Damascus discussion....your opinions wanted!

Mary A. Tinkler - Real Estate Broker
Shattuck & Co. Real Estate, Inc.
Gresham, Oregon
www.marytinkler.com


This is an open forum....your feedback, questions, opinions and ideas are wanted! Have a look at some previous posts in the right column.


We read and see so much in the media about real estate trends and values. What about urban growth concept plans? I can tell you from the point of a working real estate broker, not everything they say is on target. Since I am one of the workers on the "front lines" I see and feel changes in the market way before they get reported on. I can often gage the influence the main line media has on real estate 'consumers', just from some of the questions they ask, or comments they make. In this blog I will talk about some of these changes, and other subjects of interest to those who consider their real estate holdings and investments....their homes!....to be of critical importance.


There is a LOT of media reporting on development of the Urban Growth Boundary in our part of Oregon. But you don't see much detailed public opinion about it....a letter to the editor here....a sound bite there. I'd like to hear more about what individual persons think about how our community is coping with growth, and current affairs in general.


It seems we could really use this limitless public venue.....a BLOG for community issues, where anyone can voice their opinions and concerns, and throw out a few new ideas. Short of publishing character assassinations, obscenities, or private information about non-public citizens.....I will post your comments and opinions. Even if they do not agree with mine. I will not post comments that contain information that can be documented as erroneous or untrue. I will not allow perpetration of scare tactics. I will screen for any fair housing or other discrimination statute violations.....you cannot break the law here.

It is my hope that you will use this BLOG for communication of thoughts, ideas and community events for worthy causes. Having a fund raiser? Need help or information? Post it here! Consider this blog another bulletin board for your free use.


After 14 years in this business I have success stories, funny stories, heart-warming stories, and a (thankfully) few horror stories and mysteries. Some of these I will be able to share with you....... others I can't even change the names to protect the not-so-innocent. Working with so many different kinds of clients from the 18 year old who was buying her first home with her own cash, to the empty-nesters who down-sized from a Mc-mansion (the media's term, not mine) to a 1,200 square foot condo, I have learned there is a fine line between emotion and business when buying or selling your home. Family fidelity, and family feud can be a short heartbeat apart.


As I progress with this blog I intend to bring a lot of information about things having to do with real estate laws, ethics, trends and traps. But whenever possible I will also tell you the more personal side of helping people with their most valuable assets. I will occasionally rant about a pet cause or a favorite charity or non-profit, or some sort of collective pet peeve of injustice that is effecting Americans and Oregonians. Stay tuned.....and join in.


Mary A. Tinkler - Real Estate Broker
www.marytinkler.com