All Things Real Estate Newspaper Volume 5 Issue 8

Page 1

IN THIS ISSUE

LET'S GO HOUSE

HUNTING

7

DOWN PAYMENT THE

9

HOW SAFE

11

IS YOUR HOME?

HOMEBUYER’S GUIDE STEP THREE: PUTTING IT TOGETHER 7

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 8 • ALLTHINGSREALESTATEPDX.COM

Empty Properties: TIPS TO Maintain VACANT SPACES n the last few years, the housing crash and declining economy have created a new problem: vacant properties. It is estimated that since 2013, there are approximately 14.2 million homes in the United States that are vacant due to one reason or another, according to the Census Bureau. If you are an owner or a real estate professional that is responsible for a vacant property, you must keep up its general maintenance and upkeep. Most are looking to find a buyer for these properties and when opportunity strikes, private sellers and real estate professionals need to offer an optimal space so it can be sold. The following tips will help to maintain these vacant spaces: Protect the Property Against Thieves, Vandals and Squatters Make certain the space is completely empty so there isn't anything attractive for thieves to

target. Even when a building is vacant, copper wiring is a commodity for thieves. Try to do bi-monthly checks on the property to ensure the building components are intact. In addition, you need to monitor for vandals who like to spray graffiti, or watch out for squatters who may try to inhabit the property. It is crucial to keep tabs on your vacant property since theft, vandalism and squatting tend to decrease a property's value. If you can't make it to the property consistently, invest in a security system to monitor the premises and notify you of suspicious activity. Take Precautions Against the Weather A vacant property is vulnerable to weather conditions. Severe storms, snow, hail or heat have the potential to damage the exterior and interior of a building. Here are some precautions you can take: Keep the thermostat at an appropriate range, especially when the temperature drops enough to cause pipes to freeze. Alternatively, make certain that in humid conditions, you keep the temperature on the property cool enough so that mold doesn't grow inside. Store outdoor furniture indoors so it doesn't rust or warp over time. Make certain windows, doors and other openings are secure so that inclement winds

don't cause glass to shatter. Engage in General Maintenance An important part of protecting a vacant property is to participate in general maintenance of the space, which includes the following: Survey the property for insects, especially destructive ones like termites. Considering the costly damage that some vermin can cause to properties, it is worthwhile to periodically have an exterminator inspect and spray the property to ensure that termites or rodents aren't damaging its structure. Periodically check to see whether there are leaks in the roof or cracks in the foundation. These are fixes that must be made prior to selling the property. Regularly check the sprinkler system and your fire alarm to ensure they will work properly in the event of an emergency. Check whether your security system works properly. If you've installed an internal security system, call the company that maintains it to check that the proper alerts will work if a break-in occurs.

Sell Your Home in aHurry Before you stick the "for sale" sign in your yard, attention to detail is essential. "Imperfections that we often overlook in our own homes tend to turn prospective buyers off because they overestimate the cost of repairs," says Candy Welch of ERA Wilder Realty. Don't Forget the Touch-Ups: Tackle leaky faucets, malfunctioning appliances and other problem areas. Set a reasonable budget for repairs. "You're spending to try to sell the house faster." Stage Your Home: "Statistics produced by the Real Estate Staging Association show that homes that are professionally staged sell 73 percent faster," VD\V -DPHV +DUW RI WKH QRQSURÀW association. Consider a neutral interior look and don't forget to declutter. Outside, pay attention to curb appeal. Invest in Photos: 9 in 10 people shop online for homes, according to the National Association of Realtors®. "Potential buyers are making fast decisions on which properties they'd like to see based on imagery," says Hart. military.com

allthingsrealestatepdx.com | 1


northwest Address

ON THE COVER: The latest masterpiece

707 SW Westwood Dr Bdr Bth

from Bridgetown Equity Construction has arrived with nothing spared. Wolf range, Subzero refrigerator, Asko dishwasher, Schoolhouse Electric, Rejuvenation, William Sonoma Home, numerous custom cabinets, PDUEOH TXDUW] ZRRG EXUQLQJ ÀUHSODFH and perfectly controlled temperature with a Nest Thermostat complete this home. 3687 VT IW EHGURRPV EDWKV ÀQLVKHG EDVHment, newly landscaped, all with impeccaEOH VW\OH DQG à DLU

Price

HOUSES • AS OF 8/1 2418 NW MILLER RD 8010 NW SKYLINE BLVD 17540 NW WALTUCK CT 4691 NW SEBLAR TER 1711 NW ASHBY CT 1239 NW MAYFIELD 8520 NW REED DR 2626 NW WESTOVER RD 7725 W STARK ST 4023 NW SUNSET CIR 3909 NW DEVOTO LN 5877 NW 174TH AVE 6445 NW SHELSAM TER 5440 NW 180TH PL 4900 NW SHANIKO CT 4575 NW SALISHAN DR 5925 NW 213TH PL 15164 NW TWOPONDS DR 625 NW 112TH AVE 18155 NW TILLAMOOK DR 7623 NW 170 AVE 15347 NW ENERGIA ST 5543 NW EDGEBROOK PL 6191 NW SICKLE TER 3785 NW OLYMPIC DR 11935 NW KEARNEY ST 4420 NW KAHNEETA DR 5722 NW 203RD PL 17105 NW TRILLIUM ST 17130 NW TRILLIUM ST 17141 NW TRILLIUM ST 12719 NW MILAZZO LN 1493 NW MORGAN LN 10247 NW ALPENGLOW 15434 NW ANDALUSIAN 4345 NW NESKOWIN AVE 3065 NW 111TH TER 15968 NW HECKMAN LN

2 2 4 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 5 3 3 4 5 5 5 3 6 3 4 4 4 4

1.1 $320,000 1 $399,000 2.1 $559,000 2.1 $570,000 2.1 $679,000 3.1 $695,000 3 $789,000 2 $799,999 3.1 $1,050,000 4.1 $1,100,000 3.1 $1,750,000 2.1 $279,000 2.1 $310,000 2.1 $324,999 2 $330,000 2 $339,000 3 $349,900 2.1 $349,900 2 $354,900 3 $369,900 2.1 $384,995 2.1 $385,000 2 $385,000 2.1 $399,900 2.1 $400,000 2 $425,000 2.1 $429,000 2.1 $499,000 2.1 $519,995 2.1 $519,995 3 $534,995 2.1 $539,900 3.1 $540,000 2.1 $545,000 3 $549,000 3 $549,900 2.1 $615,000 3 $619,900

4 bdrm • 4 bth • 3687 sq ft • MLS# 15439169 • $995,000 Michael Bivens, Bridgetown Equity Properties: 503-475-3333

F ROM T H E E D I TOR

This is from my favorite tweet this month - enjoy!

How to Stage a bathroom Bathrooms are one of the most important rooms to stage when selling a house. Whether it be a small 2-piece or a full size spa-like luxury bathroom, one thing remains the same, your bathroom has to have a big impact when selling, so stage it and make it shine! Make Sure it is Impeccably Clean. Every surface should be wiped and must be sparklingly clean. Polish everything that is supposed to be shiny and scrub water marks, soap scum and any stains in the sink, toilet, and tiles. Re-caulk the tub, for a clean look, if necessary. Don’t forget the hard to reach areas behind the toilet and under the sink. Cleaning is of utmost importance because nobody wants to see a dirty bathroom. Don’t forget the vanity mirror!

north Address

Bdr Bth

Price

HOUSES • AS OF 7/13 7905 N SEWARD AVE 8030 N DWIGHT AVE 9504 N CENTRAL ST 8252 N JOHNSWOOD DR 7109 N BANK ST 7202 N ARMOUR ST 9610 N IVANHOE ST 8833 N SWENSON ST 8522 N HAVEN AVE 8110 N NEWMAN AVE 7018 N ARMOUR ST 8712 N DRUMMOND AVE 9627 N ADRIATIC AVE 6833 N AMHERST ST 7540 N HEPPNER AVE 4314 N WILLIS BLVD 8329 N NEWMAN AVE 6936 N INTERSTATE AVE 7725 N DENVER AVE 8236 N WOOLSEY AVE 9119 N EXETER AVE 9135 N MINERVA AVE 8814 N CURTIS 8818 N CURTIS AVE 4908 NE 9TH AVE 5315 N KERBY AVE 6244 N ASTOR 7406 N WILLIAMS AVE 8729 N BAYARD AVE 3331 N FARRAGUT ST 9680 N WOOLSEY AVE 6935 N FENWICK AVE 5905 N HUDSON ST 6545 N COMMERCIAL AVE

1 2 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 1 3 4 4 3 3 3 2 4 2 3 3 3 3 3 4

1 1 1.1 1.1 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 2.1 1 2 1 2.1 2.1 1 1 2 2 1 2.1 2.1 1 1 2 1 2.1 1 2.1 1 1 2

$198,000 $209,900 $225,000 $225,000 $229,900 $235,000 $244,500 $245,000 $249,900 $250,000 $255,000 $265,000 $265,000 $269,900 $275,000 $275,000 $275,000 $285,000 $289,900 $299,000 $299,900 $299,900 $314,900 $314,900 $315,000 $315,000 $319,900 $319,950 $325,000 $349,000 $349,900 $349,900 $349,900 $365,000

Replace Bath Curtains. If your bathroom has a shower curtain, chances

Accessorize. Purchase pretty towels, and DON'T use them! You can never go wrong with white towels if you’re unsure, but you can also use two coordinating colours if you want to be more daring. Make one a neutral colour and add hand towels on top in an accent colour. If you have a counter, add apothecary jars in GLIIHUHQW VL]HV DQG VKDSHV ÀOOHG ZLWK shells, cotton balls, bath salts, satin à RZHUV HWF $OVR D EDVNHW ÀOOHG ZLWK rolled-up towels makes a bathroom look inviting and contributes to that spa-like feel.

Clear The Clutter. No one wants to see your personal hygiene products. When selling, clear every surface of all your daily care products. Leaving stuff on show distract buyers as they start to see your lifestyle and not the room. Invest in some small tote containers or wicker baskets, one for every member of the household. Keep the everyday toiletries in these baskets (in a separate room) and only take them into the bathroom when needed. This will keep your bathroom clutter-free while your house is on the market.

Lastly, NEVER ever use the rugs that ÀW DURXQG WKH EDVH RI WKH WRLOHW you know the ones that come with a matching decorative toilet seat cover too! It is not hygienic, it’s a big turn-off for buyers, and it makes your bathroom look a lot smaller.

Tile & Grout. If the tiles are in good condition and the colour works, give them a thorough scrub, to remove built-up grease and grime. If the grout is in good condition but discoloured then use good old bleach & a tooth brush to bring the whiteness back (wear protective goggles & gloves) or use a grout pen to restore the whiteness. If the grout has cracked and fallen out, pay for a tiler to re-grout; it will make

Ave, 963 4th

ia

Vernon

See more at: redesign4more.com

-Tracey Brand new, quality custom built home by acccomplished Black Hawk Homes LLC. Granite countertops, vaulted vault ceilings, basement, oversized 2-car gar basement garage, formal dining room and breakfast nook. Beautiful-see WKURXJK JDV ÀUHSODFH LQ OLYLQJ URRP 6SDFLRXV yard and exceptional easterly mountain YLHZV IURP PDVWHU DQG PDLQ à RRU OLYLQJ DUHD Many extras and superb craftsmanship!

Š

Scott Ticknor, Oregon Broker / CDPE Cell 503-752-1449 Office 503-670-9000 Fax 503-670-9004 scott@tra24.com MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

We love unique house numbers!

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Tracey Hicks • 503.317.5834 tracey@allthingsrealestatepdx.com

2 | allthingsrealestatepdx.com

the tiles look good as new. If your tiles are “old fashioned� in colour or style then consider painting over them with a special tile paint.

are it’s starting to grow mold along the bottom. But even if it’s not, it’s still a good idea to get a new shower curtain. White or neutral fabric curtain works best. Avoid using patterned or themed bath curtains as it can easily overwhelm this already small space. White fabric curtains which mimic the spa-like feel is always a hit with buyers. It’s pleasing to the eyes and can make your bathroom appear cleaner and bigger.

E X E C U T I V E A S S I S TA N T Alexa Fountaine • 971.404.6773 alexa.atre@gmail.com

3 bdrm • 2 bth • 1800 sq ft $244,000 • RMLS# 15412992

www.ticknorrealtyassociates.com

EXPERIENCE: Knowledge, Value, Protection!

HEAD OF SALES & MARKETING Tinisha Williams • 971.250.1711 sales@allthingsrealestatepdx.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Audrey Moran audreymdesigns@gmail.com


sellers again without ever getting the result you desire.

LET'S TALK RUBBISH Ways Clutter Costs You Do you find yourself browsing through vacation photos on Instagram rather than tackling the clutter that’s been on your ‘to do’ list all summer? If so, you’re not alone. Motivation eludes many of us during these long "dog days of summer." Especially with the hotter-than-normal temperatures here in Portland, the late summer can instill a feeling of lethargy that's tough to shake. But here we are in August and that clutter isn’t going to clear itself! And putting it off can be costly because more stuff that we accumulate, the more clutter begins to demand of us; such as… Mental energy: How much time do you spend thinking about dealing with clutter, rather than just dealing with it? Time: dusting, cleaning, tidying, and re-organizing clutter means you doing the same work over and over

Space: is all that unnecessary stuff making your rooms more crowded, your cupboards over full? Do you find yourself accumulated extra shelves and bins to store it all? Money: are you paying for a unit to store the things you don’t need or use? Or are your garage and closets crammed full of that stuff for which you don’t have space? Peace: clutter is distracting, especially when it encroaches on one’s living space. Many people report feeling much more content once they have cleared clutter from their environment. (IÀFLHQF\ have you ever noticed how clutter can slow you down? It’s pretty hard to be efficient when having to navigate a cluttered living or work space. Clearing clutter supports focus and efficiency at home and at work. Okay, ready to snap out of the doldrums and get that clutter cleared once and for all? Great! I’ve got some encouragement to help you get going — these are 5 of my favorite inspirational quotes. Enjoy! • Don't wait. The time will never be just right. — Napoleon Hill

Don’t Do D on o n’’t tg ge get et

rid ri r id do of o f iit t-

Give Gi G iiv ve v eiiit e it! t!

• Everything is always impossible before it works. — R. Hunt Greene

Betty Benson

Rubbish Works of Portland

• Don’t make excuses, make progress. — anonymous

If you need help getting rid of your Donate or Discard items, just let us know! Schedule your pickup at

• A year from now you may wish you had started today. — Karen Lamb • You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So… get on your way! — Dr. Seuss

www.rubbishworks.com/portland or call 503-928-6894.

Here’s to getting out there and doing something great today! Cheers,

“Our Business Is Picking Up!”

Betty

www.rubbishworks.com/portland

PLANNING PL P LA L ANNING A R REMODEL? EMO OD DEL? W WE EC CA CAN AN HEL H HELP! EL E LP! ReStore Re R eS e Store re Salvage Salvage Service Se S ervice will wiill deconstruct w de ec co c onstrru uct your bath. We’ll out and y our kitchen kiittchen or or b ath. W e ll ttear ea e ar o utt a u nd ssell ell rreusable eusable ccabinets, ab a bine etts, a pp pllia an nc ce es, w indows, appliances, windows, do d oors and an nd d sinks siin nks - raising rra aising m oney tto o build builld d doors money H abiittat h ho om me es ffo or lo llocal ocal ffamilies. amilies s. Habitat homes for

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allthingsrealestatepdx.com | 3


for our real•tors Simply Locking the Door and Crossing Their Fingers Can Prove Unwise for Absentee Homeowners

S A F E G UA R D YO UR M O S T I M P O R TAN T AS SE T

The only cost to the homeowner is a reasonable sign-up fee. “Blue Turtle’s costs are covered by our sitters,” owner Crissy Trask explains. “The sitter pays a fee to be part of Blue Turtle’s home sitting program, but also earns a generous discount each month (compared to renting) as compensation for following all program rules and homeowner instructions.” n a hot seller’s real estate market, buyers can’t hesitate when they find the right property. Quick purchases, however, can pose problems when outof-town buyers find themselves the owner of their next home weeks before they can move in. And a home that sits empty, waiting for its new owners, is more vulnerable to break-ins, vandalism and damage that goes unnoticed. The best way to protect a home is through occupancy and locally-owned Blue Turtle Home Sitting Services, LLC provides trusted house sitters for absentee homeowners, including new home buyers that must postpone moving in. Each Blue Turtle house sitter is carefully screened and fully insured. They provide live-in care for the home, report signs of trouble or needed repairs early and enhance security by their presence. Blue Turtle takes care of every important detail essential to a successful homeowner/sitter arrangement, providing unmatched service, representation and protection for all parties.

Both home buyers and sellers with vacant homes can benefit greatly from Blue Turtle’s qualified, live in house sitters. “Vacant homes can attract the attention of thieves, vandals, vagrants and partying teenagers who see an opportunity. And an empty house is more prone to fire and major water damage,” cautions Trask. “There is no substitute for daily activity in a home from an attentive, responsible person to protect it from threats.” Blue Turtle Home Sitting Services provides free consultations to potential clients and pays referral fees to licensed Realtors. Learn more online at www.blueturtlehomesitting.com.

ATTACH YOUR HOME TO ITS FOUNDATION Let us secure your home. Call for details and a free comprehensive Earthquake Preparedness guide. I n fo @ E coTe c h L LC . co m t 5 0 3 - 4 9 3 - 1 0 4 0 CCB # 155915

Crissy Trask ctrask@blueturtlehomesitting.com www.blueturtlehomesitting.com 503.941.6118

HELPS AGENTS NTS FIND THEIR OWN

path to success

W

ith dozens of brokerages to choose from, agents select their company based on how they hope they’ll fit into its culture. Some brokerages are all about building powerful teams. Some focus on a cozy local vibe. Some rely on elite marketing. Some preach the guaranteed success of their sales program. Whatever it is their brokerage does really well, agents are all trying to tailor themselves to fit that mold, so they can find success. M Realty turns that paradigm on its head. “We adapt to you,” says Garron Selliken, founder of M Realty. “We respect our agents as individuals, making sure we take the time to get to know them.

4 | allthingsrealestatepdx.com

Everyone’s ideal practice is a little different, but we believe every agent can build a business they enjoy, that provides a level of income they desire. This comes naturally from playing to each agent’s personal strengths.” Much of M Realty’s rapid success comes from the diversity of their company structure. “From day one, we set out to serve our agents in the best way we could imagine,” says Jeff Brooks, M Realty’s Marketing Director. “Over the years, that’s meant cultivating an insanely talented staff of creative professionals, as well as whole teams dedicated to very specific aspects of an agent’s practice. Once they know they’re being beautifully supported, agents have the freedom to really grow their business.”

“Our Professional Development program focuses on connecting each M agent with resources and training so they can thrive,” Selliken adds. “Whether it’s personalized coaching, transaction simulation or advanced marketing strategies, we’re dedicated to finding the perfect mix of what each agent needs. Watching our agents succeed this way is doubly satisfying because it’s not just the agent that benefits... every one of their clients is getting amazing service.” When asked what his company’s defining characteristic would be for agents trying to find the best brokerage for them, Selliken sums it up keenly: “There is no one way, there is your way.” Be sure to visit M Realty’s website to see how they’re shifting what’s possible in real estate: www.mportlandhomes.com For sellers looking for more information about selling their home with M Realty’s TrueView marketing, contact Brian at 503.459.4474. For agents interested in learning more, contact Anne at 503.545.1478 or Kristin at 503.459.1624 or visit www.mrealtypdx.com.


for our real•tors

sometimes

I Am Right!

How to Become a Millionaire in Real Estate 1. Make $20,000 per year for 50 years. This is the hardest way. 2. Make $50,000 per year for 20 years. A little easier than #1 but overrated. By the time your expenses and the IRS get through with you, you will have to work 40 years to net $1,000,000. (See #1) 3. Make $100,000 per year for 10 years. Actually it will take 20 years. (See #2) 4. Make $100,000 per year for 15 years. Don’t spend all you make. Buy a house a year. This is not easy, but much easier than #1-3, and takes 5 years less than the shortest route above. Alternatives #1-3 above make the assumption that you don’t spend any of the money you earn. Since #4 is the best alternative, I will try to describe how it works. The initial tough part is to earn $100,000 per year selling real estate. However, in our company, the average gross commission income (GCI) is close to $110,000 per year. So, it can be done. If you pay 15% of your GCI to your company, you are now nearly at the magic number of $100,000 per year. LEARNING HOW TO SPEND THE $100,000 PER YEAR IS THE HARDEST PART OF THE WHOLE DEAL! I know this sounds crazy, but lot of people make $100,000 per year or more. Only a very few people are able to spend this money in such a way to maximize their return. Some of you may be thinking “If I could just make $100,000 per year, I would not have to worry about money.” I dare say that a person with this kind of attitude is spending way too much time eating the wrong kind of mushrooms. We need to understand that, at birth, one out of two of us was implanted with a computer chip that causes us to believe that we should spend 125% of what we earn. The half not so implanted will marry someone who is. So, if you can’t make ends meet at $50,000 per year, you probably won’t be able to do so at $100,000 (or $200,000 or $500,000). At least not without a great deal of effort. I hear some voices out there already saying that “Don’t be ridiculous, anybody can do just great on $500,000 per year.” Ever heard of the Lottery? The Lottery is a reverse progressive income tax whereby the poorest of us use money the rest of us paid in taxes to buy lottery tickets, the proceeds from which are used to fund government programs for poor people who have no money left after buying lottery tickets. (Easy for you to say!) Andy Rooney said that the poor spend more money on lot-

tery tickets than those much better off financially. Not more money spent percentage wise. The poor spend more money on lottery tickets than non-poor…period. But, I digress. There have been many studies done, which I am too lazy to look up now, that show $1,000,000 plus lottery winners are soon worse off financially than before they won the lottery. Many have filed bankruptcy. Personally, I would not mind testing that theory. The trick is to make as much of that $100,000 per year you earn as possible work for you. The first thing you need to do is to figure out what a bare bones existence (budget) is for you and your family. There are many articles and books that can be found on sites like www.google.com that can help you out in this area. Necessities include: food, clothing, shelter, entertainment, booze and cigarettes. I am not talking about a necessity being described as “We have to get out of this rain and go to Hawaii for a week, or I will go nuts.” You don’t need a brand new fancy car to sell real estate. I know lots of agents earning middle six figure incomes driving the likes of 10 year old Jeep Cherokees, Dodge Neons, or 12 year old Ford Explorers. A cell phone in real estate is a necessity. Get a free one. Hire a good tax advisor who understands the real estate profession. Keep meticulous records. Once you get really good at recordkeeping and knowing what can be a business expense, you are well on the way to that $1,000,000. Taking a vacation? Go to the National Association of Realtors® website and look for classes, conventions, seminars, etc. The Oregon Association of Realtors® Convention one year was in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, which is a fabulous city. Take your significant other to a wild and crazy week in one of the most fun cities in the world... and write a bunch of the fun off! If you are like me, you are looking at houses for sale wherever you travel. Go one step further and visit a few real estate offices and talk about the market with them. If you vacation for more than a few days, try staying at a condo and doing a lot of your own cooking. A website named www. redweek.com usually has quite a selection of timeshare weeks for rent from owners who can’t use them this year. A few years ago, a beautiful timeshare week I own in Colorado went unused. I even tried to give it away for free. While on the subject, never buy a new timeshare. Many are available used at huge discounts at many sites on the web. I bought the one in Colorado for about $500 and pay a yearly maintenance fee of about $350 per year. That works out

to $50 per night for a two bedroom condo with a full kitchen and lots of amenities such as a swimming pool to use when the outside temperature is -17 degrees. I hate the cold, so I don’t care too much for Colorado. I usually trade my Colorado week for places like Hawaii. Oops! Didn’t I just say that Hawaii is not a necessity? Buy those necessity items at discount. I bought a new refrigerator at a 50% discount that had a huge dent in the side for a rather expensive house I had built. The dent was unseen next to the wall. The fridge kept beer cold…what more could you ask? Buy food at Costco and other discount stores. When you buy software, see if you can get an older version on Ebay for less than 1/3 what a current version sells for new. Never buy clothes unless they are on sale. I have a relative who buys shoes on line at huge discounts. Before you buy anything that cost more than $100 new, check www.craigslist.com or www.ebay. com first. Go ahead and put up those Christmas Lights for the kids (One of my necessities). Buy them on Dec 26th for installation the following year. Don’t ever buy a pen, marker, or calendar or sticky note pad…unless they have your name on them. Otherwise, you can get most of that stuff, and more, for free from vendors trying to get you, the real estate agent, to use their services. A great resource for much more of this frugal stuff can be found on www.clarkhoward.com. The next thing to consider is how to keep the governments (plural intended) out of your pocket as much as possible. IRA and 401K yourself to the max. Use any device the government allows to invest your money and get a tax break. Buy as many houses as you can. Never refinance one except to purchase another. Put enough money down so they have a

positive cash flow. Don’t you wish you had bought a rental house 3 or 4 years ago when it was a buyer’s market. Houses were cheaper and rents have gone up considerably since then. If you keep this up over your career, you will easily have a million dollars equity in these little homes. Think of credit as an evil. Use your debit card or cash for all purchases except real estate. Buy term insurance instead of whole life. A 3 year old, low mileage car can cost 40% less than a brand new one. Check out Dave Ramsey books from the library. There are lot of ways to keep the money you earn. The main way is to not buy anything impulsively whether it be a car or a bag of potato chips at the grocery store. And the best advice of all: Do as I say, not as I do! I am not a tax advisor... I did, however, stay at a Holiday Inn Express. Get your own tax advisor and see if any of this article makes sense at all. As always, these are just my opinions. Sometimes I am right! Gary Taylor, CRB, GRI, CDPE is a Principal Broker with Summa Real Estate Associates. He is Past Chairman of the Regional Multiple Listing Service. He was awarded the PMAR Realtor of the Year for 2007, the Million Dollar Club’s “Managing Broker of the Year” for 2006, the Oregon CRB of the Year in 1996, and WCR Member of the Year in 2001... He was also a Notary Public in 1974. Gary Taylor GRI, CRB Principal Broker Summa Real Estate Group Licensed in the State of Oregon 971-506-9530 gary@garyptaylor.com

end of

ER SUM M S G SAVIN

FREE

Homebuyer Journal custom cover design with the purchase of an ad in All Things Real Estate Newspaper Call Tracey at 503-317-5834 for this special offer today! allthingsrealestatepdx.com | 5


green JUHHQ FHUWLĂ€HG Address

Bdr Bth

Price

HOUSES 5040 NE 8TH AVE

4

4

$624,900

4816 NE 12TH AVE

3

2.1

$699,900

3415 NE 52ND AVE

4

3

$759,900

7810 SE HAROLD

3

2.1

$399,000

6822 SE 45TH AVE A

4

3

$549,900

3734 SE NEHALEM ST

3

2.1

$729,900

3802 SE NEHALEM ST

5

2.1

$749,900

17421 SE BLANTON

3

2.1

$415,000

17429 SE BLANTON LOT 4

3

2.1

$415,000

17417 SE BLANTON LOT 6

3

2.1

$415,000

14664 CATALPA WAY

3

2.1

$349,950

14657 CATALPA WAY

4

2.1

$374,950

13885 CLACKAMAS RIVER

3

3.1 $1,149,000

025 SW IOWA ST

4

2.1

1953 SW IOWA ST

4

2.1

$709,900

9960 SW TERWILLIGER BLVD 4

2.1

$724,900 $749,900

4

3.1

3615 SW HILLSIDE DR

5

4

$975,000

2808 SW PERIANDER ST

3

3.1

$999,900

3737 SW SWEETBRIAR DR

3

2.1 $1,100,000

9507 NW LEAHY RD

4

2.1

$574,999

19643 SW SONIA LN

3

2.1

$419,970

8017 SW SONIA LN

4

2.1

$449,620

8010 SW 195TH AVE

4

2.1

$509,978

29037 SW VILLEBOIS DR

3

3.1

$389,900

29045 SW VILLEBOIS DR

3

3.1

$389,900

29029 SW VILLEBOIS DR

3

3.1

$389,900

29049 SW VILLEBOIS DR

3

3.1

$395,900

29041 SW VILLEBOIS DR

3

3.1

$397,900

29033 SW VILLEBOIS DR

3

3.1

$399,900

12053 SW AUTUMNVIEW ST 4

2.1

$464,897

15212 SW HARVEYS VIEW

5

2.1

$499,978

15116 SW HARVEYS VIEW

5

2.1

$559,604

15166 SW HARVEYS VIEW

3

2.1

$569,620

Bdr Bth

Price

northeast HOUSES • AS OF 8/7 7006 NE SISKIYOU ST 1838 NE 113TH AVE 404 NE 128TH AVE 926 NE 198TH AVE 2343 NE 148TH PL 8414 NE RUSSELL ST 839 NE 112TH AVE 412 NE 194TH AVE 17642 NE COUCH ST 1105 NE 179TH AVE 640 NE 160TH AVE 6223 NE ROSELAWN ST 10910 NE TILLAMOOK ST 4425 NE 62ND AVE 303 NE 170TH AVE 1616 NE 77TH AVE 2420 NE 136TH AVE 10323 NE DAVIS ST 10840 NE BEECH ST 4736 NE KILLINGSWORTH ST 311 NE 130TH PL 209 NE 133RD AVE 6128 NE 55TH AVE 1011 NE 71ST AVE 3445 NE 78TH AVE 8437 NE WEBSTER ST 16817 NE OREGON ST 4240 NE 73RD AVE 5623 NE 36TH AVE 3223 NE 131ST AVE 837 NE KILLINGSWORTH ST 6968 NE GRAHAM PL 7908 NE TILLAMOOK ST 3316 NE 75TH AVE 9823 NE SHAVER ST 4919 NE 33RD AVE 3405 NE RODNEY AVE 4550 NE 34TH AVE

2 2 2 3 2 2 2 3 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3

1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2.1 2 2 1 2 1.1 1 2 2.1 1.1 1 1.1 2 1 2 1 1 3 2 1 3.1 2 2 1 2.1 3 2 2 2

6 | allthingsrealestatepdx.com

Sewer Scope $125 Tank Locate $100 Radon Test $150 All Three $340 Environmental Works appreciates your business and continued referrals! We're working hard to provide you with fast, affordable, and professional service. Environmental Works: 503.719.6715

www.eworksnw.com 7DON DERXW OLYLQJ DUW Âł PRVV JUDIĂ€WL WHOOV D QHZ story

$639,900

4423 SW FLOWER ST

Address

GET IT ALL WITH ONE CALL:

$209,900 $210,000 $227,000 $235,000 $239,900 $239,900 $239,900 $240,000 $242,000 $249,900 $254,500 $259,900 $264,000 $265,000 $270,000 $275,000 $275,000 $279,500 $289,900 $289,900 $299,000 $299,900 $299,999 $309,000 $315,000 $324,900 $330,000 $349,000 $368,000 $369,900 $375,000 $389,000 $389,000 $389,950 $399,900 $449,900 $450,000 $499,000

Lead Poisoning Prevention Workshop

Free workshop where participants learn how to prevent lead exposure in their home. Great for households with children or pregnant women in housing older than 1978, or those FRQFHUQHG DERXW OHDG H[SRVXUH 4XDOLĂ€HG SDUWLFLSDQWV UHFHLYH a free kit of safety and testing supplies! Tuesday, September 1, 6-7:30pm Community Energy Project - 2900 SE Stark St, Suite A, Portland, OR 97214 Monday, September 28, 6-7:30pm Holgate Library - 7905 SE Holgate Blvd, Portland, OR 97206 Register for the workshop at www.communityenergyproject.org or call 503.284.6827x109

Lead-Safe Home Projects Workshop

Before any demo, scraping, sanding, or remodeling in pre-1978 housing, check out this class! Great for people who want to do a small project that may involve exposure to lead paint, such as sanding down an old window frame or a reused door with potential lead paint, or a small construction project in an older home. Tuesday, September 22, 6-7:30pm Community Energy Project - 2900 SE Stark St, Suite A, Portland, OR 97214 Register for the workshop at www.communityenergyproject.org or cal 503.284.6827 x109.

Do-It-Yourself Insulation Workshop 7KLV IUHH ZRUNVKRS WHDFKHV SDUWLFLSDQWV KRZ WR ZHDWKHUL]H D Ă DW DWWLF 7RSLFV FRYHUHG LQFOXGH VDIHW\ air sealing, ventilation, installing insulation, and incentives to help cover the cost of your project. Saturday, September 19, 3-5:30pm Kenton Library - 8226 N Denver Ave, Portland, OR 97217 Learn more and register for the workshop at www.communityenergyproject.org or call 503.284.6827 x108

SINESS U B E T A T S E t h e R E A L L U N C H E O N s e r i e s with speakers NICHOLAS COOK of SLEEP SOUND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. E and MARJORIE A. ELKEN of ZUPANCIC RATHBONE LAW GROUP, P.C. RESOURC An In-Depth Look at the Marijuana Laws Involving Rentals and Real Estate

Reefer in Real Estate:

SPONSORED BY IMAGINE HOME STAGING & FINISHES

Wednesday, September 9 at Hotel deLuxe 11:30pm-12pm Registration/Networking • 12pm -1pm1 Hr CE $18 Members • $25 Future Members • Price includes lunch

Reservations: WCRPortlandSept2015.EventBrite.com


buyers

HOMEBUY ER'S GUIDE: The Journey to Buying a Home n the journey to homeownership, this helpful guide will serve as your roadmap with information to make you feel confident and assured in your decisions. And if you ever find yourself feeling lost, a PrimeLending loan officer is always here to offer further guidance.

STEP THREE: Putting it Together Getting prequalified for a home loan is a great way to guide you on your home search. What is prequalification? What are the benefits? Is it right for you? PrimeLending can help you answer all of these questions and others. 3UHTXDOLÀFDWLRQ Getting prequalified for a loan before you start looking serves as the best roadmap for your home-buying journey. :KDW LV 3UHTXDOLÀFDWLRQ" Prequalification is an estimate of what you might be able to borrow. You will provide your lender with information about your income and assets, and sometimes will submit to a credit check. Your lender then gives you an estimate of your loan amount and loan program.

Kim's

about helping you determine what you can afford and will walk you through the process.

We love custom housewarming gifts!

Join us next month for STEP FOUR: Finding Your Home.

+RZ 'RHV *HWWLQJ 3UHTXDOLÀHG %HQHÀW <RX" You will be able to shop with the confidence of knowing your exact price range. You can identify credit problems that can be addressed early in the lending process. You will typically have more negotiating power, as some sellers see more strength in offers from prequalified buyers. If you are self-employed or a commission-based buyer, prequalification can demonstrate financial backing if your income fluctuates more than those of salaried buyers. Prequalification gives first-time homebuyers the advantage of equalizing their offer with similar offers made by previous homeowners. 2WKHU 3UHTXDOLÀFDWLRQ )DFWV" Prequalification is offered by most lenders, including PrimeLending, at no cost. The prequalification process is not comprehensive and therefore is not guaranteed, nor is it considered any type of loan commitment. It simply shows that you’ve approached a lender who was serious

PROPERTY TALK: I am Ready to Buy, Let's Go House Hunting

nce someone has it in his mind that he is ready to buy a house, the first thing he usually does is call a real estate broker and ask to go view some homes, when the first task should be to call a mortgage professional and get pre-approved for a loan. Looking at homes is the fun and easy part, so most people want to start there, but unfortunately, the sometimes difficult task of gathering financial records and qualifying to buy a home is where the process should commence. When most real estate brokers receive that first phone call from a buyer who has been referred to her or a buyer who is calling about the broker’s listings, one of the first questions the broker will ask the buyer is, “Have you been pre-approved with a lender?” The reason for the question is not to be nosy or to pry, but to better assist you in the home-buying process. How are you going to feel when you view the home of your dreams and you discover that you cannot afford it? Is any lower-priced home ever going to compare? Or how are you going to feel when you view a stunning home and learn that there are multiple offers on the property that the seller will review the next day, but you haven’t been pre-approved yet and can’t compete with the other buyers? It is difficult and heart-breaking to lose out on getting the home that was simply perfect for you. In any market, but particularly a fast-moving sellers’ market, a buyer MUST have a pre-approval letter to submit with his offer. A seller wants to know that you have the financial ability to purchase, and without a pre-approval letter, there would be little reason for a seller to accept your offer over another buyer’s offer, or to accept your offer at all. Why would a seller accept an offer and take his home off the market for 30-60 days, forgoing a possible sale to another buyer, unless that seller had the assurance of a lender that you could buy his home?

Please call or check us out online today to learn more. Lake Oswego Matt Eckard Branch Manager 503-707-5607 meckard@primelending.com NMLS 413446 3RUWODQG 2IÀFH Mark Holzmann Branch Manager 503-781-1223 mholzmann@primelending.com NMLS 121425 &ODFNDPDV 2IÀFH Alex Warnock Branch Manager 360-789-9973 awarnock@primelending.com NMLS 110915 Disclosures: All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees subject to FKDQJH 0RUWJDJH ÀQDQFLQJ SURYLGHG by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company. Equal Housing Lender. © 2015 PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company. PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (NMLS: 13649) is a wholly owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is licensed by: WA Dept. of Financial Institutionsconsumer lender lic no. CL-13649. V032514.

Home Loans Made Simple

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A buyer sometimes thinks that he should start looking at homes while he is submitting financial records to a lender, but before he has received a pre-approval because he needs to get a feel for what homes are available in his price range. But what happens when he sees the “one,” but he can’t write the offer because he doesn’t have a pre-approval letter? A delay of even a day or two, especially in a sellers’ market, can mean the loss of the house; many houses may only be on the market a day or two before they are sold. An equally disheartening event can occur when a buyer thinks he can buy a significantly more expensive home that what a mortgage lender says that the buyer can afford. When buyers search for homes online, there is always a calculator available to compute the principal and interest payment. Unfortunately, the calculator does not always include the cost of private mortgage insurance or provide the user the ability to add the cost of property taxes and homeowners insurance, all of which are factored into the total monthly payment. Thus, it is not uncommon for a buyer to discover that his home purchase limit may be $40,000 or $50,000 less than what he originally anticipated. And if a buyer has been searching and viewing homes priced higher than he can afford, there will be a lot of dismay and frustration

No mess water tray for those rainy days

when the buyer begins to view homes in his price range. The buyer may ultimately “settle” for one, or after many months and countless hours of searching, may decide not to purchase a home at all. When working with a buyer, I want him to smile and say “Wow!” when he finds the home that is right for him. That is much more likely if the buyer views homes that he can afford from the start. And he is much more likely to be the new owner of that home if he is pre-approved when he walks through that front door. Every day counts in the current, ultra-competitive market, so why not be pre-approved and prepared to write that offer when you pull up to the curb? Kim Carty is a Principal Real Estate Broker with John L Scott Real Estate in Beaverton, OR. Ms. Carty represents buyers and sellers alike, IURP WKH ÀUVW WLPH KRPHEX\HU to the seasoned investor. She is a very knowledgeable Realtor® who is highly recommended by her clients, having been recognized with the Five Star Professional Award for the SDVW ÀYH \HDUV ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR KDYLQJ a real estate license, Ms. Carty has been a licensed attorney since 1999. allthingsrealestatepdx.com | 7


who you gonna call? YOUR REAL ESTATE DIRECTORY Attorney

Attorney

Home Inspections

Oil Tank Decommissioning

Radon, Sewer, Tank!

RealtorsÂŽ

Principal Broker/Attorney Kim Carty, JD P: (503) 430-1418 E: kim@kimcarty.com W: kimcarty.com Protecting You and Your Real Estate Interests.

Nicole Comer Home Gnome Inspections, LLC P: (503) 913-1281 E: nicole@home-gnome.com W: home-gnome.com

Don Francis, General Manager Ecotech P: (503) 493-1040 E: dfrancis@ecotech.com

Environmental Works P: (503) 719-6715 E: info@eworksnw.com W: eworksnw.com

(W)here, Inc P: (503) 956-0222 E: elaine.yoder@where-inc.com W: portlandurbanhomes.com

Radon Testing & Mitigation

Where Experience Matters

Cascade Radon, Inc. P: (503) 421-4813 E: RIĂ€FH#FDVFDGHUDGRQ FRP W: cascaderadon.com

Joanne Yousif Residential Realty NW P: (503) 756-9097 E: joanne@joanneyousif.com W: joanneyousif.com

Cleanup & Recycling Betty Benson Rubbish Works of Portland P: (503) 928-6894 E: portland@rubbishworks.com W: rubbishworks.com/portland

Now offering radon testing!

Painting

Carrie Stevens PDX Home Inspections P: (503) 504-7114 E: pdxhomeinspections@gmail.com

Kira and Steve Parisi Transformations Painting, LLC P: (503) 348-3666 (Steve) (503) 680-6140 (Kira) E: ParisiTeam@hotmail.com W: PaintMyHouse-estimates.com CCB #197708

Our Business is Picking Up! Sean Thompson

Computer Services Zoe Morrison Zoe Personal Assistant P: (503) 719-5444 E: zoe@zoeva.biz W: zoepersonalassistant.com

OCHI 1623 CCB 200057

Thompson Home Inspection, LLC P: (503) 833-2799 E: seanthompsonllc@gmail.com W: thompsonhomeinspection.com

Professional, Clean, Detailed.

THOMPSON

Meticulous Plumbing Home Services LLC P: (503) 208-2812 E: service@meticulousplumbing. com W: meticulousplumbing.com

HOME INSPECTION, LLC

One on One Computer Tutor Home or Small Business One Hour Sessions

Lender

Plumbing

MLO 1294930 Licensed in OR & WA

Electrician Drew Anderson Pro Tech Power Corp P: (503) 780-6207 E: drew@protechpdx.com

P: (503) 933-6476 E: mdyson@alpinemc.com W: alpinemc.com/micahdyson

General Contractor Matt Greer, CEO Windward Construction, LLC C: (503) 869-6333 E: windwardconstruction@gmail. com W: windwardconstruction.us

Since 2004: Renew, Restore, Rejuvenate. CCB#160781. Licensed. Bonded. Insured. Enrolled Contractor FIR Building Program

Historic Restoration Adrian Roman, President Building & Restoration LLC P: (503) 593-8820 W: restorationroman.com

A drian Roman B u i l d i n g & R e s to r a t i o n L LC

Large enough to be professional and comprehensive; small enough to be personal.

8 | allthingsrealestatepdx.com

NMLS 81395

Steph Noble Mortgage Consultant

Portland's Painless Professional Plumber.

Print & Design Cory Burden Cedar House Media P: (503) 641-3320 E: sales@cedarhousemedia.com W: cedarhousemedia.com

Guild Mortgage Company P: (503) 528-9800 E: steph@stephnoble.com W: stephnoble.com 825 NE Multnomah, Suite 950 Portland, Oregon 97211

Moving Two Men and a Truck P: (503) 894-9923 E: info0367@twomen.com W: twomencentralportland.com

Locally owned and operated full service moving company with a 96% referral rate. We are the Movers Who Care!

Celia J. Lyon, Principal Broker Meadows Group Inc. P: (503) 260-6231 E: celiajlyon333@gmail.com W: PortlandHomesGuide.net

Randy Rutherford Broker - Consultant (503) 939-6682 randy@hasson.com randyrutherford.hasson.com

Your Local Printing and Graphic Design Company.

Property Management

Daniela Sardo, Real Estate Broker Dwell Realty P: (503) 310-9127 E: daniela@dwellrealtypdx.com W: dwellrealtypdx.com

Chris Guinn and Mark Borgeson Dwell Realty P: (503) 208-3797 E: dwell@dwellrealtypdx.com W: dwellrealtypdx.com

For Your Buying, Selling, and Property Management Needs. Marsha Zimmerman Oregon Licensee 200308196 M.L.K. Property Mgmt. & Support Services, LLC. P: (503) 760-0088 E: marshaz@mlk-pm.com W: www.mlk-pm.com

5RRĂ€QJ Carlos Hernandez CCB # 204311 Roof Rx

P: (503) 285-4405 E: chernandez@roofrx.com W: roofrx.com

Staging Staci Byers Ready to Sell PDX P: (503)389-3293 W: readytosellpdx.com

Joe Slom 48 Hour Inspection P: (503) 890-9566 E: joe.48hourinspection@gmail.com W: 48hourinspection.webs.com

Unbiased Inspections & Recommendations.

Skylights

Heidi Torkko OR Real Estate Broker Torkko Group Properties @ M Realty, LLC P: (503) 351-9716 E: heidi@SOLDit.com W: tgSOLDit.com

What Would a SOLD Sign Do For YOU?

Elaine Yoder

Excellence in Integrity and Standards.

My approach to real estate is it's all about YOU!

Sewer Inspections Licensed Broker in Oregon

NMLS-129002

NMLS-3274, OR-ML-176

RealtorsÂŽ

Buying or selling your home is an important choice, let Celia guide you through the process!

Micah Dyson, Mortgage Advisor Alpine Mortgage Planning

Radon is not a secondary endeavor for us... it's all we do. Addressing residential and FRPPHUFLDO QHHGV &HUWLĂ€HG experienced, recommended.

Lora Creswick Light Benders – Solatube P: (503) 352-0249 E: lightbenders@lightbenders.biz W: lightbenders.biz CCB#30873

The Miracle Skylight & Solar Star Attic Fans Let the Sun SAVE you MONEY!

JOIN OUR DIRECTORY!

$40/month To be a part of this growing section of the paper, please contact Tracey at 503-317-5834


THE

DOWN PAYMENT: means it accumulates slower and ends up being a smaller amount over time.

Melissa Eddy, Windermere Stellar 503-440-3258 • MelissaEddy@Windermere.com www.BeachHomeRealtor.com

161 Cottage Ave, Gearhart • $495,000

4 bdrm • 2 bth • 1639 sq ft ML# 15202509

720 G St, Gearhart • $345,000

3 bdrm • 1.1 bth • 1113 sq ft ML# 15385448

3DFLȴF /DQG &RPSDQ\

1 3rd St #101, Astoria $345,000

2 bdrm • 2 bth • 1460 sq ft MLS #15598020

900 N Prom #301, Seaside $450,000

2 bdrm • 2 bth • 1397 sq ft MLS #15408791

4785 High Ridge Rd, Gearhart • $729,000

3 bdrm • 3.1 bth • 3481 sq ft ML# 13372176

844 Little Beach Dr, Gearhart • $425,000

2 bdrm • 3 bth • 1571 sq ft ML# 13222887

Debra Bowe 503-440-7474

92195 Aspmo Rd, Astoria $269,000

3 bdrm • 2 bth • 1982 sq ft MLS #15359978

89975 Surf Pines Landing Dr, Warrenton • $579,000

3 bdrm • 2 bth • 2767 sq ft MLS #15542337

Four Great Reasons to Make The Largest Down Payment You Can Afford f you’re looking for a new home, you’ve probably heard lots of advice about down payments. About how it’s okay to just have a five percent down payment – you’ll still get approved. About how you should make the down payment as small as possible to avoid cash flow problems. In truth, you’re actually better off making the largest down payment you can possibly afford. Even if you have to slice up other areas of your budget, save for a few more years before you buy, or take a second job on the weekends, it’ll be worth it in the end. Here are just four reasons why you should make the largest down payment possible. You Can Avoid Useless Insurance Premiums Although you can buy a house with as little as a five percent down payment, it’s in your best interest to make a much larger down payment if you can. Mortgage insurance premiums can be as high as one percent of the loan’s value, which means until you’ve invested 20 percent of the home’s value in equity, you’ll have to pay an extra one percent every year. If you pay at least 20 percent of the purchase price upfront, you’ll be able to avoid having to get private mortgage insurance – so you keep more of your money in your own pocket. You’ll Pay Much Less Interest The less you have to borrow, the less you have to pay back – for more reasons than one. When you take out a mortgage, the interest rate applies to the principal amount that you owe – and over time, the interest can run on top of interest, quickly outpacing the original sum. Having a larger down payment means the interest applies to a smaller sum. And that

You’ll Have More Ammunition In A Bidding War Offering up a larger down payment is also a great way to make sure you get your dream house, especially if it’s a popular property with multiple offers. The seller isn’t just going to consider who offers the most money – they’re also going to consider which buyer is most likely to get a mortgage. After all, failing to get a mortgage is one of the most common reasons why real estate deals fail. If you can show that you’re able to make a larger down payment, you’ll have a better shot at getting a mortgage – and that means sellers will prioritize you over other buyers. You’ll Get A Great Start On Building Equity Your home equity is equal to the difference between your home’s fair market value and the amount of debt invested into the home. If you don’t have enough equity in your home and home prices in your neighborhood fall, you may find yourself in a situation where you owe more money on your home than it’s worth – a phenomenon known as negative equity. By making the largest possible down payment you can, you’ll have a great head start on building your home’s equity – which may help you profit if you decide to sell in the future. Buying a house isn’t easy, but making the largest down payment you can afford will give you a great financial head start on home ownership. Want to learn more about how to afford the home of your dreams? Contact your local mortgage professional today for practical advice to help you maximize your down payment.

Steph Noble, NMLS#129002 503.528.9800 steph@stephnoble.com stephnoble.com 825 NE Multnomah St Suite 950, Portland, OR 97232 Company NMLS #3274 OR-ML 176. Guild Mortgage Company is an Equal Housing Lender. Please consult a tax advisor for more information. Guild Mortgage &RPSDQ\ LV QRW DIÀOLDWHG ZLWK $OO 7KLQJV Real Estate.

allthingsrealestatepdx.com | 9


southeast Address

Bdr Bth

Price

HOUSES • AS OF 8/9 207 SE 172ND AVE 12729 SE BUSH ST 3212 SE 170TH AVE 6625 SE 72ND AVE 7311 SE LUTHER RD 1821 SE 151ST AVE 3145 SE 81ST AVE 2742 SE 125TH AVE 4740 SE POWELL BUTTE 6536 SE 51ST AVE 825 SE 155TH AVE 7515 SE HENRY PL 9343 SE COOPER ST 12621 SE ELLIS ST 7610 SE 64TH AVE 9243 SE SALMON ST 5041 SE 58TH AVE 4005 SE 73RD AVE 6134 SE 72ND AVE 2210 SE 113TH AVE 5261 SE OGDEN ST 6048 SE KNAPP ST 6723 SE CENTER ST 5305 SE LAFAYETTE ST 8836 SE 58TH DR 4703 SE 35TH AVE 5657 SE 144TH PL 2304 SE 141ST AVE 5632 SE LONG ST 5020 SE BROOKLYN ST 4134 SE 27TH AVE 1619 SE REEDWAY ST 8104 SE MARKET ST 9340 NE SCHUYLER ST 7816 SE 114TH CT 2004 SE SHERRETT ST 3116 SE 66TH AVE 624 SE 38TH AVE 3956 SE FRANCIS ST 1237 SE RHINE ST

2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 3 4 3 4 2 3 3 3 3 2 4 4 3 3 3 4 5 3 2 3 4 4 4 5 4 3 3 4 4

1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1.1 2 1 2 1 1.1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 2.1 1 1.1 1 2.1 4 2 1 1 2 2 2.1 3.1 3 1 1 2 2

$149,950 $199,900 $210,000 $219,900 $224,950 $225,000 $229,000 $234,000 $235,000 $235,000 $240,000 $247,500 $249,900 $254,950 $255,000 $259,900 $259,950 $260,000 $269,900 $269,900 $289,900 $299,000 $299,900 $299,900 $299,900 $312,000 $339,900 $349,900 $357,000 $359,000 $375,000 $399,900 $400,000 $419,960 $425,000 $435,000 $474,900 $510,000 $575,000 $579,000

houses with docks Address

Bdr Bth

Price

HOUSES 3050 NE 157TH AVE 1625 NE MARINE DR 1409 HIST COLUMB RI HWY 21445 NE INTERLACHEN LN 38342 S SAWTELL RD 300 NW RIVERPARK PL 16430 S SPRINGWATER RD 20054 S DRIFTWOOD DR 20254 S DRIFTWOOD DR 2120 SW MOSSY BRAE RD 18320 RIVER EDGE LN 18262 BRYANT RD 1844 SW GREENWAY CIR 17320 LAKE HAVEN DR 18225 RIVER EDGE CT 304 SW TUALATIN LOOP 811 NORTHSHORE RD 4431 WEST BAY RD 2896 LAKEVIEW BLVD 15845 OSWEGO SHORE CT 276 SW FOREST COVE RD 16852 ALDER CIR 3796 LAKEVIEW BLVD 25144 SW PETES MOUNTAIN 1653 LAKE FRONT RD 1901 PALISADES TERRACE 16842 ALDER CIR 3012 LAKEVIEW BLVD 1865 PALISADES TERRACE 16835 GREENBRIER RD 40700 NW LINKLATER RD 16770 SW 108TH AVE 16115 NE EILERS RD 8620 SW MIAMI 3949 SW HALCYON RD 24819 NE BUTTEVILLE RD 16880 SW WILSONVILLE RD 14441 SW WILSONVILLE RD

4 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 4 4 4 4 4 5 4 4 4 5 4 3 4 2 4 5 5 5 5 5 6 5 4 2 6 6 4 5 5

3 4 3 2 3.1 4.1 2 3.2 4.2 3 4 3.1 3 3 4.3 5.1 4 3 4.1 4.2 3.1 3.1 2.2 4.2 5.1 4.1 3.2 4.1 5.3 5.3 3 3 2 4 5.2 5.1 6.1 6.2

$379,950 $1,395,000 $525,000 $679,000 $599,900 $1,100,000 $1,295,000 $1,299,000 $1,425,000 $789,000 $899,000 $949,900 $960,000 $1,100,000 $1,390,000 $1,420,000 $1,465,000 $1,495,000 $1,990,000 $1,995,000 $2,249,000 $2,395,000 $2,395,000 $3,400,000 $3,900,000 $3,945,000 $4,750,000 $4,988,000 $6,900,000 $6,950,000 $629,900 $476,900 $850,000 $869,999 $1,799,000 $1,995,000 $2,395,000 $4,895,000

10 | allthingsrealestatepdx.com

A TACOM 2956 SE

TLAN ST, POR

D This amazing restored restore Bungalow shows true tru pride of ownership. Come ffall in love ownership with the built-ins, hardwoods, ÀUHSODFH EUHDNIDVW QRRN DQG french doors. Storage in both basement and garage, plus closet organizer and pantry closet in kitchen. Top it off with a deck and patio on a large lot with berries, grapes and roses.

2 bdrm • 1 bth • 1358 sq ft • $359,900 RMLS# 15500666 Cell 503-260-6231 | celiajlyon333@gmail.com | Licensed in the State of Oregon

{ PortlandHomesGuide.net }

TIPS

for END-OF-SUMMER

MAINTENANCE Clean Your Dryer Vent: You'll need a vent-cleaning brush kit, which can clean your dryer vent tubing more thoroughly than a vacuum cleaner. Clean the dryer's lint trap housing with a smaller brush to remove lint and dust. Then disconnect the dryer duct from the dryer and the wall for a thorough cleaning and clean the vent on the outside of the house to keep both ends clean lint-free. Keep Your Cool With a Fan: Switch the ceiling fan's blades so the leading edge is higher as the fan turns, so you can feel the breeze from the fan as it rotates. This will push cool air down, enabling you to set the air-conditioning lower and save money on energy. Keep Your Deck Healthy: Go underneath your deck to make sure the support structure is in good shape, and keep an eye out for cracked boards and missing screws or nails. If you see signs of insects or unwanted animals, such as spider webs or chewed boards, call a pest-control expert to take care of the problem. If your deck is sealed or stained, VRPH H[SHUWV VD\ \RX VKRXOG UHÀQLVK it annually. Start by power washing WKH GHFN WKHQ UHPRYH WKH ÀQLVK or seal with a remover/stripper, letting it thoroughly dry between each step. Lightly sand the deck, then remove all of the dust before FRQWLQXLQJ $SSO\ WKH ÀQLVK ZLWK WKH wood's grain and don't stop in the middle—that can cause uneven coloring and streaks. Repair Your Driveway: Fill any cracks in your paved driveway to prevent winter rain from eroding the surface further. Depending on the type of surface and the desired ORRN XVH FHPHQW HSR[\ ÀOOHU OLTXLG FHPHQW ÀOOHU DVSKDOW ÀOOHU RU concrete crack sealant. Be sure to remove any vegetation growing in WKH FUDFNV ÀUVW Clean Your Kitchen Sink and Garbage Disposal: Humidity and sun will increase bacteria population in your kitchen sink. Pour garbage disposal cleaner down the drain to remove small clogs and disinfect the drain. To remove any food stains or rust in your sink, use bleach or calcium, lime and rust cleaner. Brought to you by

Peter Clarke, Broker Licensed in Oregon Living Room Realty (503) 333-5809 livingroomre.com/agents/peter-clarke


the care & feeding of your home

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Cudi’s CORNER

How Safe Is Your Home?

MUST-KNOW doggie TIPS! • If you have a puppy that pees on your carpet: After soaking up most of the mess with a paper towel, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the area and leave it to absorb both the urine and odor.

burglary occurs every 15 seconds in this country, with an average loss of $1,600. Two thirds of all burglaries are residential and of those, two thirds occur between 9 AM and 3 PM, when there is a high probability that nobody is at home. So, what can you do to make your home safer?

installing a dead-bolt, as well as just the key lock in the knob. Install secondary locking devices on windows to prevent them from opening fully. This could also be the device that serves as a child safety feature to prevent toddlers from falling out.

• If your dog runs away from you DQG \RX ÀQDOO\ catch up to it, no matter how angry you are at the dog, do not yell or smack it or it will never come to you when called for fear of being punished.

You might consider installing an alarm system. About thirty percent of all homes do have alarm systems which is how we know that homes without an alarm are 2 to 3 times more likely to be broken into.

And, to help deter those burglars who would enter at night, install “dusk to dawn� security lighting on the outside of your home near every door. Be sure to remove convenient hiding places near the doors by trimming back all the shrubbery, making the house very visible. Burglars do not want to be seen!

• Do not make your dog walk on extremely hot or cold asphalt, cement, etc. If it is too hot for you to walk barefoot, then chances are that it is too hot for your dog also.

But, it is not enough to simply have an alarm system. While the noise may seem reassuring and off-putting, it rarely stops the burglar. The alarm system must be monitored, so police are dispatched in the event of a break-in. The system must also have a wireless back-up, so cutting a phone line won’t disable the monitoring feature. The most common failure experienced with an alarm system is human failure. Don’t forget to set the alarm! You may want to improve the locks on your doors and windows. In fact, simply using the existing locks would prevent the thirty percent of all entries that are made through unlocked doors and windows. Many of the older style locks are easily defeated, so relocking your home with more current models would be a good investment. Make it very apparent that you are serious about home security by

Finally, don’t hide a key under the mat or under that special rock in the garden. Yes, burglars do know where to look. Give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or put one in a locking key-box, similar to the ones realtors use. Burglars will always find a home to break into. Your objective is to simply make your home look less inviting than other homes in the area. Handyman Bob offers home improvement advice on his radio show, Around The House, every Saturday from noon to 2:00 on FM News 101 KXL. And, during the week, he is a relationship marketing consultant. For more information, visit his website, www.SendOutCards.com/ HandymanBob.

Cudi

• Do not leave your dog in the car unattended on hot days. Even with the windows open, temperatures in cars WILL reach deadly levels. It only takes ÀYH PLQXWHV ,I \RX VHH D GRJ ORFNHG LQ D YHU\ KRW FDU WU\ DQG KHOS EHIRUH LW V too late.

• When your dog is teething, buy a few (cheap) washcloths, soak with water and put it in the freezer. When fully frozen, give it to the dog to chew. (Be careful when doing this with very small dogs, as they may get a chill. • Is your dog digging? Try putting cayenne pepper in the holes—they don't like the sensation when they go back to dig again. • Dog urination burns your lawn? Try giving them some tomato juice every day (either in a bowl or on their food) and it should solve the problem.

Brought to you by HUGH Realty www.hughrealty.com • 503-922-3123

Modern real estate made simple

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allthingsrealestatepdx.com | 11


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Enjoy expansive views of 3 mountains, downtown Vancouver, and North Portland Harbor in this stunning river-view townhome style condo. Renovated and UHDG\ IRU \RX ZLWK QHZ KDUGZRRG à RRUV FRXQWHUWRSV paint, carpet, and appliances! Enjoy over 500 Sq Ft of outdoor space on 3 decks, as well as a gorgeous Clubhouse with pool, hot tub, and gym. 3 bdrm • 4 bth • 2642 sq ft MLS# 15101731 • $514,900 Dustin Pruitt, The Hasson Company: 503-926-3272

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12 | allthingsrealestatepdx.com


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