Welcome to our annual reference guide to 125 Portland neighborhoods and suburbs. Last year, two-thirds of Portland metro area markets clocked double-digit one-year median price changes. That hotness still holds in 2018. (Even as the fever breaks, just a bit, in the city of Portland, where prices rose just a median five percent.) From Cornelius to Wood Village, Beaverton to Scappoose, we crunch the numbers on 30 cities.

Methodology

Neighborhoods

Boundaries represent records maintained by the city as of January 2018. Boundary conflicts were resolved for statistical purposes only. Due to overlap between certain neighborhoods, boundary definitions may vary occasionally across categories. With the exception of the area unofficially (but universally) known as Dunthorpe, unclaimed sections of Multnomah County were excluded.

Real Estate

2017 data from the Regional Multiple Listing Service with analysis by the Center for Spatial Analysis and Research at Portland State University’s Department of Geography. Figures were rounded for legibility.

People

Data from the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, released December 2017. The ACS data are estimates only and accuracy varies by attribute.

Rent Costs

Calculated from all renter-occupied units, estimated median rent is not adjusted for unit size or number of occupants. Figure includes estimated monthly utility costs.

Median Income

The Census defines household as including “all the persons who occupy a housing unit as their usual place of residence.” Thus this estimate includes living situations ranging from individuals to large households.

Crime

Portland neighborhood crime data reflects 2017 data provided by the Portland Police Bureau. For cities, crime data reflects 2016 and was sourced from the FBI. As of press time, 2016 crime data was not available for the cities of Maywood Park, Troutdale, West Linn, Wood Village, and unincorporated Sauvie Island. Nonviolent crime includes burglary, larceny (theft), and vehicle theft. Violent crime is defined as aggravated assault, arson, homicide, rape, and robbery. Crimes per 1,000 figures are based on reported incidents of both nonviolent and violent crime. Many factors can influence the crimes-per-1,000 figure and can sometimes complicate meaningful neighborhood comparisons (e.g., commercial districts, or neighborhoods with high traffic and low population density).

Read the full article here at Portland Monthly.

People from nearly every state in the country responded to a request from NPR on social media to tell us about their experience trying to buy a home. From urban metro areas to distant suburbs, there were common themes of rising home prices coupled with limited options.

In a series of stories NPR has reported on a variety of factors that are contributing to this new housing crisis: a construction labor shortage, rising costs of building materials, a shortage of undeveloped land, and an increasing amount of regulation that limits housing development.

Among the many responses we received to our questions, the vast majority reported being unable to find a home that was affordable. Some had been searching for the right home for years. Others had given up the search, or moved to a new state to find the exact same housing market they’d tried to escape from.

While a six-figure household income might appear to make homeownership a guarantee, the rising cost of homes kept many in that income bracket shut out of the market.

That’s not so surprising when you consider that the median price for a new home in the U.S. is above $300,000.

With a lack of new, affordable homes, respondents said they looked for lower-priced, older homes. But those homes often need renovations or upgrades that add to the total cost of the home.

It was common to hear that homes without updates for decades were selling for the same prices as homes that had already been renovated. Many people could not justify paying the high prices asked for outdated homes.

Many respondents from all over the country described bidding wars against other prospective buyers. This led to homes selling above asking price, oftentimes to buyers who had the cash to buy the homes in full.

Respondents who had to finance their new home simply couldn’t compete with cash buyers. Many described having homes literally bought out from under them as they toured homes with Realtors.

The suburb, long the place where more affordable homes could be found, is making way for housing that is even more remote. But buyers had to decide whether housing affordability was worth spending hours a day driving to and from their jobs.

For those who did end up buying a home, there was a universal sense of luck and relief. Unless prices begin to drop, from increased housing supply or some other cause, many respondents were unsure how they would be able to get into homeownership.

For many, the path to becoming a first-time homeowner is an uphill climb. Student debt, low wages, high housing prices, and massive down payments can mean putting home-owning dreams on the back burner. But a new report provides a flicker of light for wannabe home buyers: It’s getting pretty easy to land a mortgage again, regardless of these hurdles.

People with higher levels of debt are getting approved for mortgages—and with lower down payments, too, says a new analysis from Core Logic, a real estate data and analytics firm. The study states that 20 percent of all conventional conforming mortgage loans (aka the ones that can be purchased and guaranteed by the federally-owned mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) are now going to traditionally “risky” borrowers (or those with large income-to-debt ratios of 50 percent). Additionally, conventional purchase loans with a down payment of less than 5 percent (compared to the standard 20 percent down) are now making up 9 percent of all these loans, compared to just 2 percent in 2014.

Now, if you’ve already paused at the word “easy mortgage,” don’t necessarily think we’re gearing up for another great economic disaster (thought experts have said there could be a new recession coming in the next couple of years). If you remember the Great Recession of 2008 (or you’ve recently streamed “The Big Short” on Netflix), you know these easy mortgages were one major cause in millions of people losing their jobs, banks needing bailouts, and stock markets across the globe crashing.

Unlike the time leading up the to 2008 recession, today’s borrowers must provide full documentation of their income and ability to repay the loan. The study also states that the average credit score for homebuyers to get a mortgage remains at 755—unchanged in the past year. This means that they’re fiscally responsible candidates, they just might have a little more risk than the banks have previously been comfortable with.

This may have something to do with the overall housing market slowing, too. It seems to be that the banks are realizing that there aren’t that many viable mortgage candidates left that can hit all the marks. So if they want to keep selling mortgages (and profiting off of them), they’re going to loosen up their restrictions. Still confused? Think of it this way, with a Tinder metaphor: For the past decade or so, banks have been mostly swiping right on objective hotties. But they’ve done that for so long that their Tinder feeds are now only showing still conventionally attractive, very date-abe people (the horror). Now, while they’ve usually swiped left on these people, they’re all of a sudden DTF (down to finance, that is).

Now, before you jump into a big bank’s king-sized bed, you need to ask whether this is financially beneficial for you, too. Easier mortgages are still fraught with risk, so it’s important to look at your financial situation before you decide to go out and apply for a mortgage.

For those who can afford the monthly mortgage, but not so much a 20 percent down payment, these smaller down payment mortgages might not be worth it, regardless if it’s “easy” or not. “It does call into question how much of a safety buffer exists,” says Douglas Boneparth, president of Bone Fide Wealth, a financial advisor firm geared towards millennials. If the mortgage you can now be approved for would max out your monthly budget or come at risk of adding money to your long term savings, you should probably keep renting.

Whitney Morrison, a certified financial planner in Austin, Texas, echoes this statement, noting that even if your monthly mortgage payment is lower than rent in your area (and you have a low down payment), it will still take, on average, between two and four years (and more than 18 years in places like New York City) to break even on a home. That means when you factor in the down payment, closing costs, taxes, and other fees, your overall monthly cost, coupled with the equity you’ve appreciated, only actually becomes equal to renting after a couple of years (or maybe even decades). In short, if you’re looking for a way to save money on housing, these easy mortgages aren’t exactly an easy way to save cash.

But, as with anything financial, there is no one-size-fits-all answer: A lower down payment mortgage could be a great thing for you, especially if owning a home is a priority. If you have enough money in the bank and would prefer not to fork over more of your cash to the bank for a low-rate mortgage, then it would make sense to take advantage of one of these easier mortgages, says Boneparth. If homeownership is not your main priority—but you’re interested in a long-term investment that will pay dividends, there might be better options for you out there.

So what’s the final answer to the question, “Easy Mortgages: Good or Bad?” TLDR: It largely depends on your particular situation and priorities, and you may want to talk to a financial planner about your options.

View the full article here at Apartment Therapy

When it comes to architecture, there seems to be endless styles to choose from. Have you ever wondered which type is right for you? Interested in your horoscope? Well, what could be more fun than meshing the two? Here, 12 types of homes and their corresponding star match, for millennials’ sake.

Key West = Aquarius

The free-spirited, unconventional Aquarius would mesh with a Key West-style home. Named for the eccentric beach town in Florida, these unique homes feature bold, playful colors and decorative wooden elements.

French Provincial = Pisces

Pisces tends to hover somewhere between fantasy and reality, and so does French Provincial architecture. The style, inspired by estates in the French countryside, is full of romantic touches but is practical enough to be replicated in suburban housing.

Mediterranean = Aries

(Image credit: InnaFelker/Shutterstock)

Bold, ambitious, and full of joie de vivre, Aries will feel right at home in a colorful Mediterranean home. The style channels the buildings of its namesake region with balconies, porticos, and ornate details like multicolored tiles.

Prairie = Taurus

(Image credit: littlenySTOCK/Shutterstock)

Taurus enjoys relaxing in serene, rural settings, so Prairie architecture is a perfect fit. Made famous by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries, the style comprises windows to let the outside in and plenty of horizontal lines to mimic the endless prairie horizon.

Mid-Century Modern = Gemini

(Image credit: Jessica Isaac)

Gemini is intellectually curious and never afraid to try something new—and so were the pioneers of mid-century modern, a forward-thinking style that utilized new materials for a new age. Think large windows, open spaces, flat planes, and clean lines.

Cottage = Cancer

(Image credit: mubus7/Shutterstock)

Sensitive Cancer thrives in cozy spaces that feel safe and comfortable, and the adorable cottage style is sure to do just that. Inspired by the dwellings of European peasant farmers, these homes are quaint and inviting, with curving front walkways and lush florals.

Tudor = Leo

(Image credit: Susan Law Cain/Shutterstock)

Leos are natural leaders who enjoy the spotlight, and the dramatic Tudor style, which originated in England, is sure to draw just enough attention. These homes boast contrasting facades and steeply-pitched, multi-gabled roofs.

Ranch = Virgo

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy )

Logical and practical Virgo is an ideal fit for a ranch home. Originating in the 1930s and made popular post-World War II, the design was created with practicality in mind, typically comprising of attached garages, open-floor plans, and easy-outdoor access.

Colonial = Libra

(Image credit: chrisbradshaw/Getty Images)

The symmetry-obsessed Libra will thrive in a traditional Colonial home. This style is recognizable for its perfect symmetry, featuring evenly-spaced windows and evenly-proportioned chimneys, columns, and dormers.

Greek Revival = Scorpio

(Image credit: Anne Power/Shutterstock)

Passionate and powerful Scorpio should appreciate the imposing form of Greek Revival architecture, which gives the impression of wealth with tall columns and pediments, as well as bold embellishments and moldings.

Spanish = Sagittarius

(Image credit: jessicakirshcreative/Shutterstock)

Sagittarius is adventurous and loves to travel, so a home inspired by far-off lands, like Spanish design, is just the ticket. The hallmarks of this style are clay roof tiles, arched corridors, arcaded porches, and bell towers.

Contemporary = Capricorn

(Image credit: Tom Merton/Getty Images)

Sometimes perceived as cold and unemotional, Capricorn will appreciate the no-frills appeal of contemporary architecture. At the same time, many homes of this type champion eco-friendly practices, which makes sense with Capricorn being an earth sign.

Read the full article here at Apartment Therapy

If only your smart, witty best friend were a talented designer. Imagine the fun you’d have making your living space into something personal and pretty, and that works for you too? Plush rugs for bare feet. A soaking tub that doesn’t make your back stiff. A laundry room that hides the cat box.

Followers of HGTV’s Design Star and author Emily Henderson’s blogfeel as if they’re getting solid advice from a friend, along with observations served with humor.

According to Henderson, before you install a rain-like shower head, consider if having “water in your eyes for 20 minutes is annoying.” She then suggests other options.

In a Portland home remodel, she installed three types of nozzles, including a handheld one. “I want this shower so badly,” she coos in her blog, Style by Emily Henderson.

For a year, her fans have been reading about her ambitious project to transform a serviceable 1980s daylight ranch in Dunthorpe into a three-story showstopper. The property at 02008 SW Military Road, which Henderson’s brother Ken Starke and his wife bought as an investment in January 2017, is now back on the market at $2.6 million.

But don’t call this a flip, instructs Henderson, who grew up in Coos Bay and Lake Oswego, and lives in Los Angeles with her husband and children.

“I mean, who buys an $850,000 flip?” she wonders, and then who invests in high-end doors and other custom features to create a larger, upscale and livable house on a newly landscaped property.

“Traditionally, flips feel more big box, not custom,” says Henderson, who wrote the New York Times bestselling book, “Styled: Secrets for Arranging Rooms, from Tabletops to Bookshelves.”

She wanted the remodel, for a yet-unknown client, to be timeless, classic and worthy of the neighborhood. There would be “splurge-y finishes,” typically beyond her budget, but the end result would be “still ‘me,'” she says.

Henderson specializes in coaxing a fresh flavor from formal elements — from edgy marble mosaic tile to lantern sconces. She describes the style that guided her in this project as a combination of simplified traditional and California casual.

A quicker way to say it: Traditional in a modern way.

Walls have been taken away to open up chopped-up interior spaces that now ease into the outdoors. Large, black-framed windows allow people to peer out to lounge chairs near the lawn and sleek glass French doors open to a deck warmed by a fireplace.

Dramatic changes were made on every level: The dreary daylight basement has been updated and integrated into the entire house, prompting it to be renamed the “ground floor” by Henderson and her design team.

Here, people enjoying the media room and wet bar can easily step outside to the new patio. Or they can wander around inside to see two light-filled bedrooms, a white-tile bathroom and a huge, attractive laundry room that Henderson has long fantasized about.

The second floor, which sits at street level, now has a wide covered front porch. Open the double front doors to an enlarged entry. Walls have been removed to step down to the updated living room and a large office has been reconfigured to accommodate stairs to the top floor addition.

The main floor’s most used space — the scrunched-up family room, kitchen and breakfast area — has been granted breathing room. A fireplace wall between the family room and the original master suite is gone and the master suite is now an elegant, but not stuffy, dining room with views of the yard.

The third-floor addition has a new master suite with romantic open trusses and a private deck. A sitting area faces a fireplace, one of four in the house.

In the master bathroom, there is a free-standing, Victorian-inspired claw-foot tub with built-in back support. The floor is Ann Sacks‘ mosaic marble tile designed by Kelly Wearstler, whom Henderson affectionately calls a “crazy genius.”

Although most of the walls in the almost 5,000-square-foot house are painted a warm white, Henderson selected charcoal Dark Cyberspace by Sherwin-Williams for accent walls here. It’s a cool backdrop to the large glass shower and two vanities: “No more sharing, folks!,” she writes. Keep going to find the handsome walk-in closet with plenty of built-in storage.

Faucets and some fixtures are not classic chrome or brass. “I’m currently having a love affair with polished nickel,” she confesses. “Don’t tell brass. She can be very jealous and scary.”

Two more bedrooms also benefit from the view on the top level. For convenience — a big consideration for Henderson — there is also a small laundry room.

Towering trees shade the 0.7-acre lot, which also has a bocce court.

Real estate agents Alex Sand, Christy MacColl and Carrie Gross of Windermere Realty Trust said this was the first time one of their listings was covered in social media while under construction.

“Normally when we help clients with a remodel project it’s all happening behind the scenes and not in such a public forum,” says Sand. “This has truly been a front and center project with Emily’s followers weighing in on every little detail of the remodel. It’s been exciting to get valuable feedback in real time.”

Although the project has her brand name attached to it, Henderson credits product sponsors and the remodel team, including Portland-based general contractor JP Macy of Sierra Custom Construction and architect Annie Usher.

The new owner, writes Henderson, will be buying a well-designed, basically brand new house that can be purchased fully furnished, an idea the busy working mom covets.

“Can you imagine no furniture assembly,” she writes. “No hours shopping to then realize that the piece doesn’t fit. No returns. No indecision. No arguments with your partner…. The towels will be perfectly folded and the beds will already be made.”

View the full article here at Oregon Live