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Portland: The Most Bikeable City in America

Tuesday, May 15, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Aaron Levy
It’s no wonder that Portland has been deemed one of the most bikeable cities in America; it takes no time at all to get most anywhere you need to go by bicycle. Practically everywhere you go, the streets seem to be filled with bikers. It’s a cheap and easy way to travel around the city. There are many bicycle related events which take place all year round, and the best way to learn about these events is through Critical Mass, which is described as “a leaderless, spontaneous bike ride through the streets of Portland.” Basically, it is a friendly gathering of bicycle enthusiasts of all ages that takes place during rain or shine! It really is a great way to start getting yourself involved within the bicycling community. Bridge Pedal is an annual happening in which you can get the best feel of the city by biking across all 10 bridges, including the top decks of the Marquam and Fremont bridges. I did this one last year, and it was a lot of fun! There’s nothing quite like riding your bike over the top deck of the Fremont Bridge. Perhaps the zaniest biking event is Pedalpalooza, which spans from June 7th-June 23rd. With a wide variety of events such as tall bike jousting, a bike pub crawl, and even a midnight ride in the nude (for those daring enough), there’s definitely something for everyone.
 
Portland’s biking community is growing stronger every year, with more and more bike-friendly activities taking place all the time. Come enjoy all that Portland has to offer!
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Happy 100 Years Rose Festival!

Tuesday, May 15, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

Submitted by Sandra Hanis

The city's first Rose Festival Parade happened in 1907 following the success of the Lewis and Clark Exposition of 1905. It was decided in 1907 that the city should have a month long Festival of Roses.

For those who have never gone to a Rose Festival Parade, one of the top 5 parades in the nation says USA Today, this could be the perfect year to start your tradition. When I decided to go, I didn't camp out overnight or elaborately tie off my spot on the parade route. I hopped on the light rail moments before the parade was to start….grabbed a cup of coffee on my way and enjoyed the infectious enthusiasm of the crowd. You really do feel like a kid again at a parade!

Why not invite a new Portland resident to go with you! You can check out the Rose Festival calendar on-line for the June long festivities

 and enjoy visiting in the land of Rosaria for the month of June!
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Appreciation is smart work:You have to love it, Portland Oregon market is a proven winner, again!

Wednesday, May 9, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Bruce Hecht

Whenever we invest our money we want it to grow for us.  Living in Portland Oregon and investing in real estate has always been a smart move.  I was talking with one of my neighbors last night at a neighborhood Summertime BBQ.  He asked me what I thought about the real estate market and the fact that is suppose to go down?  I said, what do you mean?  He said that we are only suppose to be seeing 5-12% growth in real estate in Portland Oregon in 2007.  I asked him why he thinks that is "going down"?  He said, "well, last year homes were going up 10-18%!  I said, yes, you are correct.  But if your home goes up 10%, instead of 18%, how can you think or say, that the market is going down!? He agreed, appreciation is... appreciation.
 
Many economists and real estate experts link the buying habits of "baby boomers" and investors, to the demand for homes in this country. They argue that the population will stabilize or decline as these potential buyers age and their children are grown.

What is left out of such a picture is that the emerging real estate market is made up of people who are immigrating to this country. It is also made up withinvestors wanting to try to establish and build their portfolios. When these newcomers have achieved a stable income, they look for the best living situation they can find, often preferring buying to renting.

Real estate continues to be an attractive investment opportunity. If you are sitting out the current market because you are afraid that the appreciation won't continue, you may want to re-think your decision. Today's market is providing opportunities for homeowners and smart investors from all over the globe.  Buy now and reap the benefits of appreciation .
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Hillsboro the Next Pearl District?

Monday, May 7, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

Submitted by Sandy Morley

The skyline of Hillsboro may see a change if condos 20 stories tall are developed in the next 20 years.  The city is already recognized for Intel's Ronler Acres campus, Orenco Station and Tanasbourne shopping helping Hillsboro win "Best New Suburb" by Sunset Magazine.  Planners envision developing the area south of Northwest Cornell Road as the new hot location for high-income singles and two-member households who prefer not to live in Portland.

Many major cities have suburbs of this scale although Portland is not usually considered for this type of development.  Initial plans show as many as nine 20-story buildings and a number of smaller towers housing condos, retail, office space and research centers located around a 35-acre park.  Imagine a "Pearl District" for the suburbs with transportation, upscale livability and many neccessities within walking distance.

With the opening of a new Genentech Inc. location and a handful of other big name companies city planners estimate 7,000 to 8,000 new jobs in the Hillsboro area and over 270,000 new residents to move to Washington County in the next 25 years.

Today I took a phone call from a prospective buyer looking to move from California to Hillsboro to work for Genentech.  The timing of her call and the Sunday Oregonian's article on the possible new Hillsboro development may be a sign that Hillsboro could be the next hot place to buy!  While we may not know for another 25 years if it happens, it will be interesting to see a suburb develop  that could be the first of many for large cities across the nation.  Once again the Pacific Northwest is embracing new ideas and leading the nation as the best place to live! Okay - maybe that is just my opinion :)

 

 

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A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Thursday, May 3, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Aaron Levy
We all know the phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” When it comes to selling a home, one might say, “A picture is worth ten thousand words.” A good picture can serve as the deciding factor over whether or not a prospective buyer will want to view a home. With pictures having such a great influence, it is extremely important that each image captures and portrays a warm and inviting feeling; otherwise, the appeal is lost.
 
Most people figure that the more pictures they take, the greater chance they have of capturing a decent shot. This, however, is not the case. A focus on the quality of a shot, as opposed to a focus on taking as many pictures as possible, will most certainly produce better results. It is important to explore the home and really take it all in before taking the first shot. Camera placement is everything, so figure out before taking a picture on where the best placement would be. Also, one must remember that the camera does not capture the exact image that you see with your own two eyes. Just as important is to know which way a home faces. For example: if a home faces west, it would be wise to take a picture in the early afternoon when the sun is hitting the front of the home directly.
 
When you list your home with The Rob Levy Team we do our best to describe your property with detailed information, virtual tours and quality pictures.  As you browse the RMLS you will see what a difference pictures make.  With our new Kodak V705 duel lens digital camera I will capture your home in the best possible light to appeal to Portland area buyers.
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Farmers Markets in the Portland Oregon Area

Thursday, May 3, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

Everyone knows Portland, Oregon is an eco-freindly area, and as a result there are lots of natural foods stores here in comparison to similar sized cities. But starting at this time of year we start to see our farmers markets spring up.  There is a list of these under "Reccomended Links" at www.RobLevy.com but the top ones are the Portland Farmers Market which offers three locations.  Also the Beaverton Farmers Market opens May 12th, and the Tigard Farmers Market opens on May 13th.   There are many other Farmers Markets in the area from Forest Grove to Gresham, and these can be found by clicking HERE.

We encourage you to support our local markets, we do and let alone are we supporting our local farmers, we get to eat fresh, locally grown produce too!  Have fun, its one of the best parts of living in Oregon!

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Mint Juleps on the porch anyone?

Tuesday, April 24, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

When choosing to relocate to West Linn, recent clients of mine decided to "follow their hearts" this time. They believe that the large master bath and walk-in closets just don't provide the charm of an original historic home in The Willamette Historic District of West Linn. After an extensive search they chose a 1900 Victorian and were fortunate to find one that had much of the remodeling done for them.

They are looking forward to adding color and personality as well as new windows to their "designated historic district" home. They will need to be aware of making historically correct choices to the exterior but already love the friendly sidewalk atmosphere, the short walk for the kids to neighborhood schools and the Farmers' Market close by. It is even just a few blocks to stroll to the Willamette River. Small town America still exists right here in West Linn!

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Family Friendly, Great schools and Dog Parks Galore

Tuesday, April 24, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Bruce Hecht
I was working with my buyers last week who were moving to Portland Oregon from out of
state because of the unique northwest way of life, cost of living in Portland Oregon, and because the schools are better.  As they put it - and as they continue to say - "Family Friendly and lots of dog parks!"
 
As we were driving around Beaverton, Tigard and Hillsboro, Oregon they kept noticing "look there is another park!  There is that school I looked up on the internet that had a great report card and good scores."
They were so excited to find a home that was priced $20,000 lower than they were ready to pay, in better condition, in a better location and had a bigger backyard than they were expecting to get!  Needless to say, we wrote an offer for a few thousand dollars below the asking price, asked for the appliances to stay, the seller accepted it, and it closes in 27 days.  Both the buyer and seller are very excited, I know they are going to love living in the Portland area!
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1031 Exchange – Save your Tax Dollars!

Tuesday, April 24, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
 Submitted by Tammy LeMaire
1031 Exchange provides investors with one of the best tax strategies for preserving the value of an investment portfolio.  By using an exchange the investor is able to defer the recognition of capitol gain tax that would otherwise be incurred on the sale of investment property. The investor can then use the entire amount of the equity to purchase substantially more replacement property.  To qualify as an exchange the relinquished and replacement properties must be qualified “like-kind” properties and the transaction must be structured as an exchange.
 
Exchanges are most often handled by a “Qualified Intermediary” who provides the necessary reciprocal transfer of properties to create the exchange and the “Safe Harbor” protection against actual and constructive receipt of the exchange funds as required by 1031.
 
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Auctions in Real Estate

Monday, April 23, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Rob Levy
Last week I was invited to sit on a committee by the president of NAR ( National Association of Realtors).  This meeting was a 2 day event and in Chicago near the headquarters of NAR.  First, with 1.3m members I  was honored to be invited and I found it very interesting.
What they were talking about was using auctions to sell real estate.  While this is very popular in some countries, particularly the UK and Australia, it hasn't happened a whole lot in the USA - yet.  It seems with eBay becoming so prominent, that the buying public is now very familiar with the auction process, so the time may have come for this to be a viable part of the home sale process.
NAR will be exploring this more, but in the meantime you can explore some auction sites such as the National Association of Auctioneers and RealEstate.com.au in Australia.  Stay tuned for more to come on this topic......
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Displaying blog entries 91-100 of 136

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