4 Weeks from Hair Cut to Closing: Congrats Makayla and Chancelor!

Recently, I was getting my hair cut, listening to a story my hair stylist had been telling me for a couple years: she LOVES her neighborhood.  She owns a home with her husband that is a bit small, but they can’t imagine leaving the area and felt priced out. On this day, she was even talking about consulting an architect to build a second level onto their single story house.

Just three days later, my hair whisperer called to say they were on their way to an open house, “to check it out”.  It was love at first step.  The 117 year old home had original leaded glass, wood floors, remodeled bathrooms and kitchen, and a front porch with roses creeping over the railing.  I looked through the listing details and spoke with the listing agent to determine what offer terms would be meaningful to the sellers.  I also put together a report of recently sold comparable homes to determine price, and worked with my buyers’ lender to be sure we were putting together a plan to succeed. My buyers weren’t the only ones who loved the house: by Sunday afternoon there was an offer deadline, and we ultimately competed against three other offers.

Less than 36 hours after the open house, I made a phone call a bit past my own bedtime to share the good news that the offer had been accepted! With a short timeline to closing, we got to work on inspections–which are no joke with a vintage house–and spent the week meeting with additional specialists and obtaining assessments and estimates.

I had the good fortune to be working with my skilled colleague Kim Parmon as the listing agent on this home purchase.  It’s gratifying as an agent to work with someone equally skilled and committed on the other side. This helped us quickly find solutions that satisfied both the buyers and the sellers. In addition, our team at Root Mortgage and First American Title went the extra mile to bring everything together, including overcoming last minute challenges.

Today, exactly four weeks after my hair cut, we closed on their ‘dream house’.  On this rainy fall evening, my buyers unlocked the door for the first time to begin a new era in the neighborhood they love, with the bigger, character-filled home they didn’t think was within reach.

Congratulations, Makayla and Chancelor!!

Cute Woodstock Bungalow, Oversized Garage

Just Listed: Cozy and cute on a corner lot, this 2 bed 1 bath bungalow boasts a full basement with outside egress (future ADU?) and a 25X22′ oversized double garage (possibly fit 4 cars tandem), with wide driveway. It’s a toy-lover or hobbyist’s dream! Updated kitchen with SS appliances, slab granite counters, large dining nook. Bathroom with OG clawfoot tub. Newly carpeted throughout. Big picture window. Low-maintenance exterior includes vinyl siding, vinyl double pane windows, mixed metal and composition shingle roof.  Established yard with multiple garden boxes, cherry and peach trees, private back yard with patio and covered porch. Convenient location with quick access to Woodstock, Foster, Mt. Scott-Arleta neighborhoods, bus lines and greenways.

Updates: The roof is partial metal and partial composite shingles (new composite shingles installed 2023). New cedar fence (2023). Copper hot water pipes and newer water heater (2018). New skylights (2023). New gutters (2023). Sewer lined (2014).

Open House: Saturday 8/24 from 10-12pm.

6004 SE Harold St.
Portland OR, 97206

MLS# 24508284

Offered at $475,000

 

Meowdy! Congratulations to Woodstock Portland’s newest neighbors!

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

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

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

They are now MOTHER F*CKING HOME OWNERS!

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

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

JUST LISTED: WOODSTOCK WONDER

Aryne + Dulcinea Present:

WOODSTOCK WONDER

5232 SE Raymond St, Portland, OR 97206

Offered at $749,000

   4 BEDROOM |  3 BATH |  2,520 Sq Ft
MLS #24118423| TAXES: $5,950.56

Dream, develop, build, or grow! Dive into this rare Portland property, a 1909 bungalow sitting on a .34-acre lot. Four-bedroom, three-bathroom home with lots of versatile bonus space just north of the bustling Woodstock neighborhood. Check out the extra large two-car attached garage with front and back roll-up doors, and access to the basement and backyard. With a yard the size of three city lots, find plenty of room for your projects. Create development opportunities, plant an urban farm, or make your own private park!  The large detached shop out back is great for garden storage, a maker space, a fitness studio, or a workshop. Don’t miss this chance to fall in love with a real dream maker and vintage gem. Buy it on your own or with friends or family! And with a bike score of 99, you can get around the city with ease!


OPEN HOUSE:

SAT 3/2 & SUN 3/3 from 1:00-3:00 PM





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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.

Wonderful Woodstock

Your urban farm awaits! This classic mid-century home sits on a 90×100 lot, full of fruits, berries, perennials flowers and trees. Colorful garden shed, covered patio and raised beds add to the backyard magic. This solid home offers hardwood floors, 2 gas fireplaces, open living and dining rooms, built-ins, original unpainted woodwork, and a circular floor plan on the main. The spacious and updated main floor bath sits perfectly between two bedrooms. The modernized kitchen has stylish concrete counters, great tile accents, newer stainless steel appliances and plenty of storage. The lower level is outfitted with a full kitchen, eating area and family room with second gas fireplace. There is also a 3rd bedroom with egress window, and recently updated full bath with walk-in shower. Central vacuum! Separate laundry room and two storage/bonus rooms as well! The roomy double garage is great for parking and/or hobbies and connects right to the house. Plenty of off street parking beyond the garage in the spacious driveway and carport area for your boat, trailer or van! Fabulous Woodstock location with a 91 walk score and 99 bike score! A stone’s throw to iconic Portland businesses like New Seasons, Grand Central, Delta Cafe, Ottos Sausage Kitchen, Double Mountain Taproom, Laughing Planet, Papaccinos’ coffee and more! Also just 5 blocks to Woodstock park and elementary school. HES1

Just Listed: Sweet + Sunny Woodstock Bungalow

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

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

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

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

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

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

MLS: 23584008 | Offered at $575,000

See more photos here!

Vegan eating, shopping, and living in Southeast Portland!

Where to get your (plant-based) munch on, broken down by quadrant: Part #2

We’re so excited to continue the Rose City tour with highlights from the Southeast – which is home to some of our top picks in all of Portland!
Known popularly for its cool & trendy vibe, you could certainly wander through the neighborhoods and discover any number of hip gastropubs and vegan delights. But if you want to live and eat like a local, read on for our personal recommendations and a couple of hidden gems!
We would be remiss if we did not give a special shoutout to Belmont Street. A lot may have changed since our Beloved Belmont post in 2019, but only for the better as it has become a veritable oasis of plant based culinary treasures!

Lilla

The only place to go when you are craving ethical Italian!
Where are they? 960 SE Madison Street
What do they offer?  The first fully vegan Italian restaurant since Portobello closed in 2016, Lilla is the creation of Indian-American chef Sanjay Chandrasekaran. Popularly known for his restaurant The Sudra (see Part 1 of the tour!), Chef Chandrasekaran prepares mouth-watering vegan temptations.
What do they value? Lilla is located in the spot where vegan Middle Eastern restaurant Tiny Aviv once sat. When Tiny Aviv closed, Chandrasekaran decided to continue the lease with a new concept, and Lilla was born! You can find the best Italian-style comfort foods, all while enjoying the fact that they are plant based and cruelty-free!

Mirisata

Vegan Sri Lankan dishes of EPIC proportion!
Where are they? 2420 SE Belmont Street
What do they offer? Fully plant-based menu (plus brunch!) in casual atmosphere with counter service.
What do they value? Mirisata is proud to be worker-owned. They do not have a traditional “head chef” but instead collaborate on every dish to make original creations! Loosely translated from Sinhala, the name means “spicy curry” – and while not everything on their menu is spicy, you can be sure each item will be packed with flavor!
Our favs? First of all, prepare yourself for HUGE portion sizes! Our lunch there lasted all week, and Kendall took some to her non-vegan parents – they loved it! You have to try the Dolphin-style Kottu and Polos Cutlets.

Obon Shokudo

Meatless takes on Japanese comfort food
Where are they? 720 SE Grand Ave
What do they offer? Feel-good Japanese homestyle favorites that hit the spot!
What do they value? Obon owners Humiko Hozumi and Jason Duffany started their vegan concept by selling in farmers markets, then to the Morrison Market food hall, and finally to their brick and mortar location! Homestyle food is very important to them, with lots of house-made fermented foods and broths inspired by Hozumi’s family recipes.
Our favs? Hands-down, the Kakiage and the Kenchinjiru! They even have FREE dog sushi!

Cultured Kindness

Vegan Cheese Shop
Where are they? 1217 SE Stark Street
What do they offer? Small-batch, ethically-sourced vegan cashew cheeses.
What do they value? From their website: Cultured Kindness conducts business as a socially responsible member of its community. Their mission is to spread ethical veganism by removing the obstacles that prevent people from choosing a vegan lifestyle. They believe that veganism is better for the planet, for individual health, and most certainly for the animals who suffer in the dairy industry.
Our favs? Cultured Kindness recently catered a Broker’s Open for us. We love the Mushroom Melt, as well as their cheese and cracker boards!

Norah

Succulent seasonal Thai and pan-Asian fare!
Where are they? 3801 SE Belmont Street
What do they offer? 100% plant based pan-Asian food and inspired cocktails, with a menu that rotates seasonally. Nan and Prae are from southern Thailand, and draw inspiration from the region. (Norah’s sister restaurant is vegan-friendly Mestizo!)
What do they value? Norah is woman-owned. “The name Norah refers to a traditional dance reserved for celebrations and community gatherings in Southern Thailand where Nan and Prae grew up. The dance is a symbol of community vitality. We hope to bring that same energy of togetherness to the food we serve.”
Our fav? The Cauliflower Curry is INCREDIBLE! (roasted cauliflower, house curry & pickles, jasmine rice)

Plus – Bakeries and Grocery Stores!

Shoofly Vegan Bakery & Cafe

Local, fresh-baked vegan treats and wholesale items
What do they offer? An amazing concept, combining café and wholesale bakery – you can stop in to have goodies made fresh daily, OR buy their treats wholesale to sell in your own establishment! Click here to see all of the locations that proudly sell Shoofly products!
What do they value? It’s really important to Shoofly to use as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. You can be assured that their treats are made IN Portland, and with love!

Cutiee Buys|Coffee Beer

Part convenience mart, part grocery store, everything delicious…and cute!

Where are they? 4138 & 4142 SE 42nd Ave
What do they offer? As the name might suggest, Cutiee Buys is a super cute convenience and grocery story…that’s ALL vegan! Next door at the iconic Coffee Beer, you’ll find…you guessed it…a selection of coffee and beer and plenty of tables indoors and outdoors to chat or simply relax.
What do they value? They value cuteness and kindness, and want everyone to feel welcome!

Even More Vegan Favorites!

Eat, drink, and be ethically merry!
**At 8 years old, I had a revelation that animals meant too much to me to eat….then one day, I lost my vegetarian way. Years later, as I learned more about the planet and her inhabitants, I realized that, just as I avoid fossil fuels, I needed to wean myself off of animal products. While not everyone is ready to go vegan, in a city with such amazing options, perhaps it’s time for Meatless Mondays, or hey, how about Meatless March! – Bonnie

Just Listed! Fresh Bungalow, A Gardener’s Dream!

5236 SE 42nd Ave

Portland, Oregon, 97206


Ideally located in the heart of the Woodstock neighborhood, this classic bungalow is walking distance to local favorites like Woodstock Park, New Seasons Market, and many more restaurants and coffee shops. Built in 1951, homeowners have lovingly maintained the home over the years with new updates like fresh interior paint and new flooring throughout that includes click luxury vinyl planks in the kitchen and bathroom, new carpet in the living spaces and bedrooms, and newly epoxied floor in the laundry and bonus room. The flexible floorplan has a bonus area between the garage and laundry with potential for an office or playroom. Outside, the spacious lot has a nice private backyard with ample yard space, freshly landscaped, and includes an outdoor fireplace, a covered patio for outdoor dining, abundant tree coverage, and multiple garden beds made up of raspberries and a variety of flowers.


OFFERED AT $399,000

2 BEDROOM | 1 BATH | 808 + 155 SQFT

MLS# 22397256 | TAXES: $3,783.90

Solarium Dreams in Woodstock

Breath of fresh air in coveted Woodstock!

4514 SE 46th Ave  | Portland, OR 97206

Offered at $535,000 | ML #22157691

3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 1,802 SF

Breath of fresh air in coveted Woodstock! This 2011 built home features an open concept main floor with soaring ceilings, oversized windows, walnut floors, and an enclosed solarium that overlooks the thoughtfully landscaped backyard. Upstairs, find a roomy primary with ensuite bath, two additional bedrooms, laundry, and comfortable family room. Newer appliances, a/c, and thoughtful touches throughout. Close to hotspots in both Woodstock and Foster Powell.  HES=5

Walk Through Tour

Renovated SE Bungalow

Renovated Southeast Bungalow

5735 SE Lambert St | Portland, OR 97206

Offered at $425,000 | ML #22416810

2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 1,368 SF

Renovated SE Bungalow with ample light, vintage character & fantastic yard spaces. Remodeled kitchen & bath. Beautiful details throughout; hardwoods, quartz, tile & woodwork, stainless appliances. Updated systems include windows, heat pump, some plumbing and electrical. Gorgeous yard with established plantings, deck & covered porch, garden beds & entertainment spaces. Just a mile from parks, grocery, Woodstock amenities.

 

Photo Slideshow

Adorable SE Bungalow

Adorable Southeast Bungalow

4611 SE 50th Ave | Portland, OR 97206

Offered at $399,900 | ML #22240309

2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 824 SF

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

Photo Slideshow

The Heartbeat of Woodstock

5710 SE 45th Avenue

Portland, Oregon, 97206


You can’t beat this location of this mid-century ranch on a spacious double-corner lot. Leave your car at home and walk everywhere! This custom home was built by the Gray family (Stark Vacuum legends) in 1956 and has only been occupied by only two owners in its 70-year history. Enjoy mid-century style with modern comforts like an updated kitchen and bathrooms and laundry on the main floor. The finished basement doubles the living space with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Perfect for guests, multi-generational living, a home gym AND work from home. Additionally, the basement includes a wood shop, pool table, bar and extra storage. Original owner Harold Gray, built an oversized attached garage to hold his two precious MGs as well as the family car. Outside you’ll enjoy the beautiful landscaping designed by NW Water Gardens featuring plentiful lush perennials giving you an abundance of privacy. The pool provides relief from the summer heat and a fabulous feature for entertainment and exercise. This home features cedar siding, fresh paint, new water heater, central AC, forced air, and both gas burning and wood burning fireplaces. The double lot offers a spacious yard and includes a built-in propane barbeque and fire pit. Invite all your friends and family over… it’s party time!


OFFERED AT $989,000

5 BEDROOM | 3 BATH | 3,700 SQFT

MLS# 21437324

2B2B in Prime Arleta-Woodstock Location

Ever dreamed of having your very own bathroom, despite living in a 2 bedroom home? Picture this: a serene, zen-like environment, where no children’s bath toys clutter the corner,  there’s also no cloud of the roomie’s patchouli deodorant mystifying your nostrils, and the ‘squatty-potty’ is yours and yours alone.  Maybe you share it with a significant other, but they too have a place for their own toothbrush and it really only commingles with yours.  Then, down the hall, there’s another bathroom. This one is considered to be for guests, but in reality, it’s the wild west of ablutions, the domain of either your sticky toothbrush wielding kids, your aforementioned patchouli dousing roomie, or maybe your mother in law’s collection of Avon. Perhaps it really is for guests, but however it’s used, it’s not YOUR bathroom. Your bathroom is a sanctuary of peace and cleanliness and proof positive of real adulthood.

Maybe you also dreamed of having a kitchen big enough to work in? One with cabinets and counterspace enough to wrangle some “sous-chef” “helpers” into chopping and mixing to your own heart’s desire. Perhaps you’re just tired of every meal being like a chaotic episode of Bake-off? Or, could it be that you’ve been longing for a separate eating area so that dinner time was also quality time? The potential for greatness is here and what’s already in place is vast! Look at all that counterspace!

This ever-so desirable, and very rare, two bedroom and two bath domicile is also situated in the heart of Mt.Scott/Arleta/Woodstock. So not only are you utterly beguiled by the sheer number of cafes, bars, parks, groceries (I count 4) and libraries available to you, so is that roomie or those kids of yours who hanker for the “good-life”.  Sure, weighing in at 1050 sq ft makes it one of the smaller abodes, but despite the tiny street-view, this home is surprisingly roomy with a full living room,  dining room, a very-decent sized kitchen, and a real laundry room!!  The lot is large and has room for a garage, or a crafts-shed, a playground, or RV parking,  and is conveniently accessed by alley.  There’s a ton of potential here to tap but with new flooring and new paint inside and out, this starter or downsizer home is well on its way!

6523 SE Carlton St.
Portland, OR 97206

MLS# 21651419

2 beds, 2 baths, 1050 sq ft.
$430,000

 

 

Woodstock Wonder!

Woodstock Wonder!
Open today!!!

6409 SE 60th Avenue, Portland, OR 97206

OPEN TODAY
SATURDAY 10/16
FROM 12 – 3PM
$459,000

  2 BEDROOM | 1 BATH |  1,175 SQ FT
MLS #21123996 | TAXES: $3,032

Step into this bright and cheerful home PLUS fantastic NEW detached space with ADU potential! Main house features 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, spacious kitchen with eat-in nook, separate laundry room, large front yard with excellent sun exposure and back yard perfect for entertaining. The detached second building includes a home office, studio and potter’s shed. Updates in the last 5 years: paint, flooring, foundation & framing upgrades, roof and gutters, doors, windows, drainage and dry well.  Biker’s paradise score 97! Walk score 73!

PLEASE SEE LISTING FOR COVID-19 SAFETY PROCEDURES.

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

  • Super Torta
  • Brentwood City Park
  • Bergerac
  • Bridge City Pizza
  • Brentwood Community Gardens
  • Heart Coffee
  • Ate-Oh-Ate Grill
  • Hidden East Tavern
  • Starlight Knitting Society
  • FAT Cupcake
  • Woodstock Park
  • Cloud City Ice Cream
  • Woodstock Farmers Market
  • Delta Cafe
  • Prince Coffee
  • New Seasons
  • Safeway
  • Otto’s Sausage Haus
  • Nudi
  • Multnomah County Library – Woodstock Branch
  • Laughing Planet
  • El Gallo
  • Advantis Credit Union
  • Grand Central
  • Mehri’s Cafe and Bakery

HOUSE HIGHLIGHTS + FEATURES:

GENERAL INFO
Dark brown hickory laminate flooring in living room and hallway – 2018 Radon test measurement .8 piC/L – 2017
Double paned vinyl frame windows
Knob and tube removed from attic insulation – 2017
Fenced yard, garden and beautiful landscaping
Cozy front porch and open patio in the backyard
Newer paint in kitchen and dining nook
Dedicated laundry room behind kitchen – washer & dryer convey with sale

STUDIO & OFFICE
Original garage was converted to office and studio space w/ closet – 2019 Light oak, high end laminate flooring in studio & office
Double paned vinyl frame windows in studio
Studio – newer door with window and built-in blinds
Office – single French door, windows on each exterior wall Garden shed accessed from outside of building
Electrical sub-panel for studio & office

ROOF/GUTTERS/DOWNSPOUTS
Composition roof installed by Rainbow Roofing – 2015 Gutters and downspouts installed with roof – 2015

FOUNDATION & DRAINAGE
8’ – 10’ dry well installed in the back yard between concrete patio and lilac tree.
5 downspouts installed w/ gutters lead to dry well, 1 downspout leads away from home Newer vapor barrier in crawlspace
Foundation is fully supported by newer cement columns, wood beams and posts Newer skim coat around outside of foundation

HVAC
Brand new central AC unit – 2021 Forced air heating, gas furnace – 2009

PLUMBING
Interior water lines and bathroom waste plumbing replaced – 2014
Clean sewer line at purchase. One section of sewer line was replaced during foundation repair – 2017



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.

Dreamy Woodstock Cottage

Dreamy Woodstock Cottage

4537 SE Mitchell St | Portland, OR 97206

Offered at $399,900 | ML # 21519729

1 Bedroom | 1 Bath | 776 SF + Exterior Studio

Dreamy Woodstock cottage on an oversized lot. One bedroom house with separate Studio building. Super charmer in the heart of Woodstock; blocks from cafes, dining, grocery, transit & Woodstock Park. Remodeled and move-in ready. Beautiful details; built-ins, wood floors, renovated kitchen and bathroom. Updated windows, siding & systems; plumbing. electrical, A/C. Flexible use exterior Studio, Workspace, Sanctuary. Charming, adorable, lovely.

Photo Slideshow

Backup for the Win in Woodstock!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Charming Cottage

Charming Cottage

7226 SE 64th Ave | Portland, OR 97206

Offered at $375,000 | ML # 21129970

3 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 1,106 SF

Charming Brentwood Cottage. 3 bedrooms on 1 level featuring hardwoods, built-ins and fireplace. Generous dining room & living room w/broad picture windows. Ample closet storage throughout, great outdoor access & detached garage w/shop space. Recent updates include windows, exterior paint, A/C & electrical. Both fully fenced yards contain ample room for gardening & entertainment spaces. Blocks from Brentwood Park, biking routes, a mile to Woodstock amenities.

Photo Slideshow

The Portland Market can be Rollercoaster!

As you may know, the market in Portland right now is absolutely bananas. In fact, The Oregonian just wrote an article titled: Portland is Sold Out of Homes! Needless-to-say when my clients approached me in July about finding them a first time home I knew it would be challenging but their journey was more like a rollercoaster ride!

We toured over 60 homes in total all the way from deep Overlook to Mt. Scott. After making a couple of offers that were rejected, success! We reached mutual acceptance on a home near Madison High School. Sadly, after the inspection there were some issues with the foundation that were too scary so they backed out. Then it happened again! We were lucky enough to have had an offer accepted again and this time the mold issues were out of control. So sadly, after six rejected offers, two sale fails, 70 toured homes and more than three months we were back at square one.

Back to the drawing board! We revised our search a little with a small increase in our budget and renewed energy in our step and we went back out there. This time, they at least knew what to ask for when it came to the inspection. 10-15 more home tours and we found this little gem in the perfect Woodstock neighborhood that they originally wanted to be in. They were head over heels! The wood burning fireplace to the fresh maple flooring to the wisteria dripping on the pergola… all with three bedrooms AND two bathrooms! It’s difficult to find any home with more than one bathroom in this price range and with the age of homes in the neighborhood. But this one had it! Everything they wanted.

I knew there would be multiple offers and I wanted to make sure this was the home they would be able to call their forever home. I went to work and drafted an offer presentation that guaranteed our offer would go to closing over all the other offers. All-in-all there were eight other offers and because of excellent communication between Jamis and me our offer won out over the others even though it wasn’t the highest offer!

Getting to work with our own Jamis Minnis at Living Room on the other side of this deal was an absolute dream! Jamis was so helpful and prompt with her responses and communication. Knowing how to write an impressive offer presentation also didn’t hurt…wink! Now my clients have a cozy home in which to build their lives together.

Congratulations to my friends Danielle and Tyler!

 

Checking all the boxes in Woodstock

Finding their dream house in Woodstock!

I worked with Abby and Wes when they sold their first home earlier this summer. We had negotiated two months of occupancy time so they could stay on in that house while they looked for their next one. They were super motivated and looked far and wide for their next dream house. We toured homes from Fairview all the way down to Oregon City. They kept a close eye on every home that came on the market.

When this one in the Woodstock neighborhood popped up we managed to be the first people to tour it. Their “new” home was built in the early 1900’s, but it’s had plenty of beautiful renovations and is pretty turn-key. Wes and Abby knew within minutes that this was “the one.” Their dream house has a gorgeous updated kitchen with stainless appliances and quartz countertops. There’s added convenience with a dedicated laundry room adjacent to the kitchen.

By next spring their garden dreams will be coming true in the nice big fenced yard. The house is large enough to allow everyone to work from home without driving each other nuts and there’s plenty of space to host out-of-town family for visits. Wes has grand plans for setting up a workshop space in the basement. Abby is thrilled to be living just a few blocks away from her dear friend. Coincidentally, I just helped that same friend buy a house in Woodstock. I think it was meant to be!

Most important of all, their toddler is absolutely tickled that Mom and Dad bought her a house with a staircase. Welcome home! I think you’re going make lots of happy memories in your new dream house!

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Interested in making Portland your home?

Call Cheri Harney, at 503-319-4858.

Treehouse Dreamhouse

I dare you to find a better treehouse in Portland. Ok, ok, us Portlanders are pretty creative, so I’m sure they’re out there. But you have to admit this treehouse is pretty sweet.

 

My clients Louise and Tom certainly thought so because they fell in love with the treehouse right away! More importantly, however, they fell in love with the gorgeous craftsman home on a double lot on the border of Woodstock and Eastmoreland that sits in front of it.

Louise and Tom just closed on their dreamhouse today! The home they purchased is complete with treehouse in the backyard, secret speakeasy storage space in the basement, and a bottle of homemade cider brewed on site by the previous owners! This home certainly has a history, but it checked a lot of boxes on Tom and Louise’s list.

They are originally from the UK, and often have visitors stay with them, so they wanted to make sure they had plenty of extra room. They also love to entertain and wanted a layout with a nice flow for parties. They also have a beautiful 9 year old Bernese mountain dog named Freya, who has lived in an apartment for most of her life. They wanted to make sure she had a nice yard to play in too.  They got their wishes! The home they bought has 3 bedrooms, an office, and a partially finished basement with a great kitchen and outdoor space for entertaining their guests. They have big plans to make the treehouse into a tikibar and I hope they invite me to their first luau!

Congratulations Louise and Tom! You two were so much fun to work with and I wish you all the best in your beautiful new home.

 

 

Just Listed — Dapper Woodstock Craftsman

This remodeled Woodstock Craftsman will complete you! 

Stunning historic woodwork in formal entry, living and dining rooms.  Gracious wrap-around porch with a view of the west hills. Gourmet kitchen with large cook-top island and high-end appliances opens to a sweet deck and private backyard.  Super flexible floor plan includes an option for a master on the main with adjoining bathroom and a second bedroom which could also be an office, den or nursery. Fully dormered second floor is flooded with light and includes two bedrooms, a bathroom and a bonus “hangout” space.  Huge finished basement with full bathroom, exterior entrance and storage galore is a perfect rec room, media room or potential income producing ADU. New windows and skylights throughout.

Fully fenced back yard has new exterior deck and back patio already wired for a hot tub. Brand new driveway in front for easy off-street parking.  High Home Energy Score of 8 due to new windows, whole house insulation, and high efficiency appliances.

Prime Location — Just blocks to Woodstock Park, Trader Joes and other great shops and restaurants.

And, while social distancing requires us to limit in person viewings, we have SO MANY virtual ways for you to view this beautiful house!  Check out our Video Tour , our 3D Self-Guided Virtual Tour and Property Website.

JUST LISTED: EASTMORELAND TIME CAPSULE

3681 SE LAMBERT ST

Portland, OR 97202


Just two blocks from Duniway Elementary School sits this gorgeous Eastmoreland traditional. Originally built in 1947, this southeast home pays homage to the architectural strengths of the cape cod era, elegantly presented on a great lot complete with alley access, established grounds and plenty of space. The main floor stretches over nearly a thousand square feet with newly refinished oak hardwood floors, a wood burning fireplace and updated south facing windows. Featuring gorgeous formal spaces, two main floor bedrooms and a carefully remodeled bathroom with new fixtures and flooring. Rounding out the main floor is a quaint, south facing kitchen which gives a storybook perspective of the surrounding homes and stands as a reflection of why Portlanders cherish this community so much.

The second floor is a pristine four hundred plus square feet with knotty pine, v-groove paneling, newer carpet and a native gable which could offer the possibility of growing the upstairs. In addition, this floor presents a nice closet and clever storage access to the adjacent attic. Moving downstairs, the expansive basement showcases what many have come to love from mid-century Portland construction. A classic board formed foundation anchors both finished and unfinished spaces which make up over 800 square feet. Complementing the gracious basement stairwell is an open family room, adjacent bonus room with potential to be a fourth bedroom, a mechanical room and laundry room.

Central air conditioning, vinyl windows, a composition shingle roof, covered patio and a detached garage are among a host of other assets this home features. Located within one of Portland’s most sought after school catchment areas and not far from the burgeoning Woodstock business district, this Eastmoreland gem is a rare opportunity to get into the neighborhood for under $500,000!

OFFERED AT $465,000

3 BEDROOM | 1 BATH | 2,294 SQFT

Keys for Baby

I met Emily over the summer at a birthday Pedal Lounge party. Despite being very pregnant, Emily cycled like a pro. A few weeks later I heard from Emily’s parents, Kathleen and Greg, who were in town visiting from Colorado and excitedly awaiting the birth of their first grand baby.

The call of the Pacific Northwest.

The lifestyle that brings young families to the Pacific Northwest is also attractive to retirees. In real estate world, we see a lot of grandparents move across the country so they can spend time with their children and grandchildren, and celebrate their retirement years in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

This was case for the Kathleen and Greg. One of their sons, Ian, wanted to invest in Portland real estate and Kathleen was planning to be the infant daycare plan for Emily’s baby. The goal was to find a house by they time Emily’s maternity leave was over.

Welcoming baby home.

Fast forward a bit, and a beautiful baby was born. As October rolled around, it was time for Emily to return to work. I spent two marathon days touring with Ian and Kathleen. The first house I showed them was the one! Don’t worry, I showed them 10 more just to prove that first house was perfect.

 

Interested in making Portland your home? Call Cheri Harney, at 503-319-4858.

From Piedmont to Woodstock – A Renaissance Home for my Buyers

I had helped Ivan and Heather sell their Piedmont home back in November and they had been living with relatives ever since. When I received their call about being ready to begin their home search, it was the start of Spring and things were beginning to trickle in on the market.

They were far out on the West side and wanted back over on the East side of the River.  Open to anywhere from St. Johns all the way down to SW Portland, but their ideal home was located close in NE or SE Portland. A home that they could enjoy with their young daughter and ideally have family members stay with them from time to time. They stressed that a multi-generational house was ideal, one with a kitchen where they could share their love of cooking with their daughter, and a place for Ivan to work from, as he worked from home a few days out of the week.

Ivan is a Commercial Banker and his knowledge of how interest rates affect buying power was key to getting the home they wanted. As our search progressed from Early Spring to Late Spring, then from Early Summer into late Summer, we felt like we had exhausted everything on the market. Their price point started in the low $400k range, but due to lowering interest rates, they were able to keep increasing their price point and as they did, new types of homes started opening up. More importantly, homes that were in their target areas. Most Buyer’s aren’t sure how fluctuations in interest rates can affect the monthly payments, but Ivan did, and he was keenly aware of how a shift of a 1/4 percentage down, increased what they could purchase.

Enter this lovely 2014 built Renaissance Home located in the Woodstock neighborhood. It was at the absolute top of my client’s price point, but it stood out amongst the turn of the century homes and tall skinny builds littered through the city that we had toured. We needed a few rounds of negotiation to get the property at a point where it worked for my clients, but with an extremely professional Listing Team from Home Team Realty, we were able to get the parties into an agreement and a month later, Ivan and Heather became homeowners once more.

Congrats to Ivan, Heather and Olivia on their new home. I hope it brings many happy memories in the years to come!

 

 

Turnkey Entertainer’s Delight

3903 SE Lambert Street

PORTLAND, OREGON 97202


OFFERED AT $575,000

2 BEDROOM | 2 BATH | 2,099 SQFT
MLS #19100079 | TAXES:$6,011.74

Beautifully updated home in Eastmoreland Heights + Woodstock adjacent. Gorgeous skylights and huge windows flood the living room with natural light as soon as you open the front door. Open floor plan kitchen is a chef’s dream with stainless steel appliances including a gas range w/ hood vent, quartz counters, fresh cabinets, and tiled backsplash. Bring the party outside to the entertainer’s deck right off the dining room. Unwind at the end of the day in the luxurious master suite with claw foot tub, tiled shower, dual sinks, quartz countertops, and modern fixtures. The fully waterproofed and partially finished basement boasts a laundry room with quarts counters, utility sink and storage cabinet. The mostly finished media room could be easily customized for regular movie nights – pick your flooring and you’re ready to stream. Huge front yard ideal for a garden, custom landscaping…or even an ADU?!?Recent major remodels also include AC, water heater, engineered hardwood floors, carpet in the bedrooms, new vinyl windows, water heater, and sump pump. Outside, this crib sparkles with newer roof, siding, paint and gutters. The fully waterproofed basement and garage give you the peace of mind that this house is so turnkey the only thing you’ll need to do is hang some art to make it your home!

Woodstock Dog Park Review

Located in the heart of Woodstock neighborhood lies one of Portland’s oldest parks. First established by the city in 1921, Woodstock Park is a simple and straightforward green space that borders the local elementary school. There are a few athletic fields and a playground for young humans and an off-leash area for your young pups.

Surrounded by massive deciduous and coniferous trees, this dog park truly shines in the fall when the multitude of colors can be seen. There are no dividers or natural barriers between dog and human areas and, therefore, this park is best for dogs with good recall and watchful owners. Unfortunately, the dog area has lost virtually all signs of grass and when it rains is mainly a place for pups to roll around in the mud. Woodstock Park has served the neighborhood well for nearly 100 years and will continue to do so into the future as a temporary oasis from our city life.

Features

  • Off-leash area
  • Water fountain
  • Tennis Courts
  • Two Softball Fields

Address

SE 47th Ave & Steele St, Portland, OR 97206

Garden Magic

Garden Magic

8011 SE 42nd Ave | Portland, Ore 97206

Offered at $349,900 | MLS # 19079937

2 Beds + Bonus | 1 Bath | 1,076 SF | Detached Garage

Garden Magic abounds at this charming updated Bungalow with vintage features, renovated bathroom and kitchen on a beautiful sunny lot. Established gardens with native flora, entertainment areas and creative space. Hardwoods, tile work, artful dining nook, period lighting, flooring and millwork. Woodstock, natural areas and trails, all within a mile. Home sweet home. 

For a photo slideshow click HERE