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Going, Going, Gone! Another Duplex Goes Pending with Multiple Offers

February 21st, 2012 by

As a child who grew up with an auctioneer for a father, I am quiet familiar with the reaction from the crowd when a highly desired item is announced to the  crowd.  They tighten towards the item for sale,  asking questions in rapid fire, there’s always one or two who can’t contain their enthusiasm and quickly bid in hopes this with thwart others.  Listing this Boise-Elliot duplex was a flash back in time.   Buyers swarmed, most of who are investor ready to take advantage of the low mortgage interest rates and the high rental rates.  The current inventory is extremely low for quality investment plexes in desirable neighborhoods.  I’ve heard rumor of other plexes that hit the market the same week having gone 50-75k OVER asking price!  These stories bring back imagines of auctions and eager buyers fighting for that final bid.

After just three short days on the market, I sat down with a very happy seller to present not one but four offers all over asking price!  I helped her dissect the offers one by one to fully understand the terms that make each offer slightly different although all offers were quite good, there could only be one winning bid.   If only I had three more of these duplexes to sell…So if you’re a seller and you’ve been thinking maybe it might be time to sell your multifamily plex property, give me a call, I would be excited to do my best and recreate the events of the past week.  There really are some childhood flashbacks worth reliving.

List Price: $299,900 *** built in 1906 *** $1235 annual taxes*** 2 Units both 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, approximately 730 sq ft. renting at $900 and $975/month.

Updates include: new sewer, new commercial grade hot water heater, newer furnaces, updated bathrooms and kitchens, insulation blown in between ceiling of lower unit and floor of upper, and gas clothing dryer.

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Park Your Money Here!

February 9th, 2012 by

Let’s say you’re  an investor and a  US citizen, and you’ve decided to do what some folks only dream about, live in a foreign country.   When the need to invest arises, but it simply doesn’t make sense to buy property there, it’s time to explore your options.  And I couldn’t have been happier to help Todd do so.

Todd was referred to me by his sister, an old friend of mine, who lives here in Portland and who was more than willing to assist in the hunt for the right property.  The search began on-line and after less than a month we hit the pavement to preview properties together.  Our outings turned up some good possibilities and during this past holiday season Todd flew into town and we spent a day looking at ten different options.  By the end, he decided his best investment was a duplex in vibrant SE Portland along Division.  This charming duplex, has 2 spacious 3 bedroom, 1 bath units.  Each unit has a private patio, a fireplace, a 1 car garage and a partially finished basement.  Add on the new roof built last year, and you’ve got something worth investing in.

With all that these units have to offer, and renting out at $1195 each, it comes as no surprise that there are tenants already in place.  Todd is pleased to have a turnkey investment here in Portland, and being an out of country investor he’s going to hand the reigns over to Living Room Rental for property management services upon closing.  Then he’s going to sit back while his investment pays for itself in rent.

The best park was Todd’s smile after signing the purchase paperwork at closing knowing he’s that much closer to early retirement!

And yes, it really is just that easy.

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A $100k house in Portland?

February 1st, 2012 by

All this and a bag of chips for 100k!

Looking for that $100,000 house? Why yes, you can find it right now. Of coarse most of them are short sales or bank owned, but not all of them. And no worries, short sales and bank owned sales are getting easier and easier to close. Okay, so your not exactly going to find these little gems in close in Portland. You will be surprised that they are not that far out either. Many of these houses can be found along the NE 82nd Ave corridor (come on, 82nd is not that scary anymore, you can get to the 82nd Ave. exit on the Banfield from downtown in 10 minutes). Montavilla and Lents are totally up-and-coming neighborhoods)–Madison, Montavilla, and Lents, though some can be found in North Portland as well. No you say, I don’t want a fixer. Hey, many of these little houses are ready to go. Perfect for a first home, an investment, or, as my current clients are looking, a cheap way to provide student housing for their son attending PSU. Buying a little house is cheaper than the dorms!

Gavin Shettler
Broker
Cell: 503.481.7450
gavin@livingroomrealtors.com
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Some Serious Design Inspiration for Stone Floors!

January 19th, 2012 by

OK, perhaps there’s a bit more than stone floors to this…

http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.html

Use your mouse to explore every inch…

Kari McGee, Broker

971.322.6612

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The Artists' Studio and the Home

January 18th, 2012 by

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

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The Comfort Cabin

January 11th, 2012 by

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!)

Daria Crymes
Cell: 971.244.2508
daria@livingroomrealtors.com
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Fo Po Bungalow

January 10th, 2012 by

Fo Po Bungalow

Driving down 82nd Avenue is stimulating. Car dealerships, adult shops, Dairy Queen, Madison High School, great restaurants of all varieties. Next time though when taking a Sunday drive treat yourself to a detour and visit 5704 SE 84th Avenue.

5704 SE 84th Avenue is quite possibly the best value in all of Fo P0. White picket fence says OWN ME. Smart floor plan says LIVE IN ME.

$139,900

3 bedrooms * 1 bath * 1758 SF * built in 1924 * taxes: $2023.76

BUY ME. CALL Lance @ 503.701.5323 * lance@livingroomrealtors.com

 

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Perseverence Closes the Deal!

December 19th, 2011 by

When it came time to sell this sweet little Bungalow we were all in agreement there would be challenges. Having to climb fifty steps to view the property did cause many prospective Buyers to opt out of even looking.  Certainly there was the option of riding the chair lift, as the owner had done for over forty years, but more than not wanting to climb stairs, very few wanted to appear lazy and ask for a ride.  While a few did make the trek up . . . it just wasn’t for them.  So we waited . . . and waited . . . and then they came! The views of the Willamette River, Sellwood Bridge and Mt Hood put on quite a show and they were hooked!  Not only were these Buyers willing to climb stairs, they could definitely see the the potential in this great house and were excited to make it their own.

Once in transaction the stairs were the least of our worries . . . broken sewer line, easements, leaky oil tank, slope stability.  You name it . . . we dealt with it.  Lots of Professionals came in to advise – geo techs, water geologists, retaining wall engineers, foundation inspectors, sewer and oil tank contractors even a Representative from the City got involved.  But through it all both Buyers and Sellers never panicked, never gave up, always made the effort to find common ground and just this past Saturday the Sellers welcomed the Buyers to the neighborhood.  Did I mention they are now next door neighbors.

Challenging home purchases happen more often then most realize.  But calm heads and experienced professionals can guide even the most difficult deals to a successful close.

 

Diane 503.680.5836

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Serious Steal of a Deal!

December 9th, 2011 by

for sale:  $249,999  |  4856 NE 13th Ave, Portland OR 97211

1926 Alberta Arts Bungalow  |  2 bedrooms on main  |  2 bonus rooms in tall basement  | 2 bathrooms (one on each level)

R 2.5 zoning  |  .10 acre corner lot  |  low property taxes=$1,078.52  |  off-street driveway parking

With many period details intact and an open & tall basement with 2 bonus rooms plus a second bathroom, this charmer is sure to knock your socks off!  The main level has a sweet layout with 2 bedrooms & 1 bathroom, lovely unpainted vintage trim work & arches, hardwood floors & doug fir floors.  Rare Alberta off-street parking is available in your driveway and a nice sized flat backyard is awaiting your urban farm or a possible ADU?  You can own all of this in the heart of desirable Alberta Arts where convenience is at your fingertips!  There are too many hip shops, drinkeries & eateries just down the street to name off.  This charming vintage home has had one owner for the last 37 years and is now looking for it’s next love.  Is it you?  Contact Heather today for a tour– (971)255.9868

OPEN HOUSE:  Sunday 12/11/11 from 12-4pm

Heather Lamkins | Living Room Realtor | www.pdxrealestatebroker.com | pdxrealestatebroker@gmail.com | 971.255.9868

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Under $100k in SW Portland!

December 1st, 2011 by

Great Condo!

 

Great condo in the Hayhurst Odyssey school district!  Over 1000 square feet, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, extra storage and assigned parking spot!  HOA only $165 a month and includes water, sewer and garbage.  With 5% down your monthly payment including HOA, taxes and insurance is around $800?!?!

Units sit off of Beaverton Hillsdale but are within walking distance of some tasty restaurants including Joe’s Burgers and Cactus Jacks as well as being convenient to bus stops for easy commute!

Southwest has some amazing deals right now!  Please contact me to talk about buying or selling in the Southwest area.

 

 

Chandra Ashford
Broker
Cell: 503.933.6538
chandraashfordrealtor@gmail.com
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