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        <title>Portland Real Estate Cafe Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.portlandrealestatecafe.com/blog/home-care/</link>
        <description>Keep up with the Portland real estate market!  Portland Real Estate Cafe blog provides valuable discussion for today's changing market.</description>
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            <guid>http://www.portlandrealestatecafe.com/blog/spring-maintenance-tips-for-your-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.portlandrealestatecafe.com/blog/spring-maintenance-tips-for-your-home.html</link>
            <author>info@portlandrealestatecafe.com (Portland Real Estate Cafe)</author>
            <title>Spring Maintenance Tips For Your Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As we approach spring, take note of storm and water damage to your home.&nbsp; Most houses sustain at least a few problems during the winter months. Make the repairs now, before starting on any remodeling or other major warm-weather projects. 

Check for damage to your roof

Signs include missing, curling, broken or cracked shingles. Pooling or ponds of water that fail to drain from flat roofs may indicate low areas and inadequate drainage. Moss growth can also cause damage to shingles.
Fix leaking or damaged roof flashing. 
Serious roof leaks are not caused by missing or damaged shingles, but rather by broken or improperly installed roof flashing. Repair or replace it, as needed. 

Clear gutters &amp; downspouts. 

Water damage often comes from clogged gutters and downspouts; dry weather affords the opportunity to clean them out.&nbsp; 

Check for cracked, broken or uneven driveways and sidewalks. 

Cold weather can cause cracking.&nbsp; This will help prevent guests and family members from slipping, tripping or falling. 

Check all the fascia and trim for deterioration

These areas can become weathered and worn and may lead to potential water damage. 

Repair storm doors. 

Winds can take a toll on storm doors. Often, the door closer becomes bent, breaks, or pulls away from the doorjamb. 

Repair rotted woodwork. 

Where wood sills or sashes have taken serious abuse from the weather, resulting in rot, use epoxy wood filler to repair the area. 

Service your furnace and/or air conditioner. 

With forced-air systems, air returning to the air handlers blower first passes through an air filter designed to catch dust and debris and help clean the air before its recycled back into your home. Change the filters quarterly or more frequently if they look dirty.&nbsp; 

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            <pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:05:30 -0800</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.portlandrealestatecafe.com/blog/portlands-build-remodel-landscape-show-free-tickets.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.portlandrealestatecafe.com/blog/portlands-build-remodel-landscape-show-free-tickets.html</link>
            <author>info@portlandrealestatecafe.com (Portland Real Estate Cafe)</author>
            <title>Portland's Build, Remodel &amp; Landscape Show - Free Tickets!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
See the latest in the areas remodeling and design trends at the Build, Remodel &amp; Landscape Show.&nbsp; Professionals will be on site to talk with the public about the latest and greatest in cabinets, countertops, flooring, windows, additions, basement finishing, and outdoor landscaping.&nbsp;

Call us or send an email for your free tickets! 

&nbsp;


   ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:46:16 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.portlandrealestatecafe.com/blog/property-tax-millage-rate-for-portland-neighborhoods.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.portlandrealestatecafe.com/blog/property-tax-millage-rate-for-portland-neighborhoods.html</link>
            <author>Bob@PortlandRealEstateCafe.com (Bob Broad)</author>
            <title>Property Tax Millage Rate for Portland Neighborhoods</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
We just received a copy of the Property Tax Millage Rate for Multnomah County.&nbsp;Expecting big differences in millage rate by neighborhood.&nbsp; Not so much.

We are often asked how property taxes are computed and how to appeal tax assessments.&nbsp; Property taxes are the product of your property's Asessed Value and the millage rate for your neighborhood.&nbsp; Asessed Value is defined by Measure 50, the property tax measure.

Measure 50 has been on the books since 1997.&nbsp; It caps increases in Assessed Value to 3% per year if there are no property improvements.&nbsp; If you want to learn more about how Asessment works under Measure 50 or how to appeal your assessment, you might want to check out this presentation from the Oregon Department of Revenue.&nbsp; If you're thinking about appealing your assessment, you need to file your appeal before the end of the calendar year.

More questions?&nbsp; Feel free to give us a call.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:51:48 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.portlandrealestatecafe.com/blog/fall-home-maintenance-tips.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.portlandrealestatecafe.com/blog/fall-home-maintenance-tips.html</link>
            <author>info@portlandrealestatecafe.com (Portland Real Estate Cafe)</author>
            <title>Fall Home Maintenance Tips</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As fall approaches in Portland, now is a great time to tackle home
repairs and maintenance, before the rainy season is upon us.&nbsp; Here are
a few tips to keep your real estate investment in top shape.


WINDOWS AND DOORS 


Change those summer screens to cooler weather storm windows and doors.

Inspect/repair any loose or damaged window locks, latches or door frames.

Install weather stripping or caulking around all doors and windows to prevent drafts and help lower your energy bill.

Check the condition of the putty around the window panes. If crumbling, it's time to have fresh putty installed.

Clean and oil garage door hinges and tracks. Make sure all the screws are tightened.




HEATING SYSTEMS 



Replace the your furnace filter. Its a good idea to have a heating
professional check your furnace to ensure optimal performance and
discover problems before they turn into costly major repairs.


Clean your ducts to help with air flow and efficiency as well as to
reduce household dust and provide relief to those with respiratory
problems.


Clean your thermostat's heat sensor and contact points.


Replace old thermostat with a new digital thermostat with various timing options.



PLUMBING



To prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, ensure that the pipes are
well insulated. Be sure that you know where the water shut-off valve
is, and how to turn it off, in case pipes do freeze.



GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS 



Clean your homes gutters and downspouts frequently throughout fall to
prevent build up of leaves and other debris. Its best to do this
before the Portlands rainy season starts up.


Neglected gutters can lead to many problems, including wood rot, pest
infestations, wet basements, foundation damage and other complications.


Be sure water is not coming down behind gutters, as this can cause damage to the siding.


Make sure that all support brackets are securely in place.


Check to ensure water drains properly. If not, this can cause damage to foundations, driveways and walkways.



CHIMNEY AND FIREPLACE 



Call a professional to inspect and clean the chimney. Fireplaces that
are regularly used during the season should have an annual cleaning to
prevent dangerous chimney fires. Test your fireplace flue for a tight
seal when closed, preventing a breeze.



ATTIC VENTILATION 



Be sure attic insulation doesn't cover ventilation vents to prevent
winter ice dams on the roof. Also, make sure vents are free of plants
and debris.


Check bird and rodent screens for attic vents to prevent any pests.


Check attic for evidence of leaks or condensation.



PREVENTING FROZEN PIPES



Insulate exposed pipes in the garage, attic, crawl spaces, outside
walls and laundry room. You can buy &quot;pipe sleeves&quot; at the hardware
store or choose UL-listed heat tape for those close to a power source.


Disconnect your garden hose and wrap the faucet or protect it with a foam cover.


For vacant, unheated buildings, turn off the main water valve, water heater and other water-using appliances.


Open indoor/outdoor faucets to drain pipes and flush the toilet until empty.


Open cabinet doors under sinks to let the warm air circulate.


Keep your thermostat set at 55 degrees or above, even if you're out of town.



GENERAL HOME TIPS 



Change the batteries in all the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.


Check memory on carbon monoxide alarms for peak levels.


Clean exhaust fans and vents in the bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchen.


Inspect interior and exterior of house for signs of moisture intrusion.


Repair broken stairs, banisters and porches as the weather gets wet and slippery.


Inspect your roof and look for damaged or loose shingles, gaps in the flashing and damaged mortar around the chimney.


Check all your faucets for leaks and repair any that you may find

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            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:11:32 -0700</pubDate>
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