Alexsandra's Real Estate Blog, Portland OR

I truly love Sunset Magazine, the online version as well as the hard copy I receive each month. They publish great articles ranging from yummy food and super remodling projects, to lust-worthy gardens and more.  I love it so much that even if there are other magazines piled up, waiting to be read...

Maybe you aren't even thinking of buying a gas grill! But perhaps you should.  According to Life Hacker, the first quarter is the best time to buy not only a gas grill but also an air conditioner.  Of course, that makes sense as it is the off season for those summer season needed items. The peopl...

There I was, sitting at the dining room table in my apartment, with knots in my stomach and clenched fists. It was 1995 and I was about to buy my first house. The loan agent was there with me.  Do they still make house calls? He was calm, cool, collected. I was anything but. The questions are so ...

Do you ever dream of buying property overseas?  Perhaps retiring in some warm, tropical paradise? Think about living 6 months in your current city, and the other 6 months traveling? Having an inexpensive place to hang out in a friendly little village somewhere that has little or no winter?  I do....

December Residential Highlights Even though there was decreased activity in December, there was an uptick in closed sales, reaching the highest level since June. There was a decrease in December sales when compared with December 2009, down 2.9%.  However, pending sales were up 6%. New listings d...

The January/February AARP Magazine has a good article,  "Simple Secrets for a Longer Life." The article has several easy tricks for eating better and emphasizes that a few changes can make a big difference.  The tips are great for older folks, but also the same tips will work for anyone intereste...

On January 17th, the Oregon Zoo will offer free admission in celebration of the spirit of public service associated with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Since 1994 when Congress designated the MLK, Jr. Holiday as a national day of service, the Corporation for National and Community Service has l...

  A study by Fannie Mae, released in December, has some information I found interesting. The 2010 Own-Rent Study found that most Americans (51%), “strongly aspire to own a home and maintain homeownership.”  This includes current homeowners as well as persons who are renting. 51% of those intervie...

    Springwater Grill used to be a favorite spot to stop and have happy hour, invite a client for a quick lunch, or meet a friend for a casual meal.  The owner sold and closed a few months ago, and a new restaurant and bar, Moreland House, has opened in the location.   Just open since Friday, an...