The Portland Is Home Team Talks Real Estate

This is Part 2 of the Portland is Home Team talking to Taylor Kittell a Founding Partner at Breakwater Law whose mission is to enhance the lives of their clients by building and protecting their property and legacy.    Taylor approaches the difficult issues of planning for death and incapacity as an educator: every person should not only have an estate plan, but they should also understand it. Estate planning is not just about making a will; it is about coordinating your financial life, protecting assets for your loved ones, and making difficult times easier for those around you. It’s about creating a legacy. Based on her professional experience, and as a daughter, a mother, a wife, and a friend, Taylor personally understands the complexities of family relationships. She strives to be practical and responsive while producing top-quality estate plans tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.CONTACT TAYLORinfo@breakwater-law.comPortland Office – (503) 878-8948Tillamook Office – (503) 842-6633Newsletter from Audra-Greetings, everyone! We hope you have all made it through icepocolypse without much damage. If that is not the case and you haven’t reached out to us already, we are here and can help!  As we usher in the month of February, there's a palpable sense of excitement in the air. Whether you're a prospective homebuyer, a seller gearing up for the market, or just someone curious about the local real estate trends, we are ready to help you! Here is what we love about Portland in February:1. The Winter's Beauty in PortlandFebruary graces Portland with its own unique charm. While the temperatures may be crisp, the city transforms into a picturesque lighted wonderland. We love exploring neighborhoods adorned with a light dusting of snow or the iconic bridges standing out against the gray and rainy skies. It's a great time to showcase the cozy aspects of your homes too, from fireplaces to warm and inviting interiors.2. Valentine's Day Home Decor IdeasLove is in the air, and what better way to express it than through your home decor? This month, consider incorporating Valentine's Day-inspired touches to create a warm and romantic atmosphere. From heart-shaped wreaths to candle-lit nooks, infuse a touch of love into your living spaces.3. Winter-Friendly NeighborhoodsExplore the neighborhoods that truly shine during the winter months. From charming cafes to winter markets, discover the local spots that make Portland special this time of year.  4. Tips for Winter Home Selling in Portland  If you're planning to list your home this February, embrace the season and showcase your property's winter appeal. Illuminate outdoor spaces with tasteful lighting, keep walkways clear, and consider adding seasonal touches to make potential buyers feel right at home. We recommend power washing your front walkways, not just for curb appeal but also safety, for potential buyers walking up to your front door.5. Featured Listings: Selected Daily Gems of FebruaryWe will continue to highlight some exceptional homes on the market this month. Follow us @portlandishome or @realtyworksgroup on Instagram and Facebook to see our daily picks!  As we navigate through February, let's embrace the opportunities it brings in the Portland real estate world. Whether you're a seasoned resident or a newcomer, there's always something exciting happening in this dynamic city. For a more in-depth update and insight into the heart of Portland's real estate market, see Andrew’s Market Report below….he always has some good information! And check out our before and after! Great clients and a absolutely gorgeous bathroom.....if you are still on the fence about a remodel, please reach out to see if we are a good fit. We are filling up first quarter but are always excited to see if we can help.Happy February, Portland!-Audra503.975.3895 

Nothing says Holiday Season more than having a guest on your podcast show. This episode contains vital information for anyone with even the most modest investments as today the Portland is Home Team talks to Taylor Kittell a Founding Partner at Breakwater Law whose mission is to enhance the lives of their clients by building and protecting their property and legacy.    Taylor approaches the difficult issues of planning for death and incapacity as an educator: every person should not only have an estate plan, but they should also understand it. Estate planning is not just about making a will; it is about coordinating your financial life, protecting assets for your loved ones, and making difficult times easier for those around you. It’s about creating a legacy. Based on her professional experience, and as a daughter, a mother, a wife, and a friend, Taylor personally understands the complexities of family relationships. She strives to be practical and responsive while producing top-quality estate plans tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.CONTACT TAYLOR HEREinfo@breakwater-law.comPortland Office – (503) 878-8948Tillamook Office – (503) 842-6633A Newsletter from Audra:Happy Holidays from all of us at RWG! Looking back on this past year, we're incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the best clients anyone could ask for. Your kindness, generosity, and trust in us for your real estate, design, and property management needs mean the world to us.This year presented its challenges, but we pivoted and worked tirelessly to ensure you received the best representation. Our team—Andrew, Lou, and our amazing support team—went above and beyond to secure the best rates, buy downs, and concessions for you. Experience matters, and it's why we're committed to being the best for you.As December arrives, it's not just a favorite because it's my birthday month, but because of the magical lights, decorations, and the promise of longer days ahead. Ski season awaits, and this year, I'm diving into more skate/xc skiing—talk about an intense cardio workout! Wish me luck!Wrapping up another year with a completed bathroom remodel brings us immense joy. Being part of making your homes more tailored to your needs is an honor, and we're grateful you choose us. If you've got rooms that need that special touch next year, we're booking up fast—reach out!Thank you for entrusting RWG with your real estate, design, and property management needs. From all of us here, we wish you a holiday season filled with love, warmth, and cherished moments. Cheers to an amazing year ahead!

Is it a Good Time to Buy? In this episode we have an in-depth discussion about the age-old question: Is it a Good Time to Buy? Renting vs. Buying - Budgeting vs. Building Equity. Andrew will break down the numbers as well as the pros and cons of either dwelling decision you make. Audra discusses their new home across town and of course she has excellent advice regarding your home-buying or selling journey. Don’t be shy, give them a call or email them anytime! Realty Works Group503-975-1829 cell503-975-3895 officeandrew@portlandishome.comaudra@portlandishome.com

So not only did Audra and Andrew enjoy a European vacation but they did it with a tween and a teen! Their kids. They have incredible advice and excellent tips on making your kids Global Citizens and savvy travelers. Plus, they discuss their dream itinerary with a few details you won’t want to miss. Andrew has a rather weird market report but is still insisting that it’s not a bad time to buy or sell a home.   The Portland is Home Team Newsletter: Happy Summertime Friends!Interest rates continue to be high which is keeping the real estate market tame, but not on life support. Inventory is still stubbornly low, prices are rising a bit.As a buyer you have waaayyyy less competition if you can stomach the interest rates. "Marry the house and date the (interest) rate" has been the battle cry of late. Meaning, you are now able to take a little time to find a house to call home with less pressure than the last few years. Then plan on refinancing when rates go down.  Average time on market is around 40 days. Feels like an eternity when you're on the market but all things considered (and historically speaking) is not abnormal. Just relative to the past few years it's forever!!!We wish you a safe holiday and a great summer. Please feel free to contact us anytime. In a challenging market like we find ourselves in experience counts.  Until next month or anytime sooner,Andrew, Audra + Team 

The term Today’s Market means something different to whoever you ask. This episode Andrew and Audra break down the actual conversations they’re having with clients and the potential clients. Andrew Galler’s Market Minute examines the statistics and what real-life real estate activity is like as of now.  Plus, we dive into the must do maintenance items to tackle in June. Don’t procrastinate drop a line to The Portland is Home Team at hello@realtyworksgroup.com and have them help you get it DONE!  Newsletter from the Gallers:Hello Friends!Doubtless you have heard the (true!) joke about the 11 seasons of Oregon…right? I think it goes like this: Winter, Fool’s Spring, Second Winter, Spring of Deception, Third Winter, Mud Season, Actual Spring, Summer, False Fall, Second Summer (1 week) and Actual Fall. I’m not certain if last Saturday was Fool’s Spring (seems a tad late for that?) or Spring of Deception…regardless, the point is that I feel this is how the Real Estate Market is right now.  We are experiencing layers of distortions from the cumulative effects of the pandemic and the associated financial side effects. Of note:  Continued high interest rates (and they fluctuate wildly day-to-day) The fact that somewhere in the neighborhood of 80%+ of all homeowners are locked in at interest rates below 3% (or so) Sellers staying off the market and  buyers with no home to sell blocked out of the market because their payment is too high for the home they want to buy.  It’s a log jam, people!  So, where does that leave us? We STILL have very low inventory + healthy demand in Portland. We are still experiencing multiple offer situations…but they are hit & miss and hard to predict which homes will yield offers. We are seeing homes that are well-priced and super market-ready garnering multiple offers. As we know, life is going forward regardless of the news cycles and we are always here to consult, advise, go to lunch or just chat! Please feel free to contact us anytime.  We always cherish your support and our ability to help you, your friends and families!

The Portland is Home Team has a new Teammate! Lou Chain is a seasoned realtor and ready to help you buy or sell in these tumultuous times. Speaking of the current state of real estate, this episode has important insights to keep in mind and the ways in which you should or should not be diving into today’s market. Plus, Andrew will break down the current numbers report with his Market Minute.  Click here to email  Realty Works Group and The Portland is Home Team Newsletter from Audra:As a ski family we love, love, love the snow. And when it rains here, especially for our April showers, we know it's snowing up in the mountains and that makes us happy. But WOW this year!!  Government Camp posted 2 feet of snow in the last 48 hours, and it seems like it is going to continue into the near future...  In the valley, our bulbs are trying their darndest to come up and the crocus have already made their appearance. Glorious colors are starting to emerge and our cherry trees are about to be brilliant!  We are continuing to help you all with your home remodels and have almost filled up for the year....if you want to discuss getting anything done September through the end of the year, reach out!!  As the rental market continues to hold steady (if not up), now is the time to review your current property managers too. If you feel it is the right time to make a change, we would love to help. Our services are unmatched! We pride ourselves in our communication and white glove service.  Below is a before and after home for sale! It turned out so amazing, now we wait for the new buyers to move in.  We hope you all have a fabulous April and remember...don't ever hesitate to reach out for any reason! We are here to help! 

Today the Team talks to Todd McAllister, Owner and Sales Manager from OnStage, a staging company located in Seattle as well as in Portland. We will discuss the importance of professionals dressing up and primping your house to make it as perfect as it can look.Since 2004, OnStage has helped sell over $6 billion in real estate and they aren’t slowing down. Home staging is no small matter. Everything they do is proven and perfected. And staging is just as much a mental and emotional process as it is physically changing and tidying your home.Plus, Todd has some great stories of the hilarious and odd things that happen in staged homes on the market. (Potential buyers used to do what in the staged bedrooms?) Also, Todd and Audra have easy to implement tips and tricks to get your house ready and beautiful even if you choose not to use a professional stager.Andrew Galler’s Market Minute has some interesting tidbits that I wasn’t expecting to hear; that, it’s a buyers’ and sellers’ market at this point. He'll explain!  Audra's Newsletter:Looking back at 2022, I am still amazed that the kids stayed in school and life started to return to pre-pandemic times. I am humbled by our community in staying together and supporting each other during those times.And now here we are, in the month of love! Half way through winter, people! And while I love skiing and the snow, I also love the spring and watching the bulbs that were planted in the fall arrive.February  - while short - is a mighty month, full of anticipation and love...and design! We have just wrapped up 2 GORGEOUS bathroom remodels! Below are before & after pictures of one of them. Walls were moved, space re-configured and then put back together with thought and intention. We actually flipped the bathroom and closet for more useful space. The previous two small closets had no light so we opened up the walls and started over, making small chopped-up closets into one large walk in closet. There were three doors in the bedroom, we removed one. We moved EVERYTHING so it flowed and we then hid the toilet behind a wall. The accent wall with the vanity was our highlight, so everything moved around that. Other items of note: heated floors, luxe carpet in the closet, lots of lights and the moving of the attic access panel into a hall closet added to the details. We are in love!The market also seems to be heating up, so reach out to Andrew if you're starting to think about selling or buying!  503.975.1829

We’re going to have a little more fun today. We have a TON of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) that the Portland is Home Team has been asked in the past TWO decades of working hard to welcome you home! The Gallers will play Rapid Fire Answering with some of the most asked inquiries and break down with more detail a few of the more important and complicated questions. And the questions are as follows:For Buyers:What home can I afford? Can I buy a home and sell my current one at the same time? How many homes should I see before making an offer? What do you think the seller will accept as a fair price? How do I know if the property is a good deal? How quickly can I close? Should I get a home inspection? When can I back out if I change my mind? What is the first step of the home-buying process? How long does it take to buy a home? What is a seller’s market? What is a buyer’s market? How much do I have to pay an agent to help me buy a house? What is earnest money? How long can the seller take to respond to my offer? What if my offer is rejected? Besides the down payment, what other money do I need?For Sellers:How should I prepare my house before selling it? How long will it take to sell my home? What is the selling price of my home? Is there a reason my home’s assessed value differs compared to the market value?Newsletter from Audra: Winter: the lovely season of lights! Living in the PNW, this statement couldn't be more apropos because without the lights, we would not be able to see a darn thing past 4pm. The twinkle of the lights, the displays in the windows, the frost in the air...all of it is just stunning and I can't get enough.This month we have a wonderful holiday box to gift away! It is filled with all local goodies including a warm and cozy blanket, olive oils, club level Blazer tickets and more! Super easy to be in the drawing....just review us on Google, Zillow or Facebook or send a referral our way and voila! Entered. We will announce the winner before Christmas so be sure to get writing! This is definitely one not to miss. Our design corner is busy for the holidays!  Thank you to all of our design clients....you all are so amazing to work with and we are honored to be part of your team. For those of you still thinking or dreaming of a new kitchen/bath/whatever...please reach out! We look forward to talking. In the design corner picture this month it's a basic improvement but packed a big punch. With new paint (multiple coats of our signature line At Home in the color Sidewalk) we made a huge impact. Also, our Property Management Division is official! Please reach out to me at audra@portlandishome.com to discuss your needs and see if we are a good fit. Also, stay tuned for some happy hours coming your way! We look forward to hanging out with everyone. All our best to you and yours. 

When it comes to having the best experience with borrowing money for a home, the most important part of the formula is knowing the math and the facts. Todd Gydesen, Mortgage Broker with Vantage Mortgage Brokers, has the longevity and methods to help you make the right decisions. In today’s world having experts who have lived through much tougher times is the only way to go. Sit back, listen, and learn from these well-seasoned professionals in this week’s episode of The Portland is Home Team Talk Real Estate, (and Mortgages!)   Here are some helpful tips to get you started:Tip 1: Get quotes from multiple lendersIt’s recommended that you visit three to five lenders and discuss your mortgage options.  Tip 2: Consider all types of lendersObtain estimates from loan officers at banks and credit unions, as well as mortgage brokers and non-bank lenders.Tip 3: Compare loans on the same dayBecause mortgage rates change frequently, it’s best to compare loan programs on the same day so that you can accurately judge cost estimates from several lenders.Tip 4: Shop for a loan within a 45-day periodTry to do your mortgage shopping within a 45-day period so that there’s minimal effect on your credit. Multiple credit inquiries outside a 45-day period could lower your credit score.Tip 5: Compare all loan terms, not only the mortgage rateThe loan with the lowest mortgage rate may not always be the best choice for you. Rates are important, but you should also consider the overall cost of the loan.Be sure to look at the mortgage term, which is the duration of the mortgage, and the associated costs of financing, such as:The APR for the loan.Lender application fees.Processing or loan origination fees.Closing costs (also known as settlement fees).For each lender you work with, ask for an itemized summary of estimated fees. This should help you understand costs and compare mortgage options.After you’ve submitted an application, the lender is required to provide you with a Loan Estimate that includes the terms of your loan and all estimated costs, plus your APR, finance charges and payment schedule.Tip 6: Ask questions if you don’t understand loan featuresAsk the lender to fully explain the loan program that is being offered to you if you don’t understand all its features.  To help you weigh the pros and cons of your mortgage options, consider working with a housing counseling agency. A HUD-certified housing counselor can be an objective advisor and guide you in considering lenders and mortgage options.Vantage Mortgage Group, Inc.DBA Vantage Mortgage Brokers17040 Pilkington Rd Ste 300Lake Oswego, OR 97035Serving Oregon and Washington.503-496-0431 

Inspections: Don’t Skip These 5 Things- And What Can Happen If You DoThe Team has a special guest today, Grant Waller, Owner/Inspector from PacWest Home Inspections, a company built by families, for families.  You don’t have to use his services or take his advice, but his horror stories of those who chose not to may persuade you otherwise.  Think: the stuff you don’t see— roof, sewer, radon, crawl space/attic and foundation.What are an Inspector’s personal preferences and what would deter one from a potential buy, in other words, what will make an Inspector walk away? You’ll be surprised by his answer!  Audra’s Newsletter:In the PNW we are heading into our winter (i.e.: rainy season) and boy, has mother nature been delivering!  We went from almost 90 degrees in the beginning of October to a cool mid 50's and rain. While we absolutely need the rain, I always do my "rain, rain go away" dance on Halloween. This year it didn't work. Oh well, c'est la vie.  Our kids switched schools this year and the new school has a beautiful tradition of trick or treating around the neighborhood from school grounds. It's an actual event with a map, food, and a movie after. The rain held out and the kids had a blast! Tonight (Halloween Day) the rain is here to stay. Our neighborhood closes the street down, sets up games and food and a movie, weather permitting. Looks like we will need tents! It is still wonderful, and a little rain never hurt anyone.... just adds to the spooky vibe in my opinion!  In other news, we are still chugging away with design projects! We are booking out for next summer so if there is a project you have been itching to do, reach out soon to have a consultation!  We love helping you make your home everything you love.  We are also opening a Property Management side/division! After years of thought, we are going to move forward. If you 1) know a great property manager, send them our way! Andrew and I are both certified and have been doing it personally for 20 years, but we will be looking for someone official :-) and 2) if you have properties that you need managed and we haven't already spoken, reach out if you are interested!  We will be announcing more of this as we go along.Finally, it's hoops season!  If you like a fun night out and have a review (which in our business means the world to us) or a referral for someone who is interested in a home sale or purchase, send them our way! We are giving away club level(!) seats for each winner!!  Woot woot!  It's a great night out and the Blazers right now are spectacular!  That's all from me for now. Stay connected on FB/Insta etc. to keep up to date on contests and from all of us at RWG and the Portland Is Home Team, have a Happy Halloween!!Andrew's Newsletter:Hello friends – welcome to November. With the change of season comes a change in the weather and me deciding to embrace the sweather (sweater weather). And soup in front of a fire with slippers on.  I think the operative ‘tie-in’ analogy with the seasons’ change and the market shifting is a swinging pendulum. To unleash a "cliché storm" let me say: just as night turns to day and summer slips into autumn with winter following, just a year ago the market was in diametric opposition to our current market. Red hot, meet slow and steady. The market of late is more relaxed. Homes for sale are seeing their time on market adjusting to historical norms. Buyers who are closing on homes are "buying the home, not the interest rate." In other news, it seems the multi-unit market is becoming more attractive for investors. There is opportunity in this market shift and there are reasons for optimism. As we head towards Thanksgiving, my thoughts tend to gratitude. For instance: if you are reading this right now, please know I am grateful to have you in our lives and want to wish you and your family all the best and a life of good health and contentment. Please know we are here for you and welcome you reaching out anytime we can be wind in your sails.All our best to you and yours.Realty Works Group101 N Beech St, Portland, OR 97227Give Us a Call503-975-1829 cell503-975-3895 office  Instagram  LinkedIn  andrew@portlandishome.com 

The Gallers have seen a lot in their 22 years of working hard to welcome you home and they’re even flummoxed by the current state of real estate, and the world for that matter. Andrew has terrific insight, words of wisdom and analysis to help steer even the most fragile buyers and sellers through these unprecedented times.  Andrew explains that the definition of a buyer’s market is 6 months or more of inventory; below, a seller’s market. Find out if that holds true for the Portland area and much more in this episode of The Portland is Home Team Talks Real Estate.  Newsletter from Audra:Well folks, here we are in October! Cooler nights, planning our Halloween costumes, knowing that winter is closer now and starting to prepare, and more planning our Halloween costumes. Are you a "I have been working on my costume since March" kind of person or the "I will figure something out that week" kind of person? I fall into the latter. I start thinking about ideas about now and see what I can piecemeal together. I do have a few staples: wig, hat, funny peanut butter and jelly foam thingy.... but nothing gets set until the last minute!Also, even though I don't live on a farm and need to prepare the land, the anticipation of the winter brings out all my feelings of getting myself ready. I have my garden to prep for winter, cutting back the summer plants, planting the bulbs for the spring, walking around to see what we need to remove and placing a topcoat on the veggie beds. Umbrellas get put away, and soon some of our outdoor furniture will follow. Lately I have been buying furniture that can stay outside all winter, but we still have a few pieces with cushions we need to bring in. Lightweight furniture works well in this scenario.  It is also time to service your furnaces, trim trees, do any last power washing, etc. Power washing is essential, because the rain will come, and it will be slippery if it is not clean!  We also have a space or two available for any remodels for the first of the year, so if you are ready to consider an updated bath or kitchen, need a basement area finished, or want to add a new deck...reach out!  Our before and after this month is something very simple, but really took some time! Years and years ago a tar like material was put down on the stairs of our client’s home. The owners they bought the home from didn't want to deal with it (which i don't blame them!), so we took it on. It was a lot of power washing and grinding! Because concrete is porous the tar like material settled into the pores and grooves. We weren’t sure it would work and had a plan B ready, but we were absolutely satisfied with the results! Take a look at the before and after!  That's all for now. Thank you all so much for taking a moment to read this blog!!  Hope to see you soon!Think you may want your own show? Contact me at michelle@modcastproductions.com  

In this special colorful episode, we’ll find out how the Portland is Home color line came about with our latest guest, VP of Color, Marketing + Brand at Miller Paint, Puji Sherer.  We’ll learn how the Miller Paint company is different from the rest, not only in the way they do business but the way they treat the communities around them. Miller Paint: Made Here. For Here.Puji and Audra share the most made mistakes people do with paint and remind you that the Miller Paint Blog is a wonderful resource; the Color Tour sections are designed to give you plenty of ideas and inspiration. Puji and her team have easy fixes you can do with paint for when you don't have a lot of time or money.  Don't be frightened of color and painting; ask these professionals for help. Plus, we’ll get a sneak peek into 2023 color and design trends.And as always, we’ll start with Andrew Galler’s Market Minute. Audra's Newsletter:Wow. It's September....the kids are back in school; the weather remains very warm here (or...downright hot) and we are holding on to every last day of summer.This summer we finally traveled, on a plane, overseas. Leading up to the trip, there were many emotions...scared, excited, you know the drill. Travel alone is tough; travel coming out of a pandemic, downright exhausting - for us anyway. But it turned out to be the most amazing trip! Our kids were delightful, and the travel was a breeze. I posted on our Facebook page all travel journals if anyone is interested!Ok, business stuff!  We have so much fun planned to start this fall and we are kicking off everything with Blazers tickets!!!  This month our contest gives the drawn winner 2 excellent tickets to the pre-season game against Utah.  We will also be inviting you to Sauvie Island for an autumnal celebration of pumpkins, corn mazes and apple cider! We will be posting more on the private Facebook Page. If you did not get an invite, reach out and we will make sure you are on!For our design side of the business, we have been busy beavers getting through all sorts of spectacular remodels, from bathrooms to play spaces. It has been a joy to help you create spaces in your homes that just work better for you and your loved ones. Thank you for entrusting us!Happy Fall Everyone!!  And follow us on Instagram! @portlandishome and @realtyworksgroup.Hope to see you all soon!! Andrew's Newsletter:We enjoyed a spectacular summer and hope you did too. With autumn approaching I am reminded once again how quickly time passes. Take this summer for instance: snap of the fingers and it's over. Seems like only yesterday I felt confined to our front yard. Now, just like that - people are out and about - getting together for BBQ’s and having gatherings, seeing concerts and driving to places with people not in our pod and/or with immediate family. Point is: things can change quickly, amirite?Speaking quickly changing, take this market. Please! 12 months ago we were in the throes of an unprecedented market frenzy. Since May the market has slowed down and continues to slow down. Of note, inventory is up 95.8% from last August – a huge jump! (Keeping this in perspective…last August there was .9 months of inventory and now there is 1.8 which is still very low, just saying it has risen quickly – still a seller’s market, just less so). In summation, now is the friendliest market to buyers we have had since January 2020. Especially if you are a buyer who prefers not being rushed. For our sellers I think now is a great time to sell, provided expectations are set correctly. In the ‘before times,’ the fall is usually a busy time for real estate. Time will tell if this year conforms to seasonal norms or if the volatility of the world keeps the real estate market sleepy through the end of the year.As always and forever, please feel free to text, call, or email me anytime to discuss the market in more granular detail. There is a lot of information to work through and I find our market not conforming to sweeping generalizations.  Wishing you a fabulous autumn, friends! 

Andrew and Audra break down the latest market news which we recorded on Friday August 5th 2022. Things are much different since the last we talked in mid June. The Team discusses in real time the good, the bad, and the freaky when it comes to navigating buying and selling real estate now.Audra’s August NewsletterI love August!  Warm nights, swimming in the river and lakes, hiking, camping, playing.... it’s just too darn short. Kids now are back in school toward the end of the month, so it can start to feel a little rushed.  But that said, the things that make August so wonderful and enjoyed and cherished aren't to be missed! Tomatoes, stone fruits, garden veggies...trips to the coast to cool off...paddle boarding down the Tualatin or Willamette Rivers...BBQing with family and friends. These are the moments I look forward to all winter long!  As we head into fall, we are going to start our giveaways again!!  This month we are giving away a fantastic gift set from Durant Farms (Oregon's only in-state olive oil press). A referral or a review will get you entered in this contest!  On the design side, we are now booking for January projects. If you are looking for a new bathroom or kitchen, some new furniture, or a full home overhaul, reach out! No matter the size of the project we are here for you and love this so much. Helping you make your home fit your needs better is what we live for...so, let us know if you would like to meet up.Have a great rest of your summer and we look forward to getting together soon! (We will also be posting some Happy Hours and events too!)Much love,Audra

Andrew’s Market Minute report is not the news buyers or sellers hope for, but he has some interesting (rather optimistic) predictions to ease some of the anxiety. And because of his 20 years’ experience in real estate, he’s usually right.  Audra has some great “I’m glad that’s not happening to me” nightmarish stories to make you thankful you don’t have to fix up your home.  The Portland is Home Team is doing business in Washington state and are ready to get you the home you've always wanted! 

And when we say dry out, we mean it! April had record setting wetness. Sun CATIONS- Get your much needed sun fix and get out of the area! Plus, we discuss the must-see scenic drives this side of the Mississippi. Andrew and Audra have a poll: How do YOU eat POI? What’s the deal there? Show them how to love it! Let them know here  !!But first we start with Andrew Galler’s Market Minute, the latest news for buyers and sellers.  The Monthly NewsletterAs we enter June and encounter more sunny days (finally!), I have some exciting news to share. I will be attending the Disney College Program at Disney World in Orlando starting in July! Since I was born, I’ve always been a huge Disney fan and dreamed of working for the company in some way. This program is an internship where I will be living in Disney College Program housing and working a role at any of the parks or resorts for 7 months. I am excited for this adventure as I transition from being a college student to official adult life!I have absolutely loved the past five months that I’ve spent working for Realty Works Group; making reels, posting Instagram stories, finding home of the days, and more (follow us on our social media accounts if you don’t already!). I know this will not be the end of my time at RWG, and I may continue to post depending on my schedule at Disney. I knew this was an opportunity that I could not pass up on because life is so short! I am so appreciative for all the support I have received from RWG and for everything I have gained from this position.If you find yourself visiting Disney World between July 2022 and February 2023, please come say hi! Katie  

The Team and Jim Willis from Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. talk about the programs available to every kind of buyer. Plus they have great insights regarding purchasing a second home and how the new laws can impact your decisions.  Good news for jumbo loan seekers? It depends.  Should you borrow with your bank or credit union or use a mortgage broker? They discuss that and of course the market today on this episode of The Portland is Home Team talking Real Estate.   Hello Everyone!We have been busy bees getting our agents up and running in Washington, so if you have thought about moving north of the river, don't hesitate to give us a call...we have you covered! And we have some beautiful listings up there coming your way, including a penthouse condo on the river!In our design division, we have some fun projects that are starting to wrap up. Timing has been tough as a lot of products have been delayed, but we are still moving along and are so excited with how things are coming along. In our queue is a steam shower installation!! We are thrilled to be able to offer this and it also includes a zero depth entry....hot!!  Tile, flooring, reworking your space for a better flow...we got you. And with our incredible team of tradesfolk, we can assess a situation, keep your costs in line and give you your dream. We are accepting clients for end of year if you're thinking about a refresh or a full addition, so please reach out!  Spring in full swing - this is such a gorgeous time of year. Cherry trees, plum trees and bulbs are all in bloom or getting ready to pop and your yards couldn't look better. If you need mulch, some power washing or whatever, call us. Our landscape crews are incredible and really know how to help. Plus, a good yard haircut is always welcome!  So, folks, we hope you enjoy what spring is bringing to us and y'all had a chance to see the Japanese cherry trees in bloom along the waterfront.  Until next time,Audra 

The Portland is Home Team has a guest on this episode, mortgage specialist and branch manager, from Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. Jim Willis. He is here to discuss the Market, the world, and your pocket. What should first-time home buyers know? Sometimes the truth hurts but ultimately Jim has news that should assuage some of the fear folks have regarding our current national and world events.  Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. and Jim Willis firmly believe that the best way to handle mortgages is for the borrower to be actively involved in the process every step of the way. From choosing between loan programs to understanding negotiating terms, we're here to help you with anything you need.  Call Jim for more information 360.608.8872 Realty Works Group Newsletter:Hello everyone! My name is Katie Moreland, and I am a new hire of the Portland is Home team at Realty Works Group. Specifically, I work on all things social media and marketing for the company. A little bit about me. I was born and raised in the Portland area for mainly my whole life expect for two years where my family lived in Cave Creek, Arizona. As for Portland, my family has lived in Tigard, West Linn, Happy Valley, and as of August 2021, moved out of the area to Bellingham, Washington for my dad’s job. I went to La Salle Prep for high school in Milwaukie, OR. When it came time to choose a college to attend, I was looking to relocate to California but ultimately decided to stay in Portland and attend the University of Portland. I will be graduating in May of this year with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing.  I have always been interested in social media, content creation, and connecting with others so I felt that marketing was the best major for me. I have grown to love it even more so throughout my last year in school. Another area that I’ve always been interested in is the Real Estate industry. At one point in college, I considered working to get my real estate license to have post-graduation. When the opportunity for this job was presented to me, I was in awe that I could have the best of both worlds. My main goal is to establish the unique qualities that Realty Works Group has to offer amongst other local brokerages in Portland.  Many areas of Portland are special to me but one that I love is Lake Oswego. My mom grew up there and my grandma lived there for years after. There is special feeling of home I get whenever I am in the area. I love going to George Rogers Park and going for walks on the trail during a sunny day in the spring, summer, or fall. That’s a little about me, and I look forward to meeting more of you soon!  -Katie  

The Team has discussed a lot about the beauty and activities just a couple of hours or less from Portland. In this episode we’re packing a bag and staying a while! They’ve seen a great deal of Oregon and surrounding states six hours in all directions, and they share it all. Plus, Andrew has his Market Minute: good news for some, not so much for others.  Audra’s Newsletter:Hearts, love and all that mushy stuff is my motto this month!Except I can't bring myself to remove all my holiday decorations. It's weird. In years past I look forward to each holiday, and each holiday having their moment on my front porch. But not this year. Is it Covid fatigue? Probably a little, I guess. But my lighted snowman, little skier and lighted trees still sit there, I feel like we all didn't have all the time there we needed.  But move on we will, and all those cuties will be brought in, and I have decided to do some fun things for Valentine’s Day. Because it's all about the love, I was thinking about putting a heart hanging over the front door and every time my family walks under we must hug! They will probably find it weird or annoying, but I think it is what we all continue to need.  If anyone out there wants to join do the same, send us pics and we will all be thrilled to be in this together. The hanging heart is the new mistletoe!Next month we have some very big, fun giveaways by the way.  Think mountain fun! This month we are going to match donations. Make us do some big matches friends!!  Stay strong, stay groovy- 

Everyone wants to know what the future brings and what the best strategy is when buying or selling real estate. In this episode The Team discusses interest rates: how high will they go and how does that effect your buying power? Thinking of changing your nest this year? Audra discusses the newest ways people are re-vamping their homes and the super popular trend that is (finally) losing steam.

If you’re new to the Pacific Northwest and don’t understand how to do Winter yet, Audra and Andrew are here for you. Today we talk about how to get started with winter activities you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet. Andrew and Audra have great advice on how to ease into the damp, weird weather we get in this part of the world.   Audra's Newsletter-Well, well, well...welcome 2022! We are so thrilled to see you and look forward to a wonderful relationship! All kidding aside, while we did not have a terrible 2021, we are hopeful to see some light in 2022, more personal get-togethers, more travel and just more of everything good.We hope that you all had a wonderful winter break and are well-rested!Here's what we have been up to: We officially opened our Vancouver, WA office and are ready to go! Official information will follow, and we look forward to helping you with all your (or your friends) real estate needs in Washington State! Same name, same wonderful folks ready to help you...and we're doing design/renovations as well! Let us know how we can help, we are ready.We also have more wonderful giveaways coming your way! Thank you to those that participate. We love giving things to thank all of you for your continued support.  We also once again exceeded our time & donations to our community and feel thankful we can support our hometown. As a note, if you have a non-profit close to your heart that we should know about, please let us know!  So, Happy January and we look forward to another spin around the sun with you all!