Did You Know… Odd Little Facts about Oregon

You all know how much Maria and I love useless bits of knowledge (hey, one of these nights you might win a bar bet with one of our little tid-bits).  Here are a few stats we picked up in a piece from the September issue of Portland Monthly, did you know…

• 1 Oregon’s national rank in the production of Christmas trees
• 8 Oregon’s rank among states with the highest number of certified organic farms
• 12 Percentage of hops consumed in the United States that are produced in Oregon
• 10 Number of farmers markets in Oregon in 1988 – today, Oregon has approximately 90
• 99 Percentage of the country’s hazelnut crop produced in Oregon (shouldn’t we be the hazelnut state?)
• 57.5 Average age of an Oregon Farmer. Average age of a US farmer is 57
• 67 Percentage of organic farms in Oregon that earn less than $10,000 – this is a sad fact, but organic
• 19,300 Number of acres planted for wine production in Oregon in 2008.  Number of acres in 1998 - 9,000 
• 5,000,000 pounds of cucumbers McDonald’s purchases from Oregon farmers each year – who knew

So, hope you have a great day and enjoy these use(less) little factoids!

~Kori

RAGTIME – Portland Center Stage

I was lucky enough to catch a Preview of the musical Ragtime at the Gerding Theater in Portland on Wednesday and I have to tell you I was blown away.

I had absolutely no expectations of the show, I have never seen it before and musical theater is not my favorite.  However, this show was fantastic.  The cast was incredible, acting and singing their way into my heart and soul.  The story is set in the early 1900’s and gives a jolting glimpse of a tumultuous time in American history seen through the circumstances of three families.

Costumes were lovely and the minimalist set lent a “stripped down to the bones” feel to the mood.

If you have not visited the theater, please give it a try, this production was on the main stage, which is the larger of the two theaters, but it is still very intimate and there is not a bad seat in the house.  There is also another stage in the basement which I have enjoyed many times.

I have purchased a package of tickets again and the value is excellent.  I would encourage you to support local theater and treat yourself to an rewarding entertainment experience at the same time.

Ragtime from the Portland Center Stage at the Gerding Theater.

- Maria

Energy Trust of Oregon – New Cash Incentives for 2009-2010

Winter is on the horizon, it’s easy to forget with these 90 degree days, but the cool weather is coming… are you ready?

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your current furnace, replacing windows, sealing your ducts or other energy saving weatherization projects, make sure you check with the Energy Trust of Oregon before you start that winter project.

The Energy Trust of Oregon offers CA$H incentives for a number of energy saving home improvements – on top of any state or federal – but there are specific requirements. 

For example:  if you are thinking about replacing your current furnace with a high-efficiency gas furnace.

• Energy Trust of Oregon - $100, requirements: 90% AFUE (US Department of  Energy’s Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), or greater; furnace must be used as the primary heat source.
• Potential Oregon Tax Credits – 25% of cost, up to $350, requirements: furnace must meet Oregon tax credit criteria, for details visit www.oregon.gov/energy
• Potential Federal Tax Credits – 30% of cost, up to $1,500 (subject to a $1,500 maximum per homeowner for all improvements combined), for more information visit www.energystar.gov

Before you begin any project, start with the Energy Trust of Oregon – you could get paid for your improvements. 

If you’d like a complete brochure of all the Energy Trust of Oregon incentives, drop me an email and I can send out a brochure.

~Kori

Farwell to Charlie the Chimp

Yesterday, friends at the Oregon Zoo say farewell to Charlie the Chip who passed away unexpectedly last Thursday.  Charlie lived 37 of his 39 years at the zoo and was the lone male among the the zoo’s chimps.  Charlie was known as the “boss” and the peacemaker to the “girls” – Delilah, Leah, Coco and Chloe – who had lived with him for three decades.

So sad…

~Kori

Will Ferrell on Health Care Reform…

Will Ferrell on health care reform, along with Jon Hamm from “Mad Men,” Donald Faison from “Scrubs,” Olivia Wilde from “House,” and a whole cast of amazing, funny actors.

~Kori

Fundraiser for the Architectural Heritage Center – Dine Out at Old Town Pizza

You can help raise money for the Architectural Heritage Center/Bosco-Milligan Foundation just by dining out with your friends and family.  Join us tonight, Tuesday, September 22nd at Old Town at the new Vanport Square on MLK.  Old Town will donate 15% of food & drink sales from 5:00 – 9:00 pm to support the AHC’s historic preservation education programs.

Old Town Pizza
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
5:00 – 9:00 pm
Vanport Square
5201 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland, Oregon
www.OldTownPizza.com/Vanport-Square 

Walk into Old Town Pizza at Vanport Square and listen closely. You might hear the far-off strains of an idling engine mixed with the hum of guest chatter. That’s because this location has a storied history as a center of automotive commerce, dating to before World War II. Old Town Pizza has been a part of Portland’s culture since 1974, dedicated to serving Portlanders legendary pizza. Today, Old Town offers salad, pasta, and paninis alongside their unbeatable pizza. Rachael Ray even featured Old Town in a recent episode of “Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels.”  So come on over to Old Town for a slice of ‘za and join them in supporting the AHC!

~Kori

Extend and Expand the Homebuyer Tax Credit – Take Action Now

Tell Congress: Extend and Expand the Homebuyer Tax Credit

What’s Going On – Alberta Street Fair & Urban Designs

Don’t miss, the Alberta Street Fair this Saturday, September 19th from 11 am to 6 pm.  If you’ve been, you know it’s a blast and if you haven’t, it’s time to start!  Similar to ”Last Thursday”, the Alberta Street Fair offers street vendors, gallery exhibits, fabulous restaurants and cafés – but rather than being a couple hours on a “school night” it’s a full day on Saturday, the street is closed to cars and there’s even a parade!

Specifically, check out Urban Designs: Unique Jewlery by NW Artists!  They will be in space 98, between 16th and 17th in front of Halo Thai (oh, my mom’s favorite Thai restaurant… she will not eat Thai food anywhere else without comparing to Halo).  Here’s what I love about Urban Designs – they are incredibly affordable and each piece is truly a unique piece of art. 

The first time I saw their stuff I was just passing by, didn’t have my wallet but took a gander… every morning when I would get dressed I’d think, “I really need one of those pendants, it would really look great with what I’m wearing”.  Yesterday, I finally had an opportunity to purchase my first Urban Design piece… I ended up buying eight (a couple are gifts – not all for me)!  I put a pendant on that very moment and I just loved it (hello, we’re talking less than $15) everywhere I went I had people commenting on my necklace.  I have to say, it just made me smile.  Today, I wore one of the other seven – same reaction.  I’m telling you, in these times when everyone is watching what they spend, people are worried if their job will be there next quarter let alone next week – there are still simple indulgences out there and Urban Designs is one of those frugal indulgences.

So, if you’re looking for something to do this weekend check out the Alberta Street Fair and specifically Urban Designs.  If you can’t make it to the fair this weekend you can also find Urban Designs at Dava Bead and Trade on NE 21st & Broadway and Powell’s Books on SE 37th & Hawthorne.

Have a great weekend!

~Kori

RMLS Market Action Stats – August 2009

Upon the one-year anniversary of the American financial crisis, President Obama has called for “common sense” financial rules and argued America’s economic outlook is improving.  From a real estate perspective, Maria and I have been saying this all year – things are picking up and we’ve put it in writing. 

The August real estate stats are out for the Portland Metro Area and it’s not just fluff, it’s in the numbers.  In August 2009 pending sales rose 13% and closed sales rose 4% over August 2008; however, new listings fell 14.1%.  Home values remain soft which continue to fuel the buyer’s market.  Inventory levels have remained fairly stable at 7.8 months - July 2009 inventory levels were at 7.2 months.  So, what does this all mean?

Fewer new listings, yet rising inventory levels means the homes that are on the market have been there for a while.  But wait… closed sales are up 4% – that’s right, because the homes that are priced well and are in the best condition are selling quickly! 

Case in point, take a look at page 2 of the Market Action Report, days on market in North and Northeast Portland – average days on market in July: 114 days North Portland, 107 Northeast Portland; average days on in August: 90 days North Portland, 76 days Northeast Portland – that’s a 20%-30% decrease in days on market!  Homes are selling but it’s all about location, location, location – condition, condition, condition!

If you, or someone you know, is looking for that great new home - wheather you’re moving up or purchasing your first home, it is a great time to be buying real estate!

~Kori

Autentica – LOVE IT!!!!

Oh Boy.

I had the pleasure of dining at Autentica today and I can honestly say that was the best (REAL) Mexican food I have eaten in years.

Beautifully prepared food, great service and not expensive at all. 

Not your typical 2 Cheese Enchiladas.  Try it out.

http://www.AutenticaPortland.com

- Maria

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