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Archive for July, 2010
Despite Increase in Housing prices, Worrisome Signs Remain
(July 29, 2010 • Portland Real Estate, Portland Real Estate Market • 0 comments
This was an article published by NuWire Investor. This article states that even though we have had positive signs in the economy, they state that worrisome signs remain for the US Housing market. The state of Oregon has been on of the states to realize increases in home prices this year.
“Despite Increase In Housing Prices, Worrisome Signs Remain”
Despite a slight upward trend in prices of late, thanks to the homebuyer credit, worrisome signs remain for the US housing market, raising concern that prices could fall 5 percent by 2012. Revitalized activity has been concentrated in property bargains, stalling price recovery, while foreclosed properties aren’t moving fast enough to stem the looming tide. See the following article from HousingWire for more on this.
Home prices are up in two leading economic indicators today, but instead of reacting positively, the housing industry remains troubled by the not-so-good news.
The 25-MSA Radar Logic residential property index (RPX) Monthly Composite for May finds that home prices increased 2.1% on a year-over-year basis, but adds that gains were not large enough to be described as a recovery. When looking at more than the numbers, Michael Feder, CEO of Radar Logic said the bigger picture points to more evidence of weakness, than strength.
“The patterns in this month’s data are, in fact, troubling,” said Feder. “Activity has rebounded over the last year, but there has been a shift toward lower priced housing. We have not seen the recovery in prices that we would have expected with the return of volume.”
U.S. house prices rose 0.5% between April and May, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) monthly House Price Index report. This is 1.2% lower than one year ago. The Pacific Census Division (Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California) saw the greatest rise in prices at 1.8% while the East North Central (Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio) saw a drop of 0.6%.
Although house prices seem to be on a slight yet steady rise after going up by 0.3% in March and 0.9% in April, Capital Economics economist Paul Dales is not convinced the trend will continue. He believes that housing market activity has yet to translate into double-dip prices and that the market could be as much as 5% below current levels by the end of next year.
“Admittedly, house prices on the seasonally-adjusted FHFA measure increased by 0.5% m/m in May. That was the third rise in as many months,” Dales said in data response Thursday. “But prices in May were probably boosted by the lingering effects of the surge in demand generated by the homebuyer tax credit. Now that demand is falling, it won’t be long before prices start to fall too.”
Admittedly, house prices on the seasonally-adjusted FHFA measure increased by 0.5% m/m in May. That was the third rise in as many months,” Dales said in data response Thursday. “But prices in May were probably boosted by the lingering effects of the surge in demand generated by the homebuyer tax credit. Now that demand is falling, it won’t be long before prices start to fall too.”
In a statement from RPX, sales of foreclosed homes by lenders and mortgage servicers, which Radar Logic calls “motivated sales,” decreased as a percent of total sales over the last year. These properties still accounted for 24% of home sales across the 25 MSAs tracked by Radar Logic. Motivated sales do not include short sales , bank-sanctioned sales by home owners for less than their outstanding mortgage balance. If short sales were included, motivated sales would account for a considerably larger share of total sales.
“The implication is that there is little volume in the sectors that are most likely to contain the ‘underwater’ loans, and as a result, the market is not absorbing this overhang,” Feder added. “Unless this inventory overhang is remedied through market or structural forces, it will certainly continue to stifle any early recovery in housing.”
This article has been republished from HousingWire. You can also view this article at HousingWire, a mortgage and real estate news site.
For more information on the Real Estate in Portland, Oregon please contact LaDonna Miller-Broker Oregon First Real Estate
(503) 310-9076 or ladonnamiller@earthlink.net
Third Annual Sidewalk Sale at Sofa Table Chair at West Linn Central Village
(July 29, 2010 • Calendar of Events, Member Sales & Promotions • 0 comments
Dear Valued Customers:
This weekend marks the third annual sidewalk sale at Sofa Table Chair in the West Linn Central Village. We will be open Friday and Saturday with bargains galore! The sidewalk will be full of deep mark-downs, as well as everything inside the store with mark-downs as follows:
Upholstered furniture: 20% off (excluding “Recession Chair”)
Tables and chests: 20% off
Floor model rugs: 20% off
Accessories: 10% off
Wall clocks: 25% off
Wall art and mirrors: 15% off
Lamps: 15% off
Special order upholstery: 15% off
Special order case goods: 10% off (excluding “Dinec”)
Special order rugs: 15% off
By the way, these in-store mark-downs will be honored at our NE store this weekend as well. Hope to see you!
Susan, Kendra, Shenell, Violet
–
Sofa Table Chair, Inc.
1916 NE Broadway Street
Portland, OR 97232
Phone (503)231-2782
Fax (503)231-2785
5656 Hood Street, Suite 109
West Linn, Oregon 97068
Phone (503)557-0420
Fax (503)557-0421
For more information, please visit- www.SofaTableChair.com or www.RenovationConcepts.net
Contact: LaDonna Miller- President of Renovation Concepts for more information- (503) 310-9076 or ladonnamiller@earthlink.net
Calendar of Events for Art & Furniture festivals in the Portland & surrounding area
(July 28, 2010 • Calendar of Events • 0 comments
Summer is always a great time in the Portland area for many interesting furniture & art shows, festivals and Home Tours.
Here are some great events to mark on your calendars:
1. August 21-29th- Green Arts Collective Fair- 77282 Hwy 53- Nehalem, OR. 10am-4pm. For more information contact Kathleen Ryan (503) 368-5584.
2. August 21 & 22nd- 10th Annual Silverton Fine Arts Festivals- Coolidge St. Silverton, OR. 10 am-7 pm- Admission- Free www.silvertonarts.org
3. August 28th & 30th- Annual Dahlia Festival- Swan Island Dahlias 995 NW 22nd Ave, Canby, OR. Admission- Free- www.dahlias.com
4. September 4th & 5th- Art in the Pearl- North Park blocks- www.ArtInThePearl.com- Admission-Free
5. July 31 to August 29th: Street of Dreams- Cresap Summit- NW Portland.
11am- 9 pm- Admission $12-14 for Adults. www.streetofdreams.com
Enjoy!
For more information on great design & building professionals please visit www.RenovationConcepts.net
New Continuing Real Estate Requirements for Current Oregon Real Estate Brokers
(July 19, 2010 • Portland Real Estate, Portland Real Estate Market • 0 comments
The Oregon Real Estate Agency has made some significant changes regarding continuing education. Here is a list of some of the new Continuing Real Estate Requirements for Current Oregon Real Estate Brokers starting January 1, 2011.
What many people might not know is that Real Estate Brokers are required to complete 30 hours of Continuing Education every two years to maintain their licenses.
Here are some of the new changes from the Real Estate Agency which are effective January 1, 2011.
1. All continuing education must be taken from a Certified Continuing Education provider to meet license renewal requirements
2. All licensees must complete a specific 3 hour board approved Law & Rule required course from a Certified Education provider
3. Brokerage Administration and Sales Supervision courses must be approved by the Agency.
4. Certified Continuing Education providers must meet requirements for keeping records, developing learning objectives and ensuring instructor qualifications.
5. Applicants for a principal broker license must take and pass a principal broker license exam in addition to other licensing requirements.
For more information visit http://www.rea.state.or.us/
For information on Real Estate in the Portland area please contact LaDonna Miller-Broker Oregon First Real Estate at ladonnamiller@earthlink.net or (503) 310-9076.
The A Cut Above Exteriors Party
(July 19, 2010 • Member Spotlight, Renovation Concepts Member Party • 0 comments
Joan Mullen Woods/ Denise Popiel & Susan Walter
Jeremy Kushner of Rail Pro and Laura Hertner of Lisac's Fireplace
The Reach Community Development Team
Mark Tiffee- President of A Cut Above Exteriors and members of his staff, Beckie Blakey, Laura Dayton, Jackie Watson, Cherish Berry and Clark Zeller hosted a wonderful Renovation Concepts party at their outdoor showroom on NW Cornell Ave. Guests enjoyed a wonderful summer evening and mingled on the out-door deck.
A Cut Above Exteriors is the exclusive Renewal by Andersen showroom in the Portland area. The showroom is beautiful and provides visitors with a really extensive selection of products. Mark Tiffee has assembled a great team to assist homeowners with their Window replacement projects. Renewal by Andersen is a Green Seal Certified window replacement option.
For more information please contact Mark Tiffee at A Cut Above Exteriors or visit www.ACutAboveExteriors.com.
A Cut Above Exteriors hosted a great Renovation Concepts Party
(July 19, 2010 • Member Spotlight, Renovation Concepts Member Party • 0 comments
The A Cut Above Exteriors Team
Laura Hertner/ Lisac's & Laura Dayton- A Cut Above Exteriors
Mark Tiffee- President of A Cut Above Exteriors and members of his staff, Beckie Blakey, Laura Dayton, Jackie Watson, Cherish Berry and Clark Zeller hosted a wonderful Renovation Concepts party at their outdoor showroom on NW Cornell Ave. Guests enjoyed a wonderful summer evening and mingled on the out-door deck.
A Cut Above Exteriors is the exclusive Renewal by Andersen showroom in the Portland area. The showroom is beautiful and provides visitors with a really extensive selection of products. Mark Tiffee has assembled a great team to assist homeowners with their Window replacement projects. Renewal by Andersen is a Green Seal Certified window replacement option.
For more information please contact Mark Tiffee at A Cut Above Exteriors or visit www.ACutAboveExteriors.com.
- Joan Mullen Woods/Beckie Blakey/Laura Hertner
Passive Solar Design by Solar Oregon
(July 12, 2010 • Calendar of Events, Green Building, Healthy Home Trends • 0 comments
| Join us for an Interactive Workshop on “Passive Solar Design” |
| What: Goal Net Zero Interest Group Workshop
When: July 21, 2010 from 6:30 – 8:00pm
Where: Basement Lecture Room – Heritage Building, 3934 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland, OR 97214 (please use entrance one block east on Grand Ave).
Interested in homes that produce as much energy as they use on an annual basis? Join Solar Oregon’s experts in a series of talks about design and construction of net zero homes. This workshop will concentrate on passive solar design and cover some of the differences and overlaps with Passive House concepts. Presenter Kathryn Gray is an urban planner, designer, owner of UrbanSun passive solar home design, and net zero homeowner. She has received Portland Office of Sustainable Development’s Build It Green grants for cutting edge technology projects, designed the first convective loop solar storage systems in Oregon and has years of experience designing passive solar systems throughout the Northwest. These workshops are meant to be interactive with plenty of time for your questions. |
This looks like a great workshop to attend. For more information, please contact Solar Oregon to register.
For more information on Energy Efficiency- please contact LaDonna Miller- Regarding the Renovation Concepts Energy Efficiency team. Meet with these contractors to learn how to make your home more energy efficient and lower utility bills.
For more information- please contact LaDonna Miller at (503) 310-9076.
Creating A Not So Big Inspired Home
(July 10, 2010 • Design Trends, Green Building, Healthy Home Trends, Member Spotlight • 0 comments
Michael Klement of Architectural Resource will be hosting the following class called Creating a Not So Big Inspired Home: Right Sizing the American Dream at Whole Foods Market- 3535 Northeast 15th Avenue on July 15th and then at the ReBuilding Center 3625 North Mississippi Avenue on July 16th.
Creating a Not So Big® Inspired Home: Right Sizing the American Dream “A great instructor and very interesting speaker who loves this subject.” “Excellent course.
Michael’s knowledge and presentation was great!” Course Description There is a paradigm shift taking place in how people understand “home” and what can be done to make the most of their living spaces.
2008 was the first year on record when U.S. house sizes actually stopped growing. This shift is indicative of a trend toward greener and more economical living.
Learn how to achieve beauty, efficiency, and conservation of energy and resources in a smaller space. Focus on learning ways to create the maximum amount of value in the minimum amount of space whether remodeling, adding on, or building a new home. Examine 10 different key design strategies for creating a successful not-so-big inspired living space.
JULY 15
Whole Foods Market
3535 Northeast 15th Avenue
Portland, OR 9721212:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
JULY 16
Rebuilding Center
3625 North Mississippi Avenue
Portland, OR 97227-1156
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ONLY $20
2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ONLY $30
For more information please visit: www.renovationconcepts.net/building-and-remodeling-services/architecture-interior-design/ or www. ArchitecturalResource.com
Sofa Table Chair offers 15% off of all Special order upholstered furniture
(July 3, 2010 • Member Sales & Promotions • 0 comments
15% OFF ALL SPECIAL ORDER UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE……SOFAS, CHAIRS, OTTOMANS, SECTIONALS, CHAISES, LOVESEATS……….
There are many of you who have been waiting until just such savings would come along, remember, our turnaround time is only three to six weeks, and on a $995 sofa (for example), you would save $149.25. Pretty Exciting!!
Also, we’d like to remind you that it is our annual sidewalk sale month:
JULY 16TH, 17TH, 18TH ON NE BROADWAY
JULY 30TH, 31ST AT WEST LINN CENTRAL VILLAGE
During those sidewalk sale times, there will also be further savings inside our stores on each and every furniture and accessory item!! Now’s your chance to plot and plan to snag the piece you’ve been drooling over!!
See all of you in July!
Susan, Kendra, Shenell, Violet
1916 NE Broadway Street
Portland, OR 97232
Phone (503)231-2782
Fax (503)231-2785
5656 Hood Street, Suite 109
West Linn, Oregon 97068
Phone (503)557-0420
Fax (503)557-0421
New laws for smoke dectors for multi family housing in Oregon
(July 2, 2010 • Portland Real Estate • 0 comments
This is great information from the Office of State Fire Marshal regarding new laws and rules regarding Fire Alarms in homes.
A home inspector that I have worked with extensively over the past 6 years forwarded this information.
_____________________________
Oregon Bulletin
May 1, 2010
Department of Oregon State Police,
Office of State Fire Marshal
Chapter 837
Rule Caption:
Create new provisions for carbon monoxide alarms and detectors as directed by House Bill 3540, 2009 Legislative Assembly.Adm. Order No.:
OSFM 3-2010(Temp)Filed with Sec. of State:
4-8-2010Certified to be Effective:
7-1-10 thru 12-28-10Notice Publication Date:
Rules Adopted:
837-047-0100, 837-047-0110, 837-047-0120, 837-047-0130, 837-047-0140, 837-047-0150, 837-047-0160, 837-047-0170Subject:
monoxide alarms and detectors in one and two family dwellings, manufactured dwellings, and multifamily housing.
The purpose of these rules is to establish minimum standards for the design, inspection, testing, placement and location and maintenance of carbonRules Coordinator:
Pat Carroll—(503) 934-8276837-047-0100
Purpose and Scope
The purpose of these rules is to establish minimum standards for the design, inspection, testing, placement and location and maintenance of carbon monoxide alarms in
one and two family dwellings, manufactured dwellings, and multifamily housing.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 476.725
Stats. Implemented: ORS 476.725
Hist.: OSFM 3-2010(Temp), f. 4-8-10, cert. ef. 7-1-10 thru 12-28-10
837-047-0110
Definitions
“Attached garage” means a garage with a door, ductwork, or ventilation shaft communicating directly with a living space and does not include:
(1) A carport;
(2) An open parking garage; or
(3) An enclosed parking garage ventilated in accordance with Section 404 of the State Mechanical Code.
(4) “Bedroom” means a room designed or intended for sleeping.
(5) “Carbon monoxide alarm” means a device that:
(a) Detects carbon monoxide;
(b) Produces a distinctive audible alert when carbon monoxide is detected;
(c) Is listed by Underwriters Laboratories as complying with ANSI/UL 2034 or 2075 or any other nationally recognized testing laboratory or an equivalent organization;
and
(6) Operates as a distinct unit, as two or more single station units wired to operate in conjunction with each other or as part of a system that includes carbon monoxide
detectors.
(7) For the purposes of these rules, “carbon monoxide detectors that are part of a system that produces a distinctive audible alert and are listed as complying with
ANSI/UL 2075 shall be considered carbon monoxide alarms.
(8) “Carbon monoxide source” means:
(a) A heater, fireplace, furnace, appliance or cooking source that uses coal, wood, petroleum products, and other fuels that emit carbon monoxide as a by-product of
combustion. Petroleum products include, but are not limited to, kerosene, natural gas, or propane.
(b) An attached garage with a door, ductwork, or ventilation shaft that communicates directly with a living space.
(9) “Landlord” means the owner, lessor, or sublessor of the rental dwelling unit or the building or premises of which it is a part. “Landlord” includes but is not limited
to a person who is authorized by the owner, lessor, or subleasor to manage the premises or to enter into a rental agreement.
(10) “Manufactured Dwelling” means a dwelling as defined in ORS 446.
(11) “Multifamily housing” means a building, excluding townhouses, in which three or more residential dwelling units each have space for eating, living, sleeping, and
permanent provisions for cooking and sanitation.
(12) “Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory” means a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) that is U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) accredited to test and certify to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards.
(13) “One and two family dwelling” means a residential building that is regulated under the state building code as a one and two family dwelling and includes a
townhouse.
(14) “Owner” includes a duly authorized agent or attorney, a purchaser, devisee, fiduciary, lessor or sublessor and/or a person having a vested or contingent interest in
the property in question.
(15) “Person” means one or more individuals, legal representatives, partnerships, joint ventures, associations, corporations (whether or not organized for profit),
business trusts, or any organized group of persons and includes the state, state agencies, counties, municipal corporations, school districts, and other public corporations or
subdivisions.
(16) “State Fire Marshal” means the State Fire Marshal appointed under ORS 476.020 and the Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal and Deputy State Fire Marshals
appointed by the State Fire Marshal under ORS 476.040.
(17) “Townhouse” means a single-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of three or more attached units in which each extends from the foundation to the roof and
at least two sides abut open space.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 476.725
Stats. Implemented: ORS 476.725
Hist.: OSFM 3-2010(Temp), f. 4-8-10, cert. ef. 7-1-10 thru 12-28-10
Department of Oregon State Police, Office of State Fire Marshal – May Bulletin Page 1 of 3
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/0510_Bulletin/0510_ch837_bulletin.html 7/1/2010
837-047-0120
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements
Properly functioning carbon monoxide alarms shall be required when:
(1) A person conveys fee title to a one and two family dwelling or multifamily housing containing a carbon monoxide source on or after April 1, 2011; or
(2) A person transfers possession under a land sale contract of a one and two family dwelling or multifamily housing containing a carbon monoxide source on or after
April 1, 2011; or
(3) A person transfers ownership of a manufactured dwelling containing a carbon monoxide source on or after April 1, 2011; or
(4) A landlord enters into a rental agreement for a dwelling unit subject to these rules on or after July 1, 2010.
(2) By April 1, 2011, every rental dwelling unit subject to these rules must contain properly functioning carbon monoxide alarms.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 476.725
Stats. Implemented: ORS 476.725
Hist.: OSFM 3-2010(Temp), f. 4-8-10, cert. ef. 7-1-10 thru 12-28-10
837-047-0130
Installation and Location of Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Detectors
(1) All carbon monoxide alarms or detectors must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended instructions and located in accordance with these
rules and applicable building code at the time of construction or alteration of the dwelling.
(2) One and Two Family Dwellings and Manufactured Dwellings: A properly functioning carbon monoxide alarm must be located within each bedroom or within 15
feet outside of each bedroom door. Bedrooms on separate floors in a structure containing two or more stories require separate carbon monoxide alarms.
(3) Multi Family Housing: A properly functioning carbon monoxide alarm must be located within each bedroom or within 15 feet outside of each bedroom door.
Bedrooms on separate floors in a structure containing two or more stories require separate carbon monoxide alarms. A carbon monoxide alarm must also be installed in any
enclosed common area within the building if the common area is connected by a door, ductwork, or ventilation shaft to:
(a) A room containing a carbon monoxide source; and
(b) A dwelling unit.
(4) EXEMPTIONS:
(a) A carbon monoxide alarm is not required in a dwelling unit if:
(A) The dwelling unit does not contain a carbon monoxide source; and
(B) The dwelling unit is not connected by a door, ductwork, or ventilation shaft to a room containing a carbon monoxide source.
(b) A landlord who rents a space for a manufactured dwelling or who rents moorage space for a floating home as defined in ORS 830.700, but does not rent the
manufactured dwelling home or floating home is exempt from these rules.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 476.725
Stats. Implemented: ORS 476.725
Hist.: OSFM 3-2010(Temp), f. 4-8-10, cert. ef. 7-1-10 thru 12-28-10
837-047-0140
Power Source
Carbon monoxide alarms must be battery operated or receive their primary power source from the building wiring.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 476.725
Stats. Implemented: ORS 476.725
Hist.: OSFM 3-2010(Temp), f. 4-8-10, cert. ef. 7-1-10 thru 12-28-10
837-047-0150
Testing and Maintenance of Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Carbon monoxide alarms and systems must be maintained and tested according to the manufacturer’s recommended instructions.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 476.725
Stats. Implemented: ORS 476.725
Hist.: OSFM 3-2010(Temp), f. 4-8-10, cert. ef. 7-1-10 thru 12-28-10
837-047-0160
Rental Dwelling Units Subject to ORS Chapter 90
(1) Effective July 1, 2010, before a landlord transfers possession of a dwelling unit subject to these rules to a tenant, the landlord must:
(a) Install a properly functioning carbon monoxide alarm;
(b) Provide working batteries if a carbon monoxide alarm is battery operated or has a battery operated backup system; and
(c) Provide the new tenant with alarm testing instructions.
(2) If the landlord receives written notice from the tenant of a deficiency of a carbon monoxide alarm, other than dead batteries, the landlord must repair or replace the
alarm.
(3) A tenant must test, at least every six months, and replace batteries as needed in any carbon monoxide alarm provided by the landlord and notify the landlord in
writing of any operating deficiencies.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 476.725
Stats. Implemented: ORS 476.725
Hist.: OSFM 3-2010(Temp), f. 4-8-10, cert. ef. 7-1-10 thru 12-28-10
837-047-0170
Tampering with a Carbon Monoxide Alarm Prohibited
A person may not remove or tamper with a carbon monoxide alarm installed in accordance with these rules. Tampering includes removal of working batteries.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 476.725
Stats. Implemented: ORS 476.725
Hist.: OSFM 3-2010(Temp), f. 4-8-10, cert. ef. 7-1-10 thru 12-28-10
Notes
1.) This online version of the OREGON BULLETIN is provided for convenience of reference and enhanced access. The official, record copy of this
publication is contained in the original Administrative Orders and Rulemaking Notices filed with the Secretary of State, Archives Division. Discrepancies,
if any, are satisfied in favor of the original versions. Use the
rulemaking actions after November 13, 2009.
2.) Copyright 2010 Oregon Secretary of State:
OAR Revision Cumulative Index found in the Oregon Bulletin to access a numerical list ofTerms and Conditions of UseAlphabetical
Index of Agencies (2010 OAR Compilation)Department of Oregon State Police, Office of State Fire Marshal – May Bulletin Page 2 of 3
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/0510_Bulletin/0510_ch837_bulletin.html 7/1/2010