Where have you been?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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....