PORTLAND METRO WEEKLY MARKET ACTIVITY!!

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I hope this finds you healthy staying positive and not too stir crazy in the midst of this crisis. Many of you have reached out to me to talk about how the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting the real estate market so I thought I would start sharing local market data, as well as my professional experience in the day to day real estate world with you.

Overall, the number of listings coming on the market was increasing up until about mid-March, since then new listings have slowed a bit. Real estate is still considered an “essential” business and we are still showing homes under a strict code of conduct to ensure safety and health for all parties involved. Title companies are doing remote signings and one on one appointments with social distancing guidelines in place for signings requiring notaries.

There are still buyers and sellers actively pursuing real estate. In fact, 347 homes went pending last week (3/30/20-4/6/2020) in the Portland-Metro areas:

N, NE, SE Portland-98 last week

Gresham, Troutdale, Corbett and Sandy-29 last wee

Milwaukie, Gladstone, HV, Clackamas, Damascus, and Estacada-28 last week

Oregon City, Beavercreek, Canby, Molalla, and Mulino-28 last week

LO and West Linn-12 last week

All remaining areas-151 sale pending’s last week.

As a full time real estate broker of 24 years, I have been through many market changes and have weathered many Real Estate storms, including the boom of the early 2000’s, 9-11, the great economic recession of 2008, as well as the hot & fast appreciating market of the last 5-6 years. I have the experience, extensive skills, “know how” and expansive resources to help you through this changing time.  I have no crystal ball, but what I do know is these changes are temporary and can shift a market in a way that can create a lot of opportunity.

Let’s stay in touch through this and I’ll keep you posted with what’s happening!

Always feel free to call, text or email me!

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2020 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.  

Rachel Sheller, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First- Principal Broker, Washington First-Managing Broker

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website 

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Refreshing your deck doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive!

Hanging out with your family or hosting friends on your old, dingy deck is not very appealing. Lucky for you, refreshing it doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Try your hand at the makeover ideas below!

Restore your decking. Depending on the shape it’s in, sometimes all your deck needs is a little love. If it’s still fairly new, your deck might just need a deep cleaning and a new coat of sealant. There is a multitude of deck finishing and cleaning solutions on the market to choose from to achieve this. However, if it’s more worn down, the rejuvenation process may be a bit longer, including searching for larger repairs, tightening any hardware, giving it a good cleaning, applying a stain, sealant, and paint, and more.

Add lighting. Ambient lighting can completely transform your outside space into a relaxing, cozy oasis. Consider adding solar lights that don’t require a plugin or battery replacement. The lights turn on automatically when the sun sets, making your deck come alive. You can also consider paper lanterns, rope lights, mason jar lamps, or small twinkle lights, depending on the style and mood you’d like to set.

Build a privacy screen. Privacy screens come in all styles, shapes, and sizes. Consider purchasing and installing bamboo fencing or lattice panels for a quick and easy solution. Or, if you are feeling a little more adventurous, you can build a wooden frame and grow climbing plants or vines or stretch outdoor fabric in between. Whichever route you end up choosing, make sure you get the most out of your efforts by evaluating all lines sight before building.

Home Equity. Getting a home equity line of credit allows you to borrow money against the value of your home. You receive usually up to 80 percent of your home’s value, minus the amount of your loan.

Retirement Funds. Homeowners can consider pulling money from a 401K or IRA account, even though they aren’t specifically meant to cover a home renovation. This option might incur additional penalties or tax payments, but maybe worth it when making improvements that will benefit them financially in the long run.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2020 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.  

Rachel Sheller, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First- Principal Broker, Washington First-Managing Broker

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website 

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

5 Home Design Trends to Be Thankful for This Year

After years of normalizing neutral color palettes, for example, designers are embracing more colorful trends to showcase personality in homes. REALTOR® Magazine’s Styled, staged and sold blog asked designers and stagers what home interior trends they’re most grateful for this year. Here are their top picks.

1. More colorful spaces

Goodbye, white kitchens and gray walls. More color is moving in. Homeowners favor bolder hues inside the home, not just for pops of color but also as a base color for an entire room. Paint companies have chosen variations of blues, pinks, and greens as their picks for 2020 color of the year. These colors also are being splashed on kitchen cabinets, exterior doors, and home accessories.

The paint firm PPG selected Chinese porcelain, a blend of cobalt and muted navy tones, as its 2020 color of the year. Sherwin Williams followed suit with Naval, a deep navy blue.

Behr’s top 2020 pick is a meadow-inspired yellowish green called Back to Nature.

Pinks also are catching on. HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams, the company’s offshoot brand, chose a blush hue called Romance, while Benjamin Moore chose a soft, rosy hue called First Light.

2. Luxury vinyl flooring

A design trend that’s stylish but low maintenance, luxury vinyl is enjoying popularity as an alternative to hardwood and ceramic tile flooring. Vinyl is touted as being cheaper, warmer, and softer on your feet; it also requires less upkeep than traditional hardwood or tile.

Today’s luxury vinyl shouldn’t be mistaken for linoleum and other varieties of sheet flooring. Luxury vinyl can be laid out in planks, tiles, and sheets, and it comes in trendy finishes. Luxury vinyl planks can resemble the look of hardwood and are offered in handscraped and wide plank varieties. The planks can be installed diagonally or in a trendy herringbone pattern, and they also can resemble tile and marble.

The lower maintenance of luxury vinyl is appealing to families with young children and pets. It’s a water-resistant material that works easily in kitchens and bathrooms.

3. Voice-controlled smart appliances

Alexa, Google Home, and Siri are ushering in a new and advanced era of smart-home technology. The choices are growing, too: Smart plugs, for example, cost as little as $10 and enable you to say: “Alexa, turn on the lights.” Add smart lightbulbs that can be controlled via voice assistants, as well as other appliances such as the thermostat, door locks, and security cameras. Suddenly, smart homes have become more attainable and cost-effective.

4. Statement ceilings 

Finally, a reason to look up! The homes fifth wall is commanding the spotlight In the roaring ’20s, stamped ceilings, such as those plated in copper or tin decorative sheets, were popular. But the trend faded in favor of smooth ceiling finishes. Now, the statement ceiling is back.

This time, however, paint, wallpaper, or wood moldings are the ceiling accents of choice. A statement ceiling can brighten up a space and make it memorable, says Katie Skoloff, principal designer and founder of In Site Designs, an interior design firm in Greenville, S.C. “We find the interest on a ceiling draws the eye up, and you cannot help but feel the space is there to ‘wow’ you,” she says. Wallpapered ceilings, as well as wood beams and coffered ceilings, are today’s standout options.

5. Contrasting kitchen design

Along with more colorful interiors, the white kitchen is fading in favor of a bigger statement, including tuxedo cabinetry, shiny hardware, and brass-trimmed range hoods.

Polished brass on cabinet hardware, range hoods, and appliance handles shines in otherwise white kitchens, appearing to be like jewelry for the space. Café, a hardware line for the GE Appliance brand, offers customizable options in various metals for refrigerator or oven handles. For example, soft-brushed copper handles can be added to a matted white refrigerator for a more contemporary vibe.

Contrasting kitchen cabinets, such as the tuxedo kitchen, also are gaining popularity. The trend calls for upper and lower cabinets to be painted different colors—perhaps white on top and a gray or dark walnut on the bottom. It’s essentially a way to add more visual interest to an otherwise all-white display.

An alternative—and slightly less bold—version of this trend is also taking root, such as all-white cabinets and a contrasting kitchen island in a deep blue, gray, or walnut color.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller

Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES

Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE

CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website.

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

The Spring and Summer Selling Season Has Started!

“The Spring/Summer selling season has already started! Have you thought about selling?  Call, email, or text me on information on your home value”

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker, MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website rachelsheller . com

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Home Staging: Buyers Want To See Your Home At Its Best

A 2018 survey from Home Staging Resource found that 85 percent of staged homes sold for 6-25 percent more than homes in the same market that weren’t staged. According to the National Association of Realtors^®, the three most commonly staged areas are the living room (83 percent), kitchen (76 percent) and master bedroom (69 percent).

Consider these home-staging tips.

Living room: To eliminate dark shadows and enhance the decor, brighten up the room with chic lamps. Remove oversized furniture and arrange the rest in conversational groupings. When it comes to accessories, go for symmetry, which is most pleasing to the eye.

Kitchen: Clear everything off the countertops except for a pretty bowl of fruit or another decorative item. Pare down the dishes, utensils and appliances in your cabinets and drawers to make these storage areas look bigger. Scrub dirt, grime and stains from walls, cabinets, backsplashes, and floors. Clean and organize the pantry. Store trash cans in the garage.

Master bedroom: Consider replacing a king bed with a queen or full size to increase the available floor space. Pack up more than half of the clothes in the closets and then place remaining items on matching hangers. Store jewelry and other valuables in a safe spot. Be sure an attractive, neutral-colored comforter is the focal point of the room.

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker, MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website rachelsheller . com

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

What 2018 Revealed About Home Buyers

Last year’s typical home buyer was 46 years old, and 34 percent of all buyers had children under age 18 living at home, according to data compiled by the National Association of Realtors^®. Here are some of the other findings in this annual profile, which is the longest-running buyer survey in America.

·         Married couples represented 63 percent of all buyers, 18 percent were single females, 9 percent were single males, and 8 percent were unmarried couples.

·         Due to the lack of inventory available for purchase, sales of new homes dropped from 16 percent to 14 percent.

·         The percentage of first-time buyers dipped slightly from 34 percent of all home buyers in 2017 to 33 percent in 2018.

·         Among repeat buyers, 12 percent bought multi-generational homes to accommodate either aging family members or young adults over age 18.

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker, MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website rachelsheller . com

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Consumers Call For Sustainable Home Construction

Sustainability is the key word in new home construction. Rising energy costs, poor air quality and wasteful water usage are driving the consumer demand for greener houses, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

Energy-efficiency measures: Buyers of new homes have come to expect high levels of insulation, efficient HVAC systems, high-performance windows, and energy-saving appliances and lighting.

Water conservation practices: Water-efficient fixtures and appliances, whole-house filtration systems, and low-maintenance landscaping are three ways to conserve this precious natural resource.

Material selections: Durable products that are as long-lasting as they are eco-friendly include high-performance engineered wood, wood alternatives, recycled building materials, and sustainably harvested lumber.

Air-quality considerations: The home’s indoor environment is enhanced by the choice of high-quality HVAC equipment, formaldehyde-free finishes and consumer products with low volatile organic compounds.

Site design measures: Incorporating green spaces and preserving healthy trees are positive ways to minimize disruption to the existing land.

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker, MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website rachelsheller . com

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

What’s Trending Across The Country?

Here are nine facts and figures about the national real estate market, recently compiled by RISMedia.com.

• New construction: This year, the National Association of Home Builders predicts about a 2 percent increase in the number of single-family houses built over last year, which may not keep up with growing consumer demand.

• High-tech spending: According to industry data, North American consumers are expected to spend $63 billion on smart home systems and services by 2022.

• Jewel tones: Ruby red, emerald green, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple are gaining popularity among interior designers and decorators.

• Foreign investors: For six straight years, Chinese buyers have been the top foreign investors in America, according to the National Association of Realtors^®. Traditionally, these purchases are for high-end properties, but a growing number of the Chinese middle class is buying more moderately priced homes.

• Smart lawn care: Technology meets Mother Nature with automated lawn mowers, smart sprinkler systems, and apps for gardening tips, watering needs and plant identification.

• Moving statistics: United Van Lines reports that the most out-of-state moves in 2018 occurred among the residents of New Jersey, Illinois and Connecticut.

• Inventory increase: This past December, the number of homes on the market increased by 5 percent, according to Realtor.com^®, which is a good sign for the pent-up buyers market.

• Business opportunity: Female entrepreneurs are more likely to start a business in Texas, Ohio or Minnesota, says FitSmallBusiness.com.

• Home values: The difference between the appraised value and the home seller’s expected value was less than one-half of 1 percent at the end of last year, according to the Home Price Perception Index.

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker, MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website rachelsheller . com

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

The Return On Investment Of Home Improvement

All home improvements are not created equal. The ever-important factor to consider is the “ROI,” return on investment. Here are three projects, according to the National Association of Realtors^®, that add significant equity to your property, even if you have to hire a professional to do all or part of the work.

• Insulation: While adding or replacing insulation is not a glamorous project, it does pay off at resale time and can save you up to 50 percent on your heating/cooling expenses.

• Hardwood flooring: The investment in refinishing existing hardwood or having new hardwood installed will easily pay for itself at resale time. Homeowners love the look and feel of wood floors.

• New roof: “How old is the roof?” is one of the first questions potential buyers ask when viewing the outside of a property. Re-roofing your home with the newest, eco-friendly materials can increase your equity position as well as help lower your energy bills.

For more information about the ROI of specific improvements to your property, consult your local real estate professional.

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker, MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website rachelsheller . com

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Why Some People Want To “unlawn” America

Lush, green and freshly mowed, well-maintained lawns may be as American as democracy itself. Many homeowners view managing pristine yards as a way to respect their property and neighbors. However, due to droughts in recent years plus a growing interest in sustainable living, more people are looking to “unlawn” America. Here are a few reasons why:

1.     Lawns use large amounts of resources and chemicals. There are 40 million acres of manicured turf in the U.S. (more than any irrigated farm crop), and upkeep requires massive amounts of water, fertilizers, pesticides, and gasoline.

2.     Lawns alter natural landscapes and ecosystems. Most lawn grasses aren’t native to American soil, and yard maintenance requires killing off existing plants and limiting habitats for wildlife.

3.     Lawns can represent a decades-old tradition. According to BusinessInsider.com, Americans spend about $30 billion on lawn care each year. TheAtlantic.com puts it this way, “We spend our money and our resources and our time cultivating our carpets of green not just because we want to, but because we are expected to.”

Unlawning advocates promote non-traditional yards that are as attractive as they are eco-friendly. Some commercial and residential landscaping now features native plants, cultivated gardens or mowed paths through wild grasses, hoping to maintain properties that respect both nature and the neighbors.

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker, MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!