Blog - Sean Besso Realty

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Fall Ready

Happy First Day of Fall! Get your home colder weather ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Add Weatherstripping

- Have older windows in your home? Inspect them and consider adding weatherstripping to help retain heat and stop drafts. If you’ve applied weatherstripping to your windows before, inspect the areas where it was previously applied and see if any need replacing.

2. Remove Window A/C Units

- Used window air-conditioning units? Now is the time to remove them! Or if they are outside, cover them with protective insulation. Removing the units is the better option because this will allow you to close the windows, minimizing winter heat loss. If you choose to leave them in over the winter, be sure to pick up insulating covers made for this purpose and securely attach them outside.

3. Cozy Up With Warm Layers

- Yes, it’ll still be in the high 80’s this weekend, but now is the time to bust out your warmer bedding, blankets, coats, and shoes. Bring added warmth to the other rooms in your house with throws and pillows in rich fabrics like wool, velvet or faux fur. Thicker area rugs and curtains not only feel cozier, but they also can actually help your home feel warmer — and cut down on your energy bills!

4. Clean Leather Furniture

- It’s important to know whether your leather furniture has a finish before treating it with any products, so check labels or look up the item on the retailer’s or manufacturer’s website before you begin. If you have unprotected leather (aniline), wipe it clean with distilled water and a cloth. If you have protected leather (semianiline or pigmented), you can be a little harsher and use a homemade cleaning solution or commercial leather cleaning product. Wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth.

5. Inspect Roof and Gutters

- Give your roof and gutters a quick visual inspection. Pull out any sticks, leaves, or other debris blocking your gutters. Make note of any worn out seals around your vent pipes and chimneys.

6. Schedule Chimney and Furnace Maintenance

- Speaking of chimneys, make sure your fireplace and heating system are clean, safe and ready to go by having a pro look at them now. Having your chimney cleaned will also ensure that you don’t try to start a fire when an animal family (or an old nest) is inside. And if you don’t have a chimney cap yet, speak with your chimney sweep about adding a one. The metal cap with screened sides can prevent critters from getting in and helps protect your roof from burning embers.

7. Check Safety Devices

- Test those smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors! It’s also a good idea to check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace if need be.

8. Maintain Your Washer and Dryer

- I cannot stress it enough! It is so incredibly important to clean out your dryer vents on a regular basis! If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning out your dryer vent, hire a professional to do it for you. Washing-machine hoses need to be replaced from time to time, and a cracked hose can cause a leak — which can mean costly damage to your home. Clean dryer vents and hoses will help your machine work more efficiently and reduce the risk of fire.

9. Consider Beefing Up Insulation

- Energy bills can get fairly costly during the fall/winter. Consider adding insulation to your attic space or inside walls. Not only would this help save on your energy bills during the winter, it also helps to keep your home cooler during the summer months.

10. Order Firewood

- Whether you use a wood stove for actual warmth or just for coziness, now is a good time to order a delivery of firewood. If you can help it, don’t store large quantities of wood directly against the house, which can encourage pests, but do keep it protected from rain and snow beneath a shelter.

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your September! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

PDX Neighborhood Spotlight: Mississippi

Highlighting a long stretch of restaurants, bars, shops and music venues, Mississippi Avenue is rich with cultural heritage, delicious food, and fun activities.

About Mississippi
This historic Portland neighborhood has undergone quite the transformation over the last few years. Like many inner suburbs, Mississippi experienced a steady decline in residents and businesses beginning in the 1950s. But then something amazing happened – the neighborhood rallied together and formed The Mississippi Avenue Business Association which raised enough money to save the last African American owned building. Today, this tight-knit community is a haven for locally owned eccentric businesses and some of the best food Portland has to offer.

Mississippi Street Fair
Featuring live music on multiple stages, Mississippi Street Fair is one of the city’s largest street fairs, bringing in 30,000+ visitors to the close-in North Portland street. The street fair usually occurs on a Saturday the beginning of July on North Mississippi Ave. between North Fremont and Skidmore. The whole street closes down for a day of food, more than 150 local vendors, music, a beer garden and more! There is usually a rib-off competition and a kid zone as well.

*Photo From This Year’s Mississippi Street Fair*

Food/Drink
Mississippi Pizza – One of the district’s oldest businesses, you can find delicious slices, karaoke, bingo, trivia, bingo, and live music all at Mississippi Pizza.
Miss Delta – Craving southern soul food? Definitely checkout Miss Delta. Chicken and waffles, crawfish etouffee, and shrimp and grits – you can’t go wrong!
The Rambler – Dog friendly and friendly staff! Sit on the outdoor patio with a pint of their Rambler Lager along with their infamous chicken strips and tornado potatoes.
Prost – Inviting neighborhood bar that features authentic German food and beer. It’s a great place to gather with friends!
Prost Marketplace – Directly next to Prost the bar is a parking lot filled cart food and cold beverages.

Shops/Things to Do
Mississippi Studios – Formerly a Baptist Church, Mississippi Studios and Bar Bar is an acclaimed music venue and home of great burgers! The venue has a homely feel, but you can find a lot of major acts there on any given night.
Pistils Nursery – This nursery offers a variety of indoor plants, outdoor plants, housemade living art pieces, and homewares.
Paxton Gate – Not only does Paxton Gate offer some of the most eclectic curiosities and oddities, they also offer a variety of classes like insect pinning and terrarium building.
Mississippi Records – This small independent record store features a friendly staff, a listening station, and an excellent range of records.
Rose City Comics – Rose City Comics stores thousands of graphic novels and a huge selection of Portland-based creators. It’s fit for the hardcore collector and the casual reader alike.

Market Stats
The Mississippi Ave. area is very competitive! On average, homes go pending in around 14 days or less. Last month, the median sales price of a home near Mississippi Ave. was approximately $652,500 with 3% of homes selling over asking price. Click here for a free home valuation.

References: VenturePortland & TravelPortland.com

Must See Architectural Buildings in Oregon

You don’t have to travel far to view the architectural beauties Oregon has to offer! Here are some of my favorite architectural buildings in and around Portland. Leave a comment if you’ve visited any of these buildings or if I’m missing your favorite architectural building on this list!

Pittock Mansion
3229 NW Pittock Dr. Portland

_{^{Photo from pittockmansion.org}}

This French Renaissance-style chateau was built in 1914 for publisher Henry Pittock and his wife, Georgiana Burton Pittock. The mansion is also a museum and has amazing walking paths all along it’s hillside. Pittock Mansion was hit by a storm in the 1960’s and was almost knocked down and turned into a subdivision. Luckily, it was restored and transformed into a public space in 15 months.

Gordon House
849 W Main St. Silverton

_{^{Photo from thegordonhouse.org}}

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, arguably one of the most influential architects in the world, the Gordon House is Wright’s only design built in Oregon and is an example of his Usonian vision for America. The home was originally in Wilsonville, but in 1997, it’s new owners wanted to tear it down and develop a more contemporary home. The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservatory was able to save the building and move it to the Oregon Garden. Gordon House is now open for tours, events, and even weddings!

Aubry Watzek House
1061 SW Skyline Blvd. Portland

_{^{Photo from yeoncenter.uoregon.edu}}

Built for a lumber magnate, The Watzek House is a major regional statement of Modern architecutre. The house is U-shaped and centered around a formal courtyard. It features spectacular views of Mt. Hood and offers daily tours.

The Old Church
1422 SW 11th Ave. Portland

_{^{Photo from Peter Mahar Photography}}

The Old Church is a non-profit, non-religious concert hall and historic landmark and focuses on restoring and preserving the structure. It was designed by Portland architect Warren Heywood Williams and features a Gothic 1800’s style and stained glass windows.

Hollywood Theater
4122 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland

_{^{Photo from cityseeker.com}}

Considered a gem of NE Portland’s culture and tradition, the Hollywood Theater is Portland’s historic nonprofit theater. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and has even hosted many special guests like Quentin Tarantino, Pam Grier, Michael Ironside, Piper Laurie, and Joe Dante. The building is designed in multiple styles like Spanish Colonial and Bernini.

Shelton McMurphey Johnson House
303 Willamette St. Eugene

_{^{Photo from WikiMedia Commons}}

Named after the three families who’ve called it home over the years, the Shelton McMurphey Johnson house is also known as Castle on the Hill. SMJ is Eugene’s most elaborate example of late Victorian Queen Anne Revival style architecture. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this gorgeous Victorian is now a museum.

U.S. National Bank Building
309 SW 6th Ave. Portland

_{^{Photo from WikiMedia}}

Designed in a Roman classical style, U.S. National Bank Building features a four story corinthian colonnade and uses beautiful glazed terracotta extensively.

U.S. Bancorp Tower
111 SW 5th Ave. #1250 Portland

_{^{Photo from loopnet.com}}

U.S. Bancorp Tower is 42 stories tall and is the second tallest building in Portland. It’s unusual color gave way to it’s nickname: the “Big Pink”. Because of the street grid, the tower features no right angles in it’s parallelogram footprint which in turn makes it look either extremely slender or wide depending on the angle one is viewing the building.

The Portland Building
1120 SW 5th Ave. Portland

_{^{Photo from pmapdx.com}}

Even though the Portland Building has received a lot of criticism in the past, it has had a huge effect on American architecture and an award winning example of Post Modern architecture. One of it’s famous attributes would have to be the beautiful copper-hammered statue Portlandia that graces it’s front entrance.

Old Town
Mitchell, Oregon

_{^{Photo from bendmagazine.com}}

Mitchell, Oregon is about a 4 hour drive SE from Portland and is the closest town to the infamous Painted Hills. Mitchell’s “Old Town” maintains a historic rustic charm featuring western false front architecture.

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Summer Ready

Happy Summer! Get your hot weather ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Prep Your Porch

- Get your porch ready for summertime hangouts by cleaning the front door, flooring, exterior windows, and windowsills. Dust light fixtures and remove cobwebs. Add some summer decor with a new doormat and some seasonal flowers.

2. Add Shade to Outdoor Spaces

- Adding a few free-standing umbrellas to your outdoor space will make a huge difference when it comes to enjoying the nice weather or when you are entertaining. For a more permanent solution, considering installing a shade sail.

3. Keep Your Landscape Fire-Safe

- It’s important to do what you can to keep your home fire safe, especially if you plan on using a firepit this summer. Remove old fallen leaves, weeds, etc. and if your landscaping gets a little dry due to the heat, spray everything down with water before lighting up the grill or firepit.

4. Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

- Mosquitoes need stagnant water to breed – even something as small as a soda cap filled with water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Stay ahead of the problem, walk around your property once or twice a week and dump out any water that may be collecting in tarps, children’s toys, flower pots, saucers, bird baths, patio furniture, etc.

5. Clean Out Your Garage

- It will likely take longer than one weekend to go through, clean, and organize your garage, but it’s well worth it! Once your garage is cleaned out, consider adding wall-mounted storage to keep things neat and off the floor.

6. Check Your Safety Devices

- You should always check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries when necessary. Don’t forget to replace them every 10 years!

7. Inspect Kitchen and Bath Fixtures

- Start by making notes of areas needing new grout or caulk and any slow leaks that need to be repaired. Freshen your kitchen drain by using a garbage disposal cleaner or by grinding a few ice cubes along with a few tablespoons of salt.

8. Tune Up Your Lawnmower and Garden Tools

- Take your lawn mower and clippers in for a sharpening and tuneup so they’re ready to work hard. Sharp tools are safer and do a better job! After using your garden tools, wipe them off with a damp cloth, dry them well and coat them lightly with a few drops of a multipurpose oil.

9. Schedule Big Home Projects

- Thinking of replacing your deck or a landscape makeover? Now is the time to schedule the right pro for the job. Contractors tend to fill up fast during the summer so to ensure your project gets done in a timely manner, don’t delay booking.

10. Deep Clean Your Grill

- Hello grilling season! Make sure your grill is ready for your backyard barbeques by giving it a deep clean. This will also help prevent flare ups while grilling. Clean the grates and interior with a grill brush and wash the exterior with warm, soapy water.

I hope you all have a wonderful summer! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

10 of My Favorite PDX Food Carts

Here’s my list of favorite food carts in Portland and the surrounding areas. Comment below with some of your favorites!

1. Tokyo Sando

Photo from @tokyosandopdx on Instagram

321 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
Hands down one of the best sandwiches you will ever have in your life. The owners are super friendly and personable and you can’t beat the price for the amount and quality of the food.

2. Kind Coffee

Photo from @kindcoffeecart on Instagram

4255 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215 – The Bite on Belmont
The most special thing about Kind Coffee Cart has to be the people. The staff is more than accommodating and welcoming. The excellent coffee is just a plus.

3. Chicken and Guns

Photo from @chickenandguns on Instagram

1207 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Portland, OR 97214
Wood-smoked Latin-style chicken is the focus at this rustic stand with outdoor seats & a firepit. Great service, cool atmosphere and some of the best chicken around. Don’t forget a side of chimichurri if you plan on going.

4. Viking Soul Food

Photo from @vikingsoulfood on Instagram

4255 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215 – The Bite on Belmont
Served from a vintage Airstream, this Norwegian specialty food cart was voted one of the best food carts in the U.S. The lingonberry lefse wrap, norwegian meatballs, and Kraken snack are some favorites.

5. Sakura Noodle House

Photo from @sakuranoodlehousepdx on Instagram

13551 SE 145th Ave. Happy Valley, OR 97015 – Happy Valley Station
Sakura has an assortment of noodle dishes and their prices are very reasonable. The Singapore rice noodle dish is a fan favorite along with the Korean rice bowl, ramen, and chicken wings.

6. Yokai Musubi

Photo from @yokaimusubi on Instagram

2190 W Burnside St Suite A, Portland, OR 97205
Okay so Yokai Musubi is not a food cart, but it’s a tiny brick and mortar shop that is still worth a mention. Located downtown, Yokai Musubi has all of your hawaiian cravings and more. Stop by for the musubi, li hing candy, and rotating island desserts.

7. Tito’s Taquitos

Photo from @titostaquitospdx on Instagram

3975 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, OR 97221
Tito’s Taquitos is a tasty taco truck specializing in hand rolled taquitos. They just re-opened their new spot on Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway. The crispy potato taquitos topped with birria are the absolute best.

8. Erica’s Soul Food

Photo from @ericaspdx on Instagram

120 NE Russell St. Portland, OR 97212
Humble food truck serving Southern comfort food including sandwiches, wings, meatloaf & cornbread. Great service and you’ll love every bite! Give the smothered chicken, catfish dinner, or shrimp and grits a try.

9. Yoshi’s Sushi

Photo from @yoshispdx on Instagram

3530 SW Multnomah Blvd. Portland, OR 97219 – Multnomah French Quarter
Traditionally inspired, forward-thinking sushi food cart in the Multnomah Village French Quarter. Very fresh and very tasty! Try the Lime Green roll and the French Quarter roll.

10. Farmer and the Beast

Photo from @farmerandthebeast Instagram

1845 NW 23rd Pl. Portland, OR 97210 – Nob Hill Food Carts
Made with care and local products, Farmer and the Beast is the go-to spot for smash burgers. Not feeling a burger? Well you’re in luck because their salads are delicious as well.

PDX Neighborhood Spotlight: Northwest/Nob Hill

*Photo by Sean Pavone from Getty Images* *Pro*

Filled with restaurants, boutiques, and historic Victorian homes, Northwest/Nob Hill oozes Old Portland charm. Not only is it a very walkable neighborhood, it is also very close to downtown, Forest Park, and the Pearl District.

About Northwest/Nob Hill
Northwest/Nob Hill is such a densely populated retail and residential neighborhood and you don’t have to walk far for delicious food or fun activities. Whether you want to hike through Macleay Park or enjoy happy hour at a local watering hole, there is something for everyone in this neighborhood. Love to bird watch? Then you’ll definitely enjoy the Chapman Swift Watch. It’s a month-long viewing party at Chapman Elementary school where you can watch thousands of birds migrate through Portland. Unfortunately, the Swift Watch has been cancelled due to COVID-19, but hopefully they will be able to resume this year. As far as housing goes, you’ll find a sweet mixture of everything – historic homes, Victorians, Craftsman-style, Old Portland-style, grand old apartment buildings, and sleek new condominiums. Northwest has an abundance of homes that are in the National Register of Historic Places. The Architectural Heritage Center often puts on walking tours of various neighborhoods and I highly suggest taking one of their walking tours around Northwest Portland.

Macleay Park
One of Portland’s earliest city parks, Macleay Park spans almost 140 acres and is a green oasis close to the city’s core. You’ll find hiking trails, towering Douglas firs and western red cedars, and the infamous Stone House. The Stone House was built in the mid-1930s by workers with federal relief programs to provide a public restroom within the park. After being damaged by a storm and vandalism, park workers partially dismantled the restroom in the 1960s leaving what is now the “Stone House” or “Witch’s Castle”. Park trails connect to Forest Park and Audubon Society of Portland wildlife sanctuaries.

*Photo of The Stone House/Witch’s Castle/Macleay Park Shelter by Anna Calvert / 500 px from Getty Images*

Food/Drink
Caffe Mingo – Warm and welcoming italian restaurant serving the classics with a Northwest touch. Gnocchi is always a good choice 😉 and don’t forget dessert!
Nob Hill Bar & Grill – A low-key tavern specializing in burgers. Delicious sliders (only $5!!!) and be sure to stop in on a Friday to try their delicious clam chowder.
G-Love – Dubbed Portland’s first ever “Reverse Steakhouse”, G-Love offers unique, locally grown produce with proteins playing a supporting role as side dishes. If possible, go for the family style tasting menu so you can try a little bit everything.
Paymaster Lounge – Very laid-back bar with affordable drinks and food. They even have outdoor pool tables to help with social distancing. Their Ginger Hot Toddy is delicious on a rainy day,
Dragonfly Coffee House – Cozy coffee shop on the northeast side of the Alphabet District. Their housemade chai is a must.

Shops/Things to Do
Freakybuttrue Peculiarium – Truly one-of-a-kind art gallery with interactive art and installations. If you love sci-fi, horror, cryptids, and the mysterious, you definitely have to check it out, but maybe leave the kiddos behind.
betsy & iya – Boutique featuring handmade jewelry and curated goods on NW 24th Ave.
Tender Loving Empire – Tender Loving Empire is a local record label, music store, gallery, and arts collective that does pretty much everything. There you’ll find a collection of goods and music from hundreds of independent creators.
Cinema 21 – Specializing in classic, foreign, and art house films, Cinema 21 is a three screen multiplex where you can wine, dine and enjoy a movie in the heart of the Alphabet District.
New Renaissance Bookshop – The oldest metaphysical bookstore in Portland, you can find books, crystals, candles, trinkets, oils and more at New Renaissance.

Market Stats
Over the past few months, Northwest/Nob Hill’s market hasn’t been very competitive. On average, homes in Northwest District sell after 56 days on the market. Last month, the median sales price of a home in Northwest was approximately $585,000 with 2% of homes selling over asking price. Click here for a free home valuation.

References: Wikipedia & TravelPortland.com

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Spring Ready

Nice weather is on its way! Welcome Spring with a little gardening and some spring cleaning.

1. Remove Winter Layers

- Time to swap out your heavy winter bedding for lighter covers and quilts. Consider changing deep-pile rugs for flat-weave or natural-fiber versions for the warmer months.

2. Make Mirrors and Table Lamps Shine

- Remove dust from table lamps with a duster or soft rag and wipe down mirrors with a damp microfiber cloth. Doing this will enhance the light throughout your space.

3. Simplify the Table

- Go through your cupboards and let go of any mismatched or chipped dishes and donate any sets you no longer have love for. Keep a basket of fresh cloth napkins within easy reach of the table to make it more convenient than grabbing paper napkins, and invest in a living centerpiece that will stay fresh and green with little maintenance, such as potted succulent plants.

4. Spring Clean the Kitchen

- Give your kitchen a fresh start this spring by cleanings items and areas normally missed during your day-to-day cleaning. Start with your smaller appliances, clean out grease and grime from your rangehood, clean the backsplash, dust light fixtures, and vacuum those hard to reach places like behind the fridge and under the stove.

5. Clean Slipcovers and Soft Furnishings

- Smaller slipcovers and washable rugs can be washed at home, but drop off larger pieces with the professionals. If you are washing anything at home, be sure to carefully read the washing instructions and err on the side of caution.

6. Dust High Corners and Baseboards

- Use a vacuum attachment or a duster to dust and remove cobwebs from the low and high spots we often miss during routine cleaning.

7. Refresh the Entryway

- With winter gone, it’s nice to give your entryway a refresh. Start by either cleaning or replacing your doormat. Clear out or organize your coat closet or anything you have on hooks. Don’t forget to put out your umbrella holder for our PNW spring showers.

8. Clean Up Patio Furniture

- Winter can take a toll on your outdoor furniture if not stored or covered properly. Be sure to give everything a good scrub before you start using your patio furniture in the warmer months. Wash any washable cushion covers and replace worn-out items if needed.

9. Tune Up Lawn and Garden Tools

- Sharp tools get the job done! Take your lawn mower and clippers in for a sharpening and tune up before you begin work in your garden.

10. Make a Garden Plan

- There is still time to get your garden growing! Sketch out a plan, jot down some ideas for this season’s plants, and pick up some seeds or seedlings. Also consider making changes to the hardscape of your garden. Maybe a new path or new fencing?

Lastly, another great home maintenance tip for this spring would be to inspect your home’s exterior for winter damage and make repairs as needed.

Hope you all have a wonderful Spring Season. Until next month!

Resource: https://www.houzz.com/

8 Ways to Add Value During Your Bathroom Remodel

When remodeling any room in your house, it’s always important to carefully think about where to spend and where to save (unless you are lucky enough to have an endless budget 😉). The following is a list of bathroom upgrades that design experts believe are worth the extra expenses because they still make a significant difference to the look and functionality of your bathroom, all while adding value to your home.

1. Custom Cabinetry

- Custom cabinetry can add so much to a bathroom. Spending a little more on custom cabinetry means perfect fit cabinetry that is completely tailored to fit your needs.

2. Mirrored Cabinet

- This upgrade doesn’t have to be an expensive one. Consider switching out your bathroom mirror for a mirrored cabinet. Mirrored cabinets can either be partially-recessed into the wall or wall-mounted and save a ton of countertop space.

3. Skylight

- Who wouldn’t want natural sunlight streaming in their bathroom? Skylights are one of the most effective upgrades you can make to your bathroom because of the serene spa-like feel they give. If you are installing a skylight to an existing home, be sure to have a builder or contractor to assess for obstructions in the roof space before starting this project.

4. Exhaust Fan

- Mold is no joke in the Pacific Northwest. It’s important to think about upgrading your exhaust fan while you are remodeling to ensure proper air circulation and removal of excess moisture – you wouldn’t want all of your hard work to go to waste because of mold. If noise is a concern, check the labeling and choose an exhaust fan with a lower decibel rating.

5. Drawer Storage

- Upgrading a vanity with cupboard doors to a vanity with drawers is worth the extra outlay because of how much additional and functional storage you get in return. Another plus – drawers are easier to clean because you don’t have to awkwardly reach to the back of cupboards.

6. Integrated Electrical Outlets

- This is a big one! When electrical outlets are installed in drawers or cabinets, not only do they hide everyday cords from electronic toothbrushes and rechargeable shavers, they also clear your countertops of mess and clutter.

7. Shower Niche

- This might be my favorite bathroom remodel upgrade. Get rid of your shower shelves and opt for a shower niche instead. Giving off a more sophisticated and streamlined look, shower niches provide a neat and practical spot to store your shampoo, soap, etc. and they don’t encroach on your standing space.

8. Underfloor Heating

- With these last few weeks of winter chill in the air, stepping onto a warm bathroom floor sounds like a dream! This upgrade is definitely recommended to anyone remodeling an ensuite bathroom.

PDX Neighborhood Spotlight: Alberta Arts District

Love live music, local art, and good food? If you haven’t already, you have to check out the Alberta Arts District.

About Alberta Arts District
Did you know that Alberta Arts District is named after Princess Alberta? Princess Alberta was the sixth child and fourth daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Alberta Arts District connects the Concordia, King, and Vernon neighborhoods in the Northeast quadrant of Portland. It’s lined with art galleries, restaurants, clothing boutiques and gift shops. The main street in Alberta Arts District is Alberta Street, which held its first art walk in 1997 – now known as “Last Thursday”.

Last Thursday
This lively street fair attracts independent artists, performers, local bands, troupes of acrobats, buskers, makers and more to celebrate their art on Northeast Alberta Street. Happening on the last Thursday of each month, this arts and culture experience shouldn’t be missed. This month’s Last Thursday is January 27th, 2022 from 6pm – 9pm.

Food/Drink
Tin Shed – One of Portland’s most popular (and most dog-friendly) brunch spots, Tin Shed was also featured on the Food Network Channel’s “Comfort and Soul”. I recommend the Everything Naughty or Everything Nice platters depending on how you are feeling that day. 😉
The Bye and Bye – Known for their vegan comfort food, The Bye and Bye also has an array of delicious cocktails.
Urdaneta – Due to rising COVID-19 cases, Urdaneta is currently only doing takeout, but an excellent option if you are craving tapas from the comfort of your own home.
Expatriate – The American Standard burger plate is everything you want in a backyard burger and more.
Bollywood Theater – Like it’s counterpart on Division St., Bollywood Theater serves up authentic Indian street food like Kati Rolls, Paneer, and Paratha.

Shops
ECOVIBE – ECOVIBE has everything from plants and planters to home decor and apparel.
Collage – A well-stocked art supply store that has everything you need for your creative urges.
Demimonde – A boutique featuring trendy jewelry made by Portland designers, plus select vintage items.
Grasshopper – Grasshopper is a children’s emporium specializing in organic & American-made apparel, non-toxic toys, books & decor.

Market Stats
Because it’s such a sought after neighborhood, the Alberta Arts District market is very competitive. Last month, the average sale price of a home in Alberta Arts District is approximately $758,000 with 2.9% of homes selling over asking price. Click here for a free home valuation.

References: Wikipedia & TravelPortland.com

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Winter Ready

Happy first day of winter! Get your home winter ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Prevent Pipes from Freezing

- Disconnect hoses from outside faucets and place an insulated cover over the faucet. Keep the heat set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit when you are away.

2. Check Your Smoke & CO Detectors

- Nothing new, but you should always check your detectors monthly and replace batteries when necessary. This is especially important to do during the winter since we keep windows closed and use fireplaces more often.

3. Protect Entryway Flooring

- Avoid damaging your flooring by adding protective mats inside and outside your home’s entrance. It might be a good idea to provide a waterproof bin for wet shoes and boots.

4. Remove Debris from Gutters

- Don’t let water back up in your gutters. Remove any debris to prevent leaks, ice dams, and damage to your roof and gutters.

5. Check Your Emergency Supply Stash

- Better safe than sorry! Make sure you have flashlights, batteries, fresh bottled waters, shelf stable food etc. in case of any emergencies or power outages.

6. Reverse Ceiling Fans

- Running the blades in a clockwise position during the colder months can push heated air down. This home maintenance task makes rooms with high ceilings more comfortable.

7. Install Storm Windows & Doors

- This will help reduce heat loss during the winter months, especially homes with single-paned windows. If you plan on purchasing storm windows and doors, take accurate measurements beforehand.

8. Clean Window Weep Holes

- Window weep holes are designed to drain rainwater that can collect in your window frames’ bottom channel. Sometimes bugs, dust, and debris can clog the weep holes which can cause water to fill up the channels and spill over into your home. If you notice your window weep holes are clogged, poke a wire hanger into the hole and use compressed air to clean it out.

9. Check Outdoor Lighting

- Make sure all of your outdoor lights are functioning correctly, especially any motion sensor lights you might have. This will help prevent any slips or falls on ice covered driveways and pathways.

10. Check for Air Leaks

- Check for air leaks around windows and doors and check for cracks in caulking or weatherstripping. Also, replace caulk and weatherstripping if necessary.

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday season! Until next month!