Sarah Mayer Properties

Exclusive Realtor Info: September Portland Market Action

2011-12-13T15:11:00.000-08:00

SEPTEMBER RESIDENTIAL HIGHLIGHTS:
Sales activity in the Portland

Metro area showed improvements in closed and pending sales this September compared with September 2010, and the inventory level remained much lower than the same month in 2010. Closed sales grew 13.4% in September 2011 compared to September 2010. Pending sales were also up 17.5%, and new listings dropped 29.5%. Comparing the previous month of August 2011 with September 2011, closed sales decreased from 1,805 to 1,586 (-12.1%). Pending sales also went down from 2,187 to 1,861 (-14.9%). New listings fell from 2,879 to 2,501 (-13.1%). At the month’s rate of sales, the 10,666 active residential listings would last about 6.7 months.

Sale Prices

Average sale price for September 2011 declined 4.2% compared to September 2010. Median sale price also fell 3.8%. See residential highlights table below. Month to month, comparing August 2011 to September 2011, sale price activity was mixed. Average sale price went down from $271,800 to $268,200 (-1.3%) while median sale price increased from $225,000 to $230,800 (2.6%).

Third Quarter Report

Comparing the third quarter of 2010 with that of 2011, sales activity was up. Closed sales jumped up by 21.5% (4,340 v. 5,275), while pending sales also increased by 21.6% (4,725 v. 5,747). New listings fell 27.6% (11,582 v. 8,380). In the same quarterly comparison, average sale price fell 6.9%, while median sale price dropped 7.5%.

If you would like to get an electronic copy of this report, send me an email.

Information courtesy of RMLS.

Fantastic Home in Happy Valley

2011-12-13T15:07:00.000-08:00

National Monthly Sales Info: September

2011-10-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

Sales rose for the third straight month in September, this is especially typical of the Portland Metro market trends. Average price dropped compared to this time last year. Nearly 30% of sales nationally were "distressed" homes typically sold at a discount. Affordability is at an all time high, with rates hanging at all time lows. Contract failures have stymied a market that should be booming with opportunity. The main culprits are failures in loan underwriting, job loss, undervalued appraisals and property condition issues (consistent with distressed sales).

Click here to read the rest of the article by Inman News, data compliments of the National Association of Realtors.

Just Sold! Downtown Hillsboro Ranch $81,300

2011-10-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

Best Day to List Your Home?

2011-10-20T09:02:00.000-07:00

According to Seattle based Redfin, Friday is the best day to list your home for sale. The main theory behind the finding is that most home buyers tour homes over the weekend and newly listed homes will remain in the forefront of their mind heading into the tour. Homes listed on Sunday and Monday are the least likely to be shown.

Read the full article here.

America's Best Downtowns: YAY Portland

2011-10-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

Portland gets the first nod on Forbes "Best Downtown" list. Voodoo Donuts, Powells and the food cart nation get a mention.

Read the rest of the article here.

Unlocking Doors...

2011-10-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

Top Comeback Cities: Portland on the List

2011-10-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

Unemployment rate today: 10.0%

Forecast job growth for 2011: 3.4%

The Portland area is seeing significant growth in the software industry and in clean technology -- energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and batteries and wind power. Vestas, a high-tech producer of wind power systems, recently moved its North American headquarters to Portland. Vestas brought over 400 employees with it, but will also create an additional 200 jobs. ReVolt Technology, a European firm focusing on renewable battery technology, is setting up its headquarters in Portland, bringing 150 jobs to the city.

Plus the Portland Development Commission has awarded approximately $4.4 million in loans and grants to businesses, with the aim of retaining or creating about 1,000 jobs. Portland lost more than 9% of its jobs during the recession. Look for employment growth of about 3.4% this year.

Read more

Just Sold-St Johns Charmer! $175,000

2011-09-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

5 bright spots in real estate recession

2011-09-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

5 bright spots in real estate recession

Price Reduced Over $20,000! Create your own mini farm or ??

2011-09-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

St Johns Charmer Just Listed $175,000!

2011-09-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

7216 N Ivanhoe Portland, OR

Foreclosures Now Take 20 Months

2011-09-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

The average home entering the foreclosure process today won’t house new owners until the next president has been inaugurated and in office for three months.

New data from LPS shows that payments have not been made on the average loan in foreclosure in a record 599 days, or 20 months. Of the nearly 1.9 million loans that are 90 or more days delinquent but not yet in foreclosure, 42 percent have not made a payment in more than a year with an average delinquency of 397 days—also a new record.

Read the rest of this article here.

Open the Door to Homeownership

2011-09-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

Income Limits Up!

2011-07-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Oregon bond and USDA income limits have been increased. More people can qualify for these awesome programs. Remember these can be used together!

Let me know if you would like more information or need help getting pre-qualified for a home loan.

Price Reduced $11,000!

2011-07-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 7/17 @ 1-4

2011-07-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

Ready to Jump?

2011-07-14T15:47:00.001-07:00

Stay Cool AND Save Money

2011-07-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

Summer sunshine? Yeah! Hot, stuffy home? Yuck! We have some terrific ways to keep comfortable in hot weather, while keeping air-conditioning bills under control.

Read more here.

New Listing: Gorgeous Property in Canby

2011-06-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

Relocating?

2011-06-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

Stumptown Expands

2011-06-02T13:07:00.000-07:00

Stumptown Expands with the Help of Investor

Favorite Quote: Getting some money to grow your business is not evil.

Across the Nation...

2011-06-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

Home. I'll help you find it!

2011-05-05T16:36:00.000-07:00

New Listing @ The Round

2011-04-28T21:25:00.001-07:00

Neighborhood by the Numbers

2011-04-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite annual articles from Portland Monthly Magazine. A comprehensive guide to the 95 Portland Neighborhoods and 25 Suburban Neighborhoods.

Neighborhood by the Numbers

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements

2011-03-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

(1) Properly functioning carbon monoxide alarms shall be required when:

(a) A person conveys fee title to a one and two family dwelling or multifamily housing containing a carbon monoxide source on or after April 1, 2011; or
(b) A person transfers possession under a land sale contract of a one and two family dwelling or multifamily housing containing a carbon monoxide source on or after April 1, 2011; or
(c) A person transfers ownership of a manufactured dwelling containing a carbon monoxide source on or after April 1, 2011; or
(d) A landlord enters into a rental agreement for a dwelling unit containing a carbon monoxide source on or after July 1, 2010.

Just Sold $168,000 - 9040 SW 36th

2011-03-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

Just Listed-9040 SW 36th

2011-02-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

First Time Buyer "Starter Home" Survey

2011-02-08T10:52:00.000-08:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J. (Feb. 8, 2011) – The term “starter home” seemingly refers to an entry-level property – one that is affordable yet needs “tender love and care.” But amidst the many homes available in today’s market, current first-time buyers want places with a little less “room for improvement.” In a survey of 300 consumers who purchased their first home in the last year, 87 percent said finding a move-in ready home is important to them.

This survey from Coldwell Banker Real Estate explored what was most important to new buyers to provide insight for those looking to buy or sell in 2011. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), first-time home buyers accounted for half of the market in 2010.

What Surprised First-Time Home Buyers
Several consumers experienced unexpected benefits after buying their first home:

67 percent said the market afforded them the opportunity to buy a home sooner than expected
Half said they found a home in a more desirable neighborhood than expected
61 percent were able to get the home at a better price than expected
40 percent got more space than expected
43 percent locked in a lower interest rate than expected

“There’s a real ‘a-ha’ moment for sellers revealed by this survey that the condition and quality of their home matters a great deal to first-time homebuyers,” said Diann Patton, consumer real estate specialist, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “On top of that, our agents have reported that on average, first-time home buyers now look at more than 11 homes before making decisions which is higher than in the past. They can be choosy about what appeals to them and are recognizing the benefits of the low prices and wide selection of homes in many areas.”

What They Want
In addition to move-in conditions, first-time buyer results revealed the old adage “location, location, location” still holds true:

78 percent of respondents said the home had to be in an area convenient to shops and services
Three-quarters of buyers said it was important to be close to their place of work
Nearly two-thirds said it was important to be near “highly-rated” schools

Survey Methodology
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC conducted an online survey of 300 first-time home buyers in the United States (people who purchased their first home within the last year) on their experiences and perceptions of the home buying process.

Price Reduced $25,000!!

2011-02-01T07:11:00.001-08:00

RMLS Portland Market Action

2011-01-13T19:51:00.000-08:00

November Residential Highlights
The Portland Metro area market continued to show decreases in activity in November. However, while closed sales were the lowest since February of this year, they decreased by only 1% from the previous month. Pending sales were also higher than November of the past two years.

Closed sales were down 28.7% compared to November 2009, but pending sales were up 7.4%. New listings dipped down 1%. Comparing the previous month of October 2010 with November 2010 shows closed sales decreased from 1,292 to 1,279 (-1%). Additionally, pending sales fell from 1,632 to 1,426 (-12.6%), and new listings dropped from 3,119 to 2,437 (-20.7%). At the month’s rate of sales, the 13,103 active residential listings would last approximately 10.2 months. Inventory in November is the lowest it has been since June of this year.

Year-to-Date
When comparing January- November 2010 with the same period in 2009, closed sales increased 0.2%. Pending sales were 2.6% lower, but new listings were up 3.7%. See residential highlights table below.

Sale Prices
The average sale price for November 2010 declined 0.5% compared to November 2009. The median sale price also fell 2.5%. On a month-to-month basis, comparing October 2010 to November 2010, the average sale price went down from $276,800 to $271,900 (-1.8%) and the median sale price also dropped from $233,500 to $233,000 (-0.2%). This marks the third straight month average sale prices have fallen.

Full Report

Five Biggest Myths About Your Credit Score

2011-01-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

MoneyWatch's Jill Schlesinger asked John Ulzheimer, president of consumer education for credit.com to name the most common misunderstandings -- and to tell us what will really hurt (or help) your score.
1. Paying Bills on Time Will Improve My Score
"That's definitely a good start," says Ulzheimer. "But it's not the key to the kingdom." With FICO scores typically ranging from 350 to 850, 35% of the points on your score are directly tied to whether you're making your payments on time, says Ulzheimer. That leaves 65% of your score that has nothing to do with missed payments. "You cannot hang your hat on whether or not you are just making your payments on time, and assume you have fantastic credit," he says.
2. Carrying a Balance Is Good
"I'm quite sure the credit card industry started that [rumor]," Ulzheimer says with a chuckle. Although carrying balances will cost you in interest and financing charges, from a credit score perspective, there's nothing wrong with carrying a balance on your credit card. But very large balances will affect your "creditization" -- the percentage of your credit limit that you're carrying as a balance. Maxing out your credit cards will hurt your score. What you really want is a relatively low balance -- never more than 15 percent of your overall limit.

3. HR Can See My Credit Score
Although a lot of people treat them as though they are interchangeable, credit reports and credit scores are two completely different things. Employers in most states can look up your credit report as part of a pre-employment screening (and during your term of employment) -- but they do not have access to your credit score.
Who can see your score? Any lender, insurance company, landlord, or utility provider can buy your score from one of the three accredited credit report agencies. They use that score to determine the amount of risk they're taking in doing business with you -- then use it to grant or deny you, and to set the terms.

4. Foreclosures and Bankruptcies Stain Your Score for 7 Years
This one is partly true: Whether you face a short sale, a foreclosure or bankruptcy proceedings, you'll have that black mark on your credit report for at least seven years. (A bankruptcy will actually be on there for 10.) But your credit score does improve as that item gets older; you just need patience and good behavior. And as a matter of fact, you can have a very solid credit score in three or four years. Just don't fall back into the same bad habits.
5. Short Sales Are Better than Foreclosures
The assumption is that a short sale is actually better for your credit score than a foreclosure, but in reality, they have the same effect. It's certainly better for the neighborhood than a foreclosure would be -- someone is keeping the house clean, mowing the lawn, not ripping copper piping out of the wall -- but from a credit-score perspective, there is no difference.

I hope you've found this helpful. Please let me know if I can help you or someone you know struggling with unsecured debt. It's a great New Years resolution...

A Little Piece of Living History: Bungalows

2011-01-05T10:12:00.001-08:00

As Kevin Flaherty drove down Bradford Street in Glen Rock, N.J., one day in 1994, he spotted a homeowner sticking a "For Sale" sign in the lawn. He pulled over immediately, and pretty soon, he and his wife, Cathy, were the proud owners of a 1913 bungalow with a handsome front porch overlooking the leafy street.
"I love the look of the house," Flaherty said. "It's really quaint."

Built across America between 1900 and 1930 for middle-class homeowners, bungalows have a warmth and coziness that still hold appeal a century later. These buildings — often only 11/2 stories — have a horizontal, close-to-the-ground profile, with overhanging roofs and wide front porches on solid piers.
The bungalow style can be traced back to the Bengal region of India, where bangalas — one-story buildings with thatched roofs — were adapted by the British. The bungalow's simple style and emphasis on fine workmanship — as well as its use of wood, stone and other natural materials — made it a favorite with the Arts and Crafts movement, which began in Great Britain as a reaction to the Industrial Revolution.

Bungalows spread rapidly in the U.S. after 1900 as more households bought cars and early suburbs sprouted around the nation. The style was popularized in America by Craftsman magazine, published from 1901 to 1916 by designer and furniture maker Gustav Stickley, whose own house, Craftsman Farms in Parsippany, N.J., has been preserved as a museum. Bungalows' interiors are full of details like fireplaces, window seats, wood trim and pocket doors.
"The original bungalow may have been a reaction to the industrial age and its dehumanization," said John Brinkmann, founder and publisher of the quarterly American Bungalow magazine, which is based in California. "We have a similar situation going on today, with the electronic age. We yearn to return to something that feels like home."

Read the whole article here.

HUD extends FHA Condo Approvals

2011-01-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

FHA announces extension of condominium project approvals with an expiration date of December 7, 2010. Provided below are the extension dates based on five-year time frames with the exception of those condominium projects with original approval dates from 1972 -1985.

Initial Project Approval Dates Current Expiration Date New Expiration Date
1972 – 1980 December 7, 2010 December 31, 2010
1981 – 1985 December 7, 2010 December 31, 2010
1986 – 1990 December 7, 2010 May 31, 2011
1991 – 1995 December 7, 2010 July 31, 2011
1996 – 2000 December 7, 2010 August 31, 2011
2001 – 2005 December 7, 2010 September 30, 2011
2006 – 2008 (Sept) December 7, 2010 March 31, 2011
The extensions were granted to reduce the impact of processing and reviewing the number of project approvals expiring at the same time while recognizing current housing market conditions. Lenders and/or other interested parties are encouraged to begin the re-approval or recertification process as early as possible as it is not anticipated that any further extensions of project approvals will be issued.

The Condominium look-up page and the FHA Connection databases were updated on December 7, 2010 and now reflect the extended expiration dates. The links to the sites are:

Condominium look-up page: https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condlook.cfm

Credit & ID Protection Tips

2010-12-13T09:22:00.000-08:00

Wallet & Identity

Keep your valuable close to your person, thieves strike when shoppers are distracted by sales & shiny objects
Use only familiar websites and be sure to avoid Phishing scams
Look for the secure lock (SSL) Secure Sockets Layer
Use Pay Pal verses your personal credit card
Update and strengthen your passwords
Privatize your Wi-fi
Top Scams to watch out for this holiday season

Bogus Charitable Donations

Fake or Free Gift Cards
Scam Shopping Sites
Free I-pad

Cheat Sheet for Holiday Tipping

2010-12-10T12:10:00.000-08:00

RISMEDIA, December 10, 2010—How much should you plan to tip your housecleaner, child-care provider or hairdresser this holiday season? The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted a nationally representative survey earlier this year—when memories of holiday tips were fresh—to find out.

Despite the recession, respondents who did tip spent at about the same rate as in years past. The highest median tip was $35, for the category of cleaning people, with a few service providers receiving thank-yous as high as $500. If you plan on offering gifts of thanks this holiday season, take these tips from Consumer Reports:

• Give cash equal to the value of one session or a week's wage to self-employed or lower-wage earners.

• Gift cards can be useful for tipping mail carriers. They aren't supposed to accept cash, but can accept gift cards valued at $20 or less that can't be exchanged for cash. Otherwise, you might want to avoid gift cards because of their fees.

• Be sure that food gifts won't trigger an allergic reaction or violate dietary restrictions.

• If you're keeping to a tight budget and can't afford to tip this year, consider writing a heartfelt note of thanks instead.

7 in 10 Americans Optimistic About the Future of Household Finances

2010-12-10T11:20:00.000-08:00

Despite the economy's sluggish recovery, a new national survey from Weber Shandwick with KRC Research found that nearly seven in 10 Americans (69 percent) have an optimistic outlook about their household finances for the next two years. Nearly one quarter (23 percent) are very optimistic.
Since the downturn two years ago, the vast majority of Americans (81 percent) say they are more responsible with their household's money today than two years ago, with nearly half (46 percent) considering themselves much more responsible. Many indicated they've changed their financial habits, including buying items on sale (80 percent), becoming more concerned about saving money (78 percent) and learning how to budget better (68 percent). In fact, Americans say they are more likely today to be "saving as much as possible" than before the financial downturn (42 percent vs. 33 percent, respectively).
Moreover, six in 10 report they are likely to continue the savings and spending patterns they started when the downturn began as soon as the economy recovers.

Women, on average, are more optimistic than men about their household financial future over the next two years (72 percent vs. 65 percent, respectively), more likely than men to have turned to family for help managing their finances over the past two years (59 percent vs. 50 percent), and more likely than men to feel in more control of their household's financial destiny today compared to two years ago (35 percent vs. 27 percent).
Few Americans relied on the help of an expert over the last two years. The survey found that a small segment leaned more than usual on financial advisors (19 percent) or their banks (17 percent) to help manage their household budget or finances.
"On the second anniversary of the financial collapse, Americans have a mostly positive outlook on their financial futures although many report not feeling in control just yet. Interestingly, few have turned to professional resources for help. This begs the question of what can be done differently by financial institutions, advisors and others to effectively promote the resources available to empower Americans," said Barbara Iverson, president of Weber Shandwick's Financial Services practice group.
Financial services organizations should consider how they can turn their customers' optimism into empowerment by helping them budget better and making financial advisors more available to answer questions. Engaging customers online may be one area for the financial industry to further explore. While only 17 percent of Americans in the survey reported using social media during the past two years to obtain information on managing their finances, the nationwide trend of social media usage is rising exponentially.
"Done well, a social media presence puts a face on an organization and helps engender trust, confidence and a sense of community," Iverson said. "Building a strong following on networks such as Facebook and Twitter can also help financial services organizations address customer dissatisfaction and mistrust. In our survey, nine percent of Americans posted or tweeted comments or complaints about their finances online. While these 'badvocates' represent a small group, their potential to cause damage to their financial institutions could be considerable."

RISMEDIA

Green Buildings May Make Employees Feel Better

2010-12-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

Is where you work making you sick? A new study finds that employees who move from buildings with poor indoor environmental quality to more healthful "green" buildings may reap some benefits, including less absenteeism and higher productivity.
The green building movement isn't just concerned with constructing buildings that are more energy efficient and environmentally responsible — they're supposed to improve indoor surroundings as well, making it more healthful and pleasant for those who work there, via lighting, ventilation, acoustics and ergonomic design.

Researchers from Michigan State University did two case studies evaluating the physical and mental health status of people who moved from traditional to green office buildings. One scenario involved 56 people and the other 207, and employees were asked through surveys about absenteeism from work in both types of buildings for asthma, allergies, depression and stress-related conditions. They were also asked about productivity in the two settings.
Both green buildings received high ratings from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a green building certification organization.
Being absent from work for asthma, allergies, depression and stress decreased following the move into the green buildings; for example, hours absent from work due to asthma and allergies was on average 1.12 per month in conventional buildings and 0.49 in green buildings. The average number of work hours affected by illness per month also declined after the move. Productivity improved.
Using the numbers, researchers estimated that better health and higher productivity could translate into more work hours per year.
Researchers plan to do additional research at other sites as well as follow these employees to assess changes in health and productivity and to make sure that the results aren't due to the Hawthorne effect, a phenomenon in which people change the behavior that's being evaluated because they know they're being studied.
The study appears in the September issue of the American Journal of Public Health.
(c) 2010, Los Angeles Times.

October Newsletter

2010-11-13T14:29:00.000-08:00

Click here to read my October newsletter.

Preparing for Cooler Weather

2010-11-13T14:11:00.000-08:00

This year has certainly flown by, and now, with the fall in full swing, it’s a great time to start prepping your home before winter strikes. From water leaks to the chimney, it’s better to be ready for the cold season…before it hits.
Here, State Farm offers up some fall maintenance tips for your home:

1. Check all window and door locks for proper operation. Windows that can be opened by breaking the glass and unlocking them, are less effective deterrents to criminals. Check with the hardware store for window lock alternatives. All exterior doors should have deadbolt locks.

2. Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs
Other safety ideas for stairs:
* Tile and painted wood or concrete stairs can be slippery when wet or when a person's shoes are wet. Resurface the treads with slip-resistant strips near the stair nosing.
* All stairs of at least three risers should have a handrail.
* Do not store items on the stairs.

3. Have a heating professional check your heating system every year
*Woodburning stove connector pipes and chimneys should be inspected by a certified chimney sweep at least annually. Replace your furnace filter. Furnace filters need to be replaced frequently to allow your heating and cooling systems to operate properly

4. Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel tank is empty. By doing this, you are removing flammable liquid storage from your garage. At the same time, make sure you aren't storing dirty, oily rags in a pile. They can ignite spontaneously.

5. Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check your fireplace damper. Soot and creosote, which build up inside the chimney, can ignite when a fire is lit in the fireplace.

6. Remove bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures. Bird nests on top of light fixtures are a fire hazard. Bird nests in chimney flues can prevent a proper venting of combustion gases and can catch fire from sparks. You should exercise great caution when working on your roof or consider hiring a qualified professional to take care of any work that needs to be done.

7. Make sure the caulking around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heat/cooling loss. Check glazing for loose or missing putty or glazing compound. This will also help reduce water damage to the windows and door frames. Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping into the sub-flooring. Check for cracked or missing caulk around the base of your toilet, bath tub, and bathroom cabinets. Properly sealing gaps between your bathroom fixtures and flooring material can prevent damage.

RISMEDIA

Job Hunting? 5 Ways to Recover from Interview Miscues

2010-11-06T13:16:00.000-07:00

You might feel like you’re ready for a job change. Maybe a new company; maybe a new career? But so often, qualified candidates make one crucial mistake that leaves them reeling throughout the interview and they just can’t get past it.
Here are five tips to help you recover if you do make a mistake during a job interview, courtesy of Accountemps:

1. Let it go. By dwelling on it, you draw more attention to your mistake. Instead, focus on putting your best foot forward during the remainder of the meeting.

2. Pause. Collect yourself and remember that everyone makes mistakes. Your ability to recover may just impress the employer.

To read more click HERE. RISMEDIA

Tax Credit--Third Times a Charm?

2010-11-06T13:15:00.000-07:00

According to the most recent numbers, since it was first introduced in 2008, the homebuyer tax credit helped 3.3 million homeowners and cost the country $23.5 billion.

After President Obama extended the closing deadline to the second portion of the homebuyer tax credit back on July 2, 2010, most of us thought that was it for the credit. However, the homebuyer tax credit has been back in the news ever since HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan failed to give a reporter a straight answer when asked whether the administration was considering a third tax credit.
Record-low home sales have also ginned up discussions about the need for another homebuyer tax credit. While existing-home sales did see an increase of 7.6 percent in August, it was the second-lowest reading in the series (1999).

Maybe we need another tax credit

So while even those who championed the hardest for these homebuying incentives to begin with no longer think they have a place in the market, we wonder the opposite -- maybe we need another tax credit.
Given the fact that the credits have disturbed the market to such a great degree, and twice nonetheless, would a third credit produce better results than the first two? If we hadn't already distorted the natural function of the market so greatly (and twice), the answer would probably be no. While there is little doubt that there have been some benefits, the resounding criticism is that the tax credits probably only incentivized borrowers who would have bought anyway, tax credit or not. Still, having gone to this well twice already, and with the market still in such difficult shape, the answer is probably a reluctant "yes".

To continue with this article click HERE.

OPEN HOUSE 10/17 1-3PM

2010-10-15T12:07:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't LOVE incentives? Especially FREE MONEY!

2010-10-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

Fannie Mae Announces new incentives for HomePath® properties

WASHINGTON, DC - Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTC) today announced a seller assistance incentive on Fannie Mae-owned properties listed on the company's REO website, www.HomePath.com, and expands the initiative to offer an incentive to real estate agents and brokers. Qualified homebuyers who will be owner-occupants can receive up to 3.5 percent of the final sales price that can be used toward closing cost assistance, including a home warranty, if desired and available. In addition, selling agents representing owner-occupants will receive a $1,500 bonus. Eligible offers must be submitted on or after September 23, 2010, and must close by December 31, 2010. The sale must close within 60 days of the offer being accepted.

Let me know if you would like to recieve a list of bank owned properties that qualify for incentives such as this one by clicking HERE.

First-Time Home Buyers Stoke Demand for Smaller, Less Expensive Homes

2010-10-14T11:11:00.001-07:00

A growing segment of the housing market—first-time home buyers—are contributing to an increase in demand for smaller and less expensive new homes, according to research from economists at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
Delving into data from the most recent biennial American Housing Survey, which was conducted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Census Bureau in 2009, the study, “Characteristics of New and First-Time Home Buyers,” finds that 41% of the 8.4 million households who bought a home between 2007 and 2009 were first-time buyers.

“Builders are increasingly gearing their homes to the needs of first-time buyers, and we expect the trend to continue in the period ahead as the economy begins generating more jobs and more people in their 20s form households,” said Bob Jones, chairman of NAHB and a home builder from Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
“New homes are a better match for the needs of the population in general,” Jones said. “Compared to what is typically available in the existing housing stock, they are more energy-efficient, easier to maintain and have designs better suited to today’s lifestyles.”
The market share of first-timers was up from 35% in both 2005 and 2007. Although some of the demand was fueled by the initial version of the home buyer tax credit in mid-2008, which was specifically targeted to those buying a home for the first time, the upward trend is expected to continue as children of baby boomers—members of a generation that is larger than their parents’—move into their household formation years in the period ahead.

To read more click HERE.

Staying Green through a Move

2010-10-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

Used mattresses are the bane of a landfill's existence. They take up a lot of space, give off noxious gases as they decompose, and their springs can damage the machinery used to flatten them.

So what if, for a small fee, you could have your old mattress picked up by an environmentally friendly charity, which would then tear it apart and find new uses for about 90 percent of the materials?

Would you do it?

The Mustard Seed of Central Florida — a furniture and clothing bank for families who have lost everything — is hoping the answer is yes.

The 25-year-old nonprofit already has begun recycling paper as well as used appliances, copiers, computers and phone systems it once had rejected.

"We want to be good environmental stewards," said Michelle Lyles, the charity's new executive director. "And we want to find a way to earn sustainable revenue so we can continue our mission of helping people."

Last week the Mustard Seed launched a 90-day pilot project to recycle mattress materials, selling off nearly all of the components and becoming one of only a handful of businesses in the country to do so. If it's successful, the enterprise could help create blue-collar jobs, earn revenue for the cash-strapped charity and get more beds to families who need them.

"Before, when mattresses were donated," Lyles said, "we kept the ones that were in good shape and we threw the bad mattresses away."

The practice not only placed a burden on the landfill, but it also cost money to haul the mattresses away. Worse, it left the charity with a perpetual shortage of beds for needy families. But by issuing a call for all used mattresses — good and bad — the charity expects to end up with more beds that are clean and sturdy enough to be reused immediately.

The standard, Lyles said, is, "If it's something we would sleep on, we'll give it to our clients. If not, it's going to get recycled."

The recycling process involves stripping the mattress down to its individual components — the quilted topper, the polyurethane foam, the steel springs, the wooden frame and a rough-hewn interior pad that feels as if it is made of horsehair. Those components, in turn, can be baled and sold for use in everything from carpet pads to garden mulch to car engines.

"It can sometimes be difficult, but usually the components can be used somehow," said Celia Walker, project manager for the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Eugene, Ore., a pioneer in the mattress-recycling business. That organization, which started recycling mattresses 11 years ago, is now one of the largest such recyclers in the world, and its representatives have been in Orlando helping the Mustard Seed learn the process.

Although a lot of businesses will strip a cotton top cover off a mattress, recover it and sell it as rebuilt, that is not actually recycling, Walker said. For one thing, the material stripped off is typically thrown away. Rebuilt mattresses — a potential next step for the Mustard Seed after recycling — involve stripping old mattresses down to just metal and wood, then adding all new soft materials.

In Eugene, the mattress-recycling effort brought in $1 million in revenue last year.

Lyles doesn't anticipate that kind of return anytime soon, but the program is a major part of a whole new direction for the Mustard Seed, whose founder, Carol Kane, retired in February after questions about how the charity was run. Since then, Lyles has looked for opportunities not only to benefit the environment but also to make the charity self-sustaining.

"It's a mantra of our times," said Terrence McDonald, executive director of Eugene's St. Vincent de Paul Society, which earned $29 million last year for everything from its thrift stores to handcrafted glass art from recycled windows.

"The message that is being driven home is that nonprofits can't expect the same (donations) they received last year or two years ago," he said. "We all need to find new and better ways to do things and raise money."

RISMEDIA, September 4, 2010--(MCT)--
(c) 2010, The Orlando Sentinel (Fla.)
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

OPEN HOUSE 10/10 @ 1-4pm

2010-10-06T21:02:00.001-07:00

Five Smart Reasons to Buy a Home Now

2010-10-06T21:01:00.000-07:00

1. Low mortgage rates serve as an equity shock absorber. When buyers borrow at today's record-low rates, they start building equity as soon as they close. That means they have a little give to absorb a few ups and downs as the still-recovering housing market gains traction.

2. Houses are in move-in condition. Homeowners have continued to spend on maintenance and repair, according to the Harvard Joint Center on Housing. Homeowners who have been holding back kept their houses in good shape while they waited. As those houses enter the market, they are in marked contrast to tattered foreclosures.

3. Terrific houses are coming on the market. Foreclosures are finally starting to clear the system – and this is just the opportunity that owners of many desirable properties have been waiting for.

4. Appraisal regulations are finally aligned with market realities. Fannie Mae has adjusted its appraisal guidelines...again. Now that appraisers have more flexibility to set values that reflect the current market, today's deals will make it over the finish line.

5. Plenty of programs. Homes are more affordable than they have been for years, but communities have stuck by "workforce housing" programs that encourage middle-class families to buy houses. Buyers who qualify can get a big boost by combining one of these programs with today's low mortgage rates.

College Football Fans Rejoyce!

2010-10-04T17:30:00.001-07:00

10 Tips for Breast Cancer Prevention

2010-10-04T17:14:00.000-07:00

RISMEDIA, October 4, 2010--October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for women, it's never too early to start taking care of themselves, both physically and mentally. To that end, here are 10 tips for breast cancer prevention.

1. Avoid becoming overweight. Obesity raises the risk of breast cancer after menopause, the time of life when breast cancer most often occurs. Avoid gaining weight over time, and try to maintain a body-mass index under 25 (calculators can be found online).

2. Eat healthy to avoid tipping the scale. Embrace a diet high in vegetables and fruit and low in sugared drinks, refined carbohydrates and fatty foods. Eat lean protein such as fish or chicken breast and eat red meat in moderation, if at all. Eat whole grains. Choose vegetable oils over animal fats.

3. Keep physically active. Research suggests that increased physical activity, even when begun later in life, reduces overall breast-cancer risk by about 10 percent to 30 percent. All it takes is moderate exercise like a 30-minute walk five days a week to get this protective effect.

By Stephanie Andre to read more click HERE.

NEW Listing!

2010-09-19T18:24:00.001-07:00

July Portland Market Report

2010-09-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

July Residential Highlights
When comparing sales activity in the Portland metro area in July 2010 to the same time last year, July 2009, closed sales declined 29%. Pending sales also decreased 24.9% and new listings rose 3.1%. See residential highlights table below. On a month-to-month basis, when comparing July 2010 to June 2010, closed sales fell 29.8% (1,412 v. 2,012), while pending sales grew 0.7% (1,629 v. 1,618). New listings also fell 0.5% (4,029 v. 4,049). At the month’s rate of sales, the 15,271 active residential listings would last approximately 10.8 months.

Sale Prices
The average sale price for July 2010 increased 2.9% compared to July 2009, while the median sale price went down 1.6%. See residential highlights table below. When comparing July 2010 to the month prior, June 2010, the average sale price increased 2.5%($297,000 v. $289,000) and the median sale price also went up 2.5% ($246,000 v. $240,000).

Year-to-Date
Increases are seen when comparing January-July 2010 with the same period in 2009. Closed sales were up by 22.5%. Pending sales also went up 9.1% and new listings grew 6.8%.

Read the whole report.

10 Low-Cost Tips to Improve Your Home's Appeal

2010-09-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

Tip #1: Refresh the exterior
First impressions count when it comes to selling a home. Most buyers won’t even leave their car if they don’t find the exterior appealing. The best ways to improve your home’s exterior include:
-Repairing and/or replacing trims, shutters, gutters, shingles, mailboxes, window screens, walkways and the driveway.
-Painting siding, trim and shutters and lamp and mailbox posts.
-Pressure washing vinyl siding, roofs, walkways and the driveway.
-Washing windows.

Tip #2: Spruce up the lawn and landscape
Home buyers associate the condition of your lawn and landscaping with the condition of your home’s interior. By improving the outside, you affect buyers’ impression of the entire property. The best ways to enhance the yard include:
-Mowing and edging the lawn.
-Seeding, fertilizing and weeding the lawn.
-Keeping up with regular lawn maintenance by frequent watering.
-Trimming and/or removing overgrown trees, shrubs and hedges.
-Weeding and mulching plant beds.
-Planting colorful seasonal flowers in existing plant beds.
-Removing trash, especially along fences and underneath hedges.
-Sweeping and weeding the street curb along your property.
Tip #3: Create an inviting entrance
The front door to your home should invite buyers to enter. The best ways to improve your entry include:
-Painting the front door in a glossy, cheerful color that complements the exterior.
-Cleaning, polishing and/or replacing the door knocker, locks and handles.
-Repairing and/or replacing the screen door, the doorbell, porch lights and house numbers.
-Placing a new welcome mat and a group of seasonal potted plants and flowers by the entry.

Tip #4: Reduce clutter and furniture
A buyer cannot envision living in your home without seeing it. A home filled with clutter or even too much furniture distracts buyers from seeing how they can utilize the space your home offers. If you have limited storage space, you may want to consider renting a temporary storage unit to place items you wish to keep. The best ways to declutter your home include:
-Holding a garage sale to prepare for your move, getting rid of unnecessary items.
-Removing clutter such as books, magazines, toys, tools, supplies and unused items from counter tops, open shelves, storage closets, the garage and basements.
-Storing out-of-season clothing and shoes out of sight to make bedroom closets seem roomier.
-Removing any visibly damaged furniture.
-Organizing bookshelves, closets, cabinets and pantries. Buyers will inspect everything.
-Putting away your personal photographs, unless they showcase the home. Let buyers see themselves in your home.
-De-personalize rooms as much as you can.

Tip #5: Clean, clean, clean
The cleanliness of your home also influences a buyer's perception of its condition. The appearance of the kitchen and bathrooms will play a considerable role in a buyer's decision process, so pay particular attention to these areas. The best ways to improve these areas include:
-Cleaning windows, fixtures, hardware, ceiling fans, vent covers and appliances.
-Cleaning carpets, area rugs and draperies.
-Cleaning inside the refrigerator, the stove and all cabinets.
-Removing stains from carpets, floors, counters, sinks, baths, tile, walls and grout.
-Eliminating house odors, especially if you have pets.
-Considering air fresheners or potpourri.

Tip #6: Make minor repairs
The small stuff does count, especially with first-time home buyers. Without dismissing the importance of repairing major items such as a leaky roof or plumbing, you do not need to spend money on replacing these items. Instead, focus on the minor repairs that will make your home visually appealing. The best ways to improve your home include:
-Repairing ceilings and wall cracks.
-Repairing faucets, banisters, handrails, cabinets, drawers, doors, floors and tile.
-Caulking and grouting tubs, showers, sinks and tile.
-Adding fresh paint to ceilings, walls, trim, doors and cabinets.
-Tightening door handles, drawer pulls, light switches and electrical plates.
-Lubricating door hinges and locks.
Tip #7: Showcase the kitchen
The heart of any home is the kitchen. If you are going to spend any money on renovations, this is the one area where you will see the greatest return. Even with a modest budget, focusing on a few key areas can make a great difference in getting the asking price for your property. The best ways to showcase the kitchen include:
-Replacing cabinet doors and hardware.
-Installing under-cabinet lighting.
-Replacing light fixtures.
-Replacing outdated shelving with pantry and cabinet organizers to maximize space.
-Baking cookies or cupcakes for a showing, to create a homey smell.

Tip #8: Stage furniture
Furniture placement can enhance the space of your home while giving buyers an idea of how to best utilize the space with their own belongings. Take some time to rethink how different areas in your house could be used. Some ideas to think about include:
-Moving couches and chairs away from walls in your sitting and family rooms to create cozy conversational groups.
-Creating a reading corner in the master bedroom.
-Clearing an empty room to set up a reading space.
-Turning an awkward space into a home office.
-Setting the dining room table with your best china.
-Set wine glasses in front of the fireplace or next to a Jacuzzi tub.
Tip #9: Light up the house
Create a sense of openness and cheerfulness in your home through its lighting. To improve the lighting try:
-Opening shades and drapes to let the sunshine warm and brighten rooms.
-Installing brighter light bulbs in rooms that tend to be dark.
-Adding additional lamps for ambient lighting.
-Turning on all the lights for a showing.

Tip #10: Add fresh touches
You can easily add color and style to your home by adding fresh touches throughout. Some ideas to consider include:
-Placing fresh floral arrangements in the entry and master bedroom.
-Placing bowls of bright-colored fruit in the family room and the kitchen.
-Filling an empty corner with a potted leafy plant.
-Setting new hand soap in the bathrooms.
-Displaying fresh towels near sinks.

Price Reduced $14,000!

2010-09-06T13:26:00.001-07:00

Types of Allergies: Mold Allergy

2010-08-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

What is Mold?
Mold, also known as fungus, is a family of organisms that are found throughout nature. Unlike plants, mold need food and water sources in order to thrive. This food source is often in the form of a carbohydrate material, such as wood or cellulose.

Mold grows in units called mycelium and reproduce through the formation of spores. Spores frequently become airborne, and like pollen, can cause allergic disease.

What Types of Diseases Can Mold Cause?
Mold has well-known associations with human disease. People can develop fungal infections of various types, especially those with poorly functioning immune systems. Fungi are also known to produce toxins, which have been blamed for causing various diseases.

Molds can also cause severe immune reactions as a result of colonizing (living in, but not causing an actual infection) the lungs (hypersensitivity pneumonitis) and the sinuses. Molds are also well known to cause various allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma.

Which Molds are Known to Cause Allergies?
There are thousands of types of mold, however, only a few of these are currently available for allergy testing. The following are the most likely causes of allergic disease based on the types of mold spores collected in the air:

•Alternaria. A common outdoor mold; allergy to this mold can be associated with severe asthma.
•Cladosporium. The most common airborne outdoor mold.
•Aspergillus. A common indoor and outdoor mold; also associated with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
•Penicillium. A common indoor mold; allergy to which is not associated with antibiotic allergy.
•Helminthosporum. More commonly found in warmer climates.
•Epicoccum. Found in grassland and agricultural areas.
•Fusarium. Commonly found on rotting plants.
•Aureobasidium. Common outdoor mold, commonly found on paper, lumber, and painted surfaces.
•Phoma. An outdoor mold, especially common during wet periods.
•Smuts. Found in areas of agriculture.
•Rhizopus and Mucor. Commonly found on decaying leaves and damp indoor areas. Airborne forms of these molds are less common.
•Yeasts. Commonly found in the air during wet periods in agricultural areas. Allergic disease to Candida albicans is controversial, despite some people having positive allergy testing to this type of mold.
What Times of the Year Does Mold Allergy Occur?
In colder climates, molds can be found in the outdoor air starting in the late winter, and peaking in the late summer to early fall months (July to October). In warmer climates, mold spores may be found throughout the year, with the highest levels found in the late summer to early fall months.

While indoor molds can occur year round and are dependent on moisture levels in the home, indoor mold levels are higher when outdoor mold levels are higher. Therefore, a common source of indoor mold is from the outside environment, although can also be from indoor mold contamination.

What Measures Can Be Used to Decrease Indoor Mold Levels?
•Prevent outdoor molds from entering the home by keeping doors and windows closed and using air conditioning equipped with allergen-grade air filters
•Control indoor moisture with the use of dehumidifiers
•Fix water leaks in bathrooms, kitchens and basements
•Ensure adequate ventilation of moist areas
•Clean (or replace) contaminated surfaces with diluted a chlorine bleach solution (one part household bleach in nine parts water), while using proper protective gear (mask and goggles)
•Utilize HEPA filters on vacuums or as a stand-alone air filter
•Limit indoor houseplants, and ensure those that are present are free of mold on leaves and in potting soil
Back to Help Clinic

Sources:
1.Bush RK, Portnoy JM. The Role And Abatement of Fungal Allergens In Allergic Disease. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2001; 107:S430-40.
2.Eggleston PA, Bush RK. Environmental Allergen Avoidance: An Overview. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2001; 107:S403-5.
Daniel More, MD, FACP is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist with a background in internal medicine. He is About.com's allergies guide.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.

Lower Your Water Bill

2010-08-17T16:40:00.000-07:00

•Clean without cleaning out your wallet. Cut related utility bills up to 30 percent with an ENERGY STAR washing machine. A washer with the ENERGY STAR label -- the government's symbol of energy efficiency -- uses about half the energy that a ten-year-old model consumes. You will save up to $120 a year on combined water and energy bills. ENERGY STAR washers, available in both top and front-loading models, use much less water -- 18 to 25 gallons per load, compared to 40.

•Switch to cold water. Washing of laundry in top loading, energy-inefficient washing machines will save up to $63 a year; detergents formulated for cold water get clothes just as clean.

•Use an ENERGY STAR dishwasher. Compared to conventional models, it uses 25 percent less hot water and energy than the federal minimum standard for energy consumption. You will save up to $100 on combined water and energy bills over the lifetime of the machine.

•Load 'em up! For additional savings, do full loads of clothes and dishes. Most of the energy used by dishwashers is to heat a set amount of water, so running smaller loads wastes both energy and water. Air dry dishes for added savings.

•Use a high-efficiency water heater. Approximately 15 percent of home energy use goes to heat water. A high-efficiency unit may use 10 to 50 percent less energy than some conventional models. For additional savings, insulate the water heater and hot water pipes with approved insulation materials, and turn down the thermostat to 120 degrees.

•Go with the flow. To reduce water usage, use a low flow shower head, it saves up to five gallons a minute. Take showers vs. baths. Take shorter showers vs. longer showers.

•Don't be a drip. Fix drippy, leaky faucets and toilets. Small leaks can add up and create a river of waste. A leaky toilet can waste up to 52,800 gallons a year. Replace old faucet aerators. Newer models use less water and provide more water pressure. Consider water-saving faucet attachments. Also check for leaks in pipes, hoses, and couplings.

•Fill your toilet tank. Place a plastic bottle filled with water in your toilet tank to save approximately 11 gallons of water per day.

•Switch up your routine. Move your laundry and dish washing to off-peak energy demand hours to increase electricity reliability during heat waves.

•Know when to turn it on - and off. Turn off the water when you brush your teeth and save four gallons a minute. Turn off the water when you shave/shampoo.

•Recycling isn't just for trash. Don't let water go down the drain when there may be another use for it. Collect rainwater, water used to wash off fruits and vegetables, and water from cleaning your fish tank, and reuse it to water plants. Connect gutter downspouts to rain-barrels or direct them to trees or plants.

Saving Water Outdoors

•Drop the hose. Use a broom or sweeper instead of a hose to clean the garage, driveway, or sidewalk.

•Let it grow. Longer grass will reduce the loss of water to evaporation. Mowing too often requires more water.

•Reap what you sow. Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation. Plant during spring or fall when watering requirements are lower. Water earlier or later in the day when temperatures are lower. Choose lower maintenance plants.

•Check your sprinklers. Adjust sprinklers to properly water lawns and plants, and so they don't hit the pavement or your driveway.

•Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle. Don't let the water run in-between filling up your water can. Use a bucket of water and a sponge to wash your car instead of letting the hose run.

For more great energy saving tips, visit www.ase.org/consumers.Sources: U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, www.sixdegreechallenge.org

Price Reduced!

2010-08-05T14:09:00.001-07:00

May RMLS Market Action

2010-06-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

May Residential Highlights
When comparing sales activity in the Portland metro area in May 2010 to the same time last year, May 2009, closed sales increased 43.7%. Pending sales and new listings both decreased by 24.1% and 10.2%, respectively. On a month-to-month basis, when comparing May 2010 to April 2010, closed sales grew 5.6% (2,050 v. 1,941) while pending sales fell 50.1% (1,493 v. 2,991). New listings also dropped 26.2% (3,482 v. 4,713). At the month’s rate of sales, the 14,372 active residential listings would last approximately 7 months, the lowest inventory has been since August 2007 October 2009.
Sale Prices
The average sale price for May 2010 decreased 5.5% compared to May 2009, while the median sale price also went down 4.4%. See residential highlights table below. When comparing May 2010 to the month prior, April 2010, the average sale price fell 2.3%($275,500 v. $282,100) and the median sale price decreased slightly by 0.4% ($239,000 v. $240,000).
Year-to-Date
Comparing January-May 2010 with the same period in 2009, closed sales increased 42.7%. Pending sales also rose by 28.3% and new listings went up 10.4%. View the rest of the report here.

Uncertified Woodstoves: Removal Required

2010-06-16T09:39:00.001-07:00

Requires Removal of Uncertified Woodstoves When Selling a Home Beginning August 1, 2010, anyone selling a home with an old, uncertified woodstove will be required to remove and destroy this device. The 2009 Oregon Legislature signed Senate Bill 102 into law requiring the removal of any uncertified woodstove from a home when it is sold. This law is part of a program to help protect Oregonians from uncontrolled wood smoke. Residential wood burning is a significant source of air pollution, including fine particulate and air toxics. For more information about this upcoming requirement (including a Frequently Asked Questions page), please visit DEQ's website.

Take the Virtual Tour

2010-06-04T18:30:00.001-07:00

View My Newest Listing!

2010-06-03T21:48:00.001-07:00

RMLS April Market Action

2010-05-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the latest RMLS market action report for April 2010

April Residential Highlights

Sales activity in the Portland metro area improved in April 2010 compared to the same month a year ago. Comparing April 2010 with April 2009, closed sales increased 49.1%. Pending sales also jumped 60.8%, and new listings rose 23.8%. When comparing April 2010 with the month prior, March 2010, closed sales grew 7.9% (1,941 v. 1,799) and pending sales were up 24.5% (2,991 v. 2,402). New listings, on the other hand, dropped 5.5% (4,713 v. 4,987). At the month’s rate of sales, the 14,182 active residential listings would last approximately 7.3 months, the lowest of the year so far.

Sale Prices

The average sale price for April 2010 decreased 3.1% compared to April 2009, while the median sale price went down 4%. Month-to-month, there were minimal changes in prices. The average sale price rose just 0.6% ($282,100 v. $280,300) and the median sale price went up 0.5% ($240,000 v. $238,900), when comparing April 2010 to March 2010.

Year-to-Date

Comparing January-April 2010 with the same period in 2009, closed sales increased 41.4%. Pending sales jumped 46.3%, and new listings also rose 15.4%.

Local Farmers Markets

2010-05-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

Open Flyer

OPEN HOUSE Sun. 5/23 1-4p

2010-05-21T10:19:00.001-07:00

Housing Prices Continue to Fall

2010-05-06T15:13:00.000-07:00

Forbes just released the 10 markets where prices are still falling... the Portland/Vancouver Metro area ranks 3rd; also Eugene falls behind at number 8 on the list. With the end of the tax credit it is easy to see that a smaller buyer pool and ever increasing inventory of bargain priced bank-owned (or REO) homes, prices will continue to drop in the next several months--especially in lower price ranges where a majority of first time home buyers were purchasing. For more the complete article visit realtor.org.

TOP PLACES TO LIVE- Portland Ranks #1

2010-05-06T15:06:00.000-07:00

Relocate America has just released its 13th annual Top Places To Live list. Portland ranks #1 among earth friendly cities and #10 recreation cities. Ashland made #6 for top small cities. Now get out there and enjoy all our wonderful city has to offer! For more information visit rismedia.com

NEW ON MARKET!

2010-04-29T15:38:00.000-07:00

E-Card Link to My New Listing!

2010-04-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE Sunday April 11th, 1-4p

2010-04-10T01:25:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE Sat. April 10th 1:30-4

2010-04-10T01:11:00.000-07:00

Don't Trash Your TV or Laptop!

2010-03-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

Effective January 1st, 2010 it is illegal to throw away your TVs, laptops, monitors and computers into landfills. You can face a fine of $500 and it's terrible for the environment! Click here for free e-cycling information.

Full article found at www.oregon.gov/DEQ

OPEN HOUSE 3/21 1-4p

2010-03-19T09:06:00.001-07:00

Put Our Knowledge On YOUR Side

2010-03-12T15:35:00.000-08:00

Planting Seeds at Summer Lake Park

2010-03-12T15:29:00.000-08:00

Wine keeps you thin...?

2010-03-12T15:11:00.000-08:00

Skip the gym and health food--Drink more wine! Looks like research has shown that drinking more trains your liver to turn alcohol into heat, rather than fat. As if we need another reason to drink wine. Brought to you by the Daily Mail.

No More USDA Funds

2010-03-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

It was announced yesterday that effective Friday March 12th, there will no longer be new registrations for the USDA program. USDA allows for a home buyer to purchase in some areas with a 100% loan. If you are interested in learning more about USDA or if you would qualify for a 100% please email me at sarahmayer@cbseal.com

Wishing you the best in 2010!

2009-12-29T12:18:00.000-08:00

East Portland Elevation Map

2009-12-16T11:55:00.000-08:00

Here's a handy map of the East Portland Elevations. (Courtesy of eastportland.katu.com)

OPEN HOUSE Sunday Sept. 13th, 1-4p

2009-09-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

NEW LISTING!

2009-09-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE Sun Aug 30 1-4p

2009-08-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE Sun. Aug 23rd 1-4p

2009-08-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE Aug. 16th 1-3p

2009-08-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE July 19th, 1-4p

2009-07-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE Sun. July 12th, 1-4p

2009-07-11T11:20:00.001-07:00

NEW LISTING!

2009-06-29T13:03:00.001-07:00

OPEN HOUSE June 28th, 1-4p

2009-06-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE Sat, June 20 1-4p

2009-06-18T16:27:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE June 7th, 1-4p

2009-06-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE May 30th, 1-4p

2009-05-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE May 30th, 11-5p

2009-05-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE May 23rd, 1-4p

2009-05-20T13:41:00.001-07:00

OPEN HOUSE April 26th, 1-4p

2009-04-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE, April 19th, 1-4p

2009-04-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

Buy, Sell, Rent, Keep?

2009-04-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

This is the cover story of Portland Monthly's April issue. I have included a link to the online article here. There is some excellent pointers for making the decision that is right for you. At the end of the page there is a link to more information about the $8,000 tax credit that is available for first time home buyers or those who haven't owned in 3 years. And of course, I would love to help you if you decide the time is right to buy or sell in the Portland area or if you have any questions about the home buying process.

Neighborhoods by the Numbers

2009-04-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

I found this amazing map on Portland Monthly's Website that shows a breakdown of statistical data for regions, neighborhoods and cities in the Portland Metro area. You can use the map to compare neighborhoods, view real estate, school and crime information. It even estimates the time to commute to downtown Portland. You can use the map by clicking in this link.

View my newest listing here...

2009-04-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

Immaculate light and bright condo unit features designer paint colors throughout, vaulted open living areas with skylights, large master suite with vaulted ceilings, A/C and forced air heat. Cooks kitchen boasts stainless GE Profile appliances and eat-in bar. Spacious deck, with additional storage room, faces beautiful sunset and valley view. Click this link to visit my virtual tour.

Rent Vs. Buy Calculator

2009-03-20T07:07:00.001-07:00

I found this fantastic tool to compare the cost of renting an apartment/house to buying one. It is very easy to use and it does all the calculations for you! Click this link to try it for yourself. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me anytime! Look forward to hearing from you soon.

OPEN HOUSE, March 22nd, 1-4p

2009-03-19T07:22:00.000-07:00