wes sanders: May 2007 Portland Oregon Market Action
- 06/17/07 09:32 AM
May Residential Highlights Market Activity in the Portland Metro Area appears to have cooled when comparing May 2007 to May 2006. While new listings continue to grow, the market experienced a decline in both closed and pending sales transactions. The number of new listings in the market continued its growth trend, increasing 4.8% over last May's total. On the other hand, the total amount of closed sales dropped 8.3% (2,802 v. 3,054), while pending sales dropped 16.4% (3,054 v. 3,651). The average sale price reached a record high of $348,800. This is likely the result of increased high end home sales, which … (0 comments)
wes sanders: The Best Condo in Downtown Portland for the Price - $429,000
- 06/12/07 10:51 AM
This condo in Portland's fareless square has been remodeled extensively. From hardwood floors throughout except for the tile floors in the baths - to rich cherry cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. This is 1497 square feet of superb living with views of Mt. Hood, the Williamette River and the Tram. American Plaza amenities include two swimming pools, and exercise and weight room. club room, and plenty of guest parking. Your will be just two blocks from the Trolley and fareless square to take you downtown for the theater, opera, ballet, symphony, jazz, and restaurants - or slip on over to NW … (0 comments)
wes sanders: An Outlook on Happiness
- 06/11/07 02:55 AM
No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.13/843 - Release Date: 6/10/2007 1:39 PM … (1 comments)
wes sanders: Since January, 134 mortgage companies have gone out of business.
- 06/06/07 04:15 AM
Our Oregon legislators are about to run amuck again - please contact your representative and senator and plead with them to kill Senate Bill 965 Regarding Oregon Senate Bill 965: Here's an interesting article from the Oregonian. The Bill is receiving some criticism. However, it's been slanted to look like it's only coming from the mortgage lending community. Read it HERE. I have also attached another brief commentary. It is very important that the lawmakers hear from folks outside of the lending industry. This Bill will have very real consequences for the housing market as a whole if it passes in it's current form. It … (0 comments)
wes sanders: Why Your Real Estate Agent Should Go On Broker's Tour
- 05/23/07 07:58 AM
When I first started in real estate in the late 80's, real estate agents would tour properties on Broker Open day. Lately not nearly as many are touring and I feel they are short changing themselves as well as their clients. Sure, they say look at the homes on the internet, but that is not a way to really get a feel for the floor plan and the neighborhood. Either spinning virtual tours make you dizzy and/or less desirable aspects of the neighborhood are not shown. This REALTOR® feels to really service buyers and seller, you must tour. Only by doing this can … (1 comments)
wes sanders: Keep Those Home Improvement Receipts!
- 05/21/07 11:13 AM
There has been some bad advice going around out there that you don't need to keep your receipts for home improvements. True you do not have to have them for tax purposes - But keeping them may be to your advantage. The current exclusion from Federal income tax for a gain on the sale of a home is $250,000 if you are single, and $500,000 if are married and filing a joint return. For instance, suppose you paid $88,500 for a little 2 bedroom home in West Linn on a 100' x 100' lot in the early 90's. In todays market that home … (0 comments)
wes sanders: Reason To Live In West Linn Oregon
- 05/19/07 09:14 AM
•1. Excellent Schools •2. Lots of City Parks •3. Good Public Library •4. A Weekday and evening Farmers Market •5. Access to fishing and boating on the Willamette River •6. Mini-shopping areas close to all parts of town •7. Easy access to major shopping malls •8. Interesting local shops, restaurants, and boutiques •9. Peacefulness of suburban living with easy access to downtown Portland •10. Public transportation, freeway, and airport accessibility
Feel free to add your reasons for living in West Linn in the comments. … (0 comments)
wes sanders: One of My Favorite Spots for a Donut!
- 05/18/07 05:19 AM
Said I would include some of my bakery weaknesses from time to time. Here is a great place to get a cake donut with chocolate icing - my favorite. The donut is moist with the batter having a slight sweet flavor, unlike the cardboard taste available at some of the chain bakeries. Stop by Donut Day - 18295 Tualatin Valley Highway in Beaverton. It is one of my favorite stopping points when I am going to listings at points West like the one I currently have at 1823 SE Spruce St in Hillsboro. This is a great buy at $257,500 for a 3 … (0 comments)
wes sanders: Portland Housing Market Update
- 05/17/07 04:18 AM
While the local RMLS appreciation data indicates the Portland Metro market appreciation rate at the end of April is 11.1% - this figure can be somewhat misleading. This figure is a comparison of 12 month moving average prices for the periods of May 2006 through April 2007 compared to the 12 month moving average prices for the periods of May 2005 through April 2006. This tends to discount the appreciation rate in the more recent months. By using trends for the last twelve months that do not reflect current market conditions, listing price are being set too high for the current market. A … (0 comments)
wes sanders: Portland Metro Market Action - April 2007 Report
- 05/15/07 09:05 AM
Portland Metro Market Action - April 2007 AffordabilityFor the second time since RMLSTM began recording Affordability in June 1994, a family earning the Portland area's median income ($63,800 per HUD) made slightly less (95% based on a formula from NAR) than needed to purchase the median priced home in March 2007 ($286,200). This is a new low, the previous was 97% in June 2006.This is not cause for concern, unless your are a Seller that is over pricing your property based on last years market trend. The appreciation rate compared to a year ago continues to decline, and in my opinion … (0 comments)
wes sanders: Tired of Paying $1.50 per call for telephone information?
- 05/14/07 09:05 AM
There are other ways than calling 411 and they are free! Dial 1-800-373-3411 for free telephone information. You will have to listen to a 20 second commercial - but that works out to saving $4.50 per minute or $270.00 per hour - not bad for dialing a few extra digits.Or you can get the same information on your cell phone - instead of dialing a number type in G-O-O-G-L-E or the number 4-6-6-4-5-3, then enter your question in the text box - I tried this out for my main office number and in less than two minutes, the information was in my … (1 comments)
wes sanders: Hillsboro Oregon Starter Home - $257,500 for sale
- 05/10/07 06:49 AM
Three bedroom two bath home on large corner lot, with hardwood floors and fireplace. Newer gas forced air furnace with high efficiency multi-speed blower. Built in 1962 but has been updated with double paned vinyl windows throughout the living spaces. Has an irrigation well for the garden and the landscaping so this home has it all. Visit http://equitygroup.com/mls=7039517 for more details, then call your real estate agent or "Wes" for a private showing. … (0 comments)
wes sanders: Maximize That Tax Deduction When You Downsize or Move!
- 05/07/07 06:39 AM
Recently the IRS has tightened up on the document requirements for charitable contributions of personal property. Quite often when we move, there are a lot of things that we do not want to take with us - so it is the ideal situation for a charitable contribution. One of my clients has a business that can help you maximize that tax deducion: Did you know . . . · Most taxpayers undervalue non-cash donations by up to 90%? · To claim deductions over $500 you need time consuming documentation? · Those 3 bags of good clothes you claimed for $75 might be worth over $750. · The 5 boxes of books, … (0 comments)
wes sanders: The Vial of Life Project
- 05/07/07 04:06 AM
If you are elderly are have special medical conditions, or have a friend or relative in such circumstances. You should be aware of the VIAL OF LIFE Project. Emergency medical technicians throughout the United States have been trained to look in the patient's refrigerator for a vial containing the following information: details on prescriptions taken vital documents such as living wills and do-not-resuscitate ordersCreating a vial can be as easy as taking an old prescription bottle and labeling it in red lettter "VIAL OF LIFE", inserting the information, and placing it in the refrigerator. You might also want to put a magnetic note … (0 comments)
wes sanders: It's Farmer's Market Time Again in the Portland Metro Area!
- 05/04/07 05:45 AM
Local, Fresh, and Delicious! It's once again that time of the year where fresh fruit and vegetables direct from local farmers will be available to you in your neighborhood! I hope you find this Farmers' Market guide useful as you plan your visit to your neighborhood market, or try visiting some new markets this year! For additional information regarding any of the Portland Area Farmers' Markets, visit http://www.oregonfarmersmarkets.org/. My favorite is the Hillsdale Market on Sundays which is directly across from my office. Feel free to use our parking lot - and stop in and say Hi, if I am around As always, if … (0 comments)
wes sanders: Will You Give Your Kids A Chance?
- 05/02/07 02:24 AM
Will You Give Your Kids A Chance? (Five Facts You Need To Know) Fact # 1: The "Have's" and the "Have Nots" The gap between the rich and poor is growing rapidly across the United States. In 1994, for the first time since such records were kept, the richest 20% of US households received a greater share of national income than the middle three-fifths combined. The bottom 40% were worse off in inflation-adjusted terms in 1993 than similarly situated people two decades earlier. (Source: US Department of Labor) Fact # 2: A College Education is the Difference Earnings of full-time workers … (0 comments)
May Residential Highlights
;)
;)
