Archives
January, 2010
“Ugliest House in Connecticut”
Monday, January 25th, 2010
That’s what neighbor, Bill Blass remarked to Joan Rivers when she announced her intention to buy a property near his country home in Connecticut. Yet Joan did buy the home on 84 acres and converted it into her ideal getaway, a place to bring her grandson and “friends having nervous breakdowns.”
Like many homebuyers with vision, [...]
Schoolhouse Electric
Monday, January 25th, 2010
When clients Andrew and Yellena James recently gave me a gift certificate to Schoolhouse Electric, I was thrilled. Besides being a generous gift, I had always wanted to visit- and as a triple bonus, the talented Yellana has been chosen as the first artist in a series of exclusive designs and her work was not [...]
Tags: design, Portland, schoolhouse electric, yellena james
History of Alameda
Sunday, January 24th, 2010
Some of his neighbors have perhaps thought he was a nut case when Doug Decker has knocked on their door- just to share with them a historic picture of their home. Alameda has an amazing history and Decker, resident of twenty years has uncovered a trove of it. He has looked up census information, permits [...]
The Unknown Tax Credit
Thursday, January 21st, 2010
While many people are aware of the first time home buyer’s tax credit of up to $8,000 and that it was extended recently. What most people aren’t aware of is a tax credit for homeowners who currently own a home now. A credit for 10% of the purchase price, up to $6,500.
A few caveats: You [...]
Fascinating Class
Thursday, January 21st, 2010
What does a former executive from Proctor and Gamble have to teach me as a realtor? It turns out- quite a lot. During his twenty five year stint with Proctor and Gamble, he negotiated billions of dollars worth of contracts up and down their supply chain, ended up teaching negotiation skills internationally for ten years [...]
December Market Action
Monday, January 18th, 2010
We’ve experienced a pretty steady inventory in Portland- for months we’ve stayed around seven months worth and December had us at 7.7. Month to month, December 2008 to 2009, sales were up 52%. However, last year showed an average of 12% loss of value for the year, which of course means some areas suffering more [...]
Seattle Getaway
Monday, January 18th, 2010
Without lessening my love for Portland at all, can I just say how much I love visiting Seattle? In just a few hours one can get away to a completely different town with many more dangerously delicious restaurants to try and re-visit. This makes our third stay at the modern boutique Hotel Andra, and the [...]
Parry Center Cookie Party
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
Thirty five children enjoyed decorating cookies last month at the residential care facility known as the Parry Center. For the third year I hosted the party with the help of my two gorgeous daughters and our good friend Marianne. The kids ranged in ages between six and sixteen but there was no difference in the [...]
Brentwood Before & After
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
Truly, no two real estate transactions are alike whether buying or selling. Not one. So I approach my buying and selling clients with all the experience I have gathered, skills polished up for service, and a great deal of flexibility depending on how things evolve. Any one that has had a baby knows the unpredictability [...]