AltPDX Updates

Perrin Smith has walked every mile of every street in Portland

43-year-old North Portland resident Perrin Smith has done something extraordinary. In a quest that was part of his life for nearly three years, he walked every single street and alleyway in the City of Portland. That’s about 2,100 miles of pavement, gravel, grass, mud, and sidewalks. Born and raised in rural New Jersey, he “escaped” […]

SELF-STARTER HOME

When Emilia Callero and Jake Creviston first entered the Portland real estate market in 2016, they had certain expectations about how it was going to go. The city was in one of its hottest real estate bubbles in history, and properties were going in two days, with several offers. The couple had planned to search […]

Eggs raised or sold in Oregon and Washington must now be cage free

In this Oct. 21, 2015, file photo, cage-free chickens walk in a fenced pasture at an organic farm near Waukon, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)AP Nearly all commercial egg farms in Oregon and Washington must now keep their hens cage free, under laws that went into effect Jan. 1. The nearly identical laws in both states were passed in […]

Soup’s On! We’re Hosting a Soup Drive!

BE A SOUP-ER HERO! We want to invite you to embrace your inner “Soup-er Hero” and bring warmth to your community today! Portland’s Alternative Realtors is thrilled to partner with Lift UP, a local nonprofit we’ve worked with for years that’s dedicated to enhancing food security for our neighbors in Downtown and Northwest Portland. From February 12th to March […]

15-Year vs. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage

Deciding which mortgage loan option would be best for you is a complex process. If you’re looking to choose between a 15-year fixed rate mortgage and a 30-year fixed rate mortgage you must evaluate all the different factors to ensure that you’re making a home loan decision that you’re comfortable with. Find out the differences […]

HISTORY OF VINTAGE TAPESTRIES AND WOVEN GOODS

The history of vintage tapestries and woven goods is a rich and fascinating one that spans centuries and continents. These intricate pieces of art not only serve as decorative items but also provide a glimpse into the culture and history of the societies that created them. From ancient civilizations to medieval Europe and beyond, the […]

The Declutter Your Home Checklist

Your home is your castle. But lately, it’s starting to look a little more medieval than you’d prefer. If you’re feeling overwhelmed – it’s okay, it happens to everyone. But if you want to get back to living like royalty, you’ll need a plan to declutter your home. Consider this your ultimate “declutter your home” checklist, helping […]

DISPLAYING VINTAGE COLLECTIONS

Vintage collections are more than just a hobby; they are a reflection of our history and personal style. Whether you collect vintage clothing, vinyl records, antique furniture, or any other unique items, it’s important to find creative ways to display and showcase your treasures. Not only will this bring your collection to life, but it […]

Can You Rent Out Your Primary Residence?

There are many reasons you might consider renting out your home. You might want to purchase a new primary residence new primary residence and earn extra income by renting out the first one. But can you rent out your primary residence? The answer is “yes.” However, the exact process can depend on several factors. Here’s everything you […]

Tax Benefits of Owning a Home

Homeowners have several opportunities to reduce the overall amount they owe in taxes by claiming certain items on their taxes. Here’s an overview of a few of the major tax benefits of owning a home. Standard Deductions or Itemized Deductions? The state and local tax deductions homeowners can claim on their taxes are designed to reduce their […]

Adopt a storm drain

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 […]

How To Identify A Scam

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 […]

Winning a Homebuyer Bidding War

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 […]

Silver Falls State Park Solves Its Popularity Problem

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. IMAGE: COURTESY OREGON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT IT’S HARD BEING THE CROWN JEWEL of Oregon’s state park system. Trails get crowded; parking lots overflow; campsite reservations fill […]

Rucking Takes a Hike in Portland

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 […]

How to Make Your Dated Kitchen Feel Fresh and New (Without Painting Your Cabinets)

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 […]

10 Can’t-Miss Oregon Museums Outside of Portland

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 […]

10 Things Most Homebuyers Get Wrong About Getting a Mortgage Today

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’ […]

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 […]

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

Wallpaper, if you haven’t noticed, is having a moment (see here, here, 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 […]

ONE TO WATCH: ISAAC MUSKET

Most designers, when they graduate from interior design school, spend some time working under a senior designer on their first professional projects. Not Isaac Musket. Upon finishing his work at Portland Community College, he joined design/build firm C&K Custom Remodeling, jumping into his role as lead designer with his first remodel. “It was completely surreal for […]

COLOR MUSE

For Tina Skouras, an interior designer and former fashion editor, every home is a canvas waiting to reveal the character of the homeowner. But the challenge took on a new twist for her in the Pacific Northwest, where more color often equals more joy. “An abundance of color can really improve your mood here,” Skouras […]

How One Portland Neighborhood Partnered with a Homeless Encampment

Faced with an influx of homeless neighbors, a Southeast Portland neighborhood association got creative. ON A CHILLY DECEMBER DAY THREE YEARS AGO, I made the radical decision to get to know my houseless neighbors. This was at the height of the pandemic, when a homeless camp had formed around Sunnyside Environmental School, and members of […]

Black Art History is Black History

Intisar Abioto on curating the Black Artists of Oregon exhibition at the Portland Art Museum. Black Artists of Oregon is a newly opened exhibition at the Portland Art Museum curated by Intisar Abioto. Grace Kook-Anderson, the Museum’s Curator of Northwest Art, talked with Abioto about the process of bringing the exhibition to life, its importance for […]

8 Essential Forest Park Hikes for Every Scenario

From hiking and running to bird-watching and picnicking, we’ve got a trail for you. Lower Macleay Trail along Balch Creek IMAGE: DEE BROWNING/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM WHETHER YOU’RE AN EXPERIENCED HIKER or just want to walk near some trees, Forest Park is the place to go. We took the guesswork out of it, by hiking every inch of the hikes […]

What Is Universal Design? A Home That Can Accommodate Anyone

What is universal design? This home design trend is one that can accommodate any homeowner, regardless of their personal needs. One year all-white is all the rage; the next, it’s all about shadowy tones. Home design trends come and go (remember Hollywood Regency?), but one that by definition is meant for the long haul is universal […]

Want a ‘Forever Home’ Where You Can Age in Place? These 6 Renovations Will Help

We all have our own vision of how we’ll one day retire, from whiling away our days with our grandkids to hitting the pickleball courts every morning, to joining the Rolling Stones on tour (because they will never, ever go away). One dream, however, is common to three-quarters of older adults: They want to stay in their current home. For the rest […]

On the House: 10 Ways To Save Money on Buying a Home Today

How can first-time homebuyers save money when mortgage rates are at 20-year highs and home prices are rising again? There’s no doubt that buying a home today is expensive. Mortgage rates are above 7%, home prices have begun climbing again, and bidding wars are back. But for first-time buyers who are determined to become homeowners, […]

PAM CUT announces Tomorrow Theater’s opening programming

World-Class artists bring the curtain up on new multimedia theater on November 3 Tickets on sale October 16 at noon PDT The Portland Art Museum’s film and new media center, PAM CUT // Center for an Untold Tomorrow, is thrilled to announce the opening of the Tomorrow Theater, a new space devoted to expanding what constitutes cinema, art, […]

PORTLAND COMMUNITY GROCERY GUIDE

  EL CAMPESINO PDX 6611 SE POWELL BLVD. PORTLAND 97206 Phone: (503) 774-4124 Hours: 8am-9pm daily Bus Lines: 2, 9, 14 It’s fitting that small but well-stocked El Campesino occupies the ground floor of a space where Peruvian restaurant Salt and Pepper is right upstairs. The two businesses are unaffiliated yet complement each other well. The market is […]

10 Things I Couldn’t Live Without During My Kitchen Renovation

When we started our kitchen reno this fall, I didn’t anticipate exactly how disruptive the process would be. Of course, our brand-new kitchen will be totally worth the hassle, but living without a kitchen for a few months definitely requires some flexibility—and a few key products so that you’re not ordering pizza for every meal. […]

Home-Selling Checklist: 12 Things To Do Before Selling Your House

Getting ready to sell your house? Then it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work because there are tons of things to do before listing your home! Selling a home, after all, entails a whole lot more than just planting a “For Sale” sign on your front lawn or uploading a few […]

Dreaming of Living in a Tiny Home? Here’s the Truth From People Who’ve Done It

You’ve stalked them online and binge-watched them on TV. You’ve pinned more than a few diminutive but adorable interiors. And maybe you’ve even daydreamed about building your own tiny home. But actually living in one full time? Well, that’s seems like a whole different ballgame. (A miniature ballgame, perhaps, maybe four innings?) After all, tiny houses are, well, tiny. […]

Confessions of a Real Estate Photographer: What Happens Behind the Scenes When They Shoot Your House

Hands down, the most important part of any real estate listing is the photos. If they’re good, hordes of buyers flock to the house and make bids. If they’re bad—really bad—the property will likely sit with no takers, regardless of price. But what does it actually take to make the listing picture magic happen? To find out, […]

6 Reasons You Should Never Buy or Sell a Home Without an Agent

It’s a slow Sunday morning. You’ve just brewed your Nespresso and popped open your laptop to check out the latest home listings before you hit the road for a day of open houses. You’re DIYing this real estate thing, and you think you’re doing pretty well—after all, any info you might need is at your fingertips online, right? […]

Inherited a Hoarder House? Here’s How To Deal With It (and Possibly Make a Profit)

Inheriting property can be a mixed bag. On the one hand, you’re dealing with losing a loved one. And while you’re likely grateful for the inheritance, you also have to deal with many complex legal, financial, and tax matters. And then there’s the big cleanout. Sifting through decades of a person’s belongings can be equal parts dreary […]

Make ‘Weird’ Work for You: Why a Home in an Odd Location Isn’t a Deal Breaker

Whoa! You found the perfect home with most of your must-haves for a reasonable price! But then you click on the listing’s property details or a map, and your heart sinks. It turns out the house is on a busy road. Or next to a cemetery, near an airport, or across from a high school. […]

Renovation Survival Tactics: 6 Expert Tips for Remodeling Your Home (While Living in It)

Wouldn’t it be great if you could say hello to your home renovation—and goodbye to your house at the same time? That would allow you to leave behind all that construction mess while your place gets a face-lift. Alas, most of us can’t afford to pay for a mortgage and a long-term rental, leaving us to juggle […]

Chic Ceramics: 5 Times Bathroom Tiles Positively Dominated the Design

Bathroom design depends on a lot of things: the materials used, the color scheme, and, of course, the overall layout. (No hard-to-reach toilet paper rolls, please!) But sometimes, what makes or breaks a bathroom all depends on one of our favorite materials—tile. This week, we searched far and wide on Instagram to find the absolute best, most […]

The Ultimate Home Safety Checklist

Keeping your home safe and secure for years can often seem overwhelming. A home safety checklist can be useful for those looking to keep their homes protected and retain their value. A home safety checklist is a list of tasks to help ensure the safety and security of your home. It’s important for homeowners to […]

How to Hang Wallpaper: A DIY Guide for This Hot Home Trend

Wallpaper has come a long way. The latest modern patterns are hot among design trendsetters. So if you’re dying to deck your walls in some jazzy pattern, you’ll want to learn how to hang wallpaper. It’s not hard, but it’s also not something you want to wing without a little guidance first (especially since it can be difficult […]

7 Important Things Home Sellers Often Forget To Do

When you’re selling your home, there’s so much to do: find a Realtor®, do touch-ups, get that balky air conditioner fixed, look into staging, etc. It’s no wonder that sometimes things fall between the cracks. Big things. (We’re not pointing fingers!) Our arsenal of experts—aka real estate agents who have worked with many home sellers—identify the to-do’s that sellers typically […]

6 Common Plumbing Problems That Could Plague You This Fall

When the temperature tumbles and golden leaves fall, there’s a good chance your plumbing might start to give you some trouble. To get ahead of any plumbing issues, it’s a good idea to start taking some preventive measures before Old Man Winter knocks at your door. “Fall is a great time to check for any plumbing […]

How to Buy a House With Bad Credit

Everybody makes mistakes, but a low credit score shouldn’t cost you your dreams of homeownership. Even if your credit history prevents you from securing a traditional mortgage, there are many loan programs available for those with less-than-stellar credit. Here’s how to buy a house with bad credit, along with some tips to improve your credit […]

5 Solid Reasons To Buy a House Now, Despite High Rates—and 2 Reasons To Wait

Warm weather usually brings out the barbecues, beach trips, and homebuyers in droves. But for this particular home shopping season, many buyers might feel like they’re on the fence. Homebuyer ambivalence is high for good reason: On the one hand, buyers might be encouraged to hear that last year’s red-hot seller’s market, with its bidding wars and over-asking […]

Banish the Bland: 6 Ways To Add Character to a New-Build Home

With housing supply at historic lows, homebuyers are increasingly turning to new construction. But this option is not without its pros and cons. A big pro is that new homes are often more affordable than existing homes. And on the con list, many buyers say they would prefer an older home with character. Complaints about new homes include bland […]

How Mortgage Rate Buy-Downs and Builder Incentives Can Make New Construction More Affordable

One of the first things home shoppers learn is that the price they see on real estate listings is nearly always negotiable. And that same flexibility exists when buying a newly built home, too, in the form of builder incentives. Builder incentives are promotions offered by developers that, much like a coupon, cut the cost of […]

Unique and Chic: 5 Vintage Bathroom Looks That Add Big Bang (for Very Few Bucks)

When it comes to home décor projects, our eyes are often bigger than our wallets. There’s always plenty that needs to be done and a limited amount of time (and funds) to make it happen. That’s why we’re turning to one of our favorite ways to remake spaces this week—one that doesn’t involve blowing your […]

Am I Ready to Buy a House?

“When am I ready to buy a house?” It’s an important question to ask yourself, since the homebuying process is often as challenging as it is rewarding. While there’s no one right answer, there are ways you can determine when you’re ready to buy a house. Here are some factors to consider, as well as […]

Five Fantastic Beaverton-Area Playgrounds

Spring is coming! Soon the tulips will be in bloom and the weather improving. With the change in weather, it’s time to get outside with the kids. In the Beaverton area, you can find a playground that suits everyone’s taste. Vista Brook Courtesy THPRD Located off Scholls Ferry and SW 88, Vista Brook has the best set […]

Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC: What is the Difference and Which One to Apply for?

Home equity borrowing is exploding across the country, thanks to the current housing market. But with multiple options to choose from, you might find yourself wondering what the difference is and which one to apply for — HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) or home equity loan. These two programs are similar, and both offer […]

Renovation vs. Remodel

Renovations and remodels can be excellent choices for homeowners looking to improve their home and increase their value. However, making changes to your property requires careful thought to ensure it’s the right decision as they involve varying levels of time and money. Renovation Renovations refer to making repairs and updates to the home. Types of Renovations […]

5 Things You Didn’t Know a VA Loan Could Do for You

Because of the bravery and sacrifices of veterans and active military, the rest of the country’s civilians can live the American dream in safety. As one tangible way to say “thank you for your service,” current and former members of the military have access to Veterans Affairs home loans. These unique mortgage options allow veterans and those […]

Take a Hike to a Swimming Hole

Combine water and a walk, short or long to one of these spots within 100 miles of Portland. Pothole Falls at Lacamas Regional Park IMAGE: COURTESY MARCSANCHEZ/SHUTTERSTOCK There’s a reason why we flock to swimming holes every summer. Taking a dip in the deep, sparkling pools of water set amongst forests, waterfalls, and rocky bluffs is a whole […]

The Simple Secret to Buying the Perfectly Imperfect House in Today’s Insane Market

How many “first dates” have you been on with homes you hope to buy that ended up falling flat? The photos online looked good. On paper, the property had everything you need. But in person, you realize: No way. And at that price? Forget it. Welcome to the depressing reality of home shopping today. Low inventory, high housing […]

How Much Equity Can I Borrow from My House

If you’re wondering, “What’s the process for taking equity out of my home,” you’re not alone. As home values have skyrocketed, thousands of homeowners have tapped into their home’s equity to pay off debt, fund a remodel, or pursue other financial goals. To help bring you up to speed, we’ll be discussing how you can […]

The 2023 Swim Hole Challenge: Which Is Your New Favorite?

Lower Lewis River Falls IMAGE: ISAAC LANE KOVAL Looking for a spot to cool off? The Pacific Northwest is your oyster. But how are you to figure out which of the dozens of swim holes near Portland are best for you? We’ve got you covered, with 16 of the best places to splash around, for different […]

Build Some Buzz: How To Create a Bee Sanctuary in Your Garden This Summer

Thank you, gardeners, and all of your plants that delight us with colorful blooms and benefit the world with all that clean oxygen they produce! Want to boost your garden’s gifts further? The simple practice of nurturing a pollinator-friendly garden (hello, bees!) can go a long way in stewarding the land for the next generation. […]

Is It Worth It: Converting Your Front Yard into an Edible Garden

Like rain gardens, edible gardens are on the rise. If you’re a regular at the farmer’s market, that probably doesn’t come as a surprise. Perhaps you’ve thought about what it would take to grow your own heirloom tomatoes and summer squash—or maybe even plant an avocado tree. Or maybe you’ve been considering a more sustainable alternative to […]

Shhh: 5 Living Room Design Ideas That Nail the Quiet Luxury Trend

For the better part of 2023, the fashion world has been enamored with the quiet luxury movement. Characterized by a minimalist, quality-over-quantity ethos, quiet luxury is all about embracing timeless designs with a strong point of view and prioritizing good craftsmanship. Interior design trends are often informed by what’s “in” in fashion, so we weren’t surprised […]

The First Thing You Should Do to Make Your Home Greener (Spoiler: It Isn’t Switching to Electric)

You may know that the gold standard in environmentally responsible homes is known as passive housing—but what exactly does that mean? And is it possible to make your current home more passive? To find out, we talked to Katrin Klingenberg, executive director and co-founder of Passive House Institute US (Phius), a nonprofit dedicated to making passive […]

Renting vs. Owning — What Are the Advantages?

Many Americans doubt their ability to cover the costs of buying a home. But that only means exchanging monthly mortgage payments for monthly rent payments. Renting vs. owning — what are the advantages of each? Here are some things to consider before signing your next lease. Advantages of Renting Renting a house or an apartment has […]

From Low-Lift to Ready-to-Renovate, Here Are 6 Ways to Make Your Dark Room Lighter and Brighter

Not all rooms are blessed with natural light—but that doesn’t mean you should bury your dreams for lightness and brightness. There are a handful of tricks you can employ to pull almost any space out of the dark. From low-lift tweaks to crank up the lumens to renovation ideas for rooms (i.e. windowless basements) that […]

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO MUSHROOM FORAGING IN OREGON

Falling to his hands and knees, Cameron Rauenhorst excitedly peels back the shrubbery of a moss-covered hill to reveal a light-orange, button-shaped mushroom standing a few inches above the dirt. “Mushrooms love to hide,” he says. “It’s all about training your eyes to find that tiny hint of color.” After 20 years of foraging for […]

Portland’s Inclusive Playgrounds

Portland’s dedication to play for all is producing creative, accessible playgrounds for kids of all ages and abilities. It all began in 2009 when two Portland parents, G Cody QJ and April Goldberg, took matters into their own hands in an effort to create a play space where their then-five-year old daughter, Harper, could play […]

How to buy a house in 2023

This year may go down in real estate history as the year of correction. After a pandemic-fueled, seller-benefitting boom — with bidding wars, inventory shortages and spiraling prices all over the country — the housing market began to cool down in 2022. The impact of inflation and fast-rising interest rates dampened buyers’ interest, causing sales […]

5 Things All Homeowners Should Know Before Painting Their Walls

Painting the walls inside your home is a tried-and-true way to make an old space feel new again. While some homeowners hire professional painters, others do the job with their own two hands. But be forewarned: If you’re a DIY kind of person, a seemingly simple paint project can go awry. It might seem like all you […]

After Marking a Century, What’s Next for Oregon State Parks?

One of the nation’s best state parks systems is busy updating facilities, studying climate change, and becoming a more welcoming environment for all types of visitors. IMAGE: COURTESY JAKKAPAN/DIGITALLY MODIFIED BY PORTLAND MONTHLY S ince Oregon’s first state park was established 101 years ago, visitors have come to delight in the ability to easily access some of the […]

Make the Move Into Your New Home As Painless As Possible

Finally. You put your signature on the closing paperwork. You’re happy with your loan … well, as happy as you can be, considering the magnitude of the debt you just accepted. Stress dreams have mostly subsided, barring the occasional vision of some movers dropping your grandmother’s curio cabinet, shattering this priceless antique while they run […]

Can You Buy a House with No Money Down?

If you’re in the process of buying a home, one of the more challenging aspects can be saving for a down payment. When you’ve found your dream property, you want to do everything you can to expedite the process and become a homeowner, and once you calculate the down payment, it may not end up […]

5 Instagram-Inspired DIY Home Decor Projects To Tackle This Weekend

  Some home upgrades—notably anything involving plumbing or electricity—demand a professional. But others? Not so much. In fact, in an age when homeowners feel empowered to square off with many home improvement projects themselves, creating DIY decor has become a typical weekend activity. So to keep you busy during these first few weeks of spring, […]

What is Xeriscaping?

Xeriscaping is the practice of designing landscapes to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation. This means xeriscaped landscapes need little or no water beyond what the natural climate provides. Xeriscaping has been embraced in dry regions of the western United States. Prolonged droughts have led water to be regarded as a limited and expensive resource. Denver, Colorado, was one of the first urban areas to support xeriscaping. That citys […]

11 Decor Pieces From Amazon That Interior Designers Buy Over and Over Again

Amazon is the premier site to buy, well, anything. It’s even become a popular stop for budget-minded shoppers looking for home decor pieces. But, like the rest of the site, the Amazon home decor section is a bottomless pit of products. So to help you sift through all the options and find the real tried-and-true gems, we […]

What Is a Tudor House? This Architectural Style Is Right Out of a Fairy Tale

If you can imagine a storybook cottage straight out of a fairytale, then you have a good idea of what a Tudor home looks like. Tudor homes originated in England during the Tudor period (between 1485 and 1603) and ranged from smaller cottages to larger country manor homes. “You know you are looking at a Tudor home […]

The Home Appraisal Process: What Homebuyers Need to Know

The home appraisal process is just a formality when buying real estate, right? You’ve found the house you love and put in a good offer, and it was accepted! It’s time to break out the bubbly? Sorry, not yet. If you’ve applied for a mortgage, your home-to-be still has to undergo a comprehensive appraisal of its worth—and an unfavorable […]

12 incredible artists’ homes you can visit

Experiencing art on the wall of a museum or gallery is one thing, but to witness it within the surroundings where it was made is another, far rarer opportunity. Luckily a small number of the world’s most famous artists, from Monet and Rodin to Jackson Pollock and Louise Bourgeois, have had their homes and studios preserved as […]

What First-Time Buyers Must Know About Home Inspections

Ahome inspection can be a terrifying process to newbie buyers: What if the house you adore has major problems hiding beneath that shiny new coat of paint? If you lie awake haunted by visions of mold or foundation problems, it’s time to take a deep breath. Here’s everything you need to know about home inspections, and how (as scary as […]

How to Pick a Real Estate Agent When You’re Ready to Buy Your First Home

Wondering how to choose a Realtor®? Purchasing a new home takes some serious prep work—from cleaning up your credit score to amassing a down payment. But, hey, we’re just getting started! You also need a comrade in arms: a close ally to help steer you toward homes you’ll love more than life itself, find the best possible mortgage, and all in all […]

What to Watch for on Your Final Walk-Through of a Home

You’re this close to owning a new home, you can almost taste it. The closing paperwork is prepared, your new digs passed the inspection, and—wonder of wonders—you’re even happy with your loan. Homeownership is just on the other side of the hill. As long as the final walk-through goes according to plan. OK, take a breath—there’s no need to panic. The vast […]

Is It Worth It: Installing Solar Panels

If you’ve been thinking about installing solar panels, you’re not alone. Solar power has been heating up—and with good reason: It’s cheap, clean, and scalable. With just an hour and a half of sunlight, this renewable energy source could meet the world’s energy consumption for an entire year. But is solar power the right investment for […]

Hike of the Month: Linear Trail at L. L. “Stub” Stewart State Park

Spend a day exploring this state park’s 25-mile network of hiking, mountain biking, and horse-friendly trails. A 45-minute drive from Portland sits L. L. “Stub” Stewart State Park, an old tree farm with a 25-mile labyrinthine network of hiking, horseback riding, and mountain bike–only trails—plus two mountain-style disc golf courses among trees and sword fern, […]

Is It Worth It: Reupholstering Furniture

Some of the biggest decisions about homeownership come after you’ve closed the deal. Should you renovate that dated kitchen? Will adding an additional bathroom increase the value of your home? But also: How many place settings do you actually need? Should you ever buy anything at full price? And what’s the deal with renting furniture? […]

Sellers Beware! 5 White Lies That Could Hurt Your Chances of Selling Your Home for Top Dollar

We’ve all come to accept—and perhaps even expect—some of the enhanced language sellers use in real estate listings. You know the ones we’re talking about: “Cozy” can be code for small, “charming” likely means old, “efficient” often stands in for small, and “unique” might suggest it’s hard to sell. Yes, some sellers use language to […]

Buying a House Remodeled Without a Permit? Here’s What You’re on the Hook For

Imagine attending an open house and stepping into a newly remodeled master bathroom complete with brand-new Carrara marble tiling and a luxurious free-standing tub. Home improvements like this are enough to make potential home buyers fall in love, and it may even motivate you to make an offer on the spot. But what may seem like a dream perk […]

7 White Lies That Can Destroy Your Homebuying Chances

You’ve probably already told several white lies this week. Yes, really. When someone asks how you are, do you always mean it when you answer with, “Doing well”? Stretching the truth here and there is pretty standard. But when it comes to applying for a mortgage, you’re required to be 100% truthful about the nitty-gritty details […]

The Best Advice for Setting Up Your New Home? Pace Yourself. Here’s How.

Like all things in life, setting up your new home is more manageable if you break it down into steps and prioritize what needs to get done right away, and what can (or even should) wait. For advice on both, we talked to Shira Gill, home organizing expert and author of Minimalista, professional organizer Ioana Galdau of […]

What Is a Deed-Restricted Community? What to Know Before You Buy or Build a Home

The day I planned to close on an acre lot where I hoped to build a brand-new house, my real estate agent turned up a deed restriction that limited the number of garages I could construct. I had intended to build three, but according to the deed, I could have only two. This seems like […]

6 Tax Benefits of Owning a Home: A Complete Guide for Filing This Year

You may recall the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—the most substantial overhaul to the U.S. tax code in more than 30 years—went into effect on Jan. 1, 2018. The result was likely a big change to your taxes, especially the tax perks of homeownership. This revised tax code is still in effect today. You may […]

8 Surprising Signs a Bathroom Is Plagued by Bad Design

When touring a home you’re considering buying, the kitchen and living room might be the first places you size up. The bathroom might be a place you glance at, but beyond checking that it exists, few lavish much attention on the loo. But we’re here to say you should give each and every bathroom a closer look. Think […]

The 2022 Mortgage Interest Deduction: Your Guide To Limits And Qualifications

There isn’t much about taxes that gets people excited, except when it comes to the topic of deductions. Tax deductions are certain expenses you incur throughout the tax year that you can subtract from your taxable income, thus lowering the amount of money you pay taxes on. And for homeowners who have a mortgage, there […]

How Soon Can You Refinance a Mortgage?

Refinancing a mortgage is a big financial decision, and it largely depends on the reason you are refinancing and the amount of time from purchasing the home or your last refinance. Some types of home loans will let you refinance almost immediately, while others may require a period of time to elapse before refinancing. However, […]

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Homebuyers Today

There was a point, not too long ago, when buying a house was fairly straightforward: You’d schedule some tours, make an offer, and boom, you’re in the house before you know it. Today, though, the housing market is a very different animal—fast, ferocious, and ever-changing. In such an environment, it’s no longer a given that […]

What Is a Gingerbread-Style House? It’s Not Quite the Holiday Confection You’re Thinking Of

An iced cottage topped with gumdrops and peppermint candies is likely your first thought when you hear someone mention a gingerbread house. But a gingerbread-style home is also a beautiful architectural style with deep historic roots. You’ll know a gingerbread house when you spy one, notes Beverly Solomon of the eponymous design firm. “They’re the epitome of […]

It’s a 10, But: The Kitchen Is Totally Out-of-Date

You finally found a house that checks all the boxes—well, almost. There’s just one thing that’s bothering you, but you’re not sure how big of a deal it is. Welcome to our take on the internet’s favorite trend: It’s a 10, But. In this column, we’ll explore common issues and ask the experts to weigh […]

2023’s Top Kitchen Trends Are All About Saving Money, Honey

Is your kitchen begging for some updates or a full-on makeover? Then you’ll want to be up on the latest design trends and keep the environment in mind, too. A new survey of 3,600 homeowners by Houzz has found that an overwhelming majority of people planning a kitchen renovation this year (92%) are looking to include eco-friendly features. Some […]

5 Essential Things You Need to Know About Window Treatments

Window treatments—a catchall term for shades, blinds, shutters, and more—are one of the most impactful ways to make your new home feel cozier and more lived in. But once you start to explore your options (there are a lot) it can be easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why we asked experts to share the most important […]

Wake Up, Walls! 6 Paint Colors Experts Agree Will Be Everywhere This Spring

Spring is the quintessential time for cleaning and sprucing up your space. For many homeowners, that ritual includes refreshing tired walls with new paint. But choosing a paint color you won’t regret can be tricky. You might be torn between two (or five!) shades. Or maybe you’re just looking for something a bit out of the norm. The following […]

Why Purchasing New Construction Can Be a Smart Move for First-Time Homebuyers

Many first-time homebuyers might presume they’re better off going used rather than new—in other words, purchasing a pre-existing property rather than pricey new construction. While it’s true that brand-new homes often come with a heftier price tag upfront, these properties can actually end up being a good—even great—deal for first-time buyers. “It is true that new-construction homes, on […]

Condo, house, townhouse or apartment? How to choose

Finding a new place to plant roots isn’t solely about the price tag. Your real estate search is likely to include a range of options: condo vs. townhouse, condo vs. house, house vs. townhouse and more. As you stack different types of properties against each other, it’s important to think about not only what you […]

How Long Does it Take to Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval?

Before you start your house-hunting journey, you’ll need to know your budget. The most accurate way to do that is by getting pre-approved for a mortgage. How long does it take to get a mortgage pre-approval? To answer that, you’ll need to learn a bit more about the pre-approval process and what to expect when […]

Buying a home together? Avoid these common co-buying mistakes

Lessons from the field that will save you time, money, and stress along your co-buying journey. Most co-buyers are excited about the adventure of buying and owning a home together. At some point, many feel overwhelmed. This is normal. Buying a home is complicated, full stop. Compared to a married couple or a singleton, co-buyers […]

Marie Kondo Reveals Her Vows for the New Year—and How Her Tidying Advice Has Changed

Every new year, countless vows are made to declutter—which explains the enduring popularity of Marie Kondo. This tidying expert “sparked joy” around the world with the release of her bestselling book in 2010, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” Since then, she’s starred in her own Netflix series, “Sparking Joy With Marie Kondo,” recently released yet […]

7 Bathroom Renovation Projects That’ll Help—or Hurt—Your Home’s Value

Home improvements are—or should be—as much about the future value of your home as they are about improving your quality of life today. You might think installing a lap pool–size bathtub in your bathroom is a great idea. But before sinking thousands of dollars into any home project, you might want to consider whether that $10,000 will […]

8 Things You Should Get Rid of Before Moving Into Your New Home, According to Organizing Experts

You finally found your new home (yay!) and you’re ready to start prepping for the big move. One of the best things you can do to make the whole process of putting everything you own into boxes feel significantly less onerous is simple (and free): Ruthlessly declutter before you start packing your things. Not sure where to […]

The Pros and Cons of a Mortgage Buy-Down for Homebuyers, According to Loan Experts

Tough financial times call for creative financing. Historically high mortgage rates and a cooling housing market have caused buyers and sellers to look for novel ways to stretch their dollar and seal a deal. Buyers, scared by lofty mortgage rates that threaten to add hundreds of dollars to their monthly housing bill, are seeking out mortgage buy-downs as a way to […]

Poll: Homeowners Value Their Yards More

More than three-quarters of Americans who have a yard say the family yard space is one of the most important parts of their home, according to a poll of 1,700 consumers by the TurfMutt Foundation. Since the pandemic began, homeowners are showing more appreciation for their yards and spending more time in them, the poll […]

It’s What’s on the Outside That Matters: 5 Trends in Exterior Home Colors

Choosing a paint color for your home’s exterior can seem like a crazily daunting task. So many options! So crucial in making the right first impression on guests or potential buyers!  Should you go with basic beige, ho-hum neutral colors or (way) outside the paintbox? Thanks in part to influential designers like Joanna Gaines, more homeowners today are stepping away from […]

How Long Does Paint Last? The Expiration Date on Your Home’s Exterior and More Outdoors

How long does paint last? This question might sneak up on you as your home’s exterior paint job starts looking a bit worse for wear. After all, it takes effort to keep a house in tiptop shape, and if something’s gotta give, whatever’s outdoors tends to go first. And not just your house, but everything outside your […]

Before rushing into the hot housing market, here’s how to set yourself up for success

Looking for a new home may seem like a daunting task these days. Prices are up, inventory is low and mortgage rates are rising. That’s why, in this environment, it pays to do your homework before you enter the market. Once you start looking, you’ll have to move at light speed to place an offer, […]

How to Clean Painted Walls

Your home’s floors obviously need regular cleaning, but what about your walls? Although painted walls don’t accumulate dirt the same way that floors do, they will start to gather dust, grime, and stains over time, particularly in high-traffic areas. Plan to clean your painted walls about once a year, doing so gently so as not […]

Your Moving Checklist: 15 Things to Do Before Moving Into a New Home

Welcome to the ultimate moving checklist—a list of all the things you should do before moving into your new home. Let’s face it: With all the excitement of new digs, it’s easy to forget some important tasks. Plus, certain things are best done while the house is still vacant, long before your boxes and furniture are parked in the place. […]

Ten Ways to Find Out about a Neighborhood Without Being There

“So what’s the neighborhood really like?” is the ubiquitous refrain among home buyers shopping in areas they’re unfamiliar with. And though your real estate agent can fill lots of the big-picture details, it pays to do your research before committing to a residential purchase. Short of stopping people on the street for intel—and being greeted by strange, skittish […]

What Is a Storybook House? A Home Straight Out of a Fairy Tale

A storybook house is a quaint style of architecture known for its cottage-inspired sloping roof, turret, and other fanciful features. Also called fairy-tale homes, they essentially look like a family of elves or maybe Snow White herself would answer the door if you knocked. Although these houses evoke visions of the European countryside, this style is […]

What is a Loft Apartment? What to Know about Homes with Space to Spare

If you’re looking to rent or buy a spacious apartment with few walls closing you in, loft living can be your ticket to happiness. As its “lofty” description suggests, these studio apartment buildings are characterized by their soaring ceilings, concrete or hardwood floors, and open, all-one-room floor plans. Characteristics of a loft apartment Loft apartments are typically […]

Comparing Different Money-Saving Mortgages That Come With Big Catches

When it comes to making the largest purchase of their lives, most homebuyers would prefer to play it safe in choosing a loan. That’s why fixed-rate mortgages, the gold standard of home loans, have long been the most popular. These 15-, 20-, and 30-year mortgages aren’t exciting. But what they lack in style, they make […]

How I Furnished My Home for Less than $6k! Six Thrifty Tips!

Furnishing a home—whether you’re a new homeowner or you’ve moved to larger digs—can be a time- and budget-consuming struggle, especially if you want quality pieces that aren’t made of plasterboard and glue. But finding great furniture doesn’t have to swallow you—or your salary. In fact, I furnished my house for less than $3,000. A year […]

What is a Mediterranean Home? A Vacation Vibe Right at Home

Think iron balconies, terra-cotta roofs, and ornate details that evoke the romance of Spain or Italy—with the advantage that a trip across the Atlantic is not required to soak it all in. Mediterranean homes can be found right here in the United States! Also referred to as Spanish Modern, Mediterranean houses are found across the […]

The New Rules on Tapping Home Equity Today—and Some Common Mistakes To Avoid

Homeowners across the country are sitting on a record amount of home equity. Home equity refers to the difference between the current value of a home and how much is still owed on the mortgage. Therefore, if you have a house worth $400,000 and you’ve paid $100,000 toward your mortgage, your equity is equal to 25%. […]

How To Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time—in Today’s Haywire, High-Interest-Rate Housing Market

Buying a house while simultaneously selling your current home is always a treacherous tight wire to traverse—but in today’s high-priced, high-interest-rate housing market, it’s both a blessing and a curse. The good news for home sellers is that over the past year, demand for homes has driven prices through the roof, pushing home equity to record levels. […]

Six Home Renovation Mistakes People Make in the Winter

Renovating a home, no matter the time of year, can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. However, renovating in the winter may come with its own set of additional issues. Exterior renovations are especially risky during the colder months since the ground at your construction site can be slippery and wet. Plus, you need to take holiday […]

Kitchen Cabinets Need a New Look? 7 Savvy Design Tips To Improve Your Storage Space

Two smart moves when updating your kitchen cabinets include fresh paint and new hardware. But you should also look beyond paint samples or the shape of drawer pulls and think about how you use your kitchen, and whether the organization of your kitchen is doing the best job. “The best design in any room incorporates […]

4 Little Ways to Promote Peace of Mind and Positivity During Your Home Search

When you hear of a friend or family member buying a home, it sounds like a very wise thing to do—a savvy investment and a nice step to take in life. However, when roles are reversed and you are the prospective home buyer, you will quickly realize just how emotionally complex the process can be. […]

Are Property Taxes Lower for Condos or Townhouses?

Are property taxes lower for condos? What about townhouses? If you’re buying your first home, you might wonder how the type of home you buy may affect your taxes and whether buying a condo or a townhouse makes a difference. It seems plausible that a smaller home might come with a smaller tax bill, right? But […]

Decided Not To Sell? 5 Inexpensive Ways To Make Your Bathroom the Oasis of Your Dreams

Would-be home sellers have been facing quite a conundrum for the past few months. Sky-high mortgage rates and inflation have kept homebuyers from coming in droves like they did last year, and that, in turn, has caused homeowners to consider one crucial question: Should I list now or wait until the real estate market cools? If you’re […]

For Portland Homeowners and Interior Designers, Wallpaper Is Back

Cool new choices and YouTube tutorials help resurrect the midcentury trend. Local interior designer Mandy Riggar chose this paper from Portland-based collective Makelike for a client’s stairway. IMAGE: CHRISTOPHER DIBBLE Remember the glory days of patterned wallpaper? We’re thinking 1950s floor-to-ceiling patterns, more-is-more florals, and geometric shapes on every vertical surface. That was before the backlash—for decades, nobody would be […]

What Is a Saltbox House? A Colonial Style That Modern Buyers Love

Named for the shape of the container used to hold salt in colonial times, these homes have a steeply sloped roof that is much longer on one side than the other. Saltbox houses are common in New England, and back in the 18th century, housed many famous pioneers and patriots, including the second U.S. president, John Adams. Sturdy […]

Put the ‘Pow’ in Your Powder Room With These 5 Budget-Savvy Décor Ideas

Glamming up a guest bathroom is often a lower priority than, say, modernizing your kitchen or replacing your roof. But as the holidays approach—and your regular guests come a-calling—you might be looking for ways to spruce up your spare loo on the cheap. This week we gathered five trendy decor looks from Instagram—with affordable ways to get these […]

What Is Georgian Architecture? Symmetry and Sophistication Reign Supreme

Georgian architecture is an architectural style characterized by symmetry, balance, and proportion that traces its origins back to 18th century England. You’ll find this popular design scheme across the nation, though it’s concentrated in the Northeast, particularly in New England. Photo by Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd. Georgian architecture landed in the United States in […]

8 Real Estate Documents to Keep—and What Happens If You Don’t

After a real estate sale, there are a lot of documents to organize. But do you have to keep them all? After all, you don’t want to have to file all of it if you don’t have to; but you also don’t want to chuck something crucial. Your closing company is required by law to keep a […]

How To Sell Your Home During a Real Estate Slowdown

Selling a home is no longer the easy feat it was last year—or even six months ago. Between the news that we already seem to be slipping into an unofficial recession and a serious home market slowdown, many sellers feel like they’re facing a Sisyphean task. The Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate hike of 0.75% is expected to push up […]

34 Reasons to Love Portland’s Parks

PRETTY MUCH all of Portland’s more than 150 parks have a claim to fame. That’s what made it so difficult to narrow down this list—we could fill the rest of the pages in this magazine with our thoughts on where best to play disc golf (Pier Park) or go geocaching (there’s an easy one under a rhododendron bush at Laurelhurst Park, […]

How Long Does It Take to Improve Credit Score Enough to Buy a Home?

Having good credit helps you prove your creditworthiness to potential lenders. If you’re hoping to buy a home, having a good credit score is key, since it helps you qualify for a mortgage. So if your credit score is low, indicating bad credit, knowing how long it takes to raise it to the home-buying range can help you plan. Credit […]

Want To Buy a Historic Home? Know the Benefits and Risks

For many, buying a historic home is a dream. If you’ve ever gazed wistfully at a listing for a neglected Victorian manse or eagerly searched for midcentury modern homes in your area, you understand the appeal of owning a home with a fascinating history. But actually buying and owning a historic home is a real commitment—one that can come […]

How To Ace a Home Inspection and Sell Your Home Fast

The home inspection can be a particularly stressful part of the homebuying process for buyers, but the equally anxious seller might be waiting with bated breath for the results as well. The buyer is typically responsible for scheduling and paying for the home inspection, but if the house is revealed to have major issues, the seller can be […]

7 Tax Benefits of Owning a Home: A Complete Guide for Filing This Year

You may recall the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—the most substantial overhaul to the U.S. tax code in more than 30 years—went into effect on Jan. 1, 2018. The result was likely a big change to your taxes, especially the tax perks of homeownership. This revised tax code is still in effect today. You may […]

Change the Locks—and 7 Other Steps You Should Take To Protect Your Vacant Home After Closing

So you made it through the closing process. Congrats! You’re finally off the emotional roller coaster that is shopping for and bidding on a house. The inspections are complete, the paperwork has been signed, and you have the keys to your new place. Welcome to your new life as a homeowner. But even though your home […]

6 Homebuying ‘Rules’ You’ve Heard Lately—and Should Actually Break

It’s been a mad, mad world the past few years, and that very much includes the real estate market. But the times, they are a changin’—yet again. And the good news for potential homebuyers is that the “anything goes” rules of the COVID-19 pandemic housing market frenzy are lifting. While we have yet to reach […]

What Are Mortgage Points? Upfront Fees That Could Save You Money

The interest rate your mortgage lender offers you when you buy or refinance a house is not necessarily the rate you have to stick with. In fact, you can lower your mortgage rate by shelling out at closing for something called mortgage points. But what are they and how can they save you some serious […]

10 Grand Lodges of the Pacific Northwest

Cascadia has timbered villas and chalets aplenty. But what exactly makes a grand lodge? It should breathe an air of epic romance, a place where quotidian worries succumb to wild beauty and creature comforts. These 10 retreats invoke the mythic best of the Northwest. And each has its perfect season. Winter CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Timberline’s 400-ton […]

Gresham’s New Library Could Be Our Starchitect Moment

Seattle has the Frank Gehry designed MoPop, a shimmer of color and curves, and Rem Koolhaus’ sinuous, blinding downtown central library. A Renzo Piano skyscraper towers over San Francisco’s SoMa district and his California Academy of Sciences building anchors the museum district in Golden Gate Park. And there’s Gehry again in downtown LA for the Disney Concert Hall.  […]

5 Ways To Sell Your Home for More Money (Without Spending Big Bucks)

Real estate over the last two and a half years can really be summed up by one phrase: Epic seller’s market. We’ve seen countless people list their homes and receive multiple offers over asking—all while doing the bare minimum to fix up or market their property. Home sellers, we have to be honest here: you’ve had it […]

A Homeowner’s Guide to HOAs: Homeowners Associations, Explained

Many homes across the United States are part of an HOA, or homeowners association. So what does that mean? In a nutshell, an HOA helps ensure that your community looks its best and functions smoothly. If you’re buying a condo, townhouse, or free-standing home in a neighborhood with shared common areas and amenities (such as swimming pools, […]

Don’t Be Gross, and 6 Other Things Your Housecleaner Wishes You Knew

Hate cleaning your house? No one could blame you: There’s precious little fun in scrubbing toilets. Or wiping down grime-streaked windows to the point where your elbows are sore for weeks. And you probably cringe when you think about your living room’s floor-to-ceiling built-in shelves, whose upper levels haven’t seen a dust rag since Tony Soprano faded abruptly to black. Enter the […]

Brrr! 4 Nasty Surprises You May Face Owning a New Home This Winter

When you buy a home, there are usually a flurry of things you look forward to in your first winter season—like watching the snow fall through your living room window, snuggling up next to a crackling fireplace, and even making snow angels in the front yard. But some of the things you may discover during […]

Flush Out the Old: Go Luxe in the Loo With These 5 Affordable Bathroom Trends

When you think of the most design-forward room in your home, does the bathroom come to mind? For most of us, the answer is a resounding NO. In fact, unless you’re lucky enough to have a spa space with a free-standing tub and a rain shower, rarely do bathrooms go down in history as the most meditative […]

Glow-Up Your Kitchen With These 5 Whimsical Looks Under $200

Do you ever wish your kitchen could be a bit more than just a functional, meal-prep room? Sure, you want ample counter space and all the latest kitchen gadgets. But maybe you also want a dash of decor that feels authentically you—a perfect piece that conveys the same warmth and quirk as a professionally-designed kitchen (without […]

Buyer Bargaining Power Is Back: Survey Reveals 5 Shocking Things Sellers Cave On Today

While homebuyers haven’t had much (or any) room to haggle amid the seller’s market that’s reigned for the past two years, a new report offers some indisputable proof that those days are officially over. A recent survey by Realtor.com and HarrisX of 449 Americans who sold their home in the past 12 months reveals that sellers aren’t driving […]

Every Portland Suburb in a Nutshell

Okay, so it’s official. A lot of people want to move to the Portland suburbs. (Not to mention the ever-increasing number of restaurants within city limits that are opening up suburban offshoots.) Home prices, walk scores, days on market—all of that is a good indication of what a place is like, but to really get to the heart of […]

ARM vs. Fixed-Rate Mortgage: Which Home Loan Is Better for You?

If you’re raring to buy a home, chances are you’ll need a mortgage. But which kind of mortgage should you get? Home loans aren’t one size fits all, but come in a variety of forms to suit home buyers in different circumstances. One good place to start figuring out your options is a mortgage calculator, where you can […]

On the House: Should First-Time Homebuyers Press the Pause Button?

I’ve been hearing that the housing market is slowing down and prices may even start falling. Should I put my home search on hold to get a better deal down the road? The news has been filled with stories about how the housing market is finally cooling—after more than two years of unprecedented price growth and […]

6 Reasons You Should Never Buy or Sell a Home Without an Agent

It’s a slow Sunday morning. You’ve just brewed your Nespresso and popped open your laptop to check out the latest home listings before you hit the road for a day of open houses. You’re DIYing this real estate thing, and you think you’re doing pretty well—after all, any info you might need is at your fingertips online, right? […]

Learning the Lingo: Architecture Edition

OK, let’s get this straight: Craftsman isn’t just the brand name of the tools out in the garage, and Cape Cod isn’t just a fabulous vacation spot. We understand your confusion and feel your pain. There’s so much architecture lingo and name-dropping in listings, how’s a layman supposed to know what’s what? Oh look, realtor.com® to the […]

Should You Buy a House With Roof Damage? The Surprising Benefits—and Challenges

For most home shoppers, any mention of roof damage is enough to send them sprinting in the opposite direction. Buyers who are not in the market for a fixer-upper are typically trying to nab a house in the best possible condition, and roof damage can be seriously costly to repair. But should a faulty roof scare you off, or […]

I’m Priced Out of Single-Family Homes. Should I Buy a Condo Instead?

Feel like you’re priced out of the housing market? You’re in good company. Rising mortgage rates mean that millions of homebuyers have been shut out of the market. That, coupled with home prices that are currently up 17% compared with last year, means many buyers are simply giving up on their dream of owning a […]

The Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing

If the time has come to get a new roof for your home, you might like to consider the option of metal roofing. This important improvement project is something most long-time homeowners will eventually have to undertake, and choosing the proper roofing material should not be taken lightly. A functioning roof will protect your home from harsh outdoor […]

What Is a Colonial Home? American Architecture Appreciated Across the Country

AColonial home is an architectural style that can be found in neighborhoods all across the United States. From California to the Carolinas, different iterations of these homes still capture the eye of buyers with an appreciation for classic, historic American architecture. But how do you know you’re looking at the real thing? Let’s take a look at […]

Arts and Crafts Style Explained: What It Is and Why It’s Trending 120 Years Later

Arts and Crafts is more than just a preschool activity—and if you’ve ever swooned over the homes by architect William Morris, then you know the gorgeously detailed aesthetic we mean. But for the rest of us, the name can be a little confusing. So what exactly is the Arts and Crafts movement, and where the heck […]

4 Home-Buying Mistakes That Trip Up Unmarried Couples

First comes love, then comes … a mortgage?! That’s right: Many couples are buying a home together before tying the knot. In fact, 1 in 4 homeowners said they purchased a home with their significant other before marriage, according to a 2016 survey by TD Bank. And that’s presuming they end up tying the knot after all; many continue cohabiting without […]

In Defense of Buying a Historic Home: It Could Be Downright Amazing

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of buying a beautifully built home, something that doesn’t look like it came out of a cookie cutter. And you probably also get some side eye as soon as you mention your historic-home dreams. Real estate agents, friends, and family are often quick to tell you to think twice before investing in […]

What Is a Ranch House? A Suburban Architectural Gem

What is a ranch house? If there’s one architectural style that says “suburbia,” it’s this type of home design. Comfortable in design and humble in every sense of the word, this iconic, homegrown archetype actually has a glamorous past. What is a ranch house? The American ranch arose in the 1930s as an alternative to […]

5 Home Renovation Trends That Will Spruce up Your Space

Home renovation trends are constantly evolving. Many homeowners struggle to find the perfect balance, because the rules are always changing. Between creating a home that will sell for top dollar to living in a space that reflects their taste now, it’s a difficult balance to strike. Following home trends just because they offer more profit […]

8 Surprising Lessons a Real Estate Editor Learned Buying Her First House

When I started looking for a home during the COVID-19 pandemic, I thought I had a good idea of what I was up against. As a real estate reporter and editor, I was writing stories each week about home prices hitting record highs, inventory shriveling up, and bidding wars going insane—especially in the suburbs where […]

What to Look For in a Fixer-Upper: Signs the Home Isn’t a Money Pit

Renovating a fixer-upper is not for the faint of heart. It takes money, hard work, and patience. But if you’re able to pull off a successful transformation, you’ll reap the benefits. “Fixing up a house is an incredible opportunity, but should never be viewed as a TV show. It’s real life,” says Elizabeth Enright Phillips, a financial coach […]

On the House: Should I Max Out My Budget To Buy My First Home?

Q:Between the increases in mortgage rates and prices, it’s so hard to afford a home now. Should I max out my budget? Don’t do it. Granted, it’s hard not to buy a home at the top of your budget when prices have hit record highs and mortgage rates are climbing—especially if you fall in love with a […]

What Is a Victorian House? A Home Fit for Romantics

A Victorian house sounds like it comes from the Victorian era. And the Victorian era conjures up images of women in corsets and hoop skirts lounging on fainting couches. But where? In a Victorian house, of course. But what exactly is a Victorian house? Even some people familiar with the term aren’t exactly sure what […]

7 Architectural Elements You Should Never Touch During a Renovation

Older homes have plenty of charm, but they also have their inconveniences: drafts, slanting floors, closed-in kitchens, and tiny bathrooms. The way we live now is just different. So if you’re considering updating an older home to incorporate modern comforts, there’s something appealing about just doing a gut renovation and starting with a clean slate. Then you […]

The Truth Behind Those Gorgeous Historic Home Renovations

So you watched another home improvement show and saw another perfectly-modern-and-still-perfectly-historic home renovation. It is gorgeous. It is flawless. It has a kitchen you can actually cook in. Oh, be still, beating heart! Next thing you know, you’re browsing home listings online with the filter set to “hopelessly optimistic.” You’re determined: you’re going to find your own […]

What Is a Queen Anne Victorian? An Ornate Style of Architecture With Historic Roots

Elaborate. Eclectic. Flamboyant. These are just a few of the words used to describe the Victorian era’s popular Queen Anne house style. When San Francisco’s iconic row of Painted Ladies along Alamo Square Park was pictured in the opening credits of TV sitcom “Full House,” it introduced wider audiences to these majestic homes. The “ladies” […]

Homebuyers, Here’s How To Stay Positive in Today’s Crazy-Competitive Seller’s Market

The real estate market has never been better for sellers. Over the past year, the low housing inventory and record-high prices gave most sellers the opportunity to make big profits quickly. Homes typically sold in one week and received full asking price, according to the National Association of Realtors®’ 2021 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. And […]

Beautiful Backyard Landscaping Ideas

The backyard landscaping ideas you choose aren’t just about keeping the neighbors from complaining about the mess. Your backyard should be an oasis, a place where you want to spend time. But while most homeowners pine for a green patch of land to call their own, once they’ve got it, they very rarely visit the place. […]

8 Bathroom Remodel Ideas That Really Pay Off

Good bathroom remodel ideas aren’t just about saving you money. They’re also about helping you start your day off right. Let’s get real: The first room you stumble into in the morning—bleary-eyed, dazed, and yawning—should be a soothing oasis. A bathroom that achieves those lofty heights? That’s a bathroom you can love. That’s why these most special of rooms are second […]

Home Showing and Open House Advice

Having an open house is the exciting part of selling a home, but let’s face it: It takes a lot of work to get there. Once you’ve made repairs, picked a real estate agent, and decided on an asking price, your home is almost ready for market—but first, how about a little primping and polishing? Or maybe a lot of […]

Budget-Friendly Landscaping Ideas

A home with a gorgeous yard isn’t just easy on the eyes: Well-landscaped homes also sell for 5.5% to 12.7% more, according to research at Virginia Tech. Only problem is, professional landscaping costs an average of $3,219, according to HomeAdvisor.com. But pros aren’t the only way to go. Here’s proof: seven cheap landscaping ideas that provide all the lush greenery […]

Fact or Fiction? 6 Down Payment Myths You Should Stop Believing Immediately

If you’re thinking about buying your first home, that pesky down payment has probably kept you awake more than a few nights. We get it—while a pre-approval is crucial for determining your buying power, it’s the down payment that shows you mean business. But saving up is hard. In a study conducted by NerdWallet, 44% of respondents said […]

What Is a Buyer’s Agent? A Trusted Guide Who’ll Help You Find a Home

Ready to house hunt? It’s a jungle out there: Prepare for a flurry of paperwork, stampedes of buyers competing for the same digs, and other challenges, before you get your hands on those house keys. We won’t lie: The process can be complex and stressful—especially if you are a first-time buyer. Having a real estate […]

How Much Are Closing Costs? Plus: How to Avoid Closing Costs

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or have purchased property before, if you get a mortgage to buy a home, you’ll have to pay closing costs. These fees, paid to third parties to help facilitate the sale of a home, typically total 2% to 7% of the home’s purchase price. So on a $250,000 home, you can expect the amount to […]

What Is a Good Credit Score to Buy a House?

If you’re hoping to buy a home, one number you’ll want to get to know well is your credit score. Also called a credit rating or FICO score (named after the company that created it, the Fair Isaac Corporation), this three-digit number is a numerical representation of your credit report, which outlines your history of paying […]

Is Your Home Energy-Efficient? 8 Red Flags That’ll Drain Your Wallet and Destroy the Earth

Going green feels good, which is why we recycle cans and fill up reusable water bottles. Still, much bigger and pricier waste might be sailing right out your doors and windows if the home you’re in (or hope to buy) isn’t energy-efficient. Truth is, old houses are notoriously expensive to heat and cool, but even […]

Do You Need a Realtor for New Construction? Here’s Everything to Know

Have you ever wondered, “Do I need a Realtor for new construction?” After all, when you’re house hunting, the allure of new construction is undeniable. You get to be the first to live in the pristine home—one untouched by grimy hands or muddy shoes. It’s full of brand-new appliances and the finishes and treatments that […]

Hands Off: What Stays With a House When You Sell It?

When standup comedian Nathan Brannon moved into his newly purchased home in rural Washington state, it seemed the joke was on him: The previous owner had left the pegboard on the garage wall, but had taken all the pegs. “When I first saw the pegs were missing, I was super confused; I mean, what are you going […]

Home-Buying Benefits for Veterans & Military Buyers

Veterans, service members, and their families believe in homeownership. In fact, the homeownership rate among veterans far outpaces that of civilians. But the financial toll of military service can make it tough for some veterans to get a financial foothold, let alone land a home loan. The good news is those who serve have access […]

The New Rules of Renovating: 5 Harsh Truths About Home Improvement Today

Renovating a home is no piece of cake. Renovating during an unending pandemic? That’s another challenge entirely. Tradespeople are overbooked. Supply chain shortages abound. But you can get the job done—especially if you know the new rules of the road. If you’ve been thinking of tackling a home improvement project in the near future, keep […]

How To Pick a Paint Color You Won’t Regret

Two years ago, we painted a major living area in our home—a large, open-concept space that contains our family room and kitchen, with high ceilings and lots of natural light. We took it from a garish mustard yellow to white. The room now looks so light, so bright, so green. How could this be? It turns […]

How to Shop for a Mortgage: A Home Buyer’s Guide to the Right Type of Loan

Are you a borrower with a down payment wondering how to shop for a mortgage? We know: Looking for loan products is not exactly what most people would think of as a fun shopping project. Still, your ability to sniff out a great mortgage rate is crucial to your financial well-being as a future homeowner, because the decision you […]

A Primer on Kitchen Appliances

One of the most exciting aspects of a kitchen remodel is choosing your fridge, stove, and other appliances. After all, this is where tech and style combine into sleek, sexy packages that can make even takeout veterans drool! That’s why we’ll take you through choosing the appliances your new kitchen needs, and the questions that’ll […]

The Right Way to Clean a Kitchen

Learning how to clean a kitchen might not seem like rocket science, but it’s definitely a lost art—something previous generations of homemakers obsessed over. We’re not saying you should remain tethered to a mop and bucket, but given the heavy foot traffic this area gets—not to mention all the food passing through—learning the right way to keep dirt, grime, and germs at […]

A Homebuyer’s Guide to the Appraisal Gap: Why It Happens and What To Do

If you’re thinking of buying a home in today’s market, you need to be prepared for the possibility of an appraisal gap. So what is an appraisal gap? An appraisal gap is when a home’s appraised value is lower than the purchase price the buyer has offered to pay. Appraisal gaps are becoming increasingly common […]

6 Home Design Trends So Popular, They May Break the Internet Any Day Now

With new waves of COVID-19 cases surging across the U.S., it’s understandable that Americans are still spending a ton of time at home—and decorating up a storm in order to make their places more versatile and functional than ever. That, at least, was the latest finding of Houzz‘s 2021 Emerging Home Design Trends Report, which examined […]

High-Efficiency Washer and Dryer: How Much Will You Save?

Having a high-efficiency washer and dryer is widely lauded as a way to save money and the planet in one fell swoop. But do you know exactly how much cash these appliances can save you—and how? Before you lug your old-school laundry apparatus out to the curb, here’s what you need to know about these energy-saving appliances in plain […]

5 Instagram Looks That’ll Make Your Foyer Bloom This Season

Every spring, the design world seems to come out in full bloom to celebrate, and this year is no exception. This week, we’re shaking off our drab neutrals and heavy winter blankets for lighter, brighter, and more vibrant pops of color—and it’s all happening in the foyer. From flower-shaped designs to peppy welcome mats, this […]

Smart tips for couples who buy a house without first tying the knot

When it comes to purchasing a house, most people are not alone: 60% of homebuyers in the U.S. are married couples, according to the National Association of Realtors. Still, the share of unmarried people, from romantic partners to housemates, who are buying a place together has risen to 9%, the real estate association found. The incentive to buy […]

How to Keep Your House Cool: The Lazy Homeowner’s Guide

In a heat wave—when temperatures spike and utility bills go berserk—you’ll want to know how to keep your house cool. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, climate control uses more energy and costs more money than any system in your home, accounting for up to 48% of your monthly bill. And no doubt, the percentage […]

The New Rules of Homebuying Today: 5 Secrets To Succeed in a Red-Hot Market

Here’s an understatement for you: Buying a home today is not the same as it used to be. In fact, it’s a whole new ballgame. The COVID-19 pandemic, of course, is largely to blame—throwing the economy for a loop, interrupting supply chains that feed home construction efforts, and forcing many of us to reassess just […]

Federal Judge Overturns Oregon Ban on Homebuyer ‘Love Letters’

Oregon’s first-in-the-nation ban on cover letters from prospective homebuyers is too broad, per last week’s ruling. A federal judge has overturned Oregon’s ban on prospective homebuyer “love letters”  — written materials attached to a homebuyer’s offer explaining why the seller should select them. In 2021, Oregon became the first state in the union to ban […]

How to Lower Your Electric Bill This Summer: 10 Easy Tips

You know it’s coming, that sweltering beast we all call summer. The blistering weather brings more than just lethargy and unsightly sweat stains—it can also lead to sky-high electric bills as you crank up the AC. But if your energy expenses are making you feel faint, don’t fear: Just like prepping your home for winter, […]

What Is a Home Warranty? Peace of Mind for Home Buyers

What is a home warranty? In a nutshell, it’s a policy a homeowner pays for that covers the cost of repairing many home appliances if they break down. After all, lots of things you buy come with a warranty in case they break down, from cars to smartphones. But what about homes? It turns out […]

7 Home Maintenance Tricks That Will Save Money and Energy

The electricity you use to power your home can cost a pretty penny. The average family spends $1,900 a year on utility bills, according to the government’s Energy Star program. But did you know that performing simple home maintenance tasks can substantially bring down the cost of your energy bills—and increase your home’s efficiency? Saving […]

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Giving Back This Season

As Thanksgiving is slowly approaching and we are frantically and anxiously deciding  whether to visit our relatives, host a friendsgiving, or skip it all together, let’s take a moment and think about all the things 2020 has shown us. Let’s think about all the ways we can be better humans and help out in our communities. […]

Want New Walls? We Can Help!

Are you tired of your walls. Like literally if you have to look at them for another 6 months you may scream? Good news. The the real estate market is still brisk. More good news. There are more buyers than houses for sale on the market. That means with the law of supply and demand, […]

Bridlemile Magazine – June 2020

Our very own, Robyn Hartmeyer, has a wonderful article about her in Bridlemile Magazine.

14 Millennials Got Honest About How They Afforded Homeownership

For most millennials I know, the American dream of homeownership doesn’t just feel far away, but impossible. Especially if you live in an urban area, if your own parents didn’t own a home, if you’re saddled with student debt — it doesn’t matter if a mortgage payment might be equal to what you’re paying in rent […]

Oregon Legislature Passes Nation’s First State-wide Ban on Single-Family Zoning in Cities

Two- three- and four-unit buildings will now be allowed in urban Oregon neighborhoods on lots where only one home was previously allowed. The Oregon Legislature took the dramatic step of passing a bill on the final day of the 2019 session that will require at least duplexes be allowed in city neighborhoods where previously only one […]

10 awful, oddball Portland-area homes get flipped

See crazy before, after photos Can you recognize a house with “good bones” even when it’s buried in debris? Flippers can. They lay down cash for a dwelling deemed unlivable, then remodel, restore and remake it into a property a new buyer will pay a bundle for. Or so they hope. Check out these before […]

This Otherworldly Museum in China Is Buried Beneath the Earth

Hidden between the sea and the sand, the UCCA Dune Art Museum is a sanctuary for nature and art. Simple, pure, and touching, the UCCA Dune Art Museum is a fascinating network of subterranean concrete galleries carved into the sand of a quiet beach along the coast of northern China’s Bohai Bay in Qinhuangdao. Designed […]

Emotions flare as Portland, long friendly to neighborhoods, weighs gutting their powers

As it gets more expensive to live in Portland, officials have been pondering: What to do when the city’s vaunted neighborhood associations seem to act more like swank homeowner associations? The answer reached by a government committee – to erase neighborhood associations from the city code altogether – has dozens of neighborhood leaders sounding the […]

Why Beaverton, Oregon Is One of the Coolest Suburbs in America

Beaverton was chosen as one of Apartment Therapy’s Coolest Suburbs in America 2019. We showcased the burbs nationwide that offer the most when it comes to cultural activities, a sense of community, and simply a good quality of life. For more on how we define “cool” and what exactly counts as a suburb, check out […]

Baseball Investors Gear Up For Marketing Push

The plan to bring Major League Baseball to Oregon is rounding the bases, and its founder believes this summer is going to be a grand slam. You’d be forgiven for thinking the plan to build a Major League Baseball stadium in Portland has struck out. Or at least faced a rain delay. The Portland Diamond Project, […]

Meet the Mastermind Behind the Plywood Cartoons Invading Portland, Oregon

IF YOU’RE CRUISING AROUND PORTLAND, Oregon, and come across across a six-foot-tall cut-out of Patrick, the pink, portly starfish from SpongeBob SquarePants, chances are good that Mike Bennett left it there for you to find. For the past few months, Bennett has been busy with plywood, paint, and power tools, speckling his front yard and the city streets […]

Portland’s Home Care Experts Spill Their Secrets

TILE “Always double-check your tile quantities and purchase more tile than you think you will need. We recommend 10–15 percent for waste and cuts,” says Megan Coleman, cofounder of local modern tile maker Clayhaus. She adds, “if you are going to go busy on your countertop, go simple on your backsplash, and vice versa. Only one can […]

‘Flintstone’ house sparks lawsuit from California town: ‘It’s an eyesore’

The quirky home features dinosaurs and a sign proclaiming ‘Yabba-dabba-doo’, but neighbors aren’t amused. California architecture has captured the world’s imagination with its classic midcentury bungalows and beach houses. But one architectural landmark in the state has gone a distinctively different route, and it’s not to the town’s liking. The “Flintstones” home in northern California appears to […]

Where to See Wildflowers This Season

This winter may have been drier than last year’s, when record-breaking snow and rainfall brought wildflower superblooms to national parks and fields across the West, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to spot gorgeous blossoms this spring. As temperatures continue to rise, wildflower season is in full swing. Here are some prime spots to catch […]

How To Give Your Home A Feng Shui Makeover — In One Day

After years as a feng shui consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how interior design can transform people’s lives in positive and uplifting ways. The month of January is actually considered the best time to prepare for a feng shui makeover since it falls right before the Chinese New Year and during a time when many of us […]

Portland Ranked the TOP city for nature lovers

More than 80% of America’s population is clustered in its cities. This, of course, is no surprise. After all, cities are where the jobs are, where public transportation makes it a snap to get around, where you can get a whole roasted pig head delivered with a single tap on your iPhone, where beautiful people congregate in herds. It’s […]

Deconstructing Portland’s Old homes

Portland’s City Council has given the go-ahead on a measure requiring contractors who demolish homes built before 1916 to fully deconstruct them. The idea is that the materials become available for reuse, as opposed to simply thrown in the landfill. The Council approved the measure unanimously. Portland is the nation’s first to pass such a […]

Shipping Containers are coming to PDX

What once may have hauled everything from new sneakers to smartphones across the seas and across the country could now be part of the answer to Portland’s housing state of emergency. At least that’s how Montana-based Montainer Inc. is in part positioning its entry into the Portland market next week. The company, which is headquartered […]

Millennials love Portland!

When it comes to their perfect city, a majority of millennials want a thriving job market, affordable rent and home prices, lots of parks and hiking trails, non-chain restaurants and, of all things, quality pizza. So say the folks at apartment rental company Abodo, which recently released t he results of a survey that shows […]

Portland forecloses on the first of many “zombie houses”

The abandoned house at 8515-8517 N. Portsmouth Ave. has sparked complaints from neighbors for 24 years. Its owner has violated multiple city codes over the past five years and racked up more than $66,000 in liens. But its days as a nuisance are coming to an end. Last week, the Portland City Council unanimously voted to […]

The city of Portland wants YOUR input on housing issues

Portlanders down over demolition in the city’s neighborhoods will be able to share their laments and ideas with the city during a series of open houses throughout the summer. The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability’s Residential Infill Project and a stakeholder advisory committee are currently exploring different ways to tweak the city’s zoning rules to […]

Portland’s Historic Homes

Every building has a story, some are just more interesting than others. Take for example, the latest Oregon properties to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places: The 1915 Fairview City Jail, a concrete building with “ornate” iron cell gates that never really served as a jail, and an 1929 English Arts & Crafts-stylehouse […]

Gentrification hits Portland’s elementary schools the hardest

PORTLAND, Oregon—Across Portland’s Albina district, chic cafes advertise pour-over coffee and delicacies such as blueberry basil donuts. On Mississippi Street, hollowed-out school buses and roadside stands sell vegan barbecue and bacon jam empanadas. The street signs read “Historic Mississippi,” a nod to the area’s century-old roots, but it’s increasingly difficult to find spots that don’t […]

Is Portland becoming the next San Francisco?

PORTLAND—This city that prides itself on being different has been experiencing a problem all too common of late. It used to be unique, people say, a utopia where people could get tattoos and ride their bikes everywhere and just be weird. Portland was so affordable, as the slogan went, that young people went there to […]

This golden West Linn Mansion could be yours for $18mill!

A West Linn mansion listed for $18 million comes with bidets, a Benihana hibachi table and bragging rights that Bruce Willis slept here. It’s not the most expensive residential listing ever in Oregon, but the Mediterranean palace on 35 acres, named Villa de l’or (house of gold or mountains), is at the very top right now. Listing […]

What do Portland, Denver, and Seattle have in common?…

SEATTLE, WA – Denver, Seattle and Portland, Oregon are the hottest real estate markets so far in 2016, according to Redfin, the next-generation real estate brokerage. In its latest report, Redfin measured housing markets’ hotness based on the percentage of listings designated as Hot Homes, those likely to go under contract within 14 days according […]

Portland Stays Afloat on their Mortgages more than most

When it comes to staying above water in terms of their mortgages, Portlanders are staying afloat much more than homeowners in other metro regions across the country. According to a new report from real estate firm Zillow, Portland has the third-lowest rate of negative equity in the United States. Negative equity is when a homeowner […]

Portland’s Hotel Boom!

It’s not (just) a façade: Portland’s tourism market really is supercharged. Here are 10 hotel projects—some brand-new, some retooled—that will soon cash in on that demand. You thought the Portland skyline couldn’t possibly pack in any more condos, cranes, and high-rises? Bear witness to the storm about to hit: Portland’s next big hotel boom. As the Portland […]

Portland Real Estate Investing tips

Quick Hits: If you’re planning to buy a home, do it now before prices go higher. If you’re thinking of buying a rental property as an investment, be careful how much you pay. Investments in housing developments will do well in the next couple of years, especially apartment projects. Mortgages written now will be protected […]

Portland’s Home Shortage

The supply of homes for sale in Portland has declined 31.6 percent since last April, the largest drop of any major city in the country, according to a new report. And the resulting shortage has helped push Portland home prices up 15.1 percent to $325,400 over the past year, the second-highest increase reported by the […]

Portland… say what?!

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland’s housing market is booming right now, but apparently so is the luxury housing market. In a new report from Christie’s International Real Estate, Portland comes in at number 8 on a list of the world’s hottest luxury housing markets. “This house is listed at 2.7 million,” said Terry Sprague, as he […]

Comming soon in Lents

A new food cart pod, pub and a market-rate apartment building are likely on the menu for the Lents neighborhood after the Portland Development Commission approved the sale of a slice of property at the corner of Southeast Woodstock Boulevard and Southeast 93rd Avenue. The PDC Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 Wednesday night to approve […]

Mark your calendars – the Portland Modern Home Tour!

On Saturday, June 4th, the 2016 Portland Modern Home Tour will give area-residents the rare opportunity to explore eight incredible modern homes in the City of Roses and meet the local architects behind the designs. Modern Home Tours also welcomes the Architecture Foundation of Oregon as the tour’s non-profit partner for the first time. Portland, […]

A high-rise high school slated for downtown Portland

Plans are underway for another eight-story building in downtown Portland. But it’s not a new condo, or office tower – it’s a school. Many of Portland’s recent boundary changes aim to relieve overcrowding at Lincoln High School in downtown. But long-term, the district wants Lincoln to be bigger. The problem is that Lincoln is on a […]

Portland Property Taxes Mapped!

Oregon’s unusual and complicated property tax system puts the brakes on how much your bill can grow each year, but it also allows for unavoidable and unexpected exceptions to the rule. Housing reporter Luke Hammill recently explained some surprising changes in tax bills for residents of Portland’s Lents neighborhood between 2014 and 2015. To help identify […]

Next Stop Tigard! Light Rail Planned to connect Downtown to Tigard

A steering committee has picked light rail to link downtown Portland and Tigard, and opted to ditch a plan that would have called for a tunnel to serve Portland Community College’s Sylvania campus. The selection follows a likeminded recommendation earlier this month from planners at the Metro regional government. The planners said light rail would cost less […]

More Affordable housing coming soon to PDX

In an effort to counteract an increasingly problematic housing crisis in Portland where soaring rents and housing costs have displaced thousands of residents, the Portland Housing Bureau has delivered its highest funding allocation to date to support the construction of affordable homes. Roughly $47 million in both local and federal funding was earmarked last week […]

New Apartment building designed for bike enthusiasts

In Portland’s Eliot neighborhood, a cycling-centric apartment building is wrapping up construction along Northeast Cook Street. The mixed-use, 206-unit Cook Street Apartments is the largest complex in the North Williams Corridor and borders North Williams Avenue, a bike route that connects commuters over the Broadway Bridge directly into the City Center, about two miles away. […]

Looking in Portland’s Hot market? Here’s what you need to know

When Caitlin and Charles Vestal began looking to buy a home in January, the search quickly felt like a full-time job… Here’s what they found: A market that posted the nation’s largest year-over-year gains in home values for four straight months between October and January. Prices that have risen by double-digit percentages in the past […]

Neighborhood clean-up calendar

Curb too close?  Dump too far? Do you have items in your home that are difficult to dispose of because of their size and shape?  Neighborhood cleanups make disposing of bulky waste (old furniture, cat castles, etc.) easy.  Plus they cost less than fees required at the dump and help to fund community activities like […]

Portland Extends ADU Incentive to increase density

Portland’s City Council has voted unanimously to extend a popular fee waiver for accessory dwelling units, according to local blog Accessory Dwellings. The waiver of System Development Charges, or SDCs, was set to expire in July, leading advocates for ADUs to lobby for an extension. Accessory dwelling units, which include basement apartments and backyard tiny […]

Millennials are headed to the ‘burbs!

It was only a matter of time. Literally. As millennials grow older, get married, have children, they are seeking out bigger houses and better schools. That means the suburbs. They are also getting tired of paying higher urban rents and watching those rents rise. Just 17 percent of millennials bought homes in urban or central […]

Portland to start foreclosing on “zombie houses”

  No one can say exactly how many properties in Portland have sunk to the status of the now-boarded-up home at 7926 SE 75th: vacant, abandoned by owners, unclaimed by banks, and attracting problems. They’re called “zombie houses,” or “vacant and distressed properties” in the parlance of city staff. Either way, they’re not available for […]

A Community Energy Project offers free classes on lead based paint

Lead poisoning has hit the headlines during the past few months because of the situation in Flint, Michigan, where citizens have been overwhelmed by a huge, toxic-water problem. Portland, fortunately, does not have problems with lead in its water, but its denizens should be aware of lead-based paint. Lead-based paint was for all practical purposes […]

Citizens try to save SE Belmont’s oldest buildings from demolition

  As SE Portland continues to be split at the seams by development, residents along historic corridors like Belmont are learning the hard way that the City currently lacks tools to keep intact the beloved blocks that define their neighborhood. More than half of Portland’s buildings are more than 50 years old. Most lack any […]

New project to keep SE Portland bike-friendly!

  Neighborhood Greenways are streets that prioritize bicycling and are the backbone of Portland’s bicycle network. SE Clinton has been a Neighborhood Greenway for over 20 years. PBOT is testing traffic management tools to better address auto volume and speed issues that affect the greenway’s safety and comfort. Phase I of the test is to […]

Old school building may help with our homeless population.

First it was declaring a housing state of emergency last fall, then it was converting unused buildings into temporary homeless shelters. Now, the city of Portland has taken its creative approach to chipping away at Portland’s homeless problem to a new place, this time to Portland Public Schools. According to Willamette Week, Portland Mayor Charlie Hales […]

Tests at OHSU show low health risks related to soil pollution.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Testing done by officials on Portland soil after high levels of cadmium and arsenic were found in the air show a low risk for residents, officials announced Wednesday. The Oregon Health Authority, the Department of Environment Quality and the Multnomah County Health Department held a media briefing at 11 a.m. to give an […]

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Oregon law requires that before a home can be sold, it must have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors*. Smoke alarms are required to have a hush/silence feature, and if they utilize an ionization sensor exclusively (and aren’t a part of combination detector) then a 10-year/long-life lithium battery must power it. If there is a […]

Portland’s Streetcar Model being considered elsewhere

As cities develop their downtown cores to include more mixed uses and grow vibrant centers of business, Portland’s model for streetcar development is being looked at by city planners around the world. Though not new, using streetcars to spur development by providing subsidies and tax breaks are a part of what the City of Portland […]

Jump in sales in July!

Existing homes selling fast – record fast The volume of home re-sales has been on the upswing for four consecutive months. Rates provided by Bankrate.com. NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com)—Sales of existing homes rose in July for the fourth consecutive month, lending support to economists who argue a recovery is near.

We are on Facebook!

Like our page on Facebook at Facebook.com/AltPDX We’ll be posting interesting listings, Portland happenings and news that relates to our homes and neighborhoods. We’re also there as a resource if you have questions, need to ask for a referral for a contractor or talk with others about what to do with a wet basement after […]

Short Sales Resisted – Foreclosures Are Revived

This is an interesting article about the background of short sales and what the banks are thinking as they foreclose on homes. “But hard-pressed homeowners like Lydia Sweetland are asking why lenders often balk at a less disruptive solution: short sales, which allow owners to sell deeply devalued homes for less than what remains on […]

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