Cliche “We’ve come a long way, baby” about how women couldn’t even have a credit card in their sole name until the 1970s. Women have been able to vote for 100 of our almost 250 year American history. The big headlines around this research usually fall into the “women are more responsible than men” or “single women aren’t waiting for marriage before buying a home.” It’s amazing to see how many women are heads of households, primary income earners, and leading men as solo home buyers. But, it’s not an equal gain for all women. Nearly 39% of Latinas who are single and live alone owned a home in ..read more

How do you build equity in your house? Time or Energy. The time is pretty easy to understand. Let the overall value of the land and house slowly tick up over the years. Before: 2019 the Diamond in the Rough! Purchased for $293,000 after 66 days on the market in the Foster-Powell Neighborhood of SE Portland. But if you don't want to passively wait for the decades to roll by then you need to put in some Energy! Either sweat equity or indirect energy of hiring contractors to do upgrades. Most houses need a mix of both. Professional roofers, HVAC techs, electricians, and plumbers ..read more

As Beth’s husband, partner, and hype man of over 20 years, I’ve been able to watch Beth grow and evolve in many ways, both personally and professionally. When it comes to her real estate practice, the growth and evolution is constant through continuing education, experience with every transaction, connecting and learning through her peers, and via her constant interest and excitement in real estate, architecture, design, and working with people. Recently Beth undertook one of the largest growth periods I’ve witnessed so far: SHE GOT HER PRINCIPAL BROKER LICENSE! I am so exceptionally proud of ..read more

will you have your own dream library/dining room this year? So, you want to buy a house. What next? Start with an incredible mortgage lender (after you chat with me, of course). I have a great list of lenders who have worked in the industry for years. Once you know your purchase price range, select your neighborhoods and other criteria to narrow down the search. In the Portland Metro Area sellers are still in the powerful position with a very limited inventory. That’s great news if you have a home to sell! As a buyer, you will still need to be ready to take on smaller repairs and pay yo ..read more

Photo by American Public Power Association on Unsplash The uptick in concern about indoor air quality is meeting the need to make real progress to get off fossil fuels. Natural gas as a cheap, efficient, and reliable fuel source was the standard for new construction and remodeling of old houses for decades. Even in 2009, when I bought my home, switching off diesel heating fuel and in-efficient electric systems was a priority. “Cooking with gas” was the lobbying tagline that made it into our communications and memes! In 2023, however, using the power of the sun, wind, and water are our best be ..read more

What’s new and next in home design? A return to the past and nature… Pink and Barbiecore Those set photos of Margot Robie and Ryan Gosling really got us going. Pink has been more and more on trend over the last few years. Sherwin-Williams chose Redend Point, a blush-beige color, as its 2023 Color of the Year, and the Barbiecore hype is continuing to take off. The iconic Barbie doll is inspiring home interiors with playful hues and frilly décor. Photo credit: Laurey Glenn / Designed by Mel Bean Interiors Earth Tones and Natural Wood Natural wood can add texture to a space, making a design appe ..read more

14th Street Coffee in Astoria Oregon Coffee shops are the best! I am always going to new places to check out their coffee, snacks, WIFI, and bathrooms. I work from home, so finding nice clean, safe places for me to work outside of my basement office is a must. Plus I am always looking for a public bathroom, so all of these have nice bathrooms! Here are my favorites from around Portland. Send me any great places you love too! Prince Coffee in Beaumont Village: Great coffee, beautiful location with tons of plants. They are only making Stroop waffles for holidays. Good WIFI and a great place t ..read more

The lessons and challenges never stop as a Realtor! I was thinking the other day about all the weird things I know, lessons I’ve learned, and opinions I have developed. Do you have any weird knowledge or opinions about houses? New dishwashers suck. If there is an older one, don’t replace it. Don’t go in an unfinished basement alone. This should not be a surprise, basements are so creepy. Things break even when there isn't anything wrong with them. Moving seems stressful on houses, appliances and systems will develop new issues as soon as closing day is near! Disposals are bad for th ..read more

It’s a Seller’s Market House prices are going up Appraisals are coming in at purchase price Inventory is low Some Buyers are using cash and then getting a mortgage Buyers are waiving appraisal contingencies Buyers are still moving into Portland from out of state Portlanders are selling and moving out of the area or to the suburbs Interest rates are going up, but still not at the “normal” rates that we saw from 1992-2008. I’m accepting new Listings ..read more

This house was ready to sell with system upgrades, paint, landscaping, lighting fixtures, and home owner staging. Multiple offers with committed buyers followed! The housing market continues it’s 8th year of a Seller’s Market in Portland. There are even less listings on the market now than in the last two winters. Demand is higher than ever. But, as interest rates rise this year buyers will perceive themselves as having less money to spend. House sales should slow a bit and prices will stop rising so quickly. What does this mean if you are thinking about selling your house this year? I have a ..read more