Earline Penson, Principle Broker - Coldwell Banker Seal

Portland, Oregon garners attention for its 2nd place ranking in the nation's lowest multi-family vacancy rental rates

....second only to New York City's, 1.8 percent. The NAR (National Association of Realtors) is projecting that vacancies in the apartment rental market are likely to drop from 4.7 percent in the first quarter of 2012 to 4.5 percent in the first quarter of 2013. Multifamily vacancy rates below 5 percent are generally considered to indicate a landord's market with demand justifying higher rents.

Click Here to read the full article on Mortgage News Daily.

If you're interested in exploring duplex and tri-plex investment opportunities in the Portland metro area contact Earline Penson, Principle Broker with Coldwell Banker Barbara Sue Seal's Uptown Office at 503.804.8781.

 

Do you want to keep mom close, but not too close? Investigate the benefits and possible cost savings of adding a "ADU" Accessory Dwelling Unit to a existing lot, or on a new, larger lot.

Everyone loves mom and dad, but we all deserve some personal space...."breathing room", if you will. As we all age though, that option becomes less and less, as the natural process of aging combined with the requirement for single-level living, assistance and monitoring becomes a requirement.

You will find information on this page about adding an accessory dwelling unit to a property, or converting a structure to a duplex. Every dwelling unit functions as a separate unit. They are commonly known as "mother-in-law apartments", "granny-flats" or studio apartments.

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Getting Started

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a second dwelling unit created on a lot with a house, attached house or manufactured home. The second unit is created auxiliary to, and is smaller than, the main dwelling. ADUs can be created in a variety of ways, including conversion of a portion of an existing house, addition to an existing house, conversion of an existing garage or the construction of an entirely new building.

Methods to create an ADU

• Chapter 33.205 of the City of Portland Zoning Code provides the standards for accessory dwelling units in all Residential (R) zones. ADUs can be created in a house (detached single family dwelling), an attached house (rowhouse) or a manufactured home any of the following ways:
  
  a. Converting existing living area
  b. Finishing an existing basement or attic
  c. Building a new structure
  d. Making an addition to an existing structure
  
  Where attached housing was created under the infill provisions of the ‘a’ overlay zone (section 33.405.060), or as duplexes and attached houses on corners (section 33.110.240 E), ADUs are prohibited. Attics and basements with limited ceiling heights may not qualify as space that can be converted.
• Some existing attached or detached garages can be converted into an ADU in all R zones. ADUs can also be created by construction of a new accessory structure.

Applying For My Permit
Plan Review Process
Inspections
Applications & Handouts

Click Here for more details on FabCab's first home, which was on display at the Seattle Home Show in February. This unique pfrefabricated home is 538 square-foot and was featured with an open kitchen, living space, bedroom, and bathroom, all for the price of about $85,000.

Tiny houses you'll fall in love with.

Deciding to live in a tiny house involves making some big lifestyle choices. You'll need to be happy with minimal belongings, and have maximum tolerance for intimacy if others will be sharing the space. And you'll need to check your local laws to make sure you abide by building codes.

But cozy quarters also offer huge advantages. Click Here to read the full article compliments of MSN.

 

Do your homework before making a decision to purchase a old home - Earline Penson, Principle Broker with Coldwell Banker Seal

With home prices down as much as 50% from their peak several years ago, especially in certain real-estate markets, many people are deciding with good reason that now is the time to jump into homeownership or to invest in real estate. While living in a brand-new home has its perks, these newer homes often lack charm and personality.

This is why some people are drawn to older, historic homes, which are often oozing with character. The downside is that they can also be money pits and cause endless frustrations for homeowners.

Click Here to read the full article on MSN.com.

In addition to MSN's article I would suggest adding the following considerations for home inspections: Asbestos, Chimney, Lead Based Paint, Oil Tank Locate, Radon and Sewer Line Scope.

 

 

Rare, adorable and affordable 3 bed / 1 bath "Turn Of The Century" in sought-after Alberta Arts District - Portland, Oregon

 
 

 
 

10 inexpensive ways to boost your home's sales price right now!

 

To help property owners get the best selling price they can — without burying themselves in expenses — U.S. News has created a list of 10 cheap ways to boost your home's sales price by spring. Click Here to read the full article republished, compliments of MSN.

If you are considering buying or selling a home why not give Earline Penson a call?  She has a wealth of experience working with buyers and sellers in every price range. You can reach Earline right now at | 503.804.8781.

2011's Cost vs Return on home improvements and/or upgrades, compliments of Remodeling Magazine.

 
Remodeling Magazine's website has taken all the work out of comparing the average cost for 35 of the nation's most popular remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale. Click Here to locate your state and data for one of 9 regions and choose any one of 80 U.S. cities to download a PDF with local data.

If you are considering buying and/or selling a home in the Portland metro area, consider enlisting the services of a experienced real estate broker. Earline Penson has a wealth of experience working with home buyers and sellers in every price range.  You can reach Earline at Coldwell Banker Seal Uptown Office or directly at | 503.804.8781

When it comes to mowing your lawn, it all boils down to that age-old question: Should you mow in spirals or rows? To answer this, MSN got together with world-famous puzzler Scott Kim to plot the course and come up with the best way to mow the lawn.

 

When it comes to mowing your yard, it all boils down to that age-old question: Should you mow in spirals or rows? To answer this, MSN got together with world-famous puzzler Scott Kim to plot the course and come up with the best way to mow the lawn — and then designed some others just for fun.

Click Here to review designs you can create with your own lawnmower.

Things home inspectors either do not inspect, and at times overlook.

 
After you find a home that you like, the next step is to ensure the house is in top condition with a home inspection. Once the buyer and seller have settled on price, the inspection lets the buyer know that the soon-to-be-purchased home is really worth the money inside and out. But a home inspection is never a guarantee that your new home is going to be in perfect working order.

Radon emmissions, buried leaking oil tanks, asbestos, failed chimneys, faulty sewer lines, history of excessive ground water during rainy season and/or flooding from nearby creeks and/or rivers, structural deficiencies, fire damage which some unscrupulous home sellers know is concealed behind sheetrock and do not disclose to prospective home buyers, faulty wiring, loud and/or volatile neighbors, properties with a past history of drug sales, meth manufacturing and/or neighboring properties with possible drug activity, history of crime and/or vandalism.registered sex offender(s) living in close proximity,

Click Here to learn more about additional erros and ommissions involving home inspections, compliments of MSN.

If you are in the market to buy and/or sell a home in the Portland metro area consider enlisting the advice of a experienced real estate broker, Earline Penson, Principal Broker with Coldwell Banker Seal's Uptown Office.  Earline has a wealth of experience working with home buyers and sellers in every price range.  You can reach Earline at 503.804.8781

From your real-estate agent to utility companies, many folks may be a part of your homebuying experience. MSN offers a who's who first-time buyers guide to what they do — and why they do it. - Earline Penson, Principle Broker Hasson Company Realtors

 

If you want to buy a latte or a novel, you find the one you want, hand over some money and go on your way, interacting with one or two people along the way. But if you're buying a house, the process — and the number of people involved — is exponentially more complicated.

It can be overwhelming to keep all of the players and processes straight. Who does what? Do you really need all of these people? Why can't you just do it all yourself?

"Without all those people, buying a house would take at least a year," says Ilona Bray, author of "Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home." "You'd have to figure out all these things yourself, and it's a complex thing."

Click Here to read the full article compliments of MSN.

If you are in the market to buy and/or sell a home in the Portland metro area, consider enlisting the services of Earline Penson, a Princple Broker with Coldwell Banker Seal's Uptown Office.  Earline has a wealth of experience working successfully with homebuyers and sellers in every price range.  You can reach Earline right now at | 503.804.8781.