SE Portland Dreams Come True!

One of my favorite things about being a Realtor is helping people buy their first home.

It brings me so much joy to see people embark on their journey into homeownership and creating longitudinal wealth.

Meet Corey. I’ve known this lovely human for about 15 years and he has often thought about buying. Even though he has a great job he wasn’t convinced it was possible to do on his own. Working with a local credit union Corey was able to secure a zero down loan. It’s not the easiest thing to have a zero down loan accepted in this competitive market, but we were able to get into contract with our second offer. After inspections and negotiations we also got a new roof and enough credit to cover ALL off his closing costs and a home warranty!

Today we picked up the keys, went inside and immediately pulled up some of the carpet to inspect the beautiful hardwood floors hiding underneath. With a little bit of sweat and some paint this house is going to be completely transformed from grandma’s house to a stunning midcentury ranch. The large yard will be the perfect oasis for Hank, the very strange little cattle dog, and the perfect place for outdoor hangouts this summer.

I’m so excited to watch this journey and filled with gratitude that time and time again I am trusted to help people start their next chapter.

Easy Breezy Living in Vancouver

This lovely home is ready for its next adventure!

On the main level the living room has a gas fireplace that is oh so inviting as the days get colder. Use the open space to create a beautiful dining space with  sliders that open to the patio while the open kitchen that looks over it all. Separated from the living area is a half bath and an office/den/bonus room. Upstairs the primary suite includes a full bathroom and walk in closet, and the other two bedrooms have a shared Jack/Jill style full bathroom. 2 car garage. Close to the neighborhood park, easy freeway access. Low HOA $39/mo

Swanky SW Midcentury

I just love a solid midcentury house. This one is no exception. As my seller prepared for a big move and major life change I helped them update and refresh this amazing SW Portland home. You may not know this about me, but helping sellers prepare for the market is kind of my thing.

This particular Mid Century Modern Daylight Ranch is filled with light, sits on nearly 1/4 acre and has two fireplaces! The hardwood floors are eye catching, there are two fireplaces(!), large windows flood the home with with light, and fresh paint highlights the architecture and updated period lighting. The kitchen has been refreshed and provides a perfectly functional space. I know what you’re saying, “This is all normal house stuff right?” But let’s not forget the amazing basement! This is your space to let your imagination run wild. You could have the best game room in your friend group, create an art studio, or add a second living unit. So many possibilities are ready and waiting!

A Little Piece of Happiness

I got a text from my client who was a week or so from closing on her new home that said, “I can’t believe I get to live in that house!” It was a moment of pure joy for me. I was so incredibly grateful for this person making their way to me and that I could be part of this journey to her dream home. Then, after a few more seconds I was even more grateful that I took the time to sit with her excitement and let it be part of my world, after all, I did have a hand in this.

Gratitude is an interesting thing. For most of us it is easy to come up with something that we’re grateful for every day, really, it sounds preposterous to some (it did to me at first), but it’s true. If you think about your day, your interactions, the way something went, there’s generally somewhere to find gratitude. Even in the bad days. Even when things didn’t go your way. It’s there. And the craziest thing is that once you start making a conscious effort to see it, you realize it silently lingers everywhere.

Now don’t get me wrong, I can be a cynical bitch. Sometimes I think I just like it. I accept that part of me so long as I’m not hurting anyone or taking anything away from anyone else. The world is a tough place, sometimes we need to cut ourselves a break.

A couple of years ago I decided to challenge my science brain and open my mind to the ideas of some of my friends who have a higher woo factor. It was a slow transition, not always intentional, but sometimes helpful. The best thing I took from it was a gratitude practice. And guess what? Not woo at all! Totally backed by science.

What are some of the scientifically proven things I love about a gratitude practice you ask? Well… a gratitude practice can increase your overall wellbeing, reduce stress and depression, make you happier, shift you away from toxic emotions, increase empathy, reduce aggression, and on and on… it’s so good! And the best part is that gratitude works even when you’re alone and don’t share it. Perfect for quarantine!

I think we could all use a little piece of happiness these days, maybe it’s time to see what kind of gratitude practice out there might work for you?

 

 

 

A Hallmark Original – Almost

Once upon a time on a beautiful fall Sunday in St. John’s two of my favorite friends were brunching with their folks and wandered into an open house. Little did they know they were about to fall in love. The soaring ceilings, beautiful box beams, large rooms and wood floors lingered in their minds for days… weeks really. Then it happened, there was a price drop. My phone started ringing – this house was now a possibility. Can we do it? Let’s call the lender!

Later that night I got the call, “Hey Shannon… any chance we can buy this house and sell ours?”

“Sure!”

“Also, we’re leaving for Germany in 72 hours, is that a problem?” We laughed and laughed.

But really, “Of course not, we’ve got this.”

And we did! We had their offer accepted a day later (contingent on the sale of their home), got their house on the market in 72 hours, found a buyer and now… finally, they are the proud owners of their dream home!

But it really wasn’t so cut and dry. The events kicked in to motion with the final sale of their house were really just the start. You see, the owners of this dream home – they were also contingent on their new home, and those people.. yep, contingent on their new home too, and those people – you got it. This is where  the holiday miracle story should have been picked up on by the Hallmark Channel. Against all odds all of the REALTORS® were able to work together to ensure nothing went wrong and now there are 5 sets of people who just closed on their new homes just in time for the holidays!