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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
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        <description></description>
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            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/thinking-of-making-an-offer-on-a-short-sale.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/thinking-of-making-an-offer-on-a-short-sale.html</link>
            <author>marjie@jmaproperties.com (Marjie Van Der Laan)</author>
            <title>Are you thinking of making an offer on a short sale?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
You are not alone.  Short sales can be good deals, but require patience on your part.  You can anticipate waiting a minimum of four to six months for a response from the lien holders.  If the wait time is shorter than that, consider yourself lucky.  Once you get a response, usually it will be a counteroffer, increasing the purchase price.  If you are not in a hurry and do not mind waiting an additional month or three, then counter offer back at the price you are willing to pay.  We are seeing short sales being negotiated lower than the bank's initial counteroffer.  You have to have reasoning though... do not expect to get a $300,000 house for $225,000, without good solid evidence to support your price point, which involves several pages of researched properties, reasoning and analysis.  Having an experienced agent on your side is very important to get the best deal. 


For more information on short sales, please email us for our unique, in-depth, 10-page article, "Short Sales and Bank Owned Properties: A Buyer's Guide" based on our experiences representing buyers on short sale and REO properties for several years, resulting in successful purchases for our clients.  It is updated monthly with the changes we are seeing in the current market and the current inventory of short sales and bank owned properties (REOs) in the Portland Metro area and Southwest Washington.


Contact us to help you negotiate and maneuver through the short sale and REO web - we're here to help! 


The MM Brokers Team


Marjie Van Der Laan 360-314-7647 call/text, marjiev@gmail.com


Michael Zaviska 503-504-1774 call/text, dmzaviska@gmail.com


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:54:07 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/tips-on-saving-money-as-you-relocate-your-family.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/tips-on-saving-money-as-you-relocate-your-family.html</link>
            <author>aare@jmaproperties.com (The All About Real Estate Team)</author>
            <title>Tips on Saving Money as you relocate your family</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Savings Tips


Several Estimates Save a Bundle


Although many people don't bother to get several estimates before signing up with a moving company, moving company prices vary considerably and you can save a bundle. Consumer Reports recommends getting at least three estimates before selecting a mover.


Tax Deductions


Did you know that some of the expenses of moving are tax deductible? If you'd like to get any of the following expenses claimed against your tax, read on and see if you qualify.




Cost of transportation or hauling from old to new residence.


Cost of packing, crating and unpacking.


Cost of shipping your car.


Cost of moving the pets.


Cost of the trip to the new residence which includes lodging but not meals




Take into account that these deductions must not be excessive amounts, but the real question is, do you qualify for the deductions? All taxpayers are eligible, even if they don't file itemized returns, as long as you are:




Moving to a new residence for the purpose of employment, whether it be as an employee or self-employed.


Moving to a new job, at least 50 miles farther from your new residence than your old job location.


A full-time employee and employed within the vicinity for at least 39 weeks of the first 12 months of occupancy.


A self-employed individual, who will work in the new location for at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months following the move, of which 39 weeks must be within the first 12 months.


Moving to a foreign country, or for military service (These options fall under special limitations, so it's best to consult a professional tax advisor before claiming them).




Preparation And An Inventory Averts Trouble




Take down ceiling fans prior to moving day. Movers will charge you for the cost of an electrician to do it.


Purchase enough insurance to over damage to especially valuable items, or transport them yourself separately. Movers may not pay for damage to items you pack yourself.


Hire a piano specialist to prepare your piano for the move. Service to a piano will add a hefty additional charge to your bill if the mover does it, and there's a greater chance of damage.


If you have many books, pack them yourself and mail them book rate to save significantly on the cost of your move.


Grandfather clocks should be dissembled by a clock specialist prior to moving day.


Ask the mover to inventory your items and check the inventory carefully to be sure everything is included.


Check polished table tops and antiques for any existing damage (nicks and scratches) and note its exact location.


Note down the location of all existing damage (worn areas, pulls) to fabric on furnishings.


Disconnect the water to the washing machine and refrigerator and gas to the dryer and range prior to moving day to avoid a surcharge.


Confirm on the inventory that all goods with moveable parts are fully operational prior to the move.




Eliminate Rather than Relocate


While you're organizing or packing for your move sift and sort. Use a heavy hand toward the trash can, and let common sense be your guide.


Have a Garage Sale


If you are like most people, you have in your possession many items you really have no use for anymore. Sponsor a garage sale before your move to give yourself a little junk relief! You just might raise enough money to pay for your moving expenses! Remember, one man's junk is another man's treasure! If you don't need it, unload it. Rule of thumb: if you haven't used it in the last 12 months get rid of it.


Ignore the "I Might Need It Someday" Syndrome


Don't move the riding mower to an apartment. Part with tools you won't have a place to use. And remember, junk is junk. You don't need a furnished attic.


Donate to Your Favorite Charity


Itemize the items and keep a receipt. It may help you qualify for a tax deduction.


Looking for a relocation specialist? The All About Real Estate Team is Portland's premiere relocation specialist and ready to help. For a free relocation packet contact us at info@allaboutrealestate.com.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:11:22 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/relocating-to-the-portland-area.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/relocating-to-the-portland-area.html</link>
            <author>aare@jmaproperties.com (The All About Real Estate Team)</author>
            <title>Relocating to the Portland Area?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
JMA's premiere relocation team can help. We specialize in corporate and personal relocations to and out of the Portland Metro area. Let one of our experienced agents coordinate your entire moving process. From finding the ideal area and home to move into, to a lender, to a highly recommended moving company. In fact, when you use our recommended lender you will have access to two professional movers at no cost for 4 hours to help unload your moving van.


If you are moving out of the area or just across town you can have access to two professional movers and 1 truck for 4 hours as well as a moving kit (boxes, tape, marker, paking supplies, etc. delivered to you!


Interested or want more information or a reloation packet mailed to you?


Contact The All About Real Estate Team @ info@AllAboutRealEstate.com
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 30 Dec 2011 23:44:48 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/crafty-ideas-for-winter-curb-appeal.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/crafty-ideas-for-winter-curb-appeal.html</link>
            <author>aare@jmaproperties.com (The All About Real Estate Team)</author>
            <title>Crafty Ideas for Winter Curb Appeal</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Yes, it's still possible to create great curb appeal when it's cold and gray outside.










 


During summer months when gardens are in bloom and the sun is shining bright, curb appeal comes naturally to many homes. But when the autumn chill turns to winter cold and the sun sets earlier in the day, it becomes more difficult to create that inviting exterior look that grabs buyers from the curb.


Fortunately, it is possible to create striking winter curb appeal without expensive or complicated exterior changes, says Charlene Storozuk, a home stager and designer with Dezigner Digz in Burlington, Ontario—a city that averages 51 inches of snow per year. It just requires a little creativity.


She and other home-design experts offer these eight tips:


1. Add splashes of green and purple. Plants, grasses, and evergreens can liven up a home’s winter landscape. Experiment with tall grasses, such as fountain grasses, that survive harsh winters. And in late fall and early winter, plants from the cabbage family add a vibrant purple color. Make the front door the focal point with a large wreath adorned with a colorful ribbon. To finish the look, place large, colorful planters filled with evergreens beside the front door, suggests Elizabeth Lord, broker with Carolina Farms &amp; Estates LLC in Rock Hill, S.C.


2. Give it seasonal sparkle. Transform an unused bird bath or fountain into a seasonal display by adding twigs with red berries. Or fill frost-resistant urns with twigs, winter greenery, and sparkly baubles (sold at most craft stores), Storozuk says. For extra sparkle, roll twigs in glitter and incorporate a gazing ball—a mirrored glass ball available in various colors—into the display.


3. Make the garden statuesque. Roman- or Greek-themed outdoor sculptures can add class and elegance to a garden in winter. Be sure to use frost-resistant statues so they don’t crack, Storozuk says. Place the statues strategically throughout the garden to draw buyers’ eyes around the outdoor space.


4. Light it bright. During the winter, it’s more likely that buyers will be viewing home after sunset. Use clear flood spotlights to focus on the home’s architectural features, Storozuk says. Keep exterior lighting fixtures at maximum wattage and clean them regularly. When snow covers the ground, Michele Thompson, broker-owner of White Fence Real Estate in Vevay, Ind., takes photos of listings at night with all of the interior lights on—the light bounces off the white snow to create a warm, inviting glow. For the best results, turn off the flash, and use a tripod to avoid blurring, she says.


5. Show off the lifestyle. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t use the deck. Shovel your backyard sitting area and leave your grill uncovered so buyers can envision themselves using the space, Storozuk says. If the home has a hot tub, leave that open and running during showings as well.


6. Make the deck an extension of the house. Set up your outdoor tables and chairs just as you would in warmer months. “Home owners often cover their furniture and place lawn objects haphazardly on the deck,” says Kitty Schwartz, president and owner of Classic Home Staging in Katonah, N.Y. For added appeal, she adds a weatherproof cafe set with pillows that play off of interior accent colors. “Glancing out onto this type of vignette can make the indoor space feel larger and more interesting,” she says.


7. Create a photo display of sunnier days. Show buyers what the outside of the home looks like during other seasons by displaying some landscape photos in frames or using a digital photo frame with a slide show of images. “This will give a sense of what the property looks like at other times of year,” Storozuk says. If the home has a garden, make a list of what’s planted where. “Perennials can be expensive,” she says, “so treat them as a selling feature.”


8. Don’t forget to clear a path. If the ground is covered in snow, the simplest and most important thing you can do is shovel the driveway and sidewalks and keep the home’s patios and decks as clear as possible so buyers can get a sense of their true size.


If you are looking to buy a home within the next 24 months and want a complete Buyer's Package of useful information including a book all about buying The All About Real Estate Team can assist. To get your FREE Buyer's packet shipped to you overnight email info@allaboutrealestate.com with a subject line: Buyer's packet and include your name and address. 


 


Cecilia Morgan


 


Information courtesy of Realtor.com,


By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey








 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:14:57 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/looking-for-a-new-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/looking-for-a-new-home.html</link>
            <author>aare@jmaproperties.com (The All About Real Estate Team)</author>
            <title>Looking for a new home?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Looking for a new home? Is this your first time buying? Your sixth purchase? Do you know or remember how the process goes? Do you look for properties first? Call a Realtor? Or get a preapproval for a loan first? About how much will your closing costs be? How much are inspections and should you even get one.


If you would like to receive a FREE book that is a quick reference on the entire process of buying a home as well as an organizational folder to store flyers of homes of interest and later a permanent folder to store all your loan and escrow papers send us a quick email and we will send you a FREE no-obligation Buyer's Kit.


info@allaboutrealestate.com


The All About Real Estate Team specializes in efficient, technologically advanced systems to help you buy and/or sell your home. We utilize the internet, secure, electronic signature systems, ipads and iphones to bring you information quickly and exactly when and where you need it. While out showing homes we have access to all homes for sale in the area, the showing instructions, price, everything we need to possibly show you a house that was not on your origianl list. Listing a home and want top notch marketing for this tough market - we got you covered!


For more information or to immediately work with one of our team members contact our office at 503.789.5832 or email us at info@allaboutrealestate.com


Cecilia Morgan


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:34:51 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/a-short-guide-to-real-estate-lingo-and-acronyms.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/a-short-guide-to-real-estate-lingo-and-acronyms.html</link>
            <author>aare@jmaproperties.com (The All About Real Estate Team)</author>
            <title>A Short Guide to Real Estate Lingo and Acronyms</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Real estate ads are usually full of acronyms and terms that are unfamiliar to first-time buyers. Here's a cheat sheet to let you in on the lingo.


 




4B/2B -- four bedrooms and two bathrooms. "Bedroom" usually means a sleeping area with a window and a closet, but the definition varies in different places. A "full bathroom" is a room with a toilet, a sink and a bathtub. A "three-quarter bathroom" has a toilet, a sink and a shower. A "half bathroom" or powder room has only a toilet and a sink.


assum. fin. -- assumable financing


closing costs -- the entire package of miscellaneous expenses paid by the buyer and the seller when the real estate deal closes. These costs include the brokerage commission, mortgage-related fees, escrow or attorney's settlement charges, transfer taxes, recording fees, title insurance and so on. Closing costs are generally paid through escrow.


CMA -- comparative market analysis or competitive market analysis. A CMA is a report that shows prices of homes that are comparable to a subject home and that were recently sold, are currently on the market or were on the market, but not sold within the listing period.


contingency -- a provision of an agreement that keeps the agreement from being fully legally binding until a certain condition is met. One example is a buyer's contractual right to obtain a professional home inspection before purchasing the home.


dk -- deck


expansion pot'l -- expansion potential mean that there's extra space on the lot or the possibility of adding a room or even an upper level, subject to local zoning restrictions.


fab pentrm -- fabulous pentroom, a room on top (but under the roof) that has great views


FDR -- formal dining room


fixture -- anything of value that is permanently attached to or a part of real property. (Real estate is legally called "real property," while movables are called "personal property.") Examples of fixtures include installed wall-to-wall carpeting, light fixtures, window coverings, landscaping and so on. Fixtures are a frequent subject of buyer and seller disputes. When in doubt, get it in writing.


frplc, fplc, FP -- fireplace


gar -- garage (garden is usually abbrevated as "gard.")


grmet kit -- gourmet kitchen


HDW, HWF, Hdwd -- hardwood floors


hi ceils -- high ceilings


in-law potential -- potential for a separate apartment, subject to local zoning restrictions


large E-2 plan -- this is one of several floorplans available in a specific building


listing -- an agreement between a real estate broker and a home owner that allows the broker to market and arrange for the sale of the owner's home. The word "listing" is also used to refer to the for-sale home itself. A home being sold by the owner without a real estate agent isn't a "listing."


lo dues -- low homeowner's association dues. But find out how "low" the dues are compared to other dues in the area.


lock box -- locked key-holding device affixed to a for-sale home so real estate professionals can gain entry into the home after obtaining permission from the listing agent


lsd pkg. -- leased parking area. May come with additional cost.


MLS -- Multiple Listing Service. An MLS is an organization that collects, compiles and distributes information about homes listed for sale by its members, who are real estate brokers. Membership isn't open to the general public, although selected MLS data may be sold to real estate listings Web sites. MLSs are local or regional. There is no MLS covering the whole country.


nr bst schls -- near the best schools


pot'l -- potential


pvt -- private


pwdr rm -- half bathroom or powder room


REALTOR® -- a real estate broker or sales associate who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. Not all real estate agents are REALTORS®.


title insurance -- an insurance policy that protects a lender's or owner's interest in real property from assorted types of unexpected or fraudulent claims of ownership. It's customary for the buyer to pay for the lender's title insurance policy.


upr -- upper floor


vw, vu, vws, vus -- view(s)


 


If you are looking to buy a home within the next 24 months and want a complete Buyer's Package of useful information including a book all about buying The All About Real Estate Team can assist. To get your FREE Buyer's packet shipped to you overnight email info@allaboutrealestate.com with a subject line: Buyer's packet and include your name and address. 


 


Cecilia Morgan


 


Information courtesy of Realtor.com


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:49:22 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/larry-and-wendy-just-closed-on-their-forever-home-in-camas.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/larry-and-wendy-just-closed-on-their-forever-home-in-camas.html</link>
            <author>rbean@jmaproperties.com (Rick Bean ABR SFR)</author>
            <title>Larry and Wendy just closed on their forever home in Camas!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
After months of diligence and patience, Larry and Wendy found their forever home in Camas. We started their search in Beaverton but after months of not finding the right fit we moved their search to Washington. Larry and Wendy relocated from Anchorage, Alaska. Their story is a great example of the benefit of working with a Realtor licensed in both Oregon and Washington.


"We had a very positive experience working with Rick to find and purchase our new home. Coming from another region of the country, we depended on Rick to help us learn the market here and find the home we were looking for. We were not disappointed.


On a number of occasions in the several month process, Rick could have steered us to close a purchase with a word or two of encouragement, but these houses were not the best fit for us. Rather than just closing a deal and moving on, Rick stayed with us, counseled patience, and the outcome was in our best interest."


-The Buklis Family
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            <pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:50:56 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/market-statistics-for-september-2011-in-the-portland-metro.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/market-statistics-for-september-2011-in-the-portland-metro.html</link>
            <author>info@jmaproperties.com (Gerry Mains - Managing Broker)</author>
            <title>Market Statistics for September 2011 in the Portland Metro </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
September Residential Highlights

Sales activity in the Portland Metro area showed improvements in closed and pending sales this September compared with September 2010, and the inventory level remained much lower than the same month in 2010. Closed sales grew 13.4% in September 2011 compared to September 2010. Pending sales were also up 17.5%, and new listings dropped 29.5%. Comparing the previous month of August 2011 with September 2011, closed sales decreased from 1,805 to 1,586 (-12.1%). Pending sales also went down from 2,187 to 1,861 (-14.9%). New listings fell from 2,879 to 2,501 (-13.1%). At the month’s rate of sales, the 10,666 active residential listings would last about 6.7 months.

Sale Prices


Average sale price for September 2011 declined 4.2% compared to September 2010. Median sale price also fell 3.8%. See residential highlights table below. Month to month, comparing August 2011 to September 2011, sale price activity was mixed. Average sale price went down from $271,800 to $268,200 (-1.3%) while median sale price increased from $225,000 to $230,800 (2.6%).


Third Quarter Report


Comparing the third quarter of 2010 with that of 2011, sales activity was up. Closed sales jumped up by 21.5% (4,340 v. 5,275), while pending sales also increased by 21.6% (4,725 v. 5,747). New listings fell 27.6% (11,582 v. 8,380). In the same quarterly comparison, average sale price fell 6.9%, while median sale price dropped 7.5%.


Click here for more details.


Data courtesy of RMLS.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:10:03 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/market-statistics-for-august-2011-in-the-portland-metro.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/market-statistics-for-august-2011-in-the-portland-metro.html</link>
            <author>info@jmaproperties.com (Gerry Mains - Managing Broker)</author>
            <title>Market Statistics for August 2011 in the Portland Metro </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
August Residential Highlights


Sales activity in the Portland Metro area showed improvements in closed and pending sales this August compared with August 2010. (Please see “NOTE” below about increased pending sales.)Closed sales grew 30.7% in August 2011 compared to August 2010. Pending sales were up 29.6%, and new listings dropped 24.8%. See residential highlights table below.Comparing July 2011 with August 2011, closed sales increased from 1,709 to 1,805 (5.6%). Pending sales also went up from 1,928 to 2,187 (13.4%). New listings went down from 2,942 to 2,879 (-2.1%).At the month’s rate of sales, the 11,276 active residential listings would last about 6.2 months.


Sale Prices


Average sale price for August 2011 declined 9.2% compared to August 2010. Median sale price also fell 10%. See residential highlights table below.Month to month, comparing July 2011 to August 2011, sale price activity fell slightly. Average sale price went down from $275,100 to $271,800 (-1.2%) while median sale price decreased from $227,200 to $225,000 (-1%).


Year-to-Date


Comparing January-August 2010 with the same period in 2011, results were mixed. Closed sales decreased by 0.5% (13,185 v. 13,114), while pending sales increased by 2.8% (14,248 v. 14,645). New listings fell 26% (34,043 v. 25,189).


Click here for more details.


Data courtesy of RMLS.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:59:22 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/portland-housing-prices-at-levels-not-seen-since-2003.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.jmaproperties.com/blog/portland-housing-prices-at-levels-not-seen-since-2003.html</link>
            <author>info@jmaproperties.com (Gerry Mains - Managing Broker)</author>
            <title>Portland Housing Prices At Levels Not Seen Since 2003</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Portland housing prices are at levels not seen since 2003 and it appears the trends are leveling off and prices are up slightly from their low points in every market listed . If this trend continues then this could be a turning point for the market to achieve stability. 





Infographic courtesy of the Wall Street Journal.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:16:22 -0700</pubDate>
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