Welcome to Tigard

A Place to call home!

Three Ways to Ease Your Fears About Making A Move in 2016

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With low inventory in many markets throughout the country, many homeowners are afraid to sell their homes because they’re concerned that they may not be able to find a new one.

This can be a real problem, but if you are seeking to sell—whether to upgrade or find a new neighborhood—there are a few ways to combat the low inventory.

  1. Look to buy first

In most markets it is a real mistake to put your home up for sale before you start looking for your new property.

Identify the geographic area where you are interested in buying. Even if you don’t see anything on Zillow, it doesn’t mean you can’t or won’t find the right home.

  1. Think outside the box

Be proactive! Keep in mind that there are probably many people like you who want to make a move but are afraid as well. Have your real estate agent send a letter to the neighborhoods in the geographic areas where you want to live. The letter should be heartfelt and personal while announcing that you are ready to buy a home in that neighborhood. You could find a home to buy that may not even be currently listed or for sale.

  1. Protect yourself legally

Each state varies in how the purchase process is conducted. Talk to your real estate professional about adding a clause in the purchase contract for the home you are selling that will enable you to not sell the home if you cannot find a suitable home to buy.

Five Tips for Funding A Vacation

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There’s nothing quite like some well-earned time off in a cool new place, but vacations certainly don’t pay for themselves. Here are a few ideas for funding your next getaway.

1. The change jar: It’s not groundbreaking, but it works. Here’s an eye-opening stat: Putting $1.37 per day into your change jar adds up to $500 in a year!

2. Sell your stuff: We all have some clutter that we don’t need and have been looking for an excuse to get rid of, and that stuff can be pretty valuable. Think of what might be stored in your attic or basement—baseball cards, furniture, etc. It’s not junk, but it’s not doing you any good, and someone might find it valuable.

3. Set up a dedicated savings account: You could do this in your current bank account, or use one of several online services that are tailor-made for vacation savings. Have the money transferred directly from each paycheck so that you’re always saving on schedule.

4. Get the kids involved: Vacations are even more expensive when you’ve got a family. If your kids get money from jobs, chores, or an allowance, ask them to put a little money away for vacation here and there—it could end up paying for a meal or a night in a hotel.

5. Volunteer: Your church or community center probably organizes low-cost vacations where you can visit a new place and do some good by giving back to the community.

Welcome to Tigard, Oregon!

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Located just 10 miles southwest of Portland, the city of Tigard maintains small town charm with big city convenience! And with a growing population of just over 50,000 residents calling the city home, it’s not hard to see why Tigard is the premiere place to live in Oregon. Boasting beautiful Pacific Northwest weather, easy commuter and pedestrian access, beautiful nature trails and fantastic shopping opportunities, Tigard offers its residents endless opportunities for employment and entertainment.

Founded as a rural farming town by Wilson Tigard, the city has maintained its small town community atmosphere, including its commitment to environmental stewardship, even as it has grown with urban convenience. For instance, in recognition of Tigard’s forestry management, the city has been awarded Tree City USA status for fourteen years! The city also continues a tradition of public service commitment, including a public library that offers homebound services to residents that cannot physically access the library with services such as books by mail, talking books and braille services.

Concurrent with its commitment to community service, Tigard has continued to improve community access, such as through implementing bike-friendly commuter routes, electric vehicle charging stations, and safe public transportation. Such convenient commuter access, combined with ready access to Highway 217 just minutes from downtown, makes Tigard an outstanding location for residents commuting to Portland and its high tech corridor. The city also offers fantastic opportunities for employees and business owners within its own city limits as well. Learn more about Tigard’s business opportunities through the Tigard Chamber of Commerce and read more about the city’s demographics here.

With a charming history as a farmstead community, the Tigard is still home for extensive historic sites, including the Doriot Rider Log Home, Durham Elementary School and Ye-Olde Windmill. Learn more about Tigard’s history on a photo tour here. As part of the city’s farming heritage, Tigard also hosts a seasonal Farmers Market each weekend from April to October where residents can find fresh, local produce, crafts and artisan gifts. Learn more about Tigard’s Farmers Market vendors, including Floro Farms, a local Tigard farm that focuses on micro greens, herbs, vegetable starts and produce.

For more information about Tigard please click here or click on the About Tigard tab at the top of the page!