about the
provided by
Room
for Homeownership.
African American
October 8
Come join other local folk music fanatics for the return of the festival for the first time since the pandemic! Held at the First Congressional Church in downtown Portland, it will feature new bands as well as some of your favorites from years past.
Portland Kid’s Fun Run
October 8
Portland Kid’s Fun Run is an event to celebrate our active youth! This year you can expect field games, airbrush face painting, prizes, inflatable obstacle courses, and photos with local mascots in addition to the races.
October 29–31
What better way to get into the Halloween spirit than to see Hocus Pocus on the big screen, accompanied by the Oregon Symphony performing the score live? Goblins and ghouls of all ages love this cult classic about a curious youngster who moves to Salem where he struggles to fit in before awakening a trio of diabolical witches.
November 5
The Portland Book Festival is the largest celebration of literature and literacy in the Pacific Northwest. This event includes an extensive book fair, large scale events, smaller panels, on-stage conversations and readings, all held in and around the Portland Art Museum.
November 19–20
Get started on your holiday shopping at this amazing market!
My People’s Market brings together dozens of local artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives of color for live music, networking, and shopping.
November 13
If you feel like charcuterie boards have been all the craze at your gatherings in recent years, you are not alone. Come learn how to “wow” your friends and family with you own charcuterie board skills. This workshop is $85, and will include a sustainably-sourced walnut board, and the knowledge of how to build the perfect charcuterie snack on it at home!
December Dakota Modern:
The Art of Oscar Howe
December 2022
“Dakota Modern: The Art of Oscar Howe” introduces new genera tions to one of the twentieth century’s most innovative Native American painters. Howe (1915 –1983) committed his artistic career to the preservation, relevance, and ongoing expres sion of his Yanktonai Dakota culture. Experience his work at the Portland Art Museum.
December 9–11
Find the most meaningful gifts this holiday season at Crafty Wonderland! Building quite the reputation over the years, Crafty Wonderland has dazzled crafters and shoppers alike, and become one of the most popular events around the Porland area. Make sure to secure your entrance by getting a ticket ahead of time!
December 20
Don’t miss A Very Merry Mariachi Christmas concert with Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández.
Moving through classical, pop, jazz, swing, and show tunes, conductor José Hernández leads Mariachi Sol de México in a musical tribute to Mexico’s Christmas traditions.
MANY OF US GREW UP being taught what it is to be a great neighbor by watching Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. He taught us lessons such as conflict is a natural part of community, treat everyone with respect, be a good listener, build people up, and don’t be afraid to discuss the tough stu . He modeled that people with di erent beliefs can co-exist, and he always took the time to remind those around him of their authentic value.
During speaking engagements, Mr. Rogers would ask the audience to take 60 seconds to think of someone who has really helped them. In less than a minute, the audience would be smiling and crying, filled with the warm feelings of gratitude. Mr. Rogers believed expressing and feeling gratitude for the help we receive was just as important in making us better neighbors.
Another person who has been teaching me about being a good neighbor is my dear friend Wendy. Recently she hosted an afternoon party to write thank you cards to people who are on the front lines of issues they care about. She supplied the cards, postage, drinks, and snacks. Friends and neighbors gathered to express their gratitude and share the good work of those they were thanking with others. Until reading her invite, I had not truly noticed how drained and weary I felt from the media I had been consuming, filled with political satire and pointed fingers. This felt like an outstretched hand back toward the light.
I borrowed Wendy’s idea, and at a recent company meeting, we wrote letters of gratitude to people working toward good causes we believed in. The practice of putting this idea into action has been powerful for me. It cut through the morass of my despair at recent events. I have felt much more hopeful, in part because I am training the muscle of gratitude, the muscles of noticing and building o the good. And as that muscle strengthens, I’ve gotten better at noticing not just the big stu , but also the small noble acts of kindness in everyday life.
It’s the small stu that’s closer to home; whether it is a helpful neighbor, a co-worker, a friend, or a stranger on the street that can be the most meaningful because they are rooted in a personal one-on-one connection. Emma Seppälä, a Yale professor and PHD says that, “social connectedness...generates a positive feedback loop of social, emotional, and physical well-being.” Chris Loggins, supervising producer of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, from Fred Rogers Productions, urges us to remind ourselves that being connected feels good. It’s so simple, yet, like anything healthy in our lives, it requires practice and awareness to make it a habit.
So, in an e ort to jump start us all on the positive feedback loop of social, emotional, and physical well-being that comes from connection formed through gratitude, I am inviting you to send me a short email with a description or story of someone you believe to be a great neighbor. Why are you grateful for them? How do they help you or others? Why would you want to nominate them for a “Great Neighbor Award.” For the first 10 stories we receive, Living Room will donate $100 to the Oregon Food Bank in your neighbor’s name and highlight their story in our “Great Neighbor Awards” feature on social media.
If you want to come by the o ce anytime to write a thank you card or express gratitude for someone, please stop by, and we will supply the card and postage. We appreciate you greatly, and any way we can help you find room to live, we welcome the opportunity.
Every morning at 7:15 my neighbor Bob Burkholder, a retired Lieutenant/Paramedic from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, passes my house, walking briskly with a co ee cup in hand and a large smile as he does his morning lap around the neighborhood. He is getting exercise and fresh air, which he claims is the key to staying healthy, but these walks aren't solely self serving. He is also keeping our neighbor hood healthy. On his walks he takes inventory of the neighborhood; the houses, the people, the pets, the cars. He will always throw a friendly wave my way if I am watering my plants out front, or stop to chat, or even lend a hand if he catches me frantically wheeling my forgotten recycling out to the curb on a Monday morning. He helps keep me connected to the others around me, whether that is folks moving in and out, surgeries, births, deaths, break-ins, even reminders of the neighborhood garage sale or picnics. He is quick to o er help and is skillful at enrolling our fellow neighbors into helping as well. Bob is ensuring our safety by noticing. His walks do more to prevent crime than any alarm system or camera. He communicates quickly to our neighbors if he sees something out of the ordinary or concern ing. Recently, he nudged me to take care of our forgotten Subaru we had parked out front. It’s been on my list, but knowing it's also on Bob’s list motivated me to follow through. He’s not afraid to discuss the tough or uncomfortable stu , and this builds trust over time. He shows he cares, and it occurs to me this is what everyday heroes look like.
Have a Great Neighbor? Write a 100–200 word story about your great neighbor and email it to us at welcome@livingroomre.com. The first 10 stories we receive will be featured on our social media and have $100 donated to the Oregon Food Bank in their name!
JENELLE ISAACSON
OWNER,
In joy + gratitude,
“Take time to think about someone who has helped you”
—Fred Rogers
Nestled between the NE and SE quadrants of Portland, you’ll find the charming neighbor hood of Laurelhurst, known for its adorable vintage homes and one of the best city parks Portland has to o er. With an easy commute to downtown, this is an increasingly popular neighborhood for those seeking an older, established feel.
For your early morning ca eine fix, the obvious option is Crema Co ee + Bakery. They source their co ee from some of the best roasters in Portland, and their baristas take pride in the craft of co ee creations. Crema is known for their delicious sandwiches and treats made with top-tier ingredients from local suppliers.
SQUASH SOUP has endless variations! Add some curry spices like coriander, cumin, and turmeric that pair so well with the coconut, or blend in a couple makrut lime leaves or lemongrass. If you go the lemongrass route, use the white and very light green parts of the stalk, mince it up and add it to the pot with the garlic and ginger.
With the impressive designa tion of “the most beautiful park on the West Coast,” Laurelhurst Park is a crowd favorite amongst the community. Whether you are looking to walk the dog, practice yoga, or have a picnic, this is the spot to relax and unwind without having to venture far!
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch pieces
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped
2 pounds winter squash peeled*, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 8 cups)
3 cups apple cider
1 can full-fat coconut milk
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon sweet, smoked paprika
1 lime, juiced
¼ cup cilantro leaves, chopped
1/3 cup toasted pepitas
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2 Add onion and apple and cook until they begin to soften and the onion turns translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger, then the squash, cider, coconut milk, salt, pepper and smoked paprika.
3
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until squash is fork-tender, about 30 minutes.
4 Use an immersion blender to purée soup. Alternatively, let the soup cool slightly and carefully purée in batches in a traditional blender, then transfer back to pot.
5 Bring back to a simmer over medium low heat. Add lime juice, salt and pepper to taste and water to thin soup to desired consistency. Serve garnished with cilantro and pepitas.
*If you have a high-speed blender or are using a thin-skinned squash, feel free to leave the skin on.
WHAT : Hands-on cooking class with FINEX Cast Iron, culminating with a shared meal that celebrates the flavors of the Pacific Northwest while highlighting local farms and suppliers along with FINEX’s industrial design and craft. Beverages included.
WHEN : Two hours at the lunch hour, happy hour, or dinnertime.
Through Lauren Chandler Cooks, Lauren helps individuals and families grow healthier and happier by providing customized culinary instruction, chef services, recipes, and meal plans.
TEAM BUILDING, EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION, WELLNESS/EDUCATION
FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT : lauren@laurenchandlercooks.com or smitchell@finexcookware.com
FINEX Cast Iron Cookware HQ 2236 NW 21st Ave. Portland, OR 97209
This bronze sculpture arrived from France in 1924, a replica of Emmanuel Frémiet’s equestrian statue Jeanne d’Arc, and sits in the heart of Laurelhurst. The sculpture depicts Joan of Arc and was donated in honor of the Doughboys of World War I to the city of Portland by Henry Waldo Coe after he saw Frémiet’s original statue in Paris.
Since 1907, Portland Nursery has attracted plant-lovers and gardeners alike. The nursery had a vision of being more than just a wholesale nursery, and to be known as an “oasis in the city and greenspace with human touch.” Whether it’s a native tree or new houseplant you’re looking for, Portland Nursery is the place to go to add a little green to your life!
5050 SE STARK ST
For all of the vibey folks out there looking for a modern atmosphere to grab drinks and a yummy lunch, Laurelhurst Market is for you. They specialize in house-cured and hard-to-find meat cuts and craft drinks that leave custom ers beyond satisfied. You’ll consistently find Laurelhurst Market on the list of Portland’s best restaurants.
Is it even a perfect day in Portland if we don’t end it at one of the city’s historic theaters? For an intimate film-viewing experience, pizza, and local craft beer, Laurelhurst Theater is the spot to top o the evening. The theater captures movie-magic on two screens showing second-run films and a new feature film every week at an a ordable price.
2735 E BURNSIDE ST
Average Prices for Single Family Homes, Attached Homes, and Condos
Percent change since August 2021 AUG 2022
INTEREST RATES PLAY a huge part in determining how much home a person can a ord. Unfortunately, the media makes it overly simple when it comes to informing the public about rates. Mortgage rates are derived from the price of mortgage bonds. Inflation erodes the value of these bonds, and thus, creates selling pressure. When this bond is in sell mode, our consumer rates increase. The real reason rates have been rising is inflation. The Fed’s aggressive increase of their Fed Funds rate has been done to thwart inflation, and the bond market wants to see the Fed fight inflation. So, mortgage pricing stabilizes and improves when the Fed raises rates. If inflation starts to plateau and even recede, it’s wise to assume we can start to see mortgage rates creep back down from the highs we saw earlier in 2022. As we head into the final quarter, keep an eye out for what economic pundits focus on to gauge where mortgage rates will turn. If inflation remains the dominant narrative, rates will increase. If inflation is over and a “soft landing” becomes the dominant narrative, we may see some improvement in mortgage rates. If a recession becomes the dominant story, we might see rates improve more dramatically.
JAMES
Hillsboro $580,939 +3.37%
Beaverton $554,999 +4.02%
North PDX $510,573 +0.74%
Vancouver, WA $548,045 +12.67%
Most significant increases in sales price compared to Aug 2021
AREA INCREASE
SW/S PDX 18.75%
Tigard 15.56% Vancouver 12.67%
Lake Oswego 11.60% Grshm/Trtdl 6.06%
Tigard $647,133 +15.56%
Northeast PDX $604,427 +4.10%
Portland Metro Market Averages
AUG 2022
Stats via RMLS for Areas 141–152
Southwest & South PDX $812,576 +18.75%
Southeast PDX $539,449 +0.80%
Northwest PDX $715,419 +3.69% Milwaukie $542,109 -1.58% Lake Oswego $1,068,608 +11.60%
$671,078
Avg. Sales Price
Avg. Days on Market
Here are just a few of the beautiful homes we have for sale.
Nehalem at its Best
Anderson Rd. Nehalem, OR 97131
A unique, forested, six-acre property just ten minutes from the beach, this home exudes NW character with finely-crafted cedar beams and trim, custom cabinetry, and natural light. It has been recently reset with raised garden beds, an orchard, and Master Gardener™ landscaping. Come enjoy the marine air while living in the forest!
Bed | 2 Bath | 1,813 sq ft
in the Heart of Hawthorne
SE Hawthorne Blvd. Portland, OR 97214
This perfect 1930’s condo is move-in ready for urban yearround living or a centrally located pied-à-terre. Check out the rad
Deco and vintage touches throughout, including original tile in the bath, built-ins, and light fixtures. And you’re within walking distance to groceries, eateries, shops, and theaters!
Bed | 1 Bath | 864 sq ft
Stylish and Stately
610 NE Cesar E Chavez Blvd. Portland, OR 97232
This one-of-a-kind Laurelhurst home is filled with style and classic details throughout. You’ll enjoy formal living and dining, stained glass windows, mahogany built-ins, two private patios, and lush landscaping. Plus, you’ll be centrally located to get around the city with ease.
6 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 4,682 sq ft
Given the nature of real estate, these homes may already be pending or sold. See more on our website: livingroomre.com
We are in the business of sharing stories— stories of the people we work with and of the neighborhoods we know and love that make up the great city of Portland.
Download our app and begin your home search. Send prospective properties directly to your broker.
Step aside bears…this Goldilocks has found his house! Last year, Devin told us he would be in touch with us soon about buying a house. His epic rental in NE had been the home of countless gatherings and parties, but he felt it was time to make the move to SE, where the majority of his community lived. Fast forward to closing day. Devin has a list of to-dos and a neighborhood full of friends welcoming him to his new home. I couldn’t be happier for him and are excited to see him work his magic to make this house a home. Cheers Devin! Welcome to homeownership and to the neighborhood.
I couldn’t be happier for this sweet family who finally got the keys to their new home! I met Emily and Adam 6 years ago when I helped them find their first home. Fast forward 6 years, and they reached out late last fall as their family was growing with a baby on the way. Their home search took a brief break after the baby arrived, but we picked up again rather quickly. Their patience and tenacity paid o , and they now have a beautiful home that’s perfect for them.
After a couple months of searching a friend asked my clients, “If you could live anywhere in Portland, where would it be?” My clients agreed SE Harrison Street in the 40s would be the dream! Each tour unveiled more of what they wanted, so when they saw this home, they could act! The best part, I talked them out of selling their home! They added a great rental to the housing market and an opportu nity for generational asset building for their daughter!
“Their patience and tenacity paid o , and they now have a beautiful home that’s perfect for them.”
Big congratulations to A & J, of Burrito Brigade, on their first home purchase! In a historically high sellers market, these two first-time home buyers got their home UNDER list price! A huge celebration for A & J. I am so honored to be part of your story!
Congratulations to the Fox Family! Back in 2017, I had the ultimate pleasure of helping them purchase their very first home in St Johns. And to add more excitement to the occasion, we were on an episode of House Hunters. What an incredible and exciting experience. Long story short, they never added an ADU to their home, but we did find them an awesome home with an actual ADU! I couldn’t be more excited for them to move out of their 792 square-foot home and into their large beautiful home with space to entertain!
Meet Megan: A Brave and Hilarious First Time Home Buyer! LEFT
It takes a very brave first-time home buyer—and a lot of trust—to move forward with the purchase of a home sight unseen from across state lines! Well, this is exactly Megan: brave, enthusi astic, not to mention hilarious. I’m honored that someone I’d never met put their trust so fully in me, and that we could work together to find her a place she loves to call home.
“Long story short, they never added an ADU to their home, but we did find them an awesome home with an actual ADU!”
is a 25-year-old, 501(c)(3) non-profit, community-based organization in Portland, and approved housing counseling agency by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
AAAH supports African Americans and other underserved groups in their homeownership needs. AAAH’s HUD-certified counselors o er support to families seeking to obtain their home as a new homebuyer and supports families facing foreclosure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Simply put, the state of Black Housing in Portland is in crisis. With declining homeownership rates, stagnant income growth, and a shrinking population, African Americans in Portland are experiencing outcomes that diverge from other communities of color in the city.
Data from recent reports indicate that African Americans in Portland represent the highest rentership rates and lowest average incomes, which threatens to continue the significant displacement experienced in North, Northeast, and East Portland communities specifically. Addressing these barriers and securing a ordable homes for Portland’s African American community is central to AAAH’s mission.
An excellent illustration of how AAAH aims to serve our homeowners is highlighted in the story of Ms. Jackson. Ms. Jackson came to AAAH in 2015 seeking support as a first-time homebuyer. As a single parent with just enough income for a mortgage, Ms. Jackson was seeking an a ordable pathway to homeownership for her family. As a client, Ms. Jackson attended AAAH’s homebuyer and workshop classes, met with a HUD-certified housing counselor to improve her budget and credit, and explored ways to qualify for match funding and obtain assistance for a down payment. Shortly after qualifying for down payment assistance, Ms. Jackson successfully closed on a new home in 2017.
Power to the People PDX is an AAAH program that provides free and no-cost energy e ciency assessments, education, and installations. This program is funded through Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF), Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO), and other community supporters such as the Loving Room Fund at Living Room Realty.
In the following years, Ms. Jackson sought additional support from AAAH in the new Power to the People PDX program. With a newly bought home (retrofitted prior to her purchase to be highly energy e cient) she was ready for rooftop solar. In April 2022, Ms. Jackson became the first recipient of a rooftop solar installation funded by the new PCEF and quite possibly the first single Black mother to own rooftop solar in Portland. With solar, her electric bill will be fully covered by the energy she produces on her roof, lowering her bill to $0.
The success of Ms. Jackson’s story highlights the goals of many new homeowners that work with AAAH. However, one primary issue preventing many new and long-time homeowners in developing a climate resilient, energy e cient, and solar powered home is the over-simplified, one-size-fits-all approach of many programs. With African Americans owning, on average, the oldest homes in Portland, the road to solar requires a high degree of deferred maintenance repairs, electrical capacity upgrades, and navigating the prohibitive solar permitting process.
AAAH aims to serve clients in a holistic way, one that recognizes that many factors in their current situation are overlooked by well-inten tioned equity-minded programs. As a nonprofit where 3 in 4 clients are Black, AAAH has the responsibility of exploring solutions and pathways that are idiosyncratic to our community that often vary on a case-bycase basis. For example, to address the specific needs of homeowners who don’t qualify for state incentive programs because they need air conditioning during summer heat waves, AAAH is constantly seeking funding support and policy flexibility for its programs to meet the needs of program participants.
The Loving Room Fund by Living Room Realty represents the type of flexibility needed to address homeowner challenges as they navigate low-incomes, high house prices, old housing stock, and the ongoing threats of climate change. With these funds, we hope to bridge the gaps for funding repairs necessary to ensure homeowners can access energy e cient and renewable technologies that improve economic and environmental outcomes for families.
United in our e orts, we know we can do more to e ect change and have a greater impact on the world around us. The Loving Room Fund is directed by our brokers and supported by our sta . It was created by Living Room brokers as a way to build the habit and e ortlessly give back to their community. The success of our business is deeply rooted in our commitment to developing vibrant communities.
JAN 20—FEB 18
Aquarians are the humanitari ans of the zodiac. You are always forward thinking and empowering your neighbors. Call in your friends and family this season, you may gain more momentum than you can handle alone. Essentials for you: Watching the sunset, jasmine essential oil, and a visit to the Portland Indigenous Marketplace.
FEB 19—MAR 20
You are feeling incredibly creative this season Pisces! Try delving into a new medium to really push your artistic boundaries to create something otherworldly. Embracing your creativity helps to boost your spirits and bring happiness to your community. Essentials for you: Matcha lattes, suncatch ers, and a shopping spree at Scrap PDX.
MAR 21—APR 19
This season, you are seeking independence, new experi ences, and to push your limits. Adventure is calling your name, and your fiery nature makes you a natural adrenaline enthusiast. Try something new, forge a new path, and keep your heart delighted. Essentials for you: Good walking shoes, trying a new cuisine, and a trip to Powell’s.
APR 20—MAY 21
Taurus is a goal driven sign. You’ve been working hard towards your vision all year, and now is the time to be especially strategic. Focus your time, energy, and finances on your to-do list to add fuel to your ambitious fire. Essentials for you: Visiting bodies of water, luxurious skin care, and a picnic at the International Rose Test Garden.
MAY 22—JUN 21
Communication may feel di cult for you this season. Setbacks on important projects and confusion between invested parties leave you feeling a bit defeated. “Measure twice, cut once” is your motto this season, patience will help pull you through. Essentials for you: Proofreading your emails, asking for help, and a massage at Löyly Spa.
JUN 22—JUL 22
Ever intuitive, Cancer’s are known for their sensitive nature and emotional intelligence. This season, your friends and family will reflect your natural gifts back to you by being there when you need them. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for support! Essentials for you: Vanilla scented candles, the “Truth Be Told” podcast, and meditation at the Portland Japanese Garden.
LEO
JUL 23—AUG 22
Leo is fired up this season! You will be filled with bold ideas and inspiration to fearlessly go forth into the unknown! Surround yourself with a cheer squad to encourage you as you delve into new adventures.
Essentials for you: Cinnamon rolls, Beyoncé’s Renaissance album, and a trip to Cannon Beach.
AUG 23—SEP 22
Virgo, you are known for your methodical and quick thinking. Careful planning this season will lead to successful projects and partnerships. Focusing on the little details now will let you fully relax later. Essentials for you: Gentle yoga, homemade soups, and walks through Forest Park.
SEP 23—OCT 22
Libra is a diplomatic air sign that can get along with anyone. This season, your friends and family look to you for support and guidance. Be the helping hand, shoulder to cry on, and open ear that people are looking for.
Essentials for you:
Handwritten letters, gratitude journaling, co ee dates at Esperanza Trading Co.
OCT 23—NOV 21
Slip into the deep, cool waters of your inner mind this season Scorpio. There is so much healing to be found in stillness. Take time to pause, reflect, and rest when you are called. There’s no need to rush. Essentials for you: Lavender simple syrup, mood lighting, a healing soak at Common Ground.
NOV 22— DEC 21
Your romantic connections are feeling extra juicy this season Sagittarius! Lay all your cards on the table with your love interests. They will appreciate your honesty. With all this connection, don’t forget to romance yourself too! Essentials for you: fresh flowers, soft sheets, and a romantic dinner at Sapphire Hotel.
DEC 22— JAN 19
This season, you may be confronted with uncomfort able truths. Sometimes ease is the key to knowing things are working, and sometimes it’s discomfort. Let go of the things that are no longer serving you. Essentials for you: journaling, crying when you need, and a delightful treat from Doe Donuts.