Looks like green certified single family housing is not for first time home buyers

1st quarter close in new housing starts

Looks like green certified housing is selling for less than new code built housing.  They sold for $2 less a sq ft.  The factor that may be impacting that is the code houses were designed by architects and have lots of green features.

Portland's sold new construction facts for 2015

Friends of trees is planting!!!

I love this time of year.  The camellias and daffodils are blooming.  Trees are just starting to come back to life.  Thankfully there is more light too!

Look around your neighborhood to see if there are new trees! Friends of trees is comited to getting more trees in our urban canopy.  I love it because it cleans the air, cools our summers and makes it even more beautiful!

situs ~ how does it impact you

Situs  what is it?  This is the legal definition of the property.

There are different rules for different things.  Just because your mailing address says it is in Portland does not mean that you pay taxes to Portland and it does not mean that your kids will go to PPS.  I am in process of selling a home with a mailing address that says Portland.  The house however is in Gresham.... the situs address.  The post office uses the same house number and street along with Portland not Gresham.  Straight forward right?

Automatic warranty for contractors

Lots of people including Realtors think that there is a one year warranty that "comes with" any work that is done.  There is not one but there is protection.  The CCB however does assist with claims about negligent, improper work or breach of contract.  See the link below for Danial Goldstien's legal take of that.

Where is my one year warranty

Linked with permission from Dan Goldstein

My holiday challenge to you!

The holidays are approaching and it tends to be consumerism on steroids time.  I am wondering if we as a people might look at this a bit differently and consider the world we live in.  Our gift giving might include something that gives to all.  And I mean TREES! Live ones!

Here is my challenge to you.  Give someone a tree this year or donate to friends of trees.  That helps everyone in a small way.  

Donate to Friends of trees