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Spring Sun and Fun

 

Farmer’s Markets Abound

No matter where you call home in the Greater Portland Metro Area, there’s a farmer’s market not far off. Find one conveniently close and meet the people who grow this delicious organic food. It’s not just carrots and cauliflower, enjoy everything from hand-crafted ginger ales to local bee pollen.

 

 

 

Arbor Day Festival

Speaking of farmer’s markets, the Portland Arbor Day festival will be kicking off Saturday, April 26th at the Portland State University farmer’s market from 8:30am to 2:00pm. Plant a tree and come celebrate our urban forest as Portland receives its 37th annual Tree City USA banner!

 

 

 

Food Cart Festival

Willamette Week’s Seventh Annual “Eat Mobile” pits more than 30 of their favorite food carts against one another, as they compete for the much-coveted Carty Award. With more than 400 food carts operating in Portland, this is a great way for newcomers to get a taste and for foodies to get their fix. Join the mouthwatering fun Sunday, April 27th at OMSI.

 

 

 

Tulip Fest

Experience the dog-friendly fun of Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, evolving every year in a beautiful new arrangement of patterns and colors. All are welcome (including photographers) to bask in the breathtaking, vibrant hues of Woodburn’s tulips. Open March 28th thru May 4th, open daily from 9am to 6 pm.

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Maximize Your Home’s Tax Value

If you haven’t done your taxes yet, it’s not because you’ve been procrastinating. You were strategically waiting to make sure you leveraged maximum return value from your property by embracing this helpful list. Whether you already own a home or are planning on one in the future, these thrilling tax tips can mean money in your pocket.

#1 – Mortgage Interest Deductions: In most cases, the vast majority of mortgage payments for the first ten years are covering interest. What’s fantastic about interest payments? They’re tax deductible. If the conditions are right, you might just be able to jump down into that lower tax bracket.

#2 – Property Tax Deductions: Don’t forget that your property taxes likely qualify as deductions as well! These can be easily overlooked if your taxes and insurance are already included in your monthly mortgage payment.

#3 – Capital Gain Exclusions: Did you sell your house for a profit this year? It’s possible you could shelter $250,000 to $500,000 of profit as a capital gain exclusion. If you’d like to learn more, here’s a helpful article.

Friendly Disclaimer: This information is provided as a helpful starting point. If you require tax advice, please contact a tax attorney or CPA.

If you find yourself talking to a tax professional to help you accurately prepare your taxes to your best advantage, here are some other potentially lucrative topics to bring up:

Home Improvement Loan Interest Deduction
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Deduction
Mortgage Points/Origination Deduction
Energy Efficiency Upgrades/Repairs Deduction
Real Estate Selling Cost Deduction
Home Office Deduction
Loan Forgiveness Deduction

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Staging Your Occupied Home

Selling your home? Get it ready – Get it sold!

Preparing your home for the market shouldn’t be stressful or involve renovating every room. The most important things are getting the interior and exterior ready for potential buyers to see themselves living there. The first week on the market is the most critical as most active buyers will see your home on-line and perhaps also during the open house. Being well prepared from the start, and spending the time needed getting your home ready could be the best investment of your life. Statistics prove that a well prepared home spends 50% less time on the market and sells for a higher price.

Interior Designer Staci Byers of Ready to Sell PDX specializes in preparing owner occupied homes for a successful listing. Staci’s goal is to ensure clients’ homes are presented as best as possible from day one by enhancing curb appeal, creating cohesiveness and flow in the home, and adjusting interior colors of the home for optimal appeal.

The services offered are a la carte and can be tailored to suit the customers’ needs. After a thorough consultation both inside and outside the home, the homeowners will know just what they need to do to get the home ready for the market. If you are tight on time or simply want some help, Staci can manage the project from beginning to end to ensure your home is Ready to Sell.

Please visit www.ReadytoSellPDX.com for more information on services.

Staci Byers

(503)389-3293

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Hidden Gems of Portland

 

The Garden at Elk Rock

Also known as the Garden of the Bishop’s Close, this wonderful gem was established nearly a century ago on the cliffs overlooking the Willamette River. Honoring the wishes of its creator, the garden remains open to visitors, providing Portlanders with the amazing opportunity to appreciate one of the jewels of the Northwest. Populated with a diverse assortment of flora that have something beautiful to show off no matter the season, the property also preserves its native madrone woods. Take an hour, explore its pathways and be rewarded with some stunning views of the Willamette.

For more information:
www.elkrockgarden.org

Open Daily: 8am to 5pm
11800 SW Military Ln
Portland, OR 97219

 

 

Portland Underground Tours

The tour guide slides a complex key into a metal grate in the street, twists, disengages the lock and pulls open two yawning doors to reveal a steep makeshift staircase; a portal into the black belly of Portland. The mystery shrouding these Shanghai Tunnels swirls so thick as to obscure their existence from a great many locals, striding along topside, unaware of the legacy of villainy beneath their feet. The tours provide a harrowing, historically accurate adventure into Portland’s fascinating criminal history. Brave explorers meet downtown at Hobo’s Restaurant and embark on a guided educational escapade under the city.

For tickets and tour information:
http://www.shanghaitunnels.info

120 NW 3rd Ave
Portland, OR 97209

 

 

Grand Marketplace

If you’re looking to spruce up your place with something unique or stroll through a collection of memories, the Grand Marketplace is a hidden gem packed with gems from our past. Curated by a passionate group of vintage collectors, every item tells a story. More than fifteen separate vendors gather their eclectic wares in this wonderful setting. Even if you’re just dropping by to browse conversation pieces with a friend, you might just find something you can’t put down.

For more information:
http://grandmarketplacepdx.com

1005 SE Grand Ave
Portland, OR 97214

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Embrace the Rain


The rainy season is here in the Northwest, and “Oregon Sunshine” is drizzling and pouring on our lives and our homes. Now is the time to enjoy beautiful waterfalls at full force and cozy up during a storm or downpour. Some may dread the damp blanket of moisture that covers the sky, but here in Oregon, locals have learned to embrace the rain and positively harness its power. Rain barrels and rain gardens are excellent ways to utilize the 40 inches of fresh precipitation we receive each year; saving resources, money and energy is sure to put a smile on any Oregonian’s face.


Rain barrels allow homeowners to collect water for their house plants, gardens and lawns. For every inch of rain that falls on a 1000 sqft roof, a whopping 600 gallons of water can be collected. Simply utilizing this free resource can save a significant amount of money in a season, and will help conserve water usage during the drier months. Rain barrels are easy to make, and readily available to buy, so embrace the rain and start collecting that good ol’ “Oregon Sunshine” –after all, it’s free!


Rain gardens are another excellent way to make use of the drizzle. Planting native trees, shrubs, flowers and other vegetation in a natural or landscaped basin positioned near a runoff source will collect rain water like a sponge. These gardens are a beautiful way to conserve h2o, reduce stagnant water in your yard and create a wonderful habitat for wildlife. The water slowly filters into the ground before becoming stormwater runoff –that means healthier urban waterways and habitats.

However you choose to welcome the wet weather, remember all the positive ways you can embrace the rain.

Also, here’s an excellent rain garden How-To Video.

And for creating your very own rain barrel, there’s a comprehensive Do-It-Yourself Guide.

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Portland Waterfront Focus

Portland Waterfront Focus

As Portlanders, a point of pride has always been our glorious waterfront. More than merely an aquatic line of demarcation between the territory of Eastsiders and Westsiders, the Willamette and her shores are mother to much of our trademark Northwestern beauty.


Spanned by architectural wonders (the Broadway Bridge was our first bascule bridge- the longest in the world at its time of completion and currently the longest Rall-type bascule bridge still in existence), our waterfront is beautiful to behold, both in broad day and after the sun slips beneath the distant Pacific.

Whether enjoying the river views from the private comfort of a condo balcony, outdoor restaurant seating, on a lunch break in the park or while pedaling along our picturesque, paved bicycle routes… the waterfront signifies a sense of progress while hinting at our history. Our shipyards contributed to the Allied effort in WWII and still construct commercial transport ships today.


Anyone looking to get an interactive tour of our waterfront is encouraged to take a high velocity, highly informative jet boat ride with Willamette Jetboat Excursions. The tours continue through the end of September and are a genuine good time for all ages, Portland natives and visitors alike.

No matter how you choose to embrace it, get out there and experience Portland’s amazing waterfront!

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Mt. Tabor — 2025 SE 58th

$386,000 — 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths — 1910 SF

Bright and open English with bungalow-style details. 2 blocks to Mt Tabor Park. Full of character. Built-ins, hardwoods, original trim and windows. Skylights! Kitchen & dining room both open to sunny wraparound deck & garden. Updated kitchen. Treetop master suite w/2 separate sleeping areas, plus large main floor bedroom. Semi-finished family room down. Minutes to Hawthorne and Division cafes and New Seasons, too!

Listed by: Laurie Sonnenfeld @ M Realty LLC

SOLD — 4 Days on Market

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Woodstock — 6534 SE 41st

$298,000 — 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath — 1632 SF

Light-filled Woodstock mid-century bungalow on quiet part of 41st, south of Woodstock! Original 40s charm and details. Lovely treed street near cafes, shops and Berkeley Park! Hardwoods. Classic fireplace. Many updates including furnace, central air and windows. Tall basement w office and potential for more living area. Beautiful yard with privacy, sunny raised-bed garden and patio. Detached garage with opener.

Listed by: Laurie Sonnenfeld @ M Realty LLC

SOLD — 3 Days on Market

If we are lucky we’ll see the neighborhood peacock!

Sweet back yard with patio and tall raised bed garden for tending plants without bending.

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Come to the Joanne Rand concert at Bamboo Grove

“Rand’s voice raises your hair, elegance and fierceness in the same deep breath” Gary Snyder

 Joanne’s music brings an uplifting sense of possibility and community. Here’s what another fan had to say:

“this woman changed how i listen to music. her voice filled my soul like no instrument ever. and every time i see her it is the same. ….brave, and full of passion and joy….and a great musician as well….if you ever get the chance to see her….DO SO…”

Come celebrate the release of Joanne’s 13th CD, The Nashville Sessions, in an intimate setting at Bamboo Grove. Friday April 26, 7:30 pm., SE 2nd and Taylor with entrance on 2nd.  See videos of Joanne below!

Dubbed “Psychedelic-Folk-Revival,” California singer-songwriter Joanne Rand comes to Portland, OR for a Concert on Friday, April 26 at 7:30 PM, celebrating the release of her 13th CD, “Stories from the Inside Out, The Nashville Sessions.” Her music spans environmental activism, earth-based spirituality, traditional folk, and more.

Details here and reserve your spot here or contact me at 503-750-1630. Videos below.

Donation, sliding scale $10 to $15. No one turned away.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lzA51XMnxg[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcQgt4enNvg&list=PL-TL7Lh8NZN_UZ1hV4JRudI-bzNkZURrX[/youtube]

 

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Hawthorne — 1820 SE 44th

$269,000 — 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath — 1382 SF

Exceptional deal in Hawthorne! Bring your vision and energy to renew and update this home and make it your own. Charming 1903 bungalow in ideal location near cafes and bikeways. Wood floors, 10 foot ceilings, vintage woodwork, clawfoot tub. Pantry/mudroom opens to deck and back yard. New fiberglass windows. Roof about 6 years old. Good storage in basement

Listed by: Laurie Sonnenfeld @ M Realty LLC

SOLD — 2 Days on Market

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Portland Roars in the 1920s – Our Home History

1926 – Opening of Burnside Bridge

1926 – Sellwood Bridge

1924 – Delivery Truck

1920 – Street Car

Portland Roars in the 1920s – Our Home History

” …Portlanders were on the move! “

The dawn of 1920 saw Portland 258,000 citizens strong and along with gaining 50,000 more souls, the next ten years would prove to be an unparallelled decade of expansion for the City of Roses. 1926 marked the construction of the Burnside, Vista and Ross Island Bridges to complement the Sellwood Bridge, which was previously the only Willamette River crossing for miles in either direction. That same year, Portland achieved the progressive honor of having more cars per capita than Chicago or New York, widening her streets to accommodate the bustling traffic. Combined with the already thriving street cars, Portlanders were on the move!

1929 – Aerial of Harbor Wall (Waterfront)

This freshly-embraced mobility promoted an unprecedented population migration from rural areas, and this youthful generation was nothing if not modern. In addition to embracing technological advancements like the refrigerator and vacuum cleaners now with disposable bags, these new homeowners and their contemporary sensibilities gave birth to the American Craftsman.

In the aftermath of World War I, the Victorian construction style (and lifestyle) was in sharp decline. The thriving middle-class abandoned the foregoing generation’s Old World flourishes in favor of uncluttered practicality. Ceilings were lowered, porches simplified and accommodations for a domestic serving staff vanished in the light of new homemaking amenities.

1920’s Craftsman-era Home Floor Plans

” …the Craftsman introduced the breakfast nook… “

Armed with these advanced appliances, the Craftsman-era housewife shaped the footprint of the home. She had been transformed into a one woman army responsible for all the housework in addition to raising the children. Kitchens were integrated into the main home, built with open eyelines to the living spaces and the back yard. While the Victorian lifestyle demanded a separation between food preparation and dining, the Craftsman introduced the breakfast nook and with it a communal place for the family to gather while the housewives of the day practiced their multitasking art.

1929 – SE Portland Houses

Built to endure, Portland is still populated by these beautiful, practical, hardy homes. Whether updated with today’s amenities or retaining all their classic features, Portland’s craftsman constructions stand as distinct reminders of an exciting chapter of our history.

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Got books? Share with our Little Free Library

Outside of a dog a book is man’s best friend. Inside a dog it’s too dark to read. –Groucho Marx

Have you seen a Little Free Library in your neighborhood? Neighbors walk by, and who can resist checking to see what is new in their own neighborhood library?

This one is in Sunnyside, not far from Sunnyside Environmental School. My friend who started it is really enjoying watching the books come and go. She loves knowing that she has contributed something very positive to her neighborhood. Some people leave a book, others browse and then take a book. The contents changes all the time. It gets neighbors talking to each other, too.

My friend started with a big load of books collected by a voracious reader, my late husband Jim Andrews. The supply is now dwindling. To keep the library going, she needs more books. All kinds of books are welcome, as long as they are in good condition. If you have books to share, please contact me, laurie@cascadiahomes.com or 503-750-1630.

The mission of Little Free Library: 

To promote Literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide. To build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity and wisdom across generations. To build 2,510 Libraries–as many as Andrew Carnegie–and keep going!