Final Post of 2011 -- Happy New Year! - 12/31/11 02:59 PM
As 2011 draws to the end and 2012 rolls in, I can only say:  out with the old . . . in with the new!
According to Ghandi, there are seven sins in the world.  It's only SEVEN . . . a little less then the ten found in the non-secular Judeo-Christian "10 Commandments"  Ghandi's version . . .  such a deal!! 
This pretty much sums up what I would hope the collective will of human kind can absorb.

… (13 comments)

Downtown Portland One of America's Best Downtowns According to Forbes - 12/29/11 05:39 PM
America's Best Downtown Portland Oregon So who am I to argue with Forbes Magazine?!?  In a recent article Forbes gave the nod to Downtown Portland Oregon as one of America's Best Downtowns. 
I could not agree any more!  Downtown Portland is truly a wonderful place.
"When it comes to cities, Portland, Ore., is a unique urban playground of high-end culture, green living and DIY arts scenes. But for a taste of Portland’s best, natives point to the city’s downtown area. There’s independent live theater, beautiful parks, the largest independent and used bookstore in the country and some of the best doughnut shops on the Pacific Coast … (8 comments)

10 Tips For First Time Home Buyers in Portland . . . And Elsewhere! - 12/28/11 03:28 PM
First Time Home Buyer Tip #1: Find A Good Buyers Agent Find a Portland Realtor® who has experience helping first time buyers in Portland -- preferably a Buyers Agent. Better still try to hire an Exclusive Buyers Agent. Exclusive Buyers Agents work ONLY with Home Buyers, never sellers!
Find an Portland agent who is simpatico, someone who is not going to cause unnecessary drama. First time home buyers are not only making a financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical, especially if you're buying a home for the first time, that your Realtor® is both skilled and experienced with … (7 comments)

Happy Boxing Day! - 12/26/11 01:51 PM

It's December 26th -- the day after Christmas.
It's over folks!!
But wait . . . there's more.
December 26th is Boxing Day -- a tradition celebrated by our friends . . . and former sparring partners . . . the Brits!
Let's take the day of December 26th and do some more holiday good cheer stuff!! 
HAPPY BOXING DAY EVERYONE!! . . . it's not only just the British who celebrate Boxing Day.
Quite a few countries recognize December 26 as Boxing Day, or St. Stephan's Day, or Second Christmas Day, or Goodwill Day:
The UK, (England, Scotland, Wales), Ghana, Australia, … (9 comments)

Is Portland A Buyers Market | Is Portland A Sellers Market | Is The Portland Real Estate Market Stable - 12/26/11 12:27 AM
Is Portland A Buyers Market, Is Portland a Sellers Market, Is the Portland Real Estate Market Stable People "think"  . . . and when they think the Portland Real Estate market is headed in one direction, but the numbers aren't supporting that . . . they need to re-think.
Many Buyers in Portland think it's a Buyers' Market. 
However, since June 2011 it's been very close to a STABLE / NEUTRAL real estate market in Portland.
The Portland Buyer's Real Estate Market A "Buyers Market" is simple: there are more homes available for sale than buyers to purchase them.
When buyers have more homes to tour, that increases the likliehood that a buyer will find … (11 comments)

The 12 Days of Christmas . . . Gift #12 - 12/25/11 01:04 AM
The 12 Days of Christmas ~ Gift #12
Maybe this dates me, but every Sunday night on CBS the Ed Sullivan show would come on.  That’s what we – the Muss family – did on Sunday nights for years and years.  We watched Ed Sullivan and his really big Shoe Show. 
I watched:  The Beatles, Elvis, The Supremes, The Jackson 5, the Rolling Stones, TONS of comedians, TONS of acts but my all time favorite . . .TOPO GIOGIO the Little Italian Mouse.
Please enjoy . . .
Merry Christmas . . . and HO HO HO

… (16 comments)

An Open Letter to Jamie Dimon - CEO J. P. Morgan Chase - 12/24/11 09:59 PM
On the Eve of Christmas, I'm reblogging this letter written to the CEO of J.P. Morgan Chase by Mike Cooper.
In the spirt of SCROOGE, Harry Potter and the money changers at the Temple . . . this re-blog is for Mr. Demon Dimon.  Merry Christmas ya rat!
The eight beatitudes in Matthew 5:3–12 during the Sermon on the Mount are stated as:
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingom of Heaven.  Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall … (7 comments)

The 12 Days of Christmas -- Gift #11 - 12/23/11 11:48 PM
The 12 Days of Christmas ~ Gift #11
It’s almost Christmas and it’s time for little R&R . . . rest and relaxation!  You baked, wrapped, shopped enough already.  Now it’s time to light the tree.  Don’t worry; this will be easy . . . and FUN!
Just make sure all the little bulbs are lit and you WIN!!
Please enjoy . . .
Merry Christmas . . . and HO HO HO
 
P.S.  I took the game off the site because I couldn't get the SOUND TURNED OFF and it was annoying to hear that sound emanating throughout my … (10 comments)

The 12 Days of Christmas -- Gift #10 - 12/23/11 12:35 AM
The 12 Days of Christmas ~ Gift #10
You guys are really tough to shop for!!
I was looking at all kinds of cool things tonight, from kids saying the darndest things about Jesus and Santa Claus to the “Silent Monks” . . .  singing the Hallelujah Chorus.
I should have just gotten you socks!!
I was in the mood for songs tonight and while browsing tonight I found the Good Earth Singers who will be performing next year on December 21, 2012. 
Here’s a thought . . . suppose, just suppose the World DOESN’T end December 21, 2012 as “predicted.”   … (9 comments)

The 12 Days of Christmas -- Gift #9 - 12/21/11 10:09 PM
The 12 Days of Christmas ~ Gift #9
Okay, we’re getting really close to Christmas.   And during this time it appears that some people seem to be getting really close to those other “holiday spirits”  . . . the booze.
This is a funny (at least to me) rendition of “The Night Before Christmas” . . . a recitation done by a guy that had . . . just . . . a . . . little . . . too . . . much . . . to . . . drink.
“Hmmm . . . what seems to be … (8 comments)

Wordless Wednesday . . . My Dog Molly - 12/21/11 04:04 PM

 
This is my dog Molly.  She's about 70 lbs. and you know how those medium-to-large breeds think:  they're ALL a LAP DOGS!  HA HA HA
Molly takes it one step further . . . she thinks she's a LAP TOP DOG!
Never fails . . . the minute I sit down on the couch, try to focus and get some work done, she'll sidle up and lay down . . . with her head right on my LAP TOP!!  Cute . . . but annoying!
 
… (15 comments)

The 12 Days of Christmas -- Gift #8 - 12/20/11 10:25 PM
The 12 Days of Christmas Hanukkah ~ Gift #8
 
Today is the first night of Hanukkah.  And let’s face it, Jesus was Jewish . . . it says so in the Bible.
Jesus knew and celebrated this tradition as “The Feast of Dedication” rather than “Hanukkah.”  Jesus would have been celebrating/observing this ancient Hebrew tradition during his time.  So, as a Christian, I give Hanukkah a big nod.  (My son’s father is Sabra from Israel BTW.) 
“The Feast of Dedication also called "Feast of the Maccabees" was a Jewish festival observed for eight days from the 25th of Kislev (i.e. … (7 comments)

The 12 Days of Christmas -- Gift #7 - 12/20/11 12:39 AM
The 12 Days of Christmas ~ Gift #7
Holy Cow . . . 5 more days and it’s Christmas DAY!
Have you done your shopping yet?
Do you still have gifts to buy?
Is time running out?
Is money running out?
Don’t sweat the small stuff, my gift tonight is all about  . . . GIFTS. 
Funny lady Amy Sedaris gives us some wonderful Holiday Gift ideas . . . just in case!
And if you actually need a gift idea, Amy's book "Simple Times: Crafts For Poor People" is hilarious.
Please enjoy . . .
Merry Christmas . … (12 comments)

The Absorption Rate in Portland Real Estate 3-Year Review - 12/19/11 11:59 PM
Portland Real Estate Absorption Rates The graph at the right shows the "months" of inventory based on 2009, 2010 and the majority of 2011 for Portland Real Estate.
I could have waited to add December, but will do an update at year's end.
What is Absorption Rate? The absorption rate is, bascially, the rate that homes sell in an area. The lower the absorption rate, the faster homes are selling (seller's market). The higher the rate, buyer's market.
Sellers Market: 1 to 6 months supply of homes Neutral / Stable Market: 5 to 6 months supply of homes Buyers Market: More than 6 months supply … (0 comments)

Market Report November 2011 | Portland Real Estate - 12/19/11 02:12 PM
Portland Real Estate Market Report The Portland Real Estate Market for the month of November 2011 seems to be doing okay compared to November 2010.
The graph indicates the pattern of listings . . . which are down for the month. Last month's report, Portand Real Estate Market report for October compared the new listings, pending sales and closed sales and indicated a drop of new listings at down -22%
View Portland Real Estate October REPORT What This Means for November 2010 vs. November 2011 MEDIAN Sales Prices? Keeping with the <$8,000> difference between November 2010 vs. November 2011 the MEDIAN … (3 comments)

The 12 Days of Christmas -- Gift #6 - 12/19/11 01:39 AM
The 12 Days of Christmas ~ Gift #6 One of my favorite dances is FLAMENCO.  I love the music, the flow of the dancers, the variations to the dance and music, the seductiveness and the passions, the elegance, the mournful cante. And tonight, I thought to share the gift of dance . . . FLAMENCO .
For those not familiar with the FLAMENCO art form here goes:  There are four basic elements to FLAMENCO . . . cante, toque, baile, and palmas.
Cante is the singing and sounds mournful to those not familiar with the FLAMENCO art form. 
Toque is the … (11 comments)

Stupidest Email Solicitation . . . EVER! - 12/18/11 04:35 PM
Stupidest Email Solicitation . . . EVER!
We all get SPAM.  They fall into two categories (at least for me):
Blanket solicitations from some dethroned Grand Poobah who has $1Billion "tied up" in the Cayman Islands . . . and needs my help in order to have access to his wealth. OR . . .    Solicitations for my business, promising me the "opportunity" to FILL IN THE BLANK But this wins the award for the STUPIDEST business soliciation.   Not only does "Heather Madison get my vocation incorrect, but I'm not even NEAR Georgia.   YES . . .  Heather Madison (madison@thumbtackmail1.com) works at DUMBTACK -- … (19 comments)

The 12 Days of Christmas -- Gift #5 - 12/18/11 12:22 AM
The 12 Days of Christmas ~ Gift #5
We all know . . . and love . . . the old Christmas classic, “The Night Before Christmas.” 
Remember that cozy feeling when we all gathered ‘round the hearth to hear “The Night Before Christmas” told by our dear, old Grandpa? 
Yeah, I don’t remember that either . . . but you've got to admit, that's a pretty good (pretend) childhood memory.
And now we’re all grown up.  DARN reality!  I stumbled upon this rendition and thought to share it with you.  It’s the version of the classic poem, after the lawyers got … (6 comments)

The 12 Days of Christmas -- Gift #4 - 12/16/11 11:04 PM
The 12 Days of Christmas ~ Gift #4
When I watched this video all I could think of was . . . why can’t MY DOG do that??   
This is a darling video that appeared  on a friend of mine's Facebook page this morning.  I thought what’s wrong with stealing sharing it?   I’m she wouldn’t mind.  ‘Tis the Season of giving . . . or taking, as the case may be.  
The video is a clever set-up that reminds me of when I’m at the grocery store and the checker asks, “Do you want help out with your groceries?”  To which I … (12 comments)

The 12 Days of Christmas -- Gift #3 - 12/16/11 12:14 AM
The 12 Days of Christmas ~ Gift #3
"? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?"
I know that’s what you’re thinking when it comes to STOCKING STUFFERS.
“What AM I going to stuff into those stockings?” I bet you’re asking.
And why shouldn’t you be perplexed?  Thinking of stocking stuffer ideas can be SO mentally draining.   Who has time for that?!?  So, as my gift to you . . . I’ve done the thinking for you.
Please enjoy . . . no need to thank me.

 
Mmm . . . a tin of Bacon Gumballs.  Blowing bubbles will … (11 comments)

First Time Buyers Home For the Holidays | New Construction SE Portland - 12/15/11 09:30 PM
SE Portland First Time Buyers ... Home For the Holidays With Christmas being only 10 days away it will be a little time-pressed but I'm sure my clients will be ready in their new construction SE Portland home for Santa Claus' visit down the chimney. They have a nice mantel to hang all their stockings with care . . . it came with their fireplace ;-)
Beautiful New Construction in SE Portland There wasn't a lot of new construction going on in the Metro Portland area this year. And with housing starts low overall nationally, it's nice to find quality new construction in SE … (8 comments)

The 12 Days of Christmas -- Gift #2 - 12/14/11 11:16 PM
The 12 Days of Christmas ~ Gift #2
And who doesn't like the GIFT of music?
We've all heard the choirs, the glee clubs, the re-mixes of our favorite holiday tunes and Christmas carols a gazillion times.  But, I bet you've never heard "Carol of the Bells" (one of my favorites) played exactly like this.
Please enjoy . . . and let's all give thanks that we don't have this much time on our hands.
Merry Christmas . . . and HO HO HO
 
   Gift #1 ~ Gift #2 ~ Gift #3 ~Gift #4~ Gift #5 ~Gift #6 ~ … (13 comments)

The 12 Days of Christmas -- Gift #1 - 12/14/11 01:22 AM
 The 12 Days of Christmas ~ Gift #1
On the 1st Day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . an over grown Moose with blinking lights on its antlers?!?!?
ß CLICK ON THE MERRY MOOSE for your 1st Day of Christmas Amoosement!
How about a mind numbing game?
Merry Christmas . . . and HO HO HO
 
 
 
Gift #1 ~ Gift #2 ~ Gift #3 ~Gift #4~ Gift #5 ~Gift #6 ~ Gift #7 ~ Gift #8 ~ Gift #9 ~ Gift #10 ~ Gift #11 ~ Gift #12 … (14 comments)

People That DON'T Know More About Local Real Estate Than Your REALTOR®! - 12/12/11 03:21 PM
Bill & Liz Spear are Realtors® in Warren County in Ohio.  They are NOT in my market of Metro Portland . . . and yet . . . they are experiencing what I -- and many active agents -- are:  Non-Realtors® wanting to "play" real estate.
Yeah, I "played" being a nurse when I was young.  I had a small bottle of "play" pills, a plastic medicine bag, a stethoscope.  Yup I was a "Nurse" all right.  HA HA HA  Only in my pretend head -- not for reals!
 

Via Liz and Bill Spear RE/MAX Elite Warren County Ohio: Cincinnati to … (4 comments)

Yes, there is a Santa Claus in us all - 12/12/11 03:07 PM
What's in YOUR HEART at Christmas . . . "Santa or Scrooge"???
This is a GREAT read for the Christmas Season.  Very entertaining, and Juli Vosmick does an excellent job of keeping the interrest up.  Quite a nice little twist at the end of the story too . . .
For a holiday inspiration on the TRUE meaning of this season . . . and not some head count at a holiday Christmas party which I read the other day (a post about "costing out" the price of a holiday party with the poster equating it to $10/lead -- totally distrubing to me)
On … (5 comments)

December Challenge. Day 11. I'M FIRED! YES!! - 12/12/11 02:51 PM
I'm re-blogging this because I had about three clients this year who, with parents' involvement, ruined it!
In two instances, parents lived out-of-state and never toured property in the Metro Portland market.
In another instance, parents lived in town but knew more than me.  Of course, they were "experienced" having bought before.  Yes, their 1 or 2 properties in various markets in 30+ years is EXACTLY the same as my experience representing buyers since 1999. 
The result of all three of my clients was EXACTLY the same outcome as Jared's.  A written offer that made the OTHER offers look good! 
Via The Christiansen … (2 comments)

"Best Answer" on Trulia . . . Thanks To My Market Report - 12/11/11 04:19 PM
Best Answer on Trulia . . . thanks to my AR Market Report . . . well . . . and my answer
A few posts ago, I wrote about not answering ALL Trulia questions.  Why I Don't Answer ALL Trulia Posted Questions
The other day responded to a question on Trulia because it was a good one.  "CJ" wanted to know if the lull in inventory, the 'thin pickings', had to do with the time of year.
I chimed in, and added a market report I had done on Active Rain a few weeks earlier . . . Portland Housing Market Review October 2011
… (15 comments)

Friday Funnies . . . Counting Sheep - 12/09/11 03:20 PM
Not sure if you've seen this video . . . it's pretty amazing.  There's something like 15M views so far, so maybe you were already "enlightened." 
Some people can't imagine how this was done.  It took a lot of coordination and time lapse features, but I think this is genuine and quite brilliant.
 
 
… (12 comments)

Luxury Condos For Sale in Portland | Portland Luxury High-Rises - 12/07/11 01:22 PM
The Portland Luxury Condo Market The Downtown Condos fall into two categories: 1.) New (or newer) construction, built as high rise condo developments. OR . . . 2.) they are condo units in condo conversions of existing buildings, many of which are on the local Historical Registry.
Luxury Condo | High Rises For Sale in Portland Here's a nice sample of Luxury Condos for Sale in Portland:
$1,125,000 : 1500 SW 11th AVE ,Unit 2601, Portland 2 beds, 2 full baths Home size: 1,588 sq ft   
$1,099,000 : 1310 NW Naito PKWY ,Unit 1001A, Portland 2 beds, 2 full, 1 … (8 comments)

Credit Suisse Monthly Survey of Real Estate Agents for November 2011 - 12/05/11 09:27 PM
Credit Suisse Monthly Survey of Real Estate Agents for November 2011
As you may know, I like the Credit Suisse survey.  Its "thumbs up / thumbs down" reporting on the markets is just the amount of sophistication I can handle.
This month there are a few nice highlights:
"Affordability is a draw for buyers" Atlanta, GA "Traffic in line with lowered expecations" Chartlotte, NC "Shrinking quality inventory spurs buyers into action" Denver CO "Low end buyers and investors scour market for deals" Jacksonville, FL Buyers see better job opportunities in November, return to market" San Antonio, TX   For my local market, Portland, … (5 comments)

Where to Find U-Cut Christmas Trees in Beaverton, Hillboro and Washington County - 12/03/11 10:41 PM
Where to Find U-Cut Christmas Trees in Washington County  
It's that time of year again . . . time to hone the axes, get out the snow shoes, and do the "Griswold Family" trek out into the back country to find "the perfect" U-Cut Christmas Tree.
Clark: We're kicking off our fun old fashion family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and select that most important of Christmas symbols.
Audrey: We're not coming all the way out here just to get one of those … (5 comments)

 
Carla_1 Rainmaker_large

Carla Muss-Jacobs - Principal Broker/ Owner | Exclusive Buyers Agent |

Portland, OR

More about me…

503-810-7192 | BuyersAgentPortland.com

Address: Beaverton OR, Portland OR, Forest Heights, Lake Oswego, Hillsboro, SW Portland, SE Portland, NW Portland, N Portland, Downtown, The Pearl, NE Portland, Milwaukie, West Linn, Aloha, Cedar Hills, Portland, OR

Office Phone: (503) 810-7192

Cell Phone: (503) 810-7192

Email Me

Author Bio: Carla Muss-Jacobs is the Principal Broker/Owner of EBA Portland, LLC an Exclusive Buyer Agency representing Buyers in the Portland Metro real estate market since 1999.

The Sellers have their own agent ~~ Why don't you have yours?  

Carla Muss-Jacobs practices the TRUE FORM of Buyer Agency ~~ Exclusive Buyer Agent.  Her office/brokerage never takes listings and never respresents the Seller.  Exclusive Buyer Agency is the BEST form of legal real estate representation a Buyer can have.  There is 100% Buyer Representation - !00% of the Time.  There are NO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST and there is no possibility of ever having YOUR Buyer Agency comprised.  When buying a house -- it's important to know who is working for you!!  



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