Street of Eames Goes to Work

Any time I visit a different part of the city, or enter a building I haven't been in, I feel more akin to our great city. Here's a tour for those interested in the hottest design and architectural offices in Portland. The evening of October 29th, tour the much vaunted new Mercy Corp building, the bSide6 Building, and internationally known firm Ziba Design, among others. 

All proceeds to go to the Center for Architecture and the Street of Eames Fund, which pays for after school programs for homeless elementary school students.

So- view some amazing Portland architecture, give to a good cause and feel even more at home in this city we call home. Purchase your tickets here.

Dunthorpe Estate

This 1920's estate on one of Dunthorpe's best streets feels as much like a castle as a home. With four fireplaces and 8,000 plus square feet the only thing that feels more expansive is the lot- which is four acres. Truly unique, and set in the exclusive Dunthorpe neighborhood, this home is currently one of the premier listings in Portland. $8,750,000

Energy Trust Tax Credits

Summer flew by, and now as I face the winter heating bills I recall I had every intention of winterizing my home this year. According to the Department of Energy,only 20% of homes built before 1980 have appropriate insulation levels.  The Energy IQ classes I've taken over the last year through Energy Trust have really cemented the importance of sealing leaks first, and then properly insulating the attic of my home. It's not too late, so I'll follow up in another post the measures taken- and how much is cost.

There are a myriad of projects that Energy Trust can help you with. The first step is a free energy review. As an Energy Trust Trade Ally, I would be happy to schedule that for you, so give me a call or email. As I'm sure you know, there are many projects that Energy Trust offers incentives for, such as tax credits. A portion of your energy bill every month goes towards incentive funding. Here's how to get some of that money back.  Check out the list here.

Market Action September 2009

I've heard it said recently that the real estate market now is a price war combined with a beauty contest. So true- fewer buyers with very high expectations. The market is tough, but fascinating. It is a great time to buy- prices are down and record low fixed interest rates available to buyers. Still, the major activity seems to be at the lower price points. North Portland continues to have the lowest DOM (days on market) at 89 with an average sales price of $236,900. On the opposite end, Lake Oswego is at 204 DOM with an average sale price of $495,800. The message seems to be that the first time home buyers are driving the 34% jump in pending sales from last September. Septembers' inventory is at 7.6 (the number of months it would take to sell all current inventory at the current rate of sales) and is very close to the six months inventory considered an even draw between a buyers and sellers market- yet, in terms of negotiating today buyers still are in great demand and seem to have the edge. While there are buyers in the higher price ranges, they are fewer and discerning. Note to my future Sellers- don't despair- prepare, price properly and you will be in the best position to be the home that sells. There are multiple offers on homes- even in this market, on which buyers perceive hold a good value.  Read the full Market Action Report.

What's a Quartile? To follow my earlier point regarding DOM at different price points, the chart below shows the full spectrum of price ranges divided into four groups, or quartiles, from the very top of the range to the very lowest.

Greenhills

Every now and then I see a home that really feels like an estate. This home fits that bill. In an exclusive area known as Greenhills, between Portland Heights and Sylvan Heights, sits this lovely traditional on almost three acres. It's still amazing to me that one can own three acres of land and be in downtown Portland in 10-15 minutes. Though the facade is traditional, the current owners have put in extremely tasteful yet updated finishes in the kitchen, and bathrooms creating a gentle meld between old and new. One particular area that will appeal to many is the kitchen which mixes stainless and marble countertops, and opens to a great room which currently holds a media center and pool table. Through virtually every door and window one appreciates the private views of lawn and graceful trees. With over 5,000 sq. ft. the home itself feels substantial without being overwhelming or in poor taste. Perhaps a bit overpriced $2,975,000

Cedar Hills

This is a good opportunity in Cedar Hills, a neighborhood with proximity to downtown, high-tech and Nike. This home is definitely a cosmetic fixer with it's worn hardwoods and not the best vintage kitchen and baths. Apparently the owner put their money in the non-sexy items- new roof, copper plumbing and furnace with A/C.  It does has many of the things I look for in a home: a) location:quiet street with sidewalks, good curbside appeal, and close to a park, b) floor plan: the sought after three bedrooms upstairs, with a master bathroom- plus a great room with the kitchen open to the living room  c) family room: (downstairs) d. yard and deck: offering access to the outdoors on two levels. Just reduced to $324,900 and even better if they would entertain a lower offer...

Mt. Vernon Village

Just listed in my office, this condo is livable yet affordable. I can really see some young designers for Nike easily living here until their family gets too big. Feeling more like a home than a condo, and over 1000 sq ft, this one level unit can definitely use those same designers eye for updating, but it would be easy to take advantage of the current light filled footprint and the HOA's are affordable at $245 a month. Well priced at $150,000

Your Guides to Green

 

Many of us have good intentions when it comes to doing our part in keeping ourselves and our planet healthy- we recycle, buy local, and eat more seasonally. Our habits have changed for the good over the years. But don't you just find the amount of information out there on how to green up boggling sometimes? And how do you actually implement those changes in your own home? Well, fear not- help, or guidance that is- is available to you. 

I met with Lisa Ard and Laura Baldshun recently to discuss their business, Eco-Guides, which they've owned  for over a year now. Their program is simple- they make three house calls, and during each house call address a different area of green concern: waste reduction, energy efficiency and home health/toxin reduction. As a bonus, many of their suggestions can save homeowners a substantial amount of money. They are warm, and knowlegeable and bring that Portland ability  of balancing concern for the environment with the understanding that their clients all come from different levels of green-ness. During and after their guide sessions, you can refer to their eco-guidebook, full of local resources and their recommendations- finally all that information in one place where you can find it when you need it.

Staycation

We really didn't think we were planning one, our only intention was to entertain our much anticipated guests, J's sister and her partner K from the Bay Area. So instead of our usual one or two outings on the weekend fit around adult chores, it was one giant field trip to some of our favorite places in Portland including our kitchen. The trainer was not going to see us this weekend. Starting off at Park Kitchen, we were treated to a masterful meal. Their plates are well conceived and deliver, even when some ingredients seem a bit disparate, they bring it home. Several small plates were shared before our entrees between the four of us, showing off the range of the kitchen's aptitude.  The whole staff seems to wait on you, from the bartender to the waiters floating about the rooms delivering and whisking away plates, filling glasses and all with a completely professional- yet hip, vibe. Regretably, I did not eat the last of the sauce on the calamari plate and forgot my camera at home.

A quick breakfast in, and then a trip to Vino in Sellwood. Owner Bruce Bauer's wicked amusing blog is much enjoyed by our California family so Vino has become a Mecca-like trip for visiting kin. Bottles were purchased and we enjoyed sipping Saturday's free tasting while admiring good label design.

Though tempted by the arancini at Garden State and the nearby taco cart, we headed off to lunch in Hawthorne at Evoe. Guided by chef Kevin Gibson, we took the liberty of ordering for our table and the leisurely feast began- starting off with a lively dish of pickled fresh sardines with lightly braised celery and marcona almonds, then sashaying through courses of crunchy pork belly, delicately cooked octopus and a sausage sandwich called the Navarre, with the bread and sausage surprisingly (and deceptively?) light. Wow.

Fresh Pot next door fortified us for a few hours at Powells, where I found my latest vintage cookbook for my collection, "Experiences With Food," a 1956 home economics text book which despite it's hilarious pictures is really pretty common sense. One of the captions reads that "sodas and sundaes are delicious between meal snacks, but they are to be let alone by overweight persons of all ages, and they are also to be denied if they destroy the appetite for the next wholesome meal." Denied!

 After buying more than intended at Powells, we went to Uwajimaya, my first choice on the west side for buying fresh seafood. Since finding a couple of nice bottles of Patricia Green pinot noir at Vino, we decided to make one of "my" dishes: crispy seared salmon on a bed of black rice with mango chutney which I enjoy just as much for the color as the flavor.

My guests seemed a bit dubious about oatmeal for breakfast, but K had chosen some beautiful figs at PastaWorks next to Evoe, and I poached these in a simple syrup until they were just warned through as well as some cinnamon apples for any possible fig haters. I ladled these over creamy oatmeal, toasted some walnuts for depth and texture, and as a fool proof measure poured on a little half and half. No one complained about the oatmeal.

We did have to watch a movie afterwards....before starting dinner.

A few friends came over to meet our guests of honor, and keeping the menu simple we sauteed some lovely in season (and reasonably priced) chanterelles and served them with toast. J made his famous "chicken under a brick" which delivers a caramelized exterior and moist interior- we served it with a hearty bread salad and plenty of wine.

On Monday I took a long nap and contemplated getting back into shape- for the next staycation.

East Coast Drywall Alert

 

Another good reason to buy Earth Advantage when buying a new home, the NY Times has just reported that drywall imported from China has made homes toxic in three states- Florida, Virginia and Louisiana.

Earth Advantage homes are certified throughout the building process to use sustainable and non-toxic products when installing a home's cabinetry, carpet and paints and take care to incorporate healthful ventilation systems. Earth Advantage homes are also save 15% more energy than code currently regulates.

Imports of Chinese drywall have been halted for now, but if one is starting a home project it would be wise to check the origin of your material. Read the NY TImes Article.

Colonial Heights

Just south of Hawthorne, this home is a great entry into the neighborhood. Though it's scale is small, it has about everything a smaller family could need- including off street parking and a garage that's been converted to a studio. The basement could give some more living space if properly finished but the second bath is already there. A lovely little garden awaits out back and Grand Central bread is a minute away. $391,000

Inner Beauty

This Buckman home sits well behaved like it's other neighbors on the street, but I chose to see it based on the interior photographs. It really opens up what one can do, decor wise, in a vintage home. Nothing has been altered so much to keep it from going traditional, it has most of the original fir floors- but the main feels loft like and the owner has apparently done some amazing travels, amassing collectibles from the middle east and beyond. It's been featured in Oregon Home Magazine. Take a look by clicking on the photo. Priced high at $765,000

Classic Portland in Irvington

This home has what most Portlanders look for in a vintage home- an open feel. We just can't help it- people want a great room feeling today no matter what the era of the home (though I will not give up my separate dining room). Filled with light, this home could go fast- three bedrooms together on the second floor- and a rare master bath as well as a hall bath. The attic actually has great headroom and is staged with a cute twin bed on either side- just the right amount of distance for quarelling children. Though NE 21st is a somewhat busy street, it is lined with other even more stately homes. $679,000

Garden Bliss

This  Irvington area home has been on several garden tours and must be difficult for the sellers to leave. Who will keep the slugs off the hostas? Who will properly divide the bulbs? The curbside appeal just couldn't be cuter and the house, though small has three bedrooms and is sunny with a remodeled kitchen and the basement acting as a family room. Someone will fall in love with this garden- and house. $499,000

Mid-Century in Raleigh Park

I listed this home less than a week ago, and I'm really excited about it. The home was built in 1947 and has both traditional and mid-century qualities, so one can take the decor and remodeling of this home in either direction. One mid-century piece is the generous eaves that give a lovely line to the home but also have protected the wide lap siding these many years from the wet and provide shade during the summers. The architect designed home sits back snugly on the lot and belies the 3400 sq ft that lie within, another hallmark on mid-century design, as well as it's many windows and doors to allow the outside in. The lot is over 11,000 sq ft and gives the rear of the home a great deal of privacy, but also room for raised beds, a sport court, deck and play structure.

The interior layout allows for privacy between family members with bedrooms both up and down, three full baths, and both living room and family room.

The kitchen is light and bright with large windows and skylight illuminating the gleaming granite counters. A kitchen nook with a built in bench is perfect for casual dining and a formal dining room is just beyond the kitchen for more intimate gatherings.

This prized, close in neighborhood is close to New Seasons (a must), a neighborhood park, library, elementary school, post office- and in 20 minutes you can be sitting at the bar at Clyde Commons with a cocktail in your hand if the parking gods are with you. $559,950

Vinyl Love

I still have my original Peter Frampton Comes Alive album- so does my husband. We also share the same memories of staring at the Led Zeppelin Houses of the Holy album cover for the entirety of it's play. How quaint in this multi tasking world to remember there was a time when one would actually just listen to an album while trying to absorb some inscrutable message or contemplate a singers hair part. So it was a perfect project for J and I to take a few hours to pull together some great album covers from our collection. Our mission was to choose from our hundreds of albums, those that had interesting graphics and colors that would work together as a whole- a kind of art installation. We had purchased the album frames some time ago, and the Labor Day weekend seemed perfect for a house project that did not involve anything unpleasant. 

Perhaps we'll choose a different theme next time, we have everything from late classics to early punk. Our end project has bright squares of color, contrasting with black and white images that form a 70" by 40" block. We love it!

White Roofs

If the whole world used lighter roofing material it would save the equivalent energy of "turning off the world for a year." That's what  our Energy Secretary and Nobel laureate, Steven Chu asserted in a recent NY Times article. Hmmm, is that why the house in my neighborhood painted white their exterior brick work, then their siding, and continued up onto the composite shingles? Apparently there are modern materials to provide a more aesthetically pleasing equivalent to paint and Wal-Mart, a surprising frontrunner in adoption of green practices, has installed the white roofing on 75% of their outlets. I feel a teensy more forgiving towards my neighbors choice.  Read the NY Times article.

SW Portland: Great Starter Home

Just listed yesterday, this is a great opportunity to purchase a starter home in very close in SW. Just a hop to Hillsdale, downtown Portland and Multnomah Village, this "Grandma's house" was built in the 1940's and sits on a quiet street off Dosch Road. Though only listed as a three bedroom, there is another room downstairs that is non-conforming (needs the window to be lowered for emergency access). Hardwoods are under the shocking green carpet and other vintage features abound, but it does have a newer furnace, roof and air conditioning and has also been pre-inspected- a sweet little back yard seals the deal. Over 40 brokers came to the open house today, so I don't think this home will last long. $314,900

Winner of the Emily Jane Drawing

Just like the easy bake oven I longed for as a child, the anticipation of something can be almost as fun as the real thing. Actually, sometimes better. When I finally actually used an Easy Bake Oven- the one I had bought my daughter (wink, wink)- the gooey super sweet products were pretty half baked, and nothing close  to the promised delicacies shown on the commercials. But then, what can you expect from a cake that's been baked with an extremely hot light bulb? It's been a good lesson for me and the value of dreams.

For those of you who shared in the anticipation with me, thanks so much for all your fun and thoughtful comments. The winner of the drawing for the $50 gift certificate goes to a certain someone with the intials W.C. Congratulations, and enjoy your trip to Emily Jane!

I look forward to posting my final decision on my jewelry selection. I'm so glad I never got that Easy Bake when I was little, but I'm looking forward to fulfilling my grown up dreams.

Aging in Place

"Aging in Place" is a term that is becoming more commonplace. From a real estate standpoint, this usually means a one level home, or one that has a master on the main and a relatively level entry. Clients are often looking ahead for these basic features in order to stay in their homes as long as possible. New construction often takes this further, and elevators are becoming more prevalent so the entire house can be accessed, no matter the state of the owners knees and hips. Read this NY Times article to see where this trend is heading.