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.

 

Don't get stuck with a lemon. Here are the areas you should check-out before investing in a condo.

 
So you think you've found your dream condo, and you're invisioning relaxing in front of large glass windows overlooking the city of Portland, and reading a good book.  Hold everything!  Click Here to read MSN's recommended 7 questions every condo buyer should ask before agreeing to sign on the dotted line.

These days, when you want to get a loan to buy a home, you can expect the lender to scrutinize your credit and your finances.  Condo loans are becoming harder and harder to get. Click Here to read-up on what to expect when financing a condominium purchase.

If you are in the market to buy and/or sell a home in the Porltand metropolitan area consider enlisting the services of Principle Broker Earline Penson with Coldwell Banker Seal's Uptown Office. Earline has a wealth of experience representing home buyers and sellers in every price range.  You can reach Earline at | 503.804.8781.

Would you like to help earthquake/tsunami survivors in Japan, but don't know how? Here are some suggested emergency aid providers to consider sending donations to. Be wary of disaster scammers.

 
NetHope, a collaboration of the world’s leading humanitarian response organizations is mobilizing efforts to support aid agencies responding in the region.

The American Red Cross is accepting donations for Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief and is working closely with The Japanese Red Cross to help those most in need .

World Vision is mobilizing in response to the earthquake and tsunami.

• Save the Children is responding to the needs of children and families affected by the earthquake and its aftermath. Donations can be made to Save the Children’s Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund.

 

• International Medical Corps is responding to the health needs of the disaster's victims.

 

• Mercy Corps is working with its partner Charity Peace Winds Japan to accept donations.

 

• AidMatrix is working with its partners to connect resources and material for various response efforts.

Equal access to homeownership is key to Martin Luther

 
Martin Luther King fought for equal and civil rights, which included the notion of the right to equal housing for all. These instilled rights create and maintain a world, according to King, "where black men and white men, Jews and gentiles, Protestants and Catholics ... sons of former slaves and sons of former slave owners, say, Free at last, thank God almighty, we're free at last."

Equal access to homeownership is key to the American dream.

2010 was a year of despair for many people because of the loss of jobs, income and homes. We witnessed and continue to experience an uncertain economy. In the city of Portland, I observed a displacement of communities of color from Portland's inner city to the suburbs. This type of movement can disrupt the diversity of the city's desirable neighborhoods and can change a community's identity, facilitating a communal disconnect.

In the spirit of King's vision, equal access to homeownership encourages members of a community to alleviate this disconnect. Toward this end, opportunities for potential homeowners remain ripe. Prices are much more attainable, and interest rates are still very low. With a generous amount of inventory under $200,000 and interest rates at record lows, first-time buyers can now buy more house and still have an affordable monthly mortgage.

More good news: Realtors are inspired by King's legacy to continue to help members of our communities seek the American dream. As a result, www.hownw.com, a public service website, provides a summary of housing-related programs for home buyers in Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties. A number of programs provide home buying assistance to individuals based on income.

The site was created as a public service by the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors, with assistance of other community-based organizations, including the African American Alliance for Home Ownership, the Portland Housing Center, Portland Community Re-investment Initiatives, the Native American Youth & Family Center, Hacienda CDC and the Portland Housing Bureau. Pre- foreclosure and short-sale counseling is provided by some of these organizations too.

Let us now, after 42 years, courageously stand up, embrace our differences, and roll up our sleeves to continue to carry the torch for equal housing opportunities. As a community, we need to keep forging ahead, like Martin Luther King, by advancing the rights of all. Homeownership continues to become available for more individuals and families than ever before ... something needed to secure our dreams and preserve the opportunities Martin Luther King foresaw for all of us.

Earline Penson is a principal broker with Coldwell Banker Seal's Uptowen Office.  You can reach her directly at | 503-802-8837.

Copyright 2011 Dolan Media Newswires

Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.

You are invited to attend a Fix-It Fair!

  

Fix-It Fairs are free events where you can learn simple and effective ways to save money at home this winter and stay healthy. The events feature exhibits from numerous community partners and an extensive schedule of workshops held throughout the day.

 

Experts will be available to talk with you about water and energy savings, home and personal health, food and nutrition, community resources, recycling and yard care, lead testing, bike tune-ups and more! Free professional childcare and lunch is provided at the Fairs.

 

Saturday, January 22, 2011
Parkrose High School
12003 NE Shaver Street
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Saturday, February 26, 2011
Jefferson High School
5210 N Kerby Avenue
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

 

The City of Portland’s 24^th annual Fix-It Fair season kicked off in November with a well-attended event at Ron Russell Middle School.

 

Please join us at one of the remaining events scheduled for the 2010-2011 season.

 

To find out more information about scheduled workshops, visit www.portlandonline.com/bps/fif.

To receive information and reminders on upcoming fairs, e-mail fixitfair@portlandoregon.gov.   

 

The Fix-It Fairs are presented by the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability with support from the following sponsors: Energy Trust of Oregon, Pacific Power, Portland Housing Bureau and Portland General Electric.

 

A special thank you goes to those City Bureaus and Offices that participate in the Fairs: Bureau of Development Services, Bureau of Environmental Services, Portland Office of Emergency Management, Portland Children’s Levy, Auditor’s Office, Portland Housing Bureau, Portland Bureau of Transportation, Office of Neighborhood Involvement, Portland Parks and Recreation, and the Water Bureau.

 

To help ensure equal access to City programs, services and activities, the City of Portland will reasonably modify policies/procedures and provide auxiliary aids/services to persons with disabilities. Call 503-823-7700 with such requests.

 

The Fix-it Fairs are right around the corner!

 

The City of Portland’s 24^th annual Fix-It Fair season will kick off in November. Fix-It Fairs are free events where you can learn simple and effective ways to save money at home this winter and stay healthy. The events feature exhibits from numerous community partners and an extensive schedule of workshops held throughout the day. Experts will be available to talk with you about water and energy savings, home and personal health, food and nutrition, community resources, recycling and yard care, lead testing, bike tune-ups and more!

 

Special workshops taught in Spanish are offered at the Ron Russell Fair. Free professional childcare and lunch is provided at all Fairs.

 

The 2010 – 2011 Fix-It Fair schedule:

 

Saturday, November 20, 2010
Ron Russell Middle School

¡Clases en español!

3955 SE 112th Avenue
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Saturday, January 22, 2011
Parkrose High School
12003 NE Shaver Street
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Saturday, February 26, 2011
Jefferson High School
5210 N Kerby Avenue
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

 

To find out more information about scheduled workshops, visit www.portlandonline.com/bps/fif

To receive information and reminders on upcoming fairs, e-mail fixitfair@portlandoregon.gov.   

 

The Fix-It Fairs are presented by the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability with support from the following sponsors: Energy Trust of Oregon, Pacific Power, Portland Housing Bureau and Portland General Electric.

 

To help ensure equal access to City programs, services and activities, the City of Portland will reasonably modify policies/procedures and provide auxiliary aids/services to persons with disabilities. Call 503-823-7700 with such requests

 

 
The Fix-It Fairs are right around the corner!

The City of Portland’s 24^th annual Fix-It Fair season will kick off in November. Fix-It Fairs are free events where you can learn simple and effective ways to save money at home this winter and stay healthy. The events feature exhibits from numerous community partners and an extensive schedule of workshops held throughout the day. Experts will be available to talk with you about water and energy savings, home and personal health, food and nutrition, community resources, recycling and yard care, lead testing, bike tune-ups and more!

 

Special workshops taught in Spanish are offered at the Ron Russell Fair. Free professional childcare and lunch is provided at all Fairs.

 

The 2010 – 2011 Fix-It Fair schedule:

 

Saturday, November 20, 2010
Ron Russell Middle School

¡Clases en español!

3955 SE 112th Avenue
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Saturday, January 22, 2011
Parkrose High School
12003 NE Shaver Street
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Saturday, February 26, 2011
Jefferson High School
5210 N Kerby Avenue
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

 

To find out more information about scheduled workshops, visit www.portlandonline.com/bps/fif

To receive information and reminders on upcoming fairs, e-mail fixitfair@portlandoregon.gov.   

 

The Fix-It Fairs are presented by the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability with support from the following sponsors: Energy Trust of Oregon, Pacific Power, Portland Housing Bureau and Portland General Electric.

 

To help ensure equal access to City programs, services and activities, the City of Portland will reasonably modify policies/procedures and provide auxiliary aids/services to persons with disabilities. Call 503-823-7700 with such requests.

 

 

Click Here for more detailed information.

Shred! Recycle! Protect! Saturday, October 23rd is "Secure Your ID Day".

 

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For More Information Contact:
Kyle Kavas, Oregon Public Relations Manager
503.212.3022 - ext. 402 | pr@thebbb.org    

 

SHRED. RECYCLE. PROTECT.

Saturday, Oct. 23 is Secure Your ID Day

 

Lake Oswego, Ore. – Oct. 18, 2010 – National Protect Your Identity Week is here; and Better Business Bureau is hosting a free shredding and recycling event to help prevent identity theft. BBB's Secure Your ID Day is on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Quantum Resource Recovery, Inc., 2700 N.W. Front Ave in Portland, Ore.

 

Attendees can drive up and drop off unwanted documents, old cell phones, and a variety of other recyclables.

• Shred-it will shred unwanted paperwork on-the-spot. 100 percent of materials will be recycled. No cardboard or three-ring binders please.
• The Wireless Alliance will accept old cell phones. Data will be removed before phones are recycled.
• Quantum Resource Recovery will buy metals, paying 2¢ to $3 per pound based on the commodity. Metals, computer monitors*, electronics and a variety of other items will be recycled for no cost. Printers and large copiers can be recycled for a small fee. Hazardous substances, batteries, ballasts, oil filled parts, oil filled compressors, compressed air/gas tanks, explosives, ammunition, broken cathode ray tube CRT screens, glass and wood will not be accepted.

 

For more information about BBB's Secure Your ID Day and to learn how to wipe information from phones on your own, please visit: www.oregon.bbb.org/secure-your-id. Thank you to BBB's partners: Quantum Resource Recovery, Shred-it, and Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions.