Join us this weekend at these incredible homes' open house viewings.

9119 N Richmond Ave, Portland (map/directions); Price: $375k
Open House: Sept 9, Sunday, 1-3p

Details: This charming Victorian 2-bedroom, 1.1 bathroom home is located just blocks from downtown St. Johns! Features include high ceilings, warm wood floors, stained glass window, and French doors that lead out to your private deck and yard. The remodeled kitchen makes entertaining easy, and with 2 bathrooms - including a claw-foot tub! - hosting overnight guests is a breeze. The additional 200 square feet basement makes for a great storage solution. A must-see gem! (Listing by: Claire Paris)

4401 SE 66th Ave, Portland (map/directions); Listing Price: $325k
Open House: Sept 16, Sunday, 12-2p

Details: A great bargain in Foster-Powell! This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom bungalow includes an open living/dining room with warm wood floors. Nicely appointed, remodeled kitchen and an amazing yard, with an end of summer harvest waiting for you. Alley access to your garage for your cars and bikes. Link coming soon! Contact us for details. (Listing by: Claire Paris)

Can't make this weekend? Contact us to schedule a visit by email or phone, 503.998.4878.
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If you’ve heard of a mother-in-law suite, a multigenerational home, or a garage apartment, you’re already familiar with the idea of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). An ADU is an attached or detached structure that accompanies a home on the same piece of property. With the extra space, homeowners enjoy a flexible home design that increases the value of a home and offers a communal living concept without compromising privacy. This creative home addition also makes it possible to earn a passive income as a rental unit.

The concept is designed around a communal style of living without compromising privacy.

Though often much smaller than a typical house, an Accessory Dwelling Unit differs from a tiny home because an ADU must be built to standard building codes, requires building permits, and remains a fixed structure. Tiny homes aren’t usually held to those same requirements. Tiny homes also get their own quirky tv shows and inexplicable storage space.

Benefits of an Accessory Dwelling Unit:

• Increases value and marketability of a property
• Adds (mostly) passive income as a rental unit
• Creates a communal living style while offering privacy
• Accommodates family and friends who need temporary living arrangements
• Allows for in-home health care services
• Provides a reasonably priced rental in an established community

What to Expect When Building an ADU in Portland
In recent years, Portland has become known as an industry leader for ADUs and a city where this flexible home concept has been encouraged. City planners discovered that Accessory Dwelling Units help address the shortage of affordable rental homes in a rental market with quickly rising rental prices. Portland has developed especially flexible ADU regulations creating a thriving market for a creative solution to a common urban problem. When homeowners can add a separate structure to their property specifically as a rental unit, not only does their property value increase but also tenants have affordable housing options in established communities. The homeowners and tenants reap the benefits while helping to balancing out the overall rental market rates.

Designed to Help You Stay Flexible During Life’s Changes
You’ll be hard pressed to find anyone, especially a prospective buyer, disappointed with extra room that can designed to fit just about any lifestyle.

Accessory Dwelling Units can accommodate many different situations for homeowners whether they want to bring family members closer, make their property more marketable to potential buyers, or earn extra income by offering the ADU as a rented space. They can even maximize the potential income by renting out the main home while living in the extra space themselves.

When your property includes an ADU, that space can transform with each major (and minor) life change. A separate garage apartment might serve as a dedicated area to focus on new hobbies, somewhere for younger children to play, or a private living area for teens to gain more independence at home. A new business can take advantage of the separation of work and life when there’s a designated office space. That same dwelling can give college students a comfortable place to live during the short transition into adulthood or an elderly parent an autonomous lifestyle within close reach of their loved ones.

Have questions about ADUs? Please contact us any time, by phone or email! We always look forward to helping others better understand real estate, the home buying and selling process, and investment properties.

 

Our end-of-year goal is to reach 100 YouTube subscribers! Help us reach our goal by subscribing here.
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While enjoying the gorgeous weekend, we'd love to see you this weekend at these amazing homes during our open house viewings. Stop by and check them out!

2207 NE 14th Ave, Portland (map/directions); Listing Price: $725k
Open House: Sept 8, Saturday, 1-3p

Details: Unique opportunity to own a grand 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom duplex home in Irvington. Currently rented for $3200/month, you can have a duplex in one of Portland's premier neighborhoods or convert it back to a single family home, it's up to you! This home has original woodwork and an expansive front porch. The home opens up to a huge, open plan kitchen and the living room is complemented by two fireplaces. The bedrooms and bathrooms are bright and spacious. The basement has all the space you need and is wired separately for you to use as your own personal shop! This house is a one-of-a-kind! (Listing by: Heather Paris)

1836 SE 45th, Portland (map/directions); NEW PRICE: $425k
Open House: Sept 8 & 9, Sat & Sun, 2-4p

Details: An investors dream come true! This 3-bedroom,1-bathroom classic bungalow home is perfectly located between the amazing districts of Hawthorne and Division, so you're just blocks away from all the excitement. There's plenty of potential in this fixer-upper. The kitchen and living rooms are bright and inviting, ready for all of your additions. The loft space is spacious, perfect to refurbish as a den or as a space to host guests. The 960 sq ft unfinished basement would be great addition as a family room or movie room. Bring your vision and your tool belt! Link coming soon! (Listing by: Chelsea McAlister)

1300 NE 68th Ave #12, Portland (map/directions); Listing Price: $250k
Open House: Sept 9, Sunday, 12-1p

Details: Sophisticated and affordable, this 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo in easily accessible Montavilla. Open floor plan with wood floors and remodeled kitchen. Two nicely appointed bedrooms and remodeled bath. Two covered parking spaces and private storage unit to boot. Shared outdoor deck and BBQ ideal for hosting get-togethers with friends.(Listing by: Claire Paris)

4401 SE 66th Ave, Portland (map/directions); Listing Price: $325k
Open House: Sept 9, Sunday, 12-2p

Details: Best bargain in Foster/Powell! This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom includes an open living/dining room with warm wood floors. Nicely appointed, remodeled kitchen and an amazing yard, with an end of summer harvest waiting for you. Alley access to your garage for your cars and bikes. Link coming soon! Contact us for details. (Listing by: Claire Paris)

4724 N Missouri Ave, Portland (map/directions); Listing Price: $435k
Open House: Sept 9, Sunday, 1-3p

Details: This spacious 4-bedroom, 1.1 bathroom home is close to Mississippi District's cafes, shops, restaurants, and more! Well-appointed and remodeled with large picture windows facing west, charming built-ins, and hardwood floors gleaming with light. With an easy flow from inside to the deck and backyard, it's ideal for entertaining during these gorgeous late summer nights. (Listing by: Claire Paris)

9119 N Richmond Ave, Portland (map/directions); Price: $375k
Open House: Sept 9, Sunday, 1-3p

Details: This charming Victorian 2-bedroom, 1.1 bathroom home is located just blocks from downtown St. Johns! Features include high ceilings, warm wood floors, stained glass window, and French doors that lead out to your private deck and yard. The remodeled kitchen makes entertaining easy, and with 2 bathrooms - including a claw-foot tub! - hosting overnight guests is a breeze. The additional 200 square feet basement space makes for a great storage solution. A must-see gem! (Listing by: Claire Paris)

 

Can't make this weekend? Contact us to schedule a visit by email or phone, 503.998.4878.

Our end-of-year goal is to reach 100 YouTube subscribers! Help us reach our goal by subscribing here.
Don't forget to turn on the notification bell to get all the updates!

Join us on Tuesdays at 1p for our "Dear Claire" Facebook Live series!

Follow us on facebook and instagram to learn about our upcoming open houses

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There are a few crucial steps every responsible seller must do when selling their home and moving out. It can be quite the journey to selling your home. Your home is a place where you have spent a lot of time and made a lot of memories and when you have a house cleaning after moving, it gives the buyer a chance to relax, as well. When all the furniture is gone, and the moving boxes are packed away, there are still a few things to keep in mind before you close the door, literally. Here’s an easy to follow checklist of steps for house cleaning after moving; time to get out the rubber gloves!

Item 1: Cleaning a house before moving out

Cleaning your home should go beyond the usual weekly or day-to-day chore. If you don’t have the time to commit to deep cleaning every corner of your home, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to help. When you deep clean your house before moving it helps to emphasize your commitment to the selling process and it doesn’t hurt to make your last impression for your buyers a positive one. Make sure to take everything with you. Unless the buyer specifically asks for a piece of furniture or an appliance, pack everything up and double-check all the rooms, especially basements and attics, for items you may have missed.

Item 2: Disconnect all your utilities

When thinking through cleaning a house before moving out, make sure you take the time to turn off everything electric, disconnect all the appliances you aren’t taking with you, and most importantly, disconnecting all the water sources in your home. A small leak can cause a massive financial headache, if left untreated.

Item 3: Be meticulous inside and outside

It will be important to make a thorough cleaning checklist of every room in the space. Maybe it’s time to fix that leaky faucet or those cracks in the bathroom tiles. As far as the exterior of the home goes, start with front door, the focal point of the home and a fresh coat of paint can go a long way. Putting in the extra effort will show the buyers of your home a level of appreciation for the home buying process.

Item 4: Agreed-upon items

As you are in the process of deep cleaning, make sure any previously agreed-upon items (like furniture or appliances left for the new buyer) are properly repaired or replaced, as agreed upon in the final documents, or are scheduled to be repaired.

Feel free to reach out to me with your additional questions at any time! Through phone or by email, I’m ready to help you through the home-selling process.

 

Our end-of-year goal is to reach 100 YouTube subscribers! Help us reach our goal by subscribing here. Don't forget to turn on the notification bell to get all the updates!

 

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September is finally here and we can't wait for the long weekend and enjoying Labor Day by spending time with family and friends. But before we can enjoy this last summer holiday, we're hosting open houses at these five amazing homes. We'll see you this weekend!

4724 N Missouri Ave, Portland (map/directions); NEW PRICE: $435,000
Open House: Sept 2 (Sun) 2-3p

Details: This spacious 4-bedroom, 1.1 bathroom home is close to Mississippi District's cafes, shops, restaurants, and more! Well-appointed and remodeled with large picture windows facing west, charming built-ins, and hardwood floors gleaming with light. With an easy flow from inside to the deck and backyard, it's ideal for entertaining in these long summer nights. (Listing by: Claire Paris)

1300 NE 68th Ave #12, Portland (map/directions); Price: $250,000
Open House: Sept 2 (Sun) 1-3p

Details: Sophisticated and affordable, this 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo in easily accessible Montavilla. Open floor plan with wood floors and remodeled kitchen. Two nicely appointed bedrooms and remodeled bath. Two covered parking spaces and private storage unit to boot. Shared outdoor deck and BBQ ideal for hosting get-togethers with friends.(Listing by: Claire Paris)

8817 NE Russell Pl, Portland (map/directions); Price: $350,000
Open House: Sept 1 (Sat) 1-3p

Details: Located at the base of Rocky Butte in Roseway, this 2-bedroom, 1.1-bathroom ranch home is nearby to numerous trails and hiking opportunities.The wood-burning fireplace and open kitchen includes an island with ample seating, making entertaining a dream. There is plenty of room for you and your guests, with a spacious living room and an additional den. Tons of light in your solarium are a perfect place for your plants year round. Enjoy a city garden with fruit trees and there's plenty of space for storage thanks to a garage and shed. This is 1-level living at its finest, with serene nature right in your backyard. (Listing by: Claire Paris)

9119 N Richmond Ave, Portland (map/directions); Price: $375,000
Open House: Sept 2 (Sun) 1-3p

Details: This charming Victorian 2-bedroom, 1.1 bathroom home is located just blocks from downtown St. John’s and all the fun of Portland! Features include high ceilings, warm wood floors, stained glass window, and French doors that lead out to your private deck and yard. The remodeled kitchen makes entertaining easy, and with two bathrooms (including a claw-foot tub), hosting guests is a dream. The additional 200 square feet basement space makes for easy storage. This is a gem you must see! (Listing by: Claire Paris)

2207 NE 14th Ave, Portland (map/directions); Price: $725,000
Open House: Sept 1 (Sat) 1-3p

Details: Unique opportunity to own a grand 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom duplex home in Irvington. Currently rented for $3200/month, you can have a duplex in one of Portland's premier neighborhoods or convert it back to a single family home, it's up to you! This home has original woodwork and an expansive front porch. The home opens up to a huge, open plan kitchen and the living room is complemented by two fireplaces. The bedrooms and bathrooms are bright and spacious. The basement has all the space you need and is wired separately for you to use as your own personal shop! This house is a one-of-a-kind! (Listing by: Heather Paris)

 

Can't make this weekend? Contact us to schedule a visit by email or phone, 503.998.4878.

 

Our summer goal is to reach 100 YouTube subscribers! Help us reach our goal by subscribing here. Don't forget to turn on the notification bell to get all the updates!

 

Join us on Tuesdays at 1p for our "Dear Claire" Facebook Live series!

Follow us on facebook and instagram to learn about our upcoming open houses

Closing day is an exciting day for home buyers. You’ve made it to the finish line and the end is in sight finally! However, there are just a few final steps that need to happen. We’ve outlined what happens at closing for the buyer, to help your closing process be stress-free.

How to Prepare for Closing on a House

Make sure to review the closing disclosure, which outlines the final monetary terms of your loan, any closing costs, and outstanding fees. Your lender will send you all of those documents at least three days before closing on a house, so you have a chance to review it. This way, you can read ahead, before you officially sign the documents at the title agency. Two items you will want to do; schedule a final walk-through of the home with your agent, checking for any home-related issues; and transfer the utility bills to your name, starting on the day of closing.

What to Bring when Closing on a House

Part of what happens at closing is reviewing all of the legal documents to sign, but make sure to bring these 3 things with you on the day of closing:

• Each buyer needs a government issued photo I.D., such as a driver’s license
• A certified or cashier’s check for the closing costs that you will owe and made out to the title or closing company
• Any additional paperwork that you have not yet provided to the title company or mortgage loan officer (i.e., a condo approval letter or originals of copies you’ve provided for the other documents)

Documents Received when Closing on a House

When you sit down at the table at your title office, this is a rough outline of the paperwork you’ll sign:

1. The loan estimate: this includes the interest rate of your loan and closing costs;
2. The closing disclosure: the details of your mortgage payments;
3. The escrow statement: this includes payments the lender will pay from your escrow account;
4. Mortgage note: this document states your commitment to pay your mortgage;
5. Deed of trust: this document secures the mortgage note and the title to the property is given to you;
6. Certificate of occupancy: if you’re buying a newly-constructed home, this is a legal document stating you can move in.

Once you’ve reviewed and signed all the documents, the keys will soon be yours! You’re a brand-new homeowner!

Have more questions about what happens at closing? Give me a call or we can meet and talk further!

 

Our end-of-year goal is to reach 100 YouTube subscribers! Help us reach our goal by subscribing here. Don't forget to turn on the notification bell to get all the updates!

 

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Now that the air quality in Portland is mostly back-to-normal, we're looking forward to being outside this weekend and enjoying the last weeks of summer. We're hosting four open houses this weekend, so stop by and see us, at these three gorgeous homes.

4005 SE Ivon St, Portland (map/directions); Price: $425,000
Open House: Aug 25 & 26 (Sat & Sun) 1-3p

Details: Retreat to this cozy 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom bungalow, just one block away from SE Portland's hot Division neighborhood! Relax at home or indulge at fantastic restaurants and coffee shops located around the corner. This lovely home features an open and bright floor plan with a gorgeous wood-burning fireplace in the living room, two bedrooms and one bathroom on the main level. The third bedroom is in the expansive upper-level attic. Plus, an unfinished basement space is just waiting for your additions. See it today! (Listing by: Heather Paris)

235 SE 20th Ave, Portland (map/directions); Price: $425,000
Open House: Aug 26 (Sun) 1-3p

Details: Gorgeous Japanese-style bungalow in SE! The finest of Portland's food paradise just blocks away. Convenient access to public transportation, this house is a fantastic location. Tucked into a corner lot, the grand porch and open living/dining with built-ins and privacy will charm you! Two ample bedrooms and lots of space in the basement for more living space or storage. Private deck for those warm summer nights. (Listing by: Claire Paris)

4405 NE 75th Ave, Portland (map/directions); NEW PRICE: $465,000
Open House: Aug 26 (Sun) 12-2p

Details: This fantastic 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home in NE Portland has everything you could want! A large living room, an upstairs lounge, and basement movie room provide plenty of living and entertaining space. Hardwood floors, Schoolhouse Electric fixtures, and ample light provide abundant charm throughout. A big backyard makes it ideal for summer evening gatherings and BBQs. (Listing by: Claire Paris)

 

Can't make this weekend? Contact us to schedule a visit by email or phone, 503.998.4878.

 

Our summer goal is to reach 100 YouTube subscribers! Help us reach our goal by subscribing here. Don't forget to turn on the notification bell to get all the updates!

 

Join us on Tuesdays at 1p for our "Dear Claire" Facebook Live series!

Follow us on facebook and instagram to learn about our upcoming open houses
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Portland forecasts are looking very smokey in these next few days. The National Weather Service issued an Air Quality Advisory for much of Western Oregon and Southwest Washington, which is expected to last through noon on Wednesday. Earlier this week, air quality was already listed in the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category, which means those with heart disease, the elderly and children are most affected by these unhealthy conditions. Even for those not covered in the category, stay indoors if you can! Smoke inhalation leads to a variety of health concerns, the most problematic being aggravated asthma and other lung problems.

In this week's Dear Claire, we've been getting a lot of questions on the air quality and we want to help you improve it with a few easy tips for the smokey days ahead.

Most homes have a forced air gas furnace in your basement and, coupled with your thermostat function "fan," it will start to circulate your indoor air through your filter, ridding yourself of the airborne smoke particles. Also important--remember to change your air filters! A clean filter will make all the difference in filtering out all of the unwanted smoke in your home.

If you need more information on what the air quality is like in your city, the Oregon DEQ has a helpful map to keep you safe indoors and outdoors this week.

 

Our summer goal is to reach 100 YouTube subscribers! Help us reach our goal by subscribing here. Don't forget to turn on the notification bell to get all the updates!

 

Join us on Tuesdays at 1p for our "Dear Claire" Facebook Live series!

Follow us on facebook and instagram to learn about our upcoming open houses
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We hope you are enjoying your Friday and looking forward to the weekend ahead, I know we are! This weekend, we're showing these two gorgeous homes in NE and SE Portland. See you out there!

4405 NE 75th Ave, Portland (map/directions); NEW PRICE: $465,000
Open House: Aug 18 (Sat) 12-1p

Details: This fantastic 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home in NE Portland has everything you could want! A large living room, an upstairs lounge, and basement movie room provide plenty of living and entertaining space. Hardwood floors, Schoolhouse Electric fixtures, and ample light provide abundant charm throughout. A big backyard makes it ideal for summer evening gatherings and BBQs. (Listing by: Claire Paris)

8616 SE Raymond Ct, Portland (map/directions); Price: $300,000
Open House: Aug 19 (Sun) 1-3p

Details: This thoughtfully updated Lents 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom bungalow has everything you need! It received a 10/10 home energy score – and its low utilities make living affordable and easy. Wood floors and updated kitchen and bath make this home the rare combination of comfortable and stylish. Enjoy your numerous producing fruit trees and lush garden oasis after a long day, or just relax in your ultra comfortable home and watch the sunset. An oversized garage with workbench means you have plenty of room to store your toys and tools. (Listing by: Claire Paris)

 

Can't make this weekend? Contact us to schedule a visit by email or phone, 503.998.4878.

 

Our summer goal is to reach 100 YouTube subscribers! Help us reach our goal by subscribing here. Don't forget to turn on the notification bell to get all the updates!

 

Join us on Tuesdays at 1p for our "Dear Claire" Facebook Live series!

Follow us on facebook and instagram to learn about our upcoming open houses
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If you’re wondering “is it too late to sell my house?” the short answer is; no! You’re not the only one thinking about selling a home this season in Portland. This year’s real estate market is still going strong for sellers. The average sold price in the Portland Metro area for June of this year was $449,950, up from $415,000 last year. Summer is a perfect time to showcase your home, not only because of the fair weather, but many potential buyers are taking advantage of the summer break to find a family homes closer to school districts for the fall. With summer in full swing, I’ve come up with a few tips to help you sell your home efficiently and effectively.

How can I sell my house quickly?

1. How to price your home- Along with your agent’s advice, there are many resources online that can help give you an idea of the value of your home. It also is a good idea to browse your neighborhood to see what homes near you are selling for on the market. By doing so, you see what potential buyers see and it's easier to understand what a reasonable price looks like. When it’s time to finalize the price of your home, remember that inflating your pricing, just for the sake of competition, can reduce the number of interested home buyers. If something isn’t working, successful sellers have the strength to fail fast by making adjustments. For instance, if buyers don’t begin to view your home on a regular basis, this is a clear indication that the market is rejecting your price. Always keep in touch with your agent on price changes that could be made.
    
2. Proper staging can make the difference– Even spending 1% of your home’s value on staging could make a world of difference. Especially when hosting open houses, giving your home a new, upgraded staging presence could intrigue potential home buyers and help sell your home quickly. Buyers want to imagine their belongings and memories in a new place, so make sure to set the tone of your home as neutral as possible.
    
3. Prepare for the unexpected – Properties can sell quicker than you might expect, so it’s important to have a contingency plan for your moving day ready to go. For example, the selling statistics for your area could say that the average seller can sell a home in 26 days, but your home could get an offer in two. Typically, you will want to be out of the home at least a day prior to closing, but you may have other arrangements with your buyers. Just make sure you have a short-term plan laid out for every possible scenario when in the process of selling your home.

Have more questions about selling your home in Portland? Don’t hesitate to reach out! I can always help talk you through the process in greater detail.

 

Our summer goal is to reach 100 YouTube subscribers! Help us reach our goal by subscribing here. Don't forget to turn on the notification bell to get all the updates!

 

Join us on Tuesdays at 1p for our "Dear Claire" Facebook Live series!

Follow us on facebook and instagram to learn about our upcoming open houses
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