caryperk

Good news for Portland Real Estate

2011-08-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

Thank you CNN Money!

Overall this article is pretty negative on the housing market nationwide. However, there are some glowing statements about the Northwest.

Stiff said markets that are ripe for a turnaround will be in the Pacific Northwest. The biggest gainer is expected to be Tacoma, Wash., where Fiserv said prices will rise nearly 25% by March 2013.

Seattle and Portland's prices are expected to stay flat through next March and then record double-digit gains of just over 10% each over the following 12 months.

"Homes are undervalued in the Northwest," said Stiff, "the economy is diverse and the demographics strong. It has tech, manufacturing and extractive industries (like lumbering and mining) and people are still moving into the area."

Fabulous paint colors for your walls!

2011-06-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

People often ask me for a perfect neutral color to enhance their furniture and art, but isn't boring beige. Not only do they want a color that's easy and fun to live with, but they want something they won't have to do over when it's time to sell.

Enter our friends at Transformations by Design. The queens of transformation from blah to beautiful, my dream team of stagers have always got the perfect recommendation.

Click here for their suggestions for the most fabulous paint colors for your walls.

Hint: It all starts at Benjamin Moore. Sometimes it's just better to let the experts decide!

Barely Beige 1066
Hepplewhite Ivory HC-36
Shaker Beige HC-45
Putnam Ivory HC-39
Bleeker Beige HC-80
Greenbrier Beige HC-80
Edgecomb Gray HC-173
Light Pewter 1464
Revere Pewter HC-172
Sag Harbor Gray HC-95
Soft Fern 2144-40
Sea Foam 2123-60
Classic Brown 2109-10

Beautiful Bridlemile Listing - sold in 6 days!

2011-06-01T21:14:00.001-07:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

How about those Ducks?

2010-10-06T18:06:00.000-07:00

Tailgating before the U of O / Stanford game. What a fun day, and a huge win!
Go Ducks!

Where's Cary?

2010-08-24T07:46:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted here in forever. I've been super busy! Listing, writing offers and closing deals. (in spite of this hideous economy)

I've also had a lot on my plate with our rental in the college town, and getting five (reliable) new renters, and having the deck replaced, carpets cleaned, bathrooms painted, new fans, yard work, yadda yadda yadda. I spent an entire afternoon cleaning the kitchen. AN ENTIRE AFTERNOON.

Claire is coming home next week and we can't wait. Cam is around town and I'm being more of a mom, cooking more and going places with him. I'm planning a party. We've had two beach trips and I've read a lot of books. It's a great summer.

Boomer is getting old and can't hear anymore, so we are taking a different kind of care of him now - he is less grouchy and more needy. (and more adorable than ever) Having three dogs while Cam and Peter are here is quite the chore. Somebody always has to go outside.

We had an amazing trip to Wisconsin, and are planning another family trip to Mexico this fall. There's no Philly girls trip this year, but there is a book club one. A favorite friend and family have moved to Amsterdam. Whit is looking abroad for graduate school. There will always be travel, though we have scaled back, for sure.

New clients are coming on board, I'm trying to transition to a new web page, and consolidate all my online efforts. I have several blogs plus a web page and two facebook pages - that needs to be streamlined. I guess my daily thoughts make it on to my facebook page rather than into a blog anymore. If you are not on facebook, you should be!

A few pics to mark the summer...

Here comes fall, and with it, Duck Football.

Noon on Tuesday.....

2010-06-09T00:06:00.000-07:00

I was touring houses on Council Crest this morning when I saw the perkiest coyote casually walking down the sidewalk. He was so adorable and acting very civilized - I almost wanted to hop out and pet him. The next moment he was gone - jumped into the bushes or scared by the car.

Shop 'Til You Drop at Lord & Taylor

2010-06-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

The small print:
You will receive 25% OFF (10% OFF cosmetics and fragrances) almost all regular & sale-price items when you use promo code: FRIENDS at checkout.

The following exclusions apply to this offer:

25% OFF (10% OFF cosmetics and fragrances) Regular & Sale-Price Promo Code: FRIENDS excludes: Lunch break!™
REGULAR & SALE-PRICE ITEMS from Allen Edmonds, Aquatalia, Ecco, Frye, Jeffrey Campbell, Kors Michael Kors shoes, Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes, Merrell, Tumi & Ugg; men’s Cole Haan shoes, men’s Lacoste shoes.
DEPARTMENTS: Smart Value items; diamond solitaire rings and special event promotions in Fine Jewelry; FEED bags, gift cards.

College Graduate!

2010-05-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

Special Friends Day at Ainsworth

2010-05-12T11:49:00.001-07:00

Maybe not the best picture ever, but JoJo and I had a wonderful time. I'm so lucky to be her special friend!

She drew a wonderful portrait of me, which is now framed and hanging in my office. Next time you're in the neighborhood of 20th and Johnson, stop by and see it.

Back from Maui

2010-05-12T11:48:00.001-07:00

Cam and I had a fun trip - got some sun, saw an Adam Sandler movie being made, enjoyed beverages and shopping, and took an unflattering picture of ourselves... but the memories are solid gold!

Portland is the greatest! (and the greenest) city in America!

2010-03-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

2010 Cencus Good Sense

2010-03-10T09:05:00.000-08:00

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers

With the 2010 U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information.

Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. You all probably know this!

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS..

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION.

The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau. AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION.. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at
home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the
lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

NEVER click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

A Beautiful Trip Down Memory Lane

2010-02-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

*and since it's been such a long time, here are the performers as well as a little bit of history on the development*

Harry Belafonte originally wanted to put together a benefit concert featuring black musicians to raise money for Africa. Ken Kragen (who became president of the originization United Support of Artists for Afica) thought an American version of "Band Aid" would be a better idea. Ken Kragen is an owner of a personal management and television production company. One of his clients was Lionel Ritchie, so he called him with the idea. Lionel's wife talked to Steve Wonder's wife and arranged to line him up for the song.

Quicy Jones was lined up as the producer, and Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie were the song writers. The recording took place on the night of the American Music Awards, January 28th, 1985. This was the perfect way to assure that most of the artists would all be free on a single date.

The instrumental tracks were recorded ahead of time and sent out to the interested musicians. With each tape, he sent a letter that stated they should "check their ego at the door." When they arrived in the studio, there was a piece of tape on the floor for each person to stand on, arranged around six microphones in a semi-circle.

800,000 copies arrived in stores on Tuesday, March 7th 1985. There were sold out by the first weekend. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 on March 23rd, at number 21. At the time it was the highest debuting single since John Lennon's "Imagine" and was number one in three weeks, which at the time was the fastest rising chart-topper since Elton John's "Island Girl" in 1975. It was the eighth consecutive year the Lionel Ritchie had written a number one song. It won Grammys in 1985 for Song of the Year and Record of the Year.

Dan Aykroyd also sings on We Are the World. You can see him in the top row in the video. Dan Aykroyd was in the Blues Brothers, a band before it was a SNL sketch (and then a movie), hence he was a musician. VH-1's "Pop-Up Video" states he's there to represent the American film industry,

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dan Aykroyd
Harry Belafonte
Lindsey Buckingham
Kim Carnes
Ray Charles
Bob Dylan
Sheila E.
Bob Geldof
Hall and Oates
James Ingram
Jackie Jackson
LaToya Jackson
Marlon Jackson
Michael Jackson
Randy Jackson
Tito Jackson
Al Jarreau
Waylon Jennings
"Pop-Up Video" stated that he left the recording session due to a dispute over the lyrics.
Billy Joel
Cyndi Lauper
Huey Lewis and the News
Kenny Logins
Bette Midler
Willie Nelson
Jeffery Osborne
Steve Perry
The Pointer Sisters
Lionel Richie
Smokey Robinson
Kenny Rogers
Diana Ross
Paul Simon
Bruce Springsteen
Tina Turner
Dionne Warwick
Stevie Wonder
Michael Boddicker - Synthesizers, Programming
Paulinho da Costa - Percussion
Louis Johnson - Bass
Quincy Jones - Producer
Michael Omartian - Keyboards, Producer
Greg Phillinganes - Keyboards
John Robinson - Drums

and the lyrics...

There comes a time when we heed a certain call (Lionel Richie)
When the world must come together as one (Lionel Richie & Stevie Wonder)
There are people dying (Stevie Wonder)
Oh, and it's time to lend a hand to life (Paul Simon)
The greatest gift of all (Paul Simon/Kenny Rogers)

We can't go on pretending day by day (Kenny Rogers)
That someone, somehow will soon make a change (James Ingram)
We're all a part of God's great big family (Tina Turner)
And the truth (Billy Joel)
You know love is all we need (Tina Turner/Billy Joel)

( CHORUS )
We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Michael Jackson)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Diana Ross)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Michael Jackson/Diana Ross)

Well, send'em you your heart so they know that someone cares (Dionne Warwick)
And their lives will be stronger and free (Dionne Warwick/Willie Nelson)
As God has shown us by turning stone to bread (Willie Nelson)
And so we all must lend a helping hand (Al Jurreau)

( REPEAT CHORUS )
We are the world, we are the children (Bruce Springsteen)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving (Kenny Logins)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives (Steve Perry)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me (Daryl Hall)

When you're down and out there seems no hope at all (Michael Jackson)
But if you just believe there's no way we can fall (Huey Lewis)
Well, well, well, let's realize that a change can only come (Cyndi Lauper)
When we (Kim Carnes)
stand together as one (Kim Carnes/Cyndi Lauper/Huey Lewis)

(REPEAT CHORUS AND FADE )

(additional ad-lib vox by Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, James Ingram)

Where have you been?

2010-02-12T10:23:00.000-08:00

My mom used to say that with such frequency...and it usually meant I was in trouble for being gone so long.

I'm always off somewhere, and since January 3, when we returned from Palm Springs, I've been all over the place. I did a TON of Real Estate this month. I've been showing lots and lots of property, writing up contracts, doing lots of home inspections and sewer scopes and meeting electricians and furnace technicians, and also listing an amazing house and hosting events and touring and previewing.... a BIG January. Wanna see?

We (Norris and I) bought a vacant lot! Right aross the street from our house...and now we're dreaming of the house we'd like to build. We love that there's a pool in the neighborhood, so we don't actually have to have a pool. I want a sun deck on the roof! And lots of glass, but not too big a house. It's so fun to dream. (this picture is bad, but it's a nice, level lot with some large trees, and a little bit of neighborhood greenspace along the back) You'd think I'd take my camera out and get some good shots, but I'm just lazy/busy enough right now to use the picture from the RMLS.

We flew to Arizona to look at condos with Claire and TJ. Look how happy she is contemplating her first huge purchase! (aside from some of her shoes) This complex is small, it looks like a movie set, with its palm trees, pool, and lush green lawn. The desert at its best. Claire is working with an amazing Realtor, and she, TJ and Lucy are going to love living here!

This adorable cottage was one of my listings that received an awesome offer in January.

I had a party to celebrate the Premiere of LOST. Check out Dave & Stacy's costumes!

Buyers fell in love with this little walled house - you can lock up and leave on your travels!

A cool young doctor bought this darling bungalow in Westmoreland... so cute!

This gorgeous condo was my first sale of the year. Check out the view. The cutest 23 year old is going to rock this joint!

This beautiful building is right around the corner from my office. Halfway between The Pearl district and Northwest 23rd, this location is absolutely the best in town. My new client from Boise closed on this property yesterday and is certainly going to love living here. And now I have a new buddy to grab coffee with.

This was a hot house! (You really can't tell how nice by any of the pictures on the web, but I knew the neighborhood) We were lucky, and were the second people to see it - I was watching the RMLS when it popped up and we went that quickly. We were the successful bidder, but, alas, my clients changed their minds. Lucky for the back-up people - they swooped right in and got the house. So all's well that ends well. Now my clients are looking at everything on the market, and may have just found a better one for them... fingers crossed. But this was a beautiful traditional with all the right spaces and beautiful gardens. And a wonderful seller - she was just lovely, in spite of the fact that we left the table...

Friends are going to sell this home in Hillsboro. It's my favorite floor plan of all time! Great room with office, studio and master suite, beautiful outdoor spaces and covered patio with fireplace... and upstairs, a wing for kids or visitors - two suites and a big family room with little kitchenette. Perfect. For lots of photos, please visit the website.

So.... it's been a busy month. There's more to tell. But this has gone on long enough!

Top Ten Cities to Go From Renting To Buying

2010-02-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

Quality of Life, at a Discount!

In these metro areas, now is a good time to make the jump to homeownership.

10 Cities To Go From Renting To Buying

The U.S. government has pushed hard to make homeowners out of one-third of Americans who still rent their homes. It introduced and later extended a tax credit for first-time home buyers, and has kept federal interest rates at their lowest levels since the 1940s.

Market conditions are such that now is a particularly good time for some renters to take the hint.

In Portland, San Francisco, Minneapolis and Washington, D.C., the premium to buy--the spread between what you'd spend on renting and what you'd pay each month for a mortgage--is far narrower now than its 15-year average. And economists predict a significant home-price hike in five years. So upgrading will cost much less than usual, and home buyers are likely to get a good return on their investment.

Note that buying isn't necessarily cheaper than renting in these metro areas. In fact, it often remains a more expensive proposition. But for those determined to own, that investment is a better one now than it normally is.

Portland, Ore. makes our list for much the same reason that San Francisco does: It's a picturesque, culture-driven city with good local services and amenities. The city is still not particularly cheap for buyers--but it's cheaper than normal.

A family hoping to put down roots there would normally pay a 62% premium to go from renting to buying. In the third quarter of 2009, however, that premium shrank by 16 percentage points. At the same time, Moody's Economy.com anticipates that home prices will jump 19% over the next five years. That's partly because, like San Francisco, Portland has strict government limitations on building and a coastal location that keep sprawl in check.

"Portland has one of the most controlled environments in the country in terms of development rights," says Stuart Gabriel, director of the Ziman Center for Real Estate at the UCLA Anderson School of Management. "Those supply constraints will push prices up."

The ten cities are:
Boston
Charlotte
Chicago
Cincinnati
Denver
Minneapolis
Philadelphia
Portland
San Francisco
Washington, DC

(picture and full story thanks to Forbes.com)

For My Shopping Friends

2010-02-06T07:51:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of KateSpade.com

From now until Feb. 28, 2010, KateSpade.com is offering 20% off a purchase of $50 or more (is there any other kind?) with the use of the code DONTFRET.

I just ordered up a few nice birthday presents. (I would have bought them even without the discount, so the 20% savings lets me keep shopping for more... as Laura and I say, "you qualify for more.")

Have fun with this one! There are a lot of Spring goodies that are hard to pass up!

Donna's pretzel recipe for Superbowl Sunday

2010-01-24T07:52:00.000-08:00

Bag of Herrs sourdough pretzel nuggets
2/3 cup canola oil,
1/3 cup
sugar
2 tsps cinnamon.

Mix oil , sugar and cinnamon in bowl & coat pretzels well. Bake at 250 degrees on cookie sheet for10 min. Turn & bake 10 more minutes. Drain on brown paper bag.

They're fun to have around the house when you have company. (I also have a ranch dressing version) I think these are amazing when they're warm.... maybe a good way to start Superbowl Sunday, the quintessential snacking day!

The infamous Donna, dancing with me in the rain at a party last summer.

Just a Reminder....Repeat Buyers Need to Act Fast to Capitalize on Expanded Tax Credit

2010-01-23T06:27:00.000-08:00

By now it is well documented that today’s affordable housing prices, historically low interest rates and federal home buyer tax credit have combined to create one of the most attractive first-time buyer markets in recent memory. What many Americans might not realize is that a recent expansion of the buyer tax credit has created an equally desirable opportunity for existing homeowners.

This past November, Congress elected to expand the home buyer tax credit to repeat buyers after seeing the success the temporary financial incentive had on the housing market and overall economy. As a result, current homeowners who will have lived in their home for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 may now be eligible to receive a $6,500 tax credit.

“The expanded tax credit offers a great financial opportunity for existing homeowners, particularly those looking to trade up,” said James M. Weichert, president and founder of Weichert, Realtors, one of the nation’s largest independent real estate companies. “Not only can you receive a large sum of money from the government, you’ll also likely purchase your next home for less money and at a lower interest rate than you could have in years past or years to come.”

To qualify for the tax credit, the repeat buyer must have signed a binding contract by April 30, 2010 and close on the home by June 30, 2010. Tax credit eligibility is subject to income limits, $125,000 for single buyers and $225,000 for couples. In addition, the sale price of the home being purchased can not exceed $800,000.

There is no requirement that existing homeowners must have sold their home to be eligible for the $6,500 tax credit. However, Weichert encourages existing homeowners who want to benefit from this incentive to move quickly, particularly those who prefer to first sell their current home before purchasing a new one.

“Typically, it takes three months or longer to sell a home. That’s why it is critical repeat buyers put their home on the market right away. Otherwise they might not leave themselves enough time to both secure a buyer for their current house and find a new home by the April 30 deadline,” added Weichert.

RISMedia 1/23/10

Cookie Party

2009-12-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

The girls came over for our 16th annual cookie party last night! The format has changed over the years, (last year we held it in a pub because we were snowed-in, but could all walk to the pub!) but it's essentially the same crew and it's a party that we all look forward to all year long. We missed those who couldn't come this year - I was late in sending out the invitations! Pingg to the rescue!

The gift exchange is at the end of the night, when we're all loosened up and spirits are high. Lots of stealing, and side deals (thanks, Joy! I got the vase I wanted thanks to our "arrangement") and we all go home with a fun present and great cookies! Here are a few pics.

Fa La La La La

2009-12-17T16:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!!

Here is a short list of things to do while the gang is in town for the holidays and you're tired of shopping, baking, wrapping, eating, or just want to get out of the house! Have fun!!

Mount Hood Railroad presents — “The Polar Express” Read along with the story as the train makes its magical journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, a treat and a special gift for each child. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas.

Mount Hood Railroad

11/13/09 — 12/23/09

110 Railroad Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031 800-872-4661

Afternoon Trains depart at 5:00pm and return at 6:30pm Evening Trains depart at 8:00pm and return at 9:30pm (evening trains not available all days — check schedule)

$26 for Adults $18 for ages 2 and up

Pittock Mansion presents “Tinsel, Trees & Traditions”

Experience 150 years of Christmas traditions at Pittock Mansion this holiday season. In honor of the 150th anniversary of Oregon’s statehood, decorated rooms in the Mansion will illustrate different traditions of Christmas, including decorating trees, writing Christmas cards, serving holiday foods, playing Christmas music, and giving gifts.

Pittock Mansion, 3229 NW Pittock Drive, Portland, OR 97210 503-823-3623
11/23/09 — 12/31/09
11:00-4:00pm

$8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for children (aged 6-18); children 5 and under are free.

picture courtesy of Oregonlive.com

Holiday Tea at the Heathman (my personal favorite)
The Heathman’s Holiday Tea kicks off the day after Thanksgiving with three daily seatings from November 28 through January 4, 2009. Reservations will be available starting Friday, November 14th at 6 a.m. for this popular — and cherished — family tradition. With the two-story tall Christmas tree and festive decorations throughout the historic tea court, the Heathman’s annual Holiday Tea is perfect after shopping, with a friend or as a family celebration.

Heathman Hotel, 1001 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205 503-790-7752
Seatings are daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m

Adults are $32 per person and the Peter Rabbit Tea for Little Sippers is $14 per person.

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
The Schnitz offers performances including a mix of religious winter holidays, singing Christmas trees and even some sugar plum fairies. New and old, heartwarming holiday traditions.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Since 1984, Chip Davis' Mannheim Steamroller has rung in the holidays with their ... 12/19/2009 Saturday 4:00p

Comfort and Joy
Join us for a program of all-time holiday favorites. Selections include excerpts from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, the Pifa from Handel's Messiah and Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Greensleeves. This is a chance to sing holiday favorites with your family and the Oregon Symphony.
12/21/2009 Monday 7:30p

Portland Youth Philharmonic: Concert At Christmas 12/26/2009 Saturday 7:30p

Oregon Symphony: Happy Holidays
Help ring in the holidays with a celebration of the season's many musical traditions ... 12/31/2009 Thursday 2:00p

Pink Martini New Years Eve 12/31/2009 Thursday 7:00p

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway 503.248.4335
Schnitz

Peacock Lane

Go see the lights on Peacock Lane and you'll find nothing but good, old-fashioned holiday spirit. Since the 1920s, each house in this quaint southeast neighborhood has been decorating for Christmas. Mostly Tudors, the houses are adorned with not only beautiful sparkling lights, but also nativity scenes, rotating Christmas trees and stunningly life-like replicas of Santa and Frosty. Be forewarned: this is a very popular Portland tradition and the crowds can get quite thick. It is wise to park several blocks away and walk, rather than drive through the area. Better yet, take a ride in the horse-drawn carriage.

Peacock Lane is between SE Stark St. and SE Belmont St. and one block east of SE 39th.
5pm - 11pm
December 15 - December 31

Zoo Lights at the Washington Park Zoo

See the zoo transformed into a winter wonderland, aglow with a million lights.

More than 200 animated animals swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places where they're least expected. Displays include swinging monkeys, leaping frogs, flying bats, diving penguins and a perfect-for-photos light sculpture featuring a dozen animals.

Nov. 27-Jan. 3
closed Dec. 24-25

Sun-Thurs: 5-8 p.m.
Fri-Sat: 5-8:30 p.m. You can stay until one hour after gate closes.

Admission including train ride:
Adults (12 to 64) $10.75
Seniors (65 and over) $9.25
Children (3 to 11) $7.75
Infants 2 & under free

Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto

A celebration of Christmas, including a half-million lights, 150 musical performances, puppet shows, petting zoo, carolers & more.

November 27, 2009-Wednesday, December 30, 2009
5 p.m.-9 p.m. with gates closing at 10 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day

$7.50 general admission
$3 children ages 3-12
2 & under are free
Please Bring canned or dry food for SnowCap.

Seasonal food and beverages are available, as well as shopping in The Grotto’s Christian Gift and Bookstore. In our Visitor Complex we offer a display of nativity sets from around the world which are available for purchase.

The Christmas Festival of Lights is a walk-through event. While entertainment areas are fully tented and all concerts are performed indoors, visitors should dress for the weather. The average visit may last 75 to 90 minutes. The Festival is accessible to those with disabilities. Free parking is available.The Festival offers over 140 indoor holiday music concerts. A tentative schedule is available on our web-site.

Festival of Lights Hot Line: 503-261-2400

Scenes from the office Christmas party....

2009-12-16T08:40:00.001-08:00

B&B - the more expensive unit

2009-11-26T23:57:00.000-08:00

The youtube videos will capture the rooms - here are a few photos as backup.

Photos for Byron

2009-11-26T23:52:00.001-08:00

Happy Shopping

2009-11-06T08:13:00.001-08:00

Happy Shopping

2009-11-06T07:33:00.001-08:00

This one is only good in the stores, so print it out!

Happy Shopping

2009-11-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

Valid November 6 - 8, 2009. Not valid at LOFT stores or LOFT online.

WOOT!

2009-11-06T07:17:00.000-08:00

Finally, finally our voices have been heard and today we can celebrate what will prove to be a very important move forward for real estate.

The Senate has unanimously voted 98-0 to extend the first time home buyer tax credit. It passed overwhelmingly in the House,(403-12) and the White House reports President Obama will sign the bill today. Not only was the first time home buyer tax credit extended, a NEW $6,500 tax credit for existing homeowners who have lived in their homes for at least five of the last eight years was added to the bill.

Senator Johnny Isakson (a co-sponsor of the measure) said “this bill will help us boost what is the REAL problem in the U.S housing market today and that is what is called the move-up market." Johnny hit the nail right on the head. The move-up market has been stalled and even though the first time home buyer market was helped along with the initial tax credit it was not enough to move the “middle” market. This “middle” market desperately needed a jump start. And, we got it today.

These tax credits will be available through June 30th of 2010; however, buyers who qualify for either of these credits MUST enter a binding contract before April 30, 2010. The bill also increases the income cap to $125,000 for a single person and $250,000 for a couple. And the credit is available for all homes purchased for $800,000 or less. This is ideal, as it will break up the middle part of the market that is currently stalled.

To make things even sweeter, the bill also provides the jobless with up to 20 weeks in additional unemployment benefits. Thank goodness for the help, since the construction industry was hit very hard by this economic downturn. Thanks really need to go to people like Judy Conti of the National Employment Law Project who blasted Senate and said it was “shameful” that the Senate procrastinated on the unemployment extension issue. Conti said “this bill would provide a lifeline for those who are desperate, who are unemployed for no fault of their own”. With a current unemployment rate of 9.8% this extension comes at the perfect time.

And it gets even better!!! The 24 billion dollar bill will also provide help to struggling businesses that had losses in 2008 and 2009. They would now be able to seek refunds for taxes paid on profits over the past 5 years.

So is it official yet? Almost - we are in the home stretch. The bill is expected to be sent to President Barack Obama for his signature on Friday, November 6th.

Remodel before selling?

2009-10-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

Despite home price drops in many cities, remodeling projects are holding their own as a way for owners to add value.

Another good reason for that remodel is the fact that buyers are having to put more money down to get a loan, so they are using up their available cash just to get the house. Remodeling loans or second mortgages are hard to come by, consequently, buyers are starting to forego the sweat equity or light remodel homes in favor of completely "done" properties.

So what project should you tackle? Adding a bath to a one-bathroom house, adding a legal bedroom, or putting on a nice, big deck are examples of projects that are really going to help sell your home and make it more liveable. New windows, energy efficient heating and cooling, fresh paint and carpet are excellent. Custom projects that suit your hobbies or personality are a bad idea for a return on your investment. But sprucing up the house so it belongs in the twenty first century is a fabulous idea, and doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.

My house was built in 1992. It should be in pretty good shape, right? Well, if I were going to put it on the market, I'd have to replace all the carpet, the kitchen appliances are well-used and looking worn, the bathroom faucets are dated, and my kitchen needs a facelift. Last year we replaced all the siding, and installed new windows in the front half of the house and a brand new deck. Things fall apart and if you don't constantly keep up with it, the scope and cost of the projects can be huge. But light fixtures, faucets, paint and great accessories will do wonders.

If your house was built in the 70's or 80's, the style may need some tweaking. Lots of wooden railings, wood paneling and angled vaults? They'll require modern paint colors, great flooring and new railings to step into 2010.

Please check with your Realtor before you install granite counters into granny's 1940 house. Period updates are worth a lot more than a kitchen that looks like it came out of Home Depot, and your Realtor can supply you with photos of other properties that were done right. Nothing is worse than the cost and effort of a bad remodel that doesn't gain you anything in your sale. Let's work on the project together and get you the most bang for your buck.

Don't you just love Portland?

2009-10-26T20:10:00.001-07:00

For Tracy

2009-10-24T21:28:00.000-07:00

Jack's Zucchini Bread

4 eggs
1 1/2 cup cooking oil
3 cups sugar
4 1/2 tsp vanilla
3 cups grated zucchini
4 1/2 cups flour
1 cup chocolate chips or raisins or frozen blueberries
1 1/2 tsp salt
5 tablespoons cinnamon (this is the secret!)
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 cups nuts (optional - Jack never uses nuts)
Mix together, pour into loaf pans, bake at 325 degrees for 70 minutes.
Makes 2 large loaves.

This is a large recipe - one for you and one for a friend. The heavy dose of cinnamon is correct, and it makes this recipe different from most. I like it a lot!

Hope you do too!

Adventures in Babysitting

2009-10-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

Favorite clients/friends have a new baby boy. Her sister wondered if I might be up for a two hour babysitting gig while they went out for a birthday lunch. Are you kidding? I would love nothing more than two uninterrupted hours with a newborn. (Sarah, I'm so glad you called me!)

When I got there he was quietly awake, but after a bit.... WAH!

Hm. He didn't like the clear pacifier. Let's try this green one.

I Likey.

So comfy.

He's so smart already. Look at him showing me his pinky!

Rock on! Ok, now I'm getting really sleepy.

I think I'll take a nap for an hour and forty five minutes.

No problemo. I'll just hold you and snuggle you until Mommy gets home.

Ahhhhhh. There's nothing sweeter.

This Week

2009-10-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

This little guy was on my doorframe.
He's noisier than he looks!

Sammy's flowers - just too pretty to pass without a photo.

I work in the prettiest office in town!

My buddy. A beautiful day calls for a chat and a cup of coffee with Kim.

Rick finally got his dream house!

Farmers Market - why does it always rain on us? A great shot before the deluge!

Whit's new condo

2009-10-20T10:08:00.001-07:00

I'm so glad somebody in the family gets to benefit from the recession and housing slump! Whit is in the process of buying this condo in time to reap the $8000 tax credit, plus he got a loan with assistance from the Portland Development Commission that also credits you back 20% of your annual mortgage interest. It's a really smart move, and it's got
location location location. One block off the hip shopping/restaurant mecca, and he can ride the streetcar to work.

Pot Luck

2009-10-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

Last night's pot luck dinner was really a good one, even though we didn't have our entire group. Larry, Dave, Stacy and Glen were out, but Deb, Dave, Laur, Kim, Norris and I had a great time, and Whit joined us as well.

Menu:
Italian chop salad
Assorted breads
Chicken Parmigiana
Fetuccini with clam sauce
Pizelles stuffed with chocolate mousse

Lots of red wine and Italian beer.

Majorly yummy.

Next up: Debi's in November and Kim's in December (with all the kids)

A great tradition we're likely to continue for years and years. Thanks to Captain and Mrs. Fun for brainstorming this last March... so far we've had Greek, Mexican, German, and good old American BBQ.

I Must Have This Book

2009-10-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

I'm finding it awfully hard to wait until Christmas.

Who needs paint? All you need is a box of Sharpies.

2009-10-16T05:37:00.000-07:00

Scribbler on the Wall – Charlotte Mann

Feeling down because you can’t afford the latest must-have chair, your partner is allergic to the cats you love, or the view from your window is less than stellar?

Why not just grab a black marker and paint the things you crave on your white walls instead? That’s what London artist Charlotte Mann does, which has garnered her a spot on the shortlist for the British Design Awards 2009 in the Surface Design of the Year category.

Yes, these are real rooms - see the real furniture!

reposted with thanks to MirrorMirror

Currently ignoring this blog

2009-10-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

In favor of this one: caryperkins.com

I took a trip to Seattle last week and really grooved on all the tecnique I learned about proper blogging to get results on Google, which is what I should be doing for my business, instead of blogging as a personal endeavor.... so I will probably veer towards keeping this one for friends and family, and putting all real estate content on caryperkins.com. It is still very much under construction, but I'm plugging away.

While we're on the subject of Seattle, I have to laugh about my midwestern upbringing, and the lack of anything LARGE. (landmarks! not big cheese eating, beer-drinking folk! That we have in abundance!)

I'm still unsettled when I see something really huge, like the Statue of Liberty, a really huge bridge, like the Mackinac Island bridge, or two landmarks that give me the creeps when I drive to Seattle: Mt. Rainier and the Tacoma Dome. Eek! I freak out when I round that curve and the Dome is right there. It's huge, and ugly, and my stomach rolls when I see it. Same for Mt. Rainier, even though I adore Mt. Hood, I guess I can abide its hugeness because I'm used to it. But Mt. Ranier still gives me a fright! Good thing it's usually obscured by clouds!

I stayed in the middle of downtown and had a meeting at Pier 66. I wasn't sure of the parking situation, though I was leaving town immediately aftewards, but I decided to hoof it, and enjoyed the most wonderful walk through the Market, got an amazing french cookie and espresso, and even brought home a bright pepper garland. On the way back to the hotel, I had to stop for some fresh made cheese (grilled with fresh tomato and basil) for the drive home.

It was such a wonderful stay that I convinced Norris to go back for a weekend to celebrate our anniversary - either the weekend of the Washington/Oregon football game, or for a more relaxing time, maybe on our actual anniversary, so we can concentrate on more important things. Shopping and eating, people!

Thanks to USGS for the great Mt. Rainier photo.

Current Obsessions

2009-10-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

1. Tailgate food (this week's fare: meatball sandwiches & mac n cheese)
My diet is going nowhere during Ducks Football.

2. New babies
(Parker and Julie, Taylor & Jakob, Grayson, 2 great nephews/nieces on the way)

3. My new little camera - it's magenta

4. Big necklaces

5. Project Runway

6. New little friends - children of clients
(R & C, K & A)

7. My tomatoes. STILL.

8. Olive Kitteridge
(the book group is reading one I've already read, so I'm devouring a few extras)
**update**
finished and loved it. next up:
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

9. The japanese sweater store I went to in Soho. I WISH they had mail order.

10. Having Whit living at home!

11. Starting to see Christmas stuff in stores. It irritates me, but makes me want to shop.

12. My new (very old) little table

13. Potluck nights

14. The pleasure of being busy in Real Estate again.

Shoes too tight?

2009-09-21T13:08:00.001-07:00

I haven't tried this yet - I just found it - but I'm going to be ecstatic if it works!!! If you've tried it, please let me know via the comments.

Fun in Philly, NYC & even Eugene!

2009-09-20T11:56:00.001-07:00

(Pardon the formatting. This long post was difficult and Blogger isn't cooperating)

The stage was set. The stone terrace was lit by a chandelier hung from an overhead branch, the band was under cover, as the weather was dark and looked like rain. The girlfriends arrived with amazing food and drinks were starting to flow. What a fabulous party to celebrate three fabulous friends. Terri, Chris and Mary threw an amazing bash and I was fortunate enough to be able to fly to Philadelphia to attend.

Clare and Dennis

Chris, Mimi, Gere, Sid, Dennis and Clare

Chris, one of the birthday girls, and one of the traveling Philly girls who I've gone away with every fall for 16 years.

The birthday girl, Terri, and Jack

Clare, Cary and Mary

Tim and Ray

Jillian, Terri and Jason

Gere, Don and Lorena

Friends for over 20 years. Here is our original group, who still meet every other month for fun and frolic. Anne, Gere, Kathy, Maria, Amy, Chris, Clare, Mary, Karen, Terri, Sid, Mimi and Lorena. You're the best, and still as beautiful as ever!

We went outside for some serious dancing, and the rain started to fall. Whatever... it worked for Woodstock, it would work for us.

We whooped it up when the birthday girls performed with the band.

Donna and Jack

Chrissy,the best dancer I know!

Mimi & Clem

Cortney, and Pat

Sid and Mark

Ter & Jack. Wet and wild!

The birthday girl and her fans.

The next day...

Wawa for coffee. (couldn't miss a photo-op with Tastykakes)

A little shopping and lounging - and another photo-op at the Brandywine picnic park, home of the little perkins childrens' birthday extravaganza.

Look how beautiful the terrace was the day after!

Ter's gorgeous living room

Pizza at Elizabeth's
Terri and Clare

And our drive into the city...

Lunch with offspring! Dana on left.

A D-List sighting....

Man, she's short, and her hair is huge!

Offspring #2 - Erica joins us for lunch and a visit. (I spent most of the time on the phone with Real Estate - it was at this cafe that we finally struck a deal for A & R~)

Mary notices something intriguing at Times Square

The Schoenfeld, where we saw A Steady Rain, with Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman.

Afterwards, we decided to watch them come out. Can you see Hugh in the center?

That's a little better. A madhouse. We also saw James Gandolfino and Daniel Craig before saying goodbye. I hopped in a taxi and went to Betsy's condo and the Philly girls went home.

Betsy's place in NYC is adorable!

Here's Laura, my BFF (since 1964)

French pastry and the biggest cappucino I've ever seen...

Lunch at Fannelli Cafe - the best burger ever!

Lots of yarn shopping. Not just yarn. Lots and lots of shopping for everything under the sun. We Sparta girls know how to shop!

Out for breakfast in Chelsea. Simply a wonderful weekend with my oldest and dearest friends, from the midwest and the east coast...

But it felt good to come home too. Norris and I headed out to the Ducks game early the next morning, and they pulled off a win, in the rain, and surrounded by 57,000 of their fans.

What a perfect end to my summer... and now it's back to school for Cam, who's arriving home today from Wisconsin. Whit is still at home, but loving his new position and all the co-workers in Portland, and we are on track for a great fall. I even bought a couple of Christmas presents.

Chase Update

2009-09-07T09:44:00.001-07:00

He's out of the hospital, recuperating at his Grandma's house, and doing very well. He will have one more surgery (to stitch his head back together - there's some bone plates waiting in a freezer somewhere...) and he just has to be protected from any damage to his head - so he's wearing a helmet and being watched carefully. But he's playing the piano, his vocabulary is as big as ever, and he's expected to make a full recovery and return to USD in January. Whew.

He's always been an incredible kid, but this recovery takes him off the charts! As his friend said, "If it wouldn't have been Chase, we would have worried." That says it all.

Long Rainy Weekend

2009-09-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

The holiday weekend started with a quick trip to the Farmer's Market to meet some clients and grab a few signatures to finalize their house purchase. The important signatures were done under an umbrella, due to the drizzle, and then the skies really opened up. We finished our shopping, and got totally drenched, but grabbed fresh radishes, artichokes, homemade dill pickles, peach strudel bread and thai salad rolls. Sounds like I'm pregnant! Nah, just got some food for the football munching platter and bread for breakfast.

Normally I'd be stocking up on tomatoes, but my tomatoes are actually enough for the time being, which is a miracle. (Two years ago I nursed a tomato plant all summer and the yield was one measley tomato - this year I have heirloom, plum, cherry, red, yellow and black!) And my basil is huge - Whit has requested some containers of pesto, so that's on tap for the upcoming week before I head east to Philadelphia and New York.

Speaking of Whit, he's here for the weekend - we watched a lot of college football together, and then we went to the sports pub at the MAC for more football and friends. He went off to a friend's aunt's wedding, where he was eagerly anticipating mountains of authentic Thai food. Today we'll organize moving trucks and make room for temporary storage of his things, as he has yet to rent a place in Portland with his buddies. I'd be happy if he'd just move back into his old room.

Whit's really enjoying his work in the field of economics. (We're so happy he's employed, not to mention liking his job and getting moved back to Portland!) His work focuses on economic implications of various projects in American cities. Yesterday we picked his brain a little bit about his plans for a Masters Degree. The best Masters programs in Public Policy are under consideration, and he is probably only going to live in Portland for a few years before he heads east.

Cam returns from Europe on Wednesday, and I leave on Friday. This house seems to have a big revolving door, and thank goodness for Norris, who takes care of all the critters and supports our habits. He is really a gem :-)

Housing Sales On A Roll

2009-09-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

The number of pending home sales continues to rise.

Bernie Madoff's Beach House up for auction

2009-09-01T17:02:00.000-07:00

Want a peek inside?

Egads

2009-09-01T16:50:00.001-07:00

The test scores are in for Portland Public Schools.

Go Bridlemile!

"Where have YOU BEEN?"

2009-08-31T19:54:00.000-07:00

That's the way my mom would say it when I'd been missing for a while and was (sort of) in trouble. And that's what my blog would say if it could talk. I've been so negligent in blogging lately, so it's time for a catch-up post.

Working backwards, I'll start with the houses my clients and I have been obsessing over.

We have an offer in on this one.

Great, easy floor plan, nice, remodeled kitchen, big wide back yard with an incredible garden.

I guess it's nice to give an idea of the cost of these places that I picture, especially for my far away friends, or those interested in real estate... so this one is $599,000. Will report back if (when!) the deal goes through.

Last week, this beautiful view home ($799,000) was the object of a sweet family's affection, and we wrote and the buyer accepted our contingent offer. After only two days, we got "bumped" and were given 72 hours to sell their house.

>

Luckily, it was an adorable dutch colonial right in the little village, and steps from everything a person could want. Well, everything a cool person could want. I couldn't believe how many people want "the village," but they don't want THE VILLAGE. Whatever.

We worked and strategized and fretted.... and boy, my "Village People" rallied. Their place was shining and gorgeous, and always ready for guests, even though they have two (beautiful) little ones and a great big dog. And very full-time jobs.

The last showing was at 9:30pm the night before our 9am deadline. We were about to lose the view house. But we knew these buyers were interested. I was around the corner with the dad and the dog. The mom was in the yard with the baby monitor and the kids were asleep. One and a half hours later, as we were rehashing and figuring out our plan, my phone range. The Realtor was across the street, wondering if she could present an offer.

So, this is one Real Estate story that I wished was on HGTV. It worked out beautifully, the buyers are perfect, the sellers are delighted, and so am I. Oh, the village house was $399,000. (only one bathroom, but otherwise, just adorable)

Hard to believe, but that represents about three week's work, with the showings, the offers, the listing, the photos, the tours, the open houses, the paperwork and so forth. Two normal weeks, and one awfully stressful one.

Coming up: A very neat house on a gorgeous lot in a good neighborhood, priced at $515,000. She's my very first client, back for her fifth transaction in nine years. (sold, bought, sold, bought, now selling again) I LOVE this woman, and am looking forward to spending time with her and her family. Photos being taken on Friday!

In other news...

Cam flew to Rome yesterday, anxious to meet Betsy and travel together for a while. She spent a summer studying Italian and translation, (she's a Romance Language major) and is winding up the experience with a little vacation time. They're in Cinque Terre at the moment, and headed to Capri next. We're taking care of Peter - we better get used to having three dogs - there's no telling where those two will take off for after they graduate in March. They're talking Italy....

There are lots of babies arriving this summer and I've attended a couple of showers lately. Two friends have just welcomed sets of boy/girl twins! (Want to know their names? Parker and Julia, and Jakob and Taylor! Aren't they cute?)

These photos are of two of my favorite sisters, at a baby shower for a future little boy... and look at the fabulous hiking carrier thingy (I'm such a hiker!) they got from her parents!

My movie group (The Film Flams) is going to The Time Traveler's Wife on Wednesday, with dinner at Laura's pool afterwards... always a wonderful night swimming under the stars and (only slightly) under the influence ;-)

The book group is reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and the discussion and party will be at my house this time. (I had German food last time when we read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. Do I always choose books that go with bratwurst??)

I'm headed to Philadelphia on 9/11 for a big, swinging birthday bash for three of my "Philly Girls," Terri, Chrissy and Mary. All turning 50 three days in a row, with a party and live music on Terri's beautiful stone terrace. (Pray for sunshine) She lives in an early 20th century stone barn, converted to a wonderful house - just up the road from our old house in PA.

Following that, we're headed to the shore for a little stay at Sid's beach house, and then to NYC. We'll be seeing Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman in "A Steady Rain." (hate the moustache, Dan)

Then I'll connect with Laura and Betsy, my truly oldest and dearest friends since childhood, and we'll finish off the week in NYC. Betsy lives in Chelsea and Laura is flying in from Milwaukee. (with a late celebration for her 50th birthday as well) I am pretty sure my cheeks will be sore after this trip - all these friends and I laugh from start 'til finish. I can not wait to see them all!

When I get home, Whit will be temporarily living with us. His firm has transferred him to the Portland office - and he's excited to have a chance to get back to the big city - and get a house in NW Portland with a couple of his old friends. I'm just thrilled to have one of the kids back in town.

We have season tickets to the U of O football games with Whit, so we'll have lots of fun together this fall - tailgating with the boys and their friends. The season opener is on TV Thursday night, and Norris and I are already getting excited!

Last, but not least, here's a little photo or two of the pups in their favorite place. (and mine) The sun.

Happy end of summer!

Book Club Beach Weekend

2009-08-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

We haven't held our book club anywhere but each others' homes in a long time. There was a memorable mountain trip, but we usually find it hard to organize everyone and all our various schedules, and often give up. But recently, we started a bucket list, and a beach weekend was one of the first items on the list. And so it began.

We're a competitive bunch, and I was arguably the worst golfer there, but I won! And it wasn't because I was keeping score! Really!

It all started with golf, moved on to grilled shrimp and many bottles of chilled white wine, then a competitive and hilarious game of cranium, and finally, dancing.

(You can't imagine how many of these photos didn't make the blog!)

The next morning, the weather was beautiful, though we didn't all feel quite so beautiful, so we dragged ourselves to a waterfront restaurant for chowder, burgers and fish.

Shopping, a trip to the beach, and then home for fajitas and our book discussion.

Our book club bylaws stipulate that there must be red wine and candy. We had sangria and bushels of candy! We like to follow the rules to a T.

Kathy's beach house is adorable, and look at the pretty view!

Sunday morning's bloody marys, glorious sunshine and hours of chit chat on the deck made for a perfect ending to a wonderful, memorable weekend.

It's already been 14 years since Kristin started our group, and we've weathered all kinds of storms. But here we are, still, bound by friendship, love of books, and together for the long haul. So what's next on the bucket list?

How I spent my summer - Camp 2009

2009-08-09T17:14:00.000-07:00

Bag o' omelettes

Freshly corn-rowed and zonked

Unbelievable cheese/corn dip. We didn't have room for dinner after inhaling this.

Stacy frying up some bread, Dave adding comic relief

Dave and Norris

Brady (Chip) Alex, Whit, Orrin

Glen and Deb

The center of our camping universe

Bart

Whit and Orrin diving off the boat for frisbees (and Deb)

Glen and Norris

Ryan and Kim

Captain Fun

The girls (Bailey, Alex and Alex)

Dave and Alex. Did we really have three Alexes on this trip?

Whit and Kyle, the reason this group even knows one another. Thank goodness for soccer tryouts in 1984! 15 years of family friendship.

Kyle being forced to drink out of a girlie Margarita glass

Dave and Kim cutting the rug/dirt

Penny

While Stacy wasn't busy making incredible food, or offering the utmost in hospitality at their base camp, she wove a simple wreath from sticks, leaves and ferns. She's so talented, and you should hear her whistle!

Our trip was amazing, in spite of rain, cold, delays, and a forecast that actually said SNOW! We took it in stride and had a wonderful time, just as we did last year!

Next year? Yes! Group Campsite for 70. Watch for your invitation!

Chase Update

2009-08-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

He's awake, he can breathe on his own, his grip is firm and he can respond to questions. He's smashing our expectations and coming around like the champ that we knew he would be. Nowhere out of the woods yet, but he's going to live, and he's going to walk and talk. He threw a pillow at the nurse!

Team Chase

2009-08-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Cam's childhood buddy is in critical condition, after an accidental fall down the stairs on to a concrete floor. No one is sure how long he was there before they found him, but it is guessed that it is somewhere near one hour.

He has been in an induced coma for about 9 days, and they have been slowly bringing him out of it. Today he is expected to open his eyes.

It's going to be a super hard day for his family. Up until now it has been almost surreal. Today it is going to be very real.

I'm going to sit in the waiting room with them, along with about 50 kids who come every day for their vigil.

Chase's mom, Kristin, started my book club a long time ago - we're her ya-yas, and we've been doing all that we can for her throughout this ordeal. Sitting in the waiting room doesn't seem like much, but it's all we can do. That, and to continue to feed the nurses. I'm always good for some cookies.

Tomorrow we're supposed to go camping for five days. There is some rain in the forecast and the trip is hanging in the balance.

Watching and waiting. I'm doing a lot of that lately.

A nice column about Chase was in the Oregonian today...

Many think the worst is over.

2009-07-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

The New York Times offers good news:

After a plunge lasting three years, houses have finally become cheap enough to lure buyers. That, in turn, is stabilizing prices, generating hope that the real estate market is beginning to recover.

For the first time since early 2007, a composite index of 20 major cities was virtually flat, instead of down.

“We’ve found the bottom,” said Mark Fleming, chief economist for First American CoreLogic, a data firm.

The release of the surprisingly strong Case-Shiller Price Index, compiled by Standard & Poor’s, followed earlier reports that sales of existing homes rose last month for the third consecutive time, while sales of new homes rose in June by the largest percentage in eight years.

All of these improvements are tentative, and come after a relentless decline that knocked more than half the value off houses in the worst-hit cities.

Some skeptics say they believe the market is merely pausing before it resumes falling and that much of the life in the market is coming from speculators. Even the most enthusiastic analysts acknowledge that rising unemployment, another leap in foreclosures or a significant jump in interest rates could snuff out progress.

Still, hope is growing in some quarters that the worst has passed.

“Recession is over, economy is recovering — let’s look forward and stop the backward-looking focus,” John E. Silvia, the Wells Fargo chief economist, wrote Tuesday in a research note.

Kirit Shah decided to look forward a few weeks ago. A retired forensic chemist for the New York Police Department, he closed on a house in Royal Palm Beach, Fla.

Mr. Shah was not dissuaded when the salesman at K. Hovnanian Homes told him the five-bedroom place had been empty since it was finished three years ago. “It was waiting for me,” said Mr. Shah, 64. “I’m on a lakefront. I never dreamed I would be on a lakefront. I’m within walking distance of a swimming pool.”

But the thing he likes best is this: he paid $260,000 for the five-bedroom house, half of what that model was fetching during the boom. “An excellent deal,” he said. “Plus I got a good rate on my mortgage, under 5 percent.”

Turning markets are full of uncertainty. If Mr. Shah was one reason new home sales were up 11 percent in June from May, it is unclear just how many others like him are out there.

Brad Hunter, chief economist for Metrostudy, a research firm, said the new home numbers appeared to illustrate less a return of buyers like Mr. Shah and more a resurgence of investors and speculators. Metrostudy’s own data showed that the number of buyers during the second quarter who actually moved into their new house declined 2.6 percent.
“Investors are turning right around and putting the houses on the market for sale or for rent,” Mr. Hunter said. “What appears to have been an absorption of excess inventory can be just a changing of ownership of that inventory.”

The good news in the Case-Shiller index, the most widely watched source of price information about the housing market, is equally provisionary. Tracking only large urban areas, the monthly index does not represent the country as a whole.

The Case-Shiller figures released Tuesday showed May prices were down 17.1 compared with May 2008. As bad as that may sound, it was the fourth consecutive month that price declines slowed — a step in the right direction, but perhaps not cause for widespread celebration.

More attention was focused on the news that, when May was compared with April, the price index for 20 major cities showed a half-percent gain. It was the first month-over-month increase in the index in 34 months.

“It is very possible that years from now we will say that April 2009 was the trough in home prices,” said Maureen Maitland, vice president for index services at Standard & Poor’s.
When the numbers were adjusted for seasonal factors, however — the usual way housing figures are presented — the slight gain disappeared and the index was essentially flat. Half of the cities showed continued declines.

One reason the market is perking up in some places, real estate agents say, is the encouragement offered by such measures as the first time buyer’s tax credit of $8,000.

All the more reason, said the National Association of Realtors, to not only extend the credit but expand it. The association is lobbying for the current credit, which expires in December, to be replaced with a $15,000 credit for all buyers.

“This is a relatively low-cost way to keep the housing market moving forward,” said Paul Bishop, the association’s managing director of research.

Another reason for the market’s resurgence is the prevalence of foreclosures, which make up about a third of all existing home sales. In some troubled regions, agents say they cannot remember the last transaction that did not involve a bank disposing of a property.

These communities are not yet showing any improvement in prices. Las Vegas was the worst-performing city in the May Case-Shiller index, falling 2.6 percent. Prices have fallen there by a third in the last year.

“The mom and pop that work at the Hilton can now afford a home here again,” said Justin Pechonis, a Las Vegas real estate agent. “Las Vegas is a great place to buy now.” But not from him. Sickened by seeing so many clients foreclosed on, he is getting out of the business. He now drives a taxi.

All this uncertainty breeds a hesitancy that seems to show up in nearly every sale, especially at the higher end of the market. When Margot and Pascal Lalonde decided in April to sell their two-bedroom condominium in the North End of Boston, they methodically quizzed six experienced agents about a good price.

List it for under $500,000 unless you want to be here for months, said one agent. Two others said they should demand $675,000. The other three were in between.

“In a market with so few sales, no one knows what to do,” said Ms. Lalonde, a consultant.

After 80 days on the market and two small price reductions, the condo is now under contract for $550,000. The buyers examined the apartment six times. The Lalondes, who are moving to Short Hills, N.J., expect to be no less careful when they buy.

New Law affects Home Sales

2009-07-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

Last week the Governor signed a bill requiring that a carbon monoxide detector and alarm be installed in every home sold (limited on “one and two family homes or multifamily homes”). The bill was signed as an “emergency bill” which means it is in effect immediately.

So, starting now, all homes that have a carbon monoxide producing element (gas stove or oven, gas/oil furnace, fireplaces, gas water heater, etc.) must have an installed and active carbon monoxide alarm devise. Failure to have the devise in place at the time of transfer of title will not invalidate the transfer. The penalty for not having the devise in place at the time of transfer is $250 per incident or actual damages.

I'll try to locate the best, most cost-effective source for carbon monoxide detectors and have the information on hand. Please contact me to learn more.

Brandstetter Family Reunion

2009-07-06T07:45:00.001-07:00

Summer, 2010

Mirror Lake, Wisconsin Dells,

Picture us here....

I dibs being the cook.

Pam, Cary, Joe and Bedo. Spouses, nine kids. (all but two are already out of college) My kids haven't seen their Midwestern cousins since 1997!

Eight bedrooms, bunks above the boat house located down a dark, scary path through the woods, waterslides in one direction, Taliesen in the other. A trip to Sparta to see the second and third cousins, and, hopefully, a swim in the Sparta Pool, root of all my happiness....the planning starts now. I can hardly wait.

Ugly Door Contest

2009-06-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

"If you live in the Portland Metro area and missed his show this week, Handyman Bob (one of my fave contractors, Bob Strong) announced a great contest. If you could really use a make-over on your front door, visit Bob's website, fill out the entry form and upload a picture of your "ugly" door. One of his listeners will be the lucky winner toward the end of the summer.

If you know someone else who could use the make-over more than you, share the opportunity. And, at the same time, let them know about the show and invite them to become a fan of Around the House with Handyman Bob Radio Show

If you'd like to hear about how awesome Bob is, just give me a call. He's tweaked my own front door (which isn't ugly anymore, but it used to be!) and fixed broken drawers, re-caulked the shower, and fixed all the little problems that piled up, but we just never got around to. I'd happily recommend him!

Home

2009-06-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

Working from home for a few weeks and getting in some pool time.

*flowers courtesy of Kim
*placemats quilted by Pam

Thanks, all, for all your birthday wishes and fabu goodies...

Scenes From The Nines

2009-06-20T14:52:00.000-07:00

We spent the night in a hotel in downtown Portland last night. The Nines opened last October in the worst of times. Their occupancy hasn't been what they had hoped, so their prices are really attractive for such an upscale hotel. We decided to take advantage of it, and have a little get-away.

Dinner at Urban Farmer wasn't quite as wonderful as we'd hoped, but the hotel room didn't disappoint, and a night away was a perfect way to end my birthday.

The lobby featured mannequins, big jewels and high heels - fashionable art!

A ninth floor view of The Pioneer Courthouse and Pioneer Square, where we searched for the brick with our name engraved on it, but never found it!

I'd loved the decor - chic & a little bit fru-fru with a crystal chandelier & gold swirls in the wallpaper.

Oh, the food!

2009-06-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

It's been quite the foody week over here at chez Cary.

On Monday, we held a baby shower for a wonderful friend of mine at work. Several people offered to bring things, and the cake made by friend Burdean was unbelievable! A life size pregnant woman's chest and belly! (And so delicious - we had a lot of discussions on where exactly we should make the first cut!)

But being Annette's daughter, I had to make sure there was enough food to go around and then ten times that again...

So I made Ina Garten's sun dried tomato dip, and served it with blanched asparagus, carrots and wavy potato chips. (the pregnant girl is craving salt)

And Martha Stewart's spicy noodles, which we served in small portions in cute little cups (it was a cocktail affair)

And Cooking Light's lettuce wraps, with fresh mint, peanuts, bean sprouts, lime and a garlicky sauce (in the cutest tiny boston lettuce leaves)

And Ter's famous BLT Guacamole with bacon, tomatoes and arugula on top

And Pam's Salted Nut Roll Bars, of which I only had to bring half a pan, so we've been devouring those all week

The guest of honor has a deep and wondrous wine cellar, so her hubby brought in bottles of red, white and champagne...all amazing

And I made a recipe from a Nordstrom cookbook (ha ha, I'm really a good customer) for a watermelon, strawberry lemonade.

While I was at it, I decided to just make a kick-ass meal for us, since Cam had just gotten home from school (and only has one summer class plus one semester to go)

So I made a grilled pork loin in a cumin adobo sauce that was so moist and tasty, and served it with a sauce that just magnified those flavors - so so good I almost fell over. And Ina Garten's jalapeno cheddar cornbread (with TWO sticks of butter in it. Egads, it was so good!) Plus grilled fresh pineapple and red peppers. YUM. I could hardly move after that feast, but I had to do all the cooking for the shower!

Last night Whit popped through town as he was on his way to Olympia for work, so we got to have him for dinner. I had a hankering for bruschetta, so I broiled up some garlicky, olive oily baguettes, topped with my own home grown basil and some fresh tomatoes and just a little bit of red onion, and I then when everybody else was eating their entree, I just had some more bruschetta with fresh mozzarella on top because I'd rather eat bruschetta twice!

A foody week and now it's time to head to the gym. And stay there till about November.

Want to be a Princess?

2009-06-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

Portland's Northeast Sacramento Street home to 5 Rose Festival princesses, 1 queen

by Lisa Grace Lednicer, The Oregonian
Friday June 12, 2009, 8:32 PM

Lisa Grace Lednicer/The OregonianRachel Seeman, the current Rose Festival queen, grew up on Northeast Sacramento Street and admired her princess predecessors from the block. She went to Amanda Stutevoss' bridal shower and Leslie Wenzinger's wedding.
Here's a tip for girls who dream of becoming Rose Festival princesses: Tell your parents to move. Specifically, to the 7500 block of Northeast Sacramento Street.

That particular stretch of the Roseway neighborhood has produced five Rose Festival princesses over the years, including last week's queen. All the young women at one time lived within tiara-flinging range of each other.

With that track record, 2009 Queen Rachel Seeman was destined to become part of the Rose Festival court, said her dad, Dan.

"I tell ya, those other princesses are very proud of her," he said.

Throughout Rose Festival history, there have been multi-generational princesses within one family, two sisters who were queens in different years and one girl who was voted junior court queen (back when the festival had a junior court) and then Rose Festival queen a few years later.

Joan Arnold, Madison High princess, 1959
But no one at festival headquarters could think of another instance of multiple princesses from one small block.

"Must be something in the water there, huh?" mused Rich Jarvis, the festival's public relations director. "It's cool for the neighborhood."

The Northeast Sacramento Street dynasty began in 1959, when Joan Arnold was crowned Madison High's princess. Then, after a prolonged dry spell, Amanda Stutevoss was crowned Benson High's princess in 1999. Aubrey Isom was crowned Madison's princess the same year.

In 2000, Leslie Wenzinger was crowned Madison's princess. And this spring, Seeman became Grant High's princess and then queen.

Aubrey Isom, Madison High princess, 1999
"Admiring them growing up, I wanted to be just like them," Seeman said, sitting in a living room crowded with rose bouquets, ribbons and other souvenirs. "They were real to us. They were the girls next door, but they happened to be outstanding individuals."

Note to Portlanders who smell a conspiracy: There is none. This isn't a case of stage mother mania gone amok or festival favoritism. The only edge the girls had was occasional advice on speeches and outfits from princess parents on the block.

The young women describe Northeast Sacramento Street as an unusually friendly place, even by Portland standards. The street overlooks the Rose City Golf Course and most of the homes are 1950s-style ranches, with lush lawns and American flags. Neighbors talk fondly of poker games, potlucks and yearly block parties.

"It's a wonderful place to live and raise children in," said Carrie Moses, the street's unofficial mayor. "It's like living in a small town. People take care of each other and really get to know each other."

Amanda Stutevoss, Benson High princess, 1999
They also tend to stay put. Arnold's mother still lives in the house where she raised her daughter. When Isom's family moved out of their home, the Wenzingers moved in.

Growing up, the princesses formed a tight-knit sorority. Stutevoss and Isom played on the same softball team; Isom and Wenzinger played on the same soccer team.

It was a relief that Isom and Stutevoss went to different high schools because they didn't have to run against each other for princess honors.

"As it turned out, we both got it, and it was fantastic," Stutevoss said. "Aubrey and I had each other, and it was like a security blanket."

And when they won, one little girl took note.

Seeman, 7 at the time, lived across the street from Stutevoss and brought over flowers and a congratulatory card. Her brother, Ross, made Stutevoss a crown out of blue construction paper.

Leslie Wenzinger, Madison High princess, 2000
Last week, when Seeman was named queen, she said she had wanted the title since the year Stutevoss and Isom won.

Recently, another little girl moved to the neighborhood, raising the possibility that the dynasty will continue. "Who knows?" Seeman pondered. "Maybe in 14 years ..."

And in case that fails, there are at least two houses for sale nearby.

Just call me to see my listing... and your daughter might be the next princess!

A homebuyer assistance tool for first-time homebuyers in Portland.

2009-06-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

If you know anyone who has never bought a home, here's one more reason why NOW is the time! Especially in Portland, where the PDC offers an amazing credit ON TOP OF the $8000 home buyers credit offered by the Feds. Look at how much they'll save! (and with low home prices, and low interest rates, the time will NEVER be better!)

Housing Services
Mortgage Credit Certificate

A homebuyer assistance tool for first-time homebuyers in Portland.

Features/Benefits
The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program is for first-time homebuyers in Portland. An MCC provides homebuyers with an annual tax credit, which reduces their federal income taxes owed as long as they keep the loan and continue to occupy the home as their principal residence. The tax credit helps the homebuyer to more comfortably afford the monthly payment on their first home. The amount of the MCC tax credit will equal 20 percent of the annual mortgage interest paid by the homebuyer.

The following example shows how the amount of the MCC will be calculated. The example below assumes the homebuyer gets a 30-year mortgage of $250,000 with a 6.0% annual interest rate. Based on this example the total annual interest payments during the first year of the mortgage would be $15,000. Based on these assumptions here is how much tax credit they would get:

Example of a Mortgage Credit Certificate Calculation

1. Sample Home Loan Amount $250,000
2. Sample Annual Interest Rate 6.0%
3. Total Annual Interest Paid $15,000
4. Mortgage Credit Certificate Rate 20%
5. Annual MCC Amount (Line 3 x Line 4) $3,000
6. Monthly Credit Amount (Line 5 ÷ 12) $250

The amount of the annual tax credit is then deducted from the homebuyer’s total tax liability. If the homebuyer is not able to use the full amount of the MCC tax credit in a particular tax year— it may be carried forward for up to three calendar years. If the homebuyer’s total annual federal taxes is less than the total amount of the MCC, the MCC is most likely not the right program for them. The amount of MCC tax credit differs based on the amount of the homebuyer’s loan, interest rate and term of the loan. Each lender may treat the MCC differently for underwriting purposes and also depending on the type of loan selected. The above example is for educational purposes only and is not an actual offer of credit.

Eligible Homebuyer

First-time homebuyer, which is defined as not having owned a home in the past three years; this requirement is waived if the property is located in a “Target Area”
Annual household income limit is based on family size as follows:1-2 Persons-$70,000 3 or more persons-$80,500
Must meet first mortgage lender’s criteria for underwriting, credit and down payment requirements
Must occupy property as “principal residence” within 60 days of the purchasing the home

Eligible Property
Must be located within the Portland city limits
Must be owner-occupied during the life of the loan
Single-family units only, including condos and town homes
Maximum purchase price - $361,125 city-wide

You must use a participating lender, and Windermere Mortgage is one of them.

If you'd like more information, I'd be happy to speak to you, or put you in touch with Bertha Ferran at Windermere Mortgage.

More on the PDC web page here...

The 3/50 Project: Save Our Shops!

2009-06-03T09:58:00.000-07:00

Save Our Shops!

thanks, Nadya, for the link!
Who are your favorites?
Mine are Annie Bloom's Books and Paloma...

Get your $8,000 HUD tax credit now

2009-06-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

Get your $8,000 HUD tax credit now

HUD tweaked stimulus tax incentive so first-time home buyers get instant assistance with down payment and closing costs.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- First-time homebuyers will now have access to quick cash to help them with their down payments.

On Friday, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that first-time homebuyers using FHA-approved lenders can now get an advance on the $8,000 tax credit created by the stimulus package and apply it toward their down payments or closing costs.

"We believe this is a real win for everyone," said HUD secretary Shaun Donovan in a speech before the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). "Families will now be able to apply their anticipated tax credit toward their home purchase right away. What we're doing today will not only help these families to purchase their first home but will present an enormous benefit for communities struggling to deal with an oversupply of housing."

As part of the stimulus package, Congress created a refundable first-time homebuyers tax credit in hopes of helping on-the-fence buyers to take the home-purchase plunge. But buyers couldn't collect the $8,000 credit until tax time, rather than at closing time -- when it's needed.

The delay created an obstacle to reigniting the housing market because most first-time buyers -- the ones who would buy much of the available inventory -- have only saved enough to cover 4% of the purchase price, according to the National Association of Realtors.

The mechanics of the new program, according to NAHB economist Robert Dietz, allow lenders to purchase tax credits from the buyers and then collect the rebate from the IRS. Homebuyers must still come up with FHA's mandatory down payment of 3.5% on their own, but they can use the tax credit to lower their principal balance and save on monthly payments.

By Les Christie, CNNMoney.com staff writer

Marge and Obi

2009-05-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

The one and a half pound dog, and my good friend Marge!

Weekend update

2009-05-26T08:21:00.001-07:00

What a great, long weekend!

The neighborhood pool opened for the year, so I got to try out my new Target swimsuit. I smuggled in a can of Pabst in a coozie, and turned up my iPod to drown out the sound of screeching children hitting each other with those big noodles...When I woke up (yes, I went right to sleep - it has been a long few weeks!) the urchins were gone and I was treated to some perfect sun time. Thank goodness Portland's weather is starting to turn summery!

The boys came home for the weekend, and we went out to Cafe Yumm on Saturday night. (A Eugene staple that's finally opened in Portland) Afterwards we went to the mall for Norris' iPhone, and did a little shopping for shorts & flip flops.

On Sunday we drove to Gearhart to spend the day with Norris' sister, Kathie, and her husband Mark. They have a sweet beach house on the best strip of Gin Ridge, where we saw an impromptu family parade in honor of Memorial Day - these things just happen in Gearhart, a cute, old beach town. We did a little shopping and I got some amazing champagne glasses and some salt water taffy. Dinner was Copper River salmon, which was to die for!

On Monday we had Norris' birthday dinner, with some good salads and rhubarb crunch cake. (Every year it's a new rhubarb recipe and I'm not sure if this one is a keeper...) Norris and I are so happy when the boys are home, and the puppies were happy to see each other too. They ran circles at the schoolyard until they were too tired to move. Here's how they ended up...they always find a patch of sunlight.

My newest boyfriend

2009-05-26T08:18:00.001-07:00

Isn't he just adorable???

Have a Wonderful Honeymoon!

2009-05-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

To Jan Marie & Jerry, who are off in Europe celebrating their recent marriage, here's my best present... your house is sold!
love,
cary

Who Wants to Go With Me?

2009-05-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Such a great article in the NYTimes about Edgefield...

Let's go golfing for $1 a hole! With beer!

Not to mention Death Cab for Cutie....

Clients' Pets I've visited recently...

2009-05-12T05:53:00.000-07:00

They deserve to be recognized!

Tom with Toby and Ivan

Omni, wanting to dive into my purse

Nahla, who tried to get in every house picture!

Holding Ivan, a German Shepherd puppy

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

A quick summary:

The boys came home, including Peter. That alone made my weekend, as we were planning to go visit them and it saved the long drive. I received a huge box of my favorite candy from Claire (and there's something else still in the mail!) and a gorgeous big black iron bowl from the boys (shown below on a messy table - see my basil and cilantro plants? )

Noel delivered beautiful roses, and Whit bought Thai take-out for dinner and served it to me on the special plate (a very cute touch - we haven't brought that plate out for ages!) I even received gorgeous flowers from a new client, and I appreciated her friendship as well!

I had the BEST weekend, with the only bad part being that Claire lives so far away, but we talked a lot all weekend... it was a perfect Mother's Day!

Busy Weeks = No Blogging!

2009-05-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

The last two weeks have been reminiscent of life as a Realtor, circa 2005. Super busy, with listings receiving multiple offers, and buyers having to fight to get the property they're after.

I'm also now using my phone for email, which I've rebelled against for a long time because I hate the constant interruptions. But with all these deals circulating, it's nice to know the moment the documents arrive, etc. Still, it's too much! All this phone time is starting to make my head explode!

Two busy weeks! I thought I might post the objects of my clients' affection, so you can see where I've been hanging out lately.

So this cute little condo in NW is going to be the second home of a lovely mid-westerner!

This darling Hawthorne farmhouse will belong to a member of our Mother and Daughter Book Group come Monday! She's a med student and one day soon she'll be my doctor!!

I've received a lot of interest in this property, and our first offer didn't go together. The buyer is back. I'm hoping to make it happen this time. We're about $10,000 apart.... let's see what happens on Monday!

Ahh, this gorgeous property is my newest listing, that just came on the market. It sits on the Alameda ridge, overlooking a beautiful golf course! For $799,000 it can be yours. (It's a Richard Sundeleaf, built in 1952)

I started off Monday morning with three interested bidders on this property. We're on to #2, and it's looking like it might go to #3. Everybody still wants a bargain, and this is a primo house that doesn't warrant a huge discount. Well-priced at $399,000, we're sticking to our guns.

Two offers on Laurie's condo! It's a little cutie, but I'm glad we've gotten it sold!

What an adorable cottage on a double lot in Belmont. Even though it's pending, I continue to get calls. It's the best thing out there - a huge double lot in an excellent neighborhood. An organic gardener is going to make this property rock!

I've only had one appointment this weekend - and my boys are home. Last night we saw the new Star Trek movie and celebrated their birthdays. We grilled, ate outisde in the evening sunshine, and I finally got to bake the root beer bundt cake. A just reward for a couple weeks of hard work!

Click Here

2009-05-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

Claire writes a blog , The Buzz, for her magazine, Arizona Foothills Magazine, and I want everyone to read it every day! The only problem is, she's my source for everything that's fun and cool, and if I share her talents with you, my stock goes down.... Ah well.... Enjoy!

Bon Iver

2009-05-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

Cam and Betsy sent me a CD called For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver.

Rolling Stone says, "This album is a quiet marvel — just the sound of a sad guitar boy locking himself up in a cabin deep in the woods, singing, "Can't you find a clue/When your eyes are painted Sinatra blue?" Justin Vernon wrote the songs for his debut album during a three-month retreat in rural Wisconsin, recovering from what sounds like one mother grizzly of a broken romance. You can hear the isolation in the way he sings cracked ballads like "Flume," "Re: Stacks" and "The Wolves (Act I and II)" — he's been stuck on the "foreign roads" of heartbreak so long, he can't even remember how he got there.

The music evokes the acoustic side of Nick Cave or Neil Young, with his voice ranging from a creepy falsetto (sometimes double-tracked for hallucinatory effect) to a moan. Yet For Emma, Forever Ago never turns into a pity party, because Vernon has a light touch, with zero interest in narrative or confessional lyrics. He doesn't tell you anything about who Emma is or what exactly she did to him forever ago — but she must be proud she could put him through enough agony to inspire such great songs."

Well, here ya go: Emma happens to be Betsy's sister, (who was born on the very day Cam was) so this record has a cool connection for me - and of course the artist is from Wisconsin, so that makes it even more interesting...

And then when you listen to it, you'll realize that you've heard it before... on Grey's Anatomy, on Conan O'Brien, Letterman, or in a cool boutique, or somewhere! It's mellow, folk-influenced music with soft vocals and I recommend you get yourself a CD or download it asap!

Listen!

For My Shoppers...

2009-04-28T16:59:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas

2009-04-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

Last night we were finally able to give Norris' sister and her husband their Christmas present. It was a night in Portland (they live in Washington) and dinner at any restaurant of their choosing. Since they're going to Peru this year, we went to Andina.

Their staff was so accommodating - we were unable to get a reservation at a convenient time, so they suggested we come in. We could eat in the (interior) courtyard, the bar area, or if we were lucky, maybe get a cancellation for the restaurant.

We arrived at 7, just like everyone else. Norris went to the courtyard/bar line, and I approached the hostess, figuring we were in for a long wait. Luckily, I scored immediately - they had a table, but we'd have to relinquish it in 90 minutes. No worries, as we had just had a little wine at home, and were ready to eat.

But the bar menu beckoned, so we ordered caipirinhas and Attardecer Portenos, both of which were just delicious. (we shared everything! So nice to eat with family where you don't have to worry about asking for a bite and a sip!)

Then the waiter came over and said that we could switch to a (prime) center front window booth, and we no longer would have any time limit. So we said YES! From there, we got to watch all the limos with prom-goers drive by, all the Pearl street strollers, and generally had a much better show!

We started with their empanadas. The owner came by and told us the secret - sprinkled with a little confectioner's sugar and topped with lime juice, they had an extra sparkle. They were fabulous!

Then came the entrees: I had quinoa crusted scallops, Mark had pork tenderloin with tamarillo-rocoto sauce, Kathie had pan-seared duck breast with incredible cilantro rice, and Norris had wok-fried beef with yuca. (I've left out all the details, but if you visit their website, you can peruse the menu. The flavors were outstanding!)

The dinner was a huge success! I understand the hype! Andina should be rated as one of Portland's best restaurants because it is! Amen.

Last Night...

2009-04-23T08:11:00.001-07:00

Sue, Sarah and Kate took me to see this:

Taylor Hicks was campy and adorable, (and slim!) and his voice was just lovely. The dance numbers in Grease were really cute!

Meanwhile, Norris was at home and saw this:

Our trees are knocking our socks off - the large windows across the back of our house are filled with this:

Our new landscape plans calls for the removal of these trees. I have to rethink that a little bit. How can I give this up?

My new favorite recipe

2009-04-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

I've made this twice in the last week - I just found the recipe in a Cooking Light cookbook that I borrowed from the library - and both times it was a huge hit.

Asian Peanut Dip

1/2 Cup natural-style peanut butter
1/3 Cup reduced-fat firm silken tofu
3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 garlic cloves, crushed

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and process until smooth, scraping sides. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 days. Yield: 1 Cup (serving size: 2 Tablespoons - 122 calories)

I served it with celery sticks. It's like peanut butter & celery only way better, with an asian twist and a little touch of heat.

Also, you should just go ahead and double the recipe when you make it - it's that good.

Sorry I didn't take a picture, because I served it on a bamboo cutting board piled with celery and the dip in a bright red bowl - it was super cute!

Pot Luck

2009-04-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

Monday night dinner was fun, as it always is with the old crowd. We've been friends for 11 years now!

The food was healthy, the wine was refreshing, and the weather couldn't have been nicer. We're going to do this once a month as long as we can hold it together!

And we selected dates for our summer camping & boating adventure. I sure hope Larry comes through with that lake house, LOL.

Loved last night!

This poor sucker really needs a Realtor!

2009-04-18T08:59:00.001-07:00

I Love It When....

2009-04-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

I drive home from work and unexpectedly find one of our boys' cars in the driveway! They love to pop in without telling us. Cam arrived last night while we were at the Dairy Queen with the dogs. (Did you know you can get them each a free "dog cone" every time you go through the drive-through?) We went to Target, hung out and watched Happy Gilmore, and had a low-key night...

This morning I'm going to whip up some quick banana bread with the ripe bananas that nobody wants to eat, and then Kim, Kim, Fritz and Jill are joining us for the Street of Eames Tour. This is our third year, I think, and the Street of Eames fourth. Last year we got a little bit carried away....

We hope to end up on the east side in time for a late lunch and a little liquid refreshment...and not be quite as ridiculous as last year! It's a beautiful day for driving around Portland and looking at houses!

Tomorrow we are invited to a playdate for Italian Greyhounds at a dog park in Lake Oswego. Cam and Betsy might find it interesting, so Peter and Bean have a date! (I'll be holding a beautiful house open instead)

And then I got this one....

2009-04-14T09:13:00.001-07:00

In case you didn't finish shopping by the 15th, this takes you through the 19th! Time to order some sandals or something....

Saks Fifth Avenue wants you to Spend Spend Spend!

2009-04-14T08:44:00.001-07:00

There must be something you need for spring!!!

Enter code SFAFAM10 at checkout! SAKS

Breakfast of Champions

2009-04-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

Getting rid of a herd of dinosaurs

2009-04-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

Seriously, can you believe we had 4 monitors, 3 CPU's, a laser printer, and a bunch of speakers and keyboards littering up the place? The kids' rooms, and the basement held all this electronic litter, and I'm glad to get it out of here. My hard drive on our computer (bought in 2000, and faithfully served for 9 years!) crashed this week and replaced it with a monster - so our computer world is back in the pink!

Time for a recycling trip!

2009 Ultimate Open House

2009-04-11T15:13:00.001-07:00

The Home Builders Association of Porltand's Ultimate Open House New Home Tour is a free event that runs for two weekends, April 18-19 and April 25-26. The tour features newly constructed condos, town homes, and custom single-family homes in Multnomah, Washington, Columbia, Clackamas, and Yamhill counties.

At this year’s event, Energy Trust of Oregon unveils the Energy Performance Score (EPS) for new homes. The EPS displays a home’s energy consumption and related carbon dioxide emissions, allowing homebuyers to determine how a home will perform. The EPS also helps buyers compare homes based on energy use, carbon impact, and estimated energy savings. Energy Trust anticipates that more than 41 Ultimate Open House show homes will receive the new Energy Performance Score.

For complete tour information, visit the Ultimate Open House Web site. You can view featured homes and discover valuable home selling and buying resources.

Visitors

2009-04-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

Norris and I were both working at home, when I looked out and saw two beautiful ducks in our driveway. They're pure white, with beautiful orange beaks and feet. Their heads are sleek and smooth, and they have beautiful small dark eyes. They're so lovely I just want to pick them up and snuggle them!

Norris fed them bread, and one of them ate it right out of his hand. The next day we found them waiting on our front door mat. They've been seen at the neighbor's bird feeder, and are apparently looking for a place to nest. I'd love it if it would be right in our garden.

But there's one in this house who wouldn't be quite so receptive to the idea. So, as much as we'd love to have them stay, we have to encourage them to go elsewhere. Boomer is still king.

Growing number of economists see recovery on the horizon!

2009-04-07T15:25:00.001-07:00

This article made my day.

What to do in Portland!!

2009-03-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

The Rose City: A blast on a budget in Portland

Portland is not A-listed among the glamor cities, and Portlanders tend not to care if other cities have taller buildings or a bigger this or that. Over time, the city has followed its own path.

The city on the Willamette River doesn't try to be more than it is. Therein and elsewhere lies much of its affordable charm. There is plenty to do that is free or surprisingly cheap compared to more glittery money pits, and Oregon has no sales tax.

Some Portlanders take themselves a bit seriously, but generally it is an unpretentious, eclectic city that welcomes like-minded people, one where everyone fits in somewhere.

Try http://www.goseeportland.com to see what other visitors and locals think of hundreds of places. Only a few get multiple mentions, which says more for variety than for consensus. Also try http://www.POVA.com for discount packages.

If you're out, about and Twittering, a new feature will connect you to people with fast answers: http://www.travelportland.com/visitors/twitter.html. Meanwhile here are some ideas:

KNOCKING AROUND: Portland is full of quick hits. Consider:

—The Japanese Garden overlooks the city in Washington Park (adults, $8). A short walk from the Japanese Garden is the world-famous International Rose Test Garden, which is free. Portland is called the Rose City for a reason.
Also in Washington Park is the Oregon Zoo, served by an underground station on the light rail, and the kid-friendly Children's Museum and World Forestry Center. Abutting Washington Park is the 7,000-acre Forest Park. Click on "Find a Park" at http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/ for information on the parks and gardens.

—Powell's City of Books, 1005 W. Burnside, claims to be the world's largest independent used and new bookstore. Entry is free and it does seem like a city. You even get a map. The exit fee depends on your self control, http://www.powells.com.

—Local craftsmen show their wares downtown at the Saturday Market near the Burnside Bridge, http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/

—The Portland Aerial Tram runs from the South Waterfront up to Oregon Health & Science University, the University of Oregon's medical school and hospital. Round trip is $4 with a staggering view. It runs frequently; http://www.portlandtram.org.

—The Chinese Garden, in what's left of Portland's once-raucous Chinatown, is downtown. Artisans were brought from China to build it; http://www.portlandchinesegarden.org ($8.50).

—The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, just across the river from downtown, is hands-on and kid-oriented with its own naval submarine, the USS Blueback, open for tours, http://www.omsi.edu/, 1945 SE Water Ave. (adults $11, children $9, submarine tours additional $5.50). For kids 7-18, OMSI also has superb summer science camps, from marine biology to high-desert fossil beds, four to 10 days long, as well as family programs that accommodate adults and younger children.

—Portland is among the nation's more bike-friendly cities. Rentals: http://www.yelp.com/reviews/12—Portland—OR/bikerentals—page—0.html. (If you're bringing Ol' Brown-Eyes, it's among the more dog-friendly too, but ask your hotel first.)

-'Hoods: Trendy 23rd Street in Northwest Portland has tempting shops, galleries and restaurants. The Hawthorn district in close-in Southeast is a bohemian-lite street of coffee houses, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and interesting shops.

And if you wonder how we got this way, visit the Oregon Historical Society Museum downtown. Thoughtful exhibits and a gift shop good for books and more: http://www.ohs.org ($11).

WINE AND BEER: The state has nearly 400 wineries, and some near Portland grow Pinot Noir that has put the French in the shade. Many offer free tours and tastings. Start with http://www.oregonwine.org.

Portland has about 30 microbreweries. Many give tours and tastings, http://www.oregon.com/beer/beer.cfm.

Portland is in love with hefty brews with spine and character. The Oregonian has a beer columnist. At least one restaurant has a beer steward. It has been written that you can get into a fist fight here over who makes the best India Pale Ale. Yet Portlanders aren't all beer snobs. The city is a prime Pabst Blue Ribbon market.

If you prefer water, resort to one of the "Benson Bubbler" brass drinking fountains scattered around town by lumber baron Simon Benson in the early 1900s in hopes that his workers would forsake the keg and show up reasonably sober.

NIGHT LIFE: If you're up for some helling around, or a quiet evening of good jazz, the city is awash with clubs and bars with mostly local entertainment for a minimal cover charge, or none. Major plays and concerts frequently visit. For listings, pick up a free Willamette Week newspaper from a street box or the Friday arts and entertainment section of The Oregonian, or visit http://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment.

FOOD: Portland shines with scores, maybe hundreds, of good choices. A list of favorites invites the sin of omission. However:

On a hot summer evening, head east 20 miles to Troutdale and up the Sandy River to Tad's Chicken & Dumplings, which still resembles the classic road house it once was. This is no-nonsense American cooking, featuring fresh Northwest ingredients. Get a seat by the window overlooking the river.

Years back someone shot out part of the neon sign so that it read, "Tad's Chick Dump." It still does on one side. You can buy a Tad's Chick Dump T-shirt.

Downtown there's Dan & Louis Oyster Bar, 208 SW Ankeny St., where Portlanders have gone for fresh local seafood since 1907, or Fratelli, 1230 NW Hoyt St., for an interesting take on Italian food. There are endless pricier places in the Pearl District in the historic Northwest part of town.

Carts around downtown serve inexpensive spicy Indian curries, Mexican dishes, Middle East specialties and more. Line up for a takeaway lunch with students, businessmen or maybe a judge, for a quick lunch. Strike up a conversation. Many Portlanders love talking about their city.

In the 1970s, waves of Vietnamese boat people arrived. Vietnamese restaurants abound, especially along a section of NE Sandy Boulevard. Try the ubiquitous and inexpensive pho, a traditional noodle soup.

Many lesser-known, small places are scattered around town with the fresh local ingredients that the restaurateurs insist on.

LODGING AND GETTING AROUND: Accommodations are in many price ranges, often lower on the east (non-downtown) side of the Willamette River. Or consider bed and breakfasts. They aren't always much cheaper but can be more fun than a cookie-cutter hotel room. Owners usually are helpful.

Staying out a ways doesn't mean isolation.

Tri-Met, the area's light rail, streetcar and bus system, is among the nation's best. A day pass is $4.75. Individual fares vary by zone. Details at http://www.trimet.org. At the airport, Tri-Met serves the city center, vastly cheaper than a taxi.

SIDE TRIPS: Day trips (or one-nighters) out of Portland could include the Oregon Coast and the Hatfield Marine Science Center (free but donations welcome, very kid-friendly) or the Oregon Aquarium, both in Newport, or to Astoria and Fort Clatsop, where Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1805-1806. There is a replica of their fort.

Astoria has the magnificent Columbia River Museum with the riveting story of the Columbia River bar, dubbed the Pacific Graveyard for the ships that wrecked crossing it and the men who died.

In late March, free whale-watching stations appear along the coast manned by trained volunteers as gray whales migrate north and often come close to shore. They go the other way in often-stormy December.

Whale-watching excursions, about $20, are often available out of Depoe Bay and Newport on the central coast and elsewhere. Excursions depend on weather so be flexible and call ahead. A close-in pod of grays stays just off the central coast much of the year. There is ample inexpensive lodging; http://www.coastvisitor.com/home.cfm?dir—cat50283.

There is also great day-hiking in the Cascades and the Columbia River Gorge.

About 90 minutes east on Mount Hood there is Timberline Lodge, a stately old pile built during the Depression by President Franklin Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration, with good restaurants and fine work inside by WPA artisans, http://www.timberlinelodge.com. Mount Hood is also a major ski destination with late-season skiing.

Multnomah Falls, 620 feet high, about 45 minutes east on Interstate-84, is among Oregon's more-visited attractions. The old Historic Highway heading back to town takes you by other waterfalls and up a time warp of a twisty highway.

Thanks to the Mercury News!

For My Shopping Friends!

2009-03-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

Kate Spade designed a couple of the best presents under my Christmas Tree this year. Thanks to Claire and Whit, I was the happy recipient of a great clutch bag and a very cool black & white scarf.

Check out Kate Spade's latest sale, and take 30% off your entire purchase using the attached coupon code. Or print out the coupon and take it downtown to the shop in Pioneer Place and they'll give you an extra 10% off for shopping in person!! Hurry, the sale ends on Monday the 30th!

Obama Slept Here

2009-03-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

So we decided it was good enough for us. Gorgeous grounds, restaurants, banquet/party facilities, (Claire is helping her friend plan a wedding so we checked out the options) pools, waterfalls with flames and infinity pool... spa, hotel rooms, condominiums starting at 2 million, you name it.

We had breakfast and hung out at the pool, played bocce and killed a little time until we were able to visit the Designer Showhouse, which will be my next set of pics.

Hotel Intercontinental Montelucia. Stay there some time!

So much to say, so many pictures to share...

2009-03-18T07:26:00.001-07:00

Norris and I had a wonderful vacation in Arizona! I took tons of pictures!

We went through a fantastic Designer Showcase Home!($22,000,000 for just the house and you should have seen the furniture!) Claire put the whole thing together and it's pretty amazing! I have tons of pictures of that!

Lucy was adorable, and I have pictures of her! TJ was also adorable, but I don't have any pics, I don't think, oops!

We went to Tucson to stay with our friends (and Best Man!) Jim and Velma. We had a fabulous time, with nice nature walks, pool sitting, book reading and general hanging around, entertaining friends for dinner, and so forth. Just SUPER. I have lots of pictures from all of that.

BUT, the computer has been wonky, and my dear friend/client, Steven, the computer wizard, has talked me through a lot of fixes, so that's back. So, theoretically, I should be loading those pictures now.

But I just listed a new house and have been hustling around with all that, and I'm on my way out the door now to list another. I'm super-busy in the listing department, and dare I say, even have an offer sitting on my desk.

So, I'm too busy to play with pictures, but promise they'll be coming. Maybe tonight! LOST is on too!

Free Shredding Event in Portland

2009-03-04T17:03:00.000-08:00

Free Shredding event
Bring all your old documents and have them shredded for you!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
10 - 2
Storables / Hall & Greenberg Roads

It's all in the details...

2009-03-03T14:38:00.001-08:00

One of the things I'll often ask of people when they put their house on the market is that they put a spot of color on the front step These are great examples of color bowls!

This bedroom felt like a bed in the treetops. I love a small room that's filled with bed... it just made me want to climb in.

Everyone should use white towels and they should be monogrammed! Amen.

Perfectly staged bedroom... dolls, books and a cute hat placed on the pillows. Darling!

A perfect quote framed and hung above the bathtub!

This is one of the best benifits of my job! I love seeing the homes of fabulous people with amazing taste. I fell in love with the decor in the Champlain house. Zebra rugs and runners, ticking and stripes, silver sconces, lime green stripes. YUM.

Home Improvement Cost vs. Resale Value Report

2009-03-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

If you're like us, your house has withstood lots of wear and tear through the years, but it's getting a little bit tired. We could use new carpeting, and we would love new kitchen appliances and counters. I've already decided to update (rather than replace) our cupboards by having them professionally painted. Last, but not least, the master bath needs new tile and I'd like to install heated floors under new travertine or marble floors.

Of course, we are in the dreaming stage, and in this new economy, we're just floating along, glad that we have jobs, and really glad that our kids have stable employment.

But if you're past the dreaming stage, or have done any remodling or updates recently, it's important to know what value they might add as you get ready to sell your house.

Last spring we had our siding replaced (86.7%), installed new windows (79.2%)in the front of our house, and had our old deck replaced(81.8%). From the list below, it appears that we did some of the most cost-effective improvements. The kitchen remodel we have in mind should yield about a 79% return on investment, but it will be one of the most enjoyable investments I can imagine.

Where do your home improvements fall on the resale value list?

My Monocle

2009-02-25T09:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I got a monocle! Not really a monocle like in the pictures, but one nonetheless.

I got tired of putting on reading glasses every time I needed to be able to read a contract, or a book, or a recipe card. I couldn't even shop without putting glasses on and off!

So I got one contact lens.

Currently I wear it in my left eye, and am warming up to it slowly. It feels a little bit odd, like seeing only half the world at a time, but I'm told you get used to it. (for the record, I tried bifocal contact lenses in both eyes, and that was even worse)

If all else fails, watch for some swinging new glasses on a permanent basis!

Another Heartwarming Story from the Windermere Foundation

2009-02-25T09:27:00.000-08:00

I received this from our Foundation Director in Seattle. How wonderful that we get to do this for people! I'm so proud to represent the Johnson office on the Board.

Greetings from the Windermere Foundation,

Last week I received a call from a mother who was looking for help with her rent. She explained to me that if she lost her apartment she would be homeless and would never be able to afford the move-in expenses IF and when she found another apartment. As you can imagine, she was very concerned not only for her sake but for the sake of her two children. She explained that she had called over a dozen social service agencies only to hear, “Sorry, we can’t help you, we are out of funds.” With each social service agency suggesting she call another, her fear began to deepen. Luckily, the Windermere Foundation was able to provide financial assistance, via the children’s school counselor, and the family was able to remain in their apartment.

Every Windermere Realtor contributes a bit from every transaction. We give to many larger local organizations such as New Avenues for Youth and The Community Warehouse.
If you know someone who needs help, please let me know. We do things as simple as providing shoes, coats, and school supplies, or paying for field trips.

Goodreads

2009-02-22T09:43:00.000-08:00

I seem to do everything in streaks. A knitting binge, or a cooking extravaganza, or a book fixation. Then I taper off and ignore for a while, and do something else to the exclusion of all else.

Lately I've been into the recipes of my youth, and am actually sort of thinking about a cookbook of my mother's bar cookie recipes. They are "to die for," if you like that kind of food. Stay tuned for free samples.

Meanwhile, I was looking up the book babes, after reading the article in the Oregonian this morning. One thing led to another, and I was reminded of Calvin Trillin. His book about the death of his wife was one of the finest books I've ever read. It can be read in one sitting, and I highly recommend it!

I added it to my goodreads list this morning.

About Alice by Calvin Trillin

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of my favorite books - a beautiful love story. I've shared this book so many times that I've lost it. (I think Chrissy had it last)

View all my reviews.

White Rock, BC

2009-02-21T09:34:00.000-08:00

Who's my reader? Is it you, James?

Send me an email! caryperk(dot)windermere(dot)com. I miss you!!!

xxx

love my shoes?

Are You a Hiker? A Knitter? A Witch?

2009-02-21T09:07:00.000-08:00

If you are, you might be looking for like-minded people to meet with.

Meetup.com has groups of all kinds just waiting for you to join them.

If you want to do something, learn something, go somewhere, or make some new friends, there are lots of groups with open membership where you can just join in!

Like pugs? Book clubs? Hiking? Speak Danish? Drive a Hybrid? Like cooking and recipes? The list goes on and on.

I'm going to the Real Estate meet-up events. I like the Bake for Hope group...
and I have a friend who might like the Christian motorcycle group!

What a fun new way to find interesting people and things to do!

If you take a moment to peruse the website, you might get all sorts of ideas! I did!

Birthday Boy

2009-02-16T11:24:00.000-08:00

Bean turned one on Valentine's day. I went to the dog boutique to get him some sort of dog cupcake, and they had a dog cookie decorating contest going on - so Bean and Boomer got Valentine's cookies. He obviously enjoyed it! (Peter had his own celebration in Eugene)

Bean also got a new collar to wear on game days.

Portland's Commercial Real Estate Scene

2009-02-14T07:32:00.001-08:00

If occupancy rates are high, it's a landlord's market, right?
Not in Portland, Ore.....

Sort of good news here -

How the $789 Billion Stimulus will help me buy Portland Real Estate

2009-02-14T07:18:00.000-08:00

I ran across this article and liked her quick synopsis - and thought I'd share it here. Dawn Lind is with Mortgage Trust in Portland.

"We are obviously in an incredibly financially challenging time. The government is adding and revising to the last stimulus bill to further help our economic life. The latest is that it is now a $789 billion dollar package that has more tax cuts and spending programs that are anticipated to spur on our economy. It’s a “wait & see” plan.

The first time home buyer tax credit is now at $8000 or 10% of the value of the home. It affects first time home buyers who have purchased a home from the beginning of 2009 until the end of November. If the home is sold within 3 years that money has to be repaid. There are income limitations to individuals earning $75k and couples that earn $150k. The details have not been all hashed out yet so expect to hear more about this.

Perspective: Even though the media is crying about the unemployment rate being so high (7.6%) keep in mind that 92.4% of Americans have work. In 1980 unemployment was at 6.3% and minimum wage was a mere one dollar an hour!** For Oregon, the minimum wage adjusted in January to $8.40 an hour.

For those who have multiple rental properties Fannie Mae changed their guidelines back to the 10 maximum that it was before October of 2008. They realize that investors play a key role in the housing recovery and want to help where they can. Keep in mind that if this applies to you they are being much more stringent on the loan to value.

This is the year for opportunities! Make the most of what you have and remember that we will get through this… "

** corrected by a reader...Actually, the minimum wage in 1980 was $3.10. (thanks!)