Columbia Gorge Real Estate Blog

I began my real estate career in 1993. I have always liked houses and am very knowledgeable about construction. I thought real estate would be a good way to combine skills and be able to both build and sell. My husband is a contractor and we have built 7 new construction homes together, along with 5 major rebuilds. When I say together, I mean it literally. My husband is not paper contractor and has no crew. It is really a family operation, my husband and I, and sometimes our sons when they're available.  We do all the layout for the foundation, setting up forms, pouring concrete, framing all the walls, sheathing, roofing, windows, doors, siding, drywall, painting, cabinetry, flooring, and finish work. The only thing we sub-contract is the excavation, plumbing, heating and electrical. (We actually put in our own furnace for the first time on the house we are now finishing). I also really like helping people, and searching out excellent deals. I must have the entrepreneurial spirit and I guess be a bit of a risk taker, as we have been in business for ourselves for over 25 years. 

Over the years I have sold and listed many homes and properties. The truth of the matter is I am more of a buyers agent. I work very hard and leave no stone unturned to find exactly what my buyers are looking for. I have worked for some clients for many years before they found what they wanted. Some are still looking and I diligently keep them up to date on listings as they come on. I worked for another Broker in Hood River for almost 7 years. When she became a manufactured home dealer, I left as I didn't want to sell them. I became a Broker myself in 2000.

The real estate market is ever changing. I believe it is important for a Broker to know specifically what is happening in the area they represent. It is also crucial that you keep up with continuing education, legal changes and all the necessary forms and paperwork. This can be slightly more difficult when you are licensed in 2 states with some differences.

Here is the latest home we are building in Hood River. We recently finished the outside soffits. Currently we are painting inside and plan to start on siding soon. 

 Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and  ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.  

A scorcher of a day is on tap for Hood River and the Gorge. Temperatures are predicted to reach 105 degrees in Hood River and even higher in The Dalles. There is currently no wind in Hood River and the  temperature continues to rise. Yesterday I was thinking back to those days in January when we had plenty of snow. Remember all that snow? At the time we were so tired of it.

Summer is definately here! Summer events are happening as well as the many outdoor recreation possibilities. Hood River Saturday Market was open yesterday with Marimba music and a full selection of vendors selling fresh grown produce, handmade pottery, clothes, jewelry, and food booths.

Below are pictures from my walk through downtown Hood River this morning. Stratton Gardens is in full bloom. The outdoor seating behind Horsefeathers is now  completed.

Perhaps the best plan for today is to find someplace with water and try and stay cool. One always popular spot is the Hood River Aquatic Center. The covers are off now for open air swimming.

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and  ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.  

July 4, 2008- Hood River 4th of July Celebration - Annual 4th of July parade, Joe Kollas Memorial 7.4 mi Run/Walk, musical entertainment in Jackson Park, Home Run Derby followed by a ball game, then watch the fireworks over the river.

July 10-13, 2008- Rock & Gem Show- located in Cascade Locks

July 12, 2008- Jammin' July Streetfest- The Dalles

July 12-13, 2008- Hood River Cherry Days- Many varieties of frsh picked cherries will be available at farm stands, BBQs, live music, www.hoodriverfruitloop.com for more details

July 17-19, 2008  Fort Dalles Pro Rodeo- The Dalles- "Rough n'Wild" Pro Rodeo, parade, steak feed, dance, www.thefortdallesrodeo.com for more details

July 17-20, 2008 WIND Clinic & Sailing Regatta- Cascade Locks

July 19, 2008  Fort Dalles Days Run- 3K/5K/10K  walk/run  Starting at Riverfront Park in The Dalles at 7:30 am

July 26, 2008  TourdeCure  Summit to Surf 13 In this fundraising event for the American Diabetes Assn. you can pick your bicycle route. The Family Fun Ride is 10 miles, on the Mosier Tunnel Trail  Meadows to Hood River-36 Mile Leisure Ride   Government Camp-48 mile ride starting at Government Camp   "The Original"-+2 -56 Mile Ride starts at Welches, winds through Barlow and Bennet Pass  Summit-68 mile Starts at Welches, through Govt Camp, up to Timberline and down to Hood River   Super Summit-75 Miles Starts at Welches, up to Govt Camp then to Timberline, back toward Hood River and the Mosier Tunnels then to the finish line in Hood River  Fire & Ice-100 mile ride  This ride begins at Welches, up to Govt Camp, Timberline, coast to Neal Creek Road, through the Mosier Tunnels,Rowena Point ,Rowena and then Hood River.  www.diabetes.org/portlandtourdecure

 July 30-August 2, 2008- Hood River County Fair-  The Hood River County Fair is held each summer in Odell. 4-H and open class exhibits, food and vendor booths, entertainment, carnival rides

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and  ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.  

I feel lucky to live in such a beautiful area of Oregon--Hood River in the Columbia River Gorge. Most days from many locations in Hood River there are not only mountain views, but double mountain views. Mt. Adams is located across the Columbia River in Washington State. Mt. Adams can be seen to the North from much of the westside of Hood River, both inside and outside of the city limits. Mt. Hood can be seen to the South from locations in Hood River on The Heights, Westside, and also the towns of Odell, Dee, and Parkdale. 

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and  ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.   

The Discovery Center in The Dalles Oregon is a fun place to visit. The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center is the official interpretive center for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.  This 26,100 square foot exhibit wing holds interactive displays to learn about the volcanic activity, and floods that created the Gorge. Other displays show Native American traditions, pioneers, wildlife, and vegetation of the Gorge.  The Wasco County Historical Museum is also housed at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.

Here's a list of some of the fun summer events happening in Skamania & Klickitat Counties in the Gorge this summer.

• June 28- 6th annual Mt. Adams Country Bicycle Tour- Trout Lake- scenic 11 mile family ride, plus 50 & 100 mile loops www.troutlake.org
• July 4-34th Demolition Derby-Klickitat County Fairgrounds -Goldendale 1-5 pm  featuring car racing and crashing
• July 4-Old Fashioned 4th of July in the Park- Rock Creek Park-Stevenson
• July 4-Red,Wine & Blues-Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center 5:30-10 p.m.-blues,jazz, & wine tasting
• July 4-6-Goldendale Community Days-GMA Open Show n'Shine, Arts & crafts, food
• July 19- 4th Annual Art & Wine Fusion, White Salmon
• July 19-20- 12th Annual Trout Lake Festival of the Arts
• July 25- 24th Annual Columbia Gorge Bluegrass Festival  Skamania County Fairgrounds- Stevenson
• August 1-3- 43rd annual Trout Lake Fair-Trout Lake-parade, games & exhibits
• August 13-17- Skamania County Fair & Timber Carnival. Stevenson- Free County Fair-rides, music,art, exhibits
• August 16-17- 5th Annual Maryhill Arts Festival- Maryhill Museum  11-5-fine art, food, wine, entertainment
• August 21-24-Klickitat County Fair & Rodeo- Goldendale-at the Fairgrounds, rodeo, junior rodeo, timber carnival, parade, and more
• August 30-13th Annual Show n' Shine-Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center-Stevenson-noon-4

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and  ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.    

The Gorge Grown Food Network Farmers Market is back! These weekly markets in Hood River are every Thursday during the summer from 4-7 at the Hood River Middle School on May St.(1602 May) At the market you can purchase farm fresh produce grown by local gorge farmers. The availability changes as the season progresses. You will find greens, radishes, onions, and more. Also fresh bread and meat.

There is live marimba music on site and there are also activities for the kids.

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and  ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.    

Here's something that may be of interest if you live in Hood River and want to grow a garden but have no space or place for one.  The Hood River Nazarene Church is offering FREE garden space for those who would like to grow their own garden. If you are interested in a 4x10 plot of space for an organic garden this summer contact the Nazarene Church to sign up at 541-386-2604. There are still about 20 plots available. There is no charge for a plot and water is available.  

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and  ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.    

According to Chief Economist of the National Association of REALTORS-Dr. Lawrence Yun- the state of Oregon has the lowest foreclosure rate in the entire nation.  Washington state has the second lowest foreclosure rate in the nation.  This information was presented at the recent Regional Home Ownership Opportunities Summit Hosted by the Portland Metropolitan Association of REALTORS.

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and  ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.    

This sounds like fun for the kids. Encore Performing Arts and Columbia River Bank are presenting FREE "Plays in the Park".  "The Little Mermaid" and "Rumplestiltskin"  are the plays that will be performed with audience participation.                                                             

Dates to remember are Saturday June 28 at Jackson Park in Hood River and Saturday July 12 at The Dalles City Park  The plays begin at 11 a.m.  Lunch will be available between shows.

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and  ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.