Let our Energy move you!

Realtor News Tips Daily- $8000 Tax Credit Video

2009-06-02T12:30:00.001-07:00

Mortgage Broker Realtor News Tips Daily

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The time is NOW!

2009-03-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

It's been a long while since I have contributed to my blog. I think now is the best time to start blogging again and getting people excited about purchasing their first or next home in Oregon. After all, the "Real Estate Season" is right around the corner! Why not get a head start?

This last month alone I have helped two dear friends purchase their very first home and they will receive $8,000 JUST for buying now! If they live in the home for 3 years they DONT HAVE TO PAY A PENNY BACK! You are getting PAID to buy a home. PAID to make an investment! Talk about a killer opportunity! You dont have to be a first timer to qualify either! As long as you have not owned a home (paid any sort of mortgage payments) in the last 3 years, you are also eligible! Visit: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/home2.html
for more information on if you qualify. Although a huge incentive to purchase before December of 2009, this shouldn't be your only reason for buying a home.

I haven't even mentioned the killer deal one of them got on a brand new home that was bank owned! I am talking thousands and thousands off the purchase price, major incentives, no closing costs paid by the purchaser, all appliances, instant equity... the works! There are so many of these deals floating around right now.

Over the last few years the Real Estate market has been up and down..a lot more down lately than one might like. To turn a negative into a positive, it is the best time to purchase your next home for a handful of great reasons. With SO many incentives to buy right now it is hard to walk away from the opportunity.

Here are a few more reasons to ponder and hopefully motivate you to dig deep and take advantage of the Portland real estate market.

*Interest rates are at record lows! We haven't seen rates this low since 1998! We are talking mid 4% rates and predictions point in the direction of rates dropping even lower within the next 60 days! For more information on how to get the ball rolling, rates, how to qualify and any other questions, please contact Kurt Simmons @ Central Source Banking. #503-653-1203 or kurtwsimmons@comcast.net
He can also be found on our company website: http://www.vitalityhomerealty.com/preferred_lender.htm

*People are practically giving away their homes to avoid foreclosure. We haven't seen this many short sales/foreclosures in a very long time. This is unfortunate for sellers but a great opportunity for you as a buyer! Contact me for a list of local foreclosures and short sales.

*You can feel confident in knowing that your equity in a purchase within the next few months is only going to increase.

*Property Tax Deductions: Real Estate property taxes paid for a first home and a vacation home are fully deductible for income tax purposes. Read what the IRS has published regarding tax information for first-time home buyers. Any Interest on your mortgage is also a tax write off.

*There is a good chance that owning and paying for a home is the only way some people will be able to retire. And the earlier you can get in the game of ownership, the better off you will be sooner in life.

*The PRIDE of owning your own home is by far the most rewarding reason to purchase. This is a great time to stop throwing away rent money each month and start investing in your own future.

In summary, Owning a home is not only still the "American Dream", it is an important part of our national economy. The financial benefits can easily be seen and experienced over the long run. The other benefits, while not so easy to measure, may be the most important ones. Buying your first home, even in a "down" market is a wise choice, and will eventually be one of the best financial decisions of your life.

For more information or for a list of homes for sale in your neighborhood, please feel free to email me or visit our website: www.vitalityhomerealty.com to set up your own property search that will notify you when a new match is on the market.

Don't forget that at Vitality Home Realty we pride ourselves in donating 3% of each transaction on your behalf, to one of our three non-profits in Portland, Oregon,. This allows you, the new home owner, to use that donation as a tax write off and of course gives you the opportunity to help others at no additional cost or effort. You cannot put a price tag on that, it is priceless!

Happy House Hunting!!! :-)

Parvaneh Kalantari
Owner & Principal Broker

Thinking of buying your FIRST HOME? CHECK THIS OUT!

2009-02-25T12:33:00.000-08:00

If you have been waiting for the perfect time to purchase your first home...the time is NOW!

Do you qualify? Check out the below requirements to find out!

What The Stimulus Bill Says

In Sec. 1006 of the 407 page Stimulus bill you’ll find the information about the home buyer’s tax credit. It reads:

Extension of and increase in first-time homebuyer credit; waiver of requirement to pay

What does this mean? It means that first-time buyers can claim a credit worth $8,000 - or 10% of the home’s value, whichever is less - on their 2008 or 2009 taxes. To qualify for the credit, the home must be purchased between Jan. 1, 2009 and Nov. 30, 2009.

You cannot have owned a house for the past three years to qualify as “first time” buyer. You also must live in the purchased house for at least three years, or you will be obligated to pay back the credit.

The tax credit does come with some income restrictions. To get the credit, homebuyers have to earn less than $75,000 for singles or $150,000 for couples. If you make more than that you may qualify for a partial credit.

Getting the credit should be pretty easy, just claim it on your return. No other forms or papers should need to be filed, and if you have already completed your return, you can file an amended return to claim the credit.

How To Get Your First Time Home buyer Tax Credit

A review of the provisions of the first time homebuyer tax credit:

You cannot have owned a home for the past 3 years to qualify as a “first time” buyer.
It applies to homes purchased January 1, 2009 through November 30, 2009.
You must keep the home for three years.
The credit is refundable.
The credit is for $8,000 or 10% of the home’s value, whichever is less.
It phases out for incomes between $75,000 to $95,000 for single and $150,000 to $170,000 for couples.

BEST deal in town! PRICE IS FLEXIBLE!!!

2009-02-16T16:01:00.000-08:00

There is NO better deal in Happy Valley! If you are in the market to buy, this is the best investment out there! THIS IS A NEW HOUSE THAT IS ALMOST COMPLETE! The finishes are top of the line! GREAT school district and location. VIEWS! HUGE landscaped lot! You cannot find a better deal in town. Practically giving this house away! THIS PRICE IS VERY FLEXIBLE!!! Contact me @ 503-260-1003 for additional information or to schedule a showing. This will sell FAST!

ML#:

9001434

Area:

145

List Price:

$389,900-FLEXIBLE!

Addr:

14653 SE Mountain Ridge AVE M

Unit#:

City:

Happy Valley

Zip:

97086

Condo Loc/Lvl:

Map Coord:

658/B/6

Zoning:

County:

Clackamas

Tax ID:

05020414

Elem:	SUNNYSIDE	Middle:	SUNRISE
High:	CLACKAMAS	PropType:	DETACHD

Nhood/Bldg:

Emerald Vista

Legal:

Emerald Vista Lot 39

GENERAL INFORMATION

Lot Size:

10K-14,999SF

# Acres:

Lot Dimensions:

Waterfront:

View:

MNTAIN, VALLEY

Lot Desc:

LEVEL, SLOPED, TREES

River/Lake:

Seller Disc:

EXEMPT

RESIDENCE INFORMATION

Upper SQFT:

1304

SFSrc:

Builder

#Bdrms:

# Bth:

#Lvl:

Year Blt:

2009 /

NEW

Main SQFT:

1876

TotUp/Mn:

3180

Style:

2STORY, CRAFTSM

Green:

Lower SQFT:

Parking:

DRIVWAY

#Garage:

ATTACHD

#Fireplaces:

GAS

Total SQFT:

3180

Roof:

SHINGLE

Exterior:

LAP, FIBRCEM

Bsmt/Fnd:

CRAWLSP

Home Wrnty:

55+ w/Affidavit Y/N:

REMARKS

XSt/Dir:

From Sunnyside (L) on 152nd (L) on Frye (R) on 147th (L) on Mtn Ridge

Public:

This is a rare opportunity for an easy purchase and a terrific deal. Bank owned property that has price to sell quick. $100k below original sales price. Home will be completed in 30 days. This home has great Mountain views and the home has many wonderful features. Compare the quality and price to others in the market. The bank will give a response in 2 business days.

APPROXIMATE ROOM SIZES AND DESCRIPTIONS

Living:

Mstr Bd:

Baths - Full.Part

Kitchen:

2nd Bd:

Upper Lvl:

2.0

Dining:

3rd Bd:

Main Lvl:

1.0

Family:

UTILITY

Lower Lvl:

0.0

4TH-BD

DEN/OFF

Total Bth:

3.0

FEATURES AND UTILITIES

Kitchen:

DISHWAS, DISPOSL, GASAPPL, ISLAND, PANTRY, FS-RANG

Interior:

HARDWOD, LAUNDRY, TILE-FL, WW-CARP, SOAKTUB, WOODFLR, GRANITE

Exterior:

PORCH, PAVEDRD, VYW-DBL, WDW-DBL, YARD

Accessibility:

Cool:

ACREADY

Hot Water:

GAS

Heat:

FOR-AIR

Fuel:

GAS

Water:

PUBLIC

Sewer:

PUBLIC

Insul:

CODE

OPEN HOUSE TODAY in Happy Valley! 10/12/2008 from 1-4pm.

2008-10-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

Come and join me at my NEW Beautiful listing in Happy Valley.

14443 SE Donatello Loop.

No Detail Overlooked! This Amazing Home is Gorgeously Detailed Using Only the Finest Finishes, Accents, and Materials!

A few of the features of this home, include:

GRAND Two story entrance.
High Marble-Painted Pillars at Entry.
Master bedroom suite with jacuzzi for two, & large walk-in on the main level.
Over-sized 3 car garage.
LARGE 10,000 sq.ft. Private Lot, plenty of room for kids to run, garden or even put in a POOL! Grand Front Entry Water Feature, Sprinklers & Drip system, Full Fenced and gas Hook-up for BBQ.
Hardwoods, Tile and upgraded carpet throughout.
Two Story Windows and Ceiling with Great Molding Accents, American Cherry Built-Ins and Gas Fireplace with Marble Surround.

For more information and directions, please call Parvaneh: 503-260-1003.
Click Here: Happy Valley Home for Sale.
Visit: www.vitalityhomerealty.com for more information.

Hope to see you today! :)

Celebrate The HEART More Than the CHECKBOOK

2008-07-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

A a community, we should actively acknowledge the fact that homeownership in the United States hit 67.8 percent during the first quarter of 2008. In Oregon and Washington, rates have
hovered around 68 percent or so for a couple of years. These solid averages, however, are not
making headlines on a daily basis. Instead, we are bombarded by the media with more dra-
matic and negative-impact news stories.

Two thirds of Americans own a home. that is a great thing for our communities and our nation.
Where we live is a personal choice that impacts every area of our lives, including how we
recreate and the freedom we have to create the kind of social life we want. We talk about our
families, friends, hobbies, work and school — all of which is made possible through the silent
pride of homeownership.

You can place blame on many negative phenomena in today’s society, such as high energy costs,
increased debt levels or higher taxes, but it seems like there is a subtle dismissal of the old-
fashioned qualities of life.

Having a roof over your head could once again be a satisfying concept even if the value of the house doesn’t appreciate in astronomical amounts as it may have in the past.

Houses have become like stocks. Value is no longer placed in the joy and responsibility of homeownership; it’s what a home brings you as a financial holding that counts.

The pace of real estate transactions picked up in the mid-1990s. an increase in home appreciation mandated a shift in the psychology of how we relate to housing and how we frame discussions concerning homeownership. With good reason, Americans rejoiced at the chance to increase their net worth in ways other than waiting to collect an annual pay raise. We became willing to take more risk and buy more house than we could afford because we figured time
would reward us.

As of late, however, the escalator ride on the way up has stopped and most Americans are reportedly seeing their personal net worth floundering or decreasing in chilling proportions as their home values and stock market holdings drop.

Stabilization and looking forward to a brighter future in 2009 are what lay ahead of us. Having a roof over your head could once again be a satisfying concept even if the value of the house doesn’t appreciate in astronomical amounts as it may have in the past. the worldwide home products retailer IKEa embodies this notion in their ‘Home Is the Most Important Place In the World’ campaign, which focused on pointing out that houses can be just a great thing to
have and enjoy.

As our lives march on into some pretty murky waters, change is “out” and stability is “in” as homeownership creates safety. You personally, or your whole team, can be the driving force that turns daily conversations around on a client-by- client basis. Get prospects to once again view a house as a home as much as it is an investment. as we help clients get back into this mindset, our own conversations might also magically show that we once again view a prospect as a person and not as target or a transaction.

-By Brent Dahl CMP
Principal Broker Magazine

Vitality on the COVER of the Home Section!

2008-07-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

This was a story featured on the Cover of the Home Section in the West Linn Tidings and Lake Oswego Review. If you have a chance to grab a copy, the story actually features a few more pictures and information that is not in this article below. Very exciting stuff and SPECIAL thank you to Nicole Decosta, the best writer and gal I have had the pleasure of working with.

Energy in motion

By Nicole DeCosta

The Lake Oswego Review, Jul 17, 2008, Updated Jul 17, 2008

Jonathan House / Lake Oswego Review

Parvaneh Kalantari and her dogs Spikoli, at left, and Bauer play outside West Linn High School where she graduated from. Since then, she has become a principal broker, gained experience in the local housing market and started her own company, Vitality Home Realty. With each transaction, Kalantari and her small team donates a portion of their commission to a local non-profit organization in their client’s name.

Pink and black.

Two colors.

Two words.

Bubble gum.

Midnight.

Many things are pink and black. The colors have two different personalities. Parvaneh Kalantari could be described as pink and black – fun yet professional, bold yet refined.

As a 24-year-old real estate broker, Kalantari chose these two colors to signify her new real estate business, Vitality Home Realty, of which she is the principal broker and owner. Now six years into her real estate career, Kalantari started her own company because she, “thrives on building relationships,” she said.

“I wanted to tie in my love of real estate, relationships and the community,” Kalantari said. “I want to give back and do something beneficial for others.”

That’s why Vitality is partnering with local, non-profit organizations.

With each transaction, Vitality agents donate three percent of the commission – before taxes – to either the Raphael House of Portland, the Children’s Cancer Association or DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital.

“The clients pick the organization they’d like to donate to. It’s in their name,” Kalantari said. “And it’s a tax write-off for them.”

Kalantari said she chose these organizations because her real estate company serves buyers and sellers in the greater Portland area.

“In 20 minutes or less you can drive to all these places and see what they’re all about,” Kalantari said. “In 30 days – the typical timeframe for a transaction – (clients) can determine what is important for them and where to donate.”

Philanthropy is at the heart of Vitality, she said.

“This is to show people how easy it is to make a difference in someone else’s life,” Kalantari said. “You’re providing a shelter for you and yours and at the same time providing one for someone who’s not as fortunate to do so at this time.”

After growing up in West Linn and graduating from West Linn High School, Kalantari got her real estate license and spent a few years at John L. Scott at Cascade Summit and then went on to sell 111 condominiums in one year, she said, with the homebuilding company, Marnella Homes, which she was with for two years.

She bought her first condo when she was 20 and said designing the logo for Vitality – which is a pattern of pink and black circles – with Art4orm Marketing was fun.

“Looking at the logo reminds me of energy,” Kalantari said. “It looks very different. It’s not your typical real estate sign.”

The company’s slogan, “Let our energy move you” refers to both buyers and sellers but also the emotional element of giving back to the community.

“I love DoveLewis, and I’ve taken a handful of pets there,” she said. “They know me there, and I love the events they do.”

DoveLewis is the only 24-hour non-profit and ICU animal hospital in Oregon. With two locations – in northwest and southeast Portland – DoveLewis is known for their community outreach and creative fund-raisers.

“At DoveLewis we treasure local partners like Parvaneh, whose passion for building philanthropy into her business is inspiring,” said Naomi Pollock, who is in charge of Dove’s partner development. “At DoveLewis we’re all about the human-animal bond. Parvaneh has creatively found a way to honor that bond.”

The Raphael House of Portland provides immediate shelter to women and children fleeing domestic violence.

“For most people, the most important place is their home. Raphael House of Portland is a place that over 350 women and children call home every year. Parvaneh recognizing this is critical to raising both awareness and funds for our programs and services,” said Jessica Elkan, director of development at Raphael House.

The Children’s Cancer Society is a leader in pediatric patient care and partners with key children’s hospitals to deliver programs and services.

“The Children’s Cancer Society brings in children for about 18 months and while they’re there, hooks them up with a ‘chemo pal,’ someone who comes in every month for the whole time period,” Kalantari said, who is waiting to find out who her chemo pal will be. “Life’s too short to work all the time.”

So, how much money is donated during a transaction?

Let’s say someone buys a $500,000 house and the Realtor’s commission is three percent – $15,000. Three percent of that $15,000 ($450) is donated to one of these charities.

“On top of that I have my lender and inspection company, title and insurance guys also donate a percentage,” Kalantari said. “It can add up quick.”

Kalantari said she believes this concept is going to reach a certain group of people – “those people who always want to help and those are the people I truly hope to work with,” she said.

Lately Kalantari has felt inspired by the feedback she’s been getting from clients about Vitality’s business model of giving back.

“She’s professional but charismatic. She’s an aggressive young woman, starting her own business,” said Joe Robinson, Kalantari’s client who purchased a home in Oregon City. “We got our letters from the charities that she donated in our name. She’s the one that’s really giving.”

Her small staff also contributes to the energy that Vitality emits.

“It’s not just about real estate or money. It’s about taking the extra step along the way to help someone else out,” said Jeff Berard, broker with Vitality. “It seems like this company makes it so easy to do something so important.”

While Kalantari just celebrated her first wedding anniversary, she said she hopes to travel, work and continue to build her business before having children in a few years. Right now, she said, she is energetic about sharing Vitality’s concept of giving back with her clients.

“And finding them their perfect home,” she said. “I love working with first-time homebuyers. I want to help them through this stressful time and show them how fun and exciting it can also be,” she said. “A lot of my friends are at that age where they are buying homes.”

And that could mean a lot more people making donations to Vitality’s non-profits.

“I hope the company truly makes a difference and other people start using the concept to benefit others,” she said. “My slogan is, ‘let our energy move you.’ Vitality means energy.”

For more information about Vitality Home Realty, visit the Web site at www.vitalityhomerealty.com or call 503-477-9758.

Pets in the Pearl

2008-07-18T07:49:00.000-07:00

COME VISIT VITALITY HOME REALTY AT BOOTH #46! WIN GREAT PRIZES AND HAVE SOME FREE TREATS FOR YOU AND YOUR PET!!!
Click HERE for the walking map and booth information.

The Cat Adoption Team (CAT) and DoveLewis Emergency & ICU Animal Hospital invite you to participate in the 3rd annual Pets in The Pearl – a fundraising festival for pets and the people who love them!

The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 19th, 2008, from 10am to 3pm outdoors at the Ecotrust Conference Center near Jamison Square in the heart of Portland’s Pearl District (CLICK HERE for a map). Pets in The Pearl will include a community-wide fundraising challenge where animals are helping animals leading up to July 19th.

Guests will enjoy a pet mall full of merchandise, gifts and services, live entertainment, refreshments, raffle prizes, pet adoptions, vaccine and microchip clinics, animal experts, and more!

Proceeds from Pets in The Pearl will help CAT and DoveLewis continue to offer medical help to hundreds of our community’s injured strays or lost pets who have nowhere else to go. Through a unique partnership between DoveLewis and CAT, stray cats often receive emergency and stabilizing care at DoveLewis, followed by a transfer to CAT where they may receive ongoing care, or find a new, loving home.

Who Are The Two Organizations Who Will Benefit?

Cat Adoption Team and DoveLewis Emergency & ICU Animal Hospital are both unique, local non-profit organizations with a related mission of providing vital care to our community’s animals, promoting the well-being of pets and strengthening the human animal bond through community outreach and education.

Proceeds from Pets in The Pearl will help CAT and DoveLewis continue to offer medical help to hundreds of our community’s injured strays or lost pets who have nowhere else to go. Through a unique partnership between DoveLewis and CAT, stray cats often receive emergency and stabilizing care at DoveLewis, followed by a transfer to CAT where they may receive ongoing care, or find a new, loving home.

Please visit www.catadoptionteam.org and www.dovelewis.org for more information about all we do and are for animals and the people who love them.

Event Schedule

We're starting to "fill in the blanks" on our schedule – keep an eye on this page, because we'll be updating often!

10:00 am
	Let the shopping commence! The list of vendor booths is growing daily – CLICK HERE to see who has signed up so far. Raffle tickets go on sale for the 2:00 drawing. Many exciting prizes have been donated by our sponsors – but you can't win if you don't buy a ticket... Good Neighbor Vet will be offering low-cost vaccinations and microchipping all day. Meet the Z-100 Street Team and listen to featured music all day. Try out a "new look"! Face Painting by Tina will be available from 10-2:00 pm. Only $3 for 1/2 face, $5 for your whole face – and 10% will go to Pets in The Pearl! Hot Dog on a Stick will also be serving up delicious fresh squeezed lemonade for a donation to Pets in The Pearl. Rogue Brewery will be selling their micro brews and loosening up our visitors (and their wallets). Rogue will be donating 50% of their proceeds to the Pets in The Pearl. Buy a specially designed Pets in The Pearl tee for your four-legged friend at the bentley B booth – the proceeds will be donated to Pets in The Pearl. Glacéau Vitamin Water will be providing complimentary "responsible hydration" with their Smart and Vitamin Water.
	Author Cate Garrison will be on hand to sign and sell copies of her popular book OF MUTTS AND MEN, all profits from which will be donated to Dove Lewis. MUTTS tells the true tale of the nefarious exploits of J.J., a long-eared, brown-haired, pesky but ultimately lovable mutt that Cate and her husband Henry used to own. J.J.'s adventures include several trips to the veterinarian, including one midnight dash to Dove itself, only to discover that J.J., the great escapologist, was also very skilled at malingering. His story is set against the highly fictionalized account of Cate's five years in America and, specifically, Portland, Oregon, where she and her family still make their home.
Meet Rojo the Lama from 12-3:00 pm
11:00 am
	Meet Blaze the Trailcat, mascot to the Portland Trailblazers Basketball Team!
12:00 Noon
	Meet Tom-a-Hawk, mascot to the Portland Winterhawks Ice Hockey Team! Meet Jaxon, mascot to the Porland Lumberjacks Lacrosse Team!
1:00 pm
	Meet Victor E. Viking, mascot for Portland State University!
2:00 pm
Award Ceremony: Top Cat and Top Dog fundraising teams announced. Who's ahead right now? CLICK HERE to meet the front-runners! Raffle Drawing begins
3:00 pm
The fun ends until 2009

Are you missing a puppy?

2008-06-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

I have come to realize that lost/stray puppies just love my front door step! I am not sure why, but about once a month I have a stray animal in my house. My dogs are getting sick of it!

My neighbors told me that years ago people would dump their animals that they did not want anymore in our new neighborhood. I can never find the owners and am beginning to think that people are still doing that in the forest next to me. It breaks my heart. I cannot ever imagine doing that to my dogs. They are a part of my family and I love them with all of me. How could I NOT help all the animals I find? I am always the first to stop on the road, no matter how busy it is (Johnson Creek, Clatsop, Sunnyside) all places I have stopped to help an animal.

Friday afternoon I found this adorable pit bull outside of my house and have tried to find its owners, but no luck. I have called every shelter possible, posted ads, and driven around with him in my car for hours trying to find the poor dogs home. Someone is truly missing him.
He is a brindle pit with white patches on his tummy and one on the back of his neck. He is neutered and truly the best little dog! He sits. He is a lover. He gets along great with other dogs and people.

After a long search and heartache, I took him into Multnomah County. It was a huge mistake having me take him in and not my husband. It was the hardest thing I have had to do in a very long time. He was crying..I was crying...and I didn't even get a chance to tell him good-bye, they just took him. I felt so bad. They told me that he gets 3 days for owners to contact (so far no one has, I checked this morning) then he goes under behavior tests (which he will pass with flying colors!) At that point they put him on the adoption list and hope for someone to take him in. I am going to keep checking in, I refuse to let this poor pup be put down-he is too sweet. Once I dropped him off and handed over the leash it was $120 for me to get him back! Can you believe that? I so badly want to find his owners or someone who will love him. I think he is about 2-3 years old. All he wants is a little love and attention.

Here is the link to where he is at: http://www2.co.multnomah.or.us/animalWeb/foundResults.aspx

Please, help us find him a good home or his owners who must miss him horribly! I do and he wasn't even mine. :-(

Welcome to Vitality Home Realty!

2008-05-13T17:53:00.000-07:00

VITALITY HOME REALTY LAUNCHES THEIR WEBSITE! 5-13-2008.

It has been worth the wait for VitalityHomeRealty.com! Thank you to Holdridge Technologies!
Please take a moment to look around on our site, www.vitalityhomerealty.com.

We have included some great documents for buyers and sellers as well as a very in depth property search to fit all of your wants and needs when looking for a new home. Try our Map Search tool to view homes in your price range in their actual neighborhoods! Sign up to receive automatic e-mails when a New Home is listed that fits your search criteria. Take a look at the Non-Profit Organizations Vitality Home Realty has partnered with, on their dedicated pages. Have any questions? Please feel free to contact Vitality at anytime.

I appreciate everyones support, kind words, motivation, excitement and commitment over the months.

Here is to a FANTASTIC new website! To a philanthropic and motivated Brokerage, pioneering an approach of giving back on their clients behalf.

Cheers!

Down for the count....

2008-05-05T14:58:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

It has been a long time and I am very excited to get back on here and start blogging. Things have been busy and a bit crazy recently. My website was supposed to go live this past weekend, but due to myself (if you read below) you will understand why that has not happened. It should be up and running within the week and I couldn't be MORE excited!! :-)

It's Good to be busy and I feel very pleased and excited to have gotten Vitality off on such a great start and I know that there is only more wonderful things to come for this company.

It has been Crazy because I had to get rushed to the ER last week to have an appendectomy. Yep, they had to take out my appendix! It was a very painful, scary... but also a heartwarming experience. I had so many of my close family and friends come visit at the Hospital over the course of three days, that it truly made me realize how blessed and fortunate I am to have them all in my life. They sat with me while I was in pain and made me laugh. They brought me flowers. They brought me cute stuffed animals and cards. My husband was the hero of them all....he has been beyond fabulous and was there for me every step of the way, no matter what I needed. He is still doing a great job taking care of me. My dogs have been SO cute and concerned the entire time, even they were worried about me!

I got to know the nurses quite well and was very lucky to have such kind people watching over me. They too got to know me well, telling me that I am the most inquisitive woman they have ever had. I was always so concerned with what they were putting in my IV, in my body, what they were taking blood for. I felt like it was my duty to make sure I could educate myself the best way possible, by asking questions! Even my surgeon was amazing! He checked on me three times daily and called me at home. He had the perfect mixture of Professionalism, Personality and sarcasm mixed together!

I have never had to go to the Hospital before, let alone had surgery, so I was very scared and emotional before it all happened. I had the support of my family all through the night and they were there when I woke up from it all and tell me I was giving high fives, hand shakes and thanking everyone up and down. (I of course do not remember that part.) It is good to know you are in safe hands, and I truly was the entire time.

I was a bit skeptical about Kaiser since I had Doctors that I was in love with in the past at other locations, but they truly stepped up to the plate and made me feel at ease and at home the entire time. My mom likes to tell people about when I left the Hospital, because all the nurses came out from the rooms as I was being rolled down the hallway to give me hugs and kisses. So, we of course gave them some of my flowers because they were so wonderful! I had a fabulous room-ate who I am keeping in my prayers and plan to go back and visit as soon as I can stand for more than five minutes without being in pain.

When it was all said and done...it ended up the way it should. I am home, safe, healthy and feel tremendously blessed!

Now...back to work with appointments every day this week! I have a lot to catch up on! ;-)

Thank you to everyone for your love and support. :-) HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!

No Excuses....I know!

2008-04-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

To all of my loyal readers, friends and family, I have been SWAMPED lately and really trying hard to finalize all of my content for my FABULOUS website! I know that is no excuse and trust me, I have felt very guilty the last few weeks for not updating my blog on a regular basis. My Vitality Home Realty website should be done within the next few weeks and I couldn't be happier with the product so far, and feel blessed to have come across the Holdridge team.

Holdridge Technologies is the Creative Team in Portland, Oregon and who also do many sites in California. I have chosen to use them to build my Website and I am SO happy to be working together. They are a group of wonderful individuals who have truly put my needs and concerns (which is a lot, trust me) into perspective and have taken it all very seriously. I am very excited to see the final product and know that it will be nothing short of Perfect! They are a group of individuals who know what they are doing and are so sincere and professional. I look forward to having a great friendship with them when we are done building the website. Keep watching over the next few weeks for www.vitalityhomerealty.com. :-)

Other than website stuff, Vitality has truly been taking off! I have been contacted by a few papers wanting to write a story about the Concept and Vision of Vitality, which is VERY exciting! As soon as my site is up we will be getting together to create those stories. Keep your eyes peeled, Vitality is definitley on its way and I am so proud.

If you should have any questions about Vitality, please do not hesitate to ask! Soon I will be able to direct everyone to my new and fabulous website!!!

Have a great week. I will be back soon...I promise! :-)

A Great Day on Idol Gives Back!

2008-04-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

This is such a moving show tonight on American Idol. Last year they raised 75 Million Dollars for children in Africa. Thanks to so many generous donations, they were able to save hundreds of innocent, human lives. They also donated time and visited thousands of homeless, starving children, many without parents. It gave these children hope, a light at the end of the tunnel. This year, Vitality is proud to donate $100 to Idol Gives Back. I know it is not much, but I am hoping to have a few big contributors match that amount in the next few hours. Anything you can give, will help. Below you can see what your donation will get someone in need.

If you want to get involved, let me know and I can definitely help you give back. It is a great feeling to help others that truly do not have anything.

I have posted some information and videos below. Take a moment to read and watch so that you can see for your own eyes, what tonights show is all about. It is a Beautiful thing. :-)

On Wednesday April 9th, starting at 7:30/6:30c, FOX, AMERICAN IDOL and the Idol Gives Back Foundation present a second installment of the popular TV event to help children and young people in extreme poverty here at home in the U.S. and around the world.

How you can support Idol Gives Back 2008

IDOL GIVES BACK, the historic Emmy Award-winning television event and music celebration airing Wednesday, April 9 (7:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX, will raise awareness and funds to benefit six charities. including: the Children's Defense Fund, The Global Fund, Make It Right, Malaria No More, Save The Children, U.S. Programs and the Children's Health Fund.

This year's event, beginning at a special 7:30 PM start time, will be bigger and more ambitious than ever. Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Forest Whitaker, Billy Crystal, Dane Cook, Kiefer Sutherland, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Jennifer Connolly, Elliott Yamin, Fantasia and Amy Adams join previously announced international talent and sports figures Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5, Heart and Gloria Estefan.

During the show, viewers will be able to make donations via toll-free lines and the Internet.

Are you an Empty Nester?

2008-04-08T17:01:00.000-07:00

Wow, another great addition to brag about for Portland, Oregon! Yet ANOTHER reason (as if you need one) to live in the Beautiful Northwest. Forbes Magazine just voted Portland, Oregon the 6th best place to live, for Empty Nesters.

What is an Empty Nester, you ask? An empty Nester is a man, woman, or any couple who has gotten rid of their children, FINALLY! No, I am just playing around. It is a person whose children have grown up and left home, leaving their parent(s) alone, allowing them to down-size most of the time and save money on their house payments and to simply just downsize since they will not be needing as much living space.

It is very common for parents to sell and buy a new home after their kids are grown and gone. I am still trying to talk some sense into my own parents about the size of their home. It is way too big for the two of them and my little sister. I think it is more of a sentimental issue since they have lived in that home for 25 years, it is always hard to let go. That house is the only home I had known until I purchased my own nearly four years ago.

Click HERE to read more about another fabulous ranking for Portland! Congratulations Portland, Oregon!

If you know anyone who may be an "Empty Nester"and in need of a downsize, please give them my contact information.

I love Referrals and am proud to say that 90% of my business comes from clients who enjoyed working with me and who I am proud to now call good friends.
I give FUN Referral Thank You gifts! :-)

HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! Highly Desired One Level Living in Central Gresham Location!

2008-04-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

SOLD! SOLD! SOLD!

2008-04-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

I am VERY happy to announce that the VERY FIRST LISTING with my new company, VITALITY HOME REALTY, has been SOLD!

ONLY 35 DAYS in RMLS. NO lock Box. A sign in the yard for 25 Days... received NOT ONE but TWO offers on Pennywood this weekend.

I have been in the industry for a while. I have seen HUNDREDS of Offers but I have not seen one this strong in a VERY long time! How refreshing and rewarding for my seller and her family!

I am so excited that with ALL the inventory on the market, all the competition we had on the same street, (inventory that has been sitting for months with multiple price drops and us with NONE)...we have successfully attracted a fantastic buyer for this home. Not only that, but I am honored to be working with a couple who has been in the Real Estate industry for 30+ years! Joyce and James Morrelli of Windermere sold my Grandparents from Iran & my parents their very first home, that they still live in, today. It is a very, very small world out there!

I have picked up some fabulous buyers with this listing and look forward to working with them all over the next few months. I am proud that this was Vitality's FIRST Listing to sell! The owner is a dear friend of our family and is just thrilled about it all. NO ONE was expecting it to happen this fast and then to not only be able to present one, but TWO offers all at once, was just simply amazing!

If you know anyone wanting to sell their home, please pass on this great information and help motivate them in todays tougher market.

It will be fun helping her make a decision about which of the three Local Foundations she should donate to. Roughly $300 will get donated from my earnings, in her name. Very cool!

You've gotta' have a little faith...that is what it all boils down to! :-)

Cheers!

My Baby Sister-in-Law!

2008-03-31T23:46:00.000-07:00

I am very proud and excited about this great article that Art4orm submitted acknowledging my newly inherited Sister-In-Law, Heather Williams. She graduated in June from The University of Oregon and very shortly afterwards was hired on at Art4orm. (Let's just say a combination of her personal attributes, work ethic, and marketing awards combined with a fantastic sister-in-law) landed her a great job at a fabulous Marketing Agency in Portland, Oregon.

Art4orm is a High Energy, Personable and Reliable Marketing & Advertising Agency that has helped me create the new identity for my company, Vitality Home Realty. (Website coming in less than one month!) Kevin & Team created my logo, signs and business cards that got me off to a great start! Kevin York, owner of Art4orm, is a dear friend of mine who I have grown to know quite well over the years, (meeting during my last job with Marnella Homes & Communities.) He does all of the Volare' marketing including the creation of one of the most interactive kiosks you will ever step foot inside! He also helped us with our Marketing and Design for Matthew Frank Condominiums in St. Johns a few years back, which we sold out of 111 in less than one year!

I guarantee he will go above and beyond your expectations for anything you may be in need of. Give him a call and tell him "Par" sent you his way!

For more information and one of the coolest websites out there, visit: www.art4orm.com
(Make sure to turn your volume up and watch the entire Introduction!)

Belows is the article about Heather that I believe will be in the Portland Business Journal, soon. Congratulations Sis! ;-)

03/19/2008 - Art4orm Promotes Heather Williams to Account Manager

PORTLAND, Ore. –Art4orm, a Portland based strategic design and visual communications agency, has announced the promotion of Heather Williams to account manager.

Previously, Williams served as the office administrator. In her new role with the agency, Williams will manage and oversee many of the firm’s top accounts including the nation’s largest central vacuum dealer, Gary’s VACUFLO and The New Phoenix and Last Frontier Casinos.

“Heather has done an outstanding job for us and in just 9 months has earned this promotion,” said Kevin York, principal and creative director of Art4orm.

Williams is a 2007 graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism with a degree in advertising.

About Art4orm: Art4orm is a Portland based strategic design and visual communications agency. Art4orm is a proud three-time winner of the Home Builders Association of Metro Portland’s “Builder Excellence Award” for outstanding website design, marketing and design center development.

She may kill me for putting this picture up...but I couldn't resist! :-) Love you!

Can you name all of these Portland Places?

2008-03-27T22:30:00.000-07:00

Today was such a typical "Oregon" day. First we wake up to SNOW. Then it starts to RAIN. Slowly the rain goes away and becomes HAIL!? After the hail the SUN decided to come out and shine down on us for the rest of the afternoon. How weird of a weather day was it? I found it quite quirky!

I was googling some images of Portland for my soon to be complete website and decided it might be fun to put your Portland knowledge to the test! Below you will find a lot of pictures, can you name where those landmarks are or where the picture was taken? Leave your answers on the bottom and we will see who knows the most about Beautiful Portland, Oregon.

It might be cold and wet weather right now, but after looking through all of these pictures we truly are blessed to live in such an amazing state. Truly, we have it all in Oregon! :-)

Check out this KILLER OPPORTUNITY!

2008-03-25T13:13:00.001-07:00

My good friend Josh Svaren with Taylor Group Realty called me last night to inform me about a new listing that is a fantastic investment opportunity for anyone who likes to make money investing in Real Estate & Rentals. (who doesn't?)

Situated on almost an acre is this investors dream. FIVE dwelling units on one property, INCLUDING AN ADDITIONAL HOME OF OVER 3000 sq. ft. for YOU to live in and watch over your tenants! You can even rent out parts of your own home to your friends and make more $$$. Heck, you don't even have to live there, you could rent that home out as well to five or six college students since it is so close to downtown!

The current owner makes $3,000+ a month alone, just from renting out her other five units on the property. Some of them are one bedrooms and the others are two. The 3000sq.ft.+ home has SIX bedrooms and two bathrooms.

There have been new roofs added to all structures within the last few years. Some updates but also room for you to fix up a few things before selling again, if you are a handyman. This is an opportunity that only comes along once in a while. Take advantage of it while you can. A little birdie also informed me that the price will be dropping from $599,000 to $529,000 this week with some wiggle room left within that price as well.

If you would like to take a look at the property contact me asap and we can schedule a time within the next 24 hours to view. They are ALL occupied with tenants, some have been there for 12+ years! Please pass along the fabulous buy to anyone who has a love for Real Estate or even someone wanting to get into investing, because this is one deal you WON'T want to pass up!

Call or e-mail me today @ 503-260-1003 or Parvaneh@vitalityhomerealty.com for more information

Million Dollar Club

2008-03-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

I know it is just a "status" but I am proud to say that I am a member of the Million Dollar Club.I achieved the highest standard possible last year, as Diamond-Platinum Member. Pretty exciting!

Below is the link that will take you to my page. :-)

http://www.pmarmdc.com/pages/members_detail.php?f=q&q=parvaneh&andSearch=OR&advancedSearch=false&id=5e504b28fcc1528e28fee637788ff237&returnTo=%2Fpages%2Fmembers_search.php

Please don't forget about Vitality if you have friends or family moving to or away from Portland, Oregon, I would love the opportunity to work with them as well as with any of my readers. I am very competitive with every listing, offering only discounted fees.

With each sale, my clients are contributing to our community with a portion of my earnings at no additional expense, hoping to change the life of another human or animal. No other Real Estate Company has the same value and concept as Vitality.

Our Mission Statement:

We here at Vitality Home Realty make it our mission to provide our clients with the highest standards of service when it comes to finding a place to call “home”. We are a passionate, energetic, and innovative new brokerage based in Portland, Oregon, pioneering a new trend of giving back. Directed at those who have an interest in their community and the value of philanthropy, we donate a portion of our commission to local charities on our client’s behalf, at no extra expense! We take pride in our unique concept and strive to make compassion, accountability, and social awareness the foundation of our company.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T02:19:00.001-07:00

I hope that you all have a fabulous Easter. Enjoy your time with your dearest friends and family on this glorious day of celebration.

I am looking forward to spending a wonderful day with both of our families. We are all blessed to have our health, our jobs and our happiness. We always look forward to our family gatherings...most would call them "crazy" but we call it good ol' FUN! Tons of good food, good laughs, good colored eggs, good memories and great people!

Here are a few things about Easter that you may not know, Enjoy!

90 million chocolate Easter bunnies are made for Easter each year.

Each day, five million marshmallow chicks and bunnies are produced in preparation for Easter.

16 billion jelly beans are made for Easter (that�s enough to completely fill an 89 feet high and 60 feet wide plastic Easter egg � about the height of a nine-story office building!)

82 percent of Americans say they would prefer a chocolate or candy bunny for Easter, while only 4 percent say they would prefer a live rabbit (can you blame them?!)

63 percent of Americans would most like to receive a chocolate bunny on Easter morning, followed by marshmallow bunnies (10 percent). I know my little guy would love anything chocolate!

The world�s largest jar of jelly beans weighed 6,050 pounds.

75 percent of kids are willing to do extra chores for extra Easter candy (what, we’re supposed to give them something for doing chores??! ;)).

Each Easter season, Americans buy more than 700 million Marshmallow Peeps, shaped like chicks, as well as Marshmallow Bunnies and Marshmallow Eggs, making them the most popular non-chocolate Easter candy.

The largest chocolate sculpture ever made was a 10 foot high Easter egg constructed in Melbourne, Australia

On average, each person in Britain eats approx. 9kg of chocolate per year (that’s about 3 bars per week).

One of the most expensive eggs on offer in 2006 was the unique Diamond Stella Egg - a chocolate egg laden with diamonds – which came with a £50,000 price tag.

GO DUCKS and Happy Good Friday!:-)

2008-03-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

GO DUCKS! For all Oregon fans, the big game is today at 4:25 Pacific Time. I will be watching at the local Old Chicago as always, cheering on the Mens Basketball Team from Oregon. It is still amazing to me how they wiggled their way into the tournament.

I would like everyone to know that my bracket is first in all of my pools on facebook. If it weren't for USC losing I would have a perfect bracket so far. They really messed that up for a lot of people.

I hope everyone has a fantastic Good Friday and an even better Easter Sunday with their family and loves ones. Eat LOTS of candy! ;-)

Game Preview

Ninth-seeded Oregon of the Pac-10 will take on eighth-seeded Mississippi State of the SEC in an NCAA Tournament first round game on Friday, March 21 at Alltel Arena in North Little Rock, Ark. CBS will televise the game live. | Read More

NCAA Notes

Oregon is making its tenth NCAA Tournament appearance in school history and fifth under current coach Ernie Kent. The Ducks last appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 2007, advancing as a No. 3-seed to the Midwest Regional final - with victories over Miami (Ohio), Winthrop and Nevada - Las Vegas - before falling to eventual national champion Florida.

Barack Obama is in Portland, Oregon on March 21, 2008.

2008-03-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

Obama in Portland on Friday.
POSTED BY ERIK HENRIKSEN ON TUE, MAR 18 AT 11:32 PM

So, big news: Barack Obama’s hitting Portland on Friday. It’ll be all arena-rock style, with Obama speaking at the Memorial Coliseum. I think it’s fair to predict this thing’s gonna be huge.

Tickets are free, provided you visit Obama’s website and register. Here’s the complete lowdown, via Obama’s camp.

Senator Barack Obama to Visit Oregon
Chicago, IL – The Obama campaign announced today that Senator Obama will visit Oregon on Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22.

Senator Obama will hold Stand for Change Rallies in Portland and Eugene. Further details will be announced as they become available.

FRIDAY, MARCH 21

Portland, OR
STAND FOR CHANGE RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA

Memorial Coliseum
500 North Winning Way
Portland, OR 97227
Doors Open: 7:30 AM
Program Begins: 9:30 AM

This event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. For your free ticket, please visit http://or.barackobama.com/portland or visit our Portland headquarters:

Obama for America Portland HQ
3016 Division Street
Portland, OR 97202
Wednesday 2:00pm to 8:00pm
Thursday 10:00am to 8:00pm

On Saturday he’ll hit the University of Oregon in Eugene. More info on that rally here.

Here is a complete rundown of the Oregon Schedule for Obama:

FRIDAY, MARCH 21
Portland "Stand for Change" Rally
Memorial Coliseum
500 North Winning Way
Portland, OR 97227
Doors Open: 7:30 AM
Program Begins: 9:30 AM

FRIDAY, MARCH 21
Salem "Stand for Change" Town Hall
Salem Armory Auditorium
2320 17th St.
Salem, OR 97303
Media Access: 11:00 AM
Doors Open: 11:30 AM
Program Begins: 1:00 PM

FRIDAY, MARCH 21
"Stand For Change" Rally
University of Oregon
1601 University St.
Eugene, OR 97403
Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Program Begins: 9:00 PM

SATURDAY, MARCH 22
Stand for Change Town Hall Meeting
Kids Unlimited 821 N. Riverside Avenue
Medford, OR 97501
Doors Open: 7:30 AM

Aideh Shoma Mobarak!

2008-03-19T23:13:00.000-07:00

Today is the Persian New Year. (No-Rooz) To be exact, it happened at 10:48 pm Pacific time. Sadly, my family never really celebrated it because my Father and Mother are from two different countries and with my father moving here without his family at such a young age, he has unfortunately given up some of the great customs he once celebrated when he was a child. I always call him on this day and pretend I know what is going on but he always answers with "what are you talking about, do you mean Aideh Shoma Moabrak!? Oh ya, I guess it is, huh?" Apparently when you don't celebrate it and haven't for the last 30 years you forget when the day is. I say it with the American spin and he says it with the 100% Persian flair! Trust me, my spin on the sad attempt to pronounce the word is nothing without his beautiful accent!

Some of my Persian friends do celebrate & they always do a great job of reminding me! Above is a picture from last years table (This is my favorite Persian family, the Shafiee's) They do such a beautiful job decorating their table for the celebration. (well, their mother does!) I think we will be attending their families giant party to ring in the No-Rooz with them all on Saturday.

Persian New Year is nothing like the good ol' ball drop in Times Square. There are SO many fun customs on this day. It is not only one day like ours, either, the celebration starts weeks before! Below you can read a little bit more about the fun celebration.

Iranians consider No-Rooz as their biggest celebration of the year, before the new year, they start cleaning their houses (Khaane Tekaani), and they buy new clothes. But a major part of New Year rituals is setting the "Haft Seen" with seven specific items. In ancient times each of the items corresponded to one of the seven creations and the seven holy immortals protecting them. Today they are changed and modified but some have kept their symbolism. All the seven items start with the letter "S"; this was not the order in ancient times. These seven things usually are: Seeb (apple), Sabze (green grass), Serke (vinager), Samanoo (a meal made out of wheat), Senjed (a special kind of berry), Sekke (coin), and Seer (garlic). Sometimes instead of Serke they put Somagh (sumak, an Iranian spice). Zoroastrians today do not have the seven "S"s but they have the ritual of growing seven seeds as a reminder that this is the seventh feast of creation, while their sprouting into new growth symbolized resurrection and eternal life to come.

Wheat or lentil representing new growth is grown in a flat dish a few days before the New Year and is called Sabzeh (green shoots). Decorated with colorful ribbons, it is kept until Sizdah beh dar, the 13th day of the New Year, and then disposed outdoors. A few live gold fish (the most easily obtainable animal) are placed in a fish bowl. In the old days they would be returned to the riverbanks, but today most people will keep them. Mirrors are placed on the spread with lit candles as a symbol of fire.

After the Saal Tahvil, people hug and kiss each other and wish each other a happy new year. Then they give presents to each other (traditionally cash, coins or gold coins), usually older ones to the younger ones. The first few days are spent visiting older members of the family, relatives and friends. Children receive presents and sweets, special meals and "Aajil" (a combination of different nuts with raisins and other sweet stuff) or fruits are consumed. Traditionally on the night before the New Year, most Iranians will have Sabzi Polo Mahi, a special dish of rice cooked with fresh herbs and served with smoked and freshly fried fish. Koukou Sabzi, a mixture of fresh herbs with eggs fried or baked, is also served. The next day rice and noodles (Reshteh Polo) is served. Regional variations exist and very colorful feasts are prepared.

The 13th day of the new year is called "Sizdah Bedar" and spent mostly outdoors. People will leave their homes to go to the parks or local plains for a festive picnic. It is a must to spend Sizdah Bedar in nature. This is called Sizdah Bedar and is the most popular day of the holidays among children because they get to play a lot! Also in this day, people throw the Sabze away, they believe Sabze should not stay in the house after "Sizdah Bedar". Iranians regard 13th day as a bad omen and believe that by going into the fields and parks they avoid misfortunes. It is also believed that unwed girls can wish for a husband by going into the fields and tying a knot between green shoots, symbolizing a marital bond.

People set up bon fire, young and old leap over the fires with songs and gestures of merriment like:

(Sorkhi-e to az man) Give me your beautiful red color
(Zardi-e man az to) And take back my sickly pallor!

It means: I will give you my yellow color (sign of sickness), and you give me your fiery red color (sign of healthiness). This is a purification rite and 'suri' itself means red and fiery.
No-Rooz Greetings:
No-Rooz Mobarak (Happy No-Rooz, Happy New Year);
Eid-eh Shoma Mobarak (Happy New Year to you);
No-Rooz Pirooz (Wishing you a Prosperous New Year);
Sad Saal be in Saal-ha (Wishing you 100 more Happy New Years).

After all No-Rooz is a fun time for all of the Iranians, old and young.

Congratulations Alu!

2008-03-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

My good friend and one of my very first clients, Paul Wagner, has opened a fantastic new Wine Bar in Portland, Oregon. I attended the "soft" open with our good friends Luz and Kurt Simmons about a month ago. The wine was great, the food was so unique and fun to try. The place was filled with good friends enjoying themselves. The atmosphere of Alu is indescribable. If you are looking for a mellow yet new and fun place to go on a date, Alu is your place. Two levels of mirrors, couches, antiques, fireplaces, coziness, fun music and not to mention great food and drinks.

I can confidently say that there is no other bar in Portland quite like Alu. When you walk up to the front doors you will know that instantly! I don't want to ruin all the surprises so you will have to check it out for yourself.

Below is an article that was just published in the Portland Tribune about Pauls new bar, Alu. Congratulations my friend, well done!!!

Bar of the Week: Alu
Wine Bar & Lounge German treats glow under glam lighting
BY LEE WILLIAMS
The Portland Tribune, Mar 14, 2008

L.E. BASKOW / TRIBUNE PHOTO
Alu’s aluminum-covered exterior gives way to the warmth of classy cocktails and savory, cheesy treats within.

Behind a garagelike silver door and up a few stairs lies a new, narrow lounge nestled over Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. For its small stature, Alu sure packs a lot of taste and style — and enough romance worthy of Danielle Steel’s carnal canon.

Open just a few weeks, Alu (short for the aluminum in the house’s exterior) took a bit of time to fashion. The two-story former residence was spotted by Alu owner Paul Wagner three years ago, and it still has the feel of a home; albeit one perhaps now inhabited by period-movie prince Orlando Bloom or regal Cate Blanchett.

Wait, is that them, just across from you? No, it’s your reflection. Tall mirrors here make you and yours the romantic leads.

The room is ablaze in gold and rich reds, and accented with three styles of chandeliers. Despite the narrowness, there’s a variety of seating, including boxy tables for two to four near the windows and even a plush couch where Nicole Kidman’s courtly “Moulin Rouge!” character would feel comfortable catching a breath.

Alu is state of the art — and state of the heart — boasting an Enomatic pour system for its wines (also found at the wine bar Split at Bridgeport Village). The resealing method prevents oxidization and allows customers tastes from a larger selection than most wine bars.

There are two taps, but Alu offers a deep cross section of European brews by the bottle.

On a recent evening a bartender shook together Maker’s Mark and soda with a cherry, which was removed as he glazed the cocktail over ice. Garnished with a lemon, the refreshing spritzerlike drink was christened “The Southern Gentleman.”

Also like Split, nibbles here have a connection to Noble Rot. Former Noble Rot chef Sandro Di Giovanni crafted some melt-in-your-mouth German-themed appetizers such as the cold-cut plate with smoked pork, and delectable bites of duck.

Käsespätzle, Alu’s mac and cheese, features egg noodles baked with savory onions and Swiss cheese, and makes a crunchy, drip-on-the-chin treat for two.

For all its glamorous feel, Alu feels anything but exclusive or snobby. The vibe is friendly and very inviting. The shimmering, tasteful details just prove someone has infused Alu with a whole lot of love.

It’s as if the lounge itself is out to seduce you.

— Lee Williams

2831 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 503-258-9463, alupdx.com, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday

March Madness Tournament Bracket

2008-03-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

I wanted to create a way for my readers to participate in the very fun "season" of March Madness. I have created a group titled "Vitality Home Realty" on MSN Fantasy Basketball and am opening it up for anyone who wants to participate in a little harmless tournament.

I think this will be a fun way to get all of my readers involved in a little friendly competition. Sadly, I feel like I am not as educated this year with the picks as I was last year. I am surprised that Oregon has wiggled their way into the mix! Happy to see Portland State in there representing all us P-Town residents! (Not sure how far they will make it but nonetheless, it is great!)

Here is the link to create an account:

http://msn.foxsports.com/fantasy/collegebasketball/tourney/index.asp

Here is the link after you have created your account to join the Vitality Group:

http://msn.foxsports.com/fantasy/collegebasketball/tourney/setup/view_group.asp

It will ask you to register and then join the group. Once you join just create your bracket and let the games begin! You have until March, 20th to finalize and edit your brackets. I am sure I will make some edits between now and then as well. I just rushed really quickly to create a group and post a blog so I may need to go back in and do change some of my picks.

Have fun!

Check back in this week for some major rate updates. Tomorrow is a BIG day in the market and could easily go either way with rates going up or down. Today was a good day, rates have dropped almost an entire point. Cross your fingers for another point or two by week end!

Foreclosures up 60% from Last Year

2008-03-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Feb. foreclosures up 60 percent over year before!
Nevada, California, Florida have highest rates of those losing their homes

LOS ANGELES - Nearly 60 percent more U.S. homes faced foreclosure in February than in the same month last year, with Nevada, California and Florida showing the highest foreclosure rates, a research firm said Wednesday.

A total of 223,651 homes across the nation received at least one notice from lenders last month related to overdue payments, up 59.8 percent from 139,922 a year earlier, according to Irvine, Calif.-based RealtyTrac Inc.

Nearly half of the homes on the most recent list had slipped into default for the first time.

Nevada had the nation’s highest foreclosure rate, with one in every 165 households receiving at least one foreclosure-related notice. It had 6,167 properties facing foreclosure, a 68 percent increase from a year earlier and up 1 percent from January, RealtyTrac said.

Most of the troubled properties were located in California, Florida, Texas, Michigan and Ohio — states where home prices have plunged as the housing boom went bust.

The overall U.S. foreclosure rate last month was one filing for every 557 homes.

February’s total represents a 4 percent dip from January, but the decline was just a seasonal blip, said Rick Sharga, RealtyTrac’s vice president of marketing.

“We seem to be settling in at a new plateau in terms of monthly activity, but it’s a much higher plateau than we were at a year ago,” he said.

February marked the 26th consecutive month with a national year-over-year increase in foreclosure-related filings.

The county has seen home values plummet since the end of the speculator-driven demand that triggered a boom in home construction, sales and prices.

The company follows default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions. Lenders typically consider borrowers delinquent after they fall three months behind on mortgage payments.

In the 12-month period ended in February, 45 states saw an increase in the number of homes that had received at least one filing.

The latest data suggest many homeowners across the nation continue to struggle with mortgage payments, despite highly publicized efforts by government, financial institutions and consumer advocacy groups to modify loan terms or work out long-term repayment plans for troubled borrowers.

Rounding out the top 10 states with the highest foreclosure rates were Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Ohio, Georgia, Indiana and Tennessee.

Busy Busy!!

2008-03-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry that this blog is written so late in the day, I have been CRAZY busy these past two weeks. Believe it or not I was stressed out about not having my blog up this morning & it drove me nuts all day! I have some regulars that I would hate to let down! Sorry to all of you!

I have picked up some really great buyers from my listing on Pennywood, in Milwaukie. They have been very fun to work with & we are finding some great homes! However, it has been a bit tough finding homes that aren't short sales & even when they are and I show them, they are selling within a day or two. (Receiving multiple offers that is.) I keep on hearing horror stories from other Brokers about their short sales & how the lenders aren't working together & causing deals to fall apart. Some Real Estate companies in Portland, Oregon are actually hiring agents specifically for short sales. It is not like a typical transaction so it helps to have experience of course.

It seems Short sales are everywhere you turn in Gresham & on the East Side in General. If you click that link it will take you to a search for short sales in the Portland area. There are even quite a few over in West Linn. The thing that drives me nuts about them is how LONG it takes to hear back from the lender. I mean we are talking 4-6 weeks at LEAST to get a simple response! I am not exactly the most patient person in the world either. It is crazy how much inventory is out there but also nuts how quick some of it is flying off of the market if it is priced right!

A lot of buyers are in the same price range looking for the same type of home. Milwaukie, Clackamas, Happy Valley, SE Portland. Wanting 3-4 Bedrooms/2.5 Bathrooms. 2 Car Garages, yards, newer homes that have nice upgrades. They are all tending to be in the $250,000-$350,000 price range. They are able to get so much for their money right now. I'm telling you, if you can, NOW is the time to buy because people who bought when they SHOULDN'T have are DESPERATE to sell, hence all the foreclosures & short sales in the area. What is nice about that price range is the flexibility, the amount of inventory on the market & to be honest if your price range is $350,000 we can be looking at $380,000 homes because no one is offering full price & not a lot of people are getting full price. That will work out quite nicely for you purchasers 3-5 years down the road... instant equity!

If you know anyone desperately wanting to purchase, especially for the first time, & if they are in the $200-$300,000 price range let them know that there is no better time than now to

purchase. Have them give me a call & we can start searching for their "dream" home today!

1. DEFINITION. The term “Short Sale” is used to refer to those real estate transactions in which the agreed-upon purchase price is insufficient to pay off all of the secured debt on the property (such as mortgages, trust deeds, state/federal income taxes, liens, property taxes or other local assessments) including the costs of closing, such as escrow and recording fees, title insurance premiums, real estate commissions, etc. If the seller is in bankruptcy, a trustee for the seller’s creditors will take control of the sale. In most Short Sales, the seller must secure an agreement from one or more third-party creditors to accept from the closing proceeds something less than the remaining amount of the debt due them. In other words, the debt is “shorted” or reduced. The one thing common to all Short Sales is that the final decision on price and terms of the transaction, as well as the identity of the ultimate buyer, will be in the control of third parties, usually creditors, whose consent to the transaction is required in order for the seller to convey clear title to a buyer.

Most Expensive Homes in Oregon

2008-03-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Oregon is home to many many beautiful homes. It is also home to some of the most expensive you will find. A lot of the million dollar homes in Oregon are found on Rivers, Lakes & Hillsides. Currently, the most expensive home in Oregon resides in the fabulous Lake Oswego district situated on the Lake of course! Are you ready for the grand total??? $13,800,000 for the both together or $7,500,000 for the main house & $6,300,000 for the guest home.

It is always so fun to look at these homes & dream about owning something like it someday. Some girls like to shop at the mall, I like to shop on rmls!

The homes are currently listed by Kathy Hall with Hasson Company Realtors.

Below you will find a slideshow and a bit of information.

Have fun! :-)

Lake Oswego

Main lake "Villa Teresa" is the epitome of unsurpassed quality & craftsmanship, scrupulous attention to detail, melding of old world artisan quality with the most advanced technology & modern day luxuries. Sophisticated electronics.Theatre & wine cellar. Unbelievable outdoor living & entertaining areas plus 1 1/2 boathouse.

Offered At : $7,500,000
SQFT: 5,800
Beds: 4
Baths: 5.1
Stories: 3
Garage: 3
Style: TRAD
Built: 2000
Schools
High School : LAKE OSWEGO
Middle School : LAKE OSWEGO
Elementary : LAKE GROVE
Other Features
Exterior : COVPATI, DECK, PATIO, SPRNKLR, OUT-FPL, WTRFEAT, BOAT-HS
Fireplaces : 5
Cooling : CENTAIR
Heat : FOR-AIR
Roof : SHAKE
Acres : .23

Lake Oswego

The most amazing structure on Main Oswego Lake awaits your personal interior finishes. Maintenance free exterior w/old world craftsmanship including all stone exterior, boat house, copper roof & gorgeous landscape. Interior "shell" includes indoor pool, 7 fireplaces, state of the art electronic wiring & more. Uncompromising quality in every way!

Offered At : $6,300,000

Details
SQFT: 7,500
Beds: 3
Baths: 5.1
Stories: 3
Garage: 2
Style: CONT-FR, TRAD
Built: 2007
Schools
High School : LAKE OSWEGO
Middle School : LAKE OSWEGO
Elementary : LAKE GROVE
Other Features
Exterior : PATIO, POOL, SPRNKLR, BI-HTUB, OUT-FPL, WTRFEAT, BOAT-HS
Fireplaces : 7
Cooling : CENTAIR
Heat : FOR-AIR
Roof : OTHER
Acres : .22

First Time Home Owners? Check this out!

2008-03-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

Some of you are at the age & time in your life where you are wanting or considering purchasing your fist home. There are programs out there for first time home buyers that we often skip over. Mostly because lenders won't want to tell you about them because that would mean losing a deal for them if they aren't qualified within their company to do a first time home buyers loan. Like anything, there are guidelines to be able to qualify, some are listed below.

A qualified homebuyer must be a first-time homebuyer or not have owned and occupied a

primary residence during the three-year period prior to the date the note and mortgage is signed. This requirement is waived if they are purchasing in a targeted area. A qualified homebuyer must be (or intend to be) an Oregon resident, and must agree to occupy the home being purchased as their primary residence. An applicant may not have been discharged from a bankruptcy within the past two years, or had a real estate foreclosure within the last five years, prior to closing the program loan.

To learn about Income Limits for a First Time Home Buyer, visit:

http://www.oregon.gov/OHCS/HD/SFF/forms/sff_Income_Limits.pdf

To learn about Purchase Price Limits, Visit:

http://www.oregon.gov/OHCS/HD/SFF/forms/sff_purchase_price.pdf

To do a search & find a lender near you who is qualified, Visit:

http://o.hcs.state.or.us/lenders/lenderlocator.jsp

To learn more about the rules & guidelines to qualify, Visit:

http://www.oregon.gov/OHCS/HD/SFF/brochures/SFF_First_Time_Homebuying_Program.pdfsize:medium;">http://www.oregon.gov/OHCS/SFF_Homebuying_Low_Interest_Home_Loans.shtml

If you should have any other questions or if you would like me to do a search in the area that you may qualify in, please do not hesitate to shoot me over an e-mail:

Parvaneh@vitalityhomerealty.com or call my office: 503-477-9758

FABULOUS HOME! SO MUCH SQ. FT. FOR THE MONEY! FROM $585,000 to $410,000!

2008-03-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

I was searching through craigslist this morning and ran across this FABULOUS listing in Milwaukie, Oregon. It is off of River road & it is a home that I have always dreamed of owning. I love the "old victorian" look & feel! This house has been remodeled but still has a HUGE basement that is framed & sheet- rocked that needs to be completed & would be a fun and small project for someone who enjoys doing that kind of work. Are you ready for this? IT IS ALMOST 4,000 SQUARE FEET! That is HUGE for $410,000!

The master bathroom has the really gorgeous black and white tile with the old fashion soaking tub. 4 Giant bedrooms. 3.5 Bathrooms. 3 Levels and the only thing on the bottom level is a huge living space in need of a little TLC. This would be the PERFECT home for college students at Portland State or anyone who works downtown since it is right off McLoughlin & River Road.

If you have ever dreamed of owning an older victorian home near the river, this is your definite opportunity. The yard is big and has a lot of older tress for privacy. Two car Garage. Wood Fireplace. Bigger Lot. Granite Counters. Hardwoods. Tons of Built-Ins. The price is ridiculous for all that you get with this home. Im in love...

For more information or to schedule a time to look at this one of a kind home, just contact me & we will get you there ASAP!

(I have a link to a Virtual Tour for anyone who is interested.)

A bunch of Randomness!

2008-03-05T09:53:00.001-08:00

I decided that today I wanted to just type about things I am currently thinking about, things I am excited about & everyday life. There is really no rhyme or reason to this blog, just me being me!

As most of you know, I married Derek Williams on July 21, 2007 at the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Portland, Oregon. It was a fabulous affair! Sadly, I do not remember much. Everyone tried to warn me that I wouldn't remember a thing from that day and man, were they right! The entire day is a giant blur for me & I didn't even get my first drink until 11pm! The party started quite early, 10 am in the Girls Hotel Suite that we had stayed in the night before & went until 1:30 am on the dance floor and then continued in the suites. We had a fabulous time! We had our make up air brushed in the Hotel that morning, our hair done and got ready together. There were about 20 people in the room while I was getting ready, all trying to put my big poofy dress over my all done up hair! It was crazy in the girls suite. Meanwhile in the boys suite down the hall they were quite busy themselves...watching golf, having a few drinks, doing card tricks and making fun of me on camera. (something about my rainy day itinerary & sunny day-A girls gotta be prepared!) Glad I was, because it RAINED on our wedding day which made us un able to go to the waterfront for our pictures. Speaking of PICTURES..anyone who knows me at all knows how important pictures are to me, so you would think that my wedding pictures would be fantastic, right? NO! I have never been so sad, disappointed, sick, furious & un happy with a company. My wedding pictures are horrible, I have NOT ONE good picture of my husband and I looking at the camera together. They didn't capture anything, my pictures are all red, blurry and I STILL DO NOT HAVE HALF OF MY PACKAGE THAT I HAVE PAID FOR! Needless to say, we are having to file a complaint with the Business Bureau. Don't ever use Silverstein Images out of Vancouver for your Photographs! Sad thing is that I really liked them and loved what work I had seen and even referred people to them. I got them other business and here I am with no pictures to show people from the biggest day of my life! THANK GOD for my Videographer Scott from Meritage in Salem! He was there from the moment I woke up until the moment the party was over. He is amazing and I would recommend his work to ANYONE out there getting married. When everything was said and done I think it was safe to say that all 300+ people at our wedding had a BLAST & it can be watched & proven over and over again on video. Below are a few videos for you to look at, not the greatest quality but you can get a glimpse!

Where did we go on our Honeymoon you ask? Nowhere. We still have not gone anywhere. At the time I worked for a company that was having a grand open the following weekend for a brand new project that I had been working very hard to be a part of & needed to be there. (Note that I had asked a year in advance about the date and planned my wedding around work...never do that!) So, that Monday we both went back to work and have not yet gone on a Honeymoon. The plans have changed a million and one times since then. First it was a Cruise since I have never been and Derek thinks I would just love it! Then it was Europe for three weeks this summer but it is too much time to take off for both of us with a new business and Derek at Portland Powder. So now we are trying to think of a few little things we can do over the next 6-8 months. Any ideas are welcome!!!

Aside from that, things with Vitality have been going GREAT! I am very excited about my website that will be done within the next month or so. We have already gotten started on it and I have found an incredible company in Portland that is very excited to be working with Vitality. For anyone looking at building a website or needing any sort of Graphic Design, Adam Holdridge is wonderful & I am so glad I got referred to him! (Thanks Shelly!) I have two listings currently on the market and two more that will be going up on April 1. The first sale that closed with Vitality had $250 donated to the Raphael House of Portland in my clients names from my earnings. It was great & they received a certificate thanking them for their contribution & also allowing them to use it as a tax write off. Vitality has acquired a new team member, Jeff Berard. Many of you may remember him from my wedding, he was the one who "married" us. (I got him ordained on-line. We both wanted someone who was a good friend to marry us, not someone we didn't know at all.) He did a great job & we are pleased to have him join our team. Rates are dropping again and I have no doubt that they will only continue to drop after the Fed meets here shortly. Inventory is great, it is a buyers market with prices dropping daily!

Other than that the one thing that I am definitely looking forward to is MARCH MADNESS! It is always such a great time of year! Is everyone getting their brackets ready? I wonder if I can somehow get a bracket going on my blog for anyone who wants to participate? I will look into doing that. I have created a myspace page for Vitality, anyone who is on myspace (which these days lets admit, is everyone) should check out the page for more information about Vitality & myself. www.myspace.com/vitalityhomerealty

Have a great week, you are halfway done!

How are your Geography Skills?

2008-03-04T12:29:00.000-08:00

I ran across this a few months ago and it has been a HUGE hit among friends & family. You think you know where a country is but when it boils down to it....do you really? Check out your skills & refresh your Geography that you learned in the 4th grade! Have fun with it and I am warning you now...it is ADDICTING! :-) (If you cannot view the entire Map, just click on the Title of this Blog and it will take you directly to the Game.)

brought to you by TravelPod, the World's Original Travel Blog ( A TripAdvisor Media Network partner )

How much can you Afford?

2008-03-03T12:55:00.000-08:00

So many people often wonder how much they can afford if they purchased a home in Portland, Oregon. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered before you can figure out an accurate monthly payment that will work for you. There are many mortgage calculators out there, this is just an example of a very simple one.
A few things to Consider:

Always use about .5-1% for Points paid on your loan. You should never use a lender who will charge you more than 1 Point. I used to be in the industry and I know how easy it can be for a Lender to trick you into paying him/her more than what you really should. Be careful!

Closing Costs can be between 1-3% not including your down payment (if you have one.)

Annual Taxes & Insurance: Estimate about 1% of the sales price. I never wrap mine into my monthly payments. I pay separately on both of my properties, allowing me to receive discounts when it is time to pay the bill in full in November. If you are responsible enough with setting money aside, I suggest doing it that way and keeping monthly payments lower. Same goes for Home Insurance.

Interest Only. As a first time home buyer, I always suggest looking into this option. I like to save money each month and I know I will refinance or sell in less than 5 years, so why not? The first 5 years are usually always paid to interest anyway.

Interest Rate. Use 6% as the average. Rates last month were at a record low in Portland, Oregon at 5.125% but have gone back up to 6.25% and today dropped back slightly below 6%. What goes up must come down, no worries! The Fed is meeting again in a week or so and rates tend to drop afterwards. 6% is still great!!!

Play around with it and see if you are at the point where you can start considering purchasing instead of Renting. If not, it will give you a jump start in knowing what you will have to do to purchase in the near future. Who knows, you may surprise yourself!

Home Affordability Calculator

How much house can you buy?

Enter your income, the monthly minimum payment on your debts and the amount of cash you can put toward a new home. You'll need to choose an interest rate and estimate your credit rating. We'll calculate the maximum house you can afford, the size of the loan and an estimated payment, making some basic assumptions about taxes, insurance and closing costs. We'll also adjust for your credit history. These are guidelines. Lenders may approve a loan for more, but that doesn't mean the loan is a wise choice

The Richest People In America

2008-02-29T11:07:00.000-08:00

I was doing a search to see what celebrities have a LEAP YEAR Birthday (Since today is a LEAP DAY! I feel completely out of it because I honestly thought it was the 1st of March today!!!) The list wasn't that exciting. Ja Rule, Cam Ward, & Antonio Sabato Jr., were a few on the top of the list.

While doing that I did however, run across a really fun list of the Richest People in America! I didn't put "what" they do or did to become that crazy rich, I thought it would be more fun for people to try and guess. I did a horrible job! I truly don't know who a lot of these people are but I do know that more than half of them dropped out of school and are now BILLIONAIRES!
Here are the winners: (IF you click on the name it will take you to a web page about who they are.)

#1 William Gates III Net Worth: $59.0 billion

#2 Warren Buffett Net Worth: $52.0 billion

#3 Sheldon Adelson Net Worth: $28.0 billion

#4 Lawrence Ellison Net Worth: $26.0 billion

#5 Sergey Brin Net Worth: $18.5 billion, Larry Page,

#6 Kirk Kerkorian Net Worth: $18.0 billion

The one that makes me crazy is Google Guy,Sergey Brin..I just used google to get all the links to the names. It is nuts how much he made off of Google!

What is your Favorite Local Charity & Why?

2008-02-28T12:27:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, the core Value at Vitality is Philanthropy. Every sale that closes with our company 3% of each commission before taxes, is donated to one of the handful of local charities I have chosen to partner with in the local Portland, Oregon area. The best part is that it is ALWAYS donated in our clients names, not our company name. The same goes for our entire team at Vitality. Lender, Inspector, Title & Insurance professionals. They are all committed in donating a portion of each sale to one of the foundations as well. The money can add up very quickly!

The last sale that closed had $250 donated to the Raphael House of Portland. My clients used my services to purchase their home and then my Inspector at Apex Home Inspections. Inspections are only $300, so he donated $30 which was fantastic. After the donation, The Raphael House sent them a Certificate thanking them and letting them know that $250 had been donated in their names, allowing them to use it as a tax write-off at the end of the year. We will be listing their home on April 1 and when it sells 3% will again be donated to the charity they choose, from my commission. It is a great added bonus for my clients. At no extra expense they have helped change someones life. Any little contribution whether it be monetary or your time, helps. I know its not a lot, but I believe that together, we can all make a difference.

The charities I am currently working with are as follows: (Feel free to click on the link to visit their home pages.)

Raphael House of Portland.
Dove Lewis Animal Hospital.
Children's Cancer Association.
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Portland.

I'm hoping this concept will reach out to some of you who are going to be buying your first home in the near future or even those of you wanting to sell and find something new. It takes nothing additional from you but allowing Vitality Home Realty to represent you. To learn more about Me the Owner and Principal Broker, click on "Parvaneh's Memoir" to the right.

I want to hear from my readers, what are your favorite local charities and why? If anyone has any suggestions for any others, I am open to adding some more and hearing about why they are so great. I am particularly leaning towards shelters of any type because it ties in hand in hand with Real Estate.

I wanted to take a minute to thank each and every one of you for reading my blog consistently. My page views are increasing so much in the past few weeks and it is so awesome to see how loyal you have all been. I really enjoy waking up each morning and thinking of a new blog topic for all of you. I hope that you are finding my postings interesting as well as fun, motivating and informational. Remember, I am ALWAYS open for posts, suggestions and any comments. My website will be completed within the next month and I am SO very excited about the company I have chosen to go with, it will be FABULOUS!

To contribute about your favorite local charity, just post a comment below for others to read. Thank you all so much! :-)

David Archuleta, Americas new 16 Year Old Heart Throb!

2008-02-27T12:03:00.000-08:00

I am guilty of being one of this kids biggest fans. Last night when he performed Paula was NOT the only one in tears. I'm pretty sure my husband was even moved by David Archuletas performance.

This kid is beyond amazing and his sincere presence is un-like any other American Idol. He is so young, you would think his voice wasn't ready for this competition! It is so refreshing to see a kid at his age with so much ambition and innocence.

I will boycott this show if he does not win..he is hands down the best one on the show, no competition after last night. Simon said it himself! He sang that song with no back round noise and nailed every single note!

Here is the video, you NEED to watch it, it is unbelievable.

Let our Energy Move you!

2008-02-27T11:51:00.001-08:00

NEW Portland, Oregon Real Estate Company & Concept! VITALITY

2008-02-27T00:31:00.001-08:00

Directed at those who have a Love for Real Estate, their Community, and the Value of Philanthropy- Vitality Home Realty is a Passionate Brokerage in Portland, Oregon that takes pride in their Unique Concept, High Moral & Main goal; Pioneering a New Trend of Giving Back to Local Charities on behalf of their clients at no Extra Expense.

read more | digg story

Just like the Movies!

2008-02-26T09:43:00.000-08:00

Remember the movie "The Holiday?" After a few failed relationships and attempts to make things work, Cameron Diaz switches her LA home for a womans cottage in the English Countryside. It is a very cute story about two women finding love where they least expect it and it all started on line! (Like most everything does these days...) The girl from England loved the LA home, it was so completely different than her own little cabin. They travel across the world to "Swap homes" for a few weeks and it works out just perfectly!

Now, did any of you think to yourself while watching the movie "Does this really happen, swapping houses for vacation?!" After the movie it became very popular! It even has its own section on craigslist! I was reading about it on line this morning and wanted to pass along this website that is dedicated to "House Swapping." Having a hard time selling your home in this current Real Estate Market? Try house swapping with someone while it is on the market and head down to the place you desire to go, now!

It is quite interesting and you never know, maybe you have a place you would love to visit but cannot afford and this would be the perfect solution. Maybe someone feels the same way about your Portland home or beach house! :-)

Definition:

House swapping is the increasingly popular activity of two homeowners living at each other's houses for a set period. Homeowner A would live in Home B for a time period, while Homeowner B lives in Home A.

Home swapping during travel and vacations always has been used informally between relatives and friends. In the early 1950s a couple of organizations sprung up to more formalize this process and they still exist today as Homelink.org and Intervac and are amongst the largest home exchange organizations.

It is usually used as low cost vacation accommodation and is a private arrangement between the two parties. The arrangement has several benefits - neither has to pay for lodging, the home itself is usually more comfortable than a hotel, and plants/pets may be cared for for free. House swapping is most popular with in-town residents planning to vacation in another major city. There are many organizations online that facilitate such swaps for free or a fee.

http://www.homeexchange.com/

Floor Plan "Must-Haves!"

2008-02-25T23:55:00.000-08:00

What is important to you when purchasing a home? This is an article from the Oregonian, sharing with us a variety of local builders secrets and extra "touches!" Read it and see if you agree!

Saturday, February 16, 2008

By JOHN KIRKLAND

Home-building companies study demographics, conduct surveys and listen intently to their customers in order to design stock plans they believe will sell.

Representatives from several building companies said they have certain elements that nearly all their plans must have to attract prospective buyers.

Arbor Custom Homes puts butler's pantries on the "must" list for a number of its designs, simply because they are so flexible. They can be used for entertainment staging, storage or as a computer nook.

On the flip side, Hosmer said, a formal living room is not a requirement for the majority of the buying public. "We found that a lot of people didn't use them, so we take some of that square footage and put it into the family room," he said.

Heather Rayburn of Centex Homes said a second-floor laundry room is probably the one universal must. "Our buyers love the convenience of a washer and dryer near their bedrooms."

Laundry areas are a priority at Renaissance Homes as well. The company likes them to be spacious, with lots of natural light.

"We want to make whoever is doing the laundry feel like they're in a nice, attractive work area," said Kim Whitman, Renaissance vice president of sales and marketing.

Most Renaissance designs also have a bonus room or media room. And, as with most floor plans today, the family room is paramount.

"Generally speaking, living rooms are passe. Dining rooms are passe. People want the great-room concept," Whitman said.

Matt Goldfain of Pacific Lifestyle Homes agreed that many buyers are willing to give up the dining room in order to get a larger great room. But every plan, he said, must have a kitchen island to delineate the cooking area from the family room.

"A spacious great room is one of the most planned areas of the home," Goldfain said. "It's where the action is, and every one of our homes has to have one."

In a number of Pacific Lifestyle plans, customers can eliminate the upstairs bonus room in favor of open space looking down on the great room.

It's Fun to Dream!

2008-02-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

I decided it would be fun to figure out where the most expensive homes in the world were, what they looked like and were priced at. These are just a few of the hundreds. To look at the entire list visit: http://www.forbes.com/2007/02/21/homes-expensive-world-forbeslife-cx_mw_0222mostexpensivehomes_slide1_2.htmlEnjoy

1.) $165 million Beverly Hills, Calif
Once owned by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, this expansive villa sits on six and a half acres in Beverly Hills

2.) $138 million Updown Court, Windlesham, Surrey
Larger than either Buckingham or Hampton Court palace, this 103-room home has 58 acres of gardens and woodlands, making it the idyllic English country home for those flush with cash.

3.) $135 million. Hala Ranch. Aspen, Colo.
The estate features several smaller buildings, stables, a tennis court and an indoor swimming pool.

4.) $125 million Maison de L'Amitie Palm Beach, Fla.
In 2004, Donald Trump bought former health care executive Abe Gosman's palace, Maison de L'Amitie, center, at a bankruptcy auction for $41.25 million.

5.) $75 millionThe Portabello Estate Corona del Mar, Calif.
The triple oceanfront lot along the Pacific Ocean in Southern California is only part of what makes the Portabello Estate so pricey.

Lunar Eclipse

2008-02-20T20:23:00.000-08:00

Dont forget, go outside between 7-9pm tonight!

By Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Wednesday night's total lunar eclipse is the last until 2010 and skywatchers viewing through a telescope will have the added treat of seeing Saturn's handsome rings.

The total eclipse can be seen from North and South America. People in Europe and Africa will be able to see it high in the sky before dawn on Thursday. In Oregon, the most spectacular view will be from 7 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. and ending at 9:09 p.m. As the moonlight dims - it won't go totally dark - Saturn and Regulus will pop out and sandwich the moon. Regulus is the brightest star in the constellation Leo.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon passes into Earth's shadow and is blocked from the sun's rays that normally illuminate it. During an eclipse, the sun, Earth and moon line up, leaving a darkened moon visible to observers on the night side of the planet. The moon doesn't go black because indirect sunlight still reaches it after passing through the Earth's atmosphere.
Since the atmosphere filters out blue light, the indirect light that reaches the moon transforms it into a reddish or orange tinge, depending on how much dust and cloud cover are in the atmosphere at the time.

Unlike solar eclipses which require protective eye wear, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye.

Later this year, in August, there will be a total solar eclipse and a partial lunar eclipse.

Green = Portland's Favorite Color!

2008-02-19T15:00:00.000-08:00

As if people need another reason to Love this beautiful state! Well, add it to the list because Portland has just been voted the #1 most green city in the entire NATION! Kudos to us Oregonians! Portland has made it onto numerous best-of lists in recent months. Just a few weeks ago there was an article out about how Portland is the BEST place to have a BABY! Who would have guessed? How fantastic! The "greenest city" honor is just the latest!
1. Portland, Ore. 23.1

*Electricity: 7.1 Transportation: 6.4 Green Living: 4.8 Recycling/Perspective: 4.8

"America’s top green city has it all: Half its power comes from renewable sources, a quarter of the workforce commutes by bike, carpool or public transportation, and it has 35 buildings certified by the U.S. Green Building Council." San Fran. was right behind us at #2 and close behind at #5 was Eugene, Or!

The new "greenest city honor" Popular Science says Portland is tops in the nation because of its energy practices, transportation systems, recycling rate, and green building practices.The magazine says Portland has it all. It says half its power comes from renewable sources, a quarter of the workforce commutes by bike, carpool or public transportation. And it has 35 buildings certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

It's so funny for me to rewind 3 years ago. I had just started a new job with a great local builder. We were thrilled about our condo project in St. Johns, the Matthew Frank Condominiums. Our biggest selling point was how "green" they were. At that moment in time no one even knew what "living green" meant. I was able to educate all of our 111 buyers about how sustainable their condo was. How healthy, how cost efficient, how popular being green was going to become over the next few years. Man, were we right!

Last year I was one of the few Realtors in Oregon to go through the Earth Advantage Certified training courses to become an E.S.T.A.R. Broker. It is fantastic and I recommend taking the course for any of you Realtors out there. I had no idea how huge building green was going to become. People buying homes in Portland are looking for healthier ways of living for their families, and I don't blame them. It is easy to find a home in Portland that is Earth Advantage Certified or "built green" you don't even have to look hard!

Congratulations Portland, for adding yet another fabulous quality to this glorious state we call home!

What kind of World do you Want?

2008-02-18T13:09:00.000-08:00

This link was sent to me by my best friends mother. She has a son who struggles with Autism. He is a brilliant kid with so much life in his little soul. She has studied about this condition relentlessly, gone the extra mile to learn all that she can about her Son and his condition. She continuously strives to help him overcome as much as he possibly can, giving him a more than fair shot in this crazy world we live in-making him feel no different than the rest of us, the way it should always be. She has done a wonderful job and he has come so far from when he was first diagnosed. She has impacted not only her sons life, but so many others by sharing her wisdom about Autism to anyone in need. It takes a strong, dedicated and loving mother & child to overcome the challenges that arise with Autism. They are both all of those things and much more.

I love the fact that Philanthropy is being used across the world to help motivate each and everyone of us. It makes me that much more excited and proud of my company, Vitality, and its underlying concept of giving back to others.

Stop. Think about your life. How do you live? Be grateful for the chances you have been given, the things you have accomplished, the road you are traveling, the people in your life, the opportunities you are given, the roof over your head and start making a difference today.

This is the link to the actual video that she sent to me. I hope that you take the time to view it, because each one of us has the ability to make a difference.

http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/408214

Autism is a brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behavior, all starting before a child is three years old. Autism affects many parts of the brain; how this occurs is poorly understood. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life. Early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help children gain self-care, social, and communication skills. There is no cure.^[5] Few children with autism live independently after reaching adulthood, but some become successful,^[6] and an autistic culture has developed, with some seeking a cure and others believing that autism is a condition rather than a disorder.^[7]
Visit this link. Turn your volume up, watch/listen and just by doing those simple things, money will be donated on your behalf and you can start making a difference just by one click.

http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/

Fans of 24 Have a LONG wait!

2008-02-14T11:50:00.000-08:00

NO JACK BAUER UNTIL 2009!?!?

For those of you who know me at all, you know that I am the biggest 24 (Jack Bauer) fan. I even named my dog Bauer! If that isn't a true fan, I don't know what is. I have been waiting & waiting for the new episodes to air, for Jack to get out of jail, for the writers strike to end...all has come to an end and now they tell us we won't see any new episodes until 2009, I am very disappointed! Below is an article msn released this morning:

One fallout of the Hollywood writers strike is that fans of Fox's drama "24" have to wait until next January to see Jack Bauer again.

The network has committed to air a full season on consecutive weeks and had been planning to start last month. If it had started airing new episodes soon, the season finale would not have taken place until the summer, when TV networks rarely show their high-profile programs.

Even though eight episodes for this season had already been filmed before the beginning of the writers strike, producers would have had to ramp up production soon to complete the season.

So "24" represents this television season's most prominent casualty due to the writers strike.

A January 2009 start seemed the best way to comply with viewers' wishes that a season's episodes run without interruption to conclusion, Fox said on Thursday.

Most Romantic Spots in Portland

2008-02-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

Looking for somewhere perfect to take that special someone? Another reason why Portland is so great! Take a look at the list of Most Romantic spots, 2008. Don't forget to make reservations tonight!

Fratelli 1230 NW Hoyt St , Portland , OR , 97209 Italian fare and warm, lustrous ambiance minus Pearl District pretentiousness.

	Sapphire Hotel 5008 SE Hawthorne Blvd , Portland , OR , 97215 This Hawthorne bar delivers style and value, combining nicely priced eats and drinks with funky Asian-Americana decor. Lucy's Table 706 NW 21st Ave , Portland , OR , 97209 A Northwest neighborhood darling for romance and rustic comfort food. Portland City Grill 111 SW Fifth Ave 30th floor , Portland , OR , 97204-3604 Steak, sushi and Pan-Asian cuisine served up with one of the best views in town.
	Multnomah Falls 50000 Historic Columbia River Hwy , Corbett , OR , 97019 This stunning waterfall hosts hikers who marvel at this example of the Columbia Gorge's natural beauty.

	Chart House 5700 SW Terwilliger Blvd , Portland , OR , 97239 For more than 40 years, this chain restaurant has served seafood and steaks in a relaxed atmosphere. The Stockpot Broiler 8200 SW Scholls Ferry Rd , Beaverton , OR , 97008 Simple, American steakhouse on the Red Tail Golf Course specializes in meats and seafood. Catering available.

	Timberline Lodge and Ski Are Timberline Lodge Rd , Government Camp , OR , 97028 A historic mountain lodge with star quality and romantic grace.

	Morton's - The Steakhouse 213 SW Clay St. , Portland , OR , 97201 USDA prime beef, elegant tableside service and mammoth martinis.

	International Rose Test Garden 400 SW Kingston Dr , Portland , OR , 97205-5883 The oldest rose garden in the country attracts visitors for its colorful variety of flowers.
	Paley's Place 1204 NW 21st Ave , Portland , OR , 97209 Creative Northwest cuisine and comfort food attract diners to this intimate, warm restaurant.

Not ready to call it a night quite yet? Head out to one of these extra romantic bars after dinner for a few cocktails!

Carlyle
1632 NW Thurman St , Portland , OR , 97209
Sophisticated food, seductive cocktails and a romantic setting give Portland a reason to dress up for dinner.

	Thirst Wine Bar & Bistro 0315 SW Montgomery St. , Portland , OR , 97201 Waterfront wine bar offers American varietals, mainly Pacific Northwest, by the glass, bottles and flights; light bites and Internet access available.

	Pour Wine Bar & Bistro 2755 NE Broadway , Portland , OR , 97232 Modern-style bar offers a wide selection of favorites and eclectic wines served with a menu of complementing food plates.

	Dante's 1 SW Third Ave , Portland , OR , 97204 Deliciously dark and seductive, this downtown hot spot has set Portland's bar scene on fire.

	M Bar 417 NW 21st Ave , Portland , OR , 97210 One of the smallest bars in town, with a cozy atmosphere.

	Jo-Bar and Restaurant 715 NW 23rd Ave , Portland , OR , 97210-3210 Stylish bar and inventive comfort food is served at this warm, inviting NW 23rd spot.

	The Empire Room 4260 SE Hawthorne Blvd , Portland , OR , 97215 Relaxed, European-themed wine bar with desserts, light food and cocktails.

Had just a little too much to drink? Well we all know you should never drive after you have had a few! Want to top the night off?! Here is a list of the most Romantic Hotels in Portland, go crash at one of them! The first being my all-time FAVORITE!

	Hotel Vintage Plaza 422 SW Broadway , Portland , OR , 97205 European charm and history characterizes this elegant downtown hotel.

	Hotel deLuxe 729 SW 15th Ave , Portland , OR , 97205 Downtown hotel combines the glamour of Hollywood's golden age with 21st-century amenities and guest services fit for a star.

	Skamania Lodge in the Columbia River Gorge 1131 SW Skamania Lodge Wy , Stevenson , WA , 98648 An upscale, Northwest-style resort where guests can enjoy the great outdoors.

	Heathman Hotel 1001 SW Broadway , Portland , OR , 97205 Historic hotel provides comfort, elegance and all of the amenities to boot.

	The Benson Hotel 309 SW Broadway , Portland , OR , 97205 Historic, opulent hotel in downtown hosts visiting rock stars and politicos.

	RiverPlace Hotel 1510 SW Harbor Way , Portland , OR , 97201 Swank hotel by the river offers luxurious accommodations and proximity to marina shopping.

	Hotel Lucia 400 SW Broadway , Portland , OR , 97205 Fans of boutique hotels will swoon for these sleek, stylish downtown digs.

	Paramount Hotel 808 SW Taylor St , Portland , OR , 97205 A European-style, 15-story boutique hotel with both traditional elegance and cutting-edge amenities.

	Bonneville Hot Springs Resort 1252 E Cascade Dr , N Bonneville , WA , 98639 Hotel in the scenic Columbia River Gorge offers luxury accomodations, soothing mineral baths and a variety of spa treatments.

	Jupiter Hotel 800 E Burnside St , Portland , OR , 97214-1221 Swanky, hip boutique hotel sports retro decor, a club-like atmosphere and budget prices.

Looking for something fun to do Saturday night?

2008-02-12T12:23:00.000-08:00

Check out Boogie Bone at Duffs Garage. Show starts at 8:30, drinks & boogiein' will be goin' all night long!

"I'm with the band, I'm on the list." I love being able to walk into a bar and say that for once!

As many of you know, my "Papa #2" (as I like to call him) or "Fangers" (what others know him as) is the lead guitarist for the new, yet old, Boogie Bone Band. Steve was definitley born to rock, there is no question about it! He shows it not only in the way he plays but in how he always has the hippest shoes to play in (pictured in the center with the bright yellow nike's) and the surfer dude hairstyle that he picked up while growing up in Hawaii, is always a hit! Looking great is just as important as playing great! When not playing with the band (which isn't very often) you can find him working hard at the business he owns, Portland Powder Coating. Traveling with his wife of 27 years (in Hawaii as you read this.) Playing or shall I say "trying" to play guitar hero. Brewing (and drinking) his own beer. Spending time with his two & newly third (me) children, and every Friday at our local Old Chicago Restaurant before heading out to listen to local bands.

Un-like a lot of todays bands, Boogie Bone has history. Some of the band members have played together for as long as 20 years and others are brand new to the band, yet you would never know because their sound is so in tune, as if they have been playing together their entire lives. The three core members, Steven Dee Williams, Henrey Gavaldon & Todd Stevens played in a band in the 80's called Alloy. They often toured the Northwest and played at places that well, lets admit it, my young soul has never heard of! Many people remember Alloy and are so excited to see them back together and better than ever! A lot of their "groupies" followed the band before they had families and now, 20 years later, their kids are grown & they can continue following Boogie around just as they once did 20 years ago. Many like to say "the boys are back!"

These days you can find them at a lot of local places like Trails End in Oregon City, Roots Brewery in SE and the Lucky Lab. They do all sorts of private events as well as the good ol' bar scene! One of my favorites is the annual Blue Lake 4th of July show that they play every year. The scene is wonderful for all ages and it sets the perfect mood for the firework show that immediately follows Boogie. Not only are they playing in local venues but they are playing ALL over the world on radio stations! Just this last Friday KMHD played 3 of their songs and the radio station in Italy that is in love with Boogie, is playing their music all week long! (I see a trip to Italy in our families near future!)

The energy the band gives off is contagious and even if you don't know anyone in the band you will feel as if you do, and I guarantee you by the end of the night you will be shakin your groove thang on the dance floor with the rest of us! They laugh on stage, they drink beer while rockin' out on top of the tables, they interact with the crowd, they make fun of one another... but most of all they show their love for music and what they do in each song that they play.

Next time you are in the mood for a little Stevie Ray Vaughn with some Ronnie Earl and a little bit of spunk mixed with good ol' blues and a dash of soul...check out Boogie Bone. As they put it; "What we bring to the audience is a high energy, fun loving style of music that is highlighted by fantastic musicianship. By the end of night you feel like you have been hanging out with us as long as we have been hanging together. Old friends partying with old friends." Couldn't have said it better myself!

Check out Boogies Website for more upcoming shows, pictures, press releases and don't forget to turn your volume up!
www.boogieboneband.com

Snail Mail gets MORE expensive!

2008-02-11T12:51:00.000-08:00

U.S. Postal Service says the cost of a first-class stamp will increase by one penny, starting in May.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Mailing a letter will soon cost a penny more.

The cost of a first-class stamp will rise to 42 cents starting May 12, the U.S. Postal Service said Monday.

The price of the Forever stamp will go up at the same time, meaning those stamps can still be purchased for 41 cents but will remain good for first-class postage after the rate increase takes effect.

The post office has sold 5 billion Forever stamps since they were introduced last April and plans to have an additional 5 billion in stock to meet the expected demand before the May price change, the agency said.

The charge for other services, such as advertising mail, periodicals, packages special services will also change. Changes in the price for Priority Mail and Express Mail will be announced later, the agency said.

Postage rates last went up in May, 2007, with a first-class stamp jumping 2 cents to the current 41-cent rate.

In the past, raising postage rates was a long, complex process involving hearings before the independent Postal Regulatory Commission, a process that could take nearly a year.

However, under the new law regulating the post office that took effect in late 2006, the agency is allowed to increase rates with 45-days notice as long as changes are within the rate of inflation for the previous 12 months. The Postal Regulatory Commission calculated that rate at 2.9% through January, limiting the first-class rate to an increase of just over a penny.

Under the new law, postal prices will be adjusted annually each May, the Postal Service said. Officials said they plan to give 90 days notice of future changes - twice what is required by law.

While the charge for the first ounce of a first-class letter rises to 42 cents, the price of each added ounce will remain 17 cents, so a two-ounce letter will go up a penny to 59 cents. The cost to mail a post card will also go up a penny, to 27 cents.

Other increases set for May 12:

-- Large envelope, 2 ounces: $1 (up 3 cents).

-- Money Orders up to $500: $1.05 (unchanged).

-- Certified mail: $2.70 (up 5 cents).

-- First-class international letter to Canada or Mexico: 72 cents (up 3 cents).

-- First-class international letter to other countries: 94 cents (up 4 cents).

http://money.cnn.com/2008/02/11/news/economy/postage_increase.ap/index.htm?postversion=2008021115

Tax Rebates! Again???

2008-02-08T20:36:00.000-08:00

Those of us in Oregon are getting a lucky break with a second rebate in less than 6 months! Do you think it will help the economy? Do you think it is a wasted effort?

Now the real question...Do I qualify? How long will it take until I see my money? What do I need to do? How much will I get? Check out this helpful article for all of the answers:

http://money.cnn.com/2008/02/08/pf/taxes/rebates_what_you_need_to_know/index.htm

Congress Passes $150 Billion Stimulus Plan

WASHINGTON (Dow Jones) -- Congress on Thursday passed a $152 billion economic stimulus package designed to provide a timely, targeted and temporary boost to the flagging U.S. economy.

One day after Republicans successfully filibustered a broader plan favored by the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate approved the Republican-backed measure, nearly identical to one passed by the House last week, on an 81-16 vote.

The House approved the measure hours later on a 380-34 vote. President Bush is expected to sign the legislation quickly.

"This plan is robust, broad-based, timely, and it will be effective," Bush said in a statement released by the White House. "This bill will help to stimulate consumer spending and accelerate needed business investment."

"None of us got exactly what we wanted, but we got a great deal for the American people," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

Passage came just two weeks after the House leadership and the White House reached an agreement in principle on a plan and three weeks after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told lawmakers that fiscal stimulus would be helpful.

The bill amounts to about 1% of U.S. gross domestic product.

The plan would give tax rebates of up to $1,200 for households, with $300 more for each child. The full rebates would be sent to individuals with incomes under $75,000 and to families with incomes under $150,000, including seniors and disabled veterans. The rebate would be phased out for those earning more.

The bill also has provisions to prevent undocumented immigrants from receiving tax rebates.

The plan would also cut business investment taxes by $44 billion for one year. It would raise the caps on mortgages issued by the Federal Housing Administration or purchased by Fannie Mae (FNM) and Freddie Mac (FRE).

Rebate checks would likely be mailed beginning in May. Taxpayers will not have to apply for the rebate; it would come automatically based on their 2007 tax return.

In contrast to the defeated Senate Finance Committee bill, the measure does not include an extension of unemployment benefits that was in the defeated Senate plan, nor does it include assistance to pay the heating bills of poor families, nor does it give tax breaks for energy conservation.

The momentum for a stimulus package has accelerated in recent weeks, with more evidence piling up that the U.S. economy may be in a recession.

The stimulus is designed to boost consumption and investment in a timely, temporary and targeted manner.

All the remaining major presidential candidates serving in Congress favored the bill. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., voted for the bill. Sens. Barack Obama, D- Ill., and Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., were campaigning and did not vote on final passage, although both voted in favor of the larger stimulus plan that was defeated Thursday. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, voted against it.

The final bill is the one that Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, R- Ky., proposed earlier in the week, and is nearly identical to one passed by the House last week after negotiations among House leaders and the White House.

On Wednesday, the Senate failed by one vote to end McConnell's filibuster of the stimulus plan approved by the Senate Finance Committee backed by 59 senators.

Some economists have questioned how effective the stimulus would be. Surveys show most consumers did not intend to spend their tax rebate, but planned instead to use it to pay credit card bills or to add to their savings.

  (END) Dow Jones Newswires
  02-08-08 0055ET
  Copyright (c) 2008 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Introducing our First Partnered Foundation...

2008-02-07T17:19:00.000-08:00

The Raphael House of Portland!

Today I had the pleasure of getting to know the women I will be working closely with at the Raphael House of Portland. They are wonderful and so excited about my company and the entire concept of Vitality. They will be great to work with and highly educated contacts for any of you interested in donating to their shelter.

Raphael House of Portland has been offering shelter to women and children fleeing domestic violence since 1977.The shelter itself is amazing, I was beyond impressed. At this moment they have over 20 children and over 15 women living there. At times they have had up to 35 children and 20 women, making the Raphael House the biggest shelter in Oregon. The rooms are very clean and put together perfectly by the house-keeper, who can flip rooms in just a few hours! Some of them have bunks with cribs for the babies with the mothers. Others have beds with tables and chairs. All of the rooms have attached bathrooms, which is very convenient for the families. They all have counters with a sink and cabinetry for storage. The rooms have all the necessary necessities for the women and children who depend on the Raphael house on a daily basis.

The shelter has a big dining room with a fully equipped Kitchen where the families can cook and come and go as they please. They allow groups to come in and cook big family dinners, that is something I look forward in doing and welcome anyone who wants to participate! Internet, homework club, children's center, outdoor activities are at their fingertips. They provide animal healing for some, game nights, movie nights, field trips, arts & crafts. They do important education projects with the children and hang up all of their artwork, book reports and projects in the shelter to show others what they have been learning. They provide support groups, counseling, self sufficiency planning and so much more to all of the women who come to the shelter for help. The best part is that the location and all of the details of the shelter are top secret, so all of the women & children can feel as safe as possible.

I am definitley excited to be working hand in hand with this amazing foundation and look forward to contributing many dollars on behalf of all of my clients! To learn more, visit: www.raphaelhouse.com

Below is the mission statement for the Raphael House.

"To provide a foundation of hope and healing for a life free of family violence."

Top 30 cities to watch

2008-02-06T16:23:00.000-08:00

There has been lots of talk of the Real Estate market and all the shifts that we will be continuing to see throughout the year. What about the Portland real estate market, will we be on the run or will we be on the rise? I am pleased to report that the Portland market will continue to be one of the top ranked housing markets in the nation!
Here's the forecast of the 10 cities where prices and values should continue to rise, 10 cities with little room to run and 10 that are most likely to decline.

10 bubble blowers -- appreciation should continue to grow!

Boise, Idaho
El Paso, Texas
Portland, Oregon
Seattle, Washington
Albuquerque, N.M
Salt Lake City, Utah
Raleigh, N.C
Philadelphia
Atlanta, Georgia
Little Rock, Ark
Cincinnati, Ohio, and Birmingham, Ala

Bubble watch: 10 cities that will top out!

Washington, D.C
Fort Myers/Cape Coral, Fla.
Chicago
Honolulu
Tucson, Ariz.
San Francisco
Detroit
Minneapolis:
Baltimore:
Denver

Bubble watch: 10 cities where prices will deflate!

Las Vegas
Sacramento, Calif
Phoenix
Boston
Los Angeles
Naples, Fla
Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Fla
Edison and Newark, N.J
Nassau/Suffolk, N.Y

To read more about this article, visit: www..msn.com/buying/Articlebankrate.aspx?cp-documentid=421682

Why Portland, Oregon?

2008-02-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

Born and raised in this place I call home, Portland, Oregon has way too many attributes to list! Here are some of the most fantastic qualities that I have pulled from multiple sites, articles & friends, to show how loved the City of Roses is. If you have ever considered moving to Portland, take it from these people and jump on the next available flight!

"The best part about Portland is that when you drive an hour West you're at the beach, drive an hour East you're in the mountains, and drive another couple hours East and you're in the high-dessert. It's such a fun state to explore AND it's GREEN!" -Katie Abrahamson-

"Portland has the "big city" feel without the insane traffic or smog pollution!"-Krista Bransom-

Portland scored the number one spot as America's Most Vegetarian-Friendly Large City.

What makes a city bicycle-friendly? Well, Bicycling Magazine called Portland the #1 best city for bicycling in North America.

"I would say that my favorite thing is the scene. There are countless restaurants, bars, clubs, museums, theaters, music venues, boutiques...you can go out every day and night and experience something different!"-Heather Williams, Pearl Resident.-

"Ok, take it from someone who has lived in Portland, and now lives in Arizona, and misses everything about the Portland area. I love the smell, the greenery, the flowers, the wonderful people that live in such a warm and inviting city. Another great aspect is our downtown scene. A great place to go out and eat, and walk to many different bars music shows, etc. Last, but not least b/c my list could go on forever, is the arts and culture. Portland is a fantastic city for learning and broadening your horizons. So much better than a dry, brown, and spread out city like Phoenix! " -Jessica Thomas-

"The Crisp Clean Air and Big Fir Trees!" -Rachel Harshfield-

Still Paying Rent?

2008-02-04T12:18:00.000-08:00

Realty Viewpoint: Six Signs It's Time For Home Buyers To Buy

by Blanche Evans

If you're waiting for signs of a housing bottom, join the club. Nobody blows a whistle and say, "It's time to buy!"

That's why market timing is an art, not a science, but you can improve your odds of buying wisely.

First, stop paying attention to the national media. Fear has sidelined buyers even in good markets, and that's exactly when you need to take advantage -- before other buyers wise up.

Second, be ready to pounce when you see the home you want.

The time is right to buy when you see these signs in your marketplace:

Inventories start to decline. That means that the best buys are leaving the market, and best doesn't necessarily mean cheap. It means the homes with the highest likelihood of profitable resale. Desirable homes will leave the market first.
Days on market reduce. Days on market refers to the period when a Realtor enters a home in the MLS for marketing to other brokers, until the home sells. When DOMs are shorter, that signals a coming seller's market. A seller's market has more buyers than homes, so prices go up and selection goes down.
Mortgage applications increase. Interest rates recently turned back the clock, causing many homeowners to jump in and refinance. Purchase applications were also up. Either way, that means homes are about to leave the market, so less inventory means firmer prices. Sellers will stop dropping their prices.
Sold homes go for closer to listing price. In 2007, home prices dipped for the first time in four decades. With a 1.9 percent decline, homes still sold within 97 percent of listing price. When they get to 98 percent, you'd better be ready.
Prices remain firm or rise. Prices are a product of demand. To attract buyers, sellers reduce their prices and offer more incentives. If homes are selling reasonably well, prices won't move downward -- they'll go up.
Incentives disappear. When a market begins to favor sellers, they don't have to do as much to sell homes. Watch new homes and see if builders are still giving away swimming pools and granite kitchens. If they aren't, times have changed.

Any change in condition will change others, so again -- be ready. Now's the time to buy a better house while prices are low, interest rates are low and inventory is still high.

Little Brothers old Teamate is playing in the Super Bowl!

2008-02-03T12:09:00.000-08:00

From W. Oregon to Super Bowl Starter

Giants tight end Kevin Boss will face Patriots in NFL showcase

CHRIS HAGAN
Statesman Journal

January 24, 2008

Standing on the sideline Sunday night in Green Bay, New York tight end Kevin Boss watched Lawrence Tynes' kick sail through the uprights and send the Giants to the Super Bowl.

He doesn't remember much after that. The former Western Oregon and Philomath High School star knows that he ran out on the field and found friend and fellow rookie Zak DeOssie.

He knows because DeOssie's face had the proof later on.

"We jumped up and hugged each other and my shoulder pad hit his helmet and jammed it up into his nose and it started to gush blood," Boss said. "He said he didn't notice it until he got back into the locker room. He didn't care."

Boss was picked by the Giants from NCAA Division II Western Oregon in the fifth round of the NFL draft in April.

A reserve most of the season, he has started the past five games for the Giants after Pro-Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey went down with an injury.

The Giants have gone on an unlikely run, winning three consecutive road playoff games to set up a Feb. 3 date with the New England Patriots in Arizona. The Giants' 23-20 victory against the Packers in the NFC championship game was the second time that the NFC representative to the Super Bowl needed overtime to advance.

"It was an exciting game to be a part of," Boss said. "It's still sinking in that I'm going to be a part of the Super Bowl in two weeks."

The game also was noted for being the third-coldest game in NFL history, with the temperature at gametime a brisk minus-1 degree. Boss said the team prepared for a run-heavy game with the passing game possibly hampered by the cold.

"I don't think anybody was really excited playing in whatever it was, negative something, but we knew it would affect us and affect Green Bay also, so (I tried) not to think about it and play our game," Boss said.

Boss' older brother Terry, a professional soccer player, has attended each of the Giants' playoff games. He said the experience at Lambeau Field was easily the most pleasant.

"It was definitely a fun to place to play but the funny thing is the Packer fans were the friendliest fans we've ever seen," Boss said. "My brother and his friend said they were blown away at how nice they were. They just wanted to make sure they had a nice experience at Lambeau."

Boss had one catch for 12 yards but had a key play in the Giants' first touchdown drive of the game.

With the Giants on the Packers' 2-yard line, running back Brandon Jacobs fumbled. Boss jumped on the loose ball and after two Green Bay penalties, Jacobs punched it in from 1-yard out, giving the Giants a 13-10 lead.

The game went into overtime tied at 20. After a Brett Favre interception, the Giants had a chance to win the game on a Tynes field goal attempt.

"I was just standing on the sideline holding my breath," Boss said. "I don't really remember what happened afterward ... just running out on the field."

The Giants arrive Monday in Arizona to prepare for the Patriots and other events that come with a Super Bowl berth. For now, Boss is trying to relax and burn through a rapidly filling voice mailbox.

"Right now, I'm just trying to enjoy these couple of days off and prepare for the hard work we have ahead of us," he said.

That hard work includes trying to stop the Patriots' perfect season: New England is 18-0. The Patriots beat the Giants 38-35 in the final week of the season, with Boss catching a career-high four passes for 50 yards and a touchdown.

Boss said he thinks the two teams match up well and is looking forward to the rematch.

"I think we're almost glad to have drawn the Patriots again," he said.

Welcome!

2008-02-01T15:09:00.000-08:00

I am extremely excited & proud to announce the opening of Vitality Home Realty! Unlike any other Real Estate company in Portland, Vitality concentrates on the value of philanthropy. Dedicated to giving back a portion of each commission earned to one of the carefully selected foundations in the Portland area, Vitality donates the earnings in their clients names. This allows them to use the contribution from their Realtor as a Tax Write-Off and let alone the feeling of helping someone who cannot afford shelter at all, is heartwarming and a rewarding feeling you cannot get with any other Real Estate company! Not only is Vitality proud of this new venture but so is the entire Vitality Team! This includes a lender, title agent, inspector and home insurance agent who are all committed in doing exactly the same. Each time you use one of our valued team members you are increasing the amount of money that will be donated on your behalf to the foundation you feel most drawn to.

So many people forget about the simple things, get too caught up in our own lives and little idiosyncrasies that we lose sight of what is important! Buying and Selling a home is a wonderful achievement, a milestone in so many peoples lives. It is so satisfying to call a place, "home." We are blessed to be on the path that leads to homeownership, but we need to remember that and not take that for granted. While we are busy picking out colors, furniture and all the new and exhilarating things that come with owning a home, so many people are merely happy to get through another day. Happy to find a place to sleep that will keep them dry, keep them safe. They, unlike us, have no place to call "home," as it changes on a daily basis for many of them.

I know that we cannot change all of this over night, but we sure can try our hardest to give our part and start a pattern that will hopefully catch on all over the world letting all of our energy, literally, move us as humans to a higher standard of living!

How satisfying will it feel to walk into your new home for the first time and know that you also have provided a few more days of happiness for someone who dreams of owning a home, just as you once did, with no added effort? All this, because you chose Vitality to get you there.