Natural light filled modern contemporary home in coveted SW Portland neighborhood of Fulton Park, quiet & private cul-de-sac. 3 Beds, Office & Bonus! Open floorplan w/wall of windows. Vaulted ceilings, hardwoods, & built-ins. View of Cascades & Willamette River from several rooms & deck. Plenty of room for work from home. Oversize garage w/shop space. Newer roof, furnace & water heater. Ideal location convenient to Zupan’s, OHSU, Lewis & Clark, Willamette River, trails & downtown.
I don’t want to be the one to say it—but fall is just around the corner. While we still have a few solid weeks of summer ahead of us (fingers crossed), leaves are just beginning to change and the air in the mornings is crisp.
While it’s not quite time to break out your leaf blower and rake, here’s a handy checklist of fall maintenance chores to prep your home’s exterior for colder weather.
When that first really stormy weekend rolls around, you’ll be able to sit by the fireplace in your flannel shirt and fuzzy socks, eat a bowl of chili, and enjoy a feeling of satisfaction knowing that you’re snug as a bug in your winter-ready home!
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e upon a time, a certain designer/contractor couple from a small town in a big state morphed a family-run business into a popular series on a cable network dedicated to all things home and garden and subsequently launched home furnishing lines with various retailers and a paint line and a publishing detail and . . . my point here, for real-estate purposes, is that the modern farmhouse style—while perhaps not invented by this celebrity couple—was certainly made very popular by them, and it’s a style that’s here to stay.
And I’m not mad about it. One of my most beautiful listings ever is a spectacular modern farmhouse in Lake Oswego. And after walking through this home for the first time, I found myself ruminating about just what it is that makes this style appealing to so many people.
The modern farmhouse style is, above all, comfortable and approachable. These homes are meant to be lived in. The rooms are spacious. Functionality is important. For example, in days past, farmhouse sinks were large because they needed to hold large amounts of water, typically brought in from a well (or even a creek). In modern homes, water is delivered with ease straight from the tap, but these large sinks are still handy for all sorts of reasons, from washing big pots and pans to rinsing vegetables from the garden to bathing toddlers! Bonus: they look beautiful, too. Reclaimed wood and stone are often prominently featured throughout the home. The visual appeal of these materials is evident, but they are chosen because they will endure.
In a modern farmhouse, furniture isn’t for show—it’s meant to be used. Imagine! A sofa is selected because it’s comfortable; you’re meant to kick your feet up on the coffee table. Modern farmhouse owners select furnishings in natural, organic materials like cotton, linen, wool, jute, and sisal. These materials wear well and feel unfussy.
That last point—unfussiness—is key. Traditional farmhouses may conjure an image of a cluttered (dare I say kitschy?) abode. Modern farmhouses are anything but! In fact, for all their functionality and comfort, modern farmhouses are also simultaneously polished. Those reclaimed wood beams? They’re balanced with sophisticated fixtures—gorgeous faucets and drawer pulls, elegant lighting, unique art. You won’t find handmade quilts and mason jars in a modern farmhouse. Simplicity is the name of the game—natural tones, minimal clutter, carefully curated.
While the modern farmhouse style is now popular across the United States, I’ll argue that it is particularly well-suited to Oregonians. After all, we’re a comfortable, approachable people (flannel shirts!) who still espouse a level of sophistication. (A resident of a state with this many wineries, craft breweries, craft distilleries, arts scene, and love of literature can hardly say otherwise)! And while I don’t want to live on a farm, I certainly understand the appeal of living
in a modern farmhouse.
We’re all spending a lot of time at home these days—too much, most would say. Home used to be the place we gathered to eat and relax with family and friends, and to sleep, a place to recharge and get ready to go back out into the world. Now, for many of us, working and learning are also home-based activities. And even if you are an essential worker and out in the world each day, just as in pre-COVID times, the home has now become even more of a sanctuary from the outside world.
However, when we’re staring at the same walls day in and day out, those walls can start to feel like they’re closing in. Try looking at your home with a fresh eye toward making it feel as peaceful and welcoming to its inhabitants as possible. A little effort and intention go a long way. Here are a few tips to get you started:
As a real estate agent, I’m passionate about home. Helping you to find a house is an important step—but what comes next is all that you do to create your home. I hope these tips give you new ways to think about your home, and that the moments you spend there are enjoyable and meaningful.
As summer is now underway, I find myself longing for the adventures of summers past—exciting vacations, epic road trips, BBQs, and lots of time with friends and extended family. I miss all of that. We all do. While summer at home (all. the. time.) isn’t necessarily what I would choose to do, I try to remind myself how lucky I am to live where I do. There are still plenty of adventures to be had close to home—and none of them involve lost luggage or the procurement of Fast Passes. Get ready for some good, old-fashioned, close-to-home fun!
1. Fruit Picking. Drive just 10 or 15 minutes outside of the city, and you can’t throw a stone without hitting a family-owned farm. Strawberry season is over, but the time is right for blueberries and raspberries, and it will be time for peaches before you know it. (Yes, that’s right—multiple farm trips this summer!) Trust me: it can take a long while to fill a flat of berries. If you have kids with you, sent each off with his or her pint container and a challenge to be the first to fill it to the top.
What to do with all of that perfectly ripe, fresh fruit? Fruit + granola + yogurt for breakfast, fruit salad for lunch or dinner, fruit with ice cream for dessert. Bake muffins or cobbler. Make jam. Or, freeze fruit to enjoy during the cold months—peaches and berries can be thawed in a bowl of hot oatmeal on a chilly winter morning.
Whether you head north out of Portland to Sauvie Island, south to Yamhill County, or any other direction, you can find yourself on a farm in no time. However, a little planning ahead is wise, especially during peak season. Check the website of the farm you hope to visit to make sure the fruit you want to pick is in season and to find out public picking hours. This year, be sure to familiarize yourself with the farm’s Covid19-related policies. Bring water to drink, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and a face mask. Go early in the day to avoid high heat and peak crowds!
2. Farmer’s Market. Chances are good that your favorite neighborhood farmer’s market is in operation this summer, albeit with new safety measures in place. The Portland Farmer’s Market, Beaverton Farmer’s Market, Hillsdale Farmer’s Market, and Lake Oswego Farmer’s Market are just a few popular area markets to check out this summer. While there are fewer vendors than in previous years (and no yummy samples!), a weekly farmer’s market trip is still a great way to procure fresh produce (corn-on-the-cob and snap peas!), pantry staples (locally-made pasta), and even gourmet treats (fancy cheese and local honey)—and to support local growers! Many markets have dedicated hours for vulnerable populations, and many allow you to place pre-orders with your favorite vendors. Some markets even offer drive-thru order pick-up. Once again, your best bet is to visit the website for your favorite market to familiarize yourself with new policies, and to plan to visit the market early in the day when it’s less crowded.
3. Picnic. What to do with the delicious food you’ve gathered? Plan a picnic! This is also one way to ease the stress of social distancing in a safe, responsible manner. Invite friends to meet you at a park for a picnic dinner. Everyone brings their blankets and food, and you maintain the requisite distance as you enjoy good food and better company. Not up for socializing just yet? Dining al fresco at home in your very own yard can be just as enjoyable, a welcome change from the everyday.
4. Hiking. If you feel as though you’ve walked every square inch of your neighborhood the past few months, it might be time to explore outside of your comfort zone. Portland is home to an extensive system of urban hiking trails. Yes, hiking within the city is almost as easy as walking out your front door! A wealth of resources are available to help you find a city trail that’s the distance and level right for you.
If you want to get away from it all, that beautiful mountain is almost as close as it looks, and over 1,000 miles of trails in the Mt. Hood National Forest are waiting for you. Travel just a bit farther to Mt. Adams and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and the crowds will thin—and it’s still an easy day trip from Portland!
As with everything these days, a bit of planning goes a long way. Arriving at trailheads early means beating the crowds (and better parking!). While not required, masks are still a good idea on crowded trails. And remember: whether you’re hiking a trail in the city or the wilderness, preparation is of the utmost importance. Check out the National Park Service website for essential tips on hiking safety and wilderness survival.
5. Bicycling. Portland is well-known as a cycling-friendly city, and with even fewer cars on the road these days, this summer might be the time to explore one (or more) of the many urban bike routes in the city. Or, venture beyond the city limits and pedal along the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, Oregon’s first “rails-to-trail” state park. More leisurely (but just as picturesque!) paths along the Willamette River are found at Champoeg State Park and Willamette Mission State Park, just a quick drive south on I-5. Be sure to check park websites for hours of operation and day-use rates! As with hiking, be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and first aid supplies, when you head out for a ride—and don’t forget your helmet!
As much as I love and miss the hectic summers of years past, I do recall that when I am away, I long to be home to enjoy the unbeatable Oregon summertime. This is my year to do just that! What are your favorite summer activities in and around Portland?
A few months ago, the Portland real estate market was thriving. And in fact, it still is. Properties are closing every single day. With the state of our city and state—not to mention our global community—everything feels a bit uncertain right now, and real estate is no different. One thing is certain, however: the greater Portland has been a hot market for years, and it will be in the future. We live a beautiful part of the world and people want to live here. That’s pretty straightforward.
Whether you’re looking to purchase a home soon—in the next few months—or if you’re thinking longer term, here are a few key strategies to optimize your chance of having your offer accepted by the seller:
With over a decade of experience and hundreds of home sales under my belt, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. In fact, I’ve recently leveraged my experience to close two home sales—both with multiple offers—at under asking price! Want to know my secret? Give me a call! I promise this: when you have decided on the home you want, I’ll pull out all the stops to put the keys to the front door in your hand!
Sharon Bloudek
503-701-1000 mobile
This backyard fire pit has me dreaming of s’mores! Outside of the city hustle and bustle, the college town of Forest Grove is as beautiful as it’s name. And this 6 bedroom home received an offer in just 2 days! With plenty of elbow room, this is the perfect home to entertain AND the ideal dwelling in which to socially distance with 4,700 square feet. Win-win!
