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Displaying blog entries 151-160 of 203

Working With a Live Agent is the Best Way to Buy and Sell Your Home!

Tuesday, May 15, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Shawn Headlee
I was watching 60 Minutes last night and they had a segment about a company that did nothing but web based real estate transactions. Being in the business for 13 years and working with agents on a daily basis, I came to the conclusion that it was an unfair portrayal of the real estate industry and the agents that make it work. I have been getting more and more frustrated with shows like 60 minutes that used to be fair and balanced and now seem to spin their segments for their best interests. The air time for the online company compared to the real estate agent was two to one.  The National Association of Realtors has expressed disappointment with CBS for airing such a one-sided story on real estate.
 
I know first hand how hard the real estate agents that I work with work on a daily basis. The Rob Levy Team is at the top of the list when it comes to working hard for buyer or seller.  Sometimes they spend over a year showing homes to a potential buyer who may or may not ever choose to buy a home.  I also see very happy clients that could have never sold and purchased without their help. I remember when the online mortgage companies hit the seen and the news stated that I would be out of work in a year, well I am busier than ever. I think the same will hold true to this situation.
 
Have a great week!!
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Happy 100 Years Rose Festival!

Tuesday, May 15, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

Submitted by Sandra Hanis

The city's first Rose Festival Parade happened in 1907 following the success of the Lewis and Clark Exposition of 1905. It was decided in 1907 that the city should have a month long Festival of Roses.

For those who have never gone to a Rose Festival Parade, one of the top 5 parades in the nation says USA Today, this could be the perfect year to start your tradition. When I decided to go, I didn't camp out overnight or elaborately tie off my spot on the parade route. I hopped on the light rail moments before the parade was to start….grabbed a cup of coffee on my way and enjoyed the infectious enthusiasm of the crowd. You really do feel like a kid again at a parade!

Why not invite a new Portland resident to go with you! You can check out the Rose Festival calendar on-line for the June long festivities

 and enjoy visiting in the land of Rosaria for the month of June!
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Appreciation is smart work:You have to love it, Portland Oregon market is a proven winner, again!

Wednesday, May 9, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Bruce Hecht

Whenever we invest our money we want it to grow for us.  Living in Portland Oregon and investing in real estate has always been a smart move.  I was talking with one of my neighbors last night at a neighborhood Summertime BBQ.  He asked me what I thought about the real estate market and the fact that is suppose to go down?  I said, what do you mean?  He said that we are only suppose to be seeing 5-12% growth in real estate in Portland Oregon in 2007.  I asked him why he thinks that is "going down"?  He said, "well, last year homes were going up 10-18%!  I said, yes, you are correct.  But if your home goes up 10%, instead of 18%, how can you think or say, that the market is going down!? He agreed, appreciation is... appreciation.
 
Many economists and real estate experts link the buying habits of "baby boomers" and investors, to the demand for homes in this country. They argue that the population will stabilize or decline as these potential buyers age and their children are grown.

What is left out of such a picture is that the emerging real estate market is made up of people who are immigrating to this country. It is also made up withinvestors wanting to try to establish and build their portfolios. When these newcomers have achieved a stable income, they look for the best living situation they can find, often preferring buying to renting.

Real estate continues to be an attractive investment opportunity. If you are sitting out the current market because you are afraid that the appreciation won't continue, you may want to re-think your decision. Today's market is providing opportunities for homeowners and smart investors from all over the globe.  Buy now and reap the benefits of appreciation .
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Lead Based Paint in Homes Before 1978

Tuesday, May 8, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

Submitted by Sandra Hanis

Buyers agents are often confronted with the issue of lead based paint in homes built before 1978. We find that buyers in the Northwest are typically not overly concerned with the issue and most people who are looking at older homes are aware that it will be an issue in their purchase. I have had buyers do their own testing ( not always effective) or you can employ many accredited lead based paint inspectors. This inspection is not usually part of the standard home inspection. An excellent source of information is available at our links at www.roblevy.com.

 

This source tell us that 2/3 of homes built before 1940 and 1/2 of the homes built from 1940-1960 probably contain lead paint on the interior or exterior. Some homes built after 1960 also contain lead paint. In 1978 the product safety commission mandated only a trace amount to be acceptable in paint manufacture. If there will be infants or pregnant women in the home, it is a good idea to have it tested before removing or disturbing the paint surface. It is often thought that painting over the surface will contain the paint and that is not true. The old paint can loosen and release lead dust. The most important thing is to be aware that it can be a hazard though something that can be dealt with in an effective way with little knowledge and care.
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Hillsboro the Next Pearl District?

Monday, May 7, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

Submitted by Sandy Morley

The skyline of Hillsboro may see a change if condos 20 stories tall are developed in the next 20 years.  The city is already recognized for Intel's Ronler Acres campus, Orenco Station and Tanasbourne shopping helping Hillsboro win "Best New Suburb" by Sunset Magazine.  Planners envision developing the area south of Northwest Cornell Road as the new hot location for high-income singles and two-member households who prefer not to live in Portland.

Many major cities have suburbs of this scale although Portland is not usually considered for this type of development.  Initial plans show as many as nine 20-story buildings and a number of smaller towers housing condos, retail, office space and research centers located around a 35-acre park.  Imagine a "Pearl District" for the suburbs with transportation, upscale livability and many neccessities within walking distance.

With the opening of a new Genentech Inc. location and a handful of other big name companies city planners estimate 7,000 to 8,000 new jobs in the Hillsboro area and over 270,000 new residents to move to Washington County in the next 25 years.

Today I took a phone call from a prospective buyer looking to move from California to Hillsboro to work for Genentech.  The timing of her call and the Sunday Oregonian's article on the possible new Hillsboro development may be a sign that Hillsboro could be the next hot place to buy!  While we may not know for another 25 years if it happens, it will be interesting to see a suburb develop  that could be the first of many for large cities across the nation.  Once again the Pacific Northwest is embracing new ideas and leading the nation as the best place to live! Okay - maybe that is just my opinion :)

 

 

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St. Johns Parade - Why I Love this Neighborhood!

Monday, May 7, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

Submitted by Kate Baldus

This Saturday, May 12th is the 45th Annual St. Johns Parade!  The theme this year is "Celebrate Community Volunteers" and usually draws a couple thousand spectators.  With the nice weather in the forecast it is the perfect activity to bring your friends and family to.  Find a spot along North Lombard near Anna Bannanas, Proper Eats, or Big Kahunas and take in the sights!  Classic cars, bands, street acts and floats will make their way down Lombard from North Buchanan to North New York ending at the community center.  The parade begins at noon and usually lasts until about 2 pm.  The festivities in the St. Johns Plaza begin at 10 am until about 6 pm.  Vendors will provide food, beer gardens and don't miss the hula dancing at Big Kahunas!

The best part about living in Portland is welcoming people of all ages to our neighborhood and celebrating the community spirit.  I hope you can make it too!  (You might even see me on a float!)

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A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Thursday, May 3, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Aaron Levy
We all know the phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” When it comes to selling a home, one might say, “A picture is worth ten thousand words.” A good picture can serve as the deciding factor over whether or not a prospective buyer will want to view a home. With pictures having such a great influence, it is extremely important that each image captures and portrays a warm and inviting feeling; otherwise, the appeal is lost.
 
Most people figure that the more pictures they take, the greater chance they have of capturing a decent shot. This, however, is not the case. A focus on the quality of a shot, as opposed to a focus on taking as many pictures as possible, will most certainly produce better results. It is important to explore the home and really take it all in before taking the first shot. Camera placement is everything, so figure out before taking a picture on where the best placement would be. Also, one must remember that the camera does not capture the exact image that you see with your own two eyes. Just as important is to know which way a home faces. For example: if a home faces west, it would be wise to take a picture in the early afternoon when the sun is hitting the front of the home directly.
 
When you list your home with The Rob Levy Team we do our best to describe your property with detailed information, virtual tours and quality pictures.  As you browse the RMLS you will see what a difference pictures make.  With our new Kodak V705 duel lens digital camera I will capture your home in the best possible light to appeal to Portland area buyers.
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Farmers Markets in the Portland Oregon Area

Thursday, May 3, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties

Everyone knows Portland, Oregon is an eco-freindly area, and as a result there are lots of natural foods stores here in comparison to similar sized cities. But starting at this time of year we start to see our farmers markets spring up.  There is a list of these under "Reccomended Links" at www.RobLevy.com but the top ones are the Portland Farmers Market which offers three locations.  Also the Beaverton Farmers Market opens May 12th, and the Tigard Farmers Market opens on May 13th.   There are many other Farmers Markets in the area from Forest Grove to Gresham, and these can be found by clicking HERE.

We encourage you to support our local markets, we do and let alone are we supporting our local farmers, we get to eat fresh, locally grown produce too!  Have fun, its one of the best parts of living in Oregon!

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Cannon Beach or Bust!

Wednesday, May 2, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Shawn Headlee
Hello all!  I Spent a wonderful weekend at the coast.  My appraiser I send all my business to purchased me a gift certificate for the Arch Cape House Bed and Breakfast. Arch Cape is 8 miles south of Cannon Beach and wonderful old property with lots of character.  Barbara, the owner, cooks a fantastic 3 course breakfast everyday that is included in the room charge. We spent a day in Cannon Beach and another in Seaside. The weather was great considering you never know what you will get on the Oregon coast in April! 
I found it interesting to talk to locals about real estate. They all stated that they would never be able to own a home due to the crazy price appreciation over the last 10 years. I let them know that I had just refinanced a clients 2nd home in Cannon Beach and it appraised for 1.6 million. They just laughed. 
 
I hope you all get a chance to go to the coast for a weekend soon, this time of the year is great due to smaller crowd. September and October are also great months to go also. The weather is a bit warmer and the kids are back in school.
 
Have a great week!!
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Pubs, Real Estate, Yankees?

Tuesday, April 24, 2007
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Submitted by Shawn Headlee
This weekend while sitting at my favorite pub, Hart Road Pizza, thinking about the mortgage business another patron asked me how the slowing real estate market had affected my business. I had to let him know that as far as I was concerned, the real estate market didn’t really feel all that slow. I stated that he had to keep things in perspective and that the last 5 years have been the best years for real estate in history, so a correction back to more sustained growth was always expected. This seemed to push his brain power into the red level area, so I switched the conversation to sports. He then proceeded to let me know how much the Yankee’s sucked, but that’s another story.
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Displaying blog entries 151-160 of 203

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