Relocation Tip

When relocating always check out the neighborhood schools and the neighborhood itself during the day, on weekends and evenings. Even talk to some of your potential neighbors.

This might seem obvious, but I have seen over and over where the last consideration is the school system.   They purchase what they consider to be the perfect house and regret later their decision because of poor schools or noisy neighbors.

I can guide you to a point, but ultimately it needs to be your decision.

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New Signs of the Market Growth

A survey conducted by Campbell Communications, shows that short sales account for 12.5% of property sales in July 2009.

A short sale is when a property sells for less than the existing mortgage. This is often done so the homeowner can avoid foreclosure. These sales are more time-consuming and complicated. Thus agents need to be experienced and educated on how to assist homeowners in these situations. I would suggest  you need assistance in this process.

We will be seeing more and more short sales as the market continues to adjust as more consumers take advantage of the government’s Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives program. This program streamlines the short sale process, making it simpler for the seller, buyer and the mortgage holder.

I would be privileged to explain and then assist you in this process of either selling or purchasing a new home.

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Things to Consider When Searching For a New Home

Lets explore some realities. If one lives close to a highway; you will have some noise. Besides the noise of a highway, there is highway soot in the air. I have a friend who teaches at a school very close to a Freeway and I tell you there is extra highway soot. Remember that if it lands on objects, we are breathing it. So if one suffers from any type of bronchial problem this location would not be a good choice. But for the average person, it does not seem to matter. There is also a hum from the cars, funny this often sounds like trees blowing in the wind or sometimes rushing water. If a property is your dream, one often overlooks some conditions. But this along with air traffic and/or rail ways is a personal choice.

An experienced Vancouver WA REALTOR such as  myself will do extensive personal analysis as to your needs before taking you to view any home. Thus if need be we will stay clear of areas that are not conducive to your well being.

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Housing Options for the Retirees

As the baby boomers age many often decide to downsize. They sell their family home and move to a more carefree environment. These seniors have many choices when it comes to retirement.

• Independent Living:
This can be in a Retirement Community,  often gated for security purposes. These communities offer single family homes or condominiums and often have rentals available. They usually have a clubhouse, recreational facilities often golf courses and pools.

• Assisted living:
Some communities also offer assisted living, offering not only recreation but also meals, laundry and/or linen service, and as need be caregivers.  Some communities offer  independent living , and facilities for assisted living when necessary.

• Apartment complexes:
There are also many apartment complexes which can either be  ”Age Inclusive” or “Age Exclusive.” Age Inclusive complexes attract retirees, but do not have age-requirements whereas Age Exclusive facilities do have senior age-requirements (usually age 55 and older).

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Swiss Company coming to Portland

Swiss battery-maker ReVolt Technology announced on Thursday that it had received a $5 million federal stimulus grant which the company will use to move forward on its plans for a Portland manufacturing operations and research center. Meaning jobs for our locals.

ReVolt Technology announced last September that it had chosen Portland, Oregon for its United States Headquarters, where it would eventually employ approximately 250 people in a research and manufacturing operation to develop zinc-air batteries that can be used in electric vehicles and other applications. 

James P. McDougall, CEO of ReVolt Technology, said the company had set up an initial Portland office and had began looking for a larger site.  Now, with this Recovery Act stimulus award, they are in the planning stages for their facilities for the manufacturing and research operations.  The initial planning will continue for the next few months and McDougall is confident that he will have the U.S. operational team in place in Oregon by October 2010.

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