Sherwood & Surrounding Area Real Estate with The Gardner Team

Photo Courtesy the John L. Scott album:  "2009 Award Winners" by John L. Scott Real Estate - CEO, J. Lennox Scott with Top 1% award recipient Jason Gardner from Sherwood, Oregon.

This week, Jason had the honor of attending the TOP 1% Producer Award Ceronomy where he was a recognized as TOP 1% of Realtors Nationally for John L. Scott Real Estate.  What an amazing experience to be in a room filled with the companies best-of-the-best.  We're honored to have met these outstanding agents in person and add a few to our remarkable network of professionals around the area.   

Mr. Lennox Scott was there to present the awards and spoke in length on some very important topics.  Having a few opportunities to experience his vision, passion and commitment first-hand paints a clear picture why John L. Scott has been recognized as one of the most innovative real estate firms  in the country over the past 75 years. 

We're very excited to be proudly affiliated with John L. Scott Real Estate and look forward to working closely with this company we deeply believe in.  A BIG thank you to our clients - we wouldn't have had this experience without you - THANK YOU for your continued trust in allowing us to serve all your real estate needs!

Of the TOP 1% of  3,700 John L. Scott Agents, 11 are from the state of Oregon - one of them is from Sherwood.

What is a TOP 1% Producer Anyway?   The TOP 1% Producer award is awarded ONLY to the TOP 1% of John L. Scott Agents who have the highest real estate sales volume in the company annually.  This is actually our 2nd year in a row earning this award.  Jason was not only the TOP 1% of total sales volume nationally for John L. Scott, but also sold the most number of homes here locally each time.  The Gardner Team SOLD over 55 homes last year - Our year end totals were higest by both dollar amount SOLD and number of homes SOLD  in our Sherwood John L. Scott office and in the City of Sherwood. 

Consistently a TOP Producer every year in real estate, the number of homes we sell is only an indicator of the quality of service we provide to our clients.  #1 or not, our integrity, service and value we bring will never be compromised.  Our #1 focus is being your trused real estate resource through our years of experience, ongoing commitment to YOUR success and doing our part to pay it forward through the lives of others doing what we love to do. 

It always comes back to our clients.  You deserve to work with the best - thank you for putting your trust in our team and choosing us to recommend to your family, friends and co-workers... "How we handle the important things in life is and will always be how we measure our success."     Any agent can tell you why you should work with them - But it always comes down to trust & real experiences that matter most...

Working with John L. Scott

John L. Scott is a company based on core values, leading resources and trained professionals - that's why John L. Scott Agents continue to be the best in the industry.  If you're looking for an outstanding agent to professionally represent you, we'd love to be your Realtor - or - referr you to a Top Producer specializing in your area.  If your desire is to work in the real estate profession, we urge you to look into everything John L. Scott has to offer whether you're new or seasoned and looking for the best long-term solution for you and your clients.

John L. Scott Real Estate interviewed Jason last year - This is what he said...

With only 55 days left to take advantage of the tax credits, here's something very important to think about...

If interest rates increase by one-half point from the current rate, as has been predicted by many economists, a buyer with a loan amount of $200,000 will lose approximately $11,000 in purchasing power. Furthermore, if a buyer does not act prior to the expiration of the tax credit, that's an additional loss of purchasing power ($8,000 for first time buyers; $6,500 for repeat buyers). In other words, if a first time buyer takes advantage of CURRENT interest rates AND the $8,000 tax credit, their purchasing power is a whopping $19,000 more than if they bought after interest rates rise and the tax credit expires ($11,000+$8,000=$19,000). That is a significant amount of money!

The interest rate differential can be applied to all buyers in all price ranges, anywhere in Sherwood or the surrounding areas because with every increase in interest rates, a buyer's purchasing power declines.  As mentioned before, economists are predicting a rise in interest rates in the year ahead and the tax credit expires on April 30, so this is truly a moment in time.

The moral of the story is that as long as you buy a home by the April 30 deadline, your purchasing power is at an all time premium.  This is a historic opportunity; don't wait on the fence till the last minute, or worse... find yourself wishing you'd made your move.

Our Sherwood area real estate team is here to help - call on us!

Source: Words of Wisdom from Lennox - John L. Scott Real Estate

We've all been there, wishing we could be a fly on the wall or wondering what people are thinking.  While we're not phychic and nor do we have a crystal ball, we can tell you that we do our homework and have an understanding of what home-buyers are thinking when it comes to their motivation in purchasing a home.  Thanks to detailed studies recently conducted by the National Association of Realtors, we're going to answer that question for you...

The 2009 report outlines the primary reasons first-time home-buyers (FTHB) and repeat buyers (RB) purchase a home -

Here's the TOP 5 Reasons First-Time Buyers and Repeat Buyers Buy Homes

1. Desire to own a home:  FTHB - 62%  |  RB - 11%
2. Job-related relocation or move:  FTHB -  2%  |  RB - 16%
3. Desire for larger home:  FTHB - 2%   |  RB - 16%
4. Change in family situation:  FTHB - 8%  |  RB - 10%
5. Affordability of homes:  FTHB - 10%  |  RB - 6%

Whatever the reason or stage of the home buying or selling process you're in, contact our top producing real estate team for the trusted guidance, superior service and leading results you're looking for.  If you're thinking about selling, we'd be happy to go over the latest trends in the market and how our very intelligent systematic selling strategy consistently adapts to a changing market, delivering faster, more successful results.  Start now by contacting us and searching ALL Sherwood and Portland Metro homes and land for sale at www.SherwoodHomes.com

Search all Sherwood and PDX area homes and land at www.SherwoodHomes.com

Annually the National Association of REALTORS® surveys home buyers and sellers in an effort to gather detailed information about the home buying and selling process.  One section of the 2009 report provided some interesting data on first-time home-buyers.  In 2009, first-time home-buyers hit an all time record high with more buyers being first time buyers than in previous years.   Shocking?  Not really, especially due to the surge brought on by the very successful $8,000 First-Time Home-Buyer tax credit first set to expire in November, 2009 - now extended through April 30th, 2010 with a generous expansion to include a $6,500 credit to Repeat/Move-up Buyers - both with a deadline fast approaching. 

In any case it's interesting to see the numbers put in perspective - and a great opportunity to gently remind us that there's barely 60 days remaining to find your perfect dream home, be in contract before the April 30th deadline and line your pockets with thousands of tax credit dollars before the first time buyer and repeat buyer tax credits expire for good!

Here's a snapshot of the First-Time Home-Buyer 2009 Report Highlights....

Percentage of First-Time Home-Buyers

• 2001: 42% of buyers were first time buyers
• 2002: Not listed
• 2003: 40% of buyers were first time buyers
• 2004: 40% of buyers were first time buyers
• 2006: 36% of buyers were first time buyers
• 2007: 39% of buyers were first time buyers
• 2008: 41% of buyers were first time buyers
• 2009: 47% of buyers were first time buyers

According to the Chinese calendar, 2010 is the Year of the Tiger. But in real estate, 2010 may come to be known as the "Year of the First-Time Home Buyer."

Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Economy.com, says there will be 1.84 million homes sold to first-time home buyers in 2010, compared with 1.73 million in 2009.

These buyers will invariably make some mistakes that they will come to regret a few years down the road, some experts say, including failing to use a real estate professional to help them manage the transaction.  Real estate professionals have the time and the knowledge to sift through thousands of listings, creating market analyses to judge pricing and other key features, points out Ray Boss Jr., a practitioner with RE/MAX Realty Group in Maryland.

"I would want someone who is going to look out for my interests first and foremost," says Boss. "Someone who knows the contracts, who has experience negotiating, and who can walk me through the entire process smoothly - step by step - and make sure I get the house that's right for me."

Source: U.S. News & World Report, Kimberly Castro (02/18/2010)

Pictured here: One level in Sherwood Village SALE PENDING by The Gardner Team

If you're someone who appreciates the ease of living that one level homes provide, then you'll want to take a look at our special streaming showcase of one story homes for sale throughout beautiful Sherwood Oregon. You'll find everything from rambling ranch homes on land, rare one levels in Woodhaven, homes in sought after Sherwood Village, Old Town Sherwood area, Oregon Trail and more.

Simply select a home and gain full access to all MLS details, pricing, photos, virtual tours, area map and more. When you see one you like, schedule a showing by contacting Jason H. Gardner - your Sherwood area Realtor today at 971.832.1234.   And with the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit and $6,500 repeat buyer credit deadline growing near, our Sherwood real estate team be happy to answer any questions you may have.

$1,243,500 SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 10016237 Beds: 2 Baths: 1 Rare 5.3 acre parcel with the UGB and Coffee Creek Master Pl...	$649,950 11075 SW TONQUIN ALY SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 9092400 Beds: 4 Baths: 3 2 houses on 4.84 acres. 24 x 50 shop and horse barn. Excelle...	$649,900 24195 SW OLD HIGHWAY 99W SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 9070372 Beds: 3 Baths: 1 Opportunity! Part of the Brookman Road Concept Plan! Zoned F...
$499,000 24688 SW GRAHAMS FERRY RD SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 10008737 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 GREAT POTENTIAL ON 3.76 ACRES LOCATED WITHIN UGB FD-20 ZONIN...	$487,000 25920 SW PACIFIC HWY SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 10009692 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Amazing home, shop & 5+ acres! 3 bed/2ba. home w/2 car g...	$475,000 18025 SW BROOKMAN RD SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 9052464 Beds: 2 Baths: 1 Nice small home with updates and newer 600 sf additional Sho...
$449,900 23990 SW MORGAN LN SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 8102869 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Enjoy 2.44 acres of level and usable land w/RV storage shelt...	$449,900 24305 SW OLD HIGHWAY 99W SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 9070376 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Opportunity! Part of the Brookman Road Concept Plan! Zoned F...	$439,900 19665 SW KRUGER RD SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 9083417 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 1870 SF One Level Ranch On 1.88 AC. Separate Extra 2 Car Gar...
$284,900 23374 SW OLD HIGHWAY 99W SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 9090431 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Here is a very nice single level home, on dead end st. This ...	$274,900 15960 SW DIVISION ST SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 10003766 Beds: 4 Baths: 2 SPRAWLING single level on awesome lot near Old Town. Great n...	$272,000 23286 SW OLD HIGHWAY 99W SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 10000902 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Nice single level home in desirable Woodhaven subdivision. P...
$265,000 23683 SW EUCALYPTUS TER SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 10000382 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Vaulted Living/Dining room,New Granite slab countertops in k...	$249,900 16875 SW ROOSEVELT ST SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 9079595 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Don\\\'t miss this fabulous home in one of Sherwood\\\'s gre...	$249,900 21241 SW HOUSTON DR SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 9085789 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Fantastic one-level feels like new! Open flrplan, lg kitchen...
$240,000 20990 SW SETTLEMENT DR SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 10002088 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Beautiful Single Level, Light & Bright Grt Rm Flr Plan w...	$240,000 17401 SW INKSTER DR SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 9093394 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Great room style floorplan in this fabulous single level hom...	$229,900 16318 SW RED TWIG DR SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 9092701 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Stylish one-level on cul-de-sac offers open flr pln, vlted c...
$219,900 22296 SW LOWER ROY ST SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 9072958 Beds: 3 Baths: 1 Short Sale,Subject to 3rd party approval.Must See for this p...	$200,000 17960 SW GILLETTE LN SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 9083456 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Great location across from Sherwoods newest Elementary schoo...	$190,000 22650 SW HIGHLAND DR SHERWOOD, OR 97140 Listing #: 10002019

Americas Best Places for Boomers to Retire?  Portland Oregon Made the List!

As the "Boomers" begin to retire, millions are going to be looking for the best places to relocate and settle down to retire.  According to Tom Brokaw who reported on Baby Boomer retirement, "Boomers are willing to move farther than previous generations when they retire, and they are choosing places unlike stereotypical retirement hotspots".  The Show airs on CNBC, Thursday, March 4 at 9 p.m. ET.

Out of the gate, I can see why Sherwood Oregon, Yamhill County or anywhere in the greater Portland Oregon area would be a good place for Boomers to call home, I've been trying to get a few in my own family to settle here in Sherwood or the surrounding areas - and while I think I was doing a pretty good job convincing them, this special report may just the ticket to finding their new home here.  

read more...

What's going on this week in Sherwood real estate?  Good question  - everyone wants to know what JUST LISTED.  That's why we've put together this Live Listing Feed featuring Sherwood "listings this week" on our blog - so you can get your Sherwood weekly real estate update real-time. 

Unlike other real estate companies who selectively choose what they want you to see, our weekly listing update is everything JUST LISTED in the MLS.  Currently we're broadcasting all Sherwood listings, but will be adding the surrounding areas very soon.  As this is being written, we've been testing it for 72 hours with excellent results and now we'll begin to install this awesome new feature by adding it to our websites - so wherever you run into us on the web, all the great search features from SherwoodHomesandLand.com will be at your fingertips! 

This is how it works - As listings hit the market fresh from the MLS, this organized Sherwood listing showcase we've put together will be updated real-time by our IDX System & RMLS throughout the day.  That means each criteria will feature listings that go active on the market today and for your conveneince as far back as 7 days.  Because MLS data is always changing with updates, pending's and sold's, make sure to check back often & click "Save Property" on the listings you love... 

On the top menu bar of our blog here at DiscoverSherwood.com you can select your price range of choice for listings this week under "Listings this Week" -  it's that simple.  Each page will provide a brief discription and the actual NEW listings to browse. 

For now in this very blog post, we've provide just the links to each respective page to get you started.  As you continue to use this feature (most likely daily so you can be "in the know" about what's JUST LISTED in Sherwood) you ‘re sure to find this to be a GREAT resource to you and your ability to stay on top of what's new in your local market, where the homes are located, how much they're asking, what they have to offer and learn more about how they compare.  

• Sherwood Homes | $300,000 and Under
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• See ALL Search Options or Customize Your Search - Click Here

If you're someone who appreciates the ability to search for real estate the way YOU want to search, then you might like to read our recent post "Smarter Way to Search Sherwood Homes" where you can now search and find real estate in Sherwood around the school you'd like your child to attend.  As a parent we understand how important that is. 

You can also visit www.SherwoodHomesandLand.com to get more detailed ways to search for and find real estate for your lifestyle in Sherwood and throughout Oregon.  It's an amazing resource!

Professional Real Estate services provied by Jason H. Gardner - Call 971.832.1234 with questions, to schedule a showing and view any property for sale or to list your property to SELL for top dollar in today's market with Sherwood's #1 Realtor.