Tag: Portland

Just Sold: Historic Embassy Studio Condominium

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Embassy Condominiums

2015 NW Flanders St #106

PORTLAND, OREGON 97209

The Historic Embassy Condominiums is located in Portland’s historic Northwest Alphabet District at the corner of NW 20th Avenue and NW Flanders Street. It is one of the few examples of early 20th century Georgian style architecture remaining in Portland. The Embassy was built in 1923 and designed by noted architect Carl L. Linde.
Previously Luxury Apartments, it was converted to Condominiums in 2005 by developer Robert Ball and included the renovation of 69 units, varying from 430 square feet to 778 square feet. 44 parking stalls were sold with the larger units, and a communal gym, laundry facilities, and storage were done as well.  On the National Historic Register for many years, there was a tax abatement in place until 2019.

SOLD AT $178,000

STUDIO | 1 BATH | 455 SQFT

Congrats to my client Ardyn, on the purchase of this adorable pied-à-terre at the Historic Embassy Condominiums. Her desire for simplistic living, in a home where she had easy access to walk her dog, and could live debt free, is now a reality.

Ardyn was a Buyer who knew enough to be cautious and and did her share of due diligence when it came to reviewing condo docs, potential issues that may arise in an almost 100 year old building, and what that might mean for her down the line.

I appreciated her desire to talk things out over the phone and discuss what all the information she was reviewing meant to her. Not all client’s take the time to pour over the things they receive, but Ardyn did. This helped in how I was able to advise her and discuss possible options and scenarios of what might be in store down the line.

Handing her the keys to her new home, was a wonderful feeling for me in the short time I had to get to know her. I truly hope she enjoys the simplification of her life and the vibrancy and life of the neighborhood that she now lives in. Cheers!

Chloe & Alex found the ONE!

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to Chloe & Alex!

Meet Alex and Chloe, first time home buyers looking for their first home together. They are whip-smart, fun, and data-oriented, which, of course, made me want to work with them from our first introduction! …But, Alex really got me when he said he was looking for an agent who wouldn’t just tell him what he wanted to hear. BINGO! We were a match. And, as expected, it was a joy to get to dive into the details of the process with them and give them my honest opinion throughout.

The market is very competitive for buyers right now so when Chloe and Alex found the house that checked all the boxes plus tugged at their heartstrings, they were ready to pull out all the stops to make it happen! Plus, I think there was a little extra fairy dust sprinkled on this one because even though there were 2 offers higher than theirs, the terms of the sale were strong enough that they managed to get into first position and breeze through the sale. We even closed a week early! Big shout out to JJ Lee Kwai at Two Rivers Mortgage for making that happen!! I’m so happy for Chloe and Alex. 

One more note, Chloe and Alex were referred to me by way of a wonderful past client who I had the chance to catch up with at my Social Distance Party this Summer. Hooray for referrals! My business is built on referrals for a reason and Chloe and Alex’s experience was a great example of why referrals are important. We build trust a lot faster when a friend has already vouched for the top-notch experience they can expect from me and my team. This especially makes a difference in our current competitive market. Chloe and Alex trusted my advice and it made all the difference in getting the home. 

Horray for Alex and Chloe!

When The Playbook Calls For An Audible…

Posted on by Chad Meier

A couple of real estate truisms…

1). The clearest path to success for our clients is often found by following a well thought out blueprint (a specialty of mine, as it just so happens).

2). We collaborate and honor our client’s wishes.

My latest listing in SE PDX is an interesting example of the above. While prepping a listing for a photo shoot the other day, I asked the homeowner if she meant to have left her BLM sign in the front window of her house. She said she was unsure if it was a good/bad idea and then asked my opinion. Having helped this person buy the home several years earlier, we’ve built our relationship on trust and candor, so I dive in “Well, umm, errr”, but then “The conventional rule of thumb in real estate marketing is to present a Seller’s home in its most attractive light to the widest audience possible. Again, just generally speaking, creating a space that a prospective buyer can imagine themselves inhabiting is the goal, so keeping personal items (like a Seller’s family photos) out of sight might help ensure that a potential buyer’s own vision doesn’t get obstructed. After all, anything that could limit a home’s audience could mean less demand & less bottom line for the Seller. However… There is also a scenario wherein a personal statement will attract and/or compel an even higher bid. Ultimately, there is no one correct answer here. After all, much like with a person’s social media account, at some point there’s usually a conscious (and very personal) decision on whether or not to try and maintain a neutral presence, or to just lean into yourself hard.” In the end, the Seller instructed me to include an image of her house with the sign proudly posted, just not the lead shot on Zillow though.

What a great little property and it went under contract (with several offers for well over list price) within 72 hours!

I’ve a blueprint available for your home too.

Top 3 Portland Market Trends: October Edition

Posted on by Robin Hakeman

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!

The Value of an Excellent Lender

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery

The importance of a lender is not truly felt until you are in the process of the purchase. There are so many options for a prospective buyer to shop from, some great and some not so great. We, as Real Estate agents, have an opportunity to offer referrals for a trusted lender, but it is ultimately the buyer’s choice who they will work with.

 

In this short blog post I want to point out a couple of things to think about, as a buyer, to help you find the right lender or lending institution for you:

 

Does your choice answer the phone on a weekend or after 5:00?

  • I can tell you, from personal experience, that Real Estate happens at all hours, especially the weekends and evenings. Getting timely information or a revised pre-approval letter when you need it can be the difference between getting your dream home and getting your offer rejected.

Does your lender keep your timeline in mind and have experience with the local market?

  • A Real Estate purchase or sale is a list of terms and timeframes. The best lenders are looking ahead on all timeframes to set up for a smooth sale. They are communicating with you to let you know when you should be considering a decision that will affect your timeline. Namely, on when to order the appraisal.  A thoughtful and active lender will know if appraisal reports are taken longer than normal in your area.

Does your choice of lender have a track record of making it easy for you as a buyer and did they come to you from a referral?

  • As an Agent who works by referral, I cannot understate the value in having a first hand referral of the professionals you choose to work with. A lender is the third member of your team: It is you- the buyer, me-the agent and your lender that all work to make a successful sale. Choose wisely!

How do the rates compare?

  • I get it! The cost of a loan is important and the interest rate of your loan is important but if you can get the same cost and rate from a proven performer with a stellar reputation, take the time to get pre-approved with them, it could save you some headaches down the road.

If you’ve read this far, I’ll bet you can imagine that this blog is inspired by the wonderful lenders I work with and some of the others that have struggled.

 

Shout out to my top three:

Aaron Nawrocki with Capital M

Gary Boyer with Directors Mortgage

And JJ Lee Kwai with Two Rivers Mortgage

 

You guys are the best!

If you are just getting started or at any stage of looking for your home give me a call, I’m with you for every step of the way toward your goals.

I pride my practice on being full service from before the beginning well past the end!

 

From One Agent to Another

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery
I had the pleasure to help a Seattle Real Estate Agent buy a home here in Portland.   She walked into my open house and found the townhome I had listed was not quite right for her but it was SO close.  She called me a couple days later and  we took a look at one down the street that was a better fit for her family.
It was great to work with someone that has a feel for the pace of a purchase and although she was a client it was more like working with a colleague. Bethany was great and the sale was a sweetheart deal. Thrilled to be welcoming another stellar human being and new Real Estate Agent to Portland!
If you are looking for your home here in Portland, I’m always happy to be of service.

Time in nature is essential to my sanity!

Posted on by Martin Cross

For me, the life of a REALTOR® is often seven days a week 10 hours a day. I tend to want to work when my people need me to and prefer not to set specific working hours. As such, I can find myself in periods where I’ve worked 30 to 60 days in a row without a day off. They sneak up on me. It’s during those times that my regular habit of taking little breaks in nature saves my sanity and allows me to continue to advocate well for my people. A walk in my neighborhood or a park. A drive up the Gorge or one night at the beach become essential to my sanity. 

But, when align perfectly, there’s nothing like taking a week off and spending it someplace beautiful. Last week was one of those lucky times where I was able to escape to Orcas Island and the peace and tranquility of one of the most beautiful places in the Northwest because time in nature is essential to my sanity.

Grant Park Investment Property

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Recent transplants from Brooklyn, Sha and Matt are loving their new neighborhood of Grant Park. So much so that 6 months in they started looking for another property. With their eyes on several neighborhoods through out Portland, they landed on this solid Cape Cod just across from Grant High School. Conveniently in’t also a few blocks from their house.

With 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and an unfinished basement, there is plenty of room here. The hardwood floors were recently finished, along with interior paint. It has bonus improvements like newer, fully owned solar panels on the roof of the garage, and seismic earthquakes straps. As an investment property, it is solid enough to be rented out as is right around $3,000/month, but also has room to make improvement over the years…cut to the kitchen and bath. 🙂  And at a pricepoint under $700k, there will be some upside if they make smart improvements over the years.

$690,000 4 bd | 2 / 0 ba | 2604 sqft
2404 NE 36TH AVE Portland, OR 97212
Grant Park

Multifamily Houses in Portland

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Today I talked with Kara from Afternoon Live about multifamily houses in Portland. To see the full 7 minute video, click here

Multifamily Duplex In Portland

Here’s an example of a duplex that was for sale in Portland that I thought was a great long term investment.

  • 1950s side by side 2 BR/1 BA multifamily (duplex) with Tuck-under garages.
  • It was already vacant and in extreme disrepair when we bought it.
  • NE Portland- Alberta Arts area. 
  • Current 2 Bedroom rentals are roughly $1600-$2200
  • Current 3 Bedroom rentals are roughly $2500-$3000/month. 
  • We decided to finish the lower level, adding additional bath, bedroom, and bonus living space. Each unit will now be 3 BR/ 2 BA.
    • Better use of space (more people can live in the property)
    • By adding this additional finished space, it will bring in more rental income to cover the cost of the renovation work 
    • That extra monthly income will pay for the additional renovation work over 8-10 years.
  • By updating everything, there will be few if any large maintenance expenses within the first 7 years. This makes profit and loss a little more predictable.

Not in the buying market or interested in multifamily, but thinking of selling your home? Check out my tips here. 

 

A Traditional Tabor Gets an Edge + Some Tips to Get Ready to List

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Hello Readers!

If you’ve followed along on my recent real estate adventures, you’ll remember I had the opportunity to recently list and help sell a wonderful traditional home on Mt. Tabor. I am so excited for my seller as he moves on to his next chapter, and for the new owners who are sure to make many happy memories on this special piece of property. What you may not know is that we spent nearly three months getting this beauty ready for market; the multiple offers and above asking sales price paid off. Thought I’d share a couple tips to help you if you’re thinking about selling:

  1. Never underestimate curb appeal. We used a heavy duty power washer to get rid of years of moss buildup (not the charming English-looking kind) on the patios, sidewalks, retaining walls and driveways. It was giving the house a tired and sort of sad vibe. 3 days later it was shiny and fresh. We also pruned, weeded and added fresh mulch to the beds and gardens.
  2. Power of paint abides. You know me and paint, and color. This house and the before and after was actually featured by Miller Paint because of the dramatic difference. It’s got a whole new personality! The photos speak for themselves.
  3. Mix it up inside. I always recommend my sellers stage their homes with my partners at Polka Dot Interiors. And in this case, they literally flipped the axis of two rooms and they felt completely different. Larger, more functional, and optimizing what was literally a million dollar view.
  4. Make it a sensory experience. Forget the fake plug in smells. Those make it seem like you’re hiding something. Instead, we used essential oils in primary areas. Eucalyptus and lemon invigorate and smell clean. Lavender and Bergamot soothe.

There’s a lot more that goes into selling, and if you’re itching to find out what your home is worth, let’s chat. Buyers out there would *love* to see more come to market (we are at record low inventory levels!), and I’d love to share more about my winning strategies to help get it done. #sellwithgab

Till then, high fives,

 

 

AFTER!

Mid-Century Ready For Updates

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Keep your eyes open for the 5 bedroom, 3 bath house in Argay Terrace that will come back to market sometime this Fall with a sweet new look. My client, Tasa, just restored a mid-century house in Milwaukie earlier this year, and we found this very solid split level that just needs a fresh perspective. After photos to come.

Bringing Julie Home

Posted on by Living Room Realty

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!

Light-filled Belmont Bungalow

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Light-filled Belmont Bungalow

718 SE 32nd Ave | Portland, OR 97214

Offered at $585,000 | ML #20262880

3+ Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 2,607 SF

Winter is coming! What better way to beat the Oregon grays than with a home filled with windows and light? Perfectly situated within blocks of Laurelhurst Park, Sunnyside Environmental School, H-Mart, Stumptown Coffee, The Liquor Store and some of the city’s best dining and shopping, this west-facing charmer sits high up off the street and features a covered front porch, hardwood floors and period built-ins. A light and bright living room with wood burning fireplace flows to a formal dining room with a built-in window bench with storage, which in turn opens up to the beautifully updated kitchen, finally transitioning to the back yard via french doors with a large deck and patio area for outdoor dinners and grassy area for kiddos and pets. Large hedges provide privacy galore. Working from home? There is a large upstairs workspace perfectly appointed for your home office needs. Basement has loads of potential with a workshop space and room for an ADU or anything you can dream up. 

Click here for Virtual Tour

 

The ‘Cam-pound’

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery
What is a Cam-pound? It is a dream of a compound for Cameron, Annie and little Shea and the name they gave it when we looked at the home.
Cameron and Annie reached out to me to help with the sale of their St John’s home when they decided they wanted a home with a bit more room inside and outside.
Cameron and Annie were referred to me by their good friends Sean and Caitlin Badders who I also helped move recently.
I do love referrals from awesome clients!
Once we got the sale of their home in St Johns well underway, we turned our attention to their next home. The goal was a blend of not too far out of town with plenty of room to play, run and grow. We looked out in deep OC, nice house but too far. We looked in West Linn, close enough but not enough space. When we found the triple lot home in Brentwood-Darlington it was 100% but it was competitive. We were offered back up and, holy Moses we were all so excited when I got the call that the buyer had not been able complete the sale. Taking the back up offer and being patient worked!! The sale was a sweetheart deal and the buyers and sellers met this last weekend to walk through some of the specifics of the home. Namely the chickens, the gardens, the home and the bee hive.
Cameron and Annie are really living the Portland dream with their new urban farm. This home has a huge yard, is well appointed and is 7 miles/20 min from the heart of downtown Portland.
Sound good?
Look good?
I’d love to help you find your own piece of the Portland Dream. Give me a call and I’ll get right to work!!

JUST LISTED: Darling Lents Ranch

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED: 6134 SE 102ND AVE

6134 SE 102ND AVE, Portland OR 97266

Offered at $319,000

3 Bed | 1 Bath | 943 SF | MLS#  20344559 | Taxes: $3319

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday 8/15 11am-1pm

VIDEO TOUR

Wow! This well-maintained and inviting one level Ranch is cute as a button and lives large! Situated on an oversized lot with a large front and back yard you’ll notice the open feel right away. This home has been carefully maintained with the added bonus of a newer roof, furnace, hot water heater, and double pane vinyl windows!

Entering into the heart of the home is an airy living room with classic hardwood floors, plenty of natural light and a wood-burning fireplace for cozy evenings. Nestled between the living room and kitchen is an excellent dining area, perfect for entertaining and intimate dinners at home.

Flowing easily into a freshly updated kitchen touting new countertops, eating bar, stainless steel appliances, ample counter space, vinyl flooring, new light fixtures, fresh paint, and a lovely garden window.

The layout and flow throughout the home is absolutely ideal for a home of this size. Through the hall, you’ll find three bedrooms filled with natural light and ample closets. Also, a roomy bathroom with double sinks and stylish updates.

There are a generous laundry room and mudroom in the garage for your convenience.

Rounding out the home is a huge, fully fenced backyard with plenty of room to roam and tons of potential! A great space for gardening and outdoor entertaining. And, Fido-friendly too!

The garage offers room for storage and with two full driveways, you’ll have the extra space you need for RV or boat.

This home sits on a quiet street close to multiple parks and offers easy access to HWY 205 and all the shopping the heart of Lents offers.

Cooperation for the win!

Posted on by Living Room Realty

 

 

When all parities cooperate it can be so easy!

These decisive buyers  looked at several places with me.   They were not afraid to put in offers, but were very calculated about them.  When they looked at this home, it was an obvious winner, their reaction was very different than with other homes. This three year old, one owner home was in great condition, but also had some wonderful tech upgrades.  The seller works in technology, has great style and had displayed her coding books around the home.  The buyer, who also works in tech, was taken by  details such as  an electronic doggie door, upgraded electronic blinds, beautiful succulent pots out front and the great little caddy to put your keys as you walk in the door.

Cooperation was great throughout, but was highlighted when the buyer found an error on the credit report that required a few days extension but  if not removed, would cost them a huge amount over the life of the loan.  Sellers were happy to extend for them to fix this error, but in the end they were able to close on time despite this.  Another highlight of cooperation was on the day of closing the Air Conditioning  went out.   So many sellers would just leave it, pretend that it wasn’t their responsibility, but this seller was on it and ready to work to get things back up and running.  It is wonderful when people work together with others and treat others as they would like to be treated.

After the  inspections were done, the owner invited myself and buyers over for a cocktail and to go through the house together.  The buyers were able to join the sellers to celebrate the passing of the home and to share information on all the tech in the home.  For icing on the cake, the seller gave them a video in lieu of the traditional operators manual binder for the home.

These two triathletes will now use garage as a bike and work out room including a very nice treadmill the owner passed to them.  I couldn’t be happier for them!

 

 

Moving to Mt Bike Country!

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery

It is so exciting to see clients and friends’ lives progressing through the lens of working in Real Estate. I met Brandon while working at Plywerk, we got along well and when it came time for Brandon to buy his first home we got him a great place in Lents. The home is great, but on the ‘efficient’ size of things.

 

Recently, we met again at his home to set up a search for the ‘next’ home. Brandon now has a partner and the desire to get out of town to a home with a bit more room,  and within easy access to Mt Biking trails,  started to take a bigger priority.  We looked in all the little nooks and crannies within an hour of Portland and decided to come back to the first home we toured. Fortunately, this gem was still on the market.

 

On Monday Brandon and Brook turned the key to their new home in Sandy, OR just a few miles from the Sand Ridge Trail.

 

“Sandy Ridge is a must-ride area on an Oregon mountain biking road trip, or a great option for Portland based riders looking for fun downhill mountain bike trails.”
 
 
Next up will be the sale of the Lents home so keep your eye out and If you’re looking for a real estate professional, give me a call!

Making Magic Happen In A Magnificent Mid-Century Dunthorpe Estate

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Magnificent Mid-Century Dunthorpe Estate

Welcome back to Portland, Amy & Katie!

A while back, I helped Amy and Katie buy a lovely home in SE Portland. Then I helped them sell that home a few years later for a big and unexpected move to San Francisco. We had become friends and I knew I would miss them!  I was honored to be a part of their wedding celebration in 2019. I got to meet their amazing family and I just adore them both so much. They’ve lived all over the place, so I figured we would catch up here and there throughout the years. And, besides it would be a great excuse to visit them in San Francisco!

Fast forward to last month, I had just helped Amy’s sister, Ashley and brother-in-law, Cody buy a cute house in SW Portland to start their new family (woot woot for referrals!). The baby is due in December!

Funny how life happens because the next thing I know Amy and Katie called to say that they really missed Portland, they already found their dream house in Dunthorpe and they were eager to move back to Portland! I did an extensive FaceTime tour with them and we wrote an offer and had an accepted offer within a few short days.

The house itself is beyond stunning: some of the notable features are walls of sliding glass that gracefully blur the line between the outside and in,  lush landsacping, a serene courtyard, spa-like master bath, and a gentle stream running through the property which is over a third of an acre. It’s truly a breathtaking home and was recently featured in the Oregonian! A local and very respected architect, Sid Scott of Scott Edwards Architecture and his wife Teresa Scott bought this home about 4 years ago and have been busy with a “down to the studs” renovation of this mid-century home. The incredible transformation of this home and so wonderful to see job design and projects like this happening in Portland.

Here’s to family (weather given or chosen), making everlasting memories and togetherness. Congratulations Amy and Katie!

 

Just Listed: Ultra Chic Buckman TownHouse!

Posted on by Erika George & Kari McGee
Ultra chic townhouse-style condo located at the intersection of the vibrant and centrally located Buckman, Belmont, Laurelhurst and Hawthorne neighborhoods of east Portland! Open great-room floor plan with walls of glass, soaring 13′ ceilings, gourmet chef’s kitchen, in-unit laundry and large covered balcony with gas hookup to get your grill on! Check out our 3D Self-Guided Virtual Tour or Property Website.

Gated Exterior Courtyard Entrance:

Off Morrison St, or accessible from the secure parking garage. Light-filled bonus room at unit entry for your office, art studio, exercise or hip bike storage needs!

Spacious Gourmet Kitchen:

With stainless steel appliances, work island and plenty of pantry storage.

Open Floor Plan:

Flows to the dining area, living area and covered balcony.

Second Floor Boasts:

Dual bright and spacious bedroom suites with soaring ceilings and walk-in closets.

Two Parking Spaces:

In the secured parking garage, and huge 170 SF storage room!

Centrally Located:

Eight-minute car or bike commute to downtown. Laurelhurst Park is less than a mile away, and all the restaurants, stores, and coffee shops you could want are all right here!

Please follow COVID-19 Best Practices: wear masks, use gloves (provided), practice social distancing and please make use of our self-guided tour before showing!

Just Listed: S. Albina Grand Dame with ADU!

Posted on by Erika George & Kari McGee

Stunning and historic foursquare craftsman home with permitted, leased basement ADU. Four floors of gorgeous living space with unpainted woodwork, custom built-ins, remodeled gourmet kitchen (circa 2011), formal entryway, third floor bonus space, lower level guest suite, and modern and bright 1-bed, 850 SF ADU with separate entrance. Check out our 3D Self-Guided Virtual Tour, Floor Plan Sketch or Property Website.

Upstairs:

The second floor houses the primary bedroom suite (with lovely city and bridge views), plus two additional large bedrooms and a second full bathroom.

Downstairs:

In the finished basement you will find a guest suite for use by the residents of the main home, plus a one-bedroom ADU (accessory dwelling unit) with separate exterior entrance, providing both income and flexibility! This Guest Suite rents on Air BnB for $75/night.

The ADU:

This modern and bright one-bedroom ADU rents for $1,400/mo. It has a separate exterior entrance and shares a laundry room with the guest suite next door.

Add to all this:

A finished room above the detached garage for all of your workshop, hobby, studio or storage needs.

Centrally Located:

In the South Albina neighborhood at the base of the lively Williams Corridor, this property is less than a mile walk to the Pearl District, half a mile to the Moda Center, or hop on the streetcar to jet where you need to get! PDX foodie favorites Pine Street Biscuits, Ex Novo and Sizzle Pie are just blocks away, and don’t miss the new food cart pod, Cartside PDX, two blocks south on N. Williams Ave!

Main house and guest suite are vacant and easy to show. ADU is tenant occupied (please do not disturb). Please text us for showing appointments!

Please follow COVID-19 Best Practices: wear masks, use gloves (provided), practice social distancing and please make use of our self-guided tour before showing!

Trust + Perseverance = Magic

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to our First Time Home Buyers!

A big hooray for my lovely first-time homebuyers, Ashley and Cody who charged ahead with patience and grace in Portland’s competitive real estate market.

Firstly, these are some of the sweetest people I know! They have big hearts, sharp minds and were a joy to work with. And they are expecting their first child later this year!! See the small baby bump? 

Over the course of a couple of months, we submitted 4 offers and came in just barely below the winning offer each time. Not easy and super frustrating! But I knew there was magic was in our mutual trust and open communication.  We regularly went over strategies for being competitive in a strong seller’s market and they had plenty of determination. 

In the end, sticking with it has forever changed their lives because… bada-boom bada-bing, the 5th offer was accepted and are new homeowners for the first time!  

The house has a ton of updates and was so well maintained that we enjoyed a smooth transaction. And the huge yard, trees all around and vintage apple tree are the tops!

Empty Nester Plans

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux
Jamie and Wendy are on the precipice of becoming empty nesters.  This can be a very emotional time for parents, and this fact is no different for these two, but it can also be exciting! They have been preparing to make it a fun new phase of life and a simpler time. After selling two of their rental properties they were ready to find a new place to call home.  The goal was to find a smaller, energy-efficient mid-century home, with livability on one floor and quality extra living space for the kids to come home and visit.  Finding all of this while maintaining the same walkability and proximity to friends was not an easy task, but when this home hit the market they simply knew it was the one. The competition was fierce, and what was needed to be the chosen offer was uncomfortable, but thanks to a huge amount of trust and counsel they charged forward and their offer was accepted.  We simply love these two, and it was such an honor to help them!
Jessica + Karim
Fierce Real Estate Duo

‘Twas Meant to Be in Overlook

Posted on by Alyssa Isenstein Krueger

Josh and Evayn were referred to me by some great past clients of mine. We met for the first time via Zoom and we talked about the current state of the market and what to expect as a home buyer looking to purchase a home in close-in North or Northeast Portland. I explained how despite the pandemic, real estate was as busy as it’s ever been with nearly every good house getting multiple offers and almost always going over asking. Having caught them up to speed on the state of the market they were prepared for the worst, or at least prepared that it might take a while before they found the perfect house and had an offer accepted. We discussed what they were hoping to find, and they mentioned that they had seen a house listed in Overlook that seemed to check all their boxes. It had just gone pending so unfortunately that was off  the table as an option. Or was it?

We went through the available listings to select a few homes to see, and pickings were as slim as a dry noodle. They did find a few that seemed worthy of seeing, if only to get a sense of the kinds of houses on the market in their price range. We went on our first house seeking adventure, and they found one house that with a lot of imagination and sweat equity might work. As they were considering that house, lo and behold their dream house that they had told me about came back on the market. We zipped over there and saw it that evening to see it and it was as perfect in person for them as it was online. A sweet little 2 bedroom 1 bath mid-century on a dead-end street just a couple blocks from happenings on Interstate with a great fenced and private yard for their mutt Peabody and a stellar garage that is the perfect set-up for one day converting it into an ADU. The interior sported gleaming hardwood floors, fabulous paint colors in every room, a perfectly intact vintage mid-century kitchen and a huge laundry/storage/utility room.

The first time this house came on the market it had multiple offers and went for slightly over asking. This time around the seller was super motivated to get it back under contract and didn’t want to wait around for a pile of offers to maybe appear. We wrote up a great full price offer, submitted it right away and thankfully the seller was super motivated to get the house back under contract and accepted Josh and Evayn’s offer pretty quickly.  The previous buyer had already done the sewer scope, radon test and we had the tank information, so we scheduled the inspection and the house passed with flying colors. Everything else went smooth as butter and six weeks after we first met via Zoom, they had the keys to their new home in hand.

 

 

Update to Portland Real Estate Market Since Covid

Posted on by Living Room Realty

I gave the latest update on the Portland real estate market on Friday on Afternoon Live.  Check out some of the highlights of this this year right now compared to last year. Things are looking different, and even different from just a few months ago. If you’re interested in the deeper dive, check out the 6 minute interview here.

And here is the link to the update for just a couple of months ago. Take a look to see how things have changed.

 

Community

Posted on by Jessica LeDoux
Paul and Mel are simply some of the most involved, down to earth, lovely people.  Wherever they go community follows,  whether it be through their locally owned restaurant, teaching at our schools, or volunteering.  This level of commitment creates a very full, busy life and they simply needed a larger space for their family to come home to and be able to enjoy during their cherished moments of togetherness. Searching for their dream home was challenging due to COVID, but so much fun. They knew what they wanted, but most importantly they knew what was most important to both of them.  Many homes fit only one of their “wishlists” and no time was lost considering it because they knew that “their house” was out there. And it was… I opened the door and toured it solo, instantly knowing this was the one and after Mel and Paul toured as well, this was confirmed. They found their dream home!  We are simply ecstatic for your family and cannot wait until we can deliver you the keys!
Jessica
Advocate, Dream Weaver

All the Single Ladies, All the Single Ladies

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Put your hands up for Jess!

She just bought the perfect townhouse in NE Portland for her and her dog Luigi.

Let’s take a minute to celebrate being single! There is so much strength in creating and appreciating your own space, and Jess is over the moon in this townhouse!

This year I have helped a lot of single ladies buy homes, condos, and townhouses.  It’s inspiring to see the commitment they have to themselves and creating their best life.

 I love helping all people buy homes and this feeling has amplified in the pandemic. So many people are realizing just how important their home is in relation to working from home, quarantining, homeschooling, etc.. 

It was an honor to help Jess and her dog Luigi buy a spacious townhouse with a huge garage for not only the car but a motorcycle and a home gym. May their new home be a foundation for love and contentment!

Fresh Beaumont Craftsman

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED

3606 NE 43rd Ave, Portland OR 97213

The health and safety of the community is our top priority. Please be sure to see and share this virtual tour to get a feel for the home prior to showing. Please follow posted COVID protocols and contact Tracey with questions. Thank you!

Offered at $899,000

4 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 3112 SF

MLS# 20173576  | Taxes: $8,568 

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday 7/4 12-2pm

VIRTUAL TOUR

Light abounds in this Beautiful Craftsman home, built both for efficiency and classic beauty! Perched up off the street this home offers charming open spaces, chef’s kitchen, custom details and so much more.

It’s possible you’ll fall in love with this home even before entering! Fresh coat of paint inside and out plus a dreamy oversized porch greet you upon arrival. Entering this lovely home you will find a formal entry with built-ins!

Continue through the main floor featuring soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, big bright windows and a lovely gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry, gas range and beautiful island. Ample dining room is perfect for both intimate dinners and entertaining. The living room glows with big corner windows and a stylish fireplace with mantle for cozy evenings.

The second level features a gorgeous master en suite with 2 additional bedrooms, ample closets and classic woodworking throughout.

Spacious 3rd floor walk-up with spectacular tree-top views and generous ceiling height is great for family or media room.

Lower level offers plenty of storage and extra deep 2 car garage with more opportunity for storage and shop.

This Energy Star Certified home features a high-efficiency furnace and A/C and tankless hot water heater.

Gorgeous, low maintenance landscaped back yard perfect for gatherings and dinner on the deck. A lovely walk to Fremont shops, restaurants and parks! Great schools, biking score and public transportation! Welcome home!

Tracy and Barley are Having a Dance Party!

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to Tracy and Barley

They just bought the cutest condo in Hillsdale and now Barley is having a dance party to celebrate!

 

I had a great time helping Tracy and Barley find a nice condo to call home. They found a darling place with high-end finishes, new cabinets and appliances. Plus the location is fantastic and they can walk to some of their favorite places! I’m so lucky to work with wonderful people like Tracy (and wonderful dogs like Barley!!).

 

 

Buying a Home Remotely

Posted on by Mel Marzahl

I’ve never met Vijay and Pooja in person, they live in Boston and bought their new SW Portland home 100% remotely. Today we are closing on their new home in Hayhurst and I’m reflecting on my time working with them. They found me online almost a year ago. Since we started we have been completely virtual, connecting over phone, text, email and video.

A year ago Vijay called me and told me he was interested in a specific home. I gave him some information and learned he and Pooja lived in Boston. I offered to do a FaceTime tour or send a video of the home he was interested in. I started taking videos of homes they were interested in and texting him a few minutes of video at a time. “This is the front” I’d say as I showed them the sidewalk, the street, driveway and front porch. I’d send that short video and then start filming the next one by going through the front door… “And here’s the entrance…” “Now we’re going into the living room…” “look at these amaaaazing hardwood floors (I said while kneeling down to get a good shot of the pretty floors)…”

Over the past year of off and on home shopping with them, I’ve refined my skills as a videographer. Since I started, my short video clips via text have evolved. Now I provide longer video tours posted to youtube with a private link for my buyers. I invested in a gimbal, a tool which stabilizes my camera, so I can take better footage and focus on showing off the home. I’ve helped many other remote buyers too! About 30% of the clients I helped buy homes last year were partially or completely remote during the time we worked together.

All this working and filming remotely has seriously paid off. I am grateful for the experience I gained helping Pooja & Vijay, and my other remote clients. With the pandemic going on, my ability to address the unique needs of a remote client has helped me pivot and grow my business during this time of hardship. I now offer my buyers who can’t meet in person the option of a video tour or a live virtual tour with me on FaceTime, Skype, Hangouts, Zoom, Facebook and more! I also host live virtual open houses on my Facebook Page for many Living Room Realty listings.

Vijay and Pooja will be receiving the keys to their new home via Fedex tomorrow and will travel out here to see it for the first time in a few weeks. I am thrilled to be finally meeting them in person but bummed I won’t be able to give them a big hug or round of high fives just yet. I know they are excited too, and we’ll find a way to celebrate together, distantly.

Congrats again Pooja and Vijay!

Helping the whole family move to Newburg

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

 

I’ve know Amelia since she was around 10 years old. God, that makes me feel a little old! I saw her grow up and celebrated with her, Brad and the whole family at their wedding a few years back. I attended to their baby shower and adore their little bean, Charlotte. And just this month, I had the honor to help them achieve another milestone in their life, buying the first home! I have to say we had some fun even in the middle of a pandemic!

We honed in on Newberg pretty early on and there was no looking back. Newburg is a wonderful place for this family because they love the schools and the smaller town feel. Next, I’m helping her parents move from Bull Mountain to Newberg so they can all be close to one another. 

Congratulations to Brad, Amelia and Charlotte, you are like family to me! 

Sweet Cully Ranch With “Wow Factor” Yard

Posted on by Living Room Realty

 

4629 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97218

OFFERED AT $475,000

3 BEDROOM | 2 BATH | 1,174 SQFT

MLS #20683865 | TAXES: $4,272.30 (2018)

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 appliances and 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, and is 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.

 

World Travelers Make Portland Home

Posted on by Living Room Realty

When Kristin & I first met with Erica and Nuno we knew they were our kind of people. Both of them, as we found out at our meeting, had a rich international background and appreciated different cultures.


Erica grew up in SE Portland and moved to Germany where she met Nuno.  Their family speaks three languages and have a plethora of experiences already, but they wanted to be near family as they continued to raise their kiddos and Portland was a good fit for both of them.

So, we began their home search by drawing a tight parameters of the areas in SE Portland that were ideal to them both. They were willing to wait for the right one that landed in those parameters, plus the home had to be a good blend of both of their styles so we were all on the same page that this might be a longer than usual home journey to find the right home and they were ok with that.

Nuno’s architectural background gave him a love of details and the entrance into a home was very important and how it flowed with the rest of the home. Erica had a lot of grace when it came to the quirkiness of Portland homes from growing up here and was able to see potential in fixers if they landed in the right location. But both of them were on the same page in regards to the home that they bought needed to be manageable. Neither were wanting a major project.

The home search began and then was put on pause for a time as they were weighing their options.  Then the pandemic hit and the inventory dried up even more. Choices were slim, and initially it was seeming like the right house was still a ways out the stars aligned for us after a few weeks after starting up their home search again, of looking when a new viable listing popped up within their search. 

When we toured it was love at first sight and I could feel the connection between the home and Erica and Nuno. Not only did this beautifully maintained  1908 craftsman bungalow exuded with the architectural style and features they had been looking for in a home, it was also in an amazing location of the Brooklyn neighborhood in SE Portland.  It was like we stuck gold, and we weren’t the only ones who had the same thought. 

We quickly got together that evening on a Zoom call to strategically crafted an offer with great terms and price based off of comparable sales. All the while, getting to know each others world pretty well with our kiddos bouncing around in the background. 

The offer was submitted and now was the waiting game. We were competitive and we made sure to have  great communication with the other side which got us into contract in a multiple offer situation. We were over the hill with excitement. 

Now began the inspection process. Inspections are usually something that tends to be a bit of challenge in every home buying process. During this pandemic it is extremely important that the over communication be exercised.  We worked together to get bids for Nuno and Erica’s lists of high priority request and negotiated a credit for their repairs. This was a major win for Nuno and Erica as well for the sellers which made it party all around. This is exactly the feeling we like to see is that our clients are happy first and foremost but that we continue moving forward joyously all around. 

Signing was scheduled with a mobile notary and with masks and all they signed their closing documents. An experience that is truly memorable.

Nuno and Erica  have had to make several sacrifices to make this dream a reality and we couldn’t be more proud to be part of the adventure. There couldn’t be a more fitting home and we excited to see their family further enhance and  grow into their home sweet home.

After long last your home sweet home is yours!

Portland Real Estate Market Since Covid

Posted on by Living Room Realty

I stopped by Afternoon Live with Tra’ on Friday to give her the latest on the Portland real estate market. Things are looking a little different. Review some of the highlights below, then check out the 6 minute interview here.That’s where I’ll share what that actually means.

 

Portland Real Estate Market since Covid. Latest stats
Portland Real Estate Market Since Covid
Portland Real Estate Market since Covid. Protection.
Portland Real Estate Market since Covid

 

 

Click here for updated stats as of July 2020.

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

Posted on by Living Room Realty

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

 

Best 7 Questions to ask your Lender :

  1. Are you a direct lender ?

      2. Are you a correspondent lender or broker?

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

      3. Are you a local lender?

      4. Is the loan going to be fully underwritten?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Stability of interest rates, April 2020

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

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

Their commitment is to keep rates stable.

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

St John’s Foursquare

Posted on by Karim Alaeddine

St John’s Foursquare

9232 N Syracuse St | Portland, Ore 97203

Offered at $599,900 | MLS #20190629

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

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

Full Photo Slideshow

Brentwood-Darlington Rehab Opportunity

Posted on by Living Room Realty

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.


Shop Safely, Shop Local

Posted on by Living Room Realty

 

In a time of uncertainty, we all would like to hide at home until this blows over.

Unfortunately that just isn’t entirely possible, especially with kids at home (they just keep eating!).

We still need basics, and like many of you I worry that the small businesses that make up the Portland we love won’t survive for long.

There are ways to help, both your family, and the family of small business around us.

Below is a list of small businesses doing online ordering with curbside pickup, sometimes they will head right out and put bags directly into your trunk to eliminate as much person -to -person contact as possible.

Take heart Portland, and support the small businesses while you’re at it.

 

P’s & Q’s Market on NE Dekum

Grand Central Bakery, Beaumont, Hawthorn, Ceder Mills, Multnomah locations

Providore Fine Foods, NE Sandy

Navarre & Luce, NE location (wine to go with amazing food!)

Pollo Norte NE

Kachka, SE to go prepared food and pantry (they’re even offering a to go Passover menu)

That’s just the tip of the iceberg, for a more comprehensive list of restaurants offering takeout, check out Eater’s list here , and their list of grocery stores offering both pick up and delivery, look here.

–Daisy

 

photo credit Michael Novak via Portland Monthly

 

 

 

JUST LISTED: LIVE YOUR BEST PDX LIFE DOWNTOWN!

Posted on by ARYNE + DULCINEA

JUST LISTED: THE BEST OF DOWNTOWN

255 SW Harrison St. 11A
Portland, OR 97201

Offered at $269,500

1 BEDROOM | 1 BATH | 579 SQFT
MLS #20555082| TAXES:$3,714.20

=IMPORTANT NOTICE=

The health and safety of our community is our top priority.
Due to current health policies, we will be offering a hand washing station in this listing and ask that only two people are in the unit at a time. Thank you!

NOW TO THE GOOD STUFF…

Chic, light-filled, and bursting with amenities! Launch your downtown lifestyle in this newly renovated 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom stylish condo! Brand new flooring and paint throughout with updated kitchen and bathroom. Delight in city, mountain, and river views through floor to ceiling windows and doors. Stroll out onto your balcony to relax, garden, or entertain. Swim in your pool or relax in your hot tub. As a part of the Halprin Landscape Conservancy, you can walk through the beautifully landscaped courtyard that connects all the way to Keller Auditorium.
With this location, culture is abundant and you get the best of downtown Portland.

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

  • Halprin Landscape Conservancy
  • Portland Open Space Sequence – Lovejoy Fountain, Pettygrove Park, Source Fountain, Keller Fountain
  • Streetcar & Max
  • Portland State University
  • McCormick & Schmick’s
  • Luk Lak
  • Murata
  • Higgins
  • University Club
  • Portland Art Museum
  • Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
  • Keller Auditorium
  • Portland Farmers’ Market
  • South Park Blocks
  • Oregon Historical Society

HOUSE UPDATES + FEATURES:

  • South facing unit with river, city and mountain views
  • Balconies off bedroom and living room
  • New bamboo floors throughout
  • Fresh paint
  • Stainless steel appliances, new Bosch dishwasher & granite countertops
  • Outdoor pool, hot tub & sauna
  • Private community garden & courtyard
  • Dedicated parking space
  • Interior bike storage
  • Concrete structure building provides high quality insulation
  • Secure building access
  • Shared common unit for meetings and entertaining

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.

When The Neighbor Asks….

Posted on by Martin Cross

Generally speaking, when the neighbor asks… “would you like to buy our house before we put it on the market“ the answer is… maybe… “let me ask my REALTOR®”.

I’ve found that, more often than not when people want to sell their home directly they have unrealistic expectations as to the value of their home. It’s rarely the case that they just want to sell their home for a “fair” price without the hassle of listing, open houses, showings and waiting. It’s even less often the case when they are already living elsewhere. So, needless to say, when my buyers came to me with this idea I was dubious.

But, when that house is not only very fairly priced but also a big, beautiful, well maintained, craftsman with four bedrooms, two baths, a full basement with tall person ceilings PLUS a sleeping porch, garage and tons of storage on a corner lot then the answer is always YES!

This was exactly what happened for my buyers and I couldn’t be happier for them. So remember, when the neighbor asks… Just call your local REALTOR® (that’s me!) and ask their opinion.

Mt Scott Farmhouse

Posted on by Karim Alaeddine

Mt Scott Farmhouse

5915 SE 67th Ave | Portland, Ore 97206

Offered at $349,900 | MLS #20636020

3 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 1,058 SF 

Mt Scott Farmhouse set on a spacious corner lot. Renovated kitchen w/breakfast bar, sunny dining area, tiled bathroom. Balcony in 1 of 2 upstairs bedrooms, main floor hardwoods, central vac, mudroom, abundant light. Established permaculture gardens; fruit, natives, organic beds, 25+ perennial edibles, patios for entertainment, custom fencing, double garage & other artful, urban farm details. Blocks from both Woodstock & Foster-Powell amenities.

Virtual Tour and More Photos

 

Light, Bright & Airy!!

Posted on by Martin Cross

JUST LISTED!

This contemporary styled two bedroom home has soaring vaulted ceilings that give it a light, bright and airy feeling. Spacious bedrooms each have double closets plus a bonus loft looking over the main living area.  Two full bathrooms!  Large laundry room off the kitchen with space for pantry or storage. Fenced, low maintenance yard & patio.

Great HOA! Low dues include garbage, sewer, water etc.

16611 SE Naegeli Dr. 97236

$250,000

Grit, Grace and the Good Stuff

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to our First Time Home Buyers!

I met Megan and Natasha at one of my open houses last fall. They stopped by with their adorable daughter, Paloma, and as we started chatting I felt a connection with them right away. We learned they were in town from Santa Cruz to check out houses in the Portland market and after a few days checking out the city and going to open houses, were feeling really good about making the move! We made the plan to keep in touch and, as all Portlanders do, we recommended some of our favorite restaurants to check out while they were in town.

Through emails and conference calls, we were able to get to know each other surprisingly well, and by the time they arrived for their first in-person visit to tour homes together, we were ready to hit the ground running. We toured a lot of homes in many different styles and vintages, all the while going over the benefits and drawbacks of each. Megan and Natasha are thoughtful, research-oriented and very good at asking questions, and those qualities that make them a great match for us! So with an accelerated home buying education, they decided that new construction was the best choice for their young family.

We found the sweetest new construction home in the fantastic Woodstock neighborhood on a picture-perfect street. Given we are all staying home to be safe for now, these buyers will be moving up to Portland as soon as this whole Covid-19 thing settles down. Welcome home!

A Sweet House for Smart Cookies

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

A Sweet House for Smart Cookies

My assistant, Jasmine, was referred to a lovely young family in the market to buy a new home in SE Portland. I’ve seen quite of few of these new construction townhouse style homes around town over the past 5 years and I’m a big fan. First of all, they are obviously gorgeous but so much of their goodness comes from being Earth Advantage certified, required to be at least 15% more efficient and with better overall performance than a house built to code. Plus they have all the bells and whistles to boot! Needless to say, it was very easy to get on board and support these clients through their home purchase. We are over the moon and excited for our internet-private-type clients to make this house a home.

We Love Referrals!

 

Gratitude Abounds!

Posted on by Living Room Realty

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

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

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

Midcentury Dream on Oversized Lot

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Make your home in this stylish Russell neighborhood ranch filled with awesome detail and an impressive brick fireplace. The living space is both functional and cozy and the roomy master bedroom has an ensuite half bath! This house is move-in ready with fresh paint inside and out. The large back yard is the perfect place to host your friends and family this summer. The health of our community is top priority so if you’re isolating or not feeling well I’m happy to coordinate a video walkthrough for you. MLS #20288660

2929 NE 123rd Ave

3br/1.5ba

Listed at 320K
SQUARE FEET: 1086
TAXES: $3,224
LOT SIZE: .18

FoPo Opportunity!

Posted on by Living Room Realty

A chance to bring back to life the cutest house on an amazing corner lot!

 

Per Portland Maps: Newer gas furnace and A/C. Double pane vinyl windows, newer kitchen appliances + washer/dryer can stay. Detached oversized 1 car garage + storage/tool shed + covered RV/boat parking, full fences. Two bedrooms with shared bathroom on main level, upstairs 1 dormer room, clean/dry basement. Porch, fireplace + built-ins over-sized lot. Cosmetic updates will bring this bungalow back to life!

Just listed – Charming Richmond Townhome

Posted on by Living Room Realty

2409 SE 51st Ave #2

Portland, Oregon, 97206

Beautiful post-war townhome located in one of Portland’s hippest neighborhoods. Some of the best restaurants, shopping, music venues, coffee shops and parks in town are within blocks. The home features beautiful hardwood floors, updated kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances and cherry cabinets. Upstairs you’ll find a large master bedroom and second room or office plus tiled bathroom. Also comes with a large storage unit with washer/dryer and a deeded, secured parking space. 

OFFERED AT $325,000

2 BEDROOM | 1 BATH | 948 SQFT

MLS #20137290  | TAXES: $3,874

New Listing: Darling Bungalow in Beaumont-Wilshire

Posted on by Living Room Realty

OFFERED AT $495,000

3 BEDS |1 BATH | 1840 SF |  3920 sq. ft.

ML: #20686027| TAXES:  $5421

Darling Portland Bungalow, down the street from tons of restaurants and shops! Wood burning fireplace surrounded by original built ins and hardwood floors. French doors off of the dining room flood the interior with light and offer a space for indoor-outdoor entertaining. Renovated bathroom, master bedroom, ss kitchen appliances, and new interior paint. Unfinished basement has separate entry for rental potential. This sweet home offers modern comforts while maintaining the charm of the past!

OPEN HOUSES:

March 6, 2020: 6-8pm featuring the “Fremont Fizz” signature cocktail (and mocktail) served by Jene DeSpain

March 7, 2020: 12-3pm with Jamis Mannis

March 8, 2020: 12-2pm with Greg Washington

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

Portland Bungalow

A house years in the making

Posted on by Living Room Realty

I helped Rhett and Jen move to Portland a couple of years ago, when they arrived in the middle of winter with a two month old son and needed a rental home. We were able to find them a sweet little two bedroom house in SE Portland, and they settled into it and started raising their family and finding their place in Portland. I’ve been in touch with them since, and through several starts and stops, they were finally ready to look start looking in earnest to purchase their first house.

We met and set up the parameters for their search. We talked about their must-haves and wishlists for what their dream home would look like. We went on a couple tours, and Jen added a house that was floating above their top end price point because it was just a couple blocks away from where we finished. The house had it all. A big yard, garage, family room for the kids, and extra space for their offices– in a great neighborhood to boot. We kept an eye on it, and after a couple of weeks they were planning on submitting an offer below asking. Simultaneously the sellers dropped the price right as we submitted their offer. It was a fortuitous moment, and with a strong explanation of their love of the house, the sellers accepted it right away.

My buyers were thrilled, and as anticipated the house was in excellent condition for the age of the home. We had a great team working on their behalf, from the lender to their escrow agent, and solid communication with the listing agent. We were able to get the most important items addressed from their inspections, and it was a true win-win for everyone.

It’s been a long road from that initial time of helping Rhett and Jen find their rental, but I’m so honored and thrilled to have helped guide them to closing on their first new home today!

 

 

JUST LISTED! Multnomah Village Charmer!!

Posted on by Martin Cross

Lovely 1970s home with tons of original charm. Great floor plan, lovely yard with mature plantings and a large deck for spring and summer entertaining. Solid home just waiting for your personal touch. Newer siding, windows and roof. Just a half mile to all the cuteness of Multnomah Village and its great shops & restaurants!

7327 SW 27th Ave. Portland, Ore. 97219

$375,000

Turnkey Craftsman Bungalow: Perfectly Portland

Posted on by Living Room Realty

OFFERED AT $685,000

3 BEDS | 2 BATH | 2006 SF | Separate Studio | 0.11 ACRE

ML: #19019852| TAXES:  $6,096

Light-infused, turnkey Craftsman Bungalow, steps to Alameda Ridge in a great school district! Not far from Beaumont Village shops and restaurants, as well as the Hollywood District.

 

Two large bedrooms and bath downstairs. Upstairs Master Suite complete with full bath and skylights. Separate, finished studio perfect for home office or potential rental. Basement with high ceilings and potential to finish. Updated kitchen opens to a fully fenced-in backyard. This entire home has been beautifully remodeled and upgraded, while keeping period character in tact. Corner lot provides lots of yard space!

For a video of the space head here.

OPEN HOUSE:

March 7, 2020: 12pm – 2pm

March 8, 2020: 12pm – 2pm

You Know it’s “The One” When You Want to Throw Up

Posted on by Living Room Realty

I met Molly at my coworker Bonnie’s open house. Bonnie had been working with Molly and her husband David to find the perfect home for their family, who had outgrown their small two bedroom apartment.

While at the open Bonnie turned to me and said, “Do you have buyers for this listing?” and when I replied that I didn’t she introduced me to Molly. Molly and I then walked around the home, where she let me know she liked the home so much it was making her feel nauseated. 🙂 So I tried my best to ease her nerves while we waited for David to show up.

Luckily, David approved and we were able to move easily through the offer and inspection process. Now they are the proud owners of a beautiful home with enough space for the whole family.

If you or anyone 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.

Tiny Home, Big Heart

Posted on by Living Room Realty

We met Carli & her beautiful sidekick Claudia back around in 2015 and were looking for land at that time in the Portland Metro Area for her to build her own tiny home. Carli comes from a family of doers, makers and earth shakers. Her parents have built their own homes so Carli’s standards for her home were very high, plus she is a minimalist and knew she didn’t need a big home to make her happy. Since nothing was coming up that fit what she had envisioned she took a break for a few years. We kept each other in our lives and celebrated personal victories along the way. The thing that we began to see more and more in Carli was a warrior’s spirit in a sweet and caring capsule.

When she wasn’t making beautiful jewelry and hanging with her friends and Claudia she was fighting animal abuse and standing up for what she is so passionate about, raising awareness about animal injustice all over the world.

Then last year Carli reached out and mentioned that her housing situation may be changing and that she would like to start looking again at what was on the market, and then sent me this beauty:

A new construction tiny home within the Portland Metro Area!

When we went to tour it, it checked so many of the boxes of what Carli mentioned would be essential to her and Claudia, but there was also a lot of details to this project that were not smoothed out from the seller. So, we found ourselves in limbo for many months and trying to piece together the answers to the many questions we had about this home to make sure it was in deed a good fit and investment for Carli and Claudia.

 

After we placed together a few essential pieces of information we needed Carli took the plunge and reserved the unit to put her in first position once the home officially was registered with the state, still knowing that it was still uncertain that she would be able to be the owner of the property.  When the state finally recognized the home, there were 2 other buyers that bid over what Carli had reserved the unit for and were trying to bump her out of 1st position. We put our heads together and fought back without overbidding to ensure that she didn’t loose this spot and in the end Carli prevailed over her competitors.

We found ourselves officially in contract and began our inspections and though there was definitely a lot of back and forth with the seller over the items that needed to get corrected, Carli again prevailed and the journey of getting her dream home finally became a reality today. After 15 years of dreaming of her very own tiny home, I was so honored to be able to deliver her the keys to her very own tiny home.

Carli, I can’t tell you how impressed and proud of you I am for standing your ground and achieving this dream.  I can’t wait to see the special touch your put on this beauty and am looking forward to our many adventures to come.

Mid-Century Charmer in Rose City Park

Posted on by Alyssa Isenstein Krueger

1620 NE 65th Ave.

Portland, Oregon, 97213

Dialed in mid-century rancher with an open floor plan and tastefully updated bathroom and kitchen. Featuring a formal entry, gleaming hardwood floors throughout, a cozy woodburning fireplace and a newer gas furnace and central a/c, this home shines. The interior connects well with the private backyard and the attached garage and detached shed provide lots of options for storage. No projects left to do with this house, just unpack your stuff and move right in.

OFFERED AT $420,000

2 BEDROOM | 1 BATH | 996 SQFT

MLS #20507085  | TAXES: $4,428

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Continue reading “Mid-Century Charmer in Rose City Park”

Leaps of Faith

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Hi Readers!

By now, you probably realize I really enjoy writing and sharing the stories of my client partners. In this case, I’m going to let

THIS VIDEO do the talking.

My first time buyer August is smart, diligent, stubborn, fun and funny. Basically, dream client. And, I promised them I’d go skydiving, since they took a leap of faith with me. More on that one later.

Congrats on your beautiful new home, August. It’s been one helluva fun ride.

Till next time, high fives,

 

Magnificent View Home Coming Soon (ready for offers now!)

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Portland Urban Oasis

 

 

Nestled amongst the lush green trees of forest park with expansive views of the Willamette river and all 3 mountains (Hood, Helens, Adams). This wonderful home feels like a vacation retreat (hike Forest Park trails starting from your backyard) but is just a short bike ride to downtown and only +/- 20 mins to Intel and Nike. Create tasty meals for friends and family in the gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, gas range, cork floors and panoramic windows and adjacent large deck to take in the views. Formal dining and living room, laundry, two bedrooms and large bath with clawfoot tub on main. Master suite with walk in closet and spa-like bathroom and sitting room (or office) upstairs. The unfinished basement doubles as a tuck-under garage and is perfect for a wine cellar, storage and hobbies.

Sellers are currently packing and cleaning to get ready to sell (active RMLS date is roughly April or May when the garden is in full beautiful bloom), but are excited to move-on to life’s next adventure so would love to have an offer now. Please text me for additional information or to schedule a showing. This is a spectacular home that is move-in ready and has many updates (happy to email you a list).

12601 NW DRURY LANE, PORTLAND, OR 97231
  List Price: $550,000
  Bedrooms: 3
  Baths: 2
  Square Feet: 3313
  Taxes: $4367.08

CONTACT: Charity Adams | charitypdx@gmail.com | 503.381.6334

 

 

Please text me for additional information or to schedule a showing.

A Confluence of Factors

Posted on by Alyssa Isenstein Krueger

Congratulations to Sarah, Scottie and Piggers! Thanks to impeccable timing they were able to get $35k in down payment grants through the LIFT program and University of Portland’s down payment program designed to help full time employees buy their first home near the UofP. Within a week of having the LIFT reservation in hand, we found a great rancher in University Park that checked all the boxes including what we thought would be a difficult to find huge detached garage for Scottie’s blossoming contractor business. This was the week before Christmas, and knowing that the LIFT funds expired in 2 months, and that most likely they were not going to see a house that checked this many boxes in their price range anytime soon, I suggested they offer just a few hairs over asking in hopes that the seller would accept their offer prior to the weekend, and it worked! Three days before Christmas they had their offer accepted, which was just 2 days before I left town on vacation for 2 weeks. Thanks to my excellent colleague Lisa Avena at Living Room who took great care of them and handled their home inspection, I was able to enjoy my vacation knowing Sarah and Scottie were being well taken care of. The inspection turned up a few unexpected surprises in the crawl space, but having a contractor buying a house always makes me feel better when a house is going to need some work. Even though the seller (who was also the listing agent) wasn’t happy, we were able to get him to agree to fix the big stuff. And then the appraiser called out some dry rot on the garage. Grrrr. By this time we were in mid-January and the market had clearly turned a sharp corner. In the 4 weeks from when their offer was accepted to the time the appraisal came back, the market shifted strongly into a sellers market with little inventory and a ton of buyers out shopping. The seller was very aware of this, and reminded me a couple of times that he had someone waiting in the wings who wanted the house badly enough because of it’s huge garage, that this supposed buyer would have taken the property as-is.  So when I told him that the appraiser had called out that the garage needed to be repaired before the lender would loan on the property, he refused to the garage repaired. This would have been the end for most buyers, but Sarah and Scottie were not daunted. Scottie knew he could take care of the issue himself in less than a day’s work, so we got the seller’s permission for Scottie to fix the issue and Scottie got to work. Between the 35k in funds, finding the right property at the exact right time, and having the literal skills and ability to fix a problem, this family of three were able to close on the perfect house for them.

 

 

 

Giving Back to My Community

Posted on by Living Room Realty
www.pdxparent.com/building-a-better-pta/

My oldest daughter attends our neighborhood school of Scott Elementary in the Cully neighborhood. We have been so fortunate to be a part of this community, which has been made even better with the award winning PTA at the school.

In the past 4 years since we’ve been a part of the school, I’ve seen it change by leaps and bounds. This is in no small part due to the efforts of the PTA.

In an article written for pdxparent.com, Denise Castañon writes “Scott is one of the most diverse schools in Portland Public Schools. The school is home to a dual-language Spanish immersion program, and Latinx students make up 41 percent of the school’s population. Black students account for 18 percent of the population; Asian and Pacific Islanders account for 4 percent of the students; Native students make up 2 percent of the population; 7 percent of Scott students are multiracial; white students are just under 30 percent of the population. It’s also a high-poverty, Title 1 school with more than 95 percent of students on free and reduced lunch. In addition to Spanish and English, Vietnamese and Somali are spoken by Scott families.”

Castañon credits recruiting bilingual parent leaders as being crucial in bridging the divide between the different communities that make up the school. She also notes that PTA president Kristen Hoffman has been tireless in her efforts to bring our community together. And I concur! Kristen is not only a client whom I helped find a house for she and her family last year, but a powerhouse in our community.

This year I have decided to give back to my community by donating 1% of all of my commissions through the end of the 2019/2020 school year to the Scott School PTA. I believe in giving back to my community and I believe in the great work the Scott School PTA is doing to improve the lives of the children who go there.

If you or anyone you know would like to buy or sell a home in the Portland Metro area, and support a great cause, please have them contact Amanda Haworth at amanda@livingroomre.com or 503-453-7698.

Serene Sherwood Contemporary

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED: 17770 SW Nels Dr

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1686 SF | MLS# 20485972 | Taxes: $4,348 | HOA $120 Yr

17770 SW Nels Dr., Sherwood OR 97140

Offered at $439,000
OPEN HOUSE: Sunday 2/23 11pm-1pm

Gorgeous, contemporary single level home backing up to a serene wooded area. Only a handful of properties in this sought-after neighborhood offer such a gorgeous green backdrop! Situated perfectly in the Oregon Trail neighborhood with a play park, schools nearby and all Sherwood has to offer!

Upon entering you’ll notice vaulted ceilings and wonderful natural light. The floor plan flows easily into the formal dining room and formal living room, wonderful for entertaining and intimate dinners alike. You’ll love how the living room shines with an oversized picture window and soaring ceilings. Making your way into the heart of the home is the beautifully updated kitchen featuring ample counter space, storage galore and soaring ceilings. A dining nook and breakfast bar help to make this space feel both spacious and inviting.

Opening up off the kitchen you’ll find the large family room with many great features including a stunning mantle with a gas fireplace, custom cabinetry, pantry and a closet. Plus, custom wood blinds throughout the home!

Through the hall is a very large master bedroom with lofty ceilings and a wonderful en suite bathroom with double sinks. The adjacent bedrooms filled with natural light and provide ample closet space.

Rounding out the home is a nice sized laundry room and 2 car garage equipped with an electric car charger and plenty of storage. And don’t forget the newly updated furnace, hot water heater and dryer! The beautiful backyard is just perfectly private and spacious. The yard is fully fenced which makes this yard Fido friendly and a delightful space for gathering or enjoying on your own. Plus, soon to come, The Cedar Creek Trail with access points near the property!

VIDEO TOUR

Offer Wars ~ Winning Bids!

Posted on by Bonnie Roseman

How do you get the seller to pick your offer?

Winning Multiple Offer Strategies

You just walked in to a house that feels like home right off the bat. You love the filtered light and would have chosen the finishes yourself. It seems too good to be true… Okay, maybe it is not totally perfect, but it is by far the very best place you have seen within your budget. Now what?!

The trouble is that lots of people like similar places and if your heart is throbbing for this gem of a property, in all likelihood you will have competitors. How do you fight to win?

Let’s be honest, nearly every seller is moved by the bottom line, but there is often more to the story. This is not to say you can overcome the obstacle of an offer with a significantly bigger price tag, or someone with a pile of cash when you have worked hard to save up a modest down payment.

There are, however, lots of things that can sweeten the deal enough that if your offer is neck and neck with another, or maybe even a bit lower, might make all the difference and get you the house you want so badly.

Here goes:

1. Show your finances are solid by including your pre-approval letter from a local lender that is well respected in the community and if you have a large down payment include proof of funds (don’t share your account number).

2. Write a sincere, authentic and heartfelt letter to the seller. Make it short and sweet. Express your appreciation for the homeowners and their property, share a few details about yourself that show who you are and include a fun pic or two (kiddos- canine, feline and human, or other species, make great subjects).

3. Work with a great buyer’s agent in that frequently does business in the area where you are shopping. Relationships in the industry can be critical. You are relying on your agent to communicate well with the sellers’s agent and be someone they are eager to work with. Visit prospective agent’s Zillow, Nextdoor, or other profile pages online to see their recent activity. Check agents out on Peer Reputation to see how colleagues view them, as well as reading reviews from consumers online.

4. Get advice from your agent about the myriad details that can make a difference. Consider some examples-

  • Tighten up your inspection contingency by shortening the time frame, etc.
  • If you’ve received the Seller’s Property Disclosure you can elect to waive the associated contingency if you are confident about your purchase.
  • Increase the dollar amount of your initial earnest money deposit.
  • Find out the seller’s ideal closing and possession dates and give them what they want.
  • Can you let go of the requirement for the property to appraise for the sales price?
  • There are many tweaks that can make a big difference…

5. Get creative! What can you bring to the table that others cannot?

Have questions? Let’s talk!

Just Listed: Delightful Bungalow in St Johns

Posted on by Living Room Realty

DELIGHTFUL BUNGALOW IN ST JOHNS  $389,000

9425 N Richmond Ave.
This meticulously cared for home has a long list of thoughtful upgrades.  Just 4 blocks from Downtown St. Johns this home has the ideal location. The full, unfinished basement is ready for your vision. A fully fenced, private back yard boasts a cedar pavilion, fruit trees, herbs and gardening options galore. The classic bungalow covered front porch is perfect for use all year long. Top it off with an extra deep driveway for two cars and two extra sheds for tools or gear. Don’t miss this gem!
2 bed | 1 bath | 1793 sq. ft.
MLS# 20079684 | Taxes: $2955 | Lot Size: .11 Acre
Click here for more information on this home!

Just Listed: Cozy St. Johns Ranch on Oversized Lot

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery

COZY ST JOHNS RANCH ON OVERSIZED LOT  $300,000

7734 N BANK ST
Adorable St Johns mid-century ranch has great light and a modern open floor plan.  This home has a remodeled kitchen and bath, stainless steel appliances & newer heat pump keeps you cool all summer and cozy in the winter. Mature trees and landscaping give this sweet home ample curb appeal. You’ll find plenty of storage space in the large shed & secure off street parking inside the fully fenced back yard for all your toys. Close to Rose City Taqueria, Pier Park Pool & St Johns Downtown.
2 bed | 1 bath | 720 sq. ft.
MLS# 20505908 | Taxes: $2350 | Lot Size: .12 Acre
Click here for more information about this home

Country in the City!

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery

JUST LISTED

COUNTRY IN THE CITY  $329,000

13290 SW Pearl St Beaverton OR 97005

This cute and roomy ranch home on a large lot is located right in the heart of Beaverton but tucked away on a quiet undeveloped cul-de-sac. Floor to ceiling windows bring in natural light.  The yard boasts mature fruit trees, covered patio, firepit, chicken coop and a tool shed. The open floor plan has updated flooring,  lighting and a cozy fireplace.  This well laid out home fits in some great extras such as a bonus room with warm oak flooring, a laundry room, closet built-ins and a period perfect mid-century hutch. Close to the Beaverton Farmer’s market, downtown eateries and parks.  There is so much to love here at a price that fits just right!

 

3 bed | 1 bath | 1085 sq. ft.
MLS# 20649264 | Taxes: $3022 | Lot Size: .20 Acre
SEAN O’FEERY and CARLY VAN AART
Licensed Brokers in Oregon
206-795-0703
sean@livingroomre.com

 

The Best Little Farmhouse in Tigard

Posted on by Living Room Realty
The happy homeowners

When Amy first contacted me about a move to Portland from Colorado, I knew we were going to hit it off. We both had 4-year-old girls and a wicked sense of humor. I liked her immediately.

We then had a series of whirlwind house hunting trips when she came out to Portland for a few days at a time. I think we saw around 20-30 houses, all told. We wrote several offers that ended up in back up position, due to the fact that Amy still needed to sell her house in Colorado. One of those back up offers was the home that was to become theirs.

The sweet gift from the previous owners

When we first saw this home on a quiet street in Tigard, we fell in love. With that classic farmhouse style and huge wraparound porch, how could we resist? Once inside we saw that the kitchen and living room had been beautifully remodeled. Not to mention that the yard felt like it needed its own zip code it was so big. The perfect play zone for their daughter. Amy knew it was the one.

I can just picture them spending summers out on that beautiful porch, or enjoying the yard. I can’t wait to see photos of them all settled into their new home! Congrats Amy, Travis and Faye!

If you or anyone you know are looking to buy or sell a home in the Portland area, please contact Amanda Haworth at 503-453-7698 or amanda@livingroomre.com.

Entertainer’s Dream Mediterranean in Southwest Portland

Posted on by Living Room Realty

9921 SW 30th Avenue

OFFERED AT $535,000

3 BEDS | 2.5 BATH | 1896 SF | 0.2 ACRE LOT

ML: #20166310 | TAXES:  $7,699

ENTERTAINER’S DREAM HOUSE!

This is one of those (rare) Southwest Portland homes that makes you want to get outside and entertain, even in the chilly months!

Beautiful Mediterranean on large, corner lot with professionally designed outdoor spaces: lanai with fountain, gas fire pit & fireplace, & new hot tub. Separate building to use as an office, music studio or guest space. Kitchen recently remodeled with stainless steel appliances. Tons of living space complete with two fireplaces. Upstairs living has a covered porch, three bedrooms, one with Juliette balcony, and two bathrooms. Master suite even has a private balcony!

OPEN HOUSE:

JANUARY 18, 2020: 12pm – 2pm

JANUARY 19, 2020: 12pm – 2pm

SOPHIA ROSENBERG

Earth Advantage & ADU Specialist Broker

Home, hospitality and community have long been signposts to Sophia’s heart, and they also happen to represent key stages of her life so far. As a young, up-and-coming designer, she put an interior architecture degree from the University of California to work managing the design and styling of new openings for the popular Kimpton Hotels brand…

READ MORE

  • T: 503-936-7499
  • sophia@livingroomre.com

Light and Bright in Sherwood

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED: Light & Bright in Sherwood

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1497 SF | $4,222 Tax | MLS #20213123 | HOA $120/Yr

Offered at: $399,000

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday 1/18 12pm – 2pm

20759 SW Santa Fe Ter, Sherwood OR 97140

Welcome home! Step into this gorgeous, contemporary single level with a fantastic open floor plan!

Entering the foyer you are immediately greeted with vaulted ceilings, ample natural light and gleaming wood accents and millwork. A few steps further you’ll find a large den/office with a big picture window and plenty of versatile space. Easily imagined as the media room as well!

Make your way into the heart of the home and you’ll enjoy an open concept kitchen, dining and living room. Soaring ceilings, skylight and big windows overlooking the backyard make this space feel both spacious and inviting.

The kitchen is a generous size with a great layout and touts a gas range, ample counter space and an eating bar. The dining room flows easily between the kitchen and living room providing a wonderful space for entertaining and intimate dinners alike.

Make yourself comfortable in the living room in front of the gas fireplace. Plenty of room here for relaxation and gatherings.

The layout and flow throughout the home is easy to navigate and absolutely ideal for a home of this size. Through the hall you’ll find bedrooms filled with natural light plus a very large master suite with vaulted ceilings.

Rounding out the home is a nice sized laundry room and 2 car garage with plenty of storage.

A beautiful backyard offers flowering shrubs, established landscaping and a large patio surrounded by greenery, ready for lounging in the shade on hot summer days. The yard is fully fenced for privacy which makes this a delightful space for entertaining or enjoying on your own. Located in the coveted Oregon Trail neighborhood with a play park, close to schools and all the area has to offer!

 

VIDEO TOUR

World Traveler Nesting in Alameda

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Doctor Jon is a ninja of keeping the calm as he makes bold strokes. He’s a world traveler, biker, surfer, snowboarder and all around great adventure buddy to be around. It has been such a pleasure getting to know him and work along side him in the process of his home purchase. We knew right away that we liked him when we met at our office for our first meeting.

One of the most important things Jon wanted in a home was a basement where he could utilize the space as a possible ADU or for jam sessions. Something that was partly finished would allow him to complete some sound proofing so he could use his drum set alongside a plethora of other instruments. 

Community was another big factors that brought Jon back to Portland and call it home.

We saw a few homes that Jon was considering, but this one in particular stood out to Jon due to the layout, neighborhood, and being in close proximity to his community. Soon we found ourselves in contract and the nitty gritty of inspections began. 

During inspections there were a few items that came up that Jon was able to navigate with the proper due diligence of researching bids, having contractors give their opinions which ultimately led to Jon receiving a substantial credit due to his hard work and a team effort in negotiating the credit. 

One thing we loved about working with Jon is that he was always cool and level headed when it came to the decision making process, which we believe led to his successful close.

Yesterday was our key hand off day and it felt so good to finally see them in his hands. We couldn’t be happier for Jon. He truly ventured through the home buying journey with success!

New Home and New Adventures in Portland!

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Welcome to Portland, Josh!

A big warm welcome and congratulations to Josh! He was referred to Jasmine and I through a friend of hers and we are so pleased to have helped him buy a gorgeous home!

We connected Josh with our preferred lender, JJ Lee Kwai at Two Rivers Mortgage, and just like that we were on our way to a smooth transaction!

Josh is moving from Maryland ready for his next adventure in life! He has family here and is looking forward to living close to them again. We applaud his decision and know he’ll be happy in this fabulous home! Cheers! 

We Wear Many Hats: Chapter 4

Posted on by Living Room Realty

From an outsider’s perspective a career in real estate can seem like a dream. With HGTV cranking out series after series depicting agents showing a few houses one day, a short montage of renovation and a happy family reveal, it makes it all look so easy. With it’s flexible schedule and theoretically enormous income, what’s not to love?! Well, as with any job, there is more to being a REALTOR® than meets the eye. A truly dedicated REALTOR®, in my mind, is far more than a salesperson. Although marketing and showing a home in it’s best light is indeed a much needed skill, a good REALTOR® is most importantly an advocate for their buyers and sellers and, as such, there is great depth to the job. All said and done, our work requires us to utilize a very diverse set of skills and this blog series lets you in on the nitty gritty of some of the less commonly acknowledged hats that we wear.

Real Estate Agent as a Marketing Guru:

Anyone that has ever shopped for houses online can tell you a story about the horrendous pictures they’ve seen of homes or if you’ve toured a few houses you know some pictures make a home look either better or worse than the reality of the home. These listings did not represent the home to the world in its best light. A good agent has an eye for how to make your house shine and will work hard to play up its best features and minimize any issues that could be objectionable.  A good agent also works hard to ensure that the home is seen by as many prospective buyers as possible. Holding open houses and making individual tours as easy as possible can go a long way to both help as many people see the house as possible, but also to build good will with the agent of a prospective buyer.   Maintaining a reputation as an outstanding agent is equally important to our success as is marketing on behalf of each client.  I find that often I will get opportunities both buying and selling homes because I am a full time dedicated agent with an agency that is highly respected.  Agents on the other side of a deal want to be sure the offer they are accepting is the real deal and my reputation as an agent and the quality of communication I bring can help bring strength to an offer.

Stacey and Graeme buy a real Stunner!

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to Stacey, Graeme & Roen!

I am so thrilled to have worked with Graeme and Stacey to purchase this beautiful home. I’ve known Stacey a very long time now. Before she was married and had the cutest son on earth, she was my roommate. That was back when Bernadette and I felt that having a roommate made paying the bills and our mortgage a bit easier.

A lot has changed over the last 10 years although Stacey and I have kept in touch! She met Graeme and they are, hands down, one of the most well-matched and adorable couples out there! I was honored to attend their fantastically gorgeous wedding about 5 years ago. Since then, they have moved to Canada for work and back, had their son Roen and decided to move back to Portland. Yay!!

Stacey and Graeme have some of my favorite character traits- optimism, realism, curiosity and humor. What great traits to work with when shopping for real estate! They were in the market for a comfortable home in a beautiful setting, not too far out in the country and not too close-in to the city, with a master on the main. As first time home buyers who are research-driven, we naturally looked at a lot of houses. And it was a blast! In the end, there was one that they just couldn’t get out of there mind and every home was then being compared to ‘the one’.

We wrote a very competitive offer and were soon in contract! The transaction went smoothly and they are now the proud owners of this gorgeous home! Cheers to Stacey, Graeme and Roen! 

Your Newest Woodlawn Neighbor

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Congratulations to Lizzi! She bought her first home and in a hoppin’ location where she is sure to make a buck over the years- in Woodlawn.

She handled business and landed in one of the sweetest pockets in Portland where neighborhood gems are a’ plenty. We’re talking Ranch Pizza (my personal favorite), The Oregon Public House (bites and drinks with a cause- philanthropub, which basically makes this a need based stop), Tamale Boy, Hi-Wheel Fizzy Wine Co, Woodlawn Coffee, Good Neighbor Pizzeria, Firehouse (yum), and Breakside Brewery (happy hour magic + brews, heyo).

She’s got a low maintenance 1981 built ranch with 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, a double car garage, and a hard to find, big ole’ .13 acre lot where her beloved Penne pup can run about.

Perks of an 80’s ranch, you ask? A good foundation with accessible plumbing, a single level layout that will be approved by generations for years to come (especially while Portland is short on space and building UP instead of out- see many single story new builds out there? Didn’t think so) and likely some recently updated systems (think about the lifecycle of a 30 year roof, a 15 year water heater, and a 20 year furnace). The list continues! No underground storage tank to worry about (because of no oil heat), and a non-recalled electric panel that one might find in the 50’s-70’s houses. Sometimes those Federal pacific panels show through the end of the 70’s but come 1980 you’re likely in the clear. Besides all of that, it’s a real cutie. Play with paint and light fixtures in a house like this and you can really shake up some new age vibes.

I got a friend out of the deal, and she got a home that she will fill with love. A real win/win. Here’s a photo of her house, her beautiful baby dog, and us because clearly we are excited.

 

 

Mike and Easy In Their New Castle

Posted on by Living Room Realty

 

We had the honor of working along side Mike starting in 2018 when he was referred to us through a mutual friend who used Jason and I for their family’s home purchase.  Mike was still in the process of moving his and furry family over to Oregon. It started with a phone call to introduce ourselves and soon became a flight over to start getting a feel for the land he would soon call home.

Mike is super lovable. Upon meeting him at our office, Jason and I quickly formed a fondness for Mike and wanted to make sure he was taken care of. So, we began the tour of helping him get to know each area that we thought could be a good match for him when he was ready to make the jump and move to Oregon.

Fast forward to 2019 and Mike lands an excellent job in Oregon and gives us the thumbs up that he’s on his way to make the transition to make Oregon his home AND at the same time he’s working with his amazing REALTOR® in CA, Deborah Johnson w/ Compass, to sell his home while we coordinate the buy side in OR. We owe a lot to our amazing Colleauge Nichole Connelly, who helped be our feet on the ground in OR while we were overseas on family vacation when Mike and Nichole found his dream home in Lake Oswego, OR.

We had the honor of negotiating the deal ocean/pool side in Costa Rica and got Mike in contract that day. We all celebrated together over the phone that evening.

Since this was going to be a contingent sale, all parties in California and Oregon had to work very closely together to make sure Mike was protected and we could close on time which was going to fall in over the holidays. Thankfully the communication between everyone was fantastic and we were able to close early!  What made this so special was that Mike flew down to CA to pick up his bestie Easy to drive him up to see their new home sweet home on closing day.

Mike, Jason and I are so thrilled for you and genuinely love how big your heart is. We look forward to your house parties and promise to make you some excellent sangria. Cheers to you and Easy our friend!

 

 

Brooklyn ♥︎ Portland

Posted on by Living Room Realty

It was raining hard that Saturday, but even under their Pacific Northwest appropriate rain gear, I could see, as the walked up the front steps, Dan and Allison had style. They stepped into the newly revamped mid century ranch I was hosting, careful to shake the drops from their slickers and shoes before crossing into the doorway, and audibly aahhhhed at the beauty of the Alameda home. I greeted them and in just a few minutes, we were connecting like old friends. They had moved to Portland after living some years in Brooklyn, their apartment not far from where I spent my last four years in Red Hook, prior to moving home to our City of Roses.

From their love of food to their eyewear accessories, I knew we were going to have kinship. They were just stopping by the open house, not necessarily home shopping, but curious about the market, content in their current Alberta neighborhood rental. Less than an hour and a half later, I received a call from Dan. They sincerely enjoyed meeting me and would I help them find a house in Portland? It was a match!

I had the delightful joy of helping them over the next few months, taking them to a spectrum of Portland homes, blended in their age and style. Allison wanted something with the charm of Old Portland. Dan needed something very well constructed to ease his nerves about the possible approaching earthquake. We found just what we were hoping for in Beaumont Wilshire, keeping them close in to the amenities of Alberta street which they so love. They’re just the type of people those of us who grew up here, hope for in the folks that move to our beloved city from out of state. They are endlessly kind, attentive to detail, retain a sincere desire to give back and participate in every way possible, care about their impact, and truly adore the chance to involve themselves in their surroundings. Brooklyn is home to many, many magnificent people. I dare to say, I’m delighted Portland has been able to snag these two and give them roots here through the discovery of home ownership and beyond.

Thank you so very much Dan and Allison! May Portland bring you all the discoveries this city has to offer for years to come!

Roseway All the Way

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Location can be a determining factor for many looking to find their next home sweet home. For Chrystal and Michael it was the reason why they were hoping to move. They loved their previous place, but really wanted the style and convenience of a charming home in Roseway. With it’s sweet built-ins, gorgeous tiled fireplace, and fenced in yards complete with garden beds, they were instantly “all-in” on this cutie. The sellers and their agent were truly wonderful to work with, bringing all of us to a success just in time for the holidays.

Congratulations Chrystal and Michael! I couldn’t have asked for a better set of clients to work with! It’s been so meaningful to help you. Here’s to Roseway and new friendships!

 

Down Holiday Memory Lane

Posted on by Living Room Realty

As a child, Saturday Market was a favorite adventure for my two sisters and I. The gorgeous hand made crafts, notable local characters, cobblestone streets, and Skidmore Fountain were enticing features of wonder to us kids. The holidays were a particularly fantastical time at the market, awash with smells of hot chocolate mixed with fresh made pine wreaths, and sounds of carolers singing along the waterfront.

This last weekend, I went to visit for the first time in many years. A friend of a friend, Nicole Mark, was showcasing prints of her breathtaking shots of the Pacific Northwest at her booth, just down under Ankeny Street. We went to bring her some custom frames hand made for her larger prints, hoping to support her and some of the other local artisans during our visit. The sound of the max rolling along the old Portland streetcar tracks, the smell of roasting coffee, the sights of woodworkers carving into tree bark under the light of their booth’s overhead heat lamps brought back a blend of childhood memories. I wandered around, taking in the soft rain pattering on the tents, mindfully stepping out of the way of puddles and holiday shoppers.

There is something deeply soothing about visiting places that held splendor for us as children as an adult, returning to see if they still hold magic. Aspects of Portland valued by my parents, and hence passed onto me, are found within the environment created each season by the vendors of Saturday Market. Community, expression, creativity, local celebration, diversity.

Just as we were leaving, Nicole offered one of her photos to me as a kind gesture, befitting in the spirit of this season of giving. Each one capturing a beautiful glimpse of scenic grandeur we have come to recognize within the nature scape surrounding Portland; a flowing riverbed, a mountaintop sprinkled with snow, a canyon of evergreens. It was challenging to select one from the array, but in the end, I gravitated towards a photo featuring the view I am most familiar with, home.

Home means different things to each of us. Whether you grew up here or are celebrating your first holiday season as a local in Stumptown, I would encourage you to head down to Saturday Market sometime during 2020. Stop by to visit Nicole and ask her to share the story behind any one of her striking images.

 

Pets Included

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Lucca’s family has deep roots in Portland. After going to school and meeting her sweetheart Corey in the MidWest, she knew she would eventually come home to Portland, hoping he would come with her. They currently enjoy living in the Brooklyn neighborhood, in a well located apartment, but happened to find themselves soaking in some late Autumn Saturday sunshine with her parents out at open houses one day this November. We met at an open house I was hosting and everything just clicked together. They weren’t planning on buying for a little while, but the charming 2 bedroom cottage just captured their hearts. Bonus = it came with chickens and their very quaint chicken coop in the expansive front yard. We entered into the transaction with some fantastic Living Room agents on the listing side and bonded right away with the sellers. Come early 2020, Lucca and Corey will experience the classic Portlanders’ joy of raising chickens and bringing all their personal touches to this beloved Eastmoreland home. Congratulations to you both! I’m so happy to have met you and can’t wait to hear about your first collection of fresh eggs right from your garden.

To personal letter or not to personal letter…?

Posted on by Living Room Realty

There are many aspects of the buying adventure I truly adore when helping my buying clients. The thrill of happening upon just the right house, the hoops to jump through to create a successful inspection period, the day I get to deliver the keys to them, there are many moments of glee. Writing an offer is one of the highlights for me. Getting to know the listing agent, their seller, and curating just the right blend of features in my offers has become a part of being a buyer’s agent that I “live for”. Bringing just what the seller is hoping for to secure the deal feels like winning the lottery every single time. Part of how I like to shape my offers is to include a personal letter written from my clients to the sellers. Giving buyers an opportunity to pour their hearts out about who they are and why they adore the house they are hoping to buy can be a fun, grounding part of what is often a stressful, full of anticipation time for buyers. Opening an email to read what my wonderful clients have just shared about themselves often brings laughter and tears of hope at the touching sentiment exposed within these drafts.

Recently, I was helping a very special pair of clients in a purchase of a home that had been on the market for a while. The seller was looking for certain terms, purchase price being one of them. After making one leap after another, my buyers found themselves in contract, got into some challenging negotiations during the inspection period, and were just hours away from agreeing to a final price when the seller just stopped coming to the table with us. I tried and tried, offering his agent one fact after another to try and validate our point of view with them. No luck…..

I took a chance. I reached out to the listing agent one last time and asked if she would be ok if I wrote a personal letter to her seller. It’s rare for an agent to let the agent from the other side of the transaction have a “conversation” with her client, but we were working in tandem to bring our clients to an agreeable place, and by luck, she trusted me to connect with him. I did the only thing I could think of, I poured my heart out. I spoke to him personally, and by the magic that sometimes is held within the reveal of our vulnerable selves, he heard me. With less than 10 minutes before our transaction would expire, he came back to the table and agreed to our last offer!

While the selling and buying of property can often be full of computer screens, paperwork, numbers, dates, deadlines, and so much money, behind all of this are people. Sometimes pushing aside the transactional aspects of a deal to find our neighbors, who we share this meaningful city with, smiling back at us, can be the reminder why we want to have the joy of experiencing “Home” here.  I adore the opportunities my career brings me to be of service to my clients while getting to know their stories. I cherish the details told to one another, among the people carving out their lives within Portland’s neighborhoods, through this endeavor of transferring one party’s home to the heartstrings and lives of another. There are few things in this life as personal as Home, and that story is a letter worth writing.

So much Heart in this Gem

Posted on by Living Room Realty

If you’re traveling east on Sandy Blvd. on your way out to the Gorge or to visit The Grotto, give yourself an extra half hour and stop by Ed’s Gems at 77th. Started by Ed over 45+ years ago, this family operated local gem shop is a Portland staple. As someone who has been making jewelry for over 12 years myself, my eyes widen and my heart pounds a lil faster each time I step inside the door. Here’s a link to a really cool blog post written a few years ago by an avid rock hound about their visit to Ed’s Gems:

http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/86731-eds-house-of-gems-the-tradition-continues/

Earlier this year, I had the absolute delight of meeting Terry, Ed’s granddaughter. We met at an open house I was hosting and became fast friends. She shared with me she was interested in possibly moving to a new home, with hopes of finding something in Maywood Park. Her father had grown up there, and she has numerous fond childhood memories of the neighborhood. We decided to set out with a soft start hoping to find something over the following few months that sparked her interest, recognizing it might be a lil bit of a challenge to happen upon a home that would be a good fit for her within the darling boarders of Maywood Park. Then, BAM! Right away, the most dreamy bungalow came onto the market and before we could blink, we submitted an offer and were in contract! From that first day meeting at the open house, Terry has been one of the most wonderful clients I have had the joy of working with and is now a true friend. Her home is spectacular from the gorgeous landscaping out front, to the expansive dining room/living room with mid century built-ins, to the sauna in the garden out back. Terry is a swoonworthy person with the biggest heart. She’s truly a gem to behold, and I could not be more grateful for the joy of being her agent, as well as now having her as a friend. Raising a glass to Maywood Park and family roots that run local & deep.

When An Attached Home is the Answer

Posted on by Alyssa Isenstein Krueger

 

First time homebuyers Justin and Steve were pretty clear about what they did want- a 3 bedroom 2 bath home with little to no yard, spacious, something that didn’t need any work and was easy to maintain, located near a bus line in SW that travels downtown regularly and not a condo. In their minds, they were picturing themselves in a detached home, but given their budget, they weren’t sure if what they wanted even existed in their price range.

We sat down to meet in early September to talk about expectations, what they were looking for in a home and what they could reasonably expect. I mentioned that an attached home/ townhouse that’s not part of a condominium association might hit all of their wants and needs. At first they looked at me like I had a third eye, but within a few minutes I could see the wheels and gears churning in their heads.  We talked about it some more and the more we talked about it, I think the more they realized that a townhouse really could be a great option for them.

Once they were ready to start shopping, I sent them a bunch of listings in their price range that at least met most of what they wanted which included a few townhouses. The first place we went to see was blocks from Multnomah Village. It was a townhouse built in 2015 the builder had built to rent out for a few years, then put on the market, so by the time it came on the market, it had been refreshed and was practically brand new. They immediately took a liking to it. It met every single item on their list, but given the higher property taxes, it was slightly over their budget. We then went and saw another town home in the area, and that one didn’t light a single sparkle in their eyes. After that we checked out a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom detached house in their price range, but compared to the first townhouse we saw, the detached one didn’t hold a candle and everything about it needed updating. When we finished our short but sweet tour, I could tell that they had fallen in love with the first place we saw.

The home had been on the market since February with only a fraction of a price reduction that whole time, so of course my buyers want to know what’s wrong with it, or what the issue is. When I spoke with the listing agent he said it came down to a seller who had drawn his line in the sand, and wasn’t going to accept anything below that line, despite what the market was repeatedly telling him. They had received other offers over the 9 months it had been on the market, but since the seller wasn’t moving the needle, it never went pending. Since it had been sitting vacant for so long, the seller was finally motivated to sell. Justin and Steve had their own line in the sand in terms of how much they were willing to pay for a monthly payment, and at it’s list price, it was $25,000 over what they were comfortable spending. We wrote up an offer, went through a couple of counters, and finally arrived at a combination of credits and price reductions that came in just three dollars under Justin and Steve’s bottom line. Thankfully the home was in terrific shape so we asked the seller to only fix a few tiny punch-list/blue tape items, which they agreed to do, and we closed on time. And when we met so I could hand over the keys, they seemed a shell shocked in a delightful way. They couldn’t believe it had been so easy, and for an agent, that’s the best response a buyer, particularly a first time buyer, can have.

 

 

Charmed by the First

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Sometimes when you know, you know. When Shani came to me to look for her “downsize” home after enlisting me to help her sell her Multnomah Village house, she sent me a list of what she envisioned her next home to be. It was as follows:

“My new home is quiet, private and surrounded by greenery.  It has lots of natural light and its surroundings are friendly to birds, butterflies and other wild creatures.
The interior is bright and well-ventilated and has a living room, two bedrooms, 1-2 baths (including a bathtub) and a kitchen/dining area with room for a table for 6.  There is generous closet space and the kitchen has efficient storage and ample counter space.  Ideally it would have a wood-burning fireplace. It has reliable cell reception and internet service.  It has in-unit washer and dryer, and it’s clean and lovingly maintained. There’s a pleasant outdoor deck or patio that accommodates a dinner party of 6. Any garden is compact and easily maintained.
It is situated on the west side of town, walking distance from one or more of the westside’s incredible trails (eg, Marshall Park or Multnomah Village/Council Crest/Washington Park/Hoyt arboretum areas).  Ideally it’s also walking distance from a neighborhood center (eg, Multnomah Village or Hillsdale). There’s easy, convenient parking for me and my guests, and  it’s convenient to I-5 (although not within earshot). My neighbors are quiet, friendly and considerate.”
At first I thought it might be a challenge to find all of those things, but on our very first outing we found exactly what she described. Well, except the fireplace was gas instead of wood-burning. We all make sacrifices. 🙂
After looking at a couple more duds that didn’t fit the bill, we came back to this beautiful unit nestled in the trees with many updates and beautiful built-ins. It was the perfect fit for her!
If you or anyone 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.

There‘s No Place Like Home… Except Grandma‘s

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations to Robin!

As you may know, My business is nearly 100% referral based and this year has been full of wonderful referrals. And Robin was no exception!

I met Robin through her daughter, Joanna. I helped Joanna and her husband buy a wonderful home a couple of years ago to start a family. Fast forward to today, Joanna (and her husband Brendan) had their first child, Robin is a proud Grandma and she spends a lot of time with her Grandson. Another Grandchild is on the way any day now so Robin will help Joanna, even more, when the new baby arrives. It makes sense for Robin to live closer to Joanna and the family. She was looking for a nice, low maintenance home with as few stairs as possible and enough room for the kids to play.

Of course, one of the first things we suggest to Robin is to speak with a skilled lender and here’s my favorite part of this story- I referred Robin to one of our rock star preferred lenders,  JJ Lee Kwai. It turns out JJ had originally referred me to Joanna as they knew each other growing up in Humbolt County. JJ was friends with Robin’s family as a teen in Northern California. In those days, Robin and JJ’s mom had been walking buddies. What a small world!

Jasmine and I worked closely with Robin to find the perfect home in the best location. We looked at many houses and after touring this one, she knew it was right! We loved working with her and excited for her cute new house!

A Bit of Parkrose Heaven

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations Veronica & James!

First of all, hooray for great referrals!! Veronica and James were referred to me through past clients and I’m so thankful I met these bright and fun folks. We had so much fun checking out properties together! They knew what they wanted, got pre-approved with our preferred lender and bada-bing! they were in contract on this darling ranch.

Second of all, let’s hear it for Parkrose! So many cute ranches in this cozy area! Parkrose is perfectly located near Hwy 84 & Hwy 205, so commuting isn’t crazy (which they needed).  Plus, this area tends to be with-in reach financially for more people. A total win-win!!

I love helping first time home buyers make their dreams come true! Yaay for Veronica and James!

Quintessential Concordia Cutie

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

Congratulations Amy and Lori!

 

Amy and Lori were referred to me by our very recent buyers, Jess and Julie who also transplanted to PDX and bought a home a little while back. Amy and Jess work together and I’m so happy to have met them! They moved here recently from the Bay Area knowing they wanted to buy a house, but as first time home buyers, they weren’t ready to pull the trigger right away.  They decided to rent for a while to get a feel for the area before buying (which is something I have recommended to many clients when possible). They rented a home in NE Portland and after months of feeling it out, decided they loved the area and were ready for the next step. Jasmine and I set up a buyers meeting to go over the details of the home buying process with them and we all immediately hit it off!

After a few rounds of touring properties together, they found a cutie in Concordia- what a gem! The house is so well maintained and pretty, and I can’t say enough great things about Concordia! So many fantastic destinations within walking distance: Fernhill Park, Extracto Coffee Roasters, The Kennedy School, New Seasons, Dame and Expatriate- just to name a few. I’m so happy for Amy and Lori to start putting down roots in this awesome house and in this wonderful neighborhood!

Cheers!

Contemporary South Waterfront Loft

Posted on by Erika George & Kari McGee

NEW PRICE FOR SOUTH WATERFRONT LOFT!

3601 SW River Pkwy. #1404, Portland, OR 97239 

Light and modern one bedroom loft in the desirable John Ross. Wood floors, large floor-to-ceiling windows, stainless steel appliances, washer and dryer, and deeded parking space. Covered balcony with gorgeous river and mountain views. 24/7 concierge, and wonderful indoor and outdoor amenities and common spaces. Fantastic investment/rental opportunity. Minutes to OHSU, streetcar, MAX, fitness studios, restaurants, river, bike paths, parks and downtown!

OPEN SUNDAY November 24, from 1 – 3 p.m.

OFFERED AT $340,000

1 bed | 1 bath | 782 SF

MLS# 19131821 | Taxes: $4059

Thanksgiving Turkey: Where to buy in Portland?

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Ah, the Portland turkey. An integral part of any Thanksgiving meal in Oregon. And if you’re anything like the typical Portlander, you care where it comes from, who is raising it, and what it’s eating. You may even want to visit the farm.

Image result for meme portlandia chicken

Here are a few favorite places to grab your turkey in Portland, Oregon:

Gartner’s: Order the smoked turkey. Do it now, you won’t be disappointed. This place is old school in the BEST way and the butcher’s are incredibly friendly.

Green Zebra Grocery: Order ahead for the $10 off $50 coupon to use in the story. They’re carrying uncooked turkeys from Mary’s Family Farm, rated #1 by Cook’s Illustrated Magazine. Both organic and non-organic options, and all of them are non-GMO.

Nicky Farms: Nicky USA is the premier wholesale butcher and purveyor of high quality meats and specialty game in the Northwest. Open to the public with a minimum order of $125.

New Seasons: Reserve online and receive $15 off your order. Choose from a range of Diestel turkeys, all thoughtfully raised.

Halal Meat & Mediterranean: Longtime halal butcher shop offering beef, lamb and goat, as well as Mediterranean foods. You can also find turkeys here when the time is right.

Western Meat Market: For fresh turkeys, order ahead. And make sure to grab some jalapeno dip for an app.

Cason’s Fine Meats: Want to add something a bit different to the standard turkey set up? Swing by Cason’s for some ribs or smoked turkey tails or drumsticks.

Reach out for more local tips!

Sitting Pretty in SW PDX

Posted on by Erika George & Kari McGee

New SW Listing!

4652 SW Cullen Blvd., Portland, OR 97219

This cheerful, vaulted cutie artfully combines a soaring sense of space with a cozy, inviting vibe. 2016 updates include new roof, skylights, windows, exterior paint, Brazilian Koa hardwoods, carpet and kitchen/bath cosmetics. Recent owner updates include central A/C, gas fireplace, interior and back deck paint, closet organizers, built-ins and adjustable garage storage rack. Large, sunny corner lot bordered by only one neighboring home; fully fenced with sprinkler system. Huge back deck accessible off dining area and kitchen great room for fun entertaining flow. One mile to Gabriel Park, 1.6 miles to Multnomah Village, two miles to Hillsdale! Hayhurst, Gray, Wilson schools.

OPEN SUNDAY November 17, from 1 – 3 p.m.

OFFERED AT: $520,000

3 beds | 2.1 baths | 1,680 SF

MLS# 19695340 | Taxes: $7,378

Vintage Crawl in Portland this Saturday!

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Portland Vintage Crawl

 

VINTAGE LOVERSSSSSS (Oprah voice)!

We are so excited to host the second vintage crawl THIS Saturday (11/16) (how is it already mid-November?!)!

We’ll start at Hollywood Vintage at 11am.

Address is 2757 Northeast Pacific Street in Portland.  Parking can be a little tricky, so we encourage you to carpool or Lyft/Uber/bike/walk when possible.  Check-in will be by the bus outside – it’s a gold school bus, you won’t be able to miss it!

You’ll be able to put any valuables you don’t want to lug around on the bus as well as grab a welcome beverage to get your shopping day started.

After Hollywood Vintage we’ll be having lunch at The Zipper across the street.  There are a few lunch options in the building (all delicious): Basilisk, Wares, Slice Pizza, and Tight Tacos.  Links included if you want to check out menus prior to Saturday.

We’ll then jump aboard the bus and head to Vintage Pink, followed by Hawthorne Vintage.  The tour will drop off back at Hollywood Vintage around 3pm.

There will also be a few surprise giveaways along the way courtesy of our lovely co-hosts: Summer, Kel and Laura.  Also, if you’re looking for something in particular, make sure to give these three a heads up.  They’re vintage experts and amazing treasure hunters who can help along the way!

We are close to capacity, so if you know of any other friends that might be interested, please feel free to send them the event link.

And for any questions at all, reach out to Sophia at 503.936.7499!

Want to collaborate on something else design/creative related? Reach out!

We Wear Many Hats: Chapter 1

Posted on by Living Room Realty

From an outsider’s perspective a career in real estate can seem like a dream. With HGTV cranking out series after series depicting agents showing a few houses one day, a short montage of renovation and a happy family reveal, it makes it all look so easy. With it’s flexible schedule and theoretically enormous income, what’s not to love?! Well, as with any job, there is more to being a REALTOR® than meets the eye. A truly dedicated realtor, in my mind, is far more than a salesperson. Although marketing and showing a home in it’s best light is indeed a much needed skill, a good REALTOR® is most importantly an advocate for their buyers and sellers and, as such, there is great depth to the job. All said and done, our work requires us to utilize a very diverse set of skills and this blog series lets you in on the nitty gritty of some of the less commonly acknowledged hats that we wear.

Real Estate Agent as a Project Manager:

You get what you pay for and when you opt to hire a full service realtor, such as myself,  you can anticipate to not only receive vetted contractor referrals from me, I can also be highly involved with scheduling and oversight of these contractors.

For sellers, we formulate a comprehensive and strategic plan to guide them as they prepare to list their property.  Working with the seller to execute the plan is one of my favorite hats to wear.

On the flip side, similar work is done on behalf of the buyer as they perform their due diligence on the property that they plan to purchase.  Immediately after a buyer has had an offer accepted we jump into action scheduling important inspections to ensure that our client is making a well informed decision about the physical health of the house in which they are investing. Whether or not our buyer can be there we attend all inspections of which there are generally a minimum of four. In the case of Anna and Daniel, there was a lot of work to be done when they found their charming little cottage in Creston-Kenilworth. Keeping budget and location top of mind, they decided to dive into a fixer. As is often the case with a house that has deferred maintenance, there were a number of issues found during the inspections that needed further investigation. All said and done, I organized bids and repairs with 9 different contractors over the course of their purchase. Because I love learning new things,  I truly enjoyed the process.  Learning about the inner workings of this house through thorough investigation allowed for Anna and Daniel to be well informed but I also gained knowledge that contributes to even better service for future clients. Although I consider this coordination part of my job, I often forget that not all agents are willing to take on this role with the same level of commitment, it felt oh so good when, over a champagne toast at their new home, Anna and Daniel expressed their gratitude for this behind the scenes work on their behalf. It was a great reminder that going that extra mile really does matter.

 

Whether buying for the first time, selling a cherished family home or relocating to this fantastic city, it is truly an honor to see my clients through their transition and make the process fun and painless.

Keys for Baby

Posted on by Living Room Realty

I met Emily over the summer at a birthday Pedal Lounge party. Despite being very pregnant, Emily cycled like a pro. A few weeks later I heard from Emily’s parents, Kathleen and Greg, who were in town visiting from Colorado and excitedly awaiting the birth of their first grand baby.

The call of the Pacific Northwest.

The lifestyle that brings young families to the Pacific Northwest is also attractive to retirees. In real estate world, we see a lot of grandparents move across the country so they can spend time with their children and grandchildren, and celebrate their retirement years in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

This was case for the Kathleen and Greg. One of their sons, Ian, wanted to invest in Portland real estate and Kathleen was planning to be the infant daycare plan for Emily’s baby. The goal was to find a house by they time Emily’s maternity leave was over.

Welcoming baby home.

Fast forward a bit, and a beautiful baby was born. As October rolled around, it was time for Emily to return to work. I spent two marathon days touring with Ian and Kathleen. The first house I showed them was the one! Don’t worry, I showed them 10 more just to prove that first house was perfect.

 

Interested in making Portland your home? Call Cheri Harney, at 503-319-4858.

Five Tips for Buying a Home Sight-Unseen

Posted on by Living Room Realty

When my first-time home buyer clients called, they were on a (quick) mission: find a house in the Wilson High School zone that has 3+ bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms and is under $500k. Something move in ready, with a yard, a cute neighborhood, and preferably walkable. Extra bonus: a basement that could eventually be turned into a rental, or a place for their in-laws to stay when in town.

The caveat? They wouldn’t be here to tour any of the houses and likely wouldn’t be here until possession day.  And they needed it to close in the next two months.

Here are five tools that got us through tours, an accepted offer, inspections and closing:

 

1. Facetime and YouTube:

When we toured homes we used Facetime so that they could see it live because as we all know, photos often don’t do it justice (or in some cases do it too much justice). When they weren’t able to see it in person, I video’d the home and loaded up the videos to You Tube so they could take a look when their schedules allowed.

2. Magic Plan App:

As tough as photos can be to gauge a house from, it’s equally tricky to understand the layout if the listing agent hasn’t provided a floor plan. Enter the Magic Plan App.  For homes my clients were really interested in, I created a floor plan using the app so that they had a good understanding of room dimensions, ceiling heights and the overall layout.

3. A digital timeline:

I use a digital timeline with all clients, but in this case it was particularly helpful.  The timeline I use auto populates my clients calendar with critical dates: earnest money deposit due date, inspection dates, inspection deadlines, etc.  It’s helpful for keeping everyone on the same page.

4. An amazing Mortgage Broker:

Enter Rayko Diaz from Guild Mortgage.  Rayko was in constant communication with the group, both as a whole and separately.  He sent status updates weekly to let people know what was needed of them and when.  Also: he’s a great guy.

5. An agent you trust: 

This is a critical factor in buying something sight unseen.  You want to know that the agent you use has style and tools to help you understand what you’re buying.  Equally important is their access to phenomenal inspectors and sub contractors who can give you a really clear understanding of the home’s condition and the cost of any associated repairs that need to be done so you can adequately negotiate prior to the inspection contingency expiring.

I’m so excited for my clients as they enter the next chapter of their life!  This house is a beauty, it’s in such a cute neighborhood and all the updates were in keeping with the mid-century charm.

Now comes the fun part: handing them the keys when they see it for the first time in person!

Want to talk Portland Real Estate?  Reach out!

Watching a Woodpecker Work thanks to a Wall of Windows

Posted on by Cristen Lincoln

While showing our newest condo that sits on the top corner of the building at 38th and SE Belmont, I noticed a busy Woodpecker checking out the branches of the the tree. This home has a little deck off the living room and even when I opened the door and stepped outside to get a closer look, it stuck around. How cool to be in the heart of the city but have a literal window into Nature. Only 3 blocks to Laurelhurst Park too!

The HOA for this condo covers everything except cable and electric. Perfectly positioned top floor, corner unit condo has large banks of windows for light-filled living spaces, with fabulous territorial and sunset views. Wood floors from pallet wholesale company near Spartanburg, tiled bath, granite counter, stainless steel appliances and in-unit washer/dryer.  A 94 walk score and 100 bike score! The building features deeded, covered, secure, parking and bike storage! Eco-roof, hydronic radiant floor heat, A/C, energy efficient appliances, building is energy star rated. Elevator. NO rental Cap.

Hidden Gems

Posted on by Sean Patrick O'Feery
Deep in South East Portland is a condo development that will surprise you, it’s called the Wade Park Estates.
This is going to sound like a sales pitch, but keep in mind I’m not currently selling a unit there. I have helped to sell one of the condos and just recently had clients purchase a home there.   I  have some recent, first hand experience with the HOA and the homes. This gem is in a location that you might not expect… at all. As you turn off one of the east sides main thoroughfares, Powell St, it quickly gets quiet and residential.  By the time you turn into the Wade Park Estates, you’re tucked away. It is a wooded area with condos that naturally blend in with the park like grounds. There are over 300 mature pine trees on site.
Every home either has a deck and an outdoor porch and all condos are generously sized.
The price point is usually in the low $200k and the HOA is strong with dues at about $500/mo.
If you’re looking to downsize or find a place to call home feel free to let me know. I’d love to share this little gem with you!!

Townhome with Comfort + Style

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

JUST LISTED: 2248 NE Sheffield Ave

3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 1837 SF | $3574 Tax | MLS #19437587

Offered at: $389,000

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday 11/2 12pm – 3pm

2248 NE Sheffield Ave, Hillsboro OR 97006

Welcome home to this immaculate, contemporary townhome, sitting high off the street on a corner lot, in a beautiful and quiet neighborhood!

As you enter the foyer, you’ll notice the high ceilings and open floor plan with vaulted entry, picture window and tile floor. Making your way to the main level, you’ll find yourself in the warm and inviting kitchen and main living area with gorgeous laminate flooring. The kitchen touts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, gas range, ample counter space and breakfast bar flowing easily into the living room and dining area which provides comfortable space for entertaining and intimate dinners alike.

Relax in the living room with the gas fireplace, stylish mantle and built-ins or enjoy lounging on the deck balcony overlooking the trees.

  Through the kitchen, you’ll find yourself in a spacious den with a big window and bookshelves.  

Making your way up to the third level you’ll find a generous master suite and a second large bedroom with another full bathroom. Enjoy bright natural light in the bedrooms with high ceilings and generous closets. Conveniently there is a large laundry closet to complete this upper floor.

Head on down to the lower level and get cozy in the third bedroom with a large closet and ample natural light. Perfect for media room or separate guest quarters. Plus stay comfortable all year with central air conditioning and gas forced air heating.

From here, head through the sliding door where you’ll enjoy a lush and private back yard with a covered patio, fig tree, raspberries, herbs and raised garden beds.

You’ll appreciate how much storage this home will bring you, with ample closets and a tandem 2 car garage with large hanging shelves to maximize storage space.

Great location within walking distance to Orchard Park and just minutes to Washington Square Mall, Tanasbourne shopping center and Highway 217.

Fall in love with this captivating, move-in ready, townhome. It’s waiting for you!

2248 NE Sheffield Ave, Hillsboro OR 97006

VIDEO TOUR

Vision Board Workshop with Stylist Renee Lara

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Renee Lara Wardrobe Stylist

Join us for a Vision Board Workshop!

Wardrobe Stylist Renee Lara (recently featured on KATU2 sharing Fall trends) and Broker Sophia Rosenberg (Living Room) will be co-hosting a vision board workshop Saturday, November 9th from 11am – 1:00pm at the Living Room NE Office (1401 NE Alberta St).

Explore your style goals: both personal and home, before the hectic holiday schedules kick in.

Choose between print magazines or digital format and work with Renee and Sophia to identify and maintain style/design goals.

Lite bites and sips provided, with a creative, like-minded group of people.  Get ready for a renewed take on how to tackle you holiday season with ease!

RSVP here

Our Goal is Clients for Life!

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FITZGERALDS!

I met Meghan around 15 years ago (but who’s counting!) Meghan helped me launch my real estate career and we became fast friends. Talk about a sharp cookie – she is one of the warmest, energetic, smart and fun people I know! Fast-forward through the years: she met her now-husband, Justin (he’s equally awesome) and they have 2 beautiful children, Amelia and Tristan!

This is the second time we have worked together. I helped them buy their family starter home in Beaverton several years ago. Happily, this year they were ready to upgrade to their dream home!

The Fitzgerald’s found a gorgeous country home in North Plains with plenty of acreage, gorgeous views, room for ATV trails, a horse pasture and a tractor (which they are excited to learn how to use!). They are thrilled their kids will grow up surrounded by nature and have acres to explore. They couldn’t be happier!

And… the sweet-as-pie ending to this story is the house has a father-in-law suite for Justin’s Dad. We love helping multi-generational families find homes they can live comfortably together in. The benefit to everyone is exponential!

Congratulations to the whole family!

 

I Heart Referrals

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

CONGRATULATIONS TO ELAYNE AND JEREMIAH

Elayne and Jeremiah are down to earth, sweet people and we are so happy they reached out to our team to purchase their first home!

Our business is referral based and we love working with referrals like Elayne and Jeremiah!

We are always ready to answer any real estate questions and we would be honored to work with your family and friends!

Sincerely,

Jasmine & Tracey

 

Lake Oswego Easements

Posted on by Living Room Realty

So very excited for my clients who’s offer was accepted on this beautiful Lake Oswego Craftsman. Located in the idyllic Lake Grove community, this 3 bed, 2.5 bath home is one of those homes that you don’t want to leave (I got real comfy during inspections).  It’s cozy and peaceful, and was a great deal because at $875k, it came with a Lake Easement.  My clients wanted to make sure that they had year-round Lake access.

Lake Oswego House

So, what is a lake easement?

Easements provide access to property owners in the City of Lake Oswego who have special deeded lake access privileges.  It’s like a small, private club that allows members to access the lake for water activities like swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and boating.

Lake Oswego Corporation (LOC) owns 20 lakeside properties at various locations around the lake to allow eligible easement members to exercise lake access privileges. Each easement is governed by its own individual set of by-laws and has its own volunteer board of directors, which can be found online.  The people we reached out to during our search were always so helpful and friendly. Facilities and rate structures vary from easement to easement. Some have gas grills, picnic areas and playgrounds, while others have boat slips (these usually come with a long waitlist!) and kayak racks.  Initiation fees range from $500-$3000 and annual fees are typically $225-$1000.

There are over 3,000 homes in Lake Oswego whose residents are eligible to exercise lake access privileges.  Sometimes agents don’t advertise that the home they’ve listed has an easement, but this site allows you to see if a property has access to any easements.  Just type in the home address in the box at the bottom.

Easements can’t be sold or transferred. Lake Oswego residents do also have access to two swim parks, although these are only for swim and operate in the Summer months as opposed to year round.

Interested in Lake Oswego home with an easement? Reach out!

On the Market: 10 Portland Homes for Sale Around the $486,000 Midpoint Price

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Oregon ranks 8th highest in Business Insider’s list of most expensive places to buy a house in the US according to median listing price using data from 2018.

The median list price – the midpoint between less and more expensive homes – for a residential property in Portland is now $486,000, just $14,000 shy of a half-million dollars, according to real estate database Redfin.

How did we climb to this?

According to the US Census, new US homes cost $25,600 in 1969, $62,900 in 1979, $120,000 in 1989, $161,000 in 1999, $216,700 in 2009 and $326,400 in 2018.

In this real estate gallery compiled in The Oregonian by Janet Eastman, we look at Portland homes listed for sale around $486,000.

Wilkes neighborhood: 15642 NE Clackamas Court is listed at $485,877. The two-level Craftsman-inspired house, built in 2019 on a 9,997-square-foot lot, has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and 2,369 square feet of living space.

 

 

 

 

Rose City Park neighborhood: 1637 NE 48th Ave is listed at $488,850. The English Tudor Revival-style house, built in 1937 on a 4,791-square-foot lot has two bedrooms, one bathroom, and 1,521 square feet of living space.

 

 

 

Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood: 3321 NE 38th Ave is listed at $489,000. The house, built in 1925 on a 3,484-square-foot lot has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 1,835 square feet of living space.

 

 

 

Montavilla neighborhood: 925 NE 74th Ave is listed at $489,900. The updated farmhouse, built in 1890 on a 4,791-square-foot lot, has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,578 square feet of living space.

 

 

 

Mt Tabor neighborhood: 7079 SE Thorburn St is listed at $489,900. The three-level, contemporary style townhouse, built in 2019 has three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 1,957 square feet of living space.

 

 

 

Linnton neighborhood: 10456 NW 2nd St is listed at $489,900. The Georgian-style townhouse, built in the 1928 Linnton School, has two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,277 square feet of living space.

“An open floor plan, two bedrooms plus den, a large terrace and patio make this an entertainer’s delight,” says listing agent Paul D’Souza of Living Room Realty.

 

Multnomah Village: 7316 SW 29th Ave is listed at $489,999. The bungalow, built in 1929 on a 4,791-square-foot lot, has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,740 square feet of living space.

 

 

 

 

Piedmont neighborhood: 165 N Morgan St is listed at $490,000. The three-level, contemporary townhouse, built in 2019 on a 1,742-square-foot lot, has two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 1,381 square feet of living space.

 

 

 

Downtown Portland: 1920 SW River Drive Unit E560 is listed at $494,900. The corner condo, built in 2006 in the Strand Condominiums, has one bedroom, one bathroom, and 1,033 square feet of living space.

 

 

 

Ridgeline at Bethany neighborhood: 7650 NW Kaiser Rd is listed at $494,990. The Craftsman-style home, built in 2019, has four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and 1,642 square feet of living space.

 

 

Fight Like A Furumasu

Posted on by Living Room Realty

We met Beth & Chelsea (the dynamic Furumasu sisters), a few years back at a community group and shared our lives together. A few years past and we got a Facebook Message from Beth saying that she thought it was about time to start looking for a home and she would like to interview Jason and myself. We were honored that she reached out.

A few weeks later we met at our office to try to dazzle Beth with our professionalism.  : ) Since we were already friends, we knew that we needed to show Beth that we would take this role very seriously and could put on our REALTOR® hats and represent her with fervor.

We were honored to hear that we were the chosen ones and we quickly hit the pavement looking at homes.  Jason showed her a few and Beth and Chelsea went to look at a few open houses a week later. After their open house visit Beth messaged us to say that they thought they found the one.

Since Beth already had her pre-approval in place with her fantastic lender, Dan Barton w/ Caliber Home Loans, we went to work on the offer and Beth and Chelsea wrote a beautiful letter to the sellers so that the transaction felt more personal.  Soon we found ourselves in contract on this beautiful home beating out the competition!

Beth was wise and decided to do multiple inspections on her soon to be home. We were all surprised with the amount of repairs that were needed after all the inspections were completed. So, we came together as a team and got her the information she needed on the costs of the repairs to figure out what her bottom line was to present to the sellers.

Jason and I soon learned that the fighter spirit in our friends was Samurai like.  Our theme soon became ‘Fight Like A Furumasu.’ Beth stuck to her guns and ended up with the terms she needed to make this home the perfect investment for her and her sister to make shine with their vision.

We are so happy for you both Beth and Chelsea! And we can’t wait to see the sparkle you will bring to your new home!

Charming Mt Scott Treasure

Posted on by Tracey Henkels

J U S T  L I S T E D : 6412 SE 77th Ave

Offered at $335,000

3 BED | 1 BATH | 1760 SF | MLS# 19100546

Open House: Saturday 9/28 12am-3pm

This darling Bungalow is a real gem! Solidly built and well maintained, the layout and flow throughout the home is absolutely ideal.

An inviting and light-filled living room greets you with newly refinished wood floors and original wood molding. A fantanstic space for relaxing and entertaining!

Make your way into this darling kitchen with plenty of room to move and cupboards galore. Adjacent is a delightful dining room, equally perfect for entertaining as well as quiet mornings overlooking the backyard greenery.

Moving easily into the hall you’ll find the full bathroom and 2 charming bedrooms with generous closets, wood floors and ample natural light.

Carve out a place for yourself in the spacious, partial finished lower level, which lives large! Featuring an exterior door and one bedroom with good natural light and a generous closet. Easily imagine a home office, media room or guest room…

The backyard is fully fenced and private creating a delightful space for entertaining or lounging. Single car, zero-lot-line garage with electricity included for extra storage and ease of use.

Located on a quiet tree-lined street in an ideal close-in SE location near Mt. Scott Community Center, this charming home is a unique opportunity for someone looking for a turn-key charmer!

 

VIDEO TOUR