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	<title>Vancouver WA Real Estate Blog &#187; Portland Homes</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.usa-relocate.com/tag/portland-homes/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.usa-relocate.com</link>
	<description>Vancouver WA and Portland OR real estate listings</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:51:06 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
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			<item>
		<title>Some Common Myths About Our Credit</title>
		<link>http://www.usa-relocate.com/some-common-myths-about-our-credit/</link>
		<comments>http://www.usa-relocate.com/some-common-myths-about-our-credit/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 22 Oct 2011 18:53:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Terrie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Homes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Realtor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relocation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vancouver Realtor]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.usa-relocate.com/?p=1495</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are considering purchasing a Vancouver Home or a piece of  Portland Real Estate, be sure you are well informed today about how credit ratings work and are more aware of our own credit rates.

     If we have a lot of cash in the bank and a great income, a great job, we will always qualify for a home loan. No matter how much cash you have, or how much money you make, if you want a mortgage loan, you must meet the lender’s FICO score guidelines, and those guidelines are getting tougher and tougher.
    If we have no late pays and basically no debt that we will not have a problems getting credit. False! Financial responsibility and good credit are two different things completely. Having no credit accounts or debts doesn’t give you good credit, it gives you NO credit.
    Another misconception: By checking your own credit score before filling out an application at the bank, because you can make sure you have no negative surprises. The fact is that the bank or mortgage loan originator must run their own independent of your credit report and it might very well have a different score and other line items that the one you ran on yourself. Another myth: If you have had a foreclosure or a short sale on your record, you will not be able to get any credit for at least 7 years. This depends on your particular circumstances.In some cases your credit score can be rehabilitated enough to secure certain credit.
    Having a short sale show up on your credit report will have less impact than having a foreclosure show up on it. The fact is: Short sales and foreclosures have the same impact on your credit score, according to the credit reporting agencies. There are exceptions and your own particular circumstances can determine which way the agencies will rate you.]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Use Caution When Removing Leaded Paint</title>
		<link>http://www.usa-relocate.com/use-caution-when-removing-leaded-paint/</link>
		<comments>http://www.usa-relocate.com/use-caution-when-removing-leaded-paint/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Oct 2011 19:36:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Terrie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Homes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Realtor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relocation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.usa-relocate.com/?p=1464</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Experts are warning again about the dangers of removing leaded paint products in your home. If your home was constructed prior to 1978, there is a 75% chance that there is leaded paint somewhere on the walls. Take heed, as this would be true of many of our homes in the older Portland Homes for sale. Leaded paint is not harmless until you go to remove it. Take all precautions when sanding or removing the paint. 

Check with your city's building department regarding any regulations regarding the removal and disposal of leaded paint chips and air dust.

Faced with strict local removal and disposal regulations, many painters prefer to leave lead removal to licensed subcontractors. "Abatement is more than just having the equipment and sucking up the dust," says Portland, Ore., painting contractor Kathleen George. "You need to understand and follow all the rules. I prefer calling in a pro so that I can focus on painting."]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.usa-relocate.com/use-caution-when-removing-leaded-paint/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Time To Upgrade That Old Fireplace</title>
		<link>http://www.usa-relocate.com/time-to-upgrade-that-old-fireplace/</link>
		<comments>http://www.usa-relocate.com/time-to-upgrade-that-old-fireplace/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:04:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Terrie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Homes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Realtor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relocation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.usa-relocate.com/?p=1453</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[According to the National Association of Home Builders, fireplaces rank among the top three features desired by new homebuyers, but unfortunately, traditional fireplaces can send up to 8 percent of valuable furnace-heated air out through the chimney, making them really fun to look at but inefficient as heating sources. You can transform your firebox in your Portland Home into an efficient room heater by adding an insert, installed by a factory-trained professional (to ensure proper venting and best efficiency results), will draft-proof an open fireplace while the unit's shell keeps heat in the room.
Check out the possible tax credit and the savings on your monthly heating bill and it might be time to look into installing a new fireplace insert.]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Return on Home Improvement Investments</title>
		<link>http://www.usa-relocate.com/return-on-home-improvement-investments/</link>
		<comments>http://www.usa-relocate.com/return-on-home-improvement-investments/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:41:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Terrie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Homes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Realtor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relocation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.usa-relocate.com/?p=1414</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When we are getting ready to sell our Portland home, or even if we are just wanting to update our homes we need to know which improvement has the best return in value. Obviously some updates will bring in a better return in value than others. First and foremost is kitchen remodels which is always 100%. Doing high end kitchen remodeling is not always the best way to go either. Mid range or minor remodels of kitchens most often brings in best return in value according to Remodeling Magazine. Most potential buyers don't care if the new refrigerator is a built in Sub Zero type or something less. The same is true with having the 8 burner stoves, under-mount sink or travertine floors. Granite counters are not necessary. Simple laminates, newer faucets and sparkling sinks sell. Buyers don't want leaky faucets or stained sinks. With regards to the cabinets; resurfacing is the best option and replacing the doors and/or hardware is the best way to go.

The national average of recouped cost is more than 100% for bathrooms. New floors, fixtures and lights payoff. Buyers will shy away from buying a home if the roof needs to be replaced. Some other suggestions: Patch cement cracks in the sidewalks, resurface asphalt driveways, plant some flowers, caulk the windows and doors, replace doorknobs and locks, repair and paint broken fences. Overall, buyers want to buy a home that has no deferred maintenance, newer appliances, updated plumbing, electrical and heating (including a/c), modern conveniences and is ready to occupy.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.usa-relocate.com/return-on-home-improvement-investments/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Portland Homes: Tree Maintenance</title>
		<link>http://www.usa-relocate.com/in-portland-your-trees-need-continual-maintenance/</link>
		<comments>http://www.usa-relocate.com/in-portland-your-trees-need-continual-maintenance/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:22:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Terrie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Homes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Realtor]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.usa-relocate.com/?p=1426</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We all spend much time checking the overall condition of our  Portland homes, garages, patios and just about everything around our property to be sure everything remains in good shape. Now with winter almost upon us, how many of us have really checked out the condition of the large trees in our yards? We check our roofs and gutters, the siding and the windows, doors and driveway but we also should check the condition of the trees and their limbs. Many accidents happen in the winter when heavy rains and snow begins falling putting extra weight on the limbs and branches causing them to break under the stress. Even the main trunk should be checked regularly for problems that might cause the tree to fall over easily, even though it may look sturdy enough. Pests and disease can eat away at a large tree and weaken it over time.  If you are not familiar with the different diseases and pests that can harm a live tree, seek some professional advise and you might save yourself many problems later on when the tree finally gives way to heavy winds and rain, or snow.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.usa-relocate.com/in-portland-your-trees-need-continual-maintenance/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>FIXING A FROZEN PIPE</title>
		<link>http://www.usa-relocate.com/fixing-a-frozen-pipe/</link>
		<comments>http://www.usa-relocate.com/fixing-a-frozen-pipe/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2011 19:34:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Terrie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Homes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vancouver Washington Homes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.usa-relocate.com/?p=1375</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What should you do if a water pipe freezes? When water freezes, it tries to expand inside the pipe, and it pushes against the sides of the pipe, as well as any nearby valves, seams and faucets, and this results in costly damage if not taken care of fast. Whatever caused the pipes to freeze you need to get them thawed out as soon as possible so you can have running water again. If the pipe is not leaking that means that the water inside is frozen, or is ice. You'll discover you have a leak only after the ice starts to melt.  If you're not at your Vancouver home when the pipe thaws, it can cause major damage.

There are several methods for thawing frozen pipes. What ever method you use, always open the faucet the pipe supplies. Thawing the pipe will create steam inside and it could burst the pipe if there is no way for the steam to escape.

    Method #1: Use electric heat tape on the pipe, and wait for it to thaw out. This is a good method to use because it slowly thaws the pipe.
    Method #2: Wrap the pipe with several layers of cloth or toweling and pour hot water over the cloth or toweling. Repeat several times until the pipe is unfrozen.
    Method #3: Direct a heat lamp on the pipe itself. Place the lamp at least a foot away from the pipe. Be sure that the heat lamp is grounded properly.
    Method #4: Hold a hand-operated hair dryer to the pipe, and slowly move up and down the length of the frozen section. You will know the pipe is thawed out when water starts to trickle out of the open faucet. Let the water run for a while to completely clear the pipe. Then, close the faucet and check for leaks. Now you must find out why the pipe frozen and fix the problem.]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Help for Low Income Families to Purchase a Portland Home</title>
		<link>http://www.usa-relocate.com/help-for-low-income-families-to-purchase-a-portland-home/</link>
		<comments>http://www.usa-relocate.com/help-for-low-income-families-to-purchase-a-portland-home/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:41:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Terrie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Portland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Homes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Realtor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relocation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.usa-relocate.com/?p=1308</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Through the free, statewide Home ownership Hotline, this group offers free information for first-time homebuyers who often face multiple barriers to home ownership. By calling WHC, you will be given a home ownership readiness assessment. This basic assessment includes a review of your family size and income, credit history, housing and location requirements, and other factors used to determine eligibility for a variety of first time buyer programs. You will then be referred to the appropriate resources and encouraged to call us back throughout the process for further assistance. This is a great first step to owning your own Portland home.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.usa-relocate.com/help-for-low-income-families-to-purchase-a-portland-home/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Time to Winterize your Vancouver Home</title>
		<link>http://www.usa-relocate.com/time-to-winterize-your-vancouver-home/</link>
		<comments>http://www.usa-relocate.com/time-to-winterize-your-vancouver-home/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:39:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Terrie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Homes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relocation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vancouver Realtor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vancouver Washington Homes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.usa-relocate.com/?p=1271</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[August is a good time to start thinking about getting your Vancouver home ready for winter. By starting now you wont have to rush at the last minute. Here are some tips on getting your most valuable investment ready for the cold and wet weather that lies ahead:

    Have a HVAC professional inspect your furnace, clean ducts. Stock up on new filters.
    Check the thermostat and replace if not working properly.
    Clean the fireplace, the flue and spark arrestor at the top of chimney. Make sure the damper works properly and fits correctly. Check the mortar between all bricks and look for any cracks in the fireplace and chimney.
    Check all door and window insulation in house and garage. 
    Caulk around windows and doors. Caulk around toilets and tubs, under sinks.
    Get your storm windows prepared to install.
    Check all gutters, downspouts, clean and make sure they don't leak.
    Check for any worn spots on roof.
    Have gas company adjust all pilots and burners on stove, water heater, dryer, heater and gas outlet in fireplace. Check all gas lines and appliances for any gas leaks.
    Blanket the water heater.
    Clean dryer vent or replace.
    Check around foundation, fill in any cracks. Make sure crawl space covers are tight.
    Check out all Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors, put in new batteries.
    Check all faucets inside and out, fix any leaks, and insulate outside faucets and drains.
    Make sure you know where turn off valves are located for gas main, water main, and electric.
    Prepare the air conditioner for winter, drain and cover.
    Check laundry area for any water leaks.
    Check all fans in kitchen over stove and in bathrooms, clean the fan and exit ducts.
    Clean any grease filters.
    Lubricate all door knobs, locks and hindges, including garage hindges and opener.
    Clean ceiling fans and flip the switch that allows you to reverse the fan to help circulate the warm air during winter.
    Fix the air leaks under doors, and where pipes or wires come into the house.
    Check attic insulation, add more or replace if necessary.
    Have a supply of candles and batteries, and emergency kit.
    If you are on a septic sewer system, have it checked and drained if need be.
    Prepare patio, furniture, outside bar for winter. Put away any hoses.
    Prepare lawn sprinkler system for winter.

Note:  Use licensed professionals to work on your home and get referrals prior to hiring any contractor or other home improvement professionals.]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Portland Homes Dot Ninty Five Diverse Neighborhoods</title>
		<link>http://www.usa-relocate.com/portland-homes-dot-ninty-five-diverse-neighborhoods/</link>
		<comments>http://www.usa-relocate.com/portland-homes-dot-ninty-five-diverse-neighborhoods/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:26:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Terrie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Portland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Homes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Realtor]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.usa-relocate.com/?p=1264</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Portland is known as one of the most environmentally friendly cities anywhere. This is a city made up of 95 different and unique neighborhoods, each offering its own personality and lifestyle. Portland homes come in just about every type, style, price and size to satisfy anyone's wants or needs. There are custom built single family homes, condos, town homes, lofts and large estate type homes available for sale. Portland has so much diversity and offers so many housing opportunities that it is wise to see your Realtor who can show you all of the different options available to you.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.usa-relocate.com/portland-homes-dot-ninty-five-diverse-neighborhoods/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Portland &#8211; Vancouver Metro Area Tributes</title>
		<link>http://www.usa-relocate.com/portland-vancouver-metro-area-tributes/</link>
		<comments>http://www.usa-relocate.com/portland-vancouver-metro-area-tributes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:28:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Terrie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vancouver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buying a home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Portland Homes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relocation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vancouver Realtor]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.usa-relocate.com/?p=1228</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Over the last few years, the Portland - Vancouver metro area has received numerous "Best Places" tributes, by Forbes and other media, and has made the "top city lists" for many things, including:

Forbes Lists:
* #15 Best Places for Business and Careers*
* #106 in Cost of doing Business*
* #86 in Job Growth*
* #39 in Education*
* #10 America's Most Wired Cities 2010*
* #3 America's Safest Cities 2010*
* #16 Best Cities for Singles 2009*

Combine these with the beautiful neighborhoods such as Edgewood Park and homes, great schools, wonderful houses of worship, city amenities, hometown pride of the residents, great shopping, entertainment, medical facilities and caring city fathers and you have a winning and forward looking team.

Forbes Lists:
* #15 Best Places for Business and Careers*
* #106 in Cost of doing Business*
* #86 in Job Growth*
* #39 in Education*
* #10 America's Most Wired Cities 2010*
* #3 America's Safest Cities 2010*
* #16 Best Cities for Singles 2009*

Combine these with the beautiful neighborhoods such as Edgewood Park and homes, great schools, wonderful houses of worship, city amenities, hometown pride of the residents, great shopping, entertainment, medical facilities and caring city fathers and you have a winning and forward looking team.]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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