Tag: listing a home

A REAL ESTATE NAP…?

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

Folks are often surprised to hear that July can be a quiet time for real estate. Spring is chock full of new listings, open houses, offer writing and inspections. The 4th of July holiday is the official start of summer fun. Typically, we pause our listing schedule on June 30, and pick it back up in mid to late July. This schedule gives folks time to go on vacation, hit the music festivals and entertain out of towners. Early July is not the only nap time of the year, the end of August can be slow too. If you are considering selling a property, reach out to us and we will discuss the hottest times of the year to list your home – we bet you’ll be surprised!

 

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.

SOLD! BUT WHEN DID THE SELLERS CALL US?

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

We list a lot of houses and have quickly become the go-to real estate team for selling your home. But when is the best time to call? Our answer: as soon as possible. Even if you think you are going to list 6-12 months out, we like to get over to meet with you, tour your home, discuss prepping and pricing as soon as possible. We are your guides in this process, and the longer we have to work with you, the easier the process. And while sometime folks need to sell quickly, we can do that, too…we will gladly embrace the flurry!

 

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.

Swanky SW Midcentury

Posted on by Shannon Dooley

I just love a solid midcentury house. This one is no exception. As my seller prepared for a big move and major life change I helped them update and refresh this amazing SW Portland home. You may not know this about me, but helping sellers prepare for the market is kind of my thing.

This particular Mid Century Modern Daylight Ranch is filled with light, sits on nearly 1/4 acre and has two fireplaces! The hardwood floors are eye catching, there are two fireplaces(!), large windows flood the home with with light, and fresh paint highlights the architecture and updated period lighting. The kitchen has been refreshed and provides a perfectly functional space. I know what you’re saying, “This is all normal house stuff right?” But let’s not forget the amazing basement! This is your space to let your imagination run wild. You could have the best game room in your friend group, create an art studio, or add a second living unit. So many possibilities are ready and waiting!

Is early Spring 2021 the time to list?

Posted on by Jené DeSpain

For many sellers, a crucial aspect of putting their home on the market is timing. “When is the best time to sell?” is one of the main questions I am asked as a realtor. Understanding demand, market climate, and current lending rates can all be influential factors for when a seller decides to list. While late Spring and Summer historically tend to be the “hot season” for new listings, the early Spring weeks of 2021 might be just the perfect time to put your property up for sale.

As our Living Room Realty community can tell you, we are experiencing record lows of available houses on the market. With interest rates at surprisingly low percentages, new buyers are flooding into the scene hoping to score their first time home. As of this week’s market report, the median price for a home in Portland Oregon is $695,000 with only 535 active listings available. In every Portland neighborhood, prices have increased a significant amount from the start of 2020 to today.

 

So what does all this new data point to? If you are considering making a move this year, these next few weeks might be an exceptional time to bring your home to this hungry buyer community and capitalize on this strong seller’s market. If you are wanting to learn more about your home’s Spring 2021 value, discuss options for listing your house while trying to find the next right place to move into, or want to hear what safety protocols I have developed to prioritize my sellers’ safety during Covid, please reach out to me with an email at jene@livingroomre.com or call me directly at 503-780-6270. I would be delighted to connect and share more details about cultivating a listing strategy that focuses on your best success.

Just Listed | 443 SE 46th Ave | $489,000

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery

Just Listed

Updated Creston-Kenilworth Bungalow

4437 SE 46th Ave Portland OR 97206

 

Updated bungalow with the classic white picket fence. Main floor has a fireplace, dining room with cedar accent walls, bed/bath and updated eat-in kitchen.  Upstairs is a wonderful large bedroom with bonus space for desk/crafts/nursery etc.   Basement has a fully finished living space, bedroom and workshop/laundry room.  Slider in dining room provides great light and easy access to enjoy the hot tub. In summer you will love the mature landscaping and deck. Ample detached garage for cars or projects.

 

3 bed | 1 bath | 2128 sq. ft.
MLS# 21597782 | Taxes: $4166.33 | Lot Size: .11 Acre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the yard in summer!

 

Just Listed: Spacious, Bright Pier Park Home

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery

 

The health of our community is very important to us. Keeping agents, buyers and sellers safe is our top priority.  There is a video tour to experience this home from the comfort of yours via link at the bottom of this post. Private video walk-through tours can also be made available by request to thoroughly vet this home before an in-person tour. We will be offering a handwashing station at the home and will be utilizing Showing Time to ensure only one party is touring at a time. Please be safe out there!

Now to what you’re here for…

SPACIOUS, BRIGHT PIER PARK HOME  $449,000

8410 N Swenson St  
3 bed | 2.5 bath | 2097 sq. ft.
MLS# 20568277 | Taxes: $4371.11 | Lot Size: .13 Acre
Video Tour
High above the street, this newly painted St. Johns home has room to live. With a coveted open floor plan, warm, wide plank wood floors, and plenty of light, this home lives easy.  With all square footage above grade, all of the space is light and bright.
Open the French Doors from the kitchen to seamlessly expand your living space to the large covered deck and back yard. Fully fenced, private yard with raised beds, fire pit and shed for all your toys.
Don’t want your dirty self/pet/child/partner coming in from the yard through the French doors?  No problem! Come in from the back yard through the generous mud/half bath/laundry room and keep the mess contained.
Newly updated On-suite bedroom on main floor makes a great office, guest suite or whatever your heart desires.
Two spacious, airy bedrooms with lofts, bathroom and a bonus area upstairs make a great separate area for imagining, working, reading, fort building, indoor treehousing, storing or exercising.
Please see our video tour!
And more photos!

Real Estate and Working During a Pandemic

Posted on by Julia Robertson

Real Estate & working during a Pandemic.

Real Estate must go on. Needless to say, it is critical to be cautious and considerate during a time like this. I have clients in contract that are buying homes and clients planning to sell in the coming weeks. Whereas business is not as usual, contract deadlines and negotiation are still critical.

My how quickly things have changed…

Two weeks ago I was meeting contractors, scheduling inspections, driving clients around for buyer tours, and running around town. Knowing that the first confirmed case in Oregon was announced, I was already using antibacterial spray after each handshake. I supplied my car with nitrile gloves, lysol wipes, and was introducing myself to contractors and unfamiliar agents with a “virtual” handshake. Call me a germaphobe, but besides this “virus”, I was really avoiding the nasty cold going around.

One week ago while attending an inspection, I had conversations about the virus with inspectors and clients. The common theme was “whats the big deal, it’s just a flu”. Most people were brushing it off. I’m not here to convince anyone otherwise, but I gave my two cents about being careful.

Here we are, and this week I’m reaching out to my clients stressing the pre-cautions we are now taking 1) as a company at Living Room Realty, 2) my own actions, and 3) what does this mean for you, my Dear Clients in your purchase or sale of real estate?

If you are searching for a real estate investment, or have a commercial real estate property for sale I recommend to visit https://www.williampitt.com/search/real-estate-sales/greenwich-ct/, they are experts to identify opportunities, mitigate risks and maximize returns. I’ve talked with new clients that plan to buy and sell real estate in the coming weeks.  I’ve talked some clients off a ledge, considering cancelling their pending sales contract because of the volatile stock market. I met with an appraiser, and gave him my elevator speech about how serious it is to be cautious. I had my nitrile gloves on, advised him to allow me to open doors, switch lights on/off, and that I would be sanitizing any surface he touched. When he realized how serious I was, he appeared both shocked and thankful.

How to do Real Estate in a time like this?

As a company, we at Living Room Realty are having conversations in real time, as the epidemic unfolds daily. We are pleading Brokers to step back for these next few weeks and practice social distancing. Only essential one on one meetings, virtual tours for new listings, and video tours for our buyer clients. Open Houses and Broker tours are… let’s face it, too risky. 

Buying a house?

I highly recommend to people looking to purchase a home, to consider the risks of attending open houses. Overall you may see these activities disappear in the coming weeks. Hire a Real Estate Broker to do the work for you! Lean in to technology and ask your agent to provide virtual tours.

Selling a house?

If you’re selling a home, hire a Real Estate Broker that embraces the advantages of technology- Matterport, virtual tours, “Live Open Houses”, killer professional photography, and digital marketing marketing marketing.

You’ll see in the coming months which Real Estate agents will provide these services and which will not provide at all(Ahem, discount Brokers). I, along with my colleagues at Living Room Realty can provide these advanced services. In fact, we already provided the ‘advanced services’. It’s an investment and we take quality marketing to heart. Everyone will continue house shopping and selling, but in an advanced and pre-cautionary way. Certainly cautious until the Pandemic is no longer a threat.

If you’re curious about buying or selling and want to take advantage of historically low mortgage interest rates, or need a real estate agent that ‘gets it’- contact me! We’ll get through this together and I’m here for you.

Virtual Hugs, Julia

Julia Robertson | Living Room Realty

Broker licensed in Oregon & Washington

541-505-1111 | julia@rebyjulia.com

Will my house sell for more money when I stage it?

Posted on by Julia Robertson

Perceived Value.

A homebuyer determines the value of a home before they even enter your home. The NAR reported 55% of buyers find their home on the internet. First impression is everything. A photo can speak a thousand words… but don’t take my word for it, see for yourself and review the research below. Forbes, the National Association of REALTORS®,  and HGTV agree that staging your home will earn you a positive return.

 

The photos shown here are from actual listings in Oregon & Washington, that I sold, and either personally staged or hired a professional stager. Some of these listings were full of clutter or located in a logistically difficult location.  One listing was on a very busy road with almost no driveway or garage and several unfinished construction projects. Another had little natural light and a slight pet odor. The last home was the most expensive house in the neighborhood, surrounded by homes that did not maintain their yard(or not attractive from the exterior), and did not have a garage. The point is- there may be other factors that make a home more difficult to sell. First impression is everything. If you can WOW potential buyers regarding the interior and exterior, the other factors are minimal in the end. A common rule of thumb for a home on a busy road, is to reduce the price 10%. If there are factors that already reduce the value of your home, wouldn’t you want to make up for it in some way? And if you could add 10%+ value to the true value of your home by re-arranging furniture or staging it- why wouldn’t you?

Forbes reported, “According to the National Association of REALTORS®, for every $100 invested in staging, the potential return is $400 . Compare that to the average sale price, which is a reduction of 10-20% from asking. So an average home with a $400,000 asking price will be reduced by $40,000 to $80,000.”

A great quote right out of an HGTV article, “I see many home sellers confuse staging with decorating and consequently resisting the process and the recommendations of the staging professional. But the reality is that the moment you commit to marketing your home for sale, you need to commit to transforming your home into a place that potential buyers can easily picture as their home.”

Staging is not only about furniture or de-cluttering. Staging a home for sale is a process that starts by preparing a “listing-prep” plan. After I meet with a client and sign a listing contract, we do a walk through together and make this plan. It can include a calendar of timelines to get household projects completed, packing, storing furniture, and touching up paint. As you can see from all of the above “before” photos, lighting makes a HUGE difference. Lighting, furniture placement, and professional photography create the WOW. Once we have all those elements, the perceived value of your home is at its highest and best. When your home is presented at its highest and best value- you sell for the highest price! Actual value depends on your location and condition of home. To find out what your home value is and what staging can do to improve the value of your home- contact me.

If you’re curious what it’ll take to sell your home, call me! I’d love to discuss future real estate opportunities with you. Call, email or text anytime.

Julia Robertson | Broker Licensed in Oregon & Washington

Insta @realestatebyjulia

541-505-1111 | julia@rebyjulia.com

Living Room Realty