We hope the pages of our BLOG inspire you!
We’ve always believed that a good real estate broker was one that could help their clients navigate the trickiest of transactions, is in tune with local market trends, and could be a great resource for all things home. What does home mean to you? To us, it is where we can nurture our family and friends. It’s where we can express our sense of style, and explore the freedom to learn new things, to rest, and to grow. We hope you enjoy all that we believe home to be!
Top Categories: Buying | Selling | Good Design | Good Eats
Key Practice Changes in Real Estate in 2024
Major Overhaul in Real Estate Commissions: What You Need to Know by August 17th, 2024.
By August 17th, 2024, the real estate industry will undergo a significant transformation in how commissions are paid. These changes, the most substantial in over 30 years, stem from a lengthy lawsuit involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR), various Multiple Listing Services (MLS), and real estate brokerages across the United States. The settlement resulting from this lawsuit has effectively decoupled real estate commission structures.
Property of the Week
This chic Mid-Century Modern home is a true expression of custom contemporary design. Dramatic architectural elements exist at every turn- custom white oak screen wall leading to the main level, Scandinavian white oak hardwood floors, great room, and family room with 25'ceilings, two-story fireplace, and thoughtfully placed room openings for added intrigue.
Welcome Meghan Gray
I am excited to introduce Meghan Gray, the newest member of our real estate team. Meghan is a lifelong resident of the Greater Portland Area and has a deep love for the community, real estate, and design. Above anything else, I’m privileged to call her my friend.
10.2023 Real Estate Market Update
The state of the real estate market continues to make headlines. Scales are tipping in opposing directions. Interest rates are going up, available inventory is also on the rise, along with values in certain pockets but overall the number of sales continue to decline.
Glossary of Real Estate Terms
This glossary of real estate terms is a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to understand real estate terminology better because, let’s face it, real estate can be complicated. It was designed to provide easy-to-understand definitions for various real estate terms.
New Construction vs. Resale in Oregon + SW WA
When purchasing a home, there are two main options to consider: new construction or resale. Each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The right choice will depend on your individual needs and preferences, OR if you are watching the market closely, you may be swayed by that.
Real Estate as Part of Your Investment Strategy
Franklin D. Roosevelt said it best. “ Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.”
Waste is a Function of Poor Design
We get rid of things because a better design exists or the quality or longevity of the material was not great to begin with. Perhaps the design was a fad that has come and gone.
Making a Statement with Wall Treatments
Statement walls in any home can be accomplished in so many ways these days. While we love a blank white wall when we are prepping a home for sale, we also know that people easily fall in love with homes because of the finishes.
Buyer Checklist: What Not To Do
Congratulations on your decision to purchase a new home. In order to make sure you have a smooth closing, here is a checklist of things you should not do as you move through this process.
Easy + Delicious Ice Cream
Who doesn’t love homemade ice cream? It's SO easy to make and a million flavors and ingredients to add.
Buyer Love Letters
Personally, I disliked buyer love letters long before they were banned. I’ve shared this opinion before and have been asked by colleagues if I felt like I was truly representing a buyer by discouraging love letters. Here’s why I can comfortably say yes to that!
Was 2022 a Housing Bubble? What About 2023?
The real estate market in 2022, however, was vastly different from previous markets. In fact, in my 30+ years in the business, 2022 was unlike any I have ever seen. Here are 4 reasons why it was not a housing bubble. Will this change?
Building Equity
Equity is real estate is not always immediate. Good deals are out there in any market, and being in an equity-positive situation can be a reality if you purchase correctly. Equity generally builds over time and most real estate purchases have a long-game benefit.
Make your home Feng Shui friendly in 3 steps
The energy you bring into your home is so important and fun, to be honest. What do you want your home to say about you and what do you want your home to bring you? I think the power should be upbeat and light, as a home should be a space that makes you happy.
Making Good Material Choices When Renovating
Making good material choices when renovating can be tricky because of overwhelm, availability, and budget!
Three Key Factors in Home Design
Style, comfort, and practicality! That’s it. That’s my big tip for ya. Lots goes into good home design, but there are the three key factors that I focus on. You want something that represents who you are, provides comfort, and is suitable. What if I told you there is a way to create spaces with all those things in mind?
Carbon Monoxide Detector Laws in Oregon
What is carbon monoxide, and how can it affect your home and family? Learn a bit more about the adverse effects of this gas and the carbon monoxide detector laws in Oregon for residential dwellings. For the most comprehensive explanation of the requirements, visit Oregon.gov.
20 Questions to Ask Your Lender
Are you thinking about buying a home? This is very exciting! Getting your finances in order before starting your home search is such an important step in the process and a bit of planning and preparation can go a long way when it comes time to make an offer on the perfect new home.
Building Wealth with Real Estate
Worried that now may not be the right time to invest? It is always the right time to buy real estate! Sure there are some market conditions that are more advantageous for a buyer but in general, if you purchase the right type of property, at the right time, in the right location, there is rarely a wrong time to buy.