Return on Investment for Sellers

Clients often ask me which home renovations, remodels and improvements will add the most value to their home when it comes time to sell. More accurately, the question is: which projects will Read more

February 17, 2010 · Filed Under Investment, Portland Data, Portland Real Estate Market Data

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November Stats

There has been a lot of talk regarding reports from the National Association of Realtors and others regarding the record price gains throughout the United States during the last seven months and this month especially.  Read more

November 30, 2009 · Filed Under Portland Data, Portland Real Estate Market Data

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Forest Park and the Leif Erikson Trail

Leif Erikson Trail

Leif Erikson Trail

At the end of NW Thurman is the entrance to the Leif Erikson trail in Forest Park.  As a frequent user of the park, I have had the pleasure to experience many of the trails in the park and admit that this is my favorite trail.  Some people disagree because of the relative ease of the trail and the frequent traffic.  I admit that on weekends, there are hundreds of walkers, runners, hikers, and cyclists that use this particular trail.  However, its size allows the user to not feel crowded, and I enjoy the easy access.  In fact, there is no other place where I can have the feeling of seclusion so quickly.  On any weekday afternoon I can skip lunch and quickly feel as if I’m running in the middle of nowhere.  The length of the trail is a bonus as well.  If you are training for that run, you have 11+ miles on the trail to explore, and each quarter mile is plainly marked so you can keep track of your progress and splits.  It couldn’t be any better.

Portland Parks and Recreation has a great site with maps and information regarding the park and trail as well as The Forest Park Conservancy.  Check out these sites when you have a chance.

If you are looking for Real Estate near Forest Park then click on the link and “Sign Up for Listings” to be sent to you for homes that fit your criteria.

September 16, 2009 · Filed Under Neighborhoods, Portland Data, Portland Real Estate Listings, Uncategorized

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Cold December Stats in Portland, OR


Folks, it is a wonderful time to buy a home. Whether it is your first home, second home, or even an investment property, you will rarely find a market better than our current market. Interest rates are in the 5% range for 30-yr fixed loans, prices have dropped, and there are a lot of homes on the market.

According to RMLS, we have 14.1 months of inventory at our current rate of sales, and sales have fallen by over 30% from December 2007 to December 2008. This means that sellers must be very competitive in their pricing, and the condition of the home must be ideal. I see many sellers that have homes sitting on the market because they aren’t prepared to price competitively or make changes to the condition of their home. So in a sense, the inventory number of 14.1 is misleading because some of these homes just aren’t in the game. We have an interesting dilemma from my perspective. Buyers have a fantastic position in the market, but are tentative because of the current economic situation. Sellers want to sell, but some can’t adjust prices because they might end up losing any equity that they have in their home. The best way to sell is to get your home in great condition, and price it near or below comparable properties. It simply has to be the most enticing home on the block!

As of right now, only West Portland has seen an increase in home prices (1.9%) from the last 12 months compared to the previous 12 months (December 2006 to 2007), and I am confident that will disappear next month. So what do we do? Well… if you sell high, you are going to buy high. Conversely, if you sell low, you are going to buy low. There are still plenty of opportunities and strategies to do well in this market, give me a call if you want to look at your unique situation. Have a good month!

January 24, 2009 · Filed Under Portland Data, Portland Real Estate Market Data

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Rights and Responsibilities of Portland, Oregon Homeowners

This last week we have had some difficult weather here in Portland, Or.  It’s pretty well-known that we have a lot of Read more

December 29, 2008 · Filed Under Clients, Neighborhoods, Portland Data

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Take Care of Your Trees

My Tree Issue in SE Portland

Last week I hired a Tree service to come to my home to give me an estimate for trimming back some trees.  The Read more

October 22, 2008 · Filed Under Neighborhoods, Portland Data

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www.walkscore.com

 An interesting new website that I have been using a lot lately is www.walkscore.com.  Walkscore is a website that you can Read more

June 20, 2008 · Filed Under Neighborhoods, Portland Data, Restaurants

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Frigid January Stats…Hot for Buyers

RMLS posted its newest stats on Friday and they were definitely different from the rest of the Fall and Winter.  We tend to see a natural slowing of the market because of the Winter and the Holidays, but we have seen a significant drop Read more

February 20, 2008 · Filed Under Portland Data, Portland Real Estate Market Data

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Portland Overview

While my blog will contain a variety of current events, photos on architectural styles, neighborhood info and photos, and more specific data about more focused topics related to Real Estate in Portland, I don’t think it is possible to beat this great overview of Portland on Wikipedia.  Spend a few minutes or a few hours, it’s easy.  When you have had your fill, take a look at www.portland-listings.com for current homes listed in those areas.  Both are great resources!

January 30, 2008 · Filed Under Home Styles, Neighborhoods, Portland Data, Portland History

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