HAPPY FALL!!

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It’s a unique time of year when both real estate transactions and home “to do lists” tend to slow down, as we focus on planning the upcoming holidays with family and friends.

But my wheels are always turning, and the headlines have many of us scratching our heads. So I hope to offer a little bit of insight into the current real estate market and to share some home inspiration and other tidbits with friends and clients who like that kind of thing. :) I’m thankful for all of you.

Here’s a lakefront home on Lake Oswego that we finished up this year. It was ALMOST a ground-up build, although the original garage and foundation remained. It was a super efficient project and we were fortunate to avoid any of the issues that can slow things down during construction. Our clients ended up with a beautiful 4 bedroom / 3 bathroom home plus an office that doubles as a guest room. There’s a lovely view of the bay, tons of natural light, high ceilings, and an awesome mudroom. These clients love neutrals and hate clutter, and it was really fun to work with them to help their vision come to life.

Homeowner Net Worth Has Skyrocketed

And that is always great news! If you’re weighing your options to decide whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a home, here’s one key data point that might help you feel more confident in making your decision.

The Latest 2024 Housing Market Forecast

A lot of people expected a major decline in home prices in 2023 and it just didn’t happen. If you’ve decided that buying or selling a home is on the horizon, you may be wondering if 2024 is a good time to do it. Here’s an up-to-date forecast from various experts that should give you the insight you are looking for.

As we head into a season when loved ones are near (and expecting gifts), it’s little wonder that our minds start compiling lists of sugary indulgences. In this dessert issue, you’ll discover a round-up of Portland's sweetest treats.

A truly transcendent dessert begins with a baker’s detailed vision, but the experience of eating it isn’t that complex. Flour + butter + sugar = yum.

Our son, Owen, went off to college this Fall, and wow, it hasn’t been easy! I know some of you can relate. On a pragmatic level, I get that life moves on and that we will remain close, regardless of where he lives. But his empty seat at the dinner table and his weirdly clean room hurt my heart a little bit every day. He’s attending The University of Washington, which is my alma mater. We drove up to visit him for Parents Weekend, and being back on that gorgeous campus brought back a ton of fun memories from that time of my life. While I’m counting the days to Thanksgiving Break, when he’ll be back in the nest, I’m also enjoying hearing about the football games, classes, parties and all of the things.

I’m very excited to see (some of) my big, crazy family next week! As the youngest of eight kids, I have LOTS of siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews. Since moving back to Portland eight years ago, Joel, the kids and I never miss celebrating Thanksgiving at my sister’s house. We all squeeze together in her beautiful living room, and somehow we always fit. The food and wine are top-notch and the company is even better. So much to be thankful for.

Listings that caught my eye…

Wishing you all the very best during this holiday season.

As always, if you’d like to discuss your real estate goals and brainstorm ways to make them happen, let’s connect.

-Anna