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. :) 

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.