Tag: #PortlandRealtor

Opportunity in Eastmoreland!

Posted on by Martin Cross

Just Listed! 3660 SE Henderson, Portland, Ore. 97202

This classic farmhouse is just waiting for someone to come and love her back to her original glory! Tons of potential & priced to sell! Wood floors, 2 bathrooms and tall ceilings! Large backyard with RV parking and tool shed. Full basement has 9 foot ceilings, it’s own bathroom with inside and outside entrances. Could be perfect finished or converted into that ADU you’ve always dreamed about. Close to Woodstock and Sellwood districts to enjoy some of Portland’s best shopping and dining areas.

Offered at: $369,000

Real Estate and The Estate.

Posted on by Martin Cross

I do a lot of work with estates. These transactions are typically much more involved than the typical real estate transaction. There has often been a death in the family, and besides all of the emotions that come with death, there usually comes a huge, overwhelming to do list involved with clearing the estate and getting the house prepared for market.

The home is usually full of the owners possessions, and often the heirs have no idea what to do with them beyond distributing what items the family members may want. I help them sort through the different ways of accomplishing that whether via an estate sale, dividing among family members or simply hiring a clear out company. 

After the estate is cleared, then there is the home cleanup and repairs. This can consist of everything from a simple cleaning to extensive repairs to different aspects and systems of the home.

This all needs to be coordinated and accomplished while offering compassionate support to the estates personal representative or trustee as well as other heirs. Combining my 25 years working with estates as an antique and art dealer with my life as a Realtor I’m uniquely positioned to happily offer this type of specialized assistance.

Portland: These Are A Few of My Favorite Things

Posted on by Kat Gilpatrick

My top 5 list for Portland & environs – for me, for visitors, for everyone — with a little visual eye candy to illustrate and inspire.

Photo credit: K. Gilpatrick

1. McMenamin’s Edgefield – indescribably unique lodging, restaurants, live music concerts, gardens, golf, a spa and decadent soaking pools just outside of town in a lovely place called Troutdale. There’s something happening around every corner, and great acts headlining for outdoor shows in the summer. If you’re looking for an alternative to Portland’s incredible list of parks and outdoor spaces, from Laurelhurst to Sellwood, check out Edgefield.


2. Sauvie Island – with it’s farms and winding roads, it’s sweet beaches for family fun or casting a line into Sturgeon Lake, or just a good old-fashioned drive out for seasonal fun, it’s the perfect place to go for pumpkins, for produce, for the most gorgeous u-pick bouquets. Maybe just sit and enjoy a really stellar gyros — or take a minute to slow down and get a breath of fresh air and enjoy a simpler pace for an afternoon. Sauvie Island is the ultimate weekend activity for families every season of the year.

 

 

3. East Bank Esplanade – A perfect place to walk with friends and relax along the shores of the gorgeous Willamette, with it’s incredible views of all the bridges — even cross a pedestrian bridge if you’d like, breathing the fresh lovely air on foot, bicycle, scooter, unicycle, hoverboard — really anything goes.
From here you can ponder which neighborhoods you like the best, what feels like home to you, watch the boats on the water, see as far as you can see. OMSI is here, and you can stop in and explore, or just keep walking and enjoying the trails, and urban hiking goodness that we have all around us.


 

4. Central Eastside: Design District shops await you, with more development buzzing, and cherished treasures like Cargo, with it’s vendors from around the world, and Urbanite with it’s vintage and new finds– City Liquidators with just about everything, all with the backdrop of train cars and tea makers, industrial chic and skateboarders.
A stroll through Portland’s Central Eastside has something for everyone – with great restaurants, bars; coffee of course. It’s busy with warehouses and trade, and treasures like Pratt & Larson tile where you can take a tour, if you schedule in advance, to see how their gorgeous artisan tile is made, all of this making Portland truly a place where you can really #lovewhereyoulive.


 


5. Portland’s Art & Music scene – the community, the vibrant, lovely people that make this place what it is. I might just love this the most. The fantastic venues, from Mississippi to the Revolution Hall — the bands, the variety, the talent. Galleries galore throughout the city and wonders like the Ford Gallery with it’s history and vibrant artist community. All of this action and talent here in the Portland area surrounded by forests and mountains and coast, to recharge your creative spirit – we definitely have our own thing going on here: happy and humming and open to all.

Opportunity in Rose City Park!

Posted on by Martin Cross

This great Dutch Colonial is just waiting for someone to come and love her back to her original glory! Tons of potential & priced to sell! Hardwood floors, wood burning fireplace and tons of windows! Full basement with inside and outside entrances could be perfect finished or converted into that ADU you’ve always dreamed about.

Buying a House for the Dog!

Posted on by Jené DeSpain

It’s 2023. It’s Portland. We are buying a house for the Baaaaaby, our beloved pup! Why? Because she deserves it!

As of studies conducted this year, 66% of US households have a pet, with 77% of homeowners including a pet in their abodes. With home buying a hot national topic, studies have shown two-thirds (67%) of prospective buyers with pets say they’d buy a home specifically because of features that cater toward their pet. More and more people are prioritizing moving to create a better life and home experience for their fluffy one.

 

According to a recent Realtor.com survey:

  • Almost three-quarters (72%) of prospective buyers with pets admit that they would forgo buying their dream home if it didn’t accommodate their pets, while 62% of current homeowners with pets say they would.
  • Sixty-six percent of prospective buyers with pets have declined to live in an otherwise perfect home because it couldn’t accommodate their pets; and 44% of homeowners with pets say they would decline to live in an otherwise perfect home if it didn’t accommodate their pets.

Recently, I had the WONDERFUL joy of helping Mollie and Dave find a stunning, turn of the century Victorian in the heart of Portland’s Kerns neighborhood. AND – it fits their pup’s needs! We had such a great time dreaming of all the ways to evolve the yard to make it a dream oasis for Fiona. With native plantings, a grand front porch, and plenty of patio space, the possibilities are endless. Congratulations Mollie and Dave! Thank you for such a special experience. I can’t wait to come visit to discover all the spectacular personalizations you bring to your home!

Most Desirable Home Style for 2023? Upgraded Single Level Living!

Posted on by Jené DeSpain

After hitting the market around 4:30pm on a Thursday this mid Spring, my seller and I had immediate requests for showings from hungry buyers. Our first buyer appointment was scheduled for 6pm that day and they submitted an offer that evening by 9:30pm at almost $35k over asking. That following weekend would continue to produce constant buyer appointments, two very active open houses, and a total of 7 buying parties VERY interested in placing an offer.

We ended up with 4 extremely strong offers from some really incredible families. Things ended up escalating to over $240,000 over asking. While the Portland market has remained strong with housing inventory very low, you might be wondering how did this single home receive such strong high offers? The big ticket = absolutely dialed, move-in ready, single level living, with bonus basement space. Each of the families that offered NEEDED a home where they could live on the main level and enter into the front door, out into the backyard, and into a detached garage with very little steps. This gorgeous home offered all of those features. While I hoped a great amount of success for my seller, I had no idea how powerful the need was for buyers looking for this style of home.

I have been contacted a few times by fellow agents and developers asking what was the golden ticket to this property. It’s opened my eyes to the sincere demand for all types of families who want to live in inner NE Portland, but need to have the home be accessible with only a few steps into the house, with the majority of living on that main level. It was such a spectacular transaction. My seller was beyond delighted with the marketing I was able to create and the navigation we journeyed together towards a very happy close on her home. Congratulations to all the parties involved in this adventure! So special to work on such a fantastic deal with a truly wonderful buyer’s agent and very dedicated buyers. ♥︎

 

 

 

A New Condo Just In Time For The Holidays.

Posted on by Martin Cross

Kris sent me a text in early November saying that she wanted to start looking for a condo. The end of the year isn’t always the most opportune time to go house shopping because there are less homes on the market. Both because people don’t want a bunch of potential buyers tromping through their home in the winter time, and they don’t want to disrupt the flow of their holiday celebrations.

Buying a condominium requires a bunch more patience than purchasing a home to begin with, because there are several other layers of complication. The largest of which is finding a condominium complex that has a good homeowners association (HOA) that is well run, well financed and free of any current, or upcoming assessments that require big outlays of cash by the owners, new or old. To increase our challenge, Kris was buying using an FHA loan. The Federal Housing Authority requires that for buyers to purchase a condominium, the complex must be an FHA approved complex. This narrows the field of options quite a bit as many condominiums don’t want to, or don’t qualify to go through the process to get “FHA certification“.

Undaunted and full of patience we started our search with realistic expectations. At the time, there were only four condominiums available that were FHA approved, and only 3 that were within her desired price range. We visited all 3 and 2 were immediately ruled out for condition and/or guest parking situations that were completely inconvenient.

There was one possible contender that was well-maintained, had some recent updates, and had a layout that she liked. However, it backed right up to a freeway, and also not only had a situation where guest parking was less than ideal, it also was a huge complex that was half used as rentals that were managed by a separate management company. In reading the reviews of the apartments it seemed like it could be a place full of challenges.

Kris was just about to ask me to write an offer on it anyway when another condominium, in a different area, had a serendipitous price drop. The price was still slightly outside her comfort level, but after we assessed the benefits of a quieter, prettier complex with convenient guest parking and the likelihood that these features would increase the ability to resell should the time ever come, Kris was convinced that we should go for it.

As often happens in a market like this, once a property experiences a price drop, it can suddenly become one that several buyers are interested in. As such, we entered into a competitive offer situation, but emerged, triumphant and began the transaction process!!

As mentioned before, on top of the typical hurdles of buyers inspections and the property needing to appraise at value, usually the biggest challenge in purchasing a condominium is the research and analysis of the homeowners association, and how well it is run. There’s a special time period in real estate transactions for the buyer to do their due diligence and thoroughly investigate all aspects of how the HOA is run. Fortunately, in this case, once the seller provided us with the piles of documents required (meeting minutes, bylaws, reserve study & CC&Rs, etc) Kris’ analysis showed that the HOA was very solid, well funded and run well.  On top of that, the property inspected well and the appraisal came in above sales price!

Just a few short weeks later, I was privileged to be able to give Kris the keys to her new condo just in time for the holidays!

✨Lake Oswego Idyllic Living

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Idyllic Living In Lake Oswego! 

1451 Greentree Circle, Lake Oswego, Portland OR 97034

Offered at $950,000

4 Bed 3.5 Bath

Portland, OR 97034

VIEW LISTING

OPEN HOUSE Saturday (11/19) FROM 10 am – 12 pm 

1451 Greentree Circle, Lake Oswego, Portland OR 97034

Stunning Home In Desirable Lake Oswego, Beckons You Into This Bright, Spacious Home With Plenty Of Space To Entertain. Remodeled In 2018 And Well Maintained, This Expansive One Level Home Features High Quality Finishes With Designer Touches, Form Following Function, An Open Floor Plan, The Skylights Allow Natural Light To Pour In From Every Angle. Move-In Ready, Newly Painted Inside! 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms. The Grand Kitchen Features Quartz Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances, Built-in Wine Cooler, Deep Set Kitchen Sink, And More. This Large Kitchen Makes This The Ideal Home For Hosting! Primary Ensuite Oasis Has Heated Tiled Floors And Soak Tub. Cozy Up To The Indoor And Outdoor Fireplaces And Hot Tub. Excellent For Entertaining! Peaceful And Private Backyard Includes Large Yard Space, Storage Shed, Extra Parking For Your Boat Or RV. Create Elegant Seating On The Deck To Enjoy The Beauty Of The Pacific Northwest. Option To Join And Walk To The Greentree Community Heated Pool. Easy Access To Downtown Lake Oswego, Lake Oswego Country Club, Lake View Village Shopping Center, Whole Foods, New Seasons, Lake Grove Shopping, Restaurants, And More!

OPEN HOUSE Saturday (11/19) From 10am – 12pm

OFFERED AT $950,000

4 BEDROOM | 3.5 BATH | 2,328 SQFT

2 Attached Garage | Lot Size: 0.26 Acres

MLS# 22197451 | TAXES: $8,133.47 (2021)

Highlights & Features

  • Freshly Painted
  • New Landscaping
  • Brand New Carpets
  • Gourmet Kitchen
  • Mud room laundry room
  • Built-in Wine Fridge
  • Two Sided Fireplace In The Kitchen
  • House Is Pre-wired For Cat 5 Wiring
  • Remote Controlled Window Treatment
  • Kitchen Faucet With Touch Technology
  • Heated Tile Floors in Primary Ensuite
  • Smart Thermostat
  • Newer Roof 2018
  • Private Outdoor Space
  • Shed In Back
  • RV parking
  • Exterior Hot and Cold Water Spigot
  • Fresh Landscaping
  • Outdoor Fireplace
  • Hot Tub
  • Epoxy Finished Floors In Garage
  • WiFi Enabled Garage Door
  • 6-Setting Shower Head In Primary Suite Under Heated Tile Floors

✨Just Listed! Light & Bright Custom Home in Montavilla!!  $675,000

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Light & Bright Custom Home in Montavilla!

7834 SE Taylor St, Portland, OR 97215

Offered at $675,000

4 Bed 3.5 Bath

Portland, OR 97215

VIEW LISTING

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY (10/08) FROM 10 AM – 12 PM
7834 SE Taylor St, Portland, OR 97215
Move-In Ready, Newer Construction with Soaring Ceilings! Built In 2017, This Stunning Contemporary Home Features 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms – including en suite! Bright, Spacious Home With Plenty Of Space To Entertain. Living Room, Kitchen Open Floor Concept To Keep Community Together. Natural Light Spills In With Large Windows, Super High Ceilings and Elegant Wood Floors! Stainless Steel Appliances, Washer, Dryer, Granite Kitchen, And Much More! Large Backyard With Plenty Of Space For Raised Garden Beds And Includes Large Storage Shed. Multiple Walk-In Closets With Plenty Of Storage Space! Newly Painted Exterior & Interior, Freshly Landscaped, Attached Garage with Ample Storage & Bonus Detached Garage or Shop, Easy Access To Mt. Tabor Park, The Academy Theater, Grocery Stores, Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Adventist Health Hospital, PCC SE, And More!

OPEN HOUSE Saturday (10/08) From 10am – 12pm

OFFERED AT $675,000

4 BEDROOM | 3.5 BATH | 2,088 SQFT

1 Attached Garage With Adjoining Wood Shop & Detached Garage | Lot Size: 5,250

MLS# 22625615 | TAXES: $9,324 (2021)

Highlights & Features

  • Extra Attached Garage Space For Woodshop With 210 Outlet
  • High-Efficiency Furnace And AC
  • Newly Painted (Interior + Exterior)
  • New Landscaping
  • Detached Garage
  • Built in 2017
  • Extra High Ceilings
  • Tons of Natural Sunlight
  • Brand New Fence In Backyard!

Seller’s Favorite Things About 7834 SE Taylor St.

  • We love how we feel close to everything. Tons of eateries, hardware store, parks & more.
  • We love the natural light and high ceilings and that we have 3.5 baths which makes hosting convenient
  • I love my wood shop attached to our garage and have the option of the detached shop out back.

Just Listed! Entertainer’s Delight w/ Plunge Pool! $680,000

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Entertainer’s Delight In Oregon City With Plunge Pool!

19123 Lot Whitcomb Dr Oregon City, OR 97045

Offered at $680,000

4 Bed 2.5 Bath

Oregon City, OR 97045

VIEW LISTING

Entertainer’s Delight In Oregon City With Plunge Pool!  $680,000

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY  (08/27)  FROM 10AM – 12PM 

 19123 Lot Whitcomb Dr, Oregon City, OR 97045
Move-In Ready, Newly Painted Inside and Out! Cheerful Home In Desirable, Quiet Oregon City Neighborhood. Bright, Spacious Home With Plenty Of Space To Entertain. Open Family Room With Brick Fireplace. Cozy Breakfast Nook To Enjoy. Elegant Granite Counter Tops In Kitchen With Island. Recently Renovated Kitchen. Spacious Primary Bedroom With Walk-In Closet. Extensive Interior And Exterior Amenities Including High Ceilings, Double Oven, Stainless Steel Appliances, Landscaped To Create A Private Backyard Oasis. In-Ground Hot Plunge Pool Can Be Used As A Cool Pool During Summer!  Option To Be Part Of Private Neighborhood Pool. Easy Access To Ainsworth House And Gardens, Hillendale Park, Grocery Stores, Restaurants, Coffee Shops, And More!

OPEN HOUSE Saturday (8/27) From 10am – 12pm

OFFERED AT $680,000

4 BEDROOM | 2.5 BATH | 2227 SQFT

MLS# 22459822| TAXES: $6,390.20 (2021)

Optional HOA Fees: $50 Monthly (Includes Access to Community Pool)

Highlights & Features 

  • Move-In Ready!
  • Easy Access To Ainsworth House & Gardens
  • Repainted Interior
  • New Trim In Downstairs (2022)
  • New Carpets (2022)
  • Newly Painted Exterior and Doors (2022)
  • New Vapor Barrier In Crawlspace (2022)
  • New Furnace (2022)
  • Newer Water Heater (2016)
  • In-ground Sprinkler Installed
  • Plunge Pool! – In Ground Hot Tub Can Be Used As A Cool Pool During Summer
  • Private Neighborhood Pool ($50/Month – Optional)
  • Added Back Patio
  • Recently Renovated Kitchen (2019)
  • Newer Stainless Steel Appliances: Refrigerator, Range, Stovetop, Double Oven, Microwave & Dishwasher.
  • Granite Kitchen Countertops
  • Refinished Cabinets
  • Tile Backsplash

Seller’s Favorite Things About 19123 Lot Whitcomb Dr 

  • Private Backyard Oasis!
  • Quiet Neighborhood.
  • Great Community!
  • The Neighborhood Was Built Around Ainsworth Home & Gardens. Our Neighbors Host An Occasional Get Together At Ainsworth Home & Garden To Help Keep The Community Connected.

Just Listed! Move-In Ready In Bethany!  $585,000

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Move-In Ready In Bethany! 

16894 NW Desert Canyon Dr, Beaverton, OR 97006

Offered at $585,000

3 Bed 2.5 Bath

Beaverton, OR 97006

VIEW LISTING

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY  (08/13)  FROM 10 AM – 12 PM 

16894 NW Desert Canyon Dr, Beaverton, OR 97006

Move-In Ready! Lovely, Spacious Bethany Home In A Quiet Neighborhood. Nearby Parks, Trails, And Shopping Combine Convenience And Nature All Around. A Home To Enjoy Every Space From. Great Room With Cozy Gas Fireplace, Wood Laminate Floors. Large Primary Bedroom Features Walk-In Closet And En-Suite Bathroom.  Head On Back To Your Level Backyard With Privacy Trees, Concrete Patio Perfect For Summer BBQs And Social Gatherings. Kitchen Flow Includes Granite Countertops, Breakfast Bar, and Stainless Steel Appliances. Newer AC Unit, Water Heater, Carpet, New  Interior Paint & More. Easy Access To Highly Rated Schools, Hwy 26, Tanasbourne Towncenter, Kaiser, Claremont Golf Course, & Parks. Close to Intel, Nike & More!

OPEN HOUSE Saturday (8/13) From 10am – 12pm

OFFERED AT $585,000

3 BEDROOM | 2.5 BATH | 1582 SQFT

MLS# 222465647 | TAXES: $3,493.24 (2021)

HOA Fees: $362 Annually $255 Semi-Annually

Highlights & Features 

  • Move-In Ready!
  • Repainted Interior
  • Repainted Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinets
  • New John’s Waterproofing System In Crawl Space
  • Professionally Cleaned Carpets & House
  • Exterior Pressure Wash
  • Replaced/Updated Toilets
  • Stainless Steel Appliances: Refrigerator, Range, Microwave & Dishwasher.
  • Brand New Garbage Disposal
  • AC Unit Maintenance Completed
  • Laminate Flooring On Main
  • Granite Kitchen Countertops

Seller’s Favorite Things About 16894 NW Desert Canyon Dr. 

  • Friendly Neighbors! Lovely Community.
  • A Quiet Neighborhood.
  • Parks With Playgrounds + Basketball Courts Are Within Walking Distance.
  • Nearby Trails
  • Close To Highway 26, Intel + Nike
  • Easy Access To Tanasbourne Village For Shopping/Groceries.

7 Investment Properties In 4 Years!

Posted on by Living Room Realty

Maria and James came to America with a big dream, to build generational wealth. They began their graduate studies and started learning about the powerful role real estate plays in building wealth.

If you get the pleasure of meeting Maria and James, one thing you will know immediately is that they both value excellence. It’s no surprise they applied their standard of excellence to their real estate education by pouring over free courses, podcasts, reading blogs, and books, and talking to other investors and homeowners. They actively went out and sought education and this year, they made their 7th investment property purchase in the last 4 years!

Crypto, S&P 500, and Index Funds, this is probably what you think of when it comes to investing. Why real estate?

“We feel that real estate is less volatile than the stock market. We also feel that we understand Real Estate investing more easily than active stock investing and it’s important to understand what you are investing in!” – Maria & James

As local and long-distance investors they understand the importance of creating a solid screening system. They screen their properties and their real estate agents. This is key in building a solid team.

“Before we are active, we build a system to do our screenings more effectively. We have two major criteria we focus on: Macro – the broader local economy, employment, population growth, landlords, etc. and the micro-neighborhood numbers, down payments, etc.” – Maria & James

All these factors they consider when they plan on investing in a property. Now, to choose the right realtors for the job.

Building a good team with clear communication is pivotal in real estate. Maria and James had a list of qualities they look for when it comes to choosing a Real Estate Agent who would help make this dream a reality.

“My friend was talking about her experience in purchasing her first property. She bought her first home with Kristin and Jason. She shared the entire process and I could see Kristin was a good realtor. My other friend said they want to buy a home and I recommended Kristin to them even without meeting her.

I have worked with multiple agents throughout my 7+ transactions. Kristin and Jason are the VERY BEST Real Estate Agents among them. They are on top of things. I don’t have to keep track of my realtor. One thing I feel they are very strong about is communication. Communicating with us and negotiating with the seller is so important.” – Maria & James

This project was especially important for Maria and James as it would become their primary residence.

This newly built community checked all their boxes: close to parks for their family outings and bike riding, multiple entrances for house hacking, a shift in their portfolio, and they got to take part in the design process!

Having an adorable, young son, they are already thinking and planning on how to include him in the investing process and stretch his vision for his life.

“We learned that we need to make money work for us instead of us working for money.  Encouraging Casey in the investing process is a priority. Talking about our strategies with him, ask for his involvement and thoughts, and explain to him our thinking process, these are some ways we are teaching him and will continue to teach him. Having a mentor would have been great for us, and we will be a mentor for him.”

– Maria & James

If you have any interest in investing like Maria + James have this is their advice to you:

“Bigger Pocket podcast. Start listening to the podcast. Dig into their website. They have some real estate investing books. Most impactful  for us – long-distance real estate investing. That book helped us with our investing strategy. Look for agents who have these good qualities that you will read about in these books.”

– Maria & James

When asked what they would do differently if they could start their whole investing journey over again with the knowledge they now have, they responded

“Real estate and investing are very relational. You need a good team. Now, we have learned to pick good team members – agents, lenders, etc When choosing a good realtor look for someone who communicates, listens to you, and does things correctly.”

– Maria & James

Maria + James, thank you for choosing us as your real estate bodyguards and for giving us the honor of being part of your journey in investing. We have loved getting to know you and your beautiful family. May this new home provide you with joy, quality family time, and even more growth. You are a powerful family and we can’t wait to see what you build! Thank you for being an inspiration, not just to us, but to all those who know you! 

JUST LISTED: Corner Unit Across From Greenspace In Beaverton

Posted on by Living Room Realty

2476 NW Crosswater Terrace,

Beaverton OR 97006 

Offered at $425,000

2 Bed 2.5 Bath

Beaverton, OR 97006

 

VIEW LISTING

Bright, Spacious Corner Unit Across From Greenspace In Beaverton! No Rental Cap! Upon Entrance, You Are Greeted With A Charming Fenced Patio Front Yard. A Home To Enjoy In All Seasons. Nest Thermostat Making Life A Breeze. Enjoy A Newer AC During The Summer Heat & Cozy Up To A Newly Installed Electric Fireplace During The Winter & Fall Season. Updated Kitchen Features Include New Dishwasher & Deep Set Walk-In Pantry. Work From Home Made Convenient With Cat 6 Wired Internet To Loft Space Upstairs. Primary Bedroom Ensuite Bathroom With Jetted Soak Tub & Walk-In Closet. Second Bedroom With Vaulted Ceilings & Deep Set Closet. Unit Includes Laundry With Washer & Dryer. Parking Made Easy With Street Parking Out Front Along With Spacious 2 Car Garage.  Great Location In Arbor Reserve! Easy Access to Bethany, Nike, Hwy-26, Intel, Shopping At Tanasbourne Village, Restaurants, Parks, Claremont Golf Club, Bronson Creek Greenway, Bars, Coffee Shops & More!

OPEN HOUSE Saturday (6/25) From 10am – 12pm

OFFERED AT $425,000

2 BEDROOM | 2.5 BATH | 1613 SQFT

MLS# 22637901 | TAXES: $2,917.99 (2021)

HOA $215.57/Month 

 

Priced out of Portland & Vancouver? Consider the move to Longview!

Posted on by Martin Cross

It’s getting tougher every day for first-time home buyers to purchase in the Portland metro area. But if you’re willing to expand your search, buyers can get a lot more bang for their buck just an hour north in Longview, Wa.

For example, this fully remodeled 3 Bedroom 1 bath home, complete with a garage and large fenced yard, can be found in the mid $300s. All in a quiet neighborhood and close to a beautiful lakeside park.

If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell property in Oregon or Washington, give me a call!

 

Bridge photo credit: Nathan Holth

Midcentury Time Capsules like this don’t come along every day!

Posted on by Martin Cross

This large 1955 custom built daylight Ranch is a midcentury modern classic with Mt St Helens View! Van Laeken was a premier modernist builder of the day and it shows in every detail! Built in cabinets throughout, custom tiled baths, high end wallpapers and hardwood floors are just a few of the outstanding details of the period.

5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 fireplaces, 2 family rooms, formal dining area and large living room with huge front window just add to the warmth and charm. .20 acre lot with large partially covered patio is just begging for your entertaining ideas. 3 bedrooms on the main floor and 2 more plus an office on the lower level offers tons of flexibility and ADU possibilities!

Just 3 blocks to Fernhill park, and walking distance to Kennedy School, New Seasons and tons of local eateries and watering holes!

Apparently cats approach buying a farm very differently.

Posted on by Martin Cross

Buying or selling a home in normal conditions is one of the most stressful things a person can do. Right up there with getting married or moving across the country. Selling one home while trying to buy another one contingent upon the sale of the first takes the stress level up 10 notches. If you run into any friction along the way such as complicated repairs or negotiations, stress levels go through the roof!!

But with experienced, cooperative agents on both sides, level heads on the part of both buyers and sellers and holding onto the idea that everyone wants the same thing, which is to close the deal, we can usually make it to the finish line!

This is exactly what happened to Zippy & Spark. They were selling their North Portland home while also in contract to buy a farm in Washington when extensive and complicated repairs were discovered in the inspection process. Getting bids from contractors and finding one with the available time to start the work quickly raises the level of stress and possibly increases the time it can take to close the deal. Thus, possibly putting at risk their ability to close on the farm purchase.

But with my extensive list of contractors to call, cooperation from the other broker who kept her buyers hopes up and especially with encouragement, expert advice and consultation from mine and my sellers friend and Realtor Dale Schiff, along with tenacity on the part of my sellers who dug in and contributed time and effort to get the job done, we were able to get the repairs negotiated and completed in less than two weeks so we could close of the sale on their home and the purchase of their new home could be completed.

Apparently, cats approach buying a farm very differently.

Charming Richmond Division Bungalow!

Posted on by Martin Cross

This sweet vintage bungalow features all the charming period details that you crave like large open living spaces, fir floors, large covered porch & fireplace.

Ideally located just off coveted Division St. with restaurants, shops and nightlife within steps of your door. 

The huge backyard, unfinished attic & full basement are all waiting for you to take this sweetheart to the next level.  Basement has an outside entrance too for possible ADU and the attic is just waiting to be converted into a large owners suite. Walk and Bike Scores both 94!

Charming Alberta Bungalow

Posted on by Shannon Dooley

This 1909 Alberta Arts bungalow has been lovingly maintained and thoughtfully updated. With high ceilings, large windows and fresh interior paint, this space is full of light! The beautiful, original, fir floors in the formal living and dining room are still in place. Details include original moulding, new lighting, and an updated kitchen and bath. The outdoor areas do not disappoint with sweet covered front and back porches, a backyard patio, established apple and fig trees, grapes, blueberries and strawberries. The home offers off street parking, and is on a designated bike route with a walk score of 91!

Update: This house spent 4 days on the market and sold for $70K over asking!

To mask or not to mask….

Posted on by Martin Cross

To mask or not to mask, that is the question. The world is beginning to feel like it may return to normal some day soon. Portlanders have been pretty good about following the mask mandate throughout the pandemic. And while most of us will still follow the rules for going into businesses or in other situations (like Real Estate showings) where they are told they must wear a mask, it seems like just prior to Memorial Day weekend, with the encouraging news releases that came out, everyone decided that all bets (masks) are off!

It’s been a bit shocking to me how quickly people just began taking their masks off and gathering en masse.  But we all get to choose our own level of safety and comfort so you do you, and I’ll do me. As a fully vaccinated human in very good health otherwise, I still feel like the prudent path is better safe than sorry, for at least a few more weeks. Last thing I want is to be the guy who gets Covid as the pandemic is winding down.  

A new yard for Duck.. Or, its my apple and you can’t have it!

Posted on by Martin Cross

Like most couples, when I first started talking with Josh and Alyssa, they had the usual list of desires for their new home. Some of which were “needs” and some just “desires”. At least two bedrooms, two baths. 1700 ft.² or more. Hardwood floors, some kind of cool attic or bonus room, a porch or a deck and of course a fenced yard for Duck and Oliver.

After a couple of long days touring, a serendipitous price reduction that combined with some shrewd negotiating by yours truly, we had locked up a great house that combined all of their wants, including, a HUGE fenced back yard.

But, what became most evident after move-in day was that really, this was all about a fenced yard for Duck.

 

Most things can be fixed, even if they are dead!

Posted on by Martin Cross

With time, patience, and a little (or a lot of) money, most things can be fixed. Question is, should you have to?

John is a young tradesmen eager to buy his first home. John was willing to take almost any home, in an ok neighborhood, that feels strong in its bones. 33 your old rusty water heater? No worry, my brother does that for a living. New roof? No problem, I’ve got a buddy. Dead animals in the crawlspace? No problem, I have a friend who will do that for a six pack of beer. Garage walls are a little bowed? Not to worry, with the installation of wall corner protectors and a few more foundation fixes, my brothers and I can fix that over a weekend.

His eagerness and enthusiasm were sometimes infectious but I had to slow him down many times on what condition issues were reasonable to accept from a seller. He was so excited to move into a new house, he was willing to take on most problems if the seller wouldn’t.

The seller was a “contractor“ who was really only interested in doing the minimum amount possible in the quickest way. Needless to say, this is rarely the path to a good resolution. It took many attempts at repair lists, many re-inspections and many considerations to get through the repair contingency period but eventually we negotiated for money instead to move on to the next phase.

But, even all through all that, when it was all said and done, John was moving into his new house exactly 4 weeks after our offer was accepted.