Where's Your Living Room? Buying and Selling with Living Room Realty and Gabrielle Enfield

Where’s Your

LIVING ROOM? BUY

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SELL

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RENT

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INVEST

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LIVE

LIVING ROOM SERVICES

BUY A HOME

SELL A HOME

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

RENTAL AGENTS

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

CITY TOUR OP E N

PORTLAND OFFICES NORTHWEST DISTRICT 1636 NW LOVEJOY ST PORTLAND

MULTNOMAH VILLAGE 7650 SW CAPITOL HWY PORTLAND

NW Lovejoy St

SW Capitol Hwy

ALBERTA ARTS 1401 NE ALBERTA ST PORTLAND

NE Alberta St

DIVISION/CLINTON 2625 SE 26TH AVE PORTLAND

SE Clinton St

OTHER OFFICES VANCOUVER 212 W 13TH ST VANCOUVER, WA

NORTH COAST 507 LANEDA AVE, STE 4 MANZANITA, OR

W 13th St

GET THE APP, CHOOSE YOUR AGENT, MAKE ROOM TO LIVE Our full service brokerage serves buyers, sellers, tenants, landlords, and commercial clients in Portland, Oregon’s North Coast, and Vancouver.

All photos ©22pdx except for the following: Corner nook on 7, dining nook on 9 ©Liz Kamarul. All photos on 22–23 were provided by various individuals and respective organizations.

Laneda Ave

GET TO KNOW SOME OF US AT LIVING ROOM

JENELLE ISAACSON

DIANE MOREAU

HANNA PEARSON

Owner

Managing Broker

Property Manager

Text and editing by Davia Larson. Art direction & Design by Bologna Sandwich with illustrations by Michelle Leigh on 6–7, 13, 16–17, 21. Agent cartoons (above) by Rattle-n-Roll.

WHERE’S YOUR LIVING ROOM? Understanding the answer is what matters to us. Find the best space in the right neighborhood.

Buy. Sell. Rent. Invest. Live.

CONTENTS City Tour

Page 10

WANT TO BE COME MORE FAMILIAR WITH PORTL AND? Check out our neighborhood map or let us customize an orientation tour just for you.

BUY

6

503-719-5588

WELCOME

2 3

Our Mission

12 13 15

Selling Your Home

Our Values

SELL

Marketing your home is an art and a science

Buying a Home, Home Buying Process

Selling Process Marketing your home

RENT

INVEST

LIVE

16 17

18 Residential 20 Commercial about Portland’s 21 Facts Commercial Market

22 23

Property Management Rental Agents

B Corp Status Loving Room Fund

2 | | W H E R E ’ S YO U R L I V I N G R O O M

Our mission at Living Room Realty is to enhance every person’s capacity for success, well-being, creativity, and joy. As realtors, we accomplish this by finding homes where individuals and families take root and flourish.

We believe everyone deserves Room to Live. To us this signifies space and opportunity to make a fair living, with sufficient income to enjoy a life rich in experience; a place for fearless selfexpression, unleashed with vigor and gusto; it’s a space to find one’s purpose and embody it in daily practice; it’s the comforting, secure environment from which we offer ourselves in service to others.

When we ask, “Where’s your

Living Room?” we pay attention to the answer. We apply the Golden Rule. We know what’s at stake, because we understand what our Living Rooms mean to each of us.

As Living Room agents we are

students of the ever-evolving real estate market. There is no room for complacency. We are tactically proficient, using the latest industry tools to achieve outstanding results. But we are also alive to the art and nuance of our profession. It requires patience, humor, intuition, persistence, and field experience, to become a capable partner and guide to our clients.

We are committed to the

growth of neighborhoods that are energized, resilient, and peaceful. Our belief is that strong communities cultivate the core values of tolerance, equity, respect, collaboration, and good will. Our actions demonstrate the highest regard for these values.

By investing ourselves

in Portland’s tapestry of distinctive, community-minded neighborhoods, we seek to build a vibrant, diverse, urban landscape—a city which nurtures and sustains Living Room for All.

WELCOME || 3

VALUES CO N N E C T IO N To create meaningful and powerful relationships in our community.

A B UN DA N C E To appreciate and value what we have in order to create true generosity.

JOY To cultivate joy through energy and gratitude.

IN T E GRIT Y To honor ourselves and those around us by doing what we say and saying what we mean.

RE LE VA N C E To seek relevance, beauty and meaning in all we do.

All our offices are community spaces.

Let us know if you need room for a community event.

B A L A N C E To create achievement and enjoyment each day.

E XC E LLE N C E To achieve excellence through distinctive client experience and service.

DIV E RS IT Y To promote, honor and embrace the culture within our community.

4 | | W H E R E ’ S YO U R L I V I N G R O O M

“With Living Room, you get results and service while doing the right thing for your local economy.”

—JENELLE ISAACSON OWNER, LIVING ROOM REALTY

WELCOME || 5

Our full support staff helps our agents ensure that you always have a point of contact at the Living Room office.

“As a Living Room Realtor, knowing our dedicated Membership Services staff is there to support my business makes me a better agent, able to focus my time and energy on client needs.”

—Living Room Agent

6 | | W H E R E ’ S YO U R L I V I N G R O O M

BUY

As agents we are trained to navigate within current market

Home is a place for fearless selfexpression; the space to find one’s purpose and embody it in daily practice; it’s the secure environment from which we offer ourselves in service to others.

conditions, including the seller’s market we are currently experiencing. We help our clients realize the best possible outcome, understanding that buyers can act within market constraints and still find a home. continued on next page

“We feel so lucky to have worked with Living Room Realty! We had a great and professional experience and are thrilled with our beautiful home!”

—SCOTT W. BUYER

1

BUYING PROCESS

Choose your Living Room Agent and sign a Buyer-Broker Agreement.

This agreement explains how your agent will serve you and lays the groundwork for a successful, efficient, home purchase.

2 Select a Mortgage Broker (lender), or provide verification of cash funds.

If you’re receiving a loan, ask your lender to verify that your budget is within your means or work with them to establish a budget.

3 Plan your search, tour properties, and select a home.

When you want to make an offer, ask your lender for an approval letter that matches your offer price.

4 Write an offer with your agent.

The seller may counter with different terms, accept or reject the offer.

When your offer is accepted, your agent will open escrow and deposit your earnest money.

BUY || 7

When turning your new house into a home, focus on small spaces to make the task and results more gratifying.

5 Perform Inspections, negotiate repairs through your agent, and review all documents and reports on the property.

Your lender will arrange an appraisal, and forward documents to the escrow company.

6 Sign documents at the escrow office and hand off your down payment in the form of a cashier’s check.

7 When complete, your lender will review signed documents and transfer funds to the seller.

The sale is recorded through the county Recorder’s Office.

8 Your agent will hand-off the keys to your new home!

Congratulations!

LIVING ROOM APP Dowload our app and begin your home search.

Send prospective properties directly to your agent.

8 | | W H E R E ’ S YO U R L I V I N G R O O M

“When I bought my home, it was a seller’s market so I had to look farther out than I expected. One year later, I love my home and wouldn’t change a thing about its location.”

—KATHARINE G. HOMEOWNER SINCE 2015

continued from previous page

As Living Room agents,

we help clients manage all kinds of limitations every day, including the low housing inventory we face as demand for Portland homes remains strong.

Remember a few years ago when it was a buyer’s market and sellers faced all kinds of hurdles?

Yep. We were around for that too.

In fact every real estate

transaction occurs within a framework established by market conditions, finances, timing, location, and the additional factors of acceptable space and condition. We are practiced at carving out unique solutions, finding a work around, or striking out in a new direction. We are pragmatic and deal in the art of the possible.

When faced with limits, we

do what most people do: We tap into our creativity and become resourceful problem-solvers.

Even when our client’s decisions about choosing a home are hardwrought, they can still be a path to joy—the joy of an unexpected journey.

We practice the art of finding creative solutions for buyers, especially in a seller’s market.

Opposite page: Being limited by space isn’t always a bad thing. This homeowner’s small dining room allowed for creativity and self expression.

If you are a buyer who would

like to learn about opportunities in today’s market, give us call.

We’re happy to help.

BUY || 9

1 0 | | W H E R E ’ S YO U R L I V I N G R O O M

CITY TOUR Want to familiarize yourself with Portland? Check out this map or let us custom tailor an orientation tour just for you.

Ask your agent for details!

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Forest Park Hillside Linnton Forest ParkNW District Northwest District includes Uptown, Nob Hill, Alphabet Historic District Northwest Heights Northwest Industrial Old Town Chinatown Pearl District

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29 10. Arlington Heights 11. Arnold Creek 12. Ashcreek 13. Bridlemile includes Glencullen 14. Collins View 15. Crestwood 16. Downtown 17. Far Southwest 18. Goose Hollow includes SW Hills 19. Hayhurst includes Vermont Hills 20. Hillsdale 21. Homestead 22. Maplewood 23. Markham

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24. Marshall Park 25. Multnomah includes Multnomah Village 26. South Burlingame 27. South Portland includes Corbett, Fulton, Lair Hill, Terwilliger, and the Johns Landing and South Waterfront developments 28. Southwest Hills 29. Sylvan-Highlands 30. West Portland Park includes Capitol Hill

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C I T Y TO U R / N E I G H B O R H O O D M A P | | 1 1

31. Arbor Lodge 32. Bridgeton 33. Cathedral Park 34. East Columbia 35. Hayden Island 36. Kenton 37. Overlook 38. Piedmont 39. Portsmouth 40. St. Johns 41. University Park

54. Laurelhurst 55. Lloyd District 56. Madison South 57. North Tabor 58. Rose City Park 59. Roseway 60. Sabin 61. Sullivan’s Gulch 62. Sumner 63. Sunderland 64. Vernon 65. Woodlawn

42. Alameda 43. BeaumontWilshire 44. Boise 45. Concordia 46. Cully 47. Eliot 48. Grant Park 49. Hollywood 50. Humboldt 51. Irvington 52. Kerns 53. King

66. Argay 67. Hazelwood 68. Parkrose 69. Parkrose Heights 70. Russell 71. Wilkes 72. Woodland Park

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73. ArdenwaldJohnson Creek 74. BrentwoodDarlington 75. Brooklyn 76. Buckman 77. CrestonKenilworth 78. Eastmoreland 79. Foster-Powell 80. HosfordAbernethy includes Ladd’s Addition 81. Montavilla 82. Mt. Scott-Arleta 83. Mt. Tabor 84. Reed 85. Richmond 86. SellwoodMoreland 87. South Tabor 88. Sunnyside 89. Woodstock

90. Centennial 91. Glenfair 92. Lents 93. Mill Park 94. Pleasant Valley 95. PowellhurstGilbert

1 2 | | W H E R E ’ S YO U R L I V I N G R O O M

SELL

Earn top dollar from your investment by selling with a Living Room agent. Our agents

When we ask “Where’s your living room?” we pay attention to the answer. We know what’s at stake, because we understand what our living rooms mean to each of us.

leverage their network and our marketing strategy to bring potential buyers to your home.

2015 SELLER STATS Our sellers receive an average of

$18,325 $28,000 over their list price

LRR

over market average list price

On average, homes listed with Living Room earn 5% over asking price versus a 1% loss by other Realtors.

Other

95%

of homes listed with Living Room are sold.

3% withdrawn 1% canceled

78%

of homes listed with other realtors are sold.

9% expired 2% withdrawn 11% canceled

Average days on market

Living Room Market

We help you thoughtfully prepare your home to be attractive to a wide range of buyers.

SELL || 13

SELLING PROCESS

1 Meet with your Living Room Agent and sign a Listing Agreement.

3 Your agent lists your home. Your property will be marketed on multiple social media platforms, in addition to signage, postcards, flyers, and representation in the MLS.

5 Inspection and Repair Negotiations: The buyer may have more than one inspector (radon, oil tank, roofing, etc). Your agent will negotiate to resolve issues.

7 Signing Day: The buyer and seller meet at separate appointments to sign all documents.

2 Prepare your home for the market. Your agent will recommend ideas about repairs, staging, and the advantages of each.

4 Review offers and select a buyer with your agent. Your agent will negotiate so that you receive the best price and terms.

6 Appraisal: If the buyer is getting a loan, an appraiser will determine the home’s value.

8 The lender disburses funds to your account, and records the transaction with the state.

Success! You have closed the transaction.

1 4 | | W H E R E ’ S YO U R L I V I N G R O O M

Curb appeal sells homes. We’ll explain how to get the most value from every in-person showing & online photo.

SELL || 15

Living Room Realty engagement across Social Media platforms tops all other real estate firms in Portland.

D I G I TA L M A RK ETI N G Agents will reach out to local brokers, publish video tours of your home on YouTube, post on social media, and list your home online.

D I REC T We reach out to potential buyers through direct mail with beautifully designed postcards that highlight your home’s best features.

OP EN H OU S ES Your agent will work with you to schedule and prepare for open houses.

F LY ER S Your agent will produce high quality flyers to be placed on site and at our offices.

MODERN HOME IN GREAT LOCATION

Our social media outlets have over 2500 followers. In 2015, video home tours on YouTube topped 20,000.

1 6 | | W H E R E ’ S YO U R L I V I N G R O O M

RENT

At Living Room Realty, we want you to love where you live, even when your home is a rental. Our experienced agents will take

Our knowledgeable rental agents assist tenants in finding a great home. We want your Living Room to be meaningful to you.

the time to get to know your specific housing/lifestyle needs.

We work to identify and tour homes for you that meet your criteria. This is a critical service for those living out of town, new to Portland, or local professionals who need help finding that perfect place to call home.

Thinking of moving to Portland? Or need help learning more about the area now that you’re here? We’re happy to customize an orientation tour just for you, designed to familiarize and educate you about living in Portland. We’ll introduce you to our distinctive neighborhoods and answer big and small questions about commute times, schools, government services, rental rates, home prices, and best places for a cup of coffee.

Rental properties come in all shapes, styles and sizes.

We’ll help you find the Living Room that fits.

1 3 THINGS RENTAL AGENTS DO FOR RENTAL SEEKERS

We help you identify your housing and lifestyle needs so we can pick properties that will suit you well.

2 Provide you with necessary paperwork and help you prepare your application materials.

3 We tour properties for our clients, streamlining the search.

RENT || 17

1 8 | | W H E R E ’ S YO U R L I V I N G R O O M

INVEST

We have cultivated a deep knowledge of the diverse neighborhoods and personalities that make Portland a great

At Living Room Property Management we maximize the value of your investment with thoughtful planning and effective management.

place to call home. Our property managers are down to earth, experienced professionals who deliver the highest level of personalized service. We employ the latest technologies and creative marketing strategies to get your home rented. Our goal is to provide our clients with property management solutions that save our owners time and money. Our commitment to excellence, professional education, and technology, as well as our agility in responding to the market, allows us to provide the highest caliber of service to our clients.

We manage property for firsttime landlords and experienced investors.

1 3 THINGS PROPERTY MANAGERS DO FOR OWNERS

We use the latest technology and creative marketing strategies.

2

3

We save our owners time!

Rents are deposited directly into your account.

Our goal is to maximize the value of your investments.

INVEST || 19

Whether you own a single family home or a multiplex, we provide thoughtful and professional management services.

2 0 | | W H E R E ’ S YO U R L I V I N G R O O M

INVEST

Portland is a thriving small business hub. All kinds of local makers, dreamers, thinkers,

Every commercial property search receives in-depth attention, regardless of scale.

designers, artists, and creatives strive to do good, work hard, and find a better way forward for all of us. In getting to know these individuals while serving their residential needs, we uncovered a gap in commercial realty services. Living Room Realty is the place where we don’t talk down to clients. Every transaction gets the same level of in-depth attention, regardless of scale. We are here to assist the important builders and creators of our neighborhood businesses because at Living Room we believe we all deserve Room to Live. For us that includes the opportunity to make a fair living with sufficient income and to enjoy a life rich in experience.

We help you find the location where your business can thrive.

INVEST || 21

PREPARE FOR THE MARKET Portland’s commercial market is moving quickly. We understand that clients must be fully prepared before touring property to make their search efficient and rewarding.

1 Know your budget.

2 Prepare a business plan.

3 Secure access to financing.

4 Understand the size, type, and configuration of space required by your business.

5 Think about a preferred target area for your search.

2 2 | | W H E R E ’ S YO U R L I V I N G R O O M

LIVE

B CORPS MAKE A DIFFERENCE Certified B Corporations believe

We value joy, diversity, and community service.

businesses should operate as a force for good; that all business should be conducted as if people and place matter; and that business should aspire to do no harm and benefit all. As a B Corp, Living Room must consider how each decision impacts our business, our neighbors, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls (above) receives donations from Living Room.

larger community.

OUR COMMITMENTS INCLUDE Last fall–winter, in partnership with Impact Northwest, Living Room collected more than 150 coats and delivered them to families in need.

100

%

This book is printed on 100% recycled paper. Please give it another life by giving it to a friend!

Maintaining an office-wide recycling program

Buying 100% renewable energy, and choosing local, organic, or recycled whenever possible

Choosing local, sustainable suppliers.

Many of our suppliers are local businesses owned by women and/or minorities.

5

%

We give 5% of our profits to local charities each year.

Giving to local charities

Providing outreach and education to women, minorities, and first-time home buyers

In 2016 we opened two offices on Portland’s west side, both on major transit lines.

Locating Living Room offices near public transportation

Using our offices as community spaces. We host workshops, community education, and art shows in collaboration with local universities, artists, and arts non-profits.

B Corp certification is a commitment to continuous improvement.

We are reevaluated every 2 years.

To review our score and learn more about why certification matters, check out www.bcorporation.net.

Living Room Members chatting in our NE Alberta office.

LIVE || 23

LOVING ROOM FUND By creating an agent charitable giving fund, we seek to foster connection, abundance, and joy throughout our communities.

With every home sale, our agents will make a donation from a portion of their commission.

This year, our clients can elect for those donations to go to p:ear, Urban Gleaners, or Oregon

Oregon Wild works to protect and restore Oregon’s wildlands, wildlife, and waters as an enduring legacy for all Oregonians.

“Things we work on at Oregon Wild are keeping unspoiled places wild and pristine.”

—SEAN STEVENS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OREGON WILD

Wild. At the Coast, our clients will have a donation made on their behalf to the North Tillamook Library in Manzanita, Oregon.

Help alleviate hunger by rescuing edible surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away and delivering it to agencies that feed the hungry.

Above: Crater Lake

Urban Gleaners’ Summer Free Farmers Markets provide hunger relief during the summer months to children and their families.

With each home sale, agents donate a portion of their commission.* *This program is supported by a majority of brokers.

Please ask your agent if they participate in the Loving Room Fund.

p:ear builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives.

The North Tillamook Library was dedicated in July, 1987, after a communitywide fundraising effort to finance construction of the building.

Left: p:ear’s Arts and Culture program creates opportunites for youth to develop emotional, motor and cognitive skills through workshops, events, and one on one instruction.

“It has been proven that reading and talking about stories is the most effective way to develop language skills in young children,” says Polly Stoel, coordinator of North Tillamook Library Friends Storytime.

COME ON IN AND SAY HI

NORTHEAST 1401 NE ALBERTA ST PORTLAND, OR 97211

NORTHWEST 1636 NW LOVEJOY ST PORTLAND, OR 97209

SOUTHEAST 2625 SE 26TH AVE PORTLAND, OR 97202

SOUTHWEST 7650 CAPITOL HWY PORTLAND, OR 97219

COAST 507 LANEDA AVE STE 4 MANZANITA, OR 97130

VANCOUVER 212 W 13TH ST VANCOUVER, WA 98660

LIVINGROOMRE.COM 503-719-5588