5 Ways to Prep Your Home for the Holidays

While you're running around thinking of all the million things you have to do in preparation for the holidays, I'm going to add yet another item to your plate. (Eek! Sorry) Don't neglect your biggest investment - your house! 

A few things to think about before hosting friends and family over the holidays.

1. Heat - Nothing can ruin the holidays more for you and your guests than a freezing cold house. This is a good time to schedule a furnace tune/check-up. Something you should plan to do every year or two anyway to make sure everything is working smoothly. 
    
2. Fireplace - Speaking of heat, nothing feels more festive than cozying up with some cocoa to a fire in the fireplace. If you haven't had your chimney serviced in awhile, especially if you use it often, now would be a great time to get a chimney sweep in there to remove built up creosote, which can be dangerous and leads to house fires. 
    
3. Security - Whether you're hosting guests or going away for the holidays, installing a security system and/or cameras is a great idea. Everyone sees the news reports about package theft during the holidays, so maybe look into a camera for the door, like a Ring Doorbell. You might also consider a full house security system to keep your home and belongings safe, unless you plan on leaving some Home Alone style booby traps while you're gone.
    
4. Prevent drafts - if you didn't get around to it this fall, do a walk around your home and seal up any cracks that could be letting your heat out, or sending cold drafts through your home. Weather stripping windows and doors and caulking cracks is an inexpensive way to button up your home and increase your heating system's efficiency. 
    
5. Deter and get rid of critters - its not a great feeling when you're about to fall asleep and you hear scratching and scampering feet in the ceiling above your bed. All sorts of animals are going to want to join the festivities, at least move in to keep warm. If they've already moved in, lay out traps, or call a pro to come take them away. If you haven't hear the scampering sounds, do a quick check of your attic and crawlspace vents and install wire mesh to keep them out. If your area is prone to mice and raccoons, consider a sonic device. They emit high frequency sounds that scare rodents away, but are not harmful to you or your pets. 

Pumpkin Everything - with Recipes!

Fall is here

I love the changing of the seasons. Its always a nostalgic and exciting time. Plus its time for Sweaters, Pumpkins, Costumes, Scarves, Turkey, Pie, Boots, Hats, Soup, the Tualatin Pumpkin Regatta, Leaves Changing, Thanksgiving, and Gathering with Family, Friends, and Neighbors. 

This week I decided to deliver some fall cheer and hospitality to my neighbors. I've been going out with gifts of pumpkins! I've gone out during a time of day where many were out, but I was so happy to meet and catch up with those that were home! I'm also looking forward to meeting more neighbors as I make may way up and down our street.

It's understood that we all lead busy lives and get wrapped up in life and business. The minute we're ready to settle down and relax for a bit, something comes up. I know this is true for me, but I'm so thankful I carved out some time (bad pun intended) to do this. I've had some lovely chats, and enjoyed some quality face-to-face time with my neighbors!

Now to the good stuff - the Food! 

I left a link to my blog here with everyone I talked to. I think I'll with the pumpkin puree as a base for all my holiday pumpkin cooking, but it can be time consuming and not for everyone, so feel free to use the canned stuff for the recipes and carve up a jack-o-lantern with the pumpkin! Either way, I'm sure these will be delicious! Have fun, and don't forget to text or email me pics of what you do with them! I'd love to see how you use it. :)

Pumpkin Puree

Baked Parmesan Pumpkin Fries

Classic Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Waffle

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

CARVE IT! - Pumpkin Pile Patterns

Whipped Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter

Vegan Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

CARVE IT!  - The Pumpkin Lady

Tips for Homeowners: Fall Article Roundup!

Fall is here

Fall means its time to prep your home for cold weather, tame that garden, feed your lawn, and rid your home of those spooky sounds and smells!

Last year many Portland, OR area homeowners faced some serious challenges in the fall and winter.  Record amounts of rain, serious snow and ice, and windstorms causing power outages, knocking down trees and fences cost homeowners thousands in damages. To help you better prepare for the fall and winter weather, I've rounded up five articles with great advice for maintenance this time of year. 

Fall Article Roundup

• 

  How to Inspect Windows and Doors to Stop Air and Water Leaks

  Inspect windows and doors regularly to stop air and water leaks that mean costly energy and repair bills. We’ll show you how. Read
• 

  10 Things You Gotta Do in Fall to Skip Costly Winter #Fails

  Such as look for roof leaks before the first winter snow. Read
• 

  How to Tame Your Jungly Late-Summer Garden

  Don’t suffer the ugly anymore. Here’s how to give your garden a fall makeover. Read
• 

  What’s Causing Those Spooky Sounds and Smells?

  Are you haunted by strange noises and weird odors? With the proper maintenance, you’ve got more than a ghost of a chance to rest easy. Read
• 

  4 Simple Tasks to Do in Fall for an Awesome Lawn in Spring

  Fall is the most crucial time for your lawn. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2017 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

SOLD! Mid-century Ranch in SE PDX

I'm so so happy to say that I helped another wonderful client buy his dream home.

We had a bit of a rollercoaster search, with low inventory during the summer buying season we had a tough time getting an offer accepted. Once we landed on this one, a beautiful 1950 ranch in SE Portland on a big, 1/4 acre lot, we were able to negotiate a new roof, new electrical panel and a few other big upgrades to make the home just what my client wanted at closing! 

I always like to treat my clients to special personalized gifts as well, so I made some t-shirts with an inside joke on them, and arranged for my beer connoisseur client to receive a case of craft beers from around the US every season!  -  I was tempted to sign myself up to the club as well!

As you may know, I'm not a "sales-y" REALTOR®. I find my clients by working my butt off so my past clients will refer me to their friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances. 

If you know someone who is considering buying or selling their home, please pass along my card, or better yet, send me their number and I'll reach out to introduce myself. I'll take great care of them, and you'll get a special thank you gift each time I close a deal with a client you refered me. :) 

Open House Saturday

Come see this gorgeous St. Johns remodel from 1:30-3:30!
10133 N Buchanan Ave, Portland, OR 97203

Completely remodeled 3 bd/2 ba home with over 1700 sqft on 1 level in St. Johns. Beautiful refinished hardwood floors, quartz counter tops, new kitchen, covered outdoor deck, and more.

Photos taken by 360PDX LLC

Two Closings, Education, and Home Improvement!

Today was an incredibly productive real estate day. I closed two sales, took a class to become a better realtor, and got some work done on my own home. 

I'm really happy for BOTH my clients.
First, my awesome condo client. First thing this morning I closed a sale on his really cool 1 bedroom condo in St. Johns. He sold it for a great price, and got an easy closing process! We signed first thing this morning, and I sent him home with a celebratory bottle of champagne!
Second, my colleague, Thomas Hall, and I partnered on a sale of three adjacent lots in North Portland. We got our clients a great price for their land. We're so happy for them, and are in the process of finding them the property (with lots of acreage) of their dreams! Congrats to them too!

This morning I took an in-depth class about how to use my online MLS tools more efficiently. It was a fast-track class to learn more about the tools and shortcuts that are built into the multiple listing service's website.  It was taught at the RMLS Office in Portland, which is usually like the Realtor DMV, but I must say, the people who work there are really great. Ryan, my instructor, was very good about making sure the entire class was following, and answered all our questions. I also learned that the RMLS tech team will even help de-bug my computer if I need it. Good thing to know!

I was so happy to get some yard work done today as well. Usually i like to do most of the yard work myself, I love gardening and doing improvements on my own home. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I've been so busy with real estate, I haven't had enough time to keep up with the yard. I hired a college kid in my neighborhood and his friend, to do some landscaping - and it looks great! They did a bunch of weeding and spread about 2 yards of bark dust on my garden beds. They worked so quickly and did a great job. I'd recommend him to anyone in my area who needs an extra hand around the house. Give me a call if you want his number!

Photo by Chris Lawrence of Rip City Photography

Thank you Mac and Christian! The backyard looks awesome. 

For Sale: 1 Bedroom Condo in St. Johns

Bright, modern condo in hot downtown St. Johns, 1 block from Cathedral Park!
8647 N Crawford St, Portland, OR 97203

Open kitchen and living room with balcony. Well maintained 1 bedroom 1 bathroom with bonus room/office. Hardwood floors on main level, garage with storage below.
Walkscore 83, Bikescore 71.

Photos taken by Chris Lawrence of Rip City Photography

For Sale: Three Adjacent Lots in North Portland!

Attention Builders!!!
924 N Farragut St, Portland, OR 97217

Exceptional opportunity to build in Piedmont neighborhood. Value is in the land. See private remarks for suggestions. Offers will be reviewed as they come in, seller reserves right to accept offer prior to deadline. Offer deadline 5/22/2017 @ 12PM. Seller's require 90 days rent back. 

Open House Sunday

Come by Sunday 5/14 from 11-2 and take a look at this super cute remodeled craftsman in FO-PO!
4427 SE 61st Portland, OR 97206

Remodeled Cottage in hip FO-PO! No detail spared. All new quartz kitchen, SS gas appliances, interior & exterior paint, modern can lighting, hardwood flooring, vinyl windows, new electrical, plumbing updates, sewer line, exterior features. Unfinished basement, perfect for your hobbies/storage. Community amenities abound. Market across street has been sold and is turning into microbrewery.

Photos taken by Chris Lawrence of Rip City Photography