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

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. :) 

Songs About Home

Lately I've been thinking about what I could do to make my open houses better.
Food? Check. I always like to bring some snacks. 
Drink? Check. I've been making a point to bring bottled water.
Music? ... Thats it!

Of course, the number one thing my open houses are lacking is a little music. As a realtor who loves good food, good drink, and good music, why hadn't I thought of this before? 

I added my obvious ones, 'Coming Home' by Leon Bridges, 'Home' by Edwards Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros, and 'Home' by Phillip Phillips, did a little Spotify research and added a couple more I love and missed, like 'Bring It On Home to Me' by Sam Cooke and 'Our House' by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. Next I polled my friends, family, and Facebook followers and got a whole bunch more. Thanks everyone for the wonderful suggestions, I added just about all of them to the playlist.

So here it is, "Open House - songs about home" 

Do you have any songs about home that you love? They could also be songs that remind you of home, or evoke a cozy, fun, or homey feel. Let me know in the comments!

Open House Sunday

Come see this big, beautiful home in Happy Valley tomorrow, Sunday 7/23 from 12-3pm.
12739 SE Jubilee St Happy Valley, OR 97086

Over 4000 sqft with hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances & enormous master suite with his/hers walk-in closets AND fireplace.

Need space? This is the home for you.

Come see me at the open house or give me a call for a private showing. 503-443-5382

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