What the heck are all these things?  We have a vague idea about some, but most of us don’t really know what they are… let alone use them.  Unless we get to the point where we need them or really feel motivated to learn them.  Like this blog of mine.  I really wanted to talk about real estate to people, and how we can all take care of our homes and ourselves in an environmentally friendly way.  So, my son set this up and I’ve learned to use it.  Not all of our sons are web designers you may be thinking.  Well, there is a fabulous website for beginners by Lee Lefever, which includes videos describing all the above.  It’s cool.  It’s simple.  It’s for everyone and it’s FREE!! 

I received an email from PGE today which contained the most amazing videos showing how to green up an older home.  Just click here Green Home Makeover Videos to watch them.  They were created by National Geographic.  These are great for those of us (like me) with homes built before 1970.  You don’t have to do costly remodels, you can just do some of these procedures and you will save tons of money and resources.

HANG IN THERE FELLOW PORTLANDERS !
We are definately faring better than the rest of the country.  According to Zillow’s latest Home Value Report, home values in Portland decreased 1.2% in the first quarter of 2008, compared to the first quarter of 2007.  But Nationally, single-family homes decreased 7.5% while condo values declined 9.0% during this same period.

Portland surpassed Seattle to become the second strongest U.S. housing market among the 20 largest markets.  Closed Sales are up 27.6% from January.  Pending sales rose 9.9% from January.  And we need to remember that homes appreciated 5.8% from Frebruary 2007 to February 2008.  So, we still have appreciation going on here.  And this, combined with the recent news from HUD that FHA loan limits are increasing is good news for buyers.

Undoubtedly, real estate has been hit hard in other areas of the country.  But for now, at least, Portland area homes are still appreciating at a healthy rate.  and now is a great time for buyers to take the leap to homeownership.  A big inventory to choose from, prices a bit lower than the past years....all good news for buyers!