Category Archives: The Jackson Group

Keeping Portland Farm Fresh and Local

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Spring is my favorite time of year.  The blooming trees on the waterfront, sporadic sunny days that give us small glimpses into summer, more variety of fresh veggies in the grocery store.  Spring also brings a renewed market for real estate as people decide to begin thinking about their next move.  It is a season of fresh starts and renewed energy which brings a fun excitement to Portlanders.

One of my favorite spring traditions is to explore the Portland farmer’s market scene in my local neighborhood.  I used to attend the Hillsdale Sunday morning market but now that I’ve moved to the Pearl District, I am excited to make my weekly trip to the Portland Farmers’ Market at PSU on Saturday mornings.  I’ve heard the truffle man is the first person to go to because he always sells out!  We hope that you received our farmers’ market guide showing the schedules for the local farmers’ markets.  Here is a link in case you didn’t get it in the mail: Farmer’s Market Guide

Organics to You Delivery

I recently decided to experiment with a vegetable home delivery service through a local company called Organics to You.  It was recommended to me by a client who has a busy schedule and not enough time to go grocery shopping each week.  She said it was a great way to try a variety of different seasonal vegetables AND they get delivered right to your doorstep!

Here are a few things I love about Organics to You: it is a local company with their own delivery service so you are not having to pay for the vegetables AND UPS charges.  The vegetables/fruits are super fresh- some are traditional (apples, lettuce) and some are unique (I’ve learned how to cook with kale and fennel recently).

Egg Omelette with Fresh Spinach

You can choose the frequency and size of the “bin” that you receive and also cancel it for a week if you’re not going to be in town.  There is no long term obligation to use the service.  You can also add on other grocery items to your order that are also delivered to your doorstep.

I have really enjoyed receiving Organics to You.  I recommend that you check it out if your schedule doesn’t allow for you to visit the farmers’ market.  It’s simple and easy and not that expensive.

Here are some links to other farm direct services in our area:

http://yourcsa.com/csa.html (Subscription Farm)

http://www.localharvest.org/  (resource for farms, csa, farmer’s markets)

http://pickyourown.org/ (resource for finding u-pick farms in your area)

www.tricountyfarm.org (Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas County farms that sell directly to the public)

Portland Area 5-year Sales History by Zip Code

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Jackson Group 2012 Portland Zip Code Report

Our annual year end sales by zip code report is finally ready.  The first version had some inconsistencies so, with the help of our very capable resources at First American Title, we rebuilt our 5-year history.  What we have now is a fully updated and expanded version of our homes sales statistics for the last 5 years for the primary zip codes we service.

The recent Case-Schiller report on real estate confirmed what our multiple listing service has already reported, that Portland area home prices continued to fall in 2011, this year by about 4.3%.  As Realtors working in the trenches we can also report that sales in the first quarter of 2012 are improving, especially in certain areas and price ranges.  So, we have put together this zip code report to give you the picture of activity in your immediate neighborhood since 2007.

Why, you may ask, have we gone to all this trouble when so many pundits, economists and our own RMLS system have stats to provide us?  Well, we seek to locate meaningful information for our clients, and these details by zip-code are the most reliable, in my view, of what is happening at the neighborhood level.

So here, back by popular demand, is this year’s version.  I will add that, incrementally, since the new year we are experiencing stronger property views and a higher number of new sales. This is happening especially in the up to $400,000 price range, but also in the higher end with higher showing activity and more, though still challenging, offers.  All this supports the stabilizing trend for the real estate market.  It is tentative, yet better, and that is a significant change from continued decline.

Meriwether 404 – SOLD!

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Buyer's Agent, Buyer, Seller, Seller's Agent, Escrow

There are some real estate transactions that just come together and move smoothly from start to finish.  Such is the case with the recent Jackson Group listing sold at the Meriwether in South Waterfront.  Real estate is not easy these days, even when the stars are aligned, and this one was not special in that way.  There were challenges.  Challenge #1:  the sale might have been a “short sale” except for the fact that the seller was willing and able to write a big check to his lender.  Challenge #2:  negotiations were long and deliberate, back and forth, and though this is normal today, being normal does not mean that the outcome is mutually satisfactory.  Challenge #3:  every deal these days has its share of complications – the condo certification, the appraisal, the inspection, the HOA issues, the insurance . . . we take all this in stride as Realtors and do what we must, and our clients find it an endless series of “issues” that we help them get through.

The uncommon outcome here is that both the buyer and the seller achieved their goals and were satisfied with the outcome.  The seller was “short” though willing to write the check, have the sale and move forward.  The buyer was careful and wanted a “deal” and came to a resolution that was energizing.  Mutual Acceptance was also mutual satisfaction!  The brokers knew each other from a prior transactions and have mutual respect.  They worked for consensus.  Goals were reached by all.

Achieving everyone’s purpose was not done because a buyer took advantage of a seller.  She didn’t.  And it was not because the seller made a killing.  He didn’t.  It is because they each kept their personal “big picture” in mind throughout the process and appreciated the other side along the way.  The brokers kept the lines of communication open and moving forward, helping the clients navigate the complicated and emotional process with willing cooperation.

It’s not everyday that we see group hugs at the closing table.  The Jackson Group is grateful for the many terrific people we work with everyday, all year, selling homes in Portland.  To each one of them we say “Happy Thanksgiving” and Thank you!

Becky, Matt, Sarah and Hillary

Becky Jackson’s Market Review by Zip Code

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It’s the season of “economic forecasts” for the coming year, and I have been attending and listening.  The report is that our national and local economies are, in fact, in recovery – even though we cant tell. The trend is positive, but with a very flat curve.  No surprise in this, and yes, the segments of the economy that are the drag are housing and unemployment, each tightly related to the other.

Hearing all this I thought it was appropriate to take a look at real data for housing in our neighborhoods.  I am attaching the most recent reports for our most active zip codes so that you can check your own neighborhoods and those around you click here.  We will, as before, have a complete year-over-year comparison at the end of the year.  And please let us know if you would like a more detailed report emailed to you that includes specific information about your zip code.

What I observe from the attached charts is that we are, really, seeing a stabilization of home values in many areas of Portland.  The Jackson Group works all over the metropolitan area with a focus on “inner” area neighborhoods.  I see in the graphs for these inner area zip codes a flattening, and in some cases, upturn in home values.  Our multiple listing data shows us that Portland overall has an average price decline of 4.2% for the 12 months (September to September) but the “for sale” inventory has dropped to the 6-7 month range, which is very close to market equilibrium.  Looking at closer in neighborhoods that inventory level is even lower, producing the “opportunity” for price strength to return.  I believe when we get a 12 month cycle that does not include last winter we will see a price appreciation statistic that reflects a lower rate of decline that the –4.2% we have now.

The Jackson Group has experienced a outstanding year compared to any since the bubble burst.  Today’s real estate market is one that requires knowledge and a culture of care.  We attribute our success to our ability to deliver excellent service at competitive rates (especially when you consider that you get 4 accomplished people on the team compared to the market standard of the lone ranger realtor)!  More importantly, we are focused on leading our clients and our colleagues with better knowledge, accountability, innovative approaches along with our strong team culture in order to help our clients get to the solution they seek.

As you meet and greet your friends and associates through the upcoming holidays, and the subject of real estate comes up (as it always does) we ask you to remember the Jackson Group as your “go-to” resource.  We are here for you!

Casey Condo – 311 NW 12th, #801 – $1,150,000 – MLS#11605123

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Check out our latest condo listing – 311 NW 12th, #801 -  the Architect’s choice in the iconic Pearl District building, The Casey.  Here’s another “sold in a day” story from The Jackson Group!

Well, it wasn’t exactly sold in a day, except from the buyer’s point of view.  I’ve known and represented the architect who designed The Casey, a LEED Platinum certified building, for several years.  Over the last year or so I have shown this home and now that my client is retired and traveling more frequently he suddenly got serious about selling.  My mission was to sell and close the condo in 3 months as the seller would then be off traveling the world again.  Nice!  No pressure.

Spin was hired to do professional photography and we prepared to market the 8th floor, east-facing view condominium beginning with a special broker event.  As an active broker in the Portland condominium scene, I knew a few people to call who I thought would be good prospects.  So I made those calls and scheduled one showing in advance of the broker’s open.  Before the photos were finished an offer was on the table.

This is a home worthy of a quick sale.  As I said before, this particular Casey condo was chosen by the architect to be his own home – and he had first choice when the building was new.  He loves it still, and wouldn’t leave it for anything, except in retirement he hardly finds himself at home in Portland.  It’s time to scale back to something just as lovely but more efficient.

So check out the pictures to see just what a winning condo – a winner in any market – looks like.  And, kudos to Chuck from Spin for the awesome photography.

FHA Loan Limits to Change October 1, 2011

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Becky Jackson

The Federal Housing Administrations (FHA) limits the loan amount on mortgage loans they insure and that number is about to change. The loan limit is based on a set formula and range of values of the median home price in a particular area. For the Portland Metro area that limit is currently $418,750.  This is called the “conforming” loan amount.

Unless the current congress takes action to prevent it, the FHA loan limits will revert on October 1st to those limits that were determined by prior legislative action. This means that the new loan limits will be dropping to $362,250. Any mortgage of a greater amount will then qualify under the jumbo-loan category, a more costly and restrictive program.

If you are planning to close a home purchase loan or a re-financing loan prior or near to October 1st you must pay attention to your loan amount to be sure you avoid the added expense or credit restrictions of the new program.

Please contact one of us at The Jackson Group or your personal loan officer if you are in this situation. We hope that the current congress will see fit to extend the present program rather than put more pressure on the residential housing market. And to be safe, we are notifying all our clients to be prepared and close on time for any current loans in application.

Focus on Catlin Crest – 567 SW Regency Place

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A special neighborhood in the close-in West Hills of Portland is Catlin Crest. High on Sylvan hills above Barnes Road Catlin Crest is a gated community of upscale and luxury homes ranging in value from $600,000 to $2,000,000. The neighborhood was created in the early-1990′s and most of the homes are from that era with many updates and remodels to their original style. The neighborhood is peaceful and tranquil and offers established landscaping, diverse architectural styles and winding streets ending in cul-de-sacs.

Catlin Crest is in a central Westside location convenient to downtown or Westside business and community locations. Catlin Gable School is a nearby private option, and the public school cluster is the popular and highly ranked Sunset High School District of Portland. While the neighborhood and addresses are Portland, it is actually located in Washington County, which offers some advantages on the property tax bill!

MLS #11467518

567 SW Regency Place - ML#11467518 - $625,000

The Jackson Group is currently listing a lovely traditional home in Catlin Crest at 567 SW Regency Place. In a very private setting with lush landscaping and an outdoor water feature this home in immaculately maintained, offers high ceilings and open spaces providing light and gracious scale. The master bedroom is on the main floor and additional bedrooms are upstairs. There is a large finished basement with a separate entrance offering a second family area for the active family or the home business. Please visit the virtual tour here to see for yourself.

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Portland: a Community of Colonies?

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PupuParty by the pool

Gene and I are on a spring break vacation in Maui this week and found ourselves socializing with other “mainland” visitors around the “Pupu Party” table.  We struck up a friendly conversation with a couple from the west coast who have a level of familiarity with Portland, which led to some fun comparisons of characterizations of Portland and its neighborhoods.  The gentleman referred to Portland as a city of colonies, and I thought “how truly apt” that description is!

Portland is a community of colonies!  It is true because we are a city with neighborhood zones, or “districts”,  that generally have a distinct personality and lifestyle story.  These districts stand apart in style and culture, but blend seamlessly into the large scene and style of Portland Metro – the city that is our larger persona.

The Pearl District is the uber-urban condo/loft and gourmet dining hub; Multnomah Village is funky, irreverent and earthy; Hawthorne is funky, veggie/vegan and political, if not a bit self-righteous :) .  Lake Oswego is waterfront, resort upscale and responsible; South Waterfront is riverfront, high-rise, sustainable and substantial.  Northwest is smart, sophisticated and full of shopping and dining while Northeast is smart, gritty and gourmet in a ‘locally-owned and operated’ way.  Alberta is hip, healthy, hungry, entrepreneurial and real; Selllwood/Westmoreland/Eastmoreland are gentle, reflective, family-friendly and nostalgic.  Forest Heights and Bethany are clean, green, new and high-tech; Portland Heights is historic, iconic, established and and a little worn then renovated like an old library.  Orenco Station is the suburban-urban town center while Hillsboro is the urban countryside, small-town center.

These are my sunset musings about the separate and distinct characteristics of some of Portland’s colonies, neighborhoods whose homes and commercial centers have their own identity yet share the collective nature of what it is to be  Portland.  Did I leave yours out, or miss the mark somehow in my descriptions?  Tell me your thoughts about Portland neighborhoods.

Savvy Investors Are Now Exploiting Real Estate Opportunities!

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Stocks, bonds and mutual funds – the usual financial assets – gained significant value in 2009.  I hope you have been a part of that run.  Now, there are great values to be had in real estate.  If it is appropriate for you, it is time to add residential real estate properties to your investment portfolio.  Residential real estate offers a particular benefit to an investor and offers a wide variety of opportunities.  According to Gary Keller, real estate investments are

1.      Accessible- Anyone can buy it

2.      Appreciable- Increase in value over time

3.      Leverageable- Buy on margin & borrow against equity

4.      Rentable- Cash Flow!  Cash Flow!  Cash Flow!

5.      Improvable- Sweat equity

6.      Deductible/Depreciable/Deferrable- Great tax benefits

7.      Stable- Slow to rise & slow to fall

8.      Liveable- Shelter in more ways than one….

Today, there are real estate investment opportunities in very neighborhood in Portland.  I am referring to properties that can be cash flow positive and likely to offer appreciation again over time.  We are evaluating these opportunities weekly and we want to share our knowledge about how to take advantage of them.  Our team has experience listing and showing property throughout Portland, including investment opportunities.  We have a comprehensive perspective on Portland property types from townhomes in Forest Heights to condos in the South Waterfront to bungalows in Montavilla.  And we know where investors look when assessing real estate for their investment portfolio.

Would you like to learn about investing in real estate?  How to determine the real estate investments best for your specific objectives?  This year I am presenting a monthly seminar on real estate investment strategies and all are welcome – those new to this type of investment and seasoned pros.  We will discuss strategies and practice analyzing specific properties.  Our January session was a great meeting and led to some very good discussions.  I hope you can join us next week or sometime this year.

Please be our guest for our monthly real estate investing seminar that is customized for our clients.  Our February seminar is Tuesday, February 15th at 6pm at our office in the Pearl- 1220 NW Lovejoy #130, Portland, 97210.  Our March session will be March 9th at 6pm at our Pearl Office.   The April session is April 20th and this session we will begin at 4pm to make it available to those who need to get home earlier.  Future dates will be announced soon.

Please RSVP- space is limited.  The number is 503-416-4177 or email to Becky@thejacksonfiles.com.

Urban Grind Cafe in the Pearl

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The Jackson Group is taking the next 4 weeks to visit a coffee shop during our weekly team meetings.  We will visit a new neighborhood oriented local coffee shop each week and report back on our thoughts.  Our goal is to connect with people, place and Portland.  And our visits and reviews of coffee shops is another opportunity for us to highlight Portland’s locally minded businesses.

Urban Grind Cafe

This week- we took a trip just a block from our office to the Urban Grind at 911 NW 14th in the Pearl District.  We have many special connections to this particular coffee shop.  The Urban Grind is located in the same building as the Marshall Wells- a historical loft building where we have a current listing.  We also have a client that is a barista at Urban Grind.

Becky and Carolyn at Urban Grind


Our listing in the Marshall Wells is unit 710, currently listed for $629,000.  It is a beautiful 2 level penthouse home, over 2000 sqft with a large balcony, warehouse windows and soaring ceilings.  It is a unique offering in the marketplace that is definitely worth a look.  Give us a call and we’d love to show it to you: 503-416-4178.  The Marshall Wells was originally built in 1910 and has a current tax abatement in place which lowers the property taxes for each home.  Here is a link to additional information about the home:  http://jacksongrouppdx.com/properties/detail.html?mls=RMLS&listingid=10042088&pn=4

Marshall Wells 710 listed for $629,000


Sean and I enjoyed Urban Grind’s custom roasted coffee which was very rich and not at all bitter.  Becky had the tea which was wonderfully served in a glass mug with a diffuser.  Our lunch of savory tarts, cherry turnovers and pasta salad was enjoyed by all.

Urban Grind offers free internet service and lots of space to spread out and study.  We observed many students with their biology books open with a constant flow of coffee in their ceramic mug.  It is a warm environment, an ideal location in the Pearl and close to us at Realty Trust.  We’d love for you to pop-by on us sometime and we’ll take you for a cup of coffee at Urban Grind.