denise wolfe 2/20/25 denise wolfe 2/20/25

10 reasons to move to Portland.

Thinking of moving to Portland? Many are like me and came out for a visit and decided to stay. What is it about Portland Oregon that makes it a great place to live?

1. Natural Beauty: Portland is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rivers. The nearby Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, and the Oregon Coast offer abundant opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and biking.

2. Vibrant Culture: The city is known for its diverse arts and culture scene, featuring numerous galleries, theaters, music venues, and festivals. Portland has a reputation for supporting local artists and musicians.

3. Culinary Scene: Portland boasts a thriving food scene, with a wide range of restaurants, food carts, and breweries. The city is particularly famous for its farm-to-table dining, craft beer, and coffee culture.

4. Sustainability: Portland is often recognized as one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the U.S. with a strong emphasis on sustainability, public transportation, and green building practices. The city promotes biking and walking, making it easy to get around without a car.

5. Community and Inclusivity: Portland has a reputation for being a welcoming and progressive city that values diversity and inclusivity. There are various neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, making it easy to find a community that fits your lifestyle.

6. Education and Innovation: The city is home to several universities and colleges, fostering a culture of education and innovation. This creates opportunities for learning, research, and collaboration in various fields.

7. Access to Nature: Portland’s proximity to outdoor recreation is a major draw. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, or simply exploring parks, you’ll find plenty of options within and around the city.

8. Mild Climate: While Portland is known for its rainy winters, it generally has a mild climate with warm summers. The temperate weather allows for year-round outdoor activities.

9. Unique Neighborhoods: Each neighborhood in Portland has its own distinct vibe, from the trendy Pearl District to the historic Alberta Arts District and the laid-back Hawthorne area. This diversity allows residents to choose a living environment that suits their preferences.

10. Strong Community Spirit: Portlanders are known for their strong sense of community and support for local businesses. Farmers' markets, community events, and local festivals foster connections among residents.

denise wolfe 2/13/25 denise wolfe 2/13/25

The time is now to prep for the Spring market.

The Secret To Selling This Spring: Start the Prep Work Now

Spring is the busiest season in the housing market. It’s the time of year when buyers are most active – that means it’s when homes sell faster and for top dollar. If you’ve already got a move on your mind, why not list this spring and take advantage of the added buyer demand?

Since spring is just around the corner, now’s the time to start getting your house market-ready. You’ve got just over a month to do the prep work. And while that may sound like a decent amount of time, it’s going to go by quickly. And you won’t want to rush through this important task – especially this year.

The Right Repairs Will Matter More This Spring

Right now, two things are true. There are more homes on the market than there have been in years. And buyers are being extra selective. That combination means you need to invest some time and effort in making strategic repairs. And many homeowners already have a jump on this work.

In the 2025 Outlook for Home Remodeling, Carlos Martin, Director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, explains:

“. . . homeowners are slowly but surely expanding the pace and scope of projects compared to the last couple years.”

And the most common projects they’re tackling are replacing water heaters, HVAC units, and flooring. Energy efficiency is a key consideration too, based on home improvement datafrom the Census.

What To Prioritize as You Plan Ahead

But just because that’s what other homeowners are doing, it doesn’t mean that’s what you have to tackle. Think about what you’d want to see if you were a buyer. Focus on quick wins that are easy to knock out with the time you have – but, don’t ignore key repairs, especially ones you think could turn off buyers.

While big-ticket items like replacing an old roof or outdated flooring may seem daunting, they can pay off – especially if you focus on projects with the best return on investment (ROI).

An agent’s expertise is key in narrowing down your list to what’s actually worth it. They know what buyers in your area want and they also have data like this report from Zonda to guide you on which updates have the best ROI (see green in the graph below):

That’s why it’s so important to talk to a local real estate agent before you dive into any repairs. Bankrate puts it best:

“As a seller, it’s smart to be prepared and control whatever factors you’re able to. Things like hiring a great real estate agent and maximizing your home’s online appeal can translate into a smoother sale — and more money in the bank.”

It’s not too early to partner with an agent. By starting now, you’ve still got time to space out the work and find any contractors you need to get the job done. If you wait until spring to roll up your sleeves, you risk running out of time – and that means your house may be overshadowed by others who are more buyer-ready.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to sell this spring, it’s time to start tackling your to-do list. But, before you get started, let’s connect. That way you can make sure you’re spending your time and budget on projects that’ll pay off in the long run.

Send me a list of what’s on your to-do list, and we can prioritize them together.

denise wolfe 2/12/25 denise wolfe 2/12/25

A Record Percent of Buyers Are Planning To Move in 2025 – Are You? February 11, 2025

A Record Percent of Buyers Are Planning To Move in 2025 – Are You?

This could be the year to sell your house – and here’s why. According to a recent NerdWallet survey, 15% of people are planning to buy a home this year. That’s actually a record high for this survey (see graph below):

Here's why this is such a big deal. The percentage has been hovering between 9-11% since 2020. This recent increase shows buyer demand hasn’t disappeared – if anything, it indicates there’s pent-up demand ready to come back to the market.

That doesn’t mean the floodgates are opening and that there’s going to be a huge wave of buyers like we saw a few years ago. But this does signal there’ll be more activity this year than last.

At least some of the buyers who put their plans on hold over the past few years will jump back in. Whether they’re feeling more confident about moving, they’ve finally saved up enough to buy, or they simply can’t wait any longer – this is the year they’re aiming to take the plunge.

And, according to that same NerdWallet survey, more than half (54%) of those potential buyers have already started looking at homes online.

That’s a good indicator that a number of these buyers will be looking during the peak homebuying season this spring. So, if you find the right agent to make sure your house is prepped, priced, and marketed well, you can get your house in front of them.

Bottom Line

More people are going to move this year, and with the right strategy, you can make sure your house is one of the first they look at.

What do you think these buyers will love most about your house?

Let’s talk it over and make sure it’s front and center in your listing.

denise wolfe 5/28/19 denise wolfe 5/28/19

Blog Post Title One

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.