Pasta, Dumplings, and More!

Drown your sorrows in some saucy, slurpable pasta and oversized meatballs at Gabbiano’s(Gabbiano’s)
For obvious reasons, I suspect we could all use some soul-warming nourishment to bolster our spirits right about now. We’ve compiled this list of fortifying options, including noodle soups, pizza, dumplings, pasta, soul food, and more, so you can get your comfort food fix. For more ideas, check out our food and drink guide.

PIZZA

Apizza Scholls
Serious Eats founder Ed Levine once dubbed this “Neo-Neapolitan” pizza destination “one of the top five pizzerias in America.”
Sunnyside

Ken’s Artisan Pizza
Grab a cheesy pie topped with Calabrian chiles and fennel sausage or mortadella and charred leeks at this wood-fired pizzeria, which was declaredList the “57th best” pizzeria in the world at the annual 50 Top Pizza award ceremony in Napoli in 2022. Add on a Caesar salad and a side of meatballs in tangy tomato sauce for a hearty, warming winter meal.
Kerns

Lovely’s Fifty-Fifty
Sarah Minnick’s acclaimed wood-fired pizzeria, which was featuredList on Chef’s Table: Pizza on Netflix, serves exquisite artisan pies with seasonally inspired toppings like squash and ricotta or chanterelle mushrooms.
Boise

Pizza Jerk
You’ll find offbeat combinations like the “Clam Jam” (made with a white wine cream sauce and clams) and the “It’s Always Sunny in Cully” (pepperoni, pineapple, Bunk Sandwiches hot peppers, basil, and honey) at this Connecticut-inspired pizza parlor with Portland punk rock sensibility. The menu also includes salads, beer, boozy slushies, soft serve ice cream, and Rice Krispie treats.
Downtown, Buckman, Cully

Pizza Thief
Darby Aldaco (a former executive chef at Nancy Silverton’s acclaimed Triple Beam Pizza) and Tony Pasquale run this pizzeria serving naturally leavened pies. Toppings run the gamut from local produce to house-made sausage. In addition to whole pizzas and slices, the menu also includes whole or by-the-slice focaccia, hand pies, and triple chocolate-hazelnut cookies.
Nob Hill, Northwest Industrial

Scottie’s Pizza Parlor
Brooklyn transplant Scottie Rivera produces some of the most sought-after pizza in Portland, using naturally leavened dough made with Pacific Northwest-grown wheat. Toppings range from Calabrian chilis to cilantro arugula pesto.
Hosford-Abernethy, Nob Hill

PASTA

Gabbiano’s
Ready for red sauce? This Italian American restaurant from David Sigal and Blake Foster, the duo behind the cocktail pop-up Zoo Bar, features chicken parmesan, mozzarella sticks, meatballs, duck marsala, sourdough ricotta gnocchi, lamb shank osso bucco, and other dishes that Carmela Soprano herself would approve of.
Concordia

Gumba
Fried chicken and fresh handmade pasta in the same place is a comfort food dream come true, and it’s also a reality thanks to this Northeast food cart.
Vernon

MAC’D
The childhood classic mac and cheese gets souped up with extras like bacon, pesto, and hot Cheetos at this fast-casual takeout window. You can go for a pre-set bowl like the “Goddess” (melted jack and garlic) or the “Hellapeño” (honey jalapeño), or build your own creation.
Westmoreland

Pastificio d’Oro
Chase Dopson and Maggie Irwin’s handmade pasta pop-up-turned-restaurant takes its cues from the Piedmont region of Itality, serving regional specialties like squash-stuffed tortelli and tagliatelle with ragu in addition to antipasti, dessert, and wine.
St. Johns

DUMPLINGS

Bao Bao
Nothing says comfort like a pile of pillowy dumplings, like the traditional Chinese ones from this popular steamed bun and dumpling house.
East Burnside

Duck House Chinese Restaurant
This former taproom turned Szechuan Chinese joint has become famous citywide for their delectable, must-have xiao long bao (steamed buns), wontons, and dumplings—seriously, if you’re not eating their delicious lamb dumplings ($11.95) at this very moment, you need to make some serious life corrections. But neither should you sleep on their more standard Szechuan fare, in particular their Mongolian beef. I love this stuff. Spicy, marinated beef tossed in an array of peppers and grilled onions, this dish is a meaty, mouth-rockin’ pleasure from start to finish. (And smart diners swing by for their great lunch specials in order to beat the lines that form every night for dinner.) To make matters even better, their fantastic service is always on point, so… I’m sorry, but what are you waiting for? WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
Downtown

Kachka
No one does Eastern European comfort food quite like chef Bonnie Morales’s nationally acclaimed Kachka. The restaurant has plenty of options to warm your soul from within, including pelmeni, vareniki, rabbit in a clay pot, and more.
Buckman

Mama Chow’s Kitchen
This food cart favorite dispenses pan-fried chicken dumplings and a restorative wonton soup.
Downtown

XLB
This fast-casual counter-serve joint is a favorite for soup dumplings, baozi (yeast-leavened buns stuffed with fillings), wok-fried noodles, popcorn chicken, and other Chinese comfort food.
Boise

SOUTHERN FOOD

Delta Cafe
The iconic soul food destination is a prime spot for homestyle favorites like po’ boys, fried chicken, pulled pork, chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, and more.
Woodstock

Miss Delta
This down-home Southern joint was opened by Delta Cafe owners Anastasia Corya and Anton Pace in 2007, along with cooks Jennifer Hazzard and Chuck Westmoreland, serving up soulful favorites like hush puppies, gumbo, po’boys, jambalaya, fried chicken, and “trashy mac” in a variety of flavors.
Boise

Trap Kitchen PDX
Malachi (aka “Chef Spank”) and his best friend Roberto (aka “Sous Chef News”), members of rival gangs, partnered up to create the “underground culinary sensation” Trap Kitchen, a wildly popular Compton-based pop-up and catering company that counts Kendrick Lamar and SZA among its fans. The business’s Portland outpost features the brand’s signature “pineapple boats” with jasmine rice-filled pineapples and meat, as well as craveable dishes like seafood gumbo, oxtails, enchilada pie, Cajun alfredo pasta, pastrami sandwiches, garlic fries, four-cheese mac and cheese, and the popular “Marth and Snoop” (blueberry waffles and fried chicken).
Old Town-Chinatown

NOODLE SOUPS

Afuri / Afuri Ramen + Dumpling
This much-buzzed-about Tokyo ramen chain has locations in BeavertonList , Old Town-Chinatown, and SlabtownList . The spot is famous for its specialty, a bright, well-balanced yuzu shio ramen, but its creamy sesame tantanmen, available with a rich tonkotsu or vegan hazelnut broth, is equally worth a try.
Beaverton, Buckman, Old Town-Chinatown

Butterfly Belly Asian Cuisine
Though they’re most proud of their bone broth beef pho—their bone broth is cooked for 48-hours to get all that delicious flavor—Butterfly Belly is also an underground hit with gluten-free eaters, vegetarians, and vegans. Butterfly advertises a dedicated gluten-free menu, and their menu is vast—everything from sweet potato fries to Vietnamese fusion tofu tacos! If you’re a meat-eater, I heartily recommend their OMG Pho, which comes with delicious cuts of brisket and steak. The broth is everything they promised and more. But their Garden Pho, with its shiitake mushroom broth, is also a major crowd-pleaser and they pack the bowl with plenty of veggies. SUZETTE SMITH
Pearl District 

Gado Gado
The menu at Thomas and Mariah Pisha-Duffly’s acclaimed Indonesian-Chinese restaurant is full of deeply fortifying dishes like chicken and leek dumplings, bakso noodle soup with pork meatballs and wonton noodles, and Sumatran-style beef rendang (a rich, spicy beef stew).
Hollywood

Kayo’s Ramen Bar
Warm up with an order of this authentic ramen bar’s signature tan tan (a Japanese take on dan-dan noodles, a spicy, creamy Sichuan specialty or any of their other ramen dishes.
Boise

Mugen Noodle Bar
Have your very own Tampopo moment and warm up with a bowl of steaming ramen from this family-owned noodle bar, which specializes in tori paitan broth (similar to a chicken-based version of the popular creamy pork broth tonkotsu).
Tigard

Pho Oregon
Sate your craving for aromatic broth and slurpable noodles at this pho restaurant, often cited as one of the best in the state.
Madison, Beaverton

Rose VL  and Ha VL
Former Portland Mercury restaurant critic Andrea Damewood calls these sister restaurants “definitively the best places to eat soup in Portland.” She writes, “James Beard-nominated Rose VL throws down the three best soups on its menu each Saturday: the super rare cao lau, a memorable Mi Quang, and a chicken curry noodle that won’t quit. Cao lau, which is technically dry noodles served with a side of broth, is shamefully unheard of in the US; because this specialty from the central Vietnam city of Hoi An heaps crispy pork bites, crackers, chicken, and all the fresh herbs over tapioca noodles for a truly wonderful bite. The turmeric noodles and curry noodle are also served at Ha VL, but you should just go to Rose VL every Saturday for the rest of your life.” She also recommends the crabflake noodle soup at Ha VL, writing, “If you haven’t been to Ha VL, start with this unusual thick-brothed baby filled with udon-thick rice noodles, crab flakes, straw mushrooms, quail eggs, shrimp, and shredded pork meatloaf. It’s among their finest soups, and certainly one you won’t find anywhere else (other than Rose VL on Thursdays).”
Foster-Powell, Jade District

XinhXinh Vietnamese Bistro
XinhXinh’s beef pho forced me back into a wholly human state. My main rave is their broth, which bursts with wonderful aromatic spices. There’s more cinnamon and star anise than in other pho I’ve tasted, but XinhXinh really makes it work—it’s not overpowering, just lovely and unique. Their vegetables game is likewise strong (although I did order extra veggies), with mushrooms, broccoli, and bok choy all making it into my bowl. SUZETTE SMITH
Buckman

SOUPS

Nak Won
Beaverton is home to many excellent Korean restaurants, but this hole-in-the-wall, beloved for its free banchan and generous portions, is consistently named as a standout. For extra comfort, try the oddly satisfying “Saving Private Ryan Canned Goods” military stew (a Korean soup with Spam, sausage, bacon, ramen, tofu, and vegetables), the fiery red kimchi stew, sundubu jjigae, beef bone broth soup, spicy seafood noodle stew, or the “Comfort Buttercup” (beef rib soup).
Beaverton

Portland Kettle
This counter-serve cafe is on a mission to “nourish Portland one home-cooked meal at a time” and does just that with dishes like cheese tortelloni with pesto, tater tot casserole, chicken noodle soup, chili, gumbo, and pastrami sandwiches.
Downtown

MISCELLANEOUS

Gravy
This beloved breakfast spot serves hefty portions of pancakes, oatmeal, challah French toast, chicken fried steak, salmon hash, and other diner-style favorites.
Mississippi

Papa Haydn
The longtime Portland mainstay has substantial classics like French onion soup, chili, croque monsieur, house-made fettuccine with mushrooms and cream sauce, and more. Save room for some sweets from their famous display case for dessert.
Nob Hill, Westmoreland

GrindWitTryz
The buzzworthy Hawaiian-Filipino restaurant, beloved for its Oahu-style cuisine, serves “ono” (delicious) dishes like katsu-breaded ahi, kalbi short ribs, and meat jun (marinated beef battered in egg and fried).
Cully

The Rambler
This North Portland tavern has a menu of filling gastropub fare, including poutine, smoked brisket chili, Frito pie, mac and cheese, and smash burgers.
Boise

VEGAN

Mirisata
This hit Sri Lankan restaurant is entirely BIPOC worker-owned and serves an all-vegan menu. One of the most popular dishes is a rice and curry plate with a variety of curries served over banana leaves. They also have a vegan version of kottu roti (a famous Sri Lankan street food typically made with godhamba roti and vegetables, egg and/or meat, and spice), made with meatless Chick’n or polos (jackfruit).
Buckman

Mis Tacones
After moving to Portland, Los Angeles transplants Carlos Reynoso and Polo Abram Bañuelos began making vegan tacos inspired by California street food. Their pop-up-turned-restaurant Mis Tacones serves up plant-based tacos, tortas, papas nachos, and Cali burritos, with hand-pressed tortillas and plenty of panache. Inspired by the Oakland restaurant Gay4U Vegan Eats, Reynoso and Bañuelos also offer free food to trans people of color upon request.
Vernon

Off the Griddle
The menu at this vegan brunch spot is full of craveable, stick-to-your-ribs fare, such as biscuits and gravy, nacho fries, jackfruit brisket sandwiches, mac and cheese, waffles, and a “brunch wrap supreme” made with house-made vegan chorizo and cheese sauce.
Mt. Scott-Arleta

 

For this and related articles, please visit PortlandMercury

Right Now May Be the Best Time for Homebuyers in 5 Years

If you’ve been holding off on buying a home, the waning weeks of 2024 might be your moment.

Rising home prices, scarce housing stock, and relentless mortgage rates have made for a tough real estate market.

But now, the tide is starting to turn, and the end of the year is turning into the most buyer-friendly market we’ve seen in a long time. Five years to be exact—before the COVID-19 pandemic turned the real estate market into a wild roller-coaster ride that came to an abrupt halt when mortgage rates doubled.

So what’s changed lately?

We break it down below so you can seize the moment before the balance tips back.

The housing stock is way up

The level of housing stock is one of the biggest indicators of the kind of housing market buyers and sellers are in.

And now, buyers have more housing choices than they’ve had since 2019.

There is roughly 4.3 months of inventory on the market, according to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors®.

“This is the longest stint of four-plus months of supply in five years,” says Hannah JonesRealtor.com® senior economic research analyst.

That’s a huge shift from the conditions buyers have faced recently. And while it’s true that the number of homes on the market is due in part to slower sales activity, there are plenty of fresh listings to choose from.

In fact, new listings rose by 4.9% from the previous year.

Why more housing stock matters

More homes for sale indicates a basic economic principle of supply and demand. For the past few years, there haven’t been as many homes on the market to meet the pent-up desire for housing stock.

“Those days are over,” says real estate professional and attorney Bruce Ailion, of Re/Max Town & Country in Atlanta.

“For years, buyers have complained there is no selection, inventory is so slim that multiple offers above list price is the only way to get a home, and too often, they had to compromise just to buy,” adds Ailion.

When inventory rises, buyers gain an incredible advantage.

“More homes on the market mean more choices, which is crucial for finding the right property with the features and amenities you want,” says Mike Wall, CEO of eXp Realty/EZ Sell Homebuyers in Dayton, OH.

A family he recently worked with had a specific wish list, including a large backyard for their kids, a home office, and a finished basement.

“In a tighter market, they might have had to compromise on one or more of those features,” says Wall. “But with today’s higher inventory, they were able to tour multiple homes that met their criteria. Ultimately, they landed a property that checked every box—without exceeding their budget.”

More housing stock means an increase in price cuts

A rise in housing stock puts pressure on sellers to cut prices to differentiate themselves in a crowded market.

The median home price in October dropped to $424,950—and with an increasing number of homes available, sellers are having to lower prices even further to stay competitive.

“The percentage of homes with price reductions was 18.6%,” says Realtor.com senior economist Ralph McLaughlin in his recent analysis. “What’s more, the overall share of inventory with price cuts is 2.2% higher than the shares seen between October 2017 to October 2019.”

Wall recently worked with a buyer who had been watching a home for weeks.

“The price was initially set too high, and as a result, the property didn’t receive much interest,” he says. “After two price cuts totaling nearly 10%, my client swooped in and made an offer below the asking price, which the seller accepted without hesitation.”

The seller even agreed to cover part of the closing costs—a clear sign of their motivation.

Along with closing costs, other things sellers might be flexible on include “point buy-down, seller credits for repairs and upgrades, and rent-backs if buyers aren’t quite ready to move in.”

Buyers have time to make offers

In addition to higher housing stock, there are other buyer-friendly market trends.

Now is “the slowest seasonal market in five years,” according to Realtor.com economist Jiayi Xu.

The market is moving at a snail’s pace, with homes spending 58 days on the market in October—the slowest October since 2019.

A week more to shop for homes eases buyers’ pressure to make quick decisions.

Andrew Fortune, who runs the real estate brokerage Great Colorado Homes in Colorado, had a recent client who had been burned in the frenzy of the 2020–22 market, losing out to cash buyers on several homes.

“This time around, they were able to revisit a home multiple times, bring in a contractor to check for potential upgrades, and even negotiate repairs—all because the seller was willing to wait for a solid offer,” says Fortune.

On the brink of a buyer’s market

While the data does not yet justify a true “buyer’s market,” according to Jones, it does suggest the market is balanced. This means “buyers are in a better position than they have been in years. ”

If seller activity continues to exceed buyer activity and housing stock continues to build, the market might finally start to lean more toward a buyer’s market, which would be music to homebuyers’ ears.

“For buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines, now might be the perfect time to make a move,” says Wall.

 

For this and similar articles, please visit Realtor.com

Couple Who Spent $20 Million—and 4 Years—Creating a Portland ‘Party Palace’ List Extraordinary Mansion for $25 Million

Acouple who spent a jaw-dropping $20 million—and four years—renovating their Portland, OR, mansion to turn it into a “party palace” have now listed the incredible property for $25 million.

The high-flying price makes it Portland’s most expensive home listing.

Software executive Stephen Marsh and his wife, Mary, purchased the staggering estate in 2017 for a little over $4 million, according to the Wall Street Journal, which described the home as a “party palace.”

The couple, who have decided to relocate to Florida, spent years on an extensive renovation that included not only a detailed restoration of its Tudor Revival bones, but also the installation of a number of entertainment amenities.

Those include a 2,100-square-foot ballroom and an indoor pool, as well as a basketball court.

This $25 million estate in Portland, OR, is the city’s most expensive listing.

(Realtor.com)

The four-year renovation included an expanded foyer.

(Realtor.com)

Crown moldings and millwork along with leaded-glass windows add to the home’s grandeur.

(Realtor.com)

Windows were added in the kitchen to maximize views.

(Realtor.com)

JHL Design and Green Gables Design and Restoration completed the four-year renovation of the 25,568-square-foot home, which was originally designed in 1930 by architect Roscoe D. Hemenway.

The original homeowner was George Phelps Berkey, according to the listing. It was later owned by real estate developer and philanthropist Harry Mittleman.

The 3.3-acre property in the affluent West Hills area features views of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens, in addition to the city skyline.

“It not only overlooks the city, you can [also] see the elephants in the [city] zoo,” says listing agent Terry Sprague, of Luxe Forbes Global Properties.

Built for bashes

The eight-bedroom mansion has been “thoughtfully curated to honor its storied provenance” the listing notes. It offers a comfortable and elevated space for both family living and large-scale entertaining.

The show-stopping 2,100-square-foot basketball court/ballroom includes a prep kitchen and bathrooms, along with retractable lights that showcase the space for sports or special events.

The massive primary suite comes with a sitting area and a private balcony.

Views are maximized with added windows in the kitchen, according to the Journal. Finishes such as crown moldings and wood paneling are a nod to its historic design. Modern touches include bold colors and wallpaper.

“Of all the historical homes I’ve represented, this is the most expertly classic and respectful, tasteful reimagination of a historical home I’ve ever seen,” Sprague notes.

The redone residence “is very approachable from a living point of view, [and] has a sense of casualness and comfort,” he adds. “It’s just refined.”

Wood paneling and light fixtures mix historic with modern.

(Realtor.com)

Retractable lighting and a catering kitchen turn this basketball court into a ballroom.

(Realtor.com)

A Prohibition-era party room in the basement is now a home theater.

(Realtor.com)

The billiard room is another fun space in the basement.

(Realtor.com)

The indoor pool is “incredible.”

(Realtor.com)

Historic meets modern

The listing agent notes that the renovation maintained the spirit of the original vision while modernizing the spaces at an equally high level.

One improvement is the flow of the interior spaces.

“They simplified some of the floor plan. It’s such a very large house; just moving through the house was a little bit complicated before,” Sprague says. “Without really changing architecture and design, they made the flow of the house much simpler and welcoming.”

Another highlight is the indoor pool, with exposed beams and a vaulted ceiling, plus a changing room, sitting area, and fireplace, which Sprague calls “incredible.”

Other highlights include a billiard room and a lower-level home theater. The basement also features a wine cellar, tasting room, and wet bar.

“We like having parties,” Stephen Marsh told the Journal. “Any chance to entertain, we take advantage.”

 

For this and related articles, please visit Realtor.com

PORTLAND, Ore. — Bird Alliance of Oregon is excited to announce the purchase of 12.5 acres of open space on NE 82nd Avenue (2800 NE 82nd Ave) to build a new wildlife hospital and better serve the community. The organization plans to build its new Wildlife Care Center and restore the land to create a nature sanctuary, complete with nature trails and park space for public use, educational programs, host several collaborative projects, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Bird Alliance of Oregon evaluated over one hundred sites to find a location that meets the strict criteria necessary to house a wildlife hospital in an increasingly crowded region. The 82nd Avenue property is a large developable site that’s easily accessible to the community by foot, car, and public transportation, and yet also big enough to provide necessary isolation for animal housing and treating wild animals.

Bird Alliance of Oregon Staff

“Since the 1930s, residents have relied on the Wildlife Care Center—the busiest rehabilitation center in the region—to treat injured and orphaned native wildlife and educate the public on how to humanely resolve human/animal conflicts,” said Stuart Wells, Executive Director of Bird Alliance of Oregon. “The Center is open 365 days a year and has provided over 100,000 native birds and other wildlife with a second chance at life in the wild. However, the current Wildlife Care Center, located on NW Cornell Road, is too small for our dedicated wildlife rehabilitation team to meet ever-increasing demand, and is inaccessible by public transit. The region needs a larger, more technologically advanced center to provide our wildlife patients with modern care and treatment. We are excited to have found the Care Center a new home.”

Bird Alliance of Oregon expects the new building will more than double the size of the current Center and will provide capacity to treat more than 6,000 animals a year, helping to better respond to large influxes of patients during breeding season and extreme weather events. The site’s location on one of the city’s main arteries will make it easier to access for a larger number of people, making it more feasible for community members to bring animals in need of treatment and connect to the educational resources.

The site, like many other undeveloped urban plots, is a former landfill, used as a rock quarry and later filled with rubble from the construction of I-205. Bird Alliance of Oregon has advocated for decades on policies to remediate brownfield sites like this one and put them back to productive use. Now, the organization will be part of the solution by turning this open space into a destination that truly benefits the community, the local environment, and the region’s wildlife.

“We are so excited to join the NE 82nd community,” said Debbie Elliott, President of the Bird of Alliance of Oregon Board of Directors. “For decades we’ve worked with East Portland partners and community members on issues like climate resilience, increasing the urban tree canopy, peacefully coexisting with wildlife, and increasing access to nature. Now, we  have the opportunity to work as neighbors alongside this vibrant and caring community.”

“The 82nd Avenue Coalition is thrilled about the Bird Alliance of Oregon’s purchase of the property across 82nd Avenue from McDaniel High School,” shared Zachary Lauritzen, 82nd Avenue Coalition Manager. “Their vision of trails, parks, and other community projects all connecting to a new wildlife hospital directly aligns with our goals of a green, activated, and vibrant 82nd Avenue. We welcome the Bird Alliance of Oregon to 82nd Avenue and are excited about the community services it will provide to the corridor and beyond.”

Bird Alliance of Oregon is excited to already have projects with community partners in the works. Thanks to a grant from the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF), APANO, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, and Bird Alliance of Oregon are working together to install a two-acre community solar array on a sloped section of the south end of the property. The solar array will help offset utility costs for around 200 low income community members for the next twenty years as well as power the new Wildlife Care Center, providing tangible community benefits to local residents and the environment. Bird Alliance of Oregon received a separate PCEF grant to restore native habitat across the property, including planting hundreds of native trees, and pollinator habitat underneath and around the solar panels, making the space beneficial for both people and wildlife.

The purchase of this property completes a 10+ year search for a location to build a new Wildlife Care Center (WCC). Countless staff, board, volunteers, and donors, some of whom are no longer with us, helped make this dream a reality. “We wouldn’t have this property without the tireless efforts of Bob Sallinger, Bird Alliance of Oregon’s former Conservation and WCC Director,” shared Micah Meskel, Assistant Director of Urban Conservation. “Bob was the Wildlife Care Center’s visionary, biggest advocate, and the driving force behind our efforts to build a new hospital. We also want to recognize Deb Sheaffer, our former veterinarian who helped shape the Wildlife Care Center’s work, and McKenzie Joslin Snyder, our former wildlife rehabilitator who cared for thousands of patients. While Bob, Deb, and McKenzie are no longer with us, we know that their legacy will live on in the tens of thousands of animals that fly free because of their work.”

This will be Bird Alliance of Oregon’s second Portland metro area location. We will continue to operate from our statewide headquarters in Northwest Portland, a beloved 172-acre wildlife sanctuary on NW Cornell Road. Bird Alliance of Oregon also stewards a 91-acre wildlife sanctuary in Sandy, OR that hosts overnight education programs, and a 314-acre wildlife sanctuary on the central Oregon coast.

 

For this and related articles, please visit the Bird Alliance of Oregon

It’s official: The housing market is about to heat up.

With interest rates easing, more prospective homebuyers are likely to enter the market. That means buyers will have to be competitive and creative to beat out other bids.

“Though falling mortgage rates are sure to entice some homebuyers, the vast majority—about 86% of existing mortgages—have a rate of 6% or lower. And 3 in 4 outstanding mortgages have a rate of 5% or lower,” says Realtor.com® senior economic research analyst Hannah Jones.

“This means that buyer demand will likely trickle in as rates fall, but many homeowners may still feel ‘locked in’ by their current mortgage rate until rates fall further.”

Last week, the Federal Reserve delivered another interest rate cut—down to 4.25% from 4.5%—but it won’t deliver any immediate relief for mortgage rates.

The cut was widely expected by investors, and it is already largely priced into the long-term bond markets that ultimately determine interest rates on home mortgages. For the week ending Dec. 19, rates for 30-year fixed mortgages ticked up to 6.72%, according to Freddie Mac.

For the past 12 months, mortgage rates have moved between 6% and 7%, but homebuyers are “slowly digesting these higher rates and are gradually willing to move forward with buying a home, resulting in additional purchase activity,” according to Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

As a result, the housing market is not stuck in its usual December deep freeze.

“We see some indicators possibly reflecting an end-of-the-year uptick in activity as both buyers and sellers look to close on the purchase or sale of a home before the new year,” explains Realtor.com senior economist Ralph McLaughlin in his analysis.

And homebuyers who are ready to step off the sidelines to lock in a deal should consider being prepared.

How To Beat Out Other Buyers in a Competitive Real Estate Market

Be prepared with pre-approval or full underwriting

Experts agree that one of the best things a prospective buyer can do is to ensure financing is set before an offer is made on a home. That doesn’t mean simply gaining a verbal pre-approval, but having all of your paperwork and ducks in a row.

“Having a fully underwritten pre-approval shows the seller they are serious buyers,” says Jennifer Beeston, senior vice president of mortgage lending at Guaranteed Rate Mortgage. “Many buyers get a basic online approval without documents verified.

“This is a higher-risk situation for the seller as they don’t know if the buyer really qualifies. The fully underwritten approval is as close to cash as you can get,” Beeston adds. “It doesn’t cost a buyer anything to get a fully underwritten approval, so make sure you are using a lender that will put in the work to give you the best shot at winning.”

These days, most mortgage companies can get you fully approved within 15 days, which gives you more leverage. Better yet, you could also get fully approved for your loan rather than wait.

“I recently experienced this firsthand with a property we renovated and sold in West Palm Beach, FL,” says Ron Myers, president of Ron Buys Florida Homes in Wellington, FL.

“We had the house on the market for just over 30 days and received two full-price offers. At first, we thought we might be headed for a bidding war. One buyer was even willing to increase their offer by $5,000 over asking, which is great. But here’s where things got interesting: While the higher offer was tempting, the other buyer had something even more valuable: They were pre-underwritten by their lender. Their financing was essentially locked in, and all they needed was to find the right property to close on their loan.”

Plus, this kicker: The lender could close in just two weeks.

If you can offer all cash, consider it

“Cash offers are very appealing because they eliminate the uncertainty of mortgage approval, making the transaction faster and more secure,” says Leah Robinson-Christian, an associate broker with Engels and Volkers Atlanta.

Another way to beat out the competition is to set up an escalation clause, which allows buyers to put a bid in, but then increase that bid based on what other offers come in.

“For example, a buyer could offer $600,000 for a home and add in a clause that says they will go $1,000 over the highest offer at a price not to exceed $625,000,” explains Ellen Qian, real estate agent at One Realty Global in New York City.

Flex your flexibility

Experts agree that demonstrating flexibility will help homebuyers get ahead, like offering to cover closing costs or allowing the seller to pick the closing date.

“It’s all about making the seller feel more confident that the deal will go through without any problems,” says Levi Rodgers, co-founder of VA Loan Network.

“Be willing to compromise on your must-have list, focusing on your top three to five priorities, rather than expecting every item to be checked off,” he adds.

Consider selling your home before buying

It also helps if there’s flexibility around a move-in date.

“Back in 2020, when homebuyers were fiercely competing, I had a client offer a seller an option to live in the home for 60 days after closing at no charge. This really made my buyer’s offer stand out from the rest,” says Jason Gelios, a real estate agent based in Birmingham, MI.

“A seller has no idea if you will sell your current home or when. They have no incentive to wait around and hope it happens. When you come with no or limited requests, it makes it easy for them to choose you over the other person that mandates 800 repairs and then some,” says Chantay Bridges of eXp Realty in San Ramon, CA.

“You cannot take your time or be slow-moving either. When your Realtor® advises you we need to move quickly on this one, that means now,” adds Bridges. “Have your ducks all in a row.”

You can also show you’re serious about the home by limiting the timeframe of your financial contingency or waiving it entirely.

If you can waive the appraisal, that could be a game changer, says Amanda Lynn, a real estate agent with Nest Seekers International. “This strategy works best when buyers have the financial capacity to absorb any shortfall between the appraisal and the purchase price.”

But don’t go too far

As much as it might be tempting to agree to forgo an inspection to get the home you want, buyers should still make sure to do one.

“It’s just too risky and could lead to costly surprises later on. Skipping these protections might win the bid, but it could also leave buyers facing expensive repairs,” says Dave Flanders, the owner and founder of HomeVisors, based in Burlington, CT.

That said, another way for buyers to look more attractive is to offer to take on any repairs the report might highlight.

“If [other offers] require 20 repairs and you ask for only one, who is deemed more favorable to a seller?” asks Bridges. “Sellers, too, are seeking a deal or an increased amount in the end. Buyers have to be willing to give a little or ask for less.”

Sweeten the deal

Aside from being flexible, there are numerous things you can do to help sway a seller your way, says Paige Elliott of Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate in North Texas.

“It can be particularly important for people who have a bond with their homes that they write an undertaking letter, as the emotional touch will create attachment on both ends,” says Andi Cheung, an executive with Playa Real Estate in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

“I once had a buyer write a heartfelt letter to the seller explaining why they loved the home, and it worked,” says Flanders. “The letter created an emotional connection. This personal touch made the seller feel like the home would be well cared for by the new owners.”

Qian says she’s also seen writing a personal appeal to be effective.

“One couple I worked with fell in love with a property that had multiple offers. They not only offered over the asking price but also included an escalation clause. They took it a step further by writing a personal letter detailing their love for the house and the neighborhood, which really connected with the sellers. Ultimately, they won the bid, and the sellers told me the letter was a deciding factor.”

However, any notes should be passed on by a real estate agent to the owners.

“The buyer should not approach the seller directly as that could be seen as intrusive and uncomfortable,” says Robinson-Christian.

 

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Successfully managing rental properties can feel like balancing multiple roles at once. From ensuring tenant satisfaction to handling maintenance issues and complying with legal requirements, property management involves various tasks that demand organization, knowledge, and a proactive approach.

However, to help you get into rental property management with confidence, we outline each aspect of the process with practical tips to streamline your operations, maximize rental income, and protect your investment.

The basics of managing rental properties

Before exploring specific strategies, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of property management fundamentals. Here are the general basics.

1. Finding and screening tenants

You’ll want to ensure your tenant-screening process provides you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

(Getty Images)

Attracting reliable tenants starts with creating a strong rental listing that showcases your property’s best features, including available amenities, as well as your screening criteria like the minimum credit score and income renters must have to qualify.

Once you start generating interested leads, you’ll want to ensure your tenant-screening process provides you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Details to obtain through a rental application and screening reports are:

  • Credit history: Assess an applicant’s financial reliability and likelihood of timely rent payments. Check their credit score, payment history, and overall debt-to-income ratio.
  • Background checks: Look for any criminal history or past evictions to identify potential risks.
  • Employment verification and income stability: Ensure the applicant can afford rent based on their monthly income, ideally following the 3X rule (monthly income is three times the rent).
  • Rental history: Contact previous landlords to learn about the applicant’s payment habits, property care, and overall behavior as a tenant.

2. Setting up lease agreements

A detailed, lawyer-reviewed lease agreement is the backbone of a successful rental relationship. This agreement should go beyond basic terms, covering essential aspects such as:

  • Rent terms: Specify rent amount, due date, accepted payment methods, and any late fees or penalties.
  • Security deposit or move-in fee details: Outline the amount renters are responsible for covering if the payment is refundable or nonrefundable, terms for return (if applicable), and where the payment will be kept if it’s a security deposit.
  • Maintenance responsibilities: Clarify who is responsible for specific types of maintenance, including lawn care, snow removal, and general upkeep.
  • Policies on pets, smoking, and subletting: Define any restrictions or additional requirements for pets, and clarify the rules around smoking and subletting to prevent surprises.

You can search for an online template or use a platform like Avail that offers lawyer-reviewed, state-specific lease agreements for free. You can also upload your current template, if you have one, to your account to sign online at no additional cost.

3. Efficient rent collection

Using a trusted rent collection app conveniently allows tenants to pay through ACH bank transfers, credit cards, or debit cards.

(Getty Images)

Managing rent collection effectively requires more than just setting a due date. To increase your chances of getting paid on time with minimal hiccups, consider implementing the following:

  • Use a rent payment platform: Trusted rent collection apps offer electronic payment options, allowing tenants to pay through ACH bank transfers, credit cards, or debit cards. This makes payments convenient and minimizes issues with late or missed payments.
  • Automate rent reminders: Automated rent reminders reduce the risk of forgetfulness and improve payment punctuality.
  • Offer incentives for early or on-time payments: Rent reporting services that link timely payments to tenants’ credit scores encourage punctuality while benefiting tenants’ credit history.
  • Set clear policies for late payments: Specify any penalties for late payments in the lease agreement, such as late fees or penalties, and communicate these consequences clearly to set tenant expectations.

4. Handling property maintenance and repairs

Property maintenance goes beyond repairs; it includes preventive measures to keep the property safe, functional, and attractive.

Effective maintenance management involves the following:

  • Routine inspections: Schedule regular inspections to identify any minor issues before they become significant problems. Inspections can include checking plumbing, heating systems, electrical wiring, and structural integrity.
  • Seasonal maintenance: Prepare for seasonal changes with specific maintenance tasks, such as cleaning gutters, inspecting the roof, servicing HVAC systems, and testing smoke detectors.
  • Emergency repair protocol: Establish a clear protocol for emergency repairs to handle urgent issues like leaks, power outages, or heating problems promptly. This could include partnerships with local contractors for quick response times.
  • Tenant communication: Encourage tenants to report issues promptly by providing a reliable communication channel, like a maintenance request portal. Having a documented process for maintenance requests also helps you track costs, completion times, and tenant satisfaction.

A maintenance tracking tool can streamline this process, allowing tenants to submit requests directly, upload photos, and receive status updates, while landlords can document repairs and manage expenses.

5. Accounting and financial tracking

Detailed financial records are essential for understanding your rental business’s profitability and for tax reporting. Key practices in rental accounting include:

  • Automated expense tracking: Use a rental accounting tool to log each expense associated with property management, from maintenance costs to advertising fees.
  • Income tracking: Record every rental payment and security deposit, breaking down each entry to reflect monthly revenue and overall property income.
  • Prepare for tax deductions: Track deductible expenses, such as mortgage interest, insurance, repairs, property taxes, and depreciation, to maximize your tax benefits.
  • End-of-year reporting: Generate financial reports to understand your income, expenses, and overall cash flow, which is crucial for tax preparation and assessing the performance of your investment.

Property management software that integrates income and expense tracking automates much of this work, making it easier to stay organized and avoid surprises at tax time.

Common challenges in rental property management

Managing rental properties can be rewarding, but it also presents challenges that require a proactive approach. Here’s how landlords can address some of the most common obstacles.

Tenant turnover is a primary issue that can disrupt cash flow and increase vacancy periods, reducing your property’s overall profitability. To minimize turnover, consider building a positive landlord-tenant relationship by promptly addressing concerns and showing appreciation for responsible tenants. You can do this by offering lease renewal incentives, such as small rent discounts, minor upgrades, or free amenities, to encourage tenants to stay longer. Another option is enhancing your property’s appeal with features like energy-efficient appliances, modern interiors, and well-maintained landscaping to improve tenant satisfaction and retention.

To minimize turnover, consider building a positive landlord-tenant relationship by promptly addressing concerns and showing appreciation for responsible tenants.

(Getty Images)

It’s important to note that even with thorough screening, there may be times when tenants face financial difficulties that affect their ability to pay rent. Early intervention, such as offering temporary payment plans, can prevent minor issues from escalating. Rent reporting services, which help tenants build credit through timely payments, can also encourage prompt payments.

Finally, having firm lease policies, including clear consequences for late payments, sets expectations and can help deter repeat issues.

How to start managing a rental property

Starting as a DIY landlord requires preparation and organization to set your property up for success. Whether you’re planning to rent out your primary residence or an investment property, below is a general guide on how to start managing a rental property.

  • Research the market: Investigate local rental rates, popular amenities, and vacancy trends to set competitive pricing and attract tenants.
  • Prepare the property: Ensure the property is move-in ready with any necessary repairs, a deep clean, and essential safety checks like smoke detectors. Small upgrades like fresh paint and modern lighting can boost appeal.
  • Get landlord insurance: Protect your investment with insurance covering property damage, liability, and lost income in case of tenant default or property issues.
  • Set up tenant screening: Use a thorough application and screening process, including credit, background, and income verification, to secure reliable tenants.
  • Draft a lease agreement: Use a customizable lease template that clearly outlines rent terms, deposit policies, and tenant responsibilities. Consider digital lease signing for convenience and record-keeping.
  • Establish rent collection: Choose an online rent collection system that offers payment reminders, multiple payment options, and automatic late fees to ensure timely payments.
  • Plan for maintenance: Create a seasonal maintenance checklist, keep reliable contractors on hand, and use a system for logging tenant maintenance requests for efficient management.
  • Understand local laws: Familiarize yourself with landlord-tenant laws covering security deposits, eviction processes, and tenant rights to ensure compliance.

By setting up these essential systems, you’ll streamline property management, attract responsible tenants, and build a solid foundation for your rental business.

Best practices for effective property management

Applying best practices helps landlords maintain a professional and efficient rental business while creating a positive experience for tenants.

1. Stay updated on local laws

Laws regarding security deposits, lease terms, tenant rights, and eviction procedures vary by state and can change over time. Familiarize yourself with the landlord-tenant laws specific to your property’s location, and stay informed of any updates.

Joining local landlord associations or following trusted legal resources can help you stay compliant and avoid costly legal disputes.

2. Stay in communication with renters

Clear and regular communication fosters a better landlord-tenant relationship. Use these communication tips to improve the experience:

  • Establish a primary communication channel: Whether through a property management app, email, or phone, set a consistent way for tenants to reach you.
  • Respond promptly: Aim to address tenant inquiries or maintenance requests within 24-48 hours, even if it’s just to acknowledge receipt and outline the next steps.
  • Document all communication: Keep written records of any important interactions to refer to later in case of misunderstandings or disputes.

3. Document everything

Comprehensive documentation protects landlords from misunderstandings and legal issues. Essential documentation includes:

  • Lease agreements: Signed, dated copies of leases and any amendments or addendums.
  • Inspection reports: Record findings from property inspections, including photos and tenant acknowledgments.
  • Maintenance records: Document all maintenance requests, actions taken, and associated expenses.
  • Financial records: Maintain detailed records of all income and expenses for accurate reporting and easier tax preparation.

Managing rental properties requires a proactive approach, effective communication, and the right tools to simplify complex tasks. While you can outsource help as you pursue rental property management, you can instead use a platform like Avail that aims to save landlords like you time and money. With one platform, you can list your rental property, screen prospective tenants, access lawyer-reviewed lease documents, and much more.

Get started today, and discover how easy it can be to turn your home into a profitable rental with Avail.

To learn more about rental property management, check out the Landlording U video series by Avail, featuring real-life landlords and industry experts.

 

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Discover a variety of fun and unique winter activities to enjoy in Oregon, from horse-drawn carriage rides to cosmic tubing.

No matter how you feel about the cold weather, there’s no denying that Oregon can be a pretty fun place to be during the winter months. From epic snow tubing hills to magical horse-drawn carriage rides, there are plenty of delightful winter adventures in the Beaver State. So don’t fret about the cold weather; instead, plan some winter activities in Oregon this season!

1. Enjoy a charming horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow.

Have you ever dreamt of dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh? Your dream can become a reality at Sunriver Stables. This delightful winter adventure will take you past the Deschutes River and through snow-covered meadows and picturesque forests. For details and more information, click here.

2. Take a ride down an epic snow tubing hill.

The world’s only cosmic tubing hill is at Mt. Hood Skibowl, and you’ll definitely want to visit. Cosmic tubing nights feature more than 600,000 LED lights, laser light shows, black lights, a DJ, and more. This is one winter adventure the whole family can enjoy. For more information, click here.

3. Go on a river walk.

Oregon in winter has no shortage of beautiful hikes and picture-perfect trails, from the high desert to the Oregon Coast, the lush forests to the bustling cities. While a city hike might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning your next Beaver State adventure, it really should. Portland, in fact, is home to one of the best river walks in the country; and the beautiful Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park is positively perfect in the wintertime!

4. Go on a dog sledding adventure.

Experience an exhilarating winter wonderland adventure this holiday season at the Oregon Trail of Dreams on Mount Bachelor. This dog sled ride will take you past magical, snowy landscapes. For details and directions click here.

5. Spend the night at the enchanting Timberline Lodge.

The historic Timberline Lodge is a positively magical winter retreat. This breathtaking mountain resort is a National Historic Landmark and was even featured in the movie The Shining. With world-class ski runs just outside your door, this is the perfect launchpad for your winter in Oregon adventures. For details and directions, click here.

6. See all the holiday lights.

From the Christmas Festival of Lights in The Grotto to the Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights, there are countless dazzling holiday light displays scattered all across Oregon. A night at one of these enchanting displays is sure to be enjoyed by the whole family.

7. Visit a reindeer farm.

The North Pole isn’t the only place you can find reindeer! Visit Timberview Farms in Springfield for a fun day with Santa’s reindeer. For details and directions, click here.

8. Spend an afternoon playing in the snow.

You don’t have to visit a fancy lodge to have fun in the snow; Southern Oregon’s Table Mountain Winter Play Area is the perfect place for you and your family to while away a wintry afternoon. This park has an epic snow hill for snow tubing and sledding, and you can roast up some marshmallows over one of the nearby fire pits. For details and directions, click here.

9. Recharge by doing some relaxing

From forest bathing and axe throwing to floating tea rooms and salt caves, there are lots of ways to relax and recharge here in Oregon! Portland’s Zama Massage is not your average spa. Here, visitors can indulge in salt cave therapy. This unique and relaxing experience is said to be a deeply healing practice and is perfect for curing those winter blues. For more information, click here.

How many of these winter day trips in Oregon have you done before? Will you add any things to do in Oregon in the winter to your bucket list? Take a look at these 11 spots in Oregon to explore this winter. Share your thoughts and experiences with us!

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Aprofessional home inspector has issued a stark warning to homebuyers about the dangers of skipping out on an inspection before purchasing a property—claiming that agreeing to waive this important step in an attempt to give your offer an edge in a competitive market could end in disaster.

Randle Loftin, a home inspector based in the Dallas-Forth Worth area, took to his TikTok account to urge anyone who is thinking of buying a new home to make sure that they have it properly inspected.

Sharing his video with the caption, “Never waive the home inspection,” Loftin explained that some people will offer to skip a home inspection because they believe that doing so may make their offer more appealing to the seller, particularly if that seller has received interest from multiple parties.

He went on to emphasize his point by revealing the kinds of costly, yet hidden, issues that a new homeowner may encounter after moving into their property if it hasn’t been inspected beforehand.

“I can’t believe I’m still hearing that people are waiving inspections just to get the house they want,” he says while strolling through a newly renovated home, adding that he is going to give viewers a “great example of why home inspections are important.”

Home inspector
A professional home inspector has issued a stark warning to homebuyers about the dangers of skipping out on an inspection before purchasing a property.

(TikTok/Inspector Randle)

Walking into a bathroom inside the home, Loftin proceeds to point out the many aspects of the room that might lead an untrained eye to assume there is nothing wrong with it.

“We have this fresh, clean-looking shower and bathtub,” he notes. “From the naked eye, everything looks beautiful. The tub’s clean, all the tile is new, the fixtures are new.

“But I just put about two to three inches of water in this tub, drained it, and we have that,” he goes on, before panning the camera to reveal a huge leak that has spread through the carpet of the room next door—seemingly from the tub in question.

 

Loftin notes that this is the kind of problem he would have spotted during a routine inspection, explaining: “As a home inspector, I’m going to test all of this stuff. The supply piping and then the drain, and make sure that everything is working as intended.”

The home inspector’s video prompted something of a debate in the comments section, where some people noted that they’ve found it near-impossible to buy a home if they even suggest that they’d like to have it inspected beforehand.

“There are a lot of markets where you literally can’t buy a house if you ask for an inspection,” one person claimed. “The offer won’t be entertained.”

A second person added: “The reason I didn’t get one [is that] every time I tried to get a house that I wanted somebody was waving off inspection and that’s why the other people [were able to] buy the house before [me].”

However, others spoke out in support of home inspectors, explaining that, in their experience, an inspection is an essential part of the homebuying process.

TikTok/Inspector Randle
Randle Loftin, a home inspector based in the Dallas-Forth Worth area, revealed just one of the many issues that could be missed in a home if it is not inspected properly.

(TikTok/Inspector Randle)

TikTok/Inspector Randle
He revealed that filling a seemingly new bathtub with just a few inches of water resulted in a shocking leak when the tub was drained.

(TikTok/Inspector Randle)

“Home inspection was the only enjoyable thing about buying a home,” one commenter wrote, as another chimed in: “If I couldn’t do a home inspection then the house isn’t meant to be mine. Too big of a purchase!”

In standard practice, a home inspector examines a home and points out any flaws, from a leaky roof to a faulty foundation. Typically home inspections happen in the days after your offer has been accepted but before you close the deal.

That way, you can accurately gauge whether you really want to move forward, cut your losses, or renegotiate with the seller for a fairer price.

For most people, a good general inspector is all you need. Inspectors check only the visible parts of the home—they can’t open up walls—so if your inspector flags something that looks amiss, you’ll probably need to call someone else to dig deeper. It’s not at all uncommon to bring in an HVAC specialist, electrician, a roofer, or plumber to give you an expert opinion based on an issue the inspector noted in the report.

However, there are inspectors who specialize in certain types of issues.

If you’re buying a commercial property, you’ll want an inspector familiar with the requirements for the type of business you’ll be running. If you’re buying an older home, you’ll want someone familiar with historic houses and the common problems associated with them.

There are specialists in radon testing, lead testing, FHA certification, and all kinds of other specific concerns. If you need someone with a specialty, that will quickly narrow your search even more.

 

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