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We’re going to have a little more fun today. We have a TON of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) that the Portland is Home Team has been asked in the past TWO decades of working hard to welcome you home! The Gallers will play Rapid Fire Answering with some of the most asked inquiries and break down with more detail a few of the more important and complicated questions.  And the questions are as follows: For Buyers: What home can I afford? Can I buy a home and sell my current one at the same time? How many homes should I see before making an offer? What do you think the seller will accept as a fair price? How do I know if the property is a good deal? How quickly can I close? Should I get a home inspection? When can I back out if I change my mind? What is the first step of the home-buying process? How long does it take to buy a home? What is a seller’s market? What is a buyer’s market? How much do I have to pay an agent to help me buy a house? What is earnest money? How long can the seller take to respond to my offer? What if my offer is rejected? Besides the down payment, what other money do I need? For Sellers: How should I prepare my house before selling it? How long will it take to sell my home? What is the selling price of my home? Is there a reason my home’s assessed value differs compared to the market value? Newsletter from Audra:  Winter: the lovely season of lights! Living in the PNW, this statement couldn't be more apropos because without the lights, we would not be able to see a darn thing past 4pm. The twinkle of the lights, the displays in the windows, the frost in the air...all of it is just stunning and I can't get enough. This month we have a wonderful holiday box to gift away! It is filled with all local goodies including a warm and cozy blanket, olive oils, club level Blazer tickets and more! Super easy to be in the drawing....just review us on Google, Zillow or Facebook or send a referral our way and voila! Entered. We will announce the winner before Christmas so be sure to get writing! This is definitely one not to miss.  Our design corner is busy for the holidays!  Thank you to all of our design clients....you all are so amazing to work with and we are honored to be part of your team. For those of you still thinking or dreaming of a new kitchen/bath/whatever...please reach out! We look forward to talking. In the design corner picture this month it's a basic improvement but packed a big punch. With new paint (multiple coats of our signature line At Home in the color Sidewalk) we made a huge impact.  Also, our Property Management Division is official! Please reach out to me at audra@portlandishome.com to discuss your needs and see if we are a good fit.  Also, stay tuned for some happy hours coming your way! We look forward to hanging out with everyone.  All our best to you and yours.  

When it comes to having the best experience with borrowing money for a home, the most important part of the formula is knowing the math and the facts. Todd Gydesen, Mortgage Broker with Vantage Mortgage Brokers, has the longevity and methods to help you make the right decisions. In today’s world having experts who have lived through much tougher times is the only way to go. Sit back, listen, and learn from these well-seasoned professionals in this week’s episode of The Portland is Home Team Talk Real Estate, (and Mortgages!)     Here are some helpful tips to get you started: Tip 1: Get quotes from multiple lenders It’s recommended that you visit three to five lenders and discuss your mortgage options.   Tip 2: Consider all types of lenders Obtain estimates from loan officers at banks and credit unions, as well as mortgage brokers and non-bank lenders. Tip 3: Compare loans on the same day Because mortgage rates change frequently, it’s best to compare loan programs on the same day so that you can accurately judge cost estimates from several lenders. Tip 4: Shop for a loan within a 45-day period Try to do your mortgage shopping within a 45-day period so that there’s minimal effect on your credit. Multiple credit inquiries outside a 45-day period could lower your credit score. Tip 5: Compare all loan terms, not only the mortgage rate The loan with the lowest mortgage rate may not always be the best choice for you. Rates are important, but you should also consider the overall cost of the loan. Be sure to look at the mortgage term, which is the duration of the mortgage, and the associated costs of financing, such as: The APR for the loan. Lender application fees. Processing or loan origination fees. Closing costs (also known as settlement fees). For each lender you work with, ask for an itemized summary of estimated fees. This should help you understand costs and compare mortgage options. After you’ve submitted an application, the lender is required to provide you with a Loan Estimate that includes the terms of your loan and all estimated costs, plus your APR, finance charges and payment schedule. Tip 6: Ask questions if you don’t understand loan features Ask the lender to fully explain the loan program that is being offered to you if you don’t understand all its features.   To help you weigh the pros and cons of your mortgage options, consider working with a housing counseling agency. A HUD-certified housing counselor can be an objective advisor and guide you in considering lenders and mortgage options. Vantage Mortgage Group, Inc. DBA Vantage Mortgage Brokers 17040 Pilkington Rd Ste 300 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 Serving Oregon and Washington. 503-496-0431  

Inspections: Don’t Skip These 5 Things- And What Can Happen If You Do The Team has a special guest today, Grant Waller, Owner/Inspector from PacWest Home Inspections, a company built by families, for families.   You don’t have to use his services or take his advice, but his horror stories of those who chose not to may persuade you otherwise.   Think: the stuff you don’t see— roof, sewer, radon, crawl space/attic and foundation. What are an Inspector’s personal preferences and what would deter one from a potential buy, in other words, what will make an Inspector walk away? You’ll be surprised by his answer!   Audra’s Newsletter: In the PNW we are heading into our winter (i.e.: rainy season) and boy, has mother nature been delivering!  We went from almost 90 degrees in the beginning of October to a cool mid 50's and rain. While we absolutely need the rain, I always do my "rain, rain go away" dance on Halloween. This year it didn't work. Oh well, c'est la vie.   Our kids switched schools this year and the new school has a beautiful tradition of trick or treating around the neighborhood from school grounds. It's an actual event with a map, food, and a movie after. The rain held out and the kids had a blast! Tonight (Halloween Day) the rain is here to stay. Our neighborhood closes the street down, sets up games and food and a movie, weather permitting. Looks like we will need tents! It is still wonderful, and a little rain never hurt anyone.... just adds to the spooky vibe in my opinion!   In other news, we are still chugging away with design projects! We are booking out for next summer so if there is a project you have been itching to do, reach out soon to have a consultation!  We love helping you make your home everything you love.   We are also opening a Property Management side/division! After years of thought, we are going to move forward. If you 1) know a great property manager, send them our way! Andrew and I are both certified and have been doing it personally for 20 years, but we will be looking for someone official :-) and 2) if you have properties that you need managed and we haven't already spoken, reach out if you are interested!  We will be announcing more of this as we go along. Finally, it's hoops season!  If you like a fun night out and have a review (which in our business means the world to us) or a referral for someone who is interested in a home sale or purchase, send them our way! We are giving away club level(!) seats for each winner!!  Woot woot!  It's a great night out and the Blazers right now are spectacular!   That's all from me for now. Stay connected on FB/Insta etc. to keep up to date on contests and from all of us at RWG and the Portland Is Home Team, have a Happy Halloween!! Andrew's Newsletter: Hello friends – welcome to November. With the change of season comes a change in the weather and me deciding to embrace the sweather (sweater weather). And soup in front of a fire with slippers on.   I think the operative ‘tie-in’ analogy with the seasons’ change and the market shifting is a swinging pendulum. To unleash a "cliché storm" let me say: just as night turns to day and summer slips into autumn with winter following, just a year ago the market was in diametric opposition to our current market. Red hot, meet slow and steady. The market of late is more relaxed. Homes for sale are seeing their time on market adjusting to historical norms. Buyers who are closing on homes are "buying the home, not the interest rate." In other news, it seems the multi-unit market is becoming more attractive for investors. There is opportunity in this market shift and there are reasons for optimism. As we head towards Thanksgiving, my thoughts tend to gratitude. For instance: if you are reading this right now, please know I am grateful to have you in our lives and want to wish you and your family all the best and a life of good health and contentment. Please know we are here for you and welcome you reaching out anytime we can be wind in your sails. All our best to you and yours. Realty Works Group101 N Beech St, Portland, OR 97227 Give Us a Call 503-975-1829 cell503-975-3895 office   Instagram   LinkedIn   andrew@portlandishome.com  

The Gallers have seen a lot in their 22 years of working hard to welcome you home and they’re even flummoxed by the current state of real estate, and the world for that matter. Andrew has terrific insight, words of wisdom and analysis to help steer even the most fragile buyers and sellers through these unprecedented times.   Andrew explains that the definition of a buyer’s market is 6 months or more of inventory; below, a seller’s market. Find out if that holds true for the Portland area and much more in this episode of The Portland is Home Team Talks Real Estate.    Newsletter from Audra: Well folks, here we are in October! Cooler nights, planning our Halloween costumes, knowing that winter is closer now and starting to prepare, and more planning our Halloween costumes. Are you a "I have been working on my costume since March" kind of person or the "I will figure something out that week" kind of person? I fall into the latter. I start thinking about ideas about now and see what I can piecemeal together. I do have a few staples: wig, hat, funny peanut butter and jelly foam thingy.... but nothing gets set until the last minute! Also, even though I don't live on a farm and need to prepare the land, the anticipation of the winter brings out all my feelings of getting myself ready. I have my garden to prep for winter, cutting back the summer plants, planting the bulbs for the spring, walking around to see what we need to remove and placing a topcoat on the veggie beds. Umbrellas get put away, and soon some of our outdoor furniture will follow. Lately I have been buying furniture that can stay outside all winter, but we still have a few pieces with cushions we need to bring in. Lightweight furniture works well in this scenario.   It is also time to service your furnaces, trim trees, do any last power washing, etc. Power washing is essential, because the rain will come, and it will be slippery if it is not clean!   We also have a space or two available for any remodels for the first of the year, so if you are ready to consider an updated bath or kitchen, need a basement area finished, or want to add a new deck...reach out!   Our before and after this month is something very simple, but really took some time! Years and years ago a tar like material was put down on the stairs of our client’s home. The owners they bought the home from didn't want to deal with it (which i don't blame them!), so we took it on. It was a lot of power washing and grinding! Because concrete is porous the tar like material settled into the pores and grooves. We weren’t sure it would work and had a plan B ready, but we were absolutely satisfied with the results! Take a look at the before and after!   That's all for now. Thank you all so much for taking a moment to read this blog!!   Hope to see you soon! Think you may want your own show? Contact me at michelle@modcastproductions.com    

In this special colorful episode, we’ll find out how the Portland is Home color line came about with our latest guest, VP of Color, Marketing + Brand at Miller Paint, Puji Sherer.  We’ll learn how the Miller Paint company is different from the rest, not only in the way they do business but the way they treat the communities around them. Miller Paint: Made Here. For Here. Puji and Audra share the most made mistakes people do with paint and remind you that the Miller Paint Blog is a wonderful resource; the Color Tour sections are designed to give you plenty of ideas and inspiration. Puji and her team have easy fixes you can do with paint for when you don't have a lot of time or money.  Don't be frightened of color and painting; ask these professionals for help. Plus, we’ll get a sneak peek into 2023 color and design trends. And as always, we’ll start with Andrew Galler’s Market Minute.   Audra's Newsletter: Wow. It's September....the kids are back in school; the weather remains very warm here (or...downright hot) and we are holding on to every last day of summer. This summer we finally traveled, on a plane, overseas. Leading up to the trip, there were many emotions...scared, excited, you know the drill. Travel alone is tough; travel coming out of a pandemic, downright exhausting - for us anyway. But it turned out to be the most amazing trip! Our kids were delightful, and the travel was a breeze. I posted on our Facebook page all travel journals if anyone is interested! Ok, business stuff!  We have so much fun planned to start this fall and we are kicking off everything with Blazers tickets!!!  This month our contest gives the drawn winner 2 excellent tickets to the pre-season game against Utah.   We will also be inviting you to Sauvie Island for an autumnal celebration of pumpkins, corn mazes and apple cider! We will be posting more on the private Facebook Page. If you did not get an invite, reach out and we will make sure you are on! For our design side of the business, we have been busy beavers getting through all sorts of spectacular remodels, from bathrooms to play spaces. It has been a joy to help you create spaces in your homes that just work better for you and your loved ones. Thank you for entrusting us! Happy Fall Everyone!!  And follow us on Instagram! @portlandishome and @realtyworksgroup. Hope to see you all soon!!   Andrew's Newsletter: We enjoyed a spectacular summer and hope you did too. With autumn approaching I am reminded once again how quickly time passes. Take this summer for instance: snap of the fingers and it's over. Seems like only yesterday I felt confined to our front yard. Now, just like that - people are out and about - getting together for BBQ’s and having gatherings, seeing concerts and driving to places with people not in our pod and/or with immediate family. Point is: things can change quickly, amirite? Speaking quickly changing, take this market. Please! 12 months ago we were in the throes of an unprecedented market frenzy. Since May the market has slowed down and continues to slow down. Of note, inventory is up 95.8% from last August – a huge jump! (Keeping this in perspective…last August there was .9 months of inventory and now there is 1.8 which is still very low, just saying it has risen quickly – still a seller’s market, just less so). In summation, now is the friendliest market to buyers we have had since January 2020. Especially if you are a buyer who prefers not being rushed. For our sellers I think now is a great time to sell, provided expectations are set correctly. In the ‘before times,’ the fall is usually a busy time for real estate. Time will tell if this year conforms to seasonal norms or if the volatility of the world keeps the real estate market sleepy through the end of the year. As always and forever, please feel free to text, call, or email me anytime to discuss the market in more granular detail. There is a lot of information to work through and I find our market not conforming to sweeping generalizations.   Wishing you a fabulous autumn, friends!  

Andrew and Audra break down the latest market news which we recorded on Friday August 5th 2022. Things are much different since the last we talked in mid June. The Team discusses in real time the good, the bad, and the freaky when it comes to navigating buying and selling real estate now. Audra’s August Newsletter I love August!  Warm nights, swimming in the river and lakes, hiking, camping, playing.... it’s just too darn short. Kids now are back in school toward the end of the month, so it can start to feel a little rushed.   But that said, the things that make August so wonderful and enjoyed and cherished aren't to be missed! Tomatoes, stone fruits, garden veggies...trips to the coast to cool off...paddle boarding down the Tualatin or Willamette Rivers...BBQing with family and friends. These are the moments I look forward to all winter long!   As we head into fall, we are going to start our giveaways again!!  This month we are giving away a fantastic gift set from Durant Farms (Oregon's only in-state olive oil press). A referral or a review will get you entered in this contest!   On the design side, we are now booking for January projects. If you are looking for a new bathroom or kitchen, some new furniture, or a full home overhaul, reach out! No matter the size of the project we are here for you and love this so much. Helping you make your home fit your needs better is what we live for...so, let us know if you would like to meet up. Have a great rest of your summer and we look forward to getting together soon! (We will also be posting some Happy Hours and events too!) Much love, Audra

Andrew’s Market Minute report is not the news buyers or sellers hope for, but he has some interesting (rather optimistic) predictions to ease some of the anxiety. And because of his 20 years’ experience in real estate, he’s usually right.   Audra has some great “I’m glad that’s not happening to me” nightmarish stories to make you thankful you don’t have to fix up your home.   The Portland is Home Team is doing business in Washington state and are ready to get you the home you've always wanted!  

And when we say dry out, we mean it! April had record setting wetness. Sun CATIONS- Get your much needed sun fix and get out of the area!  Plus, we discuss the must-see scenic drives this side of the Mississippi.  Andrew and Audra have a poll: How do YOU eat POI? What’s the deal there? Show them how to love it! Let them know here  !! But first we start with Andrew Galler’s Market Minute, the latest news for buyers and sellers.    The Monthly Newsletter As we enter June and encounter more sunny days (finally!), I have some exciting news to share. I will be attending the Disney College Program at Disney World in Orlando starting in July! Since I was born, I’ve always been a huge Disney fan and dreamed of working for the company in some way. This program is an internship where I will be living in Disney College Program housing and working a role at any of the parks or resorts for 7 months. I am excited for this adventure as I transition from being a college student to official adult life! I have absolutely loved the past five months that I’ve spent working for Realty Works Group; making reels, posting Instagram stories, finding home of the days, and more (follow us on our social media accounts if you don’t already!). I know this will not be the end of my time at RWG, and I may continue to post depending on my schedule at Disney. I knew this was an opportunity that I could not pass up on because life is so short! I am so appreciative for all the support I have received from RWG and for everything I have gained from this position. If you find yourself visiting Disney World between July 2022 and February 2023, please come say hi!  Katie    

The Team and Jim Willis from Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. talk about the programs available to every kind of buyer. Plus they have great insights regarding purchasing a second home and how the new laws can impact your decisions.   Good news for jumbo loan seekers? It depends.   Should you borrow with your bank or credit union or use a mortgage broker? They discuss that and of course the market today on this episode of The Portland is Home Team talking Real Estate.     Hello Everyone! We have been busy bees getting our agents up and running in Washington, so if you have thought about moving north of the river, don't hesitate to give us a call...we have you covered! And we have some beautiful listings up there coming your way, including a penthouse condo on the river! In our design division, we have some fun projects that are starting to wrap up. Timing has been tough as a lot of products have been delayed, but we are still moving along and are so excited with how things are coming along. In our queue is a steam shower installation!! We are thrilled to be able to offer this and it also includes a zero depth entry....hot!!  Tile, flooring, reworking your space for a better flow...we got you. And with our incredible team of tradesfolk, we can assess a situation, keep your costs in line and give you your dream. We are accepting clients for end of year if you're thinking about a refresh or a full addition, so please reach out!   Spring in full swing - this is such a gorgeous time of year. Cherry trees, plum trees and bulbs are all in bloom or getting ready to pop and your yards couldn't look better. If you need mulch, some power washing or whatever, call us. Our landscape crews are incredible and really know how to help. Plus, a good yard haircut is always welcome!   So, folks, we hope you enjoy what spring is bringing to us and y'all had a chance to see the Japanese cherry trees in bloom along the waterfront.   Until next time, Audra  

The Portland is Home Team has a guest on this episode, mortgage specialist and branch manager, from Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. Jim Willis. He is here to discuss the Market, the world, and your pocket.  What should first-time home buyers know? Sometimes the truth hurts but ultimately Jim has news that should assuage some of the fear folks have regarding our current national and world events.   Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. and Jim Willis firmly believe that the best way to handle mortgages is for the borrower to be actively involved in the process every step of the way. From choosing between loan programs to understanding negotiating terms, we're here to help you with anything you need.  Call Jim for more information 360.608.8872   Realty Works Group Newsletter: Hello everyone! My name is Katie Moreland, and I am a new hire of the Portland is Home team at Realty Works Group. Specifically, I work on all things social media and marketing for the company. A little bit about me. I was born and raised in the Portland area for mainly my whole life expect for two years where my family lived in Cave Creek, Arizona. As for Portland, my family has lived in Tigard, West Linn, Happy Valley, and as of August 2021, moved out of the area to Bellingham, Washington for my dad’s job. I went to La Salle Prep for high school in Milwaukie, OR. When it came time to choose a college to attend, I was looking to relocate to California but ultimately decided to stay in Portland and attend the University of Portland. I will be graduating in May of this year with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing.   I have always been interested in social media, content creation, and connecting with others so I felt that marketing was the best major for me. I have grown to love it even more so throughout my last year in school. Another area that I’ve always been interested in is the Real Estate industry. At one point in college, I considered working to get my real estate license to have post-graduation. When the opportunity for this job was presented to me, I was in awe that I could have the best of both worlds. My main goal is to establish the unique qualities that Realty Works Group has to offer amongst other local brokerages in Portland.   Many areas of Portland are special to me but one that I love is Lake Oswego. My mom grew up there and my grandma lived there for years after. There is special feeling of home I get whenever I am in the area. I love going to George Rogers Park and going for walks on the trail during a sunny day in the spring, summer, or fall. That’s a little about me, and I look forward to meeting more of you soon!   -Katie    

The Team has discussed a lot about the beauty and activities just a couple of hours or less from Portland. In this episode we’re packing a bag and staying a while! They’ve seen a great deal of Oregon and surrounding states six hours in all directions, and they share it all. Plus, Andrew has his Market Minute: good news for some, not so much for others.   Audra’s Newsletter: Hearts, love and all that mushy stuff is my motto this month! Except I can't bring myself to remove all my holiday decorations. It's weird. In years past I look forward to each holiday, and each holiday having their moment on my front porch. But not this year. Is it Covid fatigue? Probably a little, I guess. But my lighted snowman, little skier and lighted trees still sit there, I feel like we all didn't have all the time there we needed.   But move on we will, and all those cuties will be brought in, and I have decided to do some fun things for Valentine’s Day. Because it's all about the love, I was thinking about putting a heart hanging over the front door and every time my family walks under we must hug! They will probably find it weird or annoying, but I think it is what we all continue to need.   If anyone out there wants to join do the same, send us pics and we will all be thrilled to be in this together. The hanging heart is the new mistletoe! Next month we have some very big, fun giveaways by the way.  Think mountain fun! This month we are going to match donations. Make us do some big matches friends!!   Stay strong, stay groovy-  

Everyone wants to know what the future brings and what the best strategy is when buying or selling real estate. In this episode The Team discusses interest rates: how high will they go and how does that effect your buying power?  Thinking of changing your nest this year? Audra discusses the newest ways people are re-vamping their homes and the super popular trend that is (finally) losing steam.

If you’re new to the Pacific Northwest and don’t understand how to do Winter yet, Audra and Andrew are here for you. Today we talk about how to get started with winter activities you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet. Andrew and Audra have great advice on how to ease into the damp, weird weather we get in this part of the world.     Audra's Newsletter- Well, well, well...welcome 2022! We are so thrilled to see you and look forward to a wonderful relationship! All kidding aside, while we did not have a terrible 2021, we are hopeful to see some light in 2022, more personal get-togethers, more travel and just more of everything good. We hope that you all had a wonderful winter break and are well-rested! Here's what we have been up to: We officially opened our Vancouver, WA office and are ready to go! Official information will follow, and we look forward to helping you with all your (or your friends) real estate needs in Washington State! Same name, same wonderful folks ready to help you...and we're doing design/renovations as well! Let us know how we can help, we are ready. We also have more wonderful giveaways coming your way! Thank you to those that participate. We love giving things to thank all of you for your continued support.   We also once again exceeded our time & donations to our community and feel thankful we can support our hometown. As a note, if you have a non-profit close to your heart that we should know about, please let us know!   So, Happy January and we look forward to another spin around the sun with you all!          

How Did Andrew Lose $2,000,000.00 in Real Estate? The actual true story of being in the right time and right place and still messing it up! How his one sour bite left an indelible taste that helped him avoid biting the next time.   It takes hutzpah and little bit of faith to see beyond the now when it comes to investing in real estate, Andrew learned his lesson long ago- his mistake is your great advice.   Plus, Audra talks about the charities that are near and dear to them, and how they give this time of year and throughout!   Audra's Holiday Newsletter- Well, here it is. December, the holiday month, the festival of lights. Our days of light are shorter, but our celebrations burn bright.  I am truly amazed that we are here; it snuck up on me for sure! I'm so happy we made it through another year...still battling the pandemic but learning to adapt to our new reality. We are so thankful to be able to help you with your homes and your upgrades...to share your families with us, and to become our friends. It means the world to us, and we wouldn't change a gosh-darned thing.   The year might be nearly done, but you're not quite finished hearing from us this month (sorry!). We have an exciting announcement coming up and more giveaways coming at you: Blazer tickets, professional pictures with a blow-up Santa (you're welcome), and more. Keep your eyes peeled and let us know if you need anything at all, we are here and ready! We wish you all a fabulous holiday season.  

In this episode we discuss the October market report, the creeping interest rates and how to feel about it.   Audra asks: What does 250k get you? Perhaps a town in Washington? The answer: not so much. However, there are still a few places around the country where a quarter of a million dollars still works.   Looking for a new activity to keep the kids occupied? Try a Turkey Cookie assembly line that’s fun and easy. And, what is Audra cooking this year for Thanksgiving? Does she SKIP the bird again? What do you think?   Andrew discusses how the '5 reasons NOT to sell your home this time of year'; (Its icky outside, looks crummy with the plants all dead and yard all puddle-y, kids are in school, and less competition because fewer sellers on market, demand still high) are just a myth!  

In this episode we talk about the state of Real Estate around the States. Audra wanted to know what 700k got you in Chicago, Tulsa, Tucson, Cleveland, and Los Angeles. (The Portland market is not that outrageous after all.) Then, in honor of Halloween, Andrew and Audra talk costumes, events, and share some of the scariest things they’ve seen in their 20 years Working Hard Welcoming People Home.   And here's the Big October Question: Would you buy a “Haunted” House or a Murder House?    

Prepping for Old Man Winter is a must  for saving money, and possibly, saving lives.  In this episode, Andrew and Audra have tricks and tips to make the winter maintenance less painful and more manageable. Then when you’re done the work go ahead and enjoy the many Autumn related fun things to do. All tried and tested by your Portland is Home Team!   Short List: Gutters, Roofs, Fireplaces, Furnaces, Ductwork, Tree limbs and A/C Condensers.  This month’s newsletter is guest written by me – Andrew! Welcome to October. Autumn is in the air and as we welcome the rain back -- I often find it (the rain!) on my glasses. I love the smell of rain...so fresh! I sincerely love summer and will miss the warm breezes and bright light. But pages turn, and as the days get shorter, I realize how much I enjoy the muted colors of an overcast sky and the vibrant saturated colors of the green turning to red to brown leaves that still adorn our trees. I entertain family time fantasies of fires in the fireplace with stew or bolognaise for dinner simmering since morning. Lastly, I look forward to our post-Halloween stomachache and belly of regret because, as we all know, that candy isn’t going to eat itself.  Speaking of Autumn in air, can you also smell the whiff of winter preparation? It's never too early! We have plans on our next dry spell to put away summer / outdoor furniture and to clean our gutters (full disclosure: by ‘we’ I mean our we have a company come out and clean our gutters and down spouts – please let us know if you need a referral!). As you know the gutter / downspout systems need to operate free of debris to ensure proper drainage and increase the odds our basements do not take on water. Also: here is a gentle reminder to change your air filter and have your furnace serviced & your chimney cleaned. Cover your air conditioner's condenser unit (that big loud thing outside!). Check your insulation and seal windows & doors. Lastly – order some new slippers and a cozy flannel shirt. I think we would all agree after the last 18+ months we deserve it!!   As always and forever, please feel free to contact us anytime for referrals for home maintenance or anything else!  All our best to you and yours!  Andrew Realty Works Group Bauman's Farms and Garden Want your own Podcast Show? Contact Michelle at Modcast Productions

On this episode the team discusses the Market Today (July stats) and the age-old debate: renting vs owning as well as understanding what is right for you. Someone is paying a mortgage and building equity, is it you or your landlord? Plus Andrew has a prediction or two about the next few months, and he’s known to be pretty prophetic.     A Letter from Audra- We had our first baby in September. It was beautiful outside and warm. The color in the air was warm, fall-like in autumnal colors starting to show. The edges of the leaves picking up brilliant colors of yellows, oranges, reds and browns. I remember looking out the window with our new baby and thinking how beautiful everything seemed. And the late warmth summer was special. In the Roman calendar September was the 7th month (septem, in Latin meaning "seven" - word etymology has always been interesting to me). The month is also full of holidays, as we head into winters across the world. Labor Day, Grandparents Day (the 12th in case you were wondering!), Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the Autumnal Equinox. The hours of light are getting shorter, and I start thinking about preparing for the winter months. Short days of light, rain and cold...but also warm cozy slippers, stews, and winter sports and activities!   As I sit here today writing this blog, I am watching the birds flock around the feeders and squirrels looking around for places to bury nuts. We consistently have a few different types of tree saplings growing in our yard. One of the last ones we pulled, the kids wanted to save (Oak) so we re-planted it in a better spot (the squirrels haven’t heard that you shouldn't plant a tree next to your house) and we are now trying to save it. The heat was not kind to it. But i just noticed two more in the blueberry bushes so I think we'll be fine if the first one does not make it.   I am also realizing that we need to start thinking about planting bulbs for next spring! It can be quite the laborious job, but so worth it come spring. Tulips, Alliums and Crocus are what I am planting this year.   And finally, we will wrap up the summer tomato season with the most abundant crop ever. We must have gone through numerous pounds of never-ending tomatoes. We did put time into finding the right spot though after multiple years of a very limited crop...however, our watermelon never took off, so I have to keep an eye on the sun and find a better spot next year.   Also - keep an eye on our listings and remodels! We have some beauties coming up that are in full construction mode right now. We are including a few 'in process' pictures and will update on our social media as we go along with the final pictures in the newsletter next month. (instagram: @portlandishome or @realtyworksgroup).   I hope you all enjoy the last bits of summer with yummy food and lots of laughter! And please, keep in touch - we love to hear from you!   Contact Michelle@modcastproductions.com  if you'd like your own Show.  

Things are staying HOT in the Portland area and we’re not talking the weather; well, the weather is hot, but the market is hotter. Audra and Andrew have the latest market information to help you make decisions and plan for a future in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Plus, they discuss  incredible and accessible day trips and fun resorts to check out  just a few hours from  Portland. And if you have any questions they did not answer or ideas for a future podcast, shoot them a line at audra@portlandishome.com. And check out LISTINGS Realty Works Group   Audra’s Newsletter: Honestly, I can't believe we are in August already. Even though we have had a great summer so far, it seems that this month really snuck up on me. Am I alone in this? We haven't travelled anywhere on a plane or gone on a long RV vacation...I just feel that summer is going too fast!   The sellers’ market is still also fast! While we are reading and hearing reports of a leveling out, we are still seeing limited homes hit the market and multiple bidding situations. Selling a home is also an emotional roller coaster for most. Leaving a home, you have lived in for a while or a long while, finding another home, packing and unpacking...it is a lot. And we understand that so much! Years ago, I had my mom selling her home, and I was unabashedly vocal about making sure she was treated well. It became our mantra with our brokerage. Whether you're buying or selling a $100,000 home or a $2,000,000 home, our service is the same. We pride ourselves on our extreme attention to detail: walking through EVERY home before picture day to make sure every single wire is tucked away, adding pillows, wiping down counters and weeding outside. When you sell your home, we take pride in our work and making your home look its best on picture day. And this market remains great time to sell, so please reach out if you or someone you know is considering a move. We are here for you and we love what we get to do!   Now, go enjoy summer a little more!!   Want your own Podcast Show for your business? Reach out to michelle@modcastproductions.com          

The Team discusses one of the most unique aspects of the city of Portland: the Urban Growth Boundary, with the goal of using urban land wisely, containing growth and protecting our natural resources.   If you are having trouble finding a home in Portland to buy, maybe it is time to think outside the PDX and think about an idyllic smaller town minutes away from the city. Andrew and Audra discuss their favorite cute towns in which they have found great homes for folks.   Audra's Newsletter: Summer came early to us here in the PNW!  But I won't complain because my kids are outside, with friends (and masks) and just running around. It's magic.  And after the last 15 months I take every.single.lovely. moment with gratitude.   Big news in our neighborhood: a big, middle age, cedar had to come down. It was such a lovely tree too!  It shaded us from the hot west sunsets and provided a nice privacy barrier between us and our neighbors.  But it also helped squirrels access our attic and ever so slightly (or not!) pushed in the foundation wall of our neighbor’s home. We all know this is no bueno right? So we had to say good bye to the tree. Homeowners Tip: please do not plant large trees close to your homes. Keep them at a distance to prevent damage to your homes and wallet when the tree needs to come down.   Other happenings: Check out the new mural at Bridlemile Elementary School! We are involved with Project Color Corps, which has a mission to bring student inspired murals to life at their schools.  Next up: De La Salle North! If you are interested in finding out about ways to get involved, please reach out to Audra @ audra@portlandishome.com