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Portland’s New Home Energy Scores

New Portland Energy Score Policy 


This won’t take effect for a year and it will probably be a good thing in the long run. It affects sellers and buyers. A seller will need to pay for a report about the home’s “energy score”  before putting their home on the market. The report will allow buyers to get an objective look at how efficient a home is before they even go look at it.

It may be a little bumpy in the beginning like any new policy but it will be interesting to see how it all turns out! In the long run it will probably encourage sellers to do more energy retrofitting before they list their home. 

 

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The Value of Working with an Agent

Popular internet-based real estate marketplaces like Zillow, Trulia, and Craigslist have made searching for your dream home a whole lot easier on your own. However, every home is unique (just like these kittens!). There are several important things to remember about why having a real estate professional on your side can make the process much better! Here are just a few ways your M Agent beats the internet:

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    • Internet-based real estate marketplaces often give an estimate of a listing based on market prices of homes around the area. While these estimates and pricing calculators have gotten better over the years, especially at identifying trends in an area, nothing beats an agent’s local knowledge and resources in seeking out homes that are within your budget. If you are selling, online services don’t reflect what is really special about your home that makes it stand out from the competition. They can’t take that into consideration when pricing.

 

    • Your agent’s experience and knowledge can help you put your best foot forward at the negotiation table. You want someone on your side with access to the best facts and figures without undermining either the buyer or seller. While you may have some idea about how the market is playing out, a real estate professional will likely know just a bit more than you. Agents at M also have the benefit of working at a brokerage where there are forums for other agents to offer their support and expertise.

 

    • Your agent is there to understand your needs and your desires — the internet can’t really do that for you. By putting you first, and gaining your trust, your agent will be able to help you achieve your real estate goals, be it finding your first home or selling your third!

 

    • Not all homes for sale have an online presence — some homes exist just under the radar. Typically, agents will let each other know of new pocket listings that might be of interest, or share exclusive listings before they even hit the market. (See for yourself and check out my sneak peeks!) This is valuable information, especially in this current market.

 

    • When you’re working with an agent, especially an M Realty Agent, you know that they have your best interests in mind. The internet may let you quickly search for that house you drove past, but your agent can show you a house that you may have not considered, but is perfect for you.

 

There are many other things your M Agent can do for you — shuffling through mountains of paperwork is just one of them. If you’d like to learn more about what I can do for you, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Mt Tabor — 7644 SE Clay

$401,000 — 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath — 923 SF

East Tabor eco-friendly garden retreat near the Park! Huge glorious trees, & sun for pesticide-free & organic gardens too! Updated bath & cool checkerboard kitchen. Loft space above garage. Two bdrms + study opens to patio & sunny backyard w abundant berries, natives, herbs, rain barrels, view of park, & tiny art shed. Majestic Giant Sequoia and Western Red Cedar trees. Sewer 2008. Newer metal roof & newer furnace!

Listed by: Laurie Sonnenfeld @ M Realty LLC

SOLD — 6 Days on Market

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Cully — 4729 NE 78th Ave

$275,000 — 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath — 774 SF

Nestled in the blossoming Cully neighborhood on a quiet street near Roseway delights & Sacajawea off-leash park! Bright, sunny 1950 cottage maintains much of its original charm. Hardwood floors. Enjoy native plants, fruit trees, a sweet garden with strawberries, a rain barrel & a deck in the fenced yd. Attached garage. Appliances included. Updated furnace, insulation, fresh paint & some new windows. Room for more improvements & updates.

Listed by: Laurie Sonnenfeld @ M Realty LLC

SOLD — 8 Days on Market

A lush yard and established plantings adorn the front of the home, while an attached garage (with bike hooks) opens to the back yard and provides room for your car, tools, and toys.

Around back, a large grassy area and a raised deck call for relaxation amidst the fruit trees and strawberry garden. Rain barrels help make good use of rain water, and the disconnected downspouts come with a rebate on your water bill.

Besides the apple and pear trees, the site boasts vine maples, rhodies, disease resistant dogwoods, budlea (butterfly bush), a honey locust, a black willow, snake bark maple, a bamboo leaf oak, spirea, a raywood ash (turns burgundy in the fall) and a golden chain tree!
Inside, the living room is light and bright, with gleaming hardwood floors illuminated by generous windows. The cozy kitchen is equipped with ample storage, corner display shelves, a gas range, a pot rack, and a sun-splashed dining area.

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Ladd’s Addition — 2145 SE Ladd Ave.

$654,000 — 4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths — 2782 SF

Much bigger than it looks! Beautiful *bright* 1924 bungalow in historic Ladd’s Addition near Hawthorne & Division cafes. Stunning vintage built-ins. Lovely cherry wood kitchen w Silestone quartz countertops. Generous light shines through a multitude of windows. Possible art studio in shop/garage that has plumbing. Sunny yard. Possible sep living quarters. Park 2 cars off street. High-rated, high achieving schools.

Listed by: Laurie Sonnenfeld @ M Realty LLC

SOLD — 15 Days on Market

Home Tour Video

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River Rd — 986 SE River Forest Rd

$345,000 — 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths — 1066 SF

Hidden gem in River Forest paradise. Mid-century-modern! Serene view of River Forest Lake across the road. Easy 1-level living. Stunning hardwoods, vaulted ceiling, skylights, 2 baths. Updated kitchen w eco-friendly paperstone counters. Lovely yard w trees & sun. Established natural gardens, 3-room deck & fire pit. Wonderful community near Trolley Trail bikeway, Oak Grove village cafes, and new MAX.

Listed by: Laurie Sonnenfeld @ M Realty LLC

SOLD — 5 Days on Market

The River Forest neighborhood is a peaceful natural watershed paradise. Residents make up a lively and interactive community including a fine assortment of artists and musicians. Look forward to the series of neighborhood art shows, a 4th of July parade and the Valentine’s Day stroll. Several homes have been awarded certification for sustainable landscaping or backyard wildlife habitat.

River Forest Lake and the Willamette River are in close proximity, while a variety of shops and cafes in Oak Grove Village provide a place to bump into your neighbors while having coffee, lunch, or browsing for treasures. The nearby Trolley Trail bikeway and the upcoming 2015 MAX Light Rail stop offer a variety of commuter options. The Trolley Trail bikeway is a 6 mile trail from downtown Milwaukie to Gladstone. Its north end is close to the Springwater Corridor, a convenient way to bike downtown.

At night the quiet stillness underscores the occasional sounds of wildlife. The level of darkness makes the stars pop out, encouraging sky watching and peaceful sleep.  You’ll feel like you are miles outside of civilization, even though you are only a short drive from downtown Portland.

The Residence: This 1965 mid-century modern home is nestled in the River Forest neighborhood of Oak Grove. An enticing view of River Forest Lake across the road can be enjoyed from the dining room and the cozy front porch. The lovely south-facing backyard features an established natural garden, a tool shed with water and electric, and a three-room deck and firepit–a serene retreat excellent for relaxing and entertaining.

Enter the threshold into the bright and airy living room. Stunning hardwoods are illuminated by skylights and a sliding glass door to a secret courtyard retreat, open only to you, the sun and the sky.

High, vaulted ceilings open up the space and carry into the dining area. The beautifully updated kitchen boasts eco-friendly paperstone counters, stainless steel appliances, a sizable pantry and a counter depth fridge. A master suite with bath, along with second and third bedrooms and bath are tucked away down the hall for privacy.

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Kerns — 2114 NE Everett

$306,000 — 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath — 1810 SF

Sunny, spacious, charming 1923 bungalow. Near hot new cafes like Luce, as well as Whole Foods, Laurelhurst Theater, Screen Door, 28th Ave, food carts and more. Light pours in! Beautiful hardwoods. Big kitchen & bedrooms. Bonus area in attic. Sunny garden spots. Buckman school! Bike-friendly cute detached garage on east side.

Listed by: Laurie Sonnenfeld @ M Realty LLC

SOLD — 91 Days on Market

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Concordia — 6335 NE 26th Ave

$362,500 — 3 Bedrooms, 1.1 Baths — 2428 SF

Mid Century Modern in Concordia near New Seasons & Kennedy School. Spacious and open living & dining with “Modern” details. Lots of light with big windows everywhere. Classic “racetrack” ceiling. Big party room w fplc. New high eff gas furnace. Storms. Patio (or inexpensively depave it for sunny garden!). Either Jefferson or Madison HS.

Listed by: Laurie Sonnenfeld @ M Realty LLC

SOLD — 28 Days on Market

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Roseway — 7625 NE Stanton

$272,000 — 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath — 2013 SF

Beautiful Cape Cod with character. Hardwoods! Tucked away on charming street 6 blks from Roseway Theater & cafes (Pho Vinh & more!). Near parks & k-8 school. Updated kitchen opens to big, sunny yard w garden & privacy. Double living rm + formal dining. Spa tub & separate shower. Listing agent related to seller. Sqft includes 193sf garage.

Listed by: Laurie Sonnenfeld @ M Realty LLC

SOLD — 3 Days on Market

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Hawthorne — 1605 SE 22nd

$410,000 — 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths — 2426 SF

Bike-friendly Heart of Hawthorne retreat in Colonial Heights w attached garage/Artist studio. Fabulous organic gardens! Vintage oak floors w/inlay & built-ins. Lots of space! City views from upstairs skylight. Tremendous potential in tall bsmt. Beautiful built-in cedar sauna. Major upgrades include roof, central air, sewer, more. Near cafes, New Seasons!

Listed by: Laurie Sonnenfeld @ M Realty LLC

SOLD — 71 Days on Market

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Brooklyn — 920 SE Franklin

$390,000 — 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths — 3057 SF

Gorgeous craftsman bungalow 3 level. DUPLEX + 3rd kitchen & bath in bsmt. Near PSU, OHSU, New Seasons, new Max. Sunny 1200 sf main floor 2 bdrm w/fplc, wrap-around porch, hdwd, natural woodwk & built-ins. Lg bright loft-like upper flat. Easy restore to single family. Big yd w/garden.Garage. Seller is listing agent.

Listed by: Laurie Sonnenfeld @ M Realty LLC

SOLD — 151 Days on Market

Beautiful 1913 craftsman duplex for sale.  Natural woodwork! Hardwood floors and fireplace. Built-ins.  Big kitchen in large main floor 2 bedroom flat.  Sweet upstairs loft-like apartment too. And semi-finished basement with 3rd kitchen and bath.

Wraparound porch, garage, big back yard, and oversized garage.

Bike friendly and close to Brooklyn neighborhood cafes and Clinton Bike Blvd, People’s Food Co-op and New Seasons. Springwater Corridor and Esplanade too!

A few minutes to PSU/downtown, more.  House next door is going to be beautiful–still in the design phase.