Ella Gray, OR Broker at Living Room Realty

04/09/2023

Hi! It’s been a minute…so much to update! Personally things are well. They aren’t kidding when they say kids thrive on routine. Home life is very, very routine! Business is moving as well - no matter what, peeps need to buy/sell. All the reasons any of us move! I mostly have sellers right now - why are they selling? Job relocations, personal relocations, downsizing, having babies, reallocating investment properties…as for my buyers, there are peeps moving back to Portland, always first time buyers, and the curious who are looking into upsizing. No matter the situation, I’m ready to help you bust a move!

02/14/2023

02/09/2023

Throwback to this fun flow event at ! It takes a team to do what we do! I couldn't do it without the fabulous team, my cobrokers in the industry, and those who support us all, like escrow and title teams at First American, WFG and Chicago Title. Looking forward to building more relationships in 2023. 🥳

02/08/2023

Traveling can be stressful...you know what can be more stressful? Relocation. But only if you don't prepare properly!

(SAVE THIS POST FOR FUTURE REFERENCE)

I've been through the process of relocating many times (it's literally my hobby) and I guess you can say I've become a "pro" at it now. Here are a few quick tips I share with my clients to prep them for their big move 👇

✔️ Boxes, boxes, and more boxes. PACK IT UP! Do yourself a favor and stock up on 20% more boxes than you think you'll need. When relocating, EVERYTHING has to go in a box.

✔️ Pack up the items you don't need right away first. PRO TIP: Hire your movers to PACK FOR YOU. It only takes them an extra 2-3 hours and they're CAREFUL — If you do it yourself, it will take you longer. Movers are efficient and safe with your belongings — like machines. I've done this for my last few moves and I'LL NEVER GO BACK.

✔️ Label EVERYTHING! I use a specific kind of post-it note that is completely sticky. I even give my movers a color coded guide—time is money and when you're on a budget when moving, this saves SO MUCH OF BOTH. 😅

Let me know if you want me to drop my color coding system ;)

01/31/2023

One of my goals for 2023 is to help more people relocate and find their dream homes here in Portland. ❤️ It's interesting for me to reflect on how I've lived in 4 major regions of the US (ATL, LAX, NYC & PNW!) and it only took 3 months of living here to decide I’d lay down roots in this amazingly weird & creative city.

I’ve loved so much about this city from the moment we landed in 2016 (when our plane touched down it was the first time I had even been in Oregon!). From the incredible friendships I've made, all the magical inner-city hikes so easily accessible, delicious food that never gets repetitive, and how family-friendly it is, it's been the perfect place for my family and me to plant our roots.

Before my move to Portland, I had no idea what to expect. I heard all the things about not welcoming Californians (I still had a 310 number) and even heard some realtors not showing certain properties to out-of-towers (I truly truly heard this before moving here!).

That's why my mission is to serve as a guide for my clients, an “outsider’esque” guide I wish I had at the time.

lf you're looking to make a move to this weirdly dynamic and ever-evolving city, then either DM, call, or text me 971.222.6010…let’s go! 💬

Photo Captions:
Our establishing “we-made-it-to-Portland” family pic! {circa 10/2016}
”Moving Day” via jet — JFK ✈️ PDX {10//1/16}
My bag of cats and other moving day necessities {10/1/16}
Real Portlanders - first hike in NW Forest Park {10/1/16}
Our first night out exploring the city on TriMet (we were still waiting on our car to be delivered from the move!). At the time Portland’s TriMet reminded me of a Virgin America flight from the late aughts {circa 10/2016}
Family friendly trip to Multnomah Falls {12/2016}

01/30/2023

What's going on in Portland? Swipe to see more >>>

As we wrapped up 2022, we saw high demand in buyers and a very low inventory of homes available. Things are balancing out a bit as we kick off the new year.

Interest rates have fallen to the mid 6's and fresh new inventory hit the market, which means things are picking up!

And although there was a record low of closed transactions reported towards the end of 2022, home buyers were able to leverage this as an opportunity to snag a good deal.

These stats are nothing new for Portland. Every year during the holidays, it's normal to see inventory hit a low and then spike back up in time for the spring.

So... what does this all mean for you? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Sellers, if you've been waiting, now's your time to shine. There is great opportunity in the coming months as we see price stabilization.

And buyers, it's also your time to shine because I'm anticipating that we'll be in a buyer's market for some time as the inventory levels back out which works in your favor for negotiating power.

As always, reach out if you have any questions or if you're ready to take the plunge and buy or sell this year. I'd love to help! 😊

01/28/2023

Great bones on this NW Contemporary in Hartung Farms! Yes, I am obsessed with the vaulted ceiling and beams but just wait until you get to the outdoor pics. 🤤 A spacious deck, garden, gazebo, junior half acre, all the works.

All this needs is a few easy style updates to make it your own. 🙌

*Not my lovely listing, BUT I can show, tour, & help you buy it! 📲🤙🏡 EZPZ, just call/text me: 971-222-6010

3 beds | 3 baths
3,958 sqft
$1,475,000

Listing Courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Professionals

01/27/2023

I don’t even know where to begin…grateful…humbled…in awe. We had our “State of the Union” meeting at the brokerage earlier this week…it’s a good mix of our accomplishments in the previous year, as well as a look ahead to the current new year. There’s so many wonderful things to say about - I count my lucky stars I landed at this amazing community. As it turns out, not only have I celebrated my 5 year anniversary at Living Room, but we’re also #1 in Portland and I’m somewhere in the top 10 of solo agents at the brokerage! I 💯 have to thank my clients, their referrals, and everyone’s absolute trust in me to advocate for them. True advocacy…sometimes this is helping clients answer questions for themselves on NOT buying…NOT selling…NOT accepting an offer…It’s all about my clients and what’s best for them. It’s hard for me to share my accolades, but I do want my people to know they’re in great hands and their referrals are in great care with me. I aim to make my clients look good for referring me!
Photo captions:
1. Amongst the top solo agents, my 5 year pin, and my other 5 year cohorts

2. Five years at LRR!

3. Top 10 at the best brokerage

4. LRR #1 overall market share

5. Loving Room Fund (I donate a portion of my compensation to )

6. Seller stats

7. Seller stats

8. High 5 to 5 years!

9. My fellow 5 year cohort 🥰

10. Two of the top teams at LRR - these folks are generous with their time and guidance to help us all better serve our clients.

I love what I do. I love who I work with. I love the brokerage and what has created…(didn’t even get to post photos of “Escalation Claws!).

Grateful. Humbled. Awestruck.

01/26/2023

One of my favorite things about being in real estate (aside from helping folks find their dream home) is the opportunity to network and meet other incredible brokers from around the nation (and world!)! 🙌

I had the pleasure of meeting Larry Kendall, a well respected industry leader and the author of Nina Selling (IMHO should be “Ninja Serving”!) at a RE conference earlier this year. It was such a valuable experience.

His book is filled with so many key points for agents and others in the service industry to help better serve their clients.

I’m honored to have completed the course and to serve my clients in new ways! Already looking forward to the next conference, I love getting together with others across the nation. ❤️

I’ve now been to Vegas in my 20’s, 30’s, and now in my 40’s. This last trip (my first/only 40’s Vegas experience) was definitely a new slice of life. Only left my hotel once to grab an In-and-Out burger 😅

Photo Captions:
1.Arriving the day before the conference…I tried to give the guy who offered to take our photo some direction …semi funny story entails 🤦‍♀️
2.Olivia & I introduce ourselves to Larry Kendall (the author and leader of this conference)
3.Day 1 with a few fellow “Roommies” (LRR colleagues)
4.Day 4 - final day! Repping PNW with the Buffalo Plaid
5.Day 4 - brains bursting with new knowledge
6.End of the conference - we were asked to wear “biz casual” for the conference. Did so day 1-3, then final day (a Friday) I had to rep the PNW with my Buffalo Plaid flannel 🟥⬛️🟥⬛️
7.Pretty sure Vegas has in its “HOA”/BOA” bylaws that everything must be light, bright, shiny signs/objects

06/07/2022

Just Listed! “Goldie” Dutch Colonial in Historic Ladd’s Addition - Come see me on broker tour today, 12pm - 2pm, treats & beverages from Grand Central provided!

1518 SE Poplar Ave Portland, OR 97214

4 bedrooms + office, 2 bathrooms (all above grade),

Location and upgrades are yours at this impeccably maintained and upgraded Dutch Colonial "Goldie" in Ladd’s Addition.

Coveted layout on the main level w/abundant natural light, gleaming hardwoods, tall ceilings, view from kitchen window, and a bed/flex room. Ideal layout on upper level w/ 3 lrg bedrooms, walk-in closets, +a generous sized bathroom (potential for 2?).

Feel confident w/a pre-inspection report available and recent upgrades (ask for feature list): available including restoring cedar shake siding, professional landscaping and hardscaping, restoration of main level windows, replacement of upper windows, and a dry basement.

Goldie is living the best in SE: from Ladd’s tree-canopy streets to Hawthorne’s close-in treats, your dual city/nature heart is home.

05/08/2022

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmothers, and motherly figures in our lives! Join me this year as I help to raise 1% of the $200k goal to RoseHaven - a local Portland community providing love and support for our fellow Portland Neighbor moms and children experiencing homelessness and poverty.

I will match your donations up to $2,000 to help provide RoseHaven with the resources and support it needs.

RoseHaven supporters and guests will parade together today on Mother’s Day through the beautiful NW Portland for their 9th annual Reigning Roses Walk. One of the stops will even be at the Living Room Realty office!

I’m walking in memory of my wonderful grandmothers, Annette and Ruby Faye, as well as in honor of my mom and amazing mother-in-law, Donna.

Much love to all!