Don’t lick the paint stupid! Oh, you don’t have lead paint… - 08/31/08 10:14 AM
Recently there was a case here in Oregon that a child had come down with lead poising and they were talking about it on the news. My wife and I both said at the same time "Don't lick the paint stupid!"
But, then the news said they lived in a 2001 farmhouse. I asked my wife, then how did the kid get lead poising? They haven't used lead based paint since 1977, and so unless he was going to the neighbors and licking their walls there had to be another explanation.
The story said they were thinking just like me, what … (25 comments)

Oregon Coast Aquarium – Fun for all ages - 08/31/08 01:14 AM
The Oregon Coast Aquarium located in Newport, Oregon, is great fun for all ages and I can prove it! This aquarium was so much fun that I became like a little kid myself when I got to pet stingrays and sharks.
This easy day trip from Tigard, Oregon, is one that if you haven't done it, I suggest you do it soon! Now it may seem expensive, but if you live in Oregon, I do suggest you buy the family pass for $80 as it was $56 just for my wife, kids and me to all get in. It makes it … (4 comments)

Washington County, Oregon home sales week in review by neighborhood (8/29/2008) - 08/29/08 11:02 AM
Today is Friday, August 29, 2008 and it is time for another breakdown of homes sales in the Washington County, Oregon market. This week the stats came out for July 2008 versus July 2007 and the numbers are pretty amazing. Despite an average drop in home sales in Washington County of 33.95% from last year at this time, the prices still rose and average of .62% from last year. This is an interesting situation, because even though we have less people buying, we also have less people selling. So what does this mean to buyers who think we are completely in … (0 comments)

Tualatin, Oregon Summer Events: Concerts on the Commons - 08/29/08 09:49 AM
This last Friday night I was invited to an event that I wish I had learned about earlier in the summer. But, next year my family and I plan to hit every concert there as it is a free and a fun event.
Click here if you can't see the slide show
This last Friday night, August 22, 2008, a group called The Sugar Beets performed and I have to admit they were a lot better than I thought they would be and a lot of kids were dancing to the music.
If you can't see The Sugar Beets performance click … (0 comments)

Oregon City Parks – Tots Park - 08/28/08 11:38 PM

The name of this park says it all! Tots Park is clearly aiming toward a certain audience and it is a big hit with the little ones. Now, one of the things I liked about this park as a parent was that it is small enough to keep an eye on my tots at all times.

Another thing I liked about this park with kids is that we were 20 feet from the bathrooms. In a lot of parks the bathrooms seem to be so far away when a four year old says, "Daddy, I need to go potty" … (4 comments)

Parks, Campgrounds And Other Places To Stop (New Group Announcement) - 08/28/08 05:29 PM
Over the past couple months I've been doing more and more local posts. Because of it, I've been getting more and more business. But, one thing I have noticed is there is no group to place posts about local parks, campgrounds, or other places to take our families when we go on vacation to a new city.
So, I've decided to start a new group exactly for that. So if you write great about post about something local to do and you are about to post it to Localisim, now you have a place to post it so other Activerain members … (7 comments)

Singercreek Park – Oregon City Walking Trails - 08/28/08 09:52 AM
Ok, first thing I want to say about this park is, if you are out of shape in anyway, this is not the park for you. This park is full of paths that are steep and a hard climb, I was exhausted when I took just one of the paths and didn't even want to continue upward to see the rest of the park afterwards.
 
The park is beautiful and has some mature fruit trees. However, I didn't see anything for kids in this park, but it sure does add to the cities charm and livability of the city. I … (1 comments)

The Oregon City Municipal Elevator and Promenade - 08/27/08 11:41 PM
Oregon City, Oregon has a few amazing facts about it. Many people consider it to be the end of the Oregon Trail. Many people set out west via wagon trains trying to get a fresh start at the time of the gold rush. Now another cool fact about Oregon City is that it is the oldest incorporated city west of the Mississippi.

Now, what I like about Oregon City is there are really two parts to it. The lower part, really known as old town, where most of the businesses are, and then the upper part of Oregon City, where … (3 comments)

I actually told a seller to rent it, despite what I told another person last week - 08/27/08 08:43 AM
Last week I wrote a post called "If you can't sell it, I'm going to rent it (HUH?)" and this week I have to retract that statement...Well, ok, not completely, but in this situation I did.
You see this seller read this article and gave me a call because they wanted to know more about what I was saying. (Thank you Activerain) After meeting with them, I had to tell them that they should keep the property as a rental and enjoy retirement!
Why did I tell them this after writing that article? They were in a special situation, they were … (10 comments)

1690 SE Regner Road, Gresham, Oregon 97030 - 08/26/08 11:18 PM

This stunning remodel has even gotten the attention of one of the family members who used to live there in the 50's you can read about that here. The best part is now the rest of the family is coming to visit on Sunday the 8th of September to see this home, so wait for that post!
If you are interested in seeing this home contact me anytime for a private tour.
Todd Clark - brokerKastings & AssociatesPhone: (503)524-9494Fax: (503)622-8739



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The life balance chart – Adding spiritual was harder than I thought - 08/26/08 11:04 AM
I don't like to talk about religion or politics in my posts in general I'm still not going to in this post, this is more about over coming fear. But, my coach and mentor had me fill out a life balance chart and he said something was missing. I had family, I had work, I had me time, but what I didn't have was the spiritual section. As he put it "My life was out of balance"
My coach told me that I needed to get back in to spiritual balance in order for my career to soar to the next … (30 comments)

Fixing up your property, what your Realtor may not tell you! - 08/25/08 11:31 PM
Do you own a home that might be considered a cosmetic fixer, or even a major fixer, and you want to sell it? There are two options. First, sell it as is for a discounted price, or second, fix it up and put it on the market and hope to get all your money back out.
So, the first thing you do is call your favorite Realtor, who may not be doing so well right now, and is glad to hear from you. You tell him you are thinking of selling. You hear the excitement in their voice and they ask … (8 comments)

Sometimes helping family gives you new perspective - 08/25/08 09:19 AM
Seeing my mom cry has giving me a new perspective on real estate and why it is so important to hire a real estate professional to help you through the process of buying and selling a home.
You see, my parents were in a situation that they would never move from their house that they have lived in for the past 30 years. But, three weeks ago, they were thrown the opportunity to buy a property that my grandfather built that appraises for $700,000 for only $250,000. This property is an amazing property that overlooks the river from the deck.
However, … (15 comments)

Washington County, Oregon home sales week in review by neighborhood (8/22/2008) - 08/23/08 12:42 AM
Today is Friday, August 22, 2008 and it is time for another breakdown of homes sales in the Washington County, Oregon market. This week the stats came out for July 2008 versus July 2007 and the numbers are pretty amazing. Despite an average drop in home sales in Washington County of 33.95% from last year at this time, the prices still rose and average of .62% from last year. This is an interesting situation, because even though we have less people buying, we also have less people selling. So what does this mean to buyers who think we are completely in … (1 comments)

4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath on Bull Mountain with a view under $300,000! - 08/21/08 11:55 PM

This home is amazing and has it all! Click here to see a virtual tour of this amazing property
African Mahogany Hardwoods
2 Car Garage
Theater Room
View of Mt. Hood and the Valley
Granite Countertops
Large Master with Walk-in-Closet
Master Tub w/ seperate shower

Todd Clark - brokerKastings & AssociatesPhone: (503)524-9494Fax: (503)622-8739



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First time home ownership maybe as close as your tool chest - 08/21/08 12:17 PM
More and more people are discovering no matter how hard they try to save for a down payment, with the prices of homes going up, and that magic 3%-10%, the dream of home ownership keeps getting harder and harder to reach.
Part of the reason this is the case is that there are more people shopping for the $200,000 home than there are the $700,000 home. For every one buyer looking at a $700,000 there will be 10 looking at the $200,000 home, and that makes it a lot harder to win if it gets to a bidding war.
A prime … (8 comments)

“Space Chimps” should have stayed lost in space - 08/20/08 08:55 AM
Almost every Tuesday my family and I go to the movies because of the great deal we get at the Academy Theater. But, even at the great price of Family Tuesdays, I left feeling like tonight was a waste of good film and eight dollars.
My family and I saw "Space Chimps" yesterday and there were lots of children there, but unlike most family children's cartoons, something was missing. No kids were laughing, even my son after the movie said that it certainly wasn't a good film. (That was from a seven year old that was looking forward to it.)

… (8 comments)

That is BS! - 08/20/08 12:09 AM

Have you ever listed a house that the owner is moving because they hate the neighbor? You certainly don't want to tell a prospective buyer that the person is selling because the neighbor is an ASS, but sometimes the buyer knows who the neighbor is and still buys.
I hate to hear on the news that a person who bought a home near the airport is trying to get the flight path changed because he hates the sound of the planes going overhead. WHAT? Are you an idiot? Didn't you notice the directional signs to the airport in front of your … (25 comments)

Your desperation really only had two outcomes! - 08/19/08 10:47 AM


I've waited awhile to write this post as I didn't want the agent that I'm writing about to read my blog. However, I checked today and I believe they are now out of the business, which to be honest, does not surprise me.
You see, this agent was so desperate for a deal to close, that they got to the point that what they were doing only had one of two outcomes, as far as I was concerned. The first outcome was what happened, the deal fell apart. The second was what was about to happen if it hadn't, and … (16 comments)

Today is a sad day for me - I'm losing my coach, my mentor, but most of all a friend! - 08/19/08 12:28 AM
Over the past three years, I've had some major changes in my business and I can contribute most of them to the support of my friend, my coach and my mentor George Paukert.  But, Over the past couple of months he has some life changing events and one of those events is the return of his cancer.  This caused him to make some very hard decisions and one of those was to have me write this post.
When I talked to him and his wife Arlene the other day he said "The one decision that I hoped never to have to make is … (4 comments)

I’m selling my home…Ok, maybe just the name - 08/18/08 10:37 AM
Sounds crazy doesn't it? Well, why the heck shouldn't I? As I was driving to PGE Park this weekend, I thought about all the other great American ballparks around the country that sold their name to companies to make money.
Well today, I've announced I'm selling the rights for one year increments on my home. If you are a company looking to sponsor my home, feel free to contact me anytime. Sponsorship goes to the highest bidder and the bidding will end on the 31st of this month.

Todd Clark - brokerKastings & AssociatesPhone: (503)524-9494Fax: (503)622-8739



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Why I now subscribe to my own blog - 08/17/08 10:10 AM
Have you ever gotten an e-mail from someone and you didn't know how to react? Well, last week I got that e-mail from someone who subscribes to my blog via e-mail. I knew I had that on my blog via Feedburner, but I never actually went back to see who or if anyone had subscribed to my blog!

It turns out in one of my blogs I had mentioned the pictures below and the subscriber e-mailed me to tell me that there were no pictures within the post they received. So, I ended up having to send them a link … (38 comments)

What to do when it hits 100 degrees in Beaverton, Oregon - 08/17/08 01:10 AM
First of all, I don't know how you people in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada do this. It has been three days and I am dying! I was hoping to escape the heat a little by using the pool at our condo project. And wouldn't you know it, a part goes out and it is out for the week. By that time it will be back in the 70s again and who wants to use the pool when it is that cold?
Well, there is one thing I could do when it gets that hot in Beaverton, and its the … (16 comments)

Washington County, Oregon home sales week in review by neighborhood (8/15/2008) - 08/15/08 06:09 PM
Today is Friday, August 15, 2008 and it is time for another breakdown of homes sales in the Washington County, Oregon market. This week the stats came out for July 2008 versus July 2007 and the numbers are pretty amazing. Despite an average drop in home sales in Washington County of 33.95% from last year at this time, the prices still rose and average of .62% from last year. This is an interesting situation, because even though we have less people buying, we also have less people selling. So what does this mean to buyers who think we are completely in … (3 comments)

I’m a qualified buyer, but I want lower payments. What do I do? - 08/14/08 10:12 AM
With interest rates creeping up every month and down payments near 3%, I am finding more and more buyers that like the houses they are finding, but don't like the payments they are being quoted from the lenders.
Thirty year fixed rate loans are nearing 6.5%, and PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is also going up. You, the average home buyer, may be coming out of pocket, an extra $200 every month despite having an 800 credit score. You also have to figure out where to get another 3% for closing costs!
But, what if I could show you how to by … (3 comments)

31416 NW Wascoe, North Plains, Oregon (Offering Owner Financing & Lease Option) - 08/13/08 10:44 PM
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KISS ME, KISS MY MARKETING AND HOPEFULLY KISS MY… - 08/13/08 10:47 AM
As I write this I am amazed at the fact that I didn't think of this before. What makes me stand out from other agents? What can I do to make my self stand out more? What makes people think of you when they think of real estate? Is it a calendar on their fridge? I can't count how many listings I've taken with another agent on the fridge. Is it your newsletter? I've seen people hire me and then ask me about an article in another agent's flyer.
So what was it? What is it and what should it be … (21 comments)

Here are today’s specials and would you like a house with that? - 08/12/08 11:23 PM
I love writing about restaurants I enjoy and I enjoy it even more when the next time I walk in to the restaurant, I see my post, links and all, framed on the wall behind the cash register. I love to bring up something about the post and then they say, "Yeah, isn't that a great review?" I respond, "Yeah, I'm glad I wrote it, you guys are great!" That is usually when they ask for a stack of my cards to put on the counter.
But, last night I went to a restaurant that I normally enjoy and was thinking … (12 comments)

Todd 2.0, Hey why is there a line? - 08/12/08 10:05 AM
Web 2.0, IPhone 2.0, Nike's new $300 shoes, all these things had people lining up at the door waiting for their debut. So, today, I'm announcing that on December 1st, 2008, Todd 2.0 will be introduced.
Todd 2.0 will come with less weight, more marketing ideas, and still have a great sense of humor. So, at 12:01 on 12/1/2008 the new version of Todd will be released. I am hoping that the new Todd will have a line of people waiting outside my door wanting to take me home.
I look forward to the pictures and if you pre-order the new … (14 comments)

Keep your political crap off my blog! - 08/12/08 12:31 AM
I woke up this morning for my normal morning walk with my parents to find out someone had gotten into one of my outside blogs and posted the same comment on every one of my blogs.
 
Your candidate for President

  
Now, I have no problem with politics, but I don't bring up politics, religion or a slew of other topics that are just asking for problems when it comes to the public. So, please don't waste my time and hijack my blog for your political gain!
Todd Clark - brokerKastings & AssociatesPhone: (503)524-9494Fax: (503)622-8739



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If you can’t sell it, I’m going to rent it (HUH?) - 08/11/08 08:49 AM
I recently had a client call me two weeks after I took a listing from her and she told me if I didn't have it sold in 20 days, that she was going to take it off the market and rent it out for $1500 a month.

What? OK, first of all, I have a six month listing and I wouldn't have taken it had I known I only had thirty days to sell this at a slightly higher price than the competition. Also, I find this very weird since she wouldn't even consider doing a lease option for … (16 comments)

The Oregon International Air Show (2008) – A fun family Event - 08/10/08 02:31 AM
Today was one long day for my family, especially with a four year old. But, you know what? It was still a lot of fun and something my kids will be talking about for weeks to come. Today we got up at 6am to start getting ready to go to the Oregon International Air Show.There were airplanes and pilots from around the world showing off their skills at flying and getting lots of oohs and awws from the crowd. Below you will see lots of videos and pictures from our day at the event. The only bad thing I can say … (9 comments)

Washington County, Oregon home sales week in review by neighborhood (8/8/2008) - 08/08/08 01:55 PM
Today is Friday, August 8, 2008 and it is time for another breakdown of homes sales in the Washington County, Oregon market. This week the stats came out for June 2008 versus June 2007 and the numbers are pretty amazing. Despite an average drop in home sales in Washington County of 33.95% from last year at this time, the prices still rose and average of .62% from last year. This is an interesting situation, because even though we have less people buying, we also have less people selling. So what does this mean to buyers who think we are completely in … (3 comments)

Birth Control – A story of Education vs Reality - 08/07/08 11:19 PM
Depending on your age, you may or may not have had the experience I had in school with health education. When I went to school they gave us a bag of flour and said this is your child take care of it for the next week.
Now, to me this didn't seem like child care, but in a way it did. A new born weighs about 10 lbs and if you cut the bag accidentally, like a child, it will bleed. The difference is you didn't have to feed it, change its diapers or have it wake you up in the … (15 comments)

Remodeled 5 Bedroom on a cul-de-sac only $289,711 - 08/06/08 11:47 PM
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Another free tool to offer your investors - 08/05/08 11:36 PM
Yesterday I got a call from one of my investors and he gave me a free tool to offer my other investors who own rental properties. I love it when people from the Empowered Investors group share what they have found, without worrying about losing business or a competitive edge in the market place.
This group is so willing to share with each other, they'll work together to do 1031 exchanges. They just share new marketing ideas or cost saving loans with each other. It really is a community of investors wanting to help each other.
So, this freebie that he … (22 comments)

The Beautiful Oregon Coast in Pictures - 08/05/08 09:50 AM
The other day I wrote a post called "The day the beach came to us" and that just wasn't going to do for the family, so off to the beach we went. One of the things I love about the Beaverton and Portland area is that we are so close to the mountains and the coast. I must say the Oregon coast is one of the most amazing places on earth to visit, when it isn't raining.
During the year we get the annual migration of whales, an average summer temperature of only about 70 degrees, and one of the most … (8 comments)

Dang, I look good! - 08/04/08 10:06 PM
Is it really possible? Am I that good looking? Well, of course it is, but over the past 3 months I think I'm getting even better looking and healthier and it is even building my business.
You see over the past 3 months I've been doing a few things different in my business. I have been doing more door knocking, looking for buyers and sellers. Mondays and Fridays I door knock on Apartments, and on Tuesdays on FSBOs and expireds. But, two weeks ago my mom was told by the doctor she needs to exercise more and she knew I needed … (25 comments)

I was sent another referral yesterday, but I’m worried about him already - 08/04/08 08:54 AM
Yesterday I was sent a referral from a mortgage broker that I met through another agent in another state, but this referral has me worried. This potential client had already been pre-approved and was already somewhat actively looking when I first talked to him.
He said he had found a place that he liked. I happened to be next door to it at a friend's house and said if he wanted to see it, I would wait here for him. He showed up, loved it and was ready to put in an offer until he found out the HOA dues. Not … (11 comments)

Tigard Oregon Real Estate: Cook Park a short walk away - 08/03/08 10:59 PM
Cook Park in Tigard, Oregon located off Durham Road, near Tigard High School, is a very large park with lots to do and is just a short walk from a few neighborhoods in Tigard.  
It has 4 baseball diamonds, soccer fields, basketball courts, and volleyball courts. If you are looking to have a picnic, there are also plenty of BBQ stands and picnic tables. If you prefer to reserve spots they also have covered areas, one of which that can accommodate up to 250 people.
Visit this panorama hereIf you want to go for a nice nature hike, this is … (3 comments)

The day the beach came to us - 08/03/08 12:19 AM
Normally it takes our family about an hour, to an hour and a half, to get to the beach, depending on which beach we are heading to. But today it only took about 15 minutes as it seems the beach got a lot closer to us than normal.
You see the City of Portland has a public square right in the middle of downtown called Pioneer Court House Square, and this year they bussed in a few tons of sand for a sand art contest. All you could use was the sand and water to build some master creations.

Well, … (10 comments)

Washington County, Oregon home sales week in review by neighborhood (8/1/2008) - 08/01/08 12:31 PM
Today is Friday, August 1, 2008 and it is time for another breakdown of homes sales in the Washington County, Oregon market. This week the stats came out for June 2008 versus June 2007 and the numbers are pretty amazing. Despite an average drop in home sales in Washington County of 33.95% from last year at this time, the prices still rose and average of .62% from last year. This is an interesting situation, because even though we have less people buying, we also have less people selling. So what does this mean to buyers who think we are completely in … (2 comments)

 
Helping Families Home is a blog set up to help families find that perfect home for them. I have a family and I understand how hard it can be to find a home that everyone is happy with. Let me help you find that home and help your family home.


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