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!

Make Buyers Feel at Home and Sell Faster

There’s never been a better time to sell a home.

Millennial’s are ready for home ownership and renters are seeing consistent rent increases. This means more buyers than ever are on the market for a home like yours.

Home equity is also at all-time highs, which makes now the perfect time to sell and get more cash to put toward your next home.

Considering listing your home? Let’s start with the proven ways to maximize your returns: 

1. Clear the clutter. Crammed closets and overfilled garages can give buyers the impression your property is short on space. De-clutter aggressively to accentuate the storage possibilities buyers get excited about. 

Pro Tip: Buyers love to open cabinets and drawers. Clear those spaces, too.

2. Maximize the possibilities. A potential home should be a blank slate — a space buyers can imagine making their own. Keep personal items to a minimum and aim for a neutral look. 

Pro Tip: Set the dinner table so buyers can visualize coming home after a long day.

3. Brighten it up. Expose as much natural light as possible. For darker or interior rooms, use high-wattage bulbs in light fixtures.

Pro Tip: A fresh coat of light paint makes a home feel cheerful and shows pride of ownership.

4. Rearrange the furniture. Can people move around without bumping into furniture? Does the layout invite guests to sit down and relax?

Pro Tip: To invite conversation, don’t make a TV the focal point of any room. 

5. Outside views matter. Exteriors make a critical first impression. Ace yours by repainting your entry door and polishing the door handle. Potted plants on patios or balconies also make the outside of your home feel welcoming.

Pro Tip: Colorful flowers on window sills look great indoors and add to the outside appeal.

Do you need help staging your home? Or maybe you have budget concerns about upgrades needed before you list. Reach out today. Let’s make sure we maximize the appeal of your home, simply and cost-effectively. Please call, email or text me today! I would love to hear from you.

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!

Modern Or Contemporary: What’s The Difference?

Your friends may describe a home as “modern” or “contemporary,” but what do they really mean? According to REALTOR^® Magazine, here’s how these two styles differ.

Modern: This style of house focuses on straight lines and limited details. Honesty and simplicity are characteristics of modern architecture. Here are some other traits:
• rectangular exteriors with flat roofs
• open floor plans
• changes in elevation (such as split levels)
• monochromatic color palettes
• limited decorations

Contemporary: This style of house may combine traits from several design styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Contemporary architecture is constantly evolving, characterized by the following:
• curves or sweeping lines
• asymmetrical shapes
• mixed materials – wood, stone and brick
• a combination of indoor-outdoor spaces
• large windows and skylights

Five Star award recipient 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, Realtors

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- Homesforyou@frontier.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon

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

5 Ways to use Pantone’s Color of the Year

For the past 20 years, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced interior design, fashion and other creative industries. This year’s color is called Living Coral, an orange-pink hue that symbolizes optimism and lightheartedness.

Try one of these ideas for using Living Coral in your home:

Paint your front door. Experts say a colorful door boosts curb appeal, plus it’s a chic, inviting way to welcome your friends and family.

Style a nursery. Bright but calming, Living Coral makes a cheery addition to a nursery. Try pairing it with light pink, deep blue or eucalyptus green.

Use it as an accent. Energize your living room with a throw blanket or a few decorative pillows, or make your entryway pop with a new piece of art.

Warm up the kitchen. The director of design at Master Brand Cabinets says this hue “breathes life” into kitchens. Try painting the kitchen island, an accent wall or the inside of glass-front cabinetry in Living Coral.

Go bold. Living Coral can be the “star of the room,” says House Beautiful. Try painting built-in shelves, or make a coral couch or chair the focal point. Tone it down by adding neutral colors and pieces made of wood, brass or marble.

Five Star award recipient 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, Realtors

Direct 503.380.9634

Email-    homesforyou@frontier.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon

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

Here is how to spot the next hot neighborhood

Location, location, location
Location is one of the most important elements – if not the most important element – to consider in a home search. While it’s easy to find markets that are already buzzing, how can you spot up-and-coming neighborhoods?

Uptick in businesses
Take note when chic hotels, stylish boutiques and trendy restaurants begin to emerge in the surrounding areas. If a neighborhood is creating a higher demand for new venues, then its property values are likely to soar.

Fixer-upper potential
Neighborhoods that may be considered past their prime but offer unique architecture and structural integrity are prime real estate opportunities. Victorian, Tudor and Spanish-style older homes are popular, especially among millennials and first-time home buyers who are willing to invest in a home that requires a little extra love, attention and elbow grease.

Fast-selling properties
As homes begin to spend less and less time on the market, it’s a good sign that the neighborhood is increasing in popularity. Sometimes, it only takes a few buyers taking an interest in a neighborhood before other buyers take note and begin to see its potential for future growth.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2018 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

RACHEL SHELLER- PMAR 2019 MASTERS CIRCLE

I am a Diamond-Platinum Masters Circle Member again in 2019. The Diamond-Platinum is the highest level in the Club. This prestigious Club is a mark of distinction for Realtors. Below are a few of the attributes of a Masters Circle member and why it’s important.

EXPERIENCE:
Whether buying or selling a personal residence or investment property, a real estate transaction involves important financial and emotional considerations. The services of an experienced Realtor® define the difference between just surviving and really enjoying the process.
When you buy a home, a skilled broker helps you find the house that best meets your needs and expectations. You rely on their knowledge of the market area and available inventory as well as their ability to recommend other qualified housing professionals. This includes mortgage lenders, home inspectors, and others whose services will be integral to a great home buying experience.
When you sell your home, a seasoned broker can save you time and money. The ability to correctly price and market your home is critical. Understanding how to interpret current market conditions and position your home for a faster, easier sale requires knowledge and skills only gained through experience.
RESULTS:
Choosing your real estate broker is your first important decision. Your broker should be a Realtor®. As a member of the National Association of Realtor®, your broker subscribes to the highest standards of business ethics and practices. The Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtor® (PMAR) is a local chapter of this respected organization.
Your Realtor® should also be a member of the PMAR Masters Circle. The Masters Circle is a benchmark organization formed to recognize Realtors® distinguished by their sales accomplishments and dedicated to the highest degree of professional quality service. Membership is earned by Realtors® who annually demonstrate outstanding achievements in the listing and selling of property. For most people, buying real property is their largest single investment. You benefit from working with a Realtor® who has an established record of success.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE:
Sales achievement is just one mark of excellence. Members seek to build and stregthen the relationships between the real estate industry and the communities they serve. The PMAR Masters Circle makes annual contributions to non-profit organizations committed to serving the greater Portland area.
YOU HOLD THE KEY:
When the time is right to consider your first or your next real estate transaction, remember your goal is to buy or sell real estate. However, your objective should be to maximize the enjoyment and the financial benefit of the entire transaction by working with a proven professional.
The choice is yours — choose wisely.
Choose a Realtor® who has earned membership in the PMAR Masters Circle. Call me when your ready to get going on your next move.

I’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2018 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

Is it time to move?

Selling your home is certainly a personal decision. Here are five points to consider:

1. You want to take advantage of the current real estate market. Housing prices are just beginning to level off in many areas, but it’s primarily still a seller’s market.
2. Your financial situation has changed and you want to lower your mortgage payments. A job change, divorce, serious illness, or death may call for a new living arrangement.
3. Your family has outgrown your starter home. What was once a cozy little home for two may not be the ideal situation for a family of five.
4. You’re tired of paying for maintenance and repair bills on an older property. When the most frequent visitors to your home are the plumber, electrician and appliance repair technician, then it may be time for a newer house.
5. You’ve spent at least five years in your current home and you’re ready to move on. If you have positive equity in your home, then you may be ready to sell.

For more information on getting ready to sell, steps to selling, costs, time it takes and how to move simultaneously from your old home to your new please call, email, or text me.

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 an accurate list of  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!

How to re-energize after the holidays

How to re-energize after the holidays

When the rush of the holidays comes to an end, fatigue can settle in as you try to adjust to your normal routine again. Here are a few small steps you can take to regain your energy and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Organize your desk.
It may seem like a small, menial task, but starting your week with a clean desk can do wonders for your productivity. Instead of feeling underwater in a sea of paperwork, having a clear workspace can reduce stress and encourage creativity.

Plan something.
Schedule a vacation, plan a party, or start a new project at work or at home. Having an event or a new challenge to look forward to helps you stay motivated and avoid the post-holiday slump.

Take care of yourself.
The holidays can take their toll on your mind and body, and the added stress often goes unaddressed. Take some time to exercise or do yoga, meditate, take a bath, or go to bed earlier than usual to help yourself reset.

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, 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!

Should you sell a home during the holidays?

Traditionally, most sellers shy away from listing their homes in November or December. Some buyers, however, need to make a quick purchase before the end of the year due to a job transfer, estate settlement or other tax reasons. With very little competition in the marketplace, properties listed during the holiday season tend to sell more quickly and for a higher price.

If you’re worried about moving during the holidays, keep in mind that buyers often need to close by December 31, but they don’t necessarily need to take possession until January. That way both you and your buyers can enjoy one last holiday season in the old house before making the move.

Of course, the most pressing question is whether you should decorate your home for the holidays. Real estate professionals agree that homes show better with tasteful, festive decorations. Buyers can typically feel the warmth of the season and comfortably picture themselves living there. Be sensitive to different religions and use generic decorations that reflect a fall or winter theme.

Keep in mind the importance of curb appeal, and be sure there’s an attractive wreath on the front door to welcome buyers into their new home. Call me to learn more about selling during the Holidays and it’s benefits.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2018 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-    homesforyou@frontier.com

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

Licensed in the State of Oregon

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