All Things Home and Beyond • December 17, 2024

Wrapping Up 2024: Holiday Cheer and New Year Hopes

by Kevin Green

As we wrap up 2024, I want to take a moment to wish everyone a joyous holiday season and a very Happy New Year! Here’s to a 2025 filled with happiness, success, and prosperity. The real estate industry has a lot of exciting things on the horizon, especially for buyers. For instance, updates to the Oregon Bond program are creating more flexibility, which means more opportunities to make homeownership a reality for many. Stay tuned for more details on how these changes can benefit you in the coming year!

Now, let’s talk about the chaos of the holiday season—because we all know it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Between last-minute shopping, gift wrapping, sneaking sips of eggnog, and baking endless batches of Christmas cookies, it’s a wonder any of us remain sane. I’m proud to say that my shopping is just about finished this year, which is a personal best. (I’m no stranger to being in line on Christmas Eve with a basket full of last-minute gifts.) Getting an early start has been a game-changer, leaving me with only one thing left to tackle: wrapping!

Speaking of wrapping, Natasha had a brilliant idea to save our gifts from our curious golden retriever, Niner. We set up a baby gate around the Christmas tree to keep him from opening presents prematurely. It worked like a charm—mostly. He did manage to pull some ribbon off one package, but that’s a far easier fix than replacing a chewed-up gift. Puppy-proofing the holidays? Success!

In the spirit of the season, I’d like to share one of my favorite Christmas cookie recipes: Santa’s Whiskers. My mom used to make these every year, and my brother William and I would race to see who could snag the first cookie. They’re a family tradition, and I hope they can become a part of yours too.

Santa’s Whiskers Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup softened butter
1 cup sugar
1 tsp almond extract
½ tsp vanilla extract
2½ cups flour
¾ cup maraschino cherries, chopped
½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans; I prefer walnuts)
1 cup shredded coconut

Directions:

Beat butter and sugar until very fluffy.
Add almond and vanilla extracts and mix well.
Gradually add flour and mix until just combined.
Fold in chopped cherries and nuts.
Divide dough into logs (two or three 8-inch logs, depending on your preferred cookie size).
Roll logs in shredded coconut until fully coated.
Wrap logs in wax paper and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Slice cookie logs into ¼-inch slices.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the coconut starts to turn golden brown.
Let cool on a wire rack and enjoy!

Whether you’re finishing up your shopping, savoring holiday treats, or just enjoying the glow of the season, I hope this time of year brings you joy and peace. Here’s to new beginnings in 2025, and may it be your best year yet. See you next year!

All Things Home and Beyond • December 10, 2024

Surviving the Holiday Hustle (and Watching Mortgage Rates!)

by Kevin Green

The Holiday season… a time for cheer, family gatherings, and, if you’re anything like me, forgetting what day it is somewhere around the third slice of pie. This year, my family and I embraced the festive spirit by hosting our first annual holiday party in our new home! We invited our neighbors from our street, and it was a huge success. The turnout was fantastic, the potluck spread was nothing short of amazing, and most importantly, it was a chance to build a stronger sense of community. Bringing people together during this busy season reminded me how valuable those connections are—not just in real estate, but in life.

The Good News on Mortgage Rates

Let’s start with some tidings of comfort and joy for buyers and sellers alike: mortgage rates are taking a bit of a breather. Last week, we saw rates drop to their lowest levels in more than a month and a half, finally dipping back into the high 6% range. For context, 30-year fixed rates spent most of November over 7%, so this is a welcome reprieve.

To put it in numbers, the average rate fell from 6.84% to 6.68% on Friday, though it ticked back up slightly to 6.72% on Monday. Why the movement? It all boils down to the bond market. With no major economic reports released today, investors are holding steady, waiting for this week’s key data to decide their next move. It’s like a game of chess, but instead of pawns and rooks, they’re playing with your mortgage payments.

What This Means for You

If you’re shopping for a home, these rate dips could be your golden ticket to securing a lower monthly payment. Remember, every fraction of a percentage point matters. If you’re selling, lower rates might nudge some buyers off the fence and into action. That’s a win-win for everyone.

Juggling Real Estate and the Holidays

For those of us in real estate, December is a unique beast. Buyers want to find their dream home before the new year, sellers are eager to close deals, and agents are…well, we’re just trying to keep our phones charged and our holiday cookies from burning while writing offers. The chaos is real, but it’s also what makes this job so exciting.

Here are a few tips to survive (and maybe even thrive) in this holiday madness:

Plan Ahead: Whether you’re buying, selling, or just browsing, get pre-approved for your mortgage now. Rates are still in your favor, so lock one in before Santa heads back to the North Pole.
Flexibility Is Key: The holidays mean everyone’s schedule is a little bananas. Be patient and prepared for things to move quickly—or slowly, depending on the day.
Celebrate the Small Wins: Found a house you love? Got a great deal on staging? Celebrate those victories, no matter how small. Real estate is stressful enough—let’s sprinkle in some joy.

Wrapping It All Up

As we barrel toward the end of the year, the housing market—and the mortgage world—aren’t slowing down. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, now’s the time to take advantage of lower rates and a little end-of-year magic. And hey, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. My golden retriever, Niner, and I are right there with you, navigating the chaos with equal parts enthusiasm and crumbs in the car.

Until next week, stay cheerful, stay caffeinated, and may your holiday season be as smooth as a freshly poured eggnog. Speaking of eggnog, if you like your eggnog with a little something extra in it…try mixing it with Rum Chata. It kinda tastes like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, enjoy!

– That 1 Realtor Guy 🎄

All Things Home and Beyond • December 3, 2024

Real Estate During the Holidays with That 1 Realtor Guy

by Kevin Green

Oh how I love this time of year… where every corner of the house is either sparkling with joy or teetering on chaos. Thanksgiving at my place was a perfect mix of love, laughter, way too much pie, and my golden retriever puppy Niner devouring an entire tray of rolls when nobody was looking. Our house was packed to the brim, and my heart is full.

Now that Thanksgiving leftovers are history, my wife Natasha is in full Christmas mode. Decorations are up, carols are blasting, and we’ve already made our annual pilgrimage to Sleigh Bells in Sherwood. For 17 years, this family tradition has been a highlight: cutting down our Christmas tree, sipping hot chocolate, a picture or two with Santa, snagging an ornament for each of us, and indulging in a little fudge (okay, a lot of fudge). If you’ve never been, I highly recommend it—it’s like stepping into a Hallmark movie.

The Holiday Season: Magical, Stressful…and the Perfect Time for Real Estate?

Let’s get real—the holidays are wonderful, but they can also be stressful. Between the twinkling lights and crowded malls, life doesn’t always wait for the “perfect time” to buy or sell a home. Job relocations, growing families, and life changes don’t care that your living room is covered in wrapping paper and tinsel. And honestly? That’s where I come in.

That 1 Realtor Guy (that’s me) is here to help you navigate the pros and cons of buying or selling during the holiday season—because, believe it or not, there can be some real advantages to making a move right now.

The Pros of Holiday Real Estate

Motivated Buyers and Sellers: If someone is braving showings and offers while juggling cookie swaps and office parties, they mean business.
Less Competition: Fewer homes on the market and less buyers shopping can mean less competition for buyers and more visibility for sellers.
Homes Look Magical: Is it just me, or does everything look better with twinkling lights and a touch of garland?
Tax Breaks: Closing before the year ends can have some financial perks (hello, deductions!).

The Cons (Because Real Estate Isn’t All Eggnog and Cheer)

Timing Challenges: Scheduling showings or moving trucks during the busiest season of the year can feel like herding reindeer.
Winter Weather: The occasional snow shower and abundance of rain we get are not your home’s best friends.
Limited Inventory and Limited Shoppers: While less competition is great, it also means fewer options for buyers. Less shoppers means that your home could sit on the market a little longer this time of year.

How I Can Help

Whether you’re navigating the process while decorating your tree or you’re worried about making an offer during the office Secret Santa, I’ve got your back. My job is to make buying or selling a home as stress-free as possible—even if it means staging your house to look like a gingerbread dream or negotiating a deal while sipping hot cocoa. Ultimately my goal is to help you achieve yours by helping your navigate any market scenario and coming up with the best gameplan that will help you get everything you want (or as close to is as possible).

Life Doesn’t Wait, and Neither Should You

The holidays may be hectic, but they’re also a time for reflection and gratitude. For me, this time of year reminds me how lucky I am to help people find homes to fill with memories, joy, and even a few holiday mishaps (burnt cookies, or puppy chaos).

So, whether you’re ready to make a move or just need advice, reach out. I’m always happy to help, with a side of humor, expertise, spiked eggnog, and maybe even some leftover fudge.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and maybe a little real estate magic,
That 1 Realtor Guy (Kevin)

P.S. If you’re looking for me, I’m probably untangling Christmas lights (think Clark Griswold from Christmas Vacation) or sneaking another slice of fudge. Happy Holidays!

All Things Home and Beyond • November 26, 2024

Gratitude: What I’m Thankful for This Thanksgiving

by Kevin Green

Ah, Thanksgiving—a time for turkey, pie, football, and the all-too-familiar family debate about what stuffing is best, homemade or Stove-Top (homemade, obviously, because tradition). But amidst the chaos of gravy spills and arguing over politics and who gets the last dinner roll, I find it’s also a perfect moment to reflect on what I’m truly thankful for this year. Spoiler alert: it’s more than just stretchy pants and the once-a-year opportunity to gorge in delicious food… “You’re not finished when you’re full, you’re finished when you hate yourself”

The Gift of Homeownership

As a real estate agent, I get a front-row seat to one of the most amazing parts of the American dream: homeownership. Helping families find that perfect house—not just a building with walls, but a home where Thanksgiving meals will happen, memories will be made, and yes, where someone will eventually step on a stray LEGO—is a privilege I don’t take lightly.

Homeownership isn’t just about property; it’s about stability, security, and building generational wealth. I’m thankful I get to play a small part in that journey for so many people. If I had a dollar for every tear of joy I’ve seen at a closing, well, let’s just say I’d have a lot more than turkey on my table.

A Growing Business

This year, I’m especially thankful for my team at Madaire Realty. We’ve had a stellar 2024, and it feels like we’re planting seeds for an even better 2025. (In real estate terms, we’re the equivalent of a beautifully staged open house: polished, prepared, and ready to shine!)

Watching our boutique business grow while maintaining the personal touch that makes us unique is like watching a garden flourish. Except instead of flowers, it’s a thriving network of happy clients, talented agents, and maybe a few therapy sessions in between.

Bonus Gratitude: The Realtor’s Survival Kit

In addition to the big, meaningful things, there are some little lifesavers I’m especially thankful for this year. Here’s a toast (with a glass of wine, of course) to the unsung heroes of my day-to-day life:

Drive-Thrus – Because sometimes, a perfectly timed burger is the real fuel behind a marathon day of showings.
Coffee (and lots of it) – My MVP for early mornings, late-night paperwork, and everything in between.
Wine – For those evenings when a deal finally closes after a rollercoaster ride of negotiations. Cheers to that!
My Phone’s GPS – Which has saved me from knocking on the wrong door at least a dozen times this year.
Clients with a Sense of Humor – To everyone who’s laughed along with me during awkward showing moments (like walking in on a seller who forgot about our showing appointment), you’re the real MVPs.

Looking Ahead

As we wrap up this year, I’m not just reflecting on what’s been great—I’m also thinking about what’s next. In 2025, I’m looking forward to helping even more families find their dream homes, expanding our team at Madaire Realty, and maybe, just maybe, finally convincing my family that homemade stuffing is king.

So, here’s to a holiday filled with gratitude, laughter, and just a little extra whipped cream on your pie. If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just want to chat about the housing market over a cup of coffee (or leftover stuffing), I’m here for you.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 🦃

Neighbors of Progress Ridge • August 6, 2024

Meet the Green Family: New Neighbors with a Warm Welcome and a Touch of Magic

by Kevin Green

Introduction and Background

Meet the Green Family: Kevin, Natasha, Madeline, and Claire. This have recently made Progress Ridge their new home. Madeline and Claire both attend the Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering (BASE). Madeline is gearing up for her junior year of high school, while Claire is about to conquer the 7th grade. Their parents, Kevin and Natasha, run a local real estate brokerage named Madaire Realty, cleverly combining their daughters’ names, Madeline and Claire. Natasha also moonlights as a private investigator-so don’t try anything funny around her!

The Greens moved into the neighborhood just this past spring and are loving it so far. Practically still unpacking, they were drawn to the area because it’s close to everything-shopping, freeways, trails, you name it. Plus, it keeps their girls in the Beaverton School District, which was crucial for them.

Community and Lifestyle

The Green Family quickly fell in love with the Progress Ridge community. They’ve already met quite a few people while walking their dogs, and their closest neighbors have all been very friendly and welcoming. They appreciate that so many things are within walking distance, and they had a blast at the 4th of July parade. They’re already planning to participate next year-maybe with a float that doubles as a real estate billboard! Just kidding, but they do own a classic 1954 Chevrolet truck that could be a nice addition.

The family has frequented many restaurants in the Progress Ridge Town Square shopping area, with Menchie’s being a particular favorite. It’s hard to resist the call of frozen yogurt, after all.

Family Dynamics and Interests

Kevin is a big sports and fitness enthusiast who regularly plays basketball and belongs to Villa Sports off Murray Blvd. Madeline dreams of becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon and hopes to attend an Ivy League school. When she’s not studying, she’s an avid artist who loves to draw and paint. Claire, also an artist, enjoys making crafts and is a huge Harry Potter fan (Slytherin House, naturally). Natasha enjoys Hallmark movies, especially during the holidays, spending time with their animals and children, making new friends, and enjoying a glass of wine (or three).

The Greens are active in their church, Beaverton Christian Church. They enjoy walks, bike rides, and traveling together. And let’s not forget their family movie nights, complete with popcorn and Claire’s running Harry Potter commentary. They also make it a point to eat dinner together as a family most nights, feeling it brings them closer when they can talk about their day over a home-cooked meal-or takeout, depending on the day’s chaos level.

Personal Stories and Experiences

Although they haven’t been in the area for long, everyone has been very welcoming. The Greens are looking forward to making lasting memories for years to come.

They have already made connections with their neighbors and are excited to build on that with future BBQs and get-togethers. Kevin’s already planning a neighborhood Holiday party to bring more people together.

Children and Education

Madeline and Claire have made friends in the area and enjoy the trails and being able to walk down for treats at the local shops. Claire’s particularly fond of showing off her Slytherin pride. Madeline is involved in HOSA (Future Health Professionals) and has competed in medical debates at Internationals twice. The family is pretty sure she’s already smarter than both parents combined.

Future and Aspirations

The Greens plan to be a part of this neighborhood for years to come, building friendships and helping bring other families together. For any families considering a move to the area, they couldn’t recommend it more. The residents have been very welcoming, and it’s such a lovely community. Plus, it’s very accessible to get wherever you need to go. Pro tip from the Greens: keep a stash of frozen yogurt gift cards handy for instant popularity!

Stay tuned for more delightful stories from featured neighbors. If you would like to nominate a Progress Ridge neighbor you can do that HERE (you can nominate yourself too, we won’t tell)