Practical solutions for a streamlined closet

If you’re like most people, reorganizing your closet has been on the top of your to-do list for quite some time. Here are some tips for deciding what stays and what goes, so you can easily find the clothes you want to wear without digging through your entire closet.

Solution #1: Three-month rule If you are constantly pushing aside unworn items in search of what you want to wear today, then it’s time to get rid of old clothing. Any items that are in season and haven’t been worn in the past three months probably aren’t going to be worn again. Consider donating usable clothing, shoes and belts, but throw away anything that’s stained or torn. For special occasion items like fancy footwear, formal wear or holiday-specific items, store them in a separate closet or in plastic bins.

Solution #2: Steps for shoes Instead of scattering shoes on the floor of your closet, check out boot and shoe storage options at a home improvement store. Solutions range from under-the-bed racks on wheels to over-the-door hanging bags and from benches to baskets to shelving to bins and boxes.

Solution #3: Containers and more Once you’ve cleared the clutter out of your closet, use storage containers and other organizational systems to keep hats, socks and jewelry in a specific spot. Putting this solution into practice is the real challenge. Although by making it a habit, you will save time on a daily basis and make sharing a closet a cinch.

Just a little helpful tip brought to you by…

Five Star award Winner 2011-2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

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

Direct 503.380.9634, Email-  homesforyou@frontier.com

View a current list of ALL available Houses on the market on my website.

***I’M ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP YOU AND YOUR REFERRALS***

Licensed in the State of Oregon

 

 

PORTLAND/METRO MOST CURRENT REAL ESTATE STATS & NUMBERS

October Residential Highlights

October brought some cooling to real estate activity in the Portland metro area, but pending sales were still on the rise this was the strongest October for pending sales in the area since October 2005. Inventory in the Portland metro area decreased slightly in October to 1.8 months. Remember 6 months is considered a balanced market. Anything under 6 months is considered a sellers’ market and above 6 months is considered a buyers’ market. We are in a STRONG sellers’ market right now. We have actually been in a sellers’ market for well over 3 years.

Total market time in holding steady at 46 days (Time it takes to get an accepted offer on your home).

Sale Prices and the Future of Real Estate

Prices continue to rise. The median sale price rose a whopping 7.0% for all areas (All neighborhoods are different-for your call, email or text me).

The interest rates are still very low making it affordable to purchase even though the prices are rising. The economic forecasts I have heard say we are in in for another year of increased prices!

This is very good news people! If you are waiting to make a more or wished you would of done it before the crash NOW is the time! Call, email, or text me for information on selling or buying residential property. You’ll be glad you did!

Five Star award recipient 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 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-Oregon First, Realtors

Direct 503.380.9634 Email-    homesforyou@frontier.com

View ALL available Houses on the market @ my Web Site-

WONDERFUL WOODBURN HOME FOR SALE!

Welcome home to your wonderful Woodburn home! Nestled in a charming side street this home has many fabulous amenities! Wood floors under carpet (bedrooms and living room), lots of windows, 912 SF of living space, BIG, BRIGHT kitchen with appliances included (FS-Range, FS Fridge AND clothes washer & dryer too!!). Spacious 11 X 7 utility room, detached 1 car garage, room for RV parking in driveway…..just needs a little TLC to make this darling home shine!! see more photos & information at my website. RMLS#15170094

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS!! Build your own sweat equity! NEW LISTING!!

Bring your tool belt! This beauty just needs some TLC to shine. This is an amazing opportunity for you! This fabulous home features an enormous 3 car garage that has 220, an office and storage area-VERY RARE. This home also features covered RV parking, calming deck overlooking the spacious private back yard, extra large kitchen with lots of light. Open floor plan throughout and hardwood floor.
This beauty is in a perfect location off the main thorough fair but with easy access to public transportation. You are also located at the foot of Powell Butte-Walking trails just down the road. RMLS# 15430922
SEE ME on my website!!

BASIC LAW OF ECONOMICS IN REAL ESTATE.

It’s a basic law of economics: Demand goes up. Supply goes down. Prices rise.
Nationally, that’s happening right now. With normal population increases and an improving economy, demand is growing, and supply is tight in many areas.

Additionally, despite analysts’ predictions, interest rates have held at relatively low levels. Low rates keep home payments more affordable.…

What might this mean for you?

• If you’re in the process of buying or selling, you’re probably in a good spot. Many sellers are seeing higher bids, and many buyers can afford to make them because of currently low rates.
• If you’re planning to stay in the home you now own, it’s likely your home value is growing. More equity and the possibility of refinancing at today’s rates create a comforting combination that’s tough to beat.

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate give me a call. I’m here to help.

Thank you Randy Drizwicki for this great article
All Western Mortgage

RARE ONE OWNER HOME IN ONE OF GRESHAM’S FINEST NEIGHBORHOODS!

Welcome Home! RARE, one owner home has been lovingly cared for and maintained since new! This gorgeous home features 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms (both full baths have been remodeled/updated), 2 oversized car garage with room for a good sized shop/work area, large living room with vaulted ceilings and cozy wood fireplace, fabulous 19 X 14 family room with another cozy fireplace, and wood wainscoting, plus big fenced, private backyard all situated in one of Gresham’s highly sought after neighborhoods. Sam Barlow School district.
Remodeled (In approx. 1999), bright, great room concept kitchen  includes all appliances, new neutral flooring, and vaulted ceilings. The expansive dining room also has vaulted ceilings and a slider to your gorgeous deck that overlooks your private, fenced back yard. AHS Home warranty included!
Move in ready and just waiting for you to can it HOME!! RMLS#15077480

YOUR HOME-FALL DECOR

DECORATING FOR FALL

Can you believe that the first day of fall was September 23rd, 2015?

My goodness, time flies. Since fall is upon us, this might mean that your home is in need of some fall decor updates. Fall provides the opportunity to update your decor with deep bolder colors and unique accents. Below are some tips you might want to incorporate into your fall home decor:

• Vintage Finds – try browsing your local thrift shop to find unique and often times, affordable goods. Not only can vintage finds add unique touches to your decor, it is also a great way to be eco-friendly because you are recycling old items as opposed to purchasing new ones.

• Neutrals – neutral colors can add a warm and elegant look to any room. Try incorporating neutrals with a pop of color for contrast.

• Warm Wood – warm wood can give your home a vintage and rustic feel. If you are looking for a rustic touch, try adding some wood accent to your decor.

• Bold Accent Colors – try decorating with deep accent colors like yellows, blues and orange. When pairing neutral colors with these bold accents, it can give a room a burst of personality and charm.

• Textures and Patterns – when done subtly, a bold texture and/or pattern can give a room tenacity without being overbearing. Try adding unique, contrasting, yet complimentary textures and patterns to your rooms to add a hint of creativity and personality.

Thanks you Mark Alto with Summit funding for this wonderful article.

for more information on staging your home and getting it ready to sell call, email, or text me anytime.

6 TIPS FOR BUYING IN A SELLER’S MARKET

In many regions across the U.S., it’s a tight market – inventory is low and demand is high. Our market in the Portland/Metro locations is no different. While this is great for sellers, it can be tough for buyers. But there are some steps you can take to increase your chance of getting the house you want without paying more than you should.

1. Get pre-approved. Make sure your financial ducks are in a row and get a pre-qualification or pre-approval letter from a reputable lender. This will allow you to move fast when the right house comes along and show the seller that you’re a viable buyer who should be able to close quickly.
2. Expand your search methods. Work with a real estate professional who will know about houses coming onto the market. See if family, friends or coworkers know of any houses coming up for sale and tell your REALTOR^®.
3. Separate needs from wants. In a competitive market, you’re going to have to compromise on something – location, amenities, home condition, etc. Know ahead of time what you must have and what you can let slide, so you don’t waste time deciding.
4. Be flexible. Show that you are willing to move as quickly, or as slowly, as the seller wants. Some houses are being sold the week (or even the day) they are listed, so you need to be easy to work with.
5. Sweeten the pot. Find something you can offer that will make the seller want to do business with you – offer more cash upfront, waive mortgage or inspection contingencies, or forego the seller-provided warranty. Make it a good deal from the seller’s perspective.
6. Know your limits. Keep in mind that lenders often approve you for more than you can actually afford. So figure out your realistic limits, and don’t let a bidding war push you out of your price range.

2015 FALL HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS

The days are getting shorter, and maybe there’s a nip in the air – autumn is here at last. Now is the perfect time to get your home in shape before winter starts to take its toll, and while the weather is still pleasant enough to spend time outdoors.

Seal it up: Caulk and seal around exterior door and window frames. Look for gaps where pipes or wiring enter the home and caulk those as well. Not only does heat escape from these openings, but water can enter and may eventually cause structural damage and mold problems.

Look up: Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles. Upcoming winter weather can cause serious damage to a vulnerable roof, leading to a greater chance of further damage inside the home. It’s best to have a qualified professional inspect and repair the roof, but you can do a preliminary survey from the ground using binoculars.

Clear it out: Clear gutters and eaves troughs of leaves, sticks, and other debris. Consider installing leaf guards if your gutters can accommodate them – they are real time savers and can prevent damage from clogged gutters. Check the joints between sections of gutter, as well as between the gutter and downspouts, and make any necessary adjustments to tighten them.

No hose: In climates with freezing weather, drain garden hoses and store indoors to protect them from the elements. Shut off outdoor faucets and make sure exterior pipes are drained of water. Faucets and pipes can easily freeze and burst, causing leaks and water damage.

Warm up time: Have the furnace inspected to ensure it’s safe and in good working order. Most utility companies will provide no-cost inspections, but there can often be a long waiting list come fall and winter. Replace disposable furnace air filters or clean the permanent type according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a clean filter will help the furnace run more efficiently, saving you money and energy.

Light that fire: If you enjoy the crackle of the fireplace on a chilly fall evening, have the firebox and chimney cleaned before using it this season. Creosote, a byproduct of wood burning, can build up to dangerous levels and cause a serious chimney fire if not removed.

Thank you “Pillar to Post” home Inspection for the handy Fall home maintenance tips.

For all your real estate needs call, email, or text Rachel!

YUMMY SEPTEMBER RECIPE

Whether you’re buying or selling, I’m always ready to get cooking. With my preparation and attention to detail, I’ll get you the results you need.

Call, email, or text anytime