Thursday, September 27, 2012

High School Options in Vancouver

The schools in SW Washington are one of the great parts of living in Vancouver.  While most people know about the quality of the "standard" schools, not as many know about some of the magent programs available offer a more specialized educational experience.  Here are a few of the opportunities available:

  • Vancouver School of Arts and Academies - located at the historic Shumway Middle, VSAA has been providing an art focused education to middle schoolers and high schoolers in the Vancouver School District since 1996.  You can read more about the school on their website: http://arts.vansd.org/
  • Vancouver iTech - this magnet emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in its curriculum.  It uses problem solving and critical thinking to prepare students for real world situations.  Admission to the school is lottery based, intended to mirror the overall demographics of Vancouver School District. iTech Website 
  • Clark County Skills Center - a joint program with 8 school districts, the CCSC provides practical training in areas such as health/medical, construction, engineering, criminal justice, hospitality, and many other fields.  http://www.ccskillscenter.com/

Knowing the education options available is one of the ways I help educate buyers, particularly those moving to Vancouver from outside the area.  If you are looking for a home in SW Washington and want to work with an agent that will make the process simple, give me a call!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Making Money While Your Kids Are in School



According to the US Department of Education, the average college tuition at a public school has increased 41% over the last ten years, and 18% for a private school.  Based on 2010-2011 tuition rates, it would cost over $70,000 for a 4 year degree at a public school and over $120,000 at a private school...and this isn't even including room and board.

These are daunting figures for most parents, but there is a way to not only limit your costs but also make a long term investment while you kids are in school.  With today's low-mortgage rates and property values, it many areas it is cheaper to buy than to rent.  An alternative to overpriced meal plans and throwing money away at room and board might be purchasing a home near the school you child attends and renting out extra bedrooms.  At minimum, you may be able to allow your child to live "rent-free." Or, depending on the market, you might actually make a little money that can help pay for books and tuition.

After graduation, you can either keep the property as an investment, or sell the property and defer any gains through a 1031 exchange and purchase another investment property.  If you have a child attending one of the many colleges/universities in Portland or Vancouver, give me a call and I can help you work through the numbers to decide if this is a good investment plan for you, as well as help you find the right property to meet your needs.  As always, my goal is to make the real estate process as simple as possible!

-John Blom

Monday, September 10, 2012

5th Annual Taste of Portland


This Thursday the Hasson Company is proud to be one of the presenting sponsors for the 5th Annual Taste of Portland.  The Taste of Portland features 25 local restaurants and caterers sharing their culinary art to benefit the Oregon Association of Realtors HOME Foundation, a non-profit community organization that helps make home ownership a reality for those at or below the median income level.  The Oregon Golf Club is hosting the event.

You can buy tickets online at http://tasteofportland.eventbrite.com/.  In addition to lots of great food, there will also be a silent auction.  Don't miss a great opporutnity to enjoy some of the best cuisine Portland has to offer and benefit a good cause.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Open Sunday 9/9 from 1 to 3 PM - Hollywood Gem

This beautiful home in the heart of Portland's Hollywood District will be open Sunday from 1 to 3 PM - stop by and check it out!  Click on the flyer below for more details on this exceptional listing.