Blog Buyer Investing in Dreams: A North Portland Love Story

Investing in Dreams: A North Portland Love Story

By Gabrielle Enfield, July 22, 2020

Hi Readers!

Today’s story is one that’s from North Portland, and involves my longtime friends and savvy investors Tim and Elizabeth. 15 years ago, they were getting ready to move back to Portland from San Francisco. They knew then that Kenton is a terrific community to raise a family, and that investing in that area would pay off in the long run. They purchased a “skinny” home, new construction, and planned to live in it for a while, then leverage the property as a rental as their family grew.

That’s exactly how their plan played out…

They called it home while they needed it, and then the house was able to generate enough income as a rental to enable them to build a real estate portfolio. Smart. Investing in Real Estate, even in the time of COVID, is a good idea. Homes continue to hold appreciated value in the greater Portland area. HERE is a good visual you can reference to get an understanding. If you’re curious to learn more, please reach out, I can help explain the numbers.

When Tim and Elizabeth were ready to sell, we knew we had to lean into great staging, photography, and online resources to make it easy for people to get a feel for the home. Check! Three days later, they were pending, after reviewing multiple offers.

Here’s where the love story comes in. See, for Tim and Elizabeth, it wasn’t just about the highest offer for the home they were selling. They took the time to read every buyer’s letter who submitted one, and ended up deciding to go with a buyer whose story reminded them a little of themselves. They were early in their relationship. Loved North Portland. Active in their communities. Wanted to start a family. Had a dog. Why do I bring this up? Because as a buyer you should know that a seller’s motivation – even in this market – isn’t always going to be about dollar signs. Take the opportunity to leverage your story. Explain your why. And if you need help crafting that… I would be happy to put my  journalist hat back on to help you tell it in a way that will resonate and get your offer accepted.

Til then, high fives,

Gabrielle Enfield

Broker | OR

She/Her

Real estate can be a wild ride. It's important you find your wingperson.

At Working Magic Group, we understand the important decision of choosing an agent partner for buying or selling in Portland. It's a relationship for the long haul. The team's goal is to apply myriad experiences, both personally and professionally, to help guide client partners through a thoughtful, strategic, seamless and fun journey. Founded by top broker Gabrielle Enfield, Working Magic's goal is to bust down the stereotypes of who Realtors are and how they serve. We are full service brokers, in it for the long haul, and believe in the relationship imperative. We operate from a place of trust with people at the center. Without that, we can’t do our work. Need an understanding of where to start, when it comes to getting ready to sell? We'll put backgrounds in project management to work and let you know what needs to happen, complete with spreadsheets, if you're into it. We've got the magicians on speed dial to show up and get it done so you can hit the easy button. We treat each listing as a brand we're launching and create emotional and sensory experiences that stand out. Custom playlists, anyone? We've been told our open houses are the best in town. Looking to purchase a vacation property and need it to generate rental income? Expect sharp pencils to make sure the numbers make sense. We can even help with the interior design and advise how to set it up to make top dollar. Ready to downsize? We'll be with you on this important chapter and gently guide you to what stays and what goes. First-timer who needs a steady hand to help guide you through the real estate process? Mama Bear's got you covered, and we'll be sure to point out what you need to look for or stay away from. Moving to PDX and need a proxy to get to know Rose City? Gab's a Pac NW native, and even with all its growth and change, this place still gives her butterflies. Plus, her background in video production makes those remote FaceTime home tours a breeze. About Gabrielle Enfield, Founder, Working Magic at Living Room Realty: I grew up in Woodland, Washington, and live in the wooded hills of Bridlemile, where I'm raising my family. #boymom. Today I am the #1 agent at my brokerage - which is Portland's #1 real estate office - and consistently rank in the top 1% of more than 8,400 brokers in the Portland metro. I love what I do and it shows. Before real estate, my career spans two decades of expertise I'm fortunate enough to apply every day. These experiences range from being a TV news anchor (visual storyteller) to helping develop some of the world's beloved brands like Xbox and Dave's Killer Bread (strategy and engagement). I also helped launch Paul Allen's MoPop to a global stage; it combined two of my life loves: music + architecture. I was on the forefront of integrated media, crisis communications, digital productions and managed events and massive teams that delivered headline-making news. I was practically born to sell Real Estate: my Dad is a retired custom home designer and builder, my Uncle is an architect and my Grandpa was a Realtor and developer. I am an active listener, have a keen eye for "good bones", and solving my clients' real estate needs in a creative and often unexpected way brings me joy. In my spare time, I am raising my kiddos to be confident weirdos, championing my spouse Per who is an IP attorney at Nike, hitting the thrift store circuit as often as I can, and volunteering my time as a Broker Advisor at Living Room. In 2023 I launched Hi Buddy Hospitality Group, a burgeoning hostel and restaurant in NE Portland. I also am a member of Project Color Corps Portland Chapter, a national non-profit that collaborates with people to add color to their essential community spaces, creating beauty, belonging, and joy. Please give a call – I'd love to see what it would be like to partner with you. For a look inside my everyday life, be sure to follow along on Instagram. Let's Work Magic together. High fives!        
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  • T: 503-388-2788
  • gabrielle@livingroomre.com

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