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Displaying blog entries 61-70 of 117

Important Things to Consider when Purchasing a Home!

Thursday, September 27, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

Submitted by Sandra Hanis

Start out with buyers tips at www.roblevy.com

If you've been renting for awhile, you probably haven't given a lot of thought to the type of heat source you want in your home purchase. Did you know heating and cooling accounts for 44 % of a home's energy use? It is not likely that that figure will go down in the years ahead!

In the Northwest you have many choices... electric, gas, oil, wood or propane. Often a buyer is so focused on the appearance of a home that they neglect to see what the heat source is. Our team of agents will note and point out the heat in a home as well as check with you to see if you have a preference. If you are from another area, you may not realize we need to be aware of buried oil storage tanks and that there are important things you need to do to minimize any future liability on a property. I am always surprised to see a recent purchase in the last 5- 10 years when a client was not advised of that by their agent...something we in the Portland area have been aware of for many years...especially in homes older than 1950.

You can easily research and be aware of heating issues and more such as: Insurance, lead paint, insulation, asbestos, windows as well as find buyer tips, financial information and more all at: roblevy.com You can always feel free to call any of our experienced agents for a free consultation to discuss your options in home ownership. 503-906-1444

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Portland Real Estate Market Continues to Appreciate

Sunday, September 23, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

For the 12 months ending in August, 2007 vs. the previous 12 months, the average price in the Portland Metropolitan area appreciated 7.8% according to RMLS.  The average price rose from $313,000 to $337,400 and the median price rose from $263,700 to $283,500 for an increase of 8.1% for the same 12 month period.  The average sales price for all the sales in the month of August 2007 was $366,900 with an average market time of 57 days.  At the end of August there were 15,782 active listings listed in the MLS representing a 6.2 month supply of homes. 5.5 months is considered optimum and to be a balanced market.

The chart below shows the Average Sales Price for the Portland Metro area as compared to last year.

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Tualatin Can Compete – All While Maintaining a Small Town Feel!

Friday, September 14, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

Submitted by Sandy Morley

The buzz is getting louder surrounding the vision plan and developments in Tualatin. Bridgeport Village - the new, flashy “lifestyle center” has propelled Tualatin as a destination for Portland area residents and families relocating to Oregon. The $250 million shopping center (opened in 2005) has become the “it” place for high-end boutiques and movie-goers. This isn’t the only change happening southwest of Portland.  The once country farming community has created a downtown area with a man-made lake surrounded by condos and the new development called Nyberg Woods.
 
The best part of this transformation? The city has maintained the small town feel with a focus on preserving the historical landmarks and highlighting the recreational uses of the meandering Tualatin River. While continuously growing, the community emphasizes the family-friendly atmosphere as one of the most important goals - decided by vision plan input that included nearly 4,000 residents.
 
It is not just Tualatin’s image that makes this a great community to live – the easy access to I-5 makes commuting to Portland a 20 minute drive. The long-awaited new Washington County commuter rail project (to be completed Fall 2008) will make traveling to and from town even easier. Best of all, the city is investing in constructing the commuter rail station to resemble an old brick 1920’s train station to keep with Tualatin’s small town feel. 
 
Still considered up-and-coming, there are hopes for a central gathering spot like a community center and a need for more restaurants and stores downtown. Until then, thousands of residents gather every year to taste delicious seafood at the Tualatin Crawfish Festival (number 57 this year!), dance to jazz and bluegrass at the free weekly music series Concert in the Commons, and celebrate the local history at the Tualatin Heritage Center.
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Arts and Culture in Portland

Tuesday, September 11, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Sandra Hanis
The season arrives for the Broadway Across America’s new Broadway theater season at the Keller Auditorium. This 2007- 2008 season includes Monty Python’s Spamalot, Camelot, and Twelve Angry Men.
Having spent this month’s mortgage on several shows while on a summer visit to New York City, I definitely intend to indulge myself with season tickets this year. Portland offers great new shows and amazing live talent for theater lovers. Even if you do no more than see one or two shows, you owe it to yourself to do so. These great programs are good for the soul as well as for the lively culture of the city. While it is an investment of time and money….I can’t think of  a nicer gift for someone you love. Why not take Grandma or even Grandpa…how many new sweaters do they need? Or introduce your teenagers to a show and dinner! Dress Up! Talk! They will benefit from the exposure to live theater. As for your sweetheart, don’t miss the obvious romantic opportunity for an evening together. Choose a play he/she will enjoy. The reward could extend after the curtain falls!
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The Lowdown on the Mortgage Market

Tuesday, September 11, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Shawn Headlee
Good Morning All,
 
How about those Oregon Ducks!! I hope you all got to enjoy the game this weekend. 
 
It was a rough day on Friday for the stock market, but the bond market did well where rates are concerned. The 30 year fixed is approaching 6%. This is mostly due to the markets believing that the economy is slowing. Country Wide Financial announced today that they were laying off approximately 12,000 employees. I don’t think CWF is going to go bankrupt, but this is a sign of how bad the mortgage market has become.  
 
Housing inventory is up and rates are down, that is a great recipe for a strong buyers market. It has been a few years since we have seen one of those!!
 
Have a great week!
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Bike Commuting in Portland

Tuesday, August 28, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Bruce Hecht
 
As bike commuting continues to grow in Portland Oregon, more and more future home
owners try to buy homes that are inline with bike path, bike lanes or bike trails that will get them to their jobs.
 
Bike commuting in Portland Oregon is up 80% from 1997 to 2006!  The highest in the United States.  The problem is, when the riders get to work, many of them have found that they forgot something they need to wear to be dressed for work.  No problem say the store workers of many of the local downtown area merchants, they are ready for them on a moments notice when they come in.
 
There are a few sites you can go to, like www.bta4bikes.org.   This site helps you learn more about what the current riders do, where they go and how they converted from car commuters to bike commuters.
 
Only in Portland Oregon can you find bike commuting going up and car driving going down.
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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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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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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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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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Displaying blog entries 61-70 of 117

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