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Cathy attends national real estate seminar in Atlanta

Monday, January 29, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Cathy Hill:

Earlier this month, I attended a real estate seminar in Atlanta.  I had the pleasure of meeting realtors from across the country!  The conference was designed for sharing best practices between real estate teams and covered topics including buyers, sellers, systems, marketing, and team building.  What an opportunity to represent Portland and The Rob Levy Team!  It was also no surprise to learn about how many people in different parts of the United States love Portland, and Oregon in general!

At the conference in Atlanta, it was excellent reinforcement to learn that we are doing so many things right here at The Rob Levy Team!  As an example, we're quite proactive with our buyers who relocate from out of state by sending them our new Portland Relocation Guide, an original creation by our teammate Kate Baldus.  Our principal broker Rob Levy is always on top of trends for clients and potential sellers, providing monthly assessments of their property value, a process designed to help manage homes and property as an investment!  As a team, we work to ensure that client needs are covered.  At each year end, we electronically send clients a full set of documents regarding their recent home sale or purchase, including the final HUD provided by the title company.  This is critical for income tax purposes!  There's always more we can do, but we're doing many things right!

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Rob attends and speaks at national CyberStar Realtor Seminar

Thursday, January 18, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

I just got back from attending the 6th annual "CyberStars" Realtor convention ( www.cyberstars.net ) in San Antonio, Texas.  I have been to every one of these, and always find it useful to help me sell homes in Portland Oregon.

This year there were 107 attendees, and many good subjects.  I was talking about our property investment profile program we offer which is doing an automatic market analysis of your house and then triggering it to automatically email it to the seller every 30 days with updates on active, pending and sold homes, even all mapped out too !  I also learned about other tech toys including a tiny battery operated projector which I immediately ordered too.

But at the end of the day, it is a place for me to socialise with other very successful and techy Realtors from all over the USA who think and act just like me, and also talk about home opportunities.  In fact, while there I sold a home in Hillsboro which I hadnt even started to market yet to one of my Realtor freinds from Berkeley, California.

I will continue to attend all these types of events, and im fact speaking at a one day event in Atlanta for Howard Brinton's Star Power ( www.gostarpower.com ) in early February, and again then at the Prudential Real Estate annual convention in San Diego at the end of March, this time in front of about 7,000 people.

Being a top selling Realtor team is about knowledge and about connections and about freinds.  By cultivating all of these, I can do a better job selling homes here in Portland, Oregon

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Portland Oregon Real Estate can make you feel better and live longer

Wednesday, January 17, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

Submitted by Bruce Hecht:

I was working last week with 2 different buyers from out of state.  They both said to me, "I know when we move to Portland Oregon, we are going to feel better and live longer"!
 
I asked them, what do you mean by that?
 
They told me, that where they are from, it is colder and longer in the winter, which makes it so they can not get outside as easy to go for long walks, runs, bike rides, hikes or even feel like going outside. 
 
 But in Portland Oregon, they know that the days are longer, the days are warmer, winters more mild and they will just naturally want to do more exercise,spend more time at all of the parks, trails, mountains, rivers and lakes.

This in turn, they said, will cause them to be much more active, try new sports and allow them to be more involved with more activities, more of the year!
 
I agreed with them and suggested some of the hiking clubs, sailing clubs, walking clubs,biking clubs and mountaineering clubs they could contact.

They were very excited and we close on their new home next month.
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Condo purchase in close-in Portland brings feeling of security when ready to downsize.

Friday, January 5, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

Submitted by Sandra Hanis

It is never easy to leave your home and neighborhood after 22 years but it can bring a renewed sense of energy when that home brings a feeling of relief and security. My client's family members felt the decision to sell the family home had to be made and hoped they could help their mom downsize and find a home she would love. They were spending a great deal of time helping to maintain their mom's home following the passing of her husband. More importantly, they were worried about her falling again and in a 3 story home, that possibility was only too likely. Once her home sold, we set out to find a new place. As luck would have it, the perfect condo was just waiting for her in NE Portland only 11 blocks from her current Hollywood home. After years of experience, I have often seen the right home appear at just the right time! When her son and I brought her to see it, the excitement was evident from the first look...she really wanted this new place.

Now all of the anxiety about making a move was gone and she was beginning to place her furniture in her imagination and anticipated using this newly renovated kitchen with brand new appliances. Her son and I could see with just a few alterations, this home could work very well for her. Her daughter concurred and was also excited for her mom. Since this is a condominium, it was necessary to contact the HOA to be sure these changes could be made and that permission from the board could be received in time to remove the important contingencies written into the sale agreement. Also, contacting Prudential's Home Services was the next step to get bids for renovations. One call to Home Services provided three licensed bonded contractors to provide bids to assure the necessary deadlines could be reached. At this time, they are still working out the details of making the needed changes but my client is happy in the knowledge that she can celebrate Christmas in her family home and now looks forward to the new Year in her new place.

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Did you miss the best buys and best time to buy real estate in Portland Oregon?

Thursday, January 4, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Bruce Hecht:
 
Have you seen the latest real estate news from Portland, Oregon?  Last Saturday's headlines talked about the continued downtrend in the national market except that this is not appearing to happen in the Portland Oregon housing market!
 
It said that the real estate slump and downward trend that has been plaguing the nation, missed Portland and the Portland, Oregon real estate market continues to be active, strong and the buyers and sellers are still buying and selling homes.

Why?  Well, the Portland Oregon real estate market continues to be the best buy and best kept secret on the entire west coast!  The greater western Washington market has not missed a beat.  However, the average priced home in western Washington is almost double of the average priced home in Portland, Oregon.  The average priced home in California, even with their recent drops, is still approximately 2.5 times what it is in Portland.
 
The average buyer can still buy a great home in great locations, near parks,water, libraries, shopping and mass transportation in Portland Oregon for a great price!
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Communication is the Key!

Friday, December 22, 2006
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
When closing a real estate transaction , clear communication is the number one contributer to a smooth transaction.  The Rob Levy Team has established working relationships with our recommended lender, Shawn Headlee, and recommended escrow officer, Tammy LeMaire. After years of working together we have a learned the most effective way to communicate as one large team striving to exceed our buyer's and seller's expectations.  With the large number of documents being handled in your average real estate purchase, it is nice to know that they rest in capable hands.  Our team feels absolutely comfortable entrusting Shawn and Tammy to complete their roles in your transaction.
 
Most often as the closing day nears, buyers and sellers may begin to feel anxiety regarding the process.  With the solid team and constant communication we are available to answer any questions that may be of concern.  Time and time again our clients recognize the effectiveness of the smooth transaction we offer when working with our entire team.  When you choose to purchase or sell a home, please consider the importance of communication between all key players throughout the transaction.
Submitted by Kate Baldus on out team....

 

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Life Styles and Great areas:

Tuesday, December 19, 2006
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
I have worked with 2 different buyers in the past few days, both of these buyers are moving from out of state.  They are moving to Portland Oregon because  they want a life style change and the great areas that Portland Oregon offers. Along with the proximity of these great areas to downtown Portland and the sense of close community and village feel that these neighborhoods offer.

They like to be able to walk or bike to work, coffee houses, food and shopping.  Most all of these close in areas to downtown Portland offer that flexibility.  Parks is another reason buyers move from far away and Portland Oregon has so many parks that it is hard to count all of them.  Some are situated right in downtown Portland and others are right across the street from homes I show them or ones that we look at.
 
No matter what you are looking for in your next town or city you are looking for, Portland Oregon can provide all of that and more.  A recent buyer that I have been emailing with and sending property searches too, from Colorado, is so excited to move to here he can not load up his car fast enough.  He was ready to leave last week, but Colorado was hit with a snow blizzard that dropped 2+ feet, roads were closed, he could not leave.
If you want more data on the "Portland lifestyle" contact us and we'd be happy to share, after all, we all love it here !
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Buyer/Agent Relationships

Tuesday, December 19, 2006
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Establishing a relationship with your agent will help to keep your home search moving and ensure that you are both on the same page.  Understanding what you, the buyer, is lokoing for will help your agent to select homes that are best fitted for you.  Some important questions to ask yourself are:
 
What is your time frame to purchase a home?  Do you have time to browse and find the right home?  Will you need to sell your home first? What is your search criteria?  Price Range? Neighborhood? etc...
The answers to these questions will help guide your purchasing experience.  Here are four additional tips for working with agents....
1)  Most agents work on commission:  Agents are most often paid commission only, usually by the seller, and do not get paid if they do not close the transaction.
2)  Keep appointments and be on time:   Please be respectful, use common courtesy, and allow as much time as possible to have your agent show you a home.  If you're going to be late, or miss the appointment, pelase call your agent.
3)  Choose a real estate agent that will work for you:  Decide whether you want to work with an agent or without representation.  Interview agents until you find a match with someone who is interested in your wants and needs.  Some agent will ask you to sign a Buyer Agency Agreement, this is not required, but may help secure you as a client for this agent and encourage them to work hard for you!
4)  Make your expectations known:  If you would like to be driven to the properties, ask your agent if you can meet them at the office, or possibly be picked up at home or the hotel.  Let your agent know how often you would like to communicate and in what form is best for you.  Do you want phone calls, emails, text messages, etc.?  Set realistic goals and a time frame to find your dream home!
Our team's goal is to make your home buying experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.  If you are looking to buy a home in Portland, Orgegon, contact us today and we'll show you how !
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Let your lazy money buy you a house:

Tuesday, December 19, 2006
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
I just attended with one of my buyers, a great 1 day seminar about how you can make your
lazy, slow earning money, that is just sitting in your IRA,401K or SEP accounts, buy you your next great investment!

This type of investment is not new.  You have been able to direct your Retirement invest accounts since 1974.  But in the 1970's, when these first started, no one had enough money built up in them to buy any real estate, now, 30 years later, most all of us have enough in our accounts to buy some investment properties.
 
There are a number of rules and guidelines you need to follow, the biggest one is, you want to make sure you invest in the right market.  Portland Oregon is one of those perfect real estate investment markets.  You can still buy a great condition home (not needing a lot to be rented out at once) for well under $225,000.  If you put the correct amount down, buy in the right neighborhood, you can create a wonderful investment that is going up approximately 5-15% per year.  You also get to write off the interest rate and someone else is making all or most all of your mortgage payment.  Make sure to check with your CPA, Attorney or any other professional that you deal with about your finances.
 
There are also things you CAN NOT use your Retirement money to invest in.  For example,
 
Collectables:
work of art
rug or antique
metal or gem
stamp or coin
alcoholic beverages
 
Let me know if I can be of any further help with this concept. We are well versed in using your IRA funds to purchase investment real estate...
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Home Buying for Dummies!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Home Buying for Dummies is a great reference tool for upcoming home buyers.  The authors Eric Tyson and Ray Brown write in a style that makes the book useful as well as fun to read.
The book begins by discussing the many topics revolving around the decision to purchase a home, covering everything from the rent vs. buy question to tracking the real estate market.  By the end of the book the reader will understand terms like Escrow, ARM interest rate, inspection contingency and other phrases that can overwhelm the average home buyer.
 
My favorite three tips from their list of the Top 20 Hints for Homebuyers:
 
1) There are no absolutes in real estate negotiation:
Smart buyers realize that there are times when it's wise to make a lowball offer, and times when it's best to make your first offer the highest offer you can afford.  And remember that everything is negotiable.
 
2)  Don't let unexpected closing costs sabotage you: 
Ensure that you have enough cash to buy the house by estimating in advance all the costs you must pay at the time of closing, including moving expenses, insurance premiums, loan fees, and property taxes.
 
3)  The best time to think about selling your home is before you buy it:
Be sure that the home you buy has features other buyers will find desirable, or you won't be able to get a good price when you sell it.
Check out the book, and call us if you want to apply it's advice.  As Portland's top Prudential Real Estate Team, we'd be happy to share our two decades of experience with you.
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Displaying blog entries 261-270 of 301

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