Silverton Photographer Gets The Assignment Of A Lifetime

Gretchen Dow Mashkuri is photographer from Silverton, Oregon who doesn't have a business card or a website. So how did this mother of four end up taking the first pictures of Sam Alexis Woods? Tiger Woods and his wife, Elin, didn’t want some high-profile celebrity photographer to take the first professional pictures of their new baby. Gretchen's brother's sister-in-law was the interior decorator for Tiger Woods and recommended her for the job. They picked Gretchen because she is an unknown and a mother who lives on a farm.

The birth of Sam Alexis Woods was announced on the golfer’s Web site June 18. In keeping with the couple’s desire for privacy, the announcement omitted many details, such as the baby’s height and weight. A contract she signed prohibits her from discussing many details of the job. “I was terrified when I walked through their door,” Mashkuri said. “They were very welcoming and warm and made me feel at ease. Just by looking at them, you can tell how proud they are to be parents.”

http://www.oregonnews.com/article/20070628/REGIONALNEWS/70628012

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Photos in Real Estate

Too many realtors have not yet realized the power of their photos. Perhaps they don't know how many people start with the internet, or even solely use the internet in their home search but it just isn't enough to have a description up. You could be taking those who are relocating completely out of the running four your place. 99% of home-seekers using the internet found photos to be the most informative part of the website. Believe it or not, the quality of your photos matters a great deal.

You cannot "run out" and grab some pics really quick. It is vital that things like light and staging are taken into consideration and this takes time. Spend sometime pretending you are looking for a home. Check out the various websites and take note of the compelling photos. First you will notice which listings you will even bother to look at, most people ignore the homes with 0-1 photos. In this case more is almost always better, the more information you can give a potential buyer the more likely they are to create an emotional connection and go see the home. Next pay attention to the pictures you linger on and write down what compels you, try to incorporate these characteristics into your own photos.

This same can be applied to staging. Go through some real estate and interior decorating magazines. A lot of these pictures are shoot early morning or in the evening to take advantage of the natural light. Which rooms can you picture getting cozy in and what do you notice about them? Is there a lot of clutter? How is the furniture positioned? Are the selling points being highlighted? Eventually you might want to consider getting to know your camera a little better, perhaps even take a class.

Do keep in mind though that your can go overboard on the quality. There are some agents who spend a lot on professional photographers but keep getting complaints that the photos were better than seeing the house in person. Another potential issue is file size, there is a fine line there where you picture can be too big and detailed and it could take a very long time for a seeker to pull up. If it takes too long they will give up and move on.

http://photographyforrealestate.net/

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A Longer Murray Boulevard

Construction has already started on lengthening Murray Boulevard by a mile. Progress Ridge, a development south of Scholls Ferry Road and east of the new extention, has 1,100 people who will be given a much needed outlet. This will also benefit those who live in Beaverton and Tigard, Murray will now stretch all the way to Walnut Street where it crosses Barrows Road and now Scholls Ferry and Barrows will be connected. The project is expected to eventually have 4,000 to 6,000 cars a day.

The $3.25 million dollar street will come from the Oregon Department of Transportation, Washington County but mostly transportation funds. Also the project developer, Polygon Northwest, will be creating a local improvement district that should provide about $400,000 toward the increased cost of the bridge.

The Oregonian Southwest Weekly Thursday, June 21, 2007 page B10

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Market Strains Relocation Efforts

The real estate market has become a buyers market and for those who don't get to choose when they move, it makes for really bad timing. It's not just bad timing for the employee but also for the employer who is asking for the move. Not only is it causing delays in getting that employee where they need them but it is also costing them money. No one is going to want to sell their house at a loss by choosing to do it in this market, so either the company is going to pay the employee the difference or the raise will have to make it worth their while.

Although now some companies are putting restrictions on the home sales like preventing the worker from selling their place for more than a set percentage above appraised value. Other restrictions include requiring an approved real estate agent or not proceeding with the buyout until the home has been on the market 120 days. Some are even offering the buyers and brokers cash incentives because that could be cheaper than buying out the homeowner.

The down side of all this could be the huge reluctance of employees to relocate to where they are needed.

http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2007061802?OpenDocument

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True Cost of Homeownership

Homeownership is more than just a mortgage payment. In fact, it is more than just closing costs and down payments. Those preparing to buy their first home might want to take some possible extras into consideration when planning out their budget.

• Annual insurance premium. Hopefully you had renters insurance before, but a house can be very different and more than likely the size of your house will be more than your apartment. Definitely shop around, it can save you a lot of money!

• Property taxes. Property taxes are based on the value of your home, this is a major one in Oregon. There are tax breaks involved for homeowners but property taxes are still another bill you are not in the habit of paying.

• Utilities. It's possible that you are going from an apartment to a house or condo of the same size, for instance my friends just bought the apartment they were already living in. But chances are you are upgrading in size and you want to take that into account when figuring out what your new utility cost will be. Perhaps even the heating and cooling sources are different, or maybe you didn't have them at all before.

• Appliances. A lot of times appliances are included, but you might want to inquire during your home purchase, sometimes you show up to your new place to find out you have to spend $800.00 on a washer and dryer, maybe even a refrigerator.

• Furniture. Going on that same assumption that you are going up in size, you are going to need furniture. While we are now living in the age of Ikea it is still an expense most people do not budget ahead of time. Even if your place is the same size you might feel the need for furniture that "matches" your new place.

• Repair and maintenance.Before any repairs that needed to be done were a matter of calling the landlord. Not only do you have to take care of these things yourself but you have to pay for them yourself too. If you also happen to not be one of these do-it-yourselfers the costs start skyrocketing because you have to pay someone to do it. Things you never think of like the driveway need maintenance too. You will go into shock when you have to pay for your first repair. It can be hundreds just to have someone clean the gutters. All these projects you are going to save on by using your own elbow grease are going to require tools as well, and those can add up fast.

• Yard care. You might be smart enough to buy a condo but if not you will be paying a lot in time and money for your yard. If you are used to living in an apartment with no yard, this can be the biggest expense shocker. At the minimum you will be investing in a lawnmower. Depending how you want it to look or what you'll be using it for you could also be looking at trimmers, chainsaws, blowers, pressure washers and lawn funiture. Or you could look into landscapers but what you are gaining in free time you are definitely paying in paper money.

• Pest control. Another expense people don't discuss very often is pest control. Often they don't think to have it checked out or just don't want to pay for it but it's one of those situations where a little money spent up front can save you tons later on.

• Remodeling. A lot of times people watch HGTV and see how "easy" it is to take a place with good potential and make it exactly what you want. Sure it's easy if you have help and bottomless pockets. Simply changing paint colors can get costly, even if you do it yourself, but how good do you want it to look? Settled for carpet when you really wanted hardwood? Don't assume you can change anything you want once the house is yours, look into the costs ahead of time. Putting hardwood into one room is in the thousands.

After you've bought your home it would be really wise to budget unexpected, or even expected costs. Set aside an amount each month that will go toward that remodel or the water main burst that you didn't see coming. You'll be so glad you did.

http://realestate.msn.com/buying/Article_kip.aspx?cp-documentid=4980274>1=10130

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New Bull Mountain Parks!

$670,000 has been authorized to buy the Clute property on Bull Mountain from the water capital improvement project. The Water Board was using it to provide access to the reservoir but found themselves with a 1.36 acre excess.

Preparing the site will cost about $30,000 which will leave the land to be appraised at $700,000. The proceeds from the sale are to be put in the water capital improvement project fund.

Also, two lots in the Ash Creek Estates subdivision will be purchased for $345,000, which will be used for a pocket or neighborhood park. There was concern about the steepness of the lots but it has been determined that it is still doable.

Oregonians love any project that will help keep Oregon green so setting aside these local parks now will benefit Tigard in the future as the population grows and infill ensues.

http://www.tigardtimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=118184350706918200

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Tigard Bridge Dedication

For a few weeks now bicyclists, walkers and joggers have been using the Ki-a-kuts bridge, which links Tigard’s Cook Park, Tualatin Community Park and Durham City Park, but it won't actually be dedicated till this weekend, Saturday at 11 a.m. Following the ceremony, everyone is invited to enjoy a free ice cream social at noon at Tualatin Community Park’s newest playground. Tualatin Mayor Lou Ogden, Tigard Mayor Craig Dirksen, Durham Mayor Gery Schirado, Washington County Commissioner Roy Rogers and project managers will be on hand along with William “Wink” Soderberg of the Grand Ronde Tribal Council.

The original inhabitants of the Tualatin Valley were the Atfalati band of the Kalapuya Tribe. In the 1850s Ki-a-kuts was the head of this band which is where the name comes from.

The bridge has been several years in the making and cost $2.9 million, with state funding contributing $11.3 million, Tigard $593,000, Tualatin $412,000 and Durham $26,000. Clean Water Services contributed $853,000 because it installed force mains across the bridge during the construction, so with that addition, the bridge cost nearly $3.8 million. Also, Tigard constructed a pathway from Cook Park to the bridge that cost nearly $120,000 and was paid for by a state grant.

The idea is that the bridge is going to be a major thoroughfare for people in the local communities in a few years. It connects three major public, outdoor areas totaling 200 acres.

http://www.tigardtimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=118239073881313900

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Lake Oswego Events

44th Annual FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS - Lakewood Center for the Arts and George Rogers Park (both on State St). Included will be a judged craft fair, music, food and beer/wine garden. The theme this year is "Pixel: Artists Who Use the Computer", so there will be a 1,100 piece exhibit with entries from students in the Lake Oswego School District. 10am-9pm June 22-23 and 10am-6pm June 24. Admission free. www.lakewood-center.org/Festival2007.htm

THURSDAY NIGHT MOVIES - Millennium Plaza Park. Movies like "Happy Feet" and "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" will be shown at dusk on Thursday nights. Concession will be available and feel free to bring blankets, pillows and sand chairs. July 19-Aug 30. www.ci.oswego.or.us/parksrec

OUTDOOR CONCERTS - Free concerts!

• Summer Splash Concerts: Noon Fridays, July 6 through Aug. 31, Millennium Plaza Park, 300 First St.
• Moonlight & Music Concerts: 6pm Sundays, July 8 through Aug. 26, Millennium Plaza Park
• Jazz West Concerts: 6pm Tuesdays, Aug.7 through Aug. 28, West Waluga Park, 15775 Waluga Drive.
• Sounds of Summer Concerts: 6:30 Wednesdays, July 11 through Aug. 1, Foothills Park, 199 Foothills Drive; Aug. 8 through Aug. 29, Westlake Park, Melrose Street and Bunick Drive. www.ci.oswego.or.us/parksrec

FARMERS MARKET - Millennium Plaza Park. Saturdays 8:30am-1:30pm from May 19 to Oct. 13. The market features 80 vendors and music. www.ci.oswego.or.us/farmersmarket 503 697 6590

OSWEGO WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL - Millennium Plaza Park. 2-8pm July 29.

CLASSIC CAR SHOW - George Rogers Park. 10am-4pm Aug. 26.

http://search.oregonlive.com/sp?aff=103&keywords=lake+oswego+events

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RMLS going Green

In February Oregon became one of the few areas in the nation to offer green home feature options on its real estate forms. The main change is the Green Certification Field letting buyers know that the listing has received ENERGY STAR, Earth Advantage or LEED for Homes certification. This Green Certification Field is only available for homes listed as New, Proposed or Under Construction.

They have also added options to fields that were already there, things like ENERGY STAR appliances under Kitchen Features. Other options include

• Bamboo or cork flooring
• High-efficiency 90 AFUE furnaces
• Source of electrical power, including specific utility service and solar features
• Additional home modifications, including sustainable materials, water filters, rain collectors and solar tubes

So you are probably now wondering what these certifications mean. ENERGY STAR Homes Northwest is a program administered by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, electric utilities, public benefits administrators, state governments, public interest groups and energy efficiency industry representatives. They are out to offer products and services that are affordable and energy efficient. www.northwestenergystar.com

Earth Advantage homes are designed for overall sustainability and use at least 15 percent less energy than houses using standard building codes. www.earthadvantage.org

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a voluntary national standard that is consensus-based for developing sustainable buildings that are high in performance which are sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council. www.usgbc.org

Certifications for realtors:

• The Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professionals www.ecoBroker.com
• The Green Real Estate Education Company www.GreenRealEstateEducation.com
• The U.S. Green Building Council www.usgbc.com
• EA S.T.A.R. (Sustainability Training for Accredited Realtors) www.earthadvantage.org

See Realtor, Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors newspaper. Vol. 12, No. 5, June 18, 2007 page 14

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Baby Boomers get Condos

The Boomers kids are leaving home and retirement is being redefined. Sitting at home and tending to your garden is just not enough. People still want to live active, adventurous lives and don't have time for big, high maintenance houses anymore. Lake Oswego is answering the call with townhomes and condominiums that just built or being built just off the heart of downtown. These homes are being marketed to aging baby boomers who are still in good health but want to downsize into something big enough for the grandkids to visit but small enough to require minimal upkeep.

City officials are hoping to make downtown Lake Oswego an urban, compact shopping district turning the area into a self-sufficient city. In 2003 the high-end shopping district of Lake View Village opened in downtown Lake Oswego and the idea is to inspire redevelopment on the nearby avenues of B, C and D. A few condos and townhomes are actually now in the works and with Lake O's 60-foot height restrictions, it's unlikely that current residents' views of the Willamette River will ever be blocked.

http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/stories/index.ssf?/base/news/117762271483170.xml&coll=7

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May Market Reports

May Residential Highlights

May Residential Highlights Market Activity in the Portland Metro Area appears to have cooled when comparing May 2007 to May 2006. While new listings continue to grow, the market experienced a decline in both closed and pending sales transactions. The number of new listings in the market continued its growth trend, increasing 4.8% over last May’s total. See table below. On the other hand, the total amount of closed sales dropped 8.3% (2,802 v. 3,054), while pending sales dropped 16.4% (3,054 v. 3,651). The average sale price reached a record high of $348,800. This is likely the result of increased high end home sales, which included five homes that sold for $2 million or more. The 12,486 active residential listings at the end of May would last approximately 4.5 months at the month’s rate of sales.

Year-To-Date Trends New l i s t ings have grown considerably when comparing market activity for January-May 2007 to the same period of time in 2006. In that time, new listings ha v e inc r e a s ed 1 5 . 8%. On the other hand, pending sales and closed sales have declined 8% and 5% respectively. See Year-To-Date rows below for more information.

Appreciation Using the average and median sale prices for the twelve months tha t ended wi th May 20 07 compared to the twelve months ending in May 2006, the average sale price appreciated 10.1% ($331,600 v. $301,300). Using the same formula, the median sale price appreciated 10.6% ($279,900 v. $253,000).

NORTH PORTLAND ---- Previous Month's Average Sales Price: $269,300. Year-to-Date Average Sales Price & Appreciation: $264,000, 11.5%.
NORTHEAST PORTLAND ---- Previous Month's Average Sales Price: $328,700. Year-to-Date Average Sales Price & Appreciation: $312,900, 9.4%.
SOUTHEAST PORTLAND ---- Previous Month's Average Sales Price: $293,300. Year-to-Date Average Sales Price & Appreciation: $281,700, 11.5%.
WEST PORTLAND ---- Previous Month's Average Sales Price: $473,600. Year-to-Date Average Sales Price & Appreciation: $464,100, 5.2%.
BEAVERTON ---- Previous Month's Average Sales Price: $286,300 Year-to-Date Average Sales Price & Appreciation: $285,200, 6.4%.
TIGARD, TUALATIN, SHERWOOD ---- Previous Month's Average Sales Price: $378,800 Year-to-Date Average Sales Price & Appreciation: $375,600, 3.8%.
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*The information above is from the monthly market action report produced by RMLS and used by permission of RMLS. This information is copyrighted by RMLS, All Rights Reserved.

...but Green is still a priority for Oregon

Govoner Ted Kulongoski just last week signed a law requiring major utilities to generate 25 percent of the state's electricity from renewable resources by the year 2025. Some types of renewable resources include wind, sunlight and biomass. It has been said that this should not only make Oregon a leader in clean energy but also promote economic growth in Oregon's rural areas.

Those who are opposed state that there is a chance for rate increases since these alternative sources are still more expensive and a lot of times inconsistent, like wind and sun. The thing is, not only are we protecting our quality of life, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stimulating our economy but over the long term the varied sources should make our utility rates more stable and predictable.

This is also going to stimulate billions in research investments. Oregon is also lucky enough to boarder the Pacific Ocean which happens to give us access to the underdeveloped technology of tidal power which is already being studied by Oregon State University.

Environmentalists say the Oregon bill demonstrates our willingness to play a leading role in the effort to curb global warming, and there is no better way to lead than by example.

http://www.oregonnews.com/article/20070607/REGIONALNEWS/70607004

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Is Oregon Green?

I am probably not the only one around here who thought that Oregon was sitting pretty when it came to doing our part. I had always considered Oregonians pioneers in the pursuit of being green, but as it turns out, we aren't even top ten. Actually we aren't even top 50!

1. Pelzer SC
2. Hastings NE
3. San Carlos CA
4. Mill Valley CA
5. Topeka KS
6. Dover DE
7. Spring TX
8. Lawrence KS
9. Walnut Creek CA
10. Fairfax VA

Although Oregon did have 9 cities out of the 300 listed.

Beaverton #73, Corvallis #122, Portland #136, Eugene #156, Cottage Grove #161, Hillsboro #229, Tualatin #267, Lebanon #275, Salem #291

http://better.yahoo.com/planet/map/

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Tigard Infill part II

Not only is the infill an eye sore for previous residents but it also has made traffic much worse. And it isn't that a new house is a horrible thing to look at but when you are staring right into your neighbors window when before there was only trees, that would be considered an eye sore. Unfortunately the traffic, the eye sores and the change in the feel of the community could have been avoided with a little city planning back in the 70's and 80's when it all began. We are now dealing with that lack of planning. But not all is lost, their are still things that can be done. Whether we like it or not suburbia is turning into and urban village, all we can do is plan for it. Officials are looking to city "centers" to take on the new comers. The idea is to transform downtown Tigard and the 99W area into little hubs with high-end condos, stores, restaurants and offices. This will decrease the need for driving, and therefore lighten the traffic.

http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/stories/index.ssf?/base/metro_southwest_news/1178488503138220.xml&coll=7

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Tigard Infill

Infill means developments that plant large new homes in older neighborhoods, which is becoming more and more common in Tigard. The problem is that the original Tigard residents feel that the character of their town in being compromised. A survey showed most residents would rather have new developments be more compatible with current homes. Part of keeping with the style of Tigard would be to leave the bigger lot sizes the way they are. Most lots are cut into halves or thirds to make more houses, which makes more money. The problem is that more that 5000 people are expected to move to the Portland area in the next five years, and they have to live somewhere. Tigard residents would appreciate city planning to include more condos and townhouses in areas like downtown, along 99W and around Washington Square. These places are more urbanized and therefore more accommodating to this type of housing. That way their would not be such a demand for infill in Tigard; where city planners are already looking to update land-use policy to help determine look and design for new buildings. Of course infill cannot be completely avoided with the way land prices are skyrocketing. Only 43 lots larger than two acres remain and with the prices high it forces large numbers of houses on itty bitty lots.

• 27 Average number of residential demolitions a year since 2000
• 3,252 New single family houses built since 1994
• 19,468 Single family and multifamily housing units
• 6,058 Average lot size in square feet for new single family development in the past six years
• 2,415 Average building size in square feet for new single family development in the past six years

http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/stories/index.ssf?/base/metro_southwest_news/1178488503138220.xml&coll=7

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Tigard gets a skate park

In fall 2007 Tigard will get a new spot for the kids to hang out. The 15,000 square foot park will have stairs, ledges and two large bowls. It will also feature a rotating top "volcano" where skaters ride onto a 6 foot diameter cylinder that can be spun manually.

The concrete park has even been endorsed by skating legend Tony Hawk and $5,000 of the construction cost was provided by the Tony Hawk Foundation plus $1,000 in promotional materials. Every bit helps since skateboarders in Tigard have been trying to raise the money for the park for years. The local skaters, and therefore the community, were very much involved in the whole process making the park truly feel like it belongs to Tigard.

http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/stories/index.ssf?/base/metro_southwest_news/1178337326240210.xml&coll=7

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And you thought it rained a lot!

A recent study of 195 cities over the last 30 years found that the East and Southeast of the USA is getting wetter while the West gets drier. In fact, the Pacific Northwest didn't even enter the list until number 24, Olympia Washington. Of course there are other things to consider, Olympia still had the most number of rainy days which probably means we get more of those "drizzly" days when it rains but it doesn't.

The top ten wettest cities include:

1. Mobile, Alabama - 67 inches ave
2. Pensacola, Florida - 65 inches ave
3. New Orleans, Louisiana - 64 inches ave
4. West Palm Beach, Florida - 63 inches ave
5. Lafayette, Louisiana - 62 inches ave
6. Baton Rouge, Louisiana - 62 inches ave
7. Miami, Florida - 62 inches ave
8. Port Arthur, Texas - 61 inches ave
9. Tallahassee, Florida - 61 inches ave
10. Lake Charles, Louisiana - 58 inches ave

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20070522/sc_livescience/studyrevealstop10wettestuscities

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