According to the S&P/Case-Shiller Housing Index released on Tuesday, Portland’s residential real estate market showed better numbers in May than in previous months in 2010. The market also out-performed May 2009, showing both year-over-year and month-to-month improvement.
Portland Real Estate Market Showing Signs of Improvement
July 29th, 2010Questions for McDonald Group Graphic Designer Jami Smith
July 27th, 2010
We’re pleased to introduce Jami Smith, the graphic design star behind the McDonald Group Realtors. Jami brings years of experience as a creative designer with a great sense of color and creativity, as well as tons of energy and support to the team. I recently sat down with Jami to talk about her love of Portland, her cats, and her ideas about the future with the McDonald Group. Here’s Jami!
UPDATED St. John’s Neighborhood Profile at Your Road Map to Home
July 27th, 2010
Check out the newly updated neighborhood profile detailing the St. John’s District of the “fifth quadrant,” North Portland. Combining the best of urban accessibility and small town atmosphere, it’s a fantastic place to live. Check out some of the independent book and music stores in the city, catch some sun or a music festival at Cathedral Park, or ride your bike down the charming neighborhood streets. If you’re looking for homes, apartments, or condos for sale around the St. John’s District, check out this information page filled with the best restaurants in North Portland, the top parks, shopping, and neighborhood resources. Relocating to a new area can be hard, but it’s a lot easier when you’ve got the best real estate agents in Portland on your side.
New Affordable & Green, Architect-Designed Housing in Portland
July 27th, 2010
You already know that Portland is a haven for sustainable living, but lot of people think that fully sustainable homes are only for the upper crust. Portland-based design group Minimalist+ is working to change that by bringing pre-fabricated and affordable stylish homes to the metro area. The houses are architect-designed, modern wonders that are assembled in local Portland warehouses, so little carbon is wasted on transportation. These little gems pop up in a matter of days using light panels, preserving surrounding trees and landscaping.
Portlander has Big Dreams for New and Very Green Interstate Bridge
July 26th, 2010
Retired Portland architect William Badrick has a big idea for a new bridge crossing the Columbia. Instead of adding yet another big-ticket item to the already overstuffed city budget, or just another traffic-jam for interstate commuters during rush hour, Badrick has envisioned an ambitious solution: turning an over-water route from Portland to Vancouver into a park that would collect water, provide recreational green space, and reflect Oregon’s eco-friendly values. To offset the carbon footprint of the bridge, Badrick envisions a roofed bridge with a water-collecting park powered by solar panels. In an article written for the Portland Tribune, Badrick explains: Read the rest of this entry »
5 Questions for McDonald Group “Organizational Wiz” Pamela McConnell
July 26th, 2010
We’re pleased to introduce Pamela McConnell, the organizational genius behind the McDonald Group Realtors. Pamela brings years of experience as a human resources director and small business consultant in Portland, Oregon, as well as super-human organizational skills. I recently sat down with Pamela to talk about her love of Portland, her experience in the local business scene, and her ideas about the future with the McDonald Group. Here’s Pamela!
The DJC captures a picture and a few words from our builder while on the run!
July 24th, 2010
Okay, he’s not on the run as you can see from the picture but I know how busy he was that day and this picture was taken while he slowed up just enough to not blurr the photo! Read the article from the Daily Journal of Commerce to catch some quotes from Tom Liesy of Ta Liesy Homes NW. -Your Realtor, Kristie McD.
Portland, OR Foreclosures for Today. Several in here for Gresham and Lake Oswego!
July 24th, 2010
Today’s list is quite big for a Saturday. Remember that this list includes just listed AND price reduced! This list does not include short sales (short sales are not bank owned homes). There’s one in here for Sandy, remember that Sandy qualifies for USDA zero down financing! CLICK HERE to see Today’s Bank Owned Homes for Sale! Remember, if you need an amazing Realtor call the McDonald Group Realtors! (503) 577-9395.
UPDATED Mississippi Neighborhood Profile at Your Road Map to Home
July 23rd, 2010
Check out the newly updated neighborhood profile detailing the Mississippi District of the “fifth quadrant,” North Portland. Combining the best of urban accessibility and small town atmosphere, it’s a fantastic place to live. Check out some of the best food carts in the city, catch your favorite band at Mississippi Studios, or ride your bike down the charming neighborhood streets. If you’re looking for homes, apartments, or condos for sale around the Mississippi District, check out this information page filled with the best restaurants in North Portland, the top parks, shopping, and neighborhood resources. Relocating to a new area can be hard, but it’s a lot easier when you’ve got the best real estate agents in Portland on your side.
5 Things to Do in Portland THIS WEEKEND!
July 23rd, 2010
This weekend is bound to be an exciting one, what with all the city-wide events that are really going to showcase the best of Portland. Be sure to check out these celebrations, whether you’re a visitor thinking of moving to Portland or a long time resident, this weekend is going to be all about beer, wine, bridges, and local food. Don’t miss out on all the fun in the sun!
UPDATED Kenton Neighborhood Profile at Your Road Map to Home
July 22nd, 2010
Check out the newest neighborhood profile detailing the Kenton District of the “fifth quadrant,” North Portland. Combining the best of urban accessibility and small town atmosphere, it’s a fantastic place to live. Walk your dog in one of the beautiful, lush parks, visit the Interstate Farmers’ Market for the best local produce, or take a trip to the Portland International Raceway for a NASCAR Night. If you’re looking for homes, apartments, or condos for sale around the Kenton District, check out this information page filled with tons of interesting historical facts, the best restaurants in North Portland, and the top parks, shopping, and neighborhood resources. Relocating to a new area can be hard, but it’s a lot easier when you’ve got the best real estate agents in Portland on your side.
Oaks Park Rides are a Piece of Portland’s Past
July 22nd, 2010
Before cars were the primary mode of transportation for Americans, trains, trolleys, and streetcars got people to their destinations, and trolley companies were always looking for ways to get more people to ride. One of the creative ways to get people on the rails was to get them to travel for recreation and bring their whole families to end-of-the-line Amusement Parks. In the late 19th and early 20th century, these amusement parks numbered in the thousands, featuring carousels, concerts and live entertainment, and picnic grounds near beaches or rivers for boating and water recreation. However, when cars started replacing other forms of transportation, most of these parks closed their gates and disappeared. Oaks Park Amusement Park in Portland is one of the few remaining trolley parks in the country, and it is still thriving.
Portland Named Best Street Food Destination in the World
July 22nd, 2010
According to Budget Travel magazine and CNN.com, Portland is the number one city in the world for street food, beating out the best of the rest. Portland’s food cart scene pulled ahead of fish tacos in Ensenada, bacalaítos in Puerto Rico, grilled-shrimp skewers and churros stuffed with dulce de leche in Rio, Belgian frites and grilled meat in Marrakech.
NEW Hillsdale Neighborhood Profile at Your Road Map to Home
July 20th, 2010
Check out the newest neighborhood profile detailing the Hillsdale District of Southwest Portland. Combining the best of urban accessibility and small town atmosphere, it’s a fantastic place to live. Walk your dog in one of the beautiful, lush parks, visit the Hillsdale Farmers’ Market for the best local produce, or step into the newly updated library as if it were your own private collection. If you’re looking for homes, apartments, or condos for sale around the Hillsdale District, check out this information page filled with historical facts, the best restaurants in Southwest Portland, and the top parks, shopping, and neighborhood resources. Relocating to a new area can be hard, but it’s a lot easier when you’ve got the best real estate agents in Portland on your side.