Tigard & Tualatin February Real Estate ReviewPrevious Month's Average Sales Price: $385,600.Year-to-Date Average Sales Price & Appreciation: $378,600 8.0%. February 2007 seems to follow the same trend we've seen for the last few months with new listings up and pending and closed sales down. However, pending only dipped slightly when compared to the same time last year. Further inventory is down compared to last month. The 9,901 active residential listings at the end of February would last approximately 5.2 months at the month's rate of sales. When compared with the month of February 2007, the number of new listings increased 22.3%. Closed sales decreased 6.8% and pending sales fell 0.4%.Year to DateWhen comparing market activity for January-February 2007 to the same time in 2006 we see ... 03/22/2007

When buying a home, the Boy Scout motto "Be Prepared" is something that will help you find that dream home and help you avoid future situations. Write down all your wants and needs in two different columns. The first column is needs, the must haves. The second column is the wants; they would like but are not required. Finding a home with all your needs can be easy; it is the wants that are usually the hard part. I suggest to my clients we narrow down the search to find the homes with all the needs they require. Then we can start to narrow down the homes by looking for the wants or that can have the wants added later with ease. Find a Real Estate agent that you find easy to work with. You don't want an agent that you feel doesn't have your best interest in mind or that you don't get a lo... 03/19/2007

Do you want to know the truth? They don't really buy house they buy problems. What is a problem? A problem is you are behind on your payments, death, divorce or you have a pending move and don't want two payments and other similar things.These people buy these problems fast because they know they can get homes for 50-70% of the fair market value just by scaring people. They buy these homes from sellers who think if they don't sell now they will lose everything, but if they sell quickly they can save a Realtors commission.Now let's look at the reality of the situation. If you were to put your home on the market with a Realtor at 10% below the market value even with a Realtors fee of lets say 7%, you could sell you home in 2 days and still make 13% more than you could selling to a company... 03/16/2007

Mortgage applications for home purchases and refinancing rose last week when long-term borrowing costs dipped according to The Mortgage Bankers Association.   The MBA's seasonally adjusted index of mortgage applications rose 3.2% to 626.1 the week ended Feb. 23, up from this year's low of 606.6 in the prior week. Borrowing costs on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, excluding fees, declined 0.03 percentage point to average 6.16%, lowest since it hit 6.13% the first week of this year, according to the MBA. The MBA's seasonally adjusted purchase index, seen as a timely gauge of home sales, rose 5.2% to 401.3 in the latest week, it said. The group's seasonally adjusted refinancing index gained 1.2% to 1,943.5.Source:  (Reuters)More information about Portland Metro can be found at our website:  ... 03/06/2007

Portland Metro real estate agents featured on nationally televised show this week.   Airdate for HGTV HouseHunters episode featuring the Tony and Libby Kelly Group of Keller Williams Portland Premiere! Tune in the see the lovely city of Tigard on national tv.  Hopefully you're going to love it!March 8th - 10pm ET/PTMarch 9th - 2am ET/PTMarch 11th - 7:30pm ET/PTCheck out the link here:http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/shows_hnt/episode/0,1806,HGTV_More information about the wonderful city of Tigard can be found at website:  www.TonyandLibby.com 03/05/2007

Great Tigard Ranch and Location Come see this great ranch-style home in Tigard. Vaulted ceilings throughout the home, as well as brand new carpets and new paint. Quiet street with easy access to golf course too. Wood pellet fireplace and private fenced backyard. Resale Single Family Home $289,000 Address: 9920 SW Kable St. City/ST: Tigard, OR Zip Code: 97224 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 full, 0 half Square Footage: 1316 MLS# 7015419 For additional photos and details visit http//:www.TonyandLibby.comor call 1-800-395-1151 code 612 for 24 hr recorded information This listing is brought to you courtesy of the Tony and Libby Kelly Group, Keller Williams Realty Portland Premiere,17700 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd, Portland, OR 97224 02/28/2007

Great Bull Mountain LocationGreat Bull Mountain Location! Step into this contemporary home and notice the soaring 2 story ceiling in the great room floorplan with plentiful windows. Updated features, cherry laminate floors, gas fireplace ready and crown molding in every room too. The elegant master suite provides a quiet sanctuary. The huge backyard is great for entertaining. This home is set up to greenspace on a private street off of a great cul-de-sac location. Resale Single Family Home $310,000 Address: 16215 SW Cameron Ct. City/ST: Tigard, OR Zip Code: 97223 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half Square Footage: 1419 MLS# 7013711 For additional photos and details visit http//:www.TonyandLibby.comor call 1-800-395-1151 code 611 for 24 hr recorded information This listing is brought t... 02/28/2007

Arlington Heights Beauty in Bull MountainThis Fantastic Brentwood home features a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops & five burner gas stove, hardwoods with inlays, den with french doors and a huge bonus room. The master suite features a coved ceiling, large walk-in closet & luxurious bath with jetted tub, travertine counters and a double sink. Oversized garage with built-ins and a great large level backyard with huge deck & central air. Resale Single Family Home $485,000 Address: 12557 SW Winterview Dr. City/ST: Tigard, OR Zip Code: 97224 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half Square Footage: 2877 MLS# 7012912 For additional photos and details visit http//:www.TonyandLibby.comor call 1-800-395-1151 code 601 for 24 hr recorded information This listing is brought to you courtesy of... 02/27/2007

Stunning Custom Tigard Home Stunning EleganceGorgeous Renaissance home with all the upgrades and huge level yard. Formal dining room & great room on main level! Huge lower level family room with mini-kitchen and bedroom suite. Lower level can also be separate living quarters with laundry room & bonus room. Main kitchen is designed for the gourmet cook and features slab granite countertops, cherry cabinets, stainless appliances & a butler's pantry. Numerous skylights keep this home light and bright. Resale Single Family Home $756,500 Address: 10510 SW Naeve St. City/ST: Tigard, OR Zip Code: 97224 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 half Square Footage: 4520 MLS# 6095894 For additional photos and details visit http//:www.TonyandLibby.comor call 1-800-395-1151 code 605 for 24 hr recorded info... 02/26/2007

Charming Tigard, OR Home with tons of upgrades Charming Tigard HomeFantastic home w/upgrades thru out. This Light & Bright home features extensive hardwoods, extra large modern kitchen, family rm w/fireplace, grand two story entry and lofted bonus room. Master suite w/vaulted ceiling & luxurious bathroom with huge soaking tub. Beautiful landscaping w/huge patio, extra large yard, & outdoor lighting. Central air and Play structure included! Excellent freeway access with none of the noise. This is a must see! Resale Single Family Home $439,000 Address: 11682 SW Nacira Pl City/ST: Tigard, OR Zip Code: 97223 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half Square Footage: 3066 MLS# 7086910 For additional photos and details visit http//:www.TonyandLibby.comor call 1-800-395-1151 code 607 for 24 hr reco... 02/26/2007

Custom Home in Lovely Arlington Ridge Neighborhood, Tigard, OR Arlington Ridge Luxury Home! This spectacular custom home features a gourmet kitchen with eating nook opening to huge family room with gas fireplace and awesome mountain views. The Brazilian hardwoods on the main are incredible! The upstairs bonus room has almost a 180 deg. view! Granite counters in kitchen, bath & laundry. Even the laundry room features granite floors and counter tops! Marble floor in master bath AND closet. Resale Single Family Home $535,000 Address: 12317 SW Ames Lane City/ST: Tigard, OR Zip Code: 97224 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 full, 0 half Square Footage: 2908 MLS# 6092388 For additional photos and details visit http//:www.TonyandLibby.comor call 1-800-395-1151 code 608 for 24 hr recorded information Thi... 02/26/2007

Custom Bull Mountain, Tigard, OR Home Bull Mountain StunnerThis lovely craftsman style home features extensive hardwood flooring, modern designer lighting, neutral designer colors, new carpeting, surround sound, central air conditioning and slate entry flooring. The kitchen is spacious with granite countertops in the gourmet kitchen and stainless refrigerator. Spacious family room with built-in 46 HDTV. You MUST SEE this home! Resale Single Family Home $519,900 Address: 13344 SW 128th Pl. City/ST: Tigard, OR Zip Code: 97223 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half Square Footage: 3207 MLS# 6105001 For additional photos and details visit http//:www.TonyandLibby.com or call 1-800-395-1151 code 602 for 24 hr recorded information This listing is brought to you courtesy of the Tony and Libby Ke... 02/26/2007

Fantastic Contemporary Home in Tigard, OR Downtown Living in the SuburbsExperience the joy of maintenance free living with the cool charm of downtown in this awesome Tigard home. Gorgeous Hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen with slab granite countertops & stainless appliances, soaring two story ceilings add elegance to this comfortable home. Enjoy the open kitchen with large island, butler's pantry & maple cabinets. This house has an amazing floorplan with main floor master, large bonus room/loft upstairs with flat panel 42 Plasma TV (included). Fenced level yard with deck; backs to trees. HOA maintains landscaping.   Resale Single Family Home $397,999  Address: 15740 SW Peachtree Dr City/ST: Tigard, OR Zip Code: 97224 Bedrooms: 3   Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half Square Footage: 2412  MLS# 7002... 02/26/2007

Applewood Park Traditional in Tigard, OR Tigard BeautyThis amazing Tigard traditional features hardwood floors, formal living room with fireplace, formal dining room and modern kitchen with upgraded cabinets. Great condition, designer colors, upstairs media room, master suite with soak tub AND double sinks. 3 bedrooms plus bonus room AND den! Popular neighborhood with easy access to freeway, shopping, swim center, schools & Cook park.    Resale Single Family Home $374,000  Address: 15230 SW Parkland Terrace City/ST: Tigard, OR Zip Code: 97224 Bedrooms: 3   Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half Square Footage: 2208  MLS# 7009722   For additional photos and details visit http//:www.TonyandLibby.comor call 1-800-395-1151 code 610 for 24 hr recorded information  This listing is brought to you courtesy ... 02/25/2007

The most recent RMLS 12-month appreciation report by county:Clackamas Sale Price 2005-06  $388,300  Average Change +16%Columbia Sale Price 2005-06  Average Change  $229,100 +15%Multnomah Sale Price 2005-06  Average Change  $309,500 +14%Washington Sale Price 2005-06  Average Change  $316,300 +12%Yamhill Sale Price 2005-06  Average Change $267,100 +19%   PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR MONTHLY PODCAST for more real estate information at www.TonyandLibby.com  *The information above is from the monthly market action report produced by RMLS and used by permission of RMLS. This information is copyrighted by RMLS, All Rights Reserved.  02/23/2007

January 2007 seems to follow the same trend as the previous months in 2006, with new listings up and closed and pending sales both down. When compared with with the month of January 2006, the number of new listings increased 19.5%. Closed sales decreased 9.4% and pending sales fell 2.2%. The 9,841 active residential listings at month's end would last approximately 6.2 months given the month's rate of sales.Portland Metro ReviewNORTH PORTLAND ----Previous Month's Average Sales Price: $255,800.Year-to-Date Average Sales Price & Appreciation: $255,800, 16.4%.NORTHEAST PORTLAND ----Previous Month's Average Sales Price: $284,200.Year-to-Date Average Sales Price & Appreciation: $284,200, 14.4%.SOUTHEAST PORTLAND ----Previous Month's Average Sales Price: $261,800.Year-to-Date Average Sales Pri... 02/20/2007

Homes prices are likely to spring back in the coming months according to the National Association of Realtors. The 16 Feb, 07 edition of USA Today reported that nationwide median home prices fell in 73 metro areas in the final three months of 2006. "At least the bottom appears to have already occured," says Lawrence Yun, an NAR economist. The good news for Portland metro is that despite the nationwide housing malaise in 2006 (2.7% decline in the median home price), Portland still saw a 11.2% increase! Click here to see the list of the median home prices in 149 metro areas.We have noticed a significant increase in market activity in 2007. This is partly due to buyers responding to price drops and pent-up demand as a result of buyer hesitation in the second half of 2006. For more informa... 02/19/2007

So you are thinking of selling you home and you are worried about the tax implications. Well worry no more! The current tax law for the sale of your primary residence, after May 6, 1997, states that you can have up to $500,000 in capital gains for a married couple and $250,000 for a single person. So unless you are single and paid only $10,000 for your home and plan to sell it for $300,000 you don't have too much to worry about.One of the requirements of this tax law is that you must have lived in that home at lease 2 of the past 5 years. If you are a married couple and as long as at least one of the spouses meets this requirement then you are eligible for the exclusion.These restrictions can be waived and your exclusion will be prorated if you are unable to meet the two year ownership ... 02/11/2007

This is the best time to get a free copy of your credit report. As a Real Estate agent I can't count the times that I've seen people find their perfect home and then lose it when they couldn't afford the payments because of an error on a credit report. They can't figure out why they didn't get the interest rate that they wanted. Then they get the credit report and see mistakes on it, but it is too late to fix anything. By getting your credit report early, you can fix the errors that do appear on it in plenty of time, and not have it hold up the purchase of your dream home. If you own a home already, this would be a good time to call me and get my "10 Tips to get more for your home". This is a list of all the things you should do to your home, prior to putting it on the market, that will... 02/10/2007

While a few small farms remain in the city, for the most part they have been replaced by suburban housing. However, the John Tigard House, constructed by the son of Wilson M. Tigard in 1880 at the corner of Pacific Highway and Gaarde Street, remains, having been saved from demolition in the 1970s by the Tigard Area Historical and Preservation Association. It became registered as a National Historic Place in 1979, and now resides at the corner of SW Canterbury Lane and SW 103rd.  Washington County is a fertile land of farms, fields, vineyards, fairways, and beautiful back-country roads. The hills around here produce a bounty of highly acclaimed wines. We do Pinot to perfection. Each winery will welcome you with open arms (and an open bottle) if you care to stop for a taste.The rolling te... 02/05/2007