When selling your home, it's important to remove your own personal "marks" on it ... things that you and your family members may love, but that may be seen as distracting by the majority of potential buyers. In a Portland home that we staged recently, the homeowner walked me through the house and when we came to the hall bath with an extensive mural, she said "Please don't suggest that we repaint this bathroom ... although when we bought the house we hated it, we never got around to repainting it, and we've come to like it." I smiled and reminded her that it took some time for them to "warm up" to it -- likely because their children thought it was a fun and colorful mural. Presentation is one of most important factors factors that come into play when selling a house.  They include: Loca... 05/05/2013

1 level home on a quite dead end street. A lot of remodel work has been put into this 1026 Sq Ft Ranch home. Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors and Custom Tile walk in shower with Dual shower heads. A large heated outbuilding makes a great detached office in this large back yard with huge Patio. This house will make a great starter home and/or investment property.  Click Here For Full Details and more pictures Listing courtesy of: Keller Williams-PDX Central 05/02/2013

ActiveRain MeetUp with the Three Amigas at Jake's Grill in Portland!   Okay, so we didn't get it in when EVERYONE ELSE was doing theirs, but with three busy realtors, from southern Oregon, to Washington state and Fishhawk Lake (in the coastal range) it was a fast and furious meet-up that's been planned for months! Debb Janes and I got to Jake's Grill located on 611 SW 10th in downtown Portland at the same exact time. Mel Peterson called us moments later, a bit delayed, but we had plenty to catch up on before she got there. All of us are having a smashing year and enjoying each others' successes. We had a lovely lunch at Jake's Grill with salads, sashimi, tilapia and CHOCOLATE (of course, it is a MUST for Mel). We talked about our recent successes in real estate, our personal lives and s... 05/02/2013

I know how Buyers and Sellers feel. It just makes you want to shout, " Hello are You There! " You just wonder sometimes. Here is my steam blowing dilemma. A few weeks ago I took a BPO order which was to be an interior inspection with photo's. Now you may or may not know but the companies that send out these orders hope that you will be able to accomplish the task and get the order back to them in 2 or 3 days.  Now the subject property was currently on the market as a Short_Sale listing with  my point of contact to gain entry being the listing agent. After reviewing the listing I also notice that there is an Agent's assistant as well with there telephone number listed. So after giving the listing agent a call and getting no answer I gave the assistant a call. Seemed like a nice enough pe... 04/24/2013

The Majestic Mt. Hood On A Clear Gorgeous Portland Day There are days when you're driving and the sight and beauty of Mt. Hood catches your breath and can be so mesmerizing. As I was driving to a home in the Portland Metro area to meet with my buyer for a final walk through,  I couldn't help but notice this majestic mountain. I had gotten to the home a few minutes early, so drove down the street a little and just had to snap a picture. I wasn't alone...a movement at the corner of my eye caught me and when I looked over..a jogger had stopped and was snapping away as well. Yep, we just love our gorgeous days in Portland and better yet when Mt. Hood is so clear and vibrant in the vista! I know my buyer will just love living in this home with the Willamette River and downtown being so close... 04/23/2013

When your home is on the market in Portland Oregon or anywhere else, common sense dictates that pets should not be seen, smelled, or heard by potential buyers.  Perhaps the buyers viewing your home may be allergic to cats, or afraid of dogs, or dislike pets in the house ... you never know how some people might react.      The online photos of your home in the MLS are so important, since most buyers preview a property before deciding whether or not to go see it in person.  This cute black cat was in two photos of an old listing! However, showing a cat is not a good idea when marketing your home; potential buyers might stay away.     For tips to keep your home looking "move in ready" while it's on the market, contact your local professional home stager.  We'll also provide you with advice... 04/08/2013

Portland Floating Home For Sale | 173 NE Bridgeton Rd. Slip #20 Portland OR 97211 Offered at $218,000    Live Full Time or Enjoy A Weekend Getaway! There is nothing like enjoying that first cup of your morning brew while taking in the river view, the boats going by or just watching the wildlife. Evenings sitting on either the main or top floor deck of this wonderful floating home will have you unwinding  in no time!  Located in the desirable Bridgeton Location, this home features two levels of fantastic waterfront living. Gorgeous exposed beam ceilings in living/dining areas,  hardwood floors, main floor second bedroom or office and kitchen with eating bar and heated cork floors. Enjoy your own master suite upstairs with a  huge private deck with wall of windows to take in the view!   F... 04/03/2013

Sometimes when staging a home, having the ability to make a quick change is important.  The real estate market in Portland Oregon has heated up, and homes in desired locations, in good condition and presented well to buyers can make the difference between a quick sale and one that might linger. We were contacted by Portland homeowners whose home had previously been on the market without any offers. They said the feedback they'd heard was that their home appeared a little dated. They knew that buyers likely saw some dated furniture and just presumed the house was dated, too. In reality, the house itself was in excellent condition and just needed a few updates in how it was presented for their target buyer.  This is where consulting with a professional home stager can make a big differenc... 04/03/2013

     Hey, Is this thing on? Born and raised in the Portland area, I started my real estate career, when many brokers were bailing out in 2007. I’m used to working in a tough market and have a vast knowledge of the ever changing conditions such as bank owned, short sales, new construction, townhomes, condos and multi-family properties. I’m all about helping people accomplish their goals of home ownership, buying a 2nd home, selling or investing. I am a full time real estate broker dedicated to helping my clients, friends, and family in the home buying or selling process.  I take pride in providing my client's with Outstanding Service! With over 20 years in Marketing, Communications, and Radio Broadcasting (worked at several Portland radio stations that start with a K,) I pride myself on ... 03/28/2013

  Hurry! Adorable Portland Bungalo with Five Bedrooms  and two full baths located in the lovely Buckman area. In the heart of the hot inner southeast.     Great Vintage Homes in Portland Lovely South East Neighborhoods   Discover Vintage Home in Ladds Addition, Colonial Heights and Hosford-Abernathy Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale Short Sale Homes For Sale FREE HUD Report: How to Buy Haris Wolfgang RE/MAX Equity Group 503-969-6262 oregonrealestate@hariswolfgang.com   03/28/2013

Where Is My Crystal Ball App When I Need It? The other day a seller said "I don't want to see any more comparable statistics, I want you to tell me how much my house will sell for and how long it will take". Hmmm..well...let's see, I could pull out my magic eight ball and see what it says...or perhaps there is an App for this, but to give you a definitive number and date is just something I can't do. Ok..joking aside, as a Portland real estate agent, I DO go by the comparables and statistics of the recent active, pending and sold properties around your home to come up with a price range in which I feel your home will sell in. I can also give you a range of where your home would sell if you needed to sell in a month..or wanted to take your time and "test the market". What I can't do is g... 03/26/2013

Sunday Morning View From My Floating Home On the Columbia River After an full day of showing property on Saturday, I looked forward to heading to my floating home on the Columbia River to unwind and enjoy an evening with friends. One of the nice things about being in the Columbia Way West Moorage on Bridgeton Road is that I was able to miss all the traffic going over to Vancouver..love that. One of my fave things about owning a floating home is to wake in the morning, and just take in the view while I sip my coffee. I'm looking forward to the warmer weather where I can move outside as it was a burrrr of a chilly morning at 39 degrees so instead enjoyed it being all snuggled up inside. Life is good! Search For Your Portland Floating Home Here 03/24/2013

Incredible Deal: Click Here To View Full Details! (Portland)     Click Here To See All Photos 16 Photos Listing Courtesy of Keller Williams-PDX Central   Click Here To View This Home And Search All Listings By All Companies In Portland: Luxury Homes, New Contstruction, Condos, Foreclosures and More! View Prices, Maps, Virtual Tours And Photos! Property Details One Mile To River On Main!! Stud Up Permitted Renovation 1980, New Copper Plumbing, All Old Wiring Replaced, Each Room Has Separate 20 Amp Circuit. Marvin Tilt-pac Windows, Every Wall Floor Ceiling Are Insulated, Laundry Room Upstairs, Bike Room Off Driveway, 2 Car Off Street Parking, Oversized Garage, Marble Backyard & Roman Pool, Child's Playroom Off Backyard.       For more info contact: Keller Williams | Ken's Home Team | 503... 03/17/2013

As an established home staging company based in Portland Oregon, we're often contacted by sellers to help them prepare their homes for sale. Sometimes, all that's needed is a Home Staging Consultation and/or a couple of hours of our time to "tweak" the main rooms and make each one look more open, spacious, and appealing to that home's target buyers. Here's an example of a recent project that shows the power of professional staging advice.  In this photo of the family room "Before," the large TV blocked light from the window, and also detracted from the room's lovely focal point, the brick fireplace:    These few easy changes made this room look more open & updated to appeal to buyers: Removed the large TV to let in more light as well as allow the fireplace to be highlighted Replaced the... 03/17/2013

One mile to river on Main!! Stud up permitted renovation 1980, new copper plumbing, all old wiring replaced, each room has separate 20 AMP circuit. Marvin Tilt-Pac windows, every wall floor ceiling are insulated, laundry room upstairs, bike room off driveway, 2 car off street parking, oversized garage, marble backyard & roman pool, child's playroom off backyard.  Click Here For Full Details and more pictures Listing courtesy of: Keller Williams-PDX Central If you are in the market to buy or sell real estate in Oregon or SW Washington make sure to call Ken's Home Team, where you're part of the team. We can help you with short sales, HUD (Government owned) homes, foreclosures, regular sales and just all around great deals, call us today and be home by next month! 03/03/2013

What does a small hotel in Portland's Pearl District have to do with the local real estate market? Do you know how long you have to wait to buy a home, if you had a foreclosure, short-sale, or bankruptcy in the past?  You might be surprised ...   These questions are all answered in a recent episode of "The Newman Show" - Portland Real Estate Radio. Show host Eric Newman, interviewed Dave Spacek, Sales Director at The Mark Spencer Hotel.  Dave has a unique insight about local employers who are moving their staff to the Portland area.  His hotel has a special corporate relocation program aimed to help newcomers to the Rose City. Later in the show, Eric will give some specific things to consider before you refinance, and whether you should do it at all ... and also details the waiting per... 02/25/2013

Pending Floating Home On The Columbia River|173 NE Bridgeton Rd. #21 Portland OR 97211   173 NE Bridgeton Rd., Slip 21, Portland OR 97211   Thisbeautiful and updated Portland floating home is located in one of the prime outside slips in the the Bridgeton area at Columbia Way West Moorage. Taken down to the studs, this home has had everything done for you with new windows, roof, updated kitchen, most stringers in 2006, bathroom with heated floors...even added insulation! Featuring two bedrooms and one bath in the main house and a large tender studio (separate living space) with full bath for guests! Wall heat as well as gas stoves keep you warm and toasty in the winters and the covered deck gets enjoyed year round..but especially in the summers!   Live here all year round or have make it... 02/24/2013

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Newman's Notes February 22, 2013   How to Know WHEN to Lock Your Mortgage Rate applies to purchase & refinance loans     Watch today's video at ...  http://tinyurl.com/bwlncm2 I get calls on a daily basis from clients asking if they should lock their rate today, or wait.  There are some basic facts you should know about when deciding WHEN to lock your next purchase or refinance loan.     You will also see a few key tips on how to select a lender.   This video might be a bit longer than usual, but worth watching!   http://tinyurl.com/9pfyyq8       Other articles at www.CallNewman.com ...        HomeBuyers get smacked in the head at closing      Insurance is far more than just a necessary evil      FHA loans are going to get more expensive in... 02/22/2013

When our Portland home staging company works with sellers and Realtors, we give them Tips to keep the house looking great for the Open House & showings. Before the house goes on the market, sellers are usually advised to clean their home like there's no tomorrow, remove excess furniture to create a great traffic flow, pack away all the personal photos, collectibles & "stuff" that everyone accumulates, clean up the yard, etc. But how to KEEP the house looking ready for a showing with short notice? Whether the sellers did the staging themselves or had a staging consultation with a professional stager, having a handy "check list" can help a busy household remember what to do – so that potential buyers fall in love with your home and want to move right in! Open all window coverings to let ... 01/28/2013

Should I complete a short-sale, or just let my home go to foreclosure?   What if I just want to sell ... do I really need a Realtor? On Sunday January 27th, "The Newman Show" - Portland Real Estate Radio, show host Eric Newman interviewed local expert Realtor, Anne Stewart, about short-sales and foreclosures ... and she also gave us 5 crucial things that every home seller MUST know before putting their home on the market. Be sure to watch all four segments, as there is unique and valuable information in each one. Check out other show videos from "The Newman Show" at www.NewmanRadio.com Hear the show live every Sunday at 1pm on AM-860 KPAM   Segment 1 includes a funny but intelligent story about a homebuyer bathing in the home she plans to buy, during the home inspection! We also interv... 01/28/2013