We all miss the dog days of summer and long for the next one, but now you can find out how your dog got to be your dog. If you are in Portland, Oregon, then you can visit the World Forestry Center now through January 4th, 2009 and find out the story of dogs.Also, while you are there, you can climb on Peggy the 1909 log train that you see in the picture below. Because they didn't have trucks that could handle the large loads of lumber until the mid 1940s, and horses didn't have enough strength either, they had to build this light weight train with lots of power. And thanks to Stimson Lumber you can see the train that they donated to the City of Portland to look into our past.The Forestry Center is located at 4033 SW Canyon Road, Portland, Oregon, and is open from 10-5pm daily except Than... 11/20/2008

  Portland Restaurants on a budget   Looking for some good and interesting places to eat in the Portland Metro Area? For under $10 per person you can enjoy a good meal and great atmosphere. A list some of my favorites are below. Check them out.   Berbati restaurant        http://www.berbati.com/ 213 SW Ankeny StPortland, OR 97204(503) 248-4579  Cupcake Jones   http://www.cupcakejones.net/ 307 NW 10th Ave Portland, Oregon 97209 ( 503).222.4404   Sip & Kranz    http://www.sipandkranz.com/   901 N.W. 10th Ave Portland OR 97209  503-336-1335    Elephants Delicatessen   http://www.elephantsdeli.com/   Elephants NW 22nd 115 NW 22nd Ave, Portland 97210 503.299.6304   Flying Elephants @ Fox Tower 812 SW Park Ave, Portland 97205 503.546.3166  Flying Elephants @ Kruse Way 5885 SW Meadows Rd, Lake... 11/20/2008

I would like to say that I love my new office. I love the people there. They all are kind and hard working people. No drama, no games. After a recent experience, this article was brought to my attention. I thought it was really good, and I wanted to share this w/ my friends on activerain. If you ever had to work with or for someone w/ a toxic personality... you'll totally understand this article. I just wish I would have got this article 2 months ago. LOL. Enjoy friends. Learn, lead, and succeed. Semper Fi. Aaron Majors http://career-advice.monster.com/office-politics/Handle-a-Sabotaging-Coworker/home.aspx?WT.mc_n=CRMUS000096   11/20/2008

Day in and day out I am bombarded with on line solutions. I read about them in posts from members here and everywhere about new sites they have found. They arrive in my email inbox. Yes some are very good. Some are very poor. I sign up on them right and left for exposure is good. Yet as I look around at my peers I do not see the same enthusiasm. Oh sure, it is common place for most agent's to use  Craig's_List  as it has now become Main Stream but not much beyond that. I like to talk shop. What greater way of discovering new market techniques is there than talking shop with your friends, associates and your competition. I can not tell you how often though I hear these same words. " Your not going to talk about that Blogging Stuff are you? " Normally said with a cocked head and a facial ... 11/20/2008

Yesterday I attempted to write a blog about the Stately Lady needing a new life, and prior to that about looking beyond the “bad” news and helping make someone’s day.  Today I was at first stymied – what will today bring?.  As I perused my Facebook friends I discovered that there was a richness right before me. – and in some inspiring and creative ways.  I discovered how Marion was contributing to our economy and society by her innovative desire to help people reclaim materials and re-use them rather than throw them away – how Bill, a developer and builder was pulling out all the stops to not only Go Green, but to bring new life to an area of Portland with his development of Mississippi Avenue Lofts,  And then I ran across how Dan, an executive producer of Pic.tv how he was working hard... 11/20/2008

This last week-end on my way to a hold an Open House for my listing at 5095 Territorial Drive as part of a Tour of Homes of West Linn,  I was a bit surprised at first to hear on our local radio station K103 playing all Christmas music.  Within minutes however I found myself humming along, and even singing along to Drummer Boy and I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas – any stress of wondering if anyone would even show up at the Open House seemed to melt away.  This early dose of  the holiday season got me thinking about how to make this coming season a rich, memorable and stress-free not only for myself, but our family.A study by Wirthlin Worldwide revealed that approximately 52% of women and 40% of men ages 35 to 55 said that their stress levels go up during the holidays.  The American Psy... 11/18/2008

With the flurry of marketing for "Loan Mods" that has hit the Portland/Vancouver market, it's important to understand what's NOT being said in that :30 radio spot; Loan Modifications are not re-finances, and they're not free! Attorneys (and some Loan Officers and Realtors) are attempting to negotiate with banks to keep customers in their homes. There are definitely some scenarios where homeowners in default can avoid foreclosure and re-negotiate their current loan product. The catch is that the fees (which range from $500-$5000) are generally paid up front and there is no guarantee that the bank will actually negotiate.The time frame is the same as a short sale, typically 1-3 months. If you think you're a candidate for a Loan Mod, give us a call here at Mannila Besaw Group, we have seve... 11/18/2008

Live in Portland Oregon? have high energy bills? Soon there will be help! The Energy Doctors plan to have an affiliate up in running soon. That's right soon Portland Oregon homeowners will be able to call and have a Home Energy Audit Portland  We are dedicated to helping homeowners save energy and money.     11/16/2008

It wasn't as easy as I hoped, but once I took the little happy pill I was fine. (No not the little blue one - you people are sick) This was a pack of Tic Tacs that I labeled happy pills and I sucked on to try to get my mind off what was happening.I was taking the day off and I wasn't sure my phone being left on my desk unattended knew how to handle having more than a single voice mail message waiting for more than 5 minutes. My computer, could it survive being turned off? Heck until today, I didn't know it had an off button.But, after reading your advice and doing everything I could do to try to overcome the guilt that taking a day off brought me, today I did it. I got up and planned our day out with the kids... no phone, no computer and you know what? After about the first hour, it beg... 11/15/2008

It's true -- sometimes bachelors really need our help!  This condo had been on the market for 4 months with no offers .... so the seller contacted us for some staging advice.  The condo was Staged and SOLD a short time after! During our initial visit I advised him to paint the bathrooms.  With dark blue walls & ceilings, and no windows or natural light, they felt like dark caves and needed lighter paint to brighten them ... The master bedroom needed a few simple touches to make it more gender-neutral ... The living room needed some furniture re-positioning to highlight the great views ... The Dining area felt a little too stark for comfortable entertaining .... This condo is in John's Landing, 3 minutes from downtown Portland with a great view of Mt. Hood! Sellers & Realtors ~ your loca... 11/13/2008

Some prospective buyers are concerned about buying because they're waiting for the "bottom". This generally causes a missed opportunity! To truly know when the bottom has hit, you have to be looking in the rear view mirror, because that means prices are already on the way back up. At that point, you've missed it. In order to be comfortable, buyers need to know that the bad times are over, but by waiting, you're likely buying 6-12 months AFTER the bottom. This means nobody can feel comfortable AND hit the bottom, they're mutually exclusive. If you're looking for a quick flip, the bottom timing is critical, however most buyers will stay in their homes for 5-7 years, so that means that the most important factors are finding a home you love AND getting a great loan product. If you've been w... 11/13/2008

November 14-December 24:  Santa Comes to Washington Square Mall. Mon-Sat: 10am-9pm Sun: 10am-7pm Restaurant & Department Store Hours May Vary Hwy. 217/Greenburg, Hall and Scholls Ferry Exits (503) 639-8860  November 14:  Stimson Lumaber Tree Arrival.   When:Fri 11/14 (12AM) Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square  Address: 701 S.W. Sixth Ave. Portland, OR  November 14-16:  Ski Fever & Snowboard Show 2008 . At the  Expo Center in  Portland, Oregon follow the link November 15:  Trillium Artisans Holiday Sale.  Trillium Artisans store9119 SE Foster RoadPortland, OR 97266503-775-7993 November 15:  The ORS Winter Ball  location Location  November 15:  Northwest Food and Wine Event 2008   November 19:  Holiday Tea. At the JenkinEstate Location8005 SW Grabhorn RoadAloha, OR 97007-8781 November 22: Ch... 11/12/2008

I have to thank Salvador Del Cid with RE/MAX in North Portland for his excellent blog on radon over the last few days. His wife is also a reporter for KOIN 6 News and did a fabulous piece of the dangers of radon. The link to the short story that was on the news Friday is: http://www.koinlocal6.com/content/mediacenter/default.aspx?videoId=9024@koin.dayport.com&navCatId=156 There is also a longer 24 minute interview with Scott Burns, Professor of Geology, Department of Geology,Portland State University. It is better than some of the multi-day long classes I've taken on radon. The link to that one is: http://www.koinlocal6.com/content/mediacenter/default.aspx?videoid=9012@koin.dayport.com&navCatId=3&articleID=9012 Salvador also has a great map by zip code for the Portland Area:  http://1.b... 11/10/2008

Women in Business Holiday Market It's a chance for some one stop shopping - and gift wrapping to boot!  Saturday, 6 December 2008, 9am - 3 pm, at the Kennedy School Gym. 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR   Gifts and gift certificates for your entire family from local women retailers, artists, clothing and jewelry designers, botanical-based spa and body products, health and wellness gift ideas, the latest eye wear and more. Door prizes and a silent auction - with all auction proceeds to benefit the Oregon Food Bank. More than 20 vendors including Arbonne - Tonya DeCroce and Loris Eastman Buchic Clothing - soft, stylish and sustainable wear for women and children Lia Sophia Jewelry - stocking stuffer ideas Music and CD's, Folk, Blues, Musician, teacher - Anne Weiss NO Sweatshop Children's Cl... 11/09/2008

Playing at the Rose Garden. ONE NIGHT ONLY Sun.  9  Nov.  Portland, OR  Rose Garden  3:00 PM       : 9/20/08   Sun.  9  Nov.  Portland, OR  Rose Garden  7:30 PM       : 9/20/08   Listen and enjoy to some of their  past songs. Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon Rock Carol Of The Bells - Trans Siberian Orchestra holy night - Trans-Siberian Orchestra  Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Requiem (The Fifth) Trans-Siberian Orchestra Oh Fortuna  Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Wizards in Winter Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Queen of the Winter Night 【Trans-Siberian Orchestra】Christmas Eve Sarejevo Transiberian Orchestra A mad Russians Christmas 11/08/2008

I have provided some helpful links that might help give you a better idea of Portland and the area around it. I know Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties very well. The rest of Oregon I have to rely on information from others since I mostly visit but am not an expert on.     Portland Oregon Information Portland travel oregon information Portland online Welcome to Portland About.com Portland wikitravel.com Portland Dinning Portland Sally's place Portland resturants Portland Art Museum Portland apartment rentals Bed and breakfast's in Portland Our history History of Portland Oregon More Portland Information 11/07/2008

The home must be located in an " RD ELIGIBLE" area, you can find this by going to http://eligibility.sc.egov.esda.gov. It must be the ONLY real property owned by the owner listed on title, which means it must be your primary residence and NOT an income property. To qualify you must have a well/septic inspection, and the home must be certified to meet some specific HUD guidelines. One of the great elements of this loan program is that 100% of repairs may be financed based on "as improved" value (all work must be completed prior to closing). While this may seem like a lot of detail (and it would be if you were navigating it by yourself!) we at Mannila Besaw Group are well connected with the lenders who offer these favorable loan options and we are here to help you through the process. Our... 11/06/2008

Last year around this time I posted about the "wine press" that has just ended here in Oregon.  For those of you that like wine, you've definitely heard of Napa and Sonoma.  However, the Willamette Valley  has been producing wonderful wines for a few decades now.  Surrounding the sleepy town of Dundee, there are a few sporadic neighborhoods and plenty of grapes.  Every Fall, these grapes are harvested and pressed into juice to be stored and produced into top quality wines.  Pinot Noir is the most celebrated grape in the Willamette Valley, but the winemakers here are growing plenty of other varietals.  The "press" is what the winemakers call this time of year, and they are raging about this years harvest. Visiting the town of Dundee and the many vineyards is easy.  Most vineyards have ta... 11/05/2008

  Helping REALTORS® Help Clients and Close DealsPillar to Post is North America's foremost home inspection company and we are here to help you make the most of your client relationships even after the sale is complete. Our training, reporting, and professionalism are second to none in the industry; we are dedicated to helping REALTORS® close deals.   What We Offer* •·         Full Home Inspections including a Pest & Dry Rot Report •·         Pre-listing Inspections •·         Radon Inspections with results provided on-site •·         New Home Warranty Inspections •·         Manufactured Home Inspections •·         Manufactured Home Tie-Down Inspections for FHA & VA loans •·         Neighborhood Environmental Report •·         Energy Assessments •·         Asbestos Sampling •·         S... 11/04/2008

The October 29th Addition of The Oregonian talks about the "record tumble" in Portland Home Prices compared to a year ago.  The title is menacing and bleak, but you have to take a look at the whole picture to get an accurate picture of the market.  The first thing that we need to take a look at is the difference between the Case-Shiller index and the RMLS statistics that I report to you each month.  The major difference, according to the article, between the Case-Shiller index and the RMLS is that the Case-Schiller index compares the sales price of a home to the previous sales price of that same home.  The RMLS generally looks at Median and average home prices in the areas.  Its arguable as to which index gives the best information, and I think that each is useful in its own way.  This ... 10/30/2008