My 3 P’s for a Changing Market

As we head into a shifting market the conversations I’m having with my clients are taking on a new tone once again. Interest rates are up, buying power is down and some homes are staying on the market longer than 5 days (gasp!). Last summer the brokerage asked us if we could tell Buyers & Sellers one thing, what would it be?

My answer: be PREPARED, PATIENT & PERSEVERANT.

be PREPARED: 

It’s important to work with an agent who is keeping up with the changing market. Have a plan before you start shopping for homes or listing your home on the market. Get an pre-approval with current rates to fully understand your buying power. If you are gearing up to sell this summer, spend extra time discussing pricing strategy with your agent. Past sales data is a great starting place but understanding the nuances of the changing market is also extremely important right now. Take your agent’s advice on how to get your home ready for the market – buyers are soon going to have more choices & will not feel as rushed into selecting a home. Make sure your home stands out!

be PATIENT: 

Make sure to go over expectations with your agent before listing your home. In 2022, market time has decreased by 21% compared to 2021 however that is expected to change. Especially as we head into the summer months where things typically slow down a bit. If you are heading out to start home shopping, know that fewer listings may be coming on the market in July & August. Take your time if you can!

be PERSEVERANT: 

These next few months (maybe years) are going to look a lot different than what we are used to. If you find yourself with a home staying on the market longer than a weekend, it’s going to be ok. Have a plan and communicate with your agent regularly. Buyers who have been fighting the good fight, writing offer after offer may start to find some relief with less competition. If increased rates have lowered your buying power, talk to a lender about creative options that may work for you. Don’t give up!

See the full instagram post here!

Just Listed – Show Stopper in West Linn!

 

Absolute Show Stopper in Weatherview Heights! 

 

Live large in this 4 bedroom home with all of the extra space you need!

Abundant natural light and dramatic views of local tree tops & the Cascades.

Extra wide hallways and 9 ft ceilings on the main & lower levels.

 

Spacious gourmet kitchen & great room with stone fireplace.

Oversized island, farm sink & a 5 burner gas range for all of your gourmet cooking needs!

Retreat-like Owner’s Suite with tree top views and tons of space.

Double sinks, garden tub & a large walk in closet feel like luxury!

 

Two generous bedrooms share a Jack & Jill bath.

And a spacious laundry room is conveniently located upstairs.

 

An office on the main floor has the prefect amount of privacy & light.

 

 

The lower level is where the party is at!!

A huge family room & play space, which is plumbed for a wet bar.

And the 4th bedroom + a full bath complete the space.

 

Step outside to the perfect outdoor paradise .

A covered patio with twinkle lights is the perfect evening conversation spot.

The flat, spacious yard features raised garden beds with irrigation, a play structure and professional landscaping.

Elegant & timeless, this is the perfect place to call home!

 

Just Listed – Amazing in Arbor Cove!

 

Stunning West Linn home in sought-after Arbor Cove!

 

Open kitchen with large island & eat at bar.

Stainless steel appliances and newer refrigerator are included.

Plenty of cabinet space plus a pantry closet for extras!

 

Featuring Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors and 9 ft ceilings, the open layout is inviting & warm.

Fresh paint throughout the main living space.

 

Spacious living room with built in cabinetry & tons of natural light!

 

Expansive owner’s suite with ceiling fan & coffered ceilings. 

Double sinks and ample storage plus a garden tub & large walk in closet.

 

3 Additional Bedrooms upstairs – flooded with natural light & attractive accent colors

 

The office on the main floor is the perfect place to work or play.

A tongue & groove accent wall sets the tone for a creative space.

 

Easy care yard with covered area, deck, paver patio & dog run.

Front yard maintained by the HOA! 

 

The sought after Arbor Cove neighborhood is just across the street from the Tualatin River & Field’s Bridge Park.
Down the street is the charming Historic Willamette area with restaurants, shops & fun events year round. 
Don’t miss all this gorgeous home has to offer!

 

 

Just Listed – Bright Montavilla Bungalow

The most darling bungalow you ever did see!

Freshly painted inside and out, this 2 bedroom – 1 bath home is just waiting for you to move in.

The Family Room features hardwood floors & large vinyl windows allowing for ample natural light!

In the kitchen you’ll find updated cabinetry, countertops, tile backsplash & stainless steel appliances including a gas range.

 

Two bedrooms feature vinyl windows, updated light fixtures & plenty of closet space. There is also extra built in storage in the hallway.

The bathroom features a pedestal sink, tile floors, tub/shower combo & medicine cabinet for storage.

Out back you’ll find a spacious deck & low maintenance yard that is fully fenced for privacy!

Convenient to shopping & freeways, parks + all things Montavilla!

 

From City Life to Backyard Oasis in Milwaukee

Rachel & Cole Akerson along with their 10 year old daughter Brooklyn were living the city life in Portland. They had dreams of buying a home with a nice yard and once Oregon’s stay at home orders were put in place, the time was right. The small space they were living in became too much to handle. The first home we looked at was a 1940’s ranch that had been fully remodeled. And when we stepped into the expansive backyard oasis, they knew they were home. There are fruit trees and garden beds, a fire pit, hot tub, and covered patio. Not to mention a stand alone sauna with an outdoor shower!

The home has a finished basement with a well-lit bedroom and bathroom for Brooklyn, along with a family room and laundry area. The kitchen is remodeled with a vintage vibe fits well with the rest of the home. There are two bedrooms on the main floor a remodeled bathroom, plus a family room with a modern electric fireplace. This is about three times the amount of space they had in the condo.

The Akerson’s looked at a few more homes but nothing compared to the feeling they had when they first saw this home. They submitted a strong offer and the waiting began. After two days of waiting and multiple offers on the home, they wanted to see a couple more homes just in case. While we were out looking, the news came in that their offer was accepted. Witnessing their emotional embrace is something I will never forget.

It’s an exciting time as Rachel, Cole and Brooklyn move from their city life to this backyard oasis in Milwaukee. I am honored to have represented them through this purchase!

 

 

 

 

 

The Ross family finds the ONE!

Two years, one new baby and a lot of homes later, the Ross family has found the ONE! Sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince! My good friends, The Ross’s, needed more space for their family (of 6!) and set out to find the perfecthome a few years back. We ooh’ed over Hartung Farms beauties, Lake Oswego mansions and some of Bauer Woods’ best. In the end, the style of this 4,100 sq ft mid-century stunner won their hearts.

This home is so special for many reasons. It was built in 1950 and much of the original character is in tact. The wood paneling, angled ceilings and floor to ceiling windows really make the home shine. With 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms and much of the home on 1 level, there is room for the whole family. There is a bonus room and bar area with a garage door that opens to the patio and pool – perfect for summer entertaining. Upstairs, a loft area and bright room will serve as a bedroom for their oldest child.

Down a separate hallway, the master suite is spacious and private with views of the pool and landscape. Walk down a bamboo lined pathway behind the pool and find a secret hideaway equipped with a wine fridge, dart board and cable TV… the perfect man-cave or she-shed!

This family has big plans to make this home their own and I know that they will create magic with whatever they decide to do. I can’t wait to see the finished product and take a dip in the pool next summer!!! Thank you for trusting in me Ross’s! I am so excited for your family to make many memories at this gorgeous home. Congratulations!!!