Fall Festivities

Fall Festivities

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Summer has passed and fall is here in full force! The leaves are changing color and fluttering to the ground, it's raining more often than not, and our sunglasses and ever-fashionable tank tops have been replaced with thick scarves and sweaters. Although we're thankful for the occasional hot summer day, we Portlanders know how to get down with autumn!

Located just northwest of the city, Sauvie Island is a popular escape for many during the fall months. You can pick your favorite pumpkin to carve at the Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch or try not to lose your way in the Haunted Corn Maze. Spend the day at Powell's City of Books, a true Portland staple, which offers shelter from precipitation and thousands of books for everyone to appreciate. With the weather cooling down enough to enjoy a steaming latte, the plentiful coffee shops scattered around Portland are bustling with natives drying off from the rain... because we know better than to use umbrellas!

Slip into your rain gear and go for a romp in the classic Portland rain, or cozy up in front of your fireplace with a warm blanket and a mug of cocoa, because fall has arrived!

Sneak Peek - October

 

3235 SW Gale Ave - low to mid $500,000 range

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Residence

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Total Square Feet: 2,266

Backing up to forest land that grants the property a private aesthetic, this charming daylight ranch boasts oversize back decks providing elevated views of of the lush greenery. Featuring a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and robust granite, a breakfast nook and hardwood floors, this 1958 remodeled masterpiece is the perfect fusion of modern amenities and Old World charm!

Success Story - October

4701 SE Kelly St

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The stunning TrueView presentation of this home generated a frenzy of buyer interest. Pending in four days, the home garnered multiple offers, including an accepted back-up offer, selling for $29k above list price.

Our sellers were looking to downsize after raising three girls here for the past eight years. A fresh family with two young boys couldn't wait to make this their new home, with plenty of project space for their woodworking ambitions!

Home Details Nestled in Southeast Portland in the Richmond neighborhood, this daylight ranch is the perfect union of retro charm and modern comforts. A multitude of mid-modern details such as built-in shelving, unique light fixtures, medicine cabinets and toothbrush nooks create a charming and inviting living experience. Classic brick and cedar decorate the home’s exterior. Situated on a double lot, the expansive fenced backyard features a finished patio and a sprawling lawn.

The welcoming entryway greets guests into the living area, boasting hardwood floors, oversized windows and a wood framed fireplace. The open floor plan connects the main level and creates a seamless living experience. With five bedrooms, there is plenty of room for all of your guests and loved ones.

Ideally located between bustling Powell Boulevard and Division Street, this home is full of personality and potential.

View more photos & videos here: 4701 SE Kelly St Website View 4701 SE Kelly St SuperFlyer Here

Portland Prospers in the Fifties - Our Home History

Portland Prospers in the Fifties

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Standing on the rock solid foundation of a post-war economy (lovingly referred by economists as The Golden Age of Capitalism), Portlanders shifted their wartime production focus into one of reproduction. While our industrial workforce began to scatter after the war, fresh new Baby Boomers began to arrive in infant form. As a whole, our population held steady at 373,000 souls for the decade.

Proud parents planned for an optimistic future and had the means for artistic improvisation at home. Some creative attention from talented architects transformed the functional one level ranch home into the progressive mid-century modern. Industrial construction efforts of WWII brought an influx of steel and plywood, offering architects more brushes with which to paint. Floor-to-ceiling windows invited Nature into the living space and encouraged youngsters to connect with the out-of-doors immediately, rather than waiting until they grew tall enough to see out a traditional window. Split-level living conjured texture into the living environment, allowing Portlanders pleasant glimpses of the future right in their own homes.

Traditionalists still took comfort in postwar ranch constructions, as well as stacked colonials and cape cods.

The fifties had something for everybody, poised betwixt Portland's rich history and the bright promise of tomorrow.

TrueView Captures a Mid-Century Modern Home

Sneak Peeks - September

 

6436 SE 18th Ave - $499,900

Nestled in Portland's popular Westmoreland neighborhood, this 1926 bungalow is primed to hit the market in mid-September. Boasting an oversized double garage with a huge attic, the spacious floor plan features two bedrooms upstairs and two on the main.

Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 1/2 Total Square Feet: 2,548

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N Fiske Ave - $499,900

Currently under construction, this brand new multi-unit dwelling claims the same blueprint and amenities as its next door neighbor shown above. Situated in the timeless University Park and crafted to blend into the community with a classic Portland Foursquare design, it's the perfect blend of modern comfort and Old World charm.

Main Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 Total Square Feet: 2,328 Garage: 2 Car - Attached

Additional Unit Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Total Square Feet: 754

Total Residence Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 4 Total Square Feet: 3,082 Year Built: 2013

Portland Waterfront Focus

Portland Waterfront Focus

As Portlanders, a point of pride has always been our glorious waterfront. More than merely an aquatic line of demarcation between the territory of Eastsiders and Westsiders, the Willamette and her shores are mother to much of our trademark Northwestern beauty.

Spanned by architectural wonders (the Broadway Bridge was our first bascule bridge- the longest in the world at its time of completion and currently the longest Rall-type bascule bridge still in existence), our waterfront is beautiful to behold, both in broad day and after the sun slips beneath the distant Pacific.

Whether enjoying the river views from the private comfort of a condo balcony, outdoor restaurant seating, on a lunch break in the park or while pedaling along our picturesque, paved bicycle routes... the waterfront signifies a sense of progress while hinting at our history. Our shipyards contributed to the Allied effort in WWII and still construct commercial transport ships today.

Anyone looking to get an interactive tour of our waterfront is encouraged to take a high velocity, highly informative jet boat ride with Willamette Jetboat Excursions. The tours continue through the end of September and are a genuine good time for all ages, Portland natives and visitors alike.

No matter how you choose to embrace it, get out there and experience Portland's amazing waterfront!

TrueView Spotlight: Details

TrueView Spotlight: Details

Home is a place all your own, where one goes to relax, unwind, entertain. Just as every person is unique, so is their home, differentiated from one another by personal touches and details. These details are the driving force behind making a house, your home --customizing and personalizing the little things in order to reflect style, personality and individuality. At M, we realize the importance of feeling an emotional connection to a home, and take pride in capturing these details with TrueView.

Even the smallest variation can make a great impact on atmosphere, like the contrasting textures and patterns of bamboo hardwood floor's light coloring, combined with its thin vertical grain, versus maple floor's warm and rounded organic patterns, or the reflective sheen of a glass tile backsplash, versus muted and soft ceramic tile.

Vaulted ceilings can add depth and space to a room, while exposed ceiling beams change the character completely. Achieve a rustic ambiance with timberframe style wood beams, or maintain a lake house retreat's characteristics with white wood ceiling slats. Brighten up a meal, bedroom, bathroom or entryway with overhead lighting fixtures --whether it be with an elegant chandelier, stained glass pendant or modern recessed lighting, each adds its own unique mood to a space.

When purchasing a home, these details establish connections and help buyers envision themselves in a home. TrueView is able to highlight even the smallest of details, drawing viewers closer and capturing the emotion and personality of a space.

Success Story - September

- 3625 SW Admiral St -

Previously listed with some less than spectacular photos, we decided to let TrueView work its magic on this listing. Our media team had a field day on Admiral Street, expertly capturing the beautiful property with their trusty lenses. The resulting photos and videos were extremely popular, bolstering traffic to the property online and inspiring buyers to come check out the home with our sleek open house post cards.

Buyers fell in love and the home sold for well over list price, a smashing success for all involved. The sellers sold the house, paid off all their school loans, bought a VW bus and drove off on an adventure!

Home Details

This delightful, much sought after 1956 ranch is tucked away in the great SW Portland Bridlemile neighborhood. Nestled in verdant greenery, the facade features a fully-fenced, level yard with foliage and trees. Featuring a finished wooden deck, hot tub, fireplace and hammock, the grounds offer ample opportunities for retreating into nature without ever leaving the property.

The single level floor plan provides a connected living experience, seamlessly flowing from one room to the next. The hardwood floors brighten up the rooms, catching natural sunlight from the windows and glass doors leading to the backyard oasis. Two stately fireplaces are centrally located in the living room and family room, and convey a sense of cozy ambience at night.

Surrounded by local parks and natural areas but still minutes away from access to the greater Portland area, this home boasts the perfect fusion of outdoor living and urban amenities.

View more photos & videos here: 3625 SW Admiral Website View 3625 SW Admiral SuperFlyer Here

Portland Flourishes in the Forties - Our Home History

1941 - Waterfront from Hawthorne Bridge

Portland Flourishes in the Forties - Our Home History

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10th & Hoyt - High Water - 1948

SW Park Block - 1940

Slingshotting out of the 1930s, Portland stood poised on the brink of economic boom. With World War II dominating the global perspective until 1945, our city encountered both the pains and prosperity of wartime.

A pair of Kaiser Shipyards along the Willamette led the Portland war effort, churning out Liberty class cargo ships for Great Britain and later the United States. Despite the vessel being slighted by President Roosevelt as "a dreadful looking object," its production ignited a serious growth spurt for us. Temporary housing sprang up to to accommodate the shipyard workers, and as a whole, Portland grew by 160,000 souls during the course of the war, reaching a population of 359,000 by its conclusion in 1945.

Picture - Top: St. John's Shipyard - 1943. Bottom: Temp Housing for Shipyard Workers - 1942

Portland Airport Opens in 1940 While the opening of the Portland Airport in 1940 was a high note, the tragic flood of 1948 caused catastrophic damage to surrounding areas (prompting President Truman to fly in and survey the damage) and managed to impede foot traffic all the way up to NW 10th.

On the housing front, the approachable ranch-style home continued to thrive in the post war construction boom, as the convenience of attached garages became increasingly commonplace. A bustling economy also contributed to the the incorporation of artistic flourishes that would eventually give birth to the mid-century modern in the 1950s.

Sneak Peeks: July and Beyond

Take a sneak peek at a few exciting upcoming listings before they hit the market!

3945 SE Ash St -  $657,000

This beautiful Laurelhurst craftsman bungalow retains its original character, featuring a stunning kitchen and a perfect media room. It stands proudly on an oversized lot, conveniently close to the park.

- 4 Bedrooms - 3 Bathrooms - 2,597 sq. feet

4221 SE 58th Ave - approx. $280,000

The perfect blend of modern amenities and Old World charm, this updated Overton Park bungalow boasts a broad, covered front porch ideal for taking in views of the neighborhood. Featuring a private, upper level master and a sunny kitchen, this cozy home is situated mere minutes from downtown.

- 3 Bedrooms - 2 1/2 Bathrooms - 1,260 sq. feet

Staging Focus

Taking the Stage

An empty home offers a bland, cavernous glimpse at bare walls and forces you to roughly estimate what each room could hold.

An occupied home shows what it would look like if someone else moved all their belongings into your house.

A professionally staged home presents a version of the home that bursts with potential, offering an approachable vision of how the house could be embraced. It transforms the house into a template that can only be enhanced by a potential buyer's personal touches. It invites the imagination and prompts an emotional connection.

3951 SW Canby - Before

After

Justin Riordan, the Creative Director of Spade and Archer Design Agency, kindly articulates his thoughts on the importance of proper home staging:

"Staging can be downright creepy. A buyer walks into a house and it seems like somebody lives there and yet it doesn't. The quickest way to tell a potential buyer that the staging is not real is to use imitation items. We never use fake plants, food, electronics (like TV's and computers). The more fake items (or fakery) used, the faster the buyer will know that nothing they are seeing is real.

"The purpose of staging is to help make the house stand out. If the staging overshadows the house, then it fails. Think of it this way, your house is the super star, the staging is the backup singers, cute, but not the main attraction. We never use items that are emotionally evocative. They pull the emotional attention away from the house. Emotionally evocative items fall into five categories: Religious Items, Political Items, Scented Items, Items with Fur, and Vice Items.

"Light is the single most important item when showing a house. 'I wish this house was darker,' said nobody, ever. People in Portland crave light, we give it to them. We remove window coverings, pull up blinds, and turn on all the lights before a showing.

"When staging your house, it is important to remember: Of all the people that might buy your house, you are not one of them. Your stager is not designing to your taste, they are designing to appeal to the most people possible."

For more of Spade and Archer's design philosophy, visit spade-archer.com or call 503-841-7506.

3951 SW Canby - Before

After

3951 SW Canby - Before

After

TrueView Spotlight: Outdoor Spaces

TrueView Spotlight: Outdoor Spaces

When we think of purchasing a home, the mind can easily focus on the construction itself, when it's often the environment around a house that truly lends it character. While here in the Northwest, the sun can feel like an old friend we haven't seen in years, thoughtful outdoor spaces know how to succeed rain or shine.

A covered patio provides the perfect spot for all-year entertaining and anyone who's ever owned a hammock can vouch for its unparalleled assistance in taking it easy on a Sunday afternoon. A brick barbecue enclosure is a classic touch on any terrace and a generous backyard beckons the child in all of us.

Sometimes it's a raised bed vegetable garden or chicken coop that helps a potential buyer envision taking root in a home. A trickling water feature or (better yet) a creek running through the property, can add a serene sense of sanctuary that inspires with the desire to live our lives in one particular home over another.

Whether rugged and rustic or immaculately manicured, TrueView captures the emotional experience of every outdoor space, giving the external elements of the home the attention they deserve.

Success Story - 4750 NE Glisan St

This beautiful bungalow maintains the charms of its 1923 construction while featuring the updated amenities of modern living. The expansive porch and diverse back yard provide endless opportunities for outdoor relaxation and entertainment. Inside, the angled framework around the doors and windows serves as a playfully classic flourish to augment the traditional wood floors and fireplace. The open, vibrant kitchen and its breakfast nook are a perfect combination. Also featuring an enormous family room on the lower level, this attractive North Tabor home is an ideal urban sanctuary.

The sellers moved out of this home to maximize stylistic control for the stagers, allowing them to fully envision each space without incorporating any resident furniture. The result is an artistic portrayal of each room, beautifully captured by the M Media Team. Striving to present what it actually feels like to be in the home, both the photos and videography focused on conveying the open, yet intimate nature of the property.

Such dedication to the emotional experience of the home resulted in a successful sale, after being on the market for less than three weeks.

Sneak Peeks - June 2013

Take a sneak peek at two of July's exciting upcoming listings! The first is a 1942 rebuild loaded with contemporary features, while the second is an attractive farmhouse with vintage appeal.

6009 SW Patton - $1,279,000

Standing at the top of the rise in an open meadow of native grasses, flowers and trees, this custom architect designed and splendidly appointed home seems to emerge naturally from the landscape on the 1/3 acre private lot.

Outside, stone accents echo boulders in the landscape and lend to the organic feel, while the elevated terrace provides private outdoor space for residents and friends enhanced by the gas fireplace and covered barbecue area. Custom construction details protect the structure with with rain shield, Hardiplank, proprietary window wrap, metal roofing and complete drainage eliminating  water and mold intrusion.

Inside, rare care is taken for quiet and simple luxury with every interior wall insulated, solid core stained interior doors, 400 series Anderson low-e wood windows, and quiet flush iron "drops" throughout. Find two more fireplaces, hardwood and Berber carpeted floors, and thoughtfully chosen amenities for ease and comfort in entertaining and daily living.

- 5 Bedrooms - 4 1/2 Bathrooms - 4,262 sq. feet

23670 NE Ramsey - $500,000

This charming 1895 farmhouse is the perfect fusion of Old World charm and modern amenities, perched on over two and a half acres in serene Newberg. The peaceful country locale is not far from the city, featuring a back deck without a neighbor in sight, perfect for relaxing and taking in the views of over an acre and a half of lush grassland.

In addition to the beautiful house, the property claims multiple workshops, perfect for any hobbyist's pursuit. Currently tailored to be an automotive shop, the 60' x 20' space features a sturdy 19' workbench and a hoist, hot water plumbed to a utility sink and an abundance of power outlets.

The other shop and storage area function beautifully as an artist's studio, while the garden supplies homegrown fruits and vegetables that provide for satisfying, self-sufficient meals. This wonderful retreat allows homeowners dictate their own preferred speed of life.

- 2 Bedrooms - 2 Bathrooms - 2,120 sq. feet

Portland Perseveres in the Dirty Thirties - Our Home History

St Johns Bridge during construction - 1930

When considering the 1930s, people often wince at the looming shadow of the Great Depression, but this was also the decade we fought our way back to prosperity. More important than the financial downfall that plagued our nation (and the world beyond) were our accomplishments. Despite the collapse (perhaps to spite it), we were building. The St. Johns Bridge was opened on June 13th, 1931 and at the time of completion, boasted the highest clearance in the nation. Hailed humbly by its engineer as "the most beautiful bridge in the world," and there are many Portlander commuters today who would argue the same.

In 1933, the passing of the Beer Act allowed our legendary brewers to restart their production facilities, rekindling employment in that sector and blazing the trail for Prohibition's impending repeal. By the spring of 1937, our industrial production surpassed that of 1929, and after one last hiccup prompted by the Roosevelt administration's attempt to balance the federal budget, the country as a whole was back on track by the summer of 1938. Watch as a Portlander styles himself a stunt driver in his new 1938 Buick, to the applause of gathering crowds and the disapproval of local law enforcement.

Portland Public Market City Central - 1933

Independent Fruit and Produce - 705 SE MLK Ave - 1932

While the Craftsman of the 1920s was by no means out of style, the leaner times shifted new constructions of the decade toward the more modest ranch home, built with its signature low profile, away from the city center. Freshly turning out of a housing drought in present day, there are exciting similarities in our current revitalization as it emanates outward from the core of Portland, just as it did at the end of the thirties. Weathering the nearly ten year storm of the Depression, Portlanders emerged on the other side as prosperous as ever and ready to build, with a breath-taking bridge and the nation's best craft-brewed beer to show for it.

NE Sandy Blvd and 41st - 1934

Ratchyes Sandwich Place - 1931

Salem House - 1935

Salem House Floor Plan - 1935

TrueView Spotlight: Kitchens

No other space in a home boasts such ample opportunity for customization, and the seamless integration of function and style, as the kitchen.

Hardwoods underfoot may accentuate the grain of hand-crafted cabinetry or inspired tilework can complement granite countertops and match an energetic backsplash. Stainless steel appliances add a modern signature, while white finishes catch daylight for a fresh aesthetic. Luxury homes often opt for hidden refrigerators, clad in corresponding cabinet facings.

Designed to fit effortlessly into the cooking space, islands stand as welcome companions for any chef with entertaining to do. Barstool seating or a vintage breakfast nook can provide casual, connected experiences and transform the kitchen into the hub of the home.

No matter the combination of attractive attributes, TrueView captures the emotional experience of every kitchen, giving these practical yet distinguished centerpieces the attention they deserve.

Success Story: 4750 NE Glisan ST

This beautiful bungalow maintains the charms of its 1923 construction while featuring the updated amenities of modern living. The expansive porch and diverse back yard provide endless opportunities for outdoor relaxation and entertainment. Inside, the angled framework around the doors and windows serves as a playfully classic flourish to augment the traditional wood floors and fireplace. The open, vibrant kitchen and its breakfast nook are a perfect combination. Also featuring an enormous family room on the lower level, this attractive North Tabor home is an ideal urban sanctuary.

The sellers moved out of this home to maximize stylistic control for the stagers, allowing them to fully envision each space without incorporating any resident furniture. The result is an artistic portrayal of each room, beautifully captured by the M Media Team. Striving to present what it actually feels like to be in the home, both the photos and videography focused on conveying the open, yet intimate nature of the property.

Such dedication to the emotional experience of the home resulted in a successful sale, after being on the market for less than three weeks.

TrueView in a Hot Market

TrueView: Delivering the experience and emotion of every home

In this year's real estate market, Portland's pendulum has swung over to being a seller's market, especially in the urban core. Homes are selling with multiple offers and many well above list price. The market feels as alive as it did in 2005.

Agents at M have exclusive access to TrueView, a program we built-in house. TrueView connects you with the experience and emotional elements of each home.

At first glance, an elevated service like TrueView may seem like overkill in a hot market. But there's a difference between merely selling a house and maximizing your potential to close at the highest price and best possible terms. This is a simple matter of strategy.

TrueView's refined video presentations and custom home websites provide the buyers with a powerful connection to their purchase. Being able to share the experience of their future home with friends and family becomes an effective instrument in keeping buyers engaged in their property.

TrueView is based on how buyers decide to buy. By providing a beautiful, authentic, respectful depiction of your home to the most buyers, we are able to maximize the potential of this hot market.

Outdoor Music

As spring blooms into summer, Portland puts the top down, converting our city into the Northwest’s outdoor music mecca. There’s no need to journey all the way to the Gorge Amphitheatre when we have so many distinct open air venues here in the city.

The Oregon Zoo

In 1979, our own Oregon Zoo became the first in the nation to host a summer concert series. This year, join them in celebrating 35 years of world class music at the zoo’s lush sanctuary setting.

Early show highlights include:

June 19th - Old Crow Medicine Show June 30th - Ziggy Marley July 6th - Huey Lewis and the News July 7th - The B-52’s and the Go-Go’s

Check out the full line-up: www.zooconcerts.com

McMenamins Edgefield

Set on seventy-four sweeping acres of farmland, the McMenamins Edgefield has established itself as Portland's premier outdoor venue. Hosted at the historic lodge, the Concerts on the Lawn live music series draws big name acts spanning a myriad of generations and genres.

Early show highlights include:

June 16th - Tony Bennett June 27th - Steve Miller Band July 6th - Rodrigo y Gabriela

Check out the full line-up: www.edgefieldconcerts.com/events

Concerts in the Park

Our beautiful city is home to a plethora of parks and retreats. Beginning Monday, July 8th, they will be filled with free music from smooth jazz to rollicking Irish pub tunes to rhythm and blues to indie folk. Get out and shake your tail feather in the summer weather!

Check out the full line-up: www.portlandoregon.gov/parks

Pioneer Courthouse Square

For the twenty-third consecutive year, Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts its traditional Noon Tunes Concert Series, entertaining lunchtime crowds numbering in the thousands. The shows run for an hour, starting at high noon each Tuesday and Thursday beginning July 11th. Visit a signature Portland food cart and then spice up your week with some free live music!

Check out the full line-up: www.thesquarepdx.org/calendar.shtm

Success Stories

The weather isn't the only thing becoming sunny here in Portland! Our local market is showing more promise than it has in years, creating an optimistic buying environment. Take a moment and explore these beautiful homes recently sold by M agents, using our exclusive TrueView service.

339 SE 28th Ave. Portland, OR

$425,000 Pending in 2 Days

View more photos and video: 339 SE 28th Property Website

792 SW Dillan Dr. Beaverton, OR

$189,927 Pending in 5 Days

View more photos and video: 792 SW Dillan Dr Property Website

3116 SE 77th Ave. Portland, OR

$229,000 Pending in 2 Days Multiple Offers

View more photos and video: 3116 SE 77th Ave Property Website

3951 SW Canby St. Portland, OR

$339,000 Pending in 5 Days Multiple Offers

View more photos and video: 3951 SW Canby St Property Website