Portland Pickles vs. Walla Walla Sweets
July 12
Grab your hats and gloves, and come cheer on your favorite local baseball team this summer at Walker Stadium! The Pickles are a premier summer league based in Lents Park, and whether you’re a die-hard fan, or just looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, you’re sure to enjoy a Pickles game!
Portland Pride
July 15–16
The Portland Pride Festival is a great opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the LGBTQIA2S+ community while also connecting with local organizations and businesses. There will be live performances and a variety of activities to enjoy.
Cathedral Park
Jazz Festival
July 14–16
The jazz festival is a multi-day event in celebration of one of America’s most beloved musical genres. It will feature performances from local and international jazz artists, including both established and emerging musicians.
Pickathon
August 3–6
Pickathon is an all-encompassing wonderland, where attendees can explore a world of music, arts, and culture. With a focus on creativity, innovation, and community, Pickathon creates a truly magical atmosphere that is unlike anything else in the festival world.
Multnomah Days
August 19
Every year, the streets of Multnomah Village transform into a vibrant marketplace of local vendors, artisans, and community organizations. You can sample delicious food from a variety of vendors, browse unique arts and crafts from local artists, and enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the day.
Art in the Pearl
September 2-4
Located in the North Park Blocks of the Pearl District, local artisans will showcase an incredible array of fine art and handmade products. This fair will present an impressive collection of artwork, including fine wooden furniture, paintings, photography, glass, clay, metal, jewelry, and much more.
Dragon Boat Festival
August 25 - September 4
The Oregon State Fair is a beloved annual tradition that promises a day full of fun, excitement, and entertainment for everyone. Explore the many exhibits showcasing Oregon’s rich history, agriculture, and industry.
September 9-10
Come and watch the thrilling Dragon Boat Races as teams compete at the south end of Tom McCall Waterfront Park, between the Hawthorne Bridge and River Place. In addition to the races, there will be entertainment, merchandise vendors, and a variety of food vendors located just north of the Hawthorne Bridge.
Rose City Comic Con
September 22-24
Mark your calendars for the ultimate pop culture convention event of the year! The Rose City Comic Con celebrates all things related to comics, gaming, sci-fi, cosplay, anime, fantasy, and every fandom you can imagine.
SOMETIMES BEING WRONG FEELS SO RIGHT. Seven years ago, I stood on the stage of one of the largest real estate conventions on the West Coast and spoke on the key to Living Room’s success. An important element in building a great brand is authentically celebrating the lives of the people we serve, no matter what that looks like— so we ask our brokers to share, in their own words, the stories of our valued clients.
The Living Room website became a canvas for captivating tales like “Big Sexy Man, Cute Little Bungalow,” Looking for a Spa-age,” “Milwaukie—the Blue Collar Riviera,” and “No Market for Old Men.” These posts and titles grabbed people’s attention, made their way around the internet, and got shared hundreds of times on social media. There is humanity and humor in these stories, something that national brands and internet brokerages just can’t compete with, because they aren’t here on the ground, face to face with the client. No matter how funky or unorthodox our clients, their homes, or lifestyle are, we encourage our agents to headline each of them on our front page. There’s no need for censorship or Photoshop. This is what life really looks like in our community, and we embrace all of it. Without advertising dollars or the marketing budgets of our competitors, we have managed to amass more Facebook and Instagram likes than any other local brokerage and in 5 years, we grew from $35 million to $350 million in sales and in the next 5 years, from $350 million to $1.3 billion in sales!
On stage at that conference, I also shared many ideas of how to guerilla market and raise brand awareness if you are a local independent real estate brokerage. I was sure that as a local brokerage, you have no chance against Zillow, Realtor.com, or Redfin of owning the words “Portland Real Estate Companies” on a Google search, but I was wrong.
At our recent sales meeting, we had a third party SEO firm come in to share their findings about our website after an extensive audit. They showed us that we rank #1 in Google’s search engine for “Portland Real Estate Companies” and #2 for “Portland Realtors,” “Real Estate Agent Portland,” “Portland Real Estate Agents,” and “Realtors in Portland, OR” beating out Zillow and Redfin
These experts kept remarking that they’d never seen anything like our firm’s performance on Google before. The collective nature of the way we have built the brand, by making you, the client, our brand, and putting clients front and center in all we do has demonstrated experience, expertise, authority, and trust so that Google recognizes us as the real estate firm in Portland.
Google looks for the number of years in business, the peer reviews, the helpful content we post for consumers, and it even knows that we come together on Tuesdays for our sales meetings, demonstrating that we are an active community of local brokers. It recognizes and rewards this in our ranking.
As any small business person knows, sometimes it feels so impossible out there competing with the large chains, and the deep pockets of internet companies that don’t seem to have to operate with the same laws of profitability that you and I do. There is so much pressure to try and short cut or give up some days. Knowing that believeing our community would reward us with the number one market share in Portland and on the internet (instead of paying for it) feels like a huge win. Honestly, it feels like an achievement of a lifetime, and I am so humbled and encouraged that Google rewarded us for being collaborative and in service to you, our local market.
As Google gets smarter and AI develops, it makes sense that the searches would become more in alignment with our wants and desires of what we truly value. To create better outcomes for the users of Google, Google has to learn what humans value most. This is things like those with experience, who are engaged and showing up, those who are recommended by their peers, and those who are on the ground serving that small niche market with a heart of service and excellence. It’s likely obvious to AI that we really value connecting with our friends, neighbors, and supporting our local communities.
Working within our values of connection and abundance lifts each of us to the top. This is a lovely reminder of the generous universe we live in, and the joys of the community we have built together. Thank you to each of you, our dear clients, for choosing us and inviting us into your lives! Thank you for generously sharing your celebrations, your big life transitions, your stories and giving us a peek at how you creatively make “Living Room” for yourself, your family, and your communities. We are so honored to be able to serve our local community. If you, or someone you know, is looking to make a move, we’d love to help you find your next living room!
In joy + gratitude,
JENELLE ETZEL OWNER, LIVING ROOM REALTYStrengthen your neighborly connections and help create lifelong memories by hosting a block party right on your street!
LIVING ROOM BROKER Yomari Cruz-Deweese recently shared why building connections is meaningful to her and how a simple block party helped her create a sense of togetherness and community in a small corner of her neighborhood:
Growing up, Yomari’s neighbors were her family—her grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. They lived in a rural area, with houses built next to each other on their land. But as an adult living in Portland, recreating the way she grew up was hard. She wanted to share food, celebrate all the wonderful things that made her neighborhood special, and engage with people in a lively atmosphere.
After the simple permit acquisition from the city, she rented a few games for kids, put up colorful balloons, placed some rugs, and invited her talented neighbors who play string instruments to join her on a sunny summer day. It was truly delightful.
In Portland, getting a permit for a block party is easy. To find the permit, Google “City of Portland Block Party Permit” or click on the QR code below. Here’s some helpful information from the city:
The application takes 10-15 minutes to complete, and, best of all, it’s FREE!
It must be on a block that is not part of a bus or transit route.
The application must be submitted at least 15 business days before your event.
The event must take place between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m and can’t exceed 8 hours per week (includes setup and cleanup time).
Block parties may span up to 2 blocks, but intersections must remain open.
It must be free and open to the general public.
Nestled on the Oregon coast, the quaint town of Manzanita exudes coastal charm and o ers a perfect day trip getaway. With its pristine sandy beach, majestic coastal mountains, and charming downtown, Manzanita invites visitors to indulge in a day of relaxation, scenic walks, and memorable experiences by the sea.
Neighboring counties and cities have their own requirements, but no matter where you live, don’t let the application stop you from building those connections and having a great time while doing it. Let’s turn up the summer vibes and bring neighbors together!
Start the day with a dose of ca eine at a cozy, local co ee shop, where you will be greeted by the aroma of freshly-roasted co ee beans and the friendly smile of baristas. At O shore, they serve a wide range of high-quality co ee drinks, from classic drip co ee to specialty lattes and cappuccinos.
Situated along the breathtaking Oregon Coast, Neahkahnie Mountain is the highest point between the Canadian border and the Golden Gate. Navigate the steep switchbacks through scenic meadows and skirt the forested slopes before reaching the summit viewpoint. You’ll be treated to sweeping panoramic views of the ocean, Nehalem Bay, Manzanita, and Nehalem Bay State Park.
JUNCTION OF NEHALEM RD & HWY 101
LAUREN CHANDLER
COOKS
is a plant-centered chef, educator, and recipe developer. She teaches cooking classes for team-building and wellness through organizations in person and virtually from her sweet little chef’s cottage that a Living Room broker helped her buy. Contact her at lauren@ laurenchandlercooks.com for a cooking class for your team!
CONFESSION: I love this combo of sweet from the berries, earthy from the olive oil, and smoky and bitter from the grilled romaine! It looks fancy, but it’s simple to put together. For a fuller meal, consider adding lentils, butter beans, chicken, or albacore. Like most of my recipes, this one is more of a formula or a template. Here is the list of ingredients and substitute suggestions:
Strawberries, sliced however you like (or peaches, cherries, etc.)
Romaine, sliced in half lengthwise (or in quarters if very large), coated with olive oil, sprinkled with salt and pepper and grilled on each side for a minute or so until you see some grill marks
Feta cheese (or dairy-free alternative—something creamy is great here)
Toasted sesame seeds (or another toasted nut or seed, or za’atar)
Fresh mint, chopped (or basil, dill, or cilantro)
Good olive oil
Squeeze of lemon (or drizzle of balsamic vinegar reduction)
BRUNCH AT YOLK
Since 2018, Yolk has been a cherished breakfast and lunch spot along the Oregon Coast known for their vibrant atmosphere and mouth-watering cuisine. Whether you’re sipping on a delicious Bloody Mary at the bar, or observing the kitchen in action from the chef bar, you will be sure to experience flavors and service that embody their zest for life.
503 LANEDA AVE, MANZANITA
KELLY’S BRIGHTON MARINA
Nestled in the enchanting Nehalem Bay, this hidden gem promises a memorable crabbing experience. Whether you choose to rent a boat or opt for dockside crabbing, Kelly’s o ers a variety of options to suit your preferences. Kelly’s o ers instructions on crabbing techniques, and once you’ve successfully caught legal-sized crabs, they even provide cooking services!
29200 N HWY 101, ROCKAWAY BEACH
In the tranquil summer evenings of Manzanita, the beach becomes a serene haven for a captivating sunset walk. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting its vibrant hues across the sky, the rhythmic crashing of waves and the soft sand beneath your feet create a perfect symphony of nature’s beauty.
11 MANZANITA AVE, MANZANITA
THE WINERY AT MANZANITA
Located a mere 2.5 blocks away, you’ll discover the renowned winery at Manzanita. Immerse yourself in the world of exceptional wine as you gather around inviting fire pits, explore the charming tasting room and winery, and revel in the stunning ocean views from the deck. With a diverse selection of small batch wines from the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon and Washington, your palate is in for a treat.
253 LANEDA AVE, MANZANITA
THERE ARE HUGE opportunities for homeowners to make smart decisions around the ongoing management of mortgage repayment. Many clients call me to ask about ways to pay back their loan faster, and I love helping them figure out what gives them the most financial lift. One option is bi-weekly mortgage payments which e ectively squeeze 13 monthly payments into a 12-month calendar and can chop 6-7 years o the loan term depending on loan size and rate. When homeowners first learn this math, they can’t wait to get started! But the truth is, paying extra payments to your loan is not always the best decision. Like all financial decisions IT DEPENDS! The bi-weekly repayment math is true, but it leaves out some key details. Let’s use a $3000 mortgage payment for example. If you made bi-weekly payments, you would trim the overall interest cost and retire the debt in about 24 years, becoming mortgage free 6 years sooner. But here are some additional considerations:
1. Safety 2. Liquidity and 3. Leverage. Is putting an additional $3k into your home equity more financially safe if something unexpected arises? Are you more or less liquid? Are you more or less leveraged? What is the true return on those dollars for you? Could you have made a bigger return in an index fund over that period of time? There are many considerations, and depending on your overall financial trajectory, pre-paying the mortgage may or may not be the right move. If you’ve been considering paying o your mortgage, or are actively pre-paying your principal and would like to best understand the true cost/benefit of this, please reach out! I’m here to be a resource for your ongoing success as a homeowner!
JAMES ADAIR NMLS 272766
Gresham/ Troutdale $474,300 +2.2% Milwaukie/ Clackamas $569,300 +1.6%
$396,904 Avg. Sales Price
46 Avg. Days on Market
Spacious Corner Lot Sweetheart in Camas 903 E 1st Ave. Camas, WA 98607
Don’t miss this 1940s gem on a tree-lined street in the heart of downtown Camas. Inside, you’ll find cozy spaces full of original charm. Updates include the kitchen, bathrooms, and freshly painted interiors.
4 bed | 2.5 bath | 2,508 sq. ft. $735,000
Portsmouth SingleLevel Living 3906 N Juneau St. Portland, OR 97217
This distinct attached home o ers comfortable and expansive single-level living just blocks from University Park. Featuring a charming front courtyard, an eat-in kitchen with abundant storage, and three spacious bedrooms.
3 bed | 1 bath | 978 sq. ft. $299,900
Adorable Cottage on a Quiet Street
589 Laurel Ave. Manzanita, OR 97130
Outstanding peace and privacy can be yours in this spacious cottage on a quiet street, tucked away on a fully-fenced corner double lot in the heart of Manzanita. Hardwood floors and a modern kitchen set the tone on the inside. It includes a comfortable interior, a beautiful wraparound deck, and generous backyard.
2 bed | 1 bath | 1,502 sq. ft. $939,000
Given the nature of real estate, these homes may already be pending or sold. See more on our website: livingroomre.com
Here are just a few of the beautiful homes we have for sale.
Congratulations to the Newman family on settling into their new home in SW Washington! Their year-long journey has finally come to fruition. In early 2022, Brian and Aim approached us to sell their Forest Grove house and build their dream home. They waited patiently in Seattle with family, choosing perfect finishes and providing input as their home construction was completed. The timing couldn’t have been better. They are able to move in just as their youngest is becoming an active toddler. With plenty more room, they have ample space to explore! We are thrilled to have played a role in this heartwarming journey.
This past month our very own Ross Seligman got to be the client! Ross has been an agent with Living Room since 2016 and found it was time for his family to make a move. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to move to the Oak Hills neighborhood. I think I can say the same for my kids. We’re enjoying getting settled in and building our new home together. It’s an awesome spot that will be the change we needed. But also, moving is a lot! It was a great reminder of the moving stress our clients go through and how overwhelming the process can be.”
Follow us for beautiful listings and everything you need to know about buying or selling a home!
No matter the client (even when they’re an experienced agent) helping to ease the stress of transition is an important part of the process. Congrats to Ross!
The same day Lou and Kathy received keys to their gorgeous modern home in Lake Oswego, they received news that their beloved home of 23 years went pending above the asking price. Lou and Kathy are true champions, not only embracing the decision, packing, and trusting us throughout three weeks of high-speed changes, but also persevering through a bout of COVID. We’re immensely grateful for their trust during this pivotal time in their vibrant lives.
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.
“The timing couldn’t have been better. They are able to move in just as their youngest is becoming an active toddler. With plenty more room, they have ample space to explore!”
Follow us on social
The most enchanting porch in Portland now belongs to a new owner—applause to her and her family for making their home-ownership dreams come true. Lindsay, a fellow real estate agent, had long admired this architecturally stunning porch as she passed by. When the “For Sale” sign appeared, she wasted no time stepping inside. It exceeded all expectations, and sitting on that porch felt absolutely right. This was her Sunset Magazine moment! Despite having a recently renovated house to sell, Lindsay initiated a conversation to find a solution. She crafted a bold o er with favorable terms, instilling confidence in my sellers while meeting their timelines. Price isn’t everything, nor is cash always king. Lindsay’s dedication, instincts, and commitment secured her dream home. Calling her on closing day was an absolute joy!
A fellow agent and former teacher referred C+M to me. Coming from an out-of-town market, he wanted to make sure I’d vibe with their blue hair and tattoos. I told him he found his people! From the moment we first spoke, we clicked. We were able to schedule some virtual showings right away and then crafted a stellar o er with strong terms. As of today, C+M are o cially Oregonians!
It has been a joy working with these clients, who were introduced to me by a lovely past client. Referrals are the biggest compliment, and I was so glad to connect with this sweet family! After a promotion and a new baby, this family was ready to make big moves. After our first weekend searching, we found THE ONE—in the right school district, the right space, and the right location. Everything about this one felt right. After negotiations for a $10k new roof credit, key day was extra exciting. Wishing you all the most beautiful memories together as you make your new house a home!
MEET THE FIXERS. The Fixers provide service to property owners, agents getting ready to list, but most importantly anyone who has a property that needs some repairs. They are a skilled team of women and folx, ready to get your property fixed! Led by the incomparable Ash Jimenez (aka our Maintenance Dad), the Fixers provide expert property maintenance for all of Portland and inner Washington County.
Maintenance Manager & OR Licensed General Contractor
Oregon Tradeswomen alumni, TIG welder, Maintenance Dad, and trades concierge to the stars.
Lead Maintenance Tech
Oregon Tradeswomen alumni who is a Swiss Army Knife of the trades. When she’s not figuring out a solution on the job, she can be found enjoying the sunshine on the river.
Maintenance Tech
Specializing in landscaping and general repairs. When she’s not working, she’s going on adventures with her pup Scout and tinkering on her property.
Maintenance Tech
Specializing in tile, drywall, and paint. When he’s not working, he loves to work on his house, his classic van, surf, and hang with his pup, Goldie.
CHRISTIAN
Maintenance Tech
Solid experience in multi-family and property management home maintenance, a fence/gate repair wiz who enjoys spending time with his family, pack of dogs, and even a horse!
Maintenance Tech
Avid cyclist and sandwich connoiseur who specializes in landscaping and general maintenance. No job left undone, she takes great pride in following through and seeing projects through to the end.
JAN 20—FEB 18
The Water Bearer dives deep into dreams and creativity. Trust your intuition and embrace your imagination this season. This path will lead you to spiritual growth, artistic expression, and a sense of personal fulfillment.
MAY 22—JUN 21
The Twins dive deep into emotions and intuition this season. Trust your instincts and create healthy boundaries. This path will lead you to personal growth and emotional strength.
SEP 23—OCT 22
The Scales embrace transformation and intuition this season. Despite the scary nature of the unknown, following new paths and relying on your instincts will bring you powerful growth and opportunities for self-discovery.
FEB 19—MAR 20
Guidance from the stars for each of the zodiac signs this summer.
The Fish swims forward this season with renewed energy and determination. Embrace your flow and fearlessly pursue your goals. You will be guided to new heights of success.
JUN 22—JUL 22
The Crab shines with confidence and charisma this season. Collaborate with others and let your natural compassionate nature guide the way. Your generous spirit will attract success and fulfillment.
SCORPIO
OCT 23—NOV 21
The Scorpion dives into the depths of personal enlightenment. Embrace your inner mysteries and unleash your transformative power. This season brings opportunities for emotional growth and profound connections.
MAR 21—APR 19
The Ram basks in the fruits of your labor. Embrace the rewards of your hard work, and celebrate your achievements. This season brings stability and abundance in all areas of your life.
JUL 23—AUG 22
The Lion seeks tranquility and a sense of balance this season. Prioritize self-care and find harmony in your daily routines to ease stress and tension from the world. Your gentle heart will lead to calm and well-being.
NOV 22— DEC 21
The Archer climbs steadily towards success. Set clear goals and stay focused on your ambitions. This season brings opportunities for achievement and recognition.
APR 20—MAY 21
The Bull finds balance in relationships and self-expression. Communicate your needs and desires clearly, and embrace the power of choice. Nurture your connections and explore the diverse facets of your personality this season.
AUG 23—SEP 22
The Maiden embraces courage and determination. Trust your inner strength and embrace challenges head-on. This season holds abundant growth and exciting opportunities for self-discovery that will shape your path to greatness.
DEC 22— JAN 19
The Goat leads with innovation and originality. Embrace your uniqueness to make a positive impact on your community. This season brings opportunities for self-exploration and powerful change.
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. We became a certified B Corp in 2013 and joined a community of global leaders who make choices to intentionally serve the greater good. We consider the impact of our decisions on our sta , agents, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. When you work with us, you’re also intentionally making a choice for the greater good.