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More people are renovating to stay in their home a decade or two into the future, but the wish for a “forever home” is not new. Oregon has many homes for sale by longtime original owners.
Buying a well-maintained, original-owner home offers significant advantages, from detailed repair records to indications of neighborhood stability, real estate experts say.
Even a long-owned home with deferred maintenance can be appealing. Home shoppers who see the financial and emotional benefits of aging in place look for homes they can remodel.
With the high cost of buying a house, long-term ownership can offset upfront transaction costs and build significant home equity.
Here are 10 Oregon homes, all offered by their original owners, that illustrate the variety of architectural styles and asking prices, from $559,900 to $2.4 million, across the state.
1964 midcentury modern in SE Portland
A midcentury modern house on 1.69 acres at 3700 S.E. Ellis St. in Southeast Portland’s Reed neighborhood is for sale at $1.2 million.
The two-story house built in 1964 at the end of a private road has vaulted, wood-clad ceilings, walls of glass and oak floors on the main level. The daylight basement has flexible spaces and exterior doors to the outside.
The 3,155-square-foot house has a dedicated office, two bedrooms and three bathrooms.
The detached garage includes a 556-square-foot apartment with an updated kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom that can be used for multigenerational living or possible income potential, according to listing broker Brandi Erskine of MORE Realty.
“Offered for the first time ... this one-of-a-kind urban oasis offers mesmerizing views across the estate toward Reed College and a serene spring-fed pond,” Erskine said.
Erskine said the family selling the property settled near the college campus in the 1950s after immigrating from Latvia. Over the generations, the family built multiple houses on Ellis Street, including the house for sale. Family members continue to live in the area.
A potential buyer would value the setting, location and views. “You don’t have to drive to recreate,” Erskine said.
She said the property also appeals to a legacy-minded buyer who understands the property’s potential. “This is an estate and will remain so for generations to come,” she said.
1988 contemporary house in Bend
A custom contemporary house built in 1988 on 2.4 acres at 60309 Tall Pine Ave. in Bend is for sale at $999,999.
The two-story house in the Woodside Ranch neighborhood has 2,790 square feet of living space including a sunken living room with a wood-burning fireplace.
“The five-bedroom estate is offered for the first time by its original owners. Lovingly cared for and rich with potential, the home delivers the kind of space, setting and solid construction rarely found in today’s market,” said listing brokers Matt Robinson and Grant Ludwick of The Agency Bend.
1989 traditional house in West Linn
A traditional two-story house built in 1989 on 0.41 acres at 1607 Arran Court in West Linn is for sale at $1,285,000.
The 3,471-square-foot home on a cul-de-sac in the Skyline Ridge neighborhood has views of Mount Hood.
“This exceptional residence has been meticulously maintained by its original owners,” said listing agent Jessica Lee Stephens of Windermere Realty Trust.
The main level has a timeless floor plan with natural light, hardwood floors and two fireplaces. The updated kitchen opens to a Trex deck overlooking the patio and landscaped backyard.
There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms on the second level. The primary suite’s remodeled bathroom has a freestanding tub, walk-in shower and heated tile floors.
1992 European estate in Sherwood
A European-inspired custom home with a tile roof built in 1992 on 16.19 acres at 13680 S.W. Morgan Road in Sherwood is for sale at $2,442,500.
The 5,852-square-foot house has vaulted ceilings, expansive windows and six bedrooms.
A solar heated pool and sport court create at-home recreation, said listing agent Joy Dickover of Premiere Property Group.
Surrounding the house is landscaping with a pomegranate tree and grape and kiwi vines. An income-producing Christmas tree farm is also part of the property.
1993 European-style house in Damascus
A European-style house built in 1993 on 0.78 acres with Clackamas River frontage at 19710 S.E. Semple Road in Damascus is for sale at $1,699,000.
The original owner has meticulously maintained this “outdoorsman’s” residence with 6,305 square feet of living space, said listing broker Justin Harnish of Harnish Company Realtors.
There is a large primary suite with oversized bay windows as well as three guest rooms. The family room has its own kitchen with a wine bar and a door to the covered outdoor living areas.
The property offers direct river access for fishing and boating. “Wet a line or jump in your watercraft from your backyard,” Harnish said.
1995 ranch house in Hillsboro
A single-level ranch-style house built in 1995 on 4.18 acres at 11380 N.W. Valley Vista Road in Hillsboro is for sale at $1,435,000.
“Rare opportunity to own a beautifully maintained, original-owner country property in the heart of Helvetia,” said listing agent Clint Currin of RE/MAX Equity Group.
The house has 2,706 square feet of living space. The family room opens to a large covered patio for outdoor dining and entertaining. The primary suite is separated from the two guest bedrooms.
There is also a large shop with 10-foot doors, propane heat and loft storage with an adjoining covered carport. Additional outbuildings offer convenient storage for tools, equipment and firewood.
The property also includes a lower pasture suitable for animals, gardening or recreation, as well as forested acreage.
1997 Colonial Revival house in Yamhill
A Colonial Revival house built in 1997 on 19.4 acres at 16175 N.E. Major Lane in Yamhill is for sale at $1,795,000.
The 3,991-square-foot house has six bedrooms spread across three levels.
The main level features a formal living and dining room, office, family room, kitchen, laundry room and guest quarters with a bedroom and bathroom.
The second level consists of the primary suite and three additional bedrooms and a bathroom. The third level has the sixth bedroom and loft area.
There is a large shop, barn and partially fenced area for horses or livestock.
“This property is prime for the avid gardener, horse lover, entertainer or whatever your dream is,” said listing agent Joni McCreith of Bella Casa Real Estate Group.
1999 traditional house in SE Portland
A traditional style house with French doors built in 1999 on 0.16 acres at 7212 S.E. Terrace Trails Drive in Southeast Portland’s Lents neighborhood is for sale at $559,900.
The house has 3,088 square feet of living space with wood floors, vaulted ceilings and multiple flexible-use spaces. There are three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms in the home with deferred maintenance.
“Tucked into the secluded hillsides on the west side of Mount Scott, adjacent to protected green space, this house offers privacy, natural surroundings and exceptional potential,” said listing agents Bela Barany and John Tzantarmas of eXp Realty.
A great room above the garage can become additional bedrooms, home offices, a studio space, workshop, gym, media room or creative retreat, according to the listing description.
2006 modern Craftsman house in Bend
A modern Craftsman house built in 2006 on 0.36 acres overlooking a golf course at 56689 Dancing Rock Loop in Bend is for sale at $1,999,999.
“Discover the best of Caldera Springs where High Cascade architecture, west-facing floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the Cascade foothills and Mount Bachelor create a true central Oregon retreat,” said listing agents from The Jones Group Horton-Jones of Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty.
The 3,636-square-foot house has three main-level suites and a great room that opens to a paver patio with a barbecue area and hot tub.
2006 beach house in Brookings
A two-story house built in 2006 on 4.5 acres with panoramic Pacific Ocean views at 99075 McVay Creek Road in Brookings is for sale at $2.2 million.
The custom house has a Monterey cypress tree rising through multiple levels. Port Orford cedar walls and myrtlewood floors are also throughout the 5,720-square-foot house.
“Thoughtfully designed by its original owner, this one-of-a-kind masterpiece was created to bring the surrounding landscape indoors, offering a seamless connection to nature through expansive windows, timeless craftsmanship and architecture,” said listing agent Marie Curtis of RE/MAX Coast and Country.
The property also has a main-level garage, deep RV garage with a 14-foot door, and 220-volt service on the lower level.
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