If you've been thinking of buying or selling a home, you've likely been paying attention to media reports about how much home prices have fallen since the market's peak. One of the media's favorite housing price indicators is the Case-Shiller composite index, which reports how much homes have appreciated (or depreciated) over a finite period. Though it may seem like a good national housing snapshot, the report can be misleading for several reasons.
Firstly, the 20-city composite shows home prices sliding almost 30 percent since the market's peak in 2006. That number is more than double the losses we've seen in either Portland (12 percent) or Seattle (11 percent). Because the composite includes cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas, that "national snapshot" doesn't apply to the Pacific Northwest.
In addition, several significant real estate reports show home price downturns that are far less dramatic than what the Case-Shiller claims. Also, the Case-Shiller doesn't account for how foreclosures can skew overall numbers.
Though it's indisputable that we've seen some depreciation in the Pacific Northwest, we are faring well compared with much of the nation. And there are signs that our market is already on an upswing: the inventory of new homes has declined since this same period last year, existing home inventory has been shrinking over the past several months, sales in the more affordable price ranges are up 50 percent over this time last year, and some markets in our region are seeing overall increases in activity.
When you are pricing a home, either to sell or to make an offer, you need to keep the local real estate picture in mind; the national numbers don't matter. If you'd like to make sure you are getting the most accurate and up-to-date information, I can help. Please get in touch today!
Courtesy of The Gardner Team with John L. Scott Real Estate
Leading in Sherwood Oregon and surrounding area real estate with a commitment to YOUR success,
More Sherwood Oregon Homes Just Sold by The Gardner Team
We listed and sold this home in record time. A fantastic first-time home buyer find!
This 1,401 square foot home on Brittany Lane in beautiful Sherwood Oregon offered desirable features, easy one level living, beautiful landscaping, hardwood floors, granite counters and so much more. A lifestyle amongst a desirable community just a short distance to Snyder Sports Park. A special place to appreciate the lifestyle & simple abundance this home came to offer.
Listed Price $259,900 | Sold Price $259,900
Congratulations on the successful sale of your home!
We helped our buyers find this adorable home on Colfelt Lane located in Sherwood Oregon.
This home offered a Great Room design with 9 ft ceil on main. Covered Patio, Master Bedroom w/cathedral ceiling and walk-in closet. Great back yard w/auto sprinkler system. Access to Middleton Elementary School from bottom of cul-de-sac. Great street and neighborhood.
Listed Price $220,000 | Sold Price $211,000
Congratulations on the successful purchase of your new home!
Whether buying, selling or both - The Gardner Team looks forward to being of service to you!
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If you or someone you know is looking for outstanding real estate services 365 days a year, always remember that The Gardner Team is here for all your real estate needs and will deliver results that make a difference.
This is truly the opportunity of a lifetime. We're excited to announce NEW upgrades being made to our websitefor First-Time Home Buyers. On our Home Page and throughout our interior pages, we've added a live hot button for easy access to what you're looking for. You can also get there by going to www.FirstTimeHomeBuyerTeam.com - STAY TUNED!!
This is a historic time with BETTER home prices, BETTER selections, BETTER interest rates, BETTER programs and an even a BETTER home buying experience with FREE buyer representation from your local award-winning real estate team. You're gonna LOVE all you get with the Gardner's exclusive Buy Smart kit... We'll be there to guide you through every step of your journey and help you get a loan, find a home and start living!
START searching for homes right now. Save your search and get an email the second a property hits the market in your criteria. Be the first to know about today's BEST buys. Call us today, let's discuss your wants and needs and start touring homes.
Real Estate: Sherwood Oregon Home "JUST LISTED" by The Gardner Team
See more on this homes exclusive property website at www.BeautifulSherwoodLiving.com - While you're on the site you can even "Send" this great find to your family and friends!
See photo gallery, home details and highlights - CLICK HERE -
Great location makes it especially nice for everyone to enjoy the short walk to old town Sherwood, school and park. Lots of light, hardwoods, new Devine designer paint, craftsman wraps and wainscoting, brand new stainless steel appliances, flowing floor-plan and finished daylight basement you're sure to love... Priced to sell $329,900
Join us for a personal showing and discover why this is a very special place to call home. Call Jason Gardner, Realtor directly at (971) 832-1234 | jasongardner@johnlscott.com | www.TheGardnerTeam.net
It's officially "Tax Day" and in spirit of April 15th we'd like to share some quick facts on how home ownership can reduce taxes. Becoming a homeowner provides a great tax shelter. Home ownership may lower your taxes and help you get a bigger refund, and here's how...
Courtesy of U.S. NEWS World Report
Tax credit: President Barack Obama's $787 billion economic stimulus package--which became law in mid February--included a tax credit designed to ramp up housing demand. The new law offers eligiblefirst-time home buyers a tax credit worth up to $8,000 when they purchase a principal residence on or after Jan. 1, 2009 and before Dec. 1, 2009. The credit does not have to be paid back, but it's subject to income limitations. Under the terms of the legislation, a first-time home buyer is defined as anyone who has not had an ownership interest in a principal residence for three years before the transaction.
Property tax deduction for non-itemizers: A housing law enacted in July provided a perk for home owners who don't itemize their taxes. The move enables such taxpayers to claim an extra deduction in addition to the standard deduction for tax year 2008. Under the terms of the legislation, non-itemizing homeowners can deduct up to $500 of property taxes if they are filing individually, or up to $1,000 if they are filing jointly. "That will have a direct, dollar-for-dollar impact on some folks," says Linda Goold, the director of federal tax programs for the National Association of Realtors.
Energy efficient home improvements: The financial bailout package, which became law in October, expanded the scope of home improvements eligible for tax credits in 2008. The legislation enabled homeowners who had certain wind energy systems in place last year to qualify for tax credits worth 30 percent of the purchase and instillation cost, up to a maximum of $4,000. It also boosted the size of the tax credit available for installing geothermal heat pumps. In addition, home owners can qualify for similar credits on their 2008 taxes if they installed solar water heaters, fuel cells, or solar panels last year. While the savings for these energy efficient home improvements are limited for 2008, the recently-enacted economic stimulus package increased the benefits going forward.
Home office tax deduction: Homeowners who work from home may be eligible for additional tax savings. The Internal Revenue Service allows certain property owners who use a part of their home to conduct business to claim a home office deduction. In order to qualify, a portion of the house--say, a room--must be used exclusively and regularly as a principal place of business or as a location to interact with customers. A room that is regularly used for some types of storage, as a day care facility, or as rental property may qualify as well. The value of the deduction will depend on the size of the space used. But those considering claiming this deduction should proceed with caution, as IRS auditors are on the lookout for its abuse. To avoid problems, homeowners that claim the home office deduction need to keep very careful records and to make an assessment of factually why they think they are justified in taking it.
Moving expenses: In certain cases, homeowners who move from one location to another on account of a job can deduct the moving expenses from their taxes. In order to do so, the new job must be located 50 or more miles further away from the previous home than the distance between the previous job location and the previous home. (For example, if your previous job was located five miles away from your old home, your new job location would have to be at least 55 miles away from your previous home.) Employees will also have to work full-time for a minimum of 39 weeks within the first year in the general vicinity of the new location to qualify for the credit. "It's a statutory adjustment," says Robert Dietz, the director of tax issues for the National Association of Home Builders, "which means...it's a deduction you can claim regardless of itemization." You do not, however, need to be a homeowner to take advantage of this tax benefit. Becoming a homeowner could save more or get more money back at tax time!
Getting great real estate representation for FREE: Did you know that buyers don't pay the real estate agent? That's right, as a home buyer you don't pay anything. The sellers pay the Realtors. As you can see, having a skilled professional represent you in the purchase of your home proves not only to be extremely helpful, it will save you time and money as well.
When it comes to homeownership news you can use, keep visiting this blog www.DiscoverSherwood.com, our personal real estate website at www.TheGardnerTeam.net and coming soon our dedicated home buyer site www.FirstTimeHomeBuyerTeam.com - Whether you're considering buying, selling or both, our expert advice is always free.
For more information on becoming a homeowner or a first-time homeowner, our first time home buyer team has the answers. We're committed to helping you discover a better home buying experience and educating you on the variety of programs available to help buyers purchase a home of their own in Sherwood Oregon and the surrounding areas... You can ALWAYS reach us directly by calling Jason Gardner at 971-832-1234 or sending an email to jasongardner@johnlscott.com
Conveniently just minutes from downtown Sherwood is this beautiful Oregon vineyard estate resting on 5.04 perfectly matured acres located at the gateway of the Chehalem Mountains with breathtaking Willamette Valley, territorial, mountain views.
Reminiscent of a Mediterranean dream this light filled vineyard estate paints a portrait of the seasons from every window, room to room. As you enter through the dramatic foyer with travertine marble floors, soaring ceilings and sweeping iron staircase, you'll be immediately aware of this stately homes grandeur as each room beckons you.
On the main, the formal living room features a gas fireplace and overlooks the vineyard. The formal dining room is graced by a beautiful bay window overlooking the front landscape and courtyard. As you enter the welcoming family room, you'll appreciate the sensational views and warmth of the stone wood-burning fireplace embraced by custom built-ins...
Just steps away is the spacious gourmet kitchen which features cherry cabinets, slab granite countertops, an eat and cook island, high-end stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors and breakfast nook overlooking the lush open pasture and forever views. This room opens to the back deck and patios making way for extended outdoor living offering picturesque views by day and twinkling city lit views by night.
The sweeping staircase leads to the upper level where you'll find the grand master suite and two additional spacious bedrooms. The lower level offers a dynamic space lending itself to many possibilities. Here you'll find a 4th bedroom, 2 executive home office spaces, a wine room and large bonus room which opens to the lower patio.
Wine country property with 1 acre private Pinot Noir vintage.
5,091 Square foot luxury estate abundant in windows and breathtaking views
4 Bedrooms | 4.1 Bathrooms | 2 Home Offices | Bonus Room | Wine Room | Formal Living Spaces
3 Fireplaces: 1 Wood Burning | 2 Gas
5.04 prime acres of all useable land with plenty of room to expand the vineyard, build a tasting house, fulfill your equestrian dreams or even add a sport court... The choice is yours!
A blend of stunning architectural design, quality construction, detailed craftsmanship and extensive use of fine materials throughout.
Perfectly located among new large parcel luxury developments - just minutes to town.
Imagine long walks in the country and being just steps away from renowned Alloro Vineyard
Excellent Sherwood School District: Hopkins/Ridges | Sherwood High School
Chateau Lebeau was designed by the current original owners to live well, enjoy the views and entertain in style... Appreciate all this estate has to offer by contacting Jason H. Gardner to arrange a private showing at (971) 832-1234
Oregon is a place where winemakers are stewards of the land; where quality reigns, sustainability is a lifestyle and where artisan producers believe that careful attention to detail and delicate nurturing produce incredible wines. The world-renowned wines that hail from the Greater Portland Oregon area have piqued the interest of many people to either visit or move to the Wine Country area. While Oregon boasts 16 different winegrowing regions, the area known as "the Wine Country" generally refers to its renowned counties such as Yamhill and Washington for example which are located within the Willamette Valley.
The area is known world-wide for its premium wines, and is home to hundreds of wineries and acres of vineyards. On a national scale, Oregon is 3rd in number of wineries. The Willamette Valley is 150 miles long and up to 60 miles wide making it Oregon's largest AVA. It runs from the Columbia River in Portland south through Salem to the Calapooya Mountains outside Eugene. Named for the river that flows through it, the Willamette Valley has the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards in Oregon and includes six sub-appellations: Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, McMinnville, Ribbon Ridge, Yamhill-Carlton District and the recently approved Chehalem Mountains.
Offered Exclusively by The Gardner Team at $1,199,000... Join us for a Virtual Tour
Pre-qualified Buyers Please.
John L. Scott Certified Luxury Portfolio Specialists / Nationally Accredited Luxury Home Specialists (ALHS)
The Easter Bunny will make 2 local stops this Saturday the 11th, 2009. Hundreds and hundreds of plastic eggs filled with candy and prizes will find new homes of the happy hands of many children.
The Tualatin Lions Club will be hosting their 25th year annual tradition hosting their Egg Hunt at Tualatin Community Park at 10:00 a.m.
In Sherwood Oregon, the Woodhaven Community Church will continue the 8 year tradition of hosting their annual Egg Hunt for all ages at Stella Olson Park, Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
The Gardner Team is proud to share that John L. Scott Real Estate announced their 2009-Q1 results and named the "TOP 10" Real Estate Producers for ALL of Oregon and SW Washington... The Gardner Team is in the TOP 10!
Jason started his life-path in real estate with a clear mission... "Committed to YOUR Success"
Today, that rock-solid commitment is the foundation of our successful husband & wife team. If you ask our clients, they'll say we provide exceptional service with honesty, integrity and straight forward real estate advice. We'd agree.
We pride ourselves in the higher-level of service we provide to our clients. We know "results" are at the top of your list... Especially in this climate. We'll continue to share the successes in real estate because not only do our clients demand and expect us to perform, they appreciate the confidence it sheds on the market... And, when you're ready to work with a professional who continues to use their gift to make a positive difference in the lives of others through real estate, you won't have a hard time finding us.
With that said, we like to thank our clients for your confidence, trust and referrals you send our way. Our success as your Real Estate Professionals is the product of YOUR success. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of such a significant time. It's truly a blessing to have the opportunity to walk forward with people and experience such an important piece of their new life.
If you're searching for a Realtor, please consider the fact that our business is predominately by referral. This is a wonderful example of the level of service you can expect and life-long relationships we strive to cultivate. We'd be honored to be selected as your Realtor of choice and will place the same sincere investment in your life-path as we do with all our clients... Helping you make the most informed real estate decisions whether that is advising you to stay put, refinance, securing wise investments, moving-up, down-sizing to finding that perfect place you'll call home... Starting out as your Realtor of choice and quickly becoming your friends in real estate.
You deserve to work with a Top Performer, and that's exactly what you'll get with The Gardner Team.
Providing real estate market reports can be quite complex. Most people are looking for detailed information that satisfies their specific needs, but often have a hard time finding it. There's a sea of homes out there that vary by size, area and present different attributes and obsticles to different buying audiences. Your needs are unique... Let's assume you'd just like to ask some questions about the market, maybe it's time to focus on building your financial portfolio or you're ready to purchase and/or sell your home. The very best way to address your needs whether that be personal growth, moving up, down sizing, first time homeownership or looking to invest, is by having a detailed Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) completed for the purchase or sale of the properties in question. A CMA is the best solution when it comes to zeroing in on your neighborhood, street and home so you can better understand where you stand in your quest to buy smart and/or sell smart in today's market.
Today's market requires a different approach. In addition to your CMA, we'll include our home marketing strategies, buying and selling strategies and important market statistics and trends. This is great information to help you make the most informed real estate decisions. And even better, it's no cost to you! At the beginning of each month, our blog will feature a "Monthly MARKET Minute" to provide you with an intelligent glance into Sherwood Oregon's housing market.
Provided here is a Sherwood report focusing on the general criteria of "Detached Residential Homes" in "Sherwood Oregon 97140" on lots sizes ranging from "2,999 SF to 1/4 Acre"
As this is being written, there are a total of 138 ActiveListings For Sale in this criteria - Take a look at these homes and others HERE.
19 Homes Sale Pending Since March 1st, 2009
38 Homes Have SOLD Since January 1st, 2009 of those 19 Have SOLD Since March 1st, 2009
Sale Pending and Recent Sold trends show buyer activity has significantly increased in the past 30 days!
You're Invited - debuting the first OPEN HOUSE for this beautiful Sherwood Home on Sunday, April 26th from 1 to 4... Tell your friends!! 
