August 7, 2017
Among America’s 75 biggest water providers, only one has recently exceeded federal standards for elevated lead levels in the drinking water of high-risk homes. Portland. And when Portland isn’t surpassing that benchmark, it hovers just below – with current testing showing the greatest lead levels among all large cities. The Rose City’s poor position nationally is coming … read more
April 6, 2017
The issue of Earthquake preparedness has come to the forefront of Pacific Northwestern consciousness after an article appeared in the New Yorker with some pretty dire descriptions of what we might experience. You can read the article by clicking HERE. So what to do about it? Below are some resources for retrofitting your home, how … read more
February 6, 2017
On January 1st, 2018, a new rule will go into effect requiring sellers of homes within the Portland city limits to: Obtain a home energy performance report, including a home energy score, from a licensed home energy assessor. Provide a copy of the home energy performance report to all licensed real estate agents working on the … read more
January 16, 2017
In recent years, the average tax refund has totaled about $2,700. If you’re fortunate enough to get back that much from the IRS, then consider investing your tax refund in your home. Why invest a tax refund in your home instead of, say, a tropical getaway? Because your home is probably your biggest asset, so … read more
June 22, 2016
The most recent population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show the State of Oregon and the Portland metro area in particular growing fast. Portland has now passed Oklahoma City and Baltimore in population to become the 26th largest city in the country. With the Rose City’s population growing at the rate of 1.92% a … read more
May 16, 2016
Oregon First was a Top Twenty Team in fundraising for the Doggie Dash this year! The event was held on Saturday, May 14th at Waterfront Park. This is the main fundraiser for the Oregon Humane Society. Oregon First staff and agents participate every year. Since the majority of the participants are dogs, the Doggie Dash is … read more
February 4, 2016
The following post is by Nick Christensen, a member of the Metro staff. Rents are soaring. Longtime tenants are being forced to look for a new home. And house prices are approaching record levels. It’s a story long familiar to residents of the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City – and increasingly, it’s an issue in … read more
July 22, 2015
The following post is by Nick Christensen, a member of the Metro staff. In order to get multiple points of view, embedded in this post are videos with opinions by local leaders about the UGB. The 2015 review of the urban growth boundary is ramping up, and planners, developers and land conservation advocates are all angling … read more
May 28, 2015
Your credit scores usually determine the price you pay for your money (your mortgages, your auto loans and leases, your credit cards, business loans, etc.). Perhaps the most significant part of your credit report is your credit score. Credit scores range from 350 to 850, with 850 being the best possible credit score that you … read more
February 22, 2015
If you live in the Northwest, here are maintenance jobs you should complete in spring and summer to prevent costly repairs and keep your home in top condition. Certain home maintenance tasks should be completed each season to prevent structural damage, save energy, and keep all your home’s systems running properly. What maintenance tasks are … read more