Is it just me, or is the Northwest getting more popular in the media?

Wheel of Fortune: “Portland Week”
airing May 7-11 on ABC

Be sure to tune in this week to watch local Portlanders spin the wheel with Pat and Vanna.

The almost thirty-year running game show has done location shooting around the country since 1988, but this is the first time Portland has been in the spotlight.

The set pays homage to our Rose City by featuring familiar sites such as the St. Johns Bridge, the Old Town “Portland Oregon” neon sign with the white stag, and Multnomah Falls.

The first episode featured local guests stars Tres Shannon and Kenneth “Cat Daddy” Pogson, founders of Voodoo Doughnut.

Visit http://www.wheeloffortune.com to watch videos of Vanna and Pat in various Northwest locations, or to see a full list of the Portland contestants.

“Oregon Experience”: Grapes of Place
airs tonight at 8pm on OPB

Don’t miss this documentary airing tonight on OPB. Learn about the pioneering individuals who came to the Willamette Valley in the 1960′s, determined to start a premium wine industry in Oregon.

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One hundred fifty years later, the Portland Home Team brings you this myth buster: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. That day is September 16th.

So why do we honor Mexican heritage every May 5th with mariachi music and exorbitant amounts of Dos Equis and tamales?

It all started with the against all-odds victory of the Mexican Army over Napoleon III’s French forces in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. The Mexican Army defeated the French despite being untrained, ill-equipped, and outnumbered 8,000 to 4,000.  The victory was a huge boost to morale, and laid the groundwork for one of the primary themes behind Cinco de Mayo: the celebration of the underdog.

Immigrants from Mexico, South and Central America who came to the U.S. during the California Gold Rush were generally sympathetic to the growing Abolition Movement, and with the onset of the Civil War, supported the Union. The defeat of Napoleon, who supported the Confederacy, gave Latino immigrants hope in the Union’s war prospects.

With the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century, more immigrants came to the U.S., Cinco de Mayo’s connection to the Civil War began to dissolve, and the holiday gradually took on the theme of the underdog, a David vs. Goliath symbolism.

The holiday gained more momentum with the “Good Neighbor Policy” during WWII and the Chicano Movement in the 1970′s, with Mexican Americans adopting the day to reinforce civil rights.

Today, Cinco de Mayo is recognized as a celebration of Mexican culture primarily in the U.S.  Aside from the state of Puebla, the 5th of May is not a major day of commemoration in Mexico.  Just as Irish Americans have claimed St. Patrick’s Day to honor their heritage, so have Mexican Americans claimed Cinco de Mayo.

Here’s how you can honor Mexican culture in Portland this weekend:

The 28th Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at McCall Waterfront Park

May 4-6, 11am – 11pm
$8/adults 13-over
$6/children 6-12
$5/seniors 62-over

Cinco de Pinko Party at Blitz Ladd

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, The Kentucky Derby, and watch the Timbers game simultaneously!

May 5th, All day
No cover
2239 SE 11th Ave. Portland, OR 97214

Cinco de Mayo Half Marathon in Downtown Portland

May 6th, event kicks off at 6:30am
Pioneer Courthouse Square

For a full list of events going on in Portland this weekend (because there’s quite a lot!) visit http://www.oregonlive.com/events/

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Get outside and support our local farmers at these markets:

Beaverton Farmers Market (Hall Blvd between 3rd & 5th Streets)
Saturdays, 8:00am-1:30pm, starting 5/12/2012
Wednesdays, 3:00pm-6:00pm, starting 6/20/2012

Cedar Mill Farmers Market (NW Cornell across from Sunset H.S.)
Saturdays, 8:00am-1:30pm, starting 5/12/2012

Hillsdale Farmers Market (Behind Hillsdale Shopping Center)
Sundays, 10:00am-2:00pm, starting 5/6/2012

OHSU (OHSU Auditorium Courtyard, Sam Jackson Park Rd)
Tuesdays, 11am – 3pm, starting 6/5/2012

NW 23rd Farmers Market (NW 23rd & NW Savier St)
Thursdays, 3:00pm-7:00pm, starting 6/7/2012

Pioneer Courthouse Square (SW Broadway and SW Morrison)
Mondays, 10:00am-2:00pm, starting 6/18/2012

Portland State University (South Park Blocks)
Saturdays, 8:30am-2:00pm, starting 3/17/2012

World Trade Center (First Ave. and SW Salmon St.)
Thursdays, 11am – 1:30pm, starting 6/28/2012

Shemanski Park (between SW Salmon St. and Main St.)
Wednesdays, 10am – 2pm, starting 5/2/2012

For a complete list visit www.portlandfarmersmarket.org

The February 2012 S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, released this morning, reported mixed results in the twenty largest U.S. cities. The 20-City Composite, which includes Portland, was down 0.8% from January 2012 and down 3.5% from February 2011. Though the change was small, it represented a new low since the housing peak.

According to Case-Shiller, Portland was down 0.3% from January and down 3.0% from February 2011. This differs from the February 2012 RMLS Market Action Report which stated that in Portland the average sale price increased 4.3% in February 2012 compared to February 2011, while the median sale price fell 1.3%. Part of the difference is in the methodologies used in each report. The RMLS report uses simple averages and medians, so that the results are effected by the mix of homes sold in a month. For instance, 15 homes sold above $1 million in February 2012, compared to 6 in February 2011, raising the average regardless of whether those particular homes gained or lost value. Case-Shiller, on the other hand, measures same-home resales, i.e., what a home sold for in the past vs now indicates the value change between two dates, and when combined with thousands of such measurements gives overall trends. It, too, has its shortcomings.



The major California cities were down between 3.9% and 5.2% in February 2012 from February 2011.

Curious about your neighborhood?

Call us at 503-222-4300, or

email us at ClientCare@PortlandHomeTeam.com.

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CoreLogic Wednesday released its monthly economic publication, the CoreLogic MarketPulse Report. The April MarketPulse Report:

• Indicates “now is a good time to buy,” with housing affordability at its highest level ever, and shows that many of the key housing metrics have held steady through the typically slow winter season.

• Reports the single-family rental market, which represents 52 percent of the residential rental market, is strong and vibrant with high and stable rents, low months’ supply and a healthy pace of signed rental leasings. The report reveals what markets offer the best return for single-family rental investors.

• Shows capitalization rates for single-family rental properties averaging 8.6 percent in 26 geographically diverse markets  in January 2012. Capitalization rates are the most common metric for determining the profitability of an investment property.

• Uses the Miami, FL market to illustrate that many homes are selling at historically large discounts compared to unsold active listings, and are also selling at a large discount compared to going rents. In the Miami illustration, it became cheaper to own than to rent in mid-2008. This has been a great opportunity for investors buying and holding rental properties, as well as for new first-time home buyers.

The MarketPulse is one of several highly respected research reports regularly published by CoreLogic. It provides monthly insight into the current and future health of the U.S. economic climate with particular focus on housing and mortgage metrics. Other CoreLogic research reports are available at their web site.
 

Who do you know that is interested in buying a home or rental property?

Call us at 503-222-4300, or

email us at ClientCare@PortlandHomeTeam.com.

We’d love to help!

 
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Today’s release of the April RMLS Market Action Report reported March 2012 Portland closed home sales increased 34.2% over February 2012 (1,262 to 1,694) and 4.9% over March 2011 (1,615 to 1,694). There were more closed sales in the first three months of 2012 than in any first quarter since 2007.

New listings rose 15.8% over February 2012 (2,492 to 2,886), but were down 5.6% from March 2011 (3,056 to 2,886)

The combination of fewer new listings and more closed sales contributed to the lowest unsold inventory since June 2007. At the March rate of sales it would take just 5.0 months to sell all 8,391 homes on the market in Portland.

 
The March 2012 Portland median sale price rose 2.2% over February 2012 ($211,000 to $215,700) and 0.3% over March 2011 ($215,000 to $215,700). Comparing first quarter 2012 to first quarter 2011, the median sale price decreased 1.4% ($215,000 to $212,000).

April looks promising as well. March 2012 accepted offers increased 7.7% over February 2012 (2,109 to 2,272) and were 12.8% more than March 2011 (2,014 to 2,272).
 

Who do you know that is interested in buying a home or rental property?

Call us at 503-222-4300, or

email us at ClientCare@PortlandHomeTeam.com.

We’d love to help!

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We already know that Portland is the greatest city in the world, so when outsiders recognize it as well, we can’t help but feel proud.  With all the notoriety our beloved city is gaining from the IFC show “Portlandia”, is it any wonder that Sunday’s issue of The Huffington Post featured an article entitled “10 Things We Love About Portland, Oregon”?

George Hobica of Post writes: “Remember how Seattle used to be the cool town and Portland was that little thing you sort of just breezed through? Well, Portland’s the one everyone’s paying attention to now, and you can still breeze through it.” 

Among the favorable factors mentioned: our infamous food carts, Portland Saturday Market, local brews, unlimited biking opportunity, and gorgeous scenery.  Specific name dropping included VooDoo Donuts, Stumptown Coffee, and Deschutes Brewery.

Hobica details the compelling reasons to visit Portland under the following headings and links to great web resources for each (you’ll have to click through to the article to get those):

#1 It’s exactly what you think.

#2 The city has an amazing arboretum.

#3 Emerging artists.

#4 Distillery Row.

#5 Local brews.

#6 Gorge-ous scenery.

#7 A coffee maven’s haven.

#8 Culinary treats.

#9 And save room for dessert.

#10 A peddler’s paradise.

None of this is news to us, but the article reinforces why we love this city so much.  So go to Multnomah Falls, try out a new food cart, drink locally brewed beer this weekend, and take advantage of this fantastic city we live in.

Whether your Easter weekend consists of church, devouring a mid-day feast, or watching the little ones hunt for eggs, Portland offers an array of festivities for you to choose from.  Extra bonus: the sun may hold out until tomorrow!

For you locals, SW Portland has got the kiddos covered:

Cedar Hills Artisan Bazaar

The annual bazaar is being held on Saturday, April 7, from 9am – 4pm. The Easter Egg hunt starts at 10am, pre-registration is required($7 per person)! Photos with the Easter bunny will be available for $5 each. Enjoy the Bazaar afterward to see locally handcrafted treasures.

Cedar Hills Rec Center
11640 SW Park Way
Portland, OR

Rabbit Romp at the Oregon Zoo

This Saturday, from 9am – 3pm, enjoy the candy egg hunt every 20 minutes. Cost is free with price of admission. Ages 10 and under. There will also be a petting zoo and games. Remember to bring your own basket!

4001 SW Canyon Road
Portland, OR

For more Easter Egg hunts in your area, click here.

For the palate:

Easter Brunch Cruise Aboard the Portland Spirit

This pricier option will be a guaranteed good time for all. An expansive buffet, entertainment and maybe even a visit from the Cinnabunny.

Cost: $58/adults, $53/seniors, $24/children ages 4-12
Sunday, April 8, 9:30-11:30 am, 2-4pm
Boards at Tom McCall Waterfront Park Portland, OR

For the religiously inclined:

Easter Service at The Grotto

The Grotto (The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother) is a nationally recognized Catholic shrine that sits on 62 acres and includes a botanical garden, and a walking labyrinth. Lenten and Easter Liturgies will be occurring throughout the day this Sunday, April 8.

8840 NE Skidmore St.
Portland, OR 97220

Watch The Ten Commandments

Every year, ABC airs the classic Cecil B. Demille film starring Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner (among others) in honor of Passover.

Tune in at 7pm on Saturday, April 7 to watch this time-honored classic.

You wouldn’t know it by this weather, but next week is spring break for most Portland area schools, and for those who do not have action-packed, fun-filled trips planned, you may be scrambling to come up with ways to keep the kids entertained and out of trouble!  Fortunately, we live in a city that has quite a bit to offer, so the Portland Home Team thought we would help out and provide a list of things to do in the area.

Go to an Amusement Park

Oaks Park -  Through March 23 – April 1, 12 – 5 p.m. daily, you can show your Fred Meyer Rewards card and get “buy one get one free” ride bracelets every day of spring break.  Unlimited number of offers per card.
 
 

Visit the Library

Check out Multnomah County and Washington County libraries for events happening during spring break.  Portland Central library downtown is hosting A Very Grimm Evening (actors will be performing some of the revered fairy tales) on Saturday, March 24 if you feel like kicking off the spring break festivities early.
 
 
 
 
 

Expand Your Mind at OMSI

OMSI - What better way to spend a rainy day in Portland?  Take the whole family to OMSI, special exhibits going on right now are Wild Minds (What Animals Really Think), The Art of the Brick (Legos and Sculpture, OMSI style) and Ocean Soul: Photographs by Brian Skerry in the new National Geographic Gallery.

Take the Train to the Zoo

Oregon Zoo -  If we happen to catch a sunny day this coming week, take the kids to see the animals!  The Great Northwest exhibit  features wovles, black bears, bobcats, cougars and more.  Or enroll your kids in the Nature Ranger Spring Day Camp, (March 26-30, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., 4 yrs– 4th grade).

Ski, Sled, or Snowboard

Late snows make this the best spring ski season in years, and lift prices are slashed! Click here to check out all the Oregon ski resorts

Portland Children’s Museum - Current exhibits include Superhero Month and The Wonder of Learning.  If you want to keep the kiddos occupied all week, sign them up for Spring Break camp (March 26-30, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.).

Take a Hike!

Portland has many great trails inside the city, and even more nearby. Click here to find a trail close to you, or visit our Hiking and Camping page for for ideas!

Browse TravelPortland.com more ideas!

February’s RMLS Market Action newsletter reported that February 2012 closed and pending sales were up 17.5% and 32.5% compared to February of last year.

The average sale price increased 4.3% compared to last year, while median sale price fell 1.3%. This seems to be due to more expensive homes selling, thereby raising the average and offsetting the large number of distressed sales that pulled down the median price. For instance, 15 homes sold above $1 million in February 2012, compared to 6 in February 2011. Compared to January 2012, the February average sale price increased from $249,100 to $255,100 (2.4%) and the median sale price increased from $207,500 to $211,000 (1.7%).

Inventory fell to 6.5 months, down from 7.0 in January 2012, and the lowest February inventory since 2007. Few non-distressed homeowners chose to put their homes on the market in February, evidenced by new listings falling 13.6% compared to February 2011.

Curious about your neighborhood? Call us at 503.222.4300.