Sneak Peeks for August 2014

This month's sneak peeks highlight a diverse variety of homes: a pair of charming Portland bungalows, a log home (with an additional dwelling) on a private lake, a custom two-story with a stunning ocean view and a tri-level with an award-winning outdoor living space. In this rapid-fire market, it helps to have a jump on listings before they're available to the general public. Take an exclusive sneak peek at these upcoming properties before they go live!

NE 49th Ave, Portland - approx. $465k

Grant Park bungalow with finished basement. Two bedrooms plus a living room, dining room and nook on main. Third bedroom, bonus room, and full bath downstairs. New hardwood floors and paint throughout! One car garage plus carport.

Residence Bedrooms: 2 (plus one non-conforming in basement) Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 2,038 living area / 2,862 gross (finished basement)

---

NE 87th Ave off Glisan St, Portland - approx. $210k

A cute bungalow in NE Portland with original hardwood floors.

Residence Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Square Feet: 1,200

---

NE Logan Rd, Lincoln City - approx. $549,900

Beautiful home with exquisite views of the beach and ocean (breathtaking sunsets) in an exclusive, quiet and established part of town.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 4 Square Feet: 2,431

---

Farmer Creek Rd, Cloverdale - approx. $699,900

A lush 5.25 acres that include a gorgeous log cabin as well as an additional home, by a pristine two acre private lake that comes well equipped for recreation.

Residence Bedrooms: 6 (between both homes) Bathrooms: 5 (between both homes) Square Feet: 3,600 + 2,600 Lot Size: 5.25 acres

---

Crosby Road, Woodburn - approx. $499k

Award winning outdoor living area backing to greenspace! Covered pool and hot tub, fireplace, firepit, separate HVAC system for outside deck! Movie theater with wet bar. 28x59 shop with 11' doors and service lift. Ten minutes to outlets, 15 minutes to Wilsonville.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Square Feet: 2,669

Portland's ADU Fever

Formerly known as a carriage house, granny flat, mother-in-law suite or English basement, today's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is alive and thriving in Portland. Not only does it add versatility to the property in its ability to accommodate the needs of friends and family, but ADUs create significant income potential from both long-term and short-term renters.

$11,000 Building Permit Credit With nearly seven times the number of ADUs built last year compared to 2010, we owe this surge to the City of Portland's waiver of System Development Charges (worth up to $11,000 in building permit reductions). This waiver continues through July 2016 and has spurred an increasing number of home owners to segregate 200-800 square feet of their floor plan into a separate living space.

Property Owner Does Not Need to Live On-Site Portland repealed its ADU owner occupancy provision so ADUs have grown in popularity for investment properties. Multiple sets of renters under the same roof can quite easily cause a rental to pencil out as a profitable business opportunity.

Popular Websites Make Booking Short-Term Renters a Snap Instead of the income generated by a full-time renter, websites like www.airbnb.com connect home owners with travelers seeking bed and breakfast style accommodations. This allows an ADU (or even just an extra room) to function as a fun and profitable hotel alternative.

For more helpful information about creating your own ADU, check out the City of Portland's Guide.

For more information on the ADU pictured above, check out PATH Architecture, Inc.

Success Stories for August 2014

Summer is in full swing and well-presented homes at the right price are still sparking buying frenzies. High end properties are gaining traction while more modest homes are not only moving quickly, but fetching a price bolstered by demand. These properties all sold in fewer than ten days for more than $35,000 over the original listing price. TrueView is the perfect marketing system to present your home to the world.

Now is a fantastic time to sell. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about your own real estate plans.

---

4236 NE Wygant St - $345,000

Sold in 6 days | $46k over list price

Beds: 2 | Baths: 1 | 1,089 sqft.

This stunning Mid-Century Modern home retains the retro charm of its 1947 construction, while it benefits from the modern conveniences of a recent remodel. Visitors to the property are immediately greeted by the immaculate, river-themed landscape design by James Wilson of Garden Stories.

Check out the TrueView site with more photos and videos.

---

6706 NE Sumner St - $237,000

Sold in 2 days | $37k over list price

Beds: 2 | Baths: 1 | 774 sqft.

This meticulously remodeled traditional cape cod home maintains all of its beautiful original charm. Situated on a quarter acre lot, the property gives off a country feel in a city setting. The giant south facing backyard is fenced, and is an urban farmer's paradise. Updates include a newer hot water heater, HE gas furnace, fresh paint, newer vinyl windows and a stainless steel range and hood to be installed.

Check out the TrueView site for more photos and videos.

---

4412 SE 73rd Ave - $297,000

Sold in 10 days | $47k over list price

Beds: 3 | Baths: 1.1 | 1,014 sqft.

Situated on an expansive lot, this chic Mid-Century Modern home maintains the charm of its 1960s construction. Lush greenery welcomes guests in the front yard, while around back established fruit trees, garden beds, and a fully-fenced backyard create the ideal urban farm experience. A sizable covered patio creates the perfect space for relaxing and entertaining guests all year round.

Check out the TrueView site for more photos and videos.

Urban Birds and Bees

Living in an urban area doesn't mean you can't have local honey and fresh eggs. It just means you can support a local business and maybe invite some new feathered friends into your backyard. Watch this informational video and then check out the full scoop on the birds and the bees below!  

 

Bees - Rooftop Urban Hives by Bee Local

---

After pollenating Portland's flora and promoting the local ecosystem, Bee Local's honey-makers buzz up to the tops of key buildings downtown to do what they do best. Each hive can cover a radius of over a mile, bringing back the neighborhood's pollen to craft their own special variety of honey. In addition to its inherent deliciousness, a daily dose of honey can alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergies and motivated folk will employ ancient techniques to make mead or "honey wine."

If you want to get your paws on this amazing local honey, check out Bee Local's online store. Honey is a fantastic gift (for yourself and others) so visit the site periodically because the varieties change as the season progresses!

So the next time you're downtown and spot a bee beating its wings up toward a building, you can smile to yourself because you'll know where she's headed.

---

 

Chickens - Your Backyard Barnyard

---

Before you get distracted by all the awesome benefits of owning chickens, let it first be known: chickens make great pets. Just hanging out with your chickens in the backyard while enjoying a refreshing beverage is a recipe for relaxation.

In addition, most hens will provide you with omelet ingredients every one to three days. And these fresh, free-range eggs are proven to be higher in vitamins and lower in cholesterol and saturated fat.

Also, chickens are enthusiastic gardeners. They'll happily clear a vegetable garden after harvest, scratching out slugs and weeds and yes, fertilize the soil for good measure. If you have fruit trees, chickens will clear away the fallen produce before it attracts insects.

You might say that backyard chickens are the bee's knees!

For information on the types and quantity animals the City of Portland allows you to keep at your residence before you need a permit, check out this FAQ on backyard animals.

July Sneak Peeks

In this rapid-fire market, it helps to have a jump on listings before they're available to the general public. Take an exclusive sneak peek at these upcoming properties before they go live!  

NE Lombard St at Mallory - approx. $285k

Adorable meticulously maintained 1925 Tudor. Elegant layout with formal rooms, oak floors, original built-ins, moldings, fireplace, and cute vintage kitchen. Oversized lot w/ detached garage. Fully fenced and nicely landscaped!

Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 1,919

---

NE 11th Ave - mid-$700k range

Beautiful Irvington English with the perfect blend of old and new: updated kitchen, newly added luxurious master bathroom, newly finished basement, updated plumbing, electrical, HVAC, windows, 2-car garage, fenced, tons of storage.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Square Feet: 2,500+

---

SW Portland - Canby St - $700k

Location is everything! This high quality, updated 1950s home is on a half-acre corner lot delightfully nestled between Multnomah Village and Gabriel Park. Inside discover high-end remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, hardwood floors and an unobstructed, wide view of the 91 acre Gabriel Park.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 2,919 Lot Size: .46 acres

Save by Recasting Your Loan

Seeking the inside scoop on all things financial, we reached out to M Realty's preferred lending partner, Guild Mortgage's Brent Lucas, to get the details on loan recasting:

Refinancing your home loan can be expensive. Depending on your situation, recasting your loan lowers your monthly payments while offering several advantages.

What is recasting?

You apply a lump sum payment to your loan to lower your monthly payments without changing your interest rate or term of the loan.

Advantages

> No Appraisal Required > No Credit Check > Interest Rate Stays Locked > Recasting Generally Costs Under $400

When to Recast

When there are multiple offers on a home, contingent offers (where the offer is contingent on the sale of the buyers' current home) are weaker than traditional offers. Buyers in this situation will often raise their contingent offers by several thousand dollars to make it more attractive.

If the buyers instead took out a separate loan for their new home, they could make a stronger offer without raising it substantially. Then they could sell their original home and recast the loan on their new home with a substantial lump sum payment. In this case, they would have saved potential thousands of dollars by not making a contingent offer and avoided additional thousands in refinancing costs.

In Conclusion

While not perfect in every situation, it's important to know the advantages of loan recasting when making decisions as a home owner. Used strategically, recasting your loan instead of refinancing can save you thousands.

If you'd like to know more about the specific eligibility requirements for loan recasting, now is the perfect time to reach out to your favorite real estate agent to be connected with a financial professional like Brent.

Exploring PDX Through Hiking

One of my favorite activities is hiking. I love to do urban hikes, like exploring Mt Tabor, getting out to the Gorge, and traveling to do some short backpacking trips around the state, and beyond. Portland and the greater Metro area has some of the best hiking in Oregon, so I've compiled some of my favorites below. Lately (since this last fall when my daughter was born), I've been hiking most weeks with an amazing free group: Hike It Baby. Started in Portland by a new mom, Hike It Baby is open to anyone and everyone with a child (you can borrow one from a family member or friend) from birth on up! Moms, dads, grandparents, nannies, babysitter, and whole families meet up at member led hikes of all levels and lengths to get some exercise, fresh air, and camaraderie. I hope to see you out on the trail!

1. Council Crest- SW Portland- Start on Samuel Jackson Rd, and hike up a steep hill to Council Crest Park. You get a great leg burn, and a rewarding view of downtown, many bridges, and 3 mountains if its clear.

2. Upper McClaey- NW Portland- Hike through part of Forest Park up to Pittock Mansion. You can picnic on the lawn with another amazing view of the city and Mt Hood. Its steep, but pretty short and not as hard as Council Crest.

3. Mt Tabor Rambling- SE Portland- Our very own dormant volcano has 3 great official trails that start at the visitors center (Red, Green, and Blue) but I always start on one and end up switching to another, and then heading up to the summit to finish it off. This can be as chill or challenging as you would like. There is also a big set of stairs if you are needing to up the heart rate quite a bit!

 4. Forest Park Wildwood Trail- NW Portland- This trail runs 30 miles from one end of the park to the other, but you can access it at many roads and parking lots throughout the park. I like to just pick a spot and go out and back, but you can also do loops with the other trails and fire roads that criss cross the park. This gem of a park is one of the largest in an urban area in the country, and has endless areas to explore.

June Sneak Peeks

In this rapid-fire market, it helps to have a jump on listings before they're available to the general public. Take an exclusive sneak peek at these upcoming properties before they go live. This diverse group features listings going public from mid-June through July.  

NE 47th Ave - approx. $500k

Traditional Cape Cod in Beaumont Neighborhood. Great remodeling over the years, including bathrooms, kitchen, refinished floors, and a large family room on the main level. Located on a fantastic and picturesque street that is also just two blocks from shops, restaurants, and coffee shops in Beaumont Village.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 2,302

---

SE Pagh Rd (Sandy, OR) - approx. $950k-$1.1mil

A 2007 timber contemporary lodge on 35 private, serene acres. Surrounded by tall firs, with a view of Goats Mountain and a private gated entrance, it features 1,800 square feet of covered patio with a built-in kitchen and spectacular views of nature. The creek and hideaway setting have deer and elk as visitors!

Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3.1 Square Feet: 5,200

---

NE 23rd - approx. $499k

One of a kind new renovation offers a true open floor plan with a vintage industrial twist. Entertainer's gourmet kitchen with dual-fuel Italian range leads directly to a bi-level deck and expansive yard. Indoor/outdoor connection continues with a large master suite opening to the garden. A second suite on the lower level presents many flexible options. Conveniently close to exciting Alberta and Killingsworth amenities.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Square Feet: 2,400

---

SE 73rd - approx. $250k

Chic, updated MidCentury Modern on huge lot! Terrific open floor plan for living/entertaining. Updates include kitchen, baths, floors, interior/exterior paint, roof - truly move-in ready. Master opens to covered patio - could be wonderful as Family Room. Established fruit trees, garden beds, and fully-fenced back yard provide the perfect urban farm experience - BYO chickens! This is a fabulous property! You will love living here!

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1.1 Square Feet: 1,014

---

SW Highland (Tigard, OR) - approx. $350k

Just like new! Another gorgeous complete remodel with high-end finishes, including hardwoods, granite, marble, travertine tile, custom-crafted cabinetry in Summerfield's golf course community! New roof, new windows, beautiful side yard with gazebo, perfect cul-de-sac location.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.1 Square Feet: 1,450

---

Hidden Gems - Wineries

You should not have to trek out to wine country to enjoy the tasting rooms of local wineries when we have fantastic offerings downtown. That being said, you should definitely trek out to wine country to enjoy those exquisite destinations as well. When planning your next evening festivities or weekend escape, consider the following hidden gems!

---

Southeast Wine Collective - Urban Winery Currently featuring eight different wineries under one roof, this collective offers a diverse array of special events and movie nights. Check out their schedule and find an activity that strikes your fancy or just stop by their beautiful tasting room, crafted from wine barrels, for a taste of something wonderful.

(503)208.2061 2425 SE 35th Pl Portland, OR 97214 www.sewinecollective.com

---

Clay Pigeon Winery - Urban Winery Equipped with their own on-site restaurant, Cyril's, this urban winery is open for lunch. They also offer classes and are available for private events.

(503)206.8117 815 SE Oak St Portland, OR 97214 winery - www.claypigeonwinery.com restaurant - www.cyrilspdx.com

---

White Rose Estate - Wine Country Praised by wine experts for their outstanding product, it is unique in its high-percentage whole-cluster fermentation, granting it the most intense and beautiful aromatics. Find out for yourself at their tasting room that is open seven days a week.

(503)864.2328 6250 NE Hilltop Lane Dayton, OR 97114 www.whiteroseestate.com

---

Domaine Trouvere - Wine Country An offshoot of Lange winery, they are located in the same building as Red Hills Market, the ideal lunch destination for anyone day-tripping to wine country.

(503)487.6370 155 SW 7th St Dundee, OR 97115 www.domainetrouvere.com

Charity Karting Event for CCA

Drive for the Kids

Charity Event

For the Children's Cancer Association

Get behind the wheel and raise money for the CCA.

You're invited to join us for a fun day of racing while raising money for a great cause. Whether you fancy yourself the next Mario Andretti or just want to cruise around the beautiful park-like setting of Pat's Acres, come out and have a blast with your friends while raising money for the Children's Cancer Association! The race is a team event and open to everyone (ages 12 and above).

Form your team of 2-5 drivers by registering through the "form a team" page or submit your solo info and we will place you on a team.

If you're looking for that extra edge your team can rent a pro! Luke Selliken and Joey Wimsett, two of the best kart racers in America are available to run a 10 minute stint for a donation of $100. Plus they will provide your team with driving tips to make you faster!

The race will take place at historic Pat's Acres Racing Complex on July 12th starting at 9:30 AM. Each team is assigned one of Pat's Acres awesome rental karts with up to 12 teams competing at a time. During the hour long race, teams will swap out drivers, so everyone on the team gets their turn behind the wheel.

Each team and individual driver will have a fundraising page on the CCA's website. Share your page and encourage people to pledge for you. The winner of the event will be determined by their finishing place on track in conjunction with the amount of money raised.

Check out the cheat sheet below and we'll see you on the track!

EVENT DETAILS

• Each team registers online beforehand: www.CharityKartRacing.com
• Teams consist of 2-5 people
• Each team is assigned one kart
• Each race will last one hour, with up to twelve teams racing at a time
• Teams can swap their drivers as many times as they like during the race
• 90min blocks of race rounds will start at 9:30am until all the teams have raced
• The team that completes the most laps in combination with money raised will be the winner.

Trophies will be awarded for the following categories:

1. Fastest individual driver 2. Winning company team 3. Winning individual team

Don't forget you can rent a pro to increase your chances of winning!

Success at All Levels

While the current inventory crunch plays the market advantage toward sellers, it's important to note that leveraging a home with inspired staging and beautiful presentation can prompt it to sell for well-above asking price. Check out SW 18th Place to see the TrueView website for a home that fetched $45k over list price. In addition to the movement in the urban core, now we're also seeing success on high end listings that have been on the market for several months, even years in some cases. This is an indicator of a confident buying community with attractive financing options available.

Now is a fantastic time to sell your home. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about your own real estate plans.

---

3232 Lakeview Blvd - $2,590,000

Beds: 5 | Baths: 5.1 | 7,000 sqft. Inside, floor to ceiling oversized windows allow for magnificent views, while natural light illuminates the space. Boasting state of the art technology, relax by the interior pool, or outside in the hot tub. On the grounds, grand stonework, spiraling wrought iron fences, lush greenery and exquisite detail decorate the terraces overlooking Lake Oswego.

Featuring one of the largest boat houses on the lake and in close proximity to Lake Oswego's charming downtown, luxurious waterfront living is at your fingertips.

View more photos and videos.

---

5007 NW 141st St - $469,900

Beds: 3 | Baths: 3 | 3,316 sqft. Situated in the Ashley Heights neighborhood in Vancouver, this spectacular custom home's facade is decorated with tidy landscaping. The sizable driveway and three car garage provides plenty of room for parking, while around back the fenced yard features a patio, swing set and garden area.

Inside, guests are welcomed by two story ceilings in the entryway, as an elegant staircase twists upstairs. The floor plan flows into the living room, where an oversized bay window looks out onto the front yard. High ceilings carry into the dining room. A sophisticated chandelier hangs overhead, centrally placed within an octagonal ceiling design. The open concept kitchen and family room is truly the hub of the home. Light-filled and connected, enjoy easy access to the backyard from here.

View more photos and videos.

---

5005 SW 18th Pl - $525,000

$45k over asking Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 | 2,936 sqft. Perched in the hills, on nearly a quarter acre of land, this wonderful Mid-Century ranch home offers a serene setting in a convenient location close to urban amenities. The expansive upper and lower decks enjoy views to the south and west, and are sure to be well used for outdoor living.

Classic touches like oak hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings and a pair of wood-burning fireplaces mingle with the quartz countertops and updated kitchen appliances to seamlessly integrate a classic ambiance with modern luxuries. Both levels feature walls of windows making for comfortable, light-filled living areas.

View more photos and videos.

---

12050 NE Kuehne - $1,275,000

Beds: 3 | Baths: 3 | 4,376 sqft. Surrounded by expansive views and immaculate landscaping, this Northwest home offers a rustic retreat with timeless construction and design. An array of scenery welcomes guests along the driveway of this home, from the view of the valley below to a dramatic arrival at the turnaround in front of the manicured garden and grounds. The hand-carved log construction creates an amazing mix of Northwest comfort with serene, natural elements.

View more photos and videos.

May Sneak Peek Spectacular

In this rapid-fire market, it helps to have a jump on listings before they're available to the general public. Take an exclusive sneak peek at these upcoming properties before they go live. This diverse group of homes features listings going public from mid-May through late June.  

SW Walker Road, Beaverton - approx. $599k

Amazingly spacious home! Perfect for a car enthusiast or anyone looking for ample garage space. 1432 square foot, 4-car garage plus shop. Also features a putting green and garden beds.

Residence Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3.1 Square Feet: 3,856

---

SE 75th - approx. $300k

End unit townhome with an exceptional layout--open and spacious. Features eco grass in the backyard.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.5 Square Feet: 1,701

---

NE 79th - approx. $279k

An impeccable Roseway ranchelow, nestled on a sidewalk lined street among homes of similar age and size. This delightful home has a generous, east-facing, fenced backyard. Newly refinished hardwoods on the main floor with a spacious kitchen and a living room with a wonderful period fireplace. The home's lower level features high ceilings, a flexible floor plan and an inviting family room with fireplace.

Residence Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Square Feet: 1,840

---

SW 11th Ave, 15th floor - approx. $599k

15th floor end unit offers amazing panoramic views of Mt Hood, East, South & West Hills.

Residence Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 1,095

---

Mortgage Rates Drive Purchasing Power

Offering a special glimpse into the financial realm, M Realty's preferred lending partner, Guild Mortgage's Brent Lucas, details the impact of mortgage rates on actual buying power. 

---

 

Mortgage Rates Drive Home Affordability "How much home can I afford?" It's among the most common questions asked by a home buyer and the starting point for nearly every home search in the country.

Changing mortgage rates do more to influence home affordability than changing home prices.

If that seems strange to you, think back to the last two years. Quarter-after-quarter, home affordability stuck near all-time highs even as home values have recovered from "the bottom." Home affordability didn't improve because home prices were lower -- they improved because mortgage rates were at their lowest.

Each time rates ticked lower, a buyer's purchasing power increased. When mortgage rates reached their lowest in November of 2012 (3.35%), affordability had peaked.

Lately, however, the trend has reversed. Mortgage rates have pushed past 4 percent and the answer to "how much home can I afford" has changed as well.

Take, for example, the hypothetical home buyer in Portland who was pre-approved in May 2013 for a maximum $475,000 loan amount, assuming 20 percent down. While she's been shopping, U.S. Mortgage rates have been on the rise. Unfortunately, with each 0.125 percentage point increase to rate, her maximum purchase price has dropped $7,200. Today, that same buyer can afford a home for $424,326.

  Do You Know Your Buying Power Now? Mortgage rates are markedly higher as compared to just six weeks ago. Today's home buyers -- pre-approved or not -- should consider a re-pre-approval; a re-verification of terms and a re-qualification for a mortgage.  

---

  Now is the perfect time to reach out to your real estate agent to be professionally connected to helpful financial tools like Brent's. You can interact with his mortgage calculator at LucasLendingGroup.com.

Rose Festivities

As the illustrious City of Roses, we Portlanders take our Rose Festival quite seriously. But even if you've lived in the area for several years, you may not know just how diverse the activities are, beyond the more than a century-old tradition of our Grand Floral Parade.

For example, there's a treasure hunt! A staple of the festival for almost twenty years, this year the hunt begins online. Hunters compete to decipher clues to locate a Rose Festival medallion hidden on public property that will entitle them to cash and prizes (and bragging rights).

Explore the Rose Festival website for full details, paying special attention to these awesome events:

---

 

Opening Night Waterfront Fireworks - Friday, May 23

---

 

Dragon Boat Races - June 7th and 8th from 8am to 4pm

---

 

Rose Cup Races at Portland International Raceway - June 13th thru June 15th from 8am to 6pm

---

 

Fleet Week - June 4th thru June 8th from 9:30am to 3:30pm

Success Stories

Whether your property is a sprawling estate or a cozy bungalow, TrueView empowers your home to put its best foot forward when entering the market. In this exciting real estate climate, well-presented homes have the best chance of creating a multiple-offer buying frenzy, maximizing your return. Take a gander at these recent TrueView success stories and pay special attention to how the attractive elements of each individual property shine through. 

---

 

12050 NE Kuehne - $1,275,000

Beds: 3 | Baths: 3 | 4,376 sqft. Surrounded by expansive views and immaculate landscaping, this Northwest home offers a rustic retreat with timeless construction and design. An array of scenery welcomes guests along the driveway of this home, from the view of the valley below to a dramatic arrival at the turnaround in front of the manicured garden and grounds. The hand-carved log construction creates an amazing mix of Northwest comfort with serene, natural elements.

View more photos and videos.

---

751 SW Westwood Dr - $939,000

6 days on market | $8,350 over asking Beds: 3 | Baths: 3.1 | 3,282 sqft. Custom built to site, and masterfully remodeled by architect, Barnett Adler, and interior design group, Bright Designlab, this contemporary Le Corbusier inspired home is reminiscent of the Bauhaus movement. The facade features Hardiplank siding sheets and a new commercial grade membrane roof, playfully emphasizing its modern build. Follow the meandering path to the front door as it winds through professionally landscaped Japanese style gardens--decorated with over 80 Japanese maples. A waterfall feature adds to the tranquil ambiance, while an intricate cedar pergola beautifully diffuses sunlight on the deck.

View more photos and videos.

---

4005 SW Vermont St - $395,000

Beds: 3 | Baths: 3.1 | 2,347 sqft. This mid-century modern daylight ranch is located in the desirable Vermont Hills neighborhood, with Gabriel Park situated across the street and the community center nearby. The home is below street level, providing an unexpected privacy. The facade features fresh exterior paint, an inviting front patio, a view deck and an expansive lawn.

View more photos and videos.

---

6342 NE Hassalo St - $209,000

5 days on market | $26k over asking Beds: 2 | Baths: 1 | 730 sqft. Situated in a quiet Northeast Portland neighborhood, this ranch style home features an open, single-level floor plan that provides a connected living experience. Lush landscaping surrounds the home, conjuring a sense of sanctuary. In the fully fenced backyard, mature trees and foliage create a private sanctuary--excellent for relaxing or entertaining.

View more photos and videos.

---

24500 SE Bohna Park Rd - $259,000

5 days on market Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 | 1,480 sqft. This tidy ranch home sits back on almost 1/3 acre lot, allowing the tall evergreens to create a feeling of sanctuary while remaining open and inviting. The sprawling lawn wraps around the property and in the backyard a friendly gate connects it to an amazing private park complete with play structures and tons of room to run around. Extra parking in the driveway including additional space for a camper, RV or boat!

View more photos and videos.

---

986 SE River Forest Rd - $345,000

5 days on market Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 | 1,066 sqft. The River Forest neighborhood is a peaceful natural watershed paradise. Residents make up a lively and interactive community including a fine assortment of artists and musicians. Look forward to the series of neighborhood art shows, a 4th of July parade and the Valentine's Day stroll. Several homes have been awarded certification for sustainable landscaping or backyard wildlife habitat.

View more photos and videos.

---

April Sneak Peek Extravaganza

In this rapid-fire market, it helps to have a jump on listings before they're available to the general public. Take an exclusive sneak peek at these upcoming properties before they go live. This diverse group of homes features listings going public from April 15th through early June.  

Lake Oswego - Tualata: $700k range

Nestled at the back of an acre of serene Lake Oswego land, this gorgeous custom home is surrounded by trees. In addition to the main living space, the property features a kitchenette and a pair of bedrooms above the garage.

Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4 Square Feet: 3,196

NE 44th Ave - approx. $599k

Fantastic millwork with built-ins and a bonus media room! Located in Beaumont Village, conveniently close to local shops and dining.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.5 Square Feet: 2,536

SW Barnes Rd. - approx. $1,099,000

This peaceful sanctuary is secluded in the trees of Sylvan Heights. Terrific home for entertaining with formal dining and large great room opening to gourmet kitchen. Lower level has wonderful media room, family room, wine cellar and guest quarters. The space can be converted to separate living quarters easily with the exterior entrance already in place. Easy access to downtown.

Residence Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 4 Square Feet: 4,480

Vancouver - Heritage Place Condo - approx. $260k

Delightful downtown condo on W 8th Street in Vancouver, WA. Convenient access to farmer's markets, shops and restaurants.

Residence Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 975

SE 75th - approx. $300k

End unit townhome with an exceptional layout--open and spacious. Features eco grass in the backyard.

Residence

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.5 Square Feet: 1,701

Timberland Drive - approx. $330k

Updated kitchen and bathrooms, with a great backyard!

Residence

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.5 Square Feet: 1,839

SE Lafayette - approx. $370k

Amazing 1940's detailing with tons of storage space in an ideal location.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1.5 Square Feet: 2,214

SE Yamhill - mid-$500k range

Old PDX in the Heart of Belmont/Hawthorne area. Custom kitchen featured in Oregon Home Magazine, hand built cob sauna and beautiful backyard.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1.5 Square Feet: 2,367

NE Beech St. - Condo: approx. $250k

This 1908 Victorian Condo in the North Williams corridor is conveniently close to tasty local dining. Or stay in and cook in the completely renovated kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Updates include electrical, furnace, and washer/dryer.

Residence Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1 Square Feet: 1,482

NE Dunckley St. - approx. $1,025,000

An elegant, all-new construction in Portland's venerable Alameda neighborhood. Set back on the lot to match the rest of the community, this luxurious home features an open floor plan, cook's kitchen, generous master suite and bedrooms, stainless steel appliances and a wet bar.

Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2.5 Square Feet: 3,721

NW Hawkins Blvd - approx. $890k

Luxurious Forest Heights home with a spacious deck that features a spectacular western view. Enjoy the 3.5 car garage!

Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3.5 Square Feet: 4,300

Hidden Gems: Portland Activities

https://vimeo.com/92254502

The Greater Portland Metro Area possesses a diverse range of activities, including some hidden gems that might not come to the top of your mind when planning what you'll do on your day off. Here are some lesser known adventures that may just be right up your alley.

Bocce Ball - Leisure Public House - St. Johns, North Portland

Play bocce ball for free on the patio of the Leisure Public House in St. Johns. Originating in Ancient Rome, the rules are simple (similar to playing horseshoes) and it's a fun, fantastic way to pass the time while you're enjoying the food and drink of the pub, conversing with friends or mingling with locals.

8002 N Lombard St Portland, OR 97203 503.289.7606 leisurepublichouse.com

---

Blacklight Mini Golf - Glowing Greens - Downtown Portland

Underground black-light pirate-themed miniature golf. If you haven't been to Glowing Greens yet, chances are you can't say you've done this one before. They have a separate room for kids that's great for birthday parties, but mini-golfers of all ages put their putting skills to the test, and have a blast doing it. Be sure to purchase a scorpion sucker or some spicy crickets on your way out!

509 SW Taylor St Portland, OR 97204 503.222.5554 glowinggreens.com

---

Skeet Shooting - Portland Gun Club - Southeast Portland

A fixture in Portland for over a century, the Portland Gun Club prides itself on providing a safe, fun environment for anyone to learn the joys of skeet and trap shooting. Groups of five can shoot easily in one lane, firing at remotely launched discs. Their friendly experts are on hand to guide newbies in the basics, having first-timers hitting targets straightaway!

4711 SE 174th Ave Portland, OR 97236 503.492.8752 portlandgunclub.org

Spring Sun and Fun

Farmer's Markets Abound

No matter where you call home in the Greater Portland Metro Area, there's a farmer's market not far off. Find one conveniently close and meet the people who grow this delicious organic food. It's not just carrots and cauliflower, enjoy everything from hand-crafted ginger ales to local bee pollen.

---

Arbor Day Festival

Speaking of farmer's markets, the Portland Arbor Day festival will be kicking off Saturday, April 26th at the Portland State University farmer's market from 8:30am to 2:00pm. Plant a tree and come celebrate our urban forest as Portland receives its 37th annual Tree City USA banner!

---

Food Cart Festival

Willamette Week's Seventh Annual "Eat Mobile" pits more than 30 of their favorite food carts against one another, as they compete for the much-coveted Carty Award. With more than 400 food carts operating in Portland, this is a great way for newcomers to get a taste and for foodies to get their fix. Join the mouthwatering fun Sunday, April 27th at OMSI.

---

Tulip Fest

Experience the dog-friendly fun of Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, evolving every year in a beautiful new arrangement of patterns and colors. All are welcome (including photographers) to bask in the breathtaking, vibrant hues of Woodburn's tulips. Open March 28th thru May 4th, open daily from 9am to 6 pm.

Success Story - SE Crosswater Way

14753 SE CROSSWATER WAY

Immaculately presented by TrueView, this wonderful home put its absolute best foot forward when it met the buying public. Spending just two days on the market, the property sold for $11,000 over listing price. This is just another example of how a well-presented home with top-notch agent representation can spark a frenzy of attention in this market, a surefire strategy to maximize the financial potential of any property.

Home Details

Perched majestically in the peaceful city of Clackamas, this traditional home is in close proximity to several parks and the Clackamas River. Beautiful and easily maintained landscaping decorates the facade, while around back the fully fenced yard and sprawling lawn are excellent for entertaining and relaxing.

An inviting entryway greets visitors, ushering them into the spacious, connected floorplan. The home boasts hardwood floors on the main level, while the second level's plush carpeting keeps the bedrooms feeling cozy. A classic fireplace radiates warmth in the living room. Nearby in the kitchen, granite countertops punctuate the warm alder cabinets, while a charming pantry door provides excellent storage space.

This home features the ideal blend of practicality and style.

10 Tips for Selling Your Home When You Have Little Ones

Prepping the home before it goes on the market: 1. Give yourself 2 full weeks to clear clutter from your home. This includes two weekends, so there is plenty of time to donate, sell on Craigslist, or find a needy family in your area.

2. Once you’ve cleared the clutter, put another 25% in storage. You are moving anyway, so pack like you are moving in a week. Only keep out necessities. Small kids (and pets) will quickly forget some of their less favorite toys, and it will be a bonanza when they get to play with them again at the new house.

3. Stage and Rearrange.  Have a stager consult with you and your Realtor, and either rent pieces from them, like a more formal set up for the living room, or have them rearrange your own furniture. No, this is not how you live in the house. Yes, this will get the house sold faster!

4. Professional Photography and Marketing. Having your home captured by TrueView will make a huge difference. Professional photos, full video tours that give buyers an accurate view of the home, and a great website detailing the home and neighborhood are all key to getting the great points of the home across. You will only have to have the whole house completely spotless for one day, and buyers can keep going back to the marketing to remember the house, instead of multiple visits to your home to make up their minds.

While your home is for sale:

5. Give yourself a two hour notice for showings.  One hour notice is standard, but one hour notice is really stressful when you have three kids, clutter, naps etc. 24 hours is ideal, but it keeps away the buyers who happen to drive by your home while looking at others. Two hours will give you a chance to let kids wake up, or take a nap while you clean up. Also, be honest with the agent who will be showing, you never know if the buyer is on the way to the airport and needs to see your home in the next 15 minutes while you drive around the neighborhood!

6. Have a checklist for what to do when you get a showing notification. When you only have an hour or two, every minute counts. This should include making beds, checking bathrooms, taking out stinky garbage, wiping down all counters, and shoving stuff in totes, baskets, drawers, etc.

7. Keep the kids busy while the real work gets done. I'm sure there is a child out there who can really help clean and get a house ready in 2 hours. I haven't met them yet, so for everybody else, get the children occupied with no-mess play (TV and iPads work great!). If they are old enough be honest about why it's important to clean up. If they are little, then they probably won't even notice.

8. Have some nice music playing softly. Help set the mood with quiet music. Add fresh scents with subtle air fresheners and fresh flowers and your home as now become someone else's dream retreat.

9. Stage your playroom. Don't try to hide that there are children or babies living there, but show off the best version of how the play space is used. The whole idea with staging is to have people think that this is how the home will be when they live there, not the reality of toy explosions in every room.

10. Keep your trunk clear. Even with the 2 hour notification requirement, you'll still have the last minute request, and having an empty trunk lets you scoop up a bunch of junk, or items you don't want to loose like bills, and stash it on your way out. Just remember to clean the trunk back out after the showing.

If you have any questions about selling your home, please feel free to contact me at BethJSilva@gmail.com.