Finding a house.
It doesn't have to be as cute as this one, or have its own deer.
My sweet applets: Me, Josiah, and Miette are planning to move across the country like these dear ones have lately done and set up shop in Portland at the end of July. Josiah will be going to graduate school, and I will keep on keepin' on as per usual.
But this brings me back to the conundrum at hand. I am obsessively watching Craigslist and emailing folks, but it is really. Really. Difficult. to get people to take you seriously when you are trying to find a place and you're not local. I experienced this when I moved from Brooklyn to Athens, too.
So this is where the help from you wonderful applets would be so appreciated:
If anyone has a reference or tip re: a rental house in Portland, OR, please, please send it our way. We are looking for a house, not an apartment, and it must have at least 2 bedrooms, and we're looking for something in the NE or SE areas, preferably.
So, if you have an aunt/friend/boss/whatehaveyou that is looking for two lovely, considerate, responsible tenants, please let me know!
If anyone is able to successfully connect us with a home in which to set up the west coast incarnation of The Black Apple world, I would be more than happy to compensate them for their services with a doll, or prints, or paper goods, or whatever their heart might desire. Made especially for you, by The Black Apple.
(The little felt house was made as birthday pin-cushion for a recent birthday girl that I hope has received it! If she hasn't, I hope she forgets what she has seen.)
Thank you & see you soon!
Comments (50)
just wondering, do you have a syndicated feed on livejournal?
andrea
owlacrobat.livejournal.com
andrea gutierrez · May 28, 2008 at 01:22 PM
good luck!! Nothing to say except congrats and I am jealous - we are desperately trying to move out there ourselves! Best Wishes!!! xoxo
Ivey Handcrafted · May 28, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Hey Emily, I so glad you are moving here. Ive been a lurking reader since late 2005...( could that be true...?) seems like a long time, anyway.. .. Welcome home, You'll love Ptown!!! The whole thing on craigs list is there are alot of scams, the web site clearly says beware of out of town transactions or something like that. You will find a beautiful home. I also reccomend being open to inner N. Portland. It is fast becomming the new SouthEast.
See you soon!!!
Carrie Duncan · May 28, 2008 at 11:21 AM
I have no advise - but DANG is that house cute.
nan · May 28, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Good luck with the move.
I found this site the other day that might be helpful - it's a pretty neat site.
http://hotpads.com/main.htm
Good luck!
Jessica · May 28, 2008 at 10:12 AM
I sent you an email with some info a friend of mine who lives in Portland wrote me. I'd be happy to put you in touch with her if you wanted.
Allegra · May 28, 2008 at 08:26 AM
I don't have any leads for you but good luck and congrats on your upcoming move! Never been to Portland but it just sounds wonderful and full of Indy Artist. Fingers crossed for you that you will find something perfect!
Knitterella · May 28, 2008 at 06:46 AM
That is so exciting! I hope that we will be able to meet. We are actually looking for a rental as well. It is hard finding one when you live her as well. It seems like everyone is selling not renting. :)
Shannon Benavidez · May 28, 2008 at 03:06 AM
That felt house is SWEET! I am in love with the felt. Sorry I can't be any help as far as your housing situation is concerned... :(
Cheers,
Leanne
Leanne · May 28, 2008 at 02:29 AM
i have seen quite a few houses with signs out front lately in SE. I'll write down some numbers if i see any that look good and 2 bedroom-ish. Welcome to Oregon you guys! :)
Patrina · May 28, 2008 at 01:57 AM
Hi Emily! When I moved from the midwest to Portland, I found my rental house on Craigslist. The key was having a litle prepared statement about who you are and some photos. I included ones of my pets,my employers website, etc. I was able to secure a house within a week. I think the key is to let them know who you are and also to let them know that it isn't some kind of scam. Show them your website! You were on Martha!!!
Cate · May 28, 2008 at 01:17 AM
I live in SE Portland, and I will certainly keep an eye open for you. Congrats on your move! You'll love it here.
T
Theresa · May 28, 2008 at 01:08 AM
i have a photo of the cutest house ever in my inspiration notebook and it's in portland. i must send you it(once i return to denver from south dakota) as you will surely drool over it as much as i!
risa · May 27, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Hey try to see if Alicia Paulson from Posie gets cozy can help you. She lives in Portland with her husband Andy who is a nurse, if they are up for it I am sure they can find you something or someone who has something. Nothing like volunteering bloggers you have never.
http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/
Good luck!
Jill in Florida
Poppy · May 27, 2008 at 10:16 PM
I thought you had two cats? wha happened to the bebeh one?
sally-rah · May 27, 2008 at 10:15 PM
Someone just sent me to your blog because you are looking for a house in Portland. I see you are looking to rent not buy and you are looking for something in SE or NE, so I am not of much use because we are trying to sell our house in SW. BUT--if you'd like to take a look, you can see it here: http://houseinportlandoregon.blogspot.com/
Good luck with you move and house hunt. Portland is a wonderful place to live!
terry grant · May 27, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Darling Ms. Emily,
Congratulations! This is a wonderful blessing for Portland and for you - I am sure you will find the whole community SO charming and welcoming. I love the vibe in Oregon as a whole and if you ever decide that you need to vacation in a place where the houses look like this, you can skeddadle north to Canada and Warfield, BC (aka. Peace Meadows)
Again - the very best wishes to each of you!
Love,
Dana
in British Columbia (only 7-ish hours from Portland)
Dana · May 27, 2008 at 07:31 PM
gorgeous felt house - just take this one with you to Portland, get Mr. Weasley to work some magic, and when you walk through the door, it will have every room and whimsical feature you could of dream! :-).
lily boot · May 27, 2008 at 07:12 PM
I have a LiveJournal friend named Torie who is a realtor in Portland! She's a crafty girl (and will LOVE your cat's name!) so I'm sure she would totally get your style and what you're looking for. :o)
Here is her myspace page http://www.myspace.com/totinette
Tell her Jenny/Fanglord2 from LiveJournal sent you. Good luck! We're hoping to visit an uncle in Portland this year, maybe you'll be there by then and we can say hi in person. :o)
Jenny Rebecca · May 27, 2008 at 07:05 PM
When we moved here, we flew out 2 weeks before to physically see places and apply. A lot of houses here don't even make it to craigslist. Their owners will put signs up in the front yard. I found our first rental house just by driving around the area I wanted to live in SE.
I don't know if it would be at all possible for one of you to fly out and do the legwork, but I would highly recommend it. The rental market is getting more competetive here I think.
Good luck and yay! It's a great city :)
Jessica · May 27, 2008 at 07:05 PM
Are you only looking in Portland proper? Or would you consider Vancouver, WA? Because I know of some places that might be up for rent there...
Carm · May 27, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Are you only looking in Portland proper? Or would you consider Vancouver, WA? Because I know of some places that might be up for rent there...
Carm · May 27, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Wheee! I kinda knew you'd end up here! Does that mean I can save on shipping costs now? (-: I live in SE, and I will keep an eye open for you!
My main piece of (unasked-for) advice is that, if you are used to any kind of regular sun, you may want to consider planning a sunny vacation in February or March. It can be really hard on newcomers (or oldcomers, like me, even) to not have sunlight for weeks on end. BUT, all this rain grows the loveliest moss and mushrooms!
Amy · May 27, 2008 at 06:48 PM
...Oh miss emily, josiah & miette!
Exciting, Exciting, Exciting!!!
You must be thrilled to have found a town to call home. AND~ your on my side of the earth ;) (Ca).
I think the Portland suits you and your style, what fun to wear all those cute knee socks without worrying about triple digit weather!
I'm sure a darling little house is just waiting for you to move in~Good Luck!
<3~michelle.friend
miss.michelle · May 27, 2008 at 06:01 PM
i wish I was escaping the heat too...i'm so excited for you...Portland will be a great artistic place for you to grow...
donner · May 27, 2008 at 05:56 PM
i wish I was escaping the heat too...i'm so excited for you...Portland will be a great artistic place for you to grow...
donner · May 27, 2008 at 05:55 PM
bets of luck, emily! i'm sure you'll find somewhere lovely.
molly tea · May 27, 2008 at 05:41 PM
congratulations! portland is a great choice...i live in eugene (about 90 miles south) & i love to visit whenever i can...so many great areas with wonderful stores...& on the flip side once you're settled you should visit eugene...it is a really great town...laid back & fun...good luck on the house hunt!
emily ruth · May 27, 2008 at 05:20 PM
if you don't get any leads from this, I know you can call the visitor bureau and they will help you...........(with good areas and bad, close to what things, etc.)
denise · May 27, 2008 at 05:14 PM
http://realestate.oregonlive.com/--I was playing around on this site, it was really great!! Might be worth a look......good luck!!!
denise · May 27, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Oh, I could look for a cute little house for you, here in north spain, with great sea views :)
Good luck!!
ame · May 27, 2008 at 04:44 PM
i'm so excited to have yet another of my favorite crafty peeps move here. I will put the word out because I agree - word of mouth is your best bet! Good luck with the move!
melissa s. · May 27, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Congrats on the move. Portland is the only city I'd considering leaving the East Coast for. Don't forget the local newspaper (says the newspaper editor). The Oregonian real estate listings are very searchable. Give it a whirl here: http://realestate.oregonlive.com/
Also check out Willamette Weekly at http://wweek.com/ . Besides reading real estate ads, if you read both regularly before you move, you'll get a jump on really getting to know your new home city.
Rachel · May 27, 2008 at 04:28 PM
I feel ya'
When we moved from L.A to Baltimore we settled on a apartment because I was so sick of dealing with people not wanting to bother with us because we were not there to check out the property yet.
Second time around moving to Montreal we did the Craigslist thing and it was a giant headache but as long as I didn't give up and kept asking we finally found a great place and noticed money talks.
As long as I was to the point and ready to pay up right then and there I noticed we got taken a lot more seriously when viewing property.
Good luck, making a big move cross country is hectic but such a great adventure and it's a wonderful thing getting to know a new city isn't it?
Good luck on finding the right place :)
LadyYing · May 27, 2008 at 04:25 PM
HI! I've just come across your blog recently but I thought I'd comment since I moved to Portland about a year ago. I'm so happy more and more crafty types are moving to the area! I don't have any advice about looking for a house since we've been living in an apartment, however, in my opinion there are more houses in Portland than the average city so I have faith that you will find something. Also, I must agree with the commenter above that Mississippi is awesome and often overlooked. It's technically North Portland but that's a bit misleading since it's actually west of Alberta Arts district in the NE. Good Luck!
Vanessa · May 27, 2008 at 04:07 PM
I just wanted to say Best Wishes; I hope your move goes smoothly.
alexis · May 27, 2008 at 03:19 PM
Welcome to Oregon! Moving can be such a pain and yet exciting at the same time. I hope you find not just a house but a wonderful "home" :)Will keep an eye out for some places.
Du Buh Du Designs · May 27, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Hi Emily!
Good luck on your move! Moving across the country is no easy task...just moved last year from Brooklyn to Seattle! I wish you much luck in your move. If you need a place someday in Seattle short term or long term...let me know.!
Gina
gina · May 27, 2008 at 02:26 PM
when we up and moved to vermont (from Kentucky), we found a house by Posting On craiglsit who we were, what we were looking for. We got about 3 leads, and ended up moving into the house we live in now (a year later). And I have also had luck posting in the local papers or arty-papers. (when I was living in Chicago).
Good luck!!!!
anaclare · May 27, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Hi! I don't live in that area, but found this for you: http://www.greenlightclassifieds.com/index.shtml?category=Real%20Estate%20For%20Rent&sub=Houses%20for%20Rent
I hope it helps you! Good luck!
-Ashley
Ashley · May 27, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Good luck with the move Emily! My husband and I moved to Seattle last September from Toronto Ontario, and it can be a huge adjustment. Welcome to the area...well you will be 3 hours away from us! :) You are lucky you are going to Portland it's a great little town :) I have a great aunt that lives there with her daughter...I will see what I can find out!
jill · May 27, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Hi Emily!
So happy to hear that you will be moving to my beautiful state! Altho I will be 5 hours south of you.
I was also going to recommend Mainlander property:http://www.mainlander.com/
These links may also be helpful:
http://www.portlandrentalservice.com/
http://portland.wweek.com/rentals/classifieds/Results?section=55842
http://www.capmng.com/contact.htm
I think a property management company may be both of yours best bet, since you are so far away.
I wish all 3 of you the best of luck, Portland is just wonderful!
Julia
Julia · May 27, 2008 at 02:08 PM
I wish I knew more about Portland! That sounds like a deal to me! :) Good luck Emily!
tiffany · May 27, 2008 at 02:06 PM
sadly, no leads. but these look kinda like they could be lovely places to set up shop...
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/apa/690401111.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/grg/apa/688580615.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/apa/690273173.html
saint rita · May 27, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Emily, I apologise for not having any practical advice or information...I just wanted to share with you some thoughts about moving and change. I moved with my fiance last October from Australia to Canada. In Hamilton, Canada, we did not know anyone, we did not even really know our new environment, I did not even have employment...but I just wanted to take the opprtunity to have an adventure, experience some place different, embrace change because change is rewarding and exciting. I understand that you may be anxious to find a place for that settled sensation but I also know something that will fit just you will come up...karma, patience, timing. Enjoy and have fun doing the searching and looking.
vinp · May 27, 2008 at 01:52 PM
I want one of your Sophie dolls very much, so I will try to be as diligent as possible in finding you a place. I live in North Portland, and am always on the hunt as I drive around, as I have other friends relocating as well. Portland is such a beautiful city - I trust that you guys are going to love it here.
Right now the rental market has skyrocketed, because the housing market has temporarily plateaued, but that is life in any beloved city. I will email immediately with any leads.
masha · May 27, 2008 at 01:50 PM
I don't have any good leads either, but I just wanted to say how excited I am for both of you!!! I spent my happiest years in Portland, and I'm probably going to be moving back as well.
I'm certain you'll find a wonderful place to live and best of luck!!!
jill · May 27, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Welcome to Portland (soon)!
I just moved here last fall from San Diego, and I love it here! Housing can be hard to find because so many people are moving here right now. I live in North Portland near Mississippi St which is very close in and is sometimes overlooked as a place to live. Good luck in PDX, it is a wonderful and creative town.
KateK8 · May 27, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Go to www.mainlander.com for rental houses in the Portland area (a friend of our family started this company). You can do a search and I'll bet you'll find 10-20 that match your criteria. Good luck!
Clementine · May 27, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Hey Emily!
I just sent you an email about a place...didn't want to put it all in a comment. Let me know if the email doesn't get to you. Portland rules!
Ryan + Lucy Berkley · May 27, 2008 at 01:29 PM