New Year, New Plans, New Goals, New Beginning…and, Procrastination is NOT My Friend!

December30
"The Procrastination Song" - an original :-)   I'm not big on "new year's resolutions", other than a great opportunity to get re-organized, re-vitalized and re-directed...a particular date on a calendar really doesn't do it for me!  I tend to re-vamp on a somewhat regular, if disorganized basis.  However, since the opportunity is upon us I guess a frank discussion about "setting goals" is in order.  I am certainly no "life coach", though I know that writing down your goals is a very positive step towards making them important.  Sometimes I write them down and sometimes I don't.… Read More

December 2011 Portland Metro Real Estate Update!

December27
"Happy New Year" - ABBA   DECEMBER 2011 PORTLAND METRO REAL ESTATE UPDATE!!! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Fabulous Festivus, Sensational Solstice…or whatever you embrace, believe or endure in this holiday season!!  And, what about the real estate market … you ask??? (or not).  Well, not so bad…not bad at all…relatively speaking!  It’s with tiny, incremental steps that we seem to be somewhat stabilizing. As was the case last year, we had an uptick in activity during this traditionally slower time of year.  Nationwide, existing Home sales were up 4% for the month … Read More

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Sensational Solstice, Fabulous Festivus….and More!

December23
"Deck the Halls" - Mannheim Steamroller   Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Sensational Solstice, Fabulous Festivus ... whatever you celebrate, embrace, believe and/or endure during this season ... may you find peace and happiness accompanied by joy and good times shared with family, friends and co-workers!!  May you find the grace to appreciate your many good fortunes and the strength to overcome obstacles.  May you live the "reason for the season" and carry it into the New Year! Thanks to everyone who supports my business success by trusting me with your real estate transacti… Read More

Make This the Safe-est, Funn-est Holiday Ever!!

December21
Coldplay - "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" 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 … Read More

More Data About Selling Homes in the Wintertime in Portland, OR and Elsewhere!

December15
"Walking in a Winter Wonderland" - Dean Martin   As a follow up to Tuesday's blog regarding why would anyone try to sell a home or buy a home at this time of year, Blackwater Consulting pulled a year's worth of data on three quarters of a million homes listed across the country and analyzed sales statistics by season. Here's what we found: Homes listed in winter sell faster: 46 days in winter vs. 55 days in summer Homes listed in winter are more likely to sell: 59.2% sell in winter vs. 53.1% sell in summer Homes listed in winter sell closest to their original price: a 2.7% … Read More