Fireplace, Trails, Ponds, Manufactured Home in Boring, Just Listed

Looking for an escape from the City? 3 Bedroom, 2 bath, more than 1500 sq ft, wood fireplace, lots of storage, unique setting. Home recently sited at this location. Newer shop, 120-240. E-Z to See, $43900: Cash or loan (sellers unable to carry a contract) 32700 SE Leewood Ln, Boring, Space 76B. MLS - 11427950 Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady, 503-667-6298 blog address: www.TheGatewayToTheGorge.com

Last Quarter 2010 Area Market Report

For the curious: local market stats for the final quarter of 2010. Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady, 503-667-6298 blog address: www.TheGatewayToTheGorge.com

Mortgage Payment Assistance

Mortgage Payment Assistance, is now available. Mortgage Payment Assistance will help 5,000 unemployed or financially distressed homeowners in Oregon pay their mortgage for up to one year. Homeowners who are struggling to pay their mortgages due to unemployment or a significant loss in income may be eligible for the program, which will provide up to $20,000 in mortgage payment support, for as long as a year. For more information, or to see if you qualify, visit the payment assistance site: www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org

Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady, 503-667-6298 blog address: www.TheGatewayToTheGorge.com

Elections Are Over - 3 cheers

I am so glad elections are over, and we can watch TV or open our mail without the feeling of wanting to strangle someone, either about lying to us or lying about someone else. Good thing I'm not in the business of political commentary, lots of people would probably want to strangle me.

Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady, 503-667-6298 blog address: www.TheGatewayToTheGorge.com

Oregon missed this list.

According to RealtyTrac, the 10 states with the highest foreclosure rates during June were:

1. Nevada (one filing per 88 homes)
2. Florida (one per 171 homes)
3. Arizona (one per 189 homes)
4. California (one per 194 homes)
5. Utah (one per 263 homes)
6. Michigan (one per 265 homes)
7. Idaho (one per 285 homes)
8. Georgia (one per 334 homes)
9. Illinois (one per 358 homes)
10. Maryland (one per 370 homes)



Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady, 503-667-6298 blog address: www.TheGatewayToTheGorge.com

Local Real Estate Market Report for May

HOME SALE REPORT Areas: Corbett, Fairview, Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village
Report Summary for May, 2010

Total Properties Listed: 165
Total Active Units: 760
Total Sold: 83
Minimum Sold Price: $42,415
Average Sold Price: $212.870
Median Sold Price: $212,000
Months of Inventory: 9.2
Maximum Sold Price: $680,000
Days on Market: Average 76 Median 52
CDOM: Average 112, Median 61

Note: Unlisted Solds are not included in this report.
Information deemed to be correct but should Always be verified.

Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady, 503-667-6298 blog address: www.TheGatewayToTheGorge.com

Selecting Troutdale's Mayor: the saga continues

Tuesday night's Troutdale City Council was a testament to the importance of public testimony.  The council unanimously agreed that the charter ambiguities pertaining to the roles of Mayor and City Manager be cleaned up, therefore "Amendment A" will go for vote this fall.  But the matter of how our Mayor is selected:  by public vote or council selection? at this writing no amendment regarding Mayor selection will be sent to the voters.  Councilor Doug Daoust has asked that the third amendment (Amendment C) the selection of a Mayor by the council  (not recommended by the subcommittee to council for consideration) be vetted at the next City Council meeting on July 13.  So, stay tuned.  And if you have strong opinions about how Troutdale selects it's Mayor, we will see you the evening of July 13. 

Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady, 503-667-6298 blog address: www.TheGatewayToTheGorge.com

Troutdale's Mayor: Elected by Public Vote vs Council Vote

This has been a hot topic for several weeks.  Troutdale's City Council will hear public comment tonight at their regularly scheduled council meeting.  A Committee of 3 council members held 2 meetings this past month (public was invited) to vet this topic, along with some language clean up recommendations for the Charter.  For years, current Charter language has created a power struggle between the Mayor/Council/City Administration.  Last spring we lost another city administrator because of that power struggle. Committee recommendations on the Charter Amendments go to the council for consideration this evening.  The public will be heard.

I have 6 months left on City Council.  As a Troutdale City Councilor (and before that a Budget Committee member and Planning Commission member) I've witnessed countless times when the public brought information into our decision making process that changed the entire direction of council thought.  I've helped countless Troutdale residents find solutions to their challenges by helping them thru the process of approaching the council and city (that process can be intimidating).  I made sure that the public was able to contact the council via email by initiating an email policy.  I value public input, all councilors should.  When I am the public (and not acting as councilor) I want to be heard.  It is important to our process, transparency creates trust in local government.    I will continue to support the public vote for selecting our Mayor.  Such a process cuts down the possibilities of "good old boy back room decisions" and "cronyism" or manipulation by a puppet master.  And then, as councilors with a new Mayor, it is up to us to work as a team.  If the Mayor does not have Troutdale's best interest at heart, there is always "recall".

The council has 3 - 4 year term seats up for election.  If someone you know might be interested in serving the public as a city councilor (please place value on public input) have them contact the city soon at 503-665-5175.
 
Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady, 503-667-6298 blog address: www.TheGatewayToTheGorge.com

Women needed on Troutdale City Council

The end of my term nears.  Wow, has it really been 8 years on the City Council and Budget Committee and Planning Commission before that!  I started volunteering in 1997 with activities at the Troutdale chamber of commerce. The creation of our new Downtown Troutdale was just a vision.  I attended the original meetings for the arch, always supported the project through to it's dedication in May of this year.  You can see some pictures elsewhere on this blog.  I've volunteered for many downtown events bringing attention to our area, met lots of Troudalians, answered many of your "calls to action."  Many proud moments, some not so proud, and who knows what the next 6 months of my service to you will bring.  Call me if you need my help before the end of my term in December, 2010.

I campaigned for the House of Representatives, and proudly did not use council tv time for campaign purposes.  My most important job at the moment:  REPRESENTING YOU.

Women on a council is good for balance on issues.  Ladies, there are 3 positions available#1, #3, #5 (Mine is #5) on Troutdale City Council.  Time is running out.  Ladies, your voice is needed.  Call the City of Troutdale 503-665-5175 for details (ask for Debbie Stickney).

Barbara Kyle, Troutdale City Council Position #5.

Blog site: arealestatelady.troutdale-oregon.biz Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady in Troutdale, Or.

Decoration Day trivia

I remember when “Memorial Day” was called Decoration Day. In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill moving 3 holidays (Washington’s Birthday, Veterans Day and Memorial Day) from traditional dates to a specified Monday creating a convenient 3-day holiday weekend. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971. Changing the date to create 3-day weekends has undermined the meaning of these days and contributes to the public’s “ho-hum” observance of Memorial Day. (My opinion, of course)
My main squeeze and I observed the day with the fam.

Blog site: arealestatelady.troutdale-oregon.biz Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady in Troutdale, Or.

Farewell Councilor David Hartmann

At last night's Troutdale City Council meeting, Councilor David Hartmann tendered his resignation.  Councilor Hartmann was appointed to serve a vacant position in early 2009, and since that time his life has become overwhelmingly busy with a new job and then a promotion.  Juggling family, scouts and work he wanted to make sure he took care of his priority - family time.  David is the youngest member of the city council, passionate and dedicated to his city council service.  Of course he will remain involved in other areas of service in Troutdale but our Council will miss him.  We all wish him the greatest of successes and thank him for his service.

Blog site: arealestatelady.troutdale-oregon.biz Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady in Troutdale, Or.

A case of mistaken identity

Can you imagine my surprise at receiving 2 emails at my city council address.  One of those stated"  I’ve been reading the papers and listening to the local radio stations hearing that you may have an issue with someone in your council chambers carrying a firearm (from what I’ve heard, legally)."

I was blindsided!  And then I learned after watching a tv interview on our local Thursday evening news with members of the Fairview City council that I had been the victim of mistaken identity.  I was the wrong "Barbara", wrong city.  Oh the joys of being an elected volunteer.

My personal lesson:  when I receive a call to action I will carefully review the material, verify it, before I jump on board.  I wonder how many times other volunteers in government (or otherwise) have been caught off guard with misdirected "Calls to Action".  Be sure to catch your breath and do your homework - before you accept that "Call to Action". 

Blog site: arealestatelady.troutdale-oregon.biz Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady in Troutdale, Or.

A Real Estate Lady Cooks: House Warming Crock Pot Taco Casserole

Ingredients:  1/2 c. chopped onion, 1/4 c. green pepper chopped, 1 t. minced garlic, 2-3 c. nacho chips (gently crushed), 1 c. frozen corn, 30 oz canned chili, 15 oz canned tomato pieces, 1 t. chili powder, at least 1 c. grated cheese.  (Optional:  1 lb browned ground beef or chicken mixed with the minced garlic, chopped onion and chili powder can be layered in.)

oil your crock pot (at least 3 qt) and then layer ingredients as follows:

1/2 of chili, 1/2 of nacho chips, 1/2 c. corn, 1/2 of tomato pieces, 1/2 t. chili powder, 1/2 t. minced garlic, THEN repeat the next layer (same as the first.)
 
Cook in your crock pot on low at least 4 hrs, top with grated cheese about 10 minutes before you serve.  Good topped with sour cream.  Serves 6-8, Serving suggestions: salad, chips and salsa (a "Tums" chaser)

Blog site: arealestatelady.troutdale-oregon.biz Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady in Troutdale, Or.

Call me and let's find your new home.

With these rates, if you're sitting on the fence about when to buy a home: get off and call me.  Conventional 4.5% FHA 4.625%

Blog site: arealestatelady.troutdale-oregon.biz Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady in Troutdale, Or. 503-667-6298

My perfect birthday

I celebrated by birthday by helping my daughter Jennifer move into a home in Troutdale, AND THEN Kelly, Sophie and I headed to Newport.  For 11 years that area was home to my kids and I, more specifically Blackberry Inn B&B in Seal Rock.  For me, any day is a good day to visit the coast, but I love to go there on my birthday.  May is beautiful, and still not overly crowded with tourists.  Sophie (our mini Schnauzer pup) and I enjoyed a sunrise walk on the beach, and then relaxed and took in the vista from the Vietnam War Memorial wall.  In the evening the three of us walked on the beach, and then Kelly and I enjoyed our favorite place to eat in Newport.  It's our hidden beach treasure.  When you get to Newport and want to know where to eat, stop by and tell them the Kyle's sent you.  I've included a link.

Blog site: arealestatelady.troutdale-oregon.biz Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady in Troutdale, Or.

Just for fun

Recently my friend Bob of Troutdale sent me a link to "Leaflute's" music.  I noticed a new musical addition for Mother's Day,  so I'm sharing - sorry it's a few days late.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQLEUZyZxPU

Blog site: arealestatelady.troutdale-oregon.biz Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady in Troutdale, Or.

Moms, Daughters and Friends

We had an afternoon of fun, friends, food and fabulous fashions by Elegantly Funky!  Center for the Arts Plaza, May 8, 2010.  Pictures: a model "tea" guest, our elegant MC, and some of the group making new friends.  We enjoyed back ground music from the Columbia Symphony Orchestra.  Catch this event next year.  A great way to spend time with your mom, daughter or special friend.

Blog site: arealestatelady.troutdale-oregon.biz Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady in Troutdale, Or.

Troutdale's Arch Dedication

Years as a dream, years in the making.  May 7, 2010, the dedication.  Earlier on this blog I shared pictures of the arch being installed.  I'm proud to have been a part of getting Troutdale's monument to reality.  I'm including a pix of me at the 2007 balloon arch, me at the "real deal" , a trout, and the monument's acknowledgment plate which will cover the time capsule.  Come to downtown Troutdale and enjoy this monument. 

Blog site: arealestatelady.troutdale-oregon.biz Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady in Troutdale, Or.

Mother/Daughter Tea and Fashion Show for a Cure - May 8

There are just a few tickets left.

Mother Daughter Tea & Fashion Show...for A Cure

Saturday May 8 - 2pm to 4pm
Center for the Arts Plaza
401 NE 2nd street in Gresham

Join us for an afternoon of elegance! Fine food and fabulous fashions by
Elegantly Funky!  Bring your daughter or just a close friend & support Fight with Elegance

Tickets $15 per person or $25 for two, pre-sale tickets are available at Elegantly Funky, 101 N. Main Avenue or by calling Center for the Arts Foundation 503.665.7800 • http://www.greshamartsplaza.org/
 
Blog site: arealestatelady.troutdale-oregon.biz
Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady in Troutdale, Or.

Radon in Granite Counter Tops ????

I recently had a discussion with home owners upgrading their counter tops.  They were curious about the radon rumors, so I forwarded this information to them.  Perhaps you've been wondering about the safety of granite and any radon gas it might create in your home.

Blog site: arealestatelady.troutdale-oregon.biz Barbara Kyle, A Real Estate Lady in Troutdale, Or.