Sneak Peek - SW Bohmann

SW Bohmann Pkwy: mid $400k range

This gorgeous daylight ranch is nestled in a serene Raleigh Hills sanctuary, brimming with the verdant greenery and local wildlife of Fanno Creek. The expansive, tiered back deck is ideal for outdoor entertaining and relaxation.

Inside, pristine hardwood floors stretch throughout the home's open floor plan, providing an elegant ambiance and a connected living experience. Downstairs, the beautifully-finished daylight basement is spacious and inviting.

Situated between two golf courses, in convenient proximity to community tennis courts, an outdoor pool and abundance of parks and trails, this home enjoys the best of city living in a country setting.

Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2.1 Square Feet: 3,076 Year Built: 1960

Maximize Your Home's Tax Value

If you haven't done your taxes yet, it's not because you've been procrastinating. You were strategically waiting to make sure you leveraged maximum return value from your property by embracing this helpful list. Whether you already own a home or are planning on one in the future, these thrilling tax tips can mean money in your pocket.

#1 - Mortgage Interest Deductions: In most cases, the vast majority of mortgage payments for the first ten years are covering interest. What's fantastic about interest payments? They're tax deductible. If the conditions are right, you might just be able to jump down into that lower tax bracket.

#2 - Property Tax Deductions: Don't forget that your property taxes likely qualify as deductions as well! These can be easily overlooked if your taxes and insurance are already included in your monthly mortgage payment.

#3 - Capital Gain Exclusions: Did you sell your house for a profit this year? It's possible you could shelter $250,000 to $500,000 of profit as a capital gain exclusion. If you'd like to learn more, here's a helpful article.

Friendly Disclaimer: This information is provided as a helpful starting point. If you require tax advice, please contact a tax attorney or CPA.

If you find yourself talking to a tax professional to help you accurately prepare your taxes to your best advantage, here are some other potentially lucrative topics to bring up:

Home Improvement Loan Interest Deduction Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Deduction Mortgage Points/Origination Deduction Energy Efficiency Upgrades/Repairs Deduction Real Estate Selling Cost Deduction Home Office Deduction Loan Forgiveness Deduction

Success Story - 2126 SE 60th

- 2126 SE 60th Ave. -

Another TrueView success story here. The essence of this home was beautifully captured and conveyed to the buying public, fetching a record price for the neighborhood. In its four short days on the market, the home secured five offers, one accepted back-up offer, with two more buyers ready to step in immediately. The sellers were thrilled by the outcome, having experienced the advantage of having top-notch M agent representation, backed by the best marketing in town!

Home Details

This delightful ranch stands proudly in Southeast Portland, just moments away from Mt. Tabor and Clinton Parks, as well as a multitude of coffee shops and restaurants. A tidy lawn and neat landscaping welcome guests to the home, while around back a fenced deck offers a private area for relaxation or entertaining.

Inside, the living areas flow naturally into one another, amply lit by an abundance of windows and skylights. A brick outlined gas fireplace is featured in the living room, radiating warmth and luxury, while the vaulted ceiling in the family room opens the space. Charming cabinetry accents the sleek flooring in the kitchen and dining room, where the connected space offers a more intimate meal experience.

With meticulously maintained one level living in a great location, this home boasts an ideal blend of grace and practicality-- you will love living here!

Staging Your Occupied Home

Selling your home? Get it ready - Get it sold!

Preparing your home for the market shouldn't be stressful or involve renovating every room. The most important things are getting the interior and exterior ready for potential buyers to see themselves living there. The first week on the market is the most critical as most active buyers will see your home on-line and perhaps also during the open house. Being well prepared from the start, and spending the time needed getting your home ready could be the best investment of your life. Statistics prove that a well prepared home spends 50% less time on the market and sells for a higher price.

Interior Designer Staci Byers of Ready to Sell PDX specializes in preparing owner occupied homes for a successful listing. Staci's goal is to ensure clients' homes are presented as best as possible from day one by enhancing curb appeal, creating cohesiveness and flow in the home, and adjusting interior colors of the home for optimal appeal.

The services offered are a la carte and can be tailored to suit the customers' needs. After a thorough consultation both inside and outside the home, the homeowners will know just what they need to do to get the home ready for the market. If you are tight on time or simply want some help, Staci can manage the project from beginning to end to ensure your home is Ready to Sell.

Please visit www.ReadytoSellPDX.com for more information on services.

Staci Byers

(503)389-3293

Sneak Peek - SE Crosswater Way

14753 SE Crosswater Way: approx. $350,000

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

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

This home features the ideal blend of practicality and style.

Residence Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2.5 Square Feet: 2,384 Year Built: 2010

Success Story - Summerlake

This Summerlake home received wonderfully positive results on the market, with a frenzy of buyer attention right from the start. It is a true example of how an exceptional marketing campaign made of professional quality elements was a success story for the sellers.

Obviously, it helps to start with a beautiful home. TrueView marketing captured all of its desirable details, including the exceptional interior remodel, the new dining room addition, and the view of Summerlake. Once we captured the "story" of the home and the surrounding property, we shared this to the world through our marketing channels of print media, online exposure, and social networks.

This marketing resulted in four offers within the first three days, followed by an additional two offers shortly thereafter. Every offer was equal to or above the asking price. At the Open House, there were over 35 groups of prospective buyers through the home. And our website analytics showed detailed viewings by almost 1600 buyers. Just the digital Super Flyer had 1200 views alone! It was clear that prospective buyers fell in love with the home!

Eventually the home sold for $25,000 over the asking price!

The sales process was not without some challenges along the way, requiring additional time and investigation. Yet with professional advice based on hard data from qualified contractors, we were able to overcome the concerns about both the septic system and the FEMA flood zone designation. By the end of escrow, both of these concerns were eliminated through successful negotiation and professional inspections.

The powerful pairing of an experienced agent and M Realty's media team resulted in quite the success story!

Your Options in Our Extreme Market

Right now, we find ourselves in an unprecedented seller's market. Demand is overwhelming supply. This means well-presented homes are poised to fetch top dollar amidst the buying frenzy, with multiple offers becoming common in many areas of town.

The key to maximizing the proceeds from a sale is to get the property in the best possible condition (that might include staging the home), then presenting the home beautifully to the world through my amazing TrueView program.

But this fiercely seller-favoring market actually has people afraid to sell (which partially accounts for the current lack of inventory). After all, most successful sellers immediately become buyers.

If you're considering selling and then buying in the Portland area, then there are options to get that done.

Contingent Offer - Make an attractive offer on a new home that is contingent upon the sale of your current home.

Sell Your Home Contingent on Finding Your Next Home - Put your current property up for sale and accept offers subject to your finding a replacement property.

Finance Your New Home, Then Sell Your Current Home - You may be in a position to purchase your new home before you've sold your existing home.

Bridge Loan - Secure a loan specifically targeted at helping transition between your current home loan in the new one.

Temporary Housing - Sell your current home and move into a short-term rental home, furnished apartment, extended stay hotel or a friend or family member's home while you buy your new property.

I would love to help assess your needs and craft your ideal real estate strategy for this market. I have relationships with mortgage professionals and bankers that can help me evaluate which options are best for you.

Now is the perfect time for us to discuss your real estate plans. Contact me at your convenience and we can get started!

Portland Goes Green in the Seventies - Our Home History

When we conjure up images of the 1973 Energy Crisis, we typically imagine hitchhiking businessmen and lines at the gas pump longer than those outside downtown's latest nameless nightclub on a Friday night. But this energy crisis also shaped new home construction in key ways beyond shag carpeting and mirrored closet doors. We became more green.

The previous decade's lavish vaulted ceilings gave way to more modest dwelling dimensions, shrinking square-footage for the sake of energy efficiency. This sudden shift in our reliance on cheap and limitless power cropped our confidence, breathing life into several more cost-cutting construction strategies that would continue for the entire life of the home.

Awnings become popular window coverings, proven to drop ambient home temperatures between ten and twenty degrees in the summer, while still ushering in that precious, low-angled winter sun.

The ranch home felt its last warm architectural embrace as we clung to it for its uncomplicated, slim-profile roof. Fewer flourishes meant fewer opportunities for leaks and thus, more economical repair and maintenance.

While our green tendencies stemmed from financial necessity than the more future-thinking globally noble ideals we claim today, the way we design homes now is paralleled most closely by the 1970s. Modern residential energy consumption today has dipped back down to levels they were when bell bottoms were in fashion (barring a few brief and arguably unfortunate resurgences). This may seem counter-intuitive, considering forty years of advancements in energy efficiency, but the average modern home boasts a footprint half again the size of its 1970s counterpart. Additionally, we walk around covered in technology that charges while we sleep. And the smart money says your plasma television draws more power than even a deluxe turntable. If you're seeking a more detailed breakdown of modern energy consumption versus the 1970s, check out this helpful article by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

All told, homes of this era are enjoying a renaissance in Portland. Everyone appreciates greener living (even the hardy cork floors of the decade were harvested from sustainable living trees) and baby boomers often enjoy the single-level stair-free residences of the era. As much as we pat ourselves on the backs for our contemporary earth-conscious energy habits, it's important to remember they began over forty years ago.

< Left Photo | The freshly completed Fremont Bridge opened on November 15,1973. The raising of its center span earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the heaviest lift ever completed.

Hidden Gems of Portland

The Garden at Elk Rock

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Also known as the Garden of the Bishop's Close, this wonderful gem was established nearly a century ago on the cliffs overlooking the Willamette River. Honoring the wishes of its creator, the garden remains open to visitors, providing Portlanders with the amazing opportunity to appreciate one of the jewels of the Northwest. Populated with a diverse assortment of flora that have something beautiful to show off no matter the season, the property also preserves its native madrone woods. Take an hour, explore its pathways and be rewarded with some stunning views of the Willamette.

For more information: www.elkrockgarden.org

Open Daily: 8am to 5pm 11800 SW Military Ln Portland, OR 97219

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Portland Underground Tours

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The tour guide slides a complex key into a metal grate in the street, twists, disengages the lock and pulls open two yawning doors to reveal a steep makeshift staircase; a portal into the black belly of Portland. The mystery shrouding these Shanghai Tunnels swirls so thick as to obscure their existence from a great many locals, striding along topside, unaware of the legacy of villainy beneath their feet. The tours provide a harrowing, historically accurate adventure into Portland's fascinating criminal history. Brave explorers meet downtown at Hobo's Restaurant and embark on a guided educational escapade under the city.

For tickets and tour information: http://www.shanghaitunnels.info

120 NW 3rd Ave Portland, OR 97209

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Grand Marketplace

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If you're looking to spruce up your place with something unique or stroll through a collection of memories, the Grand Marketplace is a hidden gem packed with gems from our past. Curated by a passionate group of vintage collectors, every item tells a story. More than fifteen separate vendors gather their eclectic wares in this wonderful setting. Even if you're just dropping by to browse conversation pieces with a friend, you might just find something you can't put down.

For more information: http://grandmarketplacepdx.com

1005 SE Grand Ave Portland, OR 97214

Featured Listing - 8152 N Druid Ave

8152 N Druid Ave: $265,000

Situated on a quiet street in North Portland, this charming 1906 farmhouse boasts a nicely sized yard and is in close proximity to Columbia Park and University Park. The home is complete with a bonus non-conforming bedroom and also features a lovely sitting area in the basement.

Residence Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Year Built: 1906

Success Story - 2616 SW Hamilton St

- 2616 SW Hamilton St -

This mid-century modern home received wonderfully positive results on the market, with a frenzy of buyer attention. TrueView marketing beautifully captured all of its desirable details, including gorgeous views and classic architecture. Boasting five offers, the listing sold at $27,000 over list price. The lovely pairing of experienced agents and M's media team resulted in quite the success!

Home Details

Situated on a quiet street in the Southwest Hills of Portland, this mid-century modern home captures the charm of its 1951 construction, and adds contemporary elements to serve today's lifestyles. The unique facade of thick old-growth plank siding and rustic bricks is punctuated by a grid of windows, ensuring privacy within and an attractive rhythm of light without. Main level living spaces are open, and enjoy a wall of windows filling the space with natural light. Unobstructed southern and western views draw the eye for miles. The main level deck and lower level patio maximize indoor/outdoor living --excellent for relaxing and entertaining.

Warm hardwood floors ground the airy spaces of the living room, kitchen and dining areas, and the fireplace adds a handsome architectural element with glass mosaic tile surround and painted brick wall. The elegantly remodeled kitchen features custom cabinets, high-end appliances, quartz counters and two sinks (both with disposals). The sunny yard is fully fenced and terraced, providing a sought after large level area for play and/or gardening. Established landscaping includes several mature flowering trees.

The perfect fusion of vintage aesthetic and modern amenities, this home also enjoys close proximity to parks, schools, shops, cafes, downtown Portland and OHSU.

View more photos & videos here: 2616 SW Hamilton St Website View 2616 SW Hamilton St SuperFlyer Here

Portland Adapts to the Sixties - Our Home History

Portland Adapts to the Sixties - Our Home History

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By all accounts, the 1960s were a tumultuous time in Portland and the world at large. The relative peace and prosperity of the 1950s gave way to challenge and change and the looming threat of another war. While the previous decade's improvisation with home design continued, strolling through a neighborhood of homes constructed in the 1960s will present several key indicators of the decade's emotional landscape.

Ultimately, we became more private. Energy was still relatively inexpensive so cavernous living rooms with vaulted ceilings made staying indoors feel less claustrophobic. Windows continued to expand, inviting the outside in, but the focus shifted to the back yard. Foundations crept closer to the front of the lot, concealing the activities of the neighborhood. Streets once alive with children playing together out front became more subdued. Two-car garages hid automobiles entirely, making it difficult for passersby to tell at a glance if residents were even home.

But out back, the homes were full of life. The daylight ranch found its stride in the 1960s, taking split-level living to new heights. The sliding glass doors transformed what would have merely been daylight basements into sun-splashed downstairs dens, complete with their own portal to a private backyard. This usually meant a patio ideal for social gatherings and a deck with a safely elevated view of the happenings below. Inside, the advent and increasing popularity of the range hood allowed modern designs to join the kitchen with the dining room, giving birth to the community-friendly cooking space.

Homes became sanctuaries amidst the social and political turmoil of a nation experiencing its growing pains on the world stage. While we still prize our privacy, the 1960s marked the turning point for several hallmarks of the home styles we still embrace today.

Holiday Top 10

1. Volunteer & Donate:

Donate gifts, food and your valuable time to others in need through numerous non-profits.

Toys For Tots

Portland Rescue Mission

Adopt-A-Family

Radio Cab Turkey Project

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2. Zoo Lights:

Every year the Oregon Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland from November 29th to January 5th. Boasting more than a million LED lights, walk through Zoo Lights as glowing forests, rainbow-lit tunnels and animal sculptures are brought to life.

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3. Peacock Lane:

Searching for that good, old-fashioned holiday spirit? Look no further than the lights on Peacock Lane --located between SE Stark St and Belmont St. Walk, drive or even take a horse-drawn carriage through the neighborhood December 15-31, and enjoy each delightfully decorated home.

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4. The Christmas Ship Parade:

Watch over 50 ships parade on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers December 6-21. The fleets will light up the waters each night for a dazzling holiday performance. The free event is on its 59th year, and supported by donations from the restaurants and hotels situated along the waterfront. Columbia River Schedule Willamette River Schedule

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5. Festival of Lights at The Grotto:

500,000 lights, 160 choral performances, carolers, a petting zoo, puppet shows and hot chocolate are waiting for you at The Grotto's Festival of Lights. One of the largest Christmas choral festivals in the world, explore the brilliant walk-through event November 29th to December 30th. This year's theme, "Angels on High", offers a blend of traditional celebration and serene reflection, featuring five indoor concerts each evening in the 600-seat chapel, known for its cathedral quality acoustics.

Choir Schedule

Volunteer

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6. Winter Wonderland at the Portland International Raceway:

Enjoy the largest holiday light show west of the Mississippi from the comfort of your own vehicle! The 21st annual Winter Wonderland lights up from November 28th to December 25th on the Portland International Raceway, with over 250 colorful light set pieces and fully animated scenes to enjoy.

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7. Holiday Exercise:

Feeling a bit bloated this holiday season? Want to shed some winter weight? Looking to donate to a good cause or volunteer? The Portland area offers a wonderful variety of marathons and fun runs that will keep you in shape and motivated. Be sure to sign up early because registration fills up fast... if you miss a race this year, mark your calendars for next year!

December 7: Reindeer Run

December 8: Portland Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

December 8: Ho Ho 5K

December 14: Ugly Holiday Sweater Dash

December 15: Holiday Half Marathon & 5K

January 1: Commitment Day 5K

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8. Santa House on the Bricks:

Visit Santa Tom and Santa Phil at the "Santa House" on Pioneer Courthouse Square December 12-24. The 27 year old Portland tradition features the highest rated natural bearded santas, along with chestnuts on the fire, fresh roasted almonds and hot cocoa.

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9. The Theatre:

In the mood for some sweet holiday tunes or delightful theatrical tales? These events are sure to please any avid theatre-goer. If you miss any this year, there is always next year!

Tuba Christmas --Listen to more than 225 tuba and euphonium players perform holiday music at Pioneer Courthouse Square on December 14th. Free.

The Nutcracker --Enjoy this classic tale, performed by the Oregon Ballet Theatre at the Keller Auditorium.

Twist Your Dickens -- Scrooge, Tiny Tim and those know-it-all ghosts find themselves hopelessly mixed up in zany holiday sketches with anachronistic characters, uproarious improv and an ever-changing stable of drop-in local celebrity guests.

Handel's Messiah --Portland Baroque Orchestra and Cappella Romana perform Handel's masterpiece oratorio at First Baptist Church.

A PLU Christmas --Pacific Lutheran University's Choir of the West, the University Chorale and members of the University Symphony Orchestra perform awe inspiring holiday music at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

The Christmas Revels --Experience winter time in Old Europe at the Scottish Rite Center Theater. The performance is complete with gorgeous costumes and set, fabulous choral music and instrumental music from the Portland Brass Quintet.

Christmas Unplugged at Artists Repertory Theatre --Spend an outrageous Christmas Eve with a churlish Santa, a kidnapped elf and a handful of hapless souls in need of some holiday spirit. Amid the shrapnel of yuletide yearning, broken dreams and poignant revelations, can the magic of the season spark hope in their hearts? A holiday debauchery double-bill for mature audiences.

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10. New Year's Eve Festivities:

Pa'Lante & Jujuba Jam for the Philippines: A New Years Eve Dance Party Join in the fun at the Red Rose Ballroom on NE Alberta for a New Year's Eve Dance Party! Hosted by Laurie Sonnenfeld, this benefit for the Philippines is sponsored by Mercy Corps. Featuring the musical groups Jujuba and Pa'Lante, boogie down to afro-beat, salsa, latin jazz and afro-cuban inspired tunes. Purchase tickets here.

Karaoke From Hell at Uptown Billiards Become a karaoke superstar with the backing of a full live band, while enjoying delicious food and beverages at Uptown Billiards on NW 23rd. A fun, down-to-earth atmosphere and elegant decor are the perfect combination to ring in the New Year!

Sneak Peeks - Hassalo & Twombly

6342 NE Hassalo St: approx. $200,000

Situated in a quiet Northeast Portland neighborhood, this ranch style home features an open, single-level floor plan that provides a connected living experience. In the fully fenced backyard, mature trees and foliage create a private sanctuary --excellent for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, the living spaces flow pleasantly into one another, amply lit by an abundance of windows, while both bedrooms are tucked away for privacy. In the living area, an array of built-in shelves offer room to elegantly display your belongings. Conveniently located near Mt. Tabor Park and local dining, this home captures an ideal blend of comfort and practicality.

Residence Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Total Square Feet: 780

View more photos & videos here: 6342 NE Hassalo St Website

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4449 SW Twombly Ave: mid-$600,000 range

Situated in an established Southwest Portland neighborhood, this fantastically updated 1959 mid-century modern home is the perfect union of period charm and contemporary amenities, while offering distant territorial views. Wonderful architectural detail and clean lines can be seen in the exposed-beam vaulted ceiling, open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows. While the home's original design remains beautifully intact, the recent remodel has also integrated new stone, wood and tile finishes. This unforgettable daylight ranch will soon be ready for the market - you will love living here!

Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 Total Square Feet: 2,975

Success Story - SE 30th Ave

- 1410 SE 30th Ave -

Splendid TrueView presentation and a fantastic location excited numerous buyers about this home. With five offers on the table, the 1907 bungalow sold for a whopping $12k over asking price. Combining the guidance of an experienced agent with the beauty of TrueView marketing is a recipe for success!

Home Details

This light-filled bungalow maintains the allure of its 1907 construction, while boasting a multitude of updates including a remodeled kitchen. With over 15k in Clean Energy Works updates, enjoy a newer boiler furnace and insulation. Located in the desirable Hawthorne neighborhood, delight in the abundance of local shops, cafes and restaurants in close proximity.

The front of the home is decorated by easily-maintained landscaping. On the porch, a hanging swing provides a pleasant area for relaxing. Around back, follow the beautiful custom-built backyard landscaping, where a raised wooden boardwalk follows lush greenery.

Inside, hardwood floors, built-ins, arched doorways and classic architectural details emanate from every corner of the home, capturing an ideal blend of Old World Charm and style.

View more photos & videos here: 1410 SE 30th Ave Website View 1410 SE 30th Ave SuperFlyer Here

November Success Story

- 11841 SW 23rd Ave -

The success of this home is a story of fantastic teamwork; the agent and seller worked together closely, making sure to invest a great deal of effort into perfecting the home for the market. Renovations included resurfacing the ceilings and undergoing a delightful kitchen makeover. This attention to detail enhanced the effectiveness of the TrueView presentation that captured and highlighted the home's beauty.

The buyers, a family from Alaska, quickly realized it was the home for them --the home was on the market for less than a day when they bought it! Preparing this home for the market and refining its details made this sale a true success.

Home Details

While the front porch is an inviting portal, the backdoor is the true magnet for it leads to the home's heart, its spacious country kitchen.

This magnificent home retains much of its original personality but has been updated by stewards respectful of its era. Besides the country kitchen, the main floor includes an intimate living room, formal dining room, mudroom and a half-bath. An attractive open staircase leads to the second floor where there are two large, sun filled bedrooms and a full bath. The master bedroom and bath are another level up. The home's basement, also remodeled offers an inviting, flexible space.

The gorgeous 3/4 acre, completely level lot feels more rural than urban but it's just 15 minutes from Portland's vibrant city center.

View more photos & videos here: 11841 SW 23rd Ave Website View 11841 SW 23rd Ave SuperFlyer Here

November Sneak Peek

 

12510 SW Summer Crest Dr - $399,000

Situated on a coveted lakefront lot beside Tigard's Summerlake Park, this 1966 remodeled daylight ranch will soon be ready for the market! Featuring an expansive backyard sprinkled with trees, this home claims its very own service station for the hobbyist in your life. Inside, enjoy a gorgeously updated kitchen with granite countertops, a glass tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Total Square Feet: 2,910

View more photos & videos here: 12510 SW Summer Crest Dr Website

Embrace the Rain

The rainy season is here in the Northwest, and "Oregon Sunshine" is drizzling and pouring on our lives and our homes. Now is the time to enjoy beautiful waterfalls at full force and cozy up during a storm or downpour. Some may dread the damp blanket of moisture that covers the sky, but here in Oregon, locals have learned to embrace the rain and positively harness its power. Rain barrels and rain gardens are excellent ways to utilize the 40 inches of fresh precipitation we receive each year; saving resources, money and energy is sure to put a smile on any Oregonian's face.

Rain barrels allow homeowners to collect water for their house plants, gardens and lawns. For every inch of rain that falls on a 1000 sqft roof, a whopping 600 gallons of water can be collected. Simply utilizing this free resource can save a significant amount of money in a season, and will help conserve water usage during the drier months. Rain barrels are easy to make, and readily available to buy, so embrace the rain and start collecting that good ol' "Oregon Sunshine" --after all, it's free!

Rain gardens are another excellent way to make use of the drizzle. Planting native trees, shrubs, flowers and other vegetation in a natural or landscaped basin positioned near a runoff source will collect rain water like a sponge. These gardens are a beautiful way to conserve h2o, reduce stagnant water in your yard and create a wonderful habitat for wildlife. The water slowly filters into the ground before becoming stormwater runoff --that means healthier urban waterways and habitats.

However you choose to welcome the wet weather, remember all the positive ways you can embrace the rain.

Check out this helpful guide for creating your own rain garden: PDF

Also, here's an excellent rain garden How-To Video.

And for creating your very own rain barrel, there's a comprehensive Do-It-Yourself Guide.

Behind the Scenes of TrueView

Behind the Scenes - TrueView

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Employing the same instruments as Hollywood, our in-house team of media professionals crafts a TrueView motion picture for each listing. These adept video presentations essentially serve as private showings, transporting the viewer through a distinctive tour of what makes the home stand out.

A fiery orange van filled with the latest camera technology arrives on the scene and deploys a diverse team of filmmakers and photographers. Collaborating with the agent to capture the emotional elements of the property, they present the best portrayal of the home to the buying community.

For most of us, our homes represent the most substantial purchase we make. TrueView honors the human element of that investment by creating marketing with artistic value, inviting buyers to imagine their lives in every home we list.

New Listing in Alberta Arts

This fantastic Portland bungalow maintains the beauty of its 1924 construction. Located in the desirable Alberta Arts neighborhood, this home enjoys close proximity to local shops and restaurants. A charming front porch and tidy landscaping welcome guests. Around back, a separate entrance is featured under a covered porch, while the outdoor fire pit makes for a toasty area to relax and entertain.

In the living space, classic wood framed windows illuminate sleek floors, while a wall of brick is gas stove-ready. Pass under an elegant arched doorway into the formal dining room and kitchen, where a multitude of windows brighten up the rooms. Downstairs, the basement has been transformed into a fully finished game room, boasting plenty of room for activities, surround sound-ready and pool table included. This home boasts beautiful Old World appeal and grace.

Check out the more photos, videos, and property information at the property's website:

5422ne18thave.mhom.es

Details Video:

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