Are millennials slackers or geniuses?

Millennials often get a bad rap for being unemployed, living with their parents, and putting off getting married or having kids, but, according to an article from Business Insider, there’s more to 18- to 30-year-olds than meets the eye!

1. Millennials do most of their shopping in physical stores.  Sure, they are tech savvy and frequently shop online. But millennials haven’t completely abandoned stores and shopping malls. They like to touch and feel products before they buy them, and still appreciate the experience of shopping in a store. In fact, millennials still complete 54% of shopping in physical stores, according to the report.
2. Millennials save more money than the national average. “Contrary to popular rhetoric regarding a highly challenged consumer who may be burdened with debt and living ‘paycheck to paycheck,’ our survey of millennials suggests the majority of the demographic (74% of total responses) saves money every month compared to 26% who do not,” the report says.
3. Millennials are planning to buy homes. They are delaying home-buying and marriage and kids, but they are planning to get to those life milestones eventually. When asked what they are saving for, millennials said (1) a house, (2) a car, and (3) retirement.
4. Millennials aren’t just relying on Uber and Lyft to get around. They are actually buying cars. Like with homeownership, many millennials have delayed purchasing cars. But car buying among this demographic is rapidly rising and will continue to grow, according to the report. About 64% of millennials plan to buy a car in the next two years, and most of those who don’t plan to buy a car already own one, according to the data. Only 5% of respondents said car-sharing services like Uber and Lyft serve as a replacement for owning a car.

 

Five Star award recipient 2011-2017 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, Diversity Specialist, HOWNW, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First, Realtors

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- homesforyou@frontier.com

See ALL available homes at my website!

Licensed in the State of Oregon

***I’M NEVER TOO BUSY FOR YOU AND YOUR REFERRALS***

You can run from weather, but you cannot hide!

7 All-Weather Home Maintenance Tips

You can run from weather, but you cannot hide. How should you prepare for Mother Nature’s wear and tear on your home? Start with these tips:

1. Trim your trees. Dead branches can break off and fall through a window or onto a parked car.
2. Check your fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in the spring and fall. You’ll sleep better knowing your safety systems are functioning properly.
3. Protect your water pipes. Detach hoses in the winter and insulate pipes in the garage and on exterior walls as best you can.
4. Properly shade your home from the sun. Blackout shades or outdoor awnings will help keep your home cooler and prevent wood finishes and upholstered furniture from fading over time.
5. Add weather stripping around doors and caulk your windows to help regulate the inside temperature and prevent drafts.
6. Check your roof regularly by viewing it with binoculars. If you catch damaged shingles in time, you may be able to repair them individually, lengthening the lifespan of your entire roof.
7. Clean out your gutters. Make sure any precipitation can drain properly. Built-up leaves and other debris can weigh down gutters and cause damage.

Five Star award recipient 2011-2017 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, Diversity Specialist, HOWNW, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First, Realtors

Direct 503.380.9634, Email-homesforyou@frontier.com

See ALL available homes at my website!

Licensed in the State of Oregon

***I’M NEVER TOO BUSY FOR YOU AND YOUR REFERRALS***

Did you notice all the traffic lately? People are moving to Oregon…

According to Atlas Van lines, the moving company, people are moving into Oregon in droves! We all know we live in one of the most beautiful States in the Country! We feature Deserts, Mountains, Oceans, Beaches, Gorgeous scenery, bike and dog friendly cities and all that is “unique,”  but now the rest of the Country knows it too and Oregon is one of the very top spots to migrate to. #2 in the Nation!   See the above map Atlas Van Lines has created.

inbound Rankings:

• Idaho (63 percent)
• Oregon (62 percent)
• North Carolina (61 percent)
• Tennessee (60 percent)
• Alaska (59 percent)
• Washington (58 percent)
• Michigan (57.2 percent)
• Washington D.C. (57.1 percent)
• Florida (56 percent)
• New Hampshire (55.1 percent)

Just an interesting Real Estate fact I thought I’d share. If you have been thinking about making that move, buying another property or know someone who needs a really good realtor please don’t hesitate to call. I can help you make a smart investment just right for you and help solidify your financial future today! I appreciate the opportunity to be of service.!

Five Star award recipient 2011-2017 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

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 NEVER TOO BUSY FOR YOU AND YOUR REFERRALS***

 

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.