February 2022 Newsletter: Celebrating Black History Month

Hi ,

In celebration of Black History Month, we took some time to get to know more about Black History, and found some resources to help you acquaint yourself, too.

Are you looking for something new and exciting to do this weekend? This month our series, From Portland with Love, takes a look at North Portland's Kenton neighborhood. Here you can learn all about this historic locale, and plan to explore the many restaurants, cafés, and shops for a fun-filled afternoon or evening!

Also, check out our feature below on property disclosures, and the highlights we've got for you on two of our company's favorite local organizations: Stone Soup and Sammy's Flowers. Stone Soup did a wonderful job catering our company event last summer (we look forward to their culinary talents this year!), and Sammy's Flowers' arrangements are simply breathtaking.

As always, reach out to us with all your real estate needs,

PARIS GROUP REALTY, LLC

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans, and a time to recognize the central role these pioneers play in our U.S. history. It's also a great time to personally reflect on what each of us can do to further eliminate racism and injustice in our society.

Our company considers it our moral obligation to eliminate inequality and help our neighbors, friends, and our community achieve their fundamental rights to happiness. These are priorities we consciously address every day, and in every aspect of our business.

Learn more about Black History Month

Kenton Neighborhood

Beautiful and historic, North Portland’s Kenton neighborhood is frequently described as, "Small, simple, and safe." It's full of unique restaurants, bars, and cafés, and has a quaint downtown area.

This neighborhood is also home to the Victorian Belle Mansion, which was originally built in 1885 as a wedding present from a local Portland groom to his new bride. It's a lovely, elegant venue and definitely a memory maker for brides and grooms alike.

We've compiled all our favorites just for you: one-of-a-kind date night ideas, shops and businesses, and cool things to do and explore in Kenton!

Check out Kenton Neighborhood

What is a Property Disclosure?

A property disclosure statement is a legal document that informs buyers of existing defects, issues, previous repairs, etc., to the potential home and protect sellers from liability for issues they let buyers know about before the sale is closed. This is important for buyers and sellers as it is up to buyers to figure out if there are any problems with the property. Legally, if sellers know of an issue or item, they must inform buyers before the sale. It also provides the buyer with a fundamental knowledge of the property.

Not every state requires a seller to have real estate disclosures, but Oregon does. This law applies whether you’re selling a single-family home, duplex, condominium, timeshare, or manufactured dwelling. That said, Oregon’s disclosures do not have to be as detailed. California for example, requires a heavily detailed document.

If the seller does not provide a property disclosure statement, the buyer has the right to revoke their offer immediately (if the sale hasn't closed). If the buyer finds the information in the statement to be untrue or unfavorable, they can also back out of the purchase any time prior to closing. The buyer can also sue if they find the seller knew of a problem but didn't disclose it.

So, what needs to be disclosed? Common disclosure includes items such as a leak in the roof, issues with pests, mold, prior property disputes, lead based paint or prior radon, any appliance (such as HVAC) malfunctions or repairs, deaths that occurred on the property, or even neighborly disputes.

Most people own their homes for long periods of time, often 10 years or more. This means it can be easy for a seller to forget an item that may need to be disclosed. This is why it is on the buyer to always ask questions. That said, it is good practice for the seller to answer unknown to items they are unsure of.

This does mean that your home may have a negative property disclosure. There are many ways to continue selling a house with a negative property disclosure, including hoping it won’t bother the current buyer, and adjusting the price of the property.

You can also sell your home ‘as-is.’ When an agent lists a house 'as is,' it means the homeowner is selling the home in its current condition – with no renovations, repairs, or improvements prior to the sale. Most people list their property 'as is' because they can't afford to do the work and need to sell the house as soon as possible.

Do you have additional questions about property disclosures? Would you like more information on the entire buying or selling process? Reach out to us at info@parisgrouprealty.com or (503) 926 -5213 -- we'd love to hear from you!

Stone Soup

“Stone Soup is a non-profit foodservice training enterprise based in Portland, OR, providing workplace development and hands-on culinary expertise to people at risk of homelessness.”

This powerhouse of a non-profit not only provides hands-on training to its program participants, they do so while supporting our houseless community. Since March of 2020, Stone Soup has managed meal production and delivery of these hot and healthy meals for many of the shelters around our city, and at its peak production, was preparing 9,000 meals each week. Incredible!

If you are thinking to yourself, how can I do my part to support their work, and in turn, my community, do not worry, they have many different (and tasty) options available:

Soup Subscriptions: One month or 6-month subscriptions of their hearty and delicious made-from-scratch soups. Enjoy a new soup each week available for pick-up and support their job-training program.
To-Go Meals: Order online and pick up one of their soups or chilis, and throw in a cookie, adult beverage and maybe even a t-shirt!
Volunteer: Delivery drivers, Concession Stand Heroes & Weekend Warriors are all volunteer opportunities available to the public.
Direct Donation: Consider making a one-time or monthly donation.
Car Donation: If you’re looking to upgrade your vehicle, think about donating your old one to fund their culinary training program.

Last, but certainly not least, we wanted to bring your attention to a new and fun way to show your support. Stone Soup's new Pop-Up Dinner Series takes place approximately every 6-weeks, and showcases a new, multi-course menu each time. Their initial series launch took place in January, and it was, simply put, a “spectacular” meal.

Upcoming Pop-Up Dinner

When: Friday, March 4th
Where: Pick up at Stone Soup PDX | 306 NW Broadway, Portland, OR 97209
What: Southern Cookin’ Menu – ribs, cornbread, slaw, and a few other sides and courses

Complete Menu and Pick-Up Details

Sammy’s Flowers

I don't think it comes as a surprise, but we LOVE supporting other local, women-owned businesses in and around the Portland Metro area. So, allow us to introduce you this month to Sammy’s Flowers!

We have been ordering floral bouquets from Sammy’s Flowers for years, and their service, friendliness and quality can simply not be matched. From celebrating birthdays, work anniversaries, and even sending a bright and beautiful arrangement to put a smile on someone’s face, we take advantage of their creative talents whenever we can.

Their online ordering is a breeze, and you can call to discuss options and specific requests, or even pop into their beautiful shop. Sammy’s also has indoor plants and vessels, cards, candles, and chocolate available for delivery. Pretty much a one-stop shop for sending someone a little love and sunshine.

We think you will love them.

Submit Your Favorite Local Businesses & Non-Profits to Us!

This past year we had the privilege of sharing some amazing Portland-based non-profit organizations and businesses with our media. We hope these resources have been useful for your home maintenance needs, and in bringing awareness to shops, restaurants, and non-profits that vitally need our patronage and support to strengthen the local community.

This year, we'd like to switch things up a bit and ask you to share local businesses and non-profits in and around the Portland Metro area.

Do you or one of your family members or friends own a business you would like to see highlighted in one of our future publications? Is there a local non-profit organization you hold near and dear to your heart? We want to support you as you have so generously supported Paris Group Realty, Inc., while spreading the word and sharing our love for Portland.

Click here to share the love

Considering Buying or Selling a Home?

If you’re considering buying or selling a home this spring or summer, we'd love the opportunity to get together and discuss your needs, wants, and goals for your financial future. Building wealth through homeownership is my specialty, and we're here to help make all your real estate dreams come true.

As experts in the Portland real estate market, we are dedicated to buying and selling property that suits our clients' tastes and lifestyles.

Would you like to know how much your home is worth? Are you searching for a living space that works for your family and budget? Buyers and sellers look to us for our tough negotiation skills and tireless efforts in taking properties into contract.

Reach out to us at (503) 926-5213 or email us at info@parisgrouprealty.com – we'd love to meet you for coffee and get the conversation going!