Tag: buyers agent

Quintessential Concordia Cutie

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations Amy and Lori!

 

Amy and Lori were referred to me by our very recent buyers, Jess and Julie who also transplanted to PDX and bought a home a little while back. Amy and Jess work together and I’m so happy to have met them! They moved here recently from the Bay Area knowing they wanted to buy a house, but as first time home buyers, they weren’t ready to pull the trigger right away.  They decided to rent for a while to get a feel for the area before buying (which is something I have recommended to many clients when possible). They rented a home in NE Portland and after months of feeling it out, decided they loved the area and were ready for the next step. Jasmine and I set up a buyers meeting to go over the details of the home buying process with them and we all immediately hit it off!

After a few rounds of touring properties together, they found a cutie in Concordia- what a gem! The house is so well maintained and pretty, and I can’t say enough great things about Concordia! So many fantastic destinations within walking distance: Fernhill Park, Extracto Coffee Roasters, The Kennedy School, New Seasons, Dame and Expatriate- just to name a few. I’m so happy for Amy and Lori to start putting down roots in this awesome house and in this wonderful neighborhood!

Cheers!

Tips for Selling Your Home Faster

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Professional House Flipper and Real Estate Agent, Bobby Curtis gave tips on how to sell your house faster in this “neutral” market. See tips below or click here to see the full interview on KATU’s Afternoon Live with Tra’Renee.

Price it Right- Sell Your Home Quickly

1.Price it right- don’t hold out waiting for your buyer. It may work on occasion if you have a very unique property- but let someone in the real estate business be the judge of that.

Effective Staging- Sell Your Home Quickly

2.Effective staging. Of the homes that sell within the first week on the market with multiple offers, most of them are staged or appear staged.

Stay In Contract- Sell Your Home Quickly

3.Once in contract to sell your house, stay in contract. Negotiate after they do their inspections.

Hire a Great Agent- Sell Your Home Quickly

4.All of this will be made easier if you are working with a great real estate agent.

For more from Bobby, and some great contractor tips for your next home remodel, click here

Rock Out Butte

Posted on by Living Room Realty

I couldn’t have been luckier than to have helped Davey buy his first home. From the beginning he was informed, inquisitive and knew what he was looking for. My favorite kind of client!

We found him a great little house at the base of Rocky Butte, and he is STOKED! He can’t wait to set up a practice space for his band, Dry Wedding (facebook.com/drywedding), in the garage. In fact, during the repair negotiation process he was in the studio recording their new album!

It was an absolute delight to work with Davey, and I hope he’s happy in his new home for many years to come.

If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell a home in the Portland area, please contact Amanda Haworth at 503-453-7698 or amanda@livingroomre.com.

We used ALL the signs.

Holy @#$! Can we make this happen?

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux
Sam and Pera visited an open house up the street from them and as they walked around they started to envision themselves living there. After going home they continued to chat about whether they could actually make this happen. Until this home, they had not truly considering moving…  After a couple of weeks passed the home was still available and they were still talking about the potential. They decided to pick up the phone and connect with their lender and learned it was possible. Things were getting real and it was now time to call their agents.  Our team went to work and after many strategy conversations we presented their offer, negotiated successfully with the listing agent, and listed their home one week after getting an accepted offer.  Three days later their home was sale pending and we were well on the way to making this happen.  Congratulations Sam and Pera…you are amazing people. Thank you for trusting our team.
Jessica + Karim
Dream Weavers, Fierce Negotiators, REALTORS®

Thanksgiving Turkey: Where to buy in Portland?

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Ah, the Portland turkey. An integral part of any Thanksgiving meal in Oregon. And if you’re anything like the typical Portlander, you care where it comes from, who is raising it, and what it’s eating. You may even want to visit the farm.

Image result for meme portlandia chicken

Here are a few favorite places to grab your turkey in Portland, Oregon:

Gartner’s: Order the smoked turkey. Do it now, you won’t be disappointed. This place is old school in the BEST way and the butcher’s are incredibly friendly.

Green Zebra Grocery: Order ahead for the $10 off $50 coupon to use in the story. They’re carrying uncooked turkeys from Mary’s Family Farm, rated #1 by Cook’s Illustrated Magazine. Both organic and non-organic options, and all of them are non-GMO.

Nicky Farms: Nicky USA is the premier wholesale butcher and purveyor of high quality meats and specialty game in the Northwest. Open to the public with a minimum order of $125.

New Seasons: Reserve online and receive $15 off your order. Choose from a range of Diestel turkeys, all thoughtfully raised.

Halal Meat & Mediterranean: Longtime halal butcher shop offering beef, lamb and goat, as well as Mediterranean foods. You can also find turkeys here when the time is right.

Western Meat Market: For fresh turkeys, order ahead. And make sure to grab some jalapeno dip for an app.

Cason’s Fine Meats: Want to add something a bit different to the standard turkey set up? Swing by Cason’s for some ribs or smoked turkey tails or drumsticks.

Reach out for more local tips!

Vintage Crawl in Portland this Saturday!

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Portland Vintage Crawl

 

VINTAGE LOVERSSSSSS (Oprah voice)!

We are so excited to host the second vintage crawl THIS Saturday (11/16) (how is it already mid-November?!)!

We’ll start at Hollywood Vintage at 11am.

Address is 2757 Northeast Pacific Street in Portland.  Parking can be a little tricky, so we encourage you to carpool or Lyft/Uber/bike/walk when possible.  Check-in will be by the bus outside – it’s a gold school bus, you won’t be able to miss it!

You’ll be able to put any valuables you don’t want to lug around on the bus as well as grab a welcome beverage to get your shopping day started.

After Hollywood Vintage we’ll be having lunch at The Zipper across the street.  There are a few lunch options in the building (all delicious): Basilisk, Wares, Slice Pizza, and Tight Tacos.  Links included if you want to check out menus prior to Saturday.

We’ll then jump aboard the bus and head to Vintage Pink, followed by Hawthorne Vintage.  The tour will drop off back at Hollywood Vintage around 3pm.

There will also be a few surprise giveaways along the way courtesy of our lovely co-hosts: Summer, Kel and Laura.  Also, if you’re looking for something in particular, make sure to give these three a heads up.  They’re vintage experts and amazing treasure hunters who can help along the way!

We are close to capacity, so if you know of any other friends that might be interested, please feel free to send them the event link.

And for any questions at all, reach out to Sophia at 503.936.7499!

Want to collaborate on something else design/creative related? Reach out!

We Wear Many Hats: Chapter 1

Posted on by Living Room Realty

From an outsider’s perspective a career in real estate can seem like a dream. With HGTV cranking out series after series depicting agents showing a few houses one day, a short montage of renovation and a happy family reveal, it makes it all look so easy. With it’s flexible schedule and theoretically enormous income, what’s not to love?! Well, as with any job, there is more to being a REALTOR® than meets the eye. A truly dedicated realtor, in my mind, is far more than a salesperson. Although marketing and showing a home in it’s best light is indeed a much needed skill, a good REALTOR® is most importantly an advocate for their buyers and sellers and, as such, there is great depth to the job. All said and done, our work requires us to utilize a very diverse set of skills and this blog series lets you in on the nitty gritty of some of the less commonly acknowledged hats that we wear.

Real Estate Agent as a Project Manager:

You get what you pay for and when you opt to hire a full service realtor, such as myself,  you can anticipate to not only receive vetted contractor referrals from me, I can also be highly involved with scheduling and oversight of these contractors.

For sellers, we formulate a comprehensive and strategic plan to guide them as they prepare to list their property.  Working with the seller to execute the plan is one of my favorite hats to wear.

On the flip side, similar work is done on behalf of the buyer as they perform their due diligence on the property that they plan to purchase.  Immediately after a buyer has had an offer accepted we jump into action scheduling important inspections to ensure that our client is making a well informed decision about the physical health of the house in which they are investing. Whether or not our buyer can be there we attend all inspections of which there are generally a minimum of four. In the case of Anna and Daniel, there was a lot of work to be done when they found their charming little cottage in Creston-Kenilworth. Keeping budget and location top of mind, they decided to dive into a fixer. As is often the case with a house that has deferred maintenance, there were a number of issues found during the inspections that needed further investigation. All said and done, I organized bids and repairs with 9 different contractors over the course of their purchase. Because I love learning new things,  I truly enjoyed the process.  Learning about the inner workings of this house through thorough investigation allowed for Anna and Daniel to be well informed but I also gained knowledge that contributes to even better service for future clients. Although I consider this coordination part of my job, I often forget that not all agents are willing to take on this role with the same level of commitment, it felt oh so good when, over a champagne toast at their new home, Anna and Daniel expressed their gratitude for this behind the scenes work on their behalf. It was a great reminder that going that extra mile really does matter.

 

Whether buying for the first time, selling a cherished family home or relocating to this fantastic city, it is truly an honor to see my clients through their transition and make the process fun and painless.

Claiming security

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux
Tabatha and Michael had become well acquainted with the pitfalls of renting over the years. It seemed the stability of their current long term rental was always in question and it was time for them to take charge and step out into the Portland housing market. They came to us with a strong capacity for home improvement, so we went out in search of a great home for their family (with plenty of yard space for their animal family!) and did not shy away from homes they could put love into over time. They will soon be closing on just the family ranch with a large lot they were waiting for!

So Cal to OC (Oregon’s Coast)

Posted on by Tosha Reinmiller

John had recently sold his house in sunny Southern California and was making the move to Portland. After viewing several homes he decided to take a look at the coast…and that’s where I step in. His Portland broker called and let me know John had been looking in Portland but wasn’t finding the perfect house. He saw a couple of homes on the beach and decided to take a look. That afternoon we met at the coast to view a few properties.

John really liked one house that was a fixer. The location and the vibe of the area reminded him of the once small ocean side town in Southern California that he grew up in. It was a quick decision and he made an offer. However, it wasn’t so easy to get him into the house. He had a seller that didn’t really want to sell and a tenant that REALLY didn’t want the owner to sell. With this combination, it made for an interesting transaction to say the least. He was a trooper through all of the ups and downs and was able to close!

John saw the potential of the home and plans to renovate the interior and the exterior to make it his own…and I hear his family and friends from So Cal can’t wait to visit! Welcome to the Oregon Coast John!

Five Tips for Buying a Home Sight-Unseen

Posted on by Living Room Realty

When my first-time home buyer clients called, they were on a (quick) mission: find a house in the Wilson High School zone that has 3+ bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms and is under $500k. Something move in ready, with a yard, a cute neighborhood, and preferably walkable. Extra bonus: a basement that could eventually be turned into a rental, or a place for their in-laws to stay when in town.

The caveat? They wouldn’t be here to tour any of the houses and likely wouldn’t be here until possession day.  And they needed it to close in the next two months.

Here are five tools that got us through tours, an accepted offer, inspections and closing:

 

1. Facetime and YouTube:

When we toured homes we used Facetime so that they could see it live because as we all know, photos often don’t do it justice (or in some cases do it too much justice). When they weren’t able to see it in person, I video’d the home and loaded up the videos to You Tube so they could take a look when their schedules allowed.

2. Magic Plan App:

As tough as photos can be to gauge a house from, it’s equally tricky to understand the layout if the listing agent hasn’t provided a floor plan. Enter the Magic Plan App.  For homes my clients were really interested in, I created a floor plan using the app so that they had a good understanding of room dimensions, ceiling heights and the overall layout.

3. A digital timeline:

I use a digital timeline with all clients, but in this case it was particularly helpful.  The timeline I use auto populates my clients calendar with critical dates: earnest money deposit due date, inspection dates, inspection deadlines, etc.  It’s helpful for keeping everyone on the same page.

4. An amazing Mortgage Broker:

Enter Rayko Diaz from Guild Mortgage.  Rayko was in constant communication with the group, both as a whole and separately.  He sent status updates weekly to let people know what was needed of them and when.  Also: he’s a great guy.

5. An agent you trust: 

This is a critical factor in buying something sight unseen.  You want to know that the agent you use has style and tools to help you understand what you’re buying.  Equally important is their access to phenomenal inspectors and sub contractors who can give you a really clear understanding of the home’s condition and the cost of any associated repairs that need to be done so you can adequately negotiate prior to the inspection contingency expiring.

I’m so excited for my clients as they enter the next chapter of their life!  This house is a beauty, it’s in such a cute neighborhood and all the updates were in keeping with the mid-century charm.

Now comes the fun part: handing them the keys when they see it for the first time in person!

Want to talk Portland Real Estate?  Reach out!

Opportunity Knocks

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux

Paul is our go-to handyman, so we were thrilled when he requested our help finding a home of his own. His parents were excited to contribute, so finding a home with long term investment potential for all parties was a must. Because Paul has such incredible bandwidth for renovation and repair, our challenge was locating a home with work equity potential that was also financeable. The Lents neighborhood stood out as a perfect option for Paul, and when a home with great bones and the right amount of improvement needed popped up, he jumped at the opportunity. Congratulations on your new adventure Paul! We can’t wait to see how your creativity transforms this awesome place.

Focusing on family

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux

Karen knew she wanted to be in close proximity to her daughter and grandchildren, so she decided to say farewell to her life in California and leap into the Portland market. After weighing her Portland housing options, she knew location was going to be her top priority. We were able to locate a cozy, low maintenance home with room to entertain mere blocks from her family! Congratulations Karen! We hope you enjoy your new lifestyle within walking distance from those you love.

Townhome with Comfort + Style

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED: 2248 NE Sheffield Ave

3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 1837 SF | $3574 Tax | MLS #19437587

Offered at: $389,000

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday 11/2 12pm – 3pm

2248 NE Sheffield Ave, Hillsboro OR 97006

Welcome home to this immaculate, contemporary townhome, sitting high off the street on a corner lot, in a beautiful and quiet neighborhood!

As you enter the foyer, you’ll notice the high ceilings and open floor plan with vaulted entry, picture window and tile floor. Making your way to the main level, you’ll find yourself in the warm and inviting kitchen and main living area with gorgeous laminate flooring. The kitchen touts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, gas range, ample counter space and breakfast bar flowing easily into the living room and dining area which provides comfortable space for entertaining and intimate dinners alike.

Relax in the living room with the gas fireplace, stylish mantle and built-ins or enjoy lounging on the deck balcony overlooking the trees.

  Through the kitchen, you’ll find yourself in a spacious den with a big window and bookshelves.  

Making your way up to the third level you’ll find a generous master suite and a second large bedroom with another full bathroom. Enjoy bright natural light in the bedrooms with high ceilings and generous closets. Conveniently there is a large laundry closet to complete this upper floor.

Head on down to the lower level and get cozy in the third bedroom with a large closet and ample natural light. Perfect for media room or separate guest quarters. Plus stay comfortable all year with central air conditioning and gas forced air heating.

From here, head through the sliding door where you’ll enjoy a lush and private back yard with a covered patio, fig tree, raspberries, herbs and raised garden beds.

You’ll appreciate how much storage this home will bring you, with ample closets and a tandem 2 car garage with large hanging shelves to maximize storage space.

Great location within walking distance to Orchard Park and just minutes to Washington Square Mall, Tanasbourne shopping center and Highway 217.

Fall in love with this captivating, move-in ready, townhome. It’s waiting for you!

2248 NE Sheffield Ave, Hillsboro OR 97006

VIDEO TOUR

It Could Have Been a Hard Deal – But it Wasn’t

Posted on by Living Room Realty
You don’t have to be an asshole in real estate to meet your clients needs and close a hard sale.  I like to think outside the box.  It helps to understand the agent on the other end of the transaction, To really listen to them when they express their clients needs in a transaction.  When I am representing buyers I always try and put myself in the sellers shoes even though I’m not representing them.  Building trust, getting a shit-ton of bids and being a good communicator is what every good buyers agent should be doing.  Kindness and wisdom can keep a deal together. You don’t have to bring an inflated ego to real estate deals.  Work together and your outcome can be a happy seller, happy buyers, and happy agents.  Buying a house doesn’t have to be hard.
Tracy!  —–It was a pleasure working with you…again, and we appreciate the efforts of a pro like yourself. I believe (buyers with) another agent could not have kept them from running for the hills on this property. Your cool head and problem solving approach is refreshing, thank you. Good luck to your clients”
Chris Guin
Real Estate Broker®
Dwell Realty

Less Stuff, More Life

Posted on by Veronica Powell

 

 

That’s what moving from a 2700 SF house to a  1500SF condo in the Pearl is all about.  It’s about walking to everything.  It’s about joining a new community.  It’s about simplifying.

If this sounds like the direction you’d like to see your life go.  Give me a call. We can get ‘er done!

 

Veronica Powell

503.936.3475

Veronica@LivingRoomRE.com

 

 

Hunting for a Unicorn

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery
I love a good challenge and when Megan and Mali came to me with the goal of finding a family sized home, within their budget, with a half acre lot, in inner NE,  I knew I had a tiger by the tail. Fortunately, we had plenty of time.
We looked for about a year and a half and had some near misses but nothing really fit the bill until. A home in their target location, with a great layout, updated kitchen, play room downstairs and, get this, a .41 acre lot, all for a number within reach. We were on it right away and started to develop a plan to get the home and get good value.
Long story short, Megan and Mali got their keys last Friday and the house appraised over the negotiated sales price. So much winning!!
Congratulations to you and your growing family!
I am honored to have been a part of fulfilling this dream.
If you are looking for sincere representation with your Real Estate goals with your interest in heart and an agent that is patient and keeps a steady focus please reach out and let me know. I love a challenge!!

Our Goal is Clients for Life!

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FITZGERALDS!

I met Meghan around 15 years ago (but who’s counting!) Meghan helped me launch my real estate career and we became fast friends. Talk about a sharp cookie – she is one of the warmest, energetic, smart and fun people I know! Fast-forward through the years: she met her now-husband, Justin (he’s equally awesome) and they have 2 beautiful children, Amelia and Tristan!

This is the second time we have worked together. I helped them buy their family starter home in Beaverton several years ago. Happily, this year they were ready to upgrade to their dream home!

The Fitzgerald’s found a gorgeous country home in North Plains with plenty of acreage, gorgeous views, room for ATV trails, a horse pasture and a tractor (which they are excited to learn how to use!). They are thrilled their kids will grow up surrounded by nature and have acres to explore. They couldn’t be happier!

And… the sweet-as-pie ending to this story is the house has a father-in-law suite for Justin’s Dad. We love helping multi-generational families find homes they can live comfortably together in. The benefit to everyone is exponential!

Congratulations to the whole family!

 

I Heart Referrals

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

CONGRATULATIONS TO ELAYNE AND JEREMIAH

Elayne and Jeremiah are down to earth, sweet people and we are so happy they reached out to our team to purchase their first home!

Our business is referral based and we love working with referrals like Elayne and Jeremiah!

We are always ready to answer any real estate questions and we would be honored to work with your family and friends!

Sincerely,

Jasmine & Tracey

 

Home Again…

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux

A little over three years ago, Keeley sold her home to move to Sydney, Australia to be with her husband, Eamonn. They recently moved back to Portland just before the birth of their daughter, Harriet, in order to raise her closer to Keeley’s family.

As we started the search it never occurred to Keeley that she would find a home with a nearly identical design to the one she sold.  Ever since she moved out, she missed the vaulted ceilings, the open flow of the floor plan, the french doors off the dining room, and the layout of the upper level. She was so excited to find such a well cared for home that brought back many happy memories of her old house and close to her sister… Less than a five-minute walk! They envision many fun weekends and evenings playing with their cousins in a safe, friendly neighborhood.

“Trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.”

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux
Sometimes dreams require dedication and patience. For Erica and Shai, setting their sights on a dream home in the Laurelhurst neighborhood was an act of trust that it would appear. Perfectly decent homes emerged that met some of their needs and it would have been easy to settle for a home that wasn’t quite right. With a resolute attitude, they held strong on their goals. It paid off and then some! They now hold the keys to the 1911 Craftsman (with room for the family!) they were waiting for. 

Lake Oswego Easements

Posted on by Living Room Realty

So very excited for my clients who’s offer was accepted on this beautiful Lake Oswego Craftsman. Located in the idyllic Lake Grove community, this 3 bed, 2.5 bath home is one of those homes that you don’t want to leave (I got real comfy during inspections).  It’s cozy and peaceful, and was a great deal because at $875k, it came with a Lake Easement.  My clients wanted to make sure that they had year-round Lake access.

Lake Oswego House

So, what is a lake easement?

Easements provide access to property owners in the City of Lake Oswego who have special deeded lake access privileges.  It’s like a small, private club that allows members to access the lake for water activities like swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and boating.

Lake Oswego Corporation (LOC) owns 20 lakeside properties at various locations around the lake to allow eligible easement members to exercise lake access privileges. Each easement is governed by its own individual set of by-laws and has its own volunteer board of directors, which can be found online.  The people we reached out to during our search were always so helpful and friendly. Facilities and rate structures vary from easement to easement. Some have gas grills, picnic areas and playgrounds, while others have boat slips (these usually come with a long waitlist!) and kayak racks.  Initiation fees range from $500-$3000 and annual fees are typically $225-$1000.

There are over 3,000 homes in Lake Oswego whose residents are eligible to exercise lake access privileges.  Sometimes agents don’t advertise that the home they’ve listed has an easement, but this site allows you to see if a property has access to any easements.  Just type in the home address in the box at the bottom.

Easements can’t be sold or transferred. Lake Oswego residents do also have access to two swim parks, although these are only for swim and operate in the Summer months as opposed to year round.

Interested in Lake Oswego home with an easement? Reach out!

A home for Hazel

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Hazel has a new home…with the best backyard a pup could ask for! High on Steph’s priority list for her new home was a yard big enough for her dog Hazel to be able to fetch and run.  And we found it!  We also found wallpaper and a green refrigerator in pristine condition. The care the previous owner took of this home is so obvious – this made Steph get the warm and fuzzies right away. There’s so much potential in this ranch style home!

Steph is so excited to make his home hers; put her own stamp on it – but hang on to the nostalgia of the avocado appliance.  All while enjoying her backyard with Hazel.

Nightmare on Elm St.

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux
Okay, that may be a bit dramatic, but it is October, and this one definitely had surprises around every corner. That is not the story that needs to be told because the frustrations, the stressors, and the repairs are now complete, and they have the keys to their amazing new home. Buying a home can present a thousand possible bumps.  We successfully navigated through the ones that came our way. Heidi and Jeff maintained composure, relied on each other, and trusted me to get them there.  It is impossible to predict what handful of bumps will come your way when buying a home. With the right representation, these bumps can be calmly explained and navigated with clear choices instead of reactiveness.  I am proud of our journey from pending to closed because what could have been a real nightmare was instead stressful bumps on the way to homeownership.  Congratulations!

Downsizing Texas to Portland

Posted on by Mel Marzahl

Everything is bigger in Texas, right?

Well that definitely includes beautiful big homes! Making the move from TX to PDX, Gary is downsizing his home and “up-sizing” his time with family.

This month, I had the pleasure of working with Gary from Texas and his kids. Together we found a beautiful home for him here in Gresham. Relocating from Houston, he was ready to make a move and the Portland area was an easy choice. In his sweet 50’s ranch with mature trees and landscaping, Gary will be close to friends and family. Zack, Sarah, and Jeremy, his son, daughter and her husband, all live less than 25 minutes from his new home. He also has ties to Tualatin, Lake Oswego, and more cities with friends and relatives throughout the PNW!

Buying a home sight unseen is a big deal.

Gary had his family here to be his “eyes on the ground” who knew what he’d like. I toured homes with them, and took lots of detailed video tours before we found this house. I knew it was the right one when I learned that the Gary had been referring to it as the house with the “happy tile”.

Gary was not in a hurry to buy and move. He was able to offer a 3 week rent-back to the seller so she could stay after closing. While we offered under-asking, this was a key term that helped us seal the deal. The seller of Gary’s new home was waiting for the owners of her new home to move as she had given them a rent-back period as well. With all of us making accomodations for the next person, we found terms and a price that worked. Even though he was out of state, we had a smooth and pleasant transaction. I took care of the details of the sale, logistics of a sewer line replacement, and attended all inspections with his kids. Then Gary, provided with detailed inspection reports, videos, and family input, made all the decisions. It worked great and he got a good deal on a great home.

I am so thrilled to hand over keys in a few weeks!

It will not only be the first time he sees his new home, but it will be the first time we meet in person! I know we’ll get along great though. Gary is a fellow foodie, and I’m looking forward to celebrating over dinner with the family at one of Portland’s amazing restaurants. Congrats Gary!

___

I always love helping out of state buyers and sellers. It’s a joy knowing I can help provide some calm and extra insight to clients who are far away. It is also very gratifying to close a deal for an out of state client. I know how much trust they have placed in me to handle the in-person logistics for them and to work closely with their family or friends in the area if they have them. If you are out of state too, or have family or friends who need real estate help here in Portland, please reach out. I am always happy to just answer questions or help you get started on your move if you’re ready!

Happiness is what matters…

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux

Deb and Bernardo loved their SW home with lots of space for family and friends to visit, but recently they discovered that Deb’s headaches were caused by elevation.  What? They only lived at 300 feet… This greatly reduced their options, but her health was what mattered the most.  We focused on the South Waterfront and worked through all the different options condos provide, struggling to decide if they would be happy with such an extreme downsize.  They were close to renting until we stumbled upon the most amazing unit!  Deb’s face lit up when we were there.  Beautiful views, lovely building, and under 100 feet!  Although it was much smaller than they wanted, Bernardo conceded knowing Deb was happy.  Such amazing people!

Jessica
Counselor, Advocate, REALTOR®

Official Nut

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Oregon is all about its nuts – hazelnuts!

Call them filberts or what you will, but drive almost anywhere in the Willamette Valley and you’ll pass hazelnut orchards. According to the Statesman Journal some 70,000 acres of Willamette Valley farmland are planted in hazelnuts trees and farmers are expected to plant 8,000 more acres each year. The 2018 harvest yielded about 47,000 tons, but by 2025, the yield is expected to be 90,000 tons annually.

I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised when I found out my client worked in the hazelnut industry, I mean, 47K tons is a lot of nuts to deal with. As many of us do, I had forgotten that when I reach for my favorite agricultural products, hazelnuts or otherwise, that a lot of people have worked very hard to make those available to me.

It made  sense that he found the perfect house in Salem as it’s centrally located in the Willamette Valley and I hope he’s going to love his new home for a good long time.

 

Fun Facts from the Oregon Hazelnut industry:

  • The hazelnut became Oregon’s official State Nut in 1989.
  • About 800 Oregon farm families grow hazelnuts on 70,000 acres.
  • The total value growers received for their hazelnut crop has averaged nearly $70 million during the last five years. This translates into a total economic impact of more than $150 million in Oregon.
  • Hazelnut trees can produce until over 100 years of age.
  • The hazelnut is unique in that it blooms and pollinates in the middle of winter. Wind carries the pollen from yellow catkins to a tiny red flower, where it stays dormant until June, when the nut begins to form.
  • The nuts mature during the summer months, turning from green to shades of hazel nestled in a protective husk, and are harvested in late September or October after they have fallen to the ground.
  • In 1858, the first cultured hazelnut tree was planted in Oregon by retired Hudson’s Bay Company employee, Sam Strictland in Scottsburg.
  • In 1903, George Dorris of Springfield started the first commercial orchard with more than 200 Barcelona hazelnut trees. Barcelona is the most prominent variety grown in Oregon today. The Dorris Ranch is now a living history filbert farm with thousands of visitors annually.

Also, if you made it this far and love to bake please make some of these cookies and write to me about how darn delicious they are!

 

 

Retire in the Couve’ (Vancouver, Washington)

Posted on by Julia Robertson

Making smart investments now, leads to easy living into retirement.

I’m not a financial advisor, but I’ve been witness to some very smart investments over the years.  I’m impressed by this adorable couple purchasing a retirement home in Vancouver, Washington. They decided that the Couve’ is their destination for retirement(Noted as the one of the best places to retire in the US, by Forbes). They flew in from California a month ago and we previewed several homes, fell in love with a great townhome. Vancouver average home price is $291k, has a good economy, and rests on the Columbia river gorge- with breathtaking views and countless activities to do outdoors. The Couve'(Vancouver) has been voted ‘best place to retire‘ many years in a row, on many lists.

After they went into contract, they flew back to California. I’ve attended the inspections on their behalf, coordinated contractors, completed final walkthroughs, communicated all details of the transaction with them- all while they are residing in California. Most people still have to go about their life and work during the real estate process and I love being able to communicate all the details long distance on their behalf! We coordinated the closing details so they could keep their travel plans to Paris. What a relief to know that everything is taken care of while you’re away. The plan is to rent the home for the next 5 years or so, building equity, and watch that nest egg grow! I’m honored to help you through this process. Congrats Anne and Marshall! C’est l’heure de fêter ça!

Anne & Marshall pictured here in Paris- On their closing day!

Making a make to the Pacific Northwest? Give me a call! I’ll plan a tour of both Portland and Vancouver, to help you make smart move.

Julia Robertson | Licensed in Oregon & Washington | Living Room Realty

julia@rebyjulia.com | 541-505-1111

Moving on up!

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux
Janice and Pete are simply the best and we were very excited when they called to work with our team again.  Their son is now 4 and moving to a new school district was their top priority, but they found so much more!  After considering many neighborhoods within their chosen school district, we found a brand new community with walking paths, parks, and close to stores… simply everything they dreamed of.  Congratulations, we are excited to hear all about your new community.
Jessica
Counselor, Advocate, REALTOR®.

Charming Mt Scott Treasure

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

J U S T  L I S T E D : 6412 SE 77th Ave

Offered at $335,000

3 BED | 1 BATH | 1760 SF | MLS# 19100546

Open House: Saturday 9/28 12am-3pm

This darling Bungalow is a real gem! Solidly built and well maintained, the layout and flow throughout the home is absolutely ideal.

An inviting and light-filled living room greets you with newly refinished wood floors and original wood molding. A fantanstic space for relaxing and entertaining!

Make your way into this darling kitchen with plenty of room to move and cupboards galore. Adjacent is a delightful dining room, equally perfect for entertaining as well as quiet mornings overlooking the backyard greenery.

Moving easily into the hall you’ll find the full bathroom and 2 charming bedrooms with generous closets, wood floors and ample natural light.

Carve out a place for yourself in the spacious, partial finished lower level, which lives large! Featuring an exterior door and one bedroom with good natural light and a generous closet. Easily imagine a home office, media room or guest room…

The backyard is fully fenced and private creating a delightful space for entertaining or lounging. Single car, zero-lot-line garage with electricity included for extra storage and ease of use.

Located on a quiet tree-lined street in an ideal close-in SE location near Mt. Scott Community Center, this charming home is a unique opportunity for someone looking for a turn-key charmer!

 

VIDEO TOUR

The trials and tribulations of a condo search

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Congratulations to my client Matt, who just recently completed his purchase of his condo in the Avenue Lofts!

Matt was the type of client you dream of as a REALTOR®. A referral from a past client of mine, he was patient, understanding, made quick decisions, and was extremely flexible. It was needed, because our initial run of trying to get into condos during his search hit road block after road block. This probably can best be illustrated below, in the possibly real journal entries of a REALTOR® (events may or may not have happened exactly as described):

Week 1 – Had several homes to see. Attempted to get into the Pinnacle Condominiums. Could not get the listing agent to pick up and buzz us in. Went to get Coffee. Good chats were had. Went back to try again. Finally picked up. Got into building. Discovered that the HOA put a Fob lock onto the place where the lockboxes were. No instructions how to get into the place where the lockboxes were, without a fob. Called listing agent back. She was as confused as I. We decided to come back another day. Matt was amazingly chill.

Week 2 – Had several more homes to see. Got back into the Pinnacle unit we had issues with last week. Got into the unit to find it was undergoing a whole paint job. It may have been started a while ago. It was definitely not complete. We passed. Tried to get into North Park Lofts. Was given a heads up by the listing agent that the call box may not work. It did not. We waited 20 minutes for someone to let us in the building. Had several interesting conversations with the nearby occupants of the park benches while we waited. Decided to pass. Looked at Matt, still was cool. How did I luck out on this one?

Week 3 – Just a few more homes to see. Nifty combo lock on a unit in one building. Unfortunately someone locked the door handle portion that was not affiliated with the combo lock. Could not get in. Had to come back another day and get in. Tried to get into a unit in the Avenue. Lockbox was not present. Listing agent did not return any phone calls. Did get into another unit in the same building that had black ceilings, very stylized decor, which included a wooden horse as a piece of art. Nice green screen of trees out the window and decent amount of in unit storage.  Matt seemed intrigued. I’ll take that over annoyed any day. At least we got into this one.

Week 3.5 – Got a call from Matt. “Let’s go for the Horsie one.” Boom! Horsie one it was. Here we go!

The unit was located in The Avenue Lofts, which is a historic condo conversion of the former Meier and Frank Warehouse, a 7-story building located at 14th & Irving. Originally built in 1923, with additions in 1956 and 1972, the building features 170 loft style one and two-story units, including 8 townhouses and 17 two-level penthouses. The conversion to condominiums was completed in the Fall of 2004. An open atrium is located in the center of the building on the 3rd floor, a Gym and Meeting room situated on the lower parking level. The best part of it (depending on your view point), is that the lobby hallway changes color.

Fast forward to putting him in contract, coordinating an inspection while I was out of state, getting through repairs and condo doc review, and coordinating a Buyer signing appointment while Matt was out of state for work, we somehow made it through in one piece. We luckily had Bill Dolan with Guild Mortgage in our corner working out the lending side of things for Matt, and he was the perfect person for this deal. Bill is a unit owner himself at the Avenue and was very knowledgeable of the building, the Pearl, and condos in general. I highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for someone a lender at the building or for condos in general.

Congrats Matt, you may not have decided to keep that Horse, but I feel you will put your own personal touch on your new home!

 

 

 

 

Honing in…

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux

Moving from a small Eco-community in Corvallis, it was important to Rob and Huong to feel a sense of connection to their new Portland neighborhood. They had a great deal of open-mindedness regarding their future home, but one thing they knew for certain was how much they love the Mt. Tabor area. After exploring an array of different homes, it became clear that a low maintenance new construction home in a community they love would do the trick! We are thrilled to have helped them find the perfect home for their new Portland lifestyle!

Elegant Clinton Beauty

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED: 2933 SE 26th Ave

Offered at $625,000

3 BED | 1.5 BATH | 2522 SF | MLS# 19509630

Open House: Saturday 9/21 11am-2pm

Stunning Old Portland Farmhouse with dreamy features and character galore. Situated perfectly on the corner of one of Portland’s most sought-after neighborhoods you’ll be drawn to the classic front porch, fresh exterior paint and lovely original architectural features.

Upon entering into the classic foyer, you’re immediately surrounded by original mill work, distinguished light fixtures, original hardwood floors and a spacious, enchanting interior.

         

         

Pass through the foyer into the thoughtfully designed kitchen featuring soft close custom cabinetry + appliance garages, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, built in gas range, dishwasher, a deep double sink, eating bar, carbonized bamboo floors, and an abundance of storage!

The living and dining room invite you from the kitchen, showcasing the home’s character with 10ft ceilings, newer tall double hung wood clad Marvin windows and ample natural light. Partial open floor plan offers an elegant dining space, perfect for entertaining as well as intimate dinners at home. Gorgeous, original pocket doors bring you into a bonus room, easily imagined as an office, media room or simply extra space for entertaining or relaxation.

Follow the original wood banister up to the second floor where you’re greeted with a comfortable landing space. The master bedroom is ample with generous closet space and plenty of natural light. Two more bedrooms on this floor offer comfortable rooms for your family or hobbies alike. At the end of the hall is a stylishly remodeled, spacious full bathroom with dual shower heads, dual sinks, elegant tile and a view of the West Hills.

While retaining the original character this home features many upgrades including: owned solar panels, upgraded electrical panel, resurfaced walls and ceilings, insulated exterior walls and attic, pex plumbing, replaced sewer line, 95% efficiency furnace and central AC.

There is plenty of space in the full unfinished basement with an exterior entrance! All of this bonus space is ready for storage and projects.

Step outside into your garden oasis! Beautiful, established landscaping surrounds a darling patio, great for entertaining.

Rounding out the property is the matching, detached one car garage wired for your convenience. Walk score 92 & Bike score 93!

This stunning, classic home stands today as a testament to the timelessness of quality and impeccable design.

Welcome home!

VIDEO TOUR

Sherwood Score! $75k under original list price

Posted on by Living Room Realty

The market has been softening, homes have been sitting and prices have been dropping. But, some are still nervous to write under ask (the list price). This Sherwood cottage is a lesson in always writing! If the Seller is eager, they will often counter. Especially in this market.

My clients loved this Sherwood cottage. It had been renovated after a recent fire and the finishes were STUNNING. Especially for a star baker (like my client!).

So what started out as a $530,000 house, ended up theirs for $455,000. $75,000 under the original list price! All because of great communication between both agents and a willingness to negotiate.

See below for some photos of this beauty and learn more about me (Sophia) here!

Interested in buying or selling in Portland, Metro (or Sherwood)?! Reach out! Or get social here.

Sherwood cottage front of house Sherwood cottage dining room Sherwood cottage living room Sherwood cottage living space Sherwood cottage kitchen Sherwood cottage chef's kitchen Sherwood cottage master bedroom Sherwood cottage master bath Sherwood cottage backyard Sherwood cottage back of house

Sometimes You Get a Second Chance

Posted on by Marissa Sainz

Every once in a while the stars align and you get a second chance at the right house.  Ira and Ella emailed me about a home in SE Portland that they saw at an open house and loved.  The one problem is they were leaving two days later for a month long European vacation.  We discussed the hurdles they may face when purchasing a home while out of the county and in the end they decided to hold off.

Just two months later a home in the same townhome complex came to market.  There are only four in the complex, so this was extraordinary.  This one was also and end unit, but had a few more updates than the last one.  Ira and Ella wrote an offer and were under contract within the first week on market.

While going through the purchase process on the SE Portland home they decided to put their current home on the market to try to sell before the end of the year.  Buying, selling and moving with two young kids these two are rockstars!

The wizards behind the curtain…

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux
Being a first-time buyer can be daunting… there are so many ways to buy a home in today’s market, but what has not changed is the need for expertise.  Buying a home is one thing, but deciphering findings during inspections and navigating negotiations takes experience.  Seth and Julia continually expressed their surprise at the scope of service and vast knowledge we provide. It is rewarding to hear from clients that they understand and appreciate the benefit of the experience we bring to the table.  I am so proud of our team and overjoyed to hear from our clients that buying their first home from out-of-state was easy!
 
Jessica LeDoux
Wizard, Advocate, REALTOR®

Charming St. Johns Bungalow

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED:

9417 N Richmond Ave, Portland OR 97203

Offered at $359,900

2 BED | 1.5 BATH | 1458 SF | MLS# 19293810

Open House: Saturday 9/7 & Sunday 9/8 11am-1pm

Dreamy Bungalow with character galore, situated perfectly in one of Portland’s most sought-after neighborhoods! You’ll be immediately drawn to the classic front porch, gorgeous landscaping and timeless features.

An abundance of natural light greets you upon entering. Classic molding, gleaming hardwood floors, custom-made wood plantation shutters, stunning fireplace and mantle contribute to this inviting interior. Get in contact with these roller shutter people that can assist you installing them on you property for more security.

The dining area provides plenty of space for entertaining and perfect for intimate dinners at home.

Lovely kitchen featuring gas range, dishwasher, stainless steel appliances, waterproof laminate flooring, island, and an abundance of storage.

Master bedroom suite with full bath and ample closet space!

Carve out a place for yourself in the spacious finished basement with 3 bonus rooms and a half bath! So many possibilities with the bonus space including media room, home office, art room or storage space. Plus a brand new hot water heater!

A beautiful garden oasis waits for you outside! Gorgeous, established landscaping surrounds a darling patio- great for entertaining! Plus, you’ll enjoy an exterior storage shed, fully fenced yard, garden beds and fruit trees.

A short walk to the heart of St. Johns restaurants, shops, farmers market and all that this wonderful neighborhood has to offer.

Welcome home!

VIDEO TOUR

Feeling the Love in SW Portland

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to Robin and Dave!

I must say, this transaction was so heartfelt and sweet, it confirms that I have the best job on earth!

I recently had the pleasure of helping my client Dave sell the townhome I helped him buy a few years ago, so he and his girlfriend, Robin could buy a house together! I’m overjoyed for the two of them!

It was wonderful touring houses with them; I’ve known Dave for many years (he’s a hoot!) and it was an honor to get to know Robin (she’s incredibly smart and funny!).  Together we saw many beautiful homes in some of Southwest’s greatest neighborhoods and because they were so put together and clear on what they were looking for, everything quickly fell into place!

They found a gorgeous, brand new home that checks all the boxes! I wish them many years of joy in this new home. Here’s to a fresh start!

Two architects create vision…

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux

It goes without saying that an architect can see the possibility in a home… endless vision does not mean endless money.  We balanced the solvable with the unsolvable to find an amazing home in a stellar school district with amazing neighbors… Yes, they have already met the neighbors.  People are simply drawn to awesome people. What a great family to add to the neighborhood!

D.C. JAN FALLS IN LOVE IN PDX

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Jan had looked at many beautiful homes, and some not so beautiful but located in the neighborhood she was hoping for!

The WINNER was a lovely 1903 Farm House in Alberta Arts!

Meandering through the shops on Alberta and the cozy homes all around, she was intrigued by this lovely farm house for sale.  The east facing sunny front porch for knitting and meeting with the neighbors, plus the large west facing backyard with a chicken coop and access to the alley, were what she had imagined for her New Portland Life!

We put this home #1 on our Tour the next morning!  Upon opening the front door, Jan said “this is the one”!  Just 14 days later, after inspections and negotiations, she moved in!

Portland now has a new, 78 year old Wonder Woman Educator in the mix, keeping things diverse!

Wishing Jan a truly, beautiful new life in PDX,
Patti Sue

Gorgeous Greenway Ranch

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED: 8540 SW Parkveiw Loop, Beaverton Oregon

Offered at $495,000

4 BED | 2.5 BATH | 2024 SF | MLS# 19285315

Open House: Saturday 8/17 11pm-1pm

Come home in style! This is a classy split-level that lives large with ample natural light, tasteful updates throughout and a fantastic layout!

On the main level, the bright open floor plan surrounds you in style and comfort.  Beautiful, updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, ample counter space and island. Convenient built-ins and pantry make this kitchen a chef’s playground!

The kitchen flows easily into the living room which is warm and inviting with plenty of space to lounge in front of the fireplace with a stunning mantle and picture window.

The lovely, formal dining room is ready for both entertaining and intimate dinners at home. From here, head through the sliding door onto the huge deck to take in the sun while overlooking the yard and greenery.

Continue through the main level to the generous master suite with an updated bathroom, big closet and plenty of natural light. Conveniently there are two more bedrooms on the main floor with ample closet space and gorgeous updated main bathroom with subway tile.

Carve out a place for yourself in the lower level with a huge family room, half bathroom, large laundry room and 4th bedroom.

Enjoy your summer days in the big back yard with ample space for gardening and entertaining. Sitting on an over-sized lot, this property backs up to Greenway park with trails galore!

Fall in love with this captivating, move-in ready and well-maintained home with wood siding and freshly painted exterior. This stunning home is waiting for you!

VIDEO TOUR

Repairs and Final Walk-throughs

Posted on by Julia Robertson

You’re buying a home. You’ve completed your inspections. You’re waiting to close. Now what?

You’ve made it through the inspection period and the seller has agreed to complete some home repairs. Congratulations! Now what? A week before closing I remind my clients about the closing process and to schedule a final walk through before closing. Besides asking the seller to provide any invoices or photos showing the repair has been completed- schedule a final walk through at least 3-5 days before your closing date. It’s always a good idea to double check that seller has completed the items they’ve agreed to repair.

Often you’ll find that a seller is scrambling to get those last repairs done, or cleaning up their move out. You’ll walk through the house with your real estate agent and verify that the items have been repaired.  I’ve found that a day or two before closing is just not enough time to remedy unfinished repairs. If a seller has not performed the agreed repair, do not give authorization to close until you are satisfied. This may delay your closing and you’ll have to write an extension to close.

Here are some repair and final walkthrough tips-

  • Make sure your repair requests are written in detail or refer to a specific scope of work.
  • In addition to your inspection report, get a professional estimate for repair.
  • If you are asking for a sewer repair, request that the seller scope the line after the repair and provide you the video of the scope.
  • Make good judgement about work that is being completed by homeowner or needs to be completed by a licensed & bonded contractor. There is a lot of work that a homeowner can do on their own. If the repair is related to a “service” of a major appliance, structure, or health/safety issue- request a professional handle that repair.
  • If a repair is being completed after closing, for example a sewer repair- ask for escrow to hold back additional funds in case the repair exceeds the provided estimate.
  • Your repair request agreement has a date written in which the repairs need to be completed by. If you haven’t seen photos or invoices come in, check in with your REALTOR® to request them from the seller.

If you are thinking about buying a home- give me call! I’d love to help you through the real estate process.

Julia Robertson | Broker | Living Room Realty

541-505-1111 | julia@rebyjulia.com

 

With a Little Help from My Friends!

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to Jess and Julie on their Home Purchase!

This transaction was a great example of community and team effort! I would like to take this opportunity to give a shout out to the team of preferred professionals that have helped my business grow and thrive over the years. It means so much to me to support the businesses of folks to support me and my clients. I truly believe in that business model and I believe in contributing to my community in that way.

Firstly, Jess and Julie worked with my preferred lender JJ Lee Kwai at Two Rivers Mortgage and she is the definition of a rock star mortgage lender! She walked Jess and Julie through everything and even came to their signing to make sure she was right there in case they had questions or if there was an issue. I know this means a lot to clients and that’s why I love working with her.  Time and time again my clients sing her praise and she deserves every ounce of it.

A big shout out to Uli Sommers, my favorite inspector. Working with Jess and Julie on this house, Uli was very thorough in her work and thoughtful in her delivery and advice. Uli had a few recommendations for repairs and once those were complete, she happily came back out to re-inspect and put my client’s minds at ease. I know that everyone who works with her is going to get the best service at the best price.

Mike Reed from First American Home Warranty is my go-to person for home warranties! Jess and Julie are very pleased to have a home warranty from First American. He is very customer service oriented thanks to all the services he gets from companies like Salesforce and it shows!

My assistant, Jasmine, played a huge role in this transaction! She was right there to help Jess and Julie with all aspects of the transaction including showings and inspections. Together we provided a higher level of service than I could have on my own. I genuinely appreciate her hard work, dedication and commitment to my clients!

Jess and Julie have the coolest pup in town, his name is Luigi. They also have a sweet kitty named Oliver and I hear that he’s going to be getting the swankest catio in town!

Smooth as butter…

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux

Three months ago our clients called to say they were ready to upgrade!   The listing team immediately went into action to help them prepare their home for the market and the buyer team started the hunt. We researched, explored options, and patiently waited for the right house to hit the market.  Once they were in contract on the perfect new construction, we listed their home and it was pending in 4 days… Sometimes the idea of buying and selling can feel impossibly overwhelming, but with the right team of professionals this process can be streamlined and seamless.  Heather and Shoe closed on their new home today and their old home will close in 10 days.  SMOOTH AS BUTTER 🙂

Jessica + Jenessa
Buyer Team
Karim + Martha
Listing Team

Drew & Jackie Move Back to This Side of the Pond!

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to Drew and Jackie!

I think a lot of us can agree that a big part of what we love about Portland is the abundance of high-quality food and amazing restaurants, and I am no exception. As much as I enjoy cooking, I also love dining out and even more than that, I LOVE introducing my favorite people to my favorite restaurants! And for this reason, I am thrilled to have been referred to Jackie and Drew, Portland’s newest foodies!

Originally from the East Coast, Drew and Jackie are relocating to Portland from Europe where they have been living and working for almost a decade. All in all, they were decisive clients and we quickly got them into contract on a well crafted, newer home in NE Portland. On the day of their home inspection, we decided to debrief over lunch at Tamale Boy on Dekum. The meal was amazing (!) and inspired us to start talking about our favorite restaurants and I quickly realized they are definitely moving to the right place!

My favorite restaurants to introduce people to are: Xico, Tusk, Arrosto, Firehouse, Shalom Y’All and Jacqueline. Looking forward to dining out with Jackie and Drew!

Sold! The Newest Milwaukie Master Gardeners Have Landed

Posted on by Living Room Realty

When I first sat down to meet Elliot & Jessa we tasted some beers in the SE Living Room office. I stopped at New Seasons and thought I picked some good ones to impress my new, beer brewing and loving clients,  but turns out Elliot was not impressed at all. I totally thought I had it! Thankfully he brought some beer he had brewed on his own and saved the day. It was SO GOOD! At least one of us did something right. They managed to look past my poor beer suggestions and here we are, goals accomplished, happy as ever, house in hand.

I learned about their very impressive garden visions, a bit about their families, what they do for work, and of course their home goals. These two have such hearts, let me tell you. We needed 3+ bedrooms with one on the main plus one bath on the main for the moms to stay in down the line- a very top priority. We needed about a quarter acre so they had room for their garden, chickens, and buns. And yes, we all happened to refer to bunnies (some might say rabbits) as buns. I knew right then it would be a good fit. We needed a good kitchen. We needed a space for brewing. We needed privacy!

Drum roll, please!….. We got it all 🙂 Plus two fireplaces, an already established multi unit chicken village, a plumb tree, a nice covered area to enjoy the outdoors year round, some great neighbors, and a big, welcoming front porch. Sometimes the stars align.

Jessa is ready to paint, paint, paint, and I seriously can’t wait to see what they do with the yard. Now I just need to convince them to share the plumbs with me until I get my own tree. And the beer, but forever.

Happiest REALTOR® of 2019. Position remains.

Clinton Division Darling

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED: 2817 SE 18th Ave, Portland OR 97202

Offered at $499,900

2 BED | 1 BATH | 1893 SF | MLS# 19247675

Open House: Saturday 7/27 12pm-2pm

Here is the effortlessly stylish, close-in Victorian you’ve been waiting for! This charmer sits pretty with a darling front porch, tasteful exterior color palette and lovely, original architectural features- just steps from Division!

Upon entering through the original front door into a classic, Victorian foyer you’re immediately surrounded by gleaming hardwood floors and a spacious, enchanting interior.

Make your way into the inviting, light-filled living room showcasing the home’s millwork, high ceilings, tall windows and commitment to both elegance and simplicity. A bay window in the living room foreshadows your relaxing weekend mornings unwinding at home.

The living room eases into the dining room which offers enough charm for intimate dinners at home while spacious enough for large gatherings and entertaining.

Flowing nicely from the dining room you’ll enter into a lovely kitchen with modern comforts and classic vintage style. Featuring a gas range, dishwasher and plenty of storage. The breakfast nook is a sweet spot to enjoy your morning coffee.

As you head up the staircase to the second floor you are greeted with more vintage character in the original hardwood stairs, original wood railing and stairwell window. The second floor boasts two lovely bedrooms with tall ceilings, big closets and ample natural light.

This home carries it’s history with pride while touting many updates: electrical, tankless hot water heater, fully insulated exterior and some upgraded double pane, wood windows. Home Energy Score of 8!

The basement has a bonus room perfect for a home office, playroom or gym in addition to an abundance of storage space- PLUS a separate laundry room! An exterior door brings you from the basement to the large back yard, ready for gardening, entertaining or enjoying as you please.

Enjoy a stroll through the coveted Hosford-Abernathy neighborhood to cafe’s, restaurants, grocery stores, shops, bus lines and minutes to downtown! This is home is a bicycler’s paradise with a bike score of 100 and a walk score of 91!

VIDEO TOUR

Happiness is a Coral Door

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to Whitney and Brad!

In real estate, there is truly nothing better than a GREAT referral and I am thrilled to have been referred to Whitney and Brad by their friends who are also my wonderful clients!

The first thing we did was set up a buyer meeting with Whitney and Brad to establish what they wanted most: a home with enough room to grow as a family, vintage character, a beautiful yard and a garage.  And with that, the search was on!

It turns out that this was not their first rodeo and I could tell, Brad and Whitney were smart buyers. They had a keen eye for potential in fixers and were thrilled when they found a super cute ranch with a Coral door! It checked all their boxes: extensive yard, decent garage and stylish character!

Whitney and Brad are now homeowners and I couldn’t be happier for them!

Kickin’ It in Kenton

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Living in Kenton is just dreamy and these summer days are just making it better! Kenton has an open urban feel that fulfills your needs without having to leave the neighborhood. Spend your weekends with a walk through one of the many parks, chatting with neighbors strolling by as you work in the yard, or meeting up with friends for some food or drinks at the many awesome coffee shops, restaurants and bars. It’s really a fabulous place to be.

My recent client decided that after 16 years in Overlook she’d fallen for Kenton – so off we went! We looked at houses too large and too small and found the Goldilocks dream home in almost no time at all! A cute as a button 1920s Cape Cod. The homes in Kenton are varied in style and age; there are some incredible time capsules, a quiet basement bar movement, and some seriously intense urban gardens.

If you haven’t been to Kenton for awhile maybe it’s time to check it out!

Storybook Ending in Hillsboro

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to Chad and Libby!

I love this story and helping buyers as their families grow!

I worked with Cool-as-a-Cucumber-Chad when buying his starter home years ago. Fast forward to today and now he is the luckiest man on earth because he’s married to the Lovely-and-Amazing Libby and they have the cutest one-year-old and are planning for more. Time for a bigger house!

The sale of Chad’s original home was smooth sailing, we negotiated a great rent back so Chad and Libby had some breathing room to begin the big house hunt! It was very important to them that the next house be close to their jobs and big enough that their family could comfortably grow. They didn’t want to move again for quite some time.

The hunt was concise and happily, after just a couple of showings, there was one home that really stood out. They knew they wanted to raise their family in THIS home. It had a huge family room addition with added bedrooms and bathrooms, a huge yard, plus a picture-perfect ADU on the garage for added income or family. This home fits their vision exactly!

Congratulations to Chad and Libby!!

Dreamweaver

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux
The last year has left Daniela feeling a bit unmoored, profoundly unsure more often than not about what the future might hold, creating an abundance of questions, many without answers. Her head has often been a jumble of conflicting logistics even as her heart has known that she was headed somewhere… and she knew she had arrived at that “somewhere” the moment she saw this house. Sounds a bit melodramatic, so what… it’s true.
Her dream was coming alive as she envisioned having studio space to paint and write, and to house a small poetry press… a project she has been planning with a friend and fellow PNCA colleague. She has been dreaming about it for a long time and this is the spot she has been waiting for.
Fierce Negotiator, Advocate, REALTOR®

Woman of action

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux
Jenny is a woman who gets things done. She had a strong drive for a home with space enough to share with her grown kiddos when needed, but still small enough for her lifestyle… and not without ample yard space for her chicken coop dreams. With Jenny’s focus and clarity on our side, we found just the quaint home with a double lot she was looking for.

Tigard in Comfort + Style

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED: 9479 SW 92nd Ave, Tigard OR 97223

Offered at $335,000

3 BED | 3 BATH |  SF 1551

MLS# 19270780 | HOA $190 Month

Open House: Sat 6/22 12pm-2pm

VIDEO

Step into this immaculate, contemporary townhome with fantastic layout! High off the street, the main level of the home is easy living with an open floor plan, 9ft ceilings, hardwood floors and ample natural light throughout.

The kitchen touts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, gas range, ample counter space and breakfast bar. The dining room flows easily between the kitchen and living room and provides comfortable space for entertaining and intimate dinners alike.

In the living room, you can relax in front of the gas fireplace with stylish mantle or enjoy lounging in the sun on the private balcony overlooking greenery.

Plenty of comfort on the third level with a generous ensuite master and second large bedroom with full bathroom. Bright natural light in the bedrooms with ceiling fans for comfort and closet organizers for ease of use.

Carve out a place for yourself in the large suite on the lower level with a full bathroom and third bedroom. This level has so many options: private home office, the potential for ADU or separate living quarters for guests. Plus stay comfortable all year with central air conditioning and gas forced air heating.

Great location just minutes to Washington Square Mall, Highway 217 and the Sunset Corridor.

Fall in love with this captivating, move-in ready, townhome. It’s waiting for you!

VIDEO

Simplifying Life…

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux
Amy and Scott are an amazing couple with an amazing family and live big lives through their family, work, community, and service.  Life is full and no matter who you are there are only 24 hours in the day… Somewhere they needed to make life easier.  Trading in the keys to their gorgeous light filled NE 1920’s home for an amazing newer construction home in SE is the first step to simplifying life.  We are so blessed, being of service for people like Amy and Scott is what keeps us going!
Jessica + Karim
REALTORS®, Life Counselors, People

Pulling out all The Stops

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to Cissie!

I recently had a great experience helping one of the coolest ladies in Portland buy her first house! Cissie is sharp, kind, effortlessly cool and plays bass in a band called The Stops. She found a super cute single level ranch on a quiet street in NE Portland’s Hazelwood neighborhood with fruit trees and a big yard.

Also, because Cissie doesn’t drive, this transaction got me thinking about Portlanders who live without a car and are buying a house on a tight budget. Through the process of showing her houses and neighborhoods, I gained a lot of knowledge around which outer neighborhoods are best for car-less commuters. After working with Cissie I’m happy to report there are many great places in a modest price range with great transportation options!

Compared to most, Portland is a wonderful city to have a car-less lifestyle. The commute might be soggy from time to time, but definitely do-able. If you ask most people where a good place to live without a car in Portland might be, you might get an answer like: The Pearl or close in parts of the city. But prices are sometimes steep in those areas and competition is high. What I noticed is that parts of the Eastside as well as parts of North/Northeast Portland are perfect for public transportation and bike commuters and the price point is within reach for a lot of first time home buyers!

JUST LISTED: Tranquil One Level Ranch

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

5855 SW 202nd Ave, Beaverton OR 97078

Offered at $339,900

3 Bed | 1.5 Bath | 1275 SF | MLS# 19562235 | Taxes: $2,551

OPEN HOUSE: Sunday 6/9 11am-2pm 
VIDEO TOUR

This well-maintained and inviting one level Ranch lives large!

Enter this lovely home into a large and inviting living room with wood burning fireplace and hardwood floors.  Generous formal dining room is adjacent to the updated kitchen and flows into a private backyard and easy outdoor living. 

 

The kitchen touts stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, ample counter-space, eating bar and a large pantry with washer and dryer.

This home has a great layout which includes a spacious master bedroom with ample closet space, hardwood floors and plenty of light-filled spaces throughout.

Slide open the back doors off dining room to a big back yard, perfect for entertaining. This yard offers established fruit trees, new tuff shed and gardening options galore- just in time for summer!

The oversized garage has plenty of extra room for storage or shop space. This home sits on a quiet street surrounded by trees and greenery with walking trails and parks nearby!

Fall in love with this charming home and enjoy a one-year home warranty for added peace of mind.

Home is where family is …

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux

Qian and her mother Amy ventured into real estate together 5+ years ago by purchasing a lovely NE Portland home on a huge lot. Together they built a fabulous ADU for mom and enjoyed being together for several years. Once Qian had a daughter of her own, she wanted a bit more space and purchased a new home in South Tabor last summer.  Mom had planned to stay put in NE but found herself wanting to be close again… but maybe not as close 🙂 We went looking and she has found a beautiful new home within walking distance of Qian’s family … a perfect home at the amount of space away that fit everyone’s needs. Now Amy is home again!

Jessica + Karim

REALTORS®, Team, Family

 

Hollywood Party Portland Style

Posted on by Bonnie Roseman

Hollywood Dream House

Amazing blend of old and new. Photo courtesy of Chris Bonner

Entertainer’s Delight

Ted and Angela said they like to entertain, so when I stopped by on their first day in their new home to find there had already been a steady flow of visitors and a gathering was in progress, it was clear this was the perfect spot for them.

Sometimes, as a real estate agent, I get that feeling that a place is just right for my clients and it is so rewarding when it all comes together. The moment I opened the door to this classic, yet re-envisioned 1920 Craftsman style home, I knew it was ‘the one’. I called Ted and Angela on the spot and asked how fast they could get to Portland from their home in Seattle. We had looked at enough homes together that were not quite right and I did not want them to miss this one which had everything on their list.

The right kitchen. Really a righteous kitchen! The massive custom designed island and hutch will be the center of parties and of life in this awesome Hollywood neighborhood home.

Old Friends

Thank you to Rachel for referring her childhood friend!

For Angela this is a homecoming. She grew up in Portland and is returning to lots of old friends and family, while for Ted, this is the first time Portland will be home. As for Sammy, the canine of the family, home is wherever his people are; being near Grant Park, with its off leash area, completes the dream.

Sammy the happy dog

Welcome to Portland Ted, Angela and Sammy!

No Bull…

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux
Marshall and Suzanne had no time to waste…  They set their eyes on something and made it happen!  Two busy professionals with 3 young children and all the activities of life did not slow this couple down.  The phone call was made about listing their SE home, they moved the family to interim housing, prepared and staged their home for sale…2 months later they are closing on their SW purchase. Wow, I am in awe of their “no bull, let’s get this done” way of living life with grace!
Jessica + Karim
Dynamic Duo

Wedding, Baby, Home…

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux
Brian and Raihana are newlyweds and about to welcome their daughter into this world…  They dreamed of finding a home close to Raihana’s childhood home where her parents still live.  Growing up in Laurelhurst is full of many wonderful memories and they are so excited to make new ones with their growing family.  Such beautiful people!
Jessica + Karim
Dream Weavers, Educators, Native Portlanders

4 Years …

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux

Yesterday we closed on honestly the best home they considered over the past 4 years. 

Today I woke up to these messages:

I honestly loved helping them and was invested in their process, not a sale.

Moments like this (receiving these texts) are what make every tour and every conversation what I love about my job!

Congratulations!!

Jessica ~ Realtor

 

In the nick of time…

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux

Robin and Kevin sold their home and immediately started their search for their dream home!  The hunt was not easy.  They lost on a few.  Patiently waited through multiple weeks of no inventory.  Backing up against the end of their rent back period finally not only the right house hit the market… the perfect house appeared. They gave it everything they had and won!  This family deserved incredible results.  Super happy for them!

Jessica + Karim   

Perfect in Portsmouth

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Working with Rachel and Alyssa to find their first home was so much fun! We spent a lot of time looking for the perfect house while they learned about new neighborhoods and narrowed down their list of wants and needs. After finding some homes they really liked in Portsmouth they started to fall for the neighborhood. Who knew there was so much to offer in this little pocket of North Portland!?! This secret neighborhood surrounded by the more notorious St. Johns, University Park and Kenton neighborhoods has no less than four parks (and Columbia Park has a pool!), community gardens, the Peninsula Crossing Trail and local favorites like New Seasons, Cha Cha Cha and Drunken Noodle.

There were a few things that were must haves like more space and open concept for entertaining, but the biggest was a yard for their two dogs to run around in and a deck for them to lounge on. Outdoor space is great for humans, but we all know it’s really about the dogs. After a couple of months of searching and waiting for the perfect house it all came together! An adorable Portsmouth Bungalow came on the market and it checked all of the boxes – there really wasn’t anything to wait for so Rachel and Alyssa went for it!

I’m so excited to watch these lovely ladies grow into their new home and to have them in my neighborhood!

Realizing you deserve to dream big…

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux

Our mission is to not just sell homes, it is to help clients realize what is possible even if it feels like an unattainable goal.  Grace and Achama sat down with us and shared their new home needs, but as we toured homes the dream of having a view property became something important to explore. Grace works hard, takes care of others, and loves deeply… knowing if this dream was possible was something she deserved. Achama wanted her to have this and helped her see it was time to reward herself; now it was our job to see if this was possible! Well, it was… the perfect east side view property hit the market and we jumped.  I can picture them now enjoying the peace and joy this home will bring them. We are honored to have met and helped these beautiful humans!  Simply love what we do…

Jessica + Karim

REALTORS®, Dream Weavers, People

It’s their EVERYTHING house!

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux
It’s their EVERYTHING house!
Accomplishing the main goal… why stop there?
Not only was the main goal met, this home exceeds all the items on their must, maybes, and would be nice list!

Check List Checked!

We are tickled pink to have been able to help Mark and Cayenne find their everything house!  They are an amazing family that deserved amazing results … When’s happy hour on the deck?
Jessica + Karim
Dream weavers, fierce negotiators, swell people. 

 

First Time Home Buyer, Future Investor

Posted on by Mel Marzahl

When I think about the story of this purchase, I realize the center of this story is not the charming Montavilla ranch. This story is about my client, Russell. He is a first time home buyer, arborist, future Portland real estate mogul, and all around cool guy to know.

Me and Russell at the signing for his first home!

I met Russell when my neighbor recommended his tree company and was immediately impressed with his knowledge and passion for his work. I hired him for a job at my own home, and for every tree need I’ve had since. He is now my go-to person for all things tree and shrub related and I recommend him to everyone in my area.

I learned about his interest in real estate after he did a few projects at my house. Russell had a very focused idea of what he wanted. He wanted to buy a house he could live in comfortably for a few years. However, his end goal was to eventually turn this house into a rental. He is interested in building wealth through real estate and was ready to start building his portfolio! Russell has an investor’s mindset and an eye for what will make a good rental.

I’m happy to say that after touring lots of homes in southeast Portland, we found one that was perfect! After less than 10 hours on the market, we had toured and submitted an offer on this property. The 2 bedroom, 800 sqft home in Montavilla fits his criteria perfectly. A well maintained, move-in ready home, with easy access to freeways for commuting, within walking distance to shops and restaurants on Stark, an attached garage Russell can convert to a woodworking studio. (One of his talents is making, and teaching others to make, beautiful wooden spoons, butter knives, and serving ware.) The house is also on a spacious lot with room for a garden and, of course, some trees!

Russell in front of his first home!

The sellers accepted Russell’s offer after waiting a few days to review all others that had come in. When writing his offer, he put his best foot forward because he knew this was the home he wanted. He didn’t want to miss out on such a great investment so he offered above asking, knowing the home was worth it. The sellers agreed to a small repair that needed doing, but the rest of the transaction was a breeze. We signed the closing docs on five years to the day he moved to Portland, and I couldn’t be more happy for him!

Congrats on your first home Russell!!!

Dream McMansion in Milwaukie!

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Christy and RJ were some of my first clients years ago when I started.  I sold them first house in Woodstock just around the corner from Toast.  We stayed friends over the years, they showed up with baby gifts when I had my first kid and also turned me on to the world of Portland Storage Wars.  They became solid regulars at NWIPA and loved being only 6 blocks away.  Christy started getting the itch to move closer to her job in Milwaukie and called me up when she was certain she wanted to move.  She had found her dream home on a 1/4 acre lot at the end of a dead end street.

There’s only the 2 of them so I wasn’t sure why they wanted a 5 bedroom 3 bath house, but they realized they have a tendency to take in wayward strays.  This house is HUGE.  It had been recently gutted and remodeled but I think the selling point was the party basement.  RJ pictured a pool table and Christy pictured enough room to display her mom’s furniture.  Coming from a smaller house where they had roommates for a few years, it felt like they could stretch out and breathe.  This is the home they can grow old in.

Congrats, pals!  I loved being a part of your dream home.  Off to sell the old one.