Tag: Midcentury

Portland Neighborhood Spotlight: Reed

Posted on by Stephanie Domurat

Hello mid-century modern dreamers, open floor plan lovers, and natural element seekers, this quietly beautiful, tree-lined neighborhood is one to know.

Of Portland’s 90+ neighborhood associations, Reed is one of the smallest, and one of the most quietly compelling. Tucked into Southeast Portland, it offers a rare blend of space, calm, and proximity. Residents enjoy wide streets, a peaceful residential feel, and easy access to both nature and city life. Reed is bordered by Woodstock, Sellwood-Moreland, Brooklyn, Creston-Kenilworth, and Eastmoreland, placing it right at the intersection of some of Southeast’s most beloved communities.

The homes in Reed are part of its enduring appeal. You’ll find a strong presence of mid-century ranches set on larger lots, alongside original farmhouses, Cape Cods, and Tudor-style homes. There’s a sense of openness here, both in architecture and in landscape, that’s less common in Portland’s more densely built neighborhoods.

The neighborhood takes its name from Reed College, which sits just to the south and west. The campus shapes much of the area’s character, offering a serene, almost storybook backdrop. Walking its paths can feel like stepping back in time or into a nature preserve right within the city.

One of Reed’s most special features is its proximity to the Reed College Canyon, a 28-acre protected wetland that has been preserved for over a century. At its heart runs Crystal Springs Creek, a salmon-bearing stream surrounded by lush greenery. Along the canyon’s trails, it’s not uncommon to see salmon, beavers, and a wide variety of birdlife.

When it comes to daily conveniences, Reed offers a handful of walkable options, including Trader Joe’s (get your snack bag ready), Heretic Coffee Co. (a nonprofit café), and the longtime neighborhood favorite, Berry Good Produce, just west of campus.

While businesses within Reed are limited, you’re just minutes from vibrant shops, restaurants, and cafés of Woodstock, Sellwood-Moreland, and Brooklyn, making it easy to enjoy the energy of the city.

Who It’s Perfect For

  • Buyers who appreciate mid-century architecture and larger lot sizes
  • Those seeking a quieter, more residential feel within the city
  • Nature lovers who want daily access to trails, water, and wildlife
  • Anyone drawn to a neighborhood that feels tucked away, yet central

Market Snapshot & Pricing

While pricing can vary based on lot size, condition, and level of updates, buyers can generally expect:

  • Mid-century ranch homes: often in the mid-$600,000s to $900,000+ range
  • Updated or larger properties: frequently reaching into the $900,000s to $1.2M+
  • Homes with exceptional lots, design, or proximity to Reed College: can command even higher prices

A Final Thought

Reed is one of those neighborhoods that offers something increasingly rare: space, stillness, and a connection to nature all within minutes of some of Southeast Portland’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Curious about Reed and wondering if something there could be the right fit for you? Let’s connect!

I’m Stephanie Domurat, a Portland real estate broker who loves discovering the beauty of the PNW, including the neighborhoods that make Portland so special. I’d love to help guide you through your next transition. 

Stuff Management: Moving, Estate Sales, Yard Sales, Downsizing & Organizing

Posted on by Kat Gilpatrick

Moving? Preparing to list your home? Making your space more livable? Just making space?

Whatever it is, it requires a handful of different tasks carried out — or services rendered —  and making sense of it all can be challenging, especially if you’re under the wire to get a job done; if it’s a difficult moment in time or if there are many decision makers involved, etc.

I’ve put together a handy guide for how to manage these projects, who can help, and how to get there.

Why would I be an expert on this? Because, as a Real Estate Agent I help all kinds of people prepare to move, to de-clutter or downsize; to organize for a more streamlined living space or to prepare to put their homes on the market.

I help with move management, coordinating customized services like estate sales, auctions, clear-outs, and of course the moves themselves. In situations where an estate requires a combination of jobs done, (off-site online estate sale item distribution, inventory and donation coordination, movers and clear-out, deep cleaning and storage space decisions) And of course personally, as a consumer of these services and someone who’s been knee-deep in the work myself, I have partnered with some of the best resources in the country to achieve custom outcomes.

When there’s individual or bulk item selling, you’ve got the classic tried and true yard/garage sales; Craigslist listings and Facebook Marketplace to name a few, as well as antique and resale selling for furniture, appliances, home decor, etc.

In any part of the country, there are options and preferred vendors, and it can be dizzying who to choose, how to get started: scoping the size of your jobs and specific needs, etc. One thing remains the same however, one common cry of those in this stage of the game: “I have too much stuff!”

 

What Services Do You Need?

Here are some of the folks who can make your life much easier, and what you need, of course depends entirely on you.

  • Organizing and Decluttering Professionals – There are all shapes and sizes for these kinds of services. One of my favorites in the Bay Area is Rita Rey. Read on for a bit more about what Rita offers below.
  • Preparing for Marketing Your Home Professionals:
    • Declutter and streamline your home
    • Assist with decision-making about what items to keep
    • Arrange for a donation, sale, or disposal of unwanted items and supervise removal
    • Stage home with existing furnishings
    • Arrange for furniture and heavy items to be moved within your home (if needed)
    • Pack and arrange for the removal of items not needed for staging
  • Downsizing – much of the above tasks apply, with an emphasis on removal or rehoming of items rather than staging and listing preparation. This can be DIY of course, or you can enlist some support!
  • Storage Rental or Pods – Knowing what you need and what serves your specific purpose and then aligning with the right contract and combination.
  • Estate Sale or Auction and full service coordination for larger jobs and important transitions – These are incredibly valuable services for those assisting after a loved one’s passing, or extreme downsizing, estate sales being especially useful if you’re able to conduct onsite. If unable to do this, an auction may be the way to go. Folks like Caring Transitions’ Jessi and Ryan, in Phoenix AZ are the gold standard, and the bar by which I measure all the rest. Check out what their services include here, and check out below the reasons why they love what they do, and people love them so much.

  • Yard Sale or Online Selling – Doesn’t need much explanation – but there are certainly pro tips and best times of year depending on your location.
  • Move Management or Movers – I am often surprised that people are unaware that these fully managed suites of services are available, and increasingly popular as a large part of our population is aging into a category who’s best served by folks like The Move Makers, here in the Portland Area.
  • Cleaners – There are regular house cleaners, and there are move-out specialists, and of course other specific services like carpet cleaning, window and gutters, etc. Some companies specialize in whole-house readiness, and this is a phenomenal choice for a one-and-done kind of approach, or for those heftier scenarios. I’ve recently had the good fortune to work with Shawna at Maid to Organize and am loving their work ethic and availability. These fine Portland area folks specialize in Estates, Hoarding, & Generally overwhelming spaces & situations, or as they put it: Professional Organizing, Cleaning & Estate Clearing as a wholistic package offering.

 

When I asked Rita, of Rita Rey organizing in the SF Bay Area, to tell me a bit about what makes her services so special, it really resonated with her passion, and spoke to her compassion:

“I just love to be part of the process of helping my clients achieve a sense of peace and surround themselves with things that make them happy. Letting go can be scary, but less scary than facing the chaos daily. I have not heard one client say that it was not worth it despite being scared to start the letting-go process.”
When I asked Jessi of Caring Transitions, in AZ, to talk about what was meaningful to them in terms of serving their transitioning clientele, she told me:
“Our job is simple: to make sure your lifelong treasures and family heirlooms are cared for in their new home.”
And they do this by featuring a really seamless online auction service, which sets them apart from other packing/moving/estate sale services.
No matter what your project is, it’s yours, and it’s important, and having someone by your side to help or advise you is worth it’s weight in gold. I hope this has been a little assistance!

Milwaukie Midcentury Fixer

Posted on by Kim Parmon

Rare Untouched Midcentry

6924 SE Molt St.,  | Milwaukie, OR 97627

Offered at $450,000 | MLS #22300274

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,592 sq. ft.

Rare untouched midcentury fixer on a spacious lot with park views! One owner 1960s time capsule is ready to be restored and features: inlaid oak floors under the carpet, original hardware and fixtures, 3 bedrooms on the main, and a spacious vintage kitchen. Daylight basement is ready for your creative vision with a family room, bathroom, and huge workshop that could be converted to suit your needs. The expansive sunny lot connects to quiet Ann-Toni Schreiber park, just step out the back gate and play.

New Listing! Midcentury Daylight Ranch in Lake Oswego

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED

1004 Cumberland Place, Lake Oswego, OR 97034

Offered at $1,100,000

5 Bed | 2 Bath | 3,313 SF | MLS# 22501754 | Taxes: $7,629

VIDEO TOUR

Welcome home to your wooded getaway in Lake Oswego! This midcentury daylight ranch is perfectly situated in the First Addition neighborhood. Truly a one-of-a-kind gem with many unique features and remarkable upgrades.

Located on a quiet dead end street, the property features professionally landscaped gardens, mature trees, and garden planters galore. Space abounds on both front porch and decks to lounge and enjoy nature all around. 


The open living room with stunning vaulted wood ceiling + exposed beams awes and inspires when you step inside. A massive central brick chimney grounds the space, complete with green enameled gas fireplace. Original hardwood floors run throughout the first floor, and storage is ample.

Around the corner, a second wood burning fireplace in the open kitchen/ dining area is perfect for creating ambiance for intimate dinners (under an iconic George Nelson pendant light globe!). A sliding glass door leads to a generous back deck.

The spacious kitchen is filled with charming detail – check out the beautifully restored antique Chambers gas range! Loads of counter and cabinet space, kitchen garden window and skylight make cooking and entertaining a joy. Off the kitchen is a laundry room/pantry and door to the attached double-car garage. Don’t miss the shop area tucked around the corner at the back of the garage!

The remodeled main floor bathroom features a glorious updated shower with Italian mosaic tile complementing the original midcentury green vintage tile. The bathroom flows into an enchanting primary bedroom where breathtaking forest views through floor-to-ceiling windows delight the eye. Warm vaulted wood ceilings and wood-paneled walls make you feel like you’re in your very own mountain retreat! Generous separated closet cabinets feature custom built-in storage. Enjoy your morning coffee amongst the trees on the attached deck! A second bedroom on the main floor has ample closet space and looks out on a giant heritage maple.

In the fully finished walk-out basement you’ll find a family room with another wood burning fireplace. The exterior entrance and layout present so many options; think separate living area. Adjacent to the family room is a huge storage area. Make your way down the hall and you’ll find three additional bedrooms with new carpeting! The downstairs bathroom has been fully remodeled with new shower and high-end tile. All plumbing throughout the house has been replaced, including the water line.

This stunning home is ideally located right next door to a cherished state park/natural area, and is only a short walk to both wooded trails and to downtown Lake Oswego and the lake itself. You’ll fall in love with this special beauty – don’t miss it!

Off Market Mid-Century Magic

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Each and every client’s situation is unique. While all Sellers share the same goal – to get their house sold – there are multiple paths to this end result.

I recently had the privilege to work with good friends of mine whom are dealing with several huge life changes. Less than ideal circumstances surrounded the sale of their beloved home. Not only was it bound to be an emotionally challenging experience, but it was fairly abrupt and needed to happen quickly.

We had originally planned to take it live. The house is an absolute mid-century architectural dream – vaulted ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, stunning views – but it also needed some work. Because of the location and the style, we also knew of several potentially interested buyers.

My clients ultimately decided to sell it off market to a colleague who made them an almost-too-good-to-be-true offer. The relief of a quick, sure thing requiring little prep-work and accommodating their schedules and needs outweighed the potential for a slightly better unicorn offer if they took it to market.

During a challenging time of change in their lives, they were so grateful that the selling process was one less thing to worry about. I love to be able to counsel my clients to make the best choices for their specific needs. Congratulations to my Sellers!

Vermont Hills MidCentury

Posted on by Karim Alaeddine

Vermont Hills MidCentury

3622 SW Iowa St | Portland, Ore 97221

Offered at $699,900 | ML # 21140679

4 Bedrooms | 2 1/2 Baths | 2,972 SF | 8,800 SF Lot

Vermont Hills Midcentury with classic ’60s details in architect-designed floorplan. Mount Hood views, original Oak flooring, Mahogany trims & abundant built-ins. Updated kitchen with dining nook, tile, cork flooring, access to sunroom/patio & multi-level backyard with established natives & edibles. 4 bedrooms & 2 baths on main level. Basement family room with 2nd fireplace & 3rd bath. Double garage, laundry room & additional basement storage.  A mile to Gabriel Park, community center & local amenities.

Photo SlideShow

What’s Meant To Be Will Be

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Reilly and Jaime were referred to me by a local lender and I have to be honest, from the first conversation we had I was thrilled to be working with them. They’re both in their 20s, out of college, and finding their paths in the world. The task ahead of us: find their first home.

Side Note. I have to nerd out for just a minute. I love working with first time homebuyers. I love it because I believe in home ownership as the jumping point for people to start building longitudinal and generational wealth. Homeownership is something I want to see for everyone at some point in their life. It especially excites me for young people to start owning as soon as possible, it opens up so many opportunities in the future. I have many friends who have started businesses, confidently changed careers, and/or retired early as a result of early home ownership.

Back to Reilly and Jaime. We knew they wanted to be in Vancouver and we quickly distilled their wants and needs to figure out exactly what we were looking for. We talked about the challenges in the current market and the strategies I like to employ to be competitive (we are in a heavy seller’s market right now). Some things will always be standard, but sometimes coloring outside of the lines is exactly what you need to do.

We looked at several houses and it didn’t take long until we found the house they were looking for. It checked the most important boxes. We made our offer. So did a dozen other people. We got beat out, barely, but we were in the #2 position, something I was more excited about than they were – because I knew it meant we still had a chance. We kept moving forward and looking at other properties, that’s how it goes. A couple of days later, just as we were getting ready to write an offer on a house that was great, but not quite as great as the first one, I got the call. The first position buyers had backed out due to cold feet and we were now in first position for them to buy the house they really wanted. Calling Jaime and Reilly to tell them the news was my favorite phone call that day.

Updated Mid-Century + Studio House

Posted on by Karim Alaeddine

Updated 3 Bed Mid-Century + 2 Bed Studio

10610 SE Boise St | Portland, OR 97266

Offered at $349,900 | ML #21131343

House:  3 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom |  1,152 sf

Studio:  2 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 616 sf

Updated 3-Bedroom Mid Century with 2-Bedroom Studio House. Nice 7,500sf lot with established garden beds & natives. Front house features vintage details, Oak flooring, great storage. Studio House with kitchenette & bathroom opens to fenced, private backyard. Updates throughout; paint, siding, roof, windows. Move-in ready home with incredible bonus building.

SEE PHOTO SLIDESHOW

In their own words!

Posted on by Erika George & Kari

Normally we use this blog to tell our clients’ stories.  Our buyer clients Jody and Kevin just closed on their SE Portland home.  Just before closing, they emailed us a thank you note, recapping their story in their own words.  Simply put, it is so touching and authentic, there is no way Kari and I could tell their story any better than they already have.  So here is Jody and Kevin’s story, in their own words:

“Kevin and I are incredibly lucky to be able to work with both of you. Thank you very much for all that you do for us to make this dream come true. This means the world to not only us, but also our families, friends, and the many doctors in Washington D.C.
Four years ago, we moved to Washington D.C. for Kevin to attend The George Washington University School of Nursing. After nursing school we decided to stay in D.C. to get work experiences (Kevin in healthcare and mine in teaching). We bought a small house (similar to this Reedway property). Things were going amazingly but sadly my health declined. I was on life support for 10 days and remained in the hospital in D.C. for 2 months.
Ever since December 2018, I have been in various recovery programs in D.C. working with 9 different teams of specialists at the hospital. The progress that I have made so far is incredible. We thought I would need to be on oxygen for the rest of my life. Thankful I got to return the oxygen supplies back in April (perfect timing with COVID).   
Somehow we were able to continue to do work on the house while I recovered. Surprisingly we were able to complete many major projects by the time we sold it. 
Often people move because of kids or jobs. In our case it was my health. While making decisions to return to Oregon, COVID arrived. With my health dealing with respiratory issues and Kevin working in the ER, we knew that we had to live in separate homes. At the same time we sold our house while having to live apart. We continue to do this while closing on this Reedway house.
The situation at OHSU hospital is much better than the hospital in Washington D.C. Buying this Reedway home will mean that we will finally be able to live in the same home again. We are super excited! Everyone has been counting down the days with us. We plan to live in this house for a very long time. It is going to be surrounded by families and friends. Hopefully things will be safe to celebrate with many people who have been waiting for this moment with us. 
It is not yet the final day but we would like to give many thanks to the two of you for making this dream possible. Being alive and able to continue to share a life with Kevin is more than I could possibly ask for. But being able to have a house in Portland will be beyond our world. Although the teams of doctors in D.C. no longer work with me, they continue to check on weekly bases. They know about this Reedway house. This is beyond what they could have imagined. They truly believed that we made the right decision to return to Portland. 
Thanks a million for all your hard work and for sharing this journey with us. The two of you are an amazing team!“
Thank you Jody and Kevin for sharing your story — it means the world to us and is an inspiration to all!  Stay safe and healthy — we know you can expect years of happiness and good fortune in your new home!!
Kari & Erika

Want to get pre-qualified during the times of Covid-19..?

Posted on by Living Room Realty

There are a few tips  I would like to leave current Portland, Oregon residents  who are ready to buy or sell their homes, during the times of Covid-19.

 

Best 7 Questions to ask your Lender :

  1. Are you a direct lender ?

      2. Are you a correspondent lender or broker?

     *Please note, in my opinion, direct lender is usually best.

      3. Are you a local lender?

      4. Is the loan going to be fully underwritten?

      5. What are the current interest rates and can I lock in my rate?

     6. If my parter is affected by COVID-19, could I still qualify?

     7. Be honest, disclose your current working / employment situation with lender. Ask if it is better for you to pre-qualify for the loan individually?

     **The lenders are the experts who will give you the most realistic feedback regarding your ability to pre-qualify.

This video is created by Steph Noble, an amazing local lender here in Portland.

There are some mind- shift changes occurring within the current Real Estate Market during the time of Covid-19.

See link below for the full Video from Steph Noble, Local Portland Lender, Guild Mortgage.

 

 

Stability of interest rates, April 2020

The Feds interest right now is to solely  stabilize the mortgage baked securities for interest rates.

The Feds will increase and decrease their buying based off what is needed to keep the interest rates stable.

Their commitment is to keep rates stable.

The buying of mortgage backed securities is so powerful right now , it is out impacting any other economic factors.

Typically, when we have good or bad economic news, there is an impact to interest rates, the Feds buying mortgage backed securities is out-weighting any of those other economic factories regarding interest rates.

–You may have heard that the Feds are pulling back on what they are buying ?

Even with them pulling back as needed, to keep rates stable,  currently, the feds are buying back double what is being produced.

 

If you have any more questions or comments please reach out to me or Steph Noble directly!

https://www.livingroomre.com/agents/meline-khachatourian/

 

 

Just Listed: Royal Woodlands Super Split-Level!

Posted on by Erika George & Kari


Mid-Century Alert!!  Check out our new listing in Beaverton’s popular mid-century neighborhood of Royal Woodlands!

Terrific, mid-century split level with great proximity to Nike, Intel and downtown PDX. Well cared-for by original owner with chic vaulted living room with wrap around balcony, master suite, and two gas fireplaces. Dependable floor plan with L-shaped formal living/dining room, separate bedroom wing, informal eating area off kitchen, basement family room and additional bonus office/den. Bring your mid-century cosmetic design ideas to make this home sparkle!

Offered at $535,000

3 Beds + Bonus Room | 3 Full Baths | 2448 SF

Taxes:  $5821 | Lot Size:  8200 SF

 

8200 sf lot with delightful backyard! Fully Fenced!

Don’t miss this great opportunity to live in an utterly charming mid-century neighborhood complete with egg hunts and 4th of July parades!

Go here for 3-D Virtual tour and more details:

http://www.6050swchestnut.com

Royal Woodlands Super Split Level

Posted on by Erika George & Kari

New Beaverton Listing!

6050 SW Chestnut Ave., Beaverton OR 97005

Terrific, mid-century split-level in the heart of desirable Royal Woodlands. Well cared for by original owner with chic vaulted living room, wrap around balcony, master suite, and two gas fireplaces. Dependable floor plan with L-shaped formal living/dining room, separate bedroom wing, informal eating area off kitchen, basement family room and additional bonus office/den. 8,200 SF lot with delightful backyard! 2018: New upper windows, exterior paint and slider doors. Great opportunity to live in an utterly charming mid-century neighborhood complete with egg hunts and 4th of July parades!

Don’t miss our 3-D tour!

3 beds + bonus room | 3 baths | 2,448 SF
MLS# 20535627 | Taxes: $5,821 | Garage: attached, two-car

Two full baths on the main floor, one with two sinks and a tub/shower combo to be shared by bedrooms #2 and #3. Ensuite master bath with period tiled shower:

Finished lower level: head downstairs to the large family room, with gas fireplace, full bathroom and bonus office/den. Explore potential to add egress window in bonus room for 4th bedroom and create separate area for guests, roommates or extended family:

Delightful, spacious backyard, fully fenced with charming patio:

 

Gratitude Abounds!

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Sometimes you just get lucky. Really lucky. This was that kind of lucky you have when you meet someone and you’re just like, “yes,” these are my people. That was what it was like when I met this amazing couple.

Making the move to Portland from New York is a big one, but these two took their time to learn the city and definitely fell in love. So it happened, like we do when we fall in love with someone or someplace, they decided to move in. No more toothbrush at your place kind of scenario… the real deal. It was time to buy a house. We had our list and it was fairly specific. I thought for sure we’d look for a month or so to get a feel for what’s out there so they could see what their options looked like. Then wildfire. They walked in to the first house and that was it, they begrudgingly looked at one more, but there was no reason to waste time – we needed to get an offer in on this house!

We worked our way through a couple of difficult issues but they were unflappable and so calm and kind, it was a dream. I look forward to the housewarming party and am excited for them to start their new adventures as homeowners in the city they fell in love with.

JUST LISTED ~ TRULY UNIQUE MIDCENTURY TREEHOUSE!

Posted on by Martin Cross

Perched on a hill above greenspace, this home is truly unlike no other.  The wall of windows fills the home with natural light and makes you feel like you are living in the trees. The vaulted open beam, wood ceilings and incredible floor to ceiling rock fireplace are focal points of it’s high end mid-century modern architecture.

Designed and built by Willard E. Schwarz in 1964 at which time the home was awarded the distinction of being a Gold Medallion Home, for innovative use of electricity. This two bedroom two bath treehouse backs up to George Himes park, is just 5 minutes from downtown in the Parkhill neighborhood exactly one mile from Hillsdale proper and Wilson High.

The flexible living space affords many possibilities. Perhaps the lower level could be converted to additional living space and used for a family member or as a rental, either long term or Airbnb.

6555 SW Parkhill Drive Portland, Ore. 97239

Open Houses Saturday & Sunday

$479,000

Flyover Video

 

Orange Ya Glad You Found This Lovely Lents Ranch!

Posted on by Martin Cross

5144 SE 85th Ave. Portland, Ore. 97266

This lovely Lents ranch has been skillfully restored and features beautiful hardwood floors, a gorgeous tiled bathroom, a charming kitchen and a light filled dining area with brand new vinyl flooring. Add the fresh paint throughout and this place sparkles!

The mini splits for warmth and air conditioning, plus the newer double pane windows and the deep attic insulation earned this charming ranch a Home Energy Score of 8!

The gigantic fenced yard has a brand new 7′ cedar fence along the south side, a delightful covered patio and is ready for your backyard farming, entertaining and/or to add that ADU you’ve been dying to build.

OFFERED AT: $314,500

2 BEDROOMS | 1 BATH | BUILT 1951

 

Aloha Aloha!

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Separate living and family rooms make this beautiful ranch live large! Kitchen has new cabinets, quartz counters, and stainless appliances. New flooring throughout, bathrooms updated, and fresh paint inside and out. Master bedroom has it’s own bathroom! Move-In ready in quiet, established, neighborhood with 2 car garage. Big back yard just waiting for BBQs! Easy drive to Intel, Nike, Freeways and Shopping. This one won’t last long!

Dreamy Midcentury

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Sometimes you walk into a house and you just know it’s the one for you. That’s how this one went. I sent the listing to Pat first thing in the morning, he drove by within an hour, and pretty much knew it was the one before we even walked in the door a couple hours later. As we looked around the house, loving on the undisturbed midcentury vibe he looked at me and said, ‘Don’t let me not get this house.” Ummm Yikes! No pressure right? But ok, let’s do this!  It was tense – he wasn’t the only person in love with this awesome house and we really had to shine. When we got word that his offer was accepted we practically (maybe literally, but that’s a secret) cried tears of joy.

Pat and I have known each other for many years as the result of sharing great friends. Over the last year we have been on an epic house journey together. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s definitely been worth it and just in time for summertime ping pong on the back porch!!

The Path to Enlightenment is Paved with Trees

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you. — Frank Lloyd Wright

Have you ever wondered why nature is so calming? When I feel stressed and about to reach my breaking point, I crave the tranquility of verdant wooded areas to help clear my head and leave me recharged.

Recent studies have proven that spending time in green spaces can lower our blood pressure and even alleviate anxiety and depression. This research has played a major roll in cities choosing to invest in parks and gardens that break up vast concrete jungles and create healthy areas for their inhabitants.

With all that in mind, it’s no wonder that the stunning southwest Portland home I had the pleasure of selling recently was so popular. In fact it went pending in just four days. As you step inside, among the open floor plan and stylish details, the huge windows showcase the forest that surrounds you. Thoughtfully designed sliding doors give way to an expansive deck surrounded by a peaceful thicket of trees.

Just moments to some of my favorite local spots to experience the restorative power of greenery. The Portland Japanese gardens, the Rose Garden, and the Hoyt Arboretum are all perfect places to take a breather. Step inside and immediately feel calm, centered and focused.

If you are looking for your next dream home, or need to sell your current home to make that move, I’d love to be a resource for you! Give me a call and let’s talk about how to make that dream a reality. In the meantime take a walk outside, breath in the outdoors that surrounds you, and remember that there is only now.

Just Listed! Marvelous Milwaukie Midcentury with Separate Apartment!

Posted on by Martin Cross

Classic 1955 daylight ranch with full apartment downstairs!

A Milwaukie midcentury just loaded with charm! This very well maintained home features beautiful hardwood floors, 2 fireplaces, a new 35 yr roof, parklike yard with mature landscaping, double garage & lots of storage!

The possibilities abound! This house could be fully owner-occupied, part rental, multi-generational, Airbnb or pure investment.

Close to Trolley Trail, boat ramps, & Orange Max line.

15215 SE Arista Drive, Milwaukie, Ore. 97267

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY MAY 5th 12:00-2:00

 

“You Won the REALTOR® Lottery!”

Posted on by Living Room Realty

It all started with a Facebook post:

 

Thus producing 36 comments presenting 21 agent referrals.  We met with Bria & Andrew and had our first interview and immediately wanted to be the chosen ones mainly so that we could all hang out together more.  We knew that Bria & Andrew had narrowed their choice down to 3 top REALTORS®. When we got the news a couple weeks later, “You won the REALTOR® lottery!” we couldn’t have agreed more with the feeling that we received knowing that we were the chosen ones that got to work with such an exceptional couple (If anyone needs an amazing photographer, we will have Bria’s info below!).

Our time with Andrew & Bria quickly turned into one celebration after another.  We soon were introduced to Andrew’s amazing mother Suzi who we were blown away with in regards to her class and wisdom.  Then we all got to work in finding Andrew & Bria’s new home sweet home.

Bria & Andrew are both very successful Airbnb hosts and wanted to find a home with walk-ability and ADU potential. They did a lot of their homework, so we narrowed their home search down and hit the road viewing homes. Within a couple weeks we put in an offer and was competing against 7 other offers on a beautiful craftsman in the Overlook neighborhood.  We got the unfortunate news that we were not in first position, but Andrew & Bria used that experience to their advantage and immediately moved on to another home.  A home that they could envision using their amazing skills to craft their own culture where they would make their boutique Airbnb come alive.  We came together and strategized on an offer that got them into contract on a hidden gem, a mid-century modern house in SE Portland.

Once in contract and through inspections, we diligently got contractors in to give us bids on what items were essential to moving the deal forward.  Once we received those bids, Andrew & Bria were very calculative in presenting the seller a price reduction amount that it would take to move the deal along.  Everything with these two is very logical and level headed which we really appreciate in working with them.  This attribute is one of the biggest reasons why they were able to get the price reduction that they did, because we had the facts to substantiate the request.  Another celebration commenced over a shared love of authentic bubble tea at Bambū Desserts & Drinks, a quick 5 minutes  from their home!

Andrew & Bria we are so excited for you both and Suzi it was so wonderful to get to know you more over the past month.  We are so proud to be your REALTORS® and friends, and we’re so happy that Thistle & Sadé Bloom can be playmates.

 

If you need an exceptional photographer you must check out Bria’s services! BrianaMorrison.com 

They’re just too cute…sporting each of their own grandparent’s vest and coat.

 

Need some love? How about some, Mid-century Love, in Vancouver!

Posted on by Martin Cross

From the moment you enter this exceptional mid-century home you will fall in love with the attention to detail and amazing sense of design. Built in 1946 this home has been lovingly updated with amenities that complement the original design. Clean mid-century lines are accentuated and enhanced by luxurious high-end contemporary finishes. The welcoming floor plan is perfect for daily living and entertaining both indoors and out.

The expansive living room greets you with vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace with marble surround, nearly floor to ceiling windows, period built-in bookshelves, cabinets, and a full wall of gorgeous mirrored display shelves.

The outstanding master suite has been fully remodeled and features a gas fireplace, high end lighting, and window coverings, Ralph Lauren carpet and a beautifully designed walk in closet, along with a separate sitting area with custom built ins and a fully renovated master bath. Down the hall is the spacious second bedroom and a cozy den or third bedroom with deluxe built in desk.

The crown jewel of this end of the house is the incredible, completely renovated main bathroom featuring custom bamboo vanity, room divider and cabinet, ceramic tile walls, Marmoleum flooring, high end fixtures, glass enclosed shower, and an amazing Japanese soaking tub.

At the other end of the house is the marvelous, completely remodeled family room with vaulted knotty pine, tongue and groove ceilings, stone accent wall, newer gas fireplace insert, tile hearth, Marmoleum floors and a built-in home audio system with custom stereo cabinet. Beyond the open pass-through lies the lovely tiled kitchen with cork floors, gas appliances and counter space galore, flanked on one side by a charming dining nook and on the other by an elegant formal dining room.

The outdoor areas are just as incredible featuring lush, meticulously groomed landscaping, winding paths to separate patio areas, a small kidney shaped pool with water feature, and access to the artist studio with double doors that opens onto a private patio with fountain.

The exterior of the home was almost entirely redone in 2009, including Hardiplank siding, several custom doorways, many new windows, updated exterior lighting and a new rock and tile entryway.

More Photos and Information

 

Mid Century Fixer in Madison South

Posted on by Living Room Realty

As real estate agents, we know our neighborhoods, but once in a while we discover one newly. I found this great mid century ranch in the Madison South neighborhood. This house has this very unique great room with vaulted ceilings. You certainly wouldn’t guess that from looking at the house from the curb.  Madison South is a great little neighborhood just up the road from Roseway and in the valley of Rocky Butte.

The neighborhood is quiet, with little traffic, and everyone seems to be walking the dogs or kids around. We started making updates to this house including a new roof, and replacing the old electric cadet heaters with a brand new high efficiency furnace and ducting. As some of the final details are coming together with the interior updates, I can’t help but think about the family that had been here so long, over 70 years I hear.  It of course reminds me of  my own Granny’s house in Clarkston, Michigan about an hour North of Detroit. She was there for about 50 years before she passed away at the feisty age of 102 in 2010.

While my family and I bought this house to restore it, I never consider it mine. The ones that lived here for 70 years are still the owners, and I’m more of a placeholder getting it ready for the next family. It may seem trite, but I always hope the improvements we make are ones that will make the previous owners happy or proud. I hope they still see their house, when they look at the work we did, and that we’ve done well enough to leave all the character for them to still see their memories through our work.

Keep an eye open for this one. 8603 NE Dyer, Portland, OR. It will be looking for a new family to take cafe of it for the next 70 years. In the meantime, if you want to learn more about Madison South, check out their webpage here

Bobby Curtis
Principal Broker
Licensed in Oregon
Licensed Contractor CCB 215071
Living Room Realty
503-502-3066
bobby@livingroomrealty.com