By Carrie Struss, May 15, 2018
Lents has gone through years of revitalization to make it one of Portland’s hottest, most in-demand (aka still somewhat affordable for first time home buyers) neighborhoods. Since 1998, the Portland Development Commission (PDC) has invested $90 million in infrastructure, facilities, transportation, affordable housing, and business development. In early 2014, the PDC implemented the Lents Five-Year Action Plan calling for focused investments that would have the greatest benefit and impact on existing residents and businesses. This plan “focuses on creating healthy, complete neighborhoods with vibrant communities and corridors. The goal is to support growth of mixed use, mixed income communities that contribute to improved business and resident satisfaction with the community.”
First time home buyers, David and Anna, wanted to be a part of this growing community. Lents would provide an ideal location giving them easy access to I-205, close proximity to their family in Milwaukie, and ease to downtown via the MAX Lents Town Center/Southeast Foster Road transit station. David and Anna were also greatly concerned with resale value and wanting to provide a solid future for their family. Knowing that Lents is one of PDC’s focused areas, gave them reassurance they were making the best decision for their financial future. In looking at stats for the neighborhood, before the Lents Five-Year Action Plan, the average home sale price was $178,231* (March 2014). In March of 2018 the average sale price for a home in Lents was $293,625* creating an average 16% annual appreciation since the plan was implemented 4 years ago. (In comparison to the average annual appreciation in SE Portland of 12% since 2014). With further implantation of the Lents Five-Year plan, David and Anna will like continue to see double digit appreciation on their investment and future in Lents.
After two months of searching in the competitive, high demand neighborhood of Lents David and Anna finally landed the perfect home for their family to settle and grow. As first time home buyers, it’s easy to be discouraged in today’s competitive Portland real estate market. But, David and Anna stayed positive throughout the entire process. They did not get discouraged when their offers were rejected, rather they got motivated to save more money to make their offer as strong as possible. I am so proud of them for all their efforts in making their dream come true, for staying positive throughout the process, and persevering into their new role as home owners! I am honored to be a part of their journey.
Congratulations to David and Anna on their new home!
*data pulled from RMLS statistics
Carrie Struss
Broker
Carrie Struss has a background in project management, marketing, and photography.
Much like in real estate, she simultaneously managed multiple projects and personalities. She is an effective negotiator and stands firm in advocating for her clients. Making the switch to real estate was an easy transition. Carrie utilizes all her unique talents, background, and experiences in real estate. Most importantly, she will connect you to your dreams of not just home ownership, but to what you want your life to be.
As your agent Carrie will…
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- help get your home (and emotions) ready to sell, then sell your home.
- find you a new home complete with (fill in the “must have” blank).
- facilitate the transaction making sure everyone does what they need to do and has what they need to do it.
- negotiate tenaciously for you.
- educate you on the daunting, overwhelming, and at times stressful process.
- remain calm, always.
- keep you focused on your goals.
- pay attention to every detail.
- show up.
- effectively communicate in the way that works best for you.
- uphold Living Room Realty’s values and what they mean to her.
- T: 503-953-0850
- carrie@livingroomre.com
