EBA Portland, LLC

Dispelling the Myth -- Why Real Estate Agents Aren't (Exactly) Used Car Salesmen

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:17:23 -0600

Who hasn't heard that age old putdown: Real Estate Agents are akin to Used Car Salespeople?

Well, today . . . I heard something that may DISPEL that myth.

I had been consulting with buyers for about an hour when I was told:

We wish we had an agent representing us when we bought our car!

Apparently, they got hosed!

Hmmm . . . got me thinking.

Car salespeople can work AGAINST you to get the dealership THEIR price. They go into the "back room" to talk to the manager to see if they can shake down your offer. When you have a real estate agent working for you, and your best interests you DO have someone NEGOTIATING for you!
There is no "right to revoke" after you've made an offer on a car, exchanged your deposits and got financing in place.
You don't have a right TO HAVE YOUR CAR INSPECTED!
You can't negotiate on repairs.
You don't have an "appraisal" done on the vehicle's VALUE (checking the Blue Book doesn't count!)
No one is going to take your around to "test drive" 30 vehicles.
The car dealership isn't going to make buyer concessions
The contract is a heck of a lot more "fine print" then a real estate contract

The ONLY similarity I see between the two professions is this:

We both hand over a set of keys.

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

Where to Find Christmas Trees in Portland, Oregon U-Cut

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:46:56 -0600

Where to Find Christmas Trees In Portland, OR U-Cut

Before I blogged, I would email this guide out to all my contacts. Now . . . if someone wants to know where to find Christmas Trees in Portland, Oregon U-Cut. . . this will be here, even in the HEAT OF SUMMER!!

Because there will be a lot of people going out this weekend to find their tree, I would you're question of where to find Christmas Trees in Portland, OR is now fully answered.

Not only will this guide show you where to find Christmas Trees in Portland, Oregon U-Cut, but there are a TON of fun this to do in this guide too!

Where to Find Christmas Trees in Portland, OR

This guide is brought to you by: Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association and has a lot of GOOD information, even if you're not local. For example: "How to Keep your Tree Fresh."

If you want to know where to find Christmas Trees in Portland, Oregon U-Cut look no further. Includes a guide for Chrismas Trees in Washington State

Here are some other places where you can find Christmas Trees in the Metro Portland Area.

Multnomah County

Beck's Christmas Trees - http://www.becksfarms.com/
Bob'z Tree Farm - http://www.bobzgardencenter.com/
Dutcher's Tree Farm - 503-663-4127
Historic Kirchem Farm - http://www.historickirchemfarm.com/
Maddox Tree Farm - http://www.maddoxchristmastrees.com/
Mours Christmas Trees - 503-703-8465
Mt. Hood Tree Farm - 503-932-7967
Olcott's Christmas Trees - 503-695-5219
Plumper Pumpkin Patch & Tree Farm - http://www.plumperpumpkins.com/
Ringle and Son Tree Farms - http://www.ringleandsontreefarms.com/
S&H Tree Farm - 503-638-1101
Snowline Tree Farm - http://www.snowlinetreefarm.com/
St. Nick's Christmas Tree Farm - http://www.stnickschristmastrees.com/
Stardig Tree Farm - http://www.stardigtreefarm.com/
Stroupe's Tree Farm - 503-784-1474
Tracy's Tree Town - 503-631-7320
Victorhill Tree Farm - http://www.victorhillfarm.com/

Washington County

Beaverton Holiday U-Cut Tree Farm - http://holidayucut.com/
Bays Farms - 503-324-0261
Century Farm - 503-692-3243
Christmas Mountain - http://www.christmasmtnfun.com/
Hagg's Tree Farm - http://www.haggsfarm.com/
Harrison Road Farm - http://www.harrisonroadfarm.com/
Helvetia Christmas Tree Farm - http://www.youcut.com/
Lee Farms - http://www.leefarmsoregon.com/
McCann Noble Christmas Trees - http://www.mccannnoblechristmastreefarm.com/
Mountaindale U-Cut - 503-647-5954
Murphy Rd. Nobles - 503-201-5559
Parry's Tree Farm - http://www.parrysfarm.us/
Pumpkin Ridge Tree Farm - 503-647-7561
Schmidlin Farms - http://www.schmidlinfarms.com/
Whispering Ridge Trees - 503-357-4627
Zurburgg Farms - 503-645-8458

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

10 Positive Predictions for 2010 Real Estate

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:50:49 -0600

Housing Prices:

Housing Prices for Buyers will look extremely attractive. While this might not be a "positive" for sellers, one thing will be true: A well priced property will not last (and that is a GOOD thing for SELLERS!) What to watch out for: The SURGE of Buyers that will happen in Spring. Good time to think about buying: NOW!

REO and Short Sales will be leveling off. Homes sold at the height of the "boom" and have been taken over by the bank, or sold short will tapper off. This will help sellers because their homes won't be in the same, competitive market.

MOVE UP BUYERS will finally get off the fence! Homeowners who did NOT re-finance and have built up equity WILL SELL!! They'll either buy up, and take advantages of the great prices . . . OR they'll downsize and taking advantage of buying a GREAT CONDO in the DOWNTOWN PORTLAND market!

Borrowers will be more "budget conscience." Rather then looking at their "paper profit," borrowers/buyers will be looking at their monthly budgets and making sure they live within their means. Buying a property will be a HOME purchase rather than a "Trump" investment.
The rental market will see a SHORTGAGE -- and this is a positive prediction for INVESTORS. Because supply is catching up with demand on rental inventory, and because of the lull in new construction, by mid-to-late 2010 the rental market will see a rental housing shortage, with rents going up to above historical means. This "supply / demand" will also indicate a mild inflationary period (and real estate does extremely well in inflationary periods!)

Housing Styles:

The era of the McMansion will be OVER. Again, not a positive if you happen to own one. Older homes on a nice lot size, which were overlooked in the "boom" market will be in demand.
Older homes will be in demand. They will be priced well, and might need some "modern" updates, but they will be in demand. What this means is that older neighborhoods will get an infusion of new buyers, and that's a GOOD thing to keep neighborhood values up!

Housing Mortgages:

FHA is tightening their requirements. But the "positive" will be that if Buyers are FHA approved, they are putting a tad more 'skin in the game' and will look VERY good to sellers with a good offer.
Interest rates will remain low. Interest rates must remain low in order to qualify borrowers, and my positive prediction is that they will.

And the number ONE POSITIVE PREDICTION ~~ THIS TOO SHALL END!!

As with ALL the crisis of the past: Inflation (of nearly 23%) '79-'82, the S&L mess '89-'92, slowdown of economy in 2000-2002 . . . our economy will get back on track! Real estate assets do EXTREMELY well in inflationary times . . . so the old adage of BUY LOW, SELL HIGH is the final, positive note.

This is based on my mental acuity and my overall take on the LOCAL Metro Portland market.

WRITTEN as a result of: CHALLENGE: A Post on 10 Positive Predictions For 2010

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

Hey You . . . Mr./Ms. Appraisal Person . . . GET OFF MY LAWN!!

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:39:16 -0600

So the phone rings and I answer it, not being familiar with the number. The lady introduces herself, and says she's calling on the property I sold on Anyname St. a few months back.

I know these calls.

I've get them all the time.

The Appraiser wants to know about the sales price, and was that based on any "sellers' concessions."

Immediately I go into my business tone and ask them if this has anything to do with my representing the current owner, aka the BUYER!?

The appraiser lady tells me she "has to call to find out if there were concessions," and that might be. I'm not a licensed apprasier, so I have no idea what the 'protocol' is.

But I do know one thing, my representation of the Buyer does not allow me to discuss the transaction.

The National Association of Realtors Standard of Practice 1-9 states that Realtors (even after the agency relationship is terminated) shall not reveal confidential information about the client, unless it's under court order, or the client gives consent after full disclosure . . .

Since the appraiser is NOT associated AT ALL with the transaction involving my client, I'm under NO DUTY whatsoever to discuss ANYTHING to a third party.

They should NOT be contacting me . . . in order to pull their numbers together in a SEPARATE transaction!

Since my fiduciary is (was) to my client, and not to the apprasiers' file, I could care less why they need to know anything about my CLOSED DEAL!

When you get a call from an Apprasier . . . how are you handling it? Do you talk to them about your CLOSED FILE?!?

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

We Want Real Estate to Get "NORMAL" Again . . .

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:34:01 -0600

I've just read another blog post about the market, and foreclosures. What the government is doing . . . what the government is not doing.

Blogs range from "How To" (survive) a short sale, or how loan modifications aren't helping, or how the bailout was a bust . . .

Invariably, I'll read a comment about wanting real estate to get back to "normal" again.

I hate to be the one to say it . . . but . . .

This IS normal

This IS the market

And whatever is currently going on in your local market is . . . what is going on in your local market.

We knew it was going to happen . . .

The CHANGE

The news was saying "the bubble, the bubble, the bubble"

Then the bubble burst and . . . we act all surprised?!?

If we keep looking back at what WAS a normal market, we'll not be doing a very good job in this current market -- which IS normal . . . because this IS what's happening!

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

Portland, OR Metro Market -- Supra Lockbox Activity 11/22/09

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:23:56 -0600

Portland, OR Real Estate

Supra Lockbox Activity, week ending Nov. 22, 2009

The lockbox is the magic access key that allows agents to open the doors on listed property. It also keeps statistics, and as you can see, there has been a -3.8% DECREASE in activity, and this includes Portland, OR real estate activity.

This is a consecutive week showing a marked decrease. Last week there was only a slight uptick, and I mean slight of .02% INCREASE.

This DOES NOT take into account the previous week (Thanksgiving). Tune in next week to get those stats.

BUYERS: What that means for you . . . the properties you have interest in might not have the level of activity as expected. These showings are for the RMLS Supra lockbox in the state. The Portland, OR real estate market might have slightly higher levels of activity.

SELLERS: Check and see with your listing agent if the STAT above is holding true with your property. Are you getting any more showings, or has activity level dropped??

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

It's SAFE to DRINK The WATER (again!) -- Metro Portland Mini-Crisis

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:26:19 -0600

"Water, water EVERY . . . and NOT a drop to drink!"

You wouldn't think about Metro Portland, Oregon as being a "dry" area. Afterall, the average rainfall is 37.5 inches/year.

But just this weekend we had a 72-hour BAN ON DRINKING WATER!

Stores were selling a week's worth of bottled water in 30 minutes!

Thankfully, the BOILED WATER NOTICE has been CANCELED!! (And it was issued the day AFTER Thanksgiving!)

Even though the BOIL WATER ORDER was in affect for 72-hours, the City of Portland felt it necessary to place it.

Why?

Because random testing of the City's water supply found E-Coli in the water reservoir. Although the "Boil Water Order" was "tangent" (short amount of time) it was issued due to E-Coli bacteria being found in a relatively small part of the drinking water system.

Local government officials tested for: E-Coli 015787, which is the organism -- the strain -- which is the MOST serious E-Coli form. This "strain" was NOT found . . . but the water system was tested for this just the same.

No occurrence of illness has been reported.

Now that the "boil water notice" has been lifted, be sure to run tap water for two minutes . . . make sure the water is ice cold when runs from the tap, before using it.

And this goes for your pets too! Make sure they have fresh, clean water.

Remember the Boy Scouts' Motto?

~ Be prepared ~

This is a REMINDER to ALL OF US that a 72-hour Emergency kit is NECESSARY ~~ because you never know when anything will hit.

For many regions around the Nation, the weather will become icy, snowy, cold . . . PLAN for it BEFORE you have to!

How to Make a 72-Hour Emergency Kit

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

Wordless Wednesday -- How Pumpkin Pie is Made

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:23:56 -0600

DO NOT BLAME ME!!

This pic was emailed to me by fellow-blogger; Nevin Williams

Nevin Williams,FHA,VA,Jumbo broker CA,OR,WA,NC

I just checked his blog . . . he didn't blog this. Not sure why.

Well . . . maybe because Nevin actually possesses some manners and taste. Perhaps thinking it best just to email people he knows off list.

But, I thought this was HILARIOUS and worthy of a share!

Matter of fact, I wanted to post something funny today -- and this was the PERFECT pic!

Hmmm . . . thanks, Nevin (I guess).

Anyway --

Happy Thanksgiving!

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

Portland, OR Metro Market -- Supra Lockbox Activity 11/15/09

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:10:59 -0600

Portland, OR Real Estate

Supra Lockbox Activity, week ending Nov. 15, 2009

The lockbox is the magic access key that allows agents to open the doors on listed property. It also keeps statistics, and as you can see, there has been a slight uptick of 1.3% INCREASE in activity, and this includes Portland, OR real estate activity.

The previous week, which I didn't report on, also should a SLIGHT uptick: week ending 11/8/09 at 0.2% -- not much but this would be considered the second week with activity not showing a decline (as the past four weeks have indicated).

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

Building a Better Mousetrap . . .

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:40:17 -0600

I LOVE inventions! I love creativity. I love when someone comes up with a better idea. And not just a stupid idea . . . which I recently saw on the TV Show "Sharks." Some guy invented:

"Throx"

3 socks in a packet. His concept was: if you lose one sock, you'll still have a pair. GEEZ -- 3 socks in a pack . .. NOT what I would call a brilliant idea.

But here's a good idea. It might make a great house-warming/closing gift.

Kwikset is a lock manufacturer. You've probably seen there products in Home Depot or Lowe's. Maybe even buying a few door locks in your career??

Now Kwikset has come up with a "SmartKey" which allows a homeowner/landlord/property manager to re-key their own locks -- in seconds.

Here's the video on how the product works . . . and it really is a SMART KEY, and a way to save the hassles of calling in a locksmith, or changing out door hardware.

Watch the video: Kwikset . . . Smart Key

Works great for:

Tenant turnovers
Lost keys
New owners
etc.

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

In Your Client's BEST INTEREST

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:34:11 -0600

As Realtors(r) we work under the premise of:

In the clients' best interest

What does that mean?

The best interest of the client is typically established when there is a fiduciary relationship established.

So, before getting into the "best interests" of the clients, let's look at the "FIDUCIARY" principals when they are set in motion.

When an agent takes on the mantle of a "FIDUCIARY" they have been engaged (contracted):

To act in the best interests of another person, with legal and ethical duty
To act in the best interest of another person with confidence and/or trust
To act, by law requiring the highest level of good faith, loyalty and diligence of a fiduciary, higher than the common duty of care
A person who occupies a position of special trust and confidence, e.g., in handling or supervising the affairs or funds of another, involving the exercise of confidence and trust

My office, which is an Exclusive Buyer Agency, works under contract.

WHY?

In order to ensure, contractually, that there is a legal real estate agency relationship established, a Fiduciary position.

Once a client/agent relationship is established, the buyer/client has engaged a "fiduciary." And with that the agent has an obligation to work in the "best interests" of the client.

Sans contract, the buyer is without a contractual fiduciary. Some buyers feel it's not in their "best interest" to sign a Buyer's Representation Agreement.

I would argue otherwise.

If you want to have your agent watch out for your "best interests" -- it is in your best interest to sign them up.

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

Portland, OR Metro Market -- Supra Lockbox Activity 11/1/09

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:44:42 -0600

Portland, OR Real Estate

Supra Lockbox Activity, week ending Nov. 1, 2009

The lockbox is the magic access key that allows agents to open the doors on listed property. It also keeps statistics, and as you can see, there has been a -4.1% DECREASE in activity, and this includes Portland, OR real estate activity.

This is the FOURTH WEEK showing a marked decrese. Last week there was a reported -15.4% DECREASE. Week prior, ending 10/18/09 was also down -5.5%.

Now with the cooler months of fall, going into the colder months of winter, will lock box activity continue to decline? It will be interesting to follow the Portland, OR real estate trend with showings going up, or down?

SELLERS: Check and see with your listing agent if the STAT above, of -4.1% decrease is holding true with your property. Are you getting any more showings, or has activity level dropped??

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

Defective Drywall in Your Home?

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:33:56 -0600

I very RARELY reblog. When I do, it's not for RE-BLOG points!

The blog posts are active today, and when I read this on the dashboard, it quickly got to page 3 in a short time. And because there's a lot of posting going on, this is one blog that should be a FEATURE ... IMHO!

HOW to tell if the property has DEFECTED DRYWALL (let's keep THE FACT about "where" it was manufactured out of it . . . just to be PC). Since there are NO CURRENT TEST available -- this is ABOUT PROTECTING CONSUMERS, YOURSELVES -- since no one else seems to want to do it.

The CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION has flagged this problem. And indicated that there are no tests currently available. So this blogger has given a very easy solution. If the SILVER -- and keep in mind it has to be a PURE SILVER ALLOY (not plated with silver) is a method . . . it makes sense to see if it corrosive "tell tale" signs appear.

Via Tom Schoenbeck (Keller Williams Realty Central DE):

With the recent news about defective drywall made in China, how can a homeowner detect if their home has this insidious material? According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there is no positive test to detect this drywall. There are however, some common homeowner tests you can do to see if you have it installed throughout your home.

First, contact your builder and see if they can advise you where they purchased your drywall or if they know the brand name of the drywall they installed. If this does not yield the results you need, here are some simple checks you can perform. Since this particular drywall emits a Sulphuric smell, mostly associated with what we consider a rotten egg odor, it's a good bet you may have it. Other telltale signs are corrosion on copper coils on your a/c unit, water pipes, or electrical wiring in your outlets. There may be some obvious signs such as a blackening mold-like appearance on the surface of the drywall. Check in the attic and pull back some of the insulation. You may be able to see the name of the manufacturer on the exposed drywall. If your home has copper piping, look carefully for signs of corrosion.

According to Danny Lipford, a well known home-improvement guru on DYI, he advises there is another way to determine if you have this Chinese made product. He suggests suspending silver jewelry or kitchen utensil in front of an air vent. If the item begins to discolor, not just tarnish, in a few days, it's possible you have this drywall.

Many consumers also report adverse health effects such as respiratory difficulties, unexplained and frequent headaches.

The only know remedy, is to remove and replace all the defective drywall, a rather expensive remedy. Simply painting or papering over this drywall, will not stop it's deterioration. Always contact an expert and possibly and attorney if you suspect you have this drywall in your home.

(Delaware has not been currently identified as a state with this problem associated with this drywall.)

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

Tax Credit Passes House . . . Waiting for Our President To Sign Off

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:07:32 -0600

This just in:

The House of Representatives has passed the extension of the Home Buyers Tax Credit by a vote of 403-12. The bill is the same version passed by the Senate earlier this week. Since both versions are the same, there will be no need for a conference to work out the differences, and it is ready for the President's signature.

He'll sign it . . . BLOGS AWAY!! . . .

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

Who is PHILIP GLASS . . . and WHAT is my Son Doing Hanging Out With Him?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:54:01 -0600

Many of you might now know who Philip Glass is.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Glass

Now you know.

When he was in Portland, OR recently, my son who has done some interesting work inspired by Philip Glass, "Einstein on the Beach" had the opportunity to met the genius himself.

Philip Glass is an American music composer, considered to be the most influential composers around. He has collaborated on film scores, nominated for three Academy Awards. His list of "Who's Who" is staggering.

When someone of this stature takes the time to talk with your little darling, you'd feel a since of pride too.

All I want to know is this:

Hey, Philip . . . did you like Portland? If so, call me 'k? I'll hook you up with a really nice property!!

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

El Pollo Loco Beaverton

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:52:39 -0600

Having watched the El Pollo Loco restaurant in Beaverton being built, and then watching it sit and sit . . . since March . . . with their OPENING SOON banners, I can finally tell you it's open. And my tummy is full!

Thank you El Pollo Loco (located at Cedar Hills and Fairfield in Beaverton) for finally opening.

And apparently, I wasn't the only one waiting for El Pollo Loco. The lines were moving quickly, they were well-staffed. But they did have to put 3 employees in the parking lot to direct traffic.

The place was packed. For good reason, it's a great tasting flame-grilled chicken. A nice alternative from fried, fatty food.

El Pollo Loco (the CRAZY Chicken) has been a staple food establishment in Southern California, were I first tasted the wonderful flame-grilled bird.

The menu is a little more diverse then I seemed to remember, and with chicken tamales, I couldn't resist!

El Pollo Loco Beaverton is across the street from the Cedar Hills Crossing Mall. For the first few weeks, I'd suggest you avoid going during rush hour.

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

Real Estate Agent Posers . . .

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:34:03 -0600

Have you ever noticed that if you mention you're a real estate agent to anyone, they'll say, "Oh, my mother is a Realtor(r)," or "I have a cousin that is licensed . . ."

Yeah, scary I know!

But even scarier . . . are licensed agents that don't do anything in real estate.

You think I'm making it up . . . how many real estate agents do you know who have gotten into the business within the last few years who have not done any substantial transactions to date? Riding on others' coat-tails and posing . . . and the only deal they can talk about is the one they were in -- when they bought their home, if you know what I mean.

Active Rain is a good vehicle to gauge experience and authentic real estate knowledge. A seasoned and/or knowledgable agent is not too hard to find, or discern. Sadly, there are some on Active Rain and other social media networks that probably wouldn't be able to sell, or buy, their way out of a paper bag.

Read their blogs.

Is there any substantive discourse of real estate in their blogs?
Are their posts only social in nature and/or waste-o-time blogs?
Do they even blog about real estate?
Have they put a deal or transaction together in the past month (on their own without the help of the broker in charge or sucker mentor)
Do they only post pictures of flowers, trees, their kids . . . but don't post their listings?
And if they don't post listings (because as an Exclusive Buyer Agent I wouldn't) do they talk about deals they've done, anecdotal information . . . ANYTHING to do with them actually working in real estate??

The I.R.S. defines real estate as a "hobby" (or any business activity for that matter) where there is no income derived from that activity.

There are a lot of Realtor(s), and real estate agents who talk loud, while saying absolutely nothing. They use the social media platform and expand like a balloon full of hot air,

Sure, newbies . . . using social media to assist and gain a presence is all viable and legitmate. But, any blogs that do not contain substanitive discourse of real estate might be pissing on your leg and telling you it's raining, in my humble opinion.

This is a test.

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

Merry Christmas Boys and Girls . . . HO HO HO

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:06:10 -0600

Please don't say I never do anything nice.

Because for those of you who "get it" . . . here's a little present that some might find just as wonderful and marvelous as the shiny new train they wanted!

The CDFI, under the branch of the United States Dept. of the Treasury distributes money. And yesterday I wrote a blog about that.

Today, I guess you could call it Part II, I'm sharing with you a list of the people who have a working relationship already established with the CDFI, and have presently, and in the past, received funds.

Funds=working capital boys and girls.

This is a 115 page document. Review it, read it, analyze it . . .

http://www.cdfifund.gov/docs/nmtc/2009/NMTCQEIReport.pdf

Those people that oversee these funds, may God bless you of sound mind. Hopefully ALL this money will be used to the betterment of man. And when I say "man" I mean it in the collective sense. GEEZ . . .

(Art found at: Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Harpenden, UK)

A SONG OF SAINT NICHOLAS (aka St. Nick)

There was a good bishop who lived long ago

His memory is glorious, His legends are bold

We call him St Nicholas, a servant of Christ

Who loved little children and taught what was right

He is Father Christmas and Santa Claus too

He helped many people, the stories are true

At Christmas he calls to us, both young and old

To see that the story of Jesus is told

The gifts that he brings us are signs of the love

That comes down at Christmas from heaven above

We see Mother Mary, the babe in the stall,

With Joseph, the wise men and shepherds and all

O blessed St Nik'las we hail you today

The patron of many, you show us the way

To be good and generous, to help those in need

To be kind to others in both word and deed

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) -- Notice of Open Meeting

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:20:09 -0600

The United States Treasury's CDFI (Community Development Financial Institutions Fund) has provided me with a Notice of Open Meeting, and I thought to share.

What Is CDFI?-- under the United States Dept. of the Treasury, the CDFI provides funds, services, credit to under-served markets and populations.

"Broadly speaking, a CDFI is defined as a financial institution that: has a primary mission of community development, serves a target market, is a financing entity, also provides development services, remains accountable to its community, and is a non-government entity." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CDFI

Throughout the nation, CDFI has funded neighborhood banks and other projects.

A notable CDFI is located, right here, in Portland, OR: Albina Community Bank

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

CDFI Fund's Advisory Board to Meet on November 16, 2009 in Washington, D.C

New Markets Tax Credit Program Includes $1.5 Billion Awarded Under the Recovery Act

November 2, 2009

The next meeting of the Community Development Advisory Board (the Advisory Board) will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, November 16, 2009. The Advisory Board meeting will be held in the Cash Room at the U.S. Department of the Treasury located at 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20220.

The room will accommodate up to 50 members of the public. Seats are available to members of the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Since the meeting will be held in a secured federal building, members of the public who desire to attend the meeting must contact the CDFI Fund's Office of Legislative and External Affairs by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 by e-mail at AdvisoryBoard@cdfi.treas.gov, to inform the CDFI Fund of your desire to attend the meeting and to provide the following information which is required to facilitate your entry to the facility: name as it appears on a government issued identification; date of birth; and social security number.

Please note that participation in the discussions at the meeting will be limited to Advisory Board members, Department of the Treasury staff, and certain invited guests. Anyone who would like to have the Advisory Board consider a written statement must submit it to the CDFI Fund's Office of Legislative and External Affairs by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 by mail to 601 Thirteenth Street, NW, Suite 200 South, Washington, DC, 20005, or by e-mail at AdvisoryBoard@cdfi.treas.gov.

The function of the Advisory Board is to advise the Director of the CDFI Fund on the policies regarding the activities of the Fund. The Advisory Board shall not advise the CDFI Fund on the granting or denial of any particular application for monetary or non-monetary awards.

Please review the following Notice for all relevant details: Federal Register Notice

Any questions can be directed to Bill Luecht in the Office of Legislative and External Affairs by calling (202) 622-8042 or via e-mail at luechtw@cdfi.treas.gov

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

My Second Post on Active Rain 5/17/07

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:27:01 -0600

I joined Active Rain in May 2007.

This was my second post, "Feed Back" -- Is it just me, or is this annoying to others?? and I thought to re-blog my own words since they are apros pos to a recent feature written by: Buyers Agents Should Not Give Feedback!

I wrote about this over two years ago. Apparently, the ball is now in play.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

My cell phone rings, "EBA Portland, this is Carla," I begin my conversation.

"Hi Carla. You showed my listing . . ."

And it begins!

The calls for "FEED BACK"

As an Exclusive Buyers Agent, I take no listings. My client base is buyers, and I'm good at that. I like what I do. In fact, I'm the type of Realtor(r) that not only plays by the rules, but actually knows what they are.

So, when I tour a listing -- with a BUYER -- I'm there on behave of my client in a FIDUCIARY capacity, i.e., I represent them. I have certain duties to uphold, and this includes duties my state (Oregon) proscribes, but as a Realtor(r) the ethics implied. I am a licensed professional. I tour properties that are listed through a brokerage under a contractual agreement. What the listing agent/agency and seller(s) have entered into is a legal contract that I'm not privy to. I am NOT involved with this listing at all, other then it fits the needs and wants of my buyer -- so we tour.

Why do listing agents call? I'm not associated with their brokerage, nor their client. This applies to any agent who brings a buyer through the door. We are there to see the property with our buyer, we're NOT there to provide "feed back" to you.

Didn't you price it correctly to begin with?

Didn't you tell your clients that their house has a funky dog smell?

Didn't you tell your clients that their kitchen is really cluttered?

What do you want from us me when you call for "feed back"?

This is YOUR job, YOUR listing. YOUR clients!

You work for a brokerage. So you have a ton of agents that you can ask for "feed back" -- price opinions, etc. -- in your office. ASK THEM!

Not a conflict. Get it?? If you call me for feed back and you want me -- the buyer's agent -- to give you a price opinion . . . hmmmm . . . don't you see what's inherently WRONG with that?!?!?

Do your clients know that you are calling buyers' agents that are not affiliatated with your brokerage for their opinions on YOUR pricing??

The calls are inappropriate, at least to me.

The emails I get after I tour a listing are MORE SPAM which I could do without.

The thing is, if any buyer has an interest in your listing, they'll let you know.

How?

They'll write up an offer.

If you're calling to find out what MY CLIENTS think about your listing -- my lips are sealed!

My fiduciary obligations forbid me to discuss my client's private and confidential conversations with me. Unless I ask my clients their permission, and obtain it in writing, I do NOT discuss what we think about your listing, I'm MUM.

Sorry.

But this is why I'm a great agent.

I don't work for you -- your brokerage -- your sellers.

I work for my clients.

And you should too!

Calling a buyer's agent to get YOUR LISTING'S price adjusted is a gross failure to your clients, and a conflict of interest.

Is it just me???

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

Portland, OR Metro Market -- Supra Lockbox Activity 10/25/09

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:59:53 -0600

Portland, OR Real Estate

Supra Lockbox Activity, week ending Oct. 25, 2009

The lockbox is the magic access key that allows agents to open the doors on listed property. It also keeps statistics, and as you can see, there has been a 15.4% DECREASE in activity, and this includes Portland, OR real estate activity.

This is the THIRD WEEK showing a marked decrese. Last week there was a reported -5.5% DECREASE. Week prior, ending 10/11/09 was also down -10.4%.

SELLERS: Check and see with your listing agent if the STAT above, of -5.5% decrease is holding true with your property. Are you getting any more showings, or has activity level dropped??

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

I LOVE Wikipedia

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:09:13 -0600

I love Wikipedia. My son turned me on to it a few years ago, and it's an amazing place. Full of knowledge.

And remember kids . . . knowledge is power!

There is a cool feature, on the left side bar:

RANDOM ARTICLE

It's like a fortune cookie . . . or a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get.

Sometimes the Random Article is nothing of interest.

Other times . . . OMIGOSH . . .

Today, while bored . . . I clicked Random Article and read about an Englishman, with Welsh blood Ralph Griffiths.

WHAT a genius. His bio is a short read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Griffiths

"Ralph Griffiths: essayist, publisher, watchmaker, husband, and wit."

As a publisher, he had his own shop on Fleet Street. Outside, he had etched the Sign of the Dunciad : "The bookseller's sign warning dunces that The Monthly would have no mercy in exposing dull authors.^"

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

The Fourth Estate . . . Yale's Knight Law and Media Program

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:08:20 -0600

To any of you who might be interested, Yale University is hosting a timely seminar Nov. 13-14, 2009

"Journalism and the New Media Ecology: Who Will Pay the Messengers?"

The conference is open to all who register.

To quote:

"A dramatic shift in the way Americans receive and use news and information, stimulated by the growing dominance of the Internet and other electronic media, has cut deeply into the circulation and advertising revenues of news media and their ability to gather and deliver the journalism on which our democracy depends."

http://www.law.yale.edu/intellectuallife/10132.htm

". . . on which our democracy depends."

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

What's In A (Street) Name?

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:46:18 -0500

After reading a blog by Russel Ray (Good things happen when you are persistent and consistent (an ActiveRain success story), the neighborhood of Del Mar Heights was mentioned as a hoity-toity neighborhood,

I didn't doubt that at all. The blog was about something altogether different, but for some reason, when I read Russel's description of the area, I started thinking . . . "Heights" . . .

Forgive me for making a broad brushstroke on this, but any neighborhood within a "Heights" sounds really posh.

Here's what I think . . .

Avenues are better then Streets
Streets MIGHT be better then Roads
Lanes are ALWAYS better then streets, avenues, or roads, but not as good as CIRLCES.
Terraces trump all the above.
Any neighborhood that has a BRENTWOOD DR is an expensive neighborhood.
Any area within a subdivision having "Estate" in the name is exclusive.
"Path" means one thing: unpaved, gravel, bumpy, full of potholes!
Parkways are rare, and probably are streets with no sidewalks.
Routes are . . . probably indicative that you're property will be on a septic system.

I hope this helps.

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland

LOL of the Day Award . . . Goes to Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:47:19 -0500

Halloween is this weekend . . . and getting us all in the mood is a wickedly funny little blog post by Anna "Banana" Kruchten.

Wordless Wednesday: A Little Halloween Humor from Phoenix

This compilation of funnies had me, and a few others, LOL.

Hence Anna "Banana" Kruchten is going to receive the most prestigious award that anyone can ever hope to achieve, EVER . . .

The LOL of the Day Award . . . unceremoniously goes to the sexy blonde banana.

Congratulations Anna "Banana" Kruchten . . .

The LOL of the Day Award is all yours!

Want MORE LOL of the Day awards . . . please visit: LOL of the Day

-----------------------------------------------------------

~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

Read My Blogs:

http://ebaportland.tumblr.com/
http://localism.com/neighbor/realtycj
http://activerain.com/blogs/realtycj
http://portlandeba.activerain.com/
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/112655
http://www.trulia.com/profile/EBAPortland