Portland Homes Online Cafe

Portland Real Estate - Cycling your Dream Capital into Reality

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:57:39 -0500

Inspired by the recent news headlines that Portland has been named as one of the cyclist commuting capitals of the US, I decided to dust off my bike parked on its trainer in my office and put it to good use. Since it had been some time since my shoes had hit the pedals, I soon found myself not part of a pack, but a follower. Have you ever noticed that if you are always simply following, if you never are able to get out in front of a pack as a leader, it can get discouraging and perhaps overwhelming, thus leading to complacent dreaming? The view from behind may not always be that refreshing or exhilirating. A cyclist friend of mine recently commented how energizing it was when he finally put some energy to his pedal and set his own pace out front, rather than letting everyone else determine his speed or timing.

Recently so much in Real Estate news has been about whether or not we've hit the bottom - whether prices will continue to fall or will we now begin to see a turnaround. Our view of the real estate market seems to depend on who we listen to, who we read, or who we are associated with. As short sales and auction prices grab our attention, and as recent news reports about the welcome increase of home sales, we may find our blood starting to warm up and cycle again - thinking that maybe now is the time to sharpen our pens, call a mortgage broker or call Realtor Norm Rice. Maybe it is time to not just be a follow of twitter or sound bites, but to get out in front of our dreams.

Real estate today is not and should not be just about the first time home buyer and $8,000 tax credits. It is also about realizing our dreams and more importantly turning those dreams into reality. Dreaming of that escape near Mt. Hood, or that Rockaway Beach second home need not be like the tax credit that will soon go away. I suspect many of us have Real Estate dreams born not yet experienced by the first time home buyer - dreams born from home-owner experience. Perhaps it really is time to down-size and save, or even to upsize where we can entertain a life style we've finally deserved.

Cycling may find you at times following from behind, but isn't it time to get out in front for a fresh perspective? Don't you deserve at some point to turn your dreams and hard work into reality. From many perspectives, is there really a better time?

"It's An Exciting Place to Live" - Not a Boring Choice

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:15:18 -0600

Each morning, on a hill above Highway 26 my wife & I begin our day, coffee in hand, with a view of hundreds of people making their way into work or shopping in Gresham or Portland. Within a short time we will be joining that stream into the city. Over the last 8 years we have noticed a steady increase of morning traffic. We are continuously amazed at the number of people who have chosen to live out here in rural Clackamas county. What brings them away from the city - away from the advantages of inner city Portland life or being able to commute by bike? Why would anyone want to live in a place referred to as Boring? I'm sure there are as many reasons or answers as there are people in these hills. If you do live out here, what are your reasons for choosing the lifestyle of Boring?

Over 8 years ago, my wife and I enjoyed the neighborhood life of the Rose City area in NE Portland. Being able to walk pretty much wherever we wanted to go, whether it be to the LLyod Center or to have a beer at the Horse Brass Pub had all but become part of our family culture. As a Realtor, I've always enjoyed all that Portland has to offer and still do to this day. Having grown up in a rural community, city life was, and is, fun and convenient. The rural life though never left my blood. Having room for only a few tomato plants, perhaps an eggplant and a small patch of lettuce just never seemed enough. Why could I not have a goat or two - what do you mean I had to close all the curtains or shades in the morning so that the neighbors didn't have to be embarrassed caught looking? Rural life called & we answered.

Today, as the snow falls, we enjoy our Boring view, the soup made from the fresh produce from out large garden, watching the goats play, wondering where all the rabbits came from, and knowing that if we choose we are only minutes from a snow-trek on the Springwater Trail. Without any curtains to have to hide behind, we enjoy our Boring life.

Not everyone will hear the call to join us in Boring. Some will wish to just pass through on their way to Mt. Hood, perhaps enjoy a bowl of soup at the Full Moon, get a chuckle out of our name, and return to their search for a quality of life in Portland or beyond. Just know that in Boring, "It's an exciting place to live."

Oh by the way .. we even have a life on Twitter - Drop us a message or follow us for regular updates.

An Extraordinary Act of Giving Back From Within

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:32:36 -0600

Everyday, if we search even just a little in our community newspapers, we may find ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things to benefit others within our communities. Today as I read through our local Portland paper, The Oregonian, I found myself reading about my own little brother, Pat Rice in a column written by Margie Boule. Why didn't he tell me that he was going to be in the paper? Perhaps he thought I'd just laugh and see it as another stunt as his part to get some attention as the little brother in a family of nine. But, for whatever reason, I am very proud of Pat - he has gone out of his way to not only make a contribution to main street America, but without seeking accolades from his own family. What a great example to me of what it means to give back out of your abundance. And then there is the other lesson - sometimes we need to give credit to those within our own families. We don't always have to look far to find good people with extraordinary abilities giving. Thanks for the challenge Pat.

In case you missed it above, click here to see why this Rice is so proud.

Avoiding the Real Estate Market Stampede

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:36:52 -0600

Are you one of those that avoids the day after Christmas sales? The lines are too long .. the ridiculous traffic .. and who wants to get up early when it is your day off. The Portland Real Estate market is shaping up to be like those day after Christmas sales that if you are a potential buyer you may want to avoid. Why get involved in bidding wars, or having to wait days in line getting in to see your favorite mortgage broker. Today the November real estate market statistics were released and show that there are over 15,000 homes on the market in the Portland metro area. If only 1,000 of those sold per month, our present inventory would last us a good 15 months. That much housing inventory on the market has not been seen in years Will it last? Sales have also been sluggish in the Portland market. The 1041 sold listings during November was the lowest sales volume since 1993 and a 39.9% decrease from last November. But what does any of that have to do with your avoiding bidding wars, and waiting in mortgage traffic?

As the news media daily reports, and you can't avoid hearing, mortgage interest rates are in the low 5's and perhaps even lower depending on your credit and the day. These rates can and do fluctuate daily. There is no question that the interest rates are in your favor at this time. Check with a mortgage broker who knows your particular situation and credit score for the very latest. Housing prices have also declined on the average 10.7% since November 2007. Now .. how long will those declines continue? How long with the interest rates continue to go down? No one exactly knows. We may well bounce a little at the bottom for a while, but once word gets out that the market is changing for the better, then everyone who has been sitting on the fence all tend to jump off at the same time. Don't wait until the crowd all decides to move at once,

By waiting for the stampede, you may think you will be able to snatch the "best" deals - the best prices, or the choice properties, but in reality, you just may miss out. Don't take that chance that the property in Ladds Addition or the Riverfront property in West Linn that you had been watching is now sold or pending. Perhaps you have been trying to convince your parents to downsize and live in a one level home in Summerplace, a 55+ community. Don't wait until those one-level homes are gone.

Jump now , start your Portland Real Estate search now while you still have time and room to actually acquire those choice properties.

Norm Rice

1-800-339-0980

Can Twitter Help Save A Local, Family-Owned Business on Main Street?

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 21:21:03 -0600

Family-owned, local businesses are suffering on Main Street - something we hear everyday. While bail-outs are being talked about in the halls of senators and corporate executives, main street America is talking, and helping via social networking such as Twitter and Facebook. In Portland, Oregon today, peeps throughout the city were paged with a simple message from an everdaydude to read http://tin yurl.com/5vs5oz. - a son, with a simple plea, a simple Christmas wish to his local community - help save our family bookstore. Is he naive to think it will work? As I walked into the store today, I believe the message is out.

Hopefully Broadway Books, in Portland, because of the power of Twitter and blogging and the desire of the people of Portland, Oregon to support local businesses will not only survive, but thrive in our economy. Is it really possible that our social networking, our Tweet messages, and our blogging can help bail out Main Street America? To me it is amazing what 140 characters sent out by business professionals, marketing specialists, Realtors, and sons and daughters can accomplish. Watch what can be accomplished without a bail-out.

What Do You Do When The Famously Connected Share Your Same Name and You Receive Their Emails

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:13:04 -0600

In the early fall of 1989 a sign appeared on my front lawn in Portland, Oregon urging voters to "Vote For Norm Rice For Mayor". My neighbors were stunned. They had no idea that I was even remotely interested in the Mayor's job, let alone would have started my campaign without telling them ahead of time. After all we shared lawn mowers, barbecues and occasionally a golf game. Why didn't you tell us Norm? We had fun with it for awhile and the lawn sign made its way into my collection of memorabilia stashed in the garage.

Approximately 3 years ago my incoming email's suddenly increased rather dramatically. At first I was a bit surprised - was one of my real estate domain names suddenly being discovered? Upon cursory reading some of them, I'd promptly delete them as "junk". One day, shortly after all this email traffic began, I started reading the incoming emails closer. Perhaps the one that got me started was when the invitation to a large barbecue in in another Mayor's backyard came in, followed by a number wondering why I had not responded. The light suddenly came on - and back to that yard sign of 1989. Could it really be happening that I was getting the mail of a Mayor - now the former Mayor of Seattle, Washington? How could this be?

After a few calls up to Seattle it was learned that not only did the other Norm share my same name, but our email addresses were almost identical other than he had added two letters to his first hame. Our comcast.net email address was almost identical. Our friends both called us by the same name, and never considered that he would use his full legal name in his email.

Today I continue to receive emails intended for him. Upon realizing they belong to him, the dinner invitations, the board notes, the airline reservation schedules, the how do I get tickets to the Obama inauguration questions, are promptly forwarded to the other Norm Rice with a cc note to the sender and deleted forever. Should I be doing more perhaps as a Realtor? Should I being adding their contact information to my database and sending them my monthly mail-outs? I'd even be willing to do a pop-by visit. After all, these emails are coming from well connected, famous politicians and community minded people who just may know someone who wants to relocate from Seattle to Portland. Their referrals would be the type of referrals any Realtor would love to receive.

Today, another email was forwarded off to the former Mayor of Seattle. In case you are reading this Mr. Mayor, or if any of your famously connected friends are, I'd love to attend the inauguration of President-Elect Oboma in Washington DC and of course I'm never to busy for your referrals.

Norm Rice, (the Realtor)

Portland, Oregon

Does Size Really Matter?

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:33:01 -0600

How often have we heard or been told that "size does not matter"? It's about personality, character, attitude, what's inside, and who you know. Right? At times we may find those words of sage advice comforting, reassuring, or we find ourselves exclaiming excitedly "see I told you so"! But is it a myth? Does size really matter afterall?

Look at the bailouts that have made the news. Does the size affect us and cause us to get excited? We are told that it is all because of the housing market and the size of our problems. So then, lets turn to the housing market and real estate.

Have you noticed that when a home is inspected prior to closing, that the size of the discovered problems do matter. Maybe a home inspection prior to putting it on the market would have made a difference. Have you also noticed that real estate that has larger prices tend to move slower in our markets? When a seller puts a home on the market with a larger sales price than their current market comparables believing that theirs is more attractive, has more character and personality, and more inside, does it normally work to the seller's benefit? Usually not. And then surgery takes place and there is a 1% price reduction and the seller wonders why few got excited.

Perhaps you've also noticed that when small or low sales commissions are negotiated, and buyer's commissions are thus lowered, the size of the Realtor cards left behind are smaller and the size of the marketing services suffer. How often have you seen sales flyers with little tiny pictures showing no details or marketing pieces with just one huge picture of a home on the front of a flyer or on the MLS. Have you ever noticed as you read MLS descriptions that they come in all sizes, some with many words that say very little, and then those that are short, but concise?

And then there are those blogs that are huge in size and go on an on and find readers quickly moving on without commenting. Perhaps Twitter has got it right.

What is your view? Does size really matter?

Ladds Addition Home Awaits You - Ready for Your Cosmetic Make-over - PRICE JUST REDUCED $26,000.

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:54:34 -0600

Ladd's Addition Classic Old PDX Style is Calling Your Name

Location: Ladds Addition

Add your personal touches to this classic Ladd's Addition Old Portland style home that was built to last and age like a fine wine. While enjoying that fine wine relax either on the large porch or warm yourself by the fire in the family room. The original woodwork and built-ins are all intact. The 3 large bedrooms offer walk in closets and room to spread out and relax. The unfinished basement is awaiting your designer touch. Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a Portland classic and live near some of your favorite restuarants. coffee shops and shopping areas.

Information

Contact Information

Norm Rice

800-339-0980

Pricing

Price: $399,000.00

Property Location

1518 SE Poplar
Portland, Oregon 97214
View Map

Features

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 1

Year Built: 1904

Subdivision: Ladds Addition

Lot Size: .12

Square Footage: 2660

Agent Name: Norm Rice

Broker: First Class Properties

MLS #: 8084818

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Hardwood Floors

Basement

Exterior Amenities

Fenced Yard

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow View Photo Gallery (5 Photos)

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1864065

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

Popular Fishing Spot on the Willamette River in West Linn Awaits You - Fish From Your Own Dock

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:49:17 -0600

Norm Rice | First Class Properties | 503-789-1246

5095 SE Territorial Drive, West Linn, OR

Custom Built West Linn Riverfront Home with Incredible River Views - Park Your Boat in Its Own Boathouse - Fish From Your Own Dock

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $599,900

Year Built	1985
Sq Footage	1,864
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Imagine soaking in the outdoor hot tub after a hard day of boating, fishing, or water skiing from your own dock! Here is your chance to own a well-cared for 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on the banks of the Willamette River in West Linn, Oregon near Oregon City. Private, yet close to everything! This custom home, with its approximately 1900 sq. ft. is incredibly well-maintained and ready for you to move in, unpack and enjoy the river views from almost every room.

Enjoy Life on the River - It has its advantages.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Walk-in closet	Living room	Office/Den
Dining room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Boat House - Boat Life Included

Spectacular Rver Views all year long.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Norm Rice

First Class Properties

503-789-1246

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 21, 2008, 6:15pm PST

What Are Your Expectations of a Relocation Package? Have they been Replaced by Google?

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:37:19 -0600

Can we get your help? Relocation packages offered by Title companies, Chambers of Commerce & Realtors come in all sizes, shapes, and methods. Some may be found on-line that can be downloaded; others offer to mail a DVD while some may mail out a packet of information. What would you like or expect to find in a Relocation Package and what method of delivery would you prefer? Or, are they even needed in today's Google world?

As a member of the Board of Directors for our local Chamber, I've been asked to head a committe to help develop such a Relocation Package that would be helpful to people moving into our local Portland, Oregon area. Rather than simply duplicating something that someplace else has done, our goal is to develop a package that will indeed meet the wishes and needs of our receivers. So, we turn to you. What in your experience is helpful, what is not, and if you were moving to a new area, such as Portland, Oregon, what would you hope to receive in terms of content? What type of information would you want? Let us also know what method would be most helpful to you and your movers - a mailed DVD - on-line PDF' documents that can be downloaded, simply a website filled with the information, or a mailed package of information.

Thanks for your valuable input and assistance.

By the way ... if you know someone wishing to move to the livable, walkable,, bike-friendly and uniquely spirited community of Portland, Oregon, give me a call. I'm never to busy for your referrals. You can be assured they will receive the type of service you give and deserve.

Race For the Gold in Oregon - A Story of Determination & Love

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:22:03 -0600

Imagine yourself knowing that you had the opportunity to save your hard earned savings, or loose it all. Imagine yourself in 1855 wearing the boots of a French-Canadian cattle trader living in Oregon, Louis Remmer, who had just overhead while having coffee in a San Francisco coffee shop that the $12500.00 that he had just deposited in Adams Express company Bank was about to be lost. (in 1855 that was a lot of money) You knew that there was no such thing as FDIC , nor Twitter, Facebook, or even telegraph. You rush to the bank to save your deposit and hear the announcement being made that the Bank has gone under. Realizing that there was a branch in Portland that would only hear of the news to stop handing out any more money to depositors was by steamboat. The steamboat had just left port for Oregon and would take at least 5 days. The only way to save your fortune was to beat that steamboat to Oregon. Could you, or would you, make it by horseback – through dangerous territory, snow covered February mountain passes and rivers with no bridges. Would you be so determined to save not only your fortune, but the commitment you had made to the love of your life to provide security and the warmth of a home for years to come? ( a great novel - Race for the Gold by Thorn Bacon)

Perhaps we are wearing similar boots today. There is here in Oregon real estate gold not only in Portland, Salem, Milwauie, but also in small communities such as Boring, Oregon. Our real estate has had it’s share of devaluation, foreclosures and short sales. With interest rates low, there is the opportunity to not only save our nest eggs, but to perhaps even double them in the future. The Portland metro area’s future and destiny is bright – population growth, economic growth and prosperity is predicted to take off in 2009, as indicated by one of many recent reports entitled Greater Portland Prosperity – a Regional Outlook. Portland remains a quality economic and desirable Northwest hub.

Word travels quicker than in 1855, in fact some are already discovering the incredible buyer investment opportunities found throughout our Portland metro area neighborhoods. (Discover some for yourself at PortlandRealEstateSearch.com) Others however are sipping their coffee or micro brews deciding to wait to capitalize on their well-earned credit and savings. Among those fence sitters found sipping their Starbucks or Black Rabbit Porters are Realtors – hoping times will get better, that buyers will find them.

Perhaps the story of Louis Remme, that determined Oregon investor, would have ended differently had he simply continued to sip his California coffee.

If you are determined to put on your boots, and with the help of a focused Realtor negotiate through and to the Oregon Territory, I’m prepared to help you race for the Oregon Gold found in these hills and valleys.

P.S, In Oregon we now have updated our communication methods to Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, e-mail and phones that will be answered.

An Oregon Pionner & Realtor

Norm Rice

1800-339-0980

Enjoy Summer Year Round in Portland, Oregon at Summerplace - A 55+ Community

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:19:04 -0600

Enjoy Summer Activities All Year at Summerplace in Portland, Oregon

Location: Summerplace

Located near the heart of the Summerplace community, this spacious home, with it open floor plan is ready for you to move into. Freshly painted, spruced up with its new appliances and kitchen counter tops, this home will provide you the opportunity to become part of a vibrant 55 plus community. Enjoy the easy care yard - spend some poolside time with your neighbors (yes, even in the winter) or enjoy an activity at the rec center with family and friends. Come discover why Summerplace has its stellar reputation as a desireable community. $205 per person per year includes all the activities and services of the community center including use of the swimming pool, tennis courts, library and countless community events. It's nice having the services of a health club almost across the street.

Information

Contact Information

Norm Rice

800-339-0980

Contact Reply Form

Forward to a Friend

View Other Flyers

Pricing

Price: $299,900

Additional Pricing Information: Includes a 1 year Home Warranty. There is a $1,000 Community Transfer fee paid at the time of closing.

Property Location

2323 NE 151st Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97230
View Map

Links

Search More Portland Real Estate

Features

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Year Built: 1985

Subdivision: Summerplace

Lot Size: 0.1

Garage Size: 2 car

School District: Reynolds

Square Footage: 1526

Agent Name: Norm Rice

Broker: First Class Properties

MLS #: 8086052

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Vaulted Ceilings

Attic

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Fenced Yard

Community Center with Swimming Pool, Tennis, & Much More

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow View Photo Gallery (11 Photos)

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 2060011

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

Popular Fishing Spot on the Willamette River in West Linn Awaits You - Fish From Your Own Dock

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:04:03 -0600

Norm Rice | First Class Properties | 503-789-1246

5095 SE Territorial Drive, West Linn, OR

Custom Built West Linn Riverfront Home with Incredible River Views - Park Your Boat in Its Own Boathouse - Fish From Your Own Dock

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $599,900

Year Built	1985
Sq Footage	1,864
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Walk-in closet	Living room	Office/Den
Dining room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Boat House - Boat Life Included

Spectacular Rver Views all year long.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Norm Rice

First Class Properties

503-789-1246

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 21, 2008, 6:15pm PST

Classic Lady of Ladds Addition in Portland, Oregon Awaits Your Visit and Move-In

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:51:34 -0600

Ladd's Addition Classic Old PDX Style is Calling Your Name

Location: Ladds Addition

Information

Contact Information

Norm Rice

800-339-0980

Pricing

Price: $425,000.00

Property Location

1518 SE Poplar
Portland, Oregon 97214
View Map

Features

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 1

Year Built: 1904

Subdivision: Ladds Addition

Lot Size: .12

Square Footage: 2660

Agent Name: Norm Rice

Broker: First Class Properties

MLS #: 8084818

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Hardwood Floors

Basement

Exterior Amenities

Fenced Yard

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow View Photo Gallery (5 Photos)

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1864065

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

Breaking News: New Year Begins Early in small Oregon Community

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:43:39 -0600

Boring, Oregon. There is excitement in the air the home of a Portland metro area Realtor, a home overlooking Highway 26 and an equestrian center in the small but exciting community of Boring, Oregon. At approximately 6:30, AM on December 1st, the greetings and ringing of the cow bells could be heard across the Boring valley as Edgar (keep tuned – someday he will show his face) proclaimed: “The New Year Has Begun – Happy New Year”

As we look back over the past year there has indeed been good news and bad news, but “today, at the beginning of a New Year, we look ahead to the opportunities and exhilaration one finds as they bike, hike or snowboard in the regions around this great Northwest area of Oregon” Edgar proclaimed. With many-faceted goals set, with an attitude of prosperity and good cheer, our cabinets almost full, real estate a plenty, our interest rates low, let the doors open wide to take advantage of the 13 month New Year. Let the New Year begin. Why wait for everyone else?

A Reason to Move to Portland - A Short Distance Away to a "Speechless Sunday"

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 18:08:15 -0600

It Takes More Than A Village to Care For Our Pioneers

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:59:39 -0600

Throughout our villages, our hamlets, our communities across America this morning, senior care-givers took a brief moment for perhaps a cup of coffee as they prepared to focus their day on caring for our seniors. Day in and day out, these givers nourish,, encourage, bath, shave, dress, feed, and embrace those that in the past did the same for us. I often wonder how much appreciation they get.

In Portland, Oregon alone, there are over 600 Adult Family Homes, woven into the fabric of our neighborhoods. Within these homes reside up to 5 seniors. In California there are of 6500 Adult Family Homes scattered throughout the state. Imagine the amount of care being given right now as you read this. These care-givers will most likely never make the news – only if they fail or make a mistake.

Today you may also drive by a larger community of seniors – perhaps an Assisted Living Community or Retirement Home. Beyond the fancy facades, the elaborate entry ways designed to make us want to move in ourselves and be waited on, are again more care-givers, many who are being paid minimum wages doing what you or I would only do if it was for our kids. Sure, it is their job – they like us are trying to feed their families, but, don’t they also deserve some praise and thanks?

How can we realistically appreciate them? There are those traditional ways of going to nursing homes or Assisted Living facilities during the holidays. But what about year around? Perhaps an occasional note of thanks to a care-giver you have met in one of those facilities – perhaps taking the time to visit one of the smaller neighborhood Adult Care Homes in your neighborhood. Just be sure when you knock on the door, that you let them know right away you are there not to judge but to support and thank them. At first they may think you are a county inspector looking for problems or a reason to fine them.   How do you discover them in your community? Perhaps The Senior Care Guide can be a help.

Someday, you may know of a friend, or perhaps it may be someone in your family, who needs to find quality senior care. Encourage them to get help from local professionals within their community.   These local professionals constantly screen and support the quality homes and facilities within our communities – they take the time to know more about the homes and communities than their facades or entry ways. They will take the time with you or your friend to help with an appropriate care match – much like how a Realtor takes time to professionally match their clients with the right neighborhood or new home. These professionals are known as Placement & Referral Agencies. In Portland, Oregon, a local company called Care Service Options, has assisted families and their seniors for over 22 years – providing a free community service. Why use such a referral and placement service rather than just going out on your own and picking the closest to you? One way to give Thanks to our Seniors – and to those that care for them as well, is to make sure we match appropriately our seniors with the type of home, personality or care-giving spirit they need. Let's not ask care-givers to take care of seniors that are "placed" in a home simply out of conveneince to a family member rather than considering whether it is truly an match for both the senior and the care-giver.

Thank you for taking the time to extend your thanks to our pioneers, and to those who provide their care.   Your sincere appreciation year around make a difference!

Why We Call Home Boring

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:27:44 -0600

Imagine a place where you can cause eyebrows to raise when you mention where you live, where you can cook using your own produce from you own garden and where you can still be a short distance to snowboarding on Mt. Hood, shopping at a New Seasons or a city mall, or the Portland International Airport. Perhaps you’d like to live in a place where you can enjoy the rural country fresh air when you walk your dog or significant other. Imagine a place where you can have a goat or two, watch an Equestian show, or not be worried about your roosters waking up the neighbors. There is hope for you .. there is a place call Boring.

Boring, Oregon, developed in 1903 is an unincorporated community – not a village, not a hamlet, not a town, not a city, but a rural community in Oregon off of Highway 26 approximately 15 miles outside of Portland on the way to Mount Hood. Boring is named after a real person, W.H Boring, who homesteaded the area in the 1800’s. His grandson, W.H Boring, at age 91 was still a part of our community until 2002.

Many travel through our community on their way to, or returning from Mount Hood. Some even get here by bike, coming from Milwaukie or Portland via the 40 mile Springwater Corridor. They chuckle as they see some of the signs or drive through the short “Main Street”. They take note of the one open Shell station, and the two convenience stores. Perhaps on their way into town they’ve seen one of the several local nurseries, Boring Bark. Yet, if they venture off that main drive through our community, they will discover thriving nurseries that help landscape homes and businesses across America, corporations such as Care Service Options, Inc that provides assistance to seniors and their families in over 15 states, the Oregon campus for Guide Dogs for the Blind providing new life and companions for the blind, or such places as Lieopold Farms who puts fresh strawberries on dining room tables throughout Oregon.

As one googles Boring, Oregon you can read some funny stories written by non-locals that felt a need to write home about something "different". The sign off of Highway 26 that you see here often gets a laugh or two. (See.. it's not really Boring that is so boring, it's Oregon City). But there are indeed hidden treasures here. Go ahead and stop by and get a cup of freshly-brewed coffee at the espresso stand (serving Bridgestone coffee) next to the Post Office. Enjoy a cup of homemade soup at the Full Moon Tavern on the "Main" street. You'll enjoy not only the soup, but the spirited locals.

The average Real Estate consists of homes sitting either on acreage, one of the two golf courses, or in several of the exceptionally well-maintained neighborhoods. The average list price of homes for sale at this time (November 2008) is $460,000 with an average square footage of 2288 sq. ft – and that is in a down market. But .. once people move here, they're not anxious to leave.

Discover a treasure. Twitter me if you'll passing through and I’d be happy to take you on a tour of Boring. As the locals will tell you, "It is an Exciting Place to Live".

What ‘s all This Thanksgiving Twitter?

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:47:54 -0600

For those of us over 55 we’ve seen a lot come and go haven’t we? We've seen the real estate market of the 80’s when Realtors had to be pretty creative, work long hours in order to pay bills – when the interest rates were actually in the double digits – and those times past – and we are , Thankfully, alive and well. We do have lots to be thankful about this Thanksgiving and every day.

But there is something out there that is rather "new" and people are asking me if I'm a "Twitterer?" What? What is all this Twitter stuff about? Maybe it will go away? Is it just another cyclical happening? So .. I go out and sign up for this Twitter and finally got the funny little bird installed on my IPhone (Twitterriffic), get my profile all set on my "Twitter" account, and now I’m being “followed” by people I’ve never met. There is this guy Rob up in Seattle; another one by the name of Mike in California; another guy Craig in New Orleans and even some Realtor in Philadelphia. What is going on here? There are even some of my local clients who send me these twits - this local guy Dan who directs Pic.tv, another Marion, who shows people how to connect great old house parts with a new home and support green building practices through re-use.

Do you & I get the drift? These people, these twitters are not some kids - these are professionals and I'm being "followed" by them? And not only that .. they send me these "twitter messages" that tell me what they are doing during the day. Are they trying to tell me something that I should care about? Ahh .. the light just came on … maybe I should twitter them something as well. I did, and then started looking deeper, read their profiles and discovered real people who are quite successful professionals. I can really learn something new and exciting from them. I do want to get connected with these people.

These twitter messages I am getting are not all about more advertising – more business requests. They are NOT spamming me as at times is suggested. They are revealing their personalities, the type of friends they have, their interests, what excites them in live and in business etc. Maybe this is not so new after all. Maybe they are trying to find out who I am, what makes me tick. They are trying to connect not just with a Realtor, but with a person – not a Facebook profile, but someone with a personality.

Maybe someone over 55 can discover new ways to return to what is not so new – it’s about connecting with people. This is Terrrific

By the way .. as they say on CNN .. you can send this over 55 Portland Realtor, who still is learning, your twitter messages" @RealtorNormRice

Real Estate Reform is not Optional - Taking the Little Steps to Change our Real Estate Economy

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:45:20 -0600

Today, President-Elect Obama stated that “budget reform is not optional” He further stated that it is necessary to go “page by page, line by line" through the federal budget to get our economy moving. I suggest we need to go through our Real Estate inventory, listing by listing, freshen them up, give them new life, make them competitive in our market, or eliminate them. Staying competitive is not optional.

As I preview homes around the Portland metro area with buyer eyes, I discover the good, the bad, the ugly, and shining examples of reform. Sign posts that are about ready to fall down, empty flyer boxes (as I previewed homes today I counted 23 empty boxes within a two mile upscale area). entrances that have me immediately saying to myself – “no wonder this one has been on the market for so long” are dragging our real estate economy down."

Sellers and Realtors together can make the decisions to not just adjust prices, but to do the little things that would help a prospect take a deeper look. As Realtors, we are doing quite well in making our listings look great on the Internet and the local MLS. How often do we experience another reality when we either preview or take our prospects out looking? In a great book I am reading, “One Small Step Can Change Your Life - The Kaizen Way" by Robert Maurer” he talks about how it is the small steps, the short simple questions we need to take and ask. Perhaps we have focused on the bigger questions such as price with our sellers, while missing the smaller questions. “Mr. & Mrs. Seller, you are, or will be a buyer, so as a buyer, as you walk up and then enter this home, what makes you anxious to explore more of this home?” “What one of two things would you change right now and not wait until tomorrow or spring?”

Today, after previewing 4 homes, I wondered if we could not start with the sign our front and the empty flyer boxes. As a prospective buyer who has probably looked at a lot of homes both on the Internet and in your area of interest, where would you start? What conversation would you have with Realtors & Sellers?

What little steps would you (sellers, buyers & Realtors) take to bring out real estate reform in your local real estate neighborhood?

By the way .. I'm on my way out the door to go check on my listings.

Partnership with Businesses Created for Year Round Giving Back Campaign - Not Just a Holiday Habit

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:09:09 -0600

I have to admit that I've always been a bit bothered or peeved with myself when I get this "giving back bug" just during the holidays and then go on about my business and life the rest of the year without doing much other than being a part of Kiwanis and Lions. It's like a diet that I feel I have to go on a couple times of the year - and then the rest of the time I enjoy whatever I want. So .. had to figure out a way of this holiday habit.

Brian Buffini, along with my coach Shawn, keep reminding me that is is a matter of setting up systems that get followed as well as allowing others to hold me accountable. Hum .. how can I apply that to this? This past week I think I may have come up with a solution. I've invited 3 of my business owner peers (not other Realtors), and two of my clients, who I felt might be of like mind to join me in doing something together, as a group, at least monthly for those people or causes within our community that collectively we can agree on need our time and energy. The week after Thanksgiving, we've decided to work together in helping out at a Salvation Arny sorting food for their food baskets - in December, on the 23rd we will deliver Food baskets for a local charity serving primarily housebound seniors and them meet up afterward for some holiday cheer as a Group. Our goal by the end of December is to have a plan of action for the next three months. We've also all resolved to not only hold each other accountable for our presence but at the same time are committed to come together for special "emergencies" as they may arise. We also have committed to growing our group beyond the 5 of us at least by 2 or 3 each month.

We've all agreed - it is not about us - it is not about marketing ourselves in any way - it is only about giving of ourselves as a group to those most in need, holding each other accountable year round - its not about giving money; its about giving our time, energy, & spirit.

And then a final goal: Make it fun - not another task.

Stimulating Our Sellers, Small Businesses, Our Real Estate Market One Open House at a Time

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:24:58 -0600

While waiting, and hoping for potential buyers and investors to flock to an Open House I held yesterday, it suddenly hit me that together – sellers, small business owners, and our neighborhoods can work together to stimulate our real estate market, our economy – one Open House, one neighborhood at a time. How can that we work together to promote, each of our respective interests or businesses?

Each Sunday around America, Realtors are holding Open Houses with an attempt to stimulate interest in their market. Nearby are small business owners struggling to keep open their family-fun restaurants, coffee shops, insurance markets, and creative shops. Imagine what could happen if we all worked together within the neighborhood. Imagine the excitement we could bring our sellers if our Open Houses became mini neighborhood fairs, or expos.

Rather than sitting at our next Open House perhaps with a mortgage broker or title company, let's say we provided an opportunity for the local small shops, the local Mary Kay representative, the local small hardware store, the best little floor store in town, the neighborhood Edible Arrangements franchise owner, to all be a part of our Open House. Even include the neighbors who may have a particular small business they own – even involve the senior next door who knits fantastic sweaters to sell at the Christmas bazaars. Together we promote, market and publicize our presence in the neighborhood. What could happen if at the same time we encouraged all the other Realtors and sellers who have listings in the neighborhood area to do the same.

Imagine the spirit in an area together we could facilitate and build. A mini neighborhood expo at my next Open House? Hmmm ... Together we can promote, expose and stimulate our local neighborhoods, our economy – one Open House at a time. Yes we can!

Is There More to Edgar than on Facebook? – Personalizing Social Networking

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 11:49:33 -0600

Last night after numerous attempts at trying to get a good picture of myself using the built-in camera on my mac, I’ve changed my face on Facebook – and after all that “work” (picknik.com is a great tool), I still find myself wondering – wondering if I’m really connecting with my friends, family, fellow Realtors, and business partners (the term “clients” always seems so impersonal). I have a website, a Myspace & a Facebook account. I even Twitter (trying to learn anyway). But what does it mean to connect? Has “connecting” come to mean that we see each others words, pictures, websites, and perhaps if we get techie, hear a recorded voice or perhaps even better see a video? I sincerely belive that what all of us in business these days need is to help each other with referrals – I can help make times a little more survivable if I send a good referral to my insurance agent, (Pam Olson at Farmers) or to one of my trusted mortgage brokers, (James Adair) or to Margo Marver's Wellness Studio , or a good Italian Business Consultant, Max Corona , or even my wife, Monika @ Care Service Options, Inc. Those referrals can help pay their bills. And of course, as a Portland area Realtor, I need and appreciate your referrals – they can make the difference between my selling a house and paying my bills or using credit and not getting a home sold. However .. as much as I may use social networking, I also know we humans love to do business and to refer to those we know and care about.

Yes .. we need to utilize technology and social networking; however, picking up the phone, writing a personal handwritten note and being “odd-fashioned” and popping by and having a cup of coffee or a beer face to face puts a personality, a reality to Facebook.

Oh by the way .. (It's important that I ask).. if you know anyone seeking a good Realtor anywhere in the world, give me a call. I'm connected and personally know some Realtors that will exceed your expectations - that will make you proud that you referred your friend or associate to someone of quality. I'm never to busy for your referrals and to give them the quality personalized service you and they deserve.

Did You Hear the Deafening Thud Yesterday? It was only plastic.

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:33:31 -0600

On my way to the Lions last night I experienced for the first time in 57 years of life, the THUD – and the sound was one that I’ll never forget. Did you hear it? I was shaking .. my head was swirling – who got hurt? What an idiot. Darkness was all around – it was hard to see. Sleeping last night was not as sound as I would have liked. But in the daylight I discovered that it was only a crack, a scratch – life goes on – it’s a new day. Yes, the stock market took another dive yesterday, yes I hit with my vehicle an Actuary, I realize now after looking up what Jason did for a living why he and his wife were so calm. They guy I had just hit is an expert in :

Evaluating the likelihood of future events

Designing creative ways to reduce the likelihood of undesirable events

Decreasing the impact of undesirable events that do occur.

The THUD was a only a broken piece of plastic (although my Farmer's insurance agent may not like the cost of the repair), and life today is brighter. In the daylight, I recall the calming words of Jason’s wife “Hey .. are you okay Norm – yes .. S _ _ _ _ happens”. Today my job is to get out there and be a calming effect upon others amidst the deafening THUDS and help decrease in creative ways the impact.

Our Real Estate market today provides us with an opportunity to build our economy with some incrediblely well-priced investments as well as a time to think like an Actuary - just don't hit one. Have a great day. You deserve it!

Is it Rejuvenation – Remodeling - Going Green – ReClaiming – or Common Sense?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:34:40 -0600

Yesterday I attempted to write a blog about the Stately Lady needing a new life, and prior to that about looking beyond the “bad” news and helping make someone’s day. Today I was at first stymied – what will today bring?. As I perused my Facebook friends I discovered that there was a richness right before me. – and in some inspiring and creative ways. I discovered how Marion was contributing to our economy and society by her innovative desire to help people reclaim materials and re-use them rather than throw them away – how Bill, a developer and builder was pulling out all the stops to not only Go Green, but to bring new life to an area of Portland with his development of Mississippi Avenue Lofts, And then I ran across how Dan, an executive producer of Pic.tv how he was working hard to help link people to sources, to information and more importantly what providing a resource for them to make an impact within their communities. Amazing – right before me, and around me, there are people who are using Common Sense. Thank you!!

Become inspired today. Listen to what One-Economy.com is doing – discover Pic.tv – discover before you just remodel and make your way to the local hardware store what is possible when you work with Marion at reclaimdfinishes.com. And then end your day by listening to the incredible insights of those at Bring It Home America. Young at heart people of all ages are getting it - they are making a difference and changing communities. Isn't it common sense?