the kelly group: Welcome to the 2016 Real Estate Market!
- 01/28/16 08:32 AM
In Oregon, the inventory of homes active on the market has remained low through December and January. For Sellers listing their properties at $399,999 or lower, it means lots of showing activity! However, many home Sellers are forestalling listing their property just yet due to limited inventory to choose from for relocating. However, for Sellers looking to sell quickly or who have already identified a property to purchase, it will remain a Seller’s market until inventory increases in the following months heading into spring. While residential listings remain low, Buyers looking to build still have extensive inventory to choose from in the (0 comments)
the kelly group: Have You Met The Kelly Group Yet?
- 01/12/16 08:18 AM
The Kelly Group is one of the top real estate teams in Oregon and in all of the United States! In 2015, we sold 335 homes worth $110 million. Our listings sell for an average of over 98% of the list price. They also have a median days on market of only 28. We are a team in the true sense of the word with different team members specializing in different aspects of real estate. Unlike most agents who are forced to do everything, from administrative work to lead generation, your listing agent's only priority is to get your home sold. (2 comments)
the kelly group: Ten Questions a Seller Should Ask an Agent Before Listing
- 01/12/16 08:04 AM
1. Why should I list my property with YOU? 2. What do you think my property will sell for and Why? 3. What are the “Pros” and “Cons” of my property? 4. What changes/improvements should I make to my house? 5. What are your specific negotiation strategies? 6. How many properties have you listed in the last 12 months? 7. Specifically, how will you market my home? 8. Do you have a Team or are you a Solo Agent? Your team consists of… 9. How many showings should I expect to average per week? 10. Other than yourself, who would you recommend I list my home with and why?
Any good (1 comments)
the kelly group: West Salem Real Estate Report
- 01/12/16 07:58 AM
The West Salem real estate market, all of zip code 97304, was historically strong in 2015. All data points show a strong gain from 2014 to 2015. There were 543 resale homes sold in 2015. That is an increase of 37% over 2014. The average price of sold homes also rose significantly in 2015. The average sale price in 2015 was $239,210, compared to $219,763 in 2014. That is an increase of 8.8%. The last strong indicator in determining the strength of the market is the Total Days on Market. This helps show how long a home was for sale before (0 comments)
the kelly group: Three Ways to Ease Your Fears About Making a Move in 2017
- 01/12/16 07:44 AM
With low inventory in many markets throughout the country, many homeowners are afraid to sell their homes because they’re concerned that they may not be able to find a new one. This can be a real problem, but if you are seeking to sell—whether to upgrade or find a new neighborhood—there are a few ways to combat the low inventory.
1. Look to buy first In most markets it is a real mistake to put your home up for sale before you start looking for your new property. Identify the geographic area where you are interested in buying. Even if you don't see (1 comments)
the kelly group: Five Cool Tech Ideas for Your Home
- 01/12/16 04:49 AM
Looking for some cool upgrades for your home? Here are a few suggestions for tech devices that would make an awesome addition to your place. 1. Laser Robot Vacuum: This awesome little robot by Neato Robotics does the dirty work for you. Not only will it clean the house after you go to sleep, but it has a special laser that maps the home. This little guy knows where it’s been and where it hasn’t, and when it’s done it drives itself back in the closet! 2. Heated driveway: If you live in a cold weather state, shoveling snow is a dreaded fact (2 comments)
the kelly group: How to Become a Memory Master!
- 01/12/16 04:44 AM
We all have so much going on in our lives that it’s inevitable that our brains will have trouble keeping up. Can’t remember the name of your new neighbors, or your bank account number, or when you scheduled your next haircut? That’s perfectly normal. But here are a few strategies for improving your memorization skills.
Get more sleep and exercise: Physical activity sends more oxygen to your brain, and a lack of sleep can be detrimental to your creativity, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking.
Give your brain a workout: Crossword puzzles, playing a musical instrument, and even a game of ping-pong are great (5 comments)
the kelly group: The Best Tips and Tools for Cleaning Some Common Household Items
- 01/12/16 04:34 AM
Sometimes you just can’t find the right tool for the job, even with all the usual cleaning tools at your disposal. Here are some tips for those items and places that are always a pain to keep squeaky clean. The microwave The solution for a clean microwave is in your refrigerator (or maybe in the produce section of the grocery store). Microwave a cup of water and a few lemon slices, and then use a sponge to clean the microwave with the warm water. Grease stains This one works on clothes as well as surfaces. Rub white chalk on the grease stain, let (3 comments)
the kelly group: How to Stage a Living Space
- 01/12/16 04:14 AM
Can’t seem to create a living room that feels quite right? Looking for some styling tips that will bring your living room up a notch? Here are five ideas that can dramatically improve your living room. 1. Move the furniture away from the walls: The tendency is to place your furniture against the walls, but giving it a little room to breathe will make the seating area seem cozier while also making the room seem more spacious. 2. Mix old and new pieces: Using the same furniture set to furnish an entire room can make it seem a bit sterile. Try mixing and (1 comments)
the kelly group: A Dry Foundation is a Happy Foundation!
- 01/12/16 04:02 AM
Keeping water away from your home’s foundation is an important part of maintaining your home's structural integrity. Water can cause soils to expand and contract as well as do damage to the interior of the home should it flood. Keep your gutters clean and make sure downspouts will divert water to a place where it can drain away. If your home is equipped with a sump pit you may want to install a pump, or if you have a pump make sure it is operating properly. If your basement has a drain be sure it is clear in the event that you (2 comments)
the kelly group: Five Lighting Tips for Basements
- 01/12/16 03:54 AM
Making your basement an enjoyable place to spend time can be tricky. Without the right lighting it may feel too much like a dungeon (unless you’re into that!). Here are a few quick tips: 1. Maximize the natural lighting. Trim back shrubs and other plants that block sunlight from window wells. If the window well has a cover, keep it clean or replace a cover that blocks light with one that lets light pass through. 2. Choose light colors for walls, carpet and furniture. As much as we all miss the dark brown faux wood paneling from the ‘70s it doesn't do much (3 comments)
the kelly group: Great Mountains of the Pacific Northwest
- 01/12/16 03:35 AM
If you are planning on moving to Oregon is very important to note that Oregon is perfect for hiking, sightseeing and photography because of its numerous mountains. The Northwest is home to a variety of different mountain ranges which can be extremely picturesque as a view from your back window. In Oregon, you could be in close view of some of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the Northwest by carefully selecting your property. Mountain view can really add to the value of your home and can give you plenty of opportunity for hiking, exploring and getting in touch with the outdoors. (3 comments)
the kelly group: Top Reasons For Considering a Move to Oregon
- 01/12/16 03:00 AM
If you are looking for an excellent area to settle down with a family or even just for yourself a commonly overlooked state to settle in these Oregon. From the eclectic art scene of Portland to the natural beauty of Oregon city to the fantastic outdoor activities in Bend, Oregon has cities and areas that are perfect for nearly any personality type. Here's some of the top reasons you should consider Oregon as a house hunter: Property values are on the rise: Oregon is becoming an extremely attractive place to live, with low crime rates and high school graduation rates that are (1 comments)
the kelly group: Why is Everyone Moving to Oregon?
- 01/12/16 02:49 AM
There are numerous hot spots around the nation, locations that people are flocking to in droves because the quality of living and offered amenities is simply extraordinary. Of these hot spots, it may come as a surprise to many that Oregon has topped the list for two years in a row. For us native Oregonians there is no question, this is the place to be! In a recent study from United Van Lines where over 129,000 moves were tracked, the company found that "66% of all interstate moves in Oregon were from people moving into the state, rather than leaving it." This (2 comments)
the kelly group: Why You Need to Move to Oregon Today!
- 01/12/16 02:31 AM
Many people consider relocating to Portland, Oregon for several reasons. Do you love the close proximity to the famous Oregon Coast, St Helens, Mt Hood and more? There are seemingly endless acres of large forest available for hiking, fishing and camping. Furthermore, there are great attractions where tourists can visit including luxury villas for rent and sale. Real estate business has been doing very well in this region given its close proximity to social amenities as well as other entertainment facilities. This state sets the national bar for bicycle commuting/riding in lieu of cars, making it recognized worldwide as the innovators (2 comments)
the kelly group: Peanuts at Kelly Land
- 12/24/15 03:51 AM
Thank you to everyone who attended this years Kelly Land. The event has a huge success, with over 1200 families and children visiting this year! The Kelly Group and the whole Peanuts cast gave out sweets, hot chocolate and gifts. Two decorated Christmas trees, complete with wrapped presents, was donated to two special families this year. From seeing so many familiar faces and new visitors as well, I am reminded just how much I am thankful for! I am thankful for this wonderful, caring community that comes together each year. I am so thankful for everyone who came out, despite the cold (5 comments)
The months of inventory (MOI) for the Portland Metro markets, including Washington, Multnomah and Yamhill County, has continued to decline through October and November. The further decrease in MOI occurred for all price categories from $200,000 to $1,999,999. Though, similarly to October, the decrease in MOI is not due to increased home sales. Instead, decreased MOI reflected the reduce number of active listings in all categories. Listings priced between $200,000 to $399,999 saw the greatest decrease of inventory while retaining the largest buyer pool.
As the percentage of pending sales per total listings has (0 comments)
the kelly group: Better My Town for the Holidays with the Second Annual Pay It Forward
- 12/01/15 04:20 AM
The Better My Town Challenge, which went viral on Facebook as businesses and individuals united in their efforts to contribute to their town and local communities, really hit a high here in Oregon. And, since it originated in McMinnville, that isn't surprising!
As all the Active Rain members gear up for the Second Annual Pay it Forward Challenge, I would ask that you keep the Better My Town Challenge alive at the same time! Post a video of your good samaritan deeds to Facebook and challenge other members of your community to contribute as well. This shouldn't just be an Oregon thing! And it (0 comments)
the kelly group: Zoo Lights Is Open!
- 12/01/15 03:19 AM
Have you been to the Oregon Zoo's annual winter festival, Zoo Lights? If not, make sure you buy your tickets soon! Zoo Lights opened last Friday and features thousands of lights in stunning displays. It is a whole new way to experience the Oregon Zoo and also offers family friendly entertainment, 'light-up' cotton candy and delicious food vendor options. Take the family and make a night of it! (0 comments)
The months of inventory (MOI) for the Portland Metro markets, including Washington, Multnomah and Yamhill County, continue to remain relatively steady from August to October. While the MOI across all price categories has dropped slightly since last month, the decreased MOI isn’t reflective of increased home sales. Instead, the slight decrease in MOI seen between September and October reflects the decrease in active homes on the market as sellers begin to withdrawal their listings through the winter months and holidays.
While most of our listings are beginning to see a decrease in showings, the (2 comments)