Where to live in Portland -

Widely celebrated for its abundance of food carts and microbreweries, Portland, OR is home to a collection of the most eclectic experiences. In the spirit of the fall, we will explore Portland's more "magical" side as we delve into the "Mystic District." You may be asking yourself what exactly a mystic district is and what it is comprised of. In Northeast Portland, the Mystic District is a single block that is home to a trio of shops full of magical supplies. Whether you have any interest in crystals, dreaming of a new divination deck, or are in search of a sweet-smelling bar of soap, these three shops will meet your needs and spark your imagination, and more mystic side.

Continue to read to find out all you can know about Portland's Mystic District and the three shops that make up this block.

Seagrape Soap 

A Georgian immigrant, Vashakidze, began making bath and body products to raise money for school. At Seagrape Soap, find rosemary shampoo bars, bay rum aftershave, and aromatherapeutic soaps in scents like lavender orange and mint green tea. Portland is home to professional soap-makers, Vashakidze is set apart from the rest for one reason: she is a witch. The soap-making studio and retail shop are where all the spell-making happens at Seagrape. There is an expansive house line of soaps, perfumes, bath scrubs, and massage oils that this store carries. The witchy products? Queer artists across the country make products that are carried in Seagrape, such as smudge sticks, divination decks, ritual candles, and sprays with names such as "Boundaries in a Bottle," and "Mercury Clarity Spray."

Brown Bear Herbs 

Located just two doors down from Seagrape, storeowner Arati Ursus carefully prepares herbal cigarettes for the many online customers who flock to the page of Brown Bear Herbs. This shop offers a broad selection of feminist zines and tinctures alongside an array of organic herbal cigarettes. These cigarettes are special in a way because they are completely devoid of tobacco, nicotine, and marijuana, meant to aid smokers in curbing their addictions. Each herbal blend is formulated to be used for many different scenarios, from socializing, sex, and sleeping. Ursus identifies as a witch, working on how we can utilize the real physical tools of Mother Earth to heal ourselves.

Fly Awake Teahouse 

This secret spot in North Portland offers a lovely flight of tea with a very responsive and informative host. Fly Awake Teahouse brings forth all the witchy ambiance with a welcoming environment and a cozy seating area. Find high-quality Chinese teas and traditional Indian chai, along with other fun teas with various names such as "Wizard's Eyebrow," and "Remote Mountain, Old Tree." At Fly Awake Teahouse, find teas sourced directly from sacred spaces and mythological places. Powerful wizards charge your waters with high vibrations and hold space for you, and the tea wisdom is legendary.

Interested in the allure of the witchy shops that grace a block in Portland, OR? From soaps, smudges, and massage oils to herbal remedies in the form of healthy cigarettes, to mystical teas, the Mystical District awaits your exploration today.

Contact Your Portland Realtor. 

From Christmas-themed ships on the rivers to animal-themed lights at the zoo, mansions dressed in holiday splendor, and a train with Santa, Portland, OR has it all this season. Adding to all the hoopla and holiday excitement is the Holiday Tree, carolers strolling the streets, tubas echoing in the crisp air, and the traditional Nutcracker presented by the Oregon Ballet Theater.

You can continue to read to find 10 magical Christmas experiences you can enjoy in the Rose City of Portland.

1. Christmas Festival of Lights 

Over 2 million lights decorate the 62-acre Grotto in northeast Portland, a place of reflection for different walks of faith. The Christmas Festival of Lights starts on November 25 and runs through December 30, closing on Christmas Day. Put on your walking shoes, as this event is a walk-through event of about one-quarter mile. Here, you can enjoy the voices of the choirs as they lift you with the delightful sounds of the holiday season. There are also nightly concerts that present local schools, churches, and civic choirs. The setting is a grotto at the base of a 10-story cliff. You can wander the lovely manicured Upper Gardens for views of Mt. St. Helens and the Cascades.

2. Annual Tree Lighting—Pioneer Courthouse Square

Celebrate the start of the season in Portland with the Annual Tree Lighting, a spectacular show of 20,000 lights on a beautiful 75-foot tree that is lit up. This event takes place in Pioneer Courthouse Square, lovingly referred to by locals as "Portland's Living Room." You can visit the tree throughout the whole holiday season. The Pioneer Courthouse Square holds more than 300 yearly events, where on December 10 you can find the 32nd Annual Tuba Christmas Concert, where over 200 tubas will echo throughout the afternoon. You can enjoy Downtown Portland all dressed in its Christmas splendor, and order delicious foods from the many food trucks stationed around.

3. Christmas Ships Parade 

This annual Portland tradition has lasted over 68 years, as the Christmas Ship Parade travels both the Columbia River and Willamette River.  Thousands gather along the river banks to watch this spectacle every year. The vessels are privately owned and come from the Portland, Vancouver, McMinnville, Salem, and Hood River areas. Owners of the ships have partook in this parade for 30 years. There are 15 nights of sailing from December 2-21, sailing for 2 to 3 hours per night.

4. Winter Wonderland of Lights

Considered to be the largest light show in the Pacific Northwest, the Winter Wonderland of Lights is a spectacle you can enjoy from the comfort of your warm vehicle. There are animated scenes and over 250 lighting sets, the Winter Wonderland of Lights takes place at the Portland Race Track. It is best to visit early in December when this event begins, and during the week, as weekends are very busy.

5. ZooLights at Oregon Zoo 

There are over 1.5 million animal-themed lights that will dazzle you at Oregon ZooLights. Here, you can find walk-through and drive-through opportunities, with the walk-through path extending over 1 mile in length. There are both wheelchairs and electric scooters available for rent, and there are maps available at the walk-through food carts and souvenir shops. The best part about this event? Zoo animals are also viewable during ZooLights.

6. Portland Holiday Train

You and your children can join Santa on the Holiday Express: Portland Holiday Train on the Oregon Pacific Railroad Line. Trains will depart from Oak Park for a 40-minute trip along the Willamette River. The trains are decked out in holiday decor and are heated. Departure times range from mid-morning through early dusk. Restrooms and refreshments are available at the station, and you can check out the station gift shop for unique gifts for train lovers of all ages.

7. Pittock Mansion Christmas 

The Pittock Mansion Christmas theme brings back memories of old Christmas films. You can enjoy exhibits titled 'Music Makes the Season,' a series of festive music-themed displays. The 16,000-square-foot mansion is located high in Portland's West Hills decked out in holiday splendor. Afterward, take time to stroll the grounds and enjoy stunning views of the Willamette River, Portland, and the Cascade Mountains. The woods behind the mansion are part of the Forest Park Conservancy and are popular with local hikers.

8. Peacock Lane 

Peacock Lane is a four-block area in the southeast, known as "Portland's Christmas Street." Residents have elaborately decorated homes and yards since 1929, with homes built during the 1920s and 1930s, all in English Cottage or Tudor Revival styles. There is a popular Christmas Street Hot Cocoa Booth and Pedestrian Only Nights, where no vehicle traffic is allowed.

9. The Nutcracker—Oregon Ballet Theatre 

Oregon's largest professional ballet company, the Oregon Ballet Theatre has enchanted audiences with the holiday favorite performance of The Nutcracker. You can follow the dancing snowflakes as they lead Marie and her Nutcracker Prince to a magic land, whilst enjoying all the endearing music of Tchaikovsky. The most reliable site for any information is the Oregon Ballet Theatre site, including some with a live orchestra. Tickets have to be reserved online, and after the show, there is a Nutcracker Holiday Gift Shop for themed gifts.

10. Christmas Tree Farms 

Two popular Christmas Tree Farms are Quail Creek Ranch and Hemphill Farms. The Quail Creek Ranch is a 20-acre family-run ranch in northwest Portland, where you can enjoy complimentary hot beverages, and an inviting fire in the warming hut. There are fresh wreaths, garlands, and mistletoes available for purchase. Just south of Portland is Clackamas County, home to numerous Christmas Tree Farms. Hemphill Farms is one of the local favorites with a great selection and helpful staff. You can visit a gift shop for complimentary hot cider and cocoa.

Many holiday traditions abound in Portland, OR, and there is an event for everyone in the family to enjoy. Come and join us in the celebration! The area is full of attractions year-round.

Contact Your Portland Realtor. 

As many of us know, moving presents a set of special needs and circumstances when buying a home in Portland, OR. The moving tips below are sure to make this part of your move to the northwestern coastal state easier on everyone in your family, including your children and your pets.

Continue to read to find tips and tricks to making your move to Portland, OR easier.

1. Make sure your mover has all your correct contact information. Ensuring the movers you and your family have entrusted your personal belongings to have all your most current contact information—this can include your cell phone number if they need to contact you while they are en route to your new Portland home. Don't forget to secure their contact information as well!

2. Carefully Review the Shipping Manifest. Make sure to carefully review the shipping manifest and ask all the questions you need if anything seems irregular. Make sure that you also keep a copy for your records. Take note of your shipment's registration number and always keep your Bill of Lading close by.

3. Ensure Your Family Members Know Their New Address. It is important to teach your school-aged children their new Portland address. One fantastic means of this is to help them memorize the new address by letting them practice writing it on their belongings.

4. Create a Memory Book of Your Family's Old Home. Before you move your family to Portland, we suggest helping them create a memory book of their old home. This can include pictures of friends, classmates, and important people in their lives. This keepsake for your family is sure to be a big hit once they begin missing their old school and playmates on their new journey to making a home in Portland. Make sure that their friends sign the book before your move.

5. Make a Plan for Your Pets on Moving Day. When it comes to moving day, we suggest you plan for your pets' well-being. If your pet is accustomed to being in a kennel, moving day is the perfect time to kennel up your pets and keep them out of harm's way for their safety and your peace of mind.

6. Keep Track of Personal Records. Having family records, financial records, and school records close at hand is important when it comes to moving day. This is especially the case if you are moving to Portland during the school year, as this tip is very important.

7. Ask if Your Household Goods Share the Moving Truck with Other Household Goods. For long-distance moves, ask if your household goods will share a moving truck with other household goods. In some cases, the mover of your goods will remain on the truck until they are delivered. If they are stored, try to see if you can schedule a visit to the storage warehouse to inspect for cleanliness, organization, and security.

8. Take Extra Care with Your Electronics. Because of the delicate nature of electronics, upon their arrival to your new Portland home, we advise you to allow the electronic devices including computers, TVs, home theater systems, and other items to return to the room temperature of your house before turning them back on and plugging them into your Portland home.

Tips for Packing

Practical Tips to Make Your Portland Move Less Stressful

By following our carefully laid out tips, your belongings will be moved more efficiently and your move will be less stressful and easier to manage. Before you relocate to the Portland area, be sure to refer back to this article. Contact Your Portland Realtor for more information.

Picture this: you are scrolling through various sites such as Instagram or Pinterest coveting the stunning room photos by interior designers. You might be asking yourself where they come across all the stunning artwork, furniture, and accessories spotted in the photographs. How might you too find such unique charming things for your house? If you are shopping for decor items to refresh a room in your house or to fill a recently purchased home, we will be sharing a handful of Portland’s best interior design sources. 

Continue to read to find some of the most charming Portland, OR home decor sources. 

Monticello Antique Market

The Monticello Antique Market is located in the heart of southeast Portland and features over 100 unique vendors you can spend an afternoon browsing through. With over 20,000 feet of retail space, you are sure to come across something one-of-a-kind. They even hold special events, such as the vintage Christmas show, a can’t miss come the holidays. 

Portland Flower Market

Something as simple as a bouquet of fresh flowers is enough to bring life to any space. House plants are truly one of those finishing touches that give any design a “complete” feel. The Portland Flower Market is beloved by locals for all flower and plant needs. A members-only market, this space is truly exclusive to Portland, OR. 

Urbanite 

This unique store houses a collection of over 40 different boutiques that all bring something to Urbanite. There is something for everyone here, from furniture to plants to textiles and lighting, you can truly find anything here. The inventory is always on rotation, meaning there is always something new to add to your space and a reason to stop by! 

Woonwinkel

Featuring items in bright colors and modern silhouettes, Woonwinkel is one of Portland’s more far-out spaces. From cutesy home decor to smaller stuff for easy gifting, this local store is a must-see when redecorating your space. 

Rejuvenation

This locally beloved lighting turned home purveyor is headquartered in Portland, and stored in the historic Neustadter Building. Rejuvenation is a 10,000-square-foot wonderland of lighting, furniture, hardware, and home decor. 

Mantel PDX 

Located in the northernmost part of the Portland Kenton neighborhood, Mantel is a home goods store that features hand-crafted goods from local and regional makers. Find everything you need from throw pillows to ceramics. The shop is curated with the perfect mix of modern and vintage to appease any Portland shopper. 

Room and Board 

Find modern, eclectic, and sustainable furniture and home decor at Room and Board, located in the heart of the Pearl District. This store is full of unique ideas and inspiration for your living room, dining room, office, bedroom, and more. With a talented design team, you’ll get expert advice to help you create a home that reflects your style.

Interested in the home decor staples of Portland, OR? From small bright-colored home and gift shops to modern staples on interior design, Portland, OR has it all. Explore the top home decor sources in Portland today. 

Contact Your Portland Realtor. 

Come fall, there is nowhere more beautiful to spend the scenic autumnal months than in Portland, OR. Surround yourself and your family and friends with friendly events stationed around the theme of fall. From festive trips to aesthetically pleasing ways to spend your afternoon, Portland, OR is full of hidden gems.

Continue to read to find the best things to do when in Portland, OR during the fall months.

Ole Bolle The Troll 

The Northwest Troll: Way of the Bird King features giant hand-built trolls by internationally acclaimed Danish environmental artist Thomas Rambo. Fashioned out of recycled materials, find six giant hand-built Nordic troll characters located in six sites in the Puget Sound region. There are 100 sculptures all over the world, though Ole Bolle The Troll is the first installation in the Pacific Northwest. Take your family to see these larger-than-life trolls that tell a tale of protecting nature and honoring our green spaces.

Farms and Markets 

There is no better way to spend a beautiful fall day than a trip to the country. Situated in the agricultural areas of Tualatin Valley are many farms that offer hands-on activities, rich with U-Pick Farms, each month bringing forth agricultural surprises for travelers. Late autumn starts apple season when dozens of variety apples are ready to be plucked and tasted, even turned into cider on-site. In October, it is all about the pumpkin patches. The best means to find U-Pick Farms is via the events that flourish in the area. Now through November, check out the Farmers Market in Portland, teeming with fruit, vegetables, and plants collected from farms, though the market is more than just food; many offer live music, chef demonstrations, and children's activities.

Farm-to-table Dinners

Portland's restaurants take advantage of the nearby abundance of farms, orchards, and vineyards, many farms host their dinners. What better way to eat local than sitting down, family style, at a long table laden with food grown steps away from where you sit, bringing the farm to the table? Live up the fall venue at Plate and Pitchfork, offering a four and five-course meal laden with local berries, wines, and cheeses, with the added satisfaction of supporting great causes. This restaurant is connected to charitable foundations working toward eradicating hunger while cultivating healthy, sustainable food systems.

Get Lost in a Corn Maze 

As the Portland air gets colder, the leaves turn and the sun sets, celebrate all the tell-tale signs of fall by navigating your way through the dead ends, endless circles, and random pathways of Portland's hyper-designed corn mazes, then treat yourself to seasonal favorites such as apple cider donuts or caramel apples. We recommend taking the family to the Bella Organic Farm, a 7-acre maze that is transformed into a haunted attraction for the bravest groups.

Interested in these fun, fall-themed attractions in Portland, OR? From nature appreciation to various farms and markets that bring farm-to-table meals to corn mazes to celebrate the eeriness of fall, Portland has it all. Explore the beauty of Portland in the fall today.

Contact Your Portland Realtor for more information on Portland homes for sale and real estate.

Portland is a beautiful, scenic city with rows of tree-lined streets and a city life that is surrounded by one of the largest urban forests in the country. This green city is full of charming bungalows, fantastic restaurants, and local shops. Nowhere in the city’s beauty is more evident than in its charming neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is unique to Portland and provides much to see and do. 

Continue to read our collection of 6 of Portland’s most charming neighborhoods to see why we—and you, after reading this article—love them so much. 

Laurelhurst 

One of Portland's oldest neighborhoods is home to some of the most charming lovely old homes. Laurelhurst is an old-school Portland neighborhood that is in high demand for its welcoming neighborhood feel accompanied by beautifully aged houses. With proximity to downtown Portland, it is an ideal destination for those with a job downtown, as well as for an easy commute. A local favorite restaurant is the Laurelhurst Market, a butcher shop and steakhouse providing unusual cuts, House-cured meats, and craft drinks in industrial digs. 

Mt. Tabor Park

This neighborhood is home to various hiking trails, great dog parks, beloved community gardens, tennis courts, and ample picnicking opportunities. Explore this quaint neighborhood in Portland with a cup of coffee from Albina Press and walk into the park by way of the neighborhood streets. A delicious eatery in the neighborhood to check out is Coquine, a cozy corner kitchen serving polished, farm-to-table New American dinners in a casual cafe by day.

Hawthorne District/Belmont 

One of the most beloved areas in Portland by locals and visitors alike is the Hawthorne District. This is all due to the lively stretch known as Belmont Street, a hot spot where you will find a high concentration of interesting shops, delicious restaurants, quaint cafes, vintage clothing stores, and bars all within walking distance from your home. The Hawthorne District spans an impressive 43 blocks of an artsy and quirky vibe. Make sure when you are in the area to check out the Asylum Food Cart Pod, a sprawling new food cart pod near Cartopia, with several carts carrying foods from vegan Egyptian to Southern-meets-South-African. There are plenty of covered seating options, a fire pit, and steampunk metalwork.

The Pearl District 

For those that thrive best in the industrial feel of a city, The Pearl District is for you. Think classy glass high-rises that engulf visitors of Portland below. There are plenty of local cafes and spacious green parks, such as the Fields Park, for those in need of reprieve from the city. A favorite cafe in the area is Sisters Coffee where you can get house-roasted coffee drinks and light lunch fare from pastries to sandwiches in a stylish space. When exploring the charming neighborhood in Portland, swing by one of the best bakeries in the city, Lovejoy Bakers, a popular airy bakery featuring desserts and light fare with local coffee and outdoor seating.

Boise (Mississipi Ave) 

When you think of Portland's quirkiness, you might envision a Portland neighborhood like Boise, particularly the lively corridor that is Mississippi Avenue. The Mississippi Avenue is lined with colorful storefronts and beloved local shops catering to the whim of any visiting millennial. There are fantastic restaurants, a cute little plant nursery, amazing breweries (the best in Portland), and plenty of other charming shops. We recommend getting a bite to eat at Porque No, for the best tacos and guac in Portland. If you are feeling pizza on a rainy day, Lovely's Fifty-Fifty is undeniably delicious wood-fired pizza served alongside homemade ice cream. If you are on the hunt for a drinking hot spot after a long day at work, we recommend the Prost! Marketplace is a food cart pod serving creative cuisine on Mississippi Avenue specializing in a German brewery adjacent to the cart pod.

Alberta Arts District 

The Alberta Arts District is a quintessential community neighborhood in Portland, a colorful artsy neighborhood that has everything—great brunch spots, cute local shops, and the best murals in the whole city. Swing by the Kennedy School to see what happens when a school is converted to a hang-out hot spot of the neighborhood, with the detention room converted to a full bar. During the summer months, when in Alberta, check out the Last Thursday where local vendors, artists, performers, and musicians share their local craft on the Northeast Alberta Street. This makes for a great evening in Portland.

Interested in all the small communities that make up Portland, OR? From well-established neighborhoods to the more grand spots that make up parts of the city of Portland, find everything from restaurants that are the jewels of their respective neighborhoods to quirky cafes and microbreweries. Explore the best of Portland's neighborhoods today.

Contact Your Portland Realtor. 

Home purchasing in Portland, OR can be incredibly overwhelming, and yet it can also become an exciting journey. For its sheer size, buying a home in Portland can seem like a daunting task if you aren't sure where to start. To help you better prepare, we have curated a list of tips for buying a home in Portland to follow.

Tip 1:

Prioritize Early Savings

Calculate both one-time and recurring costs such as downpayment, closing costs, move-in expenses, and property taxes to start saving to buy a house.

Tip 2:

Maintain a Healthy Credit Score

Your credit score will affect your eligibility for home loans and the interest rates offered. To keep a healthy credit score, we recommend that you pay bills on time, keep credit cards open, and monitor payments regularly to repair your credit score if it takes a dip.

Tip 3:

Keep Loan Paperwork Organized

Lenders may require financial reports to verify your income, assets, and debts. Keeping all of your paperwork organized, makes it all the easier to find what you need when you need it to get that loan you need to finance your dream Portland home. We recommend you keep all necessary documents, including tax returns, W-2s and 1099s, and bank statements in one secure place.

Tip 4:

Check Out First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Explore some first-time homebuyer programs offered by states and cities, like low-interest rate loans, down payment, and closing cost assistance.

There is a lot involved when it comes to buying a home, which is why buyers—especially first-timers—should ensure they team up with a seasoned real estate agent and mortgage specialist to guide them through the process, with endgame results. We suggest for the best buying experience check out the following:

1. Familiarize Yourself With the Home Buying Process. Before embarking on the adventure of finding your new home in Portland, take the first few steps beforehand to ensure you commit to something you can afford.

2. Save For a Downpayment. Allow yourself time to save up money for your downpayment. When applying for a mortgage, a big chunk of money will be needed in the form of a downpayment that will go toward the purchase of your home.

3. Know What Your Credit Score Is. If you don't know your current credit score, then we suggest you request a copy from a major credit bureau. If you believe there are errors in that report, dispute them and have them rectified. If your credit score is lower than it should be, take steps to improve it. Your credit score will play a key role in your ability to secure a mortgage.

4. Give Your Credit Score a Boost. Give your credit score a boost by making sure all your major bills are paid on time, keep your credit card spending low, pay down your debts, and avoid taking out any loans on your credit card before your final mortgage is approved.

5. Understand Mortgage Options. Find out about the home loan programs available to you to decide which one will best suit you and your family. One of these programs can include the FHA loan, which first-time buyers in Portland like because of its less stringent credit score requirements.

6. Check Out First Time Home Buyer Programs. Take advantage of down payment assistance programs designed specifically for first-time home buyers in Portland. There are tax credits available through programs, so be sure to speak with your mortgage broker to find out what you might be eligible for.

7. Compare Mortgage Rates. Be sure to do a comparison before choosing your lender. This can help you avoid any crazy interest rates or fees in the future that can be additional charges. The main goal is to get the lowest interest rate possible, which will have an overall significant impact on how much you may end up paying over the life of your loan.

Interested in buying a home in Portland, OR? Follow all of our carefully curated tips in this article to make a smooth transaction in the buying of your Portland dream home.

There is no better place to while away a famous rainy Portland afternoon than in one of the many locally-owned bookstores. One of Portland's most essential bookstores is Powell's City of Books, which houses more than 1 million new and used volumes and is the largest independent bookstore in the world. Venture further into the literary riches of Portland bookstores.

Continue to read to find all of the best of Portland's bookstores.

Green Bean Books 

Perhaps one of the coziest premier kids' shops among Portland bookstores is Green Bean Books. Located inside a little red house on Northeast Alberta Ave, find shelf after shelf of new and used classic picture books, graphic novels, nonfiction for all ages, and a small eclectic foreign language section that includes books in Vietnamese, Spanish, Chinese, and more. Green Bean stocks a selection of whimsical toys, that you and your children can shop for finger puppets, and hand-made painted dolls. Settle into one of their cozy couches or armchairs for a story or a special author event.

Monograph Bookwerks

Though it has a petite stature that is impossible to get lost in, Monograph houses some of the rarest unexpected finds. Located just off Northeast Alberta, this tidy stylish shop specializes in art books, retro posters, and ephemera. There are fun $1 postcards on display, and each piece of literature is in the same care as antique opera posters and catalogs.

Mother Foucault's Bookshop

For lovers of philosophy, Mother Foucault's Bookshop is a haven for fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and foreign-language titles. This shop is relatively young compared to the others on this list, with a decades-long location at Central Eastside. Settle in surrounded by the well-trodden rugs, worn wooden shelves, and piles of leather-bound tomes. The event calendar features readings and performances by bands from Portland and around the globe.

Broadway Books

Located on Northeast Broadway, this female-owned shop has drawn in shoppers since 1992 as it carries a wide array of fiction and nonfiction titles. Broadway Books attracts families with its vast selection, including sizable travel and kids' sections. The shop hosts author events that have seen the likes of Floyd Skloot (The Snows Music).

Third Eye Books 

With a focus on African-centered books, Third Eye Books is the place to go for a good selection of Black writers and philosophers, as well as writers from the African diaspora, and books for allies. Located on Division Street, this bookstore with a focus on African-centered books is more than a shop, as it opens itself to the community centered around reading and events.

Daedalus Books 

For the scholars reading this article, Daedalus Books shouldn't be overlooked. Located in Northwest Portland, this bookshop has a great selection of used art, philosophy, and music books. This independent seller has kept Portland's bookshelves stocked since 1997.

Interested in the bookshops that grace the streets of Portland, OR? Follow this list we have put together for you and check out one of these hotspots when out and about in Portland looking for shelter from a rainy day.

Contact Your Portland Realtor.

Portland, OR is an ever-growing city with much to offer potential buyers and investors of the real estate market. If you are looking to buy a home in Portland, especially as a first-time buyer in a city, then you may want to check out this post before you begin the process. Buying a home can be complicated, and it can feel like a mystery when navigating the waters of the real estate market.

Continue to read to find out what not to do when buying a home in Portland, OR.

1. Don't Apply for New Credit

We are always bombarded by new credit card offers, and many can look like great deals. How many times have seen offers of branded credit cards that have offered to save you significant money on your purchases? If you are anywhere in the process of buying a home, resist the urge to apply for new credit. Why? Opening a new credit card will change your debt-to-income ratio, which can have a huge impact on the credit checks that come with buying a home in Portland.

2. Don't Mess With Existing Credit Accounts

Opening new credit accounts will damage your score, as will closing any accounts you may already have open. Closing a credit account can change your debt-to-income ratio (as we discussed above) and can end up having a significant impact on awesome credit checks. Closing a preexisting credit account can alter your total available credit, and could lower your overall credit score.

3. Don't Fall Behind on Payments

Maintaining your present number of accounts is staying current on all payments you have. This can include things like:

• Utility Bills
• Loan Payments
• Credit Card Payments

Missing a few payments can tank your chances of closing on your house, and it is important to stay current with all of your bills. It is okay if you are late on credit card payments, as it is normal to forget from time to time. But no matter what, make payments before your grace period ends. This way, your overall credit score won't be impacted.

4. Buying a Car is Out

Avoid being caught up in a frenzied rush of buying a house and thinking you should buy a sparkly new car. Sure, a new car might be able to park itself, but that is probably not as impressive to the bank. Buying a car when still in the process of buying a house can have a bad effect on your closing of the house you are interested in.

5. Keep Your Savings

This brings us to our last piece of advice as a new home buyer in Portland. You might have savings stashed away, and it is advised to try not to touch them until you have closed on your home. Lenders may wish to make sure that you have funds to fall back on if needed. For the months leading to your closing on your new home, be sure to budget appropriately and stick to your budget. You can deal with unexpected large expenditures, and if that happens, make sure to talk to your lender to explain the situation. It is important to be in a place where you can answer questions about your finances before you start closing on a house.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, don't buy anything big. Normal expenses such as groceries are fine, but big-ticket items and credit cards can halt your home-buying process. And remember, don't open any credit cards.

Contact Your Portland Realtor.

If you are in search of land to buy in Portland, OR, you probably have your reasons for wanting a piece of bare ground instead of purchasing an already-built home. The idea of having a home built to your specifications rather than making do with someone else's idea of your dream home is more appealing. People can enter the market thinking they will find what they are looking for only to discover the perfect home isn't out there, but waiting to be constructed.

Continue to read to find the ins and outs of buying land in Portland, OR.

How Much Does Buying Land in Oregon Cost?

Prices of land on the West Coast have been rising rapidly, and the same can be said for Oregon. Prices for rural parcels in Oregon can depend on several factors, such as proximity to neighboring towns and cities, both septic and well feasibility, access to water, etc. You will want to consider your finances when purchasing vacant land. Remember, the land itself is cheaper than the bank which may require a large downpayment. You can use traditional financing or private money to finance your project.

Procure a Reliable Team

To find the perfect plot of land in Portland, you will want to have a good team to back you. This simply means you have a group of trusted professionals who understand all the facets of developing land and the delicate process it requires. Having connections with architects, contractors, land surveyors, and other investors makes you, well, connected. Most importantly, you will want to have a good relationship with an agent with experience who can put you in contact with others you may need to add to your amazing team.

Stick to Your Goals

You should not buy land on impulse, this will only serve to leave you feeling as if you've cheated yourself out of the perfect scape for your dream home once it is constructed. Make sure before you jump in, you have determined your goals and the purposes for your desired land. Are you searching for residential or commercial land? Are you planning on subsidizing, or reselling it? There are always many questions to consider when determining your ultimate goals for investing in land in Portland.

Understand Permitting

Permits in Portland are required for almost every construction project. There are many different types of permits to learn about when it comes to the purchase of vacant land. When searching for your land, research any potential permits you may need to complete your project. The following at the most commonly known permits:

• Building Permits. New construction projects will require building permits, leading to some regulations. If you hire a contractor, they will already be made aware of these certain requirements in many cases, though it never hurts to do your research.
• Sewer Service & Water. When requesting new utility services, they may require the construction of new hookups. Make sure you research sewer and water regulations, as towns may have similar requirements for both.
• Zoning. Whether you want to develop commercial or residential real estate, the property you buy will have to be zoned properly. Make sure you understand how long the process will take before committing to the purchase when zoning approvals can range anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
• Environmental. Vacant land may be near designated conservation sites that contain protected plant and wildlife species. Make sure you check out the Wildlife Service maps to determine if these restrictions apply before doing anything to the land you have bought.

Inspections

When it comes to the purchase of underdeveloped land, make sure you do your due diligence, as it can save you a headache later. You may want to have an inspector assist you in getting the soil of your land tested, the land surveyed, and confirming the utilities. Part of these inspections will confirm if there are any liens when checking the zoning restrictions.

Wrapping Up

For more information on the ins and outs of buying land in Portland, consider the above tips.

Contact Your Portland Realtor.