We’ve been working on a lot of behind the scenes stuff lately that has drawn me away from writing.  Here’s an update of various things that have been going on:

1) We’re trying out two different property search engines.  There is the current version on the sidebar and another one our PDXRelocations website.  Both search engines have full access to all active RMLS listings.

2) We have an iPhone/iPad enabled app that uses your current location to show the properties for sale around you.  Download the app and use our dedicated code “10322”.

3) Recent transactions include two closed and an additional two approvals on short sales.  Short sales are going to remain a part of our market for quite some time.

4) Last week, Case Shiller reported another decline for the Portland real estate market.  It dropped .99 of a point to 132.67 which equates to September 2004 pricing.  The index was set to 100 January 2001.  As always, we note that Case Shiller reports on the seven county MSA which includes everything between Yamhill and Columbia County (RMLS reports on a five county area). Washington DC is the only area tracked that is not down from this time last year.

4) The DEQ is getting through their backlog of tank decommissionings.  A past client is now working with them to resolve a 2008 certified clean up.  More to follow as news arrives.

5) Trees and houses don’t necessarily play nice with each other.  The roots of a tree on the property line have traveled across the yard and through, yes through, the concrete foundation.   The tree is at least ten feet from the house but it underscores the importance treating a tree like a puppy- its not going to stay small and cute forever.

That’s probably enough for now.