Sneak Peeks for December 2014
/This month's sneak peeks are sprinkled across Lake Oswego, Tigard and West Linn. The market is still quite competitive, so getting a jump on listings before they're available to the general public is always an advantage. Take an exclusive sneak peek at these upcoming properties before they go live!
SW Tearose Way, Tigard - approx. $299,500
Beautifully updated two-story in Bull Mountain Meadows, next to Progress Ridge.
Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.1 Square Feet: 1,488
Centerwood St, Lake Oswego - approx. $425,000
Charming single-level with a generous family room in the Bryant Woods area of Lake Oswego.
Residence Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2.1 Square Feet: 2,074
Ascot Circle, West Linn - approx. $399,000
Custom built, immaculately maintained and updated, in desirable Hidden Springs neighborhood of West Linn. Formal living room, dining room with atrium, skylight and Swarovski chandelier. Vaulted family room with large windows, wet bar and new certified wood stove. Kitchen with granite countertops, skylight, stainless steel appliances. Master suite with large walk-in closet. Large private lot, well-landscaped with covered deck and sun deck. Approximately 400 square feet of storage on back of garage.
Residence Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 2,055
Buyers in today's U.S. housing market don't need 20 percent down. Many believe they do. This "20 Percent Down" misbelief may have been true at some point in history, but certainly not since the implementation of the FHA Loan, which occurred in 1934.
The FHA mortgage is somewhat of a misnomer because the FHA doesn't actually make loans. Rather, the FHA is an insurer of loans.
This is the time of year when many of us feast with our loved ones and focus on thankfulness while we digest. Yes, giving thanks is a widespread annual tradition, but did you know it also has scientifically-proven positive side effects? Knowing that we're happier and actually healthier when we express gratitude, it makes sense to actively pursue this more than once a year. And there's an easy trick to doing it: building habits.
It is impossible for your brain to feel anger at the same time as gratitude. So if you catch yourself in a particularly resentful or stressed state, make that your trigger to list three things you're thankful for, despite what you might be currently feeling. And nothing reinforces positivity like spreading it around. Getting into the routine of sharing three things you're grateful for every day at a collective meal or on social media will prompt others to do the same (even if it's just subconsciously).
ou are buying a house, and you have kids. The big question is do you bring them along for house hunting? If you do, how can you do it and maintain your sanity? Age is key on deciding to bring them. Newborns are easy, they will usually stay asleep in the car seat or carrier, and can easily be calmed down with a bottle or nursing. Teens and tweens are easy too, they'll want to come along to help make the decision about where they will be living and to make sure their needs will be met. Ages 6 months to 10 are tougher. Access your child's temperament. If they are ok with changes, lots of in and out of the car, boundaries and rules in houses, then they are probably ok to come along. If not, get a sitter until you are narrowed down to one or two houses. If they are coming along, here are some tips for keeping them busy, happy, and actually letting you see the house!
Babies and Toddlers:
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.
Brent Lucas of Guild Mortgage, M Realty's featured partner, offers some industry insight into what drives Mortgage Rates.
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.
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.
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.
