News Headlines for Portland, Oregon : 2014 Quarter 3

9/21/2014

Zillows Current Negative Equity Statistics

Negative equity has fallen for nine consecutive quarters according to Zillow. While home values have risen, more than 8.7 million homeowners with a mortgage still remain underwater.

To visit the Zillow Research Article

9/14/2014

Market Trends

September brings another month of steady increase in home values and also a slight increase in inventory.

To visit RealtyTimes Article

9/7/2014

Oregon Tech Jobs Hit a High Last Month Due To Software Employment

There has not been this high of employment since August 2002 when electronic manufacturing dominated Oregon technology. Most of that manufacturing has gone to Asia's low cost factories. Oregon has gradually developed a software sector built initially around open technology which allows anyone to make modifications which encouraged many start-up companies. Software now accounts for 40 percent of all Oregon tech jobs compared to 25 percent 10 years ago.

To visit the Oregon Live website

8/28/2014

Happy Valley is Home to the 2014 Street Of Dreams

July 26 through August 24th came with an opportunity to visit homes of your dreams. The NW Natural Street of Dreams is a premiere event of the Home Builders Association of Portland Metro. This best attended home show in the United States began in 1976 and has been continuing each summer adding the most modern resources of the day.

To visit the street of dreams website

8/21/2014

Beware of Mortgage Relief Scams

Companies have pocketed illegal fees from struggling homeowner about to lose their home.  If you are a distressed homeowner pay attention to companies that demand upfront money to guarantee that you will receive a modification in your mortgage or some other assistance will be obtained.

To read the LA Times article

8/14/2014

Oregon’s First Sports Facility For Special Needs Athletes Is A Possibility

Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District is working with the Beaverton School District to construct an athletic complex adjacent to Mountain View Junior High in Aloha.  The plan is to have side-by-side synthetic turf fields with lights as well as a trail, picnic facilities, parking lot, restrooms and possibly an additional synthetic turf field for special needs athletes which would be Oregon’s first “Champions Too” sports facility.  They are looking for funding for this project.

To read the Beaverton Valley Times article

8/07/2014

New Seasons is Coming To St. Johns

New Seasons is projected to be opened in the Spring of 2016 and with it will come 150 jobs.  The store will be located on North Lombard and Westanna Avenue and will serve residence from St. Johns, University Park, Portsmouth, Cathedral Park and New Columbia.

To read the Portland Tribune article

7/31/2014

Oregon ranks 20th for Highest Closing Costs in the United States

Bankrate asked 10 lenders from each state to give a good faith estimates on closing cost for a $200,000 mortgage loan.  Their hypothetical loan was for a single family house in that states largest city.  They used a criteria of 20% down with excellent credit.  Texas came in with the highest closing costs followed by Alaska.

To read the Bankrate article

7/23/2014

Stephens Creek Crossing Project is now completed in Southwest Portland

This large project was funded in part by Hope VI, a federal intended to revitalize distressed public housing.  This project includes 122 flats and townhomes with 17 apartments having accessibility for seniors and disabled.

To read the Pamplin Media Group article

7/15/2014

When a Spouse Dies What Happens To The Title of Their Home

The answer to the question lies in how the couple held title. Sole owner, tenants in common, joint tenants, and tenants by entireties are different ways they could have had ownership.

To read the Reality Times article

7/8/2014

Proposal to Allow Projecting Signs on Broadway in Downtown Beaverton

Since 1978 there has been a code to limit projecting signs, those at a 90-degree angle to one per building.  While this had its purpose in the past to not increase the signage in downtown Beaverton, it has posed a problem for many retail businesses to be seen by potential customers.

To read the Valley Times article

7/1/2014

Portland’s Greatest Homes

Portland Monthly Magazine asked 5 experts to pick the 10 greatest homes in Portland. Amazing as it sounds they did finally agree on the 10.

To read the Portland Monthly article

Add This Page To Your Reading List: