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Year In Review!

 
Portland and SW Washington saw fantastic real estate growth last year, and the RMLS 2015 Market Action Report has the data to back it up! With inventory at an all-time low, sales prices continued to jump from 2014, while homes spent less time on the market.
 
2016 is champing at the bit to continue this trend. If you’re even remotely thinking of selling, I would love to discuss how this hot market could fit nicely into your plans.
 
To learn more about last year’s market trends, read on. If you’re not into the numbers or if you’d like my professional opinion on anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always available to take the very best care of you and anyone you refer me to!

 
SW Washington

 
End-of-Year Summary
Across the board, activity in 2015 ended ahead of 2014. Pending sales (8,780) rose 21.0%, closed sales (8,391) rose 19.4%, and new listings (10,625) rose 9.3%.

 
Average and median sales prices
Comparing the entirety of 2015 to 2014, the average sale price increased 8.6% from $274,700 to $298,300. In the same comparison, the median sale price rose 8.6% from $244,000 to $265,000.
 

 
PDX Metro

 
End-of-Year Summary
Portland metro activity in 2015 ended higher than 2014 in all measures. Pending sales (34,568) rose 22.5%, closed sales (33,307) rose 20.0%, and new listings (40,815) rose 8.4% for the year.
 
Average and median sales prices
Prices were higher in 2015 compared to 2014. Comparing each year, the average sale price rose 6.5% from $333,000 to $354,500. In the same comparison, the median sale price rose 7.9% from $285,500 to $308,000.

All statistics, graphs and verbiage provided courtesy of RMLS December 2015 Market Action Report.

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Hidden Gems: Restaurants

Fresh vegetables, richly colored berries, and local dairy are intrinsic ingredients incorporated into many cuisines served in Portland, Oregon. Tom Sietsema of the Washington Post ranked Stumptown as 2015’s Best Food City in the US after spending 60 plus days on the road, and exploring 271 various restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, and bars.

We have shared some of our personal favorite gems among Portland restaurants, divided in quadrants around the city. Visit these hotspots and enjoy first-hand what makes Portland a food city to remember.

NW
Dick’s Kitchen is a unique restaurant in the heart of trendy Northwest Portland, whose menu emphasizes local, healthy, sustainable, and humane ingredients. The owner, Richard Satnick, based his business principle on the value of catering toward a range of diets, from gluten-free to paleo and vegetarian. Through this commitment, they have formed strong bonds with the producers and farmers. Truly one of the best burger joints in town, Dick’s can’t be missed!

SW
Fat City Cafe is a delightful breakfast spot in charming Multnomah Village. With old license plates lining the walls, checkered floors, and diner booths, this place fits the bill of a typical cozy American joint. Nothing served here is pretentious; just tasty breakfast classics like hashbrowns, toast and eggs and sizable skillets. Order a side of cinnamon roll and you have set yourself up for a knockout breakfast. If you’re looking for a new place to chow down, head over to Fat City Cafe. You won’t regret it!

NE
Every morning at 5:00 AM, a pit is fired up at Podnah’s Pit in Northeast Portland and high quality natural meats are prepared and smoked in an oak hardwood firebox to be served for that evening’s menu. The owner, Rodney, prides himself on never pre-cooking and solely relies on Texan methods for smoking delicious meats. This results in some delectable dishes you can’t get anywhere else in Portland! Head on over and taste it for yourself.

SE
This unassuming Vietnamese eatery is truly a hidden gem in Southeast Portland. Tucked away in Wing Ming Square, a small plaza on SE 82nd Avenue between Division St and Powell Blvd, among a spice shop, hair salon and hot pot restaurant, Ha & VL is easy to miss, but once you’ve eaten here, you’ll be back for more! Owners Ha “Christina” Luu and William Voung craft small-batch regional Vietnamese soups. Each day offers a different delicious dish that is full of flavor, with perfectly cooked noodles and some of the most aromatic broth in Portland. The store opens at 8am, and more often than not, soups sell out around 1pm, so be sure to arrive early!

 

 

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Spring Forward, Now?

The year may just be coming to a close, but it’s never too early to look ahead if you’re planning on selling your home. Here are a few small tips to help get the most value out of your property. These are all tiny fixes that could end up being a huge selling point, and are not too difficult to implement on your own.

Check out the list, and get in touch with me! I can help you get your house in the best shape possible before hitting the market.

1. Repaint the Exterior and Interior of your home
Making a great first impression is key to snagging any deal, and that saying goes for your home’s exterior paint as well! If the color stands out from the rest of the neighborhood, paint it a neutral shade. Follow the same rule for the interior; subdued color will allow them to picture their own style in the home.


2. Replace Front Door
One of the most reliable updates you can do (and see the most value recouped), is a door update. A fresh new coat of paint, or an entirely new door will raise the curb appeal. Switching out old and flimsy doors will be a welcome, albeit subtle, difference that buyers will appreciate.

3. Repair/Replace Door Bell
While you’re at it, don’t forget the doorbell! Having one with a friendly crisp chime will signal to buyers that your house has been well taken care of.

4. Replace Window & Door Screens
Torn screens do not add to a positive experience for buyers or sellers alike. While completely replacing everything might be overkill, screen repair patches can do wonders for those tears.

5. Landscape
Landscaping is also on the list of items that may affect a buyer’s first impression. Trim the shrubs, clear out pathways and driveways of weeds, and you’ll surely make a buyer feel welcome.

6. Deodorize
A fresh smelling home should also be a priority. You may be used to the smells of your home, so grab a friend’s opinion. If there are overpowering smells, start cleaning.

7. Fix Drips
Dripping faucets can be a tell-tale sign for the buyer that there might be more concerning issues, so grab your wrench and start tightening those pipes.

8. Clean and Replace Light Fixtures
Get a head start on making your home feel cozy and welcoming by switching out harsh light bulbs. Don’t forget to dust and clean your light fixtures too!

9. Fix squeaky Hinges
Grab some lubricant, such as white lithium grease, to get those squeaky hinges in tip-top, non-squeaky, shape.

10. Update Kitchen
A full update may be out of the budget, but fresh paint, new handles, and fixtures could add immense value to your home.

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Fall Changes

With chilly breezes and colorful leaves upon us, it’s time to welcome fall and the holiday season into our homes once again. Here are some tips to make sure your home is ready for the colder days ahead:

  • Prep your outdoor plumbing by draining faucets and covering them with faucet covers. It’s also a good idea to figure out how to turn off the water going to your home in case a pipe bursts–teach everyone else how to do it as well!
  • Clean the gutters! This allows water to properly move away from your home. Direct water flow away from your home using a downspout extension.
  • If you have a chimney and haven’t gotten it cleaned in awhile, make sure to hire a chimney sweep to keep those cozy fires burning well.
  • Call an arborist to check up on the trees surrounding your home. They can let you know if any are rotten or damaged, allowing you to take the necessary measures to get things sorted out before winter hits.
  • Get your furnace and boilers checked out so you’re not left with a broken furnace mid-winter.

TRID: Changes in the mortgage process to make your life a little bit easier

Recent changes in the mortgage process aim to simplify the process altogether. The new disclosure rules require lenders to provide just two forms to home buyers during the lending process, the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure forms, instead of four. These new disclosure rules will certainly affect all those involved in the process, the buyers, sellers, as well as real estate agents.

What does it mean for buyers?

At the onset of the lending process, lenders have to provide potential home buyers a Loan Estimate form within three days of a submitted application. This form details the terms of a potential loan including: amount, interest rate and whether the figures can change after closing. The clearly detailed terms allows buyers to shop around—it’s a lot easier to compare loans from different lenders to find the best rates and terms.

Near the end of the process, lenders must provide the Closing Disclosure form at least three days before the closing date. This document allows the buyer to make sure the loan terms haven’t changed. The first page of the Closing Disclosure mimics the Loan Estimate form to make it easier to verify that the loan amount, interest rates, monthly payments and other costs haven’t changed since that initial estimate.

Resident mortgage expert Brent Lucas from Guild gives us a more detailed and insightful look into these new disclosure rules below. Scroll down to read more!

 

 

It just got a little easier to navigate the complicated mortgage process.

New disclosure rules went into effect in the mortgage world on Saturday, October 3rd that require lenders to provide home buyers two new forms that clearly detail their loan terms. For consumers, it should be viewed as an improvement on a what is typically complicated and intimidating process that affects the biggest investment of their life.

The rule, formally known as the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rule, reduces what used to be four forms from two different government agencies to two forms: the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure. TILA is an acronym which stands for Truth-in-Lending Act, and RESPA is an acronym which stands for Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. The TILA requires lenders to disclose APR for a loan. RESPA requires lenders to issue a Good Faith Estimate.

Many people believe mortgage loan documents, especially the ones discussing closing costs and loan terms, were too complicated under the old system. TRID aims to simplify.

It is also important to note that because of these changes, everyone involved in the home buying process — from home sellers and home buyers, to appraisers, lenders, title agents, and, of course, real estate agents — will notice TRID’s effect in the form of new timelines, new forms and new processes required to get a home to closing.

Here’s what buyers can expect:

Lenders have to provide potential home buyers a Loan Estimate form within three days of a submitted application.

The three-page form details the terms of a potential loan including: amount, interest rate and whether the figures can change after closing. Clearly breaking out these figures should make it easier to compare loans from different lenders (yes, you should shop around) to find the best rate and terms. Be sure to pay attention to whether the interest rate is fixed or adjustable, has points or no points and any potential future penalties you could face.

No more surprises:

Lenders must provide the Closing Disclosure form at least three days before the closing date to allow the buyer to make sure the loan terms haven’t changed. The first page of the Closing Disclosure mimics the Loan Estimate form to make it easier to verify that the loan amount, interest rates, monthly payments and other costs haven’t changed since that initial estimate.

Because borrowers must have the Closing Disclosure three days before closing, the transaction can’t change at the last minute. If changes ARE made that could impact your annual percentage rate (APR) then an additional three business days could be required for review of the revised CD. These new requirements could take some time for lenders to adjust to and will very likely cause some delays in closings. The best way to help speed the process and minimize any potential delays would be to make sure any inspections, repairs and contingencies are taken care of earlier in the process.

If you have any questions about these new changes, please feel free to contact me or your M agent.

Brent-Signature-Block

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The Spirit of Halloweentown

Northwest residents breathe a sigh of relief as fall comes to town. The long awaited season arrives with changing leaves, chill in the air, and everything pumpkin. Spines tingle as Halloween creeps closer. Homes in every neighborhood display ghoulish decorations in preparation for the holiday. Lucky for us, Halloween arrived early just 30 miles north of Portland.

St. Helens, Oregon, nestled along the picturesque Columbia River, welcomes the changing season with open arms. In 1998, this quaint town was a primary set location for the Disney Original movie, Halloweentown. Paying homage to the film, community officials host city-wide activities throughout the month of October. Wide coverage from media, such as Buzzfeed and Entertainment Weekly, sparked viral interest in the town’s famous appearance. From spooky storefronts to larger than life scarecrows displayed on every corner, St. Helens captures the true spirit of Halloweentown. My M media team filmed on-location footage from the decorated streets of St. Helens. 

On Saturday, October 10th, the town emerged transformed into an exact replica of the set. Festivities began with a bang as over 15,000 spectators flooded the streets to huddle around the original ceremonial Giant Pumpkin. This towering jack-o-lantern sits grinning in the center of Courthouse Plaza, beckoning onlookers from near and far.

Known for her role as Marnie in Halloweentown, actress Kimberly Brown donned witchy attire to appear as Master of Ceremonies this year. Many arrived in lavish costumes and traveled from out of state to take part in this enchanting event. Local police officers and firefighters joined the crowd dressed as zombies to pose for photos with guests. Little witches and monsters stared wide-eyed at the light display as they participated in activities throughout City Hall. The Pumpkin Lighting Ceremony kicked off at 7pm as Brown eagerly filmed the crowd (with help from her Selfie Stick) as she exclaimed, “Let’s get this party started!” With a whisk of her magic wand, the pumpkin centerpiece flickered to life.

The annual celebration not only unites the St. Helens community, but awakens the child in everyone. This hidden gem is a must-see for fans of this spooktacular season.

For those who were unable to attend the ceremony, don’t fret- the fun has only just begun! Upcoming events are scheduled throughout the month for boys and ghouls of every age. Check out our Halloweentown events calendar for more information.

 

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Inside Appeal: Cost vs. Value

As we transition into fall, and the weather gets chilly, we will be spending more and more time inside our homes. So this month, we’re focusing ourselves indoors to discuss home improvements you can do inside to get the best return on your investment. It’s always important for homeowners to make sure they’re putting their money in the right place. So the first question that comes to mind for many is, will this renovation pay off?

 

 

Remodeling

magazine has tracked the cost of a variety of common home improvement projects, and calculated how much of that cost was recovered when the home sold. The numbers are in for 2015: Move over kitchen and bathroom remodels, because the attic bedroom is stepping up to the plate. Raking in a whopping 103% cost recouped, with a job cost of $55,318, attic bedroom remodels are number one on the list for midrange indoor projects in the Portland Metro Area this year.

 

Attic bedroom remodels can be a smart investment; they increase living space without increasing the home’s footprint, and the basic structure–roof, floor and wall–already exists. Functionality of the home is increased, which can be very desirable to potential buyers. Though attics may have quirks, like sloped walls, and zoning laws/building codes should always be adhered to, an attic bedroom remodel is still nearly half the cost of an addition.

If you have any questions about whether or not remodeling is right for your situation, please think of me as a resource. I would love to chat with you!

Cost vs. Value 2015: The Runners Up (Midrange Portland Metro Area)

  • Window Replacement (wood): 97.3% Cost Recouped – $11,606 Job Cost
  • Minor Kitchen Remodel: 94.4% Cost Recouped – $19,672 Job Cost
  • Window Replacement (vinyl): 87.3% Cost Recouped – $10,582 Job Cost
  • Basement Remodel: 78.9% Cost Recouped – $67,807 Job Cost

 
Curious what home improvement projects bring in the worst return on investment? Below is a list of the lowest cost recouped on a project:

Cost vs. Value 2015: The Main Offenders (Midrange Portland Metro Area)

  • Home Office Remodel: 47.3% Cost Recouped – $29,899 Job Cost
  • Sunroom Addition: 48.5% Cost Recouped – $77,590 Job Cost

 

Source: Remodeling

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Foster-Powell — 3923 SE 73rd Ave

$359,000 — 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath — 1160 SF

Gardeners’ Oasis on huge 80×100 lot. 1926 farmhouse in Foster-Powell, near cafes, shops & 2 parks. Lush greenery frames this 2-level charmer w/2 bedrooms + a bonus rm. Gorgeous wood floors. Central hall opens to secluded deck & sunny, expansive fenced yard with gardens & chicken coop. Important updates include insulation & plumbing. New roof, high eff furnace. Lovely greenspace across street adds to rural feel.

Listed by: Laurie Sonnenfeld @ M Realty LLC

SOLD — 6 Days on Market

Peaceful Farmhouse With Huge Yard, Near Foster-Powell Cafes

Lush greenery frames this charming 1926 two-level home where large and varied outdoor spaces harmonize beautifully with the open and comfortable interior atmosphere.

Warm wood floors flow throughout the home,
including one bedroom on each level, plus a bonus room. The front living areas bask in morning light and afternoon sun beams into the back. The central hallway opens to a deck sheltered by a majestic tree, creating a peaceful haven to enjoy birds and fresh air.

The roomy kitchen provides a modern gas range and a breakfast spot looking out on the front garden.

The expansive, sunny, fenced back yard stretches to multiple gardens, a chicken coop, and an open area just right for games or dog play.

Many important updates including new roof, new interior and exterior paint, and new gas furnace.

A big green space across the street with large garden adds to the rural feel of the setting, yet the location offers a very easy commute in every direction.

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Renters Are Eyeing Buying

Our rental market is on fire right now. The initial draw is understandable – less hassle involved in moving, less responsibility for the home itself, fewer maintenance expenses, fewer financial barriers to start renting. Particularly for younger individuals, renting seems to be the norm. But things are changing. Unemployment is turning around. College-educated millennials are venturing out of their parents’ basements, starting to turn the tide in the battle against student debt, and looking toward the future.

 

Even with our aggressive rental market, many are still torn: rent or buy? Renting has the up-front advantages listed above, but the spell begins to break when considering the long-term picture. At some point in any given area, if you live in the same place, the expenses of renting will eventually become greater than if you lived in a home you own. That point is known in the industry as the breakeven horizon. A useful tool, the breakeven horizon factors in things like property taxes, closing costs, renovations, maintenance, and insurance.

In short, the breakeven horizon tells you one thing: when buying a home becomes less expensive than renting. According to this article, the breakeven horizon for Portland is 2 years. Compared to LA’s 5.1 years, Washington D.C.’s 4.2 years, or San Diego’s 3.8 years, buying makes financial sense much sooner here.

 

The rental market being what it is, widespread increases in rental cost are spurring more people toward buying a property of their own. Naturally, the breakeven horizon isn’t the only consideration when deciding the right time for home ownership, but it’s a great place to start. I would love to answer any questions you might have, and I’m always available to discuss the best real estate strategy for you.

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Tilikum Crossing

A new sibling in Portland’s family of bridges opens to the public on September 12th, 2015. Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People, brings a beautiful splash of color to the Portland skyline after sundown. Its  nighttime lighting scheme  actually changes color based on the temperature, speed and depth of the Willamette River flowing beneath the bridge.

 

The first Portland bridge built across the Willamette in forty years, at over 1700 feet in length, Tilikum Crossing stands alone as the longest car-free bridge in the nation. Instead, bicyclists and pedestrians will share the bridge with the new MAX Orange Line. Under construction since 2011, this cable-stayed bridge will start to relieve commuter congestion on the other bridges, as well as provide a safe, dedicated, and ADA-accessible option for all non-car travelers.

This spelling of Tilikum is from the traditional Chinook language, used in this area for centuries. It means “family” or “tribe” and was selected by TriMet from a list of public submissions to honor the Chinookan people, whose ancestors lived on the Lower Columbia for thousands of years.

When it opens on Sept 12th, be sure to check out Tilikum Crossing for yourself!

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Home Style Guide

When shopping for a new home, the industry lingo can be a bit daunting. Knowing your home styles will make your hunt easier, and just might turn you onto a layout you didn’t know existed. This guide provides an overview of the most common home styles found in the greater Portland area. Each style boasts many features and nuances, with the broad strokes outlined in the following guide. With this as your starting point, you’ll be equipped to swiftly narrow your search to find the perfect fit. Let me know your favorites and I’d be happy to go into greater detail with you!

Bungalow homes are renowned for their economy and charm. They often feature an open floor plan, with the majority of the space in the living room. Instead of fewer, large bedrooms, bungalows favor numerous smaller bedrooms. The majority were built between 1900 and 1950, and sit at one or one and a half stories tall.

A mid-century modern home features open living spaces, a good view of yards and patios, exposed beams, and high-tech kitchens. These homes were constructed mostly from 1940 to 1975. The design came from a focus on modern lifestyle, resulting in a clean simplicity.

Ranch homes ascended to the height of their popularity in the 1940s to the 1970s, often the choice of the booming middle class during the post-war period. In profile, a ranch home is close to the ground, long, and uses a minimum of decoration on the interior or exterior. Most often, they are single-story with an open, simple floor plan.

A daylight ranch mixes things up, featuring many of the same characteristics as a ranch home. However, it also boasts a daylight basement. That simply means that the basement mirrors the floor plan of the main level, while having windows that allow in daylight. Daylight basements often offer doors to yards or patios.

Portland Foursquare homes claim a boxy, square design. They typically stand two and a half stories tall with four square, large rooms to a floor, framed on the top and bottom by a center dormer and front porch with stairs. The unique shape of foursquare homes allows them an amazing amount of interior space – an important goal for city lots.

Different styles of homes fall under the term “traditional.” Colonial homes, along with certain Cape Cod or Victorian homes can all be considered traditional. Instead of a set type of home, traditional homes are defined by their characteristics. Straight lines, lots of medium or large windows, and two story height all distinguish traditional homes.

Contemporary homes strive to defy definition. They often feature geometric shapes, plenty of asymmetrical designs, and large windows. The shape of the home itself can incorporate outdoor space, with shapes like L, U, or T being common. A large amount of contemporary homes employ eco-friendly materials and green, energy-conserving design.

Craftsman homes incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, brick, glass, and tile to create a comfortable, timeless home. They often boast gabled roofs, exposed beams, overhanging eaves, substantial porches, and stone chimneys. Interiors feature earthy and wood tones, wood trim with natural finishes, and many windows to allow plenty of natural light.

The townhouse brings another classic option to the table. Common in cities, townhouses are vertically oriented, narrow, and tall, often three stories. Townhouses are independent and often individually owned, while being adjacent to other townhouses, forming a row.

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Understanding Urban Infill

Even with all the attention urban infill has been getting lately, it’s surprisingly difficult to get a clear and concise explanation of it. Here’s Portland’s urban infill issue painted in broad strokes:

  • We have a regional government council called Oregon Metro that protects Portland’s surrounding farmland, forests and municipal boundaries with an Urban Growth Boundary.
  • This Urban Growth Boundary prevents urban sprawl into protected areas.
  • Builders can’t level land and construct endless concrete commuter communities out toward the horizon.
  • Despite the  Urban Growth Boundary’s gentle expansion , there are more Portlanders arriving every day and they need places to live.
  • So builders are buying where they can, tearing down homes, repurposing other buildings and sub-dividing lots into multiple properties.

Thus, urban areas are being filled-in with new construction. This often causes uproar due to the loss of familiar neighborhood landmarks, its added stress on urban services and an increase in traffic congestion.

In Portland, the most recent and loudest outcries have come when builders tear down something old and familiar to hammer together a structure that some neighbors perceive as out of place.

But not all builders are mustache-twirling profiteering villains. Some take great care to design homes that share the aesthetic of the neighborhood, offering modern amenities in a style meant to preserve the community’s charm. Others strive to design and build modern structures to reflect today’s tastes and energy-efficient systems.

The bottom line is there will always be a degree of public outcry whenever something new replaces the long familiar. In an ideal world, we would be able to increase density without controversy. As it is now, with Portland’s regional governance calling the shots via the Urban Growth Boundary, we’ve quite literally elected for urban infill over urban sprawl.

In the absence of a perfect population density solution, you’re unlikely to hear the last of urban infill outcry anytime soon. Headlines aside, when it comes time to purchase a home, you can either support the traditional, embrace the new or seek out a hybrid of the two.

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The Allure of Modern Homes

Style travels in waves, lapping at the shore of our social consciousness only to ebb and return on the next tide. The modern architecture style is especially well-suited to Portland and its appeal never leaves the forefront here for long.

You tend to know mid-century modern homes when you see them because they look like you’d be living in an episode of Mad Men. Evolving from the aftermath of World War II industrial construction efforts, architects could now incorporate steel and plywood into their designs. But this wasn’t simply an application of new materials. Mid-century modern architects truly embraced the artistic power of their profession, their signatures boldly emblazoning Portland neighborhoods to this day.

Modern architecture is an echo of modernist philosophy. It was a rejection of the traditional in favor of embracing the present (and the future) as it presents itself. Unnecessary flourishes and artifice were thrown out in favor of clean, unbroken planes. When you can look up at the naked functionality of a post-and-beam ceiling, you see the structure of your home for exactly what it is.

This design’s unfiltered acceptance of reality extends to Nature as well. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite the outside in. As children grow up in these homes, they don’t have to wait to be tall enough to peer out a window, but are face-to-face with the world as soon as they can crawl. Some modern home designs even feature an atrium, truly treating Nature as a member of the household.

Ensconced in the enviable landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, many of Portland’s contemporary builders are still employing the modern style in today’s homes for its aesthetic appeal. Not only do these properties love the camera lens, but their owners love living in a work of art.

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The Right Time to Sell

It’s one thing to hear buzz about the real estate market heating up (it’s an exciting indicator for those looking to sell), but it should really prompt home owners to take a deeper look at their own property and then gauge the most strategic time for them to enter the marketplace.

Looking at the inventory trend (the number of homes on the market) over the last several years, we’re seeing a steady decline in quantity. Certain aspects remain predictable, like the obvious seasonal rhythm in Portland’s buying trend. And even a glance at these graphs confirms that it’s a definitely seller’s market. With fewer homes available, demand must be higher, right?

Yes and no. The clamor over “quality homes” is higher than ever. Well-presented properties with desirable traits can spark multiple-offer situations (bidding wars), pushing up the final selling price. But our region also possesses an educated buyer pool, savvy to artificial hype due to limited selection.

So we must gauge what makes your property special. If it’s your outdoor spaces, it can actually be beneficial to hold off until everything is in full-bloom for a TrueView photo/video shoot on a sunny day. Or if it will be possible to professionally stage your home in two months, the investment can be well worth the wait. Every seller’s situation is unique.

Inventory is down, absorption rate (the percentage of available homes that are being purchased) is up, but that’s certainly no reason to panic into selling. Also, this data shows the trend of the greater Portland market. The most valuable data for your situation can be gathered from your neighborhood market.

Now is the perfect time to partner with your favorite agent and formulate the best plan for your home!

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Hidden Gems: Portland Hikes

Nestled between coastal and Columbia River Gorge hiking treasures, it’s easy to overlook the gorgeous hikes we have right here in Portland. These three gems provide an immersion in nature without a considerable investment in driving time. Explore the one closest to you or hit all three for a hiking hat-trick!

Wildwood Trail to Pittock Mansion Hike
Beginning this hike under the Thurman Street Bridge, the Wildwood Trail winds its way up and through a lush green landscape, populated thickly by tall trees that echo with birdsong. Expect to meet friendly flocks of local trail runners, making the pleasant climb past the mysterious Stone House, across Cornell then onward and upward to Pittock Mansion’s perch in the West Hills. This hike offers lush scenery typically found farther east in the wilds of the Columbia Gorge as well as the chance to tour a landmark rich with Portland’s history.
Start: Lower Macleay Park Trailhead
End: Pittock Mansion
Distance: 5 miles (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Cost: free (mansion tours $7-$10 depending on age)

Crystal Springs to Reed Canyon Hike
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden serves as a mecca for local flora, fauna and waterfowl. Begin your journey in the manicured grounds, its rhododendrons in bloom from mid-March through the summer, and progress into the 28 acres of rehabilitated forest in Reed Canyon. Deer are prevalent, as well as river otters, who can be glimpsed pulling fish out of man-made Reed Lake. The canyon is also home to Reed College, its nostalgic Tudor-Gothic architecture perfectly at home in the natural setting. Leisurely return to the trailhead while ruminating on this center for academia set in the simple beauty of classic Northwestern environs.
Start: Crystal Springs Trailhead
End: Crystal Springs
Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 145 feet
Cost: $4 – March through Labor Day from Thurs-Mon, free all other times

Tryon Creek Hike
Located just north of Lake Oswego, this verdant state park is bisected by Tryon Creek, which is fed here by a network of smaller streams. The abundance of trail options (pick up a free map from the visitor center at the trailhead) allows for creative exploration of several modest bridges spanning the waterways. Chart a trek of ideal length or simply meander through the lush expanse of protected land, losing yourself in this wooded oasis amidst civilization.
Start and End: Tryon Creek State Park Trailhead
Distance: roughly 2.5 miles (hikes vary)
Elevation Gain: roughly 200 feet (varies)
Cost: free

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Hidden Gems: Food Carts

While food carts as a concept are a famous fixture in Portland, this Hidden Gem spotlight focuses on getting your brain (and mouth) around your favorite flavor of indie cuisine no matter when and where your belly rumbles.

Food carts, like whales and peas and dolphins, are happiest in pods. This is advantageous because their listed hours often serve as rough sketches. If it’s a sunny day, the cart may stay open later or just close early so the proprietor can play outside too.

Fickle as that may sound, it makes the food cart experience an adventure. On the off-chance you aren’t able to get what you came for, that cart’s podmates will gladly feed you with their offerings. The list below is conveniently divided by location and likely hours of operation to help you get some of this fantastic food in your face!

Featured Carts

Westside
Alder Food Cart Pod (SW 9th & Alder)
Nong’s Khao Man Gai – Mon-Fri – 10a-4p
The Frying Scotsman – Mon-Fri – 11a-4p
Samurai Bento – Mon-Fri – 11a-4p
Grilled Cheese Grill – Sun-Thurs 11a-5p, Fri-Sat 11a-8p

 

 

Q19 Food Cart Pod (NW 19th & Quimby)
Sawasdee Thai – Mon-Fri – 9a-3p
The Lunch Box – Mon-Fri – 11a-3p
OMG Oregon Made Grub – Mon-Fri 11a-3p

 

 

Eastside
Bundy’s Bagels (1421 SE 33rd) Wed-Fri 6a-3p, Sat 8a-5p, Sun 8a-3p
Potato Champion (1207 SE Hawthorne) – Tues-Wed 4p-1a, Thurs-Fri 4p-3a, Sat 12p-3a, Sun 12p-1a
Angry Unicorn (5205 SE Foster) Tues-Sat – 12:15p-7p
Grilled Cheese Grill (1027 NE Alberta) – Sun-Mon 11:30a-3:30p, Tues-Thurs 11:30a-8p, Fri-Sat 11:30a-2:30a
Los Gorditos (SE 50th & Division) – Mon-Sat 10a-9p
Cartlandia Super Pod (8145 SE 82nd) – 10a-9p

Click here for a full map of Portland’s food cart pods!