Looking for a “green” home in Portland?

A Realtor’s search of current listings can yield everything from new construction boasting a green certification to an older home with added insulation, double-paned windows, a tankless hot water heater or other energy-efficient features.

Not too long ago, this type of search was far more difficult. In fact, back in 2007, when the Portland-based Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS) first added a green-certification field on its listing forms, it started something new.

2801 NW 155th St Vancouver, WA 98685 – MLS# 12148490

Over time, RMLS added an additional field for energy-efficiency features. Now, it’s increasingly common to find some nod to energy savings or an environmentally friendly upgrade in new and pre-existing homes for sale in the metro area. The publicly accessible site, www.rmls.com, does not include the green-feature search, but Realtors have access to the industry site and can easily search for the desired green features on a client’s behalf.

17563 SW Cobb Lane Beaverton, OR 97007 – MLS# 12295452

“Everyone has a different wish list when it comes to what they’re looking for in a home,” said Kirby Gibson, a broker with Salient Properties. “But a green certification can be a major selling point, especially once people have a better understanding of what that means.”

15205 SW Warbler Way #102 Beaverton, OR 97007 – MLS# 12623613

To earn an Earth Advantage certification, a new home must be inspected by experts at least twice. Homes earn points for energy and water efficiency; indoor air quality; material conservation (such as the use of locally manufactured products); and practices used during the land development and construction process to reduce waste and prevent potential erosion. Depending on the number of points earned, a project may qualify for a Silver, Gold or Platinum level of certification.

For the home on North Princeton, Gibson can list almost two dozen green features that set the structure apart. The most unique is a ductless, mini-split heat pump that allows for zonal heating and cooling. Sleek, high-tech air-handling units are mounted high on a wall in the main-floor great room, upstairs master bedroom and upstairs hallway. They come with remote controls that make it easy to turn the system on and off, so that no energy goes to waste inside the different areas of the house.

Although green-certified homes still represent a relatively small percentage of all new home construction, the practice is expected to grow locally as well as nationwide as homebuilders continue to look for a competitive edge in the marketplace. As of early April, Portland had 307 active listings for green-certified homes, according to RMLS. Within the last 12 months, 714 green-certified homes were sold in the metro area.

Pre-existing homes with one or more energy-efficient features represent a different shade of green. Yet they can still offer reduced energy costs and support for a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

More Real Estate Listings.

Posted in Real Estate | Comments Off

Favorite Real Estate Websites in the Portland Area

There are a lot of real estate websites in the Portland metro area. Here are some of our favorites to search for homes in the various suburbs of the Portland Metro area:

http://www.portlandoctopus.com – A great site for Portland neighborhoods, and real estate by zip code.

http://lakeoswegorealestatesearch.com – ever wanted to live on your own private island?  There’s one for sale on Lake Oswego right now.  Too much money? This site will help you find something in your price range.

http://sherwoodarearealestate.com – for our friends just South of Portland, this site offers the ability to search all the homes for sale in the Sherwood and Tualatin area.

http://jewelofthepearl.com – a pretty kick ass site if you’re looking for condos and lofts for sale in Portland’s Pearl District neighborhood.

http://clackamasorrealestate.com – Looking out East? Check out Clackamas County or the Happy Valley area.  This site has great info for both…

http://matinrealestate.com – On the Western front, namely the Beaverton Hillsboro area, this site provides info and a view of the homes for sale in the area.

Posted in Real Estate | Comments Off

8 Home Buying Tips

Buying a home? These eight tips can help make your house-hunting experience positive and rewarding.

1. Location counts. You’ve probably heard the old real estate joke about “location, location, location,” but the point still bears repeating. Location is crucial. How far are you really willing to commute to your place of employment? How good are the local schools, shopping centers, public transportation, seniors services and other public amenities? Will your new home be next to a vacant lot or a commercial property? Even a picture-perfect dream home can be a mistake if it’s in an undesirable location, and a poor-location home can be a particularly bad choice if you anticipate reselling the home within a few years.

2. Make a list. Do you (and your spouse, if you’re married) really know what you need and want in your home? You’ll save yourself many hours of shopping (and potentially arguing) if you make a list ahead of time. Zero in on the features you must have, would like to have, definitely don’t want and would prefer not to have. Your goal is to find the right home for your family without falling in love with one that doesn’t suit your needs. Tip: Start compiling your wish list by thinking about what you like and dislike about your current home.

3. Do your homework. Not long ago, consumers had very little access to information about recent home sales prices, market trends, homes on the market, neighborhood statistics and the home-buying process. Today, all this information and more is available on the Web. Go surfing. Get educated. Become empowered.

4. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Your top-dollar home price is a function of your household income, your creditworthiness, interest rates, the type of loan you select and how much ready cash you have for the down payment and closing costs, among other factors. Rather than guessing or estimating how much you can afford to spend, ask a lender or mortgage broker to give you a full assessment and a letter stating how much you’re qualified to borrow. The true amount may be much more or much less than you think.

5. Use a checklist. Touring multiple homes is a confusing experience for most people. Rather than relying on memory, make notes about the homes you visit. Turn your priorities into a personalized home-shopping checklist and use it track the features of each home.

6. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. House-hunting can be tiring, especially if you’re relocating to a distant community and want to see a dozen homes in one day. There’s no sense in torturing your feet unnecessarily.

7. Be prepared to make an offer. House-hunting can also be frustrating, especially if you know in your heart you’re not really emotionally or financially ready to buy a home. If you’re not ready, don’t put yourself through the exercise. If you are ready, go through a blank purchase contract ahead of time so you’ll know what decisions you’ll face when you make an offer.

8. Relax. Granted, buying a home is a major life-altering event. But it’s not worth making yourself insanely crazy or super-duper stressed. Save time at the end of your house-hunting expedition to unwind, calm your thoughts and emotions and keep the whole experience in perspective.

For more real estate information visit: http://mportlandrealestate.com

Posted in Real Estate | Comments Off

New Listings

Check out some of the newest listings in the Portland, Oregon Real Estate market:

19625 NW QUAIL HOLLOW DRIVE – MLS# 12118071
This peaceful condo retreat is nestled in the trees, and has terrific living spaces inside & out. Enjoy warm beverages on the south facing front porch, barbecue on the back deck facing the yard, or relish a quiet moment on the upper level deck off of the master suite.

9322 SW LEHMAN ST TIGARD OR 97223 – MLS# 12440386
This wonderful homes is tucked back off of the street which gives a very quiet and enjoyable feeling. You approach a wonderful high entry with rock pillar. The backyard is very usable to grow a garden or perhaps enjoy the private deck for entertaining.

16765 LEROY LANE OREGON CITY, OR 97045 – MLS# 11492926:
This home features two attached garages.  The Main Garage is located on the entry level, holding two vehicles, with five steps up into the house. The Second Garage is found on the lower level, with separate entry through two standard garage doors and internal stairwell access from the main living level.

17370 KEASEY ROAD VERNONIA, OR 97064 – MLS# 11592525
This captivating Vernonia farm features 24 fertile acres with full southern exposure currently set up as a working horse ranch.  Approximately 8 acres is cross-fenced into five pastures, while 15 acres is planted in grass hay.  The picturesque farmhouse, guest cottage, and shop are found on the remaining manicured acre.  Native salmon can be found in the 770 feet of creek frontage at the southernmost edge of the farm.

9180 SW RARITAN CT TUALATIN OR 97062 – MLS# 12382053
Wonderfully updated 1 level home that’s clean as a whistle. Wood flooring throughout, stainless steel appliances, wood burning fireplace, newer paint inside and out, spacious great room with an open feel, wonderful deck with private fenced-in backyard on a quiet street near I-5 and shopping. Hurry, you don’t want to miss this one!

Posted in Real Estate | Comments Off

Home Buying Guide

Property management is the operation, control of (usually on behalf of an owner), and oversight of commercial, industrial or residential real estate as used in its most broad terms. Management indicates a need to be cared for, monitored and accountability given for its usable life and condition. This is much akin to the role of management in any business. Visit http://pdxpropertymanagement.com for more information on Portland property management services.

One important role of a “Property Management” is that of liaison between the Owner of record and the actual tenant/leasee tenant, providing a buffer for those owners who are desiring to distance themselves from their tenant constituency. Duties of property management generally will include a minimum of these basic primary tasks;
A. The full and proper screening or testing of an applicant’s credit, criminal history, rental history and ability to pay.
B. Lease contracting or accepting rent using legal documents approved for the area in which the property is located.
C. Mitigation and remediation regarding any maintenance issues, generally within a budget, with prior or conveyed consent via a Limited Power of Attorney legally agreed to by the property owner.
There are many facets to this profession, including managing the accounts and finances of the real estate properties, and participating in or initiating litigation with tenants, contractors and insurance agencies. Litigation is at times considered a separate function, set aside for trained attorneys. Although a person will be responsible for this in his/her job description, there may be an attorney working under a property manager. Special attention is given to landlord/tenant law and most commonly evictions, non-payment, harassment, reduction of pre-arranged services, and public nuisance are legal subjects that gain the most amount of attention from property managers. Therefore, it is a necessity that a property manager be current with applicable municipal, county, state and Federal Fair Housing laws and practices.
Property management, like facility management, is increasingly facilitated by computer aided facility management (CAFM).

Posted in Real Estate | Comments Off

Buying A Home with Resale Value

Buying Homes with Resale Value

Portland Real Estate View is the one of the major factors that affects the resale value when buying homes. Buying homes with a pleasant view of a beach or the horizon often sell at a premium above similar homes without the view.

Though you may place a considerable dollar value on the view, future buyers may not be so like-minded. It may take you longer to find a buyer when it comes time to resell the house. Or you may end up dropping your price to more nearly match other sales prices in the neighborhood.

In short, if you are buying a house with a view, try to pay as little extra as possible. Otherwise, you might not get your money back.

Most real homes today are usually concentrated on the building itself but the lot is important too. Home with a good resale value should have lots that are as level as possible.

Assuming the property is in a typical neighborhood, the lot should be rectangular with no odd shaped lots or oddly situated lots.

Courtyard sizes are smaller in modern homes than in older homes, but there should still be a decently sized front and back yard.

Do not buy an over-landscaped property, either. You would normally pay a premium for that, which you may not be able to recover when you sell. You will get your best value if the house is moderately landscaped or under-landscaped for the area. Check this website out for more information on Portland homes.

You can always perk up the landscaping during your ownership by humanizing the grass and adding bushes and trees. Just do not waste too much.

In each residential neighborhood, houses will vary in size and rooms, but they should not be too different. If resale value is an important consideration, you should not buy the largest model in the neighborhood.

When determining market value, the homes nearest to yours are most important. If most of the nearby houses are smaller than your house, they can act as a drag on appreciation.

On the other hand, if you buy a small or medium house for the neighborhood, the larger homes can help pull up your value. This is one of those times where determining your “wants” versus your “needs” can be extremely important.

Buying what you need in a more prestigious neighborhood may provide more financial reward than getting what you want in a less desirable neighborhood and according to Inman News Portland fared better than most metro areas in this last “recession”.

Three and four bedroom houses are the most popular among homebuyers, so if you can stick in that range you will have more potential buyers when it comes time to resell.

There ought to always be at least two bathrooms in a house, preferably at least two and a half. One bathroom with a place to wash up for day-to-day visitors, one for the master bedroom, and at least one to be shared by the other bedrooms.

Walk-in closets are extremely desirable for the master bedroom. For the rest of the house, just be sure there is ample closet space. Don’t disregard space for linens and towels.

Garages add to the resale value and you should always make sure to get at least a two-car garage. Lately, three-car garages have become desirable in some areas of the country.

The laundry facilities should be located somewhere convenient on the main floor of the house, but not in a place it will create an eyesore. Think about whether you want to walk up and down stairs when carrying loads of laundry.

Family activity centers on the kitchen, so this is the most important room of the house. Larger kitchens are better, and they should be provided with modern appliances.

Obviously, the dining room and breakfast nook should be located adjacent to the kitchen. In newer houses, the family room should also be extremely close to the kitchen.

There should be easy access to the back yard, as there will be occasions for barbecues and outdoor entertaining.

In addition, it should be a short trek between the garage to the kitchen so hauling groceries in from the car does not become a horrendous chore.

Swimming pools do not provide as much added value as they once did. Safety issues about families with younger children have become more publicized than in the past, so families with small children tend to avoid homes with pools.

As a result, having a pool may actually reduce the number of potential homebuyers when you try to resell the home.

Posted in Real Estate | Comments Off

New Portland Listing

The Selliken Group just simply listed this specific spectacular residence inside the Alberta Disciplines neighbourhood from 5426 NE 32nd Place Portland Oregon 97211. This specific hot, inviting craftsman was inbuilt 2008, which is an ideal residence with regard to enjoyable year round.

Pictures along with video plus much more info are usually around the properties committed site: MLS# 11329570

Any circular floor-plan provides excellent flow to be able to primary grade existing places. The heart of the property is usually it is connoisseur cooking area which usually unwraps to a tv room which to perfection cash the overall open area.

The gourmet cooking area features a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Hair gas selection, and also Fischer & Paykel dishwasher. The conventional living area simply off the kitchen area, would be the ideal area to get personal meal events.

The property has great out of doors residing areas which include any sealed front one patio, privately owned back garden with brought up beds and also patios, along with a impressive roof veranda that includes a about three huge batch opinion.

This specific hot, inviting Craftsman had been inbuilt 2008 and it is a perfect house to get engaging year-round, The particular premium kitchen, together with Sub-Zero refrigerator and Hair gas extent, ready to accept the family area together with built-ins and fuel fire place. The particular formal living area is just off the kitchen area. The circular floor-plan supply fantastic circulation on the primary grade existing places.

The particular Premium Kitchen area will be the program of this residence together with top grade kitchen appliances such as Wolf a blend of, Sub-Zero freezer, and also Paykel dual drawer dishwasher. Countertops usually are slab granitic as well as the cabinets can be delightful in style along with conclude specifics. The connoisseur kitchen is usually set up to get engaging or even a laid-back breakfast time at the tropical isle.

Posted in Real Estate | Comments Off

Neighborhoods in Portland

Hollywood Real Estate Principles

The Movie District is one in every of Inner NE Portland’s almost all livable zones. Few outdoor areas in Portland boast as strong a variety of residential, large, and community-based locations. Hollywood has tree-lined housing streets, a huge transit center, an historic business place, and an on-going heavy duty revitalization. Most of these different groups flow together effortlessly, making Hollywood a major place to imagine or work.
To the suitable are the different active MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE listings in Hollywood. Instead, view virginia homes in Hollywood on an Interactive Chart. Either manner, you might take in take care properties for sale in Hollywood real estate.

Beaumont Real Estate Principles

Beaumont is one in every of Inner NE Portland’s a good number of livable neighborhoods. It features an old shopping location (Beaumont Community), the great beauty of the Alameda Shape, and is a short commute to down-town or the airport. Few Portland local communities can match Beaumont’s various homes (as well as home sizes), advantageous commercial place, varied topography, and close-in place.
To the right you’ll see an index of homes easily obtainable in Beaumont. Inside the event prefer, view YOUR LOCAL MLS listings in Beaumont in an Interactive Chart. Either manner, you’ll browse Beaumont home buying from modest single-level own homes to hillside estates with amazing views.

Irvington Real Estate Principles

Irvington is one in every of Inner NE Portland’s son and most beneficial neighborhoods. Irvington features close-in urban living alongside many classic homes found on its tree-lined pavements. The neighborhood features a thriving organization district (Broadway) perfectly as a very stressful and many citizenship. Through October 2010, Irvington was designated to be a National Register Historic Section. In summation, nearly 25 properties in Irvington are at the National Signup.
To the right is an index of homes easily obtainable in Irvington. Also you can view YOUR LOCAL MLS listings during Irvington on an Interactive Map. Whether it’s high-rise accommodations, single-level bungalows, and century-old mansions, you’ll see everything that Irvington the real estate market presents.

Grant Park Real Estate Principles

Grant School yard is one in every of Inner NE Portland’s a large number of established neighborhoods. Within Grant Park’s gridded community and block pattern, you will find quite a few beautiful homes and back yards. Most streets are splendid with close to century-old fruits or shade trees, enhancing university feel. During the spring, the series of flowering plum forest lining Knott Road explode together with countless light red blossoms trumpeting the particular return of the sunshine.
To the suitable are the different active MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE listings in Grant Park. You can view homes for sale in Grant Park on an Interactive Chart. Either manner, you’ll see the different elegant families that Grant Park the real estate market has to offer.

Alameda Real Estate Principles

Alameda is one in every of Inner NE Portland’s a good number of desirable housing areas. The vast majority of Alameda is shielded out of commercial and / or busy roads, so a good number of residents consume a serenity that is not found in other close-in arenas. The subdivision straddles your Alameda Ridge, a fairly neutral formation from the last Its polar environment Age, a great number of Alameda sheds enjoy panoramic views of the city, heaps, and your Willamette Pit.
To the right is an index of homes easily obtainable in Alameda. It’s also possible to view YOUR LOCAL MLS listings during Alameda on an Interactive Map. Either manner, you’ll browse Alameda home buying from cozy English-style own homes to hilltop estates with amazing views.

Laurelhurst Real Estate Principles

Laurelhurst has become the premier local communities in Inner NE Portland. The vast majority of Laurelhurst is in NE Portland, though blocks in the middle of Burnside and Stark Street are in SE Portland. Laurelhurst Pool, which draws people from over Portland, will be centerpiece of the neighborhood. Several positions of jewel gates located using perimeter of the neighborhood announce your entrance into Laurelhurst.
To the suitable is an index of all the active MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE listings throughout Laurelhurst. Inside the event prefer, use the Interactive Map to view the location of all homes easily obtainable in Laurelhurst. In any event ., you’ll have the view all of the fine properties easily obtainable in Laurelhurst.

The most popular of most of these neighborhoods is without a doubt Hollywood, mainly mainly because it offers such quite a few convenient store shopping, services, in addition to restaurants. Hollywood lots bonus points because it is so intuitive. On a typical day, Allow me to leave dwelling, drop your children at Buckman Education, put through three miles on a treadmill at 24Hour Fitness, pick up bits and pieces at Dealer Joe’s, produce deposit during Sterling Monetary, get gas at Chevron, swing through the Hollywood Library to receive a booklet on hold, and get home by 11: 18 AM. Try making time for that during the Pearl and / or Hawthorne!
Dust restaurants through Hollywood, with the old (Pal’s Shanty) to the new (Killer Burger). Keep it at the Q. Longer., but there are a rumor an Indian diner will replace the wildly unsuccessful Wild Tiger Thai. Around those dialogue, there’s pretty tasty ethnic food from Shandong (Chinese) and the most popular Scottish bistro.

Whether people rent, private, or work in Movie, there’s always something transpiring there. The Hollywood Theater runs some great indie and foreign movies (even saw the Wizard with Oz right now there recently aided by the kids) in addition to there’s a small number of taverns along with cafes for you to wet your whistle. Word around the street is the fact that Tony Starlight’s shall be taking in the old Inferior Richard’s. I simply hope they maintain the shrimp cocktail over the menu. Beyond and set up.

Posted in Real Estate | Comments Off

Latest Real Estate Listings

Here’s a list of M Realty’s latest and upcoming real estate listings.

701 South Pacific – Newberg, Oregon – MLS# 12548822
Great one level home with a new roof, new windows and doors, new electrical panel, updated plumbing fixtures, updated kitchen and bathroom, new flooring throughout the whole house, one car garage, covered patio, fenced in yard with gate, RV parking, new water and sewer lines to be completed before close.

6975 North Villard – Portland, Oregon – MLS# 12270992
This fun, inviting Arbor Lodge Bungalow was built in 1926. It has a Chic, cohesive floor plan that is accented by natural light and it sits on a private corner lot. The yard is spacious and ready for your South facing urban garden, fire pit and patio furniture.

19625 NW Quail Hollow – Portland, Oregon – MLS# 12118071
This peaceful townhouse retreat is nestled in the trees, and has terrific living spaces inside & out. Enjoy warm beverages on the south facing front porch, barbecue on the back deck facing the yard, or relish a quiet moment on the upper level deck off of the master suite.

1510 SE 34th Ave – Portland, Oregon – MLS# 12068503
This condo in the heart of the Hawthorne neighborhood sits in the middle of all the action. Enjoy being close to some of the areas hottest restaurants and shops in the area.

3905 NE Grand Ave – Portland, Oregon – MLS# 12337824
1995 Four Square in the Sabin neighborhood, features 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. The main level master suite has a walk in closet and backyard access. The kitchen is spacious with a large eating area. All new paint, trim, flooring in kitchen and baths. New carpet upstairs,  new roof in 2009. 

More info about M Realty can be found on our Squidoo Page.

Posted in Real Estate | Comments Off

Hillsdale

Not so long within, Hillsdale has been home for you to more cows when compared to people though the expanding financial and population inside years following WW II updated that. Growing affluence and the nation’s blossoming relationship with the car led to Portland’s southerly metropolitan expansion, over the hill and in the gift dale. There are older stores in N . Burlingame and more scattered over the major interstates, but most Hillsdale’s home were fashioned between 1948 in addition to 1970. Models dominant usually are ranches, daylight ranches, divided levels and also mid-century moderns. The hillside surface meant individualized homes had actually views south or gulf. The area’s higher end homes mass produced dynamic a powerful glass in manners not witnessed in pre-war properties. (See examples of the variety of Hillsdale dwelling styles during the Photo Gallery loss. )#)

Click to check out Hillsdale Real Estate.

Hillsdale’s real estate market has slowed for a crawl most of these past couple of months. Only some homes inside either expected or promoted status have tried offers accepted during the past 2 1/2 strategies. (August 1-Sept 13) By contrast, six bungalows had provide accepted inside June on its own. Five of these successfully made; the sixth is still in expected status. There are still plenty associated with buyers actively trying to find homes to find but they’re a cautious bunch. As always, location is vital; Hillsdale remains very sensible. These inborn SW Portland potential buyers, though, are remarkably sensitive to the condition of the homes mainly because it relates to price. They’re not ready to accept the risk of updating except when the home’s amount is surely below the price tag on needed up-grades. [The area covered by this data is bordered on the south by Capitol Hwy., on the west by Dosch Rd., on the east by Terwilliger Blvd., and on the north/northeast by Fairmount Blvd.].

Posted in Real Estate | Comments Off