T
eresa and Marty Strelecky met while Marty served in the Navy in Bremerton, Washington, and later settled in West Seattle. Marty practiced law; Teresa stayed home to raise their four children, who are now adults. Both 73, they consider themselves proud Pacific Northwesterners, yet the rainy climate prompted them to seek warmer, drier retreats. Beginning around 2000, they bought and sold several second homes along the West Coast, the latest being Rancho Mirage, California, near Palm Springs. In the desert they felt suburban, a feeling they disliked, so they decided to find a place closer to home that they could use more often.
In the fall of 2023, the couple turned their attention to Portland, Oregon—a three‑hour drive from Seattle. They had spent time in the area, owning a hazelnut farm in Newberg from 2014 to 2021. “We were drawn to Portland’s walkability and its values,” said local agent Francisco Stoller, who helped them purchase the farm and again assisted in their current search. They also expanded their search to Seattle, where Teresa grew up and where three of their children live.
Their ideal home: ground‑floor, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, minimal stairs, ample natural light, close to public transit, shops, and restaurants. They set a budget of $725,000 but were willing to consider higher prices if a reduction was possible. Ideally, they would sell the Rancho Mirage property first to enable an all‑cash purchase; otherwise, a mortgage would be required.
**Option 1 – Pearl District, Portland**
A 1,930‑sq‑ft, two‑bedroom, two‑bath corner unit on the second floor of a former warehouse (converted in 1996). Features include plank flooring, high ceilings, exposed beams, a storage unit, and two assigned parking spaces. Located in the Pearl District, it is within walking distance of galleries, restaurants, Amtrak, MAX light‑rail, and Powell’s flagship store. Price: $895,000 (includes storage and parking). Monthly HOA fee: $1,816. Annual taxes: $13,744.
**Option 2 – Goose Hollow, Portland**
A 2,000‑sq‑ft, two‑bedroom, two‑bath corner unit on the second floor of a 1997 building. The Art Deco design offers large windows with city views, a gas fireplace, balconies off the living room, dining area, and main bedroom, and a walk‑in closet with an en‑suite bath. The building provides a gym and concierge services and is two blocks from a light‑rail station, connecting to Washington Park and Portland International Airport. Price: $699,000. Monthly condo fees: $2,129. Annual taxes: $11,888.
**Option 3 – Seattle (Gated Courtyard)**
A 1,290‑sq‑ft, one‑bedroom, 1.5‑bath townhouse from 1982, renovated into a lofted studio with a study and industrial cross‑beams. The first floor features a steel‑and‑glass island kitchen and a street‑facing patio off a living room with a wood‑burning fireplace. It is within walking distance of Pike Place Market, Post Alley, and a ferry terminal. Price: $799,000 (reduced from $850,000), includes a parking spot. Monthly HOA fee: $1,195. Annual taxes: $7,408.
**Which would you choose?**
- Converted Two‑Bedroom Loft in Portland
- Two‑Bedroom With Three Terraces in Portland
- One‑Bedroom Townhouse in Seattle
**Which did they buy?**
- Converted Two‑Bedroom Loft in Portland
- Two‑Bedroom With Three Terraces in Portland
- One‑Bedroom Townhouse in Seattle
