Wouldn’t it be amazing if you decided to sell your house and simply went online, filled out a questionnaire about the amenities and condition, received an offer in 24 hours, and closed days later? Well, guess what? We are already there! With companies like Zillow, Redfin, Open Door, Knock and Keller Williams jumping into the “Instant Buyer” market, there are opportunities for you to participate in the Real Estate market in a completely different way.
Of course, like anything that is convenient, it comes at a price. The companies that are doing this are making money in a couple of ways. First - they fix up, prep and sell your home for more than they bought it for. In order to make up for the capital it will take to flip your home and the risk involved in holding the real estate during that time, their offer will represent a steep discount. Second - they sell the information that you as the consumer provide when applying for an “instant offer”, regardless of whether you take their offer or not.
Like so many industries, the information we deal in is as valuable as the assets we sell. This means that it is important that you consider who you share your data with. The Hasson Company (and our Team) has a policy of not sharing any personal data that is created or collected from our clients. This may seem obvious, but it is already setting us apart as the sale of data continues to dwarf the sale of products. So be careful where you log into and share your data. As the saying goes, “if the product is free then you are probably the product”.
Open Signal + RACC = Fresh Paint /
We are big fans of Open Signal, the organization committed to making media production accessible to everyone, built on the legacy of Portland Community Media. Open Signal is partnering with the Regional Arts and Culture Council, through their Public Art Murals program in a project they're calling Fresh Paint. They have engaged three artists to paint temporary murals on the most prominent exterior wall of Open SIgnal's building. The third and final mural is now up and can be seen through the end of March, just drive by Open Signal on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, between NE Knott and NE Graham Streets.
Lights Out for Birds /
It's that time of year again where we move our clocks forward one hour and remember to turn off our outdoor lights out at night in support of the migratory bird populations.
This image is North America at night as seen from space. Bright lights at night obscure birds' navigational aids and make it challenging for them to find their way out of developed areas and along their migratory paths.
Check Portland Audubon Society's suggestions for how residents can help protect birds and other wildlife from light pollution.
A New Map of Portland /
Have you ever wondered where neighborhood names come from? We are so fortunate that Adam Aleksic indulged his fascination with etymology and created a blog where he shares his love for language and history through writing and great infographics like this Hidden Etymologies map of our beloved Rose City.
Don't stop at the infographics on etymology, for extra credit, watch this quick video on the origin of the word mortgage.
Follow Adam on Instagram at @etymologynerd
Legislative Update /
Our representatives in Salem wasted no time proposing and passing legislation to address not only the housing crisis, but the existing long-term inequity between tenants and Investment property owners in our State.
Senate Bill 608 passed first, addressing two long standing tenant concerns: excessive rent increases and no-cause evictions. SB 608 caps annual rent increases to 7% per year plus the current Consumer Price Index (CPI), equaling approximately 10% in 2019 It also effectively eliminates no-cause evictions, with some exceptions. Subsidized housing and rentals that are less than 15 years old are exempt.
Way overdue, in my opinion, SB608 addresses some of the most egregious abuses and the instability created in the tenant community and rental marketplace. Check out the details of the bill here: Realtor Association synopsis. Important note; the jurisdiction of this bill is statewide. The City of Portland enacted additional tenant protections in 2018.
Next up for debate is House Bill 3349, proposing to limit the mortgage interest deduction for the wealthiest 5% along with vacation home owners. HB 3349 brings an end to the long-time housing subsidy benefitting the richest Oregonians and adds $150 million to our budget cycle to support children and families experiencing homelessness, and help people access affordable homeownership. Follow the progress on this bill here. Remember, most of these committees are open to public testimony. Oftentimes on issues like this, the legislators will stay until everyone is heard, so if you have an opinion or unique perspective on this, please consider testifying!
In the end, increasing the inventory and accessibility of affordable housing is the answer. It’s time to admit housing is essential infrastructure, similar to freeways, schools and national defense. The market will not solve this problem and I believe that standing by and watching the trauma and humiliation of people forced to live without clean and safe housing is a moral failing. We have the resources to solve the problem...we just need to deploy them where needed.
I’m excited to watch these historic debates take place and witness the positive momentum on these urgent issues!
“In the end, increasing the inventory and accessibility of affordable housing is the answer. It’s time to admit housing is essential infrastructure, similar to freeways, schools and national defense. ”
Exploring the Marshall Park Neighborhood /
The Marshall Park neighborhood is named for the 390-acre park (with the same name) that runs along the eastern boundary of the neighborhood. Composed largely of residential and preserved natural areas, Marshall Park is a wonderful neighborhood for those seeking quiet and who enjoy the outdoors.
Residents appreciate the proximity to Multnomah Village, OSHU, downtown Portland, Lake Oswego, and access to I-5. Many homes in the area back up to dense forest. The architecture includes mid-century, ranch-style, split levels, modern, and new construction.
amenities
The closest schools for Marshall Park residents are Capitol Hill Elementary, Jackson Middle School, and Wilson High School.
There are multiple grocery stores in the area and also a farmers’ market in nearby Hillsdale. While there is not a commercial center in Marshall Park, there are numerous options for shopping and leisure in nearby Hillsdale, Multnomah Village, and Lake Oswego.
Public transportation to OHSU and downtown Portland is relatively easy on Trimet’s #12 route.
points of Interest
The namesake park, Marshall Park, is named after Frederick and Addie Mae Marshall who restored the landscape, which used to be a quarry, and donated it to the city in 1948. Tyron Creek runs the length of the park. The park is basically a canyon filled with hiking trails, a waterfall, and a play area.
Two other impressive natural areas are within minutes of the Marshall Park neighborhood. Bordering the southwest corner of the neighborhood is Maricara Natural Area, approximately 18 acres of varied terrain including wetlands and second-growth forest, with over 4,000 feet of hiking trails. If you need even more terrain to explore, head to Tryon Creek State Natural Area and wander its expansive 650 acres. Tryon Creek was named for Dr. Socrates Hotchkiss Tryon, an Oregon settler of 1850, who settled a claim near Oswego on which the park land is located.
Tryon Creek State Natural Area offers a wealth of programming including bird watching walks, events for children, and guided nature walks. For residents (and non-residents) who connect with the natural area, there are numerous opportunities to participate in events at the park through Friends of Tryon Creek an organization offering day camps, volunteer opportunities, and a robust backyard habitat program.
