August « 2010 « Summa Real Estate Group Blog

Tech Corner: Could Phone Numbers Go Extinct?

August 30, 2010 | Industry Update, Summa Real Estate News, tech corner | Comments (0)

Check out this interesting article on TechCrunch.com…

Facebook creator, Mark Zuckerberg, said he thinks the phone company could go under within the next 5-10 years. Apps like Google Voice and Skype already let us “call” and “talk” online. But what about the industry, itself?

The article says social networking king, Facebook, will really deal the final blow to traditional telephony. Why could phone numbers be on the outs? The article notes these three, important points:

No control. Anyone can dial your 10 digits, including your ex-girlfriend, a political campaign worker, or a solicitor. Unlisted numbers, Caller ID and do-not-call lists all tried to solve this problem, but these solutions still don’t prevent unwanted calls.
Phone numbers are tied to a device, not to you. Everyone has multiple numbers, yet your home line is shared, leaving callers guessing the best way to reach you.
User experience is very limited. The phone was designed as a utility—dial a number, have a conversation. It’s remained this way since its inception. It’s not optimized for other experiences, which is why voicemail and conference calls are tedious, and why checking flight status is worse than a root canal.

What do you think of all of this? Will your grandkids be dialing you up on the phone or just posting on your wall?

New Summa Listing in Southwest: 4921 S.W. Corbett Ave., Portland, OR 97239

August 24, 2010 | Portland Living, Summa Real Estate Listing, Summa Real Estate News | Comments (0)

Just five minutes from downtown fun and a short walk to John’s Landing, this beautiful 4 bedroom bungalow features a fully finished basement, enormous master suite, and large front porch. Spend time out in your terraced yard or inside, under plenty of natural light from Velux skylights.

4 Bedrooms
3 Full | 1 Partial Baths

2,558 Est. Sq. Ft.

Let Jeff Bob walk you through this beautiful home!

503-906-2606

Summa Chili Feed: Say Cheese!

| Summa Lifestyle, Summa Real Estate News | Comments (3)

Summa’s First Annual Chili Cook-Off was a spicy success!

There were nine notable entries, but only one (okay, two) could win the coveted prize of Best Cup…

Congratulations to Steve and Otis, who tied for the tastiest pot of chili on the Westside! (And a Participant’s Ribbon goes to third place winner, J Money. That girl makes a mean 3-bean batch.)

Check out some pics of the feed, then you better get to cookin’…Summa’s Second Annual Feed is already in the works!

Have a hot recipe? Share it with Summa!

Tech Corner: Could Your Phone Replace Your Plastic?

August 22, 2010 | Industry Update, Summa Real Estate News, tech corner | Comments (0)

We understand just as the market changes, with up and down rates, so too does the role of technology in the real estate industry.

In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find any industry–established or emerging–that hasn’t been changed or molded by the Internet and its “Smart Revolution” (Just look at us! Bloggin’ it up!).

A great example is this recent article on BusinessWeek.com, which talks about the integration of smart phones into the very fabric of our consumer-based economy.

AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile are reportedly developing a mobil payment system that works with your smartphone. The article says this new system could actually make dinosaurs out of Visa and MasterCard. Hold your phone up to an electronic reader in the store, and your purchase goes through automatically.

Of course, financial safety issues like privacy and confidentiality could be a stumbling block for the new system. And we don’t imagine Visa and Mastercard will take this transition lying down. Plus, merchants will have to pay a hefty fee to get these electronic readers in the store ($200/each).

We want to know what you think…Are you welcoming or resisting this smartphone revolution?

Listen Up, Agents! Interest Rates Still on the Decline

| Industry Update, Summa Real Estate News, Video | Comments (0)

We love this guy…

A Freddie Mac survey came out last week that found 30-year fixed-rate mortgage loans averaged 4.42 percent, with an average of 0.7 point. That’s the ninth consecutive week of record-low rates reported in the survey.

Real estate broker Frank LLosa talks about the possibility of rates going down, down, down some more. Frank’s a great resource, not only for home buyers and sellers, but also us real estate folk!

Check out this week’s “Wheel Estate Cam,” then tell us what you think!

New Study: Owning a Home Can Help Your Kids

August 19, 2010 | Industry Update, Portland Living, Summa Real Estate News | Comments (0)

Research from the recent study, “Effects of Homeownership on Children: The Role of Neighborhood Characteristics and Family Income,” owning a home may not only offer financial benefits, but social ones as well.

According to the study, homeowners are often more engaged in their local community; this may be because homeowners feel as though they have a higher stake in their neighborhood. Homeowners participate in more civic responsibilities, like voting in their local elections.

Homeowning may also help your kids:

Teens from owned-homes often stay in school longer than teens from rental households
Daughters of homeowners experience a lower rate of teen pregnancy
Children from homeowners can learn “life management skills,” as they watch their parents handle financial responsibilities and maintenance issues related to their property
Homeownership has also been found to have a strong positive effect on kids’ educational achievement

Check out the full article here. Then tell us what you think! Are you a homeowner? Has your family experienced any of these “social benefits” of homeownership?

And if you’re not yet a homeowner, let us know! Summa can put you on the path to homeownership today.

Short Sale FAQ: How Summa Can Help

| Short Sale, Summa Real Estate News | Comments (0)

Homeowners facing foreclosure can feel frustrated and embarrassed. But the process doesn’t have to be filled with anxiety. With the right information and a trustworthy guide, you can work your way out of difficult financial straits.

Summa agents bring more than 20 years experience in the Portland real estate market. We understand the market’s ups and downs better than anyone, and we’ve developed long-lasting relationships with banks and lenders across the region.

It’s important to know that no matter where you are in the process or how much you owe on your home, you have options. You might choose to sell your property, refinance or negotiate a loan modification. Summa will walk you through the process, quickly and discretely.

Contact a Summa Short Sale Expert today for a free, personal consultation.

Get To Know Your City: Explore Portland with Summa!

| Portland Living, Summa Lifestyle | Comments (0)

Portland Monthly Magazine had a great August issue, called “63 Things Every Portlander Must Do.” From the best Carne Asada in town, to roller derby and Timbers soccer games, you’ll find the tastiest and most unique city highlights.

Want to explore the area on two feet or two wheels? These maps make it easy to “get your feet wet” all over the city.

And if you’re new to Portland, read up on the arts and the outdoors at Travel Portland. Then find out more about city schools and attractions.

Still have questions? The City of Portland’s official website is also a great resource. Be sure to visit the “Living” page for neighborhood information…then let Summa guide you through a property search of your favorite area!

Rustic Beauty in Sherwood: 22339 S.W. Schmeltzer Rd.

| Industry Update, Summa Real Estate Listing | Comments (0)

Looking for a beautiful, craftsman home with a bit of room to play? This incredible property sits atop a 3 acre estate. With vaulted ceilings, detailed wood and stone throughout, organic gardens, and 2 ponds full of rainbow trout, this home has something for everyone!