Thinking about remodeling your home this year? Then you should also be preparing to get a permit from the city. Building permits are required by law and there are legal consequences if you are caught working without one.   A building inspector has…

Have you heard about Portland's "pop-up" shops? Several temporary shops selling everything from artwork to clothing have "popped up" around downtown Portland. They feature locally designed & handcrafted items that would make excellent gifts for everyone on…

Wow! Today interest rates are between 3.75% and 4.07% (according to Wells Fargo). If there was ever a time to make your move to refinance or buy, this is it! The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday that it is going to invest in long-term Treasury securities ov…

There are so many activities to do in Portland when the fall arrives. Families enjoy heading to one of the many farms, located just outside the city center. You can pick apples, pears, and pumpkins right now. You may want to explore a haunted corn maze wit…

As autumn fast approaches, we have suddenly found ourselves at yet, another turn of the season. For some this may mean getting back into a school routine with the kids or pruning and winterizing our gardens, and for others it may simply be an acknowledgement t…

The Obama administration announced that they would extend the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) that has already been in effect for the past two years. Obama seems to be rallying for "responsible home owners" and wants to continue to extend this program…

With more banks and mortgage companies facing high inventories of REOs (Real Estate Owned), banks are teaming up with companies to offer incentives to purchase these vacant, and sometimes deteriorating properties. For example, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are tr…

This contemporary ranch is nestled in the Summerlake Community. The house is appointed on an over-sized private lot, on a cul-de-sac, just steps to the park. It features a great one level living floor plan with vaulted ceilings, a wood burning fireplace, 3 b…

Do you see that home that looks straight out of something from That 70's Show or Ozzie and Harriet? Well, it's a hidden gem, a diamond in the rough. Many buyers are choosing a home with the thick brown shag and the flecked Formica counter tops, and not just be…

It's that time again! School is just around the corner, so soaking up the last few days of summer might be what you are focused on. For others, the shopping has begun and the timely process of picking out school supplies and clothing. We can offer some tips fo…