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Articles by Olivia Rush
A love letter to Almaty: Memoirs from Kazakhstan
There’s an age-old superstition that a city will miss you if it rains on the day of your departure. On May 9 this past spring, Almaty, Kazakhstan was covered in a melancholic, humid drizzle. I never knew I could miss a city so much before spending an eye-opening semester in Almaty. Growing up in an army family, I never spent enough time in one home to truly appreciate the interconnectedness of a long-term community.
Lace Up, PDX: A Guide to Run Clubs Around Portland
One of my favorite ways to experience a city is by running all around it! Whether you’re new to town or a Portland native, linking up with a Run Club is a stellar way to explore a new neighborhood, meet new friends, AND force yourself to get outside – especially during rainy season! If you’re anything like me, your best runs are the ones with good company — and maybe a post-run cold drink.
Just Listed | Spacious Bridlemile Split with Soul & Updates
$649,000 (Active) 4 Bed 3 Bath 2258 sqft. Portland, 97221 Built in 1981 2258 sqft $287.42/sqft County: Multnomah Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, just minutes to Bridlemile Elementary & Hamilton Park, this lovingly maintained home is on the market for the first time! Thoughtfully updated through the years by its original owners, this is not your typical split—every iteration has elevated comfort, livability, and peace of mind. A generous entryway sets the tone.
Just Listed! Charm, Updates, & Space to Spread Out!
Blog Stories Just Listed! Charm, Updates, & Space to Spread Out! $450,000 (Active) 3 Bed 2 Bath 1493 sqft. Portland, 97233 Built in 1953 1493 sqft $301.41/sqft County: Multnomah 12815 SE Mill St. Portland, Oregon, 97233 Mid-century roots meet modern living at this refreshed 1950s Mill Park home. Newly exposed brick fireplace, fresh paint, and retro charm set the stage for bright, flexible spaces.
JUST LISTED | Multigenerational Living on Gated Acre Estate in Happy Valley
$2,150,000 (Active) 5 Bed 6 Bath 6223 sqft. HappyValley, 97086 Built in 2016 6223 sqft $345.49/sqft County: Clackamas One of only four homes in the highly coveted Spencer View Estates, this stunning modern Craftsman offers an extraordinary blend of refined luxury and Pacific Northwest beauty. Situated on a rare full acre with sweeping territorial views, this custom-built estate spans over 6000 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space.
Just Listed in Foster-Powell | Bright, Spacious and Dialed Bungalow!
$460,000 (Active) 2 Bed 1 Bath 1523 sqft. Portland, 97206 Built in 1908 1523 sqft $302.04/sqft County: Multnomah Exuding charm and brimming with updates, this cheerful Foster-Powell bungalow is as sweet as they come! The wide front porch with its broad steps invites you in and sets a welcoming tone. Thanks to an efficient layout that optimizes space and flow, this friendly abode feels simultaneously cozy and spacious.
- Living Room Realty
Congrats to Matt and Angela on growing their portfolio. This one is so special in so many ways! I was fortunate to teach Matt and Angela’s daughter for 4th and 5th grade over a decade ago. They have both dedicated their lives to education and improving the lives of young people. I was honored to be a tiny part of the village that raised their daughter. Matt and Angela also understand the power of real estate.
SOLD | Winning + Well Under Budget in Richmond!
Bigger smiles I have not seen 😻 Congratulations SOPHIE + BRETT for absolutely nailing it 🔨 The maker of magical connections (@raybluepdx of course) brought us together over a Zoom in early Jan. Thirty seven days later, I captured these moments of pure joy / giddy bliss! ✨ Sometimes the right house pops up while you’re getting your ducks in a row. This one went pending just as we were rolling up our sleeves.
Spacious 70's Contemporary w/ Modern Updates! - Living Room Realty
$629,900 (Active) 4 Bed 4 Bath 3139 sqft. Portland, 97266 Built in 1978 3139 sqft $200.67/sqft County: Multnomah Sleek, modern finishes complement warm wood accents, soaring ceilings and 70’s architectural lines in this expansive and distinctive dwelling. 17’ vaulted ceilings and original hardwoods set the scene. The foyer features a darling stained glass tableau, coat closet, and space to shed your layers and boots.
Closed! Home Together in Foster Powell
Congratulations Austyn + Eddy on purchasing their first home together! In 2020, I helped Austyn purchase his first home. Since then, he met Eddy, who eventually moved in. They zhuzhed the heck out of that home, but also dreamed of purchasing a home together. Their goals were twofold: more space inside and out AND moving closer into the city, into a more walkable neighborhood. It took a few tries. The first house we offered on was overpriced, so we walked.
SOLD // Simplifying in SE Portland!
Congratulations Morgan and Mackenzie!!! M+M are yes people. They take on a lot and actually execute all of it, flawlessly and on time. The kind of duo who make me cock my head and think, “How the-?!” During COVID, they relocated to Oregon and started their homesteading era in a large house on a large property. It was dreamy – and a lot of work. After nearly 5 years in the country, they were tired and ready to simplify. Move back into the city, closer to their community.
Sold in Damascus!
Blog Listings Sold in Damascus! $975,000 (Sold) 5 Bed Bath 4214 sqft. Damascus, 97089 Built in 1993 4214 sqft $231.37/sqft County: Clackamas “Nevertheless, they persisted.” This was a tale of determination, grit, and grace under pressure. Deep breaths and bottomless patience. I am so proud of my Sellers for making it to closing day…once…twice…then three times (and only 30 minutes away from a possible fourth).
Revitalize your reading: College guide to overcoming slumps
Do you have no time to pick up the book that has been collecting dust on your nightstand — although the one-hour TikTok screen time might say differently? As an avid reader in my childhood, I would dedicate ample reading time daily. Yet my transition to college came with the loss of one of my favorite hobbies. As I have begun to reintegrate reading into my daily college routine, I have some tips and tricks to get you out of a slump.
SOLD in South Tabor // Blank Canvas Ready for Their Vision!
Congratulations to Rachel and Ryan on the purchase of their first home! Rachel and Ryan took a few detours in their home journey. They originally reached out to me via Instagram in 2020, but surprise, had to make some life pivots that year. They landed in Seattle, had a second child, and traveled through Europe. This summer Ryan landed a job in Portland, so they reached back out and we picked up right where we had left off.
SOLD! Neighborhood Shuffle on Alameda Ridge!
Blog Alameda SOLD! Neighborhood Shuffle on Alameda Ridge! $795,000 (Sold) 3 Bed Bath 2432 sqft. Portland, 97213 Built in 1919 2432 sqft $326.89/sqft County: Multnomah And just like that, 5137 NE Wistaria was sold! 🪄✨ Prepping Wistaria for market was a sprint. The sellers interviewed agents in late July and chose me to represent them within a few days. With Back To School looming, we had two choices: list by early/mid August, or wait until after Labor Day. Listing by August 9 was..aspirational?
Porch Perfect in Piedmont: Congratulations Tessa & Dave!
Can you even picture a cuter porch scene?! I cannot. Wishing Tessa and Dave a MASSIVE congratulations on the purchase of their first home, just blocks away from where they’ve been living! And what a home it is 😍 They skipped the starter house and landed a home they can settle into for the next 20+ years. When we first toured, it was clearly love at first sight.
Off-Market Success: Finally Home in Foster Powell!
Look at these two, looking the cutest on key day! It’s been a journey. We started looking at homes in fall 2022. In November 2023, we had an offer accepted on a very, very different type of property. Thankfully, we dodged a bullet and terminated. Terminating a transaction can feel like taking a giant step back. Instead, I encourage my clients to view it as a massive learning experience. We often get REAL CLEAR on what we do/don’t want after these experiences.
Closed: From City to Lake Life!
Congratulations to Amy, Steve, Ella, Taz, and of course Lucky! They just concluded a real estate marathon, which began in February 2023 with our first text. [For context – I’ve known this incredible family for 13+ years. I took over Taz’s kinder class during maternity leave, and Ella looped with me for 4th and 5th grade.] The race was grueling, but they kept their eye on the prize.
Just Listed! Spacious, Bright & Views from the Ridge!
Charm, character, and location boxes are all checked at this classic foursquare on Alameda ridge. Oversized windows bathe living spaces in sunlight and make for views from nearly every room. This welcoming home offers a relaxing backdrop for modern living, with open yet distinct spaces and tall ceilings that give a hint of grandeur. Well-appointed kitchen with stainless steel appliances, gas range, pantry, and wood cabinets offering ample storage, plus convenient half bath of kitchen.
Just Listed! Damascus Creature Comforts
Enjoy the simple life with all the creature comforts at this idyllic Damascus property. With sweeping sunset views and nearly 5 acres all to yourself, privacy and tranquility can be yours on the daily. This grand home features 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, offering you all the space for relaxing, entertaining, working remotely, and all of your creative or homesteading pursuits. The efficient layout of this home offers a logical flow between distinct living spaces.
Just Listed: Portland At Your Fingertips!
$550,000 (Active) 3 Bed Bath 1779 sqft. Portland, 97214 Built in 1999 1779 sqft $309.16/sqft County: Multnomah City living at its finest in the heart of SE! Welcome to this livable corner unit at the Belmont Dairy Rowhouses, one of the first historic infill projects in inner Portland. This established community resides along a peaceful promenade just moments from the best of Belmont in the Sunnyside Neighborhood.
Sweet, Simple Success...SOLD in Sabin!
Blog 2024 Real Estate Sweet, Simple Success...SOLD in Sabin! $650,000 (Sold) 3 Bed Bath Portland, 97212 Built in 1947 County: Multnomah Congratulations to Kayla on the sale of her cute-as-a-button bungalow in Sabin! This sale was a complete success. The perfect storyline. Kayla was a dream client from the start. When we first met, I gave my recommendations for prepping the house for sale, and we discussed her options.
Just Listed: Dreamy Woodstock Ranch | 5515 SE 52nd Ave
$649,000 (Active) 3 Bed Bath Portland, 97206 Built in 1949 County: Multnomah Income-producing, multi-generational, updated systems, oh my! This Woodstock ranch understood the assignment. Enjoy the full extent of all this home has to offer OR score a huge house hack win by renting out one level and living in the other. The upstairs will make every purist’s heart go pitter patter with its original hardwoods, doors, and formica accents.
Just Listed: Overlook: The Quintessential Craftsman | 3803 N Massachusetts Ave
$749,900 (Active) 3 Bed Bath Portland, 97227 Built in 1910 County: Multnomah Looking to live the Portland dream? Quintessential craftsman, tight-knit neighborhood pride, lovingly updated but not stripped of its charm, with hardwoods and porches and location to boot? Meet Massachusetts! Everything about this home feels right. Soft earthy colors, big picture windows, and open but defined spaces give “home sweet home” vibes.
Just Listed: The Sabin Solution | 4035 NE 17th Ave
$650,000 (Active) 3 Bed Bath Portland, 97212 Built in 1947 County: Multnomah Introducing the Sabin Solution: the answer to your real estate equation. Dream location + quintessential charm + flexible layout = one smart move. Open living on the main, with gas fireplace, custom shelving, and newly refinished hardwoods.
Reflecting on 2023 // Gratitude for Community
Blog 2023 Real Estate Reflecting on 2023 // Gratitude for Community Reflecting on 2023, I had many wins, some losses, and continued growth. Thanks to my amazing community, I was able to help 29 clients into or out of homes this year. In a sluggish market with tough affordability, my buyers paid on average 1% less than list price and received $5,432 in seller credit, and my sellers received an average of 101% of their list price (the market average was 97%). What do I mean, thanks to my community?
The Power of the Pause // Closed in NE!
I am so freaking PROUD of these first-time homebuyers!!! Mollie and Troy found me on the interwebs and we began working together last spring. We saw a slew of homes, but Mollie & Troy were *underwhelmed* by the selection within their budget. They decided to hit the pause button for a year and committed to saving up more money before jumping back in. Like clockwork, Mollie and Troy hit the ground running in 2024. We met on January 9th.
CLOSED & Closer to the Love!
Nothing like a smooth transaction with a delightful client to kick off 2024! (I’ll be manifesting these the rest of the year.) Ellen is the mother of some very special past clients of mine. She was ready to make some big life adjustments to be, in her words, “closer to the love.” Relocating from Redmond to PDX would mean spending a lot more time with her son, his family, and her brother- and sister-in-law.
Reflect, Regroup, Reward! Sold in Foster Powell!
Ben + Tjorven finally got their keys! Relocating from Corvallis, B+T came to me through friends of my past clients. I was VERY excited to see their 207 area codes (nothing better than meeting fellow Mainers on the west coast!) After lots of weekend trips to Portland, they made an offer on a house in July. Unfortunately, inspections turned up a bit more than they had bargained for. They had to listen to their gut and let go.
New York’s hottest fireman just got hotter #RomanticSuspense #KindleUnlimited #OliviaRush
New York’s hottest fireman just got hotter. As a top journalist, I’ll do anything for a story. The hotter the story, the better. And hot’s just what I get when Stone Black from the Fire Station 128 came into my life. Love wasn't part of the plan, but those gorgeous green eyes and a hose big enough to put out my fire won me over. I try to keep it physical, my career allowing no time for romance, but I soon learn there’s more than meets the eye with Stone.
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