Which Home Did They Pick?

Want to play House Hunters with us?

We've been showing homes to one of my longest (not oldest!) clients. Brian and Mira bought their home in Beaverton from me in the early 2000s and later purchased the most kick-ass time- capsule in Wilsonvile surrounded by farmland! They have cool taste and they had decided to look at property at the beach. The Portland market was so slow in the end of 2024 that I had time to spend a few days at the beach with them looking at homes. Ideally, it could be used as a VRBO or short-term rental, but zoning in some areas prohibited it. So we just looked at what was available and chose one - you may be surprised.

Let's look at home #1

This home was in the perfect location for Brian. He grew up clamming and exploring the Sitka State Park area with all its outdoor pursuits! The home overlooking the tidal estuary and ocean beyond, had striking design, with cool vaults and beams, 4BR/2BA and 2322 sq. ft. Also, it was a very busy vacation rental and a transferrable permit. Just 10 minutes drive from Lincoln City, the entertainment options were endless. Priced at $539,900, it was just around their high level mark, but they could make it work.

Let's look at home #2

This classic, original cottage was just a block to the beach in peaceful Tierra Del Mar! It had a transferrable short-term rental permit and was to be sold furnished, at $610,000.. What a simple transition to start renting and building equity. The home was spacious, with 3BR.2baths and 1562 sq, ft, The sunny back deck had a beautiful tree growing through it! Just 3 miles to Cape Kiwanda and Pacific City, ripe for exploration.

Let's look at home #3

This mid-century style home had gorgeous tongue in groove wood ceilings, three bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1556 sq. ft. and a nice yard. It was located in Seaside, within walking distance to downtown, and just a couple blocks to the ocean. However, the ability to rent it short-term was prohibited due to the number of permits already being taken. Sadly, there was another offer on the property as well, so they would have to compete for the chance to own it.

Answer:

Home #3!

It took two days of house-hunting to decide on this one, and much time on the phone with the City of Seaside to understand how to break into the short-term rental market, but they took a chance because this house was just too sweet to pass up! We beat the other offer, and enjoyed the chance to work with a great Windermere agent at the beach, who would be their neighbor. We encountered some maintenance issues, but the seller was eager to work with us and we got everything handled. Brian and Mira are going to enjoy holidays, vacations, and eventually short-term rental in this gorgeous home.

Did you guess correctly? Let me know in the comments.