Blog « Living Room Realtors

New neighborhood….with an awesome kitchen.

January 19th, 2012 by greg

One of my favorite roles as a realtor is helping buyers discover new Portland neighborhoods that they were not previously familiar with. Then they fall in love with its character and then decide to make it their new home. A neighborhood that they will spend the next year exploring to find their Saturday coffee shop hangout, favorite boutiques and restaurants, and their own secret happy hour spots.

Bruce and Jenna were first time home buyers who were really open to exploring areas of town that were new to them, so we started out with the broad search criteria of all of Eastside Portland. They were also open to most styles of homes, but soon realized after a few tours that a newer construction home was a better fit for their busy schedules. An obstacle with newer construction homes located in close-in Portland is finding one built on a decent sized lot as many are built on divided lots, leaving not much of a yard. We contacted many home builders inquiring about lots that were slated for future construction without finding one that was a both good fit for their criteria and also in a location that spoke to them.

Then we came across an Alberta Arts house that was easy to get excited about. A newer construction home that ended up being perfect fit that included both a yard and a spacious 2 car garage. I loved it myself and immediately became envious of their great kitchen that featured a full sized commercial style refrigerator and freezer.

They have already started exploring Alberta’s many shops and restaurants as we celebrated handing off the keys at a restaurant within walking distance of their new home. I assured them we would be bumping into each other next summer at many of Alberta’s last Thursday’s events that have to be seen to be believed. Congrats Bruce and Jenna!

Greg Sobotka ABR, GRI

503-804-0315

PARK PLACE TOWNHOUSE in the Pearl

January 18th, 2012 by bianca

Trip the light fantastic around the “boardwalk” adjacent Jamison Square to this special townhouse condo. Open floor plan with custom built-ins, cherry wood floors. Ground floor access, private entrance; perfect for pet owners. Embrace all that the Pearl has to offer.

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ML#12348843

$799,950

922 NW 11th Ave #108

2 Bedrooms

2 1/2 Baths

2,022 Square Feet

HOAs $731 monthly

Concierge

WELCOME TO NE 42ND STREET

January 18th, 2012 by bianca

Many have not experienced it’s many flavors. This business community is thriving. Enjoy walking to local restaurants. The Portland “classic” Rose’s Ice Cream & Burgers with homemade ice cream and local ingredients; the fabulous Rocket Pizza, Delphina’s Bakery, the new hip NePo Bar and Grill, Motivasi Cafe (serving Stumptown coffee!) and a personal favorite, Santo Domingo Taqueria. Enjoy a walk to Wilshire or Fernhill Park. Another bonus is being within walking distance to New Seasons Market and Kennedy School.

THE HOUSE: a great open floor plan, a perfect setting for many friendly gatherings. The quiet street seems to discourage through traffic and this family has enjoyed the peaceful privacy of this little culdesac.

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Bianca Hart
Principal Broker
Cell: 503.702.5515
bianca@jacksonhart.com

The Artists' Studio and the Home

January 18th, 2012 by gavin

Artists need space to create their art. One of the most practical ways of having studio space, is to incorporate a studio into your home.

There are many factors to consider, but the first things to understand are the needs of the specific artist. How big of a studio space is needed is a primary question. Is ceiling height important? What is the medium or mediums the artist is working in? If they are a painter do they work in oil or acrylic paint? Or is the artist doing sculpture or photography? Each of the different types of art all have their own needs in terms of space. These different types of mediums may include considerations of power usage, ventilation, storage, and access to a water source to name a few.

Another consideration is the location of the studio in the house or on the property. Artists can be a particular bunch, and studio space in sometimes the artist’s most personal of spaces. Some artists want their workspace to be as accessible as possible and as close at hand. Locating their studio in a spare room, an attic, or a basement is ideal for them. Some artists need their workspace to be separate, but not far away. Converting a garage or separate unattached structure like a shed into studio space can be done in cost effect methods. A studio out-building can also be constructed new–either a permanent structure, or a temporary structure can be developed with the right planning.

Most artists need light in their work space. Many artists prefer northern light to avoid the shadows and inconsistent light that direct sun can cause. Lighting systems can be installed that do not necessarily require huge investments of money. For the basics, simple clamp lights mounted on metal conduit attached to the ceiling can suffice as the very basic. Last, there is the artist who doesn’t want their studio space anywhere near their living space. In this case, finding a home that is located close to where the artist can rent a studio space may be the best option.

Finally, having a real estate broker that understands the nuances of the artist studio space can be a real challenge. Many of my artist friends have been frustrated with their realtors in the past when they where looking to buy their home. The agent had no idea what the artist was talking about when the needs of an artist studio space where discussed. There are many great realtors in Portland who understand the unique needs of the artist. Finding one who can help you navigate the process of finding the right home and artist’s studio is essential to having a positive and fun experience.

Gavin Shettler, Broker

Living Room Realtors

6813 N Mississippi - Vintage North Portland Cool

January 18th, 2012 by lance

6813 North Mississippi how I love thee. When I dream of you here is what comes to mind: 62 KGW, family dinners, holidays and birthdays, basement conversations, Portland Boulevard, roses at Peninsula Park, amazing meals, Haircut 100, Duran Duran, The Beatles.

Remarkable really that after all these years you still contain your fir floors upstairs, your built-in hutch and picture molding and plate rail in the dining room, family room off the kitchen, the unfinished basement. The architect and builder surely must have been proud of your wide and deep front porch. Your expansive lot is dreamy.

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Sublime Home with many Soul-Soothing Qualities

January 17th, 2012 by Teri

It feels like home from the moment you arrive.

Outside: Custom built covered front porch with slate pad at entrance. Covered back patio with Wisteria, 6’ wooden fence around backyard plus lush, mature landscaping and detached garage. The exterior is in good shape with wood siding, good roof and foundation.

Inside: Light-filled living room with big windows, hardwoods, and wood-burning fireplace. On the main floor there are 2 bedrooms +1bathroom, with a bedroom and full bathroom downstairs that makes a great guest suite. Both bathrooms are updated. The kitchen features original fir floors, vaulted ceiling with skylights, maple cabinets and an eating area. The sliding glass door leads to the private backyard. The finished basement is carpeted, has high ceilings, and a laundry room with lots of storage and counter space for hobbies or projects.

Details: 6035 NE 11th Ave. Portland, OR 97211. Cross street: Ainsworth. 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms, 1588 sq ft. $295,000. MLS#12549260.

Intangibles: warm colors and inviting spaces, this home is more than just the sum of its parts. Nice spaces, great natural light and sweet finishes. This is a much loved home with all the components needed for your own personal love fest. It is not just move-in ready, it’s primed to be the home of your dreams.

Don’t wait to see this very special home.

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Apple Cozy

January 17th, 2012 by Teri

By Lindsey. Delish.

Entertainers Dream House

January 16th, 2012 by chandra

I never thought that Glenn, Diane and their daughter Nancy would settle on a home built in 2003. From the get go their preference in homes tended to be older homes, with character. Diane loved the built-ins and the charm, Glenn liked the quality and the layout. Nancy was just concerned with a good tree for climbing and space for a golden retriever. We looked at houses for months, had one disappointing miss, and then it seemed like we had seen everything on the market. I got a little desperate. Glenn is a phenomenal chef. He wanted to have a gas range. I sent them homes that were out of their usual taste/preference, newer but with nice kitchens (all gas ranges). They liked “the one with the red door”. We went to look, and upon entering everyone realized “this is it!”.

It seems that it had what everyone was looking for, The kitchen is perfect, so much space, so many outlets. There is a perfect reading nook for Diane and there is a tree for Nancy’s swing and a place for her future dog. The layout is perfect, all the bedrooms and laundry room upstairs, a great open living room, dining area, kitchen on the main, and a game room with full bath in the daylight basement! The Brazilian cherry hardwoods are stunning. Add to this great views, being next door to a park, and jacuzzi in the master bath and you have a perfect fit!

I am very pleased that Glenn, Diane and Nancy found a house that makes them happy! I cannot wait to eat Glenn’s delicious food at their house warming party!!

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Chandra Ashford
Broker
Cell: 503.933.6538
chandraashfordrealtor@gmail.com
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Stylish modern bungalow

January 16th, 2012 by Tim

This 1944 bungalow has been totally overhauled with modern flair. The bright, open floor plan, with big living/dining/kitchen area, really maximizes the space. Updates include new hardwoods, interior and exterior paint, bright kitchen with glossy cabinets, and a bathroom with beautiful tile. In addition to the smart design, there’s a new high-efficiency furnace, roof, water heater, and other sensible updates. It’s all on a quiet street close to restaurants and shopping.

Details:
7011 NE Morris Street, Portland, 97213
ML#12299786
922 sq ft + attached garage
3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Fenced, landscaped yard with deck and patio
$249,000

Call or email today to check out this stylish home.

Tim Pitts, Broker
503-317-4312
tim@livingroomrealtors.com

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The Comfort Cabin

January 11th, 2012 by Daria

The name says it all. Nestled in the trees in the Mt.Hood National Forest the open floor plan in this 1930s cabin of 1800+ sqft lives like 3,000. The floor plan is SO GENEROUS and laid out so well I seriously considered moving my family up to Welches to live in this particular house. (And if it had been up to my daughter, I would writing this from there right now!) Just off Hwy 26 on Forest Service Rd 29 Gene & Cathy Comfort’s ‘Casa di Montagna’ sits on the Zig Zag River with a full length porch riverside. 5 bedrooms, 2 full baths, with an upstairs ‘great room’/bonus room, a 1930s hearth, with a very social open floor plan for living, dining, kitchen. This mountain home is offered at $255,000 on Forest Service land.

The entry way is perfect for peeling away the ski clothes, hanging them on the wall by the hearth to dry and resting well deserving muscles in front of the fire. I am then inclined to curl up on the couch, have a tea/wine and read a book, or, in the summer months, on a hammock on the porch listening to the rushing river. Some might prefer to visit the great room upstairs and get the game on satellite tv or watch a movie. Either way, this fabulous floor plan is so accommodating and the place is so sound absorbent, everyone can do their own thing undisturbed!

Access is easy peasy from here to winter activities up or down the mountain, sledding, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, resort skiing, back country, mountaineering, & back country skiing. Summer activities such as flat or white water kayaking, alpine slide, rock climbing, mountain biking, & bungee jumping and year round events also abound in the area. ANYTHING is exceedingly accessible from this central location between Rhodie and Govy.

As the sellers are good family friends, my family has been lucky enough to have many, many fond memories formed and maintained at this lovely mountain abode over the years. From women’s weekends celebrating grandma’s birthday to a friend’s summer wedding, to easy access recuperation after a climb and ski of Hood, and myriad more mundane retreat weekends that create lasting memories. This house, like a forest mother goddess, waits to wrap her nurturing arms around the next lucky owner occupants at Casa di Montagna.

If you or someone you know maybe interested in taking advantage of this opportunity- please give me a call and I will connect you with the sellers. Come check it out! Daria Crymes 971.244.2508 (Or if you want to meet up there for some back country skiing, use this same number!)

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