Portland Mall Light Rail

Filed Under Going Green, Portland · Tagged:  

Opening in 2009, a new MAX light rail line to Clackamas County-dubbed the “Green Line”-will run the length of the Mall, connecting Union Station and Portland State University.

January 8, 2009 by dorstadh

Mortgage Rates Plummet Thanks to the Fed!

Filed Under Real Estate · Tagged:  

In Late November, an announcement that the Federal Reserve and US Treasury would purchase up to $600 billion in asset-backed securities sent mortgage rates plunging below 6%.  This is a bold step towards a more stable economy.  Not only will this increase the availability of credit, but it should help support the housing and financial markets as well.  For new buyers and for homeowners looking to refinance, this is great news.  While no official announcement has been made, there is rampant speculation that the Treasury will purchase additional mortgage backed securities to force 30 year fixed rates down to 4.5%.  With interest rates near historic lows, home prices at 2003-2004 levels in many markets, and a tax credit up to $7500 for first-time buyers (anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years) the current real estate market is ripe with opportunity!

January 8, 2009 by dorstadh

Portland Outlook

Filed Under Portland · Tagged:  

Projected population growth for the portland metropolitan area is 8.0% by 2013 and the workforce is projected to grow by 6.9%.  The increase alone from the Salem North to Vancouver is expected to exceed 2mill.  That’s 50,000 more families for the Portland Metropolitan area.
Greenlight Greater Portland

November 12, 2008 by dorstadh

Clothes Dryer Efficiency

Filed Under Going Green · Tagged:  

Proper Loading~Ensure your dryer is not overloaded.  Air needs to circulate easily between the clothes in order for drying to be most effective.

Venting~Open a window when using the dryer.  A closed up laudry gets very humid and that humid air just gets sucked into the dryer; decreasing its effectiveness.  If your dtyer has an exhaust leading to the outside; ensure that it’s cleaned regularly.

Lint~A clogged lint filter can extend the drying time (and therefore boost energy use) by a massive 30%!  Additionally, a build up of lint is a fire hazard.

November 12, 2008 by dorstadh

Should You Buy Your Home Now?

Filed Under Real Estate · Tagged:  

Now is a good time to buy before prices climb on the upswing.  Now is a good time for buyers who’ve been on the “sidelines” to take a closer look at what’s available to them now in terms of financing and incentives.

If you buy a home now, you will benefit from the federal housing stimulus and the buyer’s market condition. You can get a great deal, or essentially more house for less money.

Don’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of low interest rates and reasonable home prices. Next year’s housing market may present an entirely different picture. Will you be able to afford the same home next year? If sale prices rise significantly, you might be priced out of the house you really want.

November 12, 2008 by dorstadh

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