Here together with my Grandaughter is our first attempt at creating a video on Youtube. Together with all the production time we have about 1 hr into this first project. Let me know what you think. *********** Update ************ Where has all the time gone? It seems like forever since I last did this video. I have a new camera since then and have purchased 3 video editing programs none of which I would consider great and or easy to use. Hence the reason for this update. It is mostly about video platforms and recomendations for the Real Estate oriented individual on where to post their videos. Stop by http://activerain.com/blogsview/875868/Top-Ten-Video-Sites and take a look at what I found in these video uploading sites. Be sure join the My Video Group at http://activerain.com/groups/... 03/05/2008

Ok, be honest, you hear it on the news, you read it in the papers, it's everywhere . . . the real estate market is in the tank, the sky is falling. Houses in foreclosure, prices coming down, it just is not pretty.But, what is the truth about the Portland Market which is the second best in the nation. Portland is hot, folks are moving here for many reasons, but mostly because it is thriving. Good jobs, fantastic lifestyle & affordable living, which includes homes. Our little city is flat out bucking the trends which is a consistent theme for Oregonians.Yes, there is back news, but if you are a buyer it is time to jump for joy. Interest rates are excellent (unlike 1982 when I bought my first house at 16% interest), there are lots of choices and you don't have to have a spiffy resume, pho... 02/27/2008

Enjoy Forest Heights views from this gorgeous new custom contemporary.  4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths with 3800+ sq ft on 2 levels.  Media room, wine room, large family room, and built-in closet systems in each closet.  All custom cabinets are from Pacific Design Cabinetry and made of Sapele wood.  Spacious gourmet kitchen has slab granite and s/s Dacor appliances. After 6 months on the market as a Vacant property ~ Here are photos of some of the staged rooms in this SOLD home ... 02/26/2008

This downtown Portland OR condo has many amenities for residents to enjoy. Here are photos of some of the staged rooms in this lovely home ... 02/26/2008

This remodeled Craftsman home has a gorgeous new kitchen with slab granite and top s/s appliances, hardwood floors throughout, original built-ins in living room and formal dining rooms.  4 bedrooms and 2 baths. Three levels of wonderful family living in one of Portland's best neighborhoods!  Here are photos of some of the staged rooms in this lovely home ... 02/26/2008

We at Mortgage Portland have just found this place and are amazed at what a great resource it is. The real estate community has needed something like this for a long time, and it's finally here. I guess we have been out of the old Internet thing for awhile. Well were glad to be back! visit our new site and tell us what you think. :) 02/24/2008

RMLS posted its newest stats on Friday and they were definitely different from the rest of the Fall and Winter.  We tend to see a natural slowing of the market because of the Winter and the Holidays, but we have seen a significant drop off in the market in the month of January.  RMLS reported an inventory of 12.8 months, as opposed to 8.3 last month.  This is the highest inventory since 2000.  At the current rate of sales it would take 12.8 months to sell out of the inventory on the market.  Average days on the market have also risen to 83 as opposed to 58 from last month, and we now have over 13,000 homes on the market. A positve point for sellers is that Year-To-Date appreciation is still up in many areas of the city including North Portland (8.3%), Northeast Portland (7.3%), Southeas... 02/20/2008

Portland Oregon: 5 Things to Do in MarchOregon Zoo - Zoo's Gone Wild Spring Break Party - Can't head for the tropics for Spring Break? Stop by Oregon Zoo instead. Wear your Hawaiian shirt and stroll around to tropical tunes. Keepers, volunteers and zoo staff have collaborated on a "vacation" chock full of activities that are just as fun for the animals as they are for the people. March 24 - April 8.OMSI - The largest collection of Chinese fossils is on display, featuring over 20 complete skeletons. After that, enjoy the planetarium, OmniMax Theater, and the science exhibits. All March.Energy Trust Better Living Show - Energy Trust of Oregon  Balance and harmony through green building practices. Do what is right for the planet.52nd Annual Portland Roadster ShowPresented by Multnomah Hot ... 02/19/2008

On the sixth of February I started a 16 hour course with Earth Advantage to learn about Sustainable and "green" building.  At the end of the course I tested and was certified as an EA S.T.A.R agent.  S.T.A.R stands for Sustainability Training for Accredited Real Estate Professionals.  As one of only about 300 agents that are certified from this program I have the ability to highlight "green" characteristics on homes and explain the benefits that these amenities offer for both the environment and the wallet of the client.  Green and sustainable products are at the point where they are not only more affordable, but they are made to the same high standards that consumers now expect.Earth Advantage is a Portland based organization that acts as a third-party rating organization for new and e... 02/13/2008

As of February 12, 2008 the Portland, Oregon real estate market continues to be one of the strongest in the nation. We have a reasonable inventory of homes under one year while other great American cities have "years" of inventory. "Inventory" means that if another home was not listed following today, it would take a certain number of months for all currently listed homes to be sold.  For more information call Keith at 503-734-6646The above comments are based on the OPINIONS of Keith Berne, Real Estate Broker. Keith cannot predict the future of the real estate market. Keith's comments are not meant to solicit currently listed properties. 02/12/2008

  With all the winter weather we have had, I find myself with a big case of spring fever during a rare sunny day in Oregon.  While rummaging through my staging photos I came across some photos I took last spring of a house that needed staging on the exterior as badly as the interior.  With Spring just around the corner, I felt you might enjoy the before and after photos of this project as well as a small list of items for homeowners to look for when looking to place their homes on the market.  So many times homeowners are focused on only staging the inside of the home and leave the outside to chance.  I find this a tragedy as the buyer is not even interested in going inside if they are not attracted to the outside.  We are all familiar with the saying "You can't judge a book by it's cov... 02/11/2008

Things are looking up my friends, at least for buyers.  If you looked at a newspaper this month you know that the Federal Reserve has made some cuts in the prime rate, looking to jump-start the economy and avoid a recession.  What does this mean for you?  It simply means that interest rates have dropped a bit and your money can go a bit further in the market.  It adds to the already great opportunity that we have right now in the market for buyers.  Inventory is higher than it has been at anytime in the last three years, so there is plenty out there to choose from.How can inventory get any higher you ask?  Well, at the moment it is at 8.5 months according to the RMLS.  That means that it would take 8.5 months to sell all of listings at the current rate of sales.  This is a little bit hi... 02/11/2008

Are you a professional? Or are you seeking a Professionals advice?  As I cruise the blogospehere I come across many a blog who's writers focus on giving "expert advice". Some go so far as to council us all on the right way to do things V's the wrong way.The truth is that blogs are world wide and advice is often local. In fact most advice given by the "Professionals" is so local that it can be a detriment to your business if you follow it. My advice before giving or receiving it : First ask or tell if it is Local advice or not?  Always think about your advice before counseling others on " The way it Should Be Done".             02/08/2008

I recently staged a beautifully updated 1927 Craftsman bungalow for a repeat Investor client of mine in Portland Oregon.  As soon as I complete a home staging project like this one, I can't wait to compare the "Before" photos to the "Afters."  I guess you could say that seeing my client's postiive reaction and then the transformation in the photos is what I live for ~ it doesn't take much to make me happy!  How do you feel when you finish a staging project?    The previous 3 homes that I staged for this client all sold within 30 days ~ so fingers are crossed for another success! 02/06/2008

When someone loves her work it shows. Take one look at Jill Wheeler and you'll see. And since she's started at Rose City Mortgage, she's practically glowing. "I love it here," Jill says. "It's a very comforting atmosphere. I'm a high energy person and it helps me relax." Jill has worked in the mortgage industry since 2003. Prior to that she served four years in the military, including one year in Korea. There she learned how to push herself beyond her limits and honed her customer service skills. In the army Jill also discovered she's fast. She outran all the women and a few men in her unit. These days, instead of running military drills, she's chasing her young son around. With all the activities they do, it's a good thing she's in such good shape. If they aren't out at the roller rin... 02/05/2008

I Wish I Bought Back Then!These are uncertain times for the housing industry. The negative news is overwhelming and can shake anyone's confidence in making a decision to buy a home. Oregon has weathered this housing crisis better than most of the nation. Don't let fear and negative thinking block you from buying a home now.This could be the best time in years to buy a house. Interest rates are currently right around 5% for people with decent credit and banks are making loans. You can buy more house now, with the same payment, than you could 6 months ago.When will you know that prices will hit rock bottom? Usually after prices start to go up. Maybe we are not at the absolute rock bottom, in our area, but we have to be very, very close to it. The government is taking all kinds of measures... 01/31/2008

Portland Oregon: 5 things to do in FebruaryOregon Seafood and Wine Festival - Oregon Seafood and Wine FestivalThis winter event held February 1 & 2, 2008 is a typical Oregon celebration. Showcasing Oregon seafood and wine, with the central theme being the very tasty local Dungeness Crab, and featuring other Oregon products. Location: Oregon Convention CenterOMSI - The largest collection of Chinese fossils is on display, featuring over 20 complete skeletons. After that, enjoy the planetarium, OmniMax Theater, and the science exhibits. All February.2008 Portland Jazz Festival - Portland Jazz FestivalThe Shape of Jazz to Come 1959/2008 will be this year's Portland Jazz Festival Signature Series of events. The world renowned Portland Jazz Festival will include over 150 separate events, free... 01/31/2008

It's no big secret that I’m sweet on babies. It’s pretty much all I dream about lately… to have my own little "Baby J". Girl or boy, it doesn’t really matter. And no, I’m not making any big announcements. Just yet. But if I were, I couldn’t be in a better place to give birth. The secret is out:  My beautiful Pdx is the best place to have a baby, according to FitPregnancy Magazine’s recent report on the nation’s top cities for giving birth. While this is high praise, it’s not surprising given our strong ‘Mama culture’ and our innate understanding that we, as women, were made for this. Our progressive local attitudes empower each woman to choose her delivery options, setting the stage for a joyful, safe, and meaningful birthing experience. We place high value on assuring a smooth and heal... 01/28/2008

The Tony and Libby Kelly Group | Keller Williams Portland Premiere | 503-753-7300 9128 SW 40th Ave, Portland, OR Remodeled Multnomah Village Daylight Ranch. 4 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $415,000 Year Built 1978 Sq Footage 2,342 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 9,583 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Remodeled Multnomah Village Daylight Ranch. Great location, home features lovely black walnut flrs, new lighting in the kitchen & baths, newly painted inside & out, cen air, newer furnace & vinyl windows. Remodeled lower level is light & bright. Lrge private backyard w/patio & cedar deck with mtn views. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace Hardwood floor Family room Living room Balcony, D... 01/28/2008

The Tony and Libby Kelly Group | Keller Williams Portland Premiere | 503-753-7300 5870 SW Ralston Drive, Portland, OR Looking for the perfect scenic lot to build on? 2 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $359,000 Year Built 1949 Sq Footage 650 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking None Lot Size 26,776 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Looking for the perfect scenic lot to build on? Looking for a cozy house to dwell in while developing your building plans? Awesome views and lot potential. Close to OHSU and Hillsdale dining and shopping. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Hardwood floor OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES abundant built-ins, awesome views, tons of potential ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: The Tony and Libby Kelly Group Keller Williams Portlan... 01/28/2008