Monthly Archives: July 2010

Buy Emotionally, Justify Logically

One of the smartest people I know often notes that people make purchases emotionally and justify logically. And, I am realizing that this applies to screwdrivers as much as it applies to real estate. We buy what we want or … Continue reading

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Neighborhood Focus: Irvington

My first Neighborhood Focus was about my own ‘hood, Sullivan’s Gulch. Of course, when I tell people I live in The Gulch, I am met with blank stares. So, then I say that Sullivan’s Gulch is just southeast of Irvington. … Continue reading

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Moving Day Tips

OK…let’s cut to the chase. Buying a house is all about moving in and making it a home. The searching is done, the inspections are in, the papers are signed, and the keys are in hand. But there is one … Continue reading

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Sunday Open House–July 18–1pm to 3pm

I will be holding an open house this Sunday, July 18 from 1pm to 3pm for my colleague Ron Holbrook. The address is 3322 SE 164th Ave between Division and Powell. This listing is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath home … Continue reading

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The FHA 203k Fixer Loan is Not an Urban Legend

The FHA 203k “fixer loan” is not an urban legend. It exists right here in Portland. For years, buyers have been asking me about the possibly mythical FHA fixer loan they had heard about. Like a classic urban legend, everyone … Continue reading

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Oregon’s New Carbon Monoxide Rules for Homes and Rentals

As you may have heard, the State of Oregon implemented some strict new rules this year regarding carbon monoxide detectors. This affects both homesellers and landlords with rental properties. Here is a quick summary of the new laws. And, here … Continue reading

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My New House Needs a Title? But, I’m Not an Author!

The question running through many first time homebuyers minds when they get to escrow and title is, “I can’t just own my home? I have to tell them HOW I will own it? What does that even mean?!?” Time for … Continue reading

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Neighborhood Focus–Buckman

Last weekend I was out wandering, as I am keen to do on a beautiful Portland morning, and I found my self looking around Buckman. And, my first thought was, “Buckman? I could live here!” Buckman is located primarily between … Continue reading

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The $8,000 Tax Credit is Gone. Now What?

April 30, 2010 was probably the busiest day of real estate negotiations in many many months. The $8,000 federal tax credit expired that day. Homebuyers had to have an accepted offer and officially be “in contract” on that date to … Continue reading

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Why You Shouldn’t Buy a House

I am going to say something not a lot of Realtors will say. Wait for it. Hang on. almost there. Are you ready? Not everyone should buy a house. I know, I know. You are thinking this particular Realtor must … Continue reading

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