Living in Portland – Outdoor Adventures

Posted by on April 24, 2012 No comments

There are many different reasons to want to call Portland and the Pacific Northwest your home.  One of the bigger draws for the area is the amazing and diverse outdoors.  From land classified as rain forest to the snow-capped mountains, and on to sweeping plains and the dry stretches of desert, there is truly something for everyone in the state of Oregon. Making a base in the city of Portland, Oregon’s largest city, is an excellent way to experience one or even all of these types of terrain and the many associated outdoor Homes for Sale Portlandactivities. Boating, rafting, hiking, climbing, surfing, snowboarding, skiing, camping, extreme adventure, it’s all available from your piece of Portland real estate. Within a short drive and sometimes within walking distance there are numerous trails and rivers within the city itself.

For those that love skiing Mount Hood is less than 2 hours drive most of the year (though obviously more as the winter season hits its peak). There, skiing and snowboarding or simple inner-tubing and sledding is available. Don’t worry lodge bunnies, Timberline is a beautiful lodge. Cozy up by the fire with a book or head over to the pub. For those that prefer activities around the ocean 1 1/2 to 2 hours in the opposite direction will get you to the Pacific Ocean via Seaside, Tillamook or north through Astoria.  Oregonians love their sand and surf, hit up any of the numerous and pristine beaches for hiking, beach-walking or surfing and body-boarding. Along the way hit the dunes for some off-roading.

This just scratches the surface of what residents love about Northwest outdoor adventures. Make this your home too to experience the picturesque beauty of the Northwest. Start looking for Portland homes for sale with the help of a qualified and experienced local Portland real estate agent.

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Portland MLS Listings

Posted by on March 20, 2012 No comments

When you’re looking for the latest Portland MLS listings you’re going to want to be working with a realtor and a website that provides you with a comprehensive Portland MLS Search tool. But some people may wonder just what exactly is the MLS listing and where did it come from. So we’d like to take a little time and Portland MLS Searchgive you a short history of the MLS, also known as Multiple Listing System or Multiple Listing Service.

The MLS is of course tied to the NAR, or National Association of Realtors. According to Wikipedia and the NAR the MLS has been around since around 1990, “In the late 1800s, real estate brokers regularly gathered at the offices of their local associations to share information about properties they were trying to sell. They agreed to compensate other brokers who helped sell those properties, and the first MLS was born, based on a fundamental principle that’s unique to organized real estate: Help me sell my inventory and I’ll help you sell yours.”

Depending on your state or country there may be a different system in place that provides a similar service, though MLS is most common. Obviously Portland MLS Listings use this service. Whenever you search for homes on the Internet you are usually receiving a small portion of the MLS data through the IDX or Internet Data Exchange system, which allows brokers through the NAR to provide you with low level of MLS listing data.

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Portland Real Estate – Seller Advice

Posted by on February 14, 2012 No comments

Most of the Portland MLS Listings are going to feature homes that are in good shape, if you are selling a Portland Real Estate property you really want yours to stand out. Hatch Homes Group, your Portland Real Estate resource suggest the following extensive checklist to help get your home ready for sale.

Outdoors

  • Spruce up your garden and lawn; trim shrubbery and replace dead plants.
  • Yard and patio should be neat; outdoor furniture should be clean and in good shape.
  • Clean or paint your front door – remember first impressions last the longest!
  • Manicure your front yard; make sure your driveway and entryway are free of clutter.

Exterior

  • Check that house numbers, mailbox, and exterior lighting are all in good condition.
  • Touch up with fresh paint as needed.
  • Inspect chimney for cracks or earthquake damage.
  • Repair loose trim, drain pipes, and fencing.
  • Clean stains and window screens.

Garage

  • Remove clutter and tidy up the shelves.
  • Clean the floor.

Living Areas

  • Apply fresh paint as needed… think about brightening your interiors with neutral-toned paint.
  • Clean carpets.
  • Replace burnt out light bulbs.
  • Clean the fireplace and remove smoke stains from the wall and mantle.
  • Clean window coverings.
  • Replace damaged window blinds.

Kitchen

  • Sinks, appliances, and counter tops should sparkle; remove any clutter.
  • Clean the oven, range, and other appliances.
  • Clean tile and grout; replace if necessary.

Bathrooms

  • Clean mirrors, glass, chrome, and porcelain surfaces.
  • Replace shower curtain if necessary.
  • Fix any faucet drips or leaks.
  • Clean grout and caulking; replace if necessary.

Closets

  • Doors and drawers should open and close easily.
  • Remove clutter; tidy up shelves and racks.
  • Shoes and clothes should be neatly arranged.

Overall

  • Check the basics around the house. It takes just a minute to check all doors, windows and cabinets to make sure they don’t stick, squeak or are too loose.
  • Clean your furnace and water heater so buyers know they are looking at a house that has been well maintained.

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Posted by on February 13, 2012 1 comment

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