Are you thinking ahead as a homeowner? Whether it's sprucing up your space for spring, tackling essential maintenance, or staying on top of the latest market trends. The shift in seasons brings new opportunities to refresh your home, make improvements, and plan for the future. If you're curious about what home updates add the most value, need tips for seasonal upkeep, or want to stay informed about the local real estate market, we’re here to guide you with the latest insights to make your home a place of pride and possibility this year.
Rockaway Retreat: Team Bonding
At the start of the year, we kicked things off with a retreat to the picturesque Rockaway Beach along the Oregon Coast. We know how critical it is to step away from the daily hustle and bustle of business to reflect, recharge, and plan for the future. It’s become an annual tradition for us to take at least one retreat each year—not only to give us the space to focus on our goals as business owners but also allow us to reconnect with each other on a personal level.
As business owners, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but the conversations we have during these retreats deepen our trust and strengthen our bond, which in turn makes us an even stronger team when we return to our work.
Finding the time to step back, reflect, and plan has a lasting impact on the energy and focus we bring to the year ahead. If you haven’t already, consider making time for your own retreat this year—it’s one of the best investments you can make for both your business and your well-being.
Short-Term Rental Project: Bringing New Life to a Family Home
Elisha was recently hired to design and set up a short-term rental property that holds deep sentimental value. This home has been in the family for decades, and the daughter, who has now taken over the property, wanted to honor its legacy while making it a space that could generate income through short-term rentals.
What was the goal of the project? The goal was to keep the home in the family while modernizing it to appeal to vacationers seeking comfort, style, and function.
What was the transformation process? The project began with a complete construction design overhaul. The home had never been remodeled, and it was clear that a refresh was needed to bring it up to modern standards while maintaining its charm. Elisha worked closely with the family to ensure that the design honored the home's history and character while also incorporating elements that would attract potential guests.
The transformation didn’t stop at just construction. Elisha also took on the task of furnishing the home with a careful eye for style, function, and budget. Every piece was chosen to complement the home's unique features while maximizing comfort and functionality. From cozy seating areas and comfortable beds to stylish décor and practical kitchen setups, no detail was overlooked.
What was the end result? The design strikes a balance between nostalgia and modernity, providing vacationers with a homey feel while offering all the amenities needed for a relaxing stay. The home is now ready to welcome guests, giving the family the opportunity to keep the property within their circle while also turning it into a thriving short-term rental business.
The value of owning a short-term rental: According to a 2023 report by Airbnb, U.S. hosts earned a combined $15 billion in 2022, with many short-term rental owners making anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per month. The flexibility of renting out your property short-term—whether it's a second home, investment property, or family-owned property—means you can generate income during peak seasons while still using the property for personal use during off-peak times.
Stay tuned for updated visuals...
The Inner Circle Vendor Spotlight: Joshua with Be Here Now Construction
Relationships are the heart of our business. Whether it’s relationships with our clients, with other brokers in the community, or the vendors we trust - they’re all super important to make our business work and run like it does. We have a rolodex of contractors who we’ve vetted and trust. As realtors, we become a rolodex of all things home related for our clients as well. We want to highlight some of those relationships in the coming months. Good contractors are EVERYTHING.
When it comes to tackling home repairs and improvements, we rely on Joshua Sharp of Be Here Now Construction. From setting toilets and changing faucets to refreshing kitchens and bathrooms, Joshua handles every task with ease and precision.
What sets Joshua apart is his reliability—he always shows up when he says he will. He’s also known for working cleaner than any contractor we’ve met, leaving spaces spotless after each job. On top of that, he’s patient, kind, and takes the time to ensure every detail is perfect.
From small fixes or bigger updates like framing or trim swaps, Joshua is our go-to for quality, dependable work!
Neighborhood Spotlight: Garden Home, Oregon
Garden Home is a neighborhood that offers the perfect balance of convenience, outdoor beauty, and a true sense of community. With incredible access to both the west and east sides of Portland, Garden Home is a prime location for those seeking easy commutes and a peaceful place to call home.
One of the standout features of this area is the Fanno Creek Trail, an expansive walking and biking path that stretches through the neighborhood. Well-maintained and surrounded by lush parks, this scenic trail provides the perfect setting for outdoor adventures without venturing far from home.
For those who appreciate community spaces, the Garden Home Library and Recreation Center are local favorites. With a wide range of programs and resources, these venues provide a place for both relaxation and enrichment for residents of all ages.
Shopping in the area has also seen exciting growth with Trader Joe’s, Mud Bay, and Ace Hardware joining the local shopping center, making daily errands a breeze. We’re especially excited to see what’s next for the old Shari’s building, which is set to become a new space for the neighborhood to enjoy. Plus, Garden Home is just blocks away from Washington Square, one of Portland’s premier shopping and dining destinations.
Garden Home is also home to a number of spacious properties with larger lots, offering a bit more room to breathe. And if you’re drawn to mid-century modern architecture, you’ll love the neighborhood’s abundance of iconic Rummer homes, known for their unique design and timeless appeal.
But what really makes Garden Home stand out is its tight-knit community. It’s a place where you can truly feel at home.
Home Hacks You’ll Want to Share (Trust Us, They’re That Good!)
5 Ways to add curb appeal to your home:
Change your house numbers
Paint your front door + add new hardware
Add potted plants to create height at your entryway
Update your light fixture
Add dark bark/mulch
Personal Note
We’re more than just your real estate brokers. We’re here to think outside the box for you, support you through every step of the process, and make sure your home feels just right for whatever chapter you're entering. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just looking for design inspiration, we’ve got your back—because we believe in creating homes that don’t just work, but truly inspire.
Thank you for trusting us with your home journey!
Elisha + Taryn
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