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!      

How Did Andrew Lose $2,000,000.00 in Real Estate?The actual true story of being in the right time and right place and still messing it up! How his one sour bite left an indelible taste that helped him avoid biting the next time.  It takes hutzpah and little bit of faith to see beyond the now when it comes to investing in real estate, Andrew learned his lesson long ago- his mistake is your great advice.  Plus, Audra talks about the charities that are near and dear to them, and how they give this time of year and throughout!  Audra's Holiday Newsletter-Well, here it is. December, the holiday month, the festival of lights. Our days of light are shorter, but our celebrations burn bright.  I am truly amazed that we are here; it snuck up on me for sure! I'm so happy we made it through another year...still battling the pandemic but learning to adapt to our new reality.We are so thankful to be able to help you with your homes and your upgrades...to share your families with us, and to become our friends. It means the world to us, and we wouldn't change a gosh-darned thing.  The year might be nearly done, but you're not quite finished hearing from us this month (sorry!). We have an exciting announcement coming up and more giveaways coming at you: Blazer tickets, professional pictures with a blow-up Santa (you're welcome), and more. Keep your eyes peeled and let us know if you need anything at all, we are here and ready! We wish you all a fabulous holiday season. 

In this episode we discuss the October market report, the creeping interest rates and how to feel about it.  Audra asks: What does 250k get you? Perhaps a town in Washington? The answer: not so much. However, there are still a few places around the country where a quarter of a million dollars still works.  Looking for a new activity to keep the kids occupied? Try a Turkey Cookie assembly line that's fun and easy.And, what is Audra cooking this year for Thanksgiving? Does she SKIP the bird again? What do you think?  Andrew discusses how the '5 reasons NOT to sell your home this time of year'; (Its icky outside, looks crummy with the plants all dead and yard all puddle-y, kids are in school, and less competition because fewer sellers on market, demand still high) are just a myth! 

In this episode we talk about the state of Real Estate around the States. Audra wanted to know what 700k got you in Chicago, Tulsa, Tucson, Cleveland, and Los Angeles. (The Portland market is not that outrageous after all.)Then, in honor of Halloween, Andrew and Audra talk costumes, events, and share some of the scariest things they've seen in their 20 years Working Hard Welcoming People Home.  And here's the Big October Question:Would you buy a “Haunted” House or a Murder House?  

Prepping for Old Man Winter is a must  for saving money, and possibly, saving lives. In this episode, Andrew and Audra have tricks and tips to make the winter maintenance less painful and more manageable. Then when you're done the work go ahead and enjoy the many Autumn related fun things to do. All tried and tested by your Portland is Home Team!  Short List: Gutters, Roofs, Fireplaces, Furnaces, Ductwork, Tree limbs and A/C Condensers. This month's newsletter is guest written by me – Andrew! Welcome to October. Autumn is in the air and as we welcome the rain back -- I often find it (the rain!) on my glasses. I love the smell of rain...so fresh! I sincerely love summer and will miss the warm breezes and bright light. But pages turn, and as the days get shorter, I realize how much I enjoy the muted colors of an overcast sky and the vibrant saturated colors of the green turning to red to brown leaves that still adorn our trees. I entertain family time fantasies of fires in the fireplace with stew or bolognaise for dinner simmering since morning. Lastly, I look forward to our post-Halloween stomachache and belly of regret because, as we all know, that candy isn't going to eat itself. Speaking of Autumn in air, can you also smell the whiff of winter preparation? It's never too early! We have plans on our next dry spell to put away summer / outdoor furniture and to clean our gutters (full disclosure: by ‘we' I mean our we have a company come out and clean our gutters and down spouts – please let us know if you need a referral!). As you know the gutter / downspout systems need to operate free of debris to ensure proper drainage and increase the odds our basements do not take on water. Also: here is a gentle reminder to change your air filter and have your furnace serviced & your chimney cleaned. Cover your air conditioner's condenser unit (that big loud thing outside!). Check your insulation and seal windows & doors. Lastly – order some new slippers and a cozy flannel shirt. I think we would all agree after the last 18+ months we deserve it!!  As always and forever, please feel free to contact us anytime for referrals for home maintenance or anything else! All our best to you and yours! AndrewRealty Works GroupBauman's Farms and GardenWant your own Podcast Show? Contact Michelle at Modcast Productions

On this episode the team discusses the Market Today (July stats) and the age-old debate: renting vs owning as well as understanding what is right for you. Someone is paying a mortgage and building equity, is it you or your landlord? Plus Andrew has a prediction or two about the next few months, and he's known to be pretty prophetic.   A Letter from Audra-We had our first baby in September. It was beautiful outside and warm. The color in the air was warm, fall-like in autumnal colors starting to show. The edges of the leaves picking up brilliant colors of yellows, oranges, reds and browns. I remember looking out the window with our new baby and thinking how beautiful everything seemed. And the late warmth summer was special.In the Roman calendar September was the 7th month (septem, in Latin meaning "seven" - word etymology has always been interesting to me). The month is also full of holidays, as we head into winters across the world. Labor Day, Grandparents Day (the 12th in case you were wondering!), Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the Autumnal Equinox. The hours of light are getting shorter, and I start thinking about preparing for the winter months. Short days of light, rain and cold...but also warm cozy slippers, stews, and winter sports and activities!  As I sit here today writing this blog, I am watching the birds flock around the feeders and squirrels looking around for places to bury nuts. We consistently have a few different types of tree saplings growing in our yard. One of the last ones we pulled, the kids wanted to save (Oak) so we re-planted it in a better spot (the squirrels haven't heard that you shouldn't plant a tree next to your house) and we are now trying to save it. The heat was not kind to it. But i just noticed two more in the blueberry bushes so I think we'll be fine if the first one does not make it.  I am also realizing that we need to start thinking about planting bulbs for next spring! It can be quite the laborious job, but so worth it come spring. Tulips, Alliums and Crocus are what I am planting this year.  And finally, we will wrap up the summer tomato season with the most abundant crop ever. We must have gone through numerous pounds of never-ending tomatoes. We did put time into finding the right spot though after multiple years of a very limited crop...however, our watermelon never took off, so I have to keep an eye on the sun and find a better spot next year.  Also - keep an eye on our listings and remodels! We have some beauties coming up that are in full construction mode right now. We are including a few 'in process' pictures and will update on our social media as we go along with the final pictures in the newsletter next month. (instagram: @portlandishome or @realtyworksgroup).  I hope you all enjoy the last bits of summer with yummy food and lots of laughter! And please, keep in touch - we love to hear from you! Contact Michelle@modcastproductions.com  if you'd like your own Show. 

Things are staying HOT in the Portland area and we're not talking the weather; well, the weather is hot, but the market is hotter. Audra and Andrew have the latest market information to help you make decisions and plan for a future in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Plus, they discuss  incredible and accessible day trips and fun resorts to check out  just a few hours from  Portland.And if you have any questions they did not answer or ideas for a future podcast, shoot them a line at audra@portlandishome.com. And check out LISTINGS Realty Works Group Audra's Newsletter:Honestly, I can't believe we are in August already. Even though we have had a great summer so far, it seems that this month really snuck up on me. Am I alone in this? We haven't travelled anywhere on a plane or gone on a long RV vacation...I just feel that summer is going too fast!  The sellers' market is still also fast! While we are reading and hearing reports of a leveling out, we are still seeing limited homes hit the market and multiple bidding situations. Selling a home is also an emotional roller coaster for most. Leaving a home, you have lived in for a while or a long while, finding another home, packing and unpacking...it is a lot. And we understand that so much! Years ago, I had my mom selling her home, and I was unabashedly vocal about making sure she was treated well. It became our mantra with our brokerage. Whether you're buying or selling a $100,000 home or a $2,000,000 home, our service is the same. We pride ourselves on our extreme attention to detail: walking through EVERY home before picture day to make sure every single wire is tucked away, adding pillows, wiping down counters and weeding outside. When you sell your home, we take pride in our work and making your home look its best on picture day. And this market remains great time to sell, so please reach out if you or someone you know is considering a move. We are here for you and we love what we get to do!  Now, go enjoy summer a little more!!  Want your own Podcast Show for your business? Reach out to michelle@modcastproductions.com     

The Team discusses one of the most unique aspects of the city of Portland: the Urban Growth Boundary, with the goal of using urban land wisely, containing growth and protecting our natural resources.  If you are having trouble finding a home in Portland to buy, maybe it is time to think outside the PDX and think about an idyllic smaller town minutes away from the city. Andrew and Audra discuss their favorite cute towns in which they have found great homes for folks.  Audra's Newsletter:Summer came early to us here in the PNW!  But I won't complain because my kids are outside, with friends (and masks) and just running around. It's magic.  And after the last 15 months I take every.single.lovely. moment with gratitude.  Big news in our neighborhood: a big, middle age, cedar had to come down. It was such a lovely tree too!  It shaded us from the hot west sunsets and provided a nice privacy barrier between us and our neighbors.  But it also helped squirrels access our attic and ever so slightly (or not!) pushed in the foundation wall of our neighbor's home. We all know this is no bueno right? So we had to say good bye to the tree. Homeowners Tip: please do not plant large trees close to your homes. Keep them at a distance to prevent damage to your homes and wallet when the tree needs to come down.  Other happenings: Check out the new mural at Bridlemile Elementary School! We are involved with Project Color Corps, which has a mission to bring student inspired murals to life at their schools.  Next up: De La Salle North! If you are interested in finding out about ways to get involved, please reach out to Audra @ audra@portlandishome.com   

 Andrew and Audra Galler: Super Couple? Possibly. After listening to this episode you will know how Andrew and Audra do it all: work together and live together…successfully! Plus great lots of sound advice from really awesome people!How would you and your spouse answer these 7 questions; play along at home!When and where was your first kiss?  What was the last date you went on?The moment you knew they were the one!  If your spouse needed a lift at 3 AM, who would they call?  The best gift they ever gave you?  What do you do that really makes you laugh?  If your spouse had a superpower, what would it be?  Good Luck! And wait until you hear THEIR answers! Here are quick stats for Portland Metro Area:561 Homes for sale as of April 30, 2021  +28.4% from March 2021-47.1% from April 20201,043 Homes under contract (pending) as of April 30, 2021+3.9% from March 2021+82% from April 2020852 Homes sold during April 2021+17.8% from March 2021+43.9% from April 2020$648,000 Average Sales Price for Sold Homes in April 2021+0.2% from March 2021+17.8% from April 202016 Average Days on Market-27.3% from March 2021-27.3% from April 20200.5 Months of Inventory as of April 30, 2021 (based on pending properties)+23.7% from March 2021-70.3% from April 2020Have you ever thought you'd like to have your own Podcast Show? Are you looking for a new way to engage with your clients, customers, or patients? I help you with the entire process, from the spark of an idea to your own podcast show. Don't hesitate to reach out, no fees and no strings attached! michelle@modcastproductions.com 

Now that you have your home and even if it's not your first, it's a good idea to make sure you're taking care of it! Andrew and Audra discuss things that need attention that you may have not known existed; some obvious and some not so much. Avoid catastrophes, procrastination and losing value on the biggest investment of your life. It's May! Wow, does it feel like this year flying by or is it just me? It's also exciting because we are vaccinated!! Still not sure what this means with travel/others/kids, but we are one step closer to being healthy and safe.  We are also fully immersed in remodels. Reach out if you are looking for a refresh for a bathroom/kitchen or basement! We have great new tiles, flooring and paint colors to show you.  We also have some fabulous listings coming up so if you or someone you know is thinking about some new digs....don't hesitate! Andrew is on the ready to talk (503) 975-1829.May is one of my favorite but toughest months. I start planning the garden out, each kid gets a section to plant, and this year we have added a very large new planting area and we are all thrilled. But, it's also allergy season for us. Other years, not a big deal, but this year every sneeze causes panic! Is it Covid-19...or allergies? Yikes! If anyone has any good recommendations for combating allergies, we would love to hear your thoughts.Have a great month and we look forward to hearing from you for any questions, thoughts or recommendations!  -Audra Have you ever thought you'd like to have your own Podcast Show? Are you looking for a new way to engage with your clients, customers, or patients? I help you with the entire process, from the spark of an idea to your own podcast show. Don't hesitate to reach out, no fees and no strings attached! michelle@modcastproductions.com 

How important is the appraisal?  What should you know, care about, and what should you ignore. Find out on today's episode all the ways Audra and Andrew are here for your understanding of the whole home buying and selling process.   Spring brings hope eternal, and this has become a mantra in our household because warmer weather is here, and folks are finally getting vaccinated! We are happy to witness an actual collective movement of facilities opening and our communities getting in line. We sure do hope this continues and we can start heading towards some sort of normalcy. That said, I have come to really appreciate and enjoy my mask; I may never go without!Spring also brings an uptick in remodels! And we are seeing an increase in folks wanting a new bath, basement, etc. Sometimes a nice refresh gets us through the day...plus, am I the only one that can spend hours in a tile store?!  For those of you who are thinking about selling (or know someone who is), our listing program is top notch! From the moment you bring us in, we do all the heavy lifting so you can go do your thing and not worry about this. Please do send anyone our way who wants to sell quickly and easily.So, yes. Spring is here!  And we couldn't be more thrilled.  -Audra Well, the market continues to be truly bananas. Here are quick stats for Portland Metro Area:437 Homes for sale as of March 31, 2021  -11.2% from February 2021-53.4% from March 20201048 Homes under contract (pending) as of March 31, 2021+70.1% from February 2021+64.3% from March 2020709 Homes sold during March 2021+18% from February 2021+9.9% from March 2020$647,000 Average Sales Price for Sold Homes in March 2021+2.4% from February 2021+19.4% from March 202022 Average Days on Market-18.2% from February 2021-33.3% from March 20200.4 Months of Inventory as of March 31, 2021 (based on pending properties)+56.5% from February 2021-74.8% from March 2020 Please contact The Portland is Home Team anytime for a more detailed report. Also please let us know if you would like to take advantage of our HomeBot program. It is an AVM (like Zillow's Zestimate program) on steroids. Our program will send you monthly reports for your home value. It is still not as accurate as our customer market analysis, but it is more powerful than other consumer programs.Have you ever thought you'd like to have your own Podcast Show? Are you looking for a new way to engage with your clients, customers, or patients? I help you with the entire process, from the spark of an idea to your own podcast show. Don't hesitate to reach out, no fees and no strings attached! michelle@modcastproductions.com     

In the market for a new house? Good luck with that! We'll talk numbers and the somewhat grim availability. And why might a seemingly perfect house in a great SW neighborhood be on the market for 178 days?  Well let's just say, it's not good.Own a home and want to HomeBot?The Portland is Home Team is offering you access to their HomeBot analytics program which will send you a personalized report on your home every month. They are offering their clients this report with no ads or prepaid anything! They bought this service for those of you who like to watch market trends. Get more info at Realty Works Group  and Portland is Home.And if you have any questions we didn't answer or ideas for a future podcast, shoot us a line at audra@portlandishome.com. March Newsletter from Audra and the Team,According to meteorological folks, today is the first day of spring, while on the lunar calendar it would be March 20th. But either way you slice it, spring is here! Bulbs are poking through the ground; buds are on the trees and the days are longer and brighter. Welcome springtime!It's been a year since our official first case of Covid-19 hit Portland. Our world has changed and been so greatly impacted. We keep moving along, because we all know the world doesn't stop spinning, no matter what is going on. And we take each new day as a new beginning, hopeful that we will hear better news and we collectively will be more mindful of our place here and how we can make each other better and safer.  We are also in full swing on our remodels, additions and builds. We also just started some small landscape projects! And real estate is still bonkers. But we are still winning homes for our clients and our listings are still looking hot!  We love working hard to enhance your homes, so reach out if you have a project you have been wanting to do. Our initial walk-through is complementary to our clients!  And also reach out if you are interested in selling or buying...we will always get you more money than your competition because you get our design services for free!!  That's all for now. Enjoy your spring! And if you do the social media follow along @PortlandIsHome!  Or @RealtyWorksGroup on Facebook or Instagram!  We love to see you all online and please comment!Has being at home exposed everything about your home that you would like to change? Do you have dreams of spiffing up your home for sale? Perhaps you just want a brand new kitchen and to finish your basement? Give our preferred partners Purdy's Pacific a call - they can make your dream a reality!  503.610.3190, or email at info@purdyspacific.com. Ever thought you'd like to have your own Podcast Show? Are you looking for a new way to engage with your clients, customers, or patients? I help you with the entire process, from the spark of an idea to your own podcast show. Don't hesitate to reach out, no fees and no strings attached! michelle@modcastproductions.com  

You have done your job well and the kids have moved on and they're (probably) not moving back. It may be time to reevaluate the journey!   The Team talks about how to downsize yet still have room for family, visitors, and easy living. Bittersweet yet exciting! Plus, we examine the good, the bad and the reality of reverse mortgages. There are plenty of options for every type of budget and situation.   Ever thought you'd like to have your own Show? Are you looking for a new way to engage with your clients, customers, or patients? I help you with the entire process, from the spark of an idea to your own podcast show. Don't hesitate to reach out, no fees and no strings attached! michelle@modcastproductions.com

The Team knows it is not easy to buy or sell a home. Though they know with some patience and professional help you will make it happen. Inspections are a daunting but necessary part of the real estate process. We talk about the basics and some of the details that you really need to know. Foundations, sewers, electric wiring, oil tanks, radon and so much more are discussed. Listen  before you start looking!  Realty Works GroupPortland is HomeHere we are already, in the second month of the year. Like the fall, February for me brings feelings of nostalgia. This is the month we get to celebrate our love for each other, the month we get to really start feeling like spring is right around the corner, and the month where we get to celebrate the true middle of winter in all its glory. That last hopeful month before spring really sets in. The last moment to savor the brisk air and the quiet before the rush to plant and get the yard ready. It doesn't feel like winter anymore, but it's definitely not Spring yet.We rarely get snow here in Portland, so we need to drive to the mountain to play. And this year folks are going for it! Every weekend we drive past swaths of snowmen and -women, sledders, and snowshoers playing on the mountain on our way to ski. We have never seen the volume like this in years past and we chalk it up to the fact that we have nowhere else to go...which is a shame, because Oregon has so much to offer.  But February is also a great time to try out those winter recipes you haven't gotten to yet. In my family, Hungarian Stuffed Peppers was a staple and a recipe I cherish. February is a great time to highlight dishes like this. Hearty, warm and delicious. I'll be making that for sure and getting my kids more acquainted with this one!We have also kicked off our design and build business and thanks to all of you stepping forward, we are busy! We are also honored and thrilled and beyond excited to help make your house a home.  Working hard to help enhance your home is something we love to do, and our preferred team of superstars makes it just that much better.  We hope you enjoy February as much we all do, and we look forward to seeing your family recipes posted online! Tag us if you want to share any...we would be thrilled!-Audra Galler   Are you preparing to list your house and need everything cleared out? Maybe you just moved in and you have a million empty boxes you need recycled/donated. Or perhaps you're in the midst of a small remodel, not enough for a dumpster, but you have some 80s siding or broken cabinets to get rid of...SheHauls can help! With nearly 10 years in the real estate industry, Lauren noticed a need for quick reliable trash removal. Her ear is up for every job, and in addition to dump hauling, they also offer other hauling and cleanup services, so not everything will go in the trash if it still has life in it. We have used her for a large estate cleanout in the past month and we were thrilled with the efficiency of the operation. Text her a picture of your trash pile today!  Ever thought you'd like to have your own Show? Are you looking for a new way to engage with your clients, customers, or patients? I help you with the entire process, from the spark of an idea to your own podcast show. Don't hesitate to reach out, no fees and no strings attached! michelle@modcastproductions.com 

You dream it, they design it. Audra and her team of curated professionals work with both your budget and your aesthetic. Hear about the process, some of the amazing business partnerships and unique Pacific Northwest motifs.  And they have plenty of great advice to help you enjoy the whole process.Plus,What should you remodel to get your home ready for sale?What area gives you the best bang for your buck to remodel?Or, what gives you the least return? Hint: don't bother replacing things that still work.From a new kitchen or bath to a new look for your living room they would love to help. They are Working Hard to Enhance Your Home! Realty Works GroupPortland is HomeMiller Paint Ever thought you'd like to have your own Show? Are you looking for a new way to engage with your clients, customers, or patients? I help you with the entire process, from the spark of an idea to your own podcast show. Don't hesitate to reach out, no fees and no strings attached! michelle@modcastproductions.com

With a tumultuous January on our minds Audra and Andrew are here for a short but much-needed reprieve and discuss the current market, inventory, and interest rates.  What does it mean for all of us now and this quarter? Well, we'll get some more of Andrew's predictions which are always interesting and often prophetically correct!  And if you have any questions they did not answer or ideas for a future podcast episode,  email audra@portlandishome.com.  Check out LISTINGS  Realty Works Group Quick Stats for Portland Metro Area:475 Homes for sale as of December 31, 2020  -28.6% from November 30, 2020-43.2% from December 31, 2019577 Homes under contract (pending) as of November 30, 2020  -18.2% from November, 2020+36.1% from December, 2019730 Homes sold during December, 2020-15.4% from November, 2020+7% from December, 2019$583,000 Average Sales Price for Sold Homes in December, 2020+1.4% from November, 2020+13.6% from December, 201921 Average Days on Market0% from November, 2020-44.7% from December, 20190.8 Months of Inventory as of December 31, 2020 (based on pending properties)-20.5% from November 30, 2020-60.9% from December, 2019503.975.1829 / andrew@portlandishome.comThey are repeating their curated list of partners for January...because now that the holidays are over, you may feel like tackling your list of projects!Does your HVAC need a tune-up or repair?Call Ted at Willamette Heating at 503.803.7074Need some gutter cleaning, roof maintenance or general landscaping?Call/text Humberto at the Landscape Group, 360.771.4494Do you need some trash or junk hauled after cleaning out your garage?Call/text SheHaulsPDX at 503.862.9186Have you been wanting to do some interior painting for the holidays?Call/text Remy at RGF Painting, 503.281.7454  

Andrew and Audra Galler make a great team because they each bring their own extraordinary skill set to the real estate process. Andrew has the years of experience needed to win when it comes to the often dramatic competitive buying arena, and he will share some of his secrets. Audra discusses the 4 Cs of being battle ready to get the home, terms and conditions you want.   A Holiday Message from Audra-As we move into the season of lights, I pause. Whatever holiday you celebrate this time of year, there is something magical in the air. From Kwanzaa to Christmas, from Hanukkah to Boxing Day, the season is bright with love, joy and reflection. The lights in the yards, the twinkle in the night sky, the colorful joy and magic in the air. The cool weather, the anticipation of (maybe) snow always makes me feel happy. In Portland, rain is usually part of our winter experience, although lately it's more crisp, bright and dry.  Further up on the mountain, snow season is also upon us! Skiing, sledding, tubing, snow shoeing...the list goes on and one, and every winter we also take a horse pulled sleigh ride up on the mountain with the kids. We get hot cocoa and wave at folks as we pass, then settle cozy with our blankets in as we go thru the back streets. It is one of our favorite holiday traditions.At the end of the year we traditionally look back to recap, remember and hold dear the year coming to a close. We sing Auld Lang Syne...mouthing the words, with our arms around each other, toasting the new year. This year was definitely different! A virus took control and stopped us in our tracks and we frantically tried to figure out how to move forward. We stayed home, stocked up on toilet paper and figured out how to home school our kids. Even if we personally didn't experience the loss, it's still difficult to hear about lost lives. We will not be singing this year with our arms around friends...but we still sing with our immediate family, and virtually with family whether across town or across the country. Because we will win against this virus. And it's okay to skip a year....we will make up for it next time, and appreciate our togetherness, our friendships and our community that much more.  Being home with our kids actually turned out to be a nice re-set. Running from one sport to another at break speed slowed to non-existent. It made us be together more...be cognizant of each other...learn to live together with no outside distractions. This season is full of lights, love and memories. We hope you all are able to reset and start anew.  Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year from me and my whole team at RWG. And thanks for reading. 

The Team breaks down the  real numbers and talks about the best way to spend your money. Andrew debunks one of the most prevalent misnomers in the real estate business. And Audra will tell you her secret to a great Turkey Dinner!  (secret: skip the turkey!)  The Team wants to shout out and give special thanks to Helvetia Farm Market and Marion Acres and Laurelhurst Market this Thanksgiving!Audra writes:Giving thanks...this is something I have been striving to do not just this month, but every month this year. When we remember and remind ourselves to be better, be kind, and be thankful every day, we move forward. This month is ripe with turning points, with expectations and possibilities. And we continue to move forward, with thanks.  Because we have to keep moving forward.November is a gorgeous time of year. The colors are robust, the air is crisp and the month ends with a feast. Not being with family is an unfortunate sidebar, and one that the kids are bummed about; however, we trust the experts and know that this is just the way it is for now. Family and home come from what we make it, not the location. So Zoom dinners across distances is what we do right now and we will find the silver linings in every holiday.  We give thanks for each other, all of our clients, our family, our friends and the incredible team we are honored to have at RWG. Also, to our furry/scaly/fluffy families.  We give thanks for community: for standing up for each other; for helping those that need a hand; and for those that need kindness.  We give thanks for our first responders, and those helping to guide us and solve some big issues. We hope you all enjoy November and are able to get outside and enjoy our gorgeous state. If you have a favorite place we'd love to hear from you! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook (Portland is Home Facebook and Instagram and Realty Works Group Facebook and Instagram) and comment! We always love to hear from all of you!  We are also expanding our design services! From a new kitchen or bath to a new look for your living room we'd love to help. We will be talking more about this in the next few months, and some gorgeous lines we are carrying...so reach out if you're interested!  Like grains of sand through the hourglass, these are the days of our lives. Of late the world does seem somewhat like a soap opera. Somebody please tell me I'm wrong. On one hand we wait results of this endless election season. On the other hand, I struggle to choose the correct flannel among a sea of flannel my closet offers me. Which flannel goes well with stew, crisp fall air and day light savings time ending? Often, I allow Fortuna to spin her wheel, close my eyes and see which cozy soft plaid button down top my hand finds. Having concluded that tangent and with no further ado here is our market report. Again, we find our pandemic-y trends continuing relatively unabated.Short story: Fall buyer activity has followed trends we typically see this time of year. In October we usually see buyer activity increase. This year is no different in that regard. Where we find a departure from years' past is with inventory. Just like in spring and summer 2020, we are not seeing sellers coming out as we would expect this time of year. I blame the Covid. In summary…once again demand is high and supply is low. One metric that raises an eyebrow is average sales price. October 2020 versus 2019 we see average sales price up 15.2% - astounding. For our seller, the world is your oyster. For our buyers we fight the fight and work hard to make our offers competitive. Price is not always the deciding factor. Terms and conditions often get offers accepted.Please contact us anytime for a more detailed report. Also please let us know if you would like to take advantage of our HomeBot program. It is an AVM (like Zillow's Zestimate program) on steroids. Our program will send you monthly reports for your home value. It is still not as accurate as our customer market analysis but it is more powerful than other consumer programs.  Stay well and be healthy.503.975.1829 / andrew@portlandishome.com    

They dive into more extraordinary places to experience in Portland and the day trips to surrounding areas: A horse trail in city limits? Yes.Get acquainted with The Fruit Loop and lavender fields. Drink and learn in Wine Country! Caves, waterfalls, tunnels, hiking trails and more hiking trails.Kid friendly and romantic getaways are discussed! Bed and Breakfasts, Inns and Camps alike all await you a mere hour or so from the city! 

In part one, Audra and Andrew discuss some of Oregon's monumental beauty, bounty and adventures to be had -- some of the discussion will be familiar and some are the well-kept secrets of this extraordinary 33rd state. Rivers, Lakes, Bays.  The Coast.  Pro tip on cooking crabs. It's so easy! Lighthouses, farms, Dunes, a shipwreck. What's SUP! High desert? Yes. There is such a thing as the Alps of Oregon? Yes.Sit back and relax and let The Team fill you in on Oregon!   

Just when you think the process could not get any worse, it does. The Team talks horror stories and lessons learned in the ever changing world of Real Estate. - With extra  Covid 19 discussion.  Find out what Audra compares home buying to!  And she has solid practical tips to stay away from the dark side! (Can sellers really do that?)Andrew spills some of the industry secrets in the art of negotiations, gives us his take on Portland Oregon in the News, and his not-as dark-as-you-think predictions for the coming Fall/Winter seasons.  

It is much more complicated than you would think: you can't “just Google it.” The Team has the decades of experience and commitment to get your home sold at the right price. Learn what they have that the Zestimate doesn't and the number 1 thing surveys determine that makes your house look less expensive and YOU can fix it! 

 Prepping = More AppealingAudra has the magic touch when it comes to making your house look its best, she will make your daunting task your desirable bidding-war-worthy listing. Audra and Andrew talk about how to take the stress out of selling your house. They discuss all the ways they take EVERYTHING out of your hands. Plus, tips and free advice on the most daunting task there is!  "Professional, responsive, trustworthy and knowledgeable. What more could you ask for from someone to handle one of the most fraught and important transactions you are ever going to experience? Andrew, in partnership with Audra and Meg, exemplify the best qualities and skills it takes to function in their field at the highest level. No email unanswered, no question left unsettled and everything transacted with a very light and thorough touch. And when negotiation time came, Andrew was totally on it!! This was not our first real estate venture, so I can honestly say that this was by far the best experience we've ever had and we are now happily in our dream home (in record time) unpacking a mountain of boxes and muttering the Marie Kondo mantra....does this object spark joy?" -zuser20171030165022842

So yeah, we're gonna go there: we love Portland but here's why YOU may not. Andrew and Audra know their way around and then some. They will give you a glimpse of the less-than-perfect side of Portland. You're not going to want come to Portland if… 

Living here is fabulous but there is plenty to know about the Quadrants, Neighborhoods, and the FLOW of the city! Audra and Andrew assist you in HOW to live WHERE. How to engineer your life based on lifestyle and the traffic! Portland keeps it weird and wonderful by defying mathematics and breaking up the city into six (6)quads! And North is sort of North. They'll dish some real delights about the ways to get around the ICKY-ness of the traffic! Plus, plenty of discussion of the GREEN SPACES Parks and forests, volcanos, and international gardens. BTW: At 5,200 acres, Portland's Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the United States. With more than 80 miles of trails, fire lanes and forest roads, Forest Park stretches for more than seven miles along the eastern slope of the Tualatin Mountains, overlooking Northwest Portland and the convergence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Forest Park offers an unparalleled opportunity for visitors to experience a true Northwest forest without leaving the Portland city limits. #navigateportland #mttabor #dormantvolcano #forestpark #willametteriver #cityvolcano #portlandaudubon #columbiariver #portlandeastside #portlandwestside #maxline #streetcar #greenspace

Whether you already live here or you're on  your way, home buying can be a daunting task. That's why the Portland Is Home Team,  Andrew and Audra Galler, created this first episode. They explain it all for you, Soup to Nuts. The whole “scary” and overwhelming home-buying process broken down and explained by these seasoned specialists.  Check out listings and pertinent Portland info at Realty Works Group  

We are Portland Is Home, and this is our Podcast. We are a boutique, concierge-inspired real estate team that aims to deliver the highest level of personalized service. These various episodes are just the first step towards a long-term relationship in which we want to help you with everything related to house and home. We are Audra and Andrew Galler: your one stop shop!  We are working hard to welcome you home. We love Portland and love to help you! Check out listings and pertinent Portland info at Realty Works Group Thanks for listening.