E s LOCAL
April
Fertile Ground Festival
April 4–19
Fertile Ground Festival showcases Portland’s freshest new theater performances. Produced by PATA, it features local, non-juried works in theater, dance, comedy, and more. Enjoy a variety of spaces like Artists Repertory Theatre and Portland Playhouse.
Portland Lindy Exchange
April 10–13
The Portland Lindy Exchange (PDXLX) is an annual event celebrating vintage swing music and dances from the ‘20s to ‘50s, including Charleston, Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag. It has been hosted annually since 1999.
APRIL IS FAIR HOUSING MONTH!
May
Show your support for fair housing with “Housing is Humanity” merch from our Bonfire store! After covering the cost of the merch, all remaining proceeds from the sales will go to our nonprofit partner, Rose Haven
Crafty Wonderland
May 2–3
Torie Nguyen and Cathy Zwicker, tired of rainsoaked craft fairs, created Crafty Wonderland –an indoor marketplace supporting PDX makers. Shop over 250 booths of handmade goods at the Oregon Convention Center!
18th Annual Mt. Tabor Art Walk
May 17–18
Join the Mt. Tabor Art Walk, an annual event showcasing diverse visual art in studios, homes, and community spaces. Featuring ceramics, painting, photography, sculpture, and more, this juried show is supported by local businesses.
Portland Rose Festival
May 23–June 7
Portland Rose Festival, the city’s biggest event, celebrates unity with fireworks, parades, and more. For 118 years, it’s brought the community together through traditions like the Grand Floral Parade, Starlight Parade, Queen’s Coronation, and Fleet Week. Join the fun!
June
Oregon Renaissance Faire
Every Weekend in June
Experience lively music, thrilling jousts, and a bustling marketplace with skilled artisans and legendary food. Whether you’re into history, cosplay, or family fun, the Oregon Renaissance Faire ofers unforgettable magic in Canby, OR, now all four weekends in June!
Festival of Balloons
June 20–22
Just 30 minutes from Portland, the Festival of Balloons in Tigard is a summertime favorite! Enjoy colorful hot air balloons, live music, tasty food, and fun for the whole family. Catch the magical morning launches and the stunning night glow— it’s an event you don’t want to miss!
Li ng Ro FROM OUR
"So
that when things are bad, you can make some parts of things good, to find a chance to solve problems. . .for the sweetness it brings. To avoid packaging. To love something, to organize your love around something, to find a shape for your love. For a chance to solve problems."
—Tamar Adler, “Why I Cook”
AS SPRING UNFOLDS and all of our local Farmers’ Markets return with their local bounty, I am reminded of the nurturing power of food and the communities it creates. Cooking can be more than a daily task; it’s a bridge to our humanity, a way to mend, to remember, and to connect. It’s the simple acts, like sharing a meal, that often forge the deepest connections. I believe it’s not the grand gestures but these everyday acts that accumulate to efect profound changes in our lives and communities.
During the winter, I would make the 20-minute drive to the bi-weekly Montavilla Farmers Market purely for the joy of direct, heartfelt transactions with local growers. I was nourished by the warmth of the farmers, who tended to their crops through the cold months. A favorite farmer of mine always called me ‘dear’ as they handed over my bags of turnip and celery root. In those dark winter months, I needed the tending of sweetness and afection as much as nourishment from the vegetables themselves. This exchange transcends mere commerce; it’s an act of kinship, rooted in a shared love for our land and its seasons.
In this era, when many feel that the world’s challenges are too vast to confront, it’s important to remember the rejuvenating power of small acts. Amidst feelings of overwhelm and burnout from larger struggles, simple gestures of service and moments of joy become vital. These acts nourish our souls, energize us, and forge alliances that can collectively shift energies toward lasting change. As we engage in these small but meaningful exchanges, we create a ripple efect that strengthens our communities and ourselves.
In our digital age, I am hungry for moments that tether me to our physical spaces and to each other, reinforcing my values to support local economies and sustainable practices. They remind us that our smallest choices—like buying locally grown produce or sharing a meal—can have profound impacts on our communities and our planet.
Here at Living Room Realty, we embody this philosophy every Tuesday before our local meeting, as we come together to enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by local chefs, made from ingredients that tell a story of dedication and care. The myriad of dietary needs are considered—it’s how I, as a leader, can say, “I see you.” We are a company of people who enjoy a good breakfast salad. Perhaps salads as part of breakfast feel strange at first, but over time most of us can’t imagine a breakfast without salad. Food becomes culture quickly. These gatherings are highlights in my week, not just for the nourishment they provide but for the chance to share stories, laughter, and support. I often find out more about the folks I am working with over that meal than the rest of the week combined.
As we step into the busy season, with new listings and opportunities flowing, I look forward to being able to feed my community, to relieve a little stress for the busy working parents among us who often skip meals to make drop-of in time, and to overhear a new agent being mentored over hash by a veteran agent. It is a small way to remember to cherish and cultivate these small acts of connection. They are the stones that build the foundation of a strong, vibrant community.
This season, as we mark significant observances—Fair Housing Month, Mental Health Awareness Day, Earth Day, and Pride—I ask you to think of how your small, everyday actions can support these larger causes and strengthen community ties.
Together, let’s continue to find joy in the everyday, to support each other, and to celebrate the community we are so fortunate to be a part of. Thank you for allowing us to serve you, and for being an essential part of our success at Living Room Realty.
With joy and gratitude,
JENELLE ETZEL FOUNDER, LIVING ROOM REALTY
We are
in the business of
sharing stories— stories of the people we work with and of the
neighborhoods we know and love.
A Home Full of Memories: Letting Go with Love and Grace ABOVE
Two dear friends recently faced the deep loss of their mother. Wanting to hold onto her home for as long as possible, they found comfort in its memories and cherished belongings. After much reflection, they made the tough choice to sell. Their wish was simple: a smooth, stress-free process and a buyer who would love the home as she did. We honored their pace, prepared the home with care, and secured multiple ofers in one weekend. They found the right buyer, making this transition not just a sale, but a healing step forward. Real estate is always about more than just property—it’s about people and memories.
Finding Room to Grow: A Family’s Upsizing Journey ABOVE
When I first met Tyler and Landry, I never imagined I’d help them find their dream home. After 10 wonderful years in their Tigard traditional, they were ready to upsize. Working alongside my team we quickly found the perfect property—a home with nearly two acres and stunning views. Though it was slightly above budget, we waited for the right moment to act. After their home sold quickly, we submitted a strong ofer, and soon, their dream home was theirs. Coordinating two sales was no easy feat, but they handled it like pros. It was a joy to hand over the keys just in time for the New Year, and I’m so excited for the memories they’ll make in their beautiful new home!
First Happy Clients in 2025 LEFT
Ryan and Kai found an incredible home to start growing their real estate portfolio for their kids’ future! After viewing many properties, they kept coming back to a charming 70s home in Beaverton. After lengthy negotiations, they secured it for under the asking price, plus seller-paid closing costs. With solid mid-century bones, they plan to make updates and truly make it their own. I’m thrilled for them and honored to be part of their real estate journey!
Sellwood-Moreland blends history, vintage charm, and scenic river views. Explore parks, roller derby, historic sites, vintage shops, and lush greenery in this Southeast Portland gem
JADE BISTRO & PATISSERIE
7912 SE 13TH AVE,
Jade Bistro & Patisserie is a lively Asian-fusion teahouse with noodles, soups, salads, and French pastries. Enjoy counter service, a patio, and diverse, flavorful dishes.
SELLWOOD RIVERFRONT PARK
1221 SE OAKS PARK WAY,
Sellwood Riverfront Park, a 7.6-acre green space, ofers trails, picnic spots, a stage, a boat dock, restrooms, and a dog of-leash area by the Willamette River.
SEBASTIANO’S
8235 SE 13TH AVE # 7
For lunch, we’re headed to Sebastiano’s, a Sicilian deli, bakery, and market, which serves arancini, focaccia, mufuletta, cannoli, and more.
EASTMORELAND GOLF COURSE
2425 SE BYBEE BLVD
Established in 1917, this public golf course features a 12-hole layout, a driving range, lessons, a pro shop, and a course-side eatery with scenic park and garden views.
A CENA RISTORANTE
7742 SE 13TH AVE
We’re ending our perfect day with dinner at a Cena, where housemade pastas and locally sourced Italian dishes are served in a cozy, warmly lit setting.
TEA CHAI T É
7983 SE 13TH AVE
Enjoy late night tea in a cozy caboose! Tea Chai Té’s Sellwood spot ofers a vast selection of loose-leaf teas, perfect for relaxing and savoring multiple steeps in the shopping district.
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
$363,277
OUR Li ing s
Charming 70s Ranch in Tree-Filled Fircrest
12202 NE 3rd St Vancouver, WA 98684
This charming ranch blends vintage 70s style with modern updates, including new windows, flooring, and a newer roof. The flexible layout features a bright living room, a large family room with a fireplace and access to a covered patio, two bedrooms, a full bathroom, plus a spacious primary suite with its own bathroom. The home also ofers a two-car garage, fenced backyard, and a prime Fircrest location near parks and amenities.
3 bed | 2 bath | 1,444 sq. ft. | $399,000
Ranch Retreat Tucked Away in Tigard
7210 SW Shady Ct. Tigard, OR 97223
Tucked on a peaceful lane, this charming ranch is a perfect year-round retreat. Enjoy nature in a serene neighborhood, just minutes from Tigard’s heart. The home features a cozy mid-century brick fireplace, an open kitchen and family room with another fireplace, and a bright bonus room. French doors lead to a covered deck, while a private fenced backyard ofers a lush oasis.
3 beds + bonus | 1.1 bath | 1,775 sq ft. | $550,000
Sunny and Single Level in Sellwood
2029 SE Harold St. #2, Portland, OR 97202
This one-level Sellwood condo ofers a spacious living area with a half bath, a modern kitchen with quartz counters and stainless steel appliances, two quiet bedrooms, a large bathroom with a soaking tub, and in-unit laundry. Enjoy a huge shared fenced yard for relaxation or play, plus a small four-unit complex near parks and Sellwood attractions!
2 bed | 1.5 bath | 915 sq. ft. | $325,000
Serene Nehalem Valley Retreat
23200 Foss Rd Nehalem, OR 97131
Located in peaceful Nehalem Valley, this 2,291 sq ft property on 2.75 acres ofers tranquility and potential. With a great room and a den, there’s plenty of space to enjoy. The updated kitchen is ready for your culinary creations, while the rest of the home awaits your personal touch. Private acreage, covered decks, and a spacious garden make this a unique opportunity.
4 bed | 2 bath | 2,291 sq. ft. | $639,000