Holiday Tips for Dogs and Cats

I normally write about real estate and the great Portland/Vancouver region–which is so beautiful this time of year–but I saw a handout full of tips for keeping pets safe during the holidays and wanted to share it.  Thanks to the great staff at Laurelhurst Veterinary Hospital* for sharing these tips.  We have three cats, and I’m always hyper-aware of how the changes this time of year affect them.

1. Keep holiday decorations out of reach.  Many of materials used to make holiday decorations can be dangerous to animals if ingested–tinsel, ribbons, artificial snow.  And, also make sure to keep low-hanging ornaments on the tree out of reach of excitable kitties!
2. Beware of cold weather hazards.  Keep them inside and warm, of course, especially if you have a cat who goes outside.  Also, people use salt and other chemicals to keep sidewalks clear, and those can present dangers to animals, so wipe off their paws after outdoor winter adventures.  Finally, be very vigilant about keeping pets away from anti-freeze, which is highly toxic. 
3. Keep table scraps on the table.  A lot of our holiday foods are very fatty and full of fragile bones, so think twice before tossing that turkey leg to fido.
4. Keep holiday plants high off the ground.  Those pretty holiday plants are quite toxic when ingested, so keep holly, poinsettia and mistletoe away from where the pets can get them.  Also, be careful your pets cannot get under the tree and drink water from the Christmas tree stand!
5. Give your pet the gift of a microchip.  If your dog or cat is not ID’d with tags or a microchip,  now is the time to do it.  This is time of year when visitors come and go, and your beloved pet might sneak out, or the visitor might think it is okay to let them out.

*Laurelhurst Veterinary Hospital is the best vet I’ve come across in all my years of being a crazy cat guy.  They are so professional, compassionate and reasonably priced.  We take our senior tabby Rat there twice a week for a simple procedure, and they greet him like Norm walking into Cheers.  Thanks to the great staff there!

Fabulous ‘Hoods–Irvington & Hollywood & Inner NE Portland

This article was originally published at FabulousPDX.com.

There are many, many things to love about Irvington and the inner Northeast Portland neighborhoods—the architecture, the trees, the farmers markets, the easy public transportation—but my favorite thing is that you can take Broadway to Hollywood.  How much more Fabulous can a neighborhood be?!?

Before we get to Hollywood and the other NE Portland ‘hoods, let’s start in grand old Irvington.  Everyone loves Irvington. It is historic, has incredible homes, and is filled with trees, trees, and more trees.  Founded in the late 1800s Irvington was one of the first upper middle class neighborhoods in Portland, thanks to the burgeoning trolley car system that cost only a nickel (which is five cents more than riding the MAX from nearby Lloyd Center into downtown via the free rail zone!).

Walking around Irvington today, you will see many homes with signs marking them as “Century Homes,” meaning they have been in the neighborhood for 100 years. And, a few select abodes have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Thanks to the diverse collection of well-maintained arts-and-crafts, craftsman and colonial revival homes, the entire Irvington district is now included in the National Register.   Want a peek inside? Each May, you can get an inside look at some of the homes if you come for a stroll through the Irvington Home Tour.

But it is not just the homes and impressive tree-lined streets….there is a lot to love in Irvington. The Irvington Club has been around since 1898, providing tennis courts and more to local residents. Irving Park, which used to be a racetrack, offers fields and courts for nearly every sport and an off-leash dog run.  And, there are popular eateries like Cadillac Café and the acclaimed Frank’s Noodle House.

Irvington even has a gay bar for goodness sake!  Joq’s has been a neighborhood fixture for years, a friendly drop-in joint like Cheers.  What?  It isn’t in Irvington you say?  Okay, being on the southside of Broadway means it is technically in Sullivan’s Gulch.  Named for one of Portland’s founders, The Gulch is a cute and affordable neighborhood nestled between Irvington and Highway 84.  Sullivan’s Gulch is also home to the Portland Chapter of the LGBT-positive Metropolitan Community Church.

The Hollywood District is the next big stop to the east of Irvington.  On Saturday’s, you can wander from the bountiful Farmer’s Market to the lovely Hollywood Library, one of the busiest branch libraries in the entire country (plus, it includes a tribute to local author Beverly Cleary).  Catch an indie flick at the vintage Hollywood Theatre after picking up some graphic novels at the flagship Things from Another World comic book store (cute nerd alert!).  And, you know you want to join one of the queer bowling leagues at Hollywood Bowl!

Looking for fabulous Irvington style homes, but with million dollar views?  Then head up the ridge to the Alameda and Beaumont neighborhoods.  Some stunning homes dot the neighborhood, especially those built by the late architect Kenneth Berkmeier.  And, you will find many wonderful restaurants and boutiques all along Fremont Street, like Ristretto Roasters artisanal coffee, Beaumont Market for groceries, Alameda Brewhouse, and the popular Foot Traffic running shoe store.  (FYI…Christmas on Fremont Street is not to be missed!).

Come stroll through Irvington and the surrounding ‘hoods someday soon and see how truly Fabulous Inner Northeast Portland is.

Should I Buy a Home in Portland Or Vancouver?

I love working with homebuyers and people relocating to the area who are still in the process of choosing between living in the Portland Metro area in Oregon or just across the river in the Vancouver/Camas area. 

I get asked quite frequently, “Which one is better?”  Well, you know how I’m going to answer!  “That all depends on your needs and priorities.”  If there was a clear, simple answer, then everyone would live in one of those areas and the other one would be an unspoiled paradise. 

So, why do some people choose Vancouver over Portland–and vice versa?  Let’s look at some key factors.

Homes and Values:  Prices tend to be a bit lower on the Washington side, and you often get “more house” for your money.  This means that you may be able to be a 2-bedroom house in Portland for $250,000, but that same amount might buy you a 4-bedroom house on a larger lot in Vancouver.  Some claim that the housing stock in Portland is superior to Vancouver.  While it is true that Portland is home to some stunning real estate, it is also true that there are some gorgeous homes and neighborhoods throughout Clark County. 

Work and Commute: Quality of life is very important, and no one moves to the Portland area to spend a lot of time sitting in a car.  Traffic and commute patterns are vitally important to day-to-day happiness.  The traffic tends to be heaviest heading toward downtown Portland, whether you are coming south from Vancouver or north up from Wilsonville.  And, the reverse is true in the afternoon.  So, even though you might be getting a great deal on a home in Vancouver, make sure you are willing to put up with a traffic-filled commute if you work standard hours in Portland.  However, keep in mind that many locations in Vancouver are quite close to Oregon.  I can get from Mill Plain and 205 in Vancouver to Portland’s Hollywood District in less than 15 minutes, on most days.

Income Tax: The fact that Washington state has no personal income tax is a major factor for many people, especially for retirees and people who work at home.  Depending on your circumstances, living and working in Washington could amount to a small raise.  Of course, everyone’s situation is different and I highly recommend that you consult a financial advisor (I am not a financial advisor, and am merely sharing the factors that affect some people’s homebuying decisions. I’m happy to refer a wonderful advisor who is skilled in working with people on both sides of the state line). 

Sales Tax: On the flip side, Oregon is one of two states that does not have sales tax.  This might not mean much when you are buying a latte or a new scarf, but it really adds up when it comes to buying your weekly groceries.  Now imagine how much you might save on items for your home by not paying sales tax on…a furnace? new flooring? furniture?  Of course, you could live in Washington and spend your money in Oregon, but that becomes more complicated on large, complex purchases like a furnace or flooring.

Property Taxes:  Property taxes are going to be somewhat less in Washington, but your tax rate is affected by so many factors that it might not actually make that much of a difference.  If keeping property taxes low is a top priority, look into properties tagged to be included in tax abatement programs (I’ve seen a number of nice proporties with negligible property taxes in North Portland) or take advantage of exceptions, like being a senior citizen. 

Excise Taxes: Washington State charges a small excise tax on the sale of a home.  So, if you plan on buying a home that you may turn around and sell within 5-10 years, this is a future expense to keep in mind. There are currently no excise or transfer taxes in Oregon, except for a small one in Washington County.

So, what are your key criteria in looking for a home?  Take the time to write down what is most important to you, and spend time visiting neighbrohoods on both sides of the river.  I’m always happy to have a conversation with buyers about their real estate needs and priorities.  Let me know what is on your mind!

SRES–Seniors Real Estate Specialist

 

I am proud to announce that I now officially have the Realtor designation of SRES–Seniors Real Estate Specialist.  I have always enjoyed working with seniors on their real estate needs, and now I have the training (and the logo!) to back me up.

I decided to get the designation back in the spring when I volunteered at the Gay & Grey Expo here in Portland at Friendly House.  I was so impressed by the wealth of resources and committed professionals in the Portland / Vancouver region, that I wanted to step it up (I also got connected with Bridgetown Realty–my new home in Portland–at the event!). I look forward to being involved with the expo again in 2012 (Save the Date–May 12, 2012). 

As one of the few Realtors with the SRES designation who is licensed in both Oregon and Washington, I look forward to working with clients who have needs that bridge the Columbia River.  And, sometimes, seniors relocating to the area need assistance deciding which state to reside in–there are many factors, from climate to taxes to community resources, to consider.  As always, I’m happy to help.

I’m also one of the few SRES agents in the region focused on the LGBT community.  As our community ages out and proud, we are going to face unique challenges–financially and socially–and I look forward to being a part of the future that lies ahead. 

I’ll be starting a senior resource page here at CoreyNorthwest.com in the coming weeks, and hope it is a living resource that you can depend on and return to.  If you ever have a question about senior resources, please let me know.  If I can’t answer it, I’m sure my partner of 17+ years will know (He is a librarian currently specializing in senior social services and getting a gerontology certificate). 

If you or someone you know has senior housing needs–especially if help is needed in both states and/or with LGBT issues–please give me a call.  I look forward to working with you.

The Harsh Truth Is…..Time to Think About Winterizing

We all know it, but have been afraid to utter it, for fear of jinxing it and making it worse.  Fall has arrived colder and faster than usual.  Snow is already falling in Cascades.  Shorts are being put away and sweaters are being de-pilled.  What’s next….winter? 

Looks like Winter 2011 will be here sooner than later, so now is the time to start prepping your home.  Here are a few important winterizing tips you will probably need for your home.  This is nowhere near comprehensive, but should be a good start.

• Weatherstrip your doors and caulk your windows.
• Get up on that roof and make sure flashing is secure and see if there are any loose shingles.  Clean out those gutters, and cut away any tree branches that might pose a risk to your roof.
• Change your furnace filters and get a furnace inspection.
• Clean the chimney, make sure the damper works, and check the cap.
• Install your storm windows.  Those windows in the basement need their plastic shields. Cracked window glass should be replaced.
• Insulate exposed exterior pipes and seal up and cracks or other outside exposure.
• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order and have new batteries.
• Seal up cracks and entry points to the foundation and crawlspace.  Ensure moist soil isn’t in direct contact with the foundation.
• If you are going away for a short period, keep your heater on at a low temperature (maybe about 60 degrees).  If you are going away for an extended amount of time, consider having your home professionally winterized. 

Let’s all admit that winter is coming.  Embrace it.  Stock up on firewood or heating oil before prices go up.  And, get a nice crock of soup or chili going on the stovetop. 

Oh, and come stock up on books to read for the winter.  I volunteer with the Friends of the Library, and the huge annual book sale is Halloween weekend.  See you there!

Cost vs Value vs Utility

When working with clients, I often get asked for advice about making improvements to the home and how much bang for the buck the changes will deliver down the road when the house is eventually up for sale.

You may be familiar with the annual Cost vs. Value report, but that is not always very helpful and practical when making specific plans for your own home. Here are some of my thoughts on the topic.

Make sure that utility is preserved.  If you are going to be living in the home for some time before it comes on the market, make sure the improvements are such that you will enjoy using them as part of your home.  Also, keep in mind that certain rooms need certain basic features.  A bedroom is really only a bedroom if it has legal height, a window with egress and a usable closet. 

Anywhere you can add basic utility is a good thing. Maybe the laundry is an awkward location.  Creating a more usable laundry space in a more convenient location would add a lot of utility. 

Make sure to do the work to code with permits.  If a buyer down the road has to worry about code violations or permit issues, then the value will not be as strong. This will add to the cost of the project, but will help maintain the value down the road and makes it easier to sell.

There is a difference between improvements and upgrades.  Improvements bring a room or feature that is in disrepair up to a livable standard.  For instance, maybe you have an old kitchen with out of date décor and appliances that are on their last legs.  New basic appliances and some simple redecorating can go a long way to improve the room and value.  An upgrade would be installing top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances and granite slab countertops.  You may not see as much of a return on the upgrade than on simple improvements, especially if the upgrades are incongruent with the condition of the rest of the home.

Always remember that there is no way to truly predict the economy and home prices in the future, so that is always part of the risk no matter what the house or the project is.  That is why I urge people to make changes and improvements that they enjoy and will use and find value in.  That way if you aren’t able to recoup every penny of the costs, at least you got utility from them.

Fabulous ‘Hoods–Vancouver

This article was originally published at FabulousPDX.com.

Vancouver, Washington is probably the best kept secret amongst the Fabulous Hoods of the Portland Metro area. A lot of you readers think there may not be anything there for you, but think again.  Yes, it is quite different than Portland, and defiantly so, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to appreciate and enjoy.  And, there is A LOT across the river in Vancouver, just about ten minutes away.

Vancouver walked into the spotlight in early 2011 when The Advocate ranked it as the sixth most “gay friendly” city in the country in their fun (and highly unscientific poll).  That put it ahead of every other west coast city, to everyone’s surprise.  While the local LGBT community had a lot of fun with that article (especially when some Portlanders gnashed their teeth and get red in the face about it), the truth is that Clark County has had the largest growth in queer households of any PDX region.  Why?  Well, my sources tell me that some of the reasons include (1) Washington’s civil rights are even more progressive than Oregon, (2) the tax issue and (3) because it isn’t Portland. 

So, what is there in Vancouver?  This is a community that comes together through events and gatherings.  Each July, you can come to Saturday in the Park, Vancouver’s “family friendly” pride event with local queer nonprofits, businesses and entertainers.  It is a fun laidback picnic-like environment that is inclusive of everyone.  The local court—the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Raintree Empire—stage events and fundraisers on a near-monthly basis that brings out a diverse crowd.  Queer youth come together via Triple Point, a multi-faceted program providing safe spaces and social connections.  And, many of the organizations hold events to raise funds for Martha’s Pantry, a local support service for those living with HIV and AIDS.

One of the best ways to keep abreast of what is happening in Vancouver to regularly visit the community website www.GayVancouverWA.org, which is run by the local PFLAG chapter and the Sexual Minority Leadership Roundtable.  There you can find fun social gatherings, like potlucks with the VanBoys and the Les Couve Groove, gay-friendly churches and other resources for almost anything you need.

More and more LGBT-owned businesses are making themselves known throughout Clark County. Canine Utopia has special treats and toys for all of the dogs and cats in your life.  Get a massage and a facial at The Spa at Esther Short Park….a lovely escape in downtown Vancouver.  Two Monkeys can handle any and all of your special printing needs—from tee shirts to banners.  And, Tim Bias at Farmers Insurance can help you with all of your insurance needs.  (Oh, and I can help you buy and sell real estate throughout Clark County).

And, I’m sure you are curious about the housing.  One of the main draws for LGBTers to reside in Vancouver is the tax benefits, but there is more than that.  You can usually get a lot more house for your money in Clark County, as opposed to Portland.  And, if you want a larger lot size with room to roam, Vancouver might be the place for you.  The housing stock is diverse, and many of the schools have high rankings.  And, you have a nice variety of neighborhoods to choose from, such as the hip uptown section of Vancouver along Main Street and the suburbs with a view up on Prune Hill in Camas.  There is something for almost everyone.

So, do yourself a favor and make some new friends in Vancouver….one of the friendliest and fastest growing LGBT communities in the country.