The UGB

The Metro Council took a look around greater Portland and saw two things: Thousands of acres of vacant, developable land, and thousands of units of apartments under construction in Portland. That look combined an analysis by experts and computers showed that the region had enough land within its urban growth boundary to handle 20 years of growth.

Read more about the Urban Growth Boundary and download the Feb.2020 map.

Minor Upgrades for a Serious Impact

Tired of your home looking off-trend and out of touch? Or investing in an older home and want to update it? You don’t need deep pockets to do either. In fact, upgrading your home can be quite affordable with the right projects.

Here are five ways to make a big impact without spending a lot:

Repaint. Paint trends come and go, so if your walls are still the same color or have the same wallpaper from 1950, they’re likely out of date. Consider giving the walls a new look with a more modern tone.

Change light fixtures. It’s time to kick out-of-style light fixtures to the curb. Pendant lighting, Edison bulbs and simple recessed lighting are what’s hot with today’s designers and buyers.

Update your hardware. You’d be surprised at how easily doorknobs, drawer pulls, locks and handles can start to look aged. Take a good look at your existing hardware, and consider upgrading to newer models. And don’t forget the hinges.

Reface your appliances. Have an old, yellowing appliance but don’t want to replace what’s not broken? Just use peel-and-stick stainless steel or marble contact paper, and reface those appliances instantly.

Install a kickplate. If you want to upgrade your curb appeal but can’t afford a new door, consider installing a kickplate. It’s an instant, affordable way to add visual appeal to any existing entryway.

These upgrades may seem minor, but when done properly, they can have a serious impact on your home’s aesthetic.

If you’re considering more extensive updates, let’s get together to discuss ways to increase your home’s marketability and long-term value.

4 Tips for Creating a Home Gym With Limited Space

4 Tips for Creating a Home Gym With Limited Space

There’s no need for an expensive gym membership or high-tech equipment to slim down this year. Here are a few suggestions for creating a home gym, even in a small space:

  1. Designate a space
    Regardless of whether your workout space is an entire room or just the width of a yoga mat, take steps to separate it from the rest of your living area. Experts agree a dedicated space helps keep you motivated. A room divider can help separate your equipment from the rest of your life — and prevent it from becoming a drying rack for your laundry.
  2. Admire and inspire
    A $10 mirror can make all the difference when it comes to checking your alignment and preventing injury. It can also give you a way to check your progress, or keep an eye on those love handles for extra motivation.
  3. Equip yourself wisely
    If you’re short on space, you can find treadmills, rowers, TRX machines, and even bikes in fold-and-stash options. Adjustable weight sets take up a fraction of the space of a whole set of dumbbells. And a chin-up bar across a doorway hogs no floor space at all.
  4. Turn the music up
    An upbeat playlist can be a huge motivator for going the extra mile. Install speakers in your workout space, or find portable ones that can link to your phone.

Want to find a home with enough space to workout? I’ll help you find a home that will help you meet your goals. Give me a call, shoot me a text, or send me an email.

Why Are Bridges Green? The Story Starts In Oregon

Bridges all across the country are painted the same shade of Statue-of-Liberty green. It’s a tradition that started right here in Oregon: meet ODOT Green. Drive across Oregon and it’s hard not to notice that many of the state’s steel bridges — from the foggy coast to high desert — are the same shade of sage green. It’s so ubiquitous that the paint’s manufacturer calls it “ODOT Green” after Oregon’s Department of Transportation.​  Read More Here.