Alberta Style
4603 NE 29th Ave 3BR/1 ½BA $335,000. What a little personal style will do to showcase a new listing…Rumor has it that this one might show up on HGTV. Will they pick it? Stay tuned. Someone apparently did as it is already pending. The built-ins alone are of the variety normally seen in much bigger (and more expensive) houses. This one is very nicely remodeled with a cool family room + office + tidy laundry and 2nd bath down. Walk to Alberta too but far enough off to avoid last Thursday traffic and noise. more info + photos
Alberta Too
4728 NE 28th Ave 3BR/2BA $310,000. I’d probably call this a 2 bedroom (most buyers I work with are hard-pressed to call a basement room a bedroom unless it’s a daylight). That said, the exterior is deceiving and it feels like a lot of house for the money. A spacious kitchen, really lovely yard, and mud room are highlights. You can also walk to Alberta and far enough off too. more info + photos
Petite Wilshire
4509 NE Going 3BR/2BA $239,000. This little house needs some cosmetic attention but has some great updates including a newer furnace, windows, and siding. A good fit for someone looking for a big garage with work area and loft. It’s also a great roomie set up with 3rd bedroom (well, a basement bedroom) and small 2nd kitchen space. A cute nook and big back deck round it out, especially at under $240k. more info + photos
Montavilla Gumdrop
214 NE 55th Ave 2BR/1BA $259,900. Pretty darn cute little charmer, a tiny skip east of lovely Laurelhurst. Shows very well, but does feel extra cozy due to lowish ceilings and a narrow galley kitchen. Does have a nice yard with a cool detached studio that could wear many different hats… office? Guest room? Playspace? There’s no formal dining room but sellers use the front sun porch room as such during the winter months when they entertain. A worthy cause under $250K for sure. more info + photos
Eastmoreland Robin’s Egg English
3732 SE Nehalem St 3BR/2BA $325,000. Somebody really likes that color… it’s on the outside and in 2 of 3 formal rooms. Nevertheless, it’s a good deal, with the only real drawback being the unknown of what will happen (i.e. be built upon) the adjacent lot that the seller is in the process of subdividing away. Still, the house is pretty turnkey (if lacking a dishwasher, I noticed) and does have great amenities at this price point in this very coveted neighborhood. more info + photos
Pretty Bungalow, Busy Street
4816 NE 15th Ave 4+BR/2BA $339,000. Steps from the heart of Alberta Arts action, this Craftsman bungalow tries hard to make up for its busline location with a really nice main floor and great finished basement. Both levels feel spacious and pretty, even if the finishes in the kitchen are a tad on the ho-hum side. The upstairs was a little atticky and not the highlight, but still felt cozy and quite usable. Nice yard surprised me, and the mechanicals appear to be in ship-shape. more info + photos
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Our Weekly Dish...
Here's Ilyce Glink's take on why it's a great time to be a first time buyer: low prices, tax incentives, top-notch realtors who have more time to give you great service...read it
Evidence They Still Sell Fast Sometimes
3905 NE 64th Ave 3BR/1BA $319,999. This house made me glad that some great clients sold their house nearby a year and a half ago. Alot for the money, it has nice formal rooms, a sweet updated kitchen (modest but tasteful), and an upstairs crying out for a jack-n-jill bath. Nice street, big front porch...sold...more info + photos (k)
Rose City Bungalow
2306 NE 51st Ave 4BR/2BA $369,000. Rentals rarely show well, especially when the renters are young roommates. Just (I mean just) off Sandy, this has a nice circular floor plan but a head bumping (yes the realtor told me to watch my head) trip to the upstairs 2 bedrooms...great kids rooms btw. The 2nd bath is the scary in the basement sort. Yes, the house on 64th was a tough act to follow. More info + no photos (k)
Alameda Cutie
2904 NE Knott 3BR/1BA $429,000. This house is super cute but I had to go back to the photos to remind myself of that. A prime example of how one glaring flaw can ruin a house for a potential buyer, a sour smell in the basement, despite the numerous candles burning, was what I remembered most. Upon further reflection (and looking at the photos again), I recalled it as really nicely put together. The kitchen is lovely with a nook and small family room that opens onto the back deck. The bedroom set up on the 2nd floor is a pass through, so the 3rd bedroom probably only works for a small child. The location is lovely and I think someone will likely want it closer to $400. more info + photos (k)
Sweet Montavilla Bungalow
15 SE 84th Ave 3BR/2BA $254,500. Very cute smaller house just south of Burnside with pretty inlaid Marloleum floors in remodeled kitchen, lovely fenced backyard and detached garage, fireplace & hardwoods, second bath and third (legal) bedroom in basement are actually very friendly, along with a separate nicer den/family room. The owners have really made the most of this one, and despite the proximity to 82 & Burnside, 84th does sit well above that, and the homes on the street are nice, too. more info + photos (c)
Creston Easter Bunny Craftsman
3733 SE 28th Pl 2+BR/1+BA $299,900. The colors in & out appear to have come straight from Peter Cottontail, but they are well-applied…and the house itself is a great value for the condition and relative location. Creston is a solid if aesthetically spotty family neighborhood just south of Powell (and adjacent to perhaps the best eats on Powell, Hopworks.) The bedrooms are the weakness – they are connected and at least one has minimal closet space. At least the basement & dbl. garage offer plenty of storage. more info + photos (c)
Westmoreland Beauty
6512 SE 19th Ave 2+BR/2BA $359,000. A heart-racing entry into a truly lovely, quintessential bungalow living and dining room leads to a less impressive but period-intact kitchen, and then out to a light-filled (original!) enclosed back porch/room and staircase to the partly-finished and tidy basement. (The second bath down there is nice, btw.) The two main bedrooms and bath also show well, and the second one leads to the back porch “room” described above. This is also a very pretty street, which makes it all the nicer. more info + photos (c)
Evidence They Still Sell Fast Sometimes
3905 NE 64th Ave 3BR/1BA $319,999. This house made me glad that some great clients sold their house nearby a year and a half ago. Alot for the money, it has nice formal rooms, a sweet updated kitchen (modest but tasteful), and an upstairs crying out for a jack-n-jill bath. Nice street, big front porch...sold...more info + photos (k)
Rose City Bungalow
2306 NE 51st Ave 4BR/2BA $369,000. Rentals rarely show well, especially when the renters are young roommates. Just (I mean just) off Sandy, this has a nice circular floor plan but a head bumping (yes the realtor told me to watch my head) trip to the upstairs 2 bedrooms...great kids rooms btw. The 2nd bath is the scary in the basement sort. Yes, the house on 64th was a tough act to follow. More info + no photos (k)
Alameda Cutie
2904 NE Knott 3BR/1BA $429,000. This house is super cute but I had to go back to the photos to remind myself of that. A prime example of how one glaring flaw can ruin a house for a potential buyer, a sour smell in the basement, despite the numerous candles burning, was what I remembered most. Upon further reflection (and looking at the photos again), I recalled it as really nicely put together. The kitchen is lovely with a nook and small family room that opens onto the back deck. The bedroom set up on the 2nd floor is a pass through, so the 3rd bedroom probably only works for a small child. The location is lovely and I think someone will likely want it closer to $400. more info + photos (k)
Sweet Montavilla Bungalow
15 SE 84th Ave 3BR/2BA $254,500. Very cute smaller house just south of Burnside with pretty inlaid Marloleum floors in remodeled kitchen, lovely fenced backyard and detached garage, fireplace & hardwoods, second bath and third (legal) bedroom in basement are actually very friendly, along with a separate nicer den/family room. The owners have really made the most of this one, and despite the proximity to 82 & Burnside, 84th does sit well above that, and the homes on the street are nice, too. more info + photos (c)
Creston Easter Bunny Craftsman
3733 SE 28th Pl 2+BR/1+BA $299,900. The colors in & out appear to have come straight from Peter Cottontail, but they are well-applied…and the house itself is a great value for the condition and relative location. Creston is a solid if aesthetically spotty family neighborhood just south of Powell (and adjacent to perhaps the best eats on Powell, Hopworks.) The bedrooms are the weakness – they are connected and at least one has minimal closet space. At least the basement & dbl. garage offer plenty of storage. more info + photos (c)
Westmoreland Beauty
6512 SE 19th Ave 2+BR/2BA $359,000. A heart-racing entry into a truly lovely, quintessential bungalow living and dining room leads to a less impressive but period-intact kitchen, and then out to a light-filled (original!) enclosed back porch/room and staircase to the partly-finished and tidy basement. (The second bath down there is nice, btw.) The two main bedrooms and bath also show well, and the second one leads to the back porch “room” described above. This is also a very pretty street, which makes it all the nicer. more info + photos (c)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Our Weekly Dish...
Lovely Ladd’s
2108 SE Cypress 2BR/1BA $398,500. Just around the corner from my neighborhood hangout, Palio, this charming little house really works for a single or couple, maybe plus one. There are some pretty, cottagy, details in the formal rooms and French doors to a lovely den off the main room. The kitchen & bath could use a little polishing, with a nice main floor bedroom, somewhat “atticy” 2nd bedroom” upstairs, and a decent unfinished basement. The small yard (or more like patio) makes it a good condo alternative. Not sure if $4ish is a bit much for a 2 bedroom these days, but it is Ladd’s. more info + photos (k)
Steal it
2141 SE Cypress 3BR/2BA $459,900. Just across the street, this roomier bungalow has got curb appeal and a great floor plan. Although prime for a kitchen & bath update, the formal rooms are spacious with a comfortable entry and nicely defined separation from the bedrooms. The upstairs is very open for a finished attic and has wood floors to boot. The back could use some landscaping to give some privacy from the ally and neighbors (not uncommon for Ladd’s) but I will venture that someone snatches this one up soon. As my esteemed colleague, and listing agent, pointed out yesterday, the average turnover in the neighborhood is 15 years so these don’t crop up often. more info + photos (k)
Colonial Heights Dream
2207 SE 24th Ave 5BR/2+2 ½ baths $1,150,000. When something hits the market over a mil in Southeast, I’m seeing it because it doesn’t happen that often. Sitting towards the end of my running route, I’ve been admiring this dreamboat from afar for years. The oversized lot looks out to the west hills and it is simply grand (Southeast-style) with not a stuffed shirt in sight. A 3rd floor screams out for teenagers (or maybe a nanny) and the current sporting goods exec-owner built out a nice gym in the 2000 square foot basement. Originally designed for a doc, evidenced by a sink in one 2nd floor bed (formerly exam) room, this is the most house hunting fun I’ve had in a while. more info + photos (k)
Tiny Tabor Bungalow
1644 SE 52nd Ave 2BR/1BA $275,000. A wonderful location and an oversized lot are the appeal here. For a vintage buff and/or gardener wanting a small space, some creativity could make it shine. However, if you require more modern accoutrements (e.g. updated kitchen & bath), the price doesn’t really make it work for the small amount of space. more info + photos (k)
Reedwood Ranch-o-rama
3369 SE Raymond 3BR/3BA $369,000. Great neighbors (clients!) only add to the appeal of this mid-century. Bring a paint brush (and a contractor) for the opportunity to turn this back into its 1957 self. There’s some salvageable tile in the baths plus the coolest formica I’ve seen (think coral w/green flecks & the sink, toilet & tub to match). The basement is 50s fun too right down to the classic party room (with fireplace) and linoleum shuffleboard. more info + photos (k)
Polished Concordia Ranch
6525 NE 36th Ave 2BR/1BA $249,000. My pick of the week – a turnkey little gem a few skips & a hop from Fernhill Park. Pretty oak hardwoods, fireplace, handy double closet in the master. Tall ceilings in a spotless, unfinished basement were a big bonus in a small home, too. A small private fenced deck off the kitchen, and more a usable yard on the north side. Hard to beat at this price. more info + photos (c)
Small Ranch with Studio
1145 NE 72nd Ave 2BR+/1BA $250,000. A snappier-looking ’55 ranch in the northern reaches of Montavilla, with a fair bit of its value in the generous, lovely yard and detached garage & studio space. The house shows well but is nevertheless smallish and has evidently been occupied by a smoker. Would seem to be a good value closer to $235K. more info + photos (c)
40’s Bungalow Value
1155 NE 73rd Ave 2BR/1BA $219,000. A small house that needs surprisingly little to be made into a very cute small house… hardwoods needs some refinishing, kitchen needs some updating & is on the small side, bath fixtures are “trendy” if you like pea green, or “dated” if you like new, but a solid little house with a great yard and detached garage nonetheless. Big dollar repairs & upgrades appear done or in works, so for this price & for just a smattering of love, this would seem like a very good deal. more info + photos (c)
Striking Craftsman in Challenged Location
4928 NE 14th Ave 3BR/3BA $369,900. Get past the cement neighbor on the north side, and you’ve got a lovely intact-feeling bungalow. The formal rooms are beautiful, the kitchen & main bath look like quality, period-sensitive remodels, and both the upstairs and basement contain additional living/bathing areas. The upstairs “suite is great if you like the feel of dormers and are under about 5’9”, and the basement feels disconnected from the rest of the house and is frankly a work in progress. more info + photos (c)
2108 SE Cypress 2BR/1BA $398,500. Just around the corner from my neighborhood hangout, Palio, this charming little house really works for a single or couple, maybe plus one. There are some pretty, cottagy, details in the formal rooms and French doors to a lovely den off the main room. The kitchen & bath could use a little polishing, with a nice main floor bedroom, somewhat “atticy” 2nd bedroom” upstairs, and a decent unfinished basement. The small yard (or more like patio) makes it a good condo alternative. Not sure if $4ish is a bit much for a 2 bedroom these days, but it is Ladd’s. more info + photos (k)
Steal it
2141 SE Cypress 3BR/2BA $459,900. Just across the street, this roomier bungalow has got curb appeal and a great floor plan. Although prime for a kitchen & bath update, the formal rooms are spacious with a comfortable entry and nicely defined separation from the bedrooms. The upstairs is very open for a finished attic and has wood floors to boot. The back could use some landscaping to give some privacy from the ally and neighbors (not uncommon for Ladd’s) but I will venture that someone snatches this one up soon. As my esteemed colleague, and listing agent, pointed out yesterday, the average turnover in the neighborhood is 15 years so these don’t crop up often. more info + photos (k)
Colonial Heights Dream
2207 SE 24th Ave 5BR/2+2 ½ baths $1,150,000. When something hits the market over a mil in Southeast, I’m seeing it because it doesn’t happen that often. Sitting towards the end of my running route, I’ve been admiring this dreamboat from afar for years. The oversized lot looks out to the west hills and it is simply grand (Southeast-style) with not a stuffed shirt in sight. A 3rd floor screams out for teenagers (or maybe a nanny) and the current sporting goods exec-owner built out a nice gym in the 2000 square foot basement. Originally designed for a doc, evidenced by a sink in one 2nd floor bed (formerly exam) room, this is the most house hunting fun I’ve had in a while. more info + photos (k)
Tiny Tabor Bungalow
1644 SE 52nd Ave 2BR/1BA $275,000. A wonderful location and an oversized lot are the appeal here. For a vintage buff and/or gardener wanting a small space, some creativity could make it shine. However, if you require more modern accoutrements (e.g. updated kitchen & bath), the price doesn’t really make it work for the small amount of space. more info + photos (k)
Reedwood Ranch-o-rama
3369 SE Raymond 3BR/3BA $369,000. Great neighbors (clients!) only add to the appeal of this mid-century. Bring a paint brush (and a contractor) for the opportunity to turn this back into its 1957 self. There’s some salvageable tile in the baths plus the coolest formica I’ve seen (think coral w/green flecks & the sink, toilet & tub to match). The basement is 50s fun too right down to the classic party room (with fireplace) and linoleum shuffleboard. more info + photos (k)
Polished Concordia Ranch
6525 NE 36th Ave 2BR/1BA $249,000. My pick of the week – a turnkey little gem a few skips & a hop from Fernhill Park. Pretty oak hardwoods, fireplace, handy double closet in the master. Tall ceilings in a spotless, unfinished basement were a big bonus in a small home, too. A small private fenced deck off the kitchen, and more a usable yard on the north side. Hard to beat at this price. more info + photos (c)
Small Ranch with Studio
1145 NE 72nd Ave 2BR+/1BA $250,000. A snappier-looking ’55 ranch in the northern reaches of Montavilla, with a fair bit of its value in the generous, lovely yard and detached garage & studio space. The house shows well but is nevertheless smallish and has evidently been occupied by a smoker. Would seem to be a good value closer to $235K. more info + photos (c)
40’s Bungalow Value
1155 NE 73rd Ave 2BR/1BA $219,000. A small house that needs surprisingly little to be made into a very cute small house… hardwoods needs some refinishing, kitchen needs some updating & is on the small side, bath fixtures are “trendy” if you like pea green, or “dated” if you like new, but a solid little house with a great yard and detached garage nonetheless. Big dollar repairs & upgrades appear done or in works, so for this price & for just a smattering of love, this would seem like a very good deal. more info + photos (c)
Striking Craftsman in Challenged Location
4928 NE 14th Ave 3BR/3BA $369,900. Get past the cement neighbor on the north side, and you’ve got a lovely intact-feeling bungalow. The formal rooms are beautiful, the kitchen & main bath look like quality, period-sensitive remodels, and both the upstairs and basement contain additional living/bathing areas. The upstairs “suite is great if you like the feel of dormers and are under about 5’9”, and the basement feels disconnected from the rest of the house and is frankly a work in progress. more info + photos (c)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Our Weekly Dish...
Pining for Rescue in Roseway
6218 NE Broadway St 3BR/1BA $255,000.It all looked good until I stepped inside. Then I was greeted (assaulted?) by the decidedly unsavory combination of cheap carpeting and residual “eau de smoker” that permeated most of the common areas. There is some original character very worthy of a good scrubbing and refinishing or painting, and the layout & size are fine. The kitchen is a tired, (dated-but-not-in-a-quaint-way) decent-sized space with an eating area, and the bedrooms (2 up, 1 on main) appear to harbor hardwoods beneath the unfortunate choice of carpeting. The location is good, the curb appeal is fine, but bring some vision… and a clothespin if your nose is sensitive. more info + photos
Concordia Crumpet
6022 NE 22nd Ave $305,000 2BR/2BA.This was the tastiest dish on my menu today… a very cute house with a big living room, eat-in kitchen, and two nice baths – one on main, one down off a really great, generously-sized family room. A nice fenced yard & detached garage, too. If one is to nitpick, the kitchen layout is a little funky, including a “detached dishwasher” if you were paying attention. But this ’38 Cape is on a nice street just above the loveliest section of Ainsworth. Watch it go… more info + photos
Delightful Dormered Bungalow
1504 NE 54th Ave 3BR/1.5BA $309,800.This house was a close second; it felt bigger than the 1340sqft listed above grade, and nicer than expected in this price range. Well-kept & furnished, the owners have made the most of it via sensible remodeling that didn’t break the bank… a wise move, as this house does corner busy NE Halsey. That said, it does have a very usable, friendly fenced yard & patio, despite the street noise. The kitchen is quite roomy, and has an unusual vaulted ceiling over the eating area which I never would have expected to like – but did! Also worth noting is how very close to Normandale Park, I-84 & Hollywood this is… and a mere block from a great café. more info + photos
Cosmetically-Challenged Bungalow
2127 NE 56th Ave 3BR/1BA $319,000.This one is not new, but is a re-list with a 15% price drop. In spite of the good location, the nice layout and some desirable architectural details, nearly every room in the house needs an overhaul. Several simply need paint/wallpaper removed or re-done. But the kitchen is an unsightly 70s relic that makes the room feel crammed, and the bath is…. worse. The third listed bedroom is really more accurately described as an office or hobby room. And did I mention the roof? It is a very blue metal, and a very shiny one at that. Too much work for over $300K. more info + photos
Oddball “Cabin” in Laurelhurst
933 NE 44th Ave 4BR/2BA $319,000.Get past the immediate location (adjacent to I-84 frontage road, across from industrial) and get used to walking a flight up to your door, and you will be rewarded. Mind you, it’s funky, it DOES feel like a cabin, and the appraiser thought much more highly of it (came in at $370K a month ago) than the market will. But if you want to be part of a really nice neighborhood (technically speaking) and either want a tenant or space for visiting relatives, this house does have a nicer, mostly-permitted apartment in the basement. And the MAX is “crawl” close. more info + photos
Smells Like a Rose
3045 NE 59th Ave 4BR/2BA $439,000.Totally, tastefully done up & down. One bummer is the lack of a bath up, where an enticing master & walk-in closet otherwise beckons. The other bummer is that it is a tad out there, walkable to Beaumont for the motivated. If schools aren’t really important to you and you are in this price range, do see it. It would be $50K more if it were just a half-mile closer. more info + photos
A Sad Story in Creston
4511 SE Gladstone 4BR/2BA $364,900. The vacant lot next door piqued my curiousity on this foreclosure property. Great location w/views of west hills and good curb appeal. It's been "pergoed" and has a decent kitchen that seems to be trying to look fancier than it is. The upstairs is kid-friendly, read lower ceilings and a tub only bath, and the basement would be good for storage/hobbyists but probably not much more. What's interesting is the history. Someone picked what was once a double lot up for a song in 2003, remodeled, and turned a nice profit in 2005 by selling it to someone who tried to further profit by dividing the lot and selling the house for more. It's been on & off the market since and looks like the bank finally got it back in January. Me thinks they need to come off a bit in price. more info + photos
Woodstock Potential Plus
5335 SE 45th Ave 3BR/1BA $315,000. The mediocre curb appeal belies the coolness of this house. It has fabulous spaces with original moldings, boxbeams, a gorgeous fireplace, and a cavernous basement. It needs some polishing to be sure, and the bedrooms are a little on the not huge side, but wow, what potential, and it sits on one of the prettiest streets in Woodstock imho. more info + photos
Elbow Grease English
2640 SE 52nd Ave 3BR/1.1BA $310,000. This is the kind of house I love to find if it's not on a busy street almost next to Franklin High. In my fantasy, this was an original owner house and may have been 2 years ago when it last turned over. It's a very original 1930s English w/beautiful original mahogany doors and moldings, gorgeous windows (not for the energy efficient minded), and potential for a rockin' master suite upstairs and classic party room (with fireplace) down. Lots of paneling, but it's the good quality old kind, not 70s fiber board. OK, maybe it needs a little more than elbow grease but still has alot of grace too. more info + photos
Odd, but Oh What a View
606 SE 58th Ave 4BR/3BA $439,000. I love Tabor so trucked up there to see this one and was not dissapointed by the view from inside. It's hard to tell what's happened here over the years, some adding on to be sure. Nice kitchen, likely hardwoods under those teal carpets, and even a "mother-in-law" in the basement. It's also a good house for car people with much garage and parking space. The grounds are pretty but it does feel a little exposed with good views going both ways. more info + photos
Dreamy Sunnyside Manse
2943 SE Salmon 4BR/3BA $699,000. Photos don't do this old charmer justice. Open spaces and a flow made for mingling with champagne make this house special. The basement is so grand it hosts a baby grand piano and rumour has it they host jazz jams down there with performers you'd recognize. The 2nd floor is just as gracious with a landing that could hold half the party. It could use some polishing but if it were perfect, I'd expect it to cost alot more. Lucky ones who pick this up. more info + photos
6218 NE Broadway St 3BR/1BA $255,000.It all looked good until I stepped inside. Then I was greeted (assaulted?) by the decidedly unsavory combination of cheap carpeting and residual “eau de smoker” that permeated most of the common areas. There is some original character very worthy of a good scrubbing and refinishing or painting, and the layout & size are fine. The kitchen is a tired, (dated-but-not-in-a-quaint-way) decent-sized space with an eating area, and the bedrooms (2 up, 1 on main) appear to harbor hardwoods beneath the unfortunate choice of carpeting. The location is good, the curb appeal is fine, but bring some vision… and a clothespin if your nose is sensitive. more info + photos
Concordia Crumpet
6022 NE 22nd Ave $305,000 2BR/2BA.This was the tastiest dish on my menu today… a very cute house with a big living room, eat-in kitchen, and two nice baths – one on main, one down off a really great, generously-sized family room. A nice fenced yard & detached garage, too. If one is to nitpick, the kitchen layout is a little funky, including a “detached dishwasher” if you were paying attention. But this ’38 Cape is on a nice street just above the loveliest section of Ainsworth. Watch it go… more info + photos
Delightful Dormered Bungalow
1504 NE 54th Ave 3BR/1.5BA $309,800.This house was a close second; it felt bigger than the 1340sqft listed above grade, and nicer than expected in this price range. Well-kept & furnished, the owners have made the most of it via sensible remodeling that didn’t break the bank… a wise move, as this house does corner busy NE Halsey. That said, it does have a very usable, friendly fenced yard & patio, despite the street noise. The kitchen is quite roomy, and has an unusual vaulted ceiling over the eating area which I never would have expected to like – but did! Also worth noting is how very close to Normandale Park, I-84 & Hollywood this is… and a mere block from a great café. more info + photos
Cosmetically-Challenged Bungalow
2127 NE 56th Ave 3BR/1BA $319,000.This one is not new, but is a re-list with a 15% price drop. In spite of the good location, the nice layout and some desirable architectural details, nearly every room in the house needs an overhaul. Several simply need paint/wallpaper removed or re-done. But the kitchen is an unsightly 70s relic that makes the room feel crammed, and the bath is…. worse. The third listed bedroom is really more accurately described as an office or hobby room. And did I mention the roof? It is a very blue metal, and a very shiny one at that. Too much work for over $300K. more info + photos
Oddball “Cabin” in Laurelhurst
933 NE 44th Ave 4BR/2BA $319,000.Get past the immediate location (adjacent to I-84 frontage road, across from industrial) and get used to walking a flight up to your door, and you will be rewarded. Mind you, it’s funky, it DOES feel like a cabin, and the appraiser thought much more highly of it (came in at $370K a month ago) than the market will. But if you want to be part of a really nice neighborhood (technically speaking) and either want a tenant or space for visiting relatives, this house does have a nicer, mostly-permitted apartment in the basement. And the MAX is “crawl” close. more info + photos
Smells Like a Rose
3045 NE 59th Ave 4BR/2BA $439,000.Totally, tastefully done up & down. One bummer is the lack of a bath up, where an enticing master & walk-in closet otherwise beckons. The other bummer is that it is a tad out there, walkable to Beaumont for the motivated. If schools aren’t really important to you and you are in this price range, do see it. It would be $50K more if it were just a half-mile closer. more info + photos
A Sad Story in Creston
4511 SE Gladstone 4BR/2BA $364,900. The vacant lot next door piqued my curiousity on this foreclosure property. Great location w/views of west hills and good curb appeal. It's been "pergoed" and has a decent kitchen that seems to be trying to look fancier than it is. The upstairs is kid-friendly, read lower ceilings and a tub only bath, and the basement would be good for storage/hobbyists but probably not much more. What's interesting is the history. Someone picked what was once a double lot up for a song in 2003, remodeled, and turned a nice profit in 2005 by selling it to someone who tried to further profit by dividing the lot and selling the house for more. It's been on & off the market since and looks like the bank finally got it back in January. Me thinks they need to come off a bit in price. more info + photos
Woodstock Potential Plus
5335 SE 45th Ave 3BR/1BA $315,000. The mediocre curb appeal belies the coolness of this house. It has fabulous spaces with original moldings, boxbeams, a gorgeous fireplace, and a cavernous basement. It needs some polishing to be sure, and the bedrooms are a little on the not huge side, but wow, what potential, and it sits on one of the prettiest streets in Woodstock imho. more info + photos
Elbow Grease English
2640 SE 52nd Ave 3BR/1.1BA $310,000. This is the kind of house I love to find if it's not on a busy street almost next to Franklin High. In my fantasy, this was an original owner house and may have been 2 years ago when it last turned over. It's a very original 1930s English w/beautiful original mahogany doors and moldings, gorgeous windows (not for the energy efficient minded), and potential for a rockin' master suite upstairs and classic party room (with fireplace) down. Lots of paneling, but it's the good quality old kind, not 70s fiber board. OK, maybe it needs a little more than elbow grease but still has alot of grace too. more info + photos
Odd, but Oh What a View
606 SE 58th Ave 4BR/3BA $439,000. I love Tabor so trucked up there to see this one and was not dissapointed by the view from inside. It's hard to tell what's happened here over the years, some adding on to be sure. Nice kitchen, likely hardwoods under those teal carpets, and even a "mother-in-law" in the basement. It's also a good house for car people with much garage and parking space. The grounds are pretty but it does feel a little exposed with good views going both ways. more info + photos
Dreamy Sunnyside Manse
2943 SE Salmon 4BR/3BA $699,000. Photos don't do this old charmer justice. Open spaces and a flow made for mingling with champagne make this house special. The basement is so grand it hosts a baby grand piano and rumour has it they host jazz jams down there with performers you'd recognize. The 2nd floor is just as gracious with a landing that could hold half the party. It could use some polishing but if it were perfect, I'd expect it to cost alot more. Lucky ones who pick this up. more info + photos
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Our Weekly Dish...
So. Tabor Cape
3212 SE 76th Ave 4BR/1BA $309,500. A good value for a growing family, this home has four real bedrooms above grade and a family room & small office below. South Tabor is a surprisingly nice & quiet little pocket of 40’s-built homes, though it feels a little bit out there. Nice fenced yard w/patio and driveway with small garage, too. 2 upstairs bedrooms are kid-perfect. The sellers bought for less just a year ago (and made some improvements!) but now need to sell. more info + photos
Mournful Foursquare
3815 SE Main St 4BR/2BA $329,000. A large foursquare right across from the Richmond Fred Meyer parking lot that looks and feels every bit the tenant-occupied/same-owner-50-years property that it is. No one has suitably loved this house for many years, but many of the “bones” (moldings, doors) are intact, at least for the energetic and visionary restorer. A good value under $300K because of the location and the condition. more info + photos
Sparkly Hawthorne Bungalow
1800 SE 42nd Ave 2+BR/1BA $349,900. Tastefully “mod” remodeling choices in kitchen and bath, along with complementary furnishings make this little house really shine. The bath is particularly stunning, but in fact there are few disappointments on display here. The layout is unusual, with the kitchen left, off the formal rooms and between the two main floor bedrooms, and the bath is all the way in the back of the house. A cozy-feeling but ample master is up, and a nice sunroom/office overlooks the backyard. more info + photos
Roomy Tabor Cape Cod
330 SE 47th Ave 4BR/2BA $389,900. It will be challenging to ignore the palette in this house if it doesn’t resonate with you, but the truth is that the house is thoroughly and sensibly remodeled, with professional workmanship clearly in evidence. For a family with a couple kids looking for more stretching room, this is one to see, walkable to the inimitable Laurelhurst Park and a very short bike ride to Hawthorne or Hollywood shops. more info + photos
Why rent in Alberta? 5310 NE 10th Ave 1BR/1BA $159,900. When you could pick up this sweet one-bedroom condo for little more than a buck fifty. Well done, from the high quality front door and hardware to the sleek kitchen w/new stainless appliances. The bedroom is roomy and bath nice too, and you can walk to all the fun that Alberta has to offer. more info + photos
Why not rent in Alberta?5851 NE 12th Ave 2BR/1BA $219,900. The same Alberta neighborhood but north of Killingsworth, this little house is on the rough side. With no basement or garage it’s missing some of the storage space that buyers looking for a house usually want. The highlight is the nice sized yard with ruins of what was probably once a very pretty space complete with fountain. more info + photos
Affordable Grant Park
2827 NE 35th Ave 2BR/1BA $289,900. Nice opportunity for a small family to get into Hollyrood for under $300. Some nice updates include kitchen & bath, and a new walkway and driveway that was being poured on broker tour day. Well-kept for a rental, there is no basement or garage so storage is limited. Location, location, location. more info + photos
No Parking Zone
4528 NE 68th Ave 3BR/1.1BA $265,000. If you can get past the neighbor’s vintage love mobile parked on front lawn next door, this house will give you a lot for the money. I was pleasantly surprised all over the place, especially the very inviting finished basement and finished attic w/3rd bedroom and home office. Close to Prescott, yes, but plenty of room for a family here and a reasonable price to boot. more info + photos
My Pick for the Week: Roseway “Creampuff” Mid-century
4336 NE 74th Ave 2BR/1BA $269,900. Solid house on a pretty street with many updates including new exterior paint & cedar fencing, gas fireplace/stove, and tankless water heater. Finished basement and roomy garage offer plenty of hobby and rec space. The interior is aesthetically pleasing too. more info + photos
3212 SE 76th Ave 4BR/1BA $309,500. A good value for a growing family, this home has four real bedrooms above grade and a family room & small office below. South Tabor is a surprisingly nice & quiet little pocket of 40’s-built homes, though it feels a little bit out there. Nice fenced yard w/patio and driveway with small garage, too. 2 upstairs bedrooms are kid-perfect. The sellers bought for less just a year ago (and made some improvements!) but now need to sell. more info + photos
Mournful Foursquare
3815 SE Main St 4BR/2BA $329,000. A large foursquare right across from the Richmond Fred Meyer parking lot that looks and feels every bit the tenant-occupied/same-owner-50-years property that it is. No one has suitably loved this house for many years, but many of the “bones” (moldings, doors) are intact, at least for the energetic and visionary restorer. A good value under $300K because of the location and the condition. more info + photos
Sparkly Hawthorne Bungalow
1800 SE 42nd Ave 2+BR/1BA $349,900. Tastefully “mod” remodeling choices in kitchen and bath, along with complementary furnishings make this little house really shine. The bath is particularly stunning, but in fact there are few disappointments on display here. The layout is unusual, with the kitchen left, off the formal rooms and between the two main floor bedrooms, and the bath is all the way in the back of the house. A cozy-feeling but ample master is up, and a nice sunroom/office overlooks the backyard. more info + photos
Roomy Tabor Cape Cod
330 SE 47th Ave 4BR/2BA $389,900. It will be challenging to ignore the palette in this house if it doesn’t resonate with you, but the truth is that the house is thoroughly and sensibly remodeled, with professional workmanship clearly in evidence. For a family with a couple kids looking for more stretching room, this is one to see, walkable to the inimitable Laurelhurst Park and a very short bike ride to Hawthorne or Hollywood shops. more info + photos
Why rent in Alberta? 5310 NE 10th Ave 1BR/1BA $159,900. When you could pick up this sweet one-bedroom condo for little more than a buck fifty. Well done, from the high quality front door and hardware to the sleek kitchen w/new stainless appliances. The bedroom is roomy and bath nice too, and you can walk to all the fun that Alberta has to offer. more info + photos
Why not rent in Alberta?5851 NE 12th Ave 2BR/1BA $219,900. The same Alberta neighborhood but north of Killingsworth, this little house is on the rough side. With no basement or garage it’s missing some of the storage space that buyers looking for a house usually want. The highlight is the nice sized yard with ruins of what was probably once a very pretty space complete with fountain. more info + photos
Affordable Grant Park
2827 NE 35th Ave 2BR/1BA $289,900. Nice opportunity for a small family to get into Hollyrood for under $300. Some nice updates include kitchen & bath, and a new walkway and driveway that was being poured on broker tour day. Well-kept for a rental, there is no basement or garage so storage is limited. Location, location, location. more info + photos
No Parking Zone
4528 NE 68th Ave 3BR/1.1BA $265,000. If you can get past the neighbor’s vintage love mobile parked on front lawn next door, this house will give you a lot for the money. I was pleasantly surprised all over the place, especially the very inviting finished basement and finished attic w/3rd bedroom and home office. Close to Prescott, yes, but plenty of room for a family here and a reasonable price to boot. more info + photos
My Pick for the Week: Roseway “Creampuff” Mid-century
4336 NE 74th Ave 2BR/1BA $269,900. Solid house on a pretty street with many updates including new exterior paint & cedar fencing, gas fireplace/stove, and tankless water heater. Finished basement and roomy garage offer plenty of hobby and rec space. The interior is aesthetically pleasing too. more info + photos
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Petite & sweet with some mojo
Petite Sweet Bungalow
710 SE 61st Ave 2BR/1BA $275,000. A small, very lovely bungalow with a standout eat-in kitchen and wisely-conceived mudroom area adjacent to it leading to a nice (fruit-laced) backyard. The updating and choices in this part of the house really lift the livability of this small house into another category. It’s also one long block to a great coffee shop & restaurant (Cooper’s and Caldera, respectively) as well as Mt. Tabor itself. And did I mention the garage? 480sqft, equipped with 220amp & heat. more info + photos
Bright Belmont Townhouse Condo
712 SE 33rd Ave 2+BR/2.5BA $329,900. Newer 3-level townhouse style condo in the northern reaches of the Sunnyside/Hawthorne neighborhood. Much lighter than expected, given its high-density surrounds, with upscale & eco-modern finishes & fixtures. Deeded parking is essential, and the balcony up & cute little patio in front gives some welcome outdoor space to sip your coffee & chat with neighbors. (But ditch the ratty robe, because you won’t have privacy there.) HOAs $240/mo & do include a fair bit. more info + photos
Brooklyn Gem
4224 SE 12th Ave 3BR/2BA $369,950. This house has two very notable attributes – the location is ideal within this neighborhood, and the master & bath upstairs are really nice. The bath is a new addition show-stopper; just as the owners were celebrating its completion, one of them was notified of a job transfer. The rest of the house is nice and shows well, but is certainly less exceptional. The very pleasant, private backyard does back up to a commercial building back wall, but it is windowless and covered in mature, seasonally-flowering vines. more info + photos
Behemoth Laurelhurst Bungalow
4045 SE Ash St 4BR/2BA $449,900. Cleverly billed as “unspoiled” because its layout, woodwork & built-ins are very intact, the house is nevertheless also jam-packed with insensitive (okay, cringing) remodeling choices perhaps selected from the sets of the Brady Bunch t.v. show. And brother, it’s BIG, too. All I can say is hope for lots of quantity discounts if you want to take on this project. The upside? It’s a mere block from spectacularly beautiful Laurelhurst Park, on a street of stately homes. more info + photos
Spacious Sweat Equity Bungalow
7525 NE Irving St 2+BR/1.5BA $204,900. With one eye on the price, it’s hard to complain about a few cosmetics in this early bungalow that still has good street appeal and some nevertheless solid updates inside. This is no fixer, and it boasts nearly 1350sqft living space above grade, on a quiet block with a small private yard. Located in Montavilla, it’s in the shadow of Mt. Tabor & MAX access; going a mile north or south delivers you to the best east-side amenities. more info + photos
Montavilla Mojo
1236 NE 80th Ave 3BR/2BA $267,000. A rare “great deal” that is also a really nice house. Shows very well, lots of recent upgrades – roof, windows, fixtures, fresh colors w/low-VOC paint and nice refinished hardwood floors. Working fireplace, major appliances included too. Good-sized fenced yard, great finished basement. Also sits on a quiet street, walkable to MAX. more info + photos
Small Concordia Cottage
5712 NE 29th 2BR/1BA $279,900. Of all the <$300K houses seen today, this one offers the least – it feels every bit the 803sqft it has listed. The bath and kitchen were okay, but underwhelming. It does have a stellar location and nice curb appeal going for it, but the basement is accessible from outside only and so feels disconnected from the living space. A small lot, it has a driveway but only a wisp of a yard. more info + photos
Sparkling Concordia Cape
5826 NE 28th Ave 3BR/2BA $389,000. A very lovely example of a great marriage between period beauty and sensitive remodeling, with the bonuses of great location and all major mechanicals newly updated. The only possible bummer is that the 2nd bath is in the basement with the family room (instead of with the master bedroom located on the 2nd floor.) But the living spaces are nicely balanced, the basement is large and dry and very nicely done, and the kitchen is pretty and includes an eating nook. more info + photos
Want more listings like this? ck-homes.com
710 SE 61st Ave 2BR/1BA $275,000. A small, very lovely bungalow with a standout eat-in kitchen and wisely-conceived mudroom area adjacent to it leading to a nice (fruit-laced) backyard. The updating and choices in this part of the house really lift the livability of this small house into another category. It’s also one long block to a great coffee shop & restaurant (Cooper’s and Caldera, respectively) as well as Mt. Tabor itself. And did I mention the garage? 480sqft, equipped with 220amp & heat. more info + photos
Bright Belmont Townhouse Condo
712 SE 33rd Ave 2+BR/2.5BA $329,900. Newer 3-level townhouse style condo in the northern reaches of the Sunnyside/Hawthorne neighborhood. Much lighter than expected, given its high-density surrounds, with upscale & eco-modern finishes & fixtures. Deeded parking is essential, and the balcony up & cute little patio in front gives some welcome outdoor space to sip your coffee & chat with neighbors. (But ditch the ratty robe, because you won’t have privacy there.) HOAs $240/mo & do include a fair bit. more info + photos
Brooklyn Gem
4224 SE 12th Ave 3BR/2BA $369,950. This house has two very notable attributes – the location is ideal within this neighborhood, and the master & bath upstairs are really nice. The bath is a new addition show-stopper; just as the owners were celebrating its completion, one of them was notified of a job transfer. The rest of the house is nice and shows well, but is certainly less exceptional. The very pleasant, private backyard does back up to a commercial building back wall, but it is windowless and covered in mature, seasonally-flowering vines. more info + photos
Behemoth Laurelhurst Bungalow
4045 SE Ash St 4BR/2BA $449,900. Cleverly billed as “unspoiled” because its layout, woodwork & built-ins are very intact, the house is nevertheless also jam-packed with insensitive (okay, cringing) remodeling choices perhaps selected from the sets of the Brady Bunch t.v. show. And brother, it’s BIG, too. All I can say is hope for lots of quantity discounts if you want to take on this project. The upside? It’s a mere block from spectacularly beautiful Laurelhurst Park, on a street of stately homes. more info + photos
Spacious Sweat Equity Bungalow
7525 NE Irving St 2+BR/1.5BA $204,900. With one eye on the price, it’s hard to complain about a few cosmetics in this early bungalow that still has good street appeal and some nevertheless solid updates inside. This is no fixer, and it boasts nearly 1350sqft living space above grade, on a quiet block with a small private yard. Located in Montavilla, it’s in the shadow of Mt. Tabor & MAX access; going a mile north or south delivers you to the best east-side amenities. more info + photos
Montavilla Mojo
1236 NE 80th Ave 3BR/2BA $267,000. A rare “great deal” that is also a really nice house. Shows very well, lots of recent upgrades – roof, windows, fixtures, fresh colors w/low-VOC paint and nice refinished hardwood floors. Working fireplace, major appliances included too. Good-sized fenced yard, great finished basement. Also sits on a quiet street, walkable to MAX. more info + photos
Small Concordia Cottage
5712 NE 29th 2BR/1BA $279,900. Of all the <$300K houses seen today, this one offers the least – it feels every bit the 803sqft it has listed. The bath and kitchen were okay, but underwhelming. It does have a stellar location and nice curb appeal going for it, but the basement is accessible from outside only and so feels disconnected from the living space. A small lot, it has a driveway but only a wisp of a yard. more info + photos
Sparkling Concordia Cape
5826 NE 28th Ave 3BR/2BA $389,000. A very lovely example of a great marriage between period beauty and sensitive remodeling, with the bonuses of great location and all major mechanicals newly updated. The only possible bummer is that the 2nd bath is in the basement with the family room (instead of with the master bedroom located on the 2nd floor.) But the living spaces are nicely balanced, the basement is large and dry and very nicely done, and the kitchen is pretty and includes an eating nook. more info + photos
Want more listings like this? ck-homes.com
Saturday, February 21, 2009
New in NE this week
Rose City Inner Beauty
1801 NE 65th Ave 3+BR/2BA $389,000. Kind of bland on the outside, but with a surprisingly lovely interior all the way through. Nice street, a quick zip from Hollywood’s hub and walkable to gargantuan Normandale Park, and an impressive distribution of space. Shows very well – no slobs live here – and with a manicured yard that looks to yield lovely roses in Spring. A lot of house for under $400K. more info + photos
Exceptional English
2946 NE 59th Ave $425,000 3BR/2BA. A beautiful example of a tastefully remodeled home of this style, which has been both preserved (e.g. original light fixtures, leaded glass, bathroom vanity) as well as finished (spacious master w/ dreamy walk-in closet up; very nice finished basement & added bath) in the style it was built to showcase. A new custom kitchen with pretty fir cabinetry was also wisely conceived. Yard is stunning, including meticulous landscape gardening. Nice street, walkable to Beaumont shops. Only downer is the lack of bathroom upstairs where the master bedroom is located. more info + photos
Somewhat Less Exceptional English
1724 NE 54th Ave 3BR/1.5BA $439,000. This is a nice house, but the only possible advantages it has over the one discussed above (for $425K ) are a nice half-bath off the master and a closer-in address. Kitchen & main bath remodels are fine, but on the budget side. Can’t imagine anyone looking at both homes and picking this one. A great value at $395K, but I don’t see this one selling for much more than that. more info + photos
Read on for insight into the stimulus tax credit for 1st time buyers...
1801 NE 65th Ave 3+BR/2BA $389,000. Kind of bland on the outside, but with a surprisingly lovely interior all the way through. Nice street, a quick zip from Hollywood’s hub and walkable to gargantuan Normandale Park, and an impressive distribution of space. Shows very well – no slobs live here – and with a manicured yard that looks to yield lovely roses in Spring. A lot of house for under $400K. more info + photos
Exceptional English
2946 NE 59th Ave $425,000 3BR/2BA. A beautiful example of a tastefully remodeled home of this style, which has been both preserved (e.g. original light fixtures, leaded glass, bathroom vanity) as well as finished (spacious master w/ dreamy walk-in closet up; very nice finished basement & added bath) in the style it was built to showcase. A new custom kitchen with pretty fir cabinetry was also wisely conceived. Yard is stunning, including meticulous landscape gardening. Nice street, walkable to Beaumont shops. Only downer is the lack of bathroom upstairs where the master bedroom is located. more info + photos
Somewhat Less Exceptional English
1724 NE 54th Ave 3BR/1.5BA $439,000. This is a nice house, but the only possible advantages it has over the one discussed above (for $425K ) are a nice half-bath off the master and a closer-in address. Kitchen & main bath remodels are fine, but on the budget side. Can’t imagine anyone looking at both homes and picking this one. A great value at $395K, but I don’t see this one selling for much more than that. more info + photos
Read on for insight into the stimulus tax credit for 1st time buyers...
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