Homes for sale being re-listed as rentals in possible wire scam on potential renters.
It has come to our attention that some homes that are posted for sale on Craigslist are being fraudulently re-posted as low-rate rental listings on Craigslist. The photos, address and other details were all included in the scam rental post with an e-mail address directing people to what appears be an out-of-country party. The scam may be aimed at getting prospective renters to wire or send first and last months rent. In the case reported, an agent conducting an open house was unexpectedly inundated with people who wanted to rent a two-bedroom house in Irvington for $600/month.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Real Estate - will it boom or bust in 2008?
The real estate market is proving to be just as volatile as other investment vehicles - at least it would seem from the headlines. But what is really behind all of the information that we hear daily? I have learned a few valuable things along the way and will share them here for you.
First off I have learned not to listen to the national news. Each area of the Portland metro area is just as individual as each state is in our nation. There is not a one size fits all real estate forecast. I had to learn what is important economically in our region, which goes far beyond the asset real estate itself. It gets complicated - to be a real steward of information and your own wealth planning you really have to become well versed, and ahem, earn your own informal economic degree.
What do I watch?
First off on the short term - housing starts (this data is available readily in The Oregonian or on in the Daily Journal of Commerce), employment statistics - how many jobs are being added to the region, and furthermore, at what pay level are these jobs? Next, pay attention to the tax structure for businesses. Are we making our voices heard to see that our city officials and state officials make Oregon attractive and highly competitive to emerging business? Given that the American dream, by and large, is built on the backs of the small business owners, what incentives are we providing that help them locate here, as opposed to our ports in neighboring Washington? Don't turn yet - how about vacancy rate? What about rent increases? What are market statistics saying? I have the answers to many of these questions as an informed consumer............maybe you should call me....................
Next off on the long term - what is our land use policy? How are we being good stewards of our transportation and other critcical infastructure? What do visitors to our region see when they visit our area? How is zoning and land use encouraging new construction that creates jobs and also creates a space for new business and for new homes? Don't forget to notice that Portland is rapidly planning for the influx of new Portlanders to come - some million new Portland residents are expected in the fast coming years. With all that need for housing one would be amiss to expect the investment to be a bad one.
Involvement at a neighborhood level and as a business owner and property owner has schooled me in these areas. It has been an informative, and always surprising, adventure. The future here looks unbelievably bright, when you look at what really helps an economy remain robust. I hope you will have faith in Oregon and ignore the news.
And if you are a buyer - you should take advantage of all of the bad press. It has made the market unbelievably friendly for negotiations. Contact me if you would like a free buyer packet or more information on the market statistics discussed here.
Kathryn@Kjkproperties.com
First off I have learned not to listen to the national news. Each area of the Portland metro area is just as individual as each state is in our nation. There is not a one size fits all real estate forecast. I had to learn what is important economically in our region, which goes far beyond the asset real estate itself. It gets complicated - to be a real steward of information and your own wealth planning you really have to become well versed, and ahem, earn your own informal economic degree.
What do I watch?
First off on the short term - housing starts (this data is available readily in The Oregonian or on in the Daily Journal of Commerce), employment statistics - how many jobs are being added to the region, and furthermore, at what pay level are these jobs? Next, pay attention to the tax structure for businesses. Are we making our voices heard to see that our city officials and state officials make Oregon attractive and highly competitive to emerging business? Given that the American dream, by and large, is built on the backs of the small business owners, what incentives are we providing that help them locate here, as opposed to our ports in neighboring Washington? Don't turn yet - how about vacancy rate? What about rent increases? What are market statistics saying? I have the answers to many of these questions as an informed consumer............maybe you should call me....................
Next off on the long term - what is our land use policy? How are we being good stewards of our transportation and other critcical infastructure? What do visitors to our region see when they visit our area? How is zoning and land use encouraging new construction that creates jobs and also creates a space for new business and for new homes? Don't forget to notice that Portland is rapidly planning for the influx of new Portlanders to come - some million new Portland residents are expected in the fast coming years. With all that need for housing one would be amiss to expect the investment to be a bad one.
Involvement at a neighborhood level and as a business owner and property owner has schooled me in these areas. It has been an informative, and always surprising, adventure. The future here looks unbelievably bright, when you look at what really helps an economy remain robust. I hope you will have faith in Oregon and ignore the news.
And if you are a buyer - you should take advantage of all of the bad press. It has made the market unbelievably friendly for negotiations. Contact me if you would like a free buyer packet or more information on the market statistics discussed here.
Kathryn@Kjkproperties.com
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