TrueView: Time-Lapse Spotlight

exterior_IMG_1746_HDR_lowresM Realty's TrueView media team prides itself on staying current with the latest video production techniques. Time-lapse presentations are not only visual entertainment, they also express the experience of a property over several hours, ideally highlighting the transition of day into night. The figurative importance of transition to a home buyer aside, these videos allow people to connect an emotional response to the space. That connection to a home before even stepping onto the grounds is the vision of TrueView.

ext sunset1946 NE 70th St - Lincoln City069lowresDaylight photos only paint half the picture of any property. In addition to time-lapse technology, utilizing TrueView night photography can give potential buyers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what the home has to offer. Not only does the lighting take on a magical quality, but the contrast is striking between TrueView night shots and typical real estate photography. That extra level of care and attention speaks to buyers and helps the home put its absolute best foot forward.

 


 

TrueView is only available to M Realty agents.

Learn more about it here.

 


 

Sneak Peeks for October 2014

This month's sneak peeks highlight a variety of homes across Lake Oswego and Portland and also features an expansive airport property in Vernonia. In this rapid-fire market, it helps to have a jump on listings before they're available to the general public. Take an exclusive sneak peek at these upcoming properties before they go live!

 

Lake Front

Lake Front Rd, Lake Oswego - approx. $1,399,900

Outstanding opportunity to be on the lake. Create your dream retreat or enjoy a wonderful main residence. Walk in to a view of the lake with a wall of windows in the living room. Hardwood floors, wet bar in family room. Built in storage cabinets. Spacious new garage and a boathouse with lift. Multiple decks, room for outdoor entertaining, built in hot tub and sauna.

Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3.1 Square Feet: 3,385

 


 

SW Evans

SW Evans St, Portland - approx. $500k

What's not to love? Sidewalk-lined streets, period perfect 1940 details with a subtle art-deco influence, gorgeous 180 degree views... all just minutes from the city center, OHSU and Lewis & Clark. Discover South Burlingame at its best!

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 2,481

 


 

N Rosa Parks Way

N Rosa Parks Way, Portland - approx. $375k

Great Arbor Lodge with original details, 2 blocks to MAX/New Seasons. Lovely oak and fir floors, formal dining room, fireplace w/flanking built-ins. Large, open kitchen with new Marmoleum, terrific counter space and storage, remodeled main floor bath. Lower level offers 3rd bedroom, full bath, family room and office space. Could be terrific shared living. Fenced private yard and detached garage.

Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 2,097

 


 

NE 76th

NE 76th Ave, Portland - approx. $299k

Modern updates and remodeling (interior and exterior) throughout this three bedroom, two bath, light-filled home. Refinished wood floors, insulated windows, new and vintage light fixtures, large master bedroom w/ private bath and skylight, A/C, laundry room, updated kitchen with tile floors, new stainless range and dishwasher.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 1,392

 


 

Airport Way

Airport Way, Vernonia - approx. $950k

Fantastic airport home on considerable acreage with great industrial possibilities! Over 72 acres of residential and industrial land that can be divided. Includes a fish pond stocked with bass, rainbow trout and pan fish.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.1 Square Feet: 2,498

 

Hidden Gems: Rice NW House and Museum

rockriceRice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals

Hidden Gems! Yes, literally.

Rock Museum004lowresNot only is this a spectacular piece of real estate on the National Register of Historic Places, but it houses one of the most esteemed rock and mineral museums in the world. And these aren't just dusty old stones! Rubies and diamonds? Check. Fossilized shark teeth? Sure, they've got those and a baby dinosaur! There's a custom UV lighting system that charges up their Rainbow Gallery, full of phosphorescent and fluorescent rocks that actually glow in the dark. The world's largest opal-filled thunderegg lives there, as well as an extensive collection of meteorites, in case out-of-this-world is more your style.

There are more than 20,000 specimens/reasons to explore this amazing museum!
Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals 26385 NW Groveland Drive Hillsboro, OR 97124
Hours: Wednesday through Friday - 1pm to 5pm Saturday and Sunday - 10am to 5pm

 

  The House Itself Rock Museum021lowres Originally built in 1952 for $185,000 (the nearly 11,000 square foot dwelling is valued somewhat higher these days), Richard and Helen Rice intended the residence to be both a home for them and their growing collections. Richard Rice earned his bread as a logging contractor so he logged and milled all the wood himself.

In addition to the curly maple and myrtlewood, the exterior features Arizona flagstone. Myrtlewood trim and doors decorate the interior, as well as three sandstone fireplaces and hand-painted tile countertops from Mexico. Graceful notes of practical luxury can be found among the built-in cabinetry, ironing boards and dumbwaiters.

Rock Museum003lowres When Richard and Helen passed away in 1997, ownership of their home was bestowed upon the non-profit museum. Every year, thousands of visitors experience the beauty and wonder of the collections housed there, allowing their legacy to live on.

 

Success Stories for October 2014

Properly presented, homes at all price points are seeing exciting movement. Each of these wonderful properties sold swiftly and for more than their original listing price. TrueView is the perfect marketing system to present your home to the world. It is still a fantastic time to sell. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about your own real estate plans.

 


 

2535 NE 49th Ave - $480,000

$15k over list price

Beds: 2 | Baths: 2 | 2,862 sqft.

This beautiful 1912 home has been wonderfully cared for and remodeled with modern amenities. A variety of exterior updates include new paint and new gutters on the back of the home. Mature trees welcome visitors to the front porch, where art deco style railings, a sizable front door with a door knob knocker and custom-made ceramic door numbers created by a local artist are featured.

Check out the TrueView site with more photos and videos.

 


 

2846 NE 11th Ave - $748,950

Sold in 3 days | $10k over list price

Beds: 3 | Baths: 3 | 2,520 sqft.

Situated in the distinctive Irvington neighborhood, this stunning English Tudor home is beautifully remodeled while maintaining the charm of its 1925 construction. Ideally located, enjoy the multitude of dining and entertainment that Northeast Portland has to offer.

Check out the TrueView site for more photos and videos.

 


 

3603 SE 66th Ave - $236,000

Sold in 2 days | $21k over list price

Beds: 3 | Baths: 1 | 960 sqft.

This charming Ranch style home is perched in the sought after Foster/Powell neighborhood of Southeast Portland. Ideally located, enjoy close proximity to a multitude of shops and restaurants, including Portland's signature food carts. Downtown Portland is a short drive away via Powell Blvd.

Check out the TrueView site with more photos and videos.

 


 

5530 SW Cameron Rd - $430,900

Sold in 2 days

Beds: 3 | Baths: 2.1 | 2,056 sqft.

This custom contemporary "Dwell" style home rests on a private, tranquil lot. Ideally located, enjoy close proximity to Gabriel Park, Multnomah Village shops and dining, and downtown Portland and Beaverton. Meander up the steps to the front patio, outlined by beautiful greenery and shaded by proud trees.

Check out the TrueView site with more photos and videos.

 

Pumpkin Carving Stencils

When the time comes to carve jack-o'-lanterns this year, feel free to spruce up your pumpkins with these custom stencils! If a traditional spooky face isn't your style, there are also local landmarks so you can show your Portland pride. Just print out your favorite stencil(s), tape it to your pumpkin and use a pin to poke the outline of your design into your future jack-o'-lantern! Happy Halloween! Faces Print

Print

Print

Print

Cat

The Convention Center Convention Center

The Brooklyn House BrooklynHouse

The St. John's Bridge St Johns

The Aerial Tram Tram

Our Heritage Trees

Visitors to the Northwest will often marvel at how green it is here. Magnificent trees will stretch their great boughs skyward, seemingly oblivious that they've taken root in a densely populated urban area. There's a reason we're so fortunate to have such amazing Portland trees: we protect them.

Nearly 300 "Heritage Trees" stand tall throughout Portland. Anyone can nominate a tree for this special status. Once granted, it becomes unlawful (without prior written consent) to remove, destroy, cut, prune, break or injure any designated Heritage Tree. Even trees on private property can be nominated with permission from the landowner and this consent binds all successors and heirs.

  Burrell Elm SW Main St and SW Jefferson St American elm (Ulmus americana) Height 78 ft Spread 105 ft Circumference 12.17 ft


Dutch Elm 1225 SW 6th Ave Dutch elm (Ulmus x hollandica) Height 105 ft Spread 90 ft Circumference 13.5 ft


Tulip Tree 1403 NE Weidler St Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) Height 72 ft Spread 65 ft Circumference 15.5 ft


White Oak NW 23rd & NW Overton Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) Height 80 ft Spread 86 ft Circumference 15.4 ft


Wych Elm 222 SE 17th Ave Wych elm (Ulmus glabra) Height 100 ft Spread 60 ft Circumference 14.9 ft

  No matter where you are in the city, one of these proud trees likely lives nearby. Want to find an epic Heritage Tree? There's a free iPhone app for that. You can learn more about it here.

There's even a handy Portland Heritage Guidebook you can check out online or right-click and save for later viewing.

And for good measure, here's an interactive map:

Get out there and explore Portland's glorious Heritage Trees!

Sneak Peeks for Sept 2014

This month's sneak peeks highlight a variety of homes across Portland, Wilsonville and Hillsboro, including an owner-occupied duplex that will be a fantastic investment property. In this rapid-fire market, it helps to have a jump on listings before they're available to the general public. Take an exclusive sneak peek at these upcoming properties before they go live!

 

Cedar

SW 54th Pl, Portland - approx. $579,950

Multi-level contemporary with vaulted ceilings and on a private, quiet lot. New hardwood floors, updated baths, unique custom kitchen, easy indoor-outdoor entertaining. Exterior features deck, patio and water feature.

Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 2,828

 


 

Summerton

SW Summerton Ave, Wilsonville - approx. $549k

Incredible quality, along with upgrades of $100k are showcased in this Renaissance Custom home with master on the main. A must-see!

Residence Bedrooms: 3 plus office and bonus room Bathrooms: 2.1 Square Feet: 2,534

 


 

Wrenwood

NE Wrenwood Ln, Hillsboro - approx. $420k

Beautiful traditional home on big lot in exclusive Brookwood Estates. Bright great room that connects to well laid-out kitchen. Amazing outdoor area with large deck and expansive yard, perfect for entertaining.

Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2.1 Square Feet: 2,716

 


 

Cedar

SE Cedar St, Hillsboro - approx. $249,900

Updated single level ranch with fenced yard and oversized 2-car garage. Detached 33x20 shop perfect for home mechanic, woodworking, or large craft area.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 1,360

 


 

Terwilliger

SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland - approx. $439k

Outstanding owner-occupied duplex, just minutes from downtown Portland.

Residence One Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1.1 Square Feet: 1,480

Residence Two Bedrooms: 1 plus loft Bathrooms: 2.1 Square Feet: 1,480

 

Mortgage Rates Explained

Brent Lucas of Guild Mortgage, M Realty's featured partner, offers some industry insight into what drives Mortgage Rates.

"Should I Lock or Float?"

Locking in a good home loan rate weighs heavily on the minds of most homebuyers, and rightly so. Each fraction of a percent could represent huge savings over the life of a loan. Homebuyers are always eager for mortgage rate predictions, even if they know they're seeking certainty in an arena of constant change.

So... why is it SO hard to nail down home loan rates?

The reality is that many factors influence home loan rates, and these factors are as significant as they are unpredictable. However, an experienced mortgage loan officer can assist you in identifying consistency and repetition in market shifts by watching what happens with the "Big 6" economic indicators (reflected below) and the daily performance of Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS).

mortgage rates

If you'd like to know more about current mortgage rate performance, now is the perfect time to reach out to your favorite real estate agent to be connected with a financial professional like Brent.

Success Stories for Sept 2014

Properly presented, homes at all price points are seeing swift movement. Each of these wonderful homes sold less than a week after becoming available on the market. TrueView is the perfect marketing system to present your home to the world. Now is a fantastic time to sell. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about your own real estate plans.  


 

1914 SE 59th Ave - $510,000

Sold in 5 days | $10k over list price

Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 | 3,078 sqft.

Situated in Southeast Portland, minutes from a multitude of shops and restaurants, this charming Cape Cod maintains the beauty of its 1926 construction. Tidy landscaping and verdant shrubbery welcome guests up the front path, while around back the easily customizable yard and patio are perfect for entertaining.

Check out the TrueView site with more photos and videos.

 


 

5922 SE Francis St - $274,900

Sold in 4 days | $10k over list price

Beds: 3 | Baths: 1 | 1,640 sqft.

The beautiful home is situated in the Foster/Powell neighborhood, in close proximity to a variety of local restaurants and shops. The home's charming exterior welcomes visitors, while around back the spacious yard is perfect for outdoor entertaining or relaxing.

Check out the TrueView site for more photos and videos.

 


 

3847 SW 58th Dr - Sold Price: $535,000

Sold in 3 days | $21k over list price

Beds: 3 | Baths: 2.1 | 2,187 sqft.

Situated in Southwest Portland, this wonderfully remodeled contemporary home is ideally located, with the amenities of Bridlemile and Hillsdale just moments away. A vibrant front door draws the eye to the home, as lush landscaping surrounds the front yard. The front patio creates a relaxing place to enjoy the surrounding neighborhood, while the backyard has a sizable deck and neat lawn that are easy for outdoor entertaining.

Check out the TrueView site with more photos and videos.

 


 

1635 NE Fremont St - List Price $439,900

Sold in 6 days

Beds: 4 | Baths: 1 | 2,584 sqft.

This beautiful bungalow maintains the charms of its 1920 construction while featuring the updated amenities of modern living. Outside, the thriving landscaping adds an air of privacy to the grounds, perfect for gardening, entertaining guests or relaxing by the koi pond.

Check out the TrueView site with more photos and videos.

 

Hidden Gems: Fun Fountains

Portland is home to some architecturally amazing fountains that beg to be explored during the sunny months and are great for ambiance during cooler seasons. Whether you're looking to liven up a lunch hour or add destinations to your next weekend city adventure, these hidden gems will not disappoint!

Be sure to check out the fountain compilation video M's TrueView team made for you!

 


 

Ira Keller Fountain - SW 3rd & Market Located just across the street from Keller Auditorium, this tiered fountain is a climbable work of art. Wade at the bottom or relax above under the trees with a book whilst being serenaded by the cascading water.

 


 

Lovejoy Fountain - SW 3rd & Harrison Accessible from the SW 3rd & Harrison light rail stop, a short jaunt southward down a pedestrian trail will soon reveal Lovejoy Fountain Park. The fountain's wide stepping stone path allows for up-close appreciation of both the water feature and pool.

 


 

Jamison Square Fountain - NW 11th & Johnson Just down the street from Lovejoy Bakers in Northwest, Jamison Square Fountain is the perfect place to cool your heels (depending which level you choose, you can cool more than that) while enjoying some lunch on a warm summer day.

 

Sneak Peeks for August 2014

This month's sneak peeks highlight a diverse variety of homes: a pair of charming Portland bungalows, a log home (with an additional dwelling) on a private lake, a custom two-story with a stunning ocean view and a tri-level with an award-winning outdoor living space. In this rapid-fire market, it helps to have a jump on listings before they're available to the general public. Take an exclusive sneak peek at these upcoming properties before they go live!

 

Lombard

NE 49th Ave, Portland - approx. $465k

Grant Park bungalow with finished basement. Two bedrooms plus a living room, dining room and nook on main. Third bedroom, bonus room, and full bath downstairs. New hardwood floors and paint throughout! One car garage plus carport.

Residence Bedrooms: 2 (plus one non-conforming in basement) Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 2,038 living area / 2,862 gross (finished basement)

 


 

11th

NE 87th Ave off Glisan St, Portland - approx. $210k

A cute bungalow in NE Portland with original hardwood floors.

Residence Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Square Feet: 1,200

 


 

sneak peek

NE Logan Rd, Lincoln City - approx. $549,900

Beautiful home with exquisite views of the beach and ocean (breathtaking sunsets) in an exclusive, quiet and established part of town.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 4 Square Feet: 2,431

 


 

sneak peek

Farmer Creek Rd, Cloverdale - approx. $699,900

A lush 5.25 acres that include a gorgeous log cabin as well as an additional home, by a pristine two acre private lake that comes well equipped for recreation.

Residence Bedrooms: 6 (between both homes) Bathrooms: 5 (between both homes) Square Feet: 3,600 + 2,600 Lot Size: 5.25 acres

 


 

sneak peek

Crosby Road, Woodburn - approx. $499k

Award winning outdoor living area backing to greenspace! Covered pool and hot tub, fireplace, firepit, separate HVAC system for outside deck! Movie theater with wet bar. 28x59 shop with 11' doors and service lift. Ten minutes to outlets, 15 minutes to Wilsonville.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Square Feet: 2,669

Portland's ADU Fever

adu Formerly known as a carriage house, granny flat, mother-in-law suite or English basement, today's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is alive and thriving in Portland. Not only does it add versatility to the property in its ability to accommodate the needs of friends and family, but ADUs create significant income potential from both long-term and short-term renters.

$11,000 Building Permit Credit With nearly seven times the number of ADUs built last year compared to 2010, we owe this surge to the City of Portland's waiver of System Development Charges (worth up to $11,000 in building permit reductions). This waiver continues through July 2016 and has spurred an increasing number of home owners to segregate 200-800 square feet of their floor plan into a separate living space.

Property Owner Does Not Need to Live On-Site Portland repealed its ADU owner occupancy provision so ADUs have grown in popularity for investment properties. Multiple sets of renters under the same roof can quite easily cause a rental to pencil out as a profitable business opportunity.

Popular Websites Make Booking Short-Term Renters a Snap Instead of the income generated by a full-time renter, websites like www.airbnb.com connect home owners with travelers seeking bed and breakfast style accommodations. This allows an ADU (or even just an extra room) to function as a fun and profitable hotel alternative.

 

For more helpful information about creating your own ADU, check out the City of Portland's Guide.

For more information on the ADU pictured above, check out PATH Architecture, Inc.

Success Stories for August 2014

Summer is in full swing and well-presented homes at the right price are still sparking buying frenzies. High end properties are gaining traction while more modest homes are not only moving quickly, but fetching a price bolstered by demand. These properties all sold in fewer than ten days for more than $35,000 over the original listing price. TrueView is the perfect marketing system to present your home to the world.

Now is a fantastic time to sell. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about your own real estate plans.


4236 NE Wygant St - $345,000

Sold in 6 days | $46k over list price

Beds: 2 | Baths: 1 | 1,089 sqft.

This stunning Mid-Century Modern home retains the retro charm of its 1947 construction, while it benefits from the modern conveniences of a recent remodel. Visitors to the property are immediately greeted by the immaculate, river-themed landscape design by James Wilson of Garden Stories.

Check out the TrueView site with more photos and videos.

 


 

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6706 NE Sumner St - $237,000

Sold in 2 days | $37k over list price

Beds: 2 | Baths: 1 | 774 sqft.

This meticulously remodeled traditional cape cod home maintains all of its beautiful original charm. Situated on a quarter acre lot, the property gives off a country feel in a city setting. The giant south facing backyard is fenced, and is an urban farmer's paradise. Updates include a newer hot water heater, HE gas furnace, fresh paint, newer vinyl windows and a stainless steel range and hood to be installed.

Check out the TrueView site for more photos and videos.

 


 

4412 SE 73rd Ave - $297,000

Sold in 10 days | $47k over list price

Beds: 3 | Baths: 1.1 | 1,014 sqft.

Situated on an expansive lot, this chic Mid-Century Modern home maintains the charm of its 1960s construction. Lush greenery welcomes guests in the front yard, while around back established fruit trees, garden beds, and a fully-fenced backyard create the ideal urban farm experience. A sizable covered patio creates the perfect space for relaxing and entertaining guests all year round.

Check out the TrueView site for more photos and videos.

 

Urban Birds and Bees

Living in an urban area doesn't mean you can't have local honey and fresh eggs. It just means you can support a local business and maybe invite some new feathered friends into your backyard. Watch this informational video and then check out the full scoop on the birds and the bees below!  

 

Bees - Rooftop Urban Hives by Bee Local

After pollenating Portland's flora and promoting the local ecosystem, Bee Local's honey-makers buzz up to the tops of key buildings downtown to do what they do best. Each hive can cover a radius of over a mile, bringing back the neighborhood's pollen to craft their own special variety of honey. In addition to its inherent deliciousness, a daily dose of honey can alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergies and motivated folk will employ ancient techniques to make mead or "honey wine."

If you want to get your paws on this amazing local honey, check out Bee Local's online store. Honey is a fantastic gift (for yourself and others) so visit the site periodically because the varieties change as the season progresses!

So the next time you're downtown and spot a bee beating its wings up toward a building, you can smile to yourself because you'll know where she's headed.

 


 

Chickens - Your Backyard Barnyard

Before you get distracted by all the awesome benefits of owning chickens, let it first be known: chickens make great pets. Just hanging out with your chickens in the backyard while enjoying a refreshing beverage is a recipe for relaxation.

In addition, most hens will provide you with omelet ingredients every one to three days. And these fresh, free-range eggs are proven to be higher in vitamins and lower in cholesterol and saturated fat.

Also, chickens are enthusiastic gardeners. They'll happily clear a vegetable garden after harvest, scratching out slugs and weeds and yes, fertilize the soil for good measure. If you have fruit trees, chickens will clear away the fallen produce before it attracts insects.

You might say that backyard chickens are the bee's knees!

For information on the types and quantity animals the City of Portland allows you to keep at your residence before you need a permit, check out this FAQ on backyard animals.

July Sneak Peeks

In this rapid-fire market, it helps to have a jump on listings before they're available to the general public. Take an exclusive sneak peek at these upcoming properties before they go live!  

Lombard

NE Lombard St at Mallory - approx. $285k

Adorable meticulously maintained 1925 Tudor. Elegant layout with formal rooms, oak floors, original built-ins, moldings, fireplace, and cute vintage kitchen. Oversized lot w/ detached garage. Fully fenced and nicely landscaped!

Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 1,919

 


 

11th

NE 11th Ave - mid-$700k range

Beautiful Irvington English with the perfect blend of old and new: updated kitchen, newly added luxurious master bathroom, newly finished basement, updated plumbing, electrical, HVAC, windows, 2-car garage, fenced, tons of storage.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Square Feet: 2,500+

 


 

sneak peek

SW Portland - Canby St - $700k

Location is everything! This high quality, updated 1950s home is on a half-acre corner lot delightfully nestled between Multnomah Village and Gabriel Park. Inside discover high-end remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, hardwood floors and an unobstructed, wide view of the 91 acre Gabriel Park.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 2,919 Lot Size: .46 acres

Save by Recasting Your Loan

Seeking the inside scoop on all things financial, we reached out to M Realty's preferred lending partner, Guild Mortgage's Brent Lucas, to get the details on loan recasting:

Refinancing your home loan can be expensive. Depending on your situation, recasting your loan lowers your monthly payments while offering several advantages.

What is recasting?

You apply a lump sum payment to your loan to lower your monthly payments without changing your interest rate or term of the loan.

Advantages

> No Appraisal Required > No Credit Check > Interest Rate Stays Locked > Recasting Generally Costs Under $400

When to Recast

When there are multiple offers on a home, contingent offers (where the offer is contingent on the sale of the buyers' current home) are weaker than traditional offers. Buyers in this situation will often raise their contingent offers by several thousand dollars to make it more attractive.

If the buyers instead took out a separate loan for their new home, they could make a stronger offer without raising it substantially. Then they could sell their original home and recast the loan on their new home with a substantial lump sum payment. In this case, they would have saved potential thousands of dollars by not making a contingent offer and avoided additional thousands in refinancing costs.

In Conclusion

While not perfect in every situation, it's important to know the advantages of loan recasting when making decisions as a home owner. Used strategically, recasting your loan instead of refinancing can save you thousands.

If you'd like to know more about the specific eligibility requirements for loan recasting, now is the perfect time to reach out to your favorite real estate agent to be connected with a financial professional like Brent.

Exploring PDX Through Hiking

IMG_2190 One of my favorite activities is hiking. I love to do urban hikes, like exploring Mt Tabor, getting out to the Gorge, and traveling to do some short backpacking trips around the state, and beyond. Portland and the greater Metro area has some of the best hiking in Oregon, so I've compiled some of my favorites below. Lately (since this last fall when my daughter was born), I've been hiking most weeks with an amazing free group: Hike It Baby. Started in Portland by a new mom, Hike It Baby is open to anyone and everyone with a child (you can borrow one from a family member or friend) from birth on up! Moms, dads, grandparents, nannies, babysitter, and whole families meet up at member led hikes of all levels and lengths to get some exercise, fresh air, and camaraderie. I hope to see you out on the trail!

1. Council Crest- SW Portland- Start on Samuel Jackson Rd, and hike up a steep hill to Council Crest Park. You get a great leg burn, and a rewarding view of downtown, many bridges, and 3 mountains if its clear.

pittock mansion2. Upper McClaey- NW Portland- Hike through part of Forest Park up to Pittock Mansion. You can picnic on the lawn with another amazing view of the city and Mt Hood. Its steep, but pretty short and not as hard as Council Crest.

mt tabor

 

 

3. Mt Tabor Rambling- SE Portland- Our very own dormant volcano has 3 great official trails that start at the visitors center (Red, Green, and Blue) but I always start on one and end up switching to another, and then heading up to the summit to finish it off. This can be as chill or challenging as you would like. There is also a big set of stairs if you are needing to up the heart rate quite a bit!

wildwood 4. Forest Park Wildwood Trail- NW Portland- This trail runs 30 miles from one end of the park to the other, but you can access it at many roads and parking lots throughout the park. I like to just pick a spot and go out and back, but you can also do loops with the other trails and fire roads that criss cross the park. This gem of a park is one of the largest in an urban area in the country, and has endless areas to explore.

June Sneak Peeks

In this rapid-fire market, it helps to have a jump on listings before they're available to the general public. Take an exclusive sneak peek at these upcoming properties before they go live. This diverse group features listings going public from mid-June through July.  

47th

NE 47th Ave - approx. $500k

Traditional Cape Cod in Beaumont Neighborhood. Great remodeling over the years, including bathrooms, kitchen, refinished floors, and a large family room on the main level. Located on a fantastic and picturesque street that is also just two blocks from shops, restaurants, and coffee shops in Beaumont Village.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 2,302


 

Pagh

SE Pagh Rd (Sandy, OR) - approx. $950k-$1.1mil

A 2007 timber contemporary lodge on 35 private, serene acres. Surrounded by tall firs, with a view of Goats Mountain and a private gated entrance, it features 1,800 square feet of covered patio with a built-in kitchen and spectacular views of nature. The creek and hideaway setting have deer and elk as visitors!

Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3.1 Square Feet: 5,200


 

79th_lowres

NE 23rd - approx. $499k

One of a kind new renovation offers a true open floor plan with a vintage industrial twist. Entertainer's gourmet kitchen with dual-fuel Italian range leads directly to a bi-level deck and expansive yard. Indoor/outdoor connection continues with a large master suite opening to the garden. A second suite on the lower level presents many flexible options. Conveniently close to exciting Alberta and Killingsworth amenities.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Square Feet: 2,400


 

11th_lowres

SE 73rd - approx. $250k

Chic, updated MidCentury Modern on huge lot! Terrific open floor plan for living/entertaining. Updates include kitchen, baths, floors, interior/exterior paint, roof - truly move-in ready. Master opens to covered patio - could be wonderful as Family Room. Established fruit trees, garden beds, and fully-fenced back yard provide the perfect urban farm experience - BYO chickens! This is a fabulous property! You will love living here!

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1.1 Square Feet: 1,014


 

 

11th_lowres

SW Highland (Tigard, OR) - approx. $350k

Just like new! Another gorgeous complete remodel with high-end finishes, including hardwoods, granite, marble, travertine tile, custom-crafted cabinetry in Summerfield's golf course community! New roof, new windows, beautiful side yard with gazebo, perfect cul-de-sac location.

Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.1 Square Feet: 1,450


 

Hidden Gems - Wineries

You should not have to trek out to wine country to enjoy the tasting rooms of local wineries when we have fantastic offerings downtown. That being said, you should definitely trek out to wine country to enjoy those exquisite destinations as well. When planning your next evening festivities or weekend escape, consider the following hidden gems!

 


 

Southeast Wine Collective - Urban Winery Currently featuring eight different wineries under one roof, this collective offers a diverse array of special events and movie nights. Check out their schedule and find an activity that strikes your fancy or just stop by their beautiful tasting room, crafted from wine barrels, for a taste of something wonderful.

(503)208.2061 2425 SE 35th Pl Portland, OR 97214 www.sewinecollective.com

 


Clay Pigeon Winery - Urban Winery Equipped with their own on-site restaurant, Cyril's, this urban winery is open for lunch. They also offer classes and are available for private events.

(503)206.8117 815 SE Oak St Portland, OR 97214 winery - www.claypigeonwinery.com restaurant - www.cyrilspdx.com

 


White Rose Estate - Wine Country Praised by wine experts for their outstanding product, it is unique in its high-percentage whole-cluster fermentation, granting it the most intense and beautiful aromatics. Find out for yourself at their tasting room that is open seven days a week.

(503)864.2328 6250 NE Hilltop Lane Dayton, OR 97114 www.whiteroseestate.com

 


Domaine Trouvere - Wine Country An offshoot of Lange winery, they are located in the same building as Red Hills Market, the ideal lunch destination for anyone day-tripping to wine country.

(503)487.6370 155 SW 7th St Dundee, OR 97115 www.domainetrouvere.com

Charity Karting Event for CCA

Drive for the Kids

Charity Event

For the Children's Cancer Association

Get behind the wheel and raise money for the CCA.

You're invited to join us for a fun day of racing while raising money for a great cause. Whether you fancy yourself the next Mario Andretti or just want to cruise around the beautiful park-like setting of Pat's Acres, come out and have a blast with your friends while raising money for the Children's Cancer Association! The race is a team event and open to everyone (ages 12 and above).

Form your team of 2-5 drivers by registering through the "form a team" page or submit your solo info and we will place you on a team.

If you're looking for that extra edge your team can rent a pro! Luke Selliken and Joey Wimsett, two of the best kart racers in America are available to run a 10 minute stint for a donation of $100. Plus they will provide your team with driving tips to make you faster!

The race will take place at historic Pat's Acres Racing Complex on July 12th starting at 9:30 AM. Each team is assigned one of Pat's Acres awesome rental karts with up to 12 teams competing at a time. During the hour long race, teams will swap out drivers, so everyone on the team gets their turn behind the wheel.

Each team and individual driver will have a fundraising page on the CCA's website. Share your page and encourage people to pledge for you. The winner of the event will be determined by their finishing place on track in conjunction with the amount of money raised.

Check out the cheat sheet below and we'll see you on the track!

EVENT DETAILS

  • Each team registers online beforehand: www.CharityKartRacing.com
  • Teams consist of 2-5 people
  • Each team is assigned one kart
  • Each race will last one hour, with up to twelve teams racing at a time
  • Teams can swap their drivers as many times as they like during the race
  • 90min blocks of race rounds will start at 9:30am until all the teams have raced
  • The team that completes the most laps in combination with money raised will be the winner.

 

Trophies will be awarded for the following categories:

1. Fastest individual driver 2. Winning company team 3. Winning individual team

Don't forget you can rent a pro to increase your chances of winning!