Tag: foursquare

The Sunny Life in Sunnyside

Posted on by Kim Parmon

Modern Updates in a Killer Location

4634 SE Salmon St, | Portland, OR 97215

Offered at $665,000 | MLS #471672092

3 Bedrooms  | 1.1 Bath |  2,100 sq. ft.

Perched above a quiet street just a short stroll to both Hawthorne and Belmont, this home offers the best of both worlds: peaceful surroundings, with the fun shopping and dining spots Portland is famous for at your fingertips. Step inside and you’ll find an open layout with high ceilings, charming vintage built-ins, and huge windows that bring in the sunshine even on rainy days.

The kitchen has been beautifully updated with quartz countertops, upgraded appliances, and a roomy pantry, with a direct view to the dining room- ideal for cooking and entertaining! Three generous bedrooms are all located on the same floor, a rare and convenient layout for easy living. The basement offers tons of storage for all your gear!

Out back, the large fenced yard gets plenty of sun- perfect for gardening, summer dinners, or simply soaking up a slower pace of life. This is the kind of Portland home people hope to find: vintage soul, modern function, and a walkable neighborhood that makes you feel instantly connected. Walk score of 92, bike score of 99! HES=4

Matterport Tour

Four Square Fixation: what’s it all about?

Posted on by Lita Batho

What is it?

One of the iconic home styles of Portland is the Four Square Craftsman: These are a specific style of home built roughly between 1895 and 1930.  Do you like vintage features, and spacious rooms? Do you enjoy sitting on a front porch? This style may be for you! Characterized by front porches, high ceilings, formal foyers and built ins, you’ll find Four Squares dotted throughout Portland’s inner east side.

Where Can I see one?

Today at Living Room Realty we have TWO new Four Square Craftsman Listings on the market!

This one is my listing, located at 2344 NE 55th in the Rose City Park neighborhood. Built in 1910 and cared for the past 50+ years by one family, one of whom was a wood worker, some of the original woodwork has been rebuilt, including the main staircase and millwork around the doorways, in keeping with the original.  The house still has the quintessential Four Square feel with a big front porch, large rooms and bright light from large windows. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths in the house, plus 1 bed and bath in the separate guest house, it’s priced at $785,000.

Over in the Overlook neighborhood, you’ll find a more affordable option, albeit in fixer condition (I love fixers! It’s always exciting to imagine the history, and envision the potential!)  Located at 2021 N Sumner, and listed by Kim Parmon of Living Room Realty, this house has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2,354 sq feet.  List price? $375,000!

What’s so Special?

As the name suggests, Four Square homes often look square, and include four rooms on the first level (living, dining, kitchen and entry) and four rooms on the second level.  They frequently have a centered dormer on top, which today are often used as primary bedrooms or suites.  Typical original features are box beam ceilings, hardwood flooring, built in features inside, and stone, brick, and clapboard, shake, or wood siding on the exterior.

One reason American Four Squares became popular was because they were economical to build, and liked by a wide range of home occupants, from families to renters and landlords.

Across the USA in many cities including Portland, Chicago, Atlanta, Minneapolis, even Las Vegas, you’ll see many variations on the theme, with modest, and more luxury adaptations. These houses are a key part of our architectural history, and many survive because they are still loved, and live large even today.  A style to transcend the decades.

A couple more examples:

Another 1910 Craftsman in NE Portland I listed last autumn, now undergoing some sprucing with new owners!
Dining room at the house just listed today: 2344 NE 55th, with the box beam ceiling, built in sideboard, and bay window (hardwoods under the carpet.)
A large picture window floods the living room with light, while french doors separate it from a foyer, at 2344 NE 55th
Who doesn’t love a nice big front porch? A classic feature of these homes.

 

 

Just Listed: Fantastic Value in Portsmouth

Posted on by Andy Meeks

MODERN COMFORTS & CLASSIC LINES

8205 N. Woolsey Avenue, Portland 97203

Offered at $639,000

*Open Houses: Saturday, 11a-1p // Sunday, 1-3p*

4 bed | 3.1 bath
Three floors of living space: 1822sf
Year Built: 1909  |  Taxes: $4,478.50 (2022)
Schools: Astor K-8, Roosevelt HS
MLS # 23030090

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This classic PDX Foursquare was fully renovated in 2020, has three floors of living space, and plenty of room for everyone. Don’t miss this one!

This proud home has perched on this south-facing corner lot since 1909, and it was lovingly renovated in 2020 to include all the modern comforts and conveniences. The large bedroom suite in the basement has an exterior door and could easily become an AirBnB or rental unit. Low taxes, too.

Updates include a bright and spacious open kitchen, new electrical/plumbing, including a tankless gas water heater, fully electric HVAC system + large new windows, surfaces, and finishes.  It’s highly-efficient & climate-friendly with a perfect 10/10 Home Energy Score.

Crisp & well-maintained, the home lives large & it positively glows in afternoon light. The small-but-mighty lot packs a punch and provides options: plenty of south- and west-facing yard space for gardening, newly-poured concrete driveway, large covered front porch, and a private, fenced back patio.

Ideally located just blocks from the big trees and pickleball courts of Columbia Park, the views from the Willamette Bluffs & the Lombard business district, including New Seasons, Mock Crest Tavern and Green Zebra. Don’t let your clients miss this one!

Check out the listing and floorplan and then come take a tour. So much to love!

 

Portland Paradise In Irvington

Posted on by ARYNE + DULCINEA

Portland Paradise In Irvington

2138 NE Hancock Street, Portland, OR 97212

Offered at $1,265,000

   6 BEDROOM |  3 BATH |  4,446 SQ FT
MLS #21090594 | TAXES: $15,449

Grand Irvington Foursquare! Light-filled and spacious! Hardwood floors, chef’s kitchen, fresh paint, French doors to back deck and patio, formal living room with fireplace and picture window. 6 bedrooms and 3 full baths give this inner city oasis plenty of versatility. Full basement with new drainage system and side entrance – perfect for storage or dreaming big! Updates galore: roof, landscaping, tankless water heater, skylights, electrical panel and EV charging! Don’t forget the detached garage – create your own space for work, fitness, or art. With a bike score of 100 and a walk score of 87, get around the city with ease!

OPEN THIS WEEKEND
SAT, 1/22 from 1PM – 3PM
SUN, 1/23 from 1PM – 3PM

PLEASE SEE LISTING FOR COVID-19 SAFETY PROCEDURES.

WHAT’S AROUND 

  • Twisted Croissant
  • Steeplejack Brewing Company
  • Taco Pedaler
  • Rose & Thistle Public House
  • Broadway Flora Home & Garden
  • Saint Simon Coffee Co
  • Patisco
  • Milo’s City Cafe
  • New Seasons Market
  • McMenamins Broadway Pub
  • Blossoming Lotus
  • Thai Pod
  • Hilary Horvath Flowers
  • Irvington Tennis Club
  • Portland Music Company
  • Swift Lounge
  • Cadillac Cafe
  • Hollywood Fred Meyer
  • Broadway Books
  • Eyes on Broadway
  • Helen Bernhard Bakery
  • Woodblock Chocolate
  • Pets on Broadway
  • Kitchen Kaboodle
  • Footwise
  • Peet’s Coffee

HIGHLIGHTS + FEATURES:  

FANTASTIC FEATURES

  • Hardwood floors throughout
  • Stained glass windows
  • Tankless hot water heater 2021
  • New back deck 2021
  • New electrical panel 2017
  • EV (electric vehicle) charging outlet 2017
  • Coded locks on all exterior doors

EXTERIOR

  • Newly landscaped front and back yards 2021
  • Sand washed concrete path 2021
  • New sod 2021
  • Raised garden beds 2021
  • Patio, bark chips + deck 2021
  • Dog run 2021
  • Completely fenced yard
  • Deluxe chicken coop
  • Storage shed on east side of property with loft + room to store everything

MAIN FLOOR

  • Bright open floor plan
  • Cozy wood burning fireplace in living room
  • Pocket doors with French style window lights separate living and dining rooms
  • Remodeled chef’s kitchen 2014
  • Viking 6 burner gas range + hood
  • Large island with barstool seating + storage
  • Marble countertops
  • White subway tile backsplash
  • Spacious pantry
  • Vented closet for kegerator or wine refrigerator
  • Bonus room off entry suitable for bedroom, guest room, office or den
  • Formal dining with French doors to back deck and patio

SECOND FLOOR

  • 4 bedroom,1 bath + large central hall with beautiful built-in storage
  • Covered porch spans the south side of house
  • Large bathroom features original tile + door to covered porch
  • Staircase landing features stained glass window + sunny window seat

PENTHOUSE PRIMARY SUITE

  • Quiet retreat above the trees with full bath + cozy nooks
  • Skylights installed 2021
  • Bathroom features walk-in shower, wood finishes + skylights

LOWER LEVEL

  • Full 1,190 sf unfinished basement
  • Complete basement waterproofing + drainage 2021
  • High ceilings
  • Washer + dryer
  • Exterior entrance off driveway


About Us: Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped hundreds of clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

Gorgeous Foursquare

Posted on by Karim Alaeddine

Gorgeous Foursquare

4425 NE Cleveland Ave | Portland, Ore 97211

Offered at $725,000 | ML #21171781

3 Bedrooms + Sunroom | 2 Baths | 1,992 SF

Gorgeous Foursquare w/Craftsman details; high ceilings, stunning woodwork, built-ins & bench seats. 3 bedrooms upstairs with renovated bathroom, laundry & bonus sunroom. Designer kitchen w/pantry, bountiful storage, custom tilework, quartz counters & Viking range. Exterior-access basement w/office/guest room, full bath & add’l storage. Updates; windows, A/C, tankless H2O, seismic retrofit. Fenced yard features stone patio, South facing garden beds, bamboo screening. Blocks to dining, cafes & shops.

 

Photo Slideshow

CLASSIC ROSE CITY PARK FOUR SQUARE!

Posted on by ARYNE + DULCINEA

Classic Rose City Park Four Square!

2025 NE 48th Avenue, Portland, OR 97213

Offered at $699,000

  5 BEDROOM | 3 BATH |  2,691 SQFT
MLS #21429291 | TAXES: $6,498

Please see listing for Covid-19 safety procedures.

This classic Rose City Park four-square is light-filled, spacious, and teeming with classic detail throughout. Formal living room and dining room with fireplace and original built-ins. Cook in your spacious kitchen, entertain or garden in your large backyard with deck. This home boasts 5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms plus a large open basement and enclosed sun porch. With a walk score of 93 and bike score of 94 – this inner city paradise is filled with cafes, shops, parks and more.

WHAT’S AROUND – WANT TO GO FOR A WALK? A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN SOUND FUN? NEED TO GRAB SOME GROCERIES?

      • Whole Foods
      • Trader Joe’s
      • Cabezon Restaurant
      • Killer Burger
      • Hollywood Theater
      • Doe Donuts
      • Fleur De Lis Bakery & Cafe
      • Hollywood Library
      • The Bulgogi + Dukahbee Noodle
      • The Whole Bowl
      • Hollywood Target
      • Sizzle Pie Pizza
      • Nectar Cafe
      • Moon & Sixpence
      • 42nd Ave Antique Alley

HOUSE HIGHLIGHTS + FEATURES:

      • Light and spacious classic Rose City Park Four-Square
      • 5 bedrooms, beautifully remodeled bath and relaxing sun porch (with views) upstairs
      • Beautiful hardwood floors
      • Open and bright living and dining rooms with fireplace + window seat
      • Main floor bedroom with full bath
      • Central AC + newer gas  furnace
      • Central vacuum can be used on all 3 floors
      • Open partially finished basement with exterior entry, spa-like bath with soaking tub, laundry and storage

 

About Us: Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped hundreds of clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

NEVER SAY NEVER

Posted on by Living Room Realty

I never stepped foot in this recent sale- a lovely 1920 foursquare along the Trolley Trail in Milwaukie.

What? And you call yourself a professional?

Ahh, yes! Not only a professional, but a pro disposed to knowledge of the homes I sell on a near cellular level.
Oh 2020, your twists and turns know no bounds.*

On this occasion, longtime tenants purchased after a 7-year ‘test drive’ with the covid driven request that only inspectors enter the house. Tenants actually purchasing their rental is almost as rare as agents never seeing the property they sell. The transaction I’d have said would “Never Happen!” in pre-covid times actually came together beautifully thanks in large part to four amazing clients.

Congratulations to Andrea and Arne on the purchase of your wonderful (from what I saw on FaceTime!) home and transition from tenants to homeowners.  I look forward to joining you one day soon for post-pandemic cocktails and an actual live tour.

Another round of congrats and cheer to sellers Jen & Peter, friends of 15+ years. Please say you’ll still visit us in Portland even without the landlord call to trim hedges!?

Change is constant, serendipity is real and while we’ve all been reminded this year that we can never say never, this story reminds me that when we pull together, so much is possible.

Until next time,

Katie Merritt

* While I find the myriad, tiny, daily life impacts of this fraught period fascinating, I mean not to equate a minor event with the profound challenges and consequences the year has presented.

Renovated Sunnyside Craftsman

Posted on by Karim Alaeddine

Renovated Sunnyside Craftsman

2212 SE Main St | Portland, Ore 97214

Offered at $675,000 | ML #20545733

3 Bedrooms | 2 1/2 Bathrooms | 2,376 sf | Oversized Garage

Renovated Sunnyside Craftsman. Open foursquare layout with formal entry, chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry, breakfast bar & french doors to deck, gardens, hot tub. Three bedrooms up with retreat-like bathroom; tilework, skylight, sauna! Vintage details everywhere; millwork & flooring, hardware, high ceilings, covered front porch. Basement family room with bar, bathroom, storage & laundry. Updated systems, oversized shop/garage. 

PHOTO SLIDESHOW

A House For RaRa

Posted on by Living Room Realty

I’m going to talk about one of my all time favorite home love stories that recently happened. I feel like I appreciate these little victories even more now, due to the pandemic.

Right after my daughter was born, I received a referral from some friends for a family relocating to Portland. Being a fairly new mom herself, my client and I bonded over our interests in cooking and our knack for sending late night emails when our children were asleep. Her family included her husband, son and her mother, whom is nicknamed RaRa by her grandson (my daughter thinks this is her real name).

Fast forward almost 5 years and this family and I vacation together. Our children play and argue and make believe to their heart’s content and the adults discuss how nice it would be to make a compound for us all to live in. Not a REAL compound, of course, but houses right next to each other so we can watch each other’s kids, have late night visits and sleepovers and parties where nobody has to drive home. “Future goals,” we said! 

Although my clients fit perfectly into their house, RaRa had a plan to move out eventually, when her grandson was older and in school. She wanted space of her own, as we all do. She started poking around here and there, but nothing screamed out as being the perfect house. The goal was to be within walking distance, mind you, the neighborhood they live in is very popular. Properties go for a premium and competition is fierce. I knew if I saw anything hit the market that I felt would be suitable for RaRa, I’d have to move quickly.

One night, I was perusing properties for my own purchase and came across a lovely house that was literally 1 block down from my friends. I texted them all immediately, stating how exciting it would be to be their neighbor, when the lightbulb exploded in my face and I realized how perfect it would be for RaRa. Unbelievable. This would be too perfect for them. We are mid-pandemic at this point and haven’t seen each other for a few months. We all met at the property with our face masks and sanitizer in tow. Even through all the barriers, the excitement was palpable. We found THE house for RaRa. We made an offer right away and I made sure to put a package together that the sellers could not refuse. Failure was not an option. And we got it. “Hands down,” the seller’s agent said. 

Inspections went well and we closed without any drama, of course. My clients have not been able to move in yet, because the sellers are waiting for their new home to be built, but we are all excited for our future gatherings there. Easter egg hunts where our kids can run in circles around the house, within the safety of a fenced yard. Watching people walking through the farmers markets from the amazing front porch. Sitting on the back patio after sundown, enjoying our wine over the fire table. The kids pitching a tent in the front yard, the backyard or the sideyard, ha ha! I’m simply over the moon that RaRa can be so close to her family and not only enjoy her own space, but have her grandchild run back and forth from his home to hers, which is so important for her. It’s like a dream come true. Now I have two homes on the same block that will always be a home away from home.

 

St John’s Foursquare

Posted on by Karim Alaeddine

St John’s Foursquare

9232 N Syracuse St | Portland, Ore 97203

Offered at $599,900 | MLS #20190629

4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2,680 SF | 6,100 SF Lot

Gorgeous Portland Foursquare set on an oversized lot in the heart of St. John’s. Vintage character, updated for modern living. Dreamy built-ins & woodwork. Sunny yard with established landscaping, patio dining, newer garage/shop & artist’s studio. 4 bedrooms up; views of West Hills. Formal dining room, broad kitchen & pantry, remodeled bathrooms & laundry. Custom art studio with skylights & power. Updated systems; insulation, electrical & plumbing. Blocks from Cathedral Park & local amenities

Full Photo Slideshow

Beautiful Piedmont FourSquare

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Do not miss this beautiful Piedmont FourSquare! This house has timeless style with all of the modern updates you want. The main level is perfect for family living or entertaining and the kitchen is a chefs dream. Bedrooms and laundry are upstairs (dream!) as is a 3rd floor walk up attic with tons of potential! The basement has a fully separate living area w/kitchenette, 4th nonconforming bedroom, bath, and its own W/D. Deck and large yard for soaking up the summer sun, and an oversized garage with electric, water, gas is waiting for you and your projects.

I hope this blog post finds you well. These are strange days for sure and I hope you’re keeping sane and healthy while maintaining social distance. If there’s something you need please don’t hesitate to reach out, as long as I’m well I’m happy to help where I can. I don’t leave the house unless I’m armed with my mask, gloves and sanitizer – there’s non messing around over here!

A Hallmark Original – Almost

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Once upon a time on a beautiful fall Sunday in St. John’s two of my favorite friends were brunching with their folks and wandered into an open house. Little did they know they were about to fall in love. The soaring ceilings, beautiful box beams, large rooms and wood floors lingered in their minds for days… weeks really. Then it happened, there was a price drop. My phone started ringing – this house was now a possibility. Can we do it? Let’s call the lender!

Later that night I got the call, “Hey Shannon… any chance we can buy this house and sell ours?”

“Sure!”

“Also, we’re leaving for Germany in 72 hours, is that a problem?” We laughed and laughed.

But really, “Of course not, we’ve got this.”

And we did! We had their offer accepted a day later (contingent on the sale of their home), got their house on the market in 72 hours, found a buyer and now… finally, they are the proud owners of their dream home!

But it really wasn’t so cut and dry. The events kicked in to motion with the final sale of their house were really just the start. You see, the owners of this dream home – they were also contingent on their new home, and those people.. yep, contingent on their new home too, and those people – you got it. This is where  the holiday miracle story should have been picked up on by the Hallmark Channel. Against all odds all of the REALTORS® were able to work together to ensure nothing went wrong and now there are 5 sets of people who just closed on their new homes just in time for the holidays!

 

 

Catching Good Feels in Mt Scott-Arleta

Posted on by Living Room Realty

We started off munching on authentic tacos at the Portland Mercado, dreamed of a picnic in the lush Mt Scott Park, then to found the quintessential house that Jeff and Caitlin knew they loved from the minute they stepped inside. That feeling was like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow!

Jeff and Cait found Kristin and I online. Kristin’s Filipino background was our first connection as Jeff is from a Filipino family. During our first video call we instantly caught good feelings about working together. We just needed to find the right house in time. Jeff and Cait are a sophisticated, cool and a collected pair with a keen eye for a good buy, and dang! Did they get a good buy!

When we came across the right house, I’ll never forget how their faces lit up. There was an excitement in the air. This revived American Foursquare fit their wants and needs very well. The entry room had an inside/outside feel which looked out onto the large front porch. The remaining of the interior, was so beautifully redone that it was hard to pass up.


We are so glad our lives are intertwined and that through this process we’ve each gained two amazingly talented friends. I’d say, we caught the good feels with these two and the house was the cherry on top.

 

Just Listed: Middle Hawthorne Foursquare

Posted on by Living Room Realty

1608 SE 32ND AVE

PORTLAND, OR 97214

A truly remarkable home in the popular Hawthorne/Division neighborhood. Step inside and discover stunning hardwood flooring throughout with period wood archways, wood moldings in the main living area, and Rejuvenation light fixtures. A high-end remodel of the upstairs bath where every detail was carefully considered including extensive tile work, period clawfoot tub, radiant heated floors, and custom cabinetry. Other recently completed updates include a newer roof, refinished basement with new plumbing and egress window, and masonry work around the chimney. Outside you’ll find a large backyard with lush greenery and room for a garden. The rebuilt garage and wood burning pizza oven are perfect for entertaining. Close to everything this amazing neighborhood has to offer, Sewallcrest Park, trendy restaurants and shopping are just moments away.

OFFERED AT $699,900

3 BEDROOM | 2.1 BATH | 2,180 SQFT
MLS# 19369000 | TAXES: $5,871.39