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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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Portland Pirate Festival

Monday, September 17, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

Portland Pirate Festival

By Sandy Morley

 

The 2nd Annual Portland Pirate Festival is this upcoming weekend – September 22nd & 23rd.  This family-friendly event takes place in North Portland under the St. Johns Bridge at Cathedral Park.  Tickets can be purchased in advance for $12 adults or $15 at the door.


Entertainment will feature music by these favorite Pirate bands:

o Brotherhood of Oceanic Mercenaries

oCaptain Bogg & Salty

oGolden Bough

oSol' Jibe

oBroadside Johnnie

oLauren Sheehan Jug Band

oSam Bam Boo

 

Kids will enjoy exploring the old pirate ship and fun booths and activities.  If hungry there will be 15 tasty locations for grub and grog.

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Why Move to Portland, Oregon

Tuesday, September 11, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Bruce Hecht
 
 
Call me smart, call me savvy, call me senseless, but don't call me to tell me that it is raining.
 
The weather, the way of life, the water, the snow, the mountains, the oceans and most importantly, the ease of life.  Combine all these factors with the ammenities of the biggest and best cities in the United States and you have Portland, the best place to live.
 
Some people believe that it is the schools that make Portland stand out most, while others often take the position that we have some of the most beautiful parks in the country. These things are all true of Portland and they go hand in hand with an overall low cost of living and excellent quality healthcare.  It is also important to note that if you are someone who likes to do a lot of travelling you are an easy flight to many popular destinations, such as San Francisco and Seattle.
It is my personal belief that Portland is the best place to live because it is the perfect combination of the four seasons.  Yes, that is correct.  Portland, Oregon has the perfect balance of weather.
 
 
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Keeping It Healthy in Portland

Tuesday, August 28, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Clinton Downs 
In our office we have an almost daily check in about where we are with our workouts- and we put pressure on each other to make sure we are getting our physical exercise in. And, evidently, our office isn’t the only one. According to the Trust for America’s Health, Oregon is the 49th Least Inactive (or, if you’re a glass-half-full type of person, Oregon is the 3rd most active state), with only 17.4% of Oregonians reporting that they do not engage in any physical activity.
It’s been a cool and sunny summer to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, either biking, running or even walking. Here are some websites to help you plan:
 
Drive Less, Save More (great biking and walking resources!) (http://www.drivelesssavemore.com/travel/)
All Getaways (great walking maps all over Portland from their guidebook) (http://www.allgetaways.com/region.asp?areaid=100173)
The Oregonian’s Running Blog (http://blog.oregonlive.com/runoregon/)
 
And to see how many Oregonians have fun while also exercising, check out the Oregonian’s coverage of the Hood to Coast relay. (http://blog.oregonlive.com/oregonianspecial/2007/08/hood_to_coast_2007.html)
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Choices Abound on Portland’s South Waterfront

Tuesday, August 28, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Sandra Hanis
 
In spite of a gorgeous river running through the city, until recently Portlanders haven’t had many waterfront choices in housing. All of that has changed! Unfortunately, too many residents are unaware of their good fortune.
This last week, I showed several gorgeous, nicely appointed properties to an investor from out of the area. These clients recognize the bargain that these condo homes are…and are buying this home as a second residence. To benefit you will need to contact a knowledgeable agent and The Rob Levy Team looks forward to assisting you with this search. Through extremely good planning many units have great views and even if not riverfront, many homes take advantage of nice side views. The entire area is under construction with plans for recreation, dining and amenities for daily life! Today the construction makes the search a little confusing but buyers with some vision will benefit from their foresight!
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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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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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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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Displaying blog entries 61-70 of 136

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