Nestled on a quiet Wilshire Street, this home for sale seemed to fly just under the radar. Perhaps it was the 40 year old green pile carpet in the living room (it’s always a crapshoot what’s under there).  Like the home, John was a stealth buyer. Originally, John came to me looking in a lower price range as a solo buyer, in no particular rush to buy. More importantly, he wanted the “right” home. After looking at several houses in a few price ranges, it became pretty clear that by bumping up the price there was a whole lot more house for the money.  What began as one buyer became two in order to maximize purchasing power.  With partner Kristen now on board as a 2nd buyer, these two were able to purchase at a little higher price and upgrade in a lot of ways: EXTRA — they moved right into the house they can see themselves in long term. At the lower price range there always seemed to be a need for expansion for any future growth.
EXTRA — Upstairs 2 bedrooms (one knotty pine, one super-sized) and a full bath. This house also has 2 bedrooms and a full bath on the main floor. The 2nd full bathroom upstairs is pretty unusual in the $300k price range. The tradeoff here is a need for cosmetics thoughout the home.
EXTRA — Quiet, close-in location on a bike street.
EXTRA — Bigger kitchen with breakfast nook AND formal dining room.
EXTRA — High ceiling basement & more square footage.
With good bones, a great floor plan and a desirable location, this home also has all the room they need.
However, when a home has been with one family for 40 years it is often well-loved but also usually ready for cosmetics. (A “cosmetic fixer” may require some or all of the following: paint, fixtures, finishes and floors done). These smart buyers saw the strength of the basics in this home and they bought at the amazing price of $310,000. With any purchase there’s always lots of work to do and the same holds true here. But they’ve been at it for a couple of weeks now and they are already seeing results. 7 layers of wall paper and paneling have been removed from the kitchen nook. The entire interior of this home is painted and what a difference a little color therapy makes! With fresh paint, well applied, the stage has been set for future greatness. They pulled up the old carpet and underneath they found top-nailed oak floors in perfect condition. In the backyard, the existing shed has been converted to a chicken coop where the chickens Percy, Charlotte and John Jessee IV have quickly made themselves at home.  Bee-you-ti-full!

I stopped by Fantasma: an altar space, to welcome them to the neighborhood and check out the goods.  Jessica Rega, the founder of Fantasma, grew up in the Mission District of San Fransisco.  Among the many unique experiences of living in the Mission was her exposure to Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and its lasting impact on her.  Very simply put, Day of the Dead is a celebration, reconnection, and honoring of family spirits.  Living in the Mission gave her access to many of the tools traditionally used during ceremonies, rituals and spiritual practices to honor the dead, pray for good fortune and give thanks.

Rega has lived and worked in Alberta Arts for many years now.  Yet, she found herself having to make long car trips back to the Mission to load up on altar items.  On July 1, 2009, all that changed when Fantasma: an altar space was opened at 2314 B NE Alberta Street as a result of a need she saw in the community.  Here you will find candles, herbs, oils, incense, Mexican Folk Art, books, bones, handmade crafts and many other items used to adorn altar or other sacred spaces.  Fantasma’s myriad and changing offerings include tarot card readings, workshops, art displays and movie nights, just to name a few.

I found Rega to be very knowledgeable and non-judgemental in helping me choose some items for my altar.  With my green candle (flow of money) and incense in hand, I bid her farewell and headed for home.  There, awaiting me in my mail, was a refund check from the City of Portland for a long-forgotten parking ticket from months and months before.  (These results are not guaranteed).

Belief is a powerful thing.  Formulating requests and putting them out to the universe in a respectful way, making your intentions clear, and honoring those who came before is a good way to conduct yourself.  Fantasma provides the framework in which to gain knowledge in this realm and provides the altar items needed to help make beliefs manifest.  If you are serious about your altar, this is the place for you.  If you want to learn more, come by the shop or check it out online at www.fantasmastore.com to see a comprehensive list of events and offerings.  If you are feeling whimsical and just want to browse, this too is welcome.

Bungalow for 144,900. Approved Short Sale! This means this can close and the bank has approved the price. Lea Chitwood of RE/MAX is listing agent and she says “Easy 30 day close.” Call me and lets get you a new house for Christmas!

Since 1914 Portland Fire and Rescue’s Toy n Joy Makers have been on a mission to promote the spirit of helping children and families of our community during the holiday season. Last December they collected over 50,000 toys. Please help make this year even better than last.  We will have a drop box at our office for the Portland Toy Drive until Dec 22nd. Drop by for a warm hot cocoa or tea and bring in a toy. Happy Holidays!

Living Room Realtors 1422 NE Alberta St. Portland Oregon 97211 503-719-5589

Living Room rocks your house this Christmas with our Holiday Mix : Listen Here