Cherry blossoms in bloom along the westbank of the Willamette River!

It definitely doesn’t rain ALL the time in Portland Oregon.  As a matter of fact, we often enjoy these unexpected explosions of early Springtime.  If we weren’t true Oregonians, we’d be packing away our sweater and galoshes and pulling out the flip-flops and shorts.  But, we know this is just a welcome “tease”.  As I was “tooling along on my townie”, I noted that I am constantly amazed at the beauty, the cleanliness and the diversity of Portland!  I enjoy seeing that “Spring had Sprung”, then bike over one of the ten outstanding bridges in downtown to the eastbank of the Willamette River and check out rowing lessons.  

Rowing lessons offered on the eastbank of the river!

A little further down the eastbank is the OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) with the ever-changing array of exhibits and the IMAX theatre. More info at OMSI .

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

 Then back across the Hawthorne Bridge to head down to the South Waterfront and check out the new construction there.  Despite a challenged real estate market, they continue with the development.  The park is almost finished and will add an inviting element for the enclave.  The tram to OHSU still a relative new addition to the Portland skyline.  Tram info (including schedule): OHSU Tram

The tram on it's way up "Pill Hill" to OHSU

 Biking back to downtown with what seemed like the entire population of the Portland metro area all enjoying the sunshine and warmth, you would occasionally see what “keeps Portland weird”.  

Bagpiper on unicycle Strolling musician!

 And, finally a bite to eat at the Saturday Market.  Today market the “Grand Opening” of the 37th annual Portland Saturday Market!  See Saturday Market .

Tie-dye and flambuoyance at the Portland Saturday Market!

And, a possible Jimi Hendrix sighting???   

Jimi, is that you???

One of my favorite Jimi Hendrix tunes:  “All Along the Watchtower” 

Here are some sights from an earlier summer N. Mississippi Street Fair:

and music and fun happening at the Lompoc/5th Quadrant and Pix Patisserie on N. Williams and N. Failing:

I love the energy of this area!  It’s been developing for awhile and it’s young and hip and full of life and hope! The location is so great, only moments from NE Broadway, N Mississippi and right on the bike lane to downtown (on the corner of NE Failing where the bike/pedestrian bridge crosses from N. Portland).  Also, easy access at the Fremont on-ramp for motoring commutes on I-5 or I-405!!  I love real estate!!  .  It’s an investment you can touch, feel, get your hands dirty, drive by and enjoy!

Here is a coupon for $2 of tickets to the Street of Dreams if you would like to visit or share with a friend!

The 2009 NW Natural Street of Dreams “Views of the Pearl” opens August 1 and showcases four of Portland’s premiere condominium home developments, featuring nine incredible penthouses ranging in price from $1 to $2.5 million. With a focus on LEED standard and eco-friendly materials, the dream condos include the latest in home innovations and design, including wrap around balconies and hot tubs with a stunning city view. New to the show is the Pearl Pass, which is not only your ticket to the show, but also a savings card to over 80 Pearl area businesses.  Click on the link below, enter “2off” at check out for $2 savings on your 2009 Pearl Pass.  Enjoy the show.

http://www.streetofdreamspdx.com/info-and-tickets/info-and-tickets.php

Ok, this local Portland, Oregon arctic storm weather has not helped an already challenged real estate market.  For buyers low, low, low interest rates hit simultaneously with a chunk o’ ice, snow and cold temps.  Thus, in the last two weeks I’ve had to cancel multiple showings to interested buyers.  A great time to buy, no doubt!!  We have the lowest interest rates in years coupled with some of the lowest housing prices.  So, there’s an easy remedy there.  I’ll reschedule after the holidays with interested buyers. 

What to do if you’re a seller is truly the question of the New Year!!  If you are buying and selling in the same market, sellers and buyers need a “Come to Jesus” moment where we truly evaluate what your perceived losses might really be?  It’s true, if you sold your home a year ago or even 6 months ago, the end result would’ve been different.  But, so will it be different for you as a buyer!!  If you’re moving out of state, your attitude is, of course, completely contingent upon where you are moving (but, isn’t it always???).  If you are selling due to the unfortunate loss of a job or some other life-defining circumstances, you have to evaluate reducing your pain.  Are you lucky enough to have equity to absorb the current and temporary “paper” loss of equity?  If so, I would simply move forward with your life plan.  If you were counting on “x” amount of accrued equity to move forward, you might reassess and find that moving forward is not as expensive as you once thought.  If you are forced to sell and find that you have do not yet have enough equity or have lost ground, then you have to consider the best options to lessen the impact on your life.  First you should research all options your present lender might offer.  A short sale will many times be preferable to a foreclosure. 

We’ve all lost $$$, for the moment, on all our real estate investments as well as our retirement portfolios.  These cycles are just that:  “cycles”.  And, timing is everything