Tag: st johns

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

Posted on by Living Room Realty

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

 

Look at Cosmetic Fixers:

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

 

Fix your credit:

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

 

Talk to multiple lenders:

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

 

Look into rate buydowns:

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

 

Always get an inspection:

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

 

Look for solid big-ticket items already in place:

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

 

Focus on location and layout:

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

 

Be realistic about the renovation lifestyle:

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

 

Research the Market:

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

 

Look for Motivated Sellers:

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

 

Don’t Lowball:

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

 

Be Patient:

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

 

Backup Offers:

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

 

Flexibility:

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

 

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

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

Jasmine Deatherage

503-320-0039

Jasminedeatherage@gmail.com

St. Johns Urban Homestead

Posted on by Kim Parmon

Classic Bungalow on .68 acres

9233 N Bristol Ave.  | Portland, OR 97203

Offered at $799,900 | MLS #23502861

3 Bedrooms + Bonus |  2 Bath |  2,655 sq. ft. + Outbuildings

Located on a quiet street in St Johns is a solid craftsman farmhouse on a magical .68 acre lot. This is a rare opportunity to create a true urban homestead in the middle of the city while being blocks away from shops, restaurants, and incredible parks. The beautiful 1914 home retains its original charm, with a grand front porch leading to a spacious living and dining room with original millwork and wood floors, plus a newer permitted woodstove for cozy evenings by the fire. The kitchen features original handmade cabinetry with updated appliances and an open passthrough for flow to the dining space. There is a main floor bedroom and bath as well as a spacious sun porch that could be used as a guest space.

Upstairs, find a large common area with two additional bedrooms, a bathroom, and a bonus room that could be a fourth bedroom or home office with access to a rooftop deck. The unfinished basement offers plenty of storage and workspace.

The house is special, but the real showstopper here is the property itself: there are so many nooks and crannies to explore, including an oversized shop, a private Airstream area with an outdoor bathroom complete with ADA accessible shower, a Cob-style pizza oven, extensive gardens, an alpaca enclosure, and so much more. For the development minded, the property is zoned R5 and could potentially accommodate a small subdivision with the Residential Infill Project allowances (buyer to do due diligence), or work the land to create the urban farm of your dreams as there is plenty of space to spread out and play. HES=1

Walk Through Tour

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

Posted on by Lily Ray Wyss

COUNTRY VIBES IN THE CITY  $565,000

10540 N Midway Ave, Portland, OR 97203

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

Offered at $565,000

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

View Listing Details HERE

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

Mid-Century Modern Time Capsule

Posted on by Living Room Realty

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Janelle Freeman, Realtor (@janelleisrealestate) | Instagram

Over 5,000 square feet in here!
Once outdoor, now indoor firepit.
The secret alarm switches hidden in the Primary bedroom closet.
The lower level bar/pool room.
One of many build-ins.
All original fabulous pink bathroom.
The Spiral Staircase.

Just Listed – St. Johns Oasis

Posted on by David Columbus

Just Listed | St. Johns Oasis

9241 N Trumbull Ave, Portland, OR 97203

Offered at $495,000 | MLS#22270193

2 bed | 1 bath | 1,417 sq. ft. | Taxes: $3,643

Open House Sunday June 26th, 11:00am – 1:00pm

Classic 1916 built home on a quiet street centrally located within close proximity to all the good stuff in St. Johns and Pier Park (disc golf, skate park, pool…). Features include a tuck-under garage, a covered front porch perched high above street level. Lovely period details grace the inside with additional tasteful upgrades like the spacious kitchen that opens out to a private back deck and gardens leading to an over-the-top art/yoga studio with floor to ceiling roll-up door. Check it out!

Here’s the Start to a Wonderful Adventure!!

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to Shannon & Cesar!

Yaaaaay!!!

We just helped some very special people buy a very special house! Cesar and Shannon were amazing clients. They did everything necessary to jump into a crazy housing market and succeed! We looked at quite a few houses and only lost out on one along the way. It turns out that Cesar and Shannon are quick learners. So after losing that one, we were soon back on the saddle!  With their feet now wet they were ready to put together a sharp offer on the next property. And they got it! 

I wish them all the best in their new house! It has a lovely yard in the front and the back. Plus a really cute updated kitchen. Cesar loves to cook, so I know they’ll have a great time in that kitchen!

Cheers!!

 

St. Johns Eco-Conscious Cottage / SOLD WITH MULTIPLE OFFERS!

Posted on by David Columbus

Just Listed | St. Johns Eco-Conscious Collage

10223 N Hudson St., Portland, OR 97203

MLS#20130451

3 bed | 1 bath | 1,544 sq. ft. | Lot Size: .12 acres | Taxes: $3,850

 

Matterport Tour

 

St. Johns cottage next door to 80 acre Pier Park with skate park, disc golf course, walking trails & adjoining dog park. Forest Park is 5 min. away. Landscaped for privacy & birds! Certified Backyard Habitat yard plus fruit trees. This home features living room with fireplace, open kitchen, sunny family room, additional room for office/studio, storage attic & catio. Energy-efficient, paid-for solar panels – annual electric & gas expense is under $600! Fenced back yard & 240 sf. studio/workshop.

 

Dreamy Park Life in St. Johns!

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

Dreamy Park Life in St. Johns!

8096 N Burlington Ave., Portland, OR 97203

Offered at $376,000

  3 BEDROOM | 2.1 BATH |  1,657 SQFT
MLS #20526364| TAXES:$5,258

Please see listing for Covid-19 safety procedures.

Versatile, spacious, and park-side, just two blocks from downtown St. John’s. This light-filled classy construction includes: an open floor plan, hardwood floors, large windows with park view, new lighting throughout, 3 bedrooms and laundry up, 2 1/2 bathrooms, balcony, bonus nook, lots of storage, and detached garage. With an 89 walk score and 86 bike score, walk across the street to the park or get around the city with ease.

WHAT’S AROUND – WANT TO GO FOR A WALK? A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN SOUND FUN? NEED TO GRAB SOME GROCERIES?

      • St. John’s Park & Farmers’ Market, Cathedral Park, Pier Park
      • Sparrow Bakery
      • Great North Coffee
      • Stormbreaker Brewery
      • James John Elementary
      • Banh Mi Up
      • Leisure Public House
      • John St. Cafe
      • St. John’s Coffee
      • Signal Pizza
      • McMenamins St. John’s
      • St John’s Twin Cinemas
      • North End Barber Co
      • Moonstruck Chocolate
      • Occidental Brewing Company
      • Gabagool
      • New Seasons & Fred Meyer
      • St. John’s Bridge & Forest Park

HOUSE HIGHLIGHTS + FEATURES:

      • Spacious 2 story townhome style condo
      • Ground level entry with parking on the street or in garage
      • Beautiful hardwood floors on main and wall to wall carpet up
      • Open floor plan on main floor with bright living and dining rooms with corner windows and park facing balcony
      • Gas fireplace with gorgeous tile work
      • Gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, wood cabinets, walk-in pantry, ample storage & eating bar
      • 3 bedrooms/2 bath upstairs
      • Owner’s suite with vaulted ceilings

 

About Us: Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped hundreds of clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

PICTURE PERFECT ST. JOHNS

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

PICTURE PERFECT ST. JOHNS!

8324 N Central St., Portland, OR 97203

Offered at $485,000

3 BEDROOM | 1.1 BATH |  1,330 SQFT
MLS #20221620| TAXES:$4,025
Bike score – 88 | Walk score – 91

Please see listing for Covid-19 safety procedures.

Picture perfect St. Johns! Quintessential sun-drenched Victorian with open spaces, high ceilings and wood floors. Main floor has generous living room, updated kitchen and dining area, master bedroom and 1/2 bath. 2 beds with vaulted ceilings and exposed beams up and updated full bath. Detached office and storage shed in courtyard across from raised beds. Fresh paint inside and out. Large back yard is ready for your plans! 91 walk score, 88 bike score—get around town and cross the bridge to Forest Park with ease!

WHAT’S AROUND – WANT TO GO FOR A WALK? A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN SOUND FUN? NEED TO GRAB SOME GROCERIES?

      • St. Johns Park & Farmers’ Market, Cathedral Park, Pier Park
      • Sparrow Bakery
      • Great North Coffee
      • Stormbreaker Brewery
      • James John Elementary
      • Banh Mi Up
      • Leisure Public House
      • John St. Cafe
      • St. Johns Coffee
      • Signal Pizza
      • McMenamins St. Johns
      • St Johns Twin Cinemas
      • North End Barber Co
      • Moonstruck Chocolate
      • Occidental Brewing Company
      • Gabagool
      • New Seasons & Fred Meyer
      • St. Johns Bridge & Forest Park

HOUSE HIGHLIGHTS + FEATURES:

      • Charming Victorian Farmhouse with 3 bedrooms, 1.1 baths in the heart of St. Johns.
      • Freestanding office/bonus space with attached storage room in the side yard.
      • Fresh paint inside and out.
      • Hardwood floors throughout the  main floor. Wall to wall carpet upstairs.
      • Beautifully updated kitchen w/ newer countertops and tile plus stainless steel appliances.
      • 2nd story has 2 bedrooms with exposed wood beams, updated bath with double paned Velux Skylight. Stackable washer/dryer too!
      • Generous fenced side and back yards feature sun drenched raised garden beds, ample space to play, a shady back patio and garden shed.
      • French doors off dining room lead to sunny patio and side yard.
      • Bike Score – 88, Walk Score – 91

 

About Us: Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped hundreds of clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

Triumph Over the Beetles

Posted on by Alyssa Isenstein Krueger

Way back in May- just barely into the pandemic, my buyer Elizabeth contacted me to see about working together. She picked me because my profile photo has me holding my Italian Greyhound pup, Pinto, because Elizabeth also has an Italian Greyhound mix pup named Whiskey. She gave me the basics of what she was looking for, but what was really important was to be in her own home by election day. Given it was only May, that seemed like an achievable goal.

The first time I met Elizabeth in person was when I showed her a darling little house over in Brentwood Darlington that she loved. We then went to look at a couple more houses, but none fit the bill like the first house we saw. We wrote up a full priced offer which the sellers accepted right away. Then came the inspection. I usually have a pretty good eye for seeing what might come up in an inspection and can prepare my buyer. But if there is weird stuff going on in the crawlspace or up in the attic where I can’t see, I’m as blind to the house’s charms as my buyer. When Elizabeth and I showed up to the house to go over the report with the inspector, it became clearer by the moment by the look on her face that she was not that going to be buying this house. The house had been flipped a few years before, and the seller bought it either not having had an inspection, or not having a very good one. You see, most of the framing underneath the house was powdering away and crumbling because the house was so infested with wood boring beetles. And the chimney was supported by a few pebbles. And the whole roof structure needed to be replaced. And there was some other stuff too, but there was enough stuff wrong with the house even if the sellers agreed to fix all of it (which was looking easily in the $25k or higher range) it wasn’t a house Elizabeth felt good about buying anymore, so she terminated the transaction.

After that experience, she decided that she wanted to save up more and sort of see what happens with the world before going back into the market. Three months later Elizabeth felt ready again to hop back on the house buying horse. We looked at a couple of duds, and then a super cool rancher in NoPo that had been on the market for a couple of weeks had a price drop that put it within Elizabeth’s reach. It had been thoughtfully renovated and had a ginormous yard- something that she really, really wanted. It’s on a busy street, which even though the market in NoPo is fierce, probably kept this house on the market. Everything looked great about the house and no red flags jumped out, so we wrote up an offer that day and the sellers accepted a couple hours later. And then came that inspection. And once again, beetles. Beetles had eaten through a good chunk of some of the sill plates, had gotten into the sub flooring and some important beams. Though this time it wasn’t as bad as the other house, and other then the beetle damage, this house was in otherwise good shape. Elizabeth was really and truly in love with this one and the yard and the thought of terminating again was probably more anxiety producing to her then the beetles. We had originally written the offer with a 30 day close, but given the extensive work needed, we were able to get the inspection period extended while we waited for contractors to come out to get us bids. Once we had bids, the sellers agreed to do the work, so we wound up extending closing another month so the work could be done prior to closing.

The work finished up and we finally closed after a 2+ month long transaction. I handed over the keys the day before Halloween, which gave Elizabeth a couple of days to settle in just in time for the election.

Sunny & Spacious in St. Johns

Posted on by Living Room Realty

9038 N Gilbert Ave

Portland, OR 97203

Endless possibilities in this large home on a huge fenced lot in St. Johns. Property features lush green space, covered patio, plus an RV pad! Inside, lovely large windows create a bright and cheery feel. Fresh updated kitchen with modern appliances and new paint throughout. Cozy living area off the kitchen with a stylish wood burning fireplace. French doors lead to the large backyard and garden. Three generous bedrooms, including a master, with three total bathrooms. Warm winter parking in the insulated garage with new doors. Sweet location offers no backyard neighbors and is close to food carts, Rose City Taqueria, New Seasons and downtown St. Johns. 

OFFERED AT $490,000

3 BEDROOM | 3 BATH | 1,824 SQFT

MLS# 20358222 | TAXES: $4,285.46 (2019)

 

Just Listed! Move-in Ready St. Johns Sweetie

Posted on by Living Room Realty

6604 North Columbia Way

Portland, OR 97203

Set on a huge corner lot in St. Johns, this 1950 turnkey home is packed with tasteful updates throughout. Recent remodel included the kitchen, bathroom, dining room and bedrooms. The large welcoming living room wows with huge floor-to-ceiling windows and recently refinished original hardwood floors. Two comfortable bedrooms with new sliding barn closet doors and light fixtures. The second bedroom features a Murphy bed, which the sellers are willing to include for added character and versatility. The large yard provides endless fun with so much space for gardening, playing outside and entertaining. Plenty of privacy thanks to the brand new architect-designed fence. Plus, covered, off-street parking! Prime location near Cathedral Coffee, food carts, restaurants and easy access to downtown St. John’s and public transportation.

OFFERED AT $379,900

2 BEDROOM | 1 BATH | 1,008 SQFT

MLS# 20690925| TAXES: $2,697.04 (2019)

Just Listed: Spacious, Bright Pier Park Home

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery

 

The health of our community is very important to us. Keeping agents, buyers and sellers safe is our top priority.  There is a video tour to experience this home from the comfort of yours via link at the bottom of this post. Private video walk-through tours can also be made available by request to thoroughly vet this home before an in-person tour. We will be offering a handwashing station at the home and will be utilizing Showing Time to ensure only one party is touring at a time. Please be safe out there!

Now to what you’re here for…

SPACIOUS, BRIGHT PIER PARK HOME  $449,000

8410 N Swenson St  
3 bed | 2.5 bath | 2097 sq. ft.
MLS# 20568277 | Taxes: $4371.11 | Lot Size: .13 Acre
Video Tour
High above the street, this newly painted St. Johns home has room to live. With a coveted open floor plan, warm, wide plank wood floors, and plenty of light, this home lives easy.  With all square footage above grade, all of the space is light and bright.
Open the French Doors from the kitchen to seamlessly expand your living space to the large covered deck and back yard. Fully fenced, private yard with raised beds, fire pit and shed for all your toys.
Don’t want your dirty self/pet/child/partner coming in from the yard through the French doors?  No problem! Come in from the back yard through the generous mud/half bath/laundry room and keep the mess contained.
Newly updated On-suite bedroom on main floor makes a great office, guest suite or whatever your heart desires.
Two spacious, airy bedrooms with lofts, bathroom and a bonus area upstairs make a great separate area for imagining, working, reading, fort building, indoor treehousing, storing or exercising.
Please see our video tour!
And more photos!

St John’s Foursquare

Posted on by Karim Alaeddine

St John’s Foursquare

9232 N Syracuse St | Portland, Ore 97203

Offered at $599,900 | MLS #20190629

4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2,680 SF | 6,100 SF Lot

Gorgeous Portland Foursquare set on an oversized lot in the heart of St. John’s. Vintage character, updated for modern living. Dreamy built-ins & woodwork. Sunny yard with established landscaping, patio dining, newer garage/shop & artist’s studio. 4 bedrooms up; views of West Hills. Formal dining room, broad kitchen & pantry, remodeled bathrooms & laundry. Custom art studio with skylights & power. Updated systems; insulation, electrical & plumbing. Blocks from Cathedral Park & local amenities

Full Photo Slideshow

LOVELY STARTER HOME

Posted on by Living Room Realty
6646 N Bank St., Portland OR 97203
3 bed | 2 bath | 1196 sq. ft. | 1 Car Attached Garage | 0.11 Acres
MLS# 20459690
Tasteful, starter ranch in East St. Johns! Move in ready home with beautiful touches throughout. Spacious 3 bedrooms and coveted 2 full bathrooms. Kitchen features new dishwasher, new butcher block countertops, walk in pantry for extra storage, new hood vent and more. Enter the privacy of the lush backyard with a freshly done cedar fence and doug fir deck with plenty of space to garden and gather with friends and family. Have the peace of mind to enjoy this beautiful home, knowing that it comes with a newer roof, updated guest bathroom, fresh interior paint, refinished hardwoods, new vinyl kitchen and dining room flooring, high efficiency furnace for the chilly days and crisp central air for the warm summers around the bend. Come and fall in love!

Adorable in St John’s

Posted on by Matt Guy

7222 N Leonard St.

Portland, Oregon, 97203

Find your gardening bliss in this charming St John’s bungalow.  This yard is an oasis of horticulture life where you’ll find berries of all varieties – black, blue, rasp & straw. Plus pear trees, apple trees, herbs, and other mature edible and non-edible fun.  Once inside the home is cute as a button! The refinished wood floors will welcome you home with their warm glow, and the updated bath has attractive hex tile, a pedestal sink & new clawfoot tub.  The updated kitchen has an adorable nook and attractive subway tile backsplash.  Also included is a newer, high efficiency, ductless heat pump.  This home is the epitome of efficient living.  All this and only ½ mile to New Seasons, and a ¼ mile to Freddy’s!!

OFFERED AT $325,000

2 BEDROOM | 1 BATH | 1,344 SQFT

MLS #20329653  | TAXES: $2,363.04

 

Down Holiday Memory Lane

Posted on by Jené DeSpain

As a child, Saturday Market was a favorite adventure for my two sisters and I. The gorgeous hand made crafts, notable local characters, cobblestone streets, and Skidmore Fountain were enticing features of wonder to us kids. The holidays were a particularly fantastical time at the market, awash with smells of hot chocolate mixed with fresh made pine wreaths, and sounds of carolers singing along the waterfront.

This last weekend, I went to visit for the first time in many years. A friend of a friend, Nicole Mark, was showcasing prints of her breathtaking shots of the Pacific Northwest at her booth, just down under Ankeny Street. We went to bring her some custom frames hand made for her larger prints, hoping to support her and some of the other local artisans during our visit. The sound of the max rolling along the old Portland streetcar tracks, the smell of roasting coffee, the sights of woodworkers carving into tree bark under the light of their booth’s overhead heat lamps brought back a blend of childhood memories. I wandered around, taking in the soft rain pattering on the tents, mindfully stepping out of the way of puddles and holiday shoppers.

There is something deeply soothing about visiting places that held splendor for us as children as an adult, returning to see if they still hold magic. Aspects of Portland valued by my parents, and hence passed onto me, are found within the environment created each season by the vendors of Saturday Market. Community, expression, creativity, local celebration, diversity.

Just as we were leaving, Nicole offered one of her photos to me as a kind gesture, befitting in the spirit of this season of giving. Each one capturing a beautiful glimpse of scenic grandeur we have come to recognize within the nature scape surrounding Portland; a flowing riverbed, a mountaintop sprinkled with snow, a canyon of evergreens. It was challenging to select one from the array, but in the end, I gravitated towards a photo featuring the view I am most familiar with, home.

Home means different things to each of us. Whether you grew up here or are celebrating your first holiday season as a local in Stumptown, I would encourage you to head down to Saturday Market sometime during 2020. Stop by to visit Nicole and ask her to share the story behind any one of her striking images.

 

A Hallmark Original – Almost

Posted on by Living Room Realty

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

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

“Sure!”

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

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

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

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

 

 

First Time on Market in St. Johns

Posted on by Andee Zeigler

9010 N Allegheny St., Portland OR 97203
$450,000

Charming 1961 ranch with original features including hardwoods under carpet. Fully fenced corner lot with detached shop plus attached two car garage. Space for all the hobbies and plenty of room for gardening. Walk to downtown St. Johns, parks and public transportation.Sold as-is.

I just love the color commitment in this home!

 

3 beds | 1 baths | 936 sqft
MLS# 19145328| Taxes: $3,928.94 | Lot .23 acres

Make it your own, N Portland

Posted on by Living Room Realty

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Brian and Bianca on the purchase of their new home in St. John’s. We toured throughout the city to find a home that would be a great fit for them with a budget in the low 300K’s. They didn’t need a lot of space, and were focused on finding a 2 bedroom home in good condition, with a great yard for their puppers. After touring different neighborhoods, they kept coming back to St. John’s as being the area that felt like home to them.

We found this great little house that had been rehabbed on the exterior. The inside had newer carpet put in, and some paint– aka light cosmetics, but the exterior had a new roof, siding, paint, and windows. They loved the original details of the house, including the 10 ft ceilings inside which made the home feel larger. They also love a project, and wanted to make it their own with the interior design. With the shell of the house ready to go, they were really excited to be able to put their personal stamp on it. We did all the inspections, and were able to negotiate a new sewer line, as well as a new furnace.

I’m so excited to see what Brian and Bianca do with their renovation, and for them to be in their preferred neighborhood with such a solid home.

I’m always happy to have coffee/tea or a drink and talk about what’s important to you in your purchase! Please reach out and be in touch.

YOUR CABIN IN THE WOODS – RIGHT IN ST. JOHNS

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Live your cabin-in-the-woods dream right in St. John’s! Four blocks to Cathedral Park and the St. Johns bridge, 6 blocks to downtown St. John’s, 5 blocks to public transit and 5.5mi to Sauvie Island!

Home is being sold as-is, cash only.

9315 N EDISON ST, PORTLAND, OR 97203

BEDROOMS: 2

BATHS: 1

SQUARE FEET: 925

MLS #19385462

TAXES: $2373

Urban Oasis in St John’s

Posted on by Matt Guy

8252 N. Johnswood Dr.

Portland, OR 97203

Marvelous 3 bedroom home, with an amazing, Backyard Habitat Certified yard that opens to large lot to the south – creating private, park like setting. Yard includes deck, fruit trees, & a rain garden with native plants. Home is light and bright with the perfect open floor plan, and large kitchen with expansive counter space and pantry. Cozy up to the gas fireplace in the living room on the cool fall evenings. Vaulted, airy stairway leads to all 3 bedrooms upstairs. Plus home is energy efficient with a high home energy score! Close to downtown St Johns and Pier Park.

OFFERED AT $345,000

3 BEDROOM | 1.1 BATH | 1,632 SQFT

Cabin Fever in The City

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

Check out my latest remodeled Portland bungalow tucked in the trees of St Johns. When you open the front doors, you will be greeted with the warm, spacious living room with 12 ft cathedral ceilings and pine shiplap walls.

Step down into the large and cozy bedroom with pine wainscoting. Look out to the Evergreen in the front yard with a 7 foot wide tree trunk. Yep, you will feel like you’re in a luxury treehouse.

 

Continuing through the living room to the new custom kitchen with breakfast bar and quartz counters.

Dine in or step out to the large, private deck where you can BBQ, host friends, or have a cup of coffee in the morning.

Head downstairs to the inviting finished lower level with guest bedroom. Out the back door to the newer 392 SF garage with 9 ft ceilings and city approvable architectural plans for ADU conversion included. Friendly neighborhood and quick commute access.

For more info on this house, check out the listing here. Not quite right for you? If you’re interested in finding a remodeled house like this, or a fixer that can be restored, give me a call. I’m happy to help you in your search.

On the flip side, if you’re looking to sell your current home or investment property, I’m happy to get together for a coffee or whatever you drink to talk about your plans, and what’s important to you.

Bobby Curtis
Principle Broker
Licensed in Oregon
Licensed Contractor
CCB# 215071
503-502-3066

Maple Gets a Back Yard!

Posted on by Living Room Realty

No more apartment living for the young Collie, Maple. She’ll be able to enjoy the space of her new home in St. Johns.
Craig and Sarah proved that you can finish a Master’s Degree, plan a wedding, welcome a new puppy and purchase your first home all at the same time!
It was a pleasure to help this adorable soccer loving couple through the home buying process, and to help them successfully purchase their first home.

Under the Trees in St. Johns

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery

7734 N Bank St. Portland, OR 97203

OFFERED AT $299,000

2 BEDS | 1 BATH | 720 SF | 0.12 ACRE LOT

ML: #19085890 | TAXES:  $2350.38

An adorable mid-century ranch sits on a private over-sized lot perfect for summer get togethers. The open floor plan boasts a remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a new heat pump keeps you cool all summer and cozy in the winter. Mature trees and landscaping give this sweet home ample curb appeal on this quiet street. You’ll find plenty of storage space in the large shed and parking both off street and inside the fully fenced back yard.  Close to Rose City Taqueria, food trucks, Pier Park, and downtown St. Johns.

Radiant Remodeled Ranch in St. Johns

Posted on by Kim Parmon

   

7948 N Bank St, Portland 97203

3 Beds | 1 Bath

910 sqft

1 attached garage

$375,000

 

Remodeled ranch in the heart of St Johns! This corner lot home lives large with three spacious bedrooms, a floor plan with flow & refinished hardwoods throughout. The modern kitchen features new stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops. The kitchen opens to the inviting living and dining room with plenty of space to entertain. Large renovated full bath with a double sink vanity & new tile surround. The attached extra deep garage on main allows for plenty of storage. Fenced in side yard and large lawn exemplifies space for BBQing, sunbathing, and summer hangs! New updates include gas furnace, h2o heater, roof & gutters, windows, siding, electrical wiring & panel, plumbing, sewer line & more.

St. Johns, a coffee branch of Portland. Mostly within a block of each other, you’ll find at least 5 coffee shops. If you’re looking for coffee and gelato, look no further than Affogato! Their homemade gelato goes hand in hand with their Equator Coffee brew. Stop by Mama San Soul Shack for a twist on Asian soul food. Or for a really authentic experience, walk through the bakery to get to some delicious tacos at Tienda Santa Cruz. Their $1.50 tacos and $4 dollar burritos are very hard to beat. Take your meal to go and walk down to Cathedral Park for a beautiful view of Cathedral Bridge. And don’t forget to stop by the Sunday Farmer’s Market for all your local favorites!

 

Kim Parmon | Molly Ozier

503-438-5101 | 510-599-7816

kim@livingroomre.com

molly@livingroomre.com

 

A Perfect Day in Portland’s St. Johns Neighborhood

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

Bordering the intersection of the Columbia and Willamette rivers, Portland’s St. Johns neighborhood exemplifies the city’s deep connection to both nature and its fading blue collar roots. Its historic downtown provides an eclectic blend of established institutions and newer amenities set against a backdrop of some of Portland’s most striking views.

The atmosphere feels as hipster as it feels authentically small town, and visitors will enjoy the eclectic blend of locally-owned shops, bars and eateries. Representing Portland’s most nature-bound quadrant, experiencing the electric pallet of St. Johns in autumn is a worthwhile experience for residents and tourists alike. Here’s what you need to know about maximizing your day in Portland’s St. Johns neighborhood.

 

MORNING

Downtown St. Johns is the ultimate place to take a morning stroll, as the district’s main stretch is lined with an exceptional selection of early dining options. For a proper breakfast, local establishment John Street Café delivers both on menu and ambiance. Surrounded by locals, you’ll begin to understand why St. Johns’ takes pride in its tight-knit community. For a lighter breakfast, you can check out one of many coffee shops, which include St. Johns Coffee Roasters and motorcycle-coffee shop combo Two Stroke Coffee Co. The Great North is another charming coffeehouse, which features exceptional espresso options with house made syrups.

If you’re fortunate enough to be in St. Johns on a Saturday, you’ll likely encounter the community farmer’s market. Exceptional for being one of the city’s most engaging and lively markets, The St. Johns Farmer’s Market offers a great selection of vendors, as well as live performances and entertainment.

 

 

AFTERNOON

Exploring the central area of downtown St. Johns, you’ll happen across vintage shops, Vinyl Resting Place, home décor and women’s retailer Metamorphic, and Etcetera boutique. These are gems worth exploring, as they are less combed-through than similar establishments in more central areas.

A perfect day in St. Johns would be incomplete without a trip to the neighborhood’s pride and joy, Cathedral Park. If your trip coincides with the market, consider grabbing a food for an impromptu picnic. Alternately, you can make a pit stop to one of Portland’s best-kept secrets: Tienda Santa Cruz. You didn’t hear it from us, but the inconspicuous Mexican grocery actually dishes up the best burrito in the city. Grab your meal of choice and take a scenic walk to the underbelly of St Johns Bridge, where you can explore the breathtaking views of Cathedral Park and dip your toes in the Willamette.

EVENING

Because “too much of a good thing” doesn’t apply to Portland vistas, we recommend surveying Willamette Boulevard. If possible, explore the route by bike, scooter or foot so that you can enjoy the overlook of west Portland and uncover some of the neighborhood’s many charming hidden secrets. Exploring near North Tyler and  Willamette will reveal a historic water tower, gorgeous river scenes and artistic accents.

Like a true North Portlander, you should end up at The St. Johns’ Beer Porch. A local favorite, this pod offers a selection of food carts which are outstanding even by Portland standards.

 

LATE NIGHT

Just because it’s low-key, doesn’t mean St. Johns is tame. In contrast, the area is known for its many dive bars. It might not be flashy, but the late night scene in St. Johns is fun.These are the unpretentious neighborhood haunts where bartenders and locals will often invite you into their worlds for a night, so consider finishing your night off in St. Johns’ downtown stretch. There’s not need to list those bars here, as the glow of neon of signs will no doubt draw you in off Lombard.

 

What are your favorite activities in Portland’s St. Johns neighborhood?

 

About Us:
Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.