To Get You in the Holiday Spirit

It’s December 7th already? How did that happen? It feels like just last week we were trying to decide which Halloween costume to wear and now it is time to think about hanging Christmas lights and picking out a tree. To begin your holiday festivities, below is a list of some of the spectacular displays of lights throughout the city as well as local Christmas tree farms. Enjoy this special time of year!

Portland Area Christmas Light Shows

The Queen Anne Victorian Mansion
“Miracle of a Million Lights”
1441 N McClellan St
Dec 16th-26th
6-10 PM
QueenAnneVictorianMansion.com

Festival of Lights at the Grotto
NE 82nd Ave & Sandy Blvd
Nov 26th-Dec 30th
5-10 PM
TheGrotto.org

Christmas Ship Parade
Columbia & Willamette Rivers
Dec 9th-Dec 21st
Evenings
Christmasships.org

Winter Wonderland Light Show
Portland International Raceway
Nov 25th-Dec 26th
Sunday – Thursday, 5 pm – 9 pm
Friday & Saturday, 5 pm – 11 pm
PortlandRaceway.com

Pioneer Square Christmas Tree
Lighting-Nov 26th @ 5:30 PM
Nov 26th-Jan 1st
All Night
PioneerCourthouseSquare.org

The Lights at Peacock Lane
One block east of SE 39th between SE Stark St. and SE Belmont St.
Dec 14th-Dec 31st
5-12 PM
Peacocklane.net

Zoolights & Train Ride
Oregon Zoo
Nov 26th-Jan 2nd
5-8:30 PM
OregonZoo.org

Portland Area Tree Farms

Forest Grove
Parry’s U Cut Tree Farm
45627 NW David Hill Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116
503-348-9601
parrysfarm.us

Gresham
Oxbow Rim Tree Farm
34623 SE Homan, Gresham, OR 97080
503-663-6815

Hillsboro
C.W. Baggenstos Farms
20200 NW Murphy Road, North Plains, OR 97133
503-648-8011
cwbaggenstostreefarm.com

Hagg’s Tree Farm
18265 SW McCormick Hill Road, Hillsboro, OR 97123
503-628-1007
haggsfarm.com

Helvetia Christmas Tree Farm
12814 NW Bishop Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97124
503-647-5858
helvetia-christmas-tree-farm.com

Oregon City
Allen Tree Farm
19101 S Redland Road, Oregon City, OR 97045
503-631-7997

Beck’s U-Cut & Sheep Farm
16700 S Gerber Road, Oregon City, OR 97045
503-631-7947
becksfarms.com

Christmas Classic Tree Farm
16556 S Redland Road, Oregon City, OR 97045
503-531-2218

Historic Kitchen Farm
19723 S Bakers Ferry Road, Oregon City, OR 97045
503-631-8817

St. Nick’s Christmas Tree Farm
16710 S Gerver Road, Oregon City, OR 97045
503-697-1066
stnickschristmastrees.com

Portland
Andy’s Tree Farm
14713 NW Old Germantown Rd, Portland, OR 97231
503-286-4513

Bella’s Christmas Tree Farm
2943 NE 21st Avenue, Portland, OR 97212
503-331-9822

Noble Star Tree Plantations
7301 SW 26th Ave, Portland, OR 97219
503-244-8886

Sherwood
Sleighbells/Pacific Christmas Trees
23855 SW 195th Place, Sherwood, OR 97140
503-625-6052
sleighbells.biz

Tualatin
Lee Farms
21975 SW 65th, Tualatin, OR 97062
503-638-1869
leefarmsoregon.com

Entertaining WIth Etiquette

We hope you had a restful and enjoyable Thanksgiving. With that behind us and December just hours away, are you feeling overwhelmed? It seems as though our December calendars are already filling up so quickly. If you are entertaining this next month, check out this great article on how to entertain with etiquette. Hope you enjoy and happy hosting.

Oh and remember to take a little time for yourself this month!

Your Home and Lifestyle Weekly Article || Entertaining with Etiquette

Anything to be Thankful for in this Economy?

So there really isnt a great way to say that this October was the worst October in 3 years. Comparing October 2010 to a year ago, closed sales decreased 36%, pending sales are down 22% and new listings are down 9%.

Even comparing October with this past September, closed sales are down 7%. The thankful part? Pending sales increased by 3% and new listings fell by 12%. That is actually really good news.

In regards to feeling thankful, the 4 clients that our team closed this month are pleased with their sale or purchase. Why are we telling you this? I know we say it every month but now is as good as time as any to explain. Now is a good time to buy and sell.

Buying
1) There is a lot of inventory on the market to choose from
2) We are watching interest rates, very slowly creep higher, which might indicate that we have hit the low we are going to see for interest rates
3) Sellers are feeling desperate and are more willing to negotiate
4) Contractors are looking for work, so if by chance repairs need to be done afer closing, you can find a lot of great deals on work

Selling
1) If you price you home well, they are still selling in just a few weeks. PRICE really does speak
2) What you might have to concede on your sale, you can make up on your new purchase
3) You get your listing on our webpage???

The market is not great but with the right agent, the right loan and some patience, you might be amazed at what you can get out there...

Please let us know if we can help you!

Gratitude and Thanks

It has been a long, exciting and crazy year for us. It is with huge smiles on our faces and warm hearts that we extend our deepest thanks for being in our lives and supporting us in both our personal and professional lives. We are both so grateful to each and every one of you. From our homes to yours, have a very Happy Thanksgiving.

The Perfect Turkey

While browsing the internet in search of step-by-step instructions to insure this year’s turkey is a hit, I came across a great site to share.

Cooking a turkey for the holidays is one of the biggest meal preparation projects most people tackle all year. Just the size of the bird itself can be intimidating, not to mention all of the horror stories associated with the ghosts of ruined turkeys past. Believe it or not, cooking turkey is easier than it used to be, and whatever your method of choice, you can prepare a bird that tastes and looks great every time.

How you ask? Click Here To Find Out

Wine Country Thanksgiving

November 26-28 is the 28th annual Wine Country Thanksgiving event. This wine country tradition will kick off winter wine tasting and the holiday season with an unforgettable weekend!

More than 160 wineries and tasting rooms in the Willamette Valley will open their doors for special tastings and holiday festivities. Enjoy this unique opportunity to visit some of the region’s small, family-owned wineries rarely open to the public as well as larger wineries & tasting rooms.

Taste new wines or older vintages from your favorite labels. Or check out one of the new wineries and tasting rooms in the valley. Meet winemakers and sample from the barrel. Enjoy specialty food pairings, live music, all while savoring the region’s acclaimed Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and other exciting wines.


Learn More Here

The SoldbyJen Team's Listings - Check them out

Fantastic Ground Floor Condo
2 bed / 2 bath
1023 Sq/ft
$150,000

14655 SW Beard Rd
Beaverton, OR 97007
RMLS# 10081332

NEW PRICE! Highly desirable ground floor unit. End unit that is adjacent to a green space. Beautiful master suite with walk in closet. Ideal for entertaining with spacious kitchen, great room floor plan that includes gas fireplace and opens to a great patio. ALL APPLIANCES STAY!



Retreat Like Home
3 bed / 2 bath
1265 Sq/ft
$259,900

1 Eagle Crest Drive
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
RMLS# 10083163

Desirable Mountain Park Neighborhood! Private home nestled upon the trees. Master suite on main floor with a wood burning fireplace. Vaulted ceilings and living room/dining room combination with second fireplace make for great entertaining with french doors to back deck. Great HOA amenities! Lifetime roof, Central air and much much more!



Buildable Vacant Lot
.46 acres
Zoned R5
$485,00

6810 SE 45TH AVE
Portland, OR 97206
RMLS# 10037908

Two separate tax lots adjacent to each other. Per code, lots are dividable. Highest and best use of land is possible co-housing option – 4 houses and 4 ADU with common courtyard.

Contact us at thesoldbyjenteam@gmail.com for a private showing.

No Sugar Coating Here!

September 2010 will go down in the record books as a rough month in Portland Real Estate. When comparing data from September 2009 to this September we had a decline in closing sales, pending sales and the number of new listings taken. With over 14,714 listings currently on the market, there are a lot of for sale signs hanging in Portland! Some of this can be attributed to back to school and changing of the seasons. Other reasons? It's just the market we are in.

So, Jen and Cindy keep saying its a good market. Really ladies?

YES. We repeat. YES, it is a good market. How, you ask?

If you are a buyer all of this means 3 things:
1. There are FOURTEEN THOUSAND properties to choose from
2. There is room to negotiate as owners of listings that are sitting on the market are feeling the pinch and may consider an offer they never thought they would. (We see it every week.)
3. Interest rates are still low. Super low.

It is a good time to be a buyer. Ask any of the buyers we have helped in September and October and they will tell you they feel like they got a fair to great price on the homes they have purchased. They have also gotten some great repairs done from sewer lines, oil tank decommissioning to windows included in the sales price.

If you are thinking about selling your home, houses that are priced 2-5% below market value and are in the correct condition are selling in the first 3 weeks. We just ran comps for a seller and found out that houses in his area are selling in 9-14days when priced well. Although his home is the nicest on the street it will be priced in the lower end of its price range with the hopes of selling in the first week.

The market stats are ugly. We know. However, buying and selling in an ugly market has its advantages. Maybe that is the sugar on top!

Great Pumpkin

Now that fall has officially arrived, it is time to begin gearing up for the holidays. First on the list is Halloween which means a trip to the pumpkin patch, corn maze and haunted houses. Below is a list of great Halloween activities that are sure to ramp you and your family up for the fast approaching holiday season.

Sauvie Island Corn Maze - The Maize
http://www.portlandmaze.com/

Scream At The Beach Haunted House
http://www.screamatthebeach.com/

13th Door Haunted House
http://www.13thdoor.com/pdx/index.php

Run Like Hell - Run on Oct 24th
http://www.terrapinevents.com/run-like-hell-portland_map.htm

Fantasy Train – Oregon City
http://www.fantasytrail.com/

Annual Squashing of the Squash - Oct 29the 10:30 a.m.
Howloween at the Zoo – Oct 30-31 11a.m- 4p.m
http://www.oregonzoo.org/Events/Calendar/2010/10oct.htm

It’s a Halloween Bash at the Children’s Museum - Sunday Oct 31st 10a.m – 3p.m.
http://www.portlandcm.org/calendar/view_entry.php?id=713&date=20101031

Laurelwood Pumpkin Carving Contest
http://www.laurelwoodbrewpub.com/2010/09/27/5th-annual-pumpkin-carving-contest/

The Anticipated Kitchen Remodel

The sunny days of summer that make working in the yard so appealing are fast behind us, which means it is time to move our focus inside. To get prepared for the projects ahead I have begun compiling a list of musts and wants, and a minor kitchen remodel is on the top of my list for wants. Along with the kitchen remodel comes beautiful new countertops so to get the ball rolling I researched countertop options. I found some really helpful information and cannot wait to put it to use when making our choice of countertops.

Countertop Options - Pros and Cons

Laminate: Easy to install yourself, it's inexpensive and low-maintenance but shows damage easily.

Ceramic tile: A classic style that can be installed by a seasoned do-it-yourselfer, ceramic tile is resistant to heat, scratches, and stains. The grout is not as hardy; it easily stains and can collect bacteria.

Wood: A great choice for a kitchen island surface, wood adds warmth; however, it must be treated with mineral oil often, and bacteria can easily breed in scratches in the wood.

Solid surfaces: Corian and Earthstone offer a seamless look that can easily be sanded if damaged but can crack from high heat.

Concrete: A custom look in numerous color and texture options, concrete must be sealed regularly.

Stainless steel: Resisting stains and standing up to high temperatures, stainless steel looks sleek but shows damage from scratches.

Stone surfaces: Expensive yet beautiful, granite holds up to common kitchen wear and tear, but marble must be resealed often.

Remodeling? Home Improvement on your fall list?

Don't miss the first home show of the year...

Thursday at 11:00am - October 3 at 6:00pm
Location: Portland Expo Center
2060 North Marine Drive
Portland, OR


Get help finishing an existing project or start a new one!The Portland Fall Home and Garden Show is the foremost fall show of its kind in Oregon state featuring exhibits for the do-it-yourselfer and the professional contractor alike. The show is a unique marketplace to shop, compare and save on a total selection of home-related products and services for building, remodeling, gardening and decorating. Fall is the best time to plant for spring. Fall is also a great time to begin interior redecorating and remodeling. Experts in remodeling and home builders exhibit the latest and best products and services to those attending this home and garden show. Meet the top kitchen and bath remodelers, heating and air conditioning specialists, window, roofing and siding remodelers, flooring, water conditioning and home security experts and top real estate agents. Come browse, bring a notebook for jotting ideas, and take in the seminars at this years show.

For a discount coupon for Thursday or Friday:
http://otshows.com/shows/pfhs/attendees/discount_coupon.htm

Post a comment and let us know that you went and what you thought of it!

Sunday Parkways Gets Ready to Roll Through NW Portland

Portland’s Sunday Parkways is a program in which the City of Portland turns automobile-free streets over to bikers, walkers and runners. The City of Portland held its first Sunday Parkways event in North Portland in June of 2008 and due to its wild success, 5 events were planned throughout the city this summer. As the summer comes to an end, so does Sunday Parkways with this Sunday marking the final event of the year - and it’s all the buzz.

This Sunday the 4.5-mile Northwest Portland Sunday Parkways route will have two loops, connecting SW Stark Street, Old Town Chinatown, The Pearl District and Northwest neighborhoods. With live music, food vendors and family friendly activities along the route at Couch and Wallace Parks, Sunday Parkways is the perfect opportunity for you and your family to get out and be active together. So pull out those running shoes, bikes, strollers or even roller skates and enjoy the NW Portland city streets filled with surprises around every corner...all automobile-free.

Sunday, September 26th
10 am - 3 pm
For More information:
http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?c=51515&a=286802

Sales Prices are Up!

Sales prices are up! Who Knew?

So it is only a 1% increase in price comparing August of 2010 with August of 2009, but an increase is an increase right? Comparing July to August of this year we also saw an increase in the sales price of homes in the Portland Metro Area. Again, the increase was small but the average sales price went from $297,000 to $299,300. Baby steps!

If we are seeing these increases then why does the news keep talking about the gloom and doom of the real estate world? While prices are up, the number of houses actually changing hands and closing is down. Way down. When comparing August of 2010 and August of 2009 we have 25% less sales and an increase of inventory that would last us 11 months! That is the down side.

To recap: prices are up, sales are down. That sounds like something straight out of my Econ 101 class in college. I didn't like econ then and I don't like econ now. Let me try to translate this. If you are selling or buying you can expect prices to be about the same as they were a year ago or maybe a little bit more but sellers are facing a lot more competition so houses need to be impeccable or priced correctly for any blemishes....

Call or email with questions about this latest information that just came out this week.

Jen and Cindy

Race for the Cure

Don't we all know someone who has been effected by this awful disease?

The Portland Race for the Cure is this weekend and as the daughter of a breast cancer survivor of 23 years, this is a cause near and dear to my heart. Donate, walk it, talk about it or just think about it this weekend but PLEASE do something as it is going to take everyone to get rid of this awful disease. Too many people in our lives have gotten to know this disease too well. It is one thing to have a parent or an aunt diagnosed with it but when it happens to our peers at a young age it hits even closer to home.

This past year, my friend Becky found a tumor. At the time she discovered her tumor she was planning her wedding and thinking about her future. That instantly became secondary to fighting this ugly monster. Instead of becoming a Bridezilla, Becky became a Breast Cancer Butt-Kickingzilla and has been beating it ever since. The Butt Kickingzilla has many of the same traits as a Bridezilla, she became bossy, demanding and even a little irritable. The good news was, it wasn't at people, it was at this little thing growing inside her breast! After what seems like a million doctor appts, needle pokes, trips for chemo and everything else she had to endure, I am happy to report that this Cancer Butt Kickingzilla has successfully defeated her foe! Becky is on the road to recovery and we couldn't be more grateful. I think the scariest thing about this for those of us who know her is that Becky is a healthy and vibrant person, just reiterating that this nasty disease can find anyone!

I am writing in honor of my mom and Becky and asking that you take a moment to visit Becky's website and make a donation. She has currently raised the third highest amount of any team in the Portland Race for the Cure. You can sign on by going to

http://race.komenoregon.org/goto/beckyhornsten

If you are interested in taking part in the race, http://www.komenoregon.org/Race_for_the_Cure/ is where you need to go to sign up to walk or sleep in for the cure. Check it out.

Don't miss this chance to make a difference!

The Market Rebound

With the many real estate and economics related questions we all have, the biggest one for many of us seems to be when will the real estate market rebound. The reports, which seem to be posted daily, point in many different directions and lead us to believe that the truth is nobody really knows. One promising article in Bloomberg/Businessweek last month predicts the housing market will be at its strongest by 2014, with Oregon and Washington seeing some of the biggest increases. Read the entire article

Swift Watch at Chapman School

It is that time of year again…It’s time to congregate on the lawn at Chapman School in NW Portland and wait patiently for the unpredictable performance of the Vaux’s Swifts. What is a swift you ask? They are small insect-eating birds that migrate south each year, roosting as they travel in hollowed out trees and large smokestacks. Since the mid 1990s, as many as 35,000 swifts have roosted each September in the chimney at Chapman School, making it the largest known roost of migrating swifts in the world.

This is an annual event for my family and we look forward to it every September. We love to pack a picnic dinner, gather our blankets and enjoy an evening on the lawn with friends. About an hour before sunset and about a half hour after, the swifts gather, organize and perform aerial acrobatics until finally funneling as a magnificent black fog into the school’s chimney to roost. If you haven’t had a chance to enjoy this experience, I suggest you add it to your list of September activities. If the swifts put on a less than memorable performance, you can still enjoy a low budget night out with friends and family.

This is a free event. Volunteers from the Portland Audubon Society are there most evenings in September with information about the swifts, binoculars and a spotting scope for viewing.

What: Swift Watch
When: September 1st - September 30th
Where: Chapman School, NW Pettygrove and 25th, Portland, Oregon

For more information about this event and on the Vaux’s Swifts, please visit http://audubonportland.org/local-birding/swiftwatch

Portand Area Hiking

When reflecting on our summer activities I am remembering a summer of kayaking, camping, outdoor concerts, backyard BBQs, beer festivals and wine tasting - it has been a great summer. Now that we are entering September and along with it back to school season, it seems summer is slipping away. Although it has been wonderful, we don’t have a single hike checked off our list of activities and that doesn’t sit well with me. It is a shame to not take advantage of the fact that we are fortunate to live in an area with many great options when it comes to outdoor activates, especially hiking. Our unlimited hiking options can feel overwhelming and make it really difficult to decide which trail to tackle so that is when I turn to http://www.portlandhikers.org/ to help guide me in the right direction. They describe their site as “a place for the outdoor community to collaborate and assemble their knowledge about great hikes and destinations in Oregon and Southwest Washington”. They have a search engine option to search for a specific hike that you want more information on as well as an option to search based on categories such as difficulty, type and environment. I am sure that portlandhikers.org will introduce you to a number of trails you didn’t even know were out there.

Instead of just talking about hiking, it’s time for me to get out and enjoy the rest of the summer exploring Portland area trails. I hope you find portlandhikers.org helpful in planning your next hike. In addition, I have included a list of well known hikes above. Enjoy!

Family Friendly Outings and Adventures

Can you believe that August is almost over? Yes, it’s true. School is just around the corner, barbeques are happening and people are looking for fun activities to enjoy with their families.

Check out some of our favorites.

Please call first or check their websites as hours and costs change.

Children's Museum
4015 SW Canyon Rd., Portland, OR 97221
Tel (503) 223-6500
This is a favorite for Jen and her nieces. From the digging in rubber dirt to making your own clay pots there is something for everyone. Be sure to check out the new pet hospital exhibit.

Jamison Square
810 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97255
An awesome wading pool that even little ones will enjoy. A great place to beat the heat if we ever get some!

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214
A planetarium, omnimax, a submarine tour, laser shows, and lots of hands-on exhibits. Better for children 4 and up but everyone will find something enjoyable and educational.

Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland, OR 97221
All zoos are not created equal...this one has some fabulous natural habitats for its animals to live in that makes it very different from other zoos. Be sure to try one of the trains out as a way to see the whole zoo. This is definately a longer activity.

Audobon Society Care Center
5151 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97210
Go meet the animals who are recuperating in the care center, and then go on a beautiful, very kid-friendly walk/hike on the adjoining trails. It's hard to believe that this is in the middle of town when it feels so remote.


Eastbank Esplanade
Between Hawthorne and the Steel Bridge on the east side of the river
This is a fabulous walking, biking or stroller pushing area along the river in downtown Portland. It is just a huge loop so jump on anywhere. Look for Cindy while you are their as she might be their on a jog or her bike! Water views, no traffic and a great leisurely way to see the city.

Finnegans Toys & Gifts
922 SW Yamhill, portland or, 97205
Jen just had the opportunity to introduce her niece to this store. It was a favorite for scratch and sniff stickers when Jen was growing up and now its where to go for erasers..the newest fad! This is not your average toy store. It is more of an outing then a store but don't tell the kids that!


VooDoo Doughnuts
22 S.W. Third Ave. Portland Oregon 97204
Every had a maple bar with bacon on it or a capt'n crunch donut? Check this place out for a very uniques experience and a great snack!


For those of us on a limited budget (or simply looking for a deal), there are several Portland family hot spots that offer ongoing free and discount days throughout the summer. Here’s just a few that you might want to consider in the next few weeks:

Oregon Zoo: An absolute favorite for all ages! The zoo offers $2 admission on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.

Portland Children’s Museum: Highly interactive, educational and FUN! The Children’s Museum offers free admission on the first Friday of each month from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

OMSI: $2 admission on the 1st Sunday of every month.

Oregon History Museum: Two children get free admission with one paying adult on the 3rd Saturday of every month.

Hope that you and your family enjoy the end of summer here in Portland!

Real Estate Market Summary

When comparing sales activity in the Portland Metro area this July to July of 2009, closed sales declined 29%. Pending sales also decreased 25% and new listings rose 3. What does all this mean? Less houses are selling, less houses are going pending but we have more houses to choose from. As I am actively reviewing the market daily, what I know is houses in good condition, priced correctly and marketed well are still selling and selling in a reasonable amount of time. It also means with interest rates still hovering at or below record lows, now is a great time to buy. An increase in inventory and less properties selling usually translates to sellers being more motivated to look at an offer and depending on their reason for selling, there is more room to negotiate.

On a month to month basis, sales dropped in the Portland area from 2012 houses in June to 1412 houses sold in July. The only reason analysts have for this drop is the end of the $8000 buyer credit. Either way it still supports the idea that it is a good time to buy as sellers who waited for the summer season to list are realizing that summer is coming to an end and their house is still on the market.

With the current inventory of 15,271 active listings, we have enough inventory to last us almost 11 months. Where is the good news you ask? The average sales price for July of 2010 increased 3% over July of 2009 and from June to July of this year we saw a 2.5% increase in sales price from $289,000 to $297,000.

Despite the increase in inventory it can still be a good time to sell, especially if you are looking to upsize. In which case, the reduced price you receive from the sale of your home would be made up for in the reduced price you receive when purchasing a more expensive home. For those looking to downsize or combine households, depending on the condition, location and price of your home it can also be a good time to sell. Another idea is exploring your options for turning your current home into a rental.