When first time buyers Debbie and Robbie came to us to discuss buying their first home, the three of us had no idea what an adventure we were embarking on.  Homes in the $145K price range tend to be pretty rough, mostly short sales and very neglected  We saw plenty that fit all three descriptions for sure.  Determined to find the diamond in the ruff we continued hunting.  For Debbie and Robbie it was simple to see that this 1 bedroom bungalow was going to polish up well.  With a spacious updated kitchen, formal dining area, huge living room and tremendous over sized lot this house was a score.  Luckily, although it was a short sale, the price had already been approved by the bank which made the response time for their offer mere weeks instead of months.  Once we had the offer in we were able to negotiate seller paid closing costs, a new roof, and a new sewer line-unheard of victories for short sales!  Within 15 minutes of being new home owners Debbie and Robbie had already begun ripping out the royal blue carpeting, exposing beautiful hardwood floors and exploring the urban farming opportunities on their gigantic lot.  NE 60th is a fantastic close in location for such an amazing deal! 

  This is the year for Dan and Molly!  Not only did the couple get hitched-they bought a house AND a puppy on the same day.  Dan and Molly had their priorities straight-location, location for their first house.  Not wanting to sacrifice quality of life the couple made it clear that being walking distance to a NE neighborhood center was a must.  Alberta was the target for Dan and Molly and this remodeled bungalow on NE 12th and Prescott was the bulls eye hit!  Having been completely remodeled this vintage home had the benefits of newer construction with the charm and character only something from the early 1900s can have.  New electrical, new furnace, new roof, new kitchen-you name it this house had it!  Plus with 3 bedrooms, a full basement, nice yard and a garage you can see why Dan and Molly scooped it up for $305K!  Welcome home Dan and Molly-I am so glad to have you and your new adorable pooch Dexter in the hood!

 Ellen is now the proud owner of this darling mount tabor tree house.  With amazing views of Tabor and Mt Saint Hellens this property is the true definition of an urban retreat.  After years of coming to visit her daughters here in Portland Ellen decided to buy an investment property, one to give her a home base when she visits.  Her new home is an ideal size for simple living and her quality of life is going to be just terrific.  One block from the Mt. Tabor park entrance and just a short walk to her daughters, her church and the booming Montavilla neighborhood she is literally surrounded by all that makes life rich.  She also has a sweet back yard that gets lots of sunlight and a garage which is going to serve as an artist studio for her partner Jim.  Ellen and I hit it off over the idea that “small is beautiful”.  I look forward to her arrival back to our wonderful city.  2 bedrooms, 1 bath.  Sold for $285K. 

On a first pass by this house, you might not notice the butterfly within the cacoon – the huge south-facing window, the simple lines, the Asian-inspired landscaping on an over-sized corner lot.  The house has been left  alone a bit too long and isn’t sparkling and singing as it should – not yet, anyway.  When Emily & Brent stepped inside this time-warp, they knew it was their responsibility (read pleasure)  to both restore and preserve this home to its, “original midcentury glory”, as Emily so eloquently stated.

This home features two fireplaces, a totally retro kitchen, 3 huge sliders along the back of the house going out to a great, private, covered patio with five original oriental lanterns, and…sshhhhh, completely lovely hardwoods under the dark shag carpet.  Don’t forget the amazing built-in bar in the basement for throw-back parties.   Listed for $279,900, Emily & Brent found a house they can’t wait to transform into their own groovy home base.

The place was packed from five to nine. Clients, friends and family packed the house. DJ Anjali and the Incredible Kid kept the party moving. Anjali had just arrived back from India only a few hours before hand- the jet lag did not show, she was smiling and kept the records spinning. Little Green Grocer brought the champagne, wine and tasty food. Le Cookie Monkey made sugar cookies in the shape of modern dwellings. Thankfully a few were left when a guest needed a sweet bribe to get her two girls to leave the party and the kids craft table Daria had set up. The event was the same night as last Thursday. Our Art curator Bridgete Larrabee of Art Scout put together a portrait show featuring the photographs of  Jillian Doughty, Aubrie Legault, and Jen Bodendorfer. The night was a huge success and we have all our fabulous clients to thank for making it  memorable evening!

Check out a few of the fabulous portraits taken at last nights event.