Realty Solutions - Portland Real Estate Blog: November 2013

Friday, November 15, 2013

Annual Artist Event

Valley Art Gallery, Forest Grove, Oregon

Have you been desperately looking for the perfect piece of art to hang above the couch, without emptying your wallet? Well then, you will not want to miss The Valley Art Gallery’s Annual Artist Event this Saturday. The Gallery is pleased to invite and promote the artistic abilities and talents of the Forest Grove and surrounding area artisans. The Valley Art Gallery provides the local artisans their time to “shine”. The ultimate mission of this event, is to provide the public the ability to purchase fine art at an affordable price. Collections of art will be hung and displayed, for you to shop and admire. Along with the local artisans, you profit from this annual event, accessing the finest art the area has to offer at spectacularly low prices.

In addition, there will be day-long family entertainment. Activities for the children will be accompanied by live music. The festivities are all a part of the celebration of Valley Art Gallery’s objective to bring the community together, by means of introducing the inspirational art rendered by local artisans.

Please, join me this Saturday, for a very special opportunity to purchase a one-of-a-kind piece of art, provided by our local talent. Allow one of our local artists to fill the void above your couch, with a splendid piece of art. Bring the entire family to participate in the various recreational activities being offered by the Gallery. Dancing is optional, however there will be live music playing as you shop. I will see you on Saturday!!

Saturday November 16^th
10:00AM-6:00PM

For more information regarding the Annual Artist Event, please, click here.

Gabby Tyer - CRS, GRI
Real Estate Sales and Property Management
Managing Principal Broker/Owner
Realty Solutions
www.allaboutportland.com
www.jessicashope.com

Gabby Tyer is your ultimate real estate resource for Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.
Portland Real Estate market stats news and education. Complete search access to all homes for sale in Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas.

Photo courtesy of mat3jko

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Avoid These Major Home Buying Mistakes

Right now, it’s a great time to buy a home. Properties are priced affordably, and interest rates are historically low. That doesn’t mean that you can go out and buy without thinking. You still need to do your homework and proceed with a plan.

After all, buying a home is likely the largest purchase you will ever make. Make sure you do it right by avoiding these major home buying mistakes.

Buying more house than you can afford. Spending more than you planned on a home may seem like no big deal, especially when you spread it out over a 30 year mortgage. Over time, however, those extra dollars each month can put a strain on your finances. Get preapproved for a mortgage so you know exactly how much you can spend, and stick with that figure.

Not having an emergency fund. Remember, once you own your home, you have to pay for anything that needs to be fixed. With any house, there will be expenses that you didn’t budget for. Make sure you have an emergency stash of cash to help you get through unexpected repairs.

Not getting an inspection before you buy. You’ve looked over the house thoroughly, and so have your in-laws, and all your friends. However, there still could be hidden surprises waiting for you. A crumbling foundation, bad electrical wiring, or hidden roof damage are among the things likely to be spotted by an inspector’s trained eye.

Not thinking about resale value. Remember that you will probably sell your home at some point. Choose a home based on what you want, and also consider what other buyers are looking for. Look for desirable neighborhoods, schools, and other amenities so your house will hold its value.

Trying to do it yourself. Buying real estate is a complicated process. You need a professional to help guide you through buying your home. That’s where your Realtor® comes in. It just makes sense to have someone who is an expert to help you out.

Don’t just stumble blindly through the home buying process. Take care to avoid these mistakes, and you’re more likely to end up buying your dream home, instead of getting stuck with a nightmare.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Second Saturday at WAAAM

1600 Air Museum Road, Hood River, Oregon

If you are an antique airplane, automobile, or motorcycle enthusiast, you will not want to miss the Second Saturday at WAAAM event, occurring this Saturday morning. The Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum is proud to open its huge hangar doors, and start rolling out the antique cars and motorcycles, beginning at 9:00AM. If you arrive early, you may be asked to assist in getting the vintage, yet still operable, planes, cars, and motorcycles ready to fire up, and go on exhibit.

WAAAM possesses an extensive assortment of rare aircrafts, including a 1917 Curtiss JN-4D Jenny, a Piper Cub collection, an Aeronca collection, and a Stearman collection, just to mention a few. All of these aircrafts are still flying, and are ready to be put in the air. Bring the entire family out to be entertained and amazed, by these “full of life” airplanes.

Oh, and don’t forget about the cars. WAAAM is very proud of its assemblage of over 130 automobiles, including a 1914 Detroit Electric, a Ford Model A, a Packard, a Studebaker, and even a Locomobile. And, if two wheels is more your style of transportation, come out to see the vintage collection of Harley Davidson’s, Indians, Cushman’s and more.

This very well could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. WAAAM offers you the opportunity to get up close and personal with these legendary planes, cars, and motorcycles. There will be a select amount of people chosen to go for a ride. Come out this Saturday to see if it is your lucky day. I will see you there!!

Saturday November 9^th

9:00AM-5:00PM

For more information regarding this event, please click here.

Photo courtesy of Rudi/Flickr.com

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Homeowners Insurance

Do You Know What Is and Isn't Covered?

A survey released in May by InsuranceQuotes.com shows that many Americans are not fully aware of what their homeowner insurance covers or doesn’t cover. It shows, for example, that about half of those surveyed did not know their insurance policy would not cover damage caused by an earthquake. "Many consumers are purchasing insurance without really [comprehending] what they're buying," InsuranceQuotes.com Laura Adams told TheStreet.com.

Here are some of the more common misconceptions:

· Homeowners policies usually do not cover replacement of all of your possessions. Check for coverage caps on personal belongings in your home. These can include jewelry or firearms. You may have to arrange to pay more to get complete coverage.

· 55% of those surveyed didn’t know that damage from mold resulting from a leak is frequently not covered. Mold remediation can cost thousands of dollars, but you’re probably not covered if it happens to you. You can pay more to get mold damage coverage.

· As noted above, your policy probably does not include damage caused by earthquakes.

· Your policy probably does not cover flood damage. You’ll need a separate flood policy if you want to protect yourself. If you live in a flood zone, you may be required to have such a policy. But, if you live near such a zone, you should consider a flood policy. They’re usually quite inexpensive if you don’t live close to water.

· You need to make sure you’ve got enough coverage to replace your house, but that isn’t the market value of your home, which can also include the price of the land.

· The report also showed 73% of those surveyed didn’t know their homeowner’s policy covers thefts from a self-storage unit or even your car, no matter where it was when the crime was committed.

The key takeaway from this report is that you need to read and understand your policy. Your insurance agent should be more than happy to spell out the ramifications of your policy in plain English. If not, perhaps you need another agent! Because, as a homeowner, you need to know your investment is as protected as it can be.

Gabby Tyer - CRS, GRI
Real Estate Sales and Property Management
Managing Principal Broker/Owner
Realty Solutions

www.allaboutportland.com
www.jessicashope.com

Gabby Tyer is your ultimate real estate resource for Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.
Portland Real Estate market stats news and education. Complete search access to all homes for sale in Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas.
Photo courtesy Angela de Marqo/flickr.com

Friday, November 1, 2013

Ghost Hunter’s Event

Columbia Gorge Hotel, Hood River, Oregon

Do you believe in ghosts? Join me this Saturday evening at the Columbia Gorge Hotel to see if the spirits are going to make themselves visible. The Ghost Hunter’s event is to be taken very seriously, as some of the most highly respected investigators from the International Paranormal Reporting Group (IPRG) will lead you on an unforgettable, ghost hunting experience.

The Columbia Gorge Hotel is known to have many reported tales of ghostly experiences, thus receiving the title of the Pacific Northwest’s oldest haunted hotel. This weekend, the darkest corners of the hotel will be visited, and the known areas of paranormal activity will be given close scrutiny. These particular areas of the hotel are never allowed to be entered by the public, only by those of you daring enough to take part in the Ghost Hunter’s Event.

The IPRG members that will be guiding the “hunt”, have years of experience, and will be arriving with the latest, high-tech equipment, in the field of paranormal activity. Some of the equipment includes: specialty cameras; temperature control apparatuses; electromagnetic (emf) meters, thermal imaging tools; infrared lighting, and optic paraphernalia.

Admission for the Ghost Hunter’s Event is $199.00 for a single package, or $256.00 for a couple package. The package rate includes a room for the night, allowing for overnight paranormal activity experiences. Also included, is the opportunity to attend a Paranormal Investigation Seminar, where there will be a meet and greet, with the IPRG professionals. The following morning, all will gather for a hotel-provided breakfast, to discuss the evening’s events, uncovering’s, sightings, and experiences.

Are you ready to encounter the unexpected? The Columbia Gorge Hotel is opening its doors this Saturday night to allow you to experience the paranormal activity that encompasses the hotel. Join me for the Ghost Hunter’s Event. I guarantee it will be a haunted hotel evening, you won’t soon forget.

Saturday, November 2^nd through Sunday, November 3^rd

Saturday 5:00PM-Sunday 1:00PM

For more information regarding this ghost hunting, haunted hotel event, please click here.

Gabby Tyer - CRS, GRI
Real Estate Sales and Property Management
Managing Principal Broker/Owner
Realty Solutions
www.allaboutportland.com
www.jessicashope.com

Gabby Tyer is your ultimate real estate resource for Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.
Portland Real Estate market stats news and education. Complete search access to all homes for sale in Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas.

Photo courtesy of Orange-mik/deviantart.com.