right?” But let’s not forget the amazing basement! This is your space to let your imagination run wild. You could have the best game room in your friend group, create an art studio, or add a second living unit. So many possibilities are ready and waiting!

Piedmont Eye Popper! 😍

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Look at this amazing home!! I don’t care who you are – you love this house. It’s got all of the things. Not only is it an awesome Portland Bungalow, but it’s full of Craftsman charm with high ceilings, large windows letting in tons of light, plenty of bedrooms, stylish bathrooms, only the coolest light fixtures… you get where I’m going with this. Oh wait, but that kitchen! Then there’s the rest of the house, the partially finished basement offers tons of flex space and the backyard feels like a private oasis – perfect for an evening hang around the firepit. I highly recommend checking this place out, but be careful.. you might just fall in love.

 

 

 

 

P.S. Is it just me or does eye popper sound kind of gross? Maybe I’ve been working from home far too long with no “real” human interaction – all of the words start to look so weird. But I digress.

 

Is Now the Time to Sell?

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Sometimes we get to that moment of warmth in the realization that we’ve finally landed in a place where we can settle in, grow some roots, and really get to living. Then sometimes life gets in the way. If 2020 wasn’t that year for you – congratulations!

For some recent clients it was work that surprised them with a forced move across the country. So in the middle of a pandemic they needed to make some minor repairs, paint the entire interior of the house, and have some landscaping taken care of. All while working from home with two small children – one who needed constant supervision so he didn’t break himself (again) and one who required a parent to be their teacher for the majority of the day. No problem!

“No problem,” became a mantra in 2020. It was a year full of new challenges, but in the end it was better than could have been expected. We found new, socially distanced, ways to do business, came up with new solutions to what were now unique scenarios, and ultimately made things happen. Lots of things. Portland real estate was bustling through the first 9 months of the pandemic – and we’re still going.

A lot of people have been on the fence about selling for reasons that are completely understandable, but if you’re willing to be flexible and think out of the box now could be a great time to sell your home. We’ve been in a strong seller’s market for quite awhile, but now more than ever. The combination of historically low inventory in conjunction with great interest rates has left buyers competing for homes across the Portland Metro and Vancouver areas.

If you’re interested in talking about this more feel free to reach out!

Loft Style Living in Multnomah Village

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I think Multnomah Village is a gem. It’s quaint, full of character, and undeniably Portland. You can find all of the basic necessities as well as galleries, great coffee shops, restaurants, brew pubs, a wine bar, and all of the shopping – really all of it, everything you could want or need, there’s a shop for it. And it’s just so stinking cute. All of this and it’s about a 5 minute drive from downtown with easy access to the freeway.

Often when we think of condos or lofts we think of downtown, but Multnomah Village really has a lot of great options. I just listed a fabulous loft across the street from the Multnomah Arts Center. It has a downtown feel but it’s in a small building so you don’t feel packed in. Natural light floods this end unit and the higher end finishes make it feel so warm. The gas range and slab granite counters in the kitchen invite you to cook for hours, and the wood floors and fireplace invite you to snuggle in and ride out the winter.

This is a great home, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Hollywood Here I Come!

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Wow. This truly stunning home located in Hollywood/Grant Park has undergone a complete designer remodel that successfully preserved it’s beauty as a 1915 bungalow. The home is full of  light filled spaces that feel warm and comfortable, even on the rainiest of days. Your eye will be drawn to the custom cabinets and lighting, restored wood windows, restored hardware, and beautiful hardwood floors. Behind the scenes new plumbing, sewer, wiring and electrical panel, water main, HVAC system, radon system, and earthquake retrofit will keep your mind at ease! And just when you thought it couldn’t get better you’ll find the separate living space in the basement with it’s own laundry, full bath and private entrance.

I love working with our sellers to make their home shine when it’s time to list… it’s kind of my thing. 🖤

Woodlawn Darling

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This darling Woodlawn midcentury is ready for its next chapter. As soon as you step inside you can feel the love that has been put into this home. The new hardwood floors, revamped bathroom, updated kitchen w/new quartz countertops, and fresh paint give a light and airy feel. The updates, visible and not, give a feeling of peace and security – something we can all use these days.  The home has existing, approved, plans for converting the garage into a main bedroom and full bathroom, this home is ready to grow with you!

New Miserable Experience

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I’ve always been a fan of the Gin Blossoms song Hey Jealousy. Judge away – I have no shame.

There was one line in that song that stuck with me so hard, “If you don’t expect too much from me, you might not be let down.” 2020 Shannon has no idea exactly where 21 year old Shannon’s head was back in 1997, but when that song came out it resonated with me on many levels, but that line, damn – it just wouldn’t get out of my head and it has stayed there for 23 years, no joke. Maybe it sparked the ah-ha moment when I realized that my own expectations were often the direct cause of my disappointment when things didn’t turn out “right”. Maybe it was the feeling that I’m ok to just be me, that the expectations of others don’t get to shape who I am. There’s really no telling. I just know that it felt so simple and so powerful.

The reason I’m bringing this up now? Well, we all have expectations, no matter how much we try to keep them in check it’s part of how are brains are wired. If I eat an orange today and it’s tasty and I don’t get sick or die, I expect I can eat one tomorrow with similar result. Right? Only it’s not exclusively basic survival instinct that creates expectation, we’re arguably more complex than that. We create expectations in every aspect of our lives, for better or worse. And right now we’re all facing the demolition of our expectations, some people for the first time.

The beautiful thing about being human is that we are truly in control of how we handle these challenging moments. We can be sad or angry, or both. We can experience fifty varying emotions in the span of a day, or an hour. We can drink whiskey, howl at the moon, or wear our favorite stones for protection.  Whatever people need to do to process and feel strong, they’re doing it. But once you’ve shocked yourself with an interestingly timed cry while watching Netflix, let out the primal screams, smudged the house with sage, and/or had a couple of hangovers it’s time. It’s time to reset, to let go, and to remember expectations truly are a way to feel let down. It’s time to do some personal work, to let go of long held expectations, to embrace flexibility, and maybe even find a good therapist.

Now is a time to be better listeners, to be better neighbors, and to care about the safety of others as we do our own families.

As my good friend Jerry would say.. take care of yourself, and each other.

Mid-Century Beauty in Vancouver

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

Beautiful Piedmont FourSquare

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Do not miss this beautiful Piedmont FourSquare! This house has timeless style with all of the modern updates you want. The main level is perfect for family living or entertaining and the kitchen is a chefs dream. Bedrooms and laundry are upstairs (dream!) as is a 3rd floor walk up attic with tons of potential! The basement has a fully separate living area w/kitchenette, 4th nonconforming bedroom, bath, and its own W/D. Deck and large yard for soaking up the summer sun, and an oversized garage with electric, water, gas is waiting for you and your projects.

I hope this blog post finds you well. These are strange days for sure and I hope you’re keeping sane and healthy while maintaining social distance. If there’s something you need please don’t hesitate to reach out, as long as I’m well I’m happy to help where I can. I don’t leave the house unless I’m armed with my mask, gloves and sanitizer – there’s non messing around over here!

Match Made in Rose City Park!

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Occasionally a house built in 1912 needs a little love and it takes just the right person to give it all they’ve got. In this case I got to play matchmaker for my client and we found just the right place for her. Already armed with a Master’s degree she found a passion in old homes and is now a student again and working on her degree in Historic Preservation. She commutes to Astoria weekly and learns about window restoration, stained glass, plaster repair, and so much more. Really, there are few people as perfect to bring this house back to it’s full glory. I am so excited to see the “after” pictures when she is done – it is going to be amazing.

She once shared a favorite quote by an unknown source that really resonates with me, “Old buildings are not ours. They belong, partly to those who built them, and partly to the generations who are to follow us.” May we all be good stewards of the old buildings and keep the history of our city alive.

Gratitude Abounds!

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Sometimes you just get lucky. Really lucky. This was that kind of lucky you have when you meet someone and you’re just like, “yes,” these are my people. That was what it was like when I met this amazing couple.

Making the move to Portland from New York is a big one, but these two took their time to learn the city and definitely fell in love. So it happened, like we do when we fall in love with someone or someplace, they decided to move in. No more toothbrush at your place kind of scenario… the real deal. It was time to buy a house. We had our list and it was fairly specific. I thought for sure we’d look for a month or so to get a feel for what’s out there so they could see what their options looked like. Then wildfire. They walked in to the first house and that was it, they begrudgingly looked at one more, but there was no reason to waste time – we needed to get an offer in on this house!

We worked our way through a couple of difficult issues but they were unflappable and so calm and kind, it was a dream. I look forward to the housewarming party and am excited for them to start their new adventures as homeowners in the city they fell in love with.

Midcentury Dream on Oversized Lot

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Make your home in this stylish Russell neighborhood ranch filled with awesome detail and an impressive brick fireplace. The living space is both functional and cozy and the roomy master bedroom has an ensuite half bath! This house is move-in ready with fresh paint inside and out. The large back yard is the perfect place to host your friends and family this summer. The health of our community is top priority so if you’re isolating or not feeling well I’m happy to coordinate a video walkthrough for you. MLS #20288660

2929 NE 123rd Ave

3br/1.5ba

Listed at 320K
SQUARE FEET: 1086
TAXES: $3,224
LOT SIZE: .18

Piedmont Living…

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875 N Watts may be the home you’ve been looking for!!

Walk in to the light and bright living area and it’s easy to picture making your new home here. Sitting on a corner lot with no through streets this house boasts  a new sewer line, blown in insulation, double and triple pane vinyl windows, and a newer furnace and water heater. Don’t forget the oversized garage with work bench and built-in storage! The yard has decorative and fruit bearing trees in the cute fenced back yard making it an ideal place to spend some outdoor time.

Are you thinking about selling your home? Now is a great time for us to start planning your move!

A Hallmark Original – Almost

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Once upon a time on a beautiful fall Sunday in St. John’s two of my favorite friends were brunching with their folks and wandered into an open house. Little did they know they were about to fall in love. The soaring ceilings, beautiful box beams, large rooms and wood floors lingered in their minds for days… weeks really. Then it happened, there was a price drop. My phone started ringing – this house was now a possibility. Can we do it? Let’s call the lender!

Later that night I got the call, “Hey Shannon… any chance we can buy this house and sell ours?”

“Sure!”

“Also, we’re leaving for Germany in 72 hours, is that a problem?” We laughed and laughed.

But really, “Of course not, we’ve got this.”

And we did! We had their offer accepted a day later (contingent on the sale of their home), got their house on the market in 72 hours, found a buyer and now… finally, they are the proud owners of their dream home!

But it really wasn’t so cut and dry. The events kicked in to motion with the final sale of their house were really just the start. You see, the owners of this dream home – they were also contingent on their new home, and those people.. yep, contingent on their new home too, and those people – you got it. This is where  the holiday miracle story should have been picked up on by the Hallmark Channel. Against all odds all of the REALTORS® were able to work together to ensure nothing went wrong and now there are 5 sets of people who just closed on their new homes just in time for the holidays!

 

 

The “Simple” Life

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Two of my very favorite clients bought a beautiful house on acreage earlier this year with huge dreams of homesteading, self-sufficiency, and respectfully tending to the land. Their longer-term goal was to expand their current acreage and to have as much of their family live on or near their property as possible. And these two know how to make a goal reality in short order!

It was a dream come true when this beautiful 20 acre property, located directly across the street from their home, came up for sale. After just a couple of days on the market we had their offer accepted!  They are so excited that one set of their parents will be living across the street in a few short weeks! Their kids are looking forward to exploring the 40 combined acres, visiting with their grandparents, and dreaming about where the swimming pool will go.

My heart is so warm that this family has found a way to be closer together and share in their joy for the future. What a dream this holiday season!

Isn’t She Dreamy?

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Ok, maybe not quite dreamy yet, but the time has come for this ugly duckling. This one is for you builders and enthusiastic remodelers. Located  at 4852 SE 92nd this beautiful .15 acre (6656 sq ft) corner lot is located directly across from Lents park and just blocks from the growing community developing on Foster. Come breathe new life into the existing home or create more housing and build. Zoned R2a and city says buildable to 3 units. Interior has been taken down to the studs including removal of all electrical, plumbing, flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, etc. Buyer to do due diligence, cash sale only.

2 bed | 1 bath | 1020 sq. ft.
MLS# 19625453 | Taxes: $2397 | Lot Size: .15 Acre / 6656 sq.ft.

Kickin’ It in Kenton

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

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

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

Dreamy Midcentury

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Sometimes you walk into a house and you just know it’s the one for you. That’s how this one went. I sent the listing to Pat first thing in the morning, he drove by within an hour, and pretty much knew it was the one before we even walked in the door a couple hours later. As we looked around the house, loving on the undisturbed midcentury vibe he looked at me and said, ‘Don’t let me not get this house.” Ummm Yikes! No pressure right? But ok, let’s do this!  It was tense – he wasn’t the only person in love with this awesome house and we really had to shine. When we got word that his offer was accepted we practically (maybe literally, but that’s a secret) cried tears of joy.

Pat and I have known each other for many years as the result of sharing great friends. Over the last year we have been on an epic house journey together. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s definitely been worth it and just in time for summertime ping pong on the back porch!!