Sellwood Cuteness Alert!

This delightful, updated Craftsman could be yours in one of Portland’s most popular neighborhoods: Sellwood!

Offered at:  $892,000

4 beds | 2.1 baths | 2507 sf  (2250 above ground!)

5000 sf lot

Light-filled living room with charming leaded glass accents opens to a lovely formal dining room.  Chef’s kitchen with quartz counters, butler’s pantry, breakfast nook, and induction range.  A bedroom/den/office and sweet updated powder room (with room to expand!) round out the main floor.

The full-height, second level features a spacious primary suite, laundry closet, a second full bath, two additional bedrooms, and a fun bonus space for hobbies, lounging, exercising, or general rumpus room activities!  Warm fir floors on the main, and cherry hardwood floors upstairs.

Many great updates including paint (interior and exterior), plumbing and electrical updates, new kitchen windows, new interior doors, new A/C, and a new 50 gal water heater. Peaceful backyard with grape arbor, mature asparagus, raised beds, patio, and a new fence.

Blocks to New Seasons, shops, restaurants, waterfront, and all the cuteness Sellwood has to offer! Walk Score = 94, Bike Score = 99

Want to see it?  Call us – we’ll hook you up!

 

Erika George & Kari McGee

 

 

1905 Porch-Gable Bungalow in the heart of Sellwood

Ever stroll down 13th avenue in historic Sellwood and think “I’d sure love to live here”? Ever wander past the rows of perfect turn-of-the-century houses, painted out in bright colors and feel painfully covetous? Ever wish you too could own a piece of history, a period-perfect home that lovingly retains its vintage aesthetic? Perhaps you saw Season 8 Episode 5 4:00 of PORTLANDIA (the parallel parking scene) and caught a glimpse of this beauty itself? Well this is your chance to own one of your very own! Right in the heart of Sellwood, amidst the shops and cafes, on a quiet tree-lined street just a block from the library and another two to the park, sits a stylistic example of  “Porch-Gable” bungalow design. Featured in Architectural Historian Thomas Hubka’s article “Sellwood’s Boom Era Houses”, The Oregonian, Dec 28 2015 as a prime example of the Porch-Gable or Gable-Front style of homes which boomed in Portland following the Lewis and Clark Exposition of 1905, she’s been lovingly restored and gently updated with both vintage aesthetics and modern needs in mind.  Period details include:

  • Ornate and unusual curved window trim
  • Restored wood sash windows with original and period-correct wavy single pane glass
  • Period-correct front door with window and carved ledge
  • Custom screen/storm door
  • Restored claw-foot tub in period-correct bathroom
  • Refinished soft-wood clear pine floors
  • Antique stained-glass windows
  • High ceilings
  • Bay Windows in living room and primary bedroom
  • Covered Front Porch (shaded/protected from elements)
  • Large period-correct “square” kitchen with slate floors, updated cabinetry, gas apps, pantry, side-entry/mudroom.
  • Brass window pulls, modern but of antique aesthetic
  • Tongue-in-groove original siding

Boasting a practically unheard of home energy score of 8,  she is cozy and cost effective! Featuring energy efficient updates for your creature comforts, such as:

  • Newer 97% high efficiency gas furnace
  • 16 SEER air conditioner
  • Electrical Panel, 2021
  • Electric heat pump water heater
  • Varying Insulation R-7(roof),  R-11 (basement wall) to R-49 (attic) Insulation
  • Professionally sealed envelope
  • NEST thermostat
  • Vinyl windows in basement
  • Restored wood single pane windows
  • Updated kitchen appliances
  • Vented bathroom
  • Window coverings

The neighborhood couldn’t be more desirable with ease of access to many coveted amenities, like:

  • Sellwood Library
  • Parks: Sellwood Park, Sellwood Pool, Oaks Bottom Nature Reserve, Sellwood Riverfront, Oaks Park, Westmoreland Park, Waverley Marina, Waverley Golf Club, and Johnson Creek City Park, plus Springwater Corridor Trail and Springwater on the Willamette Trail.
  • Grocers: New Seasons, QFC, True Value, Grand Central Baking, Etc.
  • Bars, Pubs, and Restaurants: from upscale eats like A Cena and Gino’s to down-home bites like Reverend’s BBQ and historic Kay’s Pub!
  • ETC: Antique Malls, Clothing Boutiques, Bike Shops, Yoga and Pilates

This 1943 sq ft home’s main floor has two bedrooms, a full bath, kitchen, dining room and living room.  The fully finished basement includes a rumpus room and a large bonus room or third bedroom with double closets (non-conforming due to egress) plus a large laundry room and additional storage/utility room.  It has a fenced yard with professionally designed landscaping. It sits two houses and a commercial building from the lively but slow-paced 13th Avenue, which offers pretty much anything you could want.

So if you’ve been waiting for a period-perfect home in an idyllic neighborhood of Portland Oregon, the time is now. She’ll be open for viewings Saturday and Sunday January 27th and 28st from 11am-2pm, please come by or schedule a private appointment with your agent post-haste!

1204 SE Bidwell St, Portland OR 97202
3 beds, 1 bath, 1943 sq ft.
MLS# 24038718
Asking price: $650,000

Stunning Sellwood

 

 

Top to bottom remodel of this home, privately nestled in a desirable pocket of Sellwood, offers contemporary style and amenities for modern living in one of Portland’s most established neighborhoods. Ideal location just one block from iconic Sellwood park with swimming pool and river access, and just steps from the heart of the business district with shopping, dining, public library and coffee shops! Offering 3 fully finished levels, the second floor of this renovated home features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths including a primary suite with walk-in closet and conveniently located laundry room. The spacious main floor has banks of windows with custom window coverings allowing the flow of natural light, wood floors, formal living and dining rooms, powder room and a gourmet open concept kitchen. Boasting high end appliances, an island plus a charming bonus room for gathering as an eat-in kitchen or casual living space which opens to the backyard and deck for alfresco dining and summertime fun in the fully fenced backyard. The finished basement offers a family room, bonus area, 4th bedroom and another full bath. Say hello to passers-by while enjoying your morning coffee on the cozy, covered front porch. More than a pretty face, the mechanics have all been updated; plumbing, electrical, heating, seismic strapping and basement waterproofing with plenty of storage options. This beautiful home is turnkey spectacular for your enjoyment!

Vegan eating, shopping, and living in Southeast Portland!

Where to get your (plant-based) munch on, broken down by quadrant: Part #2

We’re so excited to continue the Rose City tour with highlights from the Southeast – which is home to some of our top picks in all of Portland!
Known popularly for its cool & trendy vibe, you could certainly wander through the neighborhoods and discover any number of hip gastropubs and vegan delights. But if you want to live and eat like a local, read on for our personal recommendations and a couple of hidden gems!
We would be remiss if we did not give a special shoutout to Belmont Street. A lot may have changed since our Beloved Belmont post in 2019, but only for the better as it has become a veritable oasis of plant based culinary treasures!

Lilla

The only place to go when you are craving ethical Italian!
Where are they? 960 SE Madison Street
What do they offer?  The first fully vegan Italian restaurant since Portobello closed in 2016, Lilla is the creation of Indian-American chef Sanjay Chandrasekaran. Popularly known for his restaurant The Sudra (see Part 1 of the tour!), Chef Chandrasekaran prepares mouth-watering vegan temptations.
What do they value? Lilla is located in the spot where vegan Middle Eastern restaurant Tiny Aviv once sat. When Tiny Aviv closed, Chandrasekaran decided to continue the lease with a new concept, and Lilla was born! You can find the best Italian-style comfort foods, all while enjoying the fact that they are plant based and cruelty-free!

Mirisata

Vegan Sri Lankan dishes of EPIC proportion!
Where are they? 2420 SE Belmont Street
What do they offer? Fully plant-based menu (plus brunch!) in casual atmosphere with counter service.
What do they value? Mirisata is proud to be worker-owned. They do not have a traditional “head chef” but instead collaborate on every dish to make original creations! Loosely translated from Sinhala, the name means “spicy curry” – and while not everything on their menu is spicy, you can be sure each item will be packed with flavor!
Our favs? First of all, prepare yourself for HUGE portion sizes! Our lunch there lasted all week, and Kendall took some to her non-vegan parents – they loved it! You have to try the Dolphin-style Kottu and Polos Cutlets.

Obon Shokudo

Meatless takes on Japanese comfort food
Where are they? 720 SE Grand Ave
What do they offer? Feel-good Japanese homestyle favorites that hit the spot!
What do they value? Obon owners Humiko Hozumi and Jason Duffany started their vegan concept by selling in farmers markets, then to the Morrison Market food hall, and finally to their brick and mortar location! Homestyle food is very important to them, with lots of house-made fermented foods and broths inspired by Hozumi’s family recipes.
Our favs? Hands-down, the Kakiage and the Kenchinjiru! They even have FREE dog sushi!

Cultured Kindness

Vegan Cheese Shop
Where are they? 1217 SE Stark Street
What do they offer? Small-batch, ethically-sourced vegan cashew cheeses.
What do they value? From their website: Cultured Kindness conducts business as a socially responsible member of its community. Their mission is to spread ethical veganism by removing the obstacles that prevent people from choosing a vegan lifestyle. They believe that veganism is better for the planet, for individual health, and most certainly for the animals who suffer in the dairy industry.
Our favs? Cultured Kindness recently catered a Broker’s Open for us. We love the Mushroom Melt, as well as their cheese and cracker boards!

Norah

Succulent seasonal Thai and pan-Asian fare!
Where are they? 3801 SE Belmont Street
What do they offer? 100% plant based pan-Asian food and inspired cocktails, with a menu that rotates seasonally. Nan and Prae are from southern Thailand, and draw inspiration from the region. (Norah’s sister restaurant is vegan-friendly Mestizo!)
What do they value? Norah is woman-owned. “The name Norah refers to a traditional dance reserved for celebrations and community gatherings in Southern Thailand where Nan and Prae grew up. The dance is a symbol of community vitality. We hope to bring that same energy of togetherness to the food we serve.”
Our fav? The Cauliflower Curry is INCREDIBLE! (roasted cauliflower, house curry & pickles, jasmine rice)

Plus – Bakeries and Grocery Stores!

Shoofly Vegan Bakery & Cafe

Local, fresh-baked vegan treats and wholesale items
What do they offer? An amazing concept, combining café and wholesale bakery – you can stop in to have goodies made fresh daily, OR buy their treats wholesale to sell in your own establishment! Click here to see all of the locations that proudly sell Shoofly products!
What do they value? It’s really important to Shoofly to use as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. You can be assured that their treats are made IN Portland, and with love!

Cutiee Buys|Coffee Beer

Part convenience mart, part grocery store, everything delicious…and cute!

Where are they? 4138 & 4142 SE 42nd Ave
What do they offer? As the name might suggest, Cutiee Buys is a super cute convenience and grocery story…that’s ALL vegan! Next door at the iconic Coffee Beer, you’ll find…you guessed it…a selection of coffee and beer and plenty of tables indoors and outdoors to chat or simply relax.
What do they value? They value cuteness and kindness, and want everyone to feel welcome!

Even More Vegan Favorites!

Eat, drink, and be ethically merry!
**At 8 years old, I had a revelation that animals meant too much to me to eat….then one day, I lost my vegetarian way. Years later, as I learned more about the planet and her inhabitants, I realized that, just as I avoid fossil fuels, I needed to wean myself off of animal products. While not everyone is ready to go vegan, in a city with such amazing options, perhaps it’s time for Meatless Mondays, or hey, how about Meatless March! – Bonnie

SWEET LIFE ON THE RIVER

SWEET LIFE ON THE RIVER

525 SE Marion Street #20, Portland, OR 97202

Offered at $859,000

  3 BEDROOM |  3 BATH |  1,956 Sq Ft
MLS #22292016 | TAXES: $12,409

Peaceful and light-filled spaces welcome you to this Waverly Landing oasis. Complete with three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, in-unit laundry, bonus spaces, and an open concept floor plan.Includes fireplace, hardwood floors, new refrigerator, and fresh paint. Sip drinks on your balconies or entertain friends. The river views are tree-lined with boats sailing by. Just blocks from cafes, dining, golf, parks, schools, and more. Enjoy all that Sellwood and beyond has to offer!

ON BROKER TOUR TODAY!
TUES, 9/27  from 11:00AM – 1:00PM

 

WHAT’S AROUND?

  • Jade Teahouse
  • Bertie Lou’s Cafe
  • The Living Room Coffee House
  • The Raven’s Wing Magical Co.
  • Killer Burger
  • The Bottle Shop
  • Reverend’s BBQ
  • Oaks Amusement Park
  • Sellwood Riverfront Park
  • Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
  • Old Portland Hardware & Architectural
  • a Cena Ristorante
  • Blue Kangaroo Coffee Roasters
  • New Seasons Market – Sellwood
  • Gino’s Italian
  • Tea Chai Té
  • Sellwood Pet Supply
  • Either/Or
  • Columbia Factory Store
  • Classical Ballet Academy
  • Westmoreland Park
  • Springwater Corridor Trail

HIGHLIGHTS + FEATURES:

FABULOUS FEATURES

  • Beautiful penthouse condo overlooking the Willamette River in Sellwood
  • Built in 2000
  • West facing large windows + balconies invite bright natural light 
  • Honey toned hardwood floors, cool tile and plush wall to wall carpeting
  • Heat pump provides heating and cooling
  • In-unit laundry and storage rooms
  • Fresh paint
  • Formal entry
  • Deeded parking and storage

PRIMARY SUITE 

  • Spacious bedroom with vaulted ceilings teeming with light
  • French doors open to a private balcony with full view of the river and western shore 
  • Large walk-in closet leads to full bath with walk-in glass shower and double sinks

BEDROOMS + BATHS

  • Well sized bedrooms with double closets
  • Bedroom 2 has en suite bath
  • Bedroom 3 is right off the entry way 
  • Large hall bathroom with tub just off the kitchen

KITCHEN, LIVING + DINING ROOMS

  •   Open kitchen with plenty of room for party planning and entertaining
  •   Raised eating bar separates kitchen and dining room
  •   Stainless steel appliances and new refrigerator
  •   Open and bright living room with large windows + French doors to balcony
  •   Gas fireplace in the living room will keep you cozy all winter long
  •   Vaulted ceilings and ceiling fan

 


About Us: Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped hundreds of 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.

Craftsman Bungalow in Sellwood!

Vintage Charm + All the Right Updates

1606 SE Spokane St.  | Portland, OR 97202

Offered at $699,000 | ML #22018571

3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 2,424 SF

Enjoy a walk score of 94,  with New Seasons, restaurants, charming shops, and a riverfront dog park just blocks away. Convenient layout offers options for a primary on main or large suite upstairs. Original charm: spacious front porch, fir floors, high ceilings and moldings. Modern convenience: updated kitchen and baths, basement family room, fresh carpet, new exterior paint and solid systems. Corner lot with mature plantings and room for backyard dinner parties. HES=3

Walk Through Tour

Creativity is intelligence having fun!! – Albert Einstein

Congratulations to Justin!!

Sometimes I meet clients who have a unique vision searching for a special property. This was definitely the case with Justin! He is an artist and psychologist who strives to bring people together and build community around him. What a gem! 

Once we met up and started looking I quickly realized how unique of a property he was looking for and I knew this would take some serious searching and diligence. I was ready to be patient and do whatever it took to make it happen for Justin. 

But then wouldn’t you know it, Justin must be connected to the stars because he made it appear! He found a darling house that fits his needs perfectly! It had been on the market for quite a while waiting for the perfect buyer. We were able to get a great offer accepted for Justin and we were off to the races!

I am so happy for Justin and I wish him all the best in his sweet new home!

Just Listed: Sunny in Sellwood

8412 SE 16th Ave

Portland, Oregon


Sellwood at its finest! Thoughtfully remodeled Craftsman, all while preserving many of the original architectural details. Updated kitchen and baths, new interior paint, upgrades to plumbing and electrical systems, and refinished hardwood floors. Other features include seismic and home energy upgrades, a high-efficiency furnace, and central A/C. Enjoy entertaining in this private backyard oasis. Beautifully landscaped and fully fenced. Covered front and rear porches, low maintenance synthetic grass, and raised planter boxes. The detached two-car garage is complete with an upstairs studio with ADU potential. This is one you won’t want to miss!


OFFERED AT $895,000

5 BEDROOM | 4 BATH | 3,294 SQFT

MLS# 21488131 | TAXES: $9,522.14

Sellwood Farmhouse

Sellwood Farmhouse

1566 SE Linn St | Portland, Ore 97202

Offered at $575,000 | ML #21699311

3 Bedrooms | 1.1 Baths | 1,428 SF + Bonus Studio

Sellwood Farmhouse. Vintage details – modern amenities. Blocks from grocery, coffee, shops, parks, bike routes. Updates to most systems, hardwoods and new carpets, tile work and charming moudlings. Kitchen with pantry, dining nook and backyard access. Gardens, entertainment spaces, established flora and bonus exterior office/studio. Three bedrooms upstairs – creates spacious main floor; formal dining room, broad living room, entry and storage.

PHOTO SLIDESHOW

Sellwood Bungalow

Sellwood Bungalow

1935 SE Tacoma St | Portland, Ore 97202

Offered at $425,000 | ML #21170074

2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 1,524 SF | 5,000 SF Lot

Classic Bungalow in the heart of Sellwood. Vintage charm throughout; wood floors & hardware, millwork & mouldings. Generous kitchen orients to the back yard and enclosed sun porch. Good dining space with original built-ins. Awesome yard w/established gardens, shed/storage, paths, entertaining spaces, fenced for privacy. Basement bonus room & updated systems; plumbing, electrical, water heater, fresh exterior paint. A few blocks to cafes, dining, grocery, shops, parks & walking/biking trails.

SEE Photo Slideshow

Happy new year. Happy new house.

Maggie and Craig originally started their home search in early spring. The Covid-19 pandemic shut-down in late March put the brakes on their search. They simply weren’t interested in making a big purchase decision in such uncertain times.

Fast forward to late October and they were ready to restart their search with a strategic approach. After narrowing their locations by selecting a short list of elementary schools in the Portland area, Maggie and Craig prioritized homes that were bikeable to a MAX line and to downtown hospitals for Maggie’s work. They are a one-car family and they wanted to stay that way!

Before touring any home in person we prescreened homes with drive-bys, video tours, aerial map views, street-views, and floor plan drawings. We checked house history on portlandmaps.com and reviewed old listings for extra clues to the interior of homes.

Even as the pandemic continues to have a huge impact on our world, home buyers need to be ready to move fast and make quick, confident decisions in this fast-moving market. Homes are going pending in days. Multiple offer situations are common. And interest rates are fabulously low.

Despite the low inventory of homes for sale during this pandemic, this family found the perfect home. It’s a beautiful 100+ year old charmer with high-ceilings, beautiful woodwork, and a covered porch. The home has been well-cared for and the yard has great entertaining space, a picket fence, and climbing trees. It’s just 3 blocks from beautiful Westmoreland Park, it’s right on the bike route, and is walking distance to a MAX station. Coincidentally, it’s only 2 doors away from where they live now.

Happy new year to this happy family!

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Interested in making Portland your home?

Call Cheri Harney, at 503-319-4858.

Just Sold! Classic Portland Character

I just helped my clients scoop up this classic Sellwood charmer. The move-in ready bungalow checked their boxes with a welcoming front porch, original character with tasteful updates throughout and a fully finished basement. The location helped too, near the heart of Sellwood, Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and Westmoreland. I’d love to help you find your refuge for the next chapter of your life!

 

Just Sold in Sellwood!

Sometimes the stars align and a house finds its owner before it even hits the market! That was the case with this enchanting 1928 bungalow in a sought-after pocket of Sellwood, right between the Willamette River and all the fun on Milwaukie Ave. Looking for your own slice of Sellwood or beyond? Let me know how I can make your home buying process easier!

Just Listed: Sellwood River-Bridge View Condo

New Listing in Sellwood!

196 SE Spokane St #201, Portland OR 97202

Don’t miss one of the best condos in town! NW corner 3-bed, 2-bath unit in an elevator building with real dining room, spacious kitchen and three private balconies by which to enjoy the gorgeous views of the Willamette River, the Sellwood Bridge and the western sun!

Two deeded parking spaces, storage unit, newly painted bldg exterior & unit interior, & new building-wide pipes! All in the heart of adorable Sellwood for your walking or rolling pleasure. You’ll be hard pressed to find this much river/bridge view sf, at this price point, in all of Portland. See the 3-D Tour & more here: www.196SESpokane201.com


OFFERED AT: $515,000

3 beds | 2 baths | 1,550 SF

MLS# 20239694 | Taxes: $6,384 | HOA Dues: $650/mo (Gas, Water, Hot Water, Sewer, Trash, Insurance, Party Room, Commons, Grounds Maintenance, Building Exterior, Management)


Bright, western facing master with ensuite bathroom complete with easy step-in shower and soaking tub:

On the north side you’ll find two more bedrooms (one with small balcony), and a shared bathroom:

Host your own private gathering in this delightful and elegant community party room with outdoor patio, or meet here with your new building friends:

Just a half a block away you will find Sellwood Riverfront Park and its 7.6 acres. The park has paths, picnic tables, a stage, a boat dock on the Willamette River, canoe launch, restrooms, a dog off-leash area and public parking. Or head SE half a mile to New Seasons Market to stock up on your shelter-in-place supplies!

 

MODERN AMERICAN FOUR SQUARE

8064 SE 19th Ave.

Portland, Oregon, 97202


Like box beams and big closets?! Historic Sellwood pairs Portland’s city vibe with a small town feel, just as this 2011, Leed Silver Certified, Renaissance Custom Home joins last century styling with today’s amenities. Sit a while on the front porch, gather by the tiled fireplace, stay connected as you cook and dine in this open floor plan home. Flexible layout features a legal ADU, accessible from inside or out – great for added income, extra space or multi generational living. Main floor office / 4th bedroom with adjacent full bath doubles as super guest space. Mud room with built-in desk. Lovely art alcove over staircase. Master with luxe en-suite bath and 2 Elfa-loaded closets, plus 2 more bedrooms, another bath and laundry room upstairs. Freshly painted interior walls and shampooed carpets – ready for you!    Schools:  Llewellyn , Sellwood, Cleveland

OFFERED AT $799,000

4 BEDROOM | 4 BATH | 2,578 SQFT

MLS #20241077  | TAXES: $10,209.51

Sellwood Riverfront Dog Park Review

Are you looking for a beautiful place for your furry friend to run free while you enjoy views of the river? The Sellwood Riverfront Dog Park has you covered. This open grass field surrounded by oak and pine trees is one of the most picturesque parks in the city. While lacking certain dog amenities like a dedicated water spout and smell-proof waste bins, the natural beauty of this Sellwood wonder is the park’s main attraction. After the pooch and you get some energy out, leash up and head for a stroll North along the riverfront on a winding path through the woods. Water-loving canines can find small beaches to splash around in and people often can be found sitting in the sand reading a book.

 

After a long enough walk, you’ll come to the parking lot of Oaks Amusement Park which is partially closed until mid-June, after which it becomes a popular attraction for families throughout the summer. Across the street to the East, there is the larger Sellwood Park and Wildlife Rehabilitation Site. The park has multiple amenities not found at the Riverfront and is more geared to humans playing rather than our pets and is an exclusively on-leash area. For fun times with the pups, Sellwood Riverfront Park should be at the top of your list.  

Features

  • Open field of turf grass for off-leash dogs
  • Boat Dock
  • Seating and Picnic tables along the Willamette River
  • Walking path through woods that leads to Oaks Amusement Park
  • Nearby Sellwood Park has Pool, Athletic Fields, and other human-focused amenities

Address

1221 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202

                       

Sellwood Sweethearts Buy First Home

Greg and Catie, first time homebuyers

Greg and Catie spent a lot of time dreaming of what their first house might look like. They knew they wanted a three-bedroom home, ideally with two bathrooms. They also had some ideas about what the perfect location might be, but didn’t know which neighborhood they wanted to live in yet.

Lots of couples have a list of what they want in a home, but these two did something smart. Their list of qualities for their home and location centered around what they wanted their daily life to be like.

They wanted to be in a neighborhood with a friendly vibe, where they could walk from their home to their neighborhood café. Greg planned say hi to the barista, who knows his regular order, before catching the bus for a short commute to the office. Catie brought up hanging out in the backyard which would be fenced for the puppy they plan to adopt. After BBQing with friends, they’d move the party to their carefully curated basement tiki bar. They imagined friends and family from out of town staying over, being comfortable, and having their own bedroom and bath to use. Greg would have a room for his office/art studio, while Catie would have a garage to convert to her floral studio.

After really taking some time to imagine their life in their new home, their “Must Haves” list came together easily. As a result, the list for their first home and property went something like this:

  • Walking distance to restaurants, bars, cafes, and groceries.
  • Close to the river and parks.
  • Yard space for garden and outdoor entertaining
  • Garage
  • Basement with high ceiling
  • Three bedrooms, two baths
  • Open kitchen

Knowing all this, we looked in a few different areas. They looked at St Johns and Kenton first, but after spending an afternoon at Oaks Amusement Park, followed by a walk along the river at Sellwood park, and checking out some treasures at Old Portland Hardware & Architectural, they knew where they wanted to live.

Fast forward a couple months, and Greg and Catie are closing on their first ever home! The one they bought checks almost all the boxes! The few concessions they made, were the open kitchen and two baths. Instead, they bought their almost dream home at an awesome price that will allow them to remodel. Next, they’ll be adding a second bath to make a master suite, and opening up the kitchen to make it perfect.

Congrats Greg and Catie!

First time buyers in front of their first home in Sellwood.
Greg and Catie in front of their new home in Sellwood!
First time buyers, Catie and Greg, with their agent, Mel Marzahl, and mortgage broker
Greg and Catie (center) with realtor, Mel Marzahl (right) and mortgage broker, Carol Flanagan (left)


Pro Tip: Top 3 Portland Neighborhoods For Trick or Treating

A big part of the Halloween experience is finding the optimal candy route.

This can be accomplished be achieving the ideal ratio of population density, walkability, low crime rates and high home values. Based on these factors, we’ve evaluated local statistics to compile a guide for the top three Portland neighborhoods for trick or treating.

ALAMEDA RIDGE

Alameda Ridge ranks high on the list of average property sales for neighborhoods in Portland, with homes averaging nearly $710,000 in value. These stately properties are a wonderful location for trick-or-treaters, who are rumored to hand out some top-shelf candies. What the area lacks in population density – and a low walk score of 65– it makes up for in ambiance. Some stretches of this intimate neighborhood decorate to win. Crime is also low compared to metrics citywide, and more than 35% of homeowners have children, making it a great destination for young families.

SELLWOOD

The self-contained nature of Sellwood makes it a wonderful destination for trick-or-treaters. Here, the festive span of Milwaukie Avenue feels like a small town, with some local business happy to participate in Halloween ritual. House here sell for an average of approximately $552,000, and fewer of these homes have children (only 26%), but walkability ranks high with a score of 92. The more commercial nature of the neighborhood does correspond with higher instance of crime, so this neighborhood may be best for families with older children and young teens.

LAURELHURST

One neighborhood that never lacks holiday cheer is Laurelhurst. Known for its iconic Christmas light display on Peacock Lane, Laurelhurst also likes to put on a show for Halloween. The homes in the neighborhood sell for an average of nearly $779,000, so you can expect grand porches and landscaped yards to welcome you along your way. Laurelhurst has the same percentage of homes with families as Sellwood – 26%– but crime rates are much lower and walkability ranks ‘Very Walkable’ with a score of 75.

If you’ve been stumped about what area to explore this Halloween, you can’t go wrong with any of these options. As the top 3 Portland neighborhoods for trick or treating, Alameda Ridge, Sellwood and Laurelhurst won’t disappoint.

 

 

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.