Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

Hi Folks and Friends,

I didn’t know this song was from Monty Python… and now I’m not sure if it really is a good lyric to reference for the positive message I have! I do hope it wiggles into your ear for a while 😎.

First, please join me in taking positive action in a hyper local way. I am leading a monthly Neighborhood Clean Up in NE Portland. Join my family on the last Sunday of every month at 9am in 2025 for just one hour of picking up litter. I’ll bring coffee and donuts, as well as latex gloves, safety vests, buckets, and a truck to haul everything away. The location will change monthly, so please check out my website for updated details, or ask me directly!

Next I am sharing an excellent resource that I have personally used for more than a decade. The East Multnomah County Soil and Water Conservation District holds an annual bare root native plant sale. Pick from these plants, then online ordering is at 6pm on Wednesday January 15th, plant pick up is Saturday, February 15, 10am-3pm at the EMSWCD office in NE Portland. Check out the 2025 Plant List (subject to change). Let’s fill our yards with native plants and keep our water clean, conserve water, and keep our soil healthy. I recommend having some pots and soil ready if you want the little guys to get bigger before they go in the ground.

Finally, good news for Oregonians planning on buying a home for the first time, or again after a 3 year break in ownership. Starting January 1, 2025, people can establish a First-Time Homebuyers Savings Account (FTHBSA) at the bank or credit union of their choice.

• Money from the account can cover a down payment, closing costs, REALTOR® fees, appraisal costs, and more.

• Oregon residents who have not owned or purchased a home in 3 years are eligible.

• Participants can claim a subtraction on their Oregon tax return of up to the first $6,125 in contributions or earnings, or $12,245 for joint filers.

• Plus, anyone who doesn’t have an account can open one on behalf of a beneficiary.

What you can pay for:

• Down payment

• Title insurance and other closing costs

• Realtor commissions

• Appraisal and inspection fees

• Loan origination fees

Folks, 2025 is my 16th year as a Realtor, and it’s been my profession, passion, hobby, and I couldn’t do it without you. YOU! You are my client, follower, friend, family, neighbor, and most importantly: my Community. Please don’t hesitate to ask me any question (about real estate or related topics, not a full AMA 😊) and send every person you know to me!

I am here to help people sell and buy homes.

I am here to help people through the most complicated and biggest financial transaction of their lives.

I am here to help people.

Thank you for your ongoing support and getting all the way to the bottom of this email!