Tag: sharon bloudek

Epic Story and an Epic Home!

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We all have those moments when things just seem to align perfectly, and this is one of those moments for my amazing buyers. We’ve been good friends for many years and they reached out, ready to find a new home with a picturesque vision in mind. Vaulted ceilings, a setting with several trees, and space for a workspace in the backyard were just a few of the things on their list. It was an incredible adventure helping these two find their dream home, and when I say dream home I mean it – we found a stunning home that checked all of the boxes! Beautiful and unique, the stunning Northwest contemporary sits on a half acre lot with thoughtful design throughout the interior and exterior, including vaulted ceilings. This was such a fun home buying memory, I was pretty much tearing up when I opened the lockbox to get the key for the last time. Luckily, these two are good friends and I’m excited to see the many adventures that we have instore. Congratulations, friends!

 

 

 

Just Sold with Multiple Offers in Fulton Park!

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Natural light filled modern contemporary home in coveted SW Portland neighborhood of Fulton Park, quiet & private cul-de-sac. 3 Beds, Office & Bonus! Open floorplan w/wall of windows. Vaulted ceilings, hardwoods, & built-ins. View of Cascades & Willamette River from several rooms & deck. Plenty of room for work from home. Oversize garage w/shop space. Newer roof, furnace & water heater. Ideal location convenient to Zupan’s, OHSU, Lewis & Clark, Willamette River, trails & downtown.

Just Sold! LAKE OSWEGO

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Just Sold this Fantastic 5 Bedroom Lake Oswego home with outstanding woodwork & elegant finishes throughout. Gorgeous kitchen with Wolf double oven & 6 burner cooktop, Sub-Zero & Miele appliances. Living room with a stone fireplace & built-ins. Large master retreat! Spacious ensuite upstairs, perfect for multi-generational living & several options for home offices. Childs Road Estates is a quiet cul-de-sac with a dedicated greenspace & neighborhood firepit.

Dream Team Finds it near Alberta Arts!

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing this family for 2 years through our mutual friends. We first met up in pre-Covid times at Case Study Coffee, across the street from Living Room Realty’s NE Alberta office. From that first meeting, I was impressed by their thoughtful questions and approach to home buying.
We searched for months for the perfect home for their family, and we found it this fall! It’s in a great location and had loads of character, but needed some updates. Luckily, a few well-timed October rains revealed some things during inspection. Plot twist: mushrooms growing in the rafters does not a perfect home make. BUT, just a week later, an even better home (complete with an impressive seismic retrofit) hit the market. Amazing location, great schools. We put together a compelling offer and it was a slam dunk! (Which is fitting, as the three of us, along with their lender, called ourselves the Dream Team.)
I’m going to miss working with these two, but I’m so excited for them as they settle into their new home and explore their fabulous new neighborhood.

BASICS OF FALL TREE CARE

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

It’s mid-October, we’ve had a couple of decent rain and windstorms, and the leaves are turning colors and starting to fall to the ground. The sound of a neighbor’s leaf blower midday on a Tuesday has us scrambling to hit “mute” on our Zooms.

Even Portlanders who love their trees and live for the beautiful fall colors are wincing with the knowledge that they will soon be spending the weekend raking and bagging leaves, hauling those bags to the curbside, and clearing gutters and drains, only to do it again the next weekend, and the one after that.

Think of autumn as tree time in the Pacific Northwest. It is an ideal time to assess the health of the trees on your property, especially those planted near your home or near powerlines.

The trees on your property gives homes to birds and other wildlife, provide shade, and enhance the look of your home and property. If not properly cared for, trees can also be accidents waiting to happen. A few years ago, as we were getting ready for school and work one morning, a huge crash suddenly shook the entire house. I was sure that a tree had fallen and hit our home. We ran outside, and realized that it was a neighbor’s house—a good 40 or 50 yards away—that had been hit by a falling limb. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but that experience made me aware of the potential danger. I called an arborist that very day.

And I recommend that you do the same! If you have never had your trees professionally inspected, it’s smart to do so. Make sure to choose an ISA-Certified arborist. This designation from the International Society of Arboriculture is your assurance that your tree guy or gal knows his or her stuff. I recommend the team at All Around Arbor Tree Service to clients, family, and friends. An arborist will help you to determine what type of care or intervention your trees might need, helping to keep the trees healthy, and ultimately, to help keep your property safe.

Further, make it a habit to visually assess your trees from season to season. Inspect for dying limbs and signs of pest damage. Prune branches as needed. Protect root systems with a 2–3 inch layer of mulch (but take care that the mulch doesn’t touch the bark of the tree). Over time, you’ll get to really know your trees. You might hug them, like a real Portlander. Or at the very least, you’ll be aware when something looks amiss, and you’ll be able to give your trees the care they need.

COVID-Inspired Home “Must Haves”

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

“We really want an open floor plan.”

I have heard that a lot in all my time as a REALTOR®! And no shade—when we remodeled our home five years ago (a complete, down-to-the-studs gut job), we too opted for an open floor plan. It made a lot of sense for our young family, and in many ways, it still does. We like to have a general sense of what the kids are doing and where they are in the house. I like that I can keep an eye on my first-grader while I’m loading the dishwasher.

However, since last spring, say, oh, mid-March, I have definitely noticed that an open floor plan is not what it once was. A functional door—one that opens and closes and blocks out noise and locks is suddenly a hot feature! The truth is, life has changed since last spring. We all know it; we all feel it. But humans are adaptable, and the way that people are approaching home buying is evidence of that.

So what are people looking for in homes, and how drastically has it changed? The biggest thing I have noticed is that people want flexible spaces in their homes. A den or a family room is great; a den or a family room that can serve as a home office (complete with a door that closes) is better. When families look at kids’ bedrooms, they want ample space for a bed and a dresser, but they also want to be able to comfortably fit a study space that can accommodate online learning.

A home’s entryway is no longer just the door through which one enters or leaves the house. Now, it’s a barrier between the safety of home and the germ-ridden outside world. People want to be able to take off and store their shoes, bags, and coats, and to sanitize the things they bring into their homes—groceries, packages, and so forth. A powder room near the front door is no longer merely a space for guests; it’s now a handwashing and sanitization station.

Storage has always been high on the must-have lists of home buyers; now storage is crucial. People want ample space to keep back stock (toilet paper! canned goods!). Cupboards, walk-in pantries, under-the-stairs storage closets, fridge and freezer space—the more, the better.

And of course, outdoor space is at a premium. People have realized the correlation between time spent outside and mental health, and easy access to the outdoors is very high on wish lists. Some people are now in search of large backyards; others want space to garden and grow food. Some people are content with a small deck or patio space.

How has the pandemic made you view your space? What changes or modifications have you made in the way you live in your home? What would you look for in a new home? Are you considering buying or selling your home to accommodate changes in your life since COVID began? I would love to help; please reach out if you’d like to discuss buying or selling (or both!) your home.

INSIDE A REALTOR’S CAR

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

There are weeks when I feel like I live in my car. Although Living Room Realty has gorgeous office space—including one close to where I live—the reality is that I’m on the go the majority of the time.

While it might feel like I live in my car, the contents in the back of my car could in fact sustain me for days—maybe weeks. My car essentially functions as a mobile office—and more. I have to be ready for pretty much anything. A client recently called me out on this in an online review—in the nicest way possible—and it made me laugh, but also (weirdly?) made me a little bit proud. I consider it my job to take care of my clients, and the random assortment of items that I lug around helps me to do just that! So what’s back there?

  1. A flashlight. Sometimes I have to go searching for lockboxes in weird places. Sometimes the walkway to the house isn’t well-lit. Sometimes we need to search in a creepy basement for a fuse box. A heavy-duty flashlight has come in handy many, many times.
  2. A tape measure and a laser measurement tool. Either or both of these items are great to have on hand to get accurate room measurements—important when a client is considering having the house painted, installing new flooring, or purchasing furniture.
  3. A vacuum and/or broom and dustpan and/or mop. Floors get dirty—especially in houses that are being shown. When I list a house, I like to pop by and make sure it has stayed nice and clean, even through multiple showings.
  4. Shoe covers. See #3. I keep multiple boxes of shoe covers on hand. I keep them in the entryway of houses I have listed, and I bring them along for myself and buyers when we’re walking through other homes.
  5. A rubber mallet and extra signs. Signs get blown away, stolen, damaged. When I list a house, I want to make sure that it’s easy to find. With a rubber mallet and extra signs on hand all the time, I can always pop up a quick replacement as needed.
  6. Light bulbs and batteries. Lights burn out and smoke detectors start to chirp at the most inconvenient and unexpected times. To a prospective home buyer, these can be taken as subtle signs that a home isn’t well-maintained. I try to be ready to make a quick swap as needed!
  7. A first aid kit. Okay—this one is as much for my kids as it is for my clients. But it’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand!
  8. Cleaning supplies, including window cleaner and paper towels, Clorox wipes, and trash bags. These items come in especially handy when prepping for or cleaning up after an open house.
  9. Safety supplies. These days, I keep a supply of disposable face masks, disposable gloves, hand sanitizer, and Lysol wipes in my car at all times. I want to make sure that my clients are safe, and that we’re respectful of the homes we tour.
  10. Office supplies. I keep an extra box of business cards in the glove box so that I’m never caught without. I also like to keep pens and pads of paper on hand so that I—or a client—can jot notes.
  11. Leaf blower.  I make this addition to my car in the Fall, because….leaves.

And it goes without saying that I like to keep snacks and water in the car for those days when I don’t have time to stop! Even after 14 years as a real estate agent, I still come across odd or unexpected situations that inspire me to add to my stash of supplies!

BACKYARD HABITAT CERTIFICATION IN THE PORTLAND METRO AREA

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Since lockdown began last spring, we’ve walked around our quadrant of Portland more than ever before, leisurely strolls around our neighborhood, brisk walks for exercise, and more ambitious jaunts into adjacent neighborhoods that we haven’t ever taken the time to explore. Although I’ve seen the little “Backyard Habitat Certification” signs and placards here and there around Portland, it has been over the last 6 or 7 months, as we’ve walked the neighborhoods of southwest Portland, that they seem to be everywhere.

Curious, I went in search of more information and stumbled across a treasure trove of resources. Together with the Columbia Land Trust and Portland Audubon, the Backyard Habitat Certification Program supports urban gardeners in their efforts to create natural backyard habitats.

So what does this mean? The focus is make urban areas friendlier, healthier places for humans and wildlife alike, one garden at a time.

How is this done? The Backyard Habitat Certification Program guides homeowners in five key areas: elimination of noxious weeds, planting native plants and trees, reduction (or elimination!) in the use of pesticides, responsible management of storm water, and wildlife stewardship. A technician will first meet with you and do a careful walk-through of your property to assess your current landscape, gather information, and discuss your goals. Then, the technician uses this information to writes a comprehensive report that includes recommendations specific to your yard and goals.

How do I get started? You can begin the Backyard Habitat Certification Program process by enrolling here. You’ll pay a one-time $35 enrollment fee, and you’ll be placed on a waiting list for a site visit.

In the meantime, the Backyard Habitat Certification Program website is home to a wealth of resources, including their certification criteria and guides that will help you to identify and select native plants.

I was amazed to learn that there are over 6,000 backyard habitats in the greater Portland area! The programs is growing by leaps and bounds. Would you consider joining this program? I’d love to hear about your experience!

Pro Tips for Living in a Home That’s For Sale

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

The idea of getting a home ready to sell is overwhelming for most people. Selling a home that you’re still living in is even more of a daunting prospect. Keeping a home tidy is one thing—keeping a home sparkling and ready-to-show at the drop of a hat is quite another.

For many people; however, that’s exactly what they’re faced with when they decide to list their home but don’t yet have another place to go. And while living in a home that is for sale is never fun, it can be made less painful with planning and preparation.

  • Deal with your stuff. This is absolutely step number one. Give yourself plenty of time before listing your home to go through the accumulated items in your home. Go through each room and make four piles: donate, toss, and store. Now is the time to get rid of clothes and shoes that don’t fit, random pieces of unused furniture, and forgotten toys, extra dishes and kitchen items, books you no longer read, and so forth. Once you have gathered all items that you intend to donate, the next step (and this is important!) is to actually, you know, donate them. In other words, don’t simply pile everything in your garage or spare bedroom.

Make similar piles of items that need to be thrown away or recycled: extra cords that don’t go to anything particular, games with missing pieces, anything that is broken. Go through documents and shred or recycle anything you no longer need (old bank statements, for example). Clean out your cupboards and fridge: for the next little while, you might be able to manage with one kind of mustard.

Once you’ve donated and tossed or recycled extraneous items in your home, it’s time to take another pass through each room. While conventional wisdom says to remove anything personal, it’s not always necessary—but you should remove and pack most of your personal items. A photo on your night table is probably alright; a gallery wall of family photos is a little much.

Other things to pack up include seasonal clothing and bedding, knick-knacks, books (it’s alright to keep a neutral, attractive coffee table book on display), extra dishes, and extraneous cookware. By reducing the number of items in your home, you’re accomplishing two tasks: 1) minimizing the amount of clutter and 2) maximizing the impression that there is ample storage throughout the house.

  • Protect your privacy and possessions. Consider for a moment the fact that strangers will be walking through your home. Though they’ll likely be accompanied by their REALTOR®, it’s still important to take care to secure sensitive paperwork and documents and protect your prized possessions. Passports, social security cards, and personal documents should be gathered and stored in a safety deposit box or safe. Any items that are valuable or irreplaceable–jewelry, artwork, and medications–should likewise be kept away from your home while it is shown by REALTORS®.
  • Clean, clean, and clean some more. Once you have cleared the clutter, it’s time to get familiar with every baseboard, every shelf, and every nook and cranny in your home. Roll up your sleeves and locate your cleaning supplies. Windows should sparkle; floors should gleam. If you have carpet or rugs, now is the time to get them shampooed. Scrub the grout in the bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Pay attention to pets. It’s time for some tough love: prospective buyers—even those who love pets—will not necessarily love your pets. If you have a friend or relative who might be willing to take your pet for a length of time, call in that favor. You may even consider boarding your pet while your house is listed. At the very least, be ready to quickly remove any indicators of a pet’s presence—food dishes, leashes, treats, pet beds—before a showing. Also, be mindful that even the cutest creatures have an odor; do whatever you need to do to eliminate it.
  • Get an outside opinion. Ask a friend (not the one who tells you what you want to hear)—or better yet, ask your REALTOR® or their staging consultant—to look at your home with a critical eye. After all, it’s your space. You see it every day. You might be too close to analyze your home. Another trusted person can look around and help you to notice things that you may have overlooked.
  • Keep it up. Once your house is listed and ready to be shown, it’s necessary to maintain the level of tidiness that you worked so hard for. Dirty dishes should immediately be rinsed and put in the dishwasher. Laundry should be placed in the clothes hamper—and ideally, you’ll take it with you when you leave the house during a showing. If you’ve done your prep, there shouldn’t be an abundance of clutter, but whatever is left should be neatly tucked away. Run the vacuum each day. Make the beds each morning.
  • Do the hustle. This is important: you’re going to need to be ready to vacate the house at a moment’s notice. Although you can certainly request an hour or two of notice before a showing, you would be well-served to use that time to do a quick sweep of the house before you leave. Take out the garbage. Straighten the cushions on the sofa. Fluff all the pillows. If it’s wintertime, turn on the fireplace. Make sure the door to each room is open; make sure the doors to each closet are closed. (However, know that prospective buyers will likely still look in the closets, and even in drawers.) If the showing is in the later afternoon or on a dark winter day, it’s a nice touch to leave a light on in each room. Just before you depart, gather any other items—mail, laptops, phones, and that dirty laundry hamper—that you don’t want to be left in the house.

As you get your home ready to sell—and to live in your home while it’s for sale—you have a lot of hard work to do. Just remember: your planning, elbow grease, and willingness to be temporarily inconvenienced will ultimately pay dividends. And soon, perhaps, you will be the one strolling through a stranger’s home, imagining it as your own!

Creating a Welcome Space for Guests

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Hard as it is to believe, the holidays are just around the corner. While this year may see less travel, there are still many people who hope to gather their loved ones close (with proper COVID precautions!) during the holidays.

There is an art to making guests feel welcome in your home; create a warm and cozy guest space is a vital part of this. If you don’t have a designated guest room and instead rely on a den or family room, try to make the space as private as possible to give your guests a retreat. A little quiet time can go a long way in preserving harmony when everyone is under the same roof!

Whatever space you have, the bed should be comfortable. Your guests shouldn’t be stuck with your oldest, springiest mattress. Air mattresses can be quite comfortable. Another option for extra comfort is the addition of a memory foam mattress pad. This can be layered atop a mattress on a standard bed or a sofa bed.

Quality bedding is also a welcome luxury for guests. In the cold winter months, flannel sheets and a down comforter provide extra warmth and comfort. In the summer, crisp cotton sheets and a lightweight quilt are ideal. Provide extra blankets—and even a spare set of sheets—to ensure your guests’ comfort. It’s also thoughtful to provide a few extra pillows.

Guests will appreciate space to store their things while they visit. Provide a luggage rack or a bench for suitcases. Spare hangers and an empty drawer or two are also appreciated.

If you really want to go over and above, providing your guests with additional comfort items is a generous gesture. An alarm clock, a pad of paper and a pen, and books or magazines can be placed on the night table. Your guests will also appreciate knowing your home’s wifi password. You might also consider providing a hairdryer, a terrycloth bathrobe, a pair of slippers, toiletries, and thick bath towels.

More than ever this year, we have come to treasure time with the people we love most. If you plan to welcome your friends and family into your home this season, take care of their health and your own, and cherish the opportunity to make them feel loved.

How to Decorate Your New Home

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Undoubtedly, part of the fun of house hunting is imagining what your new home will look like. Turning a vision into a reality is often easier said than done, however. No matter how much you may wish to have your home look like a photo in a magazine, careful planning and execution are crucial!

Before you even move into—or make an offer on—a new home, “How do I (or we) want to live?” is the question to ask yourself. Do you want a home that is magazine-like—spotless, stylish? Or is comfort your ultimate desire? Also, consider what style you’re most attracted to. Do you prefer a modern look, or a more traditional vibe, or something else entirely?

Even when you have a good sense of your own style and taste, it can sometimes still be beneficial to start with a blank slate. If you plan to paint before you move in, perhaps consider white or neutral paint throughout the house. You can then make decisions about paint colors after you live in the space and understand how the light impacts each room throughout the day.

Before you do anything else, know the measurements of each room. Then, when you shop for furniture, begin with large pieces—the sofa, the dining table, the beds. Bring a tape measure to make sure the furniture that you are considering will fit in the room it is meant for. To be extra cautious (always a good idea when making an investment!), measure the piece of furniture that you are interested in. Then, go home and use painters tape to plot the dimensions of the furniture item exactly where you plan to place the furniture. You can also request fabric swatches from the retailer so you can see how fabrics and other materials look in the room. These steps will help you to be as sure as you possibly can be about your purchase!

You might consider going room by room, beginning with those that are important to you. Some people may want the family room or living space to be arranged just so, as these are spaces that will be used by the homeowners and visible to guests. Or, you may want to make the bedrooms a cozy retreat from the rest of the world. Whatever your preference, tackling a room at a time can help keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

Of course, a phased approach is also easier on the budget! It also pays to take advantage of the free design services offered by many retailers and to bide your time and wait for big sales.

Remember, a home that is pulled together overnight will often look and feel like a home that was pulled together overnight—staged, forced, not like a real home. It’s alright—preferable, even!—to allow your house to come together over time. It will be perfect no matter what because it’s yours.

A Neighborhood Treasure: Little Free Libraries

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

A Neighborhood Treasure: Little Free Libraries

With the start of the distance-learning school year, I can’t help but reflect on all of the things our family is missing about being in “real” school this fall. My youngest daughter, a brand-new first-grader, is missing weekly trips to visit the school library with her class. She loves to discover and bring home new books for bedtime reading.

We’re fortunate though: several of Little Free Library boxes are scattered around our neighborhood, always well-stocked, always ready for a curious reader to browse. These little book boxes are beloved and visited often!

Little Free Library began in 2009 in Wisconsin. A gentleman there built a tiny model of a one-room schoolhouse and stuffed it with books. A little over 10 years later, there are over 90,000 book exchanges that are registered/branded as Little Free Libraries!

In COVID times, Little Free Library is a way to share your love of reading with your neighbors! You can build your own Little Free Library in a weekend; you can even purchase a DIY kit from the Little Free Library website, or search online for inspiration. Some of my favorites? A Little Free Library with a green roof, one that is custom-built and painted to match the house it sits in front of, or one with a built-in bench—you don’t have to wait until you’re home to dig into your new novel! Most Little Free Libraries have at least two shelves—one for adult titles and one for children’s titles. And they all operate with an unofficial “leave a book, take a book” agreement.

Keep an eye open for a Little Free Library in your neighborhood—and if you don’t see one, well, that’s all the more reason to build your own!

10 Fall Maintenance Tips: Your Home’s Interior

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

My family has spent as much time as we can outdoors over the summer months. The same is true for most people I know. We have seized every opportunity to take a walk, go on a hike, read a book outdoors, eat dinner on the deck, visit with neighbors. And it’s not just because of COVID (although that certainly was a factor this year). In the Pacific Northwest, we collectively rush outdoors on the first warm-ish day of early spring, and there we stay until the last warm-ish day of fall. We have to. We know how long and dark the rainy season will be.

While we still (hopefully!) have a month or two of nice weather to enjoy, the rain and chilly weather will return. (And don’t tell—but most PNWers secretly love it.) Before that happens, though, there are some important home maintenance chores to tackle to make sure your home is safe and snug for the winter months. Here’s a handy checklist:

  1. Wash your garbage cans and recycling bins. What? Why? I’ll tell you why: those suckers STINK. And you’re much better off hauling your garbage cans and recycling bins outside to wash and dry in the sunshine while there is still sunshine to be had. Just trust me. Is this fun? No? Is it necessary? Yes.
  2. Clean the oven and fridge. As long as you’re cleaning gross things, might as well tackle the oven and refrigerator. De-scum and de-grease the inside of your oven (be sure to follow manufacturer cleaning instructions). It’s nice to get this done before baking a lasagna—or a Thanksgiving turkey!—this fall. Vacuum your refrigerator coils. Remove the contents of the fridge and freezer and wipe down the shelves and drawers before replacing items. If you’re feeling motivated, you can even move the entire unit and vacuum and mop underneath. Let the floor dry completely before moving the fridge back into place.
  3. Washing machine and dryer maintenance. You don’t do this?! (Yeah—me neither. But you should. I should. We) After all, gunky stuff (technical term) can build up in your washing machine over time. Simply run a hot cycle along with a couple of cups of white vinegar, and then wipe down the inside and doors of the machine. Find more detailed instructions here.  For the dryer, you can also wipe down the inside and outside of the machine with a damp rag. Thoroughly clean the lint trap (do this after every load!). Fall is also a great time to make sure that the dryer vent is completely clear—an important step for fire prevention, and to make sure that the dryer operates as efficiently as possible. Check the manufacturer instruction for how to clear the vent, or else your heating system maintenance provider can usually help with this chore. And speaking of . . . .
  4. Heating system maintenance. You might still be running the AC, but it’ll be time to switch to heating your home before you know it. Now is the time to book routine maintenance for your heating system to make sure everything is in working order. Replace the furnace filter, too. If you have a fireplace, now is the time to check the chimney and flue. (You should also order firewood!) If you have a gas-burning fireplace, vacuum any dust and cobwebs, and follow the manufacturer instructions for cleaning and turning the gas back on.
  5. Seal the house. Your heating system might be in perfect order, but you don’t want to heat the neighborhood, right?! Seal any gaps in your home through which warm air can escape. Add door sweeps and weather-stripping to doors, and caulk windows.
  6. Shut down the A/C. While you’re getting your heating system prepped, it’s also time to remove and store any window air conditioning units. If the unit cannot be removed, consider covering the exterior to help protect the device.
  7. Safety Considerations. Do a check of your home and make sure you’re emergency-ready. Test the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and replace the batteries as necessary. (I like to replace ours when Daylight Savings begins.) Make sure you know where the fire extinguishers are located—and check to see if they have expired. Replace as necessary. Now might also be a good time to do a radon test, particularly if you live in an older home. High levels of radon in the home can cause cancer. You can schedule a test with a professional, or pick up an inexpensive DIY test. Finally, get your power outage kit ready! Put fresh batteries in the flashlights and headlamps, and know where the matches and candles are. Pro tip: keep a pack of cards handy, too!
  8. Keep your friends out. No, not your actual friends. But know that furry and feathery creatures are eager to come in out of the cold, too. In addition to making sure doors and windows are properly sealed, also make sure that pest screens on dryer and attic vents are intact.
  9. Carpet cleaning. If you’ve had windows and doors open all summer, dust and dirt invariably blow into the house—and much of it settles in the carpet. Early fall is an ideal time to have your carpets cleaned because you can open windows to help quickly dry the carpets. Hire a professional, or rent a steam cleaner.
  10. Clean some more! I know spring cleaning is a “thing,” but I like to do a deep clean of our home in the fall, too—before we’re all indoors for months on end. I follow most of the same tips I share in my Spring Cleaning Checklist.

 Whew! You’ve done the hard work, and you’re ready to enjoy being warm and safe at home, all winter long.

10 Fall Maintenance Tips: Your Home’s Exterior

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

I don’t want to be the one to say it—but fall is just around the corner. While we still have a few solid weeks of summer ahead of us (fingers crossed), leaves are just beginning to change and the air in the mornings is crisp. 

While it’s not quite time to break out your leaf blower and rake, here’s a handy checklist of fall maintenance chores to prep your home’s exterior for colder weather.

 

  1. Prep Yourself. First thing: enjoy a few chore-free weekends! I mean it. Sit on the front porch and drink your coffee. Grill something. Chat with a neighbor. Shoot some hoops with the kids. Watch the birds. Resist the urge to pull weeds. Once you’ve exhausted yourself with All. That. Fun., it’s time to get prepped. Swing by the hardware store and buy some yard debris bags—you know you’re going to need ‘em. Dig out the rake from the back of the toolshed. Make sure the leaf blower is in working order. (Perhaps grab a few $20s from the ATM to entice your teenager to help) If you don’t plan to tackle leaf and debris cleanup yourself (I’m certainly not judging you!), now would be a good time to schedule yard maintenance for later in the fall, before service providers are completely booked.
  2. Inspect your home. Now—before cold, rainy weather sets in—is the time to carefully eye your home’s exterior. Pay careful attention to the roof, siding, windows, and foundation. Is this the year your home is due for a roof treatment to prevent moss growth? Schedule it! Do you need to caulk windows or the siding? A tube of caulking now is much less expensive than repairs for water damage later.
  3. Safety checks. Do a scan of railings, stair steps, and sidewalks around your home’s exterior. Is everything in good shape? A wobbly step is dangerous under normal circumstances, but on an icy morning, it can be downright treacherous. Make any necessary repairs ASAP.
  4. Clean downspouts and gutters. It’s important for water to have a way to quickly run off the roof. Ask to guttering Glasgow to clear your gutters of leaves and other debris now, before the first big rainstorm of the fall. And if your property has big trees, know that you’re probably going to have to do it a few more times!
  5. Trim the trees. And speaking of trees, fall is the perfect time to trim the trees (not in a holiday way—we’re not there yet!) Rather, hire an arborist or a tree trimming service to prune dead limbs or to pare back limbs that are close to power lines. Think of this as preventative maintenance—a way to keep your trees healthy and to help prevent future (potentially costly) accidents from downed limbs.
  6. Clean and store outdoor furniture. Give your patio or deck furniture a good scrub, allow it to completely dry, and then either store it indoors or cover it with waterproof covers. These items are typically costly, and it’s worth the time and effort to protect your investment! Plus, come springtime, you’ll only need to give outdoor furniture a quick rinse and it will be ready to use!
  7. Empty pots and planters. When the last mums have faded, be sure to completely empty soil from outdoor pots and planters. Use a stiff brush to help knock soil loose. Potting soil left in containers can freeze and expand with cold temperatures, causing pottery to crack. Once your pots and planters are empty and clean, carefully store them in a garden shed or garage.
  8. Clean and store lawn equipment. While you’re not going to want to put away your rake just yet (!), now is a great time to perform any final lawn mower maintenance. It’s also an ideal time to carefully shovels, spades, hoes, gardening hand tools, and pruning shears. (It’s also a good idea to sanitize the latter with a solution of bleach and water to kill any yucky stuff—technical term—that can infect your plants.) Don’t forget to shut off exterior faucets and drain and store garden hoses.
  9. Final lawn maintenance. Here in Oregon and SW Washington, fall is the raking season. You rake, then you rake some more, and then you rake some more. When all the leaves have fallen and before it gets too cold, it’s a perfect time to fertilize and reseed your lawn. ALL that rain that’s coming (I know—I don’t want to think about it yet, either) will make for a lush, green lawn come spring.
  10. Plant bulbs. Now, this part doesn’t feel like a chore. Pick a Saturday in October and get those daffodil, tulip, and hyacinth bulbs in the ground and give yourself a lovely early spring surprise.

 

When that first really stormy weekend rolls around, you’ll be able to sit by the fireplace in your flannel shirt and fuzzy socks, eat a bowl of chili, and enjoy a feeling of satisfaction knowing that you’re snug as a bug in your winter-ready home!

Make an Entrance: Create a Welcoming Entryway to Your Home

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

As a real estate agent, I spend more time than most walking up to and into different houses. There are some houses where, based on the exterior, I frankly don’t know what I’ll find on the other side of the front door. On the other hand, some houses that capture my interest from the moment I pull up to the curb—homes with an exterior that welcomes me in, making me feel eager to see the rest of the house.

That feeling is something special. Whether arriving home to your own house or as a guest as someone else’s, you want to feel pulled in, a sense of welcome. After all, no one wants to walk through a cobweb or trip over a pile of shoes! No matter whether your home boasts a grand foyer with two-story ceilings, or a simple front door that opens to a narrow hallway, you can cultivate a welcoming feeling in your home.

It all starts outside. As I mentioned, some houses make me practically jump from my car before the wheels have stopped! What elicits that reaction? There are a few key elements to attend to:

  • There should be a clear pathway to the front door.
  • As an agent, I’m a sucker for a clean, freshly-painted, cheerful front door.
  • A fresh welcome mat is a nice touch (if your welcome mat is grimy and frayed, it’s time to replace it!).
  • A pretty wreath or a container of flowers is a lovely touch.
  • Clearly displayed house numbers should be clearly displayed, an important safety consideration in the unlikely event you require an emergency responder, but also for service providers or guests who may be visiting for the first time.
  • Exterior lighting is essential; people should be able to get from a parked car to the front door without having to feel their way along.

Attention to these simple details indicates that your home is well-maintained and cared for—and the people who enter will feel that they, too, will be cared for!

The other side of the front door.

You (or your guests!) have now made it to the front door. Now, what’s on the other side? Again, simple elements create a feeling of ease and welcome.

  • If yours is a no-shoes home, make sure there’s space to stash shoes—a basket, a tray, or a rack. This will prevent piles of shoes from creating a tripping hazard in front of the door. It clearly indicates to guests where to place their shoes.
  • If you’re lucky, you have a coat closet near the front door. Even if you do, though, wall hooks or a coat rack provide a simple place to quick stash jackets, handbags, backpacks, even your bike helmet. And again, guests will understand at a glance where they are to stash their things while they are in your home.
  • Other items further add to the comfort and utility of the entryway. A chair or bench offers a place to sit down while donning or removing shoes. A narrow table can hold a lamp (it’s nice to keep a light on when you’ll be returning home late at night), and a basket for mail or keys. A mirror is handy to check your reflection on the way out the door. And a personal photo or an interesting piece of art reflects your style!

Are you looking for a weekend project?! Consider the entryway—both inside and outside of the house—with a critical eye, and devote a few hours to refreshing and organizing to create a sense of welcome.

Lake Oswego Living Meets Modern Farmhouse Style

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Once upon a time, a certain designer/contractor couple from a small town in a big state morphed a family-run business into a popular series on a cable network dedicated to all things home and garden and subsequently launched home furnishing lines with various retailers and a paint line and a publishing detail and . . . my point here, for real-estate purposes, is that the modern farmhouse style—while perhaps not invented by this celebrity couple—was certainly made very popular by them, and it’s a style that’s here to stay.

And I’m not mad about it. One of my most beautiful listings ever is a spectacular modern farmhouse in Lake Oswego. And after walking through this home for the first time, I found myself ruminating about just what it is that makes this style appealing to so many people. 

The modern farmhouse style is, above all, comfortable and approachable. These homes are meant to be lived in. The rooms are spacious. Functionality is important. For example, in days past, farmhouse sinks were large because they needed to hold large amounts of water, typically brought in from a well (or even a creek). In modern homes, water is delivered with ease straight from the tap, but these large sinks are still handy for all sorts of reasons, from washing big pots and pans to rinsing vegetables from the garden to bathing toddlers! Bonus: they look beautiful, too. Reclaimed wood and stone are often prominently featured throughout the home. The visual appeal of these materials is evident, but they are chosen because they will endure.

In a modern farmhouse, furniture isn’t for show—it’s meant to be used. Imagine! A sofa is selected because it’s comfortable; you’re meant to kick your feet up on the coffee table. Modern farmhouse owners select furnishings in natural, organic materials like cotton, linen, wool, jute, and sisal. These materials wear well and feel unfussy.

That last point—unfussiness—is key. Traditional farmhouses may conjure an image of a cluttered (dare I say kitschy?) abode. Modern farmhouses are anything but! In fact, for all their functionality and comfort, modern farmhouses are also simultaneously polished. Those reclaimed wood beams? They’re balanced with sophisticated fixtures—gorgeous faucets and drawer pulls, elegant lighting, unique art. You won’t find handmade quilts and mason jars in a modern farmhouse. Simplicity is the name of the game—natural tones, minimal clutter, carefully curated.

While the modern farmhouse style is now popular across the United States, I’ll argue that it is particularly well-suited to Oregonians. After all, we’re a comfortable, approachable people (flannel shirts!) who still espouse a level of sophistication. (A resident of a state with this many wineries, craft breweries, craft distilleries, arts scene, and love of literature can hardly say otherwise)! And while I don’t want to live on a farm, I certainly understand the appeal of living in a modern farmhouse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home School, School at Home: Tips to Ready Your House for Remote Learning

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

What will learning look like this fall? Will schools reopen? Will my kids be doing remote learning? If you’re a parent of school-aged children, these questions are undoubtedly at the top of your mind. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that very little in life is predictable. And even if schools reopen initially in the fall, it seems likely that kids will be learning at home at least some of the time. Here are a few key tips to prepare your house: 

  • Designate Space. First, identify where in your home learning can best take place. If you have a teenager, the most important consideration may be a quiet space with privacy and the ability to study and attend Zoom classes without distraction and background noise. Although a desk in your teen’s bedroom could certainly work, keep in mind that it can be beneficial to have a separation between learning space and sleeping space. Younger children likely require more supervision while learning at home; the kitchen or dining room table can transform into a desk during school hours. Consider the learning needs of your child, and identify a space in your home to best meet those needs. And remember: this doesn’t need to be fancy! A flat work surface, a relatively comfortable chair that allows your child to sit upright, and good lighting are the three key elements.
  • Set Up a Supply Station. Late summer is the time for school supply shopping! As you check off the items on your child’s school supply list, also think about the items you’ll need to stock your home “classroom.” Think notebook and printer paper, pencils or pens, a calculator, a ruler, note cards, folders, and basic art supplies (crayons, colored pencils, markers, scissors, glue, tape). Gather all items and place them in one easily accessible space in the house, such as a kitchen cabinet or a desk drawer. Come fall, your kids will know just where to look when they need to sharpen a pencil. Bonus: even if kids are in the classroom, you’ll be fully prepared with everything needed for homework assignments—and that means fewer frantic Sunday night dashes to the store to grab glue for a project due Monday morning!
  • Put It All Away. This is especially true if your kitchen island converts to a classroom. You need to be able to transition to normal kitchen activities—you know, preparing and eating meals—at some point during the day. And really, even if your home has designated desks and learning spaces for each child, there is still something to be said for a clean break between the school day and the rest of the day. Consider giving each child a shelf on a bookcase—a place to stash textbooks and assignments at the end of each school day. Chromebooks and iPads can be placed at a mini-charging station—a shelf or table with a nearby power strip—so they’re fully charged and ready to go the next day. A simple bulletin board—or even a folder with your child’s name on the front—can be used to store spelling word lists or assignments in progress. You—and your kids—will be able to corral school-related clutter and avoid the mad scramble to find a missing social studies textbook. And best of all, you’ll have a clear transition from school time to family time.

While the prospect of another round of remote learning is daunting, these steps can help you to optimize your house for home school. Dedicate time in August so that come fall, you, your kids, and your home are prepared for any learning scenario!

First Time Home Buyers Get Their Keys!

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Keys in hand, whoop whoop! Congratulations to David and Emily on the purchase of their first home together! This lovely couple chose a sweet SW Portland townhome with a DIY project or two in mind–perfect for the soon-to-be newlyweds. Congratulations, you two, and thank you for letting me be a part of this big step in your lives!

 

8 Tips for an Energy-Efficient Home

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

If you’ve bought or sold a home in the last year or two in the city of Portland, or if you’ve just cruised real estate listings online for fun (I know—I do it, too!), you have probably noticed “HES” accompanied by a number in the home descriptions. “HES” stands for “Home Energy Score.” Beginning in 2018 in Portland, sellers of single-family homes are required to obtain and disclose a Home Energy Report. 

What information is included in a Home Energy Report? This report provides valuable estimates of a home’s energy use and costs and provides cost-effective solutions that improve a home’s efficiency. And what is the point of this, you might ask? In practical terms, it helps future homeowners to avoid surprises like outrageous heating bills the first winter. More broadly, it encourages homeowners to maintain an energy-efficient home—and our collective efforts can have a large positive environmental impact click here for more information on how maintain an energy efficient home.

If you’re buying or selling a home then, it’s important to educate yourself about home energy efficiency. However, it’s just as important for homeowners who have every intention to stay put to take steps to improve their home’s efficiency. It’s good for the environment—and it puts money back in your pocket in the form of reduced energy usage and lower utility bills! Read on for actions you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency:

  1. Ghost Power. Pop quiz: how many cell phone chargers are plugged into a wall outlet in your house without a smartphone attached to the other end?! I’m guilty of this. You are too—don’t try to pretend otherwise! In fact, in the average home, there are electric items all over the place sucking up power when they’re not being used: coffeemakers, toasters, televisions, lamps. You get the idea. The solution? A simple power strip. Well, a simple power strip + a bit of effort in training yourself to flip the power strip switch to off after you’ve brewed coffee and toasted a bagel in the morning. Sure, it might take some time to save enough energy to pay for the power strip. I have a vague recollection of a bin of random, unused cords and power strips in my garage, however—and that means that with $0 and about 20 minutes of effort, I can easily reduce my home’s energy usage.
  2. Lightbulb Moment. When LED lightbulbs first came on the market, they were expensive—really expensive. And they weren’t that attractive, to be honest. The average cost of an LED bulb has come down over the years, and the options have expanded so that there is an LED option for nearly every type of lighting fixture. Plus, an Energy-Star rated LED bulb can save you up to $75/year in energy costs. These bulbs use much less energy and last significantly longer. If you don’t want to drop dough to replace every single bulb in your house at once, then commit to replacing your standard incandescent lightbulbs with LEDs as the incandescent bulbs burn out!
  3. Smart Heating and Cooling. We installed a smart thermostat a couple of years ago. At first, I felt a little like a future-living Jetson, but when we arrived back in Oregon to near-freezing temperatures following a trip to balmy Southern California, we were able to turn up the heat via smartphone as soon as we landed at PDX and walk into our warm, snug house an hour later. However, a smart thermostat does far more for you. You can program your heating and cooling systems to operate when you need them—and to power down when you don’t, adding up to big savings.
  4. Furnace filter. Out of sight, out of mind. Changing the furnace filter is not a task that usually makes it onto my to-do list. At least, it wasn’t until I learned that this simple chore drastically increases furnace efficiency—which means my house is warmer and my gas bill is lower. Here’s what you do: first, go look (right now!) to see what size furnace filter your furnace needs. Next: open the calendar on your phone; set a reminder to change the furnace filter on September 1st, December 1st, and March 1st. (Experts say that you should replace the filter every 4 months, but here in Oregon, our heat is usually off by mid-May, so I cheat as the weather warms up. Check your owner’s manual and follow the recommendations!) In your calendar, make a note of the filter size so you don’t find yourself guessing at the hardware store. (Pro tip: order a multi-pack of filters so you always have extras on hand.)  You should also consider having your furnace assessed and serviced before cold weather kicks in again—an important home maintenance task that will help to keep your home’s heating system running efficiently.
  5. Seal the leaks. Do you live in a Goldilocks home that always feels too cold or too warm—never “just right.” Chances are, air leaks are to blame. Air leaks occur in those little (and sometimes not-so-little) cracks and gaps around your home—around doors and windows, in attics and crawl spaces, and even where wires and pipes enter your home from the main lines. Some of these air leakage areas might be easily identifiable (and easily fixable). For example, if you can see daylight around the edges of an exterior door, it’s probably time to replace the weather stripping for a tighter seal—an inexpensive and fairly simple DIY project. For help identifying areas of greater concern, consider investing in a professional home energy audit.
  6. Appliance usage. Around my house, the laundry and dishes pile up fast, especially now that we’re home so much more. While we try to stay on top of the mess, we wait until later in the evening—after peak usage hours—to run the dishwasher and washing machine. This simple change to our daily household routine means that we’re doing our part to reduce the strain on the energy grid.
  7. Smart appliances. Of course, running appliances in non-peak hours has a limited impact if the appliances themselves are inefficient. As you update old, out-of-date appliances in your home, be sure to look for Energy Star appliances. Bonus: many Energy Star appliances come with significant rebates!
  8. Give it a rest. “It” being your computer, of course. The soft glow of your laptop monitor is not a good nightlight. When you’re done working for the day, put your computer to sleep (or power it off entirely!). This simple practice saves energy, but has the added benefit of helping you to mentally end your workday—a good practice, especially for those who are still adjusting to working from home!

There are dozens of other ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency. More and more homeowners are installing solar panels to generate electricity, installing low-flow showerheads and toilets to minimize water usage, and more. Assess your home (or have a professional do it!), make a to-do list and prioritize the items on it, and take the first step toward a greener, more efficient home. As always, I’m here to help with recommendations and referrals!

 

Sharon Bloudek, Licensed in the State of Oregon

503-701-1000 (mobile)

 

Together at Home: 5 Steps for Making Your Home A Haven

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

We’re all spending a lot of time at home these days—too much, most would say. Home used to be the place we gathered to eat and relax with family and friends, and to sleep, a place to recharge and get ready to go back out into the world. Now, for many of us, working and learning are also home-based activities. And even if you are an essential worker and out in the world each day, just as in pre-COVID times, the home has now become even more of a sanctuary from the outside world.

However, when we’re staring at the same walls day in and day out, those walls can start to feel like they’re closing in. Try looking at your home with a fresh eye toward making it feel as peaceful and welcoming to its inhabitants as possible. A little effort and intention go a long way. Here are a few tips to get you started: 

  1. Keep clutter at bay. A place for everything and everything in its place, right? That can be easier said than done when everyone is home all day (every day!). Still, managing clutter is the first step in making your home feel calmer. Make a point to immediately load dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Don’t let the mail pile up. Before you go to bed each evening, spend 15 minutes to straighten sofa cushions and stacks of papers. If you have children, you can even turn decluttering into a game: set the timer for 10 minutes and challenge everyone to put away as many of their things as possible during that time. And if clutter gets out of hand, here’s a tip from a mom friend: hold favorite toys (or video game controllers!) hostage until messes are cleaned up. Desperate times sometimes call for desperate measures!
  2. Create cozy spaces. Once your house is tidied, consider how you can create spaces that draw people in. Where do you (and/or your family members) spend the most time? Floor cushions scattered around the coffee table and jigsaw puzzle or favorite board games (neatly stacked, of course!) are an invitation to spend quality time together. A comfy chair in a quiet corner with a small table to set a drink is the perfect place to curl up with a book. A platter of cheese and crackers or a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen table creates a pause to sit down for a snack.
  3. Bring nature in. House plants have so many benefits! They help to purify the air in your home, create a sense of calm, and they look beautiful. Try bringing at least one plant into each room of your home. Make it a fun project: do some research to find out which plants are best for each room. For example, some plants tolerate low light; others prefer direct sunlight. You’ll enjoy learning about the many varieties of house plants and will enjoy the feeling of life they add to your indoor spaces. I recently bought some house plants from MI Home Nest in downtown Tigard. Not only does Laura have an Etsy store, but also a brick & mortar store where you can make an appointment and learn all about house plants.
  4. Embrace outdoor spaces. You can bring nature indoors to you, but you should also go outdoors to enjoy nature! When everyone is home at the same time, think of your porch or yard as an extra room in your home. Embrace the beautiful summer weather here in Oregon and move things outside! Begin your day with coffee on the front porch. An Adirondack chair in a shady corner can become an outdoor office. And for a change of scenery (and a change of pace!), move dinner to the deck (or a picnic blanket on the lawn!). 
  5. Establish a routine. I get it: life looks different these days. But different isn’t necessarily bad. Seize the opportunity to establish new routines that reflect what’s important to you. If dinner was always a mad rush in the “before” time, pause to appreciate the chance to sit down to a leisurely meal. Take a mid-afternoon walk to clear your head. Set your bedtime for a half an hour earlier than usual, and use the extra time to read before turning out the lights. Make every Friday night pizza night—make your dough or order from your favorite local pizza place. You may grow to love these new habits—they may even stick as you transition back to “normal.” 

As a real estate agent, I’m passionate about home. Helping you to find a house is an important step—but what comes next is all that you do to create your home. I hope these tips give you new ways to think about your home, and that the moments you spend there are enjoyable and meaningful.

Sealing the Deal: Strategies for Getting Your Home Offer Accepted

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

A few months ago, the Portland real estate market was thriving. And in fact, it still is. Properties are closing every single day. With the state of our city and state—not to mention our global community—everything feels a bit uncertain right now, and real estate is no different. One thing is certain, however: the greater Portland has been a hot market for years, and it will be in the future. We live a beautiful part of the world and people want to live here. That’s pretty straightforward.

Whether you’re looking to purchase a home soon—in the next few months—or if you’re thinking longer term, here are a few key strategies to optimize your chance of having your offer accepted by the seller:

  1. Get your financing in order. Know how much you are able to commit to a down payment. If you’re planning a little further out, you can begin by getting pre-qualified for a mortgage. A lender will assess your income, any assets, debt, and your credit score and provide you with a rough estimate of the amount you’ll qualify for. If you want to be ready to make an offer on a home in the near future, you’ll want to be pre-qualified for a home loan. (Note: some lenders use the terms “pre-approved” and pre-qualified” interchangeably, so make sure you know which you’re getting!) Pre-qualification typically involves providing verification (read: documentation) of your income, any assets, and any debt.
  2. Write a personal letter. Buying a home can be an emotional process, but so can selling a home. People become attached to their homes; they want to know that the next owner to live there will take good care. This is where the letter comes in: it’s your chance to tell the homeowner your story and why you are drawn to their home, and to assure the homeowner that you are the ideal next owner.
  3. Add an escalation clause. In a hot market, you’ll almost certainly compete against other offers. In this situation, it doesn’t make sense to lowball your offer—and it’s important to position your offer to be as competitive as possible. In a multiple offer situation, an escalation clause allows your offer to automatically be “upped” above a competing offer by a pre-determined dollar amount.
  4. Make a clean offer. I’ll say this first: it’s important to know what you’re buying—especially with a home purchase. But, making a “clean” offer—not asking for the seller to pay closing costs and limiting the conditions included in your offer—can go a long way in making your offer the most appealing to the seller.
  5. Be patient. You might be able to buy a car in an afternoon, but buying a home takes time—time to find the right house, time to have your offer accepted, and time to fully close the purchase of the home. Get your ducks in a row and be ready to move quickly—but also be ready to hurry up and wait. 

With over a decade of experience and hundreds of home sales under my belt, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. In fact, I’ve recently leveraged my experience to close two home sales—both with multiple offers—at under asking price! Want to know my secret? Give me a call! I promise this: when you have decided on the home you want, I’ll pull out all the stops to put the keys to the front door in your hand!

 

Sharon Bloudek
503-701-1000 mobile

PENDING in Forest Grove!

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

This backyard fire pit has me dreaming of s’mores! Outside of the city hustle and bustle, the college town of Forest Grove is as beautiful as it’s name. And this 6 bedroom home received an offer in just 2 days! With plenty of elbow room, this is the perfect home to entertain AND the ideal dwelling in which to socially distance with 4,700 square feet. Win-win!

Heads Up! Covid-19 Scams Are Here

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Over the past couple of months, we’ve all heard many stories neighbors helping neighbors—people rising to help those in need during these extraordinary times. 

Unfortunately, there are also reports of the opposite: scammers who seek to use the Covid-19 crisis to their advantage. Please be aware of the following and take care to protect yourself and your personal/financial information:

  • Ignore offers for test kits and vaccines. FDA-approved test kits are only available through a licensed medical professional. Right now, there is no vaccine for Covid-19. Avoid purchasing test kits, “cures,” medications, air filters, etc. online, and instead consult your doctor regarding any concerns you may have related to Covid-19.
  • Screen your phone calls. This one is simple: if you don’t recognize the number of an incoming call, don’t answer the phone. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch products and solicit personal information. When in doubt, let the call go through to voicemail! If you do answer a phone call, NEVER give your personal information—your social security number, credit card information, bank account numbers, Medicare ID number, or driver license number—to anyone over the phone.
  • Beware of emails and texts. Take the same precautions with emails and texts as you do with phone calls. Be wary of emails claiming to be the CDC, WHO, or any other official entity. Don’t click on links from suspicious sources. Be particularly aware of scams targeting people receiving social security benefits. Again, NEVER share your personal information.
  • Take care with charitable donations. There are a lot of reputable organizations working hard to help people during these uncertain times. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of coronavirus-related charity scams. Never donate by wiring money from your bank account, with a gift card, or with cash. Instead, research the organization, make sure it is reputable, and make your donation via the charity’s secure online portal.

If you’re in doubt, the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offer information about how to protect yourself from scams (and even what to do if you have been the victim of a scam). And please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of help.

Be well,

Sharon

Just Listed and SOLD in Woodlawn!

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

What four letter word do you get in Real Estate when you’re in a Great Location, Updated, Well Maintained & Staged?   SOLD!!

This Woodlawn Bungalow sold quickly, with multiple offers, and for over the list price. It has period details & updates buyers are looking for – Schoolhouse Electric light fixtures, updated bathrooms, remodeled kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances & a farmhouse sink. It’s location features close proximity to Dekum, Alberta, parks, restaurants, grocery, & transit.

Call me if you’d like to learn how to sell quickly & for a great price in this environment.

Sharon Bloudek, 503-701-1000

5 Tips for Homeowners Who Hate Yard Work

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

5 Tips for Homeowners Who Hate Yard Work

I’ll say it: I don’t love yard work. I do love to sit in my yard on a beautiful day. I don’t mind planting flowers once a year. But I don’t love pulling weeds and edging grass and mowing (and mowing) and bagging clippings and raking and . . . . 

Some people love yard work. They find it peaceful and gratifying. And that’s great! But for the rest of us, here are some tips to keep your yard looking beautiful, but with minimal effort:

  1. Plant trees. Not the messy, flowering kind! Choose trees that are native to your area. Take care to plant where tree roots won’t disturb the foundation of your home. Consult experts at your local nursery for help selecting ideal trees for your property. Tip: when you go to the nursery, it’s a good idea to bring along a rough sketch of your yard, with approximate measurements.
  2. Plant drought-tolerant plants. Select shrubs, ornamental grasses, and other plants that are native to your area. These are low-maintenance, but they add loads of color and texture to your yard and look beautiful against a backdrop of trees.
  3. Hardscape. Create pathways out of stone or gravel; use decorative river rock for visual interest, or even consider installing a water feature. Most hardscape additions to your yard will require very little in terms of ongoing maintenance.
  4. Mulch. Wherever you have trees or plants, keep a nice, thick layer of mulch on the ground. Mulch helps to lock in moisture (here in Oregon, that means you don’t have to water nearly as much!), keeps the weeds at bay, and helps your hard to look tidy and cared for—with minimal effort. You can lay down mulch yourself in very little time, or have it professionally blown in at a reasonable cost.
  5. Container gardening. If you like the idea of a little green in your yard without the commitment of a full-blown lawn or garden, container gardening might be the ideal solution for you! Plant annual flowers, herbs, or small flowering plants and shrubs (like hydrangeas) in planters. Planters come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you’re sure to find something that complements your home’s exterior. You can also consider buying a pressure washer from unclutterer to clean up your little yard. 

Of course, choosing a home with no yard is also a great option! Newer urban homes are often on small lots, which translates to less yard work. Condominiums usually have associated fees, but these fees cover ongoing maintenance like yard work, giving you the option to still enjoy a small green space without breaking a sweat! And of course, if you do have a sizeable yard, you can always hire a landscaping company to perform weekly or monthly yard maintenance for you. Whether you’re in the market for a home or condo with minimal yard space, or if you own a home and need a recommendation for landscaping, I’d love to help!

 

Sharon Bloudek  503-701-1000

Downsizing Dreams: How to Transition to a Smaller Home

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

You’ve been thinking about downsizing. But it seems like such a big step. How do you know when you’re ready? How do you know when the time is right? And what do you need to do to get ready to downsize?

When to downsize is a personal decision—one that you don’t have to rush into (unless you want to, that is!). The timing has to be right. And first things first: make sure the market is optimal. Research what’s happening in real estate in your community. Is it a seller’s market? You might want to take advantage! If the market is down, however, you might be better advised to bide your time.

Beyond the state of the market, consider whether your home is meeting your needs. Do you use the space in your home, or do you have rooms that you rarely enter? Do you feel overwhelmed by maintaining your house—or do you simply prefer to spend your time doing other things? Does the expense involved with your home make you feel like you’re missing out on other things—the opportunity to travel, for example?

Once you’ve decided that you want to downsize, know that the process can take some time. As you begin, think about your next home. What will be important to you? As people enter retirement, they often look to one-level living, accessibility, and security. In short, they want a home that they can stay in as they age. Deciding what you’re looking for in your next home will inform how you prepare to downsize.

Big items in your home will certainly need your attention. After all, if you’re moving from a 4-bedroom home with a formal living room, formal dining room, den, and home office to a 2-bedroom condo with an eat-in kitchen, you’re going to have to pare back your furniture considerably. Do you have family members or friends who you might give pieces of furniture to? Or, can you donate furniture to a nonprofit organization?

Paperwork accumulates over the course of a lifetime. Don’t move boxes or filing cabinets full of documents. Instead, go through every last file folder, box, and drawer. Shred documents that you no longer need. And digitize those you do need to keep.

The same goes for photographs. Of course, you should keep treasured family photos. But do you need to keep, well, all of them? You can give some photos to family members. You can digitize others. (There are even services that will do this for you.) And you can still keep your most precious photos in an album (or two).

When it comes time to move, commit to moving your remaining possessions—ALL of your possessions—into your new place. In other words, don’t move furniture and personal items into long-term storage. No matter how important these things might be to you, in most cases, these things will be out of sight, out of mind.

Whether you’re thinking of selling your current home, buying a new, smaller home, or both, I’d love to walk with you through this process!

Spring Cleaning: A Checklist

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Every year I hear people talking about spring cleaning and I immediately feel . . . overwhelmed. Daunted. Guilty, even. I mean, we keep up with the basics of housekeeping. But I work full-time (or more than full-time many weeks!) and have three busy kids. When I do have free time, deep cleaning is not how I choose to spend it.

Spring 2020 year is shaping up to be a bit different. (There’s an understatement.) Many of us are finding ourselves at home a lot more. As in all. the. time. You may be learning how to work remotely; you may be helping to manage distance learning for your kids. But the rest of the time, there’s not even March Madness to distract you. Might this be the year that you tackle spring cleaning?!

Some of you are thinking, “NO! Anything but that!” And it’s okay if this isn’t your jam. But, there’s a sense of satisfaction that comes from accomplishing big tasks. Plus, we’re all realizing anew the importance of home. Perhaps you don’t complete all of these tasks but choose a few. As you work, bask in a sense of accomplishment and appreciate the simple joy of home.

First things first: assemble your cleaning supplies. I have a sneaking suspicion that some of you have Clorox wipes stockpiled. Good—those will come in handy! In all seriousness, earth-friendly DIY cleaning supplies are the way to go. You can make DIY all-purpose cleaning with vinegar and water. This can be used on floors, and for dusting. A quick internet search will also yield DIY recipes for shower cleaner, toilet cleaner, and oven cleaner made out of common household products like baking soda—the perfect solution (no pun intended) for avoiding grocery stores and maintaining social distance. You’ll also need your vacuum, a mop, and plenty of cleaning rags.

Without further ado, here’s your spring cleaning strategy:

  1. Take it from the top. Use a vacuum attachment to reach up to the ceiling and into stairwells to zap cobwebs. Use a microfiber mop or cleaning cloths to clean the walls throughout your home; you’ll be amazed at the dust that accumulates there.
  2. Be a dust buster. Use a cleaning rag (microfiber cloths work great!) to dust ceiling fan blades, the tops of cabinets and furniture, light fixtures, and baseboards. Tackle spaces that might be overlooked during your normal weekly cleaning routine, like bookcases. Remove all books and knickknacks, dust the shelves, and then wipe down individual items as you place them back where they belong.
  3. Get a clear view. Next up: windows! Beginning inside the house, clean the windows with a window cleaner or a vinegar-and-water solution. Wipe down the sills, tracks, and locks. If your windows have slatted blinds, wipe those down, too. You can also remove curtains for laundering or dry cleaning. When it comes to cleaning the outsides of windows, exercise caution, especially for second-story windows. (Many newer types of windows can be easily removed and brought inside the house, removing the need for extension ladders.) It’s a good idea to remove screens, too. Screens can be gently washed with warm, soapy water, rinsed, and left to dry in the sun.
  4. Furniture. Sofas and armchairs need some love, too. First, vacuum beneath cushions. Upholstered furniture can be vacuumed and spot-cleaned. Leather furniture can typically be wiped down with a damp rag, followed by a leather conditioning treatment. Tip: many carpet cleaning companies also offer upholstery and/or leather furniture cleaning services.
  5. Floor it. As you’ve worked through this list so far, you’ve probably knocked lots of dust to the ground. Spring is a great time to vacuum and steam clean the carpeting in your home. You can rent a steam cleaner, or have carpets professionally cleaned. Hang area rugs outside and beat the dust out of them (like great-grandma used to do!), or have them professionally cleaned. Mop tile floors in entryways, bathrooms, and kitchens. It’s a good idea to reseal the grout lines, too. As you clean the flooring throughout your home, now is the time to move furniture and vacuum or mop behind it, too.
  6. Go deep. Pretend your mother-in-law is coming over. You know she’s going to peek in your closets! Go through the cupboards, cabinets, and closets throughout your home. Get rid of random Tupperware lids, clothing that no longer fits or that you no longer wear, outgrown shoes and toys, and anything else that no longer serves a purpose. Tip: designate two bins—one for donations and one for garbage.
  7. Fluff factor. Is there anything better than snuggling into fresh, clean sheets?! During spring cleaning, take it to the next level: wash the mattress cover, sheets, blankets, quilts, comforters, duvet covers, and pillows on each and every bed in your house. Vacuum under the bed. Sprinkle the mattress with baking soda and allow it to sit for an hour or so, then vacuum up the baking soda. Flip the mattress, then remake the bed with freshly washed linens.
  8. Safety. I use Daylight Savings as my cue to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace the batteries, and change the furnace filter. Make these important steps a regular part of your spring cleaning routine!

You won’t accomplish all of these tasks in one day, or even in one weekend. That’s okay! Decide what your home is most in need of and start there. Tackle a little bit of this list at a time. And don’t be afraid to enlist the help of your kids, spouse, partner, etc. for good, old-fashioned family cleaning fun!

 

Stage Your Home: Essential Tips to Prepare Your Home to Sell

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Getting ready to sell your home is a daunting task. If you’ve lived in your home a long time, listing and preparing to sell may be a very emotional process. Even if it’s not—even if you can’t wait to move! —there is still a long list of things to do when you’re moving. If you’re planning to sell, try to give yourself plenty of lead time to prepare your house to list. Careful attention to the following items can make thousands of dollars of difference! 

What to do before listing your house for sale:

  • Pay attention to curb appeal. It’s likely that prospective buyers first see your home in an online listing. This is the first impression—and a whole post can (and should!) be dedicated to creating an online listing to attract buyers. However, curb appeal is the very next impression, and it is crucially important. The moment prospective buyers park in front of your house or pull into the driveway, they begin to form an impression—before they ever step inside the house (or even get out of the car). Touch up paint, clean the gutters, trim the trees, shrubs, and grass, and plant colorful flowers or hang a flower basket. A tidy front porch and a new doormat make your home feel cheerful and inviting. And don’t forget to give attention to the backyard, too. It might not be street-facing, but you can be sure that prospective buyers will essentially look there.
  • Clean, clean, clean. And then clean some more. Knock down cobwebs, dust windowsills, baseboards, ceiling fans, and furniture. Scrub the grout. Shampoo the carpets and clean hardwood floors. Take a pumice stone to stains sinks, tubs, and toilet. Clean glass, including windows, mirrors, and any glass-front cabinets. When you think you can’t possibly clean anything else—clean some more. And then get ready to clean every time you having a showing.
  • Declutter. People collect a lot of stuff. The longer you’ve lived in a house, the more you tend to accumulate. Now—before you list your house—is the time to go through everything. Get two big bins: one bin for donations and one bin for garbage. Begin to fill them as you go through every cupboard, every closet, every nook and cranny in your home. Once you’ve done this, go back through each room and begin to box up personal items (framed photos, photo albums, toys, books, knickknacks, etc.) and things that you don’t have an immediate use for (extra dishes, extra towels, bedding, out-of-season clothes, etc.). Your goal is to give prospective buyers a sense of spaciousness in your home. Don’t think that buyers won’t look inside cabinets and closets. They absolutely will. There’s no place in your home that you can hide things, so now is the time to begin to pack things that you intend to move to your new home.
  • Paint the walls. Maybe you love bright, bold colors. So do I! But home buyers want to envision themselves in your home. Help them out by giving your home—either the entire interior, or a room here and there as needed—a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color: think soft white, gray, or beige. Not only does this help buyers as they mentally “try on” your house, but fresh paint also gives prospective buyers the sense that you have maintained and cared for your home.
  • Rearrange furniture. Decluttering isn’t just for small, personal items. Think about what furniture you might be able to remove from your home to make it feel more spacious. Do you have an old, comfortable, but unsightly armchair? Move. It. Out. Do you have eight chairs crowded around your dining room table when four would do? Move the extra chairs out. While you’re at it, remove bean bag chairs, extra bookcases, or any other awkwardly placed piece of furniture. Once you’ve done this, look at the remaining pieces with a critical eye. Arrange sofas and tables in a way that appears to invite conversation. Arrange bedrooms so that the bed is the focal point of the room. Strive to make each room or space in your home as inviting as possible.
  • Remove all signs of pets. This one is hard. I know. Pets are part of our families. But that’s just it: a pet is part of your family. But to a prospective buyer, pets might be a major turnoff. Now is the time to remove pet toys, crates, beds, and dishes from your home. If you will be living in your home while it’s on the market, it’s important to pare back pet items as much as you can. Leave food dishes and a single bed, and be prepared to pack these items into the back of your car while a buyer tours the house. Further, make sure that pet odors are eliminated from your house. Again, shampooing carpets can go a long way in helping with pet odors. However, ask a friend—or anyone who doesn’t live with you—to come over and tell you if your house smells like Fluffy. If the answer is “yes,” research ways to sanitize and deodorize your space.
  • Freshen things up. Small touches make for a big impact when it comes to staging your home. It goes without saying (I hope!) that every garbage should be emptied prior to a showing. But you can do more! Here’s a trick: think envision your house as a beautiful bed-and-breakfast. Place a vase of lovely flowers on the table, and a bowl of fresh fruit on the countertop. Make the beds with new, crisp linens, and place fluffy white towels in the bathrooms. A soft throw blanket draped over the arm of the sofa or an attractive art book on the coffee table lend feelings of coziness and sophistication.

What’s the point of all of this? Think of it this way: your job is to give buyers a vision. These touches take buyers from “I could live here,” to “I want to live here!” And after all, that’s the goal! It’s a lot of work, and it can seem daunting. But the payoff can be immense. While you can tackle all of these items on your own, you certainly don’t have to. I can recommend house cleaners, painters, and professional home stagers who can help you to declutter and prepare your home for listing. Whether you want to list next week or in six months, use this list or call me and we can begin the process—together!

 

10 Important Things to Do Before Moving Day

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Your offer has been accepted—congratulations! But hold on: before you schedule the movers for the very day you get the keys to your new place, there are several new home to-dos that it makes sense to tackle before you begin to unload boxes. Some of these you can tackle yourself; for others, it might make sense to hire a professional. You can read this article if you need professional help with your moving and as always, I can help you to find reputable service professionals for a wide variety of home maintenance tasks.

Before you move in, be sure to:

  • Tackle paperwork. Yeah, I get it. Not nearly as much fun as mentally arranging furniture in your new digs, right? But you need to get homeowners insurance for your new home in order (in fact, you often can close on your new house without proof of insurance). And while you’re at it, go ahead and file your change-of-address form with the post office. You’ll still need to change your address with various entities after you move, but filing this form will ensure that important mail is automatically forwarded to your new address in the meantime.
  • Change the locks. Secure your new home from the very first day you own it. This is especially important if you’re not going to immediately occupy the space but will be storing belongings. A City Locksmith noted that you must get a locksmith to change the locks on every exterior door, including those that provide access to the basement or garage. It’s worth the peace of mind—and you’ll be able to get the precise number of keys you need at the time the locks are changed.
  • Change smoke detector and carbon monoxide batteries. Let’s continue with our safety theme: don’t spend a single night in your new home without first addressing this item! State law says that sellers need to replace old smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors prior to closing, but it’s best to double check it was actually done. While experts recommend putting fresh batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year—typically when the time changes in the fall and spring—you should also ensure that your new home has fresh batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before you move in. After all, you have no idea how long it has been since the previous owner tackled this task. Pro tip: add a note in your phone that lists the number of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and the type of batteries each requires, then set recurring reminders in your calendar to replace the batteries every six months.
  • Complete dreaded maintenance tasks. Harness the excitement of moving into a new home and use some of that energy to tackle tasks that you might normally dread. Why? Well, it’s much easier to clean behind and beneath the refrigerator and the washer and dryer when they’re empty and when the space around the appliances is clear. While you’re at it, replace the furnace filter, and locate the breaker box, making sure the switches are properly labeled. There’s a benefit to doing all of this just before you move in: you’ll have an easy-to-remember date for when you last did these chores. Feel like you might be forgetting something? Go back to that home inspection report and comb through it for recommendations for items you might wish to address before move-in.
  • Paint. Whether the entire interior needs a fresh paint job, or merely a room here and there, it’s SO. MUCH. EASIER. to paint inside your home when the rooms are still empty. And it’s worth it to spend a little extra time (and money) to do it right: paint ceilings, trim, molding, baseboards, doors, walls—all of it. You can tackle the job yourself, or hire a professional painter. You’ll save money with DIY painting, but a professional will be able to do the job quickly, meaning you’ll be able to move in faster. You might even save money in hiring a professional if they paint while the house is empty of furniture.
  • Clean the windows. Outside and inside, top to bottom, make your new home should sparkle! Hire a window cleaner to wash the windows inside and out, and to clean the window tracks and screens. This often-overlooked chore goes a long way in making your house feel like home—just wait until the first morning that you sip coffee as the sun shines in the freshly washed windows! 
  • Wipe down cabinets and closets. While the window cleaner is up on the ladder, arm yourself with a bucket of hot, soapy water and a rag, and wipe down closet shelves and the insides of cabinets. Take a vacuum to the insides of closets, too. When you finally begin to move your belongings into the house, you’ll know that you’re putting your things away in freshly cleaned spaces. 
  • Clean floors. Rent equipment or hire a professional: whatever you do, don’t move into your new house without getting the carpets shampooed and hardwood/tile floors steam cleaned. Here’s the thing: people are gross. Pets are even more gross. It’s worth getting every inch of your home—especially the floors—as clean as you possibly can.
  • Replace toilet seats (or the entire toilet). Okay. I’m now revealing myself as a slight germ-o-phobe. But I know I’m not the only one! Maybe replacing the toilet seats (or the toilet) isn’t something you’ve thought about before, but I can almost guarantee you won’t be sorry. Plus, you can seize the opportunity to install a high-efficiency, water-saving toilet!
  • Stock the house with day-of-move essentials. Bring over a bin containing everything you’ll need on moving day: paper towels, hand soap, garbage bags, bottled water or soda, snacks, pain reliever, a tape measure, a phone charger, and anything else you might want on hand without having to go through boxes to find.

With the help of professional moving companies, like professional removalists Sydney, now you’re ready to start unpacking boxes, placing furniture, and hanging art—all the fun things that will make your new house your new home. And when you’re all settled, don’t forget to invite me to your housewarming party!

5 Ways to Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

I live in an eclectic urban Portland neighborhood. The homes are a good mix of early 20th century—Tudors, bungalows, farmhouses—mid-century modern, 70s and 80s ranches and split-levels, and even a sprinkling of new builds. I love the variety. While some architectural styles appeal to me more than others, a walk around my neighborhood always reveals one thing: no matter the era of the home, the homes that stand out are the ones with curb appeal. Their owners put effort into making the exterior of the home look appealing (this always make me want to know what the inside of the home looks like, too!). While sprucing up your home to increase curb appeal is crucially important if you’re getting ready to sell, it’s also a great way to show the home you’re living in some love. After all, it’s a great feeling to drive down your block and admire the house you’re arriving home to. (And your curious, ambling neighbors appreciate the effort, too!) Read on for easy ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal:

  • Clean up your act! The good news is, elbow grease is the only thing required to make the exterior of your home sparkle. Start from the top and give your roof some attention. Clear the roof of debris. (Be sure to use proper safety precautions when on the roof of your home!) Clear debris out of the gutters, and give the exterior of the gutters a good scrub. Use a power washer to clean siding, the front porch, the driveway, the walkway, and any sidewalks in front of your home. Drag out the ladder and clean the windows; you can even give your screens a good rinse with the garden house. You’ll be amazed at the difference a good cleaning will make.
  • Perk up your paint. While a full-house paint job will undoubtedly boost curb appeal, such a project might not be within everyone’s budget. A gallon or two of paint can still go a long way, though! Choose a cheerful color and put a fresh coat of paint on your front door. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even paint the trim on the street-facing side of your home, or renovate your fence with the help of Tampa Fence Builders. 
  • Go for the green. It’s time to bust out the lawnmower, edging tool, rake, and garden shears! Dedicate a weekend—or several evenings over a week or two—to your front yard. First things first: pull some weeds! Shape hedges, shrubs, and trees. Mow and edge the grass. If you already have established trees and plants throughout your yard, there is still opportunity to bring in new color and flower varieties with hanging baskets and planters.
  • Don’t forget the finishing touches. You’ve worked so hard—but don’t halt your efforts just yet! Go the extra mile with a few finishing touches. Cruise the aisles of your local hardware store for inspiration: a new porch light fixture, new house numbers, or a new mailbox—any or all of these have the power to dramatically change the look of your home. Softer elements, like a wreath for the front door or a new door mat, make your home feel welcoming to inhabitants and visitors alike. A rocking chair on the porch could be the perfect place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee—or to wave at me as I walk by, admiring your beautiful home!
  • Admire your work. This is the most important step! They don’t call it curb appeal for nothing! Stand in the street (watch for cars!), admire your home, and congratulate yourself for your hard work!

While there’s a lot of satisfaction in a DIY job, there’s also something to be said for hiring professionals who can do the job quickly so you can enjoy the result! I’m always happy to make recommendations for roof maintenance, tree and lawn care, window cleaning, house painting, and more. 

Our First Date, REALTOR® Edition: 4 Tips for Making Our First REALTOR®-Client Meeting a Success

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

You’ve googled me. We’ve texted. Maybe we’ve even spoken by phone. (Full disclosure: I tend to call you more than I text you. I’m old-fashioned that way!) We’ve arranged our first date (er—meeting!). Casual: coffee, maybe lunch. We both want to make a good impression.

But hey! You can relax! We’re going to be hanging out together—a lot—over the coming weeks. And we’re going to have fun. I already like you. And I promise you’re going to like me, too. 

While you don’t have to dress up or go out of your way to impress me, there are a few things you can do to make our initial meeting productive so we can begin making progress toward finding your next home!

  • Know Your Budget. The best way to do this is to get pre-approved for a home loan. Meet with a lender. Meet with several lenders. Get an idea of down payment options, interest rates, and the maximum amount of money for which you’re approved. Note: the maximum amount you’re approved for might not be the same as your actual maximum budget! If you haven’t gone through the pre-approval process yet or if you need a referral to a reputable lender, no problem! I can help to connect you with someone great so that you’re ready when it’s time to make an offer.
  • Know Your Neighborhoods. One of the first questions I’ll ask you is what neighborhoods you’re interested in. If you already live in the area, you may have a good sense of where you want to concentrate your search for your next home. If you’re moving from out-of-town or out-of-state, it might take a little longer to narrow your focus. In this instance, it’s helpful for me to know what’s important to you. Is it walkability? Proximity to transit? Do you love the idea of living near greenspace? You can do some homework ahead of our first meeting by researching local neighborhoods and taking the time to explore and drive the areas you’re drawn to.
  • Make Your List. You might already have a vision of your dream home in your mind. Or, you might think that you’ll “know it when you see it.” Either way, it’s a great idea to make a list of your criteria. In fact, make several lists: a “must-have” list, a “nice-to-have” list, and a “deal-breaker” list. Are you a gourmet chef who insists on having a gas range? List that in your “must-haves.” Would you like to have a powder room for guests, but you can probably live without it? List that in your “nice-to-haves.” Is a split-level a hard no in your book? List that in your “deal-breakers.” Remember: your “dream” home might not exist among the homes currently on the market—so you’ll need to either be prepared to wait for that home to come along, or be aware of where you can and cannot make concessions.
  • Know Your Timeline. A lot of factors influence your timeline for moving. Perhaps you need to sell your current home before you can move. Perhaps you’ve already sold your current home and need to find a new place ASAP. Or perhaps you’ve secured a new job in the area and want to find a new place in advance of your move from out-of-state. Whatever your situation, it’s good for me to understand your urgency (or lack thereof).

As you arrive at our first meeting, know this: you are important to me. Over the years, many of my clients have become dear friends. Whatever your budget, criteria, and timeline, I’m dedicated to helping you to find your next ideal home. I can’t wait to begin this relationship!

 

So You Want to Be a Homeowner: 5 Tips to Get Ready to Buy Your First House 

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

A lack of affordable homes in urban areas. High student loan debt. Difficulty qualifying for a loan. These are just a few of the reasons millennials aren’t buying homes at the same rate as Generation Xers and baby boomers before them. However, experts believe it’s not that millennials don’t want to buy homes. It’s just that they’re taking a little longer to do so. In fact, millennials are poised to become the fastest-growing group of new homeowners.

If you’re thinking about buying your first home (or hey! even if you’re thinking about buying your fourth home!) make sure you know how to get a cell tower on your property to prevent issues with the reception.

Here are some essential tips to prepare for this important (and exciting) step:

  • Get your debt under control. Student loans, car loans, credit card debt. Whatever debt you have, make a concerted effort to pay down as much debt as you can before you consider buying a home. There are a variety of strategies for how to approach paying off debt. Research and consider which approach makes the most sense for your situation. Then make a plan, and stick to it! Remember: decreasing your debt increases the likelihood that you’ll qualify for a favorable home loan. Plus, the process of paying off debt improves your overall credit score—which also helps in your loan application process. 
  • Strive for steady employment. As a group, millennials are more likely to be entrepreneurs. Millennials are also more likely to move between jobs than older generations. However, when it comes to qualifying for a home loan, lenders like to see that you have a steady and reliable source of income. If homeownership is your goal, be aware that sticking with one employer for a period of time could prove beneficial.
  • Squirrel away savings. At this point, you might be thinking, “Yikes. So I’m supposed to pay off debt AND save at the same time?!” Well, yes. And that can be hard to do. I get it. But there are a lot of reasons to build a nest egg. For starters, the process of buying a home requires some up-front cash. You’ll need to have funds available for escrow. You’ll need to pay for a home inspection (money that is very well spent!). You’ll need a down payment; the precise amount depends on the type of loan you get, and if you intend to purchase private mortgage insurance. And, you want to be prepared for the myriad expenses that come with home ownership. You might need to purchase a lawnmower. You might need to purchase a new water heater. At some point, you might be faced with a bigger purchase, like a new roof. A healthy savings account gives you a level of security and comfort as you take this next big step toward owning a home. 
  • Be ready to settle down. No, buying a home doesn’t mean that you surrender your sense of adventure! You’re still the same fun-loving, adventurous person you’ve always been. But in financial terms, if you’re going to buy a home, try to think ahead a few years. Do you see yourself being happy in the same neighborhood in the same city for at least 2–3 years?
  • Balance what you want with what is realistic. When you think you’re ready to take the leap, start to gather information needed to make an informed decision. Get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know what you can afford. (Hint: the highest number you qualify for isn’t necessarily the same as your maximum budget. Think about what is truly affordable!) Research the neighborhoods you love the most. How’s the commute? Are the types of homes you like in the areas you like within your budget? What concessions might you need to make?

And finally: it’s important to have a team you trust to walk with you through the home-buying process. If you think you’re ready to make the step toward homeownership, let’s chat! From connecting you with reputable lenders to making an offer to handing you the keys to your new home, I’m here to work with you every step of the way. Here’s my cell phone – 503-701-1000.

Mountain Park – Nature’s Neighborhood

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

I’ve been hanging out in Mountain Park a bit more in recent years.  We lived there while doing a remodel and really loved it!  Most recently, I sold a condo to one of my buyers on Jefferson Parkway, and I helped a financial planner with a lease at Mountain Park Plaza, right next to Walter Mitty’s.  I’ve also made my kids volunteer with me (they love it!) for Meals on Wheels at the New Season’s Market. So I thought it was time I shared a little bit about it….

It’s a premier planned community developed by Carl Halvorson, a visionary Landscape Designer. A living experience fifty years in the making, unlike anywhere else in Oregon, exactly as it was envisioned to be, but much better in reality.

Nestled in the deeply forested hills surrounding Lake Oswego, the award-winning planned community of Mountain Park enjoys a wide range of amenities but its community is unified by its Clubhouse. Recently renovated, its 45,000 square foot, two-level recreation and community center, is a second home for many residents. The lazy river pool as part of the aquatic center, the many sport courts, fitness center and preschool are very popular with families. Though they have something for everyone within their walls.

Many parks and trails are also in the area, with 6 miles of trails that are perfect for walking or running within Mountain Park Clubhouse area. You’ll never be bored outdoors with a further seven parks and natural areas nearby.

Most of Mountain Park homes are in the Lake Oswego School District, Oregon’s top-rated school district. And commuting is easy considering its central location. At 958 feet, it has the highest elevation (and views!) in the City, and if you are lucky you will see all of Portland and even the coastal cascades on a clear day.

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!

Patience Pays Off!

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Patience Pays Off!

I was so lucky to get to work with this family – just back to Portland from the Midwest after completing Residency – these high school sweethearts originally from Oregon brought a few more kiddos back with them! I really enjoyed my time with them.

This past Spring, we started talking strategy just before their big move back to the West Coast this Summer.  When they arrived, we hit the ground running, and we saw plenty of options from which to choose, but nothing good enough to jump on yet.  In the meantime, they found a month-to-month rental in the community they identified as the best place for commute and family, and we waited patiently….  and eventually the right home came along!  By waiting just a little bit longer and not buying the first weekend they came into town, I feel like we were able to check off all the boxes that they were looking for in a home:

  • Great Location
  • Top Schools
  • the Perfect Square Footage
  • an Awesome 1/2 acre Lot
  • at an Ideal Price
  • Bonus: a Basketball hoop in the backyard!

Congratulations, Jeff & Yvette! I wish you many, many happy years in your new home!

Buyer Boo-ware!

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Purchasing a home can be a rollercoaster of a ride at times. Experienced REALTORS® can help smooth out concerns. Check out my tips below, and if you’d like some insights on the market, feel free to call me at 503-701-1000.

Eerie Leaks! Leaks are as common as candy corn; a good inspector will find them.

Pesky Pests! Is there something hiding in the crawlspace or attic, waiting to scare you with an expensive fix? Inspectors review these areas.

Ancient Systems! Find out before you buy if that 1950’s maintenance sticker on the furnace relates to its advancing age, or the last time they serviced it! Repairs, replacement costs and home warranties can be discussed prior to or during negotiations.

Foul Foundation! If your inspector is spooked about the foundation, you can have experts investigate and provide estimates during the inspection period. Schedule ASAP, as typically you only have 10 business days to do this.

Funky Smells! Trust your nose! If something smells moldy, but you can’t see it because of fresh paint, it will eventually make its presence known. Investigating for mold, and other items such as underground storage tanks, sewer lines and radon can also be a part of your due diligence period and negotiations.

 

Sharon Bloudek

503-701-1000

 

Seller Jitters!

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Selling your home is often a scary prospect, but trust in your REALTOR® to guide the way, and remember these few tips below. If you’d like some insight on the market, or your home, feel free to call me at 503-701-1000.

Bare Your Soul! Share the truth about your home to the buyers, and your REALTOR®. Build trust, ensuring quality deals.

Get Ready to Rumble! Plan in case a deal falls through. Preparing for all contingencies can allow you to land softly.

Stay Calm and Carry on! An experienced REALTOR® can help you navigate the tricky dance of concessions like ‘rent-back’, without scaring off a buyer.

Act Pretty! Get the best price for your home with a staging expert who can dress your home for every buyer.

Success Comes at a Price! Smart pricing strengthens negotiations, and stops your house-sale from gathering dust and perceptions of nonexistent flaws.

Don’t be Left Hanging! Low inventory means multiple offers. Consider asking potential buyers for more possession time, to facilitate moving and replacement of your home.

Let Go! Selling your home brings up a lot of emotions. Find ways to allow yourself to let go…. This could be a new chapter full of awesome possibilities.

 

Sharon Bloudek

503-701-1000

 

 

Leaves, Leaves Everywhere!

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

November is Here!

Is there anything more satisfying than a raked pile of leaves? Another season always means another chance at renewal, or change. Included below is my list of Fall (and pre-winter) focused “outdoor to-do”. This will help you prepare your home to maintain your investment, or if you are ready to list your home on the market.  If you’d like some insights on the market, or your home, feel free to call me at 503-701-1000.

 

Ready, Set, Action, Fall!

-Take a survey of the exterior of your home to include your roof shingles, flashing, gutters, downspouts, chimney, siding and trim. Discuss with your REALTOR® an approach to home projects prior to selling your home. REALTORS® offer experience that will make your efforts more effective.

-Note possible projects you can do in your yard, driveway and garden, and plan accordingly. Make sure to prioritize projects that add value or eliminate hazards. Remember to winterize your watering systems and faucets.

-Schedule heating unit service, replace or add lighting, and change out filters. This is a good time to consider energy efficiency, earthquake preparedness, and security. Begin a simple savings plan to meet your goals, or to replace items with limited lifespans- so you can be pro-active rather than reactive when they break down.

-Invest in decluttering, skills and new tools. Find DIY and gardening education in your area, and take advantage of your community’s plant exchanges and tool-sharing. Declutter/sell/replace broken machines and tools, and make piles for donation, recycling centers, and upcoming events. Search online or call Metro at 503-234-3000 for more info and locations to recycle/dispose of items, including old paints and other hazardous waste. Returning to a decluttered house after a trip to the dump/donation center can be very satisfying! (A new ergonomic rake can be game-changing!)

-Get recommendations and call the experts you need as soon as possible to get on their schedule. Ask if you can see samples, or examples of their work if possible, or can call their clients prior to hiring them.

SW Trails

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

During Multnomah Days I dropped by the booth for SW Trails and I was really impressed. It’s a great resource for our local community. They are a group made up of volunteers that advocate, promote and guide biking and hiking areas in SW Portland. It’s only $10 a year to gain access to local maps, information and events.

They have a monthly hike and be sure to check out their webpage to see the date of the next one.  The November hike is this weekend, Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 9am-12pm.  They will pass through the Multnomah, Ashcreek, and Hillsdale neighborhoods, and will be wandering through three natural areas: Gabriel Park, Woods Park Natural Area, and the Raz Baack Crossing.  Also, they have a “Coffee & Stroll” on Saturday, November 16, 2019 from 9am-11am.

SW Trails also maintains trails and proposes new ones. Check out their proposed Red Electric Trail which would be an amazing addition to our neighborhoods.

If you would like to know more about nearby real estate that you find on your hikes, give me a call at 503-701-1000 and I can help you make the right moves.

Happy Trails!

-Sharon

 

Tram, Trolley, Train and Trail…The 4T Trail

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Tram, Trolley, Train and Trail…The 4T Trail

Looking for a great way to see our City? Try the family friendly 4T trail.

A uniquely Portland eight-mile ‘hike’ using all the transportation and trails you find along the way. Offering unique perspectives, you can walk just a mile and reach the heady heights of 1,073  feet on Council Crest, or glide 3,300 linear feet downhill in 3 minutes while on the aerial tram. There is plenty to see, but you can take your time as you go, even stopping to eat at the many restaurants, cafés and food carts you will spot along the way.

If you fall in love with a neighborhood while hiking, give me a call at 503-701-1000 and I’ll tell you more about it and what you can do to make it yours.

Happy Trails!

-Sharon

 

The Tram in the 4T Trail

One of the “T’s” in the 4T Trail – The Tram

Artwork Courtesy of my 5 year old

 

The Name Game

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

I recently helped a lovely family buy a home and their address included the word “Court”. I began thinking on the way home, what makes a road a court, or an alley, or a drive? Even more mind boggling, why would a road get called an esplanade? My list seemed endless!

I like to share knowledge, so here is some of what I found…Enjoy!

Alley- a small throughway between buildings, but usually not drivable.

Avenue- a public way with buildings on both sides usually perpendicular to a street.

Boulevard- a large street with trees on both sides, usually with a median with trees.

Causeway- a road that passes over a swampy or low water area.

Court- ends in a small circle or loop that has no throughway, usually with a cul-de-sac.

Crescent- a winding road that resembles the shape of a crescent.

Drive- winding road, taking its contours from its environment.

Esplanade- usually a large open path near the ocean road- connecting two points.

Lane- a narrow road.

Terrace- usually to describe a street following the top of a slope.

Place- a road or street with no throughway usually.

Plaza- usually a public square or circle, surrounded by buildings.

Street- a public way with buildings on both sides usually perpendicular to an avenue.

Way- a small street off a roadway.

Frontage- usually a service road.

 

Call me at 503-701-1000 if you know of any others thinking of finding a new address. I’d love to help!

 

-Sharon

Lucky in Lunch!

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Every lunch-time when I’m in Multnomah Village, I feel fortunate that one of my Living Room offices is located there.  Along with all the great local restaurants the village has to offer, there is also a pod of food carts in the unique French Quarter. Recently, I really enjoyed lunch at Yoshi’s Sushi (run by Yoshi Ikeda & Nino Ortiz). They offer super fresh fish and really great sauces. Their ginger miso is very popular, and they have a lot of gluten free and vegan options. Each ingredient showcases their blend of Japanese tradition and modern flair. I saw on their website that you can even sign up for an omakase pop-up dinner that they host in the French Quarter’s bar. It sounds delicious!

Just like Multnomah Village, SW Portland has a  lot of ‘flavors’ and style of houses, so give me a call at 503-701-1000 and I’ll help you make the right moves.

Itadakimasu!*

(*Roughly translated from Japanese as–let’s eat, or thanks for the food, or Bon Appétit)

-Sharon

 

 

Prêt-à-Manger? (Ready to Eat?)

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

If you haven’t been to the French Quarter (35th and SW Multnomah Blvd & 1 block from one of my offices) you are missing out. Developed by Frenchman Yves Le Meitour and his family, it contains a diverse food cart pod, produce stand and local boutiques. Indoor seating allows patrons to escape any weather and it also contains a small event space/bar which has hosted a range of events like workshops, parties and pop-up dinners. On First Fridays they usually have live music and the carts are open late. Every-day, this space aspires to be a community gathering place similar to French village squares. You can become a part of the unique Multnomah Village while you are there.

I know a lot about the Village and its nearby neighborhoods, give me a call at 503-701-1000 to find out more.

Bon Appétit!

-Sharon

 

Timbers and Thorns Fans Pied-à-Terre?

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

HAMILTON ARMS CONDO

709 SW 16th Ave #203, PORTLAND, OR 97205

Offered at $175,000

1 BED | 1 BATH | SQ FT = 461
MLS# 19561014 | TAXES: $2,850

Perfect Urban Living or Pied-a-Terre in SW Portland. Picture rail moulding & gleaming hardwoods. Many original period details intact. Dining area with built-ins. Kitchen with abundant cabinet space, refrigerator & stove included. 3 Large Closets. Fantastic location with High Walk & Bike Scores. Steps to MAX, Providence Park, & Blocks to Shopping, PDX Cultural District, Coffee, Whole Foods, Powell’s Books.

 

 

See more Photos Here

WEST LINN TOWNHOME WITH 2 MASTER SUITES

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

WEST LINN TOWNHOME WITH 2 MASTER SUITES!

6231 MERIDIAN CIR, WEST LINN, OR 97068

Offered at $265,000

2 BED | 2.1 BATH | SQ FT = 1,264
MLS# 19669931 | TAXES: $2,930

Fantastic West Linn townhome with vaulted ceilings & greenspace views. Two private Master Suites on separate levels, both with double closets. Large deck with plenty of room for BBQ & views of greenspace. Perfect for entertaining! Kitchen with granite countertops, eat bar & pantry. 2 car garage with extra storage space. Parking for guests avail. HOA includes water/sewer. Best priced West Linn condo with a 2 car garage under $300k!

 

 

 

See more Photos Here

Just Listed in SE Portland

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

JUST LISTED IN SE PORTLAND!

8024 SE CARLTON ST, PORTLAND, OR 97206

Offered at $349,900

3 BED | 1 BATH | SQ FT = 1,176
MLS# 19102718 | TAXES: $3,794

Recently remodeled open concept floor plan with 3 bedrooms all on one level! Beautiful kitchen with granite counters & newer appliances. Huge living room with brick fireplace & raised hearth. Newer bathroom with tile floors & tile tub/shower surround. Newer roof, water heater, insulation, lighting, vinyl windows. Fenced yard. Convenient to everything & great Walk Score & Bike Score. Move in ready!

 

 

See more Photos Here

Just Listed in SW Portland

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

JUST LISTED!

3611 SW ARNOLD ST, PORTLAND, OR 97219

Offered at $525,000

4 BED | 2.1 BATH | SQ FT = 2,165
MLS# 19335029 | TAXES: $7,749.86

Large, bright home nestled in a private neighborhood right across from the Loll Wildwood Natural Area, yet just minutes to Capitol Highway and I-5. Expansive windows provide great natural light in the living and family rooms. Hickory hardwood floors throughout. Updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops. Four spacious bedrooms ready for all your needs, including a huge master suite with generous walk-in closet, double sinks and jetted tub. Huge deck off the dining room leads to fenced backyard with lush natural landscaping and raised garden beds. Other updates include a brand new roof. This house sits on a short dead end street with walking trails right outside the front door!

See More Photos Here

Spring Garden Park- Bringing nature into play

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Spring Garden Park- Bringing nature into play.

 

A recent client just bought a house on SW Dolph Ct. A location that has wonderful new park. Like most good things it took many years of planning and hard work by local neighbors to make Spring Garden Park a reality, and they just celebrated their first anniversary this past month.

It’s a neighborhood park like no other, created to encourage active and creative play. Very organic in design, it uses its landscape to create natural areas of play-  Slopes on the site have been used for slides. A giant twig nest is ready to be explored and admired from afar on its own hill. Logs, paths, climbing webs and a splash pad offer places to hop, skip, climb and jump! The design includes traditional items such as swings, but they also preserved the storm water basin, wildlife habitat and above-ground creek.

It was built for and by the community in partnership with Portland Parks and Recreation. But the real story began in 2008 when the first call was made to the City to invest in the park. Friends of Spring Garden Park spent many years building support. They hosted ice cream socials, plant sales, story walks and other community events. Their efforts made this happen. If you are interested in finding a community that cares this much, or simply a place that has a great park, just give me a call at 503-701-1000.

 

 

Hillsdale Has it All!

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Hillsdale Has it All!

A quiet giant of a neighborhood, Hillsdale often surprises me when I list to clients what is has to offer. Most non-locals know it has great schools, parks, and is close to downtown and OHSU. But when you scratch a little deeper you realize it’s a hub of amenities, so everything you need or wish for is on your doorstep if you live there.

Hillsdale has lots of great family-friendly (locally run) restaurants, carts and stores, and an amazing library and farmers market. Actually, its commercial life is thriving, made up of many local businesses run by so many diverse people such as bankers, yoga instructors, pharmacists, veterinarians, and even brew-masters! They and other neighborhood groups all work together to make Hillsdale so special.

And last, but not least, it has a bakery! It’s called Baker & Spice and everything in there is delicious- you should check it out or we could meet for a treat there anytime you want to chat about real estate. Just call me at 503-701-100.

 

Five Simple Tips for Downsizing

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

Five Simple Tips for Downsizing

Recently a client downsized for my most favorite reason ever…for LOVE!

As we made her ready for her next great chapter, I realized that it may help others to share some tips about the process, to help smooth your way. Please feel free to call me at 503-701-1000 for more info, I also know Professional Organizers if you need extra help.

A good rule of thumb is using the square footage as your guide. If you are moving from 3,000 sq foot house to a 1,000 sq foot condo consider getting rid of 7 of every 10 items. (Not including furniture.) Marie Kondo has a great tip if you are finding it hard to let go of things- thank it and let it go, and if you still can’t let it go, take a photo and then let it go. Only keep those items that have a valuable practical use or that really spark joy!

  1. Begin with common sense- An easy start is to get rid of those items you never use; also get rid of duplicates! It makes sense to take time now to file and shred all your paper and digital documents. Downsizing means emptying that storage locker too, and in case you forget- make sure you edit seasonal decorations!
  1. Don’t do it alone- Get as much help as you can and make it easy for yourself. (If your children are involved, they can take items they wish to keep.) Set up categorized bags and boxes (labeled Keep, Donate, and Discard) in each room and begin! If you haven’t seen or used something in a year, immediately consider not bringing it with you. No matter how valuable. Or pledge mindfully to give it the attention it deserves in your new place.
  1. Sell your stuff- Make money by selling your old stuff for new items for your new space or designate a charity that will benefit from your sales or celebrate with a trip. Your stuff being treasured by someone else can really help with any feelings of loss you may have. Always remember, it will be a huge relief to free up your existing space and will help sell it. It’s also great not to bring clutter with you to your new life in your new space.
  1. Measure, measure, measure- Measure all your existing furniture and be very sure it will fit into your new space before you bring it there. A good tip is not to buy any furniture until you move and really get a sense of your new home, but personally I think it’s really nice to start a new life with a new bed!
  1. Declutter your future- Thinking of your new home, put the random items you have decided to keep into the storage bins/containers/furniture you’ve always wanted and that make it easier to access them and keep them tidy. Start your new life how you’ve always wanted to live. Downsize with a clean slate, beginning with a lighter load you will love.

 

 

Photo Credit:  Pixabay

Bull Mountain Haven

Posted on by Sharon Bloudek

13088 SW Saint James Lane

PORTLAND, OREGON 97224

Situated on a quiet Bull Mountain street, this spacious modern home is a perfect suburban retreat. The marble entryway leads to hardwood floors in the bright main living room.  The great room wows with a full wall of windows that span two floors. Enjoy movie night in the spacious media room. The kitchen is perfect for dinner party prep with granite countertops, glass backsplash, and high-end stainless steel appliances. Or take your guests outside to the spacious backyard, perfect for grilling. Custom built-in closets big enough to take you from BBQ to ski season. Stay cool all summer with central air and ceiling fans throughout. Close to Bull Mountain Park, Progress Ridge, and Washington Square.

OFFERED AT $554,900

4 BEDROOM | 2.5 BATH | 2,570 SQFT
MLS#19043446 | TAXES: $7,147.50