yeah…that’s right!  I NEED a job!!  And, I’m not just referring to the fact that in a real estate career, you wake up every morning looking for your next job.  I’m referring to a deep requirement for that feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment.

I’ve always been a hard worker, nose-t0-the-grindstone and all that jazz.  In the last few years I’ve been giving myself the gift of more travel.  And, it IS a gift!  I’ve always had a sense of adventure and have enjoyed new experiences but I’ve had the recent luxury of getting away more.  And, I’ve learned so much…such as:

• patience (in airports)
• tolerance (for those whose ideas and cultures differ from mine)
• confidence (in new situations)
• graciousness (towards other human beings)
• joy (in new experiences)
• intrigue (what’s around the next corner?)
• relaxation (from getting out of my regular routine)
• appreciation (for home and hearth)
• gratitude (for the incredible privilege we enjoy in our country, that I sometimes take for granted)

Stay safe this holiday season and enjoy time with family and friends!  Inspect all of your decorations and electrical lighting before using them. While you’re enjoying the holidays this year, it’s important to pay attention to some of the things that may affect your safety.  It’s not rocket science, but worth a reminder every year!!!

• Extension cords should not be placed under the carpet or rugs or bundled together which could cause overheating.
• Limit three standard size sets of lights to a single extension cord.
• Consider using portable or permanent ground fault circuit interrupters with all lighting to avoid possible shocks.
• Turn off holiday lights when you leave the home or got to bed.
• Avoid using candles near trees or wreaths.
• Do not allow natural trees to dry out during the time they’re displayed to potential fire hazard.
• Make certain that all trees are on a firm, steady base to avoid tipping over.
• Don’t burn wrapping paper in fireplaces.
• Small children are particularly susceptible to accidents and should be protected from potential harm.

as we approach Thanksgiving Day it is customary to give thanks and reflect on all that’s good in the world! I live a charmed life…not perfect…but charmed, nonetheless!  I want to give a shout-out to the universe that I am grateful, grateful, grateful!!! I love living life, with all it’s trials and tribulations.  I’m happy my children are healthy and safe.  I’m challenged by a job that proves that overcoming obstacles give life meaning and purpose.  I’m blessed with the good sense to know that my health is my #1 wealth and the discipline to try to do something about it.  I cherish my friendships.  I appreciate my family.  I have gratitude that I continue to want to learn new things.  I thank my dedicated, focused and always interesting client base that has supported me all these years!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Sometimes I feel like I mark the passages of my life by the homes I sell. As a drive neighborhoods, I pass old listings or see homes that I’ve helped buyers purchase and I think “oh, that was when my daughter was in grade school” or “that’s when my son got his first guitar”, etc! After 25+ years in the biz, I’ve seen a lot of homes!!! I fell into my profession totally by accident (if you believe in accidents). It’s an industry cliche’, but true nonetheless, that I was sadly facing the demise of my marriage and with two little mouths to feed (and not a lot of help) when I started my real estate business. I was teaching dance, performing with a local dance ensemble, being a mother and quickly saw the reality of my situation. My income was not going to “carry the load”!

Somehow I knew my skill set included consultation, sales and service. But, after multiple interviews and realizing lack of experience was in my way, someone said “have you ever considered selling real estate”. Of course, my answer was “no”. I don’t think youngsters dream of selling real estate….fireman, Princess, movie star, Doctor, Astronaut…yes, but not “Real Estate Broker”!

After taking the required courses and passing the state exam, I was encouraged by the number of Broker/Owner/Managers willing to hire me. I guess I didn’t realize that giving me a desk, a phone and a slap on the back was fairly low-risk for them! And, so began my real estate career in Eugene, OR. I worked diligently to fill in the “gaps” in my classroom training (i.e: learn everything you actually really need to know) and began the challenge of building a business (while carting children here & there and waiting tables at night initially to cushion being totally self-employed)!!

Again, when I decided that I was Portland-bound in ’91 (more opportunity in a larger market), I secured the position of representing a line of tile to pay/pave the way, as I re-started my trade in a new market. Real estate is not a “what you know” but a “who you know” business (and I knew no one)! Some of my first (and still cherished clients) were and are the architects and designers that I called on to peddle my tile!!

The real estate profession is exciting/exhausting, buoyant/brutal, relevant/relentless, inspiring/intimidating and most of all challenging…definitely not for “wussies”! I wake up everyday “looking for my next job”! The last couple of years have been hard; sharing a lot of pain, heartache and frustration with clients is never a good time. But, when people ask, “is this the worst market you’ve ever experienced?”, I think back to starting as a “newbie” with two small children, two jobs and interest rates at 13% and say “absolutely not!!!”

PS: thank you to my dedicated, focused and always interesting client base that has supported me all these years!

Just in case you have missed my awe-inspiring real estate opinions, I’ve been on vacation! Yes…VACA…and for 3 weeks, no less! So, here are my experiences in a VERY “Reader’s Digest Condensed Version”. Enjoy…

Traveling is a great gift, especially the experiencing of different cultures! It brings a new revitalized appreciation of home, a feeling of just how small and inter-connected we all really are juxtaposed with a sense of wonder at how simultaneously unique and special are the differences!!

My recent opportunity to travel with my sister and brother-in-law in Australia and New Zealand was fantastic. The people in both countries have cultivated a ever-so-relaxed and un-rehearsed friendliness that welcomes and embraces visitors. I attempted to post as many photos on Facebook (www.facebook/janeesejackson plus I’ve included a gallery of photos at the end of my post) along the way as time and free and/or accessible Internet connection allowed! As with all my various travels, I tried to be grateful for the chance for this experience!

Our travels began in Sydney, Australia where a long-time fascination with the Iconic Sydney Opera House was rewarded. I’m not huge on organized tours, but took one of the Opera House and learned a lot about the planning and building (not to mention $$$) involved in such an over-whelming project. It was an impressive feat of engineering to say the very least (a “shout-out” to the patience and vision of the powers-that-were)!!!  We enjoyed views from the Sydney Tower.  And, the Sydney aquarium was another highlight, where you walked thru glass tunnels as the various sea creatures swam by you! Sharks, turtles and fish… Oh my!

Ferry from Manly Beach viewing Sydney Australia Opera House!

Views from Sydney Tower, Sydney Australia

Jellyfish @Sydney Australia Aquarium

Sydney was an exciting city but we left to head north to tropical Cairns (pronounced “Cans”), Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef! We signed on with a group called “Wave Lengths” for an outstanding day snorkeling at three different sites on the reef. We saw sharks, large turtles, Parrot fish, giant clams, a multitude of exciting and colorful fish and the living, breathing reef itself!!! We also took the sky rail tram, which lifted us up over the rainforest (with several scenic stops) to Kuranda Village. The rain forest foliage alone was worth the trip! We took the view-filled train ride back from Kuranda back to Cairns (not quite as awesome as depicted nor as inspiring as the sky rail, in my opinion). Fresh and delicious seafood dinners were a highlight in the small vacation town of Port Douglas!

Barron Falls, Rain Forest, Kuranda Australia

Next we flew south to the sub-tropical city of Brisbane (pronounced “Bris-Bun”). What a fun, cosmopolitan and beautiful city!!! I kept commenting that it reminded me of the “Portland of Australia” with it’s myriad of bridges crossing the river and various waterfront venues. Portland should mimic their man-made inner-city beach and “hop-on, hop-off” combo bus and water taxi system to navigate their fair city!

South Bank man-made beach, Brisbane, Australia

View of Brisbane, Australia from South Bank

We left Australia and flew next to Christchurch, New Zealand where my brother-in-law had been teaching at the University of Canterbury. The next couple of days were spent enjoying the city and lamenting the loss of life and commanding historic buildings to the whims of Mother Nature and her recent earthquakes!!

remains of church after earthquake, Christchurch, New Zealand

earthquake destroys historic bldg, downtown Christchurch, NZ

Road Trip!!! We rented a car and my brother-in-law bravely volunteered to drive (on the “wrong” side of the road, no less) as we headed north for Abel Tasman National Park through some gloriously beautiful countryside! We spent one day in the park with a group that took you a ways into the park via water taxi, rented kayaks and paddled out to Tonga Island to visit a seal colony. The seals would swim and frolic alongside your boat (and were reported to often jump on the boats). The second half of the day involved hiking from our lunch spot to Torrence Bay enjoying great vistas along the Tasman Sea. We stayed that night at a picturesque apple farm called Eden’s Edge that rented to travelers referred to as “backpacker” lodges (very European) …tho’ not fancy this one was very comfortable. It’s relatively inexpensive lodging and what a fabulous setting!

Eden's Edge near Abel Tasman Nat'l Park, New Zealand

After two nights at Eden’s Edge we continued north thru the cute town of Nelson where we stopped at the WOW Museum of Classic Cars and Wearable Art, strolled South St (the oldest, preserved street in New Zealand…of course they’re a pretty young country), visited the Nelson Cathedral and shopped for “All Blacks” rugby paraphernalia. This country is nuts over its rugby team and since at this writing they’ve progressed to the finals against France, the frenzy is palpable. We pushed onward to spend the night at the Tombstone Backpacker Lodge in the gritty seaport town of Picton (where we would catch the ferry to the north island the following morning). These backpackers lodges are communal living with shared kitchens and common areas, private and group rooms (with and without private baths..we opted for the “private” option). Some include a light breakfast (as this one did).

Ferry ride from south island to north island, New Zealand

more ferry views NZ

The weather decided to cooperate on our three-hour ferry ride from Picton on the south island to Wellington on the north island. The city of Wellington is infamous for it’s windy, less-than-perfect weather but you would not have guessed it on this Tuesday in October (remember its early Spring in this hemisphere)!! We disembarked the ferry to partly sunny skies, checked into our hotel and headed for the famous Te Papa Museum. This interesting and FREE museum celebrates the Maori ancestry and European colonization. We stayed near Cuba St, which I had just seen on some food network show touting the culinary choices and nightlife, so we enjoyed a great dinner!

Cuba St, Wellington, New Zealand

The next morning had us heading further north over a mountain range with a hang-onto-your-stomach winding road and through major wine country to Napier on the Eastern coast. The rolling farmland countryside was fluorescent green dotted with small villages, sheep and cows…very pretty! We stopped at the Temata Winery for a bit of wine tasting where we met two brothers also traveling together. We “adopted” our new found friends for a night of dinner, too much wine (for me) and karaoke in the art deco city of Napier! This very dapper little city was leveled by an earthquake in1931 and rebuilt in the art deco styling of the time.

wine country, north island New Zealand

art deco city of Napier, New Zealand

We left Napier towards Taupo and stopped for an excellent hike heavily touted in my sister’s “Lonely Planet” book. The hike was steep and I paid my penance for the night before’s revelry but was rewarded with stunning views overlooking the valley, Lake Taupo, the city of Taupo and the three volcanoes in the distance!

views of Lake Taupo, New Zealand

And, onward to Rotorua (New Zealand’s answer to our Yellowstone Park and “ol Faithful”) with thermal pools, bubbling mud and spewing steam! A surprising highlight was the very informative and interesting museum which chronicled the initial clash and eventual melding of the indigenous Maori people and the European settlers. I have to say that New Zealand appears to have succeeded at this union much better than we did with our American Indian counterparts!

Azalea bush, Rotorua, New Zealand

thermal pools, Rotorua, New Zealand

We by-passed Tuaranga, billed as the “Riviera of New Zealand” due to the oil spill off that coast and headed for the beginning of the Coromandel Peninsula and Waihi Beach. The coastline was a reminder of the Oregon Coast…rugged and beautiful!

Waihi Beach, New Zealand

Waihi Beach, New Zealand

My last day in NZ included the beautiful Karangahake Gorge and tramping a short track there, ending in Hamilton where my sister and brother-in-law reunited with friends that had lived in the US. I thought they were, perhaps a little too happy to put me on the transport to Auckland where I would catch my plane home the next morning! .

Karangahare Gorge, New Zealand

My extremely enjoyable visit to Australia and New Zealand was over, but I was definitely ready to go home. Three weeks was a long vacation for me. I need to get back to my routine, my work, my life, my family and friends. The extra bonus of getting a second chance at Spring did not go unappreciated (especially after our rather dismal excuse for a springtime in 2011 in the Pacific NW)! I also appreciate our cheap gas, electricity and abundant wireless access in the US!

I learned to like the game of rugby!  It’s fast and furious, few commercials and I was relieved to hear that the New Zealand “All Blacks” finally brought the World Cup trophy home again.  I learned about the HAKA (originally a Maori tribe ritual to instill fear and trepidation into their potential enemies..now a pre-game rugby ritual for the All Blacks).

two fellow "trackers" demonstrate the "HAKA"

I learned to appreciate how New Zealand has incorporated the Maori culture into their everyday lives.  The Maori museum in Rotorua was very informative!

I took away some impressions, such as the fierce independence of the Australians (they have a very large and rugged country) and the inclusive friendliness of the New Zealanders (they have a very small country). Somehow, there’s probably a correlation there!

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Have You Considered a Home Energy Audit?

October is here!  (One of my 12 favorite months!!).  :-) .  The cool mornings, the brisk air, the turning leaves…the turning on of the heat source.  With the exception of a mortgage payment, the largest homeowner expenses can be utilities or food.  There are lots of contributing factors to high utility bills (such as air leaks, insulation, heating and cooling equipment, water heaters and lighting).  But, all the same do we have to live in the dark?  Turn off our AC in the sweltering heat?  Pile on sweaters in the winter?  I guess it’s just how much do your various utility bills stretch your budget?  Or how conscious you try to be about your energy usage for environmental reasons?

I’ve read that it is estimated that 75% of the electricity to power home electronics is consumed when the products are turned off. Computers, monitors, TVs, cable and satellite boxes, DVRs and power adaptors are spinning your electric meter even when they’re not being used!  Even Oprah did a show on how unplugging devices can actually make a difference in the size of your electric bill. Of course, if you’re like me, unplugging your access to the world wide web might give you just a bit of anxiety.  Plugging several of these offenders into a power strip with a single on/off switch may make the task easier (or not). Most computers have options to put them into sleep mode or even turn off when not in use.

Take 3 1/2 minutes and watch Energy 101. Consider hiring a professional home energy auditor or do-it-yourself. The Department of Energy has a checklist with some valuable suggestions, as well.

It’s obviously going to be a Herculean task for Congress to balance the budget and reduce the deficit. It’s sort of like the country song lyric that goes “everyone wants to go to Heaven but nobody wants to go now.” It is estimated that the mortgage interest deduction cost the government $100 Billion last year which is why it is a target for cuts.

The Mortgage Interest Deduction has been part of Income Tax laws in this country since 1913. The United States of America is one of the few countries in the world that allows such a deduction. Our goverment has always supported homeownership as is evidenced in the different tax benefits it receives:

• Mortgage interest deduction up to $1,000,000 in acquisition debt on a principal residence and second home
• Deduction of interest on Home Equity debt of $100,000 over acquisition debt used for any purpose
• Capital gain exclusion on up to $500,000 for married couples filing jointly and $250,000 for single homeowners
• Favorable long-term capital gain rates if gain exceeds exclusion limits
• Property tax deduction

There is an interesting relationship between a good economy and a healthy housing market. Contrasted to profits from the stock market which tend to be plowed back into other investments, profits from home sales tend to be spent on consumer products that directly benefit the economy.

The National Association of REALTORS supports the MID (Mortgage Interest Deduction) and reports that one job is created for every two homes sold. It further states that $60,000 is pumped into the economy for each home sold and that homeownership accounts for over $2 Trillion of the U.S. gross domestic product.  Now, I can’t personally back up those numbers, but I do know that home owners contribute in taxes paid, consumer spending and consumer confidence!

American homeowers are currently paying 80-90% of all federal income tax collected. Some economists believe that a healthy housing market is a leading indicator for economic recovery and that tampering with a significant homeowner benefit like the mortgage interest deduction would hurt the economy!

I know I’m totally “off-subject” (maybe that’s a relief???).  I’m always writing about real estate: Blah! Blah! Blah! But, there is something I want to share!  When I’m not obsessing about real estate, one of my core values is health & fitness!  I’ve always embraced some physical fitness obsession since I was in high school.  I had a teenage crush on Phil “Fang” Volk of Paul Revere and the Raiders and he was the first person I ever heard discuss a passion for fitness!  I was a “southern girl” languishing in the shade with a lemonade and fan, when first I developed my fascination for athletics!  And, so I biked, swam, danced, played tennis, down-hill skied, skate skied, added aerobics and weights, attempted to speed skate (till I broke my elbow) performed with a dance troupe and taught dance.  There was always a passion coupled with discipline!  Yet, somehow I never caught Fang’s eye????  But, I digress…

As one ages (hrummmmppppfffff!), one must try harder to keep a modicum of fitness (and stay in the same size clothes).  The laws of physics prevail and body parts you didn’t even know you had begin to sag (is that TMI???).  I am always looking for new, creative and effective ways to continue to enjoy and simultaneously be challenged by my daily work-outs.  I also need “bang for my buck” because my work schedule can be daunting.

Recently, in another of my regular work-outs at “24-Hour Fitness” a fellow devotee asked if I’d ever been a dancer.  I answered “yes, but in another life” (which is often how it feels).  She recommended the “Bar Method” in the Pearl District (located at NW 9th & Hoyt), as it combined some Pilates techniques with ballet barre.  Sounds like a reasonable combo, does it not?  So, I decided to give it a try.

WOW!

First, in the spirit of full disclosure, this is not an inexpensive work-out alternative and there’s definitely no magic pill!! This is a full commitment, tough work-out that combines building physical strength and flexibility with mental endurance and discipline!  The instructors are knowledgeable, assertive, consistent and relentless in their constant correction and attention.  This lessens the chance that you and your body learn ways to “manipulate” the system and find short-cuts to get through the exercises.  I have always appreciated classroom exercise experiences as I would never do to myself what I can accomplish with the power of “peer pressure”!!!  Often I feel I cannot complete the exercise, but continue out of pure competition and stubbornness.  I’ve been doing these “Bar Method” class since May and I’m definitely a convert.  I have already enjoyed subtle changes and increased definition in my body.  It may not be the “Fountain of Youth” but it’s a sip of the nectar of a time gone by…..

Remember:  consistency of the effort often overrides the magnitude of the effort!!!

There are some homeowners that would like to have a larger or nicer home or some that would like move down, move on or simply make a life-change, but are patiently waiting for the market to improve. A frequently heard objection is that sellers can’t sell their home for what they believe they need.

Buying up in a down market can be advantageous because while you might get less for the home you’re selling, you’re also getting the larger home for less. For instance, if you had to sell a $200,000 home for a 10% discount, you might feel that you left $20,000 on the table. However, buying a $300,000 for the same 10% discount would put you $10,000 ahead on the sale and purchase.

The other component to factor in is that when the mortgage rates could increase while you’re waiting for the market to improve, it dramatically increases your cost of housing with higher payments. The cost of housing is affected by price and mortgage rates.

To accurately evaluate your current options, you need facts and assessment tools that will provide you the information to make an informed decision. Don’t be afraid to brainstorm with seasoned and trusted real estate brokers, mortgage brokers and your CPA or tax accountant. Combine all that with your own research. Waiting might be the right option….but, it could be a long wait (with a lot of unknown financial variables). There’s no right or wrong answer, simply evaluate your and your family’s personal situation to make the best move!

]]> http://fabulousportland.com/2011/07/28/i-want-to-make-a-housing-change-but/feed/ 0 http://fabulousportland.com/2011/05/10/is-it-possible-to-integrate-health-and-wealth/ http://fabulousportland.com/2011/05/10/is-it-possible-to-integrate-health-and-wealth/#comments Tue, 10 May 2011 18:08:10 +0000 Janeese Jackson http://fabulousportland.com/?p=2209
Bhutanese Song:Pha Pelden Druk 

Is it possible to “connect the dots” in life and integrate good health, financial wealth, real estate acquisition, home & family, business organization and a sound mind?  The biggest obstacle when sustaining such a balancing act might be the “sound mind”!!!  Since childhood I’ve heard “cleanliness is next to Godliness” – (possible Hebrew proverb) or ” a sound mind in a sound body is a short but full description of a happy state in this world” – (John Locke) or is the reality ” a man who is ‘of sound mind’ is one who keeps the inner madman under lock and key” – (Paul Valery) ????  I’m thinking they are all offer some truth (but, I’m personally betting on keeping that ‘madman’ under lock and key).

We have a world where multi-tasking is an accepted and expected state of existence;  juggling family, friends, pets, careers, homes, investments and more.  So, how does one stay organized, focused, take time for exercise, raise your young children, sustain a positive influence on your grown children, take care of your aging parents, walk the dog, be aware of the present, plan for your future, make time for your friends, save the planet, experience life and not drop a ball?  If you are looking for an answer, you might have to look elsewhere.  If you are looking for a discussion, I’m your gal!!

However, I do have a few referrals that might make your life a bit easier.  It’s always about prioritizing, budgeting and making time and/or allocating money to occasionally splurge on the “extras” in life.  A level of frugality is something I respect and incorporate and often “shoot myself in the foot” by not carving out the $$$ to get the help I need. 

Maybe it’s getting someone to advise with the tedious re-organization of your office so you can accomplish those goals written on a post-it note at the bottom of a stack of papers.  Or, it might be time to hire that personal trainer to get you “jump-started” on those soon-forgotten New Year’s goals.  Maybe it’s visiting a health professional for a stress relieving massage or an assessment of some pain or discomfort.  And/or the proper care for your pet could make a difference. Perhaps, it’s including professional staging when you are preparing your home for the real estate market.  Could a life coach help you solidify your goals and give you direction? 

Some of these people might be able to help or direct, just give them a call!  None of it will be a sales spiel and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the high level of expertise you might receive:

• Valerie Aston, L.A.C., MSOM. Licensed practitioner of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine who treats a full spectrum of health concerns including: all types of pain, allergies, digestion problems, insomnia, and anxiety. For more information call: 503-432-3863 or vason.lac@gmail.com
• Tina Oliva, RYT.  Complete strength and balance.  Personal yoga instruction in the privacy of your own home.  Home organizing & color consultations/designs.  Go to www.yourmindbodylife.com or call 503-756-3137 or info@yourmindbodylife.com
• Arlene Lord.  Professionally beautifying spaces for 10 years.  Professional designer to take on a total or partial remodeling project or staging your home for market.  Visit www.lordinteriordesign.com or call 503-206-8451 or arlene@lordinteriordesign.com
• Dr. Elizabeth Altermatt, DVM. Associate veterinarian & pet pediatrician.  Great care for your pets! Online resources or on-site at 14831 SW Teal Blvd, Beaverton or team@murrayhillvethospital.com or 503-579-3300.
• Dr. Lori Gibson. Compassionate Care Home Pet Euthanasia, a 24/7 service for your beloved pets in home or off site. Also, aftercare counseling and assistance. See www.drlorigibson.com or call 503-880-1172
• Stephanie Somanchi, MBA, PhD, Life Coach.  A professional to help you develop a vision for your life.  Often seen on KATU AM Northwest.  See www.stephaniesomanchi.com or phone 503-372-5208 or coach@stephaniesomanchi.com
• And, of course, for brainstorming your real estate investments Janeese Jackson, Principal Broker 503-709-0802 or jj@janeesejackson.com .  Check out www.fabulousportland.com !!!