Multiple offer situations returning to the market.
Seller motivation returning to the Portland Real Estate Market.
New predictions for interest rates.
If you are wanting to talk more about your 2024 home selling or home buying plans I am here for you. While this market is seeing higher activity overall, different areas/price points/types of homes have their own unique micro markets, so it’s critical that we talk one on one about what you can expect based on your own needs.
You can find my contact information below. I look forward to talking with you!
Buying a home in a competitive sellers market can seem intimidating. But with a good deal of preparation, education and the right real estate team to support you, you can be highly successful.
Here are 4 things you should do prior to shopping for homes:
⚫️ Meet with a lender ASAP.
Having an initial conversation with a lender about where you are financially, where you need to go and how to get there will save you so much time and headaches.
If you don’t have a go to lender, your realtor (aka me 🙋🏼♀️) can send you a few recommendations.
⚫️ Get really clear on your home wants and communicate them to who ever you may be buying with and with your real estate team.
This will also save you so much time as there is no sense in us looking at homes without a fireplace if a fireplace is a necessity to you.
⚫️ If you are starting the home buying process but don’t plan to buy for a while, look into opening a high yield savings account and put your downpayment funds and other expenses for the purchase in it.
That way you will have a specific place for saving up for your home purchase AND you will make great interest on the money adding to your funds to purchase.
⚫️ Connect with a realtor as soon as possible.
Even if you don’t plan to purchase a home for some time, the earlier you meet with a realtor the more time they have to educate you on the process.
I just met with a couple last week who don’t plan to buy till 2025 this had me excited as we have so much time to talk about the ins and outs of the home buying process, research the types of homes that could best meet there needs, and we can watch the market trends so they are clued into how homes in their area of interest are performing in the market.
If you are wanting to co-create your winning home buying strategy I am here for you. You can find my contact info below. I look forward to talking with you!
Spring isn’t on its way… it is fully here. At least within the world of real estate.
New listings went up by a whopping 89% last month.
With pending sales trailing behind with an increase of 14%.
Sold home activity decreased by 15%. Though that is more exemplarily of the market we are coming out of as sold home data, by its nature, always lags.
We did see home inventory go up to 3.2 months which is great news for home buyers who have been waiting to see more options hit the market!
Here is what I am seeing in the market and hearing from other realtors:
It’s HOT out here.
One realtor in my office mentioned a listing her clients wrote an offer on that got 7 offers and she estimates that the home went pending at at least $50,000 over asking.
Another realtor mentioned 30+ parties coming through her listing.
Not every listing is getting this level of activity but it does show that we are heading in the right direction towards a hot market.
Here’s how you can make the most out of this new market as a future home seller:
Price is going to be key.
As the market heats up, it will be tempting to list your home at your ideal dream price. But while things are getting competitive on the buyer side, not every listing is getting intense action.
It is really key that we price your home at a price that works for you, but also entice buyers and gets the most amount of people through your door.
We want your house to be the one that gets 30+ showings.
We will also implement a high-level strategy for marketing (this is where I come in) and a strategy to properly prep your home so it shines.
Here is how you can be successful as a buyer in this new market:
Preparation, education, and strategy will be key.
If you are reading this email you are already doing great when it comes to the preparation and education portion.
Having a high level of knowledge about market trends will be extremely helpful.
And the same thing goes when it comes to preparation. Getting your finances in order with a lender before shopping will be needed in this fast-paced market.
And then strategy. As we enter a market where you may write an offer on multiple homes before getting an accepted offer, it’s important that we set expectations of this new market reality and that we are being super strategic about what homes we look at and how we write our offers.
If you want to talk more about your 2024 home buying or selling plans I am here for you. While this market is seeing higher activity overall, different areas/price points/style of homes have their own unique submarkets, so it’s important that we talk one-on-one about what you can expect based on your own needs.
Contact me below and let’s co-create your custom home buying and or selling strategy.
Stunning Fox Hill home on a fantastic cul-de-sac. Freshly painted interior – light & bright!
Additional updates include refinished hardwood floors, updated bathrooms & laundry room, 50 year roof and finished attic space for extra storage.
The kitchen is remodeled with updated cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, a gas cook top and plenty of storage. Just beyond is the oversized family room with gas fireplace & room to relax.
A nook sits just in between – a perfect spot for casual meals with a slider to the patio.
The formal living room features a wood burning fireplace & large windows beaming with natural light. Next to it, the dining room is a wonderful place for hosting guests.
Upstairs are four bedrooms plus a bonus room/den. The spacious owner’s suite features vaulted ceilings & french doors. A well appointed en-suite bath has double sinks, tiled shower & a free standing tub.
The yard is fully fenced & easy to maintain. There’s a patio for entertaining and level grass space for pets and play!
Location can’t be beat with easy access to I-5, I-205, West Linn/Wilsonville Schools & tons of amenities. The neighborhood has a pathway along the Tualatin River that connects to Brown’s Ferry Park!
My clients loved their California home for decades, they made a lifetime of memories there. They enjoyed amazing friends and neighbors, being close to the beach, and weather that many people just dream about. Their kids were grown, living in Portland, which gave them every opportunity to visit their second favorite city often. There had been talk of a small vacation home in Portland, but they never imagined they would leave their home. Fourteen months ago everything changed. The pandemic caused a lot of people to reevaluate their priorities and for my clients the importance of being geographically close to their kids was clear.
We spent a lot of time touring homes in search of just the right place. When moving to a new city it can take some time to figure out the right neighborhoods and architectural styles to suit you – so we explored. After narrowing down their ideal neighborhoods and really solidifying what they needed in a home we started making offers. It took a couple of times in this fierce market, but when we found their new home we got competitive and it felt like the stars had aligned. Their son and daughter in-law had lived near this home when they first moved to Portland and affectionately called this “the banjo lady house,” because one of the owners was often out front playing her banjo on the porch when they would walk by.
As we moved through our transaction we learned that the sellers and my buyers had a very similar story. Both were leaving their long time homes to be closer to family. Both were artistic and musical, “old hippies,” as they described themselves. Everything about this transition felt right. Soon this home will be the, “flute guy house,” and I just can’t wait to hear the music float through the neighborhood!
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.
Maggie and Craig originally started their home search in early spring. The Covid-19 pandemic shut-down in late March put the brakes on their search. They simply weren’t interested in making a big purchase decision in such uncertain times.
Fast forward to late October and they were ready to restart their search with a strategic approach. After narrowing their locations by selecting a short list of elementary schools in the Portland area, Maggie and Craig prioritized homes that were bikeable to a MAX line and to downtown hospitals for Maggie’s work. They are a one-car family and they wanted to stay that way!
Before touring any home in person we prescreened homes with drive-bys, video tours, aerial map views, street-views, and floor plan drawings. We checked house history on portlandmaps.com and reviewed old listings for extra clues to the interior of homes.
Even as the pandemic continues to have a huge impact on our world, home buyers need to be ready to move fast and make quick, confident decisions in this fast-moving market. Homes are going pending in days. Multiple offer situations are common. And interest rates are fabulously low.
Despite the low inventory of homes for sale during this pandemic, this family found the perfect home. It’s a beautiful 100+ year old charmer with high-ceilings, beautiful woodwork, and a covered porch. The home has been well-cared for and the yard has great entertaining space, a picket fence, and climbing trees. It’s just 3 blocks from beautiful Westmoreland Park, it’s right on the bike route, and is walking distance to a MAX station. Coincidentally, it’s only 2 doors away from where they live now.
The Portland market continues to thrive, despite everything else 2020 has brought us. With only 1.1 months of inventory at the end of September, the market remains strong for sellers. For buyers, the competition is fierce as ever. Here is a quick snapshot of how things are looking versus last month & last year:
2020 has brought so much change to our communities. While the real estate market has thrived, buyers and sellers make decisions in a different way. New trends are popping up as we re-evaluate how and where we want to live. Here are the top 3 trends we are noticing in the Portland market.
1. “We need more space!”
A few weeks into lock down this March, I received a call from a buyer who simply needed a home NOW. They had downsized a few years earlier and were doing fine in their small condo, until COVID hit. With the extra time spent at home, a growing daughter and the need to work from home – it was time for them to purchase a house again. I have heard this anecdote over and over this year. Buyers recognize the need for extra home office space, a garage to work out in, and maybe a she-shed for some personal space away from the family. Many people don’t plan on going back to work in an office for quite some time. With interest rates being so favorable, we are seeing more first time home buyers joining the market as well.
We are also seeing a growing number of buyers searching for homes with a mother-in-law suite. This trend isn’t brand new, especially with the popularity of ADUs in Portland. However, the onset of COVID-19 has increased the need for families to be under the same roof. Many families with elderly parents feel that caring for their loved ones in their own home is safer. Others have noted that they need extra help with the kids while working from home. These homes are in high demand right now and they are not easy to find!
2. “We want LAND.”
For the last five years my businesses has primarily been focused on Portland and the close in suburbs of Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tigard, Tualatin and Beaverton. This year the number of buyers who have contacted me wanting land has increased substantially. I have buyers are looking for properties with 1-5 acres from Wilsonville to Damascus. A popular anecdote is, “if we are going to be stuck at home, we need room to roam.” Buyers are also looking for property with a separate shop and a view of Mt. Hood. Not surprisingly, home prices in these areas are up between 5-12% over last year.
3. “We are moving to Idaho!”
Raise your hand if you have heard someone say, “I’m moving to Idaho.” As your hands go up, so will mine. I have heard this from multiple people over the last few months. While Oregon isn’t seeing a mass exodus of people fleeing the state, we are experiencing some movement. And according Business Insider, “Idaho had the largest net gain, where 194% more people moved into the state than out during the pandemic.” Oregon ranked number 7 on the list, where only 2% more people moved into the state than out during the pandemic.
Our friends and clients say they are attracted to the lower cost of living and the beauty of the state. The pace is slower yet there are plenty of outdoor activities. Our next door neighbor purchased a small home in Boise this summer. They have it set up as an Airbnb and plan to retire there eventually. Another client sold one of her rentals in Beaverton and will purchase an investment property in Idaho this fall.
If you or someone you know is in the market for more space, room to roam or a move out of state – contact me today!
Sometimes you want to be out of the city, but not out of a city. Molalla is a great community for people who want a little less hustle and bustle but still enjoy their creature comforts. This completely refreshed Bungalow is move in ready and perfect for a first time homebuyer or someone looking to downsize. Enjoy peace of mind with updates including a new electrical panel and electrical updates, new siding, new gutters, new garage door, new vinyl windows, new kitchen with butcher block counters, updated bathroom, refinished oak hardwood floors, new doors and trim, and fresh paint. There is also an attached single car garage with laundry hookups and ample driveway space. Close to coffee, restaurants, and everything else the city has to offer.
Soaring ceilings, gorgeous wood floors, high-end millwork & updates throughout the home.
The kitchen features fresh white cabinetry, stainless appliances, a large island, breakfast nook with built in bench seat & ample storage. The entire main floor is open and spacious – it lives so large!
The beautiful owner’s suite has park views and an updated bath, plus a large walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms each have én suite bath. The large bonus room upstairs is the perfect place for relaxing. An office on the main is ready for your work from home needs.
Step outside to the covered patio & private, lush yard. A pergola sits atop a paver patio making a wonderful conversation space after dinner. The 3 car garage has plenty of storage & a newly built loft area.
This is the West Linn home you have been waiting for!
A few months ago, an amazing local lender referred me to a couple searching for their first home. This lender and I have rocked a number of amazing transactions together, and I always adore the clients she connects me with. Mark and Julie were no exception. From the moment we met, I felt an absolute bond. They were funny, full of spirit, and had a strong idea of exactly what they were hoping for in their first home. We hit it off like fireworks.
Each day we spent together looking at houses was full of laughter and lots of Starbucks coffee. Julie loves Starbucks. After a few months, we found a gorgeous 3 bedroom ranch with a lovely backyard for their dogs and a beautiful new kitchen, complete with her request for a large window over the sink.
The one aspect of the place that Julie didn’t care for – the roses all along the front walk. “We’re gonna tear these out and you can have them Jené.” Julie said on her closing day.
I looked at her in disbelief. ” You don’t want these roses?!”
“They’re yours!” She exclaimed.
I couldn’t be more excited. As the weeks had gone on, I had become quite fond of our visits together and realized I was really going to miss seeing Mark and Julie regularly. While I know I will have the delight of going to visit them at their new place, it won’t be the same as our house hunting outings. Having the roses from their new yard come to stay and flourish in my garden will feel like bringing a lil part of Julie home with me. I can’t wait for their first bloom so I can bring her a bouquet of Portland’s local pride.
Congratulations Julie and Mark! It truly means so much to me to have had the honor of meeting you, building community with you, and helping you find your gorgeous home!
This gorgeous Metzger home has an 0pen floor plan with engineered hardwoods throughout the main floor. The kitchen features a granite island with breakfast bar, stainless appliances, gas range and a pantry. A separate dining area leading to the patio is just beyond the kitchen.
Upstairs, the vaulted owner’s suite features a reclaimed wood accent wall, ceiling fan, large walk-in closet & en suite bath with dual sinks. Two additional bedrooms are light and bright with standard closets. The laundry area has built-in cabinetry and a hanging bar.
Work from home in the main floor office!
Step outside to a partially covered patio and fenced yard with garden beds. Out front is a yard with new sod, sprinklers & fresh landscaping. A short distance to Metzger Park & situated between I5 & 217.
There is so much to love in this Gorgeous Metzger Home!
Sometimes buying a house together is just a breeze. This was one of those times. Kara and Nicole are one of those couples that works well together and were on the same page while shopping. Looking to move out a little further for some more space, inside and outside, these two were open to a lot of options. They settled on outer lents in a delightful little pocket neighborhood.
Kara was my very first client in 2013 and it has been great to watch her grow both personally and professionally and continue developing our friendship along the way. These two caring, giving nurses brought masks to us and special treats specifically for me as I dealt with some health concerns. It’s great to see them settle in a house that will allow for them to build their future family together. It has been very rewarding to be part of that process. I can’t to see what the future holds for them!
Gorgeous Beaverton home with high-end style! Sought-after layout with 4th bedroom or bonus room + office. Schoolhouse electric lighting and hardware, Smith & Noble window coverings and elfa shelving in the garage. Wide plank engineered hardwoods, quartz kitchen with large island & eating bar.
Gorgeous master bath with tiled walk-in shower, soaking tub, dressing area and walk-in closet. Fourth bedroom could also be a bonus room. Large windows with views of the trees and a south facing backyard that provides filtered natural light throughout the day.
The most common question I get from clients of late – buyers and sellers alike – is “what’s it like to buy/sell a house right now?” The short answer is: not much different than buying/selling a house at any other time. The long answer: well, it is different in some key ways.
First and foremost, those of us conducting real estate right now want to keep people safe. We want to do the very best for our clients, as always. But that means doing our best to keep them safe while also getting them the house of their dreams and/or selling their house with an optimal outcome. To this end, the first big change to the home buying and selling process in the time of COVID-19 has been the huge shift to virtual options.
We’ve had the options of 3D virtual tours, video tours, virtual showings, and virtual open houses for a long time now. But when we could be face-to-face with most folks most of the time, virtual was more seen as a nice-to-have versus a must-have. During a pandemic, when we need to limit in-person contacts for everyone, virtual has taken center stage and become an absolute must.
All of my listings now have 3D virtual tours and video tours. I offer virtual showings to all of my buyers, and make them available on all of my listings. I am starting to offer virtual open houses on all of my listings. This takes what used to be a much less accessible and much more time consuming process for buyers and potential buyers, and makes it accessible to everyone and much less time consuming.
For instance, if buyers are interested in ten homes, but they can narrow that down to two homes by viewing 3D tours and/or having virtual showings – guess how much time they save, let alone how much less driving has to happen? It’s a win-win for people and the planet. And it allows me to more efficiently and effectively serve my clients, hooray! Additionally, those folks just beginning the process, who may not yet have an agent helping them, have full access to homes virtually. It helps them dream and plan, and it can also help them find THE one!
So a much bigger push to virtual is the first key change to buying and selling homes in the time of COVID-19. And with the need to rethink how we do business longer-term for the sake of our planet, this is a change I believe will stick around. Even when we can conduct business more readily in person again.
As an emergency room nurse, the last few months have catapulted Nee’s daily routine into an entirely new level of chaos. Back in January, we started looking at a variety of options on the market for a house close to her work. She wanted something that felt peaceful, light, airy, perhaps a little like a glamorous mid-century cabin in the woods. Something with privacy and a relaxing backyard. After looking and looking for weeks, we weren’t finding anything that felt right. Then late February hit, and everything came to a halt. She was working triple 18 hour shifts, back to back. The house hunting was going to have to pause. But after a few weeks of chaos at work, she was aching for peace and quiet at home. Nee gave me a call. She really needed a home immediately. I got right to work, going double-time to find her something to bring her some ease.
We expanded our search area just slightly and found an absolute dream home for her. Gorgeous corner lot, tons of space for entertaining, and a huge pool made by AguaPools.com surrounded by a wrap around deck, for less than we had been hoping to spend! With its’ herringbone wood floors, multiple fireplaces (including one in the master bedroom) and solar panels, we knew we had found a very special place. We worked quickly to beat out the other offers and happily got into contract with the listing agent and his seller. After successfully negotiating for a full credit towards her closing costs and a great roof certification, she and I couldn’t have been more happy on her closing day. Nee, thank you for all that you do for our beloved City, and thank you for the incredible honor of getting to work with you during such a wild time. Congratulations on your new home! I can’t wait for all the pool parties to come!
Bright and cheerful remodeled ranch on large (possibly dividable) lot that backs to a community garden. Cozy up to the wood-burning fireplace in the living room, or gather around the kitchen island in this open floor plan setting. Remodeled kitchen features stainless steel appliancesand tiled countertops and connects to the dining area that opens to screened-in back porch. Hardwood floors lead you to the bedroom spaces which feature an en suite master bedroom and 2 more bedrooms with guest bath. Large yard includes beautiful outdoor spaces with a covered porch and deck, a patio space for outdoor dining, fire pit, chicken coop and a fenced garden area with raised beds. Many established fruit trees and bushes mean many opportunities for canning or freezing fruit for year-round enjoyment. Home has large, 2 car garage and ample parking space in driveway. Nearby to one of Portland’s great commercial districts on NE 42nd Ave with shopping and dining, andis down the road from Fernhill Park.
If you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell a home in the Portland area, please contact Amanda Haworth at amanda@livingroomre.com or 503-453-7698.
Situated in SE Portland’s Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood, this ready-for-rehab home offers comfortable living spaces and natural light. Detached garage has been used as shop and has electricity. Tool shed in private, fenced back yard for storage. Several city parks, community gardens and the large food cart pod “Cartlandia” nearby. Easy access to shopping, restaurants and I-205.
Working as a REALTOR® is a very personal and intimate profession. We are constantly entering homes, meeting with our clients throughout a transaction and hosting open houses, where if we are lucky, a large number of people come into contact with us.
With the level of care that we take to be physically involved with our clients in their process of purchasing or selling a home it is no surprise that enforced social distancing regulations has brought forward opportunities for REALTORS® to think outside of the box of our typical practices!
Over the past few weeks I have been following closely the guidelines and suggestions from the National Association of REALTORS® and looking to leaders within Living Room Realty’s brokerage for how, as an industry, we should navigate our normative practices in the midst of COVID-19.
As a person who genuinely loves a challenge and even more loves being creative, I decided that I would come up with a way to physically see my client on key-day while having a light-hearted take on social distancing. Key-day is often the most joyous of days in the process of home buying and I wanted to make sure that I was taking the correct precautions to keep my client safe but also maintaining the “fun” in such a special day.
How did I achieve this mix of safety and fun you may ask?
In regards to safety I used gloves and Clorox wipes to give the keys, key-chain and a clear plastic gift box a good wipe down. I then sealed the box with fresh ribbon and sprayed the finished product with Lysol disinfectant spray.
In Regards to the fun; I then took the sanitized key box and attached it to a brand new cat toy wand so that when I was face to face (and at least six feet apart from my client) I could effectively and safely transfer the keys to his hands – touch free!
I could feel my smile going ear to ear as my client laughed with me and shared his entertainment of my methods. Not only did we still have fun on key-day we were able to do so safely.
I am a firm believer that using my resources of creativity during times like we are seeing today, will serve me in future transactions. Experiences like these promote innovation in our practices as REALTORS® and may even prompt more “fun” in the process for our clients!
Stylish Craftsman with high quality upgrades! Functional layout with 4th bedroom or bonus room + office. Schoolhouse electric lighting and hardware, Smith & Noble window coverings and elfa shelving in the garage. Wide plank engineered hardwoods, quartz kitchen with large island & eating bar.
Gorgeous master bath with tiled walk-in shower, soaking tub, dressing area and walk-in closet. Fourth bedroom could also be a bonus room. Large windows with views of the trees and a south facing backyard that provides filtered natural light throughout the day.
It’s March 15th, 2020 and we are at the beginning of a Covid-19 outbreak in the greater Portland area. That might be scary for a lot of reasons but particularly for property owners who need or want to sell their homes this spring, while they are still living in their properties.
Well, stay calm because we have some great tools that will allow us to effectively and safely market your property to a large buyer audience while minimizing the risk of bringing Covid-19 to your personal residence.
Watch our latest video to see how we’re using technology to help buyers decide that they are serious about purchasing your property before they even walk through your front door! And check out an example of our 3-D tour.
Bobby Curtis was back on KATU’s Afternoon Live to discuss adding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) or fully functional separate living spaces to your current property. It’s pretty hot in Portland right now, but is it for you? Click to watch the short interview here Or skip right to the highlights below.
ADU Garage Conversion
ADU Interior
What need does an ADU fulfill?
1. More housing in Portland.
2. Extra income for the home owner to help pay mortgage.
3. Multi-generational living on one property
Quick facts
1. Cost: $125k-$250k with permits, materials, labor, and utilities.
2. Going rents for new ADU’s are $1000-$1500/mo
3. They can be separate units- all new construction, converting an existing structure like a garage or even a basement.
Check with your city inspectors about ADU requirements
1. To see what type of permit is required if you want to use it as a short term rental
2. There are parameters ADU’s must meet – Example in Portland it can be no bigger than 800 SF or 75% of the SF of the primary house.
Things to consider with additional dwelling units on your property
1. New tax scenario for your property
2. Whether having tenants, short term or long term will work for you
3. Losing yard space or basement
You’ll love this classic PDX bungalow in the heart of SE Belmont! Versatile floor plan with three floors of gracious living space. Delightful front rooms with warm fir floors and unpainted woodwork. Master options on main and second floors, full bath on each floor, and lots of closet space and built-ins. Great ADU/Rental potential in the modern, bright basement; plumbed for kitchen or wet bar, with separate side entrance.
Private side yard perfect for pets and green thumbs. Short distances to Laurelhurst and Mt. Tabor parks, and the restaurants and shops of Belmont!
At the corner of SE Harrison and 7th Avenue a number of Victorian era homes have been carefully preserved. Originally built in 1893 as rental homes, shortly after East Portland was annexed by the booming City of Portland. One of the renters, Lee G. Holden, designed the adjacent fire station (circa 1913) and these houses were often home to firefighters who worked at Engine No. 23 and their families. The firehouse itself later made history as Oregon’s first medical cannabis dispensary and now their bud tenders offer medical and recreational weed. They have maintained the original facade and some of the other architectural features of the old station. Commonly called Firehouse Row, the official name of this little enclave of Queen Anne lovely ladies, added to the National Historic Registry in 1989, is The George P. Lent Investment Properties. George, who was born in Portland in 1852 to the eponymous Lents family, of the Lents neighborhood, built the now famed homes.
1893 Queen Anne
View from the turret
Mary and Brendan @ home
Victorian colored glass
Then and Now
When Brendan and Mary described their wish list for a first home of their own, this beauty with its turret, colored glass and other historic architectural details came right to mind. It was love at first sight. Navigating a VA loan, with all the extra requirements regarding property conditions, on an 1893 historic home, was a bit of a battle. Also, the home was being used as a short term rental, further complicating inspections and repairs, because we had to schedule all of our appointments around guest bookings. In the end we got it all successfully squared away.
The house back in the day
Lost to the sub-station
Gracing the walls of the Airbnb, the sellers had some very old mounted photos of the house and neighborhood on display. As a wonderful gesture they left them for Brendan and Mary to enjoy. A very sweet gift! The block is still intact, providing a rare site of old, old Portland housing.
On their project list is repainting the exterior. Mary and Brendan contacted Bob Buckner, famed color expert of The Painted Ladies Revisited and other works on Victorian homes and he coded photos of the house to guide them through how to get the paint job just right. I cannot wait to see it!
What happens when you aren’t from Portland? You look at homes in your price range wherever they may be! Think NE Portland, SE Portland, SW Portland, Milwaukee, Oregon City, Sherwood, Tigard, Woodburn, Canby, Gervais and Newberg. It was a whirlwind of house hunting with these two but it was nothing short of adventurous. We saw gigantic spiders, ceilings that were too short for us, tires that were taller than us, a LOT of wall paper, a little mary jane and had our first experience with an Opendoor home.
Patrick and Sarah decided on a cute Newberg ranch in a nice neighborhood, close to the aquatic center. With a little love this will be a darling home for them. They plan to put in new floors and carpet, paint the interior and remodel bathrooms before moving in. These two have big plans for their life: grad school, getting married, and owning a lot of real estate are just a few of them. They are smart and fun, easy going and kind.
It’s clients like Patrick and Sarah that remind me why I love being a REALTOR®®. I will adventure with you guys anytime!!!
I couldn’t have been luckier than to have helped Davey buy his first home. From the beginning he was informed, inquisitive and knew what he was looking for. My favorite kind of client!
We found him a great little house at the base of Rocky Butte, and he is STOKED! He can’t wait to set up a practice space for his band, Dry Wedding (facebook.com/drywedding), in the garage. In fact, during the repair negotiation process he was in the studio recording their new album!
It was an absolute delight to work with Davey, and I hope he’s happy in his new home for many years to come.
If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell a home in the Portland area, please contact Amanda Haworth at 503-453-7698 or amanda@livingroomre.com.
When you want a house that’s as much of a fit for your dog as it is for you, finding one that you love — with a huge yard and a dog park nearby — is the fairytale ending. This is exactly what we found for Rebecca and her adorable dog, Jack.
As a first time buyer, Rebecca was prepared. She met with me and her mortgage broker early on, and we helped create a plan well ahead of starting her search. So when she was ready to move forward, she had a clear vision of what she wanted. After we explored a few neighborhoods, she honed in on what would give her the perfect blend of access to transit, walkability, and space for Jack. On one of our weekend outings, we had five houses lined up to see – the first three were a clear no, but the last two both had potential. It was a tough decision momentarily, but when she pictured herself in each house with Jack, one stood out as the clear winner.
Like every good fairytale, there were a few bumps in the road, and the victory was sweet. She got the dream house. Jack got the dream yard. Jack has never had a yard before, and now he has one of the best in Portland!
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!
Photos courtesy of Hollie Watson
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…
That’s what moving from a 2700 SF house to a 1500SF condo in the Pearl is all about. It’s about walking to everything. It’s about joining a new community. It’s about simplifying.
If this sounds like the direction you’d like to see your life go. Give me a call. We can get ‘er done!
Gorgeous North Portland modern construction with all the bells & whistles. Chef’s kitchen w/custom cabs and breakfast bar, quartz counters, gourmet appliances. Master w/fireplace, walk-in closet, soaking tub & tiled shower. Designer yard by Sean Hogan; low maintenance, established flora w/patios and auto irrigation. Blocks from New Seasons, restaurants, parks, amenities. 2015 built; tankless water heater, whole house air filtration system, 95% efficient furnace.
February 17th was National Day of Random Acts of Kindness. What better to celebrate than kindness?! So, I threw a kindness party and we had a blast. About 50 people gathered at my office on SE 26th near Clinton to celebrate. I’ve been wanting to show off the beautiful space and it is perfect for a party.
Food
The guys from Mis Tacones served up some super delicious vegan tacos on tortillas fresh off the grill, posole and hand made tamales. Yummy!!! Honey Bee Bakehouse wedding cookies, both vanilla and purple yam, were sumptuous.
Abram and Carlos of Mis Tacones
Plant based food prep
Tacos on fresh tortillas
Wedding cookies by Melissa of Honey Bee Bakehouse
Fun
Guests decorated cotton drawstring bags with permanent fabric markers, set the ink with hair dryers and then filled them with an array of necessities. Guests got to leave with a kindness bag on hand to gift to someone in need. What a great feeling to be able to share socks, gloves, snacks and other items in a really cool bag!
Goodies for the bags
Guests designing & filling bags for folks in need
There were some very talented artists!
Bits!
What else did we do? Well, folks got to spin the Wheel of Kindness and meet Bits, a pot belly pig. Bits and his mom, Alyssa, were the guests of honor and gave folks the opportunity to get to know a rescued pig. So many people adopt cute baby piglets, only to relinquish them when they climb to 200 pounds +/-, leading to the need for foster and adoptive homes. Alyssa is a member of Northwest Miniature Pig Association (NWMPA), a group that offers support to those with pigs and to pigs in need. Bits was a wonderful guest and a real sweetie!
Bits, the guest of honor
Jacob and Jillianne with Bits
My Aunt Kay with Bits
Let’s do it every year, the Sunday after Valentine’s Day!
Upstairs are four bedrooms plus a bonus room/den. The spacious owner’s suite features vaulted ceilings & french doors. A well appointed en-suite bath has double sinks, tiled shower & a free standing tub.
We expanded our search area just slightly and found an absolute dream home for her. Gorgeous corner lot, tons of space for entertaining, and a huge pool made by 
d kind.
