About Washington County, OR

I ran into an agent that works with an investor who buys foreclosures and he has had great success getting his offers accepted. I had to ask, "HOW DO YOU GET SO MANY ACCEPTED?"

Well, her answer surprised the heck out of me, but it made perfect sense and the results spoke for themselves. What this buyer was doing was putting 5 offers in at the same time on the same property. But, not all in his name, one was in each of his family's names, but the highest was always in his name. He wanted to show the bank the multi offers, but he wanted them to accept his.

So far it has worked almost 90% of the time, with the bank getting back to his offer within 15 days. Of course closing of course took a lot longer, not because he wanted a long close, but because the banks still dragged their feet. I don't know if this constitutes fraud, because no matter what offer the bank accepted they were set to close, but they just wanted to get the banks attention.

What are your thoughts on this? Would you suggest something like this to your investors to get their offer accepted in quick order by a bank? Would you consider this fraud, if they would close no matter what offer was accepted.

Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

Sherwood Realtors Host 4th Annual Community Tree Event, 2008

Every year, Jason and I like to show our appreciation and thanks to our clients and the community for your confidence and trust in The Gardner Team... and for celebrating a bit of the holiday season with us.

This year markets our 4th annual "Community Tree Event" which we held again at Sleighbells in Sherwood Oregon. We were honored to have so many come to enjoy the day and their gift certificate from us. We also shared some hot coco, the grand prize drawing for the Nintendo Wii System was a huge it with over 100 entries for a chance to win and of course we kept Santa busy with plenty of visits and photos!

Stay tuned... The winner of our Grand Prize Drawing will be posted on our website

As always it was such a pleasure, and a great example of what the holiday season is all about. Sharing it with others, being thankful and the gift of giving.

We thought you'd like to see a quick snapshot of the day too... Enjoy!

Wishing everyone a Wonderful Holiday Season and Happy New Year,

Jason and Amber Gardner - The Gardner Team - Your Friends in Real Estate.

Direct (971) 832-1234 - Email jasongardner@johnlscott.com

See you at our 5th annual Community Tree Event in 2009!

Would You Like to Be Added To Our Local Community Events List?

Prefontaine Studio

Fused Glass Art Sale

&

Ornament Extravaganza to Benefit

Sisters of the Road

Saturday and Sunday

December 6 & 7 2008

10:00 am to 4:30 pm

6410 SE Ash Street

(One block South of Burnside on SE 65th)

503-260-6900

Prefontaine Studio invites you to celebrate their Holiday Fused Glass Art sale. There are holiday designs as well as creative art for your home for year-round enjoyment. Studio glass bowls, platters, plate, vases, artwork and more.

Glass art is the perfect gift if you're looking for something different from "The Mall" and the Studio has pricing for everyone's pocket book.

For those looking to give a gift from the heart this is your chance! Make your own fused glass holiday ornaments. Just $10 each, two for $17 and 3 for $25. It's a lot of fun and everyone has the skills needed to participate.

For each ornament you create Prefontaine Studio will contribute $2 to Sisters of the Road. This is especially great timing since there are matching grants that could double the $$ for SOTRC.

We'll be with you in the studio to assist you through the fused glass process. Ornaments will be fired during the following week for pick-up on Saturday the 13th of December, between 10:00am and 1:30pm.

Gift certificates are available to gift the experience of a half-day glass fusing workshop where certificate holders may create a 9" bowl. Workshops will be held on three dates during the winter months of January, February and March. More gift certificate details available at Prefontaine Studio

Please, no children under 14 in the studio and please wear closed toe shoes and long pants if you're going to make ornaments.

Bring a friend, share the news and spread the word... Santa's on his way and Prefontaine Studio is the place to be on December 6th & 7th!

Either way, I really don't care and I think it is a great idea, but can the American public accept the change that the United States Government has been trying to get accepted for the past 30 years?

On Friday, here in Portland, Oregon, the US Government parked an armored truck in the middle of Portland's Pioneer Square and had a money exchange. They were exchanging one dollar paper money for the new one dollar coins. They are billing them as better for the environment because they last longer and are 100% completely recyclable, but I hear it also will save the government some $5 billion dollars a year.

So, bring on the dollar coins, it has been working in Canada for years and they don't seem to be having any ill effects.

Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

Loaded question here, isn't it? Most of have you been asked this question at least once in our career, but how do you answer it? Do you find out what their needs are or do you just blindly give them a list of three lenders that you have had success with in the past?

For me personally, I like to find out if they need credit repair first or if they are ready to buy now with nothing to do really but find a home. I have a list of 4 or 5 lenders that I give a person based on their situation, because as we know not all brokers are created equal when it comes to each and every situation.

So, what do you when you are asked the question, "Who do you suggest?"



Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739