Repost from a few years ago.

3. Casey in Alameda

Where are we: Alameda (NE Beech St and 12th St) Name: Casey Profession: Pre-School Teacher (for about 10 years) Is also in some bands. Age: 35 Nationality / Origin: Grew up in Portland. Dad from Portland. Grandpa from Iowa. Some cousins in Vancouver, BC.

Favorite spot in Portland: I love driving across the Freemont Bridge because it’s really high up and has a nice view of Portland. I’m in some bands and have to go over it a lot to our practice space. That’s a common one that I do weekly and every time it’s like wow, it’s always so beautiful.

The Willamette River is always really fun. It’s really powerful.  I feel like I always get a sense of history and it almost forces me to see into the past. It’s hard to avoid the deep connection with place along the river.

Least favorite thing about Portland: Feeling pushed out of the city because of the affordability. Every year it’s a struggle to keep living here. Harder…It’s hard because it is an issue of desirability.  It’s a beautiful place and has a lot going for it. But there is an influx of people and the housing market is out of control. At least for me. Like I said, I’m a pre-school teacher. We don’t make a lot of money.

What does success look like? Being Happy and feeling it.

Did you have a different sense of success growing up? Yeah I thought it had more to do with status and money, the common views of success.

Best piece of advice? Use one side of the towel for your head and the other side for your butt.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given? First thing that comes up is this funny time when I was probably in 6th grade. I was using the shower in my mom’s master bedroom for whatever reason. And she noticed I was only using one towel. And she was like, “You’re only using one towel? That’s gross! I use one for my head and one for my body. That’s crazy.” But since then, I’ve always used one side of the towel for my head and the other side for my butt.

Next stop

4 (&5). Rex and Angus in Arbor Lodge

As we turned onto Greenwich looking for a good shot or backdrop, we saw Rex and little Angus out on their lawn. There was a sweetness to the moment, I parked the car and introduced myself and the project. They were instantly game and while setting up, we met several neighbors, his wife, one of their twin new borns, and two dogs. There was a genuine neighborly vibe of friendship on this street, it was nice to be around it.

We interviewed Rex first and then took some photos. Two and a half year old son, Angus, also answered some of our questions.

Where are we: Greenwich Street in the Arbor Lodge Neighborhood Name: Rex and son Angus Profession: Res: Real Estate Agent Angus: Play (his words) Age: 48 / 2 and a half Nationality / Origin: Scottish, Irish

What does success look like to you? Rex: Being able to take good care of your family so you have some control of your time and you know your needs are going to be met. Financial freedom, but control over your time because of it. Angus: Play with my toys, put them away and go to bed.

Favorite thing about Portland / favorite place to go in Portland  I got a tooth for daddy / I go somewhere

Best piece of advice? Buy real estate, it will make you rich.

Did you have a different sense of success since growing up? Well, you know, I graduated in the 80s and sometimes people at that time would talk about the “me” generation. And you don’t hear that so much anymore. But I also think the economy has changed too. And the projections that I had at that time- were things were going to be like this, (gestures with his hand held high.) And things turn out differently than you expect them to.

What does “this” mean? What was your wildest dream? Well I was an architect before I got into real estate. And you have certain expectations of greatness. Me: like greatness meaning being on the cover of Architectural Digest? Rex: yeah. And to be honest, I’m very happy with the success that I enjoy. You know, I can provide well for my family, I’ve actually owned a real estate branch office in the building, we have a beach house, you know, we do okay. Laughs. But, the flip side of this, and this is something I’m working on actually, I’ve closed down my business. And focussing working with buyers and sellers because I want to have more control over my time. And I’ve actually started working with a new company and there is a team lead coach who is is going to help whip me into shape. So I can focus and manage my time better and spend more time with the three littles in the family. (In addition to 2 and a half year old Angus, they just had twins)

Profession: Angus: Play,  Rex: Real Estate Agent

Favorite thing about Portland and favorite place to go in Portland: Rex: The People / Anywhere outside Angus: I got a tooth for daddy / I go somewhere

Least favorite thing about Portland: Not enough lakes. Traffic.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given? Buy real estate, it will make you rich. I truly believe that. You know having a job will earn you a living, but buying real estate will earn you wealth. I tell every young person I meet, well I tell my clients of course, but I tell every young person, even when they panic, oh I can’t afford it… it’s okay, when you can, start setting aside some money. Rent is more expensive than buying a house with a mortgage these days. Which is crazy. So, it may sound a little cliché, especially because I’m a realtor, but I totally believe it and it makes me, really excited to work with people to help them that with that. I just gave someone keys to their first home today. They are two young doctors and I told them the same thing. They both have great incomes, I said, your incomes will earn you a great living, but you know your home will earn you wealth. Give it 10 years and it will double in value.

Angus: Cut a tree. (to be fair, he was stuck on a story about a branch that got cut down that he was heavily involved in. I don’t think he’s suggesting to cut down all the trees.)

Check out Rex’s site PortlandRealtyTeam.com

See more of my work at katarinakojic.com