Blog 2025 real estate Jessica Ward Knows Outer NE Portland

Jessica Ward Knows Outer NE Portland

By Jessica Ward, March 12, 2025

Jessica Ward Knows Outer NE Portland

Looking for a real estate agent in Outer NE Portland? Look no further! My name is Jessica Ward, and I’m proud to serve the neighborhoods of Parkrose, Parkrose Heights, Argay Terrace, Maywood Park, Russell, Hazelwood, and Wilkes.

I’ve lived here for years and even attended Parkrose High School. I know every corner — from the quiet residential streets to the busy local spots. My deep roots and local expertise help me guide buyers and sellers through every step of the Outer NE Portland real estate market with confidence.

My First Transaction: Listing in Russell

One of my proudest moments was my first-ever listing in the Russell neighborhood.
With careful planning and strong marketing, that home went from active to pending in just 3 days!

That experience taught me how powerful preparation and communication can be. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to giving every client the same high level of personal attention. There’s nothing quite like helping someone move forward in the community I call home.

Local Knowledge You Can Trust

Parkrose Pride
As a Parkrose High School alum, I share a special connection to this community. I know its people, its rhythm, and its character.

Insider Tips
Because I’ve lived in and around these neighborhoods, I can tell you more than just where the houses are. I can tell you where to:

  • Find the freshest produce at local farms like Rossi, Spade & Kindess farm

  • Enjoy a quiet beach day on the Columbia River

  • Take a quick hike in the Gorge and still be home for lunch

  • Score the best deals at Costco or transform your home with a trip to IKEA

Community Connections
Over the years, I’ve built lasting relationships with neighbors, small businesses, and local organizations. Staying involved helps me stay informed — about market trends, community events, and neighborhood growth.

The Homes of Outer NE Portland

Each neighborhood in Outer NE Portland has its own look, feel, and history.

Parkrose & Parkrose Heights
These areas grew rapidly in the 1950s–1970s. You’ll see many mid-century ranches, cozy bungalows, and tree-lined streets. Their easy freeway access and close proximity to the airport make them especially convenient for commuters.

Argay Terrace
Most homes here were built in the 1960s and 1970s. Expect larger lots, split-level homes, and distinctive Pacific Northwest architecture. Many homeowners take great pride in maintaining and updating their properties.

Maywood Park
Developed in the 1930s, Maywood Park is known for its mature trees and historic charm. This “city within a city” was incorporated to preserve its unique neighborhood character.
👉 Learn more at cityofmaywoodpark.com.

Russell
Russell offers a quiet, suburban atmosphere with ranch, split-level, and two-story homes built mainly in the late 1900s. Its peaceful streets and variety of home sizes make it great for families.

Hazelwood & Wilkes
These neighborhoods expanded in the 1950s and 1960s, with some newer builds mixed in. You’ll find an affordable mix of classic ranches and modern townhomes, perfect for first-time buyers and investors alike.

This blend of history, charm, and variety makes Outer NE Portland one of the city’s most appealing areas to call home.


Ready to Buy or Sell in Outer NE Portland?

If you’re ready to buy or sell in Outer NE Portland, I’d love to help.
My lived experience, market knowledge, and community connections give you a real advantage — whether you’re purchasing your first home, moving up, or downsizing.

Let’s talk about your goals, your timing, and how we can make it all work.
Let my first listing in Russell inspire your next real estate success story!

👉 Learn more about me at Living Room Realty


Jessica Ward

Broker | ADU Specialist | OR & WA

She/Her

My life is fueled by a profound passion for serving others and making a positive impact on my community.

https://youtu.be/x1kSQm5UdQo?si=Wam5-ZRcj3VTRn_g I’m a Great NW native and— five years into this industry—a broker known for delivering results while making people feel genuinely taken care of. I grew up in Portland and Southwest Washington, and I know this market—its neighborhoods, culture, pricing nuances, and opportunities. That lived understanding informs every recommendation I make. I’m inclusive of all people, price points and committed to creating a space where clients feel safe, respected, and fully themselves. I’m a mother to my daughter, Wynter Katie, and a dog mom to a very cute Yorkshire terrier, which keeps me grounded in real life and real perspective.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking in the Gorge, wine tasting in the Willamette Valley, dining at local restaurants, hosting social gatherings, perusing an art gallery, flowing through hot yoga, drinking a good hazy IPA at a brewery, listening to an audiobook or podcast, attending a networking event, chaperoning my daughters field trips. boating on the river, or unwinding at local spas and bathhouses.

I stay deeply connected to my community through volunteering and board participation. I’m especially passionate about children’s needs—particularly those involved in the foster care system—climate impact and sustainability, justice and equity for people of color, and mental health advocacy.

My clients consistently rate their experience with me five stars, whether they are buying selling or simply attending one of the first time home buying classes I host for free to educate and empower the community. I’ve been called the “queen of resources and connections,” and I take that seriously. I’m known for navigating down payment assistance programs, grants, ADUs, seller financing, and non-traditional paths to ownership with ease and clarity. Think polished expertise with a side of “I got you.” Access is power. Education is leverage. And I believe everyone deserves both. I’m also a real estate investor who manages my own properties, including an ADU, so my guidance is grounded in lived experience. I understand long-term value, cash flow, development potential, and creative strategy—not just on paper, but in practice. As a black woman in real estate, I lead with excellence and purpose in an industry where representation is still very rare. I’m honored to be the first African American broker in Oregon state history to close a transaction with a Black-owned title and escrow company, but my greatest accomplishment is impact—helping clients secure stability, build wealth, and step confidently into ownership. I run a tight ship—transparent, strategic, and supportive—but don’t get it twisted, we’ll laugh too. I bring luxury-level service without the stiffness. Professional polish with real and genuine personality. To me, real estate isn’t just about property—it’s about security, freedom, and community. And when you work with me, you’re not just closing a deal… you’re building something bigger. Follow along: @Jessica_TheHomeGirl

What Clients Are Saying:

Clients consistently share that working with me feels:

  • Supportive and steady, even in high-pressure moments

  • Clear and transparent, with no unanswered questions

  • Strategic and informed, particularly during negotiations

  • Personal, never transactional

First-time buyers say they felt educated and empowered. Sellers value my pricing insight and communication. Investors trust my numbers, perspective, and long-term thinking. Five stars—because the experience is intentional!


Affiliations and Accolades:

  • ADU Specialist
  • Earth Advantage Certified
  • Portland NAACP (Member)
  • LRR Diversity Chair Award Winner
  • Lents Neighborhood Association (Former President)
  • Youth Rights and Justice (Board Member & Sponsor)
  • Asian Real Estate Association of America (Member)
  • National Association of Real Estate Brokers (Member)
  • Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors (Member)
  • Broker Advisory Group at Living Room Realty (2024-2026)
 
Read More
  • T: 971-230-8164
  • jessicaw@livingroomre.com

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