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Category: Happy Inhabiters

Realtor on the Rise

Posted on by Kim Hagstette

We are so proud of Inhabit’s own, Jason Connelly, for his recognition as Real Producers Magazine “Realtor on the Rise” — October 2024 edition.

See below for the transcript of the article.

Realtor on the Rise

Meet Jason Connelly, a dedicated REALTOR with Inhabit Real Estate here in Portland. Previously, Jason was a small business owner before transitioning into the real estate industry in April 2020. Jason finds immense fulfillment in building meaningful relationships with his clients and experiencing the joy of helping them find their dream homes. Here we learn more about his journey in real estate and his life outside work.

What did you do before real estate and when did you start your career as a REALTOR?

I owned a junk removal business from 2017-2020 but I was ready to start a family and wanted a career that would provide me with a lifestyle to be active in their lives. In April 2020 I made the plunge into real estate.

How did your mentors or brokerage help lead the way to establish your career?

When I first got licensed, Andee Ziegler was my mentor and she was essential to me getting started. Once I moved to Inhabit Real Estate, I gained two additional new mentors, Patrick Clark and Eric Hagstette, who helped me level up and mature my business.

Choosing my second brokerage was an important decision because I knew I wanted a more intimate and collaborative setting. I chose Inhabit because I got a little more hands-on attention with my systems and business practices. I am very grateful to be at a brokerage that offers so much support and cares about each agent as much as Inhabit does. Before coming to Inhabit, I never thought where I worked mattered, but now I see how culture and who you surround yourself with are everything.

What is your favorite and most rewarding part of being a REALTOR?

It’s the little thank you texts after getting someone or a family in a new home. I’ve received some texts after a transaction that brought me to tears knowing I played such an important role in helping someone. Also, I appreciate the relationships built with my clients. So many clients have become close friends after a transaction.

What is your biggest challenge as a REALTOR and how do you navigate through this?

Dealing with imposter syndrome. I’m very aware that I’m still very new to this and there are many realtors with much more experience than me. I have to remind myself daily that despite the short time I’ve been a broker I have a decent amount of experience.

What do you do for fun?

I’m the typical Portland native. When not selling real estate, I enjoy an active lifestyle: working out in the gym, hiking, spending time at the mountain, exploring waterfalls and swimming holes, and playing with my son at our neighborhood parks in Northeast Portland. My wife and I also enjoy cooking and trying all the food the city has to offer.

Are there any charities or organizations that you support?

I’m part of my neighborhood business association’s events planning committee, Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA). I also regularly volunteer with Los Niños Cuentan which is a non-profit geared toward outreach for Latino families who are victims of domestic violence.

Do you have anything you want to add?

I’m honored to have so many people in my life support me on this journey by trusting me to represent them (and their closest friends) with their biggest financial decisions.

To reach Jason Connelly call 971-930-0990 or email jason@inhabitRE.com

Thinking Bigger When the Industry is Dismantling

Posted on by Eric Hagstette

Listen here

Recently, I had the privilege of being a guest on the Think Bigger Real Estate Show, hosted by the amazing Justin Stoddart. It was an insightful and thought-provoking conversation, and I’m thrilled to highlight a few key takeaways from our discussion.

In our talk, we explored various chapters, each offering valuable insights into the real estate industry and beyond:

  • “Unlocking Success Beyond Real Estate”: We discussed the importance of thinking outside the box and solving bigger problems to stay relevant in a changing market. It’s all about expanding horizons.
  • “Adapting and Thriving in Changing Times”: We dove into the need for real estate professionals to adapt to new environments and find alternative paths, uncovering opportunities ahead of the competition.
  • “Innovative Strategies to Expand Your Real Estate Business”: Discover how finding your niche and thinking big can transform your approach to the industry. It’s about looking at the broader picture of housing, beyond just closing deals.
  • “Solving Bigger Problems and Networking for Success”: We explored the significance of tackling significant housing issues, such as affordability and homelessness, while networking with influential individuals who can guide opportunities your way.
  • “How Real Estate Professionals Can Drive Change and Attract Opportunities”: We discussed the power of industry participation, believing in oneself, and providing value to the public, not just buyers and sellers.
  • “Simplicity, Openness, and Giving: The Keys to Expanding Your Real Estate Horizons”: Find out how simplicity, sharing even the most basic information, and giving back can lead to growth and success.

I’m genuinely excited to share these insights with you, and I hope you’ll find them inspiring. You can listen to the full episode right here.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. I look forward to sharing more thought-provoking conversations and insights with you in the future.

Warm regards,

Eric

My 3 favorite fall hikes within an hour of Portland

Posted on by Jessica Andrus

Chasing Autumn’s Palette:  My top 3 hikes

As summer gracefully yields to the crisp embrace of autumn, the Pacific Northwest becomes a tapestry of vibrant colors, making it the perfect time to embark on memorable hikes. Among the region’s many gems, Silver Falls, Salmon River Trail, and Latourell Falls are a must-see!

These are truly some of my favorite fall hikes and I am excited to share them with you!

1. Silver Falls State Park: Nature’s Masterpiece

(Photo taken this past weekend!)

Silver Falls State Park, located in Oregon, is renowned for its magnificent waterfalls and lush forests. The trail takes you behind two falls that are the perfect backdrop for photos. At the right time of day, the sun hits the trees perfectly to show off the vibrant colors of the forest.

Here are two options for choosing your best trail experience:
A. Trail of Ten Falls: The crown jewel of Silver Falls, this 7.2-mile loop trail introduces hikers to a mesmerizing array of waterfalls, including South Falls, which cascades amidst vibrant foliage. The trail’s moderate difficulty level makes it accessible to all.
B. Maple Ridge Loop Trail: For a shorter, family-friendly hike, the 2.5-mile Maple Ridge Loop Trail offers panoramic views of the forest canopy, highlighted by the fiery hues of maple trees.

2. Salmon River Trail: A Wilderness Retreat

Salmon River Trail in Oregon is a hidden gem that comes alive with autumn colors. This family-friendly trail takes hikers deep into the wilderness, providing a serene and remote hiking experience. If you go at the right time, you can see the Salmon spawning in the crystal-clear water!

The Salmon River Trail offers a family-friendly 5.2-mile hike with breathtaking views of the Salmon River, which is surrounded by towering trees adorned with golden and red leaves in the fall. As a less frequented trail, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature, with the soothing sound of the river as your constant companion.

3. Latourell Falls: A Columbia Gorge Beauty

Latourell Falls, located in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon, is famous for its stunning single-drop waterfall and vibrant fall foliage. Make sure to hit this trail early to avoid crowds.

Here are two options to get the most out of your experience:
A. Latourell Falls Loop: This moderate 2.4-mile loop trail provides a close encounter with the 224-foot Latourell Falls, framed by a backdrop of striking autumn colors. Once you pass the 2nd waterfall, you will climb to views that are unmatched in the Columbia River Gorge.
B. Latourell Falls: This easy .23-mile hike is perfect for your family of all ages to get a gorgeous view of the falls and see all the Autumn colors with giant golden leaves. Make sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in Guy Talbot Park after your hike.

 

Tips for making your hikes worry-free:

1. All of these parks require a day-use pass for $5. You can also purchase an annual NW Forest Pass and/or a State Park pass for $30
2. Dress for the weather, layers are best during this time of year.
3. Leave no trace. Please pick up after yourself and your pet (No dogs allowed at Silver Falls)

As the Season changes, the Pacific Northwest’s hiking trails beckon with their enchanting beauty.
Silver Falls, Salmon River Trail, and Latourell Falls are just a few of the region’s gems that offer
unforgettable fall hiking experiences. Whether you seek the grandeur of waterfalls, the solitude of
remote trails, or the charm of single-drop cascades, these destinations promise a symphony of
colors and a deep connection with nature. So, put on your hiking boots, grab your camera, and
immerse yourself in the wonders of autumn in the Pacific Northwest.

What are your favorite hikes?  Reach out, I would love to hear from you.  As an avid hiker and Oregon native, I love sharing my favorite gems.

How We are Handling the Second Wave of COVID-19

Posted on by Eric Hagstette

November 16, 2020 Update

As we all know, COVID-19 is on the rise in Oregon and Governor Brown has instituted a statewide freeze.  At Inhabit, we are committed to keeping the health and safety of our clients and agents at the forefront of everything we do.  Strict office policies are in place to ensure a safe work environment.  We also updated all of our client engagement protocols so the health and safety of our clients come first.  Last March, we launched our Couch Concierge service that brings the entire home buying and selling process to our clients.  Everything from virtual open houses, live video showings with our agents, to virtual contracts and closings.

Here is a recap of how we continue to tailor and improve our services during COVID-19:

Our sellers shouldn’t worry about canceled open houses.  We will create a digital marketing campaign that brings your house to potential buyers all without risking anyone’s health or safety.  Our agents will tailor a showing plan that you feel the most comfortable with.

We have a lot of active buyers right now.  To short-list property options, we offer live video tours.  Your agent will walk you through the property showing you every nook and cranny with honest feedback on quality or construction issues they see– all from the safety of your home.   

In-person tours of your “must-see” homes are still an option in most cases when necessary, but with precautions we take very seriously.  Our agents are following the recommended 6 ft of social distancing, mask-wearing, and strict hand-washing and disinfecting policies.  We will not show homes to anyone that has cold or flu symptoms or has had any exposure to COVID-19 within 2 weeks of the showing.  As your agent, we promise you the same courtesy and will pair you with another Inhabit team member to safely show you the home if we are under the weather or are concerned about personal exposure.  Your agent will provide our COVID-19 Safe Showing Policies for your review prior to visiting any property in-person so you can make the best decision for your health and safety.

As a small business, we put the care of our clients and agents first.  We are all in this together. We promise to use integrity and knowledge as our guiding force.

Here’s to peace, health, and prosperity for all of us in the coming months.

Eric 

Listing Your Home From Afar: The Beauty of the Internet and a Hard Working Agent!

Posted on by Eric Hagstette

Have you pondered selling your investment property but are not sure how to make it happen since you live outside of Portland, and do not plan to travel during the pandemic? My client was in this exact situation. Having recently finished school, and returning to her home out of state during the “stay home” order, she thought that it might be time to sell her Portland condo of 5 years. 

Living Room (Before)

Over our initial phone call, we discussed the processes of Facetime, Docusign, and the importance of very regular phone calls to make sure we were on the same page and schedule. I agreed that I would make myself available to assist in organizing the cleaning and repairs necessary for tidying up and listing, since it would not be possible for her to be here for the majority of the transaction. My client called in the house and carpet cleaners, and I met them to give them access and check them out. We also decided that the interior would look much better with a fresh coat of paint. This turned out to be the biggest expense and the piece of the equation that took the most time, so if you are planning to sell, please factor this into your schedule and budget if necessary. The results were tangible and attractive!

Bedroom (Before)

You may be wondering about staging also. The entry price for a simple staging of a smaller space starts at around $1500. Since my client was not working, and was gearing up to pay back student loans starting in September, I wanted to help ease the burden of any extra expense. This way, if any repairs were to arise during inspection, she would still have room to breathe. It just so happened that a friend had some extra furniture right next door, and some lovely folks volunteered their time to help stage one bedroom and a living room. This will not be an option for most people. However, we often find that good things happen once we make a decision and have faith that we will make it to the finish line.

Bedroom (After)

Due to our excellent two-way communication, and my organization of the parties involved, the condo was actually cleaned, painted, staged, and photographed in a week. Yes, there were some very long, eventful days. The end result was a home that received 4 offers in less than a week, 3 above listing price! The final logistics included my client and her co-seller needing separate appointments to sign the closing paperwork, as my client was busy taking her boards, and not in her hometown. No worries here. A few days of pre-planning were necessary. The title company worked with my folks to arrange separate signing appointments, when and where convenient for them at the time. 

If you have special circumstances that surround a purchase or sale, we can brainstorm together. With a little bit of technology and strategy, we can work together to free you from something you no longer need, or get you into your dream home.

Something to Look Forward to this Summer in PDX

Posted on by Eric Hagstette

This is a blog post I have looked forward to writing!  It’s all about simple pleasures these days.  Sauvie Island, for most Portlanders, evokes a special feeling.  It’s a short 10 miles from downtown, but crossing the Sauvie Island bridge and seeing sprawling farmland crowned by the four cascade mountain view (yes, on clear days you can see the top of Mt. Rainier too)–makes you exhale immediately.  For some it’s biking, beach combing, fishing, kayaking or hiking, but the collective draw is the farms.  Picking berries, stone fruit and flowers, hayrides, summer concerts, sipping wine and beer while dining on food cart delicacies and leaving with food grown by hardworking local farmers.  Summer isn’t complete in Portland without a day on Sauvie Island.

This year I had the ultimate pleasure of helping very dear friends of mine realize their dream of owning a farm on Sauvie Island. It was a complicated and emotional transaction for all, but the end result was relieved and happy clients!  Kruger’s Farm is now owned by an amazing local Sauvie Island family and has been renamed Topaz Farm.  Kat and Jim are two of the smartest, hardworking people I know and their vision for the farm is going to blow your mind.  Think farm-to-plate brunches and dinners, sipping wine, beer, local coffee or strawberry rhubarb lemonade while shopping in the farm store that features their own produce, as well as other Sauvie Island and local products.  They have in-house chefs that create pasta, kale chips, pastries, pies, sandwiches, otter pops, etc., for the farm store using their produce.  They use organic farming practices and plan to be an educational farm.  They’ve partnered with the Sauvie Island Center to create camp and field trip opportunities for our schools.  They are creating a bee wheel garden (the first of its kind on the west coast) and have all kinds of plans for future enrichment programs.  They’ve accomplished all this just since they purchased the farm in January.  Can you imagine what the future holds?!!

Of course COVID-19 has changed a few things, but visiting a farm and getting outside isn’t one of them.  Don’t we all need a change of scenery!  There are some things that are on hold right now and Topaz Farm is following a very strict COVID-19 policy to keep their customers and employees safe.  Follow them on Instagram or Facebook to stay up-to-date on berry picking calendars, farm-to-plate dinners and possibly a creative summer concert series.

When you visit Topaz Farm you will likely meet the whole family.  Their daughters Maggie and Odessa work right alongside of their parents.  Kat’s brother, Peter is working tirelessly to build all sorts of new farm features (clever mobile farm store displays, new pens for the animals, etc).  I know they will be pleased to make your acquaintance (tell ‘em we sent ya!)

My wife and I had the pleasure of visiting the farm on opening day, May 27th.  Enjoy some of the photos from our visit.

       

 

COVID-19 Update from Inhabit’s Owner

Posted on by Eric Hagstette

March 31, 2020

The coronavirus is impacting everyone and every business in some way and the real estate industry is no exception.  In many ways we are lucky because our shift to doing things virtually isn’t as big a leap as some businesses are facing.  As a matter of fact, for many years we’ve been able to handle most of the home buying and selling transactions electronically.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, Inhabit is committed to keeping the health and safety of our clients and agents at the forefront of everything we do.  Even before Governor Brown initiated Oregon’s shelter-in-place order, Inhabit launched our Couch Concierge service that brings the entire home buying and selling process to our clients.  Everything from virtual open houses, live video showings with our agents, to virtual contracts and closings.

Our listing clients shouldn’t worry about canceled open houses.  We will create a digital marketing campaign that brings your house to potential buyers all without risking anyone’s health or safety.  Our agents will tailor a showing plan that you feel the most comfortable with.

For our buyers, we are hosting live video tours.  Our agents will walk you through the property showing you every nook and cranny with honest feedback on quality or construction issues they see.  

In-person tours are still an option in many cases when necessary, but with precautions we take very seriously.  We recommend live video tours for anyone that has cold or flu symptoms or concerned about a possible COVID-19 exposure.  This goes for clients, as well as, agents.  Our agents are following the recommended 6 ft of social distancing and strict hand-washing and disinfecting policies.  Our agents provide our COVID-19 Safe Showing policies to clients for review prior to visiting any property in-person so you can make the best decision for your health and safety.

We are a small business that puts the care of our clients and agents first.  I started this company six years ago because I knew there was a better, more innovative way to serve clients.  This is an industry that one-size definitely does not fit all.  Inhabit has always been forward-looking and our size allows us to be nimble in creating services that address changing needs and goals.  We are here to give you the best real estate advice possible, now and into the future.

Yours in health and prosperity!

Eric

Celebrating 5 Years Inhabiting our Flagship Office in SE Portland

Posted on by Kim Hagstette

Celebrating 5 Years Inhabiting our Flagship Office in SE Portland

5 years ago, Inhabit Real Estate decided to put down stakes on SE Division Street at the epicenter of it all.  It was during a time that the neighborhood was experiencing tremendous growth and the landscape of the street was transforming a little too rapidly for some.  A sea of mixed-use, 4-story apartment buildings sprung up between existing shops and restaurants.  The renewed energy brought in some anchor tenants that literally transformed the entire neighborhood vibe.  Today, it’s an area that literally buzzes with energy.  The street is lined with noteworthy eateries and was dubbed one of the “10 Best Foodie Streets in America” by Food and Wine Magazine.  The restaurants, unique shopping, and local vibe make it a worthy destination in Portland.  We happily claim our spot nestled between the Whiskey Soda Lounge and Bula Kava House at 31st and Division.

As a small, Portland-based company, our goal was to celebrate everything local in our design.  We partnered with Maven Interiors, an award-winning local design company and Christopher McDonald (our good friend and amazing carpenter/ contractor) to do the build-out. We challenged the design team to create something that was unique, sustainable and had a hand-crafted feel.  We wanted our storefront to add to the streetscape and our presence embraced by the community.

Here’s a brief tour of some of the “local” aspects of our office…

One of the first things you will notice as soon as you walk in the office is a huge mural of an abstract Portland map that we commissioned local artist Jerry Inscoe to create for us.  The red peg indicates “you are here”.

We looked for opportunities to infuse art in unexpected ways.  Our interior doors, for example, became blank canvases. We asked Jerry Inscoe to collaborate with local artist Jennifer Mercede to bring our doors to life in an otherwise uninspired corridor.  Jerry airbrushed abstract backgrounds and Jennifer painted things reminiscent of Portland (Doug firs, bubbler fountains, bicycles, etc) in a whimsical doodle fashion on top.  The contrasting styles of the artists resulted in one-of-a-kind creations.

We turned to Portland’s own Schoolhouse Electric for all of our office pendants lights and Pratt and Larson Tile for our handmade kitchen backsplash.

The bathroom wallpaper is the work of local designers at MAKELIKE, a graphic design collective in SE Portland.  We loved continuing the unexpected whimsy in the loo.

All of our office partitions and workstations were custom designed by Maven Interiors and hand built by Chris McDonald.  The materials used are untraditional, just like us.  We are different by design.

The next time you find yourself on SE Division Street, please stop by for a tour and a cup of coffee.  We would be happy to make your acquaintance.

Why 2019 Could be a Great Year to Sell Your Home

Posted on by Eric Hagstette

With the Feds increasing interest rates already 3 times the last 12 months (and a possible 4th predicted); it’s understandable that people could be hesitant to make any real estate moves. Mortgage rates tend to mirror interest rates, but with some caveats. Mortgage rates are based on the current market, your financial status and the property you are trying to purchase. Mortgage rates hit a 7-year high in November, 2018 at just under 5% as reported by Freddy Mac, but as of February the rates have lowered to the mid to low 4% range. These rates are still incredible if you consider the historic high of 18% in 1981.

 

Housing markets and volatility will vary depending on where you live. Thankfully, Portland is still a growing and sought after destination which helps keep our market volatility more steady. So why would selling in 2019 be better than 2020 or 2021? Our housing market has a cycle of its own that is influenced by the economy. Typically the cycle is somewhere between 10-16 years. Some experts are predicting the next recession happening in 2020 or 2021. That prediction would be in line with our typical cycle length since the last housing “crash” was in 2008.

 

If you are unsure what to do, here are some compelling things to think about…

Reasons to Sell in 2019:

  1. Do you have plans to make a move in the next 3 years?
  2. Do you have considerable equity in your home? The higher your down payment on a new home, the better your interest rate.
  3. Interest rates are predicted to rise again in the next year
  4. New home buyers are entering the market. Based on a recent Trulia survey, millennials are the largest buying group with 1 out of 5 reporting they will buy a home in the next 12 months.
  5. If you are getting close to retirement and the equity in your home is a big part of your financial picture, then waiting out the next economic cycle might not be the best plan.

Reasons not to Sell in 2019:

  1. You haven’t owned your current home for long enough to build up enough equity. If you’ve owned for less than 2 years, then paying capital gains on your profit is a deterrent as well.
  2. You are happy with your home and believe it can meet your needs for the next 5 years or more, then staying put and waiting until the next cycle is probably in your best interest.

 

I created Inhabit to be a trusted resource for guiding people on how to get the most out of their largest and most important asset. Our overarching goal is to be a trusted advisor and build relationships that withstand all the market ups and downs.

If you want help assessing what you should do to get the most out of your real estate investment, I’m just a phone call away.

 

Portland Fixer Dreams

Posted on by Thomas Shapiro

I recently had the pleasure of helping my wonderful client, Dave through the home buying process. Like any savvy buyer, Dave was looking for the best possible house for the best price. What set Dave’s experience apart, however, was that he planned to fix up whatever home he ended up purchasing, so the aesthetics of the home itself weren’t of much importance. 

He went into the process thinking that he might need to see dozens of homes before finding one that he would be happy with. To ensure that his time was well spent, I took his wishlist and translated that into a highly curated list of properties for him to see – as a result, Dave found his perfect home after seeing just three properties! 

The first two were fixer-uppers. One ticked most of the boxes and needed mostly cosmetic updates, but it didn’t quite feel right to Dave. 

The second one felt as though we had walked onto the set of a horror film and was way more work than Dave wanted to take on. 

Then we found the “Glass Slipper”, a perfect fit. While the location was a tad further out than what Dave had originally wanted, it was only 10 blocks from some of his closest friends and offered a short trek to the airport that perfectly suited him with his frequent travel for work. While the design and fixtures in the house were dated, the house itself came back with a clean inspection and the updates could all be completed without too much work. 

I’m so happy for Dave and so excited to see how he takes his new home to the next level! 

Home for the Holidays

Posted on by Thomas Shapiro

There’s nothing more gratifying or fulfilling than when you’re able to help a loved one with the purchase of their new home. When my brother, Henry, reached out to me when he was in the process of downsizing from his current residence and was looking into buying a condo. Serendipitous that the condo market had stagnated somewhat, making his position as a buyer all the better. 

Not only did we locate a condo below his anticipated price range but it also had a deeded parking space and was right across the street from where a good friend of his lives. 

What better way to start off the holiday season than that? Congrats Henry! 

Albert and Charles’ New Home

Posted on by Thomas Shapiro

Congratulations on your new home, Albert and Charles! 

Albert, a friend and fellow rugby player with the Portland Lumberjacks, had lived in his one bedroom, classic Buckman condo for 11 years and he, and his partner, Charles, were at the point where they needed more space to grow as a family. 

With dreams of barbecues in the backyard, relaxing evenings spent in the hot tub, and sharing meals with their family & friends in the dining room, they started their house hunting process. 

This would be Charles’ first time as a homeowner, and more importantly their first home together, so we wanted to make this as exciting and positive an experience as possible. We saw quite a few properties: mold castles, critter dens, and our fair share of ‘underwhelming’; they had all but resigned themselves to the prospect of a “fixer” that still left a lot to be desired. 

One Sunday I got a text from Albert saying they wanted me to go and see a home they had checked out at an open house. I went over and was delighted to find the home was pristine and preserved with tasteful fixtures and Albert’s most important criteria: level floors. 

The home was “priced to sell” with warning signs of multiple offers. Knowing that this was the right home for them, Albert and Charles made the decision to submit a bid above ask and the seller responded with an accepted offer. 

I can’t wait to see how they make it their own! 

Finding Love on Love Street

Posted on by Alison Derse

It has been said that one has to “kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince”. In this case, the frogs my client Keith kissed were homes in Woodstock, and the prince he finally found was the home at 4026 SE Liebe Street.

Having initially lost Liebe Street, meaning “Love Street” in German, during a bidding war, she came back to Keith when the first buyer decided they were not a good match.
Keith, having patiently waited for his turn, embraced her with open arms. Between the huge, light-filled living room with views of downtown, the retro kitchen, the office space and the basement perfect for Keith’s pottery, it truly was a match made in heaven!

Congratulations on your purchase Keith, and thank you for entrusting me with your investment!

– Calle Holmgren

Farm Life Dreams

Posted on by Patrick Clark

I met Miles and Brandy at a wine night dinner party with mutual friends. They were a smart, hilarious couple, with a house full of three kids, a dog, and chickens (well, the chickens were technically in a coop in the backyard). I liked them immediately.

Last year they contacted me about selling a house they owned in SE Portland – a BEAUTIFUL vintage home in a FANTASTIC neighborhood! I was thrilled. We did a walk-through and originally the plan was to wait until the tenant’s lease expired, but with the Portland market being so strong and the location what it was, I thought we could sell it with the lease in place.  Which is exactly what we did.  Success!

SE Portland BEAUTY! SE Portland BEAUTY!

But that was just the beginning…

Miles and Brandy had a plan, a grand plan, a farm plan. The goal was to sell the SE Portland home then sell the house they were living in at the time in SW Portland and finally find a dream country property with a few acres and plenty of space for the entire family to live the farm life!  We listed their SW Portland home which was near Multnomah Village and started looking in Newberg for the dream property.

SW Portland – Home #2 SOLD!  That much closer to dreams of “farm life!” SW Portland – Home #2 SOLD!  That much closer to dreams of “farm life!”

One day, we came across a listing for a house that was in need of “a little TLC.” We made it out to the property and drove up a VERY long and daunting gravel driveway with several tight switchbacks. The whole time I was thinking “I hope my Jetta makes it. I hope I don’t get stuck.  I hope this is worth it, once we get to the top.”

Wow, was it ever worth it!

It was like magic, once we made it to the property at the top of the hill. The view was spectacular and it just had a very special feeling. Then we turned around and looked at the house which had been vacant for quite some time. We thought “Oh, cool!  Look at that eco-roof!” Then quickly realized the entire roof had been severely lacking in maintenance and had literally grown an entire ecosystem. I had never seen anything like it. We got inside to find that the roof was leaking (and had been for some time), there were spiders and dead flies everywhere, and almost every inch of it needed to be updated. I thought to myself “This will never fly.  Beautiful property, but just too much work for them.” Boy, was I ever wrong.

1980’s farmhouse, before the gut remodel.  Note the “eco roof.” 1980’s farmhouse, before the gut remodel.  Note the “eco roof.”

Brandy and Miles listed and sold their SW Portland home with me and they bought that Newberg property in need of “a little TLC.” They did a complete gut remodel and turned this tired, sad, neglected house, into a beautiful and unique dream home for their family: a truly contemporary farm-house.

The Remodeled Exterior! The Remodeled Exterior!

They are the most adventurous couple I have ever met.  They are creative, smart, funny as heck, and absolutely not afraid to get their hands dirty! This was my third transaction with them in less than a year. Third time was the charm: their farm-life dreams were officially a reality. It was one of the most rewarding real estate experiences I have had the pleasure of being a part of. Thank you Miles and Brandy for allowing me represent you throughout the process. It was a fantastic ride I will never forget! I am looking forward to checking out the solar eclipse this summer at “The Farm!”

Before and Afters of The Farm

-Morgan Cox

Adam, Cole, & Will’s Exciting Journey!

Posted on by Alison Derse

When I first met Adam, Cole, and their adorable 10-month old son Will, they told me their exciting story. After having spent a decade living in NYC moving from neighborhood to neighborhood in search of their dream place, the idea that one day they would find a home, a place they could set down roots and raise a family, started to seem like an ever elusive dream. They had to make a difficult decision – leaving NYC. They realized they had to leave; their home was not in the big city.

From there, they spent months on the road, driving from town to town with the hope that one would feel right to them, but it wasn’t until they came to Portland, walking through Mt. Tabor Park, that they finally felt it- they were home.

During their first eighteen months in the City of Roses, Adam, Nicole, their son Will, and their four legged friend Vera spent every day falling more and more in love with the city. The dream of homeownership started to feel more like a reality.

When the charming blue house with the orange door came on the market in Brentwood-Darlington they had a feeling and knew they had to go see it. Their plan was not to look at houses so close to the holidays, but this one had something special. Had they found their perfect niche within the city? From the moment they turned onto the street, spotting the orange door, they knew. They could so easily see themselves walking their little boy to and from Woodmere Elementary, gardening in the beautiful backyard, and taking loops around the neighborhood with their sweet dog.

Once inside the house, the feeling was solidified – this could be their forever home.

The house felt warm and welcoming. Adam & Nicole pictured themselves cooking family meals in the adorable kitchen and eating together with their friends in the backyard around a fire.

Adam and Nicole beat out several other buyers and landed the winning offer on the home. After inspections, repair negotiations and a somewhat stressful loan process, the home was finally theirs! The dream of homeownership was no longer elusive – it was real. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your exciting journey!

–Calle Holmgren

Review from a Happy Homeseller

Posted on by Alison Derse

Our experience was nothing but positive!

We got the advice to interview a few real estate agents when selling our condo and buying a new home. This was great advice because Calle quickly stood out as the most professional, organized, driven, charismatic agent. Our experience was nothing but positive.

Calle worked hard to help us sell our condo way above what we thought it would go for.

He also patiently helped us find the exact right fit for our family when buying a new home.

My husband and I still can’t believe what Calle found us! In this crazy, competitive Portland market, he helped us land a home that checked all our boxes and was in our price range.

Calle consistently reminded us of our goals and needs as we navigated the tricky process of house hunting. He was incredibly responsive via phone, text, and email at all hours.

I’ve already shared his contact info with everyone who mentions buying/selling because I know Calle works tirelessly to take care of his clients.

I couldn’t recommend him more.

– Calle Holmgren

Successful Staging Story

Posted on by Alison Derse

Let’s go back to the summer of 2015 where I was hosting an open house in North Plains. Doing what I always do at my opens, I treat each potential buyer that walks into the open house as my personal guest, as though I’m having a party. It was busy with multiple buyers arriving at the same time. Not only was the cute farmhouse for sale but the property included acreage and a barn. I felt like a chicken with its head cut off running here and there tending to my guests (buyers) needs.

Six months rolled around and some buyers that I had met at the open house contacted me. They did not end up with the cute farmhouse in North Plains but opted for another house in Hillsboro that they found without me. But they wanted me to list their townhouse in Hillsboro! I felt honored that they remembered enough about me from my open house in North Plains to want me to help them sell their home.

As I arrived for the listing appointment, their place was in chaos because they were in the process of moving out. Immediately, I thought that a vacant listing needs staging! As we finalized our paperwork I discussed the need for staging. The wife was ready to move forward but the husband was resistant. He asked me to provide him with data on how staging might help sell his place. Not only did he not want staging, he also wanted the list price to be higher than my recommendation.

After much discussion, I convinced the sellers to have a complimentary staging consultation done. We were able to work out a reasonable staging fee with OnStage and the husband agreed to move forward with staging.

Moral of the story, we ended up with multiple offers in which the seller was able to get the price he wanted. And to show how important the staging was in selling the townhouse… the buyer ended up buying pieces for the upstairs loft because the furniture fit there so perfectly!

Sometimes it is hard to visualize how furniture will fit in a space. Whether staging with your own furniture or through a staging company, consider having it done. It is all about the first impression when buyers view your photos. If you can capture their attention the first time, they will likely want to view the home in person instead of moving onto the next listing on the internet.

I love working with my listing clients to get ready for the big day – the photo shoot. Each of my listings have been unique in how they have been staged. Sometimes my clients have great furniture pieces and we just add to those pieces to create an updated touch. When the home is vacant, I let the staging company work their magic by bringing in their own pieces.

– Linda Nyman

The staged townhome The staged townhome This was the piece that the buyer ended up purchasing because it fit so well in the upstairs loft space! This was the piece that the buyer ended up purchasing because it fit so well in the upstairs loft space!

“We met Linda a few years ago at an open house and were very impressed.
When it came time to sell our house recently, we enlisted her help. She guided us through the entire process, including helping us get the house ready, and negotiated a great sale price for us in a multiple offer situation. I wish we had enlisted her aid when buying our new house instead of searching by ourselves!”

— Linda’s Clients

The Lanes Move to SE

Posted on by Alison Derse

A few weeks back I wrote about setting a new record at the Embassy, when representing Tim, Tiffany and their son Kesey in the sale of their NW condo. That was only half the story though…

Prior to putting their home on the market we had spent time in SE and NE Portland looking for their new home. We even made an offer on a Sellwood home that fortunately went to another buyer. I say fortunately because we found a house that was a much better fit for them – 4312 SE Salmon.

The only problem with SE Salmon was that there was already an offer on the home, and we would need to make our offer contingent upon the sale of Tim & Tiffany’s condo, which was not even on the market yet. In today’s fierce real estate market, getting a contingent offer accepted is no easy task. Well, we gave it our best shot and presented a contingent offer that would allow us a little bit of time to get their home on the market and an offer accepted. The seller, however, had already had an offer accepted on her next home and did not want to stack up too many dominoes with the fear that if one falls, so does the whole thing. In other words, she accepted another offer.

We were able to get into first Backup Position though, meaning that if the other buyer pulled out, we would be first in line. I explained to my client that the chances of the other buyer pulling out on such a nice house would be slim to none and to not get their hopes up. Right in the middle of my expectation management I got a phone call from the listing agent letting me know that the other buyer had a change of heart and won’t be moving here from Arizona after all, and that the home is ours if we want it. If we want it?! Are you kidding me? Tim and Tiffany were ecstatic to hear their backup offer had been pushed up into first place!

We immediately had to speed up the process of getting their home on the market because if they couldn’t get their condo sold, they wouldn’t be able to buy SE Salmon, which means the seller of SE Salmon wouldn’t be able to complete the purchase of her new home. Lots of moving targets but we were confident we could get it done.

Fast forward to December 12, 2016, one business day after we closed on the condo: Tim, Tiffany and their adorable little boy Kesey get the keys to their new home. We had pulled it off!

For me personally this was extra exciting as my family get to be neighbors with such an awesome family. The best part of all? It won’t be just the three of them living in the house… Prior to closing Tiffany found out Kesey is getting a sibling!

– Calle Holmgren

Reminiscing on 2016 – A Blog Post About Success

Posted on by Katy Diffendorfer

Success can be defined as many things…but for me as a Realtor, it feels like:
S trategizing
U nder
C razy
C ircumstances &
E xceeding
S tandard
S olutions !

Having a 9-months pregnant mother and her toddler as a client requires thinking out of the box.

Shannon is the client we all dream of… sweet, smart, and a go-getter.  She stopped by with little Sally in tow one afternoon while I was gardening, to ask if I would help her buy the home down the street.  This is after meeting only once, a year before…Yes, of COURSE I will!!

The only problem: it was a FSBO and they wouldn’t open the door to strangers (including Shannon). Also, her own house would need to be sold to buy the new one…and with a baby due any minute, it was nowhere being presentable. So we flew into action!! I scored a meeting with the FSBO…and happily all parties fell in love! The offer was accepted, but it was also contingent on selling her own house…fast.

So Hubby and I went straight to Home Depot, bought $100 worth of hanging plants and gear to stage the yard, built things that were sitting in boxes and never had a chance to be put together, like the sweet pit BBQ. We brought our own patio furniture set and made the yard adorable. It was important to create an outdoor peaceful oasis…because the front of the house was on a busy street!

We put the house on the market that week on Wednesday… and Shannon went into labor on Thursday.

Baby came early.

What a trooper, she remarked: “this will keep us out of the house for a few days while you show it!”

It did, I did, and Shannon’s house sold for over ask within 10 days.

The whole family is doing great, safe and cozy in their new digs.  And guess what, they gave ME a fancy bottle of Vueve Cliquot champagne at closing?!?!

THAT kind of gratification is my version of success.

 

 

– Katy Diffendorfer