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.
Archive for the ‘Real Estate Tips’ Category
UPDATED St. John’s Neighborhood Profile at Your Road Map to Home
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010UPDATED Mississippi Neighborhood Profile at Your Road Map to Home
Friday, 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.
UPDATED Kenton Neighborhood Profile at Your Road Map to Home
Thursday, 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.
NEW Hillsdale Neighborhood Profile at Your Road Map to Home
Tuesday, 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.
Your Own Exclusive Mountain Getaway… Contact Us Today!
Monday, July 19th, 2010
If these hot summer days have you dreaming of a mountain getaway, look no further than the Resort at the Mountain. Nestled on the western slopes of Mt. Hood, this accessible destination is less than an hour away from Portland but a world away from the hustle of bustle of city stress. Escape the hot concrete and traffic with your own private escape, and enjoy the best of mountain living with the amenities and luxuries of an exclusive resort. If you’ve enjoyed day trips to Mt. Hood, or have yet to make it out to one of the Northwest’s best recreational spots, it’s time to take the plunge. The mountains aren’t only great for winter sports; they also provide a refuge from high temperatures during the summer and ease a busy mind with serene views of trees, hills, and wildlife in their natural habitat.
The Real Estate Market’s Response to Interest in Walk Scores
Monday, July 19th, 2010
Trends in national real estate are showing that home buyers are increasingly interested in walkability, in many cases choosing smaller, more expensive, older houses with better access to amenities in pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. In addition to good schools, low crime rates, and big yards, today’s home buyers are paying more and more attention to the proximity of stores, coffee shops, theaters, and parks. Traffic congestion and long commutes have become a fact of life for many Americans living in urban areas, increasing the attractiveness of a home situated in a place that would encourage them to use their walking shoes more than their engines.
Inexpensive Ways to Save Electricity…And Money!
Friday, June 25th, 2010
In this age of high-end sustainable renovations, high-profile LEED certifications, and the seemingly never-ending marketing of the next popular Energy Star kitchen or home appliance, it sometimes feels like you need to spend a lot of money in order to cut back on energy use. However, like many things in life, small changes can add up to a big difference, and some of the most important adjustments you can make in your home are downright cheap.
Top Spots for Restoration Hardware and Supplies in Portland
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
Whether you’re restoring a historic home for sale or you’ve just purchased a diamond in the rough that needs some polishing, Portland has some amazing resources for classic restoration hardware, fixtures, and furniture that are true to the spirit of Northwest style and sustainability. What better way to be green when you’re fixing up a classic home than to use salvaged antique materials? Here are some of The McDonald Group’s favorite spots for browsing through classic tiles, old neon signs, gorgeous sustainable lumber, rusted scrolled keys, and giant boxes of original tin ceiling plates. Remember to use gloves, those edges can be sharp!
Bank Owned Home Sales in Portland Soar
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
According to the most recent RMLS (Regional Multiple Listing Service) report, one in six homes bought in Portland were bank-owned homes. Buying at or near the bottom of the real estate cycle can be the best time to buy a home. It also may be the best time to sell if you are moving into a replacement home that suits your needs better than your existing home. Why buy now? Let me count the reasons. It is now a “buyers market” meaning the asking prices on property is at or near the bottom of their cycle and homes are not receiving multiple offers as they were during the “bubble” days. As you can see from the statistics on bank-owned homes above, there is a high percentage of bank owned real estate and short sale deals out there if you have the right agent to walk you through the maze. (more…)
“The Best Drinking Water In The World”: 10 Facts from the 2010 Portland Drinking Water Quality Report
Sunday, June 6th, 2010
If you’ve ever lived in a place where the tap water is less than appetizing, you’ll be amazed at the quality of Portland’s drinking water. I never take it for granted that I’m able to drink cool, delicious water straight out of my kitchen faucet, and it’s not a surprise to find out that Portland’s water is some of the highest-quality drinking water in the world. This week the Portland Water Bureau released their 2010 Drinking Water Quality Report, which is essentially a nutritional label for the drinking water of Portland, and I’ve culled through the 11 pages of data for the most interesting and relevant facts for Portland homeowners and out-of-towners looking to buy Real Estate in the Portland metro area.
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See Foreclosures/ Bank Owned Homes Just Listed Today in the Portland Area~
Thursday, January 21st, 2010
Interesting list today. Remember I post the REO properties almost daily on my Twitter account. Anyhow, we have a home in Persimmon here (very nice neighborhood in Gresham), a few homes (although overpriced) in Happy Valley, and of course our HUGE variety of broken down homes under $200k. There are certainly plenty of first time home buyers to pick those up out there right now! However the inner Portland Bungalow that everyone REALLY wants is in limited supply.
Home Warranty – Should I have one for my new home purchase?
Saturday, January 2nd, 2010
Should I get a home warranty? Depends…. alot of agents would say no, however I am a strong believer under the right circumstances and would frequently say ”yes”. New construction no (if it’s a builder who will be staying in business long enough, the home is warrantied for 1 year already), a home passing it’s home inspection with flying colors maybe not, but a home that has been rented, is over 15 years old and a bit rough, or a house that has been purchased from a bank or as a short sale, yes.
Down Housing Market has Lead to a Falloff in Divorces
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
Interesting little article in The Wall Street Journal. I agree with them; many couples are waiting it out. I have seen one couple that can’t make up their mind, house on the market, off the market, on the market… but overall, with no money to dispute over it’s more of who wants to take on the liability. I read through the article and there is an idea they didn’t present…. and interestingly a co-worker of mine and I were just discussing this the other day…
Home Buyer Tax Credit – Officially Extended!
Friday, November 6th, 2009President Obama signed the $24 Billion stimulus plan
into law today which included the home buyer tax credit extension. Notice I did not say “First time home buyer”? That’s because it’s not just an extension of the existing credit, it’s also an expansion to include move up or repeat home buyers as well.
Hey Short Sale Listing Agents Out There! HELP ME OUT would ya?
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
I find myself having to call the listing agents of short sales all the time with the same questions, over and over and over. Even the “famous” ones (well they are the worst actually) do little in their listings to help me out (or other real estate agents for that matter). Please short sale listing agents, note answers to the following in the agent remarks of your listings so I don’t have to bug you!!!!! Every short sale is different! (more…)