Raking leaves PBOT
Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) crews work to keep city drains clear and prevent flooding. With over 58,000 drains in the city, we can’t get to them all. “Adopt” a storm drain near you and help keep them clear of debris. Tips on clearing drains and information about stormwater runoff.

About storm drains

Portland’s storm drains, also known as catch basins, help with stormwater runoff and prevent flooding. When drains get clogged with fallen leaves and other debris, it leads to dangerous ponding along city streets and intersections. Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) crews work hard to keep more than 58,000 storm drains clear but with so many, we can’t get to them all. Thank you to all Portlanders who have “adopted” storm drains in their neighborhoods and help us keep them free and clear.


Tips for clearing storm drains

  • Use a rake, shovel, or broom. Don’t use your hands.
  • Wear gloves. Be careful of sharp objects!
  • Wear reflective clothing so people driving can see you. Watch out for traffic!
  • Only clear drains you can reach from the sidewalk. Don’t stand in the street and don’t clear drains that are in the middle of a street.
  • Clear drains before the rain, whenever possible.
  • Clear 10 feet on both approaches to the drain.
  • Watch for standing water to avoid slipping or stepping on sharp objects.
  • Make sure adults are supervising if children are helping.
  • Clear surface debris only. Call PBOT Maintenance Dispatch 24/7 at 503-823-1700 for any emergency hazards or if the drain is still clogged after removing surface debris.
  • Never lift storm drain grates. They are very heavy.
  • Don’t put leaves in the street. Place leaves and other organic material in your green compost bin for curbside pickup. If you have too much for the bin, simply use lawn bags and place them next to the roll cart for pickup. If there’s trash in the drain, place this in your regular garbage bin, NOT in the compost.
  • If snow or ice is blocking the drain, clear a 10-12 inch path along the curb for melting snow and ice to reach the drain.

Thank you for helping keep Portland’s streets clear and safe!

 

For this and related articles, please visit Portland.gov

You’ve probably experienced it: a strange phone call claiming to be from the IRS, a notice you’re late on a bill you’re sure you paid, or a congratulations for winning a sweepstakes you never entered. These are all examples of scams – and we want to help you identify them.

What is a scam?

A scam is any deceptive act that attempts to steal your money or sensitive information. Scammers often pose as an institution or individual you know, like a financial company or a friend or family member, to convince you to send them cash or perform an action that lets them access your personal data.

What is a phishing attack?

Phishing attacks are one of the most common scam methods. With a phishing attack, scammers will pretend to be a person or organization who the victim trusts using a fraudulent email, text, phone call, or website. They’ll try to trick their target into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information, or otherwise exposing themselves to cybercrimes.

Man sitting at desk identifies a scam on his computer.

Victims of cybercrimes may experience identity theft, credit card fraud, ransomware, and financial losses.

How to tell if someone is scamming you online

Now you’re probably asking yourself: how do I avoid a scam? It’s not difficult once you know these four red flags.

1. Scammers will say they are someone important.

The scammer will pretend to be a real organization or someone you’d trust, like the Social Security Administration, or make up an official-sounding acronym or name.

2. Scammers will say you won a prize or are in trouble.

The scammer’s message is likely to be extreme, saying you owe money, that there’s an emergency, or that you’ve won a sweepstakes or lottery.

3. Scammers will tell you to act – now.

Given their message, the scammer won’t let you wait. They’ll tell you the situation is urgent, and you need to do what they say right away.

4. Scammers will ask for a very specific payment method.

Offers to provide cash later or call back aren’t useful for scammers. They will ask for a wire transfer, peer-to-peer payment, gift card code, or other form of immediate money transfer.

How to spot a phishing email

Our four scammer signs also apply to phishing attacks. These are common tactics scammers will use in an email scam:

  • Claiming there’s a problem with your account or payment information
  • Saying there’s been suspicious account activity or log-in attempts
  • Asking you to confirm personal or financial information
  • Including an unknown invoice
  • Wanting you to click a link to make a payment
  • Saying you’re eligible to register for a government refund
  • Offering a coupon for free stuff

Details that indicate these messages are fake include a general email greeting, misspellings or grammar mistakes, and email addresses that don’t match the organization’s official address. You should also avoid clicking links in suspicious emails, as these may send you to fraudulent websites.

Identify scam phone calls and text messages

Emails and websites aren’t the only methods scammers use. Phone calls and text messages are home to similar scams with different details to watch out for.

1. Scam calls will come from unknown numbers.

If you don’t know the number, don’t answer. Even if the caller ID is from a local area or familiar organization, scammers can spoof numbers to appear trustworthy.

2. Scam calls will ask you to do something.

If you answer the call and are asked to answer a question or hit a button, hang up. Scammers use simple “Yes or No” questions to gather valuable data, and hitting a button to stop getting calls identifies a potential victim.

3. Scam calls will sound important.

Family members and government agencies are common scammer disguises. Before you do anything, hang up and call your loved one if identified as such – and know that institutions with your private data will usually provide a written statement before a phone call.

4. Scam calls will pressure you to act.

You’ll hear you owe the scammer money. Or that your loved one needs help now. But these statements are just giving you a sense of urgency so you don’t think about the request. Don’t give in to their demands.

How to stop scam calls

To avoid scam calls, register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry. Legitimate telemarketers will avoid calling numbers on the list. You should also use call blocking tools and password-protected voicemail to help block unwanted calls.

How to report a scam

Different scam methods have different methods of reporting.

  • Phishing emails should be forwarded to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org. If you received the phishing email through a work email, report it so your company’s IT team remains aware of active threats.
  • Phishing text messages should be forwarded to SPAM (7726).
  • Phishing phone calls should be reported to your robocall-blocking technology to help the company block the number from reaching you or other people.

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a scam, it’s critical to act urgently to minimize any financial damage.

  • Report the crime to your local police or sheriff’s office and state attorney general
  • Contact your bank and credit card companies to cancel any cards exposed to the scam
  • Reach out to the credit bureaus to freeze your credit and place a fraud alert on your credit reports
  • Change your online passwords to prevent scammers from accessing your accounts

 

For this and related articles, please visit CrossCountry Mortgage

Play your cards right when you really want the house.

You’ve found it: The home of your dreams (cue the heavenly angel voices and “Happily Ever After” banner waving in the breeze). But reality can hit hard: Your dream home happens to occupy the same happy heart space within, oh, roughly 20 other homebuying challengers who want it just as badly as you do.

Welcome to your local seller’s market!

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, a competitive housing market can seem like a shark-filled ocean with 50-foot waves. However, with the right tools, timing, and team around you, those waters will quickly calm, creating promising opportunities to realize the American dream of homeownership and secure the future you envision.

Where do first-time homebuyers get help in a bidding war?

Loan Officer. Your expert loan officer (LO) is a key partner who supplies you with your most important tool in an intense seller’s market: the mortgage pre-approval letter. This document essentially speaks for itself, telling any potential seller that you are ready to buy, and that scrupulous underwriting has certified your financial circumstances and credit score for home loan authorization.

Real estate agent. Often, your LO will work with various real estate partners in different neighborhoods as they rely on each other to refer business. Agents act as an LO’s eyes and ears, and this is a crucial service in fluctuating housing markets. The mortgage loan process — from mortgage loan approval to the transaction closing table — is best when there’s a smooth hand-off, so having a two-person (or more) team is to your advantage as a first-time homebuyer. Once your finances are squared away, and the home loan pre-approval letter is in hand, your agent becomes your top general in the battle to come. Above all, your real estate professional must be responsive, because windows open and shut in the blink of an eye during a bidding war.

Yourself. Research is key, and information is available that could give you an early step up in the bidding war. Look at the strategies in the next section, but consider this: Avoiding a bidding war is the best option. Perhaps there’s a neighborhood out there that might not be the trendy place to live — for whatever reason — but could be your place to live. Perhaps there’s a home that’s less attractive to other buyers because it needs renovation (we have loans for that!). If you broaden your horizons you may have more choices.

What bidding war strategies can first-time homebuyers use?

There’s an old football adage (attributed to Vince Lombardi) that speaks to one’s behavior in a new and exciting situation: Act like you’ve been there before. In other words, carry yourself as a veteran of the homebuying game by making sound, well-thought-out decisions; not a rookie who makes impulsive mistakes.

Excitement will inevitably define your first foray into buying a new home, but this is not the time to be emotional. Be active but patient, and most importantly, be confident the right house is out there for you. Even if this one doesn’t work out.

First time homebuyers finding out they won the bidding war for their new home
  • Set your limit and stick to it. One question that might keep popping up during a bidding war is “How much more can I afford?” The best approach is to set your maximum purchase limit, never waver from it, and never tell anyone what it is (other than your trusted real estate agent). When you make an offer, you can incorporate an escalation clause if you wish, which increases your original offer by set increments up to a maximum threshold when bids come in from other competitors. This, in essence, automatically keeps you in the bidding war up to your maximum, without you having to make new offers. The escalation clause takes the emotion out of the bidding process, and can potentially save you lots of money.
  • Make a big offer without contingencies. If you want an early foot in the door to buy a home, make an offer at or over the asking price, and don’t include normal contingencies. For instance, when you remove the appraisal contingency, you’re offering to pay the shortfall if the house appraises low and your loan only covers the appraised amount. Though it’s never wise to skip the home inspection, if you really love the house, this is a contingency you could remove, but it carries huge risk. Consult your agent before you consider this step.
  • Get personal. A common tool in an intense bidding war is a personal letter to the sellers. Often, a home sale is highly emotional, and sellers may have a notion to ‘leave the house in good hands.’ Painting a literary picture of the home under your care — family gatherings, summers in the garden, sunsets on the porch — could be just the thing to make you a front-runner.
  • Be persistent. If a contract is negotiated between a homebuying competitor and the seller, don’t give up. Though most contracts go through to completion, if the seller wants to encourage a bidding war, chances are they have a kick-out clause worked in. This allows them to field other offers, even while under contract, in case the buyer can’t meet a contingency. If you make a back-up offer, you still may have a shot, especially if you have room to come in higher. Also, deals fall apart all the time, so stay in the game until the title changes hands.

What types of home loans are best for bidding wars?

Small home loans are best to bring to a bidding war, with the rest of the purchase capital coming from cash. Sellers love all-cash or mostly cash offers, because they remove potential hurdles involved with buyer financing. However, knowing that most buyers won’t show up at the front door with briefcase full of Ben Franklins, sellers want the next best thing, which is indication of smooth sailing through the home-selling process.

A conventional home loan, accompanied by a healthy down payment (20% or more), will usually demonstrate you’re ready, willing, and able to make a serious offer on the home. But don’t let this discourage you if you’re using a different type of loan with a lower down payment, for example. A solid pre-approval from CrossCountry Mortgage shows the seller – and their agent – you mean business.

 

For this and related articles, please visit CrossCountry Mortgage

The park, which gets 1.3 million visitors a year, unveiled the first part of renovations with new parking, two trails connecting to popular hikes, and a kids’ nature play area.

IT’S HARD BEING THE CROWN JEWEL of Oregon’s state park system. Trails get crowded; parking lots overflow; campsite reservations fill up.

But help is here: the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department is swooping in to alleviate the strain of 3,500 daily visitors, on average, with a $12 million upgrade program, the first phase of which opened this week. The new North Canyon District provides 59 more parking spots, a nature play area for kids, a viewpoint overlooking the North Falls, and two trails (.5 miles each). The additions are intended to spread out the car and foot traffic which often clog two other entrances, the South Falls Day Use Area and the North Falls Trailhead.

The project also aims to improve the park for small children and people with mobility concerns via a new minimally-graded, gravel trail. “North Canyon is pretty accessible, so it provides a bit of a different experience,” says Silver Falls park ranger Jason Wagoner. He says the viewpoint is the “highlight of the what you experience” in the new area. It allows an easy 30-45 minute excursion which includes a loop containing a natural play area designed for kids to interact with the forest.

The new viewpoint overlooking Silver Falls State Park’s North Falls is a short, 1-mile roundtrip hike from the recently opened day-use area on the park’s north side.

The new North Rim Trail is a great little “in-and-out” hike for those short on time, small children, or those with mobility limitations, featuring that stunning viewpoint.

The second new trail leads down to Twin Falls, a much steeper and more challenging jaunt that connects to the Canyon Trail for those wishing to see the falls in the middle of the Canyon Trail such as Lower North Falls, Drake Falls, Double Falls, and Middle North Falls; hike the Winter Falls Trail; or complete the full Trail of 10 Falls loop.

Left: Two of the new play areas built into Silver Falls’ landscape allow children to interact with natural elements of the forest. Right: The North Falls as seen from the new overlook along the North Rim Trail.

IMAGE: SAM STITES

As an added bonus, the new entrance saves those coming from Portland a few minutes of driving, via Highway 214 through Silverton, though the park has yet to put up new signage (the turnoff was formerly the entrance to the park’s North Falls group camp area).

Work to wrap up the new “North Gateway” visitor center will end in 2024, while construction of a new campground is set to commence in 2025.

 

For this and similar articles, please visit Portland Monthly

Pssst. People are rucking all around you.

IMAGE: SKYLER ELZY

ON A RECENT sunny Sunday afternoon, Sheri Hollinger, who is known around town as the Mother Rucker, hiked with a friend along Leif Erikson Drive, the fire road that traverses Forest Park in Northwest Portland. It is popular for rucking, a type of exercise that involves walking while carrying a weighted backpack or vest.

Hollinger, 57, rucked only four miles that day, to accommodate the journalist tagging along, but she regularly travels distances as long as 30 miles to train for a 65-mile event. She co-leads one of the only all-female ruck clubs out there, Portlandia Ruck Club, where her fellow ruckers made her a hashtag: #SheriMadeMeDoIt.

Historically, rucking has had a vibe that’s male, mostly East Coast, and military. It is best known as foundational training in the US Army Special Forces, where packing heavy gear is a critical part of missions. Beyond the military and people training for multiday hikes, many haven’t heard of rucking, and why would they? There’s little to sell, no monthly memberships to hype, and no exercise studio to visit—and, critically, rucking is invisible. Ruckers appear to be normal walkers wearing backpacks. Yet the workout has been gaining momentum—seven clubs now exist across Oregon—due to the social appeal and laundry list of health benefits, including building strength and bone density while incinerating calories at a notably high clip.

Hollinger, a mother of six and grandmother of four, describes her prerucking self as “depressed and overweight.” She started rucking three years ago using a bag of flour for weight, and so far has finished a 50-mile ruck, with some help from friends. “The camaraderie is my favorite part. We help each other push through. And if you can overcome something like a 50-miler, then it isn’t so upsetting later on, when a friend isn’t talking to you. Rucking improves your mental wellness.”

The activity gained popularity when the Florida-based brand Goruck launched in 2010, and proceeded to organize thousands of events worldwide and a Tribe ’n Training program. The brand sells narrow packs that hold weighted plates, training weight vests, and rucker backpacks ($115–285); some packs come with handles on all sides for Crossfit exercises. “Besides niche military chat rooms, no one talked about rucking,” says founder Jason McCarthy, who retired from special forces in 2008. He has been as surprised as anyone by the boom in popularity. “We started with extreme events. Then the community started rucking on their own.”

Goruck events include 5k to 50-mile courses with ruckers carrying 10–30 pounds, fitness festivals, and firearms training events, all of which attract fans ranging from army cosplay guys to longevity gurus like Peter Attia. “I’ve become semiobsessed with an activity called rucking,” the doctor wrote in his 2023 book, Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity. “I’m strengthening my legs and my trunk while also getting in a solid cardiovascular session. The best part is I never take my phone on these outings.”

But ruckers say that the people are what keep them coming back. “I’ve met my best friends through rucking events,” says Stephanie McGrew, cofounder of online community Girls Who Ruck and co-organizer of an annual autumn Badass Babes Goruck event, held in 2023 in New Orleans. She speaks of the unlikely mix of participants from coast to coast, including, yes, Stumptown. “I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to have conversations with these people, which is what you do when you ruck.”

Rucking 101

It doesn’t take much to start. You’ll need:

  • Durable shoes: Ruckers wear hiking boots, hiking shoes, or army boots.
  • Backpack: Preferably with a waist belt, chest strap, and padded shoulder straps. Specialized rucking backpacks stabilize the weight high and close to the body, but they aren’t essential.
  • Weight: Either buy a rucking plate, or use water, sand, or rocks (stuff in a pillow or ball of clothes for stability and added padding). ModGear sells water packs that carry up to 20 pounds of water and fold flat. A kid in a backpack carrier works. So do groceries.

 

For this and similar articles, please visit Portland Monthly

Adated kitchen doesn’t have to be a huge downer. In fact, there’s a whole lot you can do to infuse some style into your kitchen—without even lifting a paint brush. From area rugs to cover worn floors (or misguided linoleum choices) to plant life to breathe fresh air into your space, here are 6 low-lift ways to make your kitchen feel (almost) like new.

kitchen rugs
Kitchen rugs

Add a snazzy kitchen mat or area rug.

Old, beat-up flooring can make any kitchen feel tired. If it’s not in the budget to change your floors out, a snazzy kitchen mat or rug can pack a huge punch. This checkered runner from Ruggable can easily be thrown in the washing machine, while this one from Waterhog will withstand pretty much anything you throw at it (and still look good). The best part about this spill-resistant option? It’s cushioned! (Your feet will thank you.)

Buy them:

kitchen hardware
kitchen hardware

Swap out old hardware.

New drawer pulls and cabinet knobs can go a long way in transforming the feel of your space. You can find ‘em for as cheap as a few bucks a pop, and all you’ll need to swap out the old ones is a screwdriver. Bronze pulls are a smart choice if you have white cabinets. If you’re temporarily stuck with honey oak, however, opt for something darker. These matte black knobs are a welcome distraction. Or, aim to sport some more personality with these rattan knobs.

Buy them:

peel and stick backsplash tiles
peel and stick backsplash tiles

Hang peel-and-stick backsplash tiles.

You’ve heard of peel-and-stick wallpaper, but did you know that peel-and-stick backsplash tiles are a thing? You can add the stickers to your existing tiles or pretty much any wall you want to dress up. White subway tiles are always fresh and modern, while these Moroccan tiles lend some boho flair. For a more dramatic look, grab some of these moody green tiles.

Buy them:

kitchen lighting
kitchen lighting

Replace your light bulbs.

Grab cooler-toned bulbs, which enhance visibility and make kitchen tasks like chopping and dicing that much easier. If you don’t have enough light, try these under-the-counter strips or consider a bright, portable lamp like this one.

Buy them:

kitchen wall decor
kitchen wall decor

Accessorize your walls.

Whether you add a few potted plants or hang some fun artwork, it never hurts to add personality to your kitchen. If space allows, try hanging a floating shelf and adding a few colorful cookbooks and potted plants. (Bonus points if you opt for edible herbs). If space is at a premium, try hanging your cutting boards as a display on the wall.

Buy them:

Clean and organize.

The best news? You don’t have to spend any money to make your kitchen feel new if you don’t want to. Scrubbing your appliances, counters, floors, and backsplash can easily make a blah kitchen feel sparkly again. And while you’re at it, take some time to declutter the counters and inside your cabinets and pantry. You may be surprised how a little visual space can upgrade your kitchen, leading to a more minimal, modern feel.

 

For this and related articles, please visit Realtor.com

Could we interest you in the world’s largest pig hairball? Perhaps a gravity-defying X-Files fixation?

Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum

IMAGE: MICHAEL NOVAK

PORTLAND HAS ITS charms, but some of Oregon’s most bizarre, dazzling, and notable museums lurk outside city limits. The largest clear-span wooden structure in the world? Check. The largest pig hairball in the world? Check. Our very own Frank Lloyd Wright house? Check, again!

Most of these destinations make for a reasonable day trip, so whether you’re flying solo, inviting a significant other, or packing the whole family into the car, you can see, contemplate, and make it home in time for dinner.

Tillamook Air Museum

Tillamook Air Museum

6030 HANGAR RD, TILLAMOOK

In 1942, the US Navy began construction on 17 wooden hangars meant to house antisubmarine patrol and convoy escort blimps. Two hangars were created at the Naval Air Station in Tillamook during World War II, but only one has survived—and it’s the largest clear-span wooden structure in the world. The hangar contains up to 28 aircraft, including the Grumman F-14 Tomcat (Tom Cruise flew one in Top Gun), the Soviet MiG-17 (a 1950s subsonic jet that went toe to toe with American supersonic jets in Vietnam), and several land vehicles, like the 1940 International Boom truck.

GOOD FOR: KIDS, AIRPLANE ENTHUSIASTS, HISTORY BUFFS
ADMISSION: $4–13

Oregon Film Museum

732 DUANE ST, ASTORIA

Opened in 2010 (on the 25th anniversary of The Goonies, in the former Clatsop County jail, a location used in the film), the Oregon Film Museum is a small and Goonies-centric delight. There’s a hands-on, make-your-own short film component, and a rundown of some of the state’s highest-profile productions, from Kindergarten Cop to Twilight. For completists, the museum’s website contains a running list of every single film that’s been shot in the Beaver State. 

GOOD FOR: FILM BUFFS, GOONIES-HEADS
ADMISSION: $2–6

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Gordon House

Gordon House

869 W MAIN ST, SILVERTON

No need to pilgrimage to Fallingwater in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, to worship at the altar of American architectural treasure Frank Lloyd Wright—his only Oregon project is just an hour south of Portland. In 1957, the always-ahead-of-his-time architect designed a home for Oregon farmers Conrad and Evelyn Gordon. The Gordons lived there for nearly four decades; when the property was sold, the home was moved to a new location at the Oregon Garden in Silverton, where it is now open for tours. The home is a prime example of Wright’s Usonian style, in which he aimed to design thoughtful, modern homes at lower price points. Don’t miss the wood cutout window pattern, what Wright called “fretwork.”

GOOD FOR: ARCHITECTURE BUFFS…ESPECIALLY ONES WHO CAN SHELL OUT $599 FOR AN OVERNIGHT STAY FOR FOUR
ADMISSION: $20 (AGES 17 AND UNDER FREE)

Historic Carousel and Museum of Albany

Historic Carousel and Museum of Albany

503 FIRST AVE W, ALBANY

Reignite your childlike sense of wonder (and let your kids ignite theirs) at the Historic Carousel and Museum of Albany. The main event is a 1909 carousel whose restoration began in 2004 and took until 2017 to complete. It sports a menagerie of 52 animals, dreamt up and sponsored by different Albany families, then carved and painted by local volunteers. The adjacent museum features carousel animals and decorations dating back to 1885.

GOOD FOR: KIDS, THE YOUNG AT HEART
ADMISSION: 
MUSEUM FREE, CAROUSEL RIDES $2

Mount Angel Abbey Museum

Mount Angel Abbey Museum

1 ABBEY DR, ST. BENEDICT

Can we interest you in the world’s largest pig hairball? A pair of deformed calves? Perhaps a painstaking replica of Jesus’s crown of thorns? Tucked into the corner of an active seminary in a remote stretch of Marion County (which also houses a library designed by Finnish architectural legend Alvar Aalto), the Mount Angel Abbey Museum is an ode to the natural world, in all its (often-grotesque) glory. The views from the grounds are stunning, and a short walk away lies Benedictine Brewery, owned and operated by the monks who live at the abbey. Beers are brewed with hops grown on-site and water from their well.

GOOD FOR: NATURE APPRECIATORS, BEER LOVERS
ADMISSION: 
FREE, OPTIONAL DONATION

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

5000 DISCOVERY DR, THE DALLES

Can’t decide between natural history and history-history? This 48,000-square-foot museum, full of interactive multimedia exhibits, makes a good spot to while away a few hours as you learn about the Ice Age (don’t miss the full-size mammoth replica), the geological forces that shaped the Gorge (hint: volcanoes are involved), and 10,000 years of Indigenous history. The highlight, though, is the Raptor Program, where visitors can meet birds of prey, like bald eagles, red tailed hawks, and American kestrels.

GOOD FOR: KIDS, HISTORY BUFFS, BIRD LOVERS
ADMISSION: 
$7–12 (AGES 5 AND UNDER FREE)

Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum

IMAGE: MICHAEL NOVAK

Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum

1600 AIR MUSEUM RD, HOOD RIVER

There are no trains in sight at this sprawling Hood River spot, but planes and automobiles (and motorcycles) abound. With one of the largest collections of still-flying antique aircrafts and cars in the country, the WAAAM—no connection to George Michael—boasts several acres of exhibition space. It also has no problem flexing for the benefit of its patrons: on the second Saturday of every month, staff and volunteers haul out the planes and cars for public demonstration.

GOOD FOR: BUDDING ENGINEERS, HISTORY BUFFS, ANYONE WHO LIKES THINGS THAT GO ZOOM
ADMISSION: 
$11–21 (AGES 4 AND FREE)

Tamástslikt Cultural Institute

Tamástslikt Cultural Institute

47106 WILDHORSE BLVD, PENDLETON

This museum claims to be the only one along the Oregon Trail to tell the story of westward expansion from the point of view of the Indigenous people—specifically the Cayune, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes—whose world was upended to the extreme by Lewis, Clark, and all who came after. But the museum doesn’t begin, or end, there. Permanent exhibits take visitors back to pre-contact days, including a reconstructed lodge made of tule reeds in which visitors can sit and listen to recordings of legends passed down through countless generations. There’s no shying away, either, from artifacts that depict the miseries imposed by settlers: disease, war, forced boarding schools that tore families apart. But there’s hope here, too, in the forward-looking final galleries that celebrate Native cultural perseverance.

GOOD FOR: EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO SHOULD KNOW THE OREGON TRAIL IS ABOUT MORE THAN DYING OF DYSENTERY
ADMISSION: 
$5–12 (AGES 5 AND UNDER FREE)

Kam Wah Chung & Ko Museum

Kam Wah Chung & Ko Museum

519 W MAIN ST, JOHN DAY

This mid-19th-century building in John Day has lived a lot of lives: trading post, temple, community center for the city’s once-robust Chinese population, boardinghouse, apothecary. Now a designated state park and National Historic Site, it’s leaned hard into the apothecary aspect, returning to its medicine-heavy 1940 appearance, complete with the possessions of its former owners, vintage furniture, and various period-appropriate Chinese medicinal tools. Oregon is here for it, including Governor Tina Kotek, who approved plans for a new interpretative center and collections building that will help keep up with high visitor demand.

GOOD FOR: HISTORY LOVERS, EASTERN MEDICINE ENTHUSIASTS
ADMISSION: FREE (OPEN MAY 1–OCT 31 AND THE THIRD WEEK OF MARCH)

Oregon Vortex & House of Mystery

4303 SARDINE CREEK L FORK RD, GOLD HILL

While it’s more roadside attraction than museum (OK, it’s fully a roadside attraction), we would nonetheless be remiss to exclude this bizarre little slice of PNW lore. Opened in 1930, the Vortex has been the subject of a Mythbusters-style takedown on Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files and mentioned on a season 7 episode of The X-Files. A variety of strange phenomena plague the property: brooms stand on end, gravity seems to bend, heights ebb and flow—it’s all packaged as paranormal, though the Vortex’s “no moving video” rule admittedly makes us cock a skeptical brow.

GOOD FOR: THE SUPERSTITIOUS AND SKEPTICAL ALIKE
ADMISSION: 
$16–22 (5 AND UNDER FREE

 

For this and similar articles, please visit Portland Monthly

While buying a home has always been a challenging milestone, today’s high interest rates have made this dream even harder to achieve.

Over the past two years, interest rates on home loans have nearly doubled from the 3% range to around 7% today. This tacks many hundreds extra onto the monthly expense of housing, stretching some homebuyers’ budgets to the breaking point. And while there are ways to lower those costs, navigating the home loan process is extremely complicated—particularly for first-time homebuyers.

“It’s very important for first-timers to do research and understand all their options before they start looking for a home,” says Cara Ameer, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker who is licensed in California and Florida. “Doing your due diligence can help you avoid some of the most common rookie mistakes, so you come out not only with the home of your dreams, but also a mortgage you can afford.”

Here are some common blunders homebuyers make when attempting to secure a mortgage.

10 Things Most Homebuyers Get Wrong About Getting a Mortgage Today

1. Focusing too much on the interest rate

Probably the most common mistake homebuyers make is simply assuming that the lower the interest rate, the better the deal. But what they might not realize is that to get an ultralow rate, there are often hidden fees—and those fees could mean they ultimately end up paying more.

“Many lenders, especially in more recent years, have started to charge hidden points in an effort to advertise a much lower mortgage rate to potential applicants,” warns Jason Gelios, author of “Think Like a Realtor” and a real estate agent with Community Choice Realty in South East Michigan.

“It’s great to have the most attractive rate, but if the lender has you paying junk fees to obtain that rate, it might not make sense,” he adds.

Mortgage points are a fee that lenders can charge to applicants to lower their interest rate through the life of the loan. This process is also known as “buying down the rate,” and the fee is paid to the lender as its own fee.

In other words, “buying down the rate” or “buying points” are just a fancy way of saying you’re paying more fees upfront to get a lower interest rate.

As a result, it’s important for mortgage seekers to ask for an estimate of all fees included in their mortgage offer, and not just the interest rate.

2. Assuming you need a 20% down payment

“There’s a common but detrimental misconception that’s causing some potential first-time owners to delay starting the homebuying process, and that is the belief that it still takes 20% down to buy,” says Cindy Allen, veteran real estate agent and founder of DFWMoves in Southlake, TX.

In reality, according to a new study from Self Financial, the average down payment needed in the U.S. for first-time buyers is $12,274 (around 6%), in addition to $1,983 in closing costs.

“Fannie Mae has had a 3% down, first-time homebuyer mortgage for years now, which competes with FHA’s 3.5% down,” says Yifan Zhang, CEO of the host-to-own homebuying program Loftium. “The only difference is that home prices have risen so much recently that these programs are probably more popular now.”

However, keep in mind that you will have to pay private mortgage insurance if you put less than 20% down, which increases your monthly payments.

3. Assuming you can get a loan instantly

Many borrowers assume that in today’s instant-gratification culture, they can get a mortgage in days or even minutes. Not so.

“Even the mortgage lenders with splashy apps and websites still may need a phone call, manual document collection, or other time-consuming steps,” says Zhang.

In fact, many home tours might be off-limits until you’ve been vetted by a lender.

“Buyers may not be able to even see a home without providing a copy of their pre-approval letter just to schedule an appointment,” says Ameer. “Many listing agents are requiring that, no matter the price range. This is no longer just for high-end properties.”

4. Thinking pre-qualification means you’re approved for the loan

While getting pre-qualified for a loan is a good first step, it does not mean you’re guaranteed the money. Pre-approval is better because it means lenders have reviewed your finances.

In the past, pre-approval was typically enough to pass muster. In today’s ultracompetitive market, however, you might want to get fully approved from the get-go before you make an offer.

“Full approval means the buyer has been underwritten prior to making an offer—they have submitted all of their required documents, the lender has reviewed it and been able to vet them to basically say they are solid and just need to get an accepted offer on a property for the loan to go through,” says Ameer.

Being fully approved also allows buyers to close the deal in a much shorter time—two to three weeks in most cases.

This can give buyers the edge, as Ameer points out, “given today’s tight market with low inventory. Listing agents are going to recommend their seller ask for shorter time periods for loan approval.”

5. Not considering first-time homebuyer programs

Newbies who feel overwhelmed by the financial barriers to homeownership might be pleasantly surprised to learn that there are first-time homebuyer programs to help them get over the hump.

“You can find programs that offer help with closing costs and down payments, lower interest rates, and even tax credits to free up some of your savings,” says Allen. “And if you’re a first responder or educator, active-duty military or veteran, there are often special programs available for you, too.”

For example, Allen says just this past January she was involved in a $352,000 transaction where the buyers were granted over $6,000 toward closing costs and escrow through a first-time buyer program. They were then able to use the $6,000 they saved as additional down payment funds.

6. Failing to check your credit score

You really need to check your credit score prior to talking to mortgage lenders because ultimately, this number—which represents how well you’ve paid off past debts—will affect the interest rate you’re offered.

“Not tackling easy options for improving your credit score before taking out a mortgage is a big mistake for first-time homebuyers,” says Zhang. “Today, there are tons of credit improvement tools you can use to quickly and easily tackle your credit. Even just paying off a credit card can bump you into a higher credit category and save you hundreds each month on your mortgage.”

At the very least, make sure you know what your score is by checking it with CreditKarma.com or one of the top three ratings bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax.

7. Picking the wrong type of loan

Are you better off going with an FHAVA, or USDA loan or some other type entirely? Don’t know what these acronyms mean? There are many types of mortgages available, each with its own pros and cons based on your own personal circumstances.

“Know your loan options because an inexperienced loan representative may not know all the available programs or may not present all the possibilities,” says attorney Bruce Ailion, a real estate agent with Re/Max Town & Country, Atlanta. “Learn about the types of loans before talking with a professional to know the right questions to ask.”

8. Underestimating fees beyond the down payment

The down payment is not the only cost you’ll have when buying a home and securing a mortgage.

“People talk about the down payment required but rarely talk about the ancillary costs required for purchasing a home like closing costs, title, appraisal, and first-year homeowners insurance upfront,” says Nicole Rueth, senior vice president and producing branch manager, The Rueth Team of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. “It’s a mistake not to factor these in, because they can add up to an additional $5,000 to $12,000 down.”

9. Not preparing for the possibility of a low appraisal

Before lenders front the money for a house, they will have an independent home appraiser estimate its value. Many first-time buyers don’t realize that with listing prices so high, it’s entirely possible that their appraisal will come in lower, which means the lender will loan only that much.

“Given the rapidly rising asking prices and multiple-offer scenarios going on, it is quite possible that a property may not appraise at the agreed upon contract sales price. But a bank is only going to base their loan amount off of the appraised price, not what a buyer and seller agreed to pay,” says Ameer. “Buyers may not be able to come up with the cash to cover the difference between the appraised value and the contract sales price, so only offer what you know you can cover out of pocket should that happen.”

10. Not shopping around for the right lender

Not all lenders are created equal and work the same way. That’s why you really should shop around and find someone you trust who will pick up the phone when you call.

“In today’s market, it is imperative that you work with someone reputable who is reachable by cellphone seven days a week, because various questions and scenarios will come up as you embark on your property search and you may need some guidance that is crucial to having the winning offer,” says Ameer. “These situations often happen outside of typical office hours.”

This is one reason real estate agents typically prefer to use local lenders because they are accessible and reliable.

“Local lenders have a proven track record to maintain and value not just the client but the Realtor relationships they work hard to create,” says Kim Jungles, a loan officer with Atlantic Coast Mortgage in Ashburn, VA. “Online lenders for the most part are very difficult to speak with, let alone be available to write a pre-approval letter after 5 p.m. on Friday.”

 

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Bauhaus Is Back: 5 Fresh Ways To Give Your Living Room This Modernist Aesthetic

Even as the design world grapples with new trends like “Barbiecore” and maximalism, there are still plenty of “old” design principles that are making their way back into our homes. One of these is so well integrated into midcentury modern decor that you might not have even heard of it.

“Bauhaus design is the epitome of modernism,” says designer Elizabeth Vergara, of Vergara Homes. “It’s all about embracing clean lines, simplicity, and the use of modern materials like steel, glass, and concrete.”

The Bauhaus design movement started at the beginning of the 20th century at an art school of the same name. The school was open for only 14 years, but it was enough to enshrine this hypermodern aesthetic, which includes lots of colorful, abstract pieces.

Curious to see how you can bring Bauhaus into your living room? Here are a few of our favorite recent looks from Instagram.

1. Color-pop cabinet

The first Bauhaus look we’re loving right now is this color-pop cabinet from @villa_pocket.

“This bright yellow steel cabinet reflects the Bauhaus design ethos, emphasizing both functionality and the use of vibrant colors,” says Vergara. “It aligns with the movement’s embrace of modern materials and its aim to create visually striking yet practical designs.”

Get the look: Bring some Bauhaus-worthy color into your living room with this Gioia steel accent cabinet.

2. Abstract wall decor

Color is key when it comes to incorporating this modernist design style, and nothing embraces it more than this vivid, abstract wall decor featured by @designplusmag.

“What’s great about using large abstract canvases is that they go with almost any midcentury modern furniture scheme,” says Ana Cummings of ANA Interiors Ltd. “When the walls are white and your key pieces are neutral, you really want something like this with loads of personality.”

Get the look: Add some color to your blank-slate space by shopping this collection of abstract paintings on Etsy.

3. DIY coffee table

This artfully arranged stack of books from @chrisfluence is what “form meets function” means, according to Bauhaus design.

“Create a DIY Bauhaus-inspired piece of functional furniture by artfully stacking large coffee-table books to serve as a side table,” says Courtney Wollersheim of FLOOR360. “Be sure to add plenty of brightly colored books to the stack to complete the look.”

Get the look: Stack away with your favorite books, and then take the design a step further by pairing it with other geometric shapes like this Adrius table lamp.

4. Clean lines

Bauhaus design loves its clean lines, and this combination of highly structural tables and lamps from @chusedandco illustrates the concept perfectly.

“Your eyes notice linear elements, especially without the clutter to distract,” says Cummings. “Spaces like this offer us a sense of calm, are easy to maintain, and oftentimes appear larger because they’re visually airy.”

Get the look: Incorporate a clean-line look in your space with this Delford sideboard.

5. Function first

Another key element of Bauhaus that was perfectly illustrated on Instagram this week? This “function first” furniture layout from @simonepolk.

“There can be beauty in piling in the most comfortable inviting seating in a room where all pieces harmoniously work because they employ the same hue,” says Cummings. “It works well because every piece has a unique shape and serves an absolute purpose.”

Get the look: Create a function-first Bauhaus living room by combining a few ultracomfy pieces like this Shurtz loveseat and this suede armless lounger.

 

For this and related articles, please visit Realtor.com

Is Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Actually Better? 2 Interior Designers Weigh In

Wallpaper, if you haven’t noticed, is having a moment (see herehere, and here, for example). And why not? Patterned paper can transform the entire vibe of your space, whether you add a single statement wall or deck out an entire room. These days, you also have options: You could go with traditional wallpaper—or you could try the new kid on the block, peel-and-stick wallpaper. It’s touted for being cheaper, easier to install (and remove), and just a bit trendier than its traditional counterpart.

We won’t beat around the bush—any type of wallpaper requires an investment of time and money, but is peel-and-stick the right choice for you? Read on for expert advice from interior designers who weigh the pros and cons.

The Pros and Cons of Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Industrial golden pendant light and black furniture in a dark living room interior with floral wallpaper and a gray couch
Wallpaper is having a moment—and for good reason.

(Getty Images)

Pro: Peel-and-stick wallpaper (usually) costs less.

As a general rule, traditional wallpaper is usually going to cost more than peel-and-stick, although, of course, it depends on what you buy. A double roll of this woodland-themed wallpaper, which covers just over 50 square feet, is on the low end at $39. On the other hand, this floral print from House of Hackney costs $325 for a single roll. On average, you’re looking at around $4 per square foot. Peel-and-stick options tend to cost a bit less, from around $1 per square foot for this dreamy, watercolor-like paper to $5 per square foot for this hand-drawn version from artist Keely Shaw for Chasing Paper.

Keep in mind that in either case, you may also need to buy some tools or hire someone to install it, which can add to the total cost (more on that below).

Con: Peel-and-stick wallpaper offers fewer choices.

According to Atlanta-based interior designer Selena Lewis of Selena Lewis Designs, not only is traditional more durable than most peel-and-stick options, you also have a lot more choices when it comes to design. That said, peel-and-stick wallpaper has been gaining momentum, with brands like Flavor PaperChasing Paper, and Spoon Flower offering options for both traditional and peel-and-stick.

Elegant luxury living room with gray sofa and decoration on hardwood floor in front of pale blue wooden panel wall background with copy space. 3D rendered image.
Modern wallpaper offerings come in styles ranging from understated and minimalist to bold, geometric patterns.

(Getty Images)

Pro: Peel-and-stick wallpaper is slightly easier to install.

Bad news: Neither standard wallpaper nor peel-and-stick are especially easy to install. Traditional wallcoverings can get really laborious, requiring plenty of prep (think spreading adhesive all over the walls before you trim the paper down to size and install it). Depending on your level of DIY experience, you may prefer to rely on a pro for this (better to get it right the first time).

Peel-and-stick is often touted as an easier option, and many people feel comfortable installing it on their own, but you’ll need to be pretty good at DIY (and pretty patient) to make it work. “Peel and stick is difficult to install as you have no margin to move the paper around, and the bubbles can reappear weeks and months later, requiring maintenance,” says Lewis.

Con: Peel-and-stick wallpaper could damage your walls.

If you live in a rental or you just want to add a less-permanent statement to your space, peel-and-stick wallpaper may seem like a better option because it’s technically removable. Beware, though: Interior designer Moriah Frantz says peel-and-stick often damages people’s walls when they remove it. So be sure to loop in your landlord if you’re considering adding wallpaper to your space.

On the other hand, traditional wallpaper is easier to remove than you think. “In today’s world of wallpaper, most are strippable, meaning they peel right off the wall with a little water,” says Lewis. “Walls end up clean and most of the time with minimal damage, if any at all.”

The bottom line

If you’re new to wallpaper and looking for an option that’s less of an investment, peel-and-stick is a more affordable way to try out this comeback trend. But don’t be surprised if it’s not as easy to install as its name implies, and, if you’re renting, make sure to test a sample out on your walls to see how easily it comes off.

 

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