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Displaying blog entries 11-20 of 40

Cold Weather Coming to the Mountain! Take Precautions Now!

by Liz Warren

OK, get ready. It looks like three evenings of plummeting temperatures coming up tonight, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, dipping down to 18 degrees or so. We all remember what happened the last time temperatures plunged to the teens on the mountain.  Many homes were flooded and suffered extensive damages. So take precautions now! Here are some handy tips from Liberty Mutual Insurance Company’s web site:

       During a cold spell:

  • Keep heat at 55° F. or higher.
  • Turn on both hot and cold faucets near outside walls to allow a small trickle of water to run during the night and, if seldom used, during extremely cold days as well.
  • Keep sink cabinet doors open to allow more heat to circulate around pipes underneath, particularly if located near exterior walls.
  • If you need to be away from home, leave the heat on or drain your water system before you go. Ask someone to check your house daily.

If your pipes freeze:

  • Open all faucets.

 

  • Remove insulation and wrap pipes in rags. If possible, pour hot water over pipes, starting where exposure to the cold is greatest. If that doesn't thaw them, call your plumber. Don't try to thaw pipes with an open flame of any kind.



If your pipes burst:

  • Shut off the water immediately to prevent additional damage.

 

  • Take proper precautions to avoid an electrical shock from being in or near standing water.

 

  • Call your plumber.

 

  • Take an inventory of any damaged property or possessions. Do not dispose of any items without the prior approval of your insurance adjuster.

 Before the cold weather hits

  • Make sure adult family members know how to shut off water and call a plumber if needed.

 

  • Insulate pipes, especially those close to outside walls, in attics or crawl spaces where the chance of freezing is greatest. If you have an outside electrical water pump, don't forget to insulate it as well.

 

  • Wrap pipes with heat tape.

 

  • Seal leaks surrounding or near pipes.

 

  • Remember to bring garden hoses in and turn off and drain water to outdoor spigots at the cutoff valve.

 

  • If you have an outdoor pool or spa, check with the manufacturer on how to protect it from freezing.

Recent Dumping of Snow in Welches January 2008!

by Liz Warren

Measure 49 Update for Buyers and Sellers!

by Liz Warren

Read the latest on Measure 49 :

Hit this link

The Real Mortgage Story

by Liz Warren

How about some real statistics about what is happening in the "mortgage crisis".

Did you know that the "mortgage problems" are mostly in seven states? Three are Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. These three states had problems three years ago and these problems were due to job losses. Real estate is "local" and jobs have a great deal to do with any local real estate market. Until jobs are increasing, these areas will continue to have problems.

The other states, California, Arizona, Florida, and Nevada were basically overbuilt. They now have excess inventory. the speculators that were purchasing mutiple homes and condos in mass- picking up 5 or 6 properties are the ones who are crashing and cannot make their mortgage payments.

The other 43 states are doing pretty well. In fact, in these states foreclosures have actually fallen from 2006 to 2007.

Did you know that 35% of homeowners in the United States have NO MORTGAGE!

The real numbers are that 94.88% of loans are doing fine. Even 75% of subprime mortgages are performing fine. In reality, only 3% of loans are "in trouble".

To read some of the articles in the news you would think the entire market was crashing when it really isn't.

National Association of Realtors Portland Area Outlook

by Liz Warren

To keep you updated on the latest info on the Portland Metro area real estate outlook, I have provided a link to the October 2007 National Association of Realtors info. You can read this document and find out appreciation rates, subprime lending numbers, foreclosures and other interesting projections based upon economic factors and interest rate movement. Hit this link to download.

Tuesday Morning Coffe

by Liz Warren

The mountain market is adjustment state. Interest rates are going down, prices are adjusting. If you have good credit you can get a loan. Many current buyers want to purchase but are having a difficult time selling their existing homes in order to buy. As we move into November I suspect many will refinance with these great rates!

 

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

“So is cheerfulness, or a good temper, the more it is spent, the more remains.”
 

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

THE POWER OF NEGATIVE THINKING!

"If everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane." We've all read or heard similar humorous observations regarding the idea that, when all seems to be going well, it's merely the precursor to some sort of disaster. Unfortunately, many people seem to base their attitudes on that perception and, even more regrettably, they often permit such negativity to influence not only their lives but also the lives of others.

Is it possible you’ve never been guilty of this transgression? When a colleague made a particularly impressive sale, did you ever say something along the lines of "Well, it'll probably take forever to top that one!" or "Too bad you can't do that all the time, huh?"

Ever told someone going on a trip that you've been there before and had a terrible time? Even telling a child who brings home a good report card to "Keep it up!" can lessen the moment, because it implies that the current achievement isn't truly enough or that you fear poor performance in the future. Such statements carry “conditional approval” that demands future accomplishment as well.

One of the keys to harmony, in the workplace or at home, is for everyone to feel good - about themselves and about their accomplishments. The next time you have the opportunity to make a comment, take a moment and carefully consider what you're saying - and how you're saying it. Squash any negativity right then and there.

It's an attitude that’s easy to change once you're aware of it and its effect on those around you. Simply put, view the glass as being half full, not half empty. The power of negative thinking can make an even stronger impression than that of positive thinking, so be careful how you wield that power!

 

Attention Oregon Vets!

by Liz Warren

Here is a fabulous offer from McCormick & Schmick's Restaurant to Honor VETS on November 11....please read this news release:

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants Honor Active Duty & Veterans


In their annual salute to all veterans McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants will again provide free meals in honor of Veterans Day. All veterans can receive a free lunch or dinner entrée at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants nationwide on Sunday, November 11. Vets should show proper identification (VA card, VFW card, veterans ID,
DD214, discharge papers, etc.) Reservations Are Strongly Encouraged! In a show of thanks to our nation's veterans, Bill McCormick and Doug Schmick offer to serve those who've served at their McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants. Last year the company served nearly 15,000 vets nationwide. This year's event is taking place on the Sunday before Veterans Day so that families can participate. McCormick & Schmick's annual veterans program began as a small effort in just one
restaurant in 1999. Due to its overwhelming popularity and positive response received from veterans the program has expanded nationwide. A complete list of participating restaurants may be found at
http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.display

&pageID=263.

BUY vs. RENT? No Brainer for building wealth

by Liz Warren

 

MONDAY MORNING COFFEE----NEW!

by Liz Warren

 

Join me for Monday Morning Coffee! I'll give a brief update on the local market and a little weekly inspiration! (This week, only inspiration) If you would like to receive this every Monday by email, please send me an email at
Place Monday Morning Coffee in the subject line.  Your copy will be on its way every Monday morning!
This week's

Top Five Pricing Considerations In This Market

by Liz Warren

Here are the top five pricing considerations for today's market and selling your property.

1. Increased  Inventory

2,Increased Mortgage Rates

3.Increased Mortgage Restrictions

4. Increased Vacancy Rates

5. Increased foreclosures

(cutesy of  Steve Harney)

 

Displaying blog entries 11-20 of 40

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Liz Warren
Merit Properties Group - Keller Williams Realty PDX Central
Box 131
Welches OR 97067
Direct: 503-705-3090