This neighborhood continues to be very much sought after, even in today's market. Many of Vista Hill's ranch homes are completely intact and well cared for, and though suburban, have great access to the city and commutes. The lots are large, and it's streets are wide and quiet. This home on Hawthorne is a good example of the solid 1950's construction on a half acre lot with plenty of areas for gardening. While modest from the curb, the home holds over 3,600 square feet. Built in a time where parents were not as concerned about the proximity of the bedrooms, there is a generous master on the main which includes a separate study. The laundry is also located on this level. The other three bedrooms are adjacent to a family room which also has daylight ranch access to the swimming pool and the surrounding yard. $614,900
Mt. Tabor Modern
Perfect example of a modern 2008 home that fits in beautifully with it's more established neighbors on the east side of Mt. Tabor. Built with sustainable construction practices, this four bedroom home has a layout suitable for many different lifestyles. It was obviously designed with a lot of care. While three bedrooms are on the second level, the fourth bedroom below grade could easily work as a teenage hangout or a guest room. The finishes are modern, yet warm and have a sense of whimsy. Two decks invite you to enjoy the Mt. Hood views.
Pricy for the square footage, but very appealing. $795,000
Laurelhurst English
This home is by far the most generously sized and graceful English style home I have ever viewed in Portland. Facing Laurelhurst Park, the home has an imposing street appeal. I was struck immediately on entering by the large, sunlit living room which also faces the park. Around every corner, I was pleasantly surprised. The owners chose to improve the kitchen with a tasteful mix of modern touches- stainless steel subway tile on the backsplash and onyx countertops meshed well with the tin metal ceiling.
The layout on the main includes a intimate and private study.
All the baths, and there are two full and two half baths, have been updated with an eye towards respect for the original 1920's period yet with modern materials- always understated and of fine quality. There are four (hard to find) bedrooms upstairs, with one of the children's bedrooms featuring the most charming little sink and miniature bathtub. Currently, one of the larger bedrooms is being used as a family/media room, though the basement also offers an area for a rousing game of ping pong.
This home is well taken care of with numerous updates and would make a fine home close to many east side urban delights. $825,000
Laurelhurst Fixer
This Laurelhurst home has a tremendous curb appeal on one of the more quiet areas in the neighborhood. The home is being sold as part of an estate after 70 years of ownership- usually an "as is" proposition unless there is a roof or sewer line issue. The interior requires quite a lot of work, with the bathrooms and kitchen having seen better days many days ago- however, if purchased at the right price the home could prove to be a good future investment. $479,000
Portland's Z Haus Hits Dwell Magazine
Named the "Z-Haus" because of the six zig zagging rooms that are held together by half levels of stairs, this multi-level home is a great example of thoughtful, green infill building in Portland. Featured in this month's Dwell magazine, the uber modern home has already had it's fair share of recognition, being one of the few chosen each year on the popular Street of Eames tour. There were five of us in my car for the tour this past spring, and the Z Haus was at the top of the list of everyone's favorite.
Not just one home, but two homes attached at 2,816 square feet each, they somehow manage a certain homey quality that many contemporaries do not possess. Both homes had a pleasant deck or outdoor space that opened off of the kitchen-great room giving an informality that my companions and I responded to.
The homes are individually owned, and on their own tax lots. One of the owners is the designer and architect, Ben Waechter of Atelier Waechter here in Portland. The homes have many energy saving features.
Portland makes national news again. Read the whole Dwell magazine article and find out what a TPO roof is. 37th and NE Mallory
Burlingame SW Portland
This cute as a bug bungalow in the Burlingame area of SW Portland has made very good use of it's square footage. This starter home's main floor has both a front living room as well as a small area off the kitchen that could be a media area or a good place to keep an eye on small children while one cooks dinner. The upstairs has three bedrooms together, suitable for a smaller children. The 24 x 14 garage was converted to a shop/studio, so currently the parking lies under a carport- but who do you want to have the space? You or the car? $349,900
SW Portland's Broadmoor
The area in Raleigh Hills known as Broadmoor is a very small area which only makes the few homes that become available all the more coveted. Virtually all the homes here were built by a builder known as Baumann, Baumann's home are stately ranches on generous lots and are known for their timeless layouts, and sturdy craftsmanship. There are very few infill homes in this area, and it is largely intact from the 1950's, most of the homes having fastidiously maintained landscaping and golf ready lawns. This new listing is a Baumann classic and offers a great room off the kitchen that both enjoy views of the large private backyard. Three bedrooms are on the main and the lower 700 square feet are currently being used as a studio, but would very likely be a family or play area for the next owners. A great home that has stood the test of time. $850,000
Portland Heights
Not your usual Portland Heights area home, this super contemporary style was designed by Skylab Architecture- the same designers as the cutting edge Doug Fir Lounge and Departure Restaurant and Lounge. The home features a main floor of 2200 square feet- all of it in kitchen, dining and living spaces. Living spaces, plural, as there are at least three distinct areas that could be repurposed depending on the lifestyle of the owner. The master suite occupies the top 1000 square feet with a lovely soaking tub that enjoys the city view. The bottom/entry floor holds what could be two bedrooms or a bedroom/office with another full bath. The home has a 3,000 bottle "wine bungalow" for those people that can actually manage to not drink everything as it comes into the house and an elevator to help one navigate between the floors. $2,865,384
Greenhills of Portland
The exclusive Greenhills area of Portland opened a 2006 home that not only has a superlative address, but a generous size of 5,000 square feet. It puts one in mind of a European villa, especially with the lavender in bloom and the lush landscaping surrounding the home. The ceilings on the two main floors soar to at least 15 feet and the corresponding windows let in light, while the home's setting and landscaping offer privacy. The third level would make a perfect nanny's quarters or play room. $1,795,000
Arlington Heights
One of my favorite homes on this week's tour was this little 1937 Tudor home in Arlington Heights. Tudors are not usually my favorite style as they can sometimes feel dark with their smaller windows, and sometimes their interiors can feel a little "cut up". This home defied my expectations as the current owners have brought in a lot of recessed lighting as well as having ample natural light. Virtually everywhere I looked there were thoughtful and tasteful updates. Starting with the kitchen with it's lovely backsplash, pot filler next to the gourmet gas range and lovely light countertops. This is not one of those faux kitchens with take out pizza boxes in the fridge.
The floors on the main are wide plank white oak, the living room is ample enough for two seating arrangements, and off the kitchen and dining room lies a 50 foot mahogany deck overlooking a treed area that is perfect for morning coffee and entertaining. Three bedrooms share the upstairs with an updated bath, and then a downstairs with a second living area, small kitchen and another bath that could serve as a family room, office space and/or guest suite. A lot packed into it's 2097 square feet. Well priced at $539,000
Portland Tile Goldmines
If only we had as much diversity in our furniture choices as we have in tile here in Portland. Craftsman homes visit their beloved Pratt and Larson, and we are lucky enough to have Ann Sachs in the Pearl which features some local artisans tile work.
However, if you are even thinking of going with a modern or minimalist look for your home, Pental's showroom on Yeon is the destination. Modern mosaics that mimic vintage wallpaper, glass rectangles, river stones, and stainless steel have unlimited potential for combining a personal look. Organic shapes and patterns offer softness to what often becomes a bare and cold feel. The staff is helpful and warm as well.
More photos.
Credit & Real Estate Pitfall: What is Your FICO?
Last month I blogged about FICO scores, what they were and their importance. A great article by Joe Nocera in the NY Times illustrates the unreasonable power the FICO score can have in today's market place, a place where the pendulum has overcorrected itself far to the right of the market heights. Even if you are not thinking about buying a home, it's more critical than ever to look at and correct an incorrect credit report- before you need to. Mr. Nocera's credit report found him living at his sister's address, not owning the home he lived in and working not at the NY Times but at Rite Aid. A must read.
Portland's Mortgage Credit Certificate
This may prove to be more beneficial to Portland real estate than the recently expired federal tax credit, so why have most buyer's never heard of this program? Mostly because most lenders have not become approved lenders for the MCC. The MCC is a federal program managed by the state that allows a homebuyer within the city limits of Portland to receive a yearly tax credit for 20% of the interest owed on the loan- as long as they own the home. Lenders in this program may use the 20% credit to allow the buyers to qualify for a larger loan by taking the 20% credit into consideration for the buyer's income. The buyers may still claim the remaining 80% of the interest for tax purposes.
There are income restrictions and a price limit, but this is a fabulous bonus for 1-2 persons earning up to $71,200. I was made aware of the MCC by Bertha Ferran, our Windermere in house lender, who was instrumental in opening up this program for Portland real estate purchases. Details.
Portland Mid Century Find
Alright, it's not that fabled find at the garage sale where someone puts their father's mint condition Eame's chair out on the curb for $20. With the heightened awareness of the growing appreciation for most things mid century, that fantasy is fading fast.
But where to find that perfect Danish original mid century dining table and chairs? That perfectly shaped sofa with upholstery that doesn't look like shredded wheat? Look Modern to the rescue. Every piece on display is in first rate condition, and most upholstered pieces have been redone with a very good sense of vintage texture and fabric. No chachki shop here, this is truly a furniture store with coffee and dining tables, sofas, and sideboard/credenzas with a smattering of lighting and decorative wall pieces.
The prices reflect the condition, with some lower cost finds in the back room. If you have more good taste than time and luck this is your best bet for mid century modern furniture in Portland. SE 8th and Clay
Portland's Newest and Oldest Beginning Cyclist
Flying down hills with the pleasant sound of gears and spinning spokes and the wind rushing past was exhilarating- a few decades ago. Still, somehow the urge to relearn to ride a bike, and learn the first time to use those seemingly complicated gears, was so compelling that even the threat of road rash could not prevent me.
I'm discovering what the national media has been saying for years, Portland is a great cycling town. While I'm not sharing the main roads with all those distracted realtors driving around, just last weekend found me on the Springwater Corridor for 15 miles and the Banks-Vernonia state trail for 18 miles. Both are great paths for all levels of cyclists including children. The Springwater gives some beautiful views of the city by OMSI and takes you past the summer sounds of screams from the Oaks Park roller coaster into Gresham.
We got on the Banks-Vernonia trail at the Manning trailhead and cycled through some lovely wheat fields before heading into the shade of the Stub Stewart State Park and it's towering conifers.
While it's babysteps for now, who knows? Cycle Oregon next year?
Portland Market Action June 2010
Last months Portland real estate market was a bit of a puzzler, with a few mixed signals. While prices seemed to increase 5% from the previous month, pending sales are down significantly from this time last year. However, pending sales grew by 8% over last month's pendings and closed sales increased 13% from June 2009 to June 2010
Listings, having descended every month since the 12.6 months of inventory in January, to 7 months in May, inched up a bit in June to 7.3. Average DOM (days on market) are down to 121 days from 147 days last June.
SE Portland took on the most new listings last month at 3,079 while N Portland put on the fewest at 1,055- with N Portland also still holding the lowest DOM at 74.
The next few months data will tell us a lot more regarding a firm direction the Portland real estate market is taking, post the end of the much ballyhooed tax credit. Read the entire Portland Market Action report.
Note: My DOM are running half of the market average.
Portland's Professional Kitchen
As someone seriously interested in food, I'm bit sheepish that I haven't been to Rose's Equipment and Supply before. A family owned business, the folks here just couldn't have been nicer to us- even when we checked out with our teeny purchases that were dwarfed by some of the immense items for sale here for professional kitchens and restaurants.
From the very best spatulas and pancake turners, cookie sheets, thermometers and storage containers to huge mixers, meat slicers and panini machines, Rose's has everything you can possibly want for the kitchen. Super sturdy, and meant for heavy use, both prices and value were excellent. Many things such as the sturdy and affordable plates and cutlery are good match for the home kitchen. We were lusting quite a bit after a gorgeous deep fryer that puts anything you can get at most kitchen shops to shame. Imagine the amazing tempura, fritto misto, fried chicken or fish and chips we could make! At the moment though, we couldn't quite justify the expense- at that moment anyway.
SE 2nd & Clay, Open half days on Saturday
Portland Play Day
What can be more fun than having the better part of a day to just explore the east side of Portland? J and I started off at the corner of SE 13th and Lexington and our friend B's wine shop's Saturday for a little wine tasting and to pick up a case of wine. When hunger hit, we wandered over to the food carts across the street. urban'wiches has a really tasty pressed Cubano sandwich featuring several different kinds of pork, cheese and thinly sliced pickles.
With a fast approaching food coma coming on, a simple cross of the street takes you to coffee at Blue Kangaroo- peek in the back and watch them roasting a batch of coffee beans.
Heading up to Hawthorne, we stop in Lounge Lizard which I have always meant to visit and never have.
We find a great mid century light fixture and the owner goes in the back and brings us out two more- all for just over $100. This place is fun and pretty well edited with vintage kitchenware, sofas and chairs, and of course- a kitschy 1970's painting of a group of owls, which is so awful it's almost enjoyable. Thankfully, now we can replace some horrid builder's lights the previous owner of our home had so egregiously installed in our downstairs.
Further north, there is a great stretch of newish shops on N. Williams just south of Shaver where I headed to buy a gift certificate at Tasty n Son's. All the rage, John Gorham's new undertaking is open for daily 9-3 with a full bar ready to deliver some hair of the dog cocktails with your brunch.
I have lusted after Ink and Peat's edgy floral designs after seeing them at Street of Eames, and have made several orders over the phone, so I was very happy to finally visit the shop in person. I was surprised to see the shop was not strictly modern, nor just floral, but also gift shop with a rather vintage feel, the kind of place one can find a sense of discovery while browsing about. Owner, Pam Zsorsi was (bravely) one of the first businesses on the street shared by Lincoln, Pix Patisserie and the aforementioned Tasty and Son's.
I highly recommend a visit to this enclave.
Portland Art Museum
In growing older and perhaps more tolerant, I find R. Crumb's artwork to be accomplished and intriguing as opposed the reaction of shock or revulsion his graphic cartoons provoked in me during the 1970's. The exhibition running through September 19th at the Portland Art Musuem features hand drawn panels from Crumb's new Book of Genesis. The artwork is unmistakably Crumb's but restrains itself from the obvious salaciousness he may have employed in the past.
Many chapters of the fifty produced for his graphic novel are on display, illustrating the first book of the bible with faithful word by word text. My step-daughter commented that was the only way she would be interested in reading this text, giving us the impetus for some very interesting conversation afterwards.
Congratulations to the Portland Art Museum for bringing us a show that is less blockbuster, more accessible and a bit edgy.
Mid Century Sweat Equity
Here is another home full of potential with some unfortunate representation. This home in Raleigh Park was built in 1952 and should hold some mid century charm, but alas, time and unfortunate remodels have taken it's toll so the home is reduced to 70's formica and linoleum and borders on fixer. There is a cool fireplace, but the brick has been painted out and there appear to be some hardwoods. Why should I even mention this home? It has great square footage at 3,400, and the main floor layout is nice with three good sized bedrooms with a hall and master bath and two half baths. There is a great room off the kitchen as well as a living room with picture windows, giving the homeowners plenty of room to spread out. The home is in a sought after neighborhood with homes selling at $500 and far higher and one can put money into this home without pricing it out of the neighborhood. Just don't judge the potential by the unfortunate pictures- I will be happy to show you through it and help you with an appropriate offer. $475,000