Ever find yourself stuck in a loop, analyzing every little detail while hunting for your dream home? Well, I’ve got a golden rule to share with you that might just be your game-changer: The 85% Rule. Let’s dive into it!
What is the 85% Rule?
In the home-buying journey, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlpool of options and details, leading to what we call ‘analysis paralysis’. This is where the 85% rule comes into play. It’s a simple yet fantastic rule to guide you in making decisive actions.
How Does it Work?
The rule is pretty straightforward. When you’re looking at potential homes, aim for one that meets about 85% of your criteria. Yes, it doesn’t have to tick every single box on your list.
Why 85% and Not 100%?
Here’s the thing, finding a home that has 100% of what you’re looking for is like finding a unicorn – it’s a beautiful thought but nearly impossible. Even those who have had their homes custom-built find themselves wishing for changes five or ten years down the line.
Embrace the Imperfections
Remember, it’s absolutely okay for a home not to be perfect. What matters is that it’s perfect for you at this moment in your life. The small imperfections? They are opportunities for you to add your personal touch down the line.
Conclusion
So, the next time you find yourself stuck in the home-buying process, remember the 85% rule. It’s not about settling for less; it’s about embracing a home that meets most of your needs and holds the potential for you to make it truly yours over time.
Reach out to talk further now!
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In 2016, Ian Curtis, asked if I’d meet him for a cup of coffee. While we share the same last name, it turns out the only relation we have is through real estate and our interest in restoring 100 year old houses. We met at Case Study on Alberta St in NE Portland to talk about house flipping. Ian had just gotten his real estate license. He shared with me he wanted to buy and restore houses. I had been house flipping in Portland for about five years by then, so I certainly had some experience to share. And tips.
I’ve always been open to talking with people about my real estate ventures. But also what has had them go well and the pitfalls along the way. By the time I met Ian, I had had many cups of coffee with many people who had even a twinkle in their eye when watching their favorite house flipping show on HGTV. And I love that, actually. That’s usually where dreams begin in this line of work. Whether or not people go on to actually do the work and restore houses, doesn’t really matter. It’s exciting imagining, and then taking a few steps to see if its right for you.
I don’t remember everything Ian and I talked about that day, but I remember him asking thoughtful questions. I saw him as a serious, very professional, and talented, young guy. And I think I recognized an old soul, which really made me like him from the beginning. Also not bad qualities to have in this line of work.
N Cecelia Kitchen Renovation
From then, Ian and his business partner, Matt Clark, went on to flip a house. I remember that first one well. It was an old farm house in North Portland on N Cecelia St. It was such a thoughtful renovation, a ton of work, and people loved the traditional farmhouse remodel style they created. When we listed it for sale, it sold within the first three days.
Now, several years later, Ian and Matt have a dynamic real estate development business, Milk & Honey Restoration. They take on complex home renovations, new construction and rentals. While I wish I could take some credit for it, they’ve really gone beyond what I’ve done. Though I do appreciate they still ask my opinion from time to time. 😀 They have their own ideas, style, and team. And I’ve been inspired not just of the work they’ve done, but the integrity they have in their work.
Their most recent remodel is at 2606 SE 16th Ave, Portland, an old Foursquare home with large garage they converted to a second living space. I asked Ian some questions about the house, and here’s what he shared
What was the inspiration for the remodel and design you chose?
Sometimes a renovation project feels like a blank slate where the original design and style is ambiguous or has been convoluted over time. Other times, such as this one, a house has such marvelous original style that staying true to that design feels like the best thing you can do for the home. Working with Pip Stevens, our local interior designer, we restored the many original archways, replicated original trimwork, and made design decisions that stayed true to the original architectural style of the home while bringing in fresh ideas and modern upgrades.
SE 16th Living Room Renovation
What was the most unexpected thing that popped up if anything?
One of the unexpectedly pleasant things that happened was, after opening up the walls, discovering how well built and well kept-up the home was. Some of the best “bones” we have seen in a home of this age. Probably the most unpleasant (though maybe not so unexpected) thing that happened was the delay in manufacturing times. The pandemic supply chain issues are still affecting all sorts of products and it is hard to keep track of what products will have delays. For the last project, garage doors were extremely delayed. For this project, our windows took at least two months longer than usual to get back from the manufacturer, causing a pretty big delay in the project.
SE 16th Kitchen Renovation
SE 16th Dining Renovation
Did this turn out how you expected, or did you make any big changes along the way?
When we started the project we hadn’t decided how to finish the garage. The extra large garage with a kitchen sink and upstairs loft was once apparently used by one of the early owners, an Italian vegetable farmer or merchant, to wash his vegetables before selling them at a market. After some due diligence and deliberation we decided the best use of the space was to create a 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom legal ADU while retaining a single car garage space. The ADU can be used as a short or long term rental. The close-in, desirable location surely lends itself to, or however the next owner sees fit.
Ian and Matt provide an exceptional level of detail in their work. When you walk through this house, you want to sit down and stay for a while. But it doesn’t just look pretty. When you discover the new guts of the house: energy efficient casement windows, roof, extensive electrical, plumbing and efficient heating and cooling updates, you want to move right in.
I had the opportunity to share this house and and before and after photos of the house on KATU’s Afternoon Live. To see the short interview and photos, check it out here
Bobby Curtis on Afternoon Live with Kara Mack, House Flipping & Portland Real Estate
For those with that twinkle in their eye after watching their favorite HGTV show, check out my house flipping tips. Now let’s get some coffee.
Own It Portland’s very own Operations Manager, Heidi Effmann, and her family just sold their longtime home in NE Portland. It’s a beautiful 1925 bungalow in the Rose City Park neighborhood. After ten years, four remodels, four kids, two dogs, one cat, six chickens and lots of life on NE 55th, Heidi and her family are on the lookout for a new Portland home that will better suit longer visits with extended family and growing kids, more chickens and maybe even a pool…? One can dream. Congrats to Heidi and family!
Kick back and relax in this wonderfully open home in Brentwood/Darlington. Once inside, you’re greeted with a warm and charming feel right away. Enjoy high vaulted ceilings and beautiful oak floors in the bedrooms and Brazilian cherry in the main areas. Lovely large living room adjacent to quaint kitchen and dining area. Grand master-suite plus 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 baths round out the 1,849 sq ft floor plan. The private fenced backyard has a gorgeous patio and plenty of room to roam with greenspace and designated garden area. Last year, the current owner grew gallons of fresh fruit right from home. The neighborhood is quiet and residential, perfect for a sunny stroll on a warm spring day. Don’t miss this beautiful SE gem!
