LIVING ROOM E s LOCAL
October
Hood River Valley Harvest Fest
October 10th–12th
Take a beautiful drive to Hood River Valley Harvest Fest, where cozy farm stands overflow with apples, pears, squash, honey, flowers, and more. Stock up on fall’s finest and savor the season’s bounty.
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
October 19th
The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is a quirky fall fest in Tualatin where costumed paddlers race giant pumpkin boats! Enjoy a weekend of pumpkin weigh-offs, a 5K run, and festive fun on and off the water.
November
Portland Book Festival
November 8th
The Portland Book Festival is an annual Literary Arts event featuring author discussions, book signings, writing workshops, a large book fair, and kids’ activities—connecting readers with authors and celebrating the local literary community.
Turkey Trot
November 27th
Build up an appetite for Thanksgiving dinner at the Turkey Trot at the Oregon Zoo! With a scenic 5K, plus the Tot Trot and Gobble Gallop near Elephant Plaza, there’s fun for all ages—perfect for strollers, little legs, and festive family memories.
December
Peacock Lane
December 15th–31st
A cherished Portland tradition, Southeast Portland is transformed into a magical, holiday spectacle. Tudor-style homes are festooned with creative light displays. Stroll freely on car-free nights, sip hot cocoa, and soak up the holiday spirit!
Mt. Hood Railway Polar Express
Late November through Early January
All aboard Mt. Hood Railroad’s charming Polar Express! Pajama-clad families are greeted by festive elves at the depot. On a magical journey to the North Pole, enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, carols, storytelling…and meet Santa as he boards with a special bell for every child!
The Santa Clones
Mid December through New Year’s Eve
Each holiday season, Portland artist Chris Willis (@chriswillis) arranges about 400 glowing, vintage Santas in a secret spot, then scatters poetic clues on Instagram to send people on a joyful scavenger hunt. It’s nostalgic, mysterious, and utterly delightful.
THE SANTA CLONES IN
Li ng Ro FROM OUR
Back to School. Back to Work.
Back to What Matters.
SEPTEMBER ALWAYS FEELS LIKE A RESET . Maybe it’s the memory of sharpened pencils and new routines, or just the cool mornings that invite reflection. After the looseness of summer, this season calls us to refocus; on our homes, our work, and the values that shape both.
At Living Room Realty, this time of year also marks our annual revisiting of the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, a tradition we uphold not out of obligation, but as an act of intention. It reminds us why we do what we do, and how to stay grounded in a world that often feels chaotic or divided.
“Under all is the land.”
That’s the first line of the Code. And it couldn’t be more timely. In an age when national headlines can leave us feeling overwhelmed or powerless, there is something anchoring about this reminder: change begins where we live. The land we walk, the homes we create, the communities we shape, these are not abstract ideals. They’re tangible, powerful, and deeply local.
Real estate is not just about transactions. It’s about trust. It’s about making sure our cities offer enough; enough housing, enough green space, enough resources, for everyone. And in that work, we have more influence than we sometimes realize.
This year, I’ve seen that influence come alive across our brokerage. Agents have delivered keynotes on youth justice, launched creative projects that foster community, volunteered at camps for children facing trauma, championed cooperative housing models, organized recognition for peers who lead with integrity, hosted neighborhood events, published books and shown up to educate and empower first-time homebuyers. These moments matter, not just because they’re kind, but because they’re effective.
As the Code reminds us, the survival of our democratic institutions depends on “the highest and best use of the land” and “the widest distribution of land ownership.” This is not idealism. This is infrastructure. This is how a healthy society grows.
And here’s the deeper truth: coalition is our superpower. Alone, we can make good choices—but together, through organizations,
businesses, and shared commitments, we can create systemic change. As historian Timothy Snyder writes, “Professions can create forms of ethical conversation that are impossible between a lonely individual and a distant government.”
That’s why we come together, at our Code of Ethics meeting, in neighborhood cleanups, at closing tables, and on the trails and shorelines we cherish. To remember what unites us, and to recommit to the kind of professionals and people we want to be.
We already know this through giving: when we give together, the impact is greater than any one of us could achieve alone. Sometimes that means setting aside our personal priorities to focus on what actually delivers results, not just what feels good in the moment.
As we head into fall and settle into the new routines of the season, I invite you to take a breath and ask:
» What part of your work truly builds trust?
» Where are you seeing the greatest impact in your community?
» What might you do, even in a small way, to create housing, protect the environment, or strengthen the fabric of your neighborhood?
Because under all is the land.
And on top of it is us; choosing, every day, how to live.
If this season has you thinking about your next move; whether that’s buying, selling, renting, or exploring options for yourself or someone you care about, we’re here for those conversations. We can also connect you with trusted resources around affordable housing, alternative financing, or property management. At Living Room Realty, we believe that everyone deserves a place to call home, and we’re honored to help you and your community make room to live.
JENELLE ETZEL FOUNDER, LIVING ROOM REALTY
A NEW PODCAST BY LIVING ROOM REALTY
Listen on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
WELCOME TO OPEN HOUSE: EVERYDAY EXCELLENCE —the podcast where we bring you real conversations with agents doing the work thoughtfully, skillfully, and with heart. Every episode explores the moments that define us as professionals: the shifts, the challenges, and the lessons that shape how we show up for our clients and one another.
Downtown Portland blends riverfront views, indie shops, food carts, artsy vibes, and lush parks—all walkable and packed with local character.
PORTLAND FARMER’S MARKET
PSU BLOCKS (SW PARK AND MONTGOMERY)
Portland State’s farmers market is the go-to spot every Saturday, year-round. With 100+ local vendors, it’s perfect for fresh picks and a tasty breakfast bite!
DANNER BOOTS
1022 W. BURNSIDE ST. PORTLAND, OR 97209
Since 1932, Danner has crafted rugged boots built for long treks. Plenty of time to hit the trails before winter sets in.
PORTLAND ART MUSEUM
We are in the business of sharing stories— stories of the people we work with and of the neighborhoods we know and love.
A Move Two Years in the Making LEFT
Congratulations to Heather and Jeremy on securing their new SE Portland homebase, just a month after moving from Dallas! Wanting to be close to schools and to have space for future multi-generational living, they began planning this move two years ago, working remotely and touring homes during holiday visits. We love the logistical challenge and timing of helping relocating clients and feel honored to guide several families each year. Wishing Heather and Jeremy joy, laughter, and peace in their new home!
1219 SW PARK AVE. PORTLAND, OR 97205
The Portland Art Museum, the oldest in the Northwest, features 42,000+ works, rotating exhibits, and programs—perfect for a rainy Saturday in downtown Portland
DOLLY OLIVE
527 SW 12TH AVE. PORTLAND, OR 97205
Dolly Olive offers Italian-Southern Mediterranean fare, fresh pasta, and baked goods in downtown Portland—perfect for lunch or happy hour refueling.
ARLENE SCHNITZER CONCERT HALL
1037 SW BROADWAY AVE. PORTLAND, OR 97205
Spend a cozy evening with some Portland favorites this fall: The Oregon Symphony, The Decemberists, David Sedaris, and Pink Martini.
HUBER’S
411 SW 3RD AVE. PORTLAND, OR 97204
Finish your day with drinks at Huber’s Café Portland’s oldest restaurant—just to watch their famous Spanish Coffee made tableside with fire, flair, and a whole lot of charm.
Want to know more about home prices in your neighborhood? Reach out to me any time! AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL PRICES BY METRO
* Includes single family, attached homes, & condos
$357,141
OUR Li ing s
Welcome to Argay Sunray
14425 NE Alton St, Portland, OR 97230
Tucked in Argay Terrace, this 1971 ranch brings all the sunny ‘70s charm with tons of smart updates—new roof, skylights, PEX plumbing, heat pump, EV charger, appliances, and more. Step inside to vaulted ceilings, vintage vibes, and a huge primary suite. The yard’s been redesigned, there’s room for your camper, and most of the big stuff’s already done. It’s a rare gem—don’t miss it!
3 bed | 2 bath | 1,847 sq. ft. | $575,000
Country Living at its Finest 5959 SW Brugger St, Portland, OR 97219
This reimagined Cape Cod in Ashcreek sits on a half acre with stunning views, 4 beds, 2.5 baths, and a vaulted third level. Enjoy oak floors, a cook’s kitchen, cozy living spaces, a redesigned deck, and lush gardens. The detached garage is perfect for a shop or studio. Zoned R20, with space to roam and grow—this home offers privacy, charm, and a deep connection to nature.
4 bed | 2.5 bath | 2,166 sq. ft. | $789,000
Self Contained Mini Resort in the Gorge
425 SE Red Elder Dr, Corbett, Oregon, 97019
Escape to your private forest retreat in Corbett—just 30 miles from Portland and near the Gorge’s iconic spots. This cozy, light-filled cabin features vaulted ceilings, a wood stove, and two bedrooms. Enjoy a hot tub, sauna, yurt studio, trails, and more. Peaceful, private, and packed with charm—it’s the perfect blend of nature, comfort, and adventure.
2 bed | 1 bath | 1,120 sq. ft. | $495,000
Mid-Century Retreat in Maplewood
5820 SW Miles St, Portland, OR 97219
Nestled in the heart of Maplewood, this warm mid-century home is just steps from parks and schools. Inside, you’ll find an updated kitchen, two cozy living rooms, and five bedrooms—plenty of space to spread out. Enjoy radiant heat, new AC, and a lush, private yard. With big updates already done, plus a sunny deck and sunroom, it’s a home that’s ready to grow with you.
5 bed | 2.5 bath | 2,793 sq. ft. | $825,000