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Condition of the Mortgage World

Tuesday, August 28, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Shawn Headlee 
Good afternoon all,
 
The mortgage world is still in a contraction this week. Wells Fargo just sent out an email that they will no longer do Home Equity Lines over 90%. The norm used to be 100%, but with those loans being too risky, they are getting eliminated. 100% financing still exists, but it is just one loan and is required to have Mortgage Insurance. This gives the lender more security is case the borrower defaults. Hopefully this will all settle down over the next couple of months.
 
Have a great week!
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The Best Motocross Anywhere is in Portland

Tuesday, August 7, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Bruce Hecht
 
I was working with a buyer in the recent past who was moving to Portland Oregon for only one reason, motocross!
 
I have been working with hundreds of buyers in all of the years that I have been selling real estate in Portland Oregon.  Many people move here for the weather, the mountains, the rivers, the lakes, the parks, the ocean . . . and of course, for our very comfortable, yet diverse background of the current residences.
 
But I have never being selling a home to a buyer that wants to move to Portland Oregon, invest in some real estate because of motocross!
 
The greater Portland Oregon area is home to many indoor and outdoor tracks and venues for all kinds of skill levels.  As a mater of fact, just a short drive north on I-5, from Portland Oregon, one of the largest International competitions just took place.  Thousands of riders and spectators came from all over the world.
 
As a matter of fact, 3 of the top 12 riders in the world live in the great area.  So broaden your activity interests and grab the handle bars and ride.

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Don’t Miss the BITE OF OREGON!

Tuesday, August 7, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Sandy Morley
 
This annual event is always a tasty treat. This year the Bite of Oregon is held on Tom McCall Waterfront Park from Aug 10th to 12th.
 
When:
FRI, Aug 10, 2007 – 11am-11pm
SAT, Aug 11, 2007 – 11am-11pm
SUN, Aug 12, 2007 – 10am-8pm
 
Try all kinds of delicious northwest food including samples of Fresh Oregon Dungeness Crab Cakes, Smoked Ribs, Corn on the Cob, Fresh Northwest Mussels, Hog Wild Wings, Huckleberry BBQ Lamb, Seafood Stuffed Avocados, Seafood Paella, Traditional Gyros,  Swiss Cheese Fondue, Home-style Mac & Cheese, Oregon Steak and Cheese Sandwiches, Oregon Berry Pies, Alpenrose Dairy Ice Cream, Berry Cobbler, Savory Poached Pears and much much more.
 
Here is a list of restaurants you can try:

Bell Buoy of Seaside, Seaside • Website »
Featuring: Cold Smoked Oysters, Dungeness Crab Cocktail, Smoked Salmon
Bluefish Bistro,Bend
Featuring: Chicken Satay with Cucumber Noodles, Potato Dumpling served in Curry Broth, Savory Poached Pear
Boyds Coffee, Portland • Website »
Featuring: HI-REV™ Mocha Freezers, Italian Sodas, Locally Roasted Coffee and Espresso
Fast Bite of Oregon – Burgerville, Vancouver, WA • Website »
Featuring: Kids Meal with Apple Slices & Milk, Pepper Bacon Tillamook Cheeseburger, Black Bean Garden Burger®, Walla Walla Sweet Onion Rings
Canby Asparagus Farms, Canby • Website »
Featuring: Chicken & Asparagus Tamale with Red Chile Sauce, Fresh Oregon Asparagus Tamale
Chefs de Cuisine Society of Oregon
Featuring: Oregon Steak & Cheese Sandwich
Foley’s Station, La Grande• Website »
Featuring: Northeast Oregon Huckleberry BBQ Lamb, Grilled Halibut Pang Pao Lettuce Cup, Silk Truffle Tart
Gary West Smoked Meats, Jacksonville
Featuring: Gourmet Smoked Meats• Website »
Greek Cusina, Portland • Website »
Featuring: Baklava, Spanikopita, Lamb and Beef Gyros
Hoffman's Dairy Garden, Canby
Featuring: Fresh Oregon Fruit Pies and Turnovers, Marionberry Shortcake
Hot Lips Pizza, Portland • Website »
Featuring: Pepperoni Pizza, Organic Veggie Pizza, Handcrafted Calzones
Jackie's Ribs, Bend
Featuring: Barbequed Brisket and Pork Ribs, Ribblet Sampler
Kinship Café at Tamastslikt, Pendleton • Website »
Featuring: Authentic Indian Taco, Salmon Corn Chowder with Bread
La Rosa Authentic Mexican, Bend • Website »
Featuring: Lobster Quesadilla, Portobello Mushroom Quesadilla, Organic Veggie Tamale
Moonstruck Chocolate Co., Portland • Website »
Featuring: Artisan Chocolates
Mo's Restaurant, Newport • Website »
Featuring: Mo’s Famous Clam Chowder, Seafood Stuffed Avocado, Slumgullion
Newmans at 988, Cannon Beach • Website »
Featuring: Fresh Oregon Dungeness Crab Cakes
Noodles & Company, Portland • Website »
Featuring: Traditional Mac & Cheese, Penne Rosa, Ceasar Salad
North 45, Portland • Website »
Featuring: Fresh Northwest Mussels, Spinach, Goat Cheese & Hazelnut Salad, Ginger Limeade 
Portlandia Ice Cream Parlor, Portland
Featuring: Alpenrose Ice Cream, Thomas Kemper Root Beer Floats 
Rafati's Elegance in Catering, Portland • Website »
Featuring: Artisan Sausages with Pinot Noir Braised Cabbage, Crab Cakes with Basil Remoulade, Fresh Seafood Paella, Wine Pairing Appetizer Board
Reserve Vineyards & Golf Club, Aloha • Website »
Featuring: Smoked Pork Loin Sliders, Blackberry Mint Julep Iced Tea 
The Rheinlander & Gustav's Pub & Grill, Portland • Website »
Featuring: Bavarian Sausages on a Bun, German Bier Pretzel, Swiss Cheese Fondue
Salty's on the Columbia, Portland • Website »
Featuring: Smoked Salmon Bruschetta, Blackened Salmon Caesar, Seafood Chowder
Stetson's House of Prime, Pendleton • Website »
Featuring: Asian Chicken Wings, Hog Wild Wings, Sauted Steak & Mushroom Bites 
 
 
The Bite of Oregon is a fund-raising event by Special Olympics Oregon for the benefit of Special Olympics athletes around the state. Admission for the event is $7 for adults and children 12 and under FREE. The admission price gets you all the entertainment once you are there. Check for special promotions like these to save you money at the door:
 
TGIF – All Adults $5 before 5pm. Good on Friday only.
 
Purchase a Bite Super Saver Pass – Allows multiple day access.
Adults - $12.00 at the gate. Limited quantities on sale at the gates Friday & Saturday only, not valid with any other offer.
 
Bite Gate Discount Admission Coupons– While supplies last at:
» Burgerville locations beginning July 30, 2007. www.burgerville.com
» Jiffy Lube locations in Portland, Salem and Vancouver beginning July 23, 2007.   www.jiffylubeoregon.com
» Regal Cinemas locations in the Portland Metro area www.regalcinemas.com
» All 2007 Bite of Oregon Wineries and Restaurants
 
The event is in downtown Portland so parking is limited. I recommend taking public transportation like MAX or the StreetCar. If you are driving, these are my recommended parking garages.
 
Smart Parks located at:
S.W. Fourth and Yamhill
S.W. Third and Alder
S.W. First and Jefferson
 
ENJOY!
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Entertainment at the 24th Annual Bite of Oregon

Tuesday, August 7, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Kate Baldus
 
Don’t miss the great music and entertainment that accompanies the delicious food at The Bite of Oregon.
 
Four stages host a wide variety of events! My personal recommendation for music is Todd Snider Friday night at 7:15 pm and The Freak Mountain Ramblers on Sunday at 4:20 pm. The PGE Fountain Stage will be rockin’ and the Café stage features acoustic duos. The Iron Chef competition will begin Friday and end with a final round Saturday at 7:30 on the Oregon Chef Stage.
 
 
Friday’s Festivities! 
Main Stage
Noon – 1:00

17-piece youth jazz big band
directed by Clark Bondy
www.ClarkBondy.com (WHJC)Whiskey Hill Jazz Club
1:30 – 2:30
Tween sensation performance troupe delivers a show that charms all ages
www.RadioDisney.com/PortlandRadio Disney
3:00 – 3:45
Still Pending
These 12 yr /old rockers recall early Police & Green Day w/ a dash of the Ramones thrown in
www.StillPending.com
4:15 – 5:15
Charlie Girl & The Big Package
(opener)
This dynamic 7-piece opens with an eclectic mix of rock, reggae & jazz covers plus their own funky originals
www.myspace.com/
SeeTheBigPackage
5:45 – 6:45
ROBBIE FULKS

www.myspace.com/RobbieFulksRobbie Fulks is a contrary minded Americana talent – combining classic honky-tonk & Bakersfield country w/ the feisty spirit of “Insurgent Country.” Fulks’ recent double live album showcases his incendiary live show.
7:15 – 8:15
TODD SNIDER

www.ToddSnider.netOriginally from Portland, this Americana singer/songwriter & humorist’s 8th album landed on Rolling Stone’s 2006 Top 50. Kris Kristofferson describes Snider as having “the heart & humor of John Prine, the wild unpredictability of Roger Miller & a freedom of imagination that's absolutely his own.”
8:45 - 10:15
ROBERT EARL KEEN

www.RobertEarlKeen.comCalled “The King of the Texas Music Scene,” Keen balances sensitive story-portraits w/ raucous rockers - exampled by his signature song "The Road Goes on Forever.” Keen is touring behind the release of a greatest hits collection with his ace band of 14 years.
Saturday! 
Main Stage
Noon – 1:00

Rockin blues as played by 19 yr/old Ty Curtis earned a standing ovation at the Waterfront Blues Festival
www.myspace.com/
TheTyCurtisband The Ty Curtis Band

1:30 – 2:10& Guilty Pleasures

One Hit Wonders
Starring:
Little SueLara Michell

Nicole Campbell
Pilar French
This bevy of Portland sirens give new life to those over-the-top pop classics that you love to hate
myspace.com/
GuiltyPleasuresAndOneHitWonders
2:30 – 3:10

Progressive pop quintet elevates their big sound w/ tight harmonies, smack down lyrics & a sense of musical urgency
www.TheSortOfs.comThe Sort Ofs
3:30 – 4:15

This six-piece marries the instrumentation of a jazz ensemble w/ the catchy hooks
of mainstream pop
www.TheRetrofits.comThe RetroFits
4:30
Governor’s Community Service Award to Restaurants
4:45 - 5:45

Called the top Australian band of the decade, this quintet wraps chiming guitars & keyboard grandeur around the enigmatic song craft of singer-guitarist Glenn Richards
www.AugieMarch.comAUGIE MARCH
6:15 – 7:15
(opener)
Their hard-core Bakersfield twang draws from the playbooks of Buck Owens & Merle Haggard & sometimes the Beatles
www.TheBuckles.comThe Buckles
7:45 – 9:00
T Bone Burnett calls Ralph Stanley “one of the most important country musicians in the world today.”
A musical innovator, Stanley’s poignant style, haunting melodies & "high lonesome" vocals brought a mountain style of bluegrass to mainstream audiences.
www.RalphStanley.netRALPH STANLEY
& the Clinch Mountain Boys
9:30 – 11:00

The living embodiment of New Orleans’ rich musical heritage, Dr John blends voodoo mysticism, funk, R&B, psychedelic rock & Creole. The multiple Grammy winner is famous for the songs “Right Place Wrong Time” & “Such a Night” as well as for his celebrated live shows.
www.DrJohn.orgDR JOHN
Sunday!
Main Stage
10:00 – 10:30The Oz St. Fossils

Piano, clarinet, cello, drums & musical saw create a modern antique sound
www.myspace.com/
OzStFossils
10:30 – 10:45

Large scale puppet troupe charms bikers of all agesCardboard Songsters
10:45 – 11:30
Stumptown Jug Thumpers
Multi-piece old-time jug band delivers a sassy blues/minstrel hybrid
www.myspace.com/
StumptownJugThumpers

11:45

Prize DrawingsProvidence Bridge Pedal
12:00 – 1:00
Lively dust bowl folk
www.myspace.com/
SassparillaJugBand
Sassparilla
Hillstomp
Hill trance country blues
www.Hillstomp.com
1:30 – 2:30

Uplifting 17-piece contemporary Gospel group has become a Sunday morning
Bite tradition
www.SouthlakeChurch.comThe Southlake Band
w/ The Brown Sisters
3:00 – 4:00

Sensational 'Old School' sax-fusion revue w/ guests Lee Garrett (Stevie Wonder’s co-writer); Portland's Neo-Soul diva Liv Warfield; & the scintillating “Soul of a Free Man” horn section
www.PatrickLamb.com Patrick Lamb Soul Revue
4:20 – 6:30
BINGO’S DREAM BAND
Transcendental Americana by way of Joshua Tree California
www.BingoBand.com
FREAK MOUNTAIN RAMBLERS

www.FreakMountain.comBeautiful bedlam from Portland’s urban folk legends
In A Rare NW Appearance

7:00 – 8:30

2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee plays what she calls “three chords merged with the power of the word.” Inspired by the spiritual & the political, the Grammy nominee merges recording, performance, art & writing w/ activism. This legendary musical revolutionary seeks to save the world w/ love & an electric guitar
www.PattiSmith.netPATTI SMITHAN EVENING WITH PATTI SMITH
 
See ya on the dance floor!
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This Week in Stocks

Wednesday, August 1, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Shawn Headlee
Hello All,
 
I am sure you all felt the pain of the stock market drop last week. If you are investing long term, then this was just a blip on the radar screen. I actually saw it as an opportunity to buy. The old saying goes “Sell when everyone else is buying, and buy when everyone else is selling!” This means that if the market has had a large run up, be careful to be the last one holding the bag and if the market has tanked, be ready to scoop up cheap shares. SMARTMONEY.COM is a great site to do research.
 
Have a great week!
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Move to Portland and You too Could Hold Your First Triathlon

Wednesday, August 1, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

Submitted by Bruce Hecht

Almost anything is possible when you live in Portland Oregon.

Just ask Jeff Anderson.  He moved to Portland Oregon two years ago and thought, "this would be a perfect city to have a triathlon right in the heart of downtown".
 
So this Summer, about 500 swimmers, bike riders and runners will be competing in the first ever event of it's kind, held in downtown Portland.
 
This is how folks think forward and aggressive in Portland Oregon.  Imagine this, T-Shirts for the event will be made from Bamboo, not Cotton!  Bamboo is softer, biodegradable, moisture wicking and anti-bacterial, to prevent odor.
 
They will also feature some other "out of the ordinary" programs at this event.  They will have naturopathic medicine booth for athletes, organic energy bars made by famed local chef Vitaly Paley, all natural juices from Viso, another local maker of products.  The goal is to stay true to what Portland Oregon is famous for.
 
The swim is 0.9 miles in the Willamette River, one of only a few rivers in the world that run to the North.  Next is a 25 mile bike ride through the city.  The last leg will be a 6 mile run along the same river where the swim event took place.  There will also be a relay division for participants that want to take that route.

For more information about this event, log onto www.onemillionrevolutions.org   or you can also go to www.pdxtriclub.org
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Farmers Market Rule!

Wednesday, August 1, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

Submitted by Sandra Hanis

Summer time and the living is easy! And in the Northwest that means sunny skies brings fresh, organic and local produce, free-range meat, and bakery goods. And who can resist a few fresh flowers for the table as well as new plants to bring home to our gardens. Almost every neighborhood sponsors their own Farmer's Markets so in addition to not having to travel far from home...you can also visit different markets to find the ones that best meet your needs. My favorites are the Beaverton market on Saturday, PSU on Saturday and Hillsdale on Sundays. Give it a try...besides providing great inspiration for summer cooking, it can be a terrific outing for the whole family!

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Live in Portland, Known as "FIT CITY"

Wednesday, July 25, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Bruce Hecht
For many people exercising rates right up there with paying taxes and cleaning gutters.  In a recent MSNBC Poll it was reported that 34% of us really hate it and another 24% said that they "tolerate it"!
 
Frankly, people that own homes in Portland Oregon are not sure what all of the whining is about.  Regular exercise is just a way of life in Portland Oregon.  In Portland, many home owners and general population folks take advantage of what is in our backyards and just down the street.  In the Portland area we have two rivers, the West Hills, Mt. Hood and we are home to the largest relay race in the entire world, Hood to Coast.
 
According to Men's Health Magazine, Portland Oregon ranks among the Nations Top 10 Fittest Cities, based on park acreage and number of Health Clubs.  Portlanders have figured out the secret to staying healthy and fit: having fun!

Try this out for size:
 
18 holes of golf at Rose City Golf Course. This is Portland's second oldest course.  It has 6,500 yards of lush, green fairways including many hills that will jack your heart rate up and make your thighs feel like you are indoors on a stair climbing machine.  You will want to walk the course, which is about 4 miles for the average golfer.  $32 for 18 holes
 
If you do not like to kill and chase little white balls, try a salsa class.  Take the up-tempo class, 180+ beats per minute instead of the 100 beats per minute in the waltz class.  A great spot to dance is at Viscount Dance Studio. 
 
If the more modern "Hip-Hop" dancing is your thing, try www.devinefunk-dance.com  the hour and 1/2 hour classes.
 
Another indoor popular activity that will get your heart racing is:  Tennis.  You can take a lesson at the Portland Tennis Center.  They have classes for all ranges and abilities.
 
My personal favorite is going to www.portlandonline.com/parks  and checking out Wilson High School's 6 lane outdoor lap pool.  You can swim while the kids use the slides and float down the lazy river.

Good luck, and say goodbye to fat and hello to your new home in Portland Oregon and watch it go up about 10-15% per year.
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Dining at Portland City Grill

Wednesday, July 25, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Shawn Headlee
Good Day All,
 
Hope you all had a great weekend. I went to the Portland City Grill this weekend for dinner as an agent had given me a gift certificate. I am sure you have all heard in was mentioned on Dirty Dining on one of the news stations. We figured that since they just had a bad inspection that everything would be extra clean by the weekend.  Well, the food was great and the view even better. They are located on the 30th floor of the US Bank Tower. It is hard to explain the view, just go some time and have happy hour, you will then under stand.
 
Have a great week!
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Seller Not Sure About Oil Tanks

Wednesday, July 25, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

Submitted by Sandra Hanis

It seemed like there would be no problem. Our buyer found a great home in Southeast Portland with some gorgeous gardens. The newer gas furnace gave no hint that there was an oil tank but when we looked over the tax records, it showed there was an oil furnace at one time. We of course stated on the sales contract that the buyer would do a test to locate whether there was an abandoned tank in the ground. We were told the seller had the paperwork to show an oil tank had been decommissioned. Fortunately the listing agent said she would get the papers issued from DEQ (Dept of Environmental Quality). When the seller went to provide the papers, we learned that the company that did the decommissioning is now out of business and never went that final necessary step. The good news was that we started this inquiry during the 10 day inspection period so there was time for the tank locator to do the necessary inspection on the soil and if it is needed, the seller is willing to do any needed clean up and provide DEQ certification. My buyer knows that they will need to deal with this later with another buyer so they must have the DEQ certification. Also if you do not have DEQ certification and rules change in the future, you would probably need to meet new requirements. In this instance, everyone was working together to make this sale happen and by doing so the seller was able to move on and my buyer was delighted with their new place!  You can learn more about oil tanks at RobLevy.com under recommended links.

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