Everything. Portland. Real Estate. Blog.

Portland Real Estate Market Showing Signs of Improvement

Kristie — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:27:32 +0000

According to the S&P/Case-Shiller Housing Index released on Tuesday, Portland’s residential real estate market showed better numbers in May than in previous months in 2010. The market also out-performed May 2009, showing both year-over-year and month-to-month improvement. The Portland index grew 0.7 percent from May 2009 to May 2010, and 1.2 percent in May compared [...]

Questions for McDonald Group Graphic Designer Jami Smith

Kristie — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:43:54 +0000

We’re pleased to introduce Jami Smith, the graphic design star behind the McDonald Group Realtors. Jami brings years of experience as a creative designer with a great sense of color and creativity, as well as tons of energy and support to the team. I recently sat down with Jami to talk about her love of [...]

UPDATED St. John’s Neighborhood Profile at Your Road Map to Home

Kristie — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:27:43 +0000

Check out the newly updated neighborhood profile detailing the St. John’s District of the “fifth quadrant,” North Portland. Combining the best of urban accessibility and small town atmosphere, it’s a fantastic place to live. Check out some of the independent book and music stores in the city, catch some sun or a music festival at [...]

New Affordable & Green, Architect-Designed Housing in Portland

Kristie — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:22:30 +0000

You already know that Portland is a haven for sustainable living, but lot of people think that fully sustainable homes are only for the upper crust. Portland-based design group Minimalist+ is working to change that by bringing pre-fabricated and affordable stylish homes to the metro area. The houses are architect-designed, modern wonders that are assembled [...]

Portlander has Big Dreams for New and Very Green Interstate Bridge

Kristie — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:03:16 +0000

Retired Portland architect William Badrick has a big idea for a new bridge crossing the Columbia. Instead of adding yet another big-ticket item to the already overstuffed city budget, or just another traffic-jam for interstate commuters during rush hour, Badrick has envisioned an ambitious solution: turning an over-water route from Portland to Vancouver into a [...]

5 Questions for McDonald Group “Organizational Wiz” Pamela McConnell

Kristie — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:42:57 +0000

We’re pleased to introduce Pamela McConnell, the organizational genius behind the McDonald Group Realtors. Pamela brings years of experience as a human resources director and small business consultant in Portland, Oregon, as well as super-human organizational skills. I recently sat down with Pamela to talk about her love of Portland, her experience in the local [...]

The DJC captures a picture and a few words from our builder while on the run!

Kristie — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 20:15:42 +0000

Okay, he’s not on the run as you can see from the picture but I know how busy he was that day and this picture was taken while he slowed up just enough to not blurr the photo! Read the article from the Daily Journal of Commerce to catch some quotes from Tom Liesy of [...]

Portland, OR Foreclosures for Today. Several in here for Gresham and Lake Oswego!

Kristie — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:56:11 +0000

Today’s list is quite big for a Saturday. Remember that this list includes just listed AND price reduced! This list does not include short sales (short sales are not bank owned homes). There’s one in here for Sandy, remember that Sandy qualifies for USDA zero down financing! CLICK HERE to see Today’s Bank Owned Homes [...]

UPDATED Mississippi Neighborhood Profile at Your Road Map to Home

Kristie — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:42:47 +0000

Check out the newly updated neighborhood profile detailing the Mississippi District of the “fifth quadrant,” North Portland. Combining the best of urban accessibility and small town atmosphere, it’s a fantastic place to live. Check out some of the best food carts in the city, catch your favorite band at Mississippi Studios, or ride your bike [...]

5 Things to Do in Portland THIS WEEKEND!

Kristie — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:15:20 +0000

This weekend is bound to be an exciting one, what with all the city-wide events that are really going to showcase the best of Portland. Be sure to check out these celebrations, whether you’re a visitor thinking of moving to Portland or a long time resident, this weekend is going to be all about beer, [...]

Portland Foreclosures / Bank Owned Listings for today. Great find in Sandy, Or!

Kristie — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:44:47 +0000

CLICK HERE for today’s REO properties (real estate for sale) …… in today’s list there is a great listing on the Sandy River, bank owned, over 3500 sq. ft. and interesting 19550 SE Summertime Drive, Sandy, OR. Priced at $549,000. Call me if you want to tour…. I’ve seen some great deals along the river, ask [...]

UPDATED Kenton Neighborhood Profile at Your Road Map to Home

Kristie — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:27:52 +0000

Check out the newest neighborhood profile detailing the Kenton District of the “fifth quadrant,” North Portland. Combining the best of urban accessibility and small town atmosphere, it’s a fantastic place to live. Walk your dog in one of the beautiful, lush parks, visit the Interstate Farmers’ Market for the best local produce, or take a [...]

Oaks Park Rides are a Piece of Portland’s Past

Kristie — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:28:56 +0000

Before cars were the primary mode of transportation for Americans, trains, trolleys, and streetcars got people to their destinations, and trolley companies were always looking for ways to get more people to ride. One of the creative ways to get people on the rails was to get them to travel for recreation and bring their [...]

Portland Named Best Street Food Destination in the World

Kristie — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:57:35 +0000

According to Budget Travel magazine and CNN.com, Portland is the number one city in the world for street food, beating out the best of the rest. Portland’s food cart scene pulled ahead of fish tacos in Ensenada, bacalaítos in Puerto Rico, grilled-shrimp skewers and churros stuffed with dulce de leche in Rio, Belgian frites and [...]

NEW Hillsdale Neighborhood Profile at Your Road Map to Home

Kristie — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:49:14 +0000

Check out the newest neighborhood profile detailing the Hillsdale District of Southwest Portland. Combining the best of urban accessibility and small town atmosphere, it’s a fantastic place to live. Walk your dog in one of the beautiful, lush parks, visit the Hillsdale Farmers’ Market for the best local produce, or step into the newly updated [...]

Bank owned foreclosures for the Portland area, this effects home sellers!

Kristie — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:03:26 +0000

Everyday I watch the new REO listings and post them to my Twitter account. I’m amazed at how much the number of REO listings are increasing. This is not good news for those wanting or needing to sell their home. However, if you must you need to do so soon while low interest rates are keeping the [...]

Your Own Exclusive Mountain Getaway… Contact Us Today!

Kristie — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:22:40 +0000

If these hot summer days have you dreaming of a mountain getaway, look no further than the Resort at the Mountain. Nestled on the western slopes of Mt. Hood, this accessible destination is less than an hour away from Portland but a world away from the hustle of bustle of city stress. Escape the hot [...]

The Real Estate Market’s Response to Interest in Walk Scores

Kristie — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:15:39 +0000

Trends in national real estate are showing that home buyers are increasingly interested in walkability, in many cases choosing smaller, more expensive, older houses with better access to amenities in pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. In addition to good schools, low crime rates, and big yards, today’s home buyers are paying more and more attention to the proximity [...]

Portland Mayor Sam Adams Promises to Ban Plastic Bags

Kristie — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:20:45 +0000

Portland Mayor Sam Adams announced yesterday that he was moving forward with a city plan to eliminate plastic bags throughout the city. The “Ban the Bag” movement has been gaining strength throughout the city, where vocal “bag monsters” – activists dressed in costumes made of over 500 plastic bags, the number an average American goes [...]

NEW Cultural District Neighborhood Profile at Your Road Map to Home

Kristie — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:10:20 +0000

Check out the newest neighborhood profile detailing the Cultural District of Downtown Portland. It’s not just a great place to visit, it’s a fantastic place to live. Walk your dog along the park blocks, visit the Portland Farmers’ Market in your pajamas, or step into the Art Museum as if it were your own private [...]

Food Lover’s Guide to Portland

Kristie — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:17:10 +0000

Some of the most common requests we get from people who are visiting or considering relocating to Portland are pleas for restaurant suggestions in different areas of town. The McDonald Group is full of people who really love food, and Portland’s food scene in particular, but sometimes we bow to the experts. One of those [...]

NEW NIKE Area Neighborhood Profile at Your Road Map to Home

Kristie — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:29:54 +0000

Check out the newest neighborhood profile detailing the area around the NIKE World Campus in Beaverton. If you’re looking for homes for sale around the NIKE Headquarters, check out this information page filled with demographics, the best restaurants in Beaverton, neighborhoods, parks and entertainment. Relocating to a new area can be hard, but it’s a [...]

New Downtown Portland Urban Renewal Area Proposed

Kristie — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:54:57 +0000

The Portland Development Commission has released their first draft of a new downtown urban renewal district including large sections of the South Park Blocks near Portland State University, and areas around PGE Park and downtown. The proposed area also includes most of the Con-way Inc. freight transport company site in Northwest Portland and the current [...]

NEW Neighborhood Profile: Summerplace at Your Road Map to Home

Kristie — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:47:49 +0000

Check out the newest neighborhood profile: Summerplace, the vibrant resort-style 55+ community in Northeast Portland. If you’re interested in an independent lifestyle in a close-knit, active community for yourself or a loved one, check out the great Portland homes for sale in Summerplace, just off the I-84, with access to great golf and a fantastic [...]

Greening the Recession: Turning Foreclosures into Public Space

Kristie — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:53:23 +0000

A creative response to widespread foreclosures is popping up in areas of the country hit hardest by the housing market downturn. Grassroots movements in Detroit and suburban Ohio are encouraging the development of foreclosed property as parks, nature preserves, urban gardens, recreational areas, and even side-yards with decks and patios. In some of the hardest [...]