Time's Running Out – first time home buyer creditAugust 5th, 2009 Townhomes Portland OR It’s August already, summer about gone and fall fast approaching. Sure we’ll have some more hot August days, and a few in September but before long November 30th will be here, and then gone. That’s important because the $8000 credit, the Feds are giving first time home buyers will be kaput on December 1st. And since it’s taking longer to get all the paperwork, loans, appraisals and inspections completed to buy that house – as long as 60 days in some cases, more typically about 45 days – that really means first time buyers may not have much time to act. Count backwards from December 1 and see what happens. If you allow 45 days AFTER you locate the house you want to purchase, that means you, the buyer, need to have an accepted offer no later than October 15th. The way time flies, that’s not much time to act. If you are planning to take advantage of the first time buyer credit, and have questions about how it works and what it means, I encourage you to watch the video. $8000 Tax Credit (Re/Max Agents Know) Oh, one more thing – the rumors that the credit will be renewed? Or increase if renewed? We don’t know. I encourage you to make your decisions based on today’s conditions and your individual situation. The Place You Love Is Gone!March 15th, 2009Was going through my old copies of Preservation, the magazine published by the National Historic Trust, today – I am trying like crazy to get through the stacks of magazines I’ve been waiting for a chance to read! and I came across the July/August 2008 issue. There is a review of the book referenced in the title above by Melissa Holbrook Pierson, which was written by Dwight Young, a Trust staff contributor. Pierson describes ‘progess’ and what it means, about losing the scenes of childhood to a form of modernzation she describes as a pulverization into unrecognizability by examining three places she lived. Young, the reviewer says the book is not just an exercise of nostalgia but also a refreshing and right outrage. Since I love seeing the places I’ve known in my past, and share with Young the sense of miracle that comes with finding a childhood haunt unaltered by time I find I want to document what still exists. I’ll be taking more photographs on my journeys through time. I’ll write more about what I find, or don’t find. I’ve just ordered the book from Amazon. I’ll let you know what I think. I Spy … a game updated & We're Looking For Joy!February 19th, 2009 Decorative Sun- freeclipartnow Sunshine and shirtsleeves! Bikers and walkers in what seemed to be greater numbers than just yesterday. The mountains were out, in snowy splendor, shining bright. People sat at sidewalk cafes with their faces turned up, catching rays. My spirits were up, it was great to be out and about dropping off gifts for a couple of clients, feeling warm in the car without the heater running! I was feeling joy, and each block along the way increased the feeling. It was an it’s-almost-spring kind of day – the kind of day that is sometimes called a ‘fooled ya day’ here in Portland. (In February we may not get two of these in a row.) At just under 60 degrees, it was a day for not only feeling joy, but also for spying joy!  Michele M Larsen, used with permission Michele M. Larsen, the former publisher of the NW Women’s Journal, has created a web experience and site for just these moments. She created ISpyJoy, a website dedicated to spreading joy by sharing photos and experiences of happiness from all over the world. In her own words, she shares her thoughts behind the creation of the site: “After I lost my dream business I discovered I let too much of myself go with it. Then I made a choice: I wanted to be happy. Like the good student I’ve always been, I thought I needed to study this crazy, elusive animal “happiness.” So after reading stacks of books I came to the conclusion that happiness doesn’t come from what we do or who we think we are, it comes from appreciating the moment and finding value in simply being alive right here, right now.” Stories and photos are varied. You’ll find photos of kids in the snow, a post about reptiles and joy, a note from a mother whose daughter has discovered her cancer has metastasized and how the ispyjoy site helped her move from despair to hope. As of the end of December, ISpyJoy had joyful images from 7 countries, 6 US states and 35 cities and counting.  I Spy Joy logo - used with permission There is lots of encouragement to post your own moments and photos of joy. Check out the site, take a minute for joy, start your own collection of moments and sights of joy. I Spy Joy – it’s a choice. Happy Birthday Oregon, 150 years & Everyone's Invited!February 13th, 2009
Oregon was admitted to the union on Valentines Day, 1859 – shouldn’t that mean Oregon is for Lovers, not Virginia? After all we have 150 years of love, not just 40!
All kidding aside, February 14th is the beginning of the Oregon Sesquicentennial Year. Special stuff is going on all year! Over 500 statewide events featuring elk viewing, arts and crafts festivals, trail clean up, painting contests, win a trip contests (see next post), paddling the South Slough Estuary at the Oregon Coast and many more incredibly fun and exciting things to do. All over the state, all year long in big towns, small towns, all along the coast: Portland, Albany, Eugene, Newport, Adtoria, Philomath, Dayton, St. Paul, Salem, Lafayette, La Pine, Sisters, Baker City, the list is long! Many events are planned for the 14th, the annual Charleston Crab Feed for example – but you’ll find enough going on to take you into spring, summer and fall by visiting the Oregon Sesquicentennial web site.
Speaking of love – I Love Oregon WInes – (who doesn’t?) is a Valentines Day and weekend event in wine country the weekend of the 14th through the 16th. A number of tastings and culinary events (think fine chocolate and great Oregon cuisine) are planned. The weekend also kicks off 150 Days of WIne in the WIllamette Valley in honor of the 150th birthday.
 Oregon's Birthday Bash Logo
Birthday Bash events in Salem, the capitol city, include Family Day, the Sesquicentennial Soiree, or the Oregon Ball.
Another way to kick start the next 150 years - and benefit the Portland Art Museum at the same time is the Portland Art Museum’s Beaux Art Ball on February 21st. Themed after the famed Ecole des Beaux Arts Balls of 17th century Paris, you’ll find all details at their web site. There’s lots more going on and lots more to let you know about. It’s a great year to visit Oregon, it’s better than ever here! As always I’m avaliable to answer questions about Portland and the state that I love – real estate and more. Let’s stay in touch!.
The Garden is a Disaster: will it come back? a metaphorFebruary 9th, 2009 Remnants: Artichoke Plant It’s that time of the year.
 Garden in Disarray January’s high winds have flattened the grasses, broken the thermometer and tossed a bird feeder to the squirrels.
The vine encrusted weather-vane frame is also a victim of the east winds. It now lies on the flagstones waiting for assistance: the roots not strong enough to withstand the gusts.  Crocus Shoots The signs of life and renewal are already there. Green shoots of crocus, daffodils and tulips have poked through webbed, grey leaf debris. The irises are seven inches high. The dandelions, almost as great a harbinger of spring as the fat robin, are planning to erupt with bright yellow andy moment. Newly folded, tender leaves lie against thorny rose canes, ready to pop at the first sunny, 55 degree day, and the rose buds won’t be far behind.
 Last Year's Garden The high winds of change, of correction have taken a toll.
In 2008 new homes sold at the slowest pace since 1982. According to the National Association of Realtors, there are 10% fewer real estate agents than two years ago. Short sales and foreclosures have become common words in our vocabularies. This has been a hard winter for many; some roots were not strong enough. As in the garden, I spend time noticing growth where I see it. Sales are up in some of the national markets that were hard hit, and nationally, December’s existing-home sales were up 6.5 % over November. Houses are affordable. Sellers are flexible. Loans are available. My January this year was stronger than January of 2008. Just as I see flowers in the earth, under fallen leaves and know they do come back; I see buyers and sellers, and under the uncertainty the pent-up demand I know is there. I see their hope, their desire. The market blooms each season, differently than last season’s. Each one is new, just as each year the garden is new.  Anticipating It’s still true, people need and want to move, to sell and buy homes, to create their own gardens.
photos by Alexsandra Stewart This Old – Leaky – HouseJanuary 29th, 2009I’m a bit nervous about the energy efficiency of my house. Today is the day the Energy Trust of Oregon is doing an energy audit, and since my house is 107 years old, I am pretty sure I’m going to get a bad grade!  Energy Audit Equipment They have a bunch of equipment on the front porch – no clue what it is all for, other than I know they’ll be doing a blower door test, which is designed to gather factual information about the energy leaks in a house. There are 7 people in the crawlspace – it’s almost a basement as you can stand up, it’s probably more accurately called a cellar. The gas furnace and tank-less water heater are located there. They’ve been down there about 15 minutes and talking the whole time. What ARE they saying! I’ve had the shorter version of an energy audit. The Energy Trust spends about an hour and checks insulation, assesses windows, the types of light bulbs being used and points out ways you can reduce your energy use. They bring a low-flow shower head and Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL’s) with them which give you a head start on some simple ways to save. When they’re finished the occupants receive a list of other ways to save energy. That list covers such things as insulating floors and ceilings, walls and joists, outlets, updating furnaces to more efficient models, installing tankless water heaters and so on. The list also includes some priority recommendations for changes that will give the home owner or renter the most savings on energy bills. There is no charge for this service for customers of Pacific General Electric (PGE) and 2 other utilities because the Trust is funded by a small surcharge on each bill. Any customer in those service areas is entitled to have this audit. Today though is different. The Energy Trust is teaching a class for contractors who want to become part of their Trade Ally Network and my house gets to be their case study. This list will cover energy loss in much more detail, as well as any health or safety hazard they discover. Normally this kind of audit is conducted by one of their certified contractors and costs somewhere between $300 and $500.  Infrared Scanner They have an infrared scanner that shows the degree of heat loss in the exterior and interior walls. Who even really thought about heat loss from interior walls? I had not. They are also planning to test carbon monoxide emission levels from the gas stove and oven. They are checking the heating ducts for leaks, and discovering what is going on at the returns. Although the written report is yet to come, I’ve already learned I have a lot of leaks! The interior wall by the chimney glowed green in the infrared scanner. The new back door, with weather stripping and a top of the line sweep at the bottom glows blue! Blue indicates the heaviest infux of cold air. There is no caulking underneath the windows. I can feel a draft when I place my hand below the window sills. Easy fix – -run a bead of caulk. Great news – the furnace appears to be 90% efficient! BUT, the electronic filter system needs to be housed. Currently when it starts-up, it sucks up some dust from the cellar, and defeats the air cleaner’s purpose.  Wall of Paintings A surprise? Canvas paintings add a layer of insulation to walls! The scanner showed a lower level of cold air where some art is hung on the exterior walls.
The bad news? A significant health and safety hazard was discovered. No surprise that there is carbon monoxide being emitted from the oven, a small amount would appear to be normal – at least if I understood the conversation. But the level is approaching 9 parts per million, and that is not good. The short term fix, open a door or window when I turn the oven on. The long term fix, install a vent to the outside. I’ll let you know what the final report has to say. And keep you posted on other fixes I need to make.  Audit Equipment  Blower for Blower Door Test  The Blower Door Test Snow DaysDecember 21st, 2008
Not enough words to describe the snow today. All the trite ones have been used – fluffy, drifting, winter wonderland, magical, and so on. The flakes were lazy, floaty, light appearing, but still heavier than air.
 Snow Fall, Sellwood Middle School Fields The snow fell. The fallen snow was greater than a dusting, and while there were white-out conditions in the Gorge, I don’t think it could be classified as a blizzard – at least not by mid-west standards. The trees are more than frosted, flocked. Walking leaves a crunch that lingers in hat covered ears. Chained tires roll past the walkers with off-key notes of worry. Sidewalks have disappeared and skis and sleds have claimed the side streets. There are drawbacks, there always are when Lady Nature throws a loop at us. Planned life was interrupted, days and nights disrupted. People who were traveling for the holidays are now sleeping in the airport. Roads and ramps closed, parties cancelled, and the Christmas Ships won’t parade the Willamette on their last two nights to shine. Freezing rain is next on the weather agenda. Portland will stay shut down a short while longer. photo by Alex Stewart Helping Your Neighbors, Helping the Oregon Food BankDecember 16th, 2008It’s been a hard year for many people, and this is a season where families and individuals often feel even more of a pinch. .  Shelves of Canned Goods Unemployment is up, savings are down and personnel at the Food Bank have said that the demand for emergency food is greater than ever. On the Oregon Food Bank web site the OFB reports that the Network’s first-quarter reports (July 1-Sept. 30, 2008), distribution of emergency food boxes increased 13 percent in Oregon and 8 percent in Clark County, WA, compared to the same period in 2007. 46% of households receiving emergency food have at least one working member. Let’s see how much we can help. The Oregon Food Bank has placed a contribution barrel in the RE/MAX equity group office at 7886 SE 13th Ave in the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood -- the library building. Oregon Food Bank Needs These Nutritious Foods: * canned meats (i.e., tuna, chicken, salmon) * canned and boxed meals (i.e., soup, chili, stew, macaroni and cheese) * peanut butter * canned or dried beans and peas (i.e., black, pinto, lentils) * pasta, rice, cereal * canned fruits * 100 percent fruit juice (canned, plastic or boxed). The barrel will be at RE/MAX until the 24th. Hope you’ll come by and drop off some needed food and add support for someone in need.
Please share – because no one should be hungry. Make an Ornament, Have Some Fun and Support a Great Organization!December 6th, 2008Prefontaine Studio Fused Glass Art Sale & Ornament Extravaganza to Benefit Sisters of the Road Saturday and Sunday December 6 & 7 2008 10:00 am to 4:30 pm 6410 SE Ash Street (One block South of Burnside on SE 65th) 503-260-6900 Prefontaine Studio invites you to celebrate their Holiday Fused Glass Art sale. There are holiday designs as well as creative art for your home to enjoy year-round. Studio glass bowls, platters, plate, vases, artwork and more. Glass art is the perfect gift if you’re looking for something different from “The Mall” and pricing for everyone’s pocket book.
For those looking to give a gift from the heart this is your chance! Make your own fused glass holiday ornaments. Just $10 each, two for $17 and 3 for $25. It’s a lot of fun and everyone has the skills needed to participate.
For each ornament you create Prefontaine Studio will contribute $2 to Sisters of the Road. This is especially great timing since there are matching grants that could double the $$ for SOTRC.
We’ll be with you in the studio to assist you through fused glass. Ornaments will be fired during the following week for pick-up on Saturday the 13th of December, from 10:00am to 1:30pm.
Gift certificates are available to gift the experience of a half-day glass fusing workshop where certificate holders may create a 9″ bowl. Workshops will be held on three dates during the winter months of January, February and March. More gift certificate details available at Prefontaine Studio
Please, no children under 14 in the studio and please wear closed toe shoes and long pants if you’re going to make ornaments.
Bring a friend, share the news and spread the word… Santa’s on his way and Prefontaine Studio is the place to be on December 6th & 7th!
 Flame Vase Red and Yellow from Prefontaine Studio Holiday Market – Support Local Women Owned BusinessNovember 25th, 2008
 Women In Business Holiday Market Logo Women in Business Holiday Market
It’s a chance for some one stop shopping – and gift wrapping to boot! Saturday, 6 December 2008, 9am – 3 pm, at Kennedy School Gym. 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR Gifts and gift certificates for your entire family from local women retailers, artists, clothing and jewelry designers, botanical-based spa and body products, health and wellness gift ideas, the latest eye wear and more. Door prizes and a silent auction – with all auction proceeds to benefit the Oregon Food Bank. More than 20 vendors including Arbonne – Tonya DeCroce and Loris Eastman Buchic Clothing – soft, stylish and sustainable wear for women and children  Wrapped Gift Lia Sophia Jewelry – stocking stuffer ideas Music and CD’s, Folk, Blues, Musician, teacher – Anne Weiss NO Sweatshop Children’s Clothing - Maggie McOmie Re/Max equity group, Alex Stewart, Broker – register for door prizes Symple Life Concierge – Services for busy people Sofia’s European Boutique -European Style Clothing for the urban woman For a complete list of vendors, and more information visit the Women in Business Holiday Showcase website. For vendor inquiries: call 503-998-6157 |
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