History will be made (again)!

It’s a rarity that someone moseys into the office looking for a house with nearly enough urgency to jump into your car and tour at that exact moment. Lucky for me however, that’s exactly what happened several years ago when a wonderful women wandered in looking for guidance. I felt so badly for Lucie at our first encounter when she explained that she and her husband, Steve, had just moved to Portland to be closer to their children and found themselves talked into a home that was exactly what they were not looking for. They wanted solace and sitting on a highly traveled intersection adjacent to a popular bus stop was not what they’d had in mind.

Fortunately after some vigilant searching Lucie and Steve landed upon a true historic gem that had been neglected for years and was in quite a bad state. The large Four Square home was perfect for the highly enthusiastic pair of home restorers save for one small detail. Perched well above the surrounding homes with a most awe inspiring stature the steep yard made for limited ability to garden; one of Lucie’s greatest passions. I had concern about the degree of fix up that would be needed to get the property back into good working order. I misunderstood entirely the extent of my client’s skill. With their elbow grease and integrity toward preserving the original character of their unique new home they crafted a residence spectacular enough to be featured in Portland’s Historic Tour of Homes.

Fast forward to 2018 and Steve and Lucie were ready to jump into their next project, this time seeking a beat up beauty with a yard expansive enough to allow for their new grandbaby to romp and run. For many months of lightly browsing properties for sale only two warranted a visit and the second one was perfection. On .42 acres the crumbling Dutch Colonial was spacious enough inside and out to meet Lucie’s qualifying criteria. After several days spent on site during the purchase process (including a 12 person family picnic) their relationship with the home grew stronger yet and just one day after closing Steve had already begun his restoration conquest. As one might imagine I’m excitedly awaiting the day that their masterpiece is complete and their family is eagerly anticipating an incredible first summer in their new home sweet home.

Carly van Aart

Earth Advantage Broker

Real estate has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. As a child I filled notebooks and whiteboards with plans of dream homes and tree fortresses and when asked what I wanted to do for my sixteenth birthday my one desire was to go house-hunting. In addition I have a strong affinity for helping and advocating for others. Nothing lights up my world like serving someone in a way that leaves them beyond satisfied! Needless to say, as a realtor I have the incredible opportunity to serve my clients with a decision that for many, is one of the largest that they will make in their lifetime. Whether buying for the first time, selling a cherished family home or relocating to this fantastic city, it is truly an honor to see my clients through their transition and make the process fun and painless. A native Alaskan, I grew up hauling firewood, working the garden and tending to the family rabbits. My childhood taught me the meaning of hard work and for that I am very grateful.  These days I am a lover of dog kisses and outdoor adventures. I dabble in triathlon and enjoy helping fundraise for local charities. I am extremely close to my incredible family even though they are spread out across the west coast. I look forward to the opportunity to foster a relationship with you and help you make your real estate dreams a reality!

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• T: 503-250-1687
• F: 503-961-8224
• carlyvanaart@gmail.com