Enjoy our Cascade Living events and newsletter! We cover notable events and news happening in Central Oregon, Portland, Southwest Washington, The Columbia River Gorge, The Oregon Coast, and the Willamette Valley.
Click below to see the newsletter for your region:
Central Oregon
Columbia River Gorge
Oregon Coast
Portland
Southwest Washington
Willamette Valley
Enjoy our Cascade Living events and newsletter! We cover notable events and news happening in Central Oregon, Portland, Southwest Washington, The Columbia River Gorge, The Oregon Coast, and The Willamette Valley.
Click below to see the newsletter for your region:
Central Oregon
Oregon Coast
Columbia River Gorge
Portland
SW Washington
Willamette Valley
We proudly present our newest film – This is Home, a stunning visual showcase of our commitment to local communities and our home here in the Pacific Northwest. Our brokers are real, authentic, and trustworthy. They have deep roots in the communities they serve, know the right places, the right tradesmen, and the right ways to help you. We honor the incredibly diverse lifestyles we serve throughout the region and our brokers are here to find what speaks to you. Whether that’s an oceanfront retreat, a high desert oasis, a high rise condo, or working ranch, we are your partner in fulfilling that dream. Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty – where luxury is an experience, not a price point.
Please join us Thursday, April 4th, 2019 at our Pearl office location (1321 NW Hoyt Street, Portland, OR 97209) from 5 – 8 PM, to enjoy the artwork of Aneela Fazal. Delicious wine and appetizers will be served.
Aneela Fazal is a self taught contemporary artist whose modern compositions use color, texture and energetic brushstrokes to evoke emotion in the viewer. Her art possesses a vibrant and powerful energy, created with a carefully balanced pairing of strong and loose impressionistic painting styles. Her art has taken her all around the world with shows in Barcelona, Florence, Monte Carlo, France, Oxford and a yearly show in New York. Aneela’s recent body of work is called “Outside the lines”. The color palette for this series consists of colors that are opposites on the color wheel. The idea behind this is to look beyond perfection and to break some rules.
Aneela’s daughter is the inspiration behind “Outside the lines”. Aneela noticed her daughter’s ability to look at imperfections in a way that allowed the imagination to take over, and captured this in her artwork. Just like her color palette for this series, Aneela and her daughter are complete opposites. For example, Aneela likes to stay very organized and has a systematic way of thinking, while her daughter has taught her to look outside of the box and break some rules. The medium Aneela is using is Fluid Ink. As it comes in contact with the canvas it has a mind of its own and as an artist Aneela loves this unpredictability.
Aneela aims to draw people to her art and hopes her pieces evoke a sense of joy. Growing up as a kid, Aneela was always the one who wanted to spend hours in her room painting. Aneela could always find a reason to paint and create art, and that has been a constant throughout her life as an artist.
For more information about Aneela Fazal, please visit her website: https://www.aneelafazal.com.
Please join us Thursday, December 6th at our Portland Pearl Office (1321 NW Hoyt St, Portland, OR) from 5-8pm where we will be featuring the artwork of Laurie Balmuth. Our broker host for the evening will be Nettie Klein Lu, co-sponsor will be Academy Mortgage. Wine samples and light appetizers will be served. You can find more information at The Official site of Portland’s Pearl District: Explore the Pearl.
Laurie Balmuth was born and raised in Connecticut and spent much of her early life in Maine. She moved to Oregon in 1988 and in 1994 graduated from the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland with a BFA double major in Painting and Printmaking. She divides her time between Oregon and Baja Sur, Mexico.
“My paintings flow directly from inside me to the painting surface” says Balmuth about her work.
“Defining the meaning of each painting is completely fluid. I make them as an antidote to literalism so they aren’t about an image so much as how visual information is decoded. I am deeply wedded to the driving force of seeing and making.. The objective of each work is to realize and make real that which is vague and felt or only glimpsed. I extract shapes that become other shapes; interlocking, separating, merging and transforming. Honesty in image making comes from emotion and the need to paint. Craft comes from inside a particular person. A painting is my perfect world, made honestly and exactly to my specifications.”
To find out more about Laurie, Click Here.
BEND, OR – Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty welcomes a new manager of broker relations, Corinne Burt. Burt will support brokers with both compliance and best practices so they can provide the first-class service which is the hallmark of the Sotheby’s brand. In addition, she will keep the firm current with changing state, local and regional regulations governing real estate transactions.
“Compliance and best practices are constantly evolving—these are some of the fundamental tools brokers use on a daily basis to yield the best possible client experience,” says Burt, whose background combines business litigation, business ownership, and real estate practice with Vanguard Properties, a boutique San Francisco Bay Area brand. “Sotheby’s is a superb brand—the company has a corporate structure which focuses on broker support, which, in turn, allows brokers to do the very best job for their clients.”
As a former business litigator, Burt is accustomed to and comfortable with the details of complex business transactions. She brings a profound understanding of the nature of various rules and regulations that impact different types of properties whether farm, ranch, vineyard, oceanfront property, or residential acreage. She also brings a practical and intuitive understanding of the nature of brokers and the way they work.
“Every transaction is different—whether a purchase or a sale—and requires a comprehensive understanding of disclosures, legal knowledge and an understanding of local and state transactions,” says Deb Tebbs, chief executive officer of Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty. “We welcome Corinne’s unique legal experience and real estate expertise to support our growing team of brokers.”
PORTLAND, OR – Realty Trust Urban has partnered with Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty to market a new Portland tower condominium development, TwentyTwenty, to Asian markets. Cascade Sotheby’s premier broker, cross-cultural expert and Asia Desk manager Michael Zhang will lead TwentyTwenty marketing efforts to Asian buyers. The partnership will also leverage the extensive footprint and influence of Sotheby’s International Realty in Singapore, Japan, China and throughout Asia.
With consistent demand for real estate in the Pacific Northwest and a record number of foreign buyers scooping up residential properties, Cascade Sotheby’s recently launched an Asia Desk to serve the real estate and relocation needs of Asian buyers. Exclusive listing agent for TwentyTwenty, Realty Trust Urban, has dedicated a tranche of condominiums in the new development for the Cascade Sotheby’s team to market directly to those passionate new markets.
A triple threat talent as an elite principal broker, relocation and cross-cultural training expert, Zhang will be responsible for marketing the new Portland development to Asian buyers. He will also collaborate with the Sotheby’s International Realty offices in Asia to assist buyers looking for investments like this in the Pacific Northwest.
“Cascade Sotheby’s and Michael Zhang in particular have proven themselves as very successful in connecting with—and selling to—international buyers,” says Patrick Clark, founder of Realty Trust Urban and exclusive listing agent for the TwentyTwenty Tower. “The distinguished Sotheby’s brand carries the cache and prestige that makes a difference marketing internationally—and Zhang’s multilingual talents and background in cross-cultural relationships and relocation make him a valuable asset on this project.”
According to the National Association of Realtors, the gradually expanding US and global economies should keep foreign buyer demand at a robust level. A recent article in the Los Angeles Times states that foreigners bought 284,455 properties in the 12 months that ended March 31, about a third more than a year earlier. Dollar volume surged nearly 50% to $153 billion, also a record for the survey first taken in 2009.
The article states that Chinese nationals were the biggest buyers, purchasing $31.7 billion worth of property, up from $27.3 billion a year earlier and more than ever before, according to the association.
“In addition to becoming a desirable market for international real estate buyers, Portland continues to attract young to mid-career professionals and empty-nesters who appreciate the exceptional value the location offers and prefer the benefits of condominium living,” says Clark. “TwentyTwenty will be an excellent alternative for renters tired of rising rents, for buyers who desire to live in close-in neighborhoods and as potential vacation rental property.”
Cascade Sotheby’s affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty offers a distinctive advantage to reach an affluent global audience. With over 20,000 sales associates in approximately 880 offices and 69 countries and territories, the Sotheby’s network provides a profound international reach to market properties in Oregon and SW Washington.
“There are many investors in Asian countries who are experiencing new wealth and looking for investment opportunities around the lifestyle and environmental wellness that Oregon and the Pacific Northwest have to offer,” says Zhang. “These investors love prestigious global brands like Prada, Tiffany’s and Sotheby’s—the Sotheby’s brand positions the new Asia Desk to provide world-class, white glove investment, relocation and cultural integration services these buyers expect. I am delighted to have this exceptional opportunity to unite these buyers with investment opportunities like the TwentyTwenty Tower here.”
We anticipate urban transformation and partner to create the right products for the right neighborhoods, one story at a time. We provide unrivaled service to developers, investors and home buyers, anticipating the desires of consumers, not just marketing to them. We approach each project with a shared vision to transform the city for the better, one story at a time. We believe that collaboration with developers, architects and investors throughout the development and sales phases is the differentiator in delivering exceptional results. Our record shows we’ve outperformed the competition since 2002; having marketed and sold over $2.2 billion in urban high-rise homes with a portfolio of 17 distinctive condominium projects consisting of over 2,500 units. The diversity of our experience with various product types and shifting consumer mindsets qualifies us as a true industry leader in urban realty. We believe that independent homeowners deserve the same elite expertise and we provide the same results-oriented approach to individuals. Realty Trust Urban is your partner in city living.
PORTLAND, METRO – Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty recently hosted two events with not one, but two of its valued corporate partners. On Thursday, October 18, the “Drive It Home” event was held, in collaboration with Porsche Beaverton, along with Academy Mortgage and Stone Ridge Custom Development. Attendees were invited to tour 5 amazing luxury homes located south of Portland. The exclusive guest list, RSVP only, were instructed to travel the tour circuit, and collect home cards from all of the sites to be entered into a drawing to win a $1,000 gift certificate to Tiffany & Co. At the final station, Porsche enthusiasts were invited to test drive the newly redesigned 2019 Porsche Cayan, among other popular models.
In all, 7 Cascade Sotheby’s Brokers participated in the home tour. 24800 SW Quarryview Drive in Wilsonville was the initial stop, presented by Broker, Michael Zhang. “It was a sunny, golden autumn afternoon, followed by music and wine in the evening. Friends and clients enjoyed the architecture of the luxury properties presented by Cascade Sotheby’s top agents and Porsche’s newest Cayenne model presented by Porsche Beaverton. Everyone was impressed with the style and hospitality provided”, said Zhang.
The next home was being shown by Brokers Joe Reitzug and Julie Halter, and was actually located on the same street at 24927 SW Quarryview Drive The third stop was 26485 SW Wilken Lane in West Linn. The listing Broker was Kristen Kohnstamm. Brokers Laura Piccard and Mark Miller hosted visitors to 2636 SW Schaeffer Road, also in West Linn. Portland was the site of the main event and included food, beverages and live music. Greeting guests at the residence located at 1387 SW Military Road was Broker Matt Tercek.
Managing Principal Broker for Cascade Sotheby’s Michael Babbitt added, “What a great collaboration of two powerful brands, showcasing a lifestyle that anyone can enjoy. Approximately 100 people attended the event touring homes and taking test drives. This is just one more example of why Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty is first, best, exclusive. We look forward to future events with Porsche.”
Another recent event was held on Tuesday, October 23 and was held at the Builder’s Appliance Supply Company (BASCO) showroom in Portland. This collaborative event, co-sponsored with BASCO, who specializes in the sale of high-end kitchen appliances, was themed “A Taste of Cascade Sotheby’s,” an evening of food, wine and networking. In what really was an amazing opportunity for CSIR Brokers to develop relationships, not only with potential clients, but also area developers with interest in learning more about the amazing marketing strategies and proprietary technology available to them.
Guests mingled and enjoyed live music while taking in BASCO’s beautiful showroom. Local chefs, from some of the area’s top restaurants, prepared some of their most notable dishes on-site, and tastings were poured by a few well-known Pacific Northwest wineries and distilleries.
Cascade Sotheby’s takes great pride in developing reciprocal corporate partnerships with comparable brands in the regions in which their offices operate. This initiative not only creates considerable brand awareness in the marketplace, but also generates meaningful engagement between the shared demographics. If you have interest in a potential mutually beneficial corporate partnership, please contact Cascade Sotheby’s at marketing@cascadesir.com.
HELENS, OR – “The Spirit of Halloween” is alive and well in Northwest Oregon! Fresh off of national notoriety for the residential listing of “Bella’s House,” location shoot of the cinematic Twilight franchise, the spotlight refocuses on the blue-collar hamlet of St. Helens, as it has every October, since 1997. The month-long celebration, a Halloween-themed festival, takes place in an area nestled away in the Columbia Gorge, in the Northwest quadrant of Oregon, just 30 miles outside of Portland, where the original Disney Channel movie of the same name was actually filmed. Be prepared to see some amazing Halloween costumes, pumpkin carvings, spooky decorations, displays, street performances, haunted tours and more.
Drawing huge crowds, filling the downtown city plaza, the season ceremoniously begins, with the grand lighting of the Great Pumpkin. Local merchants, dying to get visitors in the spirit, are stocked with everything imaginable, straight out of your worst nightmare. And, with an array of events, ranging from ghost talks, tarot card readings and face painting, you’ll want to be in-character and ready to partake in the fun.“The Spirit of Halloweentown,” is a fabulously fun, family-friendly ritual, complete with trick-or-treating through St. Helens’ Old Town District and scarecrows galore.
Events and Attractions include: bonfires, pet costume contest, parades, live music, a pumpkin patch, treasure hunts, pumpkin carving contest, pony rides, adult beverage happy hours, a paranormal convention, tractor rides, the Hot Rod Hearse Rally, giant scarecrows, lots of local food vendors and much more!
In 2017, members of the main cast attended the festival to reunite for the first time in years, in honor of the late film legend Debbie Reynolds, the most notable star of the original film, who passed away in 2016. The stories of the Piper family’s adventures in a magical world where witches, monsters and all kinds of Halloween legends lived, became a pop culture phenomenon in the late ’90s. The main cast of the films included Kimberly J. Brown, who played the teen heroine, Marnie. Her on-screen family included siblings Dylan, played by Joey Zimmerman, and Sophie, played by Emily Roeske. Judith Hoag played Gwen, the kids’ mom. The late Debbie Reynolds played the role of Aggie, the children’s grandmother, who was determined to help the family embrace the spirit of Halloween. “It was so refreshing as a young actress to work with somebody who was not only such a huge legend, but was also willing to share the spotlight with everyone around her,” Brown told the large crowd during the tribute.
Upping the fear factor even further, visit Nightmare’s Haunted House, where organizers promise that you will experience feelings of intense fear, terror and distress. You will roam through rooms and hallways that could only exist in your darkest dreams, not knowing when you will wake up from this nightmare or if it’s real. The Mystery Manor Haunted House is a toned-down version, an option for kids, which still guarantees plenty of scary sights and sounds, as you walk through and marvel in the detail of the sets (no live actors participate in this version of the haunted house).
As with most things Oregon, when jack-o’-lanterns just aren’t festive enough, locals take in this annual contest, with paddlers navigating the lake at Tualatin Commons during the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. Since 2004, this cherished annual race series consists of piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a water course on the lake. The event kicks off with a giant pumpkin parade and weigh-off, followed by a full day of costumed contestants plying the shallow lake in 1,000-pound pumpkin boats. On dry land, a costume contest, live music, face painting, pumpkin carving, pie eating contest and pumpkin golf will keep the laughs coming at this free, family-friendly event. Located just 13 miles (21 km) southwest of downtown Portland, Tualatin is a great starting point for an autumn adventure in the Willamette Valley, complete with foliage and farm stands — but the most eye-popping sight of the day will definitely be those paddling pumpkins.
Historically, Halloween is well-celebrated statewide, as Oregonians perpetually seize the moment in keeping all things “weird.” And, whether it may be metro, suburbia or backcountry, the exceptionally experienced agents of Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty represent listings throughout the “Beaver” state. Search current and exclusive properties.
References:
https://www.travelportland.com/article/the-spirit-of-halloweentown/
https://portlandmofo.com/halloweentown-oregon-st-helens/
http://www.cmcscarefactory.com/
HERE IS A QUINTESSENTIAL Southeast Portland Story: A couple comes in and buys a “true, beat up old PDX square with broad shoulders and six bedrooms,” said Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty broker Dennis Coxen. The couple lives there—fixing it up and building a home business in the space they converted to an office, complete with separate entrance. That business is Happy Coffee, a homegrown indie coffee brand turned successful company commanding shelf space in Fred Meyer, New Seasons and Whole Foods.
Coxen was the couple’s broker when they sold the charming home on SE Salmon Street this winter as they moved on to the next phase of their lives. The story is special, yet not uncommon in the industrious, maker-creator-centric hub of Portland’s east side that encompasses the eclectic business districts surrounding Hawthorne Boulevard.
This sort of synergy is especially common since the City of Portland began waiving ADU (auxiliary dwelling unit) System Development Charges nearly a decade ago, saving homeowners who want to build an ADU up to $19,000 in fees. As the city encouraged density, buyers converted garages and built back yard units from the foundation up.
Though this waiver is set to run out in July 2018, buyers will benefit from the policy for years to come as homes with ADUs filter onto the market. “This is a huge trend,” said Coxen.
Inner Southeast Portland – Median Home Prices
As gig economy and telecommuting numbers continue to soar, many buyers looking in the inner Southeast Portland neighborhoods of Buckman, Hosford-Abernathy and Richmond are looking for a home office. Buyers who don’t need a home office often seek rental income potential as home prices continue to rise and buyers budgeting less than half-a-million try to avoid being priced out of the area. ADUs provide the option for short- or long-term rental income, or even a multigenerational living situation.
“It’s just desirable to live here,” said Coxen. “There is a peaceful vibe you’d usually only find in a suburb or a semi-rural setting. It’s walkable and pretty serene, sublime really. But it strikes that balance where it feels social, with places to hang out. These neighborhoods are just cool.” View all of Dennis Coxen’s listings here.
Lots vary in size but most have grass and grandfatherly trees, a novel concept for people relocating from other urban centers around the country. While many homes have off-street parking and street parking is free, walkability is the norm and streets draw high bike and walk scores. Young families walk the kids to school and parks, many of which have an off-leash area for dogs.
Morning and evening, a steady stream—rainy days included—of cycling commuters take the grid of bike-friendly roads called Greenways that are accessible within a few blocks of any home. Even from the most eastern reaches of Richmond, the commute to most high rise office buildings is only twenty minutes via bike, through neighborhood streets then over one of the bustling bridges that span the Willamette River and spill into downtown.
The quirky business rows of Belmont and Hawthorne ooze individuality. Vintage-clad shoppers mine thrift stores, looking for trends to bring back into the cultural fold. Independent movie theaters offer craft beer. Perhaps the incarnation of Southeast-cool is the former Washington High School, now called Revolution Hall. It’s a music venue, office building and bar and restaurant hub with roof deck bar views second to none.
Eating and drinking out is a popular pastime. Among famed eateries such as Pok Pok, Ava Gene’s and Salt & Straw, shiny new apartment buildings “tower” four stories high in Richmond’s “Eat Street” row. New restaurants strive to join the ranks of Portland’s top food lists. The American Local on Division Street is a hot contender. Enso is a popular urban winery on Stark Street and sits near Distillery Row.
Throughout inner Southeast Portland, infill is happening. On streets once lined only with Craftsman homes: a duplex crops up here; a glitzy and modern single-family home crops up there.
“Everything is so close to the urban core,” said Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty principal broker Kelly Harness. “Down near the river in the warehouse industrial part of the east side, for example, there is a lot of opportunity for growth. We’ve seen permits pulled and new buildings will be more vertical, but I don’t think the unique character of these neighborhoods will disappear.” View all of Kelly Harness’ listings here.