By Joanne Fantozzi, July 2, 2018
I sold this house last week…and in 2010…and in 2003…and in 2001….Like a dutiful boomerang, she keeps coming back to me. Mind you, it’s been a happy circumstance as I have been delighted to experience the ongoing evolution of this sturdy craftsman. She (the house) was already 85 years old in 2001 when my buyer Don decided to purchase and move here from Coos Bay. After just a few years, he decided Portland was not for him so in 2003 he listed her for sale and Don moved back home. A young couple purchased her next and lived there for seven years during which time their family grew exponentially. In 2010 they decided to sell and my wonderful clients, Todd and Tessa, chose her for their first home. Their time there was good and also one of change, having their sweet son Will join their family during their eight year stewardship. It was during their time that the sweet bungalow crossed the century mark in 2016. I recall Todd even commenting wistfully that they should have had a proper birthday party for her. Yesterday, the new owners, a lovely couple from Australia via NYC got the keys to their new home.
Changing proverbial hats back and forth, I’ve twice been a buyer’s agent, twice a sellers. The price was $114,500 when we started in 2001 and in 2018 closed at $426,775. Much has happened in the world those 17 years– September 11th 2001 came just months after our first closing, changing our world forever…and Todd and Tessa took the house on during the long years of the economic downturn when it took courage to commit to buying a home….courage and a true belief that things will get better.
It has been my unique pleasure to witness the diverse people you have served well over the years, dear house. You’ve been a constant to the people you sheltered, in good times and in bad. Heartfelt thanks– Come back anytime, good bungalow.
