Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher

April Market Update

May 17, 2022 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Its time again to look back at the numbers and see how healthy the real estate market is. With all the news about being in a bubble and an incoming crash, it is more important than ever to really look at past and present statistics. Let’s dive in to the numbers for April 2022!

Since November we have been seeing the inventory hover right around .8 months. This means if no one else listed their home, everything would be sold in less than a month. This is still true for April, but the number is climbing. When we have the stats out for May I expect the number to be closer to .9 or even 1. We have really been feeling the extra inventory and are so grateful for it.

The average sales price is up 13.4% compared to April of last year and a whopping 4% from just last month. The former is not surprising as we have been seeing double digit appreciation for the last couple years. The 4% increase from last month is astonishing, but not unbelievable. As soon as we saw the rates increase, we noticed people throwing out crazy offer numbers so they could lock their rate in. We noticed multiple homes that closed in this timeframe sold for around 30% over what they were listed for.

Summary

Now that everyone has settled into the newly increased rate hikes things are back to “Portland normal”. We are still seeing the really cute homes fly off the shelf for about 100k over asking price. Many people are still waiving some or all of their contingencies, and homes are getting multiple offers. The biggest difference is we are mostly seeing 2-3 offers instead of 20.

We expect this trend to continue as things settle a bit. We don’t expect to see any big drops or dips. Despite what major news outlets may be saying, the market correcting itself is a good things and will benefit everyone involved!

If you want specifics about what the changing market means for your home sale or purchase, we would be happy to chat with you! If you want to chat with a lender about your purchasing power, you can see who we trust here

Ripe Cooperative

April 29, 2022 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Hot Spot of the Week this week is OHSODELICIOUS market and bistro Ripe Cooperative. Naomi Pomeroy recently opened this adorable spot in the former location of epic dining destination Beast, and may I say I’m smitten?

We headed over to Ripe Cooperative for a ladies lunch recently. We were a little worried that there might be a long wait due to the small size plus the buzzworthy-ness, but they were actually able to get us in right away! They have a handful of small bistro tables indoors, plus covered and heated patio spots outside, so you are covered (haha) whatever your mood.

Upon walking in, the first things we noticed were the lovely wine selection and the smell of fresh focaccia. In addition to the bistro, Ripe Cooperative is also a marketplace. You can stop in and grab a well-curated bottle or a selection of delicious dishes to bring to your next dinner party. If you show up with Spinach and Dungeness Crab dip or Beet Pickled Deviled Eggs, I promise you will be everyone’s new best friend.

Once we were done ogling the 4 different focaccia varieties, we settled in and ordered a bottle of bubbles and some oysters to start. They had two different types of oysters, so we opted for a half dozen – 3 of each. They were super fresh and served with a champagne mignonette, the perfect pairing for the bubbles in our glasses.

Next, we moved on to lunch proper. As I mentioned, there were 4 focaccia options and they all sounded amazing. We ended up opting for the pesto, red onion, and gruyere. It was PERFECT. It was fluffy, with a wonderful bottom crust, and just the right amount of richness. We also tried out the chicories salad, which was tossed with walnuts, pancetta, parmesan, and aged balsamic. Delicious. The true star of lunch however, was the Dungeness Crab Roll. It was easily and by far the best crab roll I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy. With all of the rest of the food, I was grateful that we had split it 3 ways, but someday soon I will return to hog one all to myself.

I am not overstating it by saying that I am newly obsessed. For one, I cannot wait to return for another dining experience. But I also really can’t wait to try out all of their market options. This is going to be one of my new ‘go to’ spots, for sure.

Have you been over to try Ripe Cooperative yet? What was your favorite thing on the menu? Let us know in the comments! If you have not been, I highly recommend checking them out Here.

Market and Restaurant Combos

April 26, 2022 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

As we know, Portland real estate can be expensive, so what better way to capitalize on your space than with a market and restaurant combo? These are wonderful places where you can enjoy a lovely meal in or grab some wonderful provisions to take home or both! Here is our list of best Portland Market and Restaurant Combos.

Coquine

6839 SE Belmont St

Cafe & Market Open Daily 9:30-2:30, Dinner Weds-Sat 5-10

Daytime casual cafÃ© and market, Nighttime prix fixe New American dinner.

Flying Fish Company

3004 E Burnside St

Open 10-8 All Days except Tuesday

Fresh market with a focus on sustainable seafood and more.

Laurelhurst Market

3155 E Burnside St

Market Open Daily 10-10, Lunch 11-3, Dinner 5-10

Steakhouse and butcher shop with house-cured meats and unusual cuts.

Montelupo Italian Market

344 NE 28th Ave

Market Open Daily 8-8:30, CafÃ© 8-3, Dinner 5-8:30

Italian restaurant and market featuring deli, handmade pastas, and wine.

Petite Provence

4834 SE Division St * 3240 NE Sandy Blvd * 1824 NE Alberta

Division Mon-Fri 8-3, Sat & Sun 8-4 * Sandy Daily 8-3 * Alberta Tues-Sat 8-8, Sun & Mon 8-4

French Boulangerie and Patisserie featuring cafÃ©, baked goods, brunch and lunch.

Portland Fish Market

4404 SE Woodstock Blvd

Open Daily 10-7, Fish & Chips Window 11:30-6:30

Fresh local seafood, specialty goods, and wine, plus a fish and chips window.

Ripe Cooperative

5425 NE 30th Ave

Weds-Sat 12-10, Sunday 12-5

CafÃ© and marketplace featuring fresh seafood, house made pastas, focaccia, and more.

Which of these market and restaurant combos are you most excited to check out? Let us know in the comments! And if we missed your personal favorite, be sure to reach out so we can check them out next!

Brasa Haya

March 30, 2022 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Hot Spot of the week this week is lovely Spanish restaurant Brasa Haya! Located in the old Beech Street Parlor space, Brasa Haya does it’s own playful take on tapas and pintxos and they do it well.

You can’t talk about Brasa Haya, of course, without mentioning the setting. It is located in an old 1906 foursquare home off of MLK, meaning that all of the dining areas are really converted rooms of the old house. They (or rather Beech Street before them) have added a beautiful wooden bar to the main level family room, but otherwise it generally feels like you could be headed to a dinner party at a friends home. Plus the wallpaper game here is top-notch.

The drinks list is understandably Spanish-driven, with a large selection of Spanish wines, a proper sherry list, and the ubiquitous Spanish coffee. Yet, we found quite a few fun surprises sprinkled throughout, like the Tensho Embassy (my cocktail of choice of the eve) which involved tequila, yellow chartreuse, and roasted miso. Once we finished cocktails, we ordered a lovely bottle of Cava to pair with the remainder of the courses.

The thing that I love most about tapas is that it is all built to share. I always want to try everything on the menu, and tapas restaurants are the only ones that let me even get close. That said, the portions here were not tiny and still quite filling, so try not to go too overboard, even when everything sounds too delicious.

We ended up trying the salt cod croquettes and the charred onion relish with ricotta on toast to start. Both were super tasty. Next, we had some of the roasted brussels sprouts with romesco (my favorite sauce in the world). Finally, we shared the salsify gratin with black trumpet mushrooms and preserved lemon. This one was so good but also so filling that we decided to skip the larger portions and head straight for dessert!

Dessert was a real treat. We went with the servers recommendation and had, what was more or less a wonderfully upscale and handmade version of a Dilly Bar. Pairing that with a Spanish coffee to round out the meal was definitely a genius move.

I cannot wait to head back to Brasa Haya and try the rest of the menu! Next time, I’m bringing a larger group so that we truly can order absolutely everything. Have you been to Brasa Haya yet? What was your fave? Let us know in the comments!

Don’t Sell Your Home Alone.

March 29, 2022 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Every once in a while I come across someone who feels that theyâ€™ve done enough research, watched enough HGTV episodes, and seen enough YouTube tutorials that they can now sell their own home alone. Speaking of youtube….Or you can continue reading below.

They want to save money. I get it. But let me explain some very straightforward reasons why itâ€™s never a good idea.

#1 Agents Know How To Market The Home

Agents deal with buyers every day, so they also know whatâ€™s trending and what buyers want. A good real estate agent can stage, photograph, market, and describe your property based on these trends. Their marketing can attract potential buyers and will get people in the door!

#2 Agents Can List The Home On The MLS

RealtorsÂ® also have access to the MLS, which means that the home will get even more exposure. First, other agents, who also have access to the MLS, will see the home and inform their buyers. Second, popular sites like Zillow and Redfin, which get their content directly from the MLS, will expose the home to even more buyers. But none of that happens, without being listed on the MLS first.

#3 Most Buyers Will Only Buy Using An Agent

Buyers donâ€™t pay commissions when they buy a home, so they have no vested interest in buying a home without an agent. This means that the buyer will have someone to protect their best interest, but you will not – Even though youâ€™ll be paying their agentâ€™s commission!

#4 Represented Sellers Make More Money

Itâ€™s a well-known fact that listed homes sell for more money and in less time. If you sell the home yourself, you may save a few bucks. But if you use an agent, youâ€™ll probably make more money on the sale overall – even after paying the agentâ€™s commission. So itâ€™s worth it!

#5 A lot of people wonâ€™t bother looking.

Nationwide, only 8% of people attempt to sell their own home, and since itâ€™s not common, most buyers are naturally intimidated by it. The buyer might perceive the sale to be a liquidation, foreclosure, or some other serious flaw associated with the home. Perception is reality. If you want to sell your home for more, you want to make sure itâ€™s shown in the best light possible.

If youâ€™re hesitant about signing with an agent. My advice: donâ€™t be. Just be honest. I always take the time to understand how my sellers are feeling, what theyâ€™re afraid of, and their goals for getting the home sold.

In fact, if youâ€™re thinking about making a move (or know someone who is), I can help! You can get an instant home valuation, or schedule an appointment below!

Home Valuation

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Cinemas

March 27, 2022 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

It’s Oscar Night and you know what that means…it’s time for a list of Portland’s Best Cinemas! Whether you are looking for the latest releases or experimental arthouse films, our list has got you covered for all of your cinephile needs.

Academy Theater

7818 SE Stark St

Historic theater in Montavilla neighborhood.

Bagdad Theater

3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd

McMenamins theater and brewpub in the heart of Hawthorne.

Cinema 21

616 NW 21st Ave

Independent art house movie theater showing a mixture of independent, foreign, and classic films.

Clinton Street Theater

2522 SE Clinton St

Historic theater with a focus on experimental and arthouse films, plus a weekly midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Empirical Theater at OMSI

1945 SE Water Ave

This theater at the science museum features documentaries, film fests, and IMAX blockbusters.

Hollywood Theatre

4122 NE Sandy Blvd

Historic theatre showcasing a mix of new and classic films, plus ongoing film series’ such as B Movie Bingo and Kung Fu Theater.

Living Room Theater

341 SW 10th Ave

Theater that’s 21+ in evenings offers indie films, recliners, & food & wine delivered to seats.

St John’s Twin Cinema and Pub

8704 N Lombard St

Casual first-run cinema that serves pizza and beer.

Which of these Portland Cinemas is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Love it or List it?

February 28, 2022 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Iâ€™m sure youâ€™ve seen Love it or List it- where a family has totally outgrown their space but one of the partners just doesnâ€™t want to leave, so they decide to renovate.

And if the renovations arenâ€™t fixing the issue, then, and only then, do they moveâ€¦

While reality TV is fun to watch, the reality of living in a construction zone while shopping for a new house, isnâ€™t.

Thatâ€™s why I recommend doing one or the other. Letâ€™s break it down.

A lot of times, people get frustrated with their space. Theyâ€™ve had another baby, fallen out of love with their condo, or started dreaming of retiring in a smaller space near the beach.

Whatever the reason, itâ€™s very important to first identify WHY you are considering a move, and then go from there.

Hereâ€™s five things to think aboutâ€¦

#1 Can it be fixed easily?

If you want an updated kitchen, swapping out fixtures, painting cabinets, and buying new appliances is a pretty easy fix. But if you want a bigger kitchen, youâ€™re going to have to move.

#2 Can you deal with contractors?

Hiring an interior designer or general contractor to manage your project will help, but renovations require you to work with multiple companies and contractors on a daily basis. And youâ€™ll be totally dependent on their timeline, expertise, and quality of work. If you donâ€™t want people coming in and out of your home for weeks on end, it may be time to move into a turn key home.

#3 Can you live with the mess?

Renovations can be dusty and dirty and shrink an already hard-to-navigate environment. Tools will be everywhere, equipment will be everywhere, and people will be everywhere. Is a renovation going to get in the way of school, work, or travel? If so, something turnkey may be more appealing.

#4 Can you tolerate a move?

You may dread the thought of having to pack up your entire home while paying a moving company thousands of dollars to pick up your heirloom armoire and try and make it through the front door. If this sounds unbearable to you, it may be cause to stay.

#5 Do you love your location?

If the view, zoning, corner lot, or amazing neighbors are the reason why you moved to your current house to begin with, then moving may not be the answer. In this case, it would be better to renovate the inside of the home to match the amazing benefits of the outside of the home.

No matter whether you decide to love it or list it, itâ€™s important to have a good Realtor to help you understand how renovations will affect your home value and help you decide if youâ€™re better off packing up or staying put. Thatâ€™s where I can help.

If youâ€™re thinking about making a move (or know someone who is), Please reach out! No pressure, no sales tactics, just helpful advice and the guidance you need!

And finally, if youâ€™re not thinking about making a move just yet, feel free to save this page for future reference, so you can come back to it!

If you want to get to know either of us better you can go to our pages Jessica or Tekela

Portland Distilleries

February 28, 2022 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Here in Portland we love our alcohol, distilleries are no different! Most people know Portland for our IPA’s or for our pinot noir, but we also make some incredible liquor! Sorted by location, here are some of the places we think you should visit! As a bonus, these distilleries are all a part of Portland’s distillery row, you can buy a passport and have many of the tasting fees waived, or get other fun perks! You can see all the details over on the website.