3731 SE Filbert Ave: 7 Offers & $26K Over in Milwaukie
When we listed 3731 SE Filbert Ave in Milwaukie, Oregon, our strategy was simple but effective: price smart, market beautifully, and create buyer competition. The result? Seven offers in under a week and a final sale price of $425,000 — that’s $26,000 over the asking price of $399,000.
The Home: Vintage Charm Meets Big Lot Potential
This 1947 ranch-style home — what we like to call a ranchalow — is 1,162 square feet with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and sits on a generous .35-acre lot. The property also features a large two-car garage/shop and original kitchen cabinetry that gave it plenty of character and room for a buyer’s vision.
For buyers in the Milwaukie real estate market, lot size and functionality can outweigh square footage. We knew highlighting those features would be the key to drawing interest.
Getting Market Ready After a Long-Term Tenant
This home had been a long-time rental, which often means more wear and tear than a typical owner-occupied property. Rather than overhauling everything, we focused on smart, cost-effective prep:
A deep clean and a yard spruce-up to immediately boost curb appeal.
Minor repairs and touch-ups that gave the home a cared-for look without heavy renovation costs.
Positioning the home honestly — marketing its strengths like the oversized lot, garage/shop, and vintage kitchen charm — while leaving space for buyers to imagine their own updates.
This approach struck the right balance: buyers saw both value and potential, which fueled competition and ultimately led to seven strong offers.
Selling From Afar: Supporting Overseas Sellers
An added layer to this sale? The sellers were living overseas in a completely different time zone throughout the entire process. From listing prep to negotiations and closing, communication had to be clear, timely, and reliable.
We handled the logistics — from coordinating vendors to managing offers, and ensured the sellers always felt informed and confident, despite the distance. This experience demonstrates that with the right systems in place, selling from afar can be just as smooth as selling locally.
The Strategy That Worked
Pricing to Spark Competition
Instead of chasing the highest possible list price, we launched at $399,000 to attract a wide pool of buyers. That decision paid off: within days, showings filled up and interest snowballed.Marketing That Showed the Story
Professional photography and a 3D tour showcased the home’s best features.
Our listing copy emphasized the large lot, garage/shop, and original charm — setting it apart from other homes nearby.
We leveraged MLS, social media, and targeted outreach to maximize exposure.
Creating Urgency
We marketed with clear callouts and held open houses that encouraged buyers to act quickly. By setting expectations early, we funneled interest into a competitive offer environment.
The Results
7 offers
Final sale price: $425,000
Sold for 6.5% over asking
5 days on market
Why It Matters for Milwaukie Sellers
The sale of 3731 SE Filbert Ave highlights an important truth about the current Portland Metro and Milwaukie housing market: buyers are still willing to compete for well-priced, well-marketed homes. Even with shifting mortgage rates, demand remains strong for properties with character, lot size, or unique potential.
For sellers — especially those with a rental property — the key takeaway is that you don’t need to fully remodel to sell well. With the right guidance, strategic preparation and smart marketing can turn a tenant-worn home into a competitive listing.
Thinking About Selling Your Home?
Whether you’re preparing to sell a rental property, a longtime family home, or a place you’ve outgrown, the right strategy makes all the difference. With over 10 years of experience in Oregon real estate and 5 years in Clark County, WA, I help sellers highlight what makes their home special, attract strong buyers, and close with confidence.
Contact me today to talk about your goals and next steps.