The Living Room Blog

Pelican Perch Condo

Steps from the beach, this 3 bedroom, 2.1 bathroom end-unit condo offers a partial ocean & Neahkahnie Mountain views. Make your way between the floors with the interior elevator. The home features two covered decks, one off the main living area & another shared by the two lower bedrooms providing usable outdoor space year-round. The great room located on the middle floor includes a gas fireplace, hardwood floors, and a custom kitchen with live-edge granite surfaces, stainless appliances, & alder cabinets. The top floor, primary suite, features vaulted wood ceilings & an ensuite bath. The home is being offered as furnished. Located near walking paths for you to enjoy Manzanita shops, golf, & Nehalem Bay State Park trails. Call your broker to schedule a viewing & for more info. 8916 Pelican LN, Manzanita, OR 97130 List Price: $799,000 MLS#: 309536781 Square Feet: 1,675 Taxes: $5,330.59 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.1 Call or email for additional details: Tosha Reinmiller 541-231-5829 tosha@coastlivingre.com

Exploring Houseboat Living in Portland, Oregon: Benefits and Drawbacks

Houseboat Living in Portland, Oregon: Is It Right for You? Are you considering houseboat living in Portland, Oregon? If you love the water and crave a unique living experience, houseboat living might be the perfect fit. In this guide, we’ll explore what houseboat living entails, the pros and cons, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. Let’s dive in! What is a Houseboat? A houseboat is a boat designed or modified to serve as a home. While many houseboats are stationary, some are mobile, allowing for the freedom to move to different docks as desired. Pros of Houseboat Living Waterfront Living: Enjoy wonderful waterfront views and easy access to water activities. Affordability: Typically, houseboat living can be more affordable than traditional waterfront properties. Mobility: If you don’t like your current location, you can move your houseboat to a different dock. Cons of Houseboat Living Depreciating Asset: Similar to mobile homes, houseboats usually depreciate over time. Limited Financing Options: Few lenders offer loans for houseboats, and the associated fees can be higher. Maintenance: Houseboats often require more maintenance and upkeep. Ongoing Fees: Expect to pay higher fees, including HOA or mooring fees, since you don’t own the water or land beneath your houseboat. Is Houseboat Living Right for You? Only you can decide if houseboat living is the right fit. Here are some factors to consider: Lifestyle: If you seek a flexible, water-centric lifestyle, a houseboat could be perfect for you. Cost Considerations: While upfront costs and ongoing fees can be higher, houseboats can be more affordable than traditional homes. Long-Term Goals: If you’re looking for an appreciating asset, consider condos or townhouses instead. Things to Consider Before Buying a Houseboat Five to Ten-Year Plan: Think about your long-term goals and whether houseboat living aligns with them. Maintenance Needs: Be prepared for ongoing maintenance and higher costs associated with houseboat living. Financing and Fees: Understand the financing options and the various fees involved in houseboat ownership. Houseboat living offers a unique and flexible lifestyle, but it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. If you value mobility and waterfront living, it might be a great option. However, if you’re looking for a traditional home that appreciates over time, you might want to explore other options like condos or townhouses. If you currently live on a houseboat or have experience with this lifestyle, I’d love to hear your feedback! Watch the Full Video: Houseboat Living in Portland, Oregon | Real Estate Guide If you have any questions about buying a home or need more personalized advice, feel free to reach out to me. Connect with me on YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook. For a more detailed consultation or to get started on your home buying journey, schedule a free strategy session here. You can also access my Free Buyer’s Guide to help you through every step of the process here.

Residential or Commercial!

27 Charming vintage home in a vibrant SE Portland neighborhood! Situated near Mt. Tabor Park, the PCC campus, and within the sought-after Atkinson Elementary school district, this location offers access to beloved local amenities, and boasts a 99 Bike Score- a biker’s paradise! Inside, you’ll find sunny living and dining rooms with hardwood floors and a cozy fireplace. The original kitchen holds vintage charm and invites your future updates. A full basement includes a bonus room with egress window and a second full bath, perfect for guests, workspace, or hobbies. The garage has been converted into a functional office/storage area with a half bath, and the oversized, gated lot offers private off-street parking. Zoning allows for both commercial and residential use, opening up a world of opportunity: live, work, rent, or a combination of all three. A truly adaptable property full of potential, whether you’re seeking a personal home, an investment, or both. HES 5

Title: What Is Deferred Maintenance? 5 Red Flags Every Homebuyer Should Watch For

As a realtor who’s walked through hundreds of homes with buyers, I can’t stress this enough: not all homes are as pristine as they appear. Cosmetic upgrades may catch your eye, but it’s what lurks beneath the surface that can cost you big time after closing. One major red flag that I always help buyers look out for? Deferred maintenance.What is Deferred Maintenance?Deferred maintenance refers to necessary repairs or upkeep that the homeowner has delayed—either due to cost, lack of time, or neglect. This can include everything from leaky roofs and aging HVAC systems to ignored plumbing issues. When left unaddressed, these seemingly “small” problems can turn into expensive, system-wide failures.Sellers may try to gloss over or disguise these issues to attract buyers. And while staging a home can help you see its potential, it should never distract you from signs that a house hasn’t been properly maintained.5 Common Signs of Deferred Maintenance1. Fresh Paint in Select AreasFresh paint can certainly brighten up a space, but when it’s applied only in certain rooms or over specific sections of walls or ceilings, be cautious. It might be covering:Water stains from roof or plumbing leaksMold or mildew damageCracks in drywall due to foundation settlingBuyer Tip: Look closely for uneven texture or paint that doesn’t match the rest of the home. A fresh coat isn’t always a fresh start.2. Worn or Original Major SystemsDuring your showing or inspection, ask about the age of these systems:RoofHVAC (heating and cooling)Water heaterElectrical panelPlumbing pipesIf any of these are original and the home is more than 15–20 years old, there’s a strong chance they’ve been ignored—especially if there’s no maintenance record.Seller Cover-Up Alert: A seller may spruce up with portable heaters or window AC units to distract from a failing HVAC system.3. Rotting Wood or Peeling CaulkExterior wood trim, decks, and window frames are often the first to show signs of weathering. If not maintained, rot can spread quickly. Inside, peeling caulk around tubs, sinks, and windows may indicate water intrusion or prolonged humidity.Buyer Tip: Bring a screwdriver during showings to gently test wood for softness. Spongy wood is a sign of rot.4. Signs of Water DamageEven if it’s dry when you walk through, look for:Warped baseboards or flooringDiscoloration on ceilings or in cornersA musty smell in basements or closetsSeller Trick: A dehumidifier or strategically placed air fresheners may be masking moisture issues or mildew.5. Landscaping in DisrepairThe condition of the exterior often reflects how the interior has been cared for. Overgrown shrubs, dead patches of lawn, or damaged fences can be subtle indicators that the homeowner hasn’t kept up with overall maintenance.Buyer Insight: If they’ve neglected the yard for years, it’s likely that they’ve deferred interior upkeep too.Final Thoughts: Trust, But VerifyBuying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s easy to fall in love with a beautifully staged kitchen or freshly painted living room—but don’t let surface shine distract you from structural substance.As your realtor, I always recommend investing in a thorough home inspection and asking sellers for maintenance records. If the seller can’t provide them—or if the home inspector finds a laundry list of repairs—it may be time to walk away or negotiate for a price that reflects the true condition of the home.Need Help Spotting the Red Flags?I’m here to guide you through every step of the buying process—from smart searching to savvy negotiations. Let’s find a home that’s not only beautiful, but also well-cared for.

Think It’s Better To Wait for a Recession Before You Move? Think Again.

I’m noticing that fears of a recession are being expressed in headlines of late; and if you’re thinking about buying or selling sometime soon, that may leave you wondering if you should reconsider the timing of your move. So let’s talk about it… A recent survey by John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) shows 68% of people are delaying plans to buy or sell due to economic uncertainty. But it may not be for the reason you think. Not everyone is holding off because they’re worried. Some buyers are waiting because they’re hopeful. According to Realtor.com: “In 2025Q1, 3 in 10 (29.8% of) surveyed homebuyers said a recession would make them at least somewhat more likely to purchase a home . . . This reflects a common dynamic where some buyers see a downturn as an opportunity. If the economy enters a recession, the Federal Reserve may respond by lowering interest rates to stimulate activity, potentially putting downward pressure on mortgage rates and easing affordability concerns. As a result, buyers—especially those with limited down payments—might view a recession as a more favorable time to enter the market.” And there’s some truth to the idea that a recession could bring about lower mortgage rates. History shows mortgage rates usually drop during economic slowdowns. That’s not guaranteed – but it is a common pattern. Looking at data from the last six recessions, you can see mortgage rates fell each time (see graph below): But here’s what those buyers may not be considering. Many of those hopeful buyers are assuming something else will happen too – that home prices will drop. And that’s where history tells a different story. According to data from Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), home prices went up in four of the last six recessions (see graph below): So, while many people think that if a recession hits, home prices will fall like they did in 2008, that was an exception, not the rule. It was the only time the market saw such a steep drop in prices. And it hasn’t happened since, mainly because there’s still a long-standing inventory deficit, even as the number of homes on the market is rising. Since prices tend to stay on whatever path they’re already on, know this: prices are still holding steady or rising in most metros, although at a much slower pace. So, a big drop isn’t likely. As Robert Frick, Corporate Economist with Navy Federal Credit Union, explains: “Hopes that an economic slowdown will depress housing prices are wishful thinking at this point . . .” Bottom Line If you’ve been waiting for a recession to make your move, it’s important to understand what really happens during one – and what likely won’t. Lower mortgage rates could be on the table. But lower home prices? That’s far less likely. Don’t wait for a market that may never come. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, connect with an agent to talk through what today’s economy really means for you – and make a smart plan that works in your favor, regardless of what the headlines say. Want to dive deeper into this subject? I’m just a call, text, or email away! Chad Meier | Realtor ® Licensed Oregon Broker | Living Room Realty | 503.709.9600 | dcmeier@gmail.com

Great Low Price for only $339,900. 2 Story Townhome in Tigard.

10715 SW Canterbury Ln #102 Tigard, OR 97224 MLS# 24457064 SQ FT: 1373 BEDROOMS: 3 BATHS: 2.5 STYLE: Townhouse TAXES: $3,696 Bright and airy condo with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths in prime Tigard location. Spacious floor plan with high ceilings, lots of windows and wood-look floors. Living room with gas fireplace opens to dining room with slider to patio. Partially updated kitchen with gas stove, eating bar and kitchen nook for additional eating or sitting area. Spacious primary bedroom suite, with vaulted ceilings, walk-in closet, ceiling fan, and bath with double sinks, bathtub and shower. Huge window in primary suite, with expansive views of both evergreen and deciduous trees. Extra-large second bedroom and vaulted ceiling in third bedroom. Two full baths upstairs, half-bath on first floor. Covered front porch and cute patio. Central air conditioning and heat. Ring security system. Refrigerator, washer, dryer, stove and dishwasher included. Community includes several visitor parking areas and large wooded area for dog-walking. Butte Park at end of block is ideal for children and dogs. Convenient to shopping, dining, farmers market and Hwy. 99. Call Scott Cotrell for your next home purchase or sale 503-679-6879

Adding New Neighbors to Ladd’s Addition

I’m so very happy for my clients Carrie and John that we were able to secure this absolutely dreamy Ladd’s Addition Craftsman bungalow as their future Portland homebase. This gorgeous 1923 home is effortlessly welcoming with great flow and perfect proportions. It’s been lovingly refreshed while keeping all of the key details intact — the beautiful built-ins next to the fireplace, the dining room sideboard, and those amazing chandeliers. Access to the very best of Division and Hawthorne businesses, bars and restaurants makes the dream of car-free living a reality. Ladd’s Addition is among the most iconic eastside Portland micro-neighborhoods with its off-grid streets, huge arching tree canopy and some of the most gorgeous and lovingly-kept early century homes in the city. It was the very first planned residential development in Portland, and one of the oldest in the western United States. It’s named for William Ladd, a successful merchant who served as Portland’s mayor twice in the 1850s, who owned a 126-acre farm on the current site of Ladd’s Addition. While it’s officially part of the Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood, Ladd’s Addition was designated a historic district by the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. It’s one of the most recognizable neighborhoods in Portland and always a pleasure to ride my bike through its quiet streets under huge, shady trees. Do you have classic Portland home dreams? Car-free living goals? Let me know how I can help you make those all come true!

Splashtastic! The Coolest Spots for Hot Days–Splash Pads and Interactive Fountains

With temperatures rising, it’s time to take advantage of Portland’s awesome splash pads and interactive fountains! Need a quick cool down? Looking for some water time for the kids or your pup without a trip out of town? These free and fun public water features are turned on for the summer season (through Labor Day weekend) and offer an easy, accessible way to cool down from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. And, not only do these spots help you keep cool, they also are an instant mood boost–the cuteness factor is high! Some splash pads are shaped like little frogs, some dump HUGE amounts of water from buckets on high, and some interactive fountains are fully loungable for those who like to sprawl in the water, There are 21 splash pads located at parks around the Metro area with the highest concentrations in North and NE Portland. @portlandparks has a handy online map to help find your closest cool down spot. Seasonal splash pad hours are 10am-8pm, June 14-September 1 (Labor Day), 2025. Colonel Summers Park – SE 17th Avenue and Taylor Street Columbia Park and Annex – N Lombard Street and Woolsey Avenue Dawson Park – N Stanton Street and Williams Avenue Earl Boyles Park – east of SE 107th Avenue and Francis Street Elizabeth Caruthers Park – 3508 SW Moody Avenue Errol Heights Park – SE 45th Avenue and Tenino Drive Essex Park – SE 79th Avenue and Center Street Farragut Park – N Kerby Avenue and Farragut Street Fernhill Park – NE 37th Avenue and Ainsworth Street Gateway Discovery Park – 10520 NE Halsey Street Irving Park – NE 7th Avenue and Fremont Street Kenton Park – 8417 N Brandon Avenue Khunamokwst Park – 5200 NE Alberta Street Mill Park – SE 119th Avenue and SE Lincoln Street Northgate Park – N Geneva Avenue and Fessenden Street Parklane Park – SE 155th Avenue and SE Main Street Peninsula Park – 700 N Rosa Parks Way Pier Park – N Lombard Street and Bruce Avenue Raymond Park – SE 118th Avenue and Raymond Street Spring Garden Park – 3332 SW Spring Garden Street Woodlawn Park – NE 13th Avenue and Dekum Street See a map of all splash pad locations Interactive fountains (you can play in them!) are ON for the 2025 summer season. Bill Naito Legacy Fountain at Waterfront Park – SW Ankeny near the Burnside Bridge (operates 24 hours a day) Teachers Fountain at Director Park – 815 SW Park Avenue (7:00 am – 8:00 pm) Grant Park – NE 33rd Avenue and US Grant Place (11:00 am – 7:00 pm) Holladay Park – NE 11th Avenue and Holladay Street (7:00 am – 10:00 pm) Jamison Square – 810 NW 11th Avenue (7:00 am – 10:00 pm) McCoy Park – N Trenton Street and Newman Avenue (7:00 am – 10:00 pm) Salmon Springs Fountain at Waterfront Park – Naito Parkway at SW Salmon Street (operates 24 hours a day) See a map of all interactive fountain locations

The Little-Known Listing Prep Secret More Agents Should Be Using: Ozone Treatments

When preparing a home for market, there’s always a punch list—paint touch-ups, flooring updates, staging—but here’s one often-overlooked detail that can make or break a sale: smell. I always tell my buyers, when we think we’ve found the one: “We just need to go and smell it.” It sounds like a joke, but scent plays a massive role in a buyer’s emotional response. Whether it’s lingering pet odors, mildew, cigarette smoke, or—for the love of real estate—an aggressively perfumed Glade plug-in, unpleasant or suspicious smells can tank interest and ultimately, your seller’s net. And yes, I stand by this: the Glade plug-in is the worst. Scent diffusers—whether plug-in or an elegant Loewe Tomato candle—instantly raise a red flag. Buyers wonder: What are they hiding? The challenge? Odors are notoriously hard to eliminate. Deep-cleaning can make things worse by stirring up the scent source. My rule of thumb for sellers is simple: the house shouldn’t smell like anything at all. Not clean. Not lived-in. Just neutral. Here’s the trick: ozone. I’ve been using ozone generators for over five years. I own three now. I lend them to clients, colleagues, even use them in my own home annually. Ozone is a naturally occurring, highly reactive gas that oxidizes and destroys odor-causing molecules. It doesn’t mask—it eliminates. Estheticians use ozone in small doses post-facial to kill bacteria and purify skin. On a larger scale, I first saw it used after a small business fire, when a restoration company brought in industrial ozone generators to scrub smoke from the air. That experience is what led me down the rabbit hole—turns out, personal-use ozone machines are affordable, accessible, and surprisingly effective. Most common household odors come from completely normal lifestyle habits. The usual culprits before listing include: Pet urine Lingering food smells Cigarette smoke Mildew or “damp” odors Diffuser or candle saturation Animal dander (“dog smell”) Ozone doesn’t cover these up. It neutralizes them. The gas bonds with the source molecule and oxidizes it into something odorless. Important note: Ozone isn’t safe to breathe—for humans, pets, or plants. When I run a treatment, I do it for 24 hours. Pets out. Plants out. Windows and doors shut. Afterward, air out the space for at least 45 minutes. The gas is heavy and dissipates quickly, but safety first. In most cases, a single treatment removes about 70% of odors. Repeat as needed. Bonus: ozone treatments work on cars, upholstery, even clothing. Case in point: a friend and colleague recently used this method after her dog got sprayed by a skunk and then ran through the house, rubbing his face on every soft surface he could find. One 24-hour ozone treatment—and the smell was completely gone.