We are so excited to be partnered up with Tom Liesy of TA Liesy Homes NW! The model should be done the first week of April and the Grand Opening will be amazing! Please stay tuned! We expect to make this a Happy Valley community event! -Kristie McD. / your new home construction Realtor
Google announced this week that they will be ending their real-estate listings service in Google Maps by February 10, 2011. The end of Google Real Estate search capabilities has been tied to an apparent lack of use, as well as the fact that real estate websites have developed superior search tools for localized markets. The search tool embedded into Google Maps was helpful in seeing the overall layout of available homes in an area, but the listings were often out of date and poorly described. Google Maps also mixed rental and sale properties, with some homes listed multiple times, which could be confusing to searchers. Here at the McDonald Group, we know that for most people, working with experienced real estate agents with an intimate knowledge of the area results in more successful home searches. We’ve got excellent real estate search tools, detailed coverage of Portland neighborhoods, and great resources that are specific to the unique Portland area. Best of all, our agents are on call 24/7, so if something catches your eye in your Portland Real Estate search or you have a question a computerized program can’t answer, we’re here for you.
If you’re thinking of taking advantage of low home prices and historically low interest rates and finding your perfect Portland home, be sure to check out this amazing updated farmhouse in Clackamas. Located on almost a third of an acre, this 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom home is filled with original historical details and built-ins, original hardwood floors, and tons of year-round natural light. This move-in ready classic Portland farmhouse was built in 1900, and has been carefully updated into the twenty-first century while maintaining its historic charm.
The more Portland real estate listings we see here at the McDonald Group, the more we realize this is the perfect time for real estate investment in Portland. Houses that were once out of the price range of most buyers are now incredibly accessible, with record-low interest rates and motivated sellers. A report out today from national commercial real estate firm Grubb & Ellis has ranked Portland in the top 10 cities in the U.S. for investment opportunities over the next five years in the office, retail and industrial real estate markets. We agree, there are tons of opportunities for Portland to grow and grow, in both commercial and residential real estate. It’s exciting to see commercial areas thriving in up-and-coming Portland neighborhoods, and we can certainly see that Portland is also ripe for residential real estate investment.
Last week, Oregon received an additional $82.7 million from the federal TARP fund, adding to the previous allotments of $137.3 million, bringing the state total relief fund for homeowners threatened by foreclosure to around $220 million. The state is working to find the best use of this federal relief money in order to help the over 8,400 homeowners facing pre-foreclosure process. Relief for many homeowners could come as soon as December, though the means of this assistance is still unclear – state officials are working with several models of relief programs designed by Oregon Housing and Community Services.
I mentioned new homes for sale in Happy Valley in my previous blog and thought I’d pull a listing report so you can look through all the new construction options in the Happy Valley area. Most builders have several different plans they can work from, what you need to do first is determine your budget, look at lot options (what area you prefer), walk through a new home the builder has already built so you can sample the quality and finishes and then fine tune the details. There is some poor construction out there so you want to make sure you are working with a reputable builder. The builder I work with has lots available to build on in several different neighborhoods, because he builds so many he has fantastic resources at great prices and several plans to work from. New construction homes are a great way to go! By the way, if you love the Ryan Olsen style homes we can build that too! -Kristie McD.
The latest market report for the Portland Real Estate market shows a steady level of continued price reductions on homes for sale around the Portland Metro area. Back in August we talked here on the McDonald Group Real Estate blog about the Portland Business Journal article stating that thirty-two percent of Portland homes for sale in early summer experienced at least one price reduction, ranking Portland No. 16 on Trulia’s list of price reductions in America’s 50 largest cities. Those numbers are sticking around.
A pre-approved short sale! (What does that mean you ask?- Read further below). In the meantime, a GREAT HOUSE at a great price! (more…)
Check out the new neighborhood profile detailing the neighborhood of Rose City Park in Northeast Portland, filled with quirky culture, classic Old Portland homes, and some of the best dining and shopping in town. The Rose City Park neighborhood is classic and proud, and provides easy commuting access to all of Portland via the Banfield Freeway and Sandy Boulevard. Rose City Park lies next to Rose City Golf Course, an expansive green lined with trees and wildflowers. Combining the best of urban accessibility and comfortable, small-neighborhood atmosphere, Rose City Park is quintessential Portland.
The McDonald Group, your Portland Realtor, 
is always checking up on the latest news coming out of Estacada, Oregon, the site of our gorgeous development Cascadia Ridge. This week brings great news from Estacada High School, which will finally receive needed improvements to their baseball playing field, thanks to help from the surrounding close-knit community. Next season, the Estacada Rangers varsity playing field will be ready for game time, with very little cost to the school.
Check out the new neighborhood profile detailing the neighborhood of Buckman in Southeast Portland, filled with quirky culture, classic Old Portland homes, and some of the best dining and shopping in town. The Buckman neighborhood is progressive and proud, and provides easy commuting access downtown via the Burnside, Hawthorne, and Morrison bridges. Buckman includes parts of two of the most popular retail districts in town, Hawthorn and Belmont Streets, complete with vintage stores, great brunch spots, and open parks. Combining the best of urban accessibility and comfortable, small-neighborhood atmosphere, Buckman is quintessential Portland.
Check out the new neighborhood profile detailing the neighborhood of Garthwick in Southeast Portland, filled with lush greenery and luxury homes. The neighborhood is arranged around the Waverly Country Club near Sellwood, providing easy commuting access across the Sellwood Bridge. Garthwick is private and serene but within easy walking distance to the dining and shopping paradise of Sellwood. Combining the best of urban accessibility and comfortable, luxury country atmosphere, Garthwick is truly exceptional.
If you’re thinking of taking advantage of low home prices and historically low interest rates and finding your perfect Portland home, be sure to check out this amazing listing filled with natural light, nestled in private woods with a private drive on Marquam hill off Terwilliger Parkway. You’re sure to fall in love with this stately family home and all of its amazing features, from the 17 foot high ceiling and walls of windows in the grand entry room, to the sweet white tile kitchen and lush backyard. This house is the deal of a century, truly a luxury house without the luxury price tag! In fact, the price was just reduced further, so hurry up and schedule a viewing before its gone. With unbelievably easy access to OHSU and downtown, this is the perfect home for commuters and anyone who desires a bit of the mountains in the heart of the city.
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.
Everyday I watch the new REO listings and post them to my Twitter account. I’m amazed at how much the number of REO listings are increasing. This is not good news for those wanting or needing to sell their home. However, if you must you need to do so soon while low interest rates are keeping the housing market fluid.