Tag: milwaukie

Dogwood days of Milwaukie

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux

Milwaukie, OR was founded in 1847 and in 1962 was dubbed “The Dogwood City of the West,” a nickname proudly and officially pronounced by the City Council alongside the dogwood blossom, which was simultaneously declared the city flower. At the time it was said that Milwaukie was home to the oldest and largest Dogwood tree in the world. Though that particular tree no longer stands today, the city continues to celebrate its affiliation with this iconic tree and in 1985 even declared May 21st to be a city holiday—Dogwood Day. The city has an instagram account and encourages residents to celebrate their beloved neighborhood dogwoods (#milwaukiedogwood). 

 
Another fun tidbit—Milwaukie is also the birthplace of the Bing cherry, arguably the most ubiquitous sweet cherry in the U.S. 

The parks and green spaces of Milwaukie

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux

Milwaukie, Oregon is rich with a variety of parks and green spaces that cater to the outdoor enthusiast, families, and individuals looking to connect with nature. Here are some notable parks in Milwaukie:

1. Milwaukie Riverfront Park: This scenic park sits along the banks of the Willamette River, offering stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. It features walking paths, picnic areas, and a boat ramp, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls, picnics, and water activities.

2. Spring Park: Known for its lush greenery and picturesque setting, Spring Park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. It has playgrounds, sports courts, walking trails, and a disc golf course (a popular Oregon pastime).

3. Dogwood Park: Nestled in a residential neighborhood, Dogwood Park is a charming community park with amenities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy playground equipment, sports fields, picnic areas, and a dog park, making it a favorite spot for families and pet owners alike.

4. North Clackamas Park: This expansive park offers something for everyone, from sports enthusiasts to nature lovers. It features athletic fields, tennis courts, a skate park, and walking trails, as well as a disc golf course and a BMX track. With its diverse range of amenities, North Clackamas Park is a hub of recreational activity year-round.

5. Century Park: Situated near downtown Milwaukie, Century Park provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. It features open green spaces, walking paths, and a playground, making it a serene oasis for relaxation and play.

6. Trolley Trail: While not a traditional park, the Trolley Trail deserves a mention for its significance in Milwaukie’s outdoor landscape. This scenic trail follows the path of the historic Portland Traction Company railway line, offering walkers, joggers, and cyclists a picturesque route through the city’s neighborhoods and natural surroundings.

 
SEE…
 
Embracing the Tranquil Charms of Milwaukie, Oregon

Embracing the Tranquil Charms of Milwaukie, Oregon

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux

In 2021, my life took an exciting turn as my husband accepted a position at Clackamas Fire, leading us to make the pivotal decision to relocate to Milwaukie, Oregon. Little did I know then that this quaint town nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest would capture my heart.

A multitude of factors drove our decision to move to Milwaukie. One of the primary draws was the promise of expansive lots, offering ample space for our family to thrive and grow. Coming from a bustling city, the prospect of a quieter community was incredibly appealing, providing a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Portland.

Accessibility was another key consideration in our relocation. Situated just south of Portland, Milwaukie boasts excellent connectivity, making it easy to commute to neighboring areas while still enjoying the tranquility of suburban living. Despite its proximity to the city, Milwaukie maintains its distinct identity, offering a unique blend of urban amenities and small-town charm.

One of the greatest joys of living in Milwaukie is its proximity to nature. The city is full of amazing green spaces and easy access to outdoor adventures like paddle boarding along the Willamette or floating the Sandy River.

For us, Milwaukie has become home and has offered the perfect blend of nature, space, and community.

 
SEE… 
 
Notable new developments in Milwaukie

Notable new developments in Milwaukie

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux

MILWAUKIE, a city just outside of Portland in Clackamas County (with the exception of a small portion of the city in Multnomah County), is a suburb known for its larger lots, smaller town demeanor, and affordability as compared to surrounding neighborhoods. For a long time Milwaukie has had “up and coming” written all over it, a fate recently confirmed by the addition of the Milwaukie New Seasons, the development of which has long been viewed as a major indicator of increased investment in a community.

Another upcoming welcome addition to the neighborhood is pFriem Family Brewers, anticipated to open in April of 2025. For buyers looking for close proximity to amenities such as shopping, pubs, and eats, Milwaukie has often not been on the radar. With these two big changes to the city, Milwaukie’s reputation as being at a social remove is evolving alongside its desirability and housing costs.

 

SEE…
Embracing the Tranquil Charms of Milwaukie, Oregon
The parks and green spaces of Milwaukie
Dogwood days of Milwaukie

Single-Level Living in Milwaukie

Posted on by Kim Parmon

Thoughtful Upgrades + Garden Dreams

16534 SE Gordon St.  | Milwaukie, OR 97267

Offered at $565,000 | MLS #23452324

3 Bedrooms  | 2 Baths |  1,549 sq. ft.

Sophisticated Milwaukie ranch on a meticulously landscaped, oversized lot. Step into the impressive living room with vaulted ceilings, cozy fireplace, and large windows with a view of the gorgeous backyard water feature. Host dinner parties in the comfortable open-concept kitchen with upgraded appliances.

All three bedrooms are spacious and inviting, with the primary suite boasting an ensuite bath with soaking tub and walk-in closet. Outside, you’ll find a private paradise with plenty of room to garden and play, multiple covered seating areas, and a newer 10×16 shop building that’s perfect for hobbies.

Have peace of mind knowing that the home has been well cared for with a new roof in ’21, a new furnace and heat pump in ’22, a 240v EV car charger, and so much more. Live life to the fullest with shops, restaurants, and river access nearby, and the future Concord library and park just blocks from your doorstep.

Walk Through Tour

Renovating toward your dream home

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux

Finding the perfect house is a dream and people need space to explore what this looks like for them. The reality is there is no perfect house, but gaining clarity about what you want by visualizing your ideal place is an essential part of the home buying process. I pride myself on helping clients create space for this inquiry because when we dream, we can act in service to our deepest values.

Prioritizing the features in a home that matter most and are unchangeable helps us create a roadmap to finding the right house within the budget, instead of chasing a unicorn. Plans and needs change and so can your house. When you select your home with your core needs in mind, there is a greater likelihood that your home can adapt alongside you.

I have inhabited many different eras of homes in my own house journey, which started in north Portland with a 1920s Piedmont bungalow. I was in my early 20s with my husband and a newborn. We spent 4 years on renovations and moved on right after they were complete. From there, we enjoyed the ease of new construction in Scappoose with our two kiddos until we returned to Portland to renovate a 1940s home. This time, we had more experience and renovated in an order that allowed us to enjoy the paradise we were creating in Roseway, but life changed and we picked up and moved to a quieter pace in the land of mid-century homes on large lots — Milwaukie. We knew this was the house we planned to stay in long term and we thought our years of renovating were over, so we bought a nicely remodeled 1960s ranch in the Oakridge Neighborhood. But renovation is in our blood; turning that off is very hard. When I tour homes, I instantly see the roadblocks and the possibilities and start looking at how to solve or improve them. 

We found the house knowing we would need to recreate the backyard oasis we had created in Roseway, but this desire blossomed into so much more. This project quickly became one we knew would be too large for my husband and I to take on ourselves. My husband Greg has remodeled every one of our projects – man, did he deserve a break – time, bandwidth, and willingness were depleted. This project was the first one that involved an addition to the house, so for the first time, we looked into hiring a designer and having the work professionally done. I learned so much along the way, adding one more layer of knowledge to help clients. The project kept growing, and we endured delays and surprises as you do in any project, but the stress was low because we trusted our contractor at the highest level and knew we were in great hands. This project was so different from past ones because we knew this was the home we planned to grow old in and pass on to the kids. Knowing this, I allowed myself to dream and made design choices with more self-expression than in past homes where we knew we would eventually move on. Searching for the right products and tweaking options to create the best space we felt was possible became an obsession. I reactivated a more creative side of myself lost through the years. This creative side I allowed myself to have, combined with my knowledge of homes and design, was a perfect recipe to create our dream space. 

Milwaukee Mid Century on Amazing Lot

Posted on by Karim Alaeddine

Renovated McNary Ranch

16600 SE Hampshire Ln.  | Milwaukie, OR 97267

Offered at $479,900 | MLS #23126204

2 Bedrooms  |  2 Bath |  1,200 sq. ft.

Gorgeous Milwaukie Mid Century on a quiet street in the desirable McNary neighborhood. Generous layout with custom design details & extras around every corner. Classic style; wood floors, trims, panels, details. Charming kitchen with dining nook and formal dining room with walk out to four-season patio.

Set on a park-like .42 acre lot with mature landscaping, natives & perennials, garden beds & entertainment spaces. Modern upgrades to systems & finishes throughout. Ample storage, double garage, separate laundry room & garden shed with electrical. A beautifully kept, thoughtfully updated one-level on an idyllic dead-end street of 50s vintage homes.

Walk Through Tour

JUST LISTED: Adorable Milwaukie Bungalow

Posted on by Andy Meeks

Neighbors remark that it’s the most charming house on the street, and we agree! It could be the pleasing proportions or the lovely stained glass accent windows at the front door. But that’s just the start of what makes this Lake Road neighborhood home so attractive.

This adorable bungalow is the perfect homebase for all of your adventures.

It lives large with generous and comfortable spaces throughout all three floors. You enter the front room that holds plenty of space for formal and informal settings, all with newer windows that look out onto the quiet street. The formal dining room is set off the kitchen — with a pass-through window — which makes entertaining relaxed and easy. The second bedroom located on the first floor easily doubles as an office and has views to the gorgeous backyard. Upstairs is the comfy main bedroom featuring a full walk-in closet room with south-facing windows that flood with light all day long. Storage is abundant throughout all three floors, with plenty of workshop and flex options in the full basement & the 18’x24’ detached garage.

The spacious, sun-filled backyard is primed for entertaining with gorgeous new patio and deck, custom raised garden beds & a new driveway gate. And most important for adventure-seeking: the house is ideally-located with easy access to everything. It’s just about 1 mile to historic downtown Milwaukie and the Milwaukie Farmer’s Market, Milwaukie Bay Park, the Willamette River and MAX Orange Line stops. And this big bonus: a new (!) New Seasons opening ~1/4 mile away this fall.

Truly, everything you need is here. Don’t miss this one!

 

 

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.

Just Listed 4561 SE Glen Echo

Posted on by Cristen Lincoln

      4561 SE Glen Echo Ave

Milwaukie, OR, 97267

Spacious, well loved and cared for home in great location. New paint inside and out, newer windows, updated mechanics and kitchen refresh with new quartz counters and tile backsplash. Living room features a fireplace and large windows for tons of light and a lovely territorial view. Slider in dining room to covered deck. Primary bedroom has private bath and walk in shower with new tile. 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths! Family room with 2nd fireplace. Big, park-like yard. New paver drive and patio.

OFFERED AT $599,000

5 BEDROOM | 3 BATH | 2531 SQFT

MLS# 22519951 | TAXES: $4,674.13

Dreamy Storybook Craftsman

Posted on by Shannon Dooley

This storybook Craftsman greets you with a large vaulted front porch and is surrounded by a quiet and serene yard. The deck delights with treetop views and is perfect for entertaining. 9’ ceilings and gorgeous stone fireplace create a feeling of comfort and warmth. The kitchen boasts fabulous cabinet colors and new stainless appliances. Two bedrooms on the main level, the larger is suitable as an owner’s suite with coved ceilings, a sitting area, and a walk-in closet. Heading to the lower level you’ll find the oversized owner’s suite with private entrance, full bathroom, and walk-in closet. Great contender for possible ADU conversion, check with the county. The remaining portion of the lower level contains a full workshop with workbenches and storage. This home is only two blocks from the river, yet is out of the flood zone. Close to dining, shops, and transit. Quick drive to downtown PDX!

Happy in Gladstone!

Posted on by Living Room Realty
Away from the hustle and bustle, but just close enough to a quaint downtown drag – Gladstone has it all, while still being one of the most affordable places to buy a home in the Portland Metro area. The average home price in Milwaukie/Gladstone is $530,000 compared to Portland at $571,500  as of Sept

2021 per RMLS. Most homes in the area were built in the 60s and sit on larger lots. Wondering what else the area has to offer?

Downtown Gladstone has a quaint strip of shops, library and post office. Spend the day thrifting or browsing antiques at Gladstone Mercantile, get coffee at Happy Rock or a slice of pizza at Portland Pizza Co. When you’re ready for a nature escape, go play at the nearby Willamette River or or wander on the other side of the river at Mary S. Young Park. With a little bit of everything, it’s hard to be sad in Gladstone!

Central Milwaukie 4 Bedroom

Posted on by Karim Alaeddine

Central Milwaukie 4 Bedroom

12305 SE 69th Ct | Milwaukie, OR 97222

Offered at $475,500 | ML #21360973

4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,204 SF + Attached Garage

Central Milwaukie 4 bedroom. Beautifully renovated one-level set on a quiet cul de sac. Modern kitchen; newer cabinets, solid countertops, tile work, stainless appliances. Dining room with patio access. Two updated bathrooms, contemporary lighting, ample storage, closets and attached garage. New A/C, fully fenced yard with established beds. Minutes from the aquatic center and Three Creeks natural area.

Photo Slideshow

JUST LISTED: Awesome Ardenwald Bungalow

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED

8706 SE 28TH AVE Milwaukie, OR 97222 

Offered at $525,000

4 Bed | 1 Bath | 2872 SF | MLS# 21231882  | Taxes: $3,976

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday 10/2 12PM-2PM

VIDEO TOUR

Check out this charming Ardenwald bungalow in a truly special pocket of Milwaukie. The home shines with classic detailing and character galore! Perched above the street, you’ll love the charming front porch and lovely front door with sidelights. It’s the perfect place to relax with your morning coffee or just watch the beauty that surrounds you.

An inviting and oversized living room greets you with hardwood floors and 2 beautiful picture windows. The entire home is bathed in bright natural light and cozy vibes. The living room flows seamlessly into the formal dining room which acts as a nice axis point to the kitchen and spacious backyard. The perfect layout for entertaining both inside and out!

Moving through to the kitchen, you’ll notice how large & spacious this space feels. This kitchen features lots of storage, counter space and cabinets as well as dishwasher & breakfast bar.

The layout of this 4 bedroom house is an absolute dream with 2 bedrooms up and 2 on the main level.  The full bathroom on the main level is nicely remodeled and centrally located to all bedrooms!!

The low-maintenance backyard is lovely and perfect for outdoor living and entertaining. The yard is fully fenced and includes a large shed for additional, convenient storage for your lawnmower, outdoor furniture, gardening tools, etc… Walk only one block to connect to the Spring Water Corridor! Also, a short walk over the pedestrian bridge brings you swiftly to the MAX SE Tacoma/Johnson Creek park and ride for easy commutes and City fun!

Plus, loads of storage space and laundry in the unfinished basement!

This home has so much character, convenience and appeal that you might just fall head over heels!

Urban Farm for Real

Posted on by Karim Alaeddine

Urban Farm for Real

17801 SE Cook St | Milwaukie, OR 97267

Offered at $450,000 | ML #21374120

3 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 1,296 SF | 0.93 Acres

Urban Farm For Real. Nearly an acre of exceptional property that backs up to protected wetlands natural area w/trails, park, wildlife. 3 bedroom mid-century features modern updates and classic charm. Original Oak flooring & built-ins, vintage hardware, tile work, mouldings & millwork. Formal dining room, remodeled bath and kitchen w/nook & pantry. Attached garage, RV Parking, outbuildings/storage. Land currently supports fruit trees, extensive veggie beds, chickens, firepit, patio, hammocks… and more.

Photo Slideshow

River Road Revealed

Posted on by David Columbus

River Road runs along the Willamette River through Milwaukie Heights, Fair Oaks, Oak Grove, Concord and Jennings Lodge neighborhoods approximately parallel to McLoughlin Boulevard providing access to lovely river’s edge neighborhoods, stunning parks and other local gems. River Road is also host to many lovely Retirement Communities and Senior Living Homes.

River Road Destinations:

Spring Park Natural Area – Nestled next to the Willamette River, Spring Park Natural Area is a hidden gem in a quiet residential neighborhood in Milwaukie. Entering the park, you’ll find a small playground, picnic benches and bike racks and art features. A path of compacted crushed rock, boardwalk and overlook area provide visitors access to the surrounding wetlands, without endangering sensitive habitat and wildlife areas.

Elk Rock Island – Milwaukie took ownership of Elk Rock Island from the City of Portland in April 2016, adding 13.6 acres of natural area to the community. It contains seven distinct habitats, including vernal pools, which are home to many amphibians and other forms of aquatic life. More than 50 rare and unique plant species can also be found on the island. (see featured image, photo credit City of Milwaukie)

Learn More:

Island Station Neighborhood Association

City of Milwaukie 

Jennings Lodge Facebook Page

 

Some things were just meant to be!

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to Brittany, Ryan & Marcia!!

 

I had such a lovely time working with Marcia, Brittany & Ryan! They were so very put together and focused throughout the process. We looked at a good number of homes although it wasn’t long before Brittany knew ‘This is the ONE’!

As you know, we are in a Seller’s market and it’s not likely that all issues will be addressed in a home purchase these days. Luckily we were matched up with great Sellers and we were able to negotiate a sizable credit to repair some important issues. Nothing makes me happier than knowing my clients will have a smooth transition into their new home and not have to worry about major repairs.

It’s so important to me that my clients have a great experience and are happy with the whole process and know that I’m there for them every step of the way!

Cheers to Brittany, Ryan and Marcia!

Just Sold! Marvelous Milwaukie Living

Posted on by Living Room Realty

As soon as this beautiful ranch-style home hit the market, I knew it would be snatched up quick. It just has that je-ne-sais-quois to it that automatically draws your eye. My clients listed the home in late February and already closed today. Wow how time flies. They took such amazing care of the place, even going as far as installing a custom flagstone patio in the backyard. Nothing like a quarantine project! The new owners will enjoy hree large bedrooms and two baths, with beautiful modern details. Thank you to my clients for trusting me with their home. It was an honor working with you! Shoutout to Jolynn Winter at Keller Williams who represented the buyers. It was my pleasure!

Good Things Happening for Good People

Posted on by Olivia Rush

Hands down, the best part of my job are my CLIENTS.

I am a lucky, lucky realtor. I’ve had the opportunity to help many friends with their real estate transactions. These transactions are so special to me, because I can be my full self. And when I am fully at ease, it doesn’t feel like work.

Linda and Jason recently moved back to Portland after about eight years in LA. During that time, they both grew their careers and birthed two spirited daughters. The last time I had seen Linda and Jason was at their wedding in her parents’ backyard in Milwaukie in 2012. (Not gonna lie, the first time I saw them, meeting them at a house in SE Portland, I actually shed a nostalgic tear.)

Linda and Jason are the type of people you say, “They are literally the kindest people ever!” about. It’s not hyperbole. These two are some of the sweetest souls I’ve ever met. They’ve been racking up good karma since birth. So when they beat out 13 other offers on their first offer, it somehow made sense.

Made sense, but that didn’t make it any less sweet. That phone call was one of the highlights of my career. I can still hear the whoops of delight and shrieks of disbelief.

From that point forward, it felt like the rest of the transaction fell into place. We negotiated a credit for some minor repairs and cleared the appraisal with ease. Closing went off without a hitch and Linda and Jason get keys in a few weeks (a 20 day rent-back was one of the attractive terms of their offer).

In this brutal Sellers’ market, good things happening for good people is a cause for major celebration. I’m looking forward to joining them in the next round of hootin’ and hollering’ on key day! Huzzah!

Closed on Cottonwood!

Posted on by Olivia Rush

Congratulations to Chris and Anna on the successful purchase of their new home in Milwaukie! It has been a pleasure working with these two first-time homebuyers. I am so proud of their cool, calm, collected approach to what can be a frazzling market. Below are a few takeaways from our transaction that all buyers can benefit from:

  • TEAM: Chris and Anna did their homework. They talked to friends and family and knew they’d need to build a strong team to help guide them through the process. They had extensive conversations with both me and their lender prior to actively looking at homes. Once it was game time, all team members were on the same page and chomping at the bit. Their lender’s availability over the weekend and communication with the listing agent played a huge role in helping their offer get accepted.
  • TERMS: Chris and Anna beat out 4 other buyers, even though their offer was not the highest in price. They included creative verbiage around repairs and appraisal (but didn’t have to fully waive either). Additionally, Chris and Anna offered the Sellers flexibility in the form of a free rent-back period. To show seriousness and round out the offer, Chris and Anna agreed to order the appraisal right away. It is typically not one term, but a collection of terms, that makes a buyer’s offer stand out above the rest.
  • TRUST: Chris and Anna understood that they were up against stiff competition in this market, and experienced two heartbreaks before having their offer accepted. They were eager to reflect upon and learn from their experiences, and trusted me to give them honest feedback and perspective. This foundation of trust carried us all the way through the transaction and helped make the inevitable bumpy parts less jarring.
  • TRY: The inspections turned up some significant repairs and deferred maintenance. Rather than throw the towel in, Anna and Chris trusted the process. We worked diligently to get multiple bids for each item and outlined our ask using logic, reason, and numbers. Though there was a backup offer, our due diligence paid off. The Sellers agreed to a concession totaling, roughly $20K in concessions!
  • TEXTS: I often use the roller coaster analogy to describe the home-buying process. Through the ups and downs, it was our hilarious text thread – filled with Chris’ dad jokes and ridiculous GIFs – that kept us grounded and allowed us to check in on the daily. I can’t stress enough how much having a sense of humor can make the home-buying process a bit less nerve-wracking.

Keys will come in a month or so, but we can certainly drink to Chris and Anna’s success now. CHEERS to the new homeowners!

Just Listed! Marvelous Modern Living in Milwaukie

Posted on by Living Room Realty

This light-filled ranch-style property automatically feels like home. Sitting on a gorgeous private lot, there are so many things to love about this space. It was completely renovated in 2018, and now boasts new quartz counters, new windows and doors, and a beautiful gas fireplace. Three bedrooms and two baths round out the open floor plan. The kitchen and dining areas feature modern details, and are a perfect refuge for a home cook. A huge, fenced backyard with a flagstone patio (built in Summer 2020) makes a perfect outdoor entertaining space. The whole house overall evokes a marvelous feeling of harmony. Oversized two-car garage with high ceilings allows for ample storage and parking. Close proximity to schools, grocery, highways, and shopping. Come see this bit of magic in Milwaukie today!

Multi-Generational Living with a Pool!

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Vanessa and I met when we were mere ‘babies’ while working in the restaurant industry circa 1998–I really wish I could find pictures!  Over the years we have remained close friends. And I was so thrilled when she contacted me to help her and her new husband to find a house! 

Vanessa and Dan have always been close-in SE Portland people. Location was #1 on their list; and #2 was an opportunity for multi-generational living so Vanessa’s dad could eventually move in with them. Dan was the most stern about location. He did NOT want to go above 60th, North of Burnside or South of Sellwood and it had to be walking distance to a bar, a store and a decent restaurant. We saw a ton of homes but none of them seemed to quite fit the bill, were just outside of their desired area or they were out of budget. 

To my surprise it was Dan that sent me the listing to this house and was excited to go see it. “But, Dan? It’s in Milwaukie!” I said. But he was charmed by the ample amount of space, the pool and the built-in bar. Talk about having a bar within walking distance! Vanessa was charmed by the absolutely incredible plants in the sunroom giving this house so much light and unique interest. 

The beautiful Monsterra in their sunroom has been there for decades.

 

Vanessa and Dan have run into some hard times over the last few years dealing with tragedy and heartbreak. They had gotten engaged before the pandemic and decided that they still wanted to get married despite it all. They had a small and beautiful family ceremony in upstate New York in October. All of their difficult experiences have led them to the conclusion that this moment is all you have and you have to go for what you want. I’m so proud of them and honored to call them friends.

One of the main reasons I got into this business was to help people follow their dreams. Vanessa and Dan can now start building wealth and a future for their family and more importantly a home for their entire family… and a place where I can go swimming in the summer! Congratulations friends! You did it.

 

NEVER SAY NEVER

Posted on by Katie Merritt

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.

Finding The Elusive Unicorn In Record Low Inventory

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Eva and Ben are a young newlywed couple looking for their first home. When I first met them we hit it off right away. They were eager but they needed guidance. I knew I could help them find their first home where they could build their lives. They asked to see a home right down the street from their current rental. They already loved their neighborhood in Milwaukie and the move, should they get the home, would be a cinch!

Because they were just starting out in their journey, I hooked them up with my favorite mortgage banker at OnPoint, and as a result they received their approval in a matter of days! Sadly, the house that we had seen in their neighborhood that they loved had gone pending. This market is FAST, y’all! I sent them other listings for a few weeks but they just couldn’t get that first home out of their minds. Then, out of what seemed like kismet the house came back on the market! They quickly called me to go see it again. That was it. The second look just confirmed that they loved the home, the location and the layout. They wanted to make an offer.

Now, this rarely happens that the first and only home a client sees is the one that they make an offer on and it is accepted right away, especially during this tough market for buyers. But this was the unicorn agents and buyers are always looking for! Offer accepted! As first time home buyers, I made sure to walk with them every step of the way. Thanks to their perseverance, quick decision making and hiring themselves an agent that goes the extra mile they finally have a place they can start their lives as a married couple after saving for so long! Congrats to my wonderful clients!

First time home buyer? I’m here for you! Contact me 503.267.0923 or savanna@livingroomre.com

 

Leap and the Net Will Appear…in Milwaukie!

Posted on by Living Room Realty

While living in Oakland, Jenny and Ian decided they wanted to be closer to family in Portland. They were so committed to the move, the couple began touring homes on FaceTime in August, and their daughter even started high school virtually in SE portland.

The fast work paid off and the family found a home fairly quickly. They completed most of the closing process from Oakland, only to find out the house had updates that were not permitted and could no longer be sold! But with their bags fully packed, and not ready to give up, they found an Airbnb in Happy Valley and we returned to the search.

As fate would have it, the day they moved into that Airbnb, they found their ideal home. This time, right down the street from friends and close to their daughter’s new school. The closing process went smoothly, and they were even able to close early. Congratulations on your new home, Jenny and Ian!

Let me know how I can help with your home buying adventure!

 

First Time Buyer + Pandemic = No Problem

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Buying your first home is never easy. When Travis approached me earlier this year he had plenty of questions, wanted to see several homes, and was also in no rush to purchase. He was happy to wait for the perfect home at the perfect time. Then a global pandemic shut down most aspects of society and his anticipated wait suddenly got a lot longer. However, with patience and guidance Travis was able to find a quintessential 1940s home in Milwaukie- close to both his work and family. 

 

The rules and regulations may have gotten stricter but the fundamentals of a transaction remain the same. Together, we had a smooth and issue-free process culminating with a closing date just in time for warming weather and a summer spent in the private oasis of his new home. 

Sunny Mid-Century Ranch $359,000

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

I’m loving this well cared for, sunny mid-century ranch with so many updates. New roof, double pane windows, furnace, water heater, and interior & exterior paint. The kitchen is the center of the house with charming, solid original cabinets and eat in nook. Two sliding glass doors provide loads of light, and access to the large, fully fenced backyard with mature trees and patio ready for summer BBQ’s. Hardwood floors through out the living, dining and bedrooms & newer carpet in the family room. Sitting on a quiet cul-de-sac street, ready to call home.

Backyard Mid-century Milwaukie house

3 bed | 2 bath | 1503 sq. ft.
MLS# 20141472 | Taxes: $3244 | Lot Size: .16 Acre

Looking for something like this in the Portland/Milwaukie area? Give me a call.

Blissful Bungalow Hideaway

Posted on by Living Room Realty

5112 SE Britton Ave

Milwaukie, OR 97267

Adorable, retreat like Bungalow! This sweet home is move in ready and just in time for the holidays. Bask in the light filled living room or cozy up to the fire on a chilly autumn night. Located just off river road in Milwaukie, features include beautiful hardwood floors, gas fireplace, updated kitchen, and large bonus family room with French doors that open to private backyard oasis. This home has it all!

OFFERED AT $319,000

2 BEDROOM | 1 BATH | 1,020 SQFT


 

.

 

Playing Fairy Godmother

Posted on by Bonnie Roseman

Once upon a time…

In the metropolis of Portland, Oregon, two delightful newlyweds were seeking a mid-century modern home to share with their canine babies. We searched high and low and there were many twists and turns on the journey. This would be their first home of their own and the budget was limited and the challenges were great. The available properties were too far away for comfort, so as frustration and disappointment loomed, I made a suggestion.

“Go one step at a time,” I said, and “consider buying a stepping stone home.” “What?! People do that?” they replied. “Why yes…” I explained, suggesting they find the best fit for their current lifestyles and budget.

A starting place

So, instead of going for sprawling, they went vertical and took their 2007 skinny to its highest potential, infusing it with quality touches throughout. They made bold choices: eye-dazzling teal trim, midnight walls in the bedroom for the ultimate sleeping environment and they added high style with Rejuvenation lighting and hardware.

Last week Bryan and Justin said goodbye to that first home and hello to their forever home! Patience paid off and they now get to bring their special brand of design magic to an exceptional mid-century modern home in the hot hamlet of Milwaukie, just beyond Portland’s southern border, in the Oatfield area.

The flyer for their first home in the Roseway neighborhood in NE Portland

Without a hitch

The magic key to the new castle

The stars aligned and it was easy to help make their wishes come true this time around. Bryan and Justin had their eye on their dream home before the official first day on the market of their current home, but they didn’t want to risk a contingent situation, so they waited. The wait was just 5 days! They accepted a full price offer on their place and immediately got their offer accepted on their mid-century dream home, tucked into a magically treed lot on Kingston Rd. – perfect for #TheTwoKings, as they are known!

 

I eagerly await the transformation Bryan and Justin will bring to bear on their wondrous new home, where the #TwoKings shall live happily ever after…

Happily Ever After in a Milwaukie Mid-Century

Posted on by Alyssa Isenstein Krueger

I met Rachel and Rubin this past March. They had a matched savings account, an IDA (individual development account,) from Portland Housing Center and they were ready to buy a house. To say these two are delightful is an understatement- they are DELIGHTFUL and it’s people like these two that make my job so much fun. They are both from Portland and have lots of family in the area and knew they wanted to live near at least some of their family. They honed in on Milwaukie and SE Portland, and we set off looking at houses.

They were definitely attracted to vintage homes- mid-centuries and bungalows and it wasn’t long before we found a house that they really liked- just east of 82nd. A darling bungalow that oozed with charm, and even more importantly to Rubin, with a yard and garden to write home about. There were a couple of things about the house that weren’t perfect for them- the bedrooms were small and the location wasn’t ideal for them, but they loved the house enough to compromise on those issues. They are very budget conscious and knew they didn’t want to spend a dollar more than $400k, so they wrote an offer at a  number they felt comfortable with. Another buyer wrote higher, and Rachel and Rubin got back-up position. At that time, they were disappointed they didn’t get the house, but were certainly not distraught. We picked up from there and kept looking at houses. A couple of weeks after they got back-up, I received a call from the listing agent letting me know that the first position buyers had backed out and did my buyers still want the house? I got in touch with them and gave them the good news, and their answer was an immediate yes. They moved into first position, and timelines were started. The next day we went back to the house just to make sure they still loved it, and while at the house, they felt the love again. But later that evening, the doubts began to creep in. Whenever a buyer expresses doubt about a house, I take that as a strong signal that this probably isn’t the right house for them, and the sooner they can back-out, the better for everyone. Calling listing agents to let them know my buyers are backing out is never pleasant for me, but I knew Rachel and Rubin were making the right decision. Thankfully that cute little house was back in contract within the week.

Right after they backed out of the sweet bungalow, we found another house in SE that was also charming but the biggest wow factor was that the house had a HUGE yard- something that was really important to them. The kitchen wasn’t great, but the yard was so nice that they felt that they could always remodel the kitchen at a later date. They wrote on that house, but so did a bunch of other buyers, and they lost out on that house. Again, they were disappointed, but certainly not crushed. Shortly after that experience, they decided that they wanted to take a break from house shopping for the summer- Rachel was going to take some intense courses towards becoming an accountant, and Rubin was hopefully looking at a job promotion, and they figured after the summer was over, they would be ready to resume the search. Sure enough, on the last day of August, they got in touch with me to let me know they were ready to house hunt again.

They had a short list of houses they wanted to see, so that week we went and saw a few more houses. And that’s when they found the ONE. A mid-century in the Ardenwald neighborhood in Milwaukie with a fireplace, 3 good sized bedrooms, an open kitchen, hard-wood floors and a double lot. And the house was listed nearly $35k below the other houses they had written offers on. And like the other houses they had written on, this house was also a hottie. But this time I could tell that if they didn’t get the house, they would be majorly disappointed- this house was perfect in every way for them. We wrote an offer that night, and within a couple of days, the house received 3 more offers. I had expressed how much Rachel and Rubin loved the house, and let the listing agent know to let me know if other offers came in, because Rachel and Rubin were more than willing to revise their offer upwards to get the house. Thankfully the listing agent was terrific, kept me in the loop, and with her sellers permission, told me they were fine with an escalation clause. We wrote up an addendum revising the offer, included an escalation clause, and boom, that did the trick. Interestingly, the house was listed at $360k, and even with 4 offers including our escalation, it only went for $9,500 over list. Because Rachel and Rubin are so delightful, the whole transaction was smooth with happy buyers and happy sellers in the end. The sellers are taking 2 weeks after closing to move out, and really all Rachel wanted was to be in the house by Halloween, and three days before Halloween I’ll be meeting them at the house to hand over the keys.

Is this Lake Tahoe? Nope, its Milwaukie!

Posted on by Julia Robertson

Is this Lake Tahoe? Nope, its Milwaukie! You’d be surprised how similar the feeling is driving up to this 1920’s A-frame bungalow in Oak Grove. As you’re driving down the street you catch a glimpse of the Willamette River and feel the crisp air, surrounded by mature evergreens. This craftsman style bungalow has a huge covered porch, carefully crafted rock chimney, and southwest facing deck for a day full of sun. The best part of this house is that the primary living area is on one level. One level living and a bay window seat for the kittens to sun bathe. The plan was to find land to build and she found house plans for a bungalow she loved- but sometimes the stars align and a home with all the right things comes into sight. Instead of starting from scratch, you can find good bones and make it your own. You can feel it when it’s the right move. She has a love for vintage homes and many ideas for this great house. I can’t wait to see it come together!

Congratulations Iris! It is THE BEST to see a friend so excited about finding the right home. I am grateful to have been part of this adventure with you. Enjoy your coffee on your very own covered porch:-) Cheers! #lovewhereyoulive

JULIA ROBERTSON | Broker Licensed in Oregon & Washington

541-505-1111 | julia@rebyjulia.com

Awesome Ardenwald Farmhouse

Posted on by Alyssa Isenstein Krueger

The very best call a real estate broker can receive is a call from a buyer where they let you know they were referred to you and want to work with you and they already found a house they want to write an offer on. In real life though, it’s never quite as easy as that sounds. When my buyer Brittney called me in late April she and her family had fallen in love with a house in Brentwood Darlington they just saw at an open house and they wanted to put an offer in, but she didn’t have a broker yet. Thankfully I was available and I high tailed it over to the house to see for myself, and then right afterwards met with Brittney and her partner at a coffee shop to discuss.

Later that evening we wrote up the offer and submitted it. Since nothing is quite this easy, the offer was sadly rejected. But it wasn’t all sad news because just a couple of weeks later, Brittney and her family found a sweet farmhouse in the Ardenwald neighborhood of Milwaukie that was overall a better fit plus it has a gigantic park-like yard. And thankfully this time her offer was accepted. Inspections went smoothly and with a great lender, we closed on time. Congratulations Brittney!

Focused Friends Finding Milwaukie

Posted on by Andy Meeks

My friends and clients Jessie and Ruth just bought a house, and I’m honored to have helped them through the process. They are so focused, detail-oriented, and on-point that it made the transaction smooth, steady and fun. It all went so well that we were even able to close three days ahead of our thirty-day schedule. That’s a 10% time savings – and that’s pretty fast!

Jessie and I first met when she moved here more than seven years ago when she reached out to me for career networking advice as a fellow alum of Colby College. We quickly struck up a friendship and shared similar work experiences connecting people to environmental non-profit work here in Portland. I quickly learned that Jessie is an intentional, loyal, and kind person that does everything with maximum effort and passion. No goal was too big for her, and she consistently exceeded even her own lofty expectations. We stayed in touch through work and life changes, and I count her among one of my close Portland friends. Fast-forward a few years to when she introduced me to her partner Ruth, an art director who is warm, generous, and detail-oriented, with great vision and imagination and is always asking smart questions. Needless to say, Jessie and Ruth complement each other really well and make a great team.

So I was especially excited when they asked me earlier this year to be their real estate broker to help them buy their very first house. We met in early April to discuss goals, needs, timelines, and geography. Lucky for me, Jessie was already far ahead of most first-time homebuyers as she had attended classes organized by the Portland Housing Center, and had participated in a matching savings program that ended up paying for a significant chunk of their closing costs.

Jessie and Ruth have been living in southeast Portland for a few years, and were hoping to stay in that area, especially since it would be a good place from which both of them could commute to work. (Jessie works in Lake Oswego and Ruth works in downtown Portland.) But they explained to me how they realized that they didn’t need to live right in the heart of a classic, walkable, Portland neighborhood — and pay the premium property prices those neighborhoods can command — nor did they want to compromise on size, space, condition or quality. I’m hearing this sentiment quite often from smart, forward-thinking homebuyers who are tired of the Portland prices, limited inventory and frenzied bidding situations. Those folks are increasingly finding their way just a few miles south to the relatively calmer, quieter and less expensive — but no less charming — neighborhoods of Milwaukie.

Milwaukie boasts a desirable blend of affordability, accessibility, quality housing stock, and more spacious and quiet neighborhoods. Because of these qualities, Milwaukie has been, and continues to be, one of the hottest areas of the Portland metro region for home sales…average days on market are nearly 15-20% lower in Milwaukie than other neighborhoods/zip codes in SE or NE Portland. The Orange MAX line makes it easy to commute into the city, and there are lots of hidden and not–so–hidden gems that make this city a great alternative home base.

Well, after just one afternoon of looking at houses together (they had seen everything online, and attended lots of open houses together) they were ready to make an offer on an adorable 2 bed/1 bath bungalow in Milwaukie, with a sizable backyard/patio and large detached garage, just blocks from the historic downtown district. It was everything they were hoping for! We wrote an offer the next morning, and we promised a short inspection period and quick close. The offer was accepted that day, ahead of a scheduled open house the next day. We worked through some significant repair negotiations and received some sizable seller concessions, and closing day was here before we knew it.

They’ve been an amazing team, and all of the qualities I’ve briefly mentioned came into play to make this dream a reality. Congrats to Jessie and Ruth on their transaction, as well as to the City of Milwaukie for adding two super cool people to your ranks!

—

ANDY MEEKS
Living Room Realty

Licensed Oregon Broker  | Earth Advantage REALTOR®
andy@livingroomre.com | 971.400.0195 | PDX

My Zillow Reviews

Your referrals are at the heart of my business,
and always greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Location, Location, Location!

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

Location, location, location! They say, that’s the first rule of real estate. We say, you can always change you house but you can’t change where it sits. After a long search for the right house in the perfect spot, this fine family found just what their hearts desired. How great to be right in the center of town, a quick stroll from the farmer’s market and the river. Plus, who could argue with being just a block away from school. Did we even mention how special the house is? Move in ready, enough room for everyone and beautiful updates – the perfect set up for many happy years right where they want to be.

 

About Us:

Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 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.

Gypsy Caravan Finds A Home!

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Wow, my clients came to me with the wonderful job of finding a home for them to share with “GYPSY.” Their list of requirements was somewhat unusual…

“GYPSY needs a big secluded yard with large shade trees, lots of rhododendron, peonies, a fish pond with a swing and room for a POOL for her people. She spends all day and night relaxing in the garden visiting with her friends, the trees, the flowers, her puppies and fish. Gypsy also stays very busy keeping herself tidy at all times just in case her friends or puppies decide to visit, nap, or even come for a glass of wine and stay overnight. Also, it would be nice if there was a lovely Mid-Century home where her people, two amazing chefs, could live, cook, and visit Gypsy often!”

Milwaukie delivered just in time for SPRING!

Gypsy as already invited me for a visit!

YAY!!!

Just Listed: Charming and Convenient One Level Living in Milwaukie

Posted on by Living Room Realty

5813 SE SKYHIGH CT,

MILWAUKIE, OR 97267

Sunny spacious one level home in a very desirable Milwaukie neighborhood. This beautiful house stays cozy in the winter with 2 fireplaces and comfortable in the summer with a large enclosed sun porch, covered patio, and A/C. Enjoy dinners outside on the large deck and take in the mature landscaping throughout the exterior living spaces. Close to shopping, parks and the new orange MAX line, this delightful home has it all!

OFFERED AT $379,900

3 BEDROOM | 2 BATH | 1,568 SQFT
MLS#19157686 | TAXES: $3,710

 

Mid-Century Time Capsule

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

Happy Buyers in their new kitchenTalk about magical alignment! These two fine folks accepted and offer and had an offer accepted in the same day! Completely worried that their Portland house wouldn’t sell, kismet stepped in! Not only was the buyer of their former home thrilled as punch, but now they get to live in a mid-century time capsule, on a large lot, at the end of a darling cul-de-sac in Milwaukie…are you swooning yet?

About Us:
Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 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.

Looking for Love!

Posted on by Shannon Dooley

Some might say I’m a little rough on the eyes but I’m strong on the inside and have a lot to offer. Bring your contractor or tools and help me with my makeover, I have some lovely features that need to be brought out! Often I dream of refinished floors, fresh paint and beautiful tile? You too?!? This might be the perfect match! I have a new roof so I can keep you dry and when we’re all done with the makeover I look forward to welcoming you like a big warm hug at the end of the cold winter days.

I share a beautiful lot with mature evergreen trees and am close to parks and schools. I don’t mean to be provocative when I say I’m easy to get to, but really I am. I’m only 8 minutes from downtown Sellwood and only 5 minutes from downtown Milwaukie!

What do you think? Could we be a match?

 

Finding Their First Nest On Robin Road

Posted on by Andy Meeks

As far as proverbial phrases go, they say ‘the early bird gets the worm,’ but for this house on Robin Road in Milwaukie, it’s also a bit of ‘the third time’s a charm.’ If we mix these phrases together, well — the third birds get the worm. And those birds in this case are my clients Erik and Samantha – a determined and savvy young couple on the hunt for their first nest.

I met with them in the early fall, in the aftermath of a transaction gone sideways with another home and another agent. They needed a fresh start, and they knew exactly what they were looking for; specifically, a two-car garage, room to park a boat someday, never a split-level home, mid-century through late-90s, somewhere in Milwaukie or Oak Grove, clear communication and transparency from me, and a strong sense of understanding their rights within the overall process. Not a bad wish list, and I was certain we could make it happen.

Erik works as a financial auditor and Samantha as a mortgage industry professional. I couldn’t have asked for two more appropriately skilled clients to have as partners in this transaction. Firm and clear goals, detail-oriented, strong advocates and solid negotiators, but also flexible, kind and understanding, as well. That’s a great combination to possess in a home-buying transaction.

I had seen this sweet house on Robin Road over the summer for some other clients who never ended up touring the home. Even then, I was a little in love with the place – a sun-drenched and large mid-century modern perched on a small hill — with views to the west hills of Portland – and I really wanted to get inside to check it out. It had been under contract twice since April, with nearly $50,000 in price reductions, yet it remained on the market into late October.

Turns out that it was the second-to-last-house Erik, Samantha and I saw on our one day of touring together. I was already feeling good about the place, and for me it was love at first sight. I think Erik and Samantha felt the same, even though it was more house than they were expecting. But it really is the perfect house to grow into, with four beds, three full baths and 2800sf — with a massive, daylit basement kitted out with second kitchen potential. It also has the requisite boat parking, a two-car garage, and it definitely wasn’t a split level.

We returned the next day for a second visit with their parents, and learned the best part of this whole story: Erik’s dad grew up just two blocks away and attended View Acres Elementary just down the street. AND, they even have family friends that used to own this very house! Too many coincidences and good omens…it was a done deal, and we made the offer the following day.

In the end, we were able to negotiate a sales price less than the listing price, as well as obtained a new tear-off roof, a new radon mitigation system, and closing cost credit concessions from the sellers. There are so many things I love about this house, and I’ve enjoyed every visit over the past 30 days. Erik and Samantha are the perfect ones to buy this home, care for it for years to come, and continue the family history in the neighborhood. It’s been so great working with them through the process, and I can’t wait to hand them the keys to their first nest later today!