November 2023 Newsletter: 12 Days of Giving

Hi ,

I am honored to share I recently received the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics, highlighting our company's commitment to integrity in business.

In addition to this recognition, we're thrilled to unveil our '12 Days of Giving' feature, showcasing exceptional non-profit organizations in the Portland Metro area. Our goal is to inspire you to explore and support their meaningful initiatives.

You'll also find the following article, "9 Things to Know About Homeowner Associations," shedding light on essential aspects of community living. We'll also take a closer look at the charming Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood, a real gem in Portland.

Finally, we've partnered with One Speed Services, an HVAC company serving Oregon and Washington, to bring you exclusive special offers you won't want to miss!

As always, don't hesitate to reach out to me about all things real estate,

Paris Group Realty, LLC:
2023 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics Winner

On behalf of Paris Group Realty, LLC, I am thrilled to announce I've been recognized with the BBB Torch Award for Ethics! This is one of the most prestigious honors a business can obtain from the Better Business Bureau and confirms our commitment to character, culture, customers, and community.

The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics honors organizations whose leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character and ensure the organization’s practices meet the highest standards of ethics. This effort consequently generates trust with clients and the community.

Winners of this award have demonstrated outstanding commitment to four main criteria: leadership character, workplace culture, customer relationships, and community support.

View our BBB profile

Read the press release

Learn more about the BBB Torch Awards

9 Things to Know About Homeowner Associations
Restrictive rules and high fees are just some things to watch out for

By: Amy Fontinelle

Homeowner associations (HOAs) are entities that enforce the rules for living in a community that chooses to be governed. They are common in planned developments; you join them and agree to their terms and fees when you close on a home in a community with an HOA.

Homeownership in these communities—also called membership—binds you to the association's covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). The associations also have legal powers, such as placing a lien on your home, imposing fines, or suing you for not complying with the rules.

If you're in the market for a home, you'll likely look in neighborhoods with HOAs. Here are nine factors you should consider before purchasing a home in a governed neighborhood.

1. Homeowner Association Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions

Homeowner associations create CC&Rs and enforce them. Before purchasing a home in a community with an HOA, make sure you ask your realtor or the HOA for the CC&Rs. Some examples of the restrictions and rules you might see are limits or requirements for:

Siding and roof colors and materials
Parking RVs or trailers in the driveway
Fencing height and placement
Visitor parking
Vacation renting
Yard decorations
Yard work
Additions

If you can’t find the CC&Rs online on the HOA's website, ask your real estate agent to acquire them for you or obtain them by contacting the HOA directly. Be sure to check if the document is up-to-date before you proceed too far into the buying process.

The rules and regulations of any particular HOA may be unique so don't rely on second-hand information or your experience at other developments to learn what an HOA's rules and covenants are. Also, think hard about whether you’ll be able to live with them.

IMPORTANT: Don’t rely on being alerted to any lingering issues between the association and the current owner of a house that interests you. Failure to ask about these problems before you buy could result in inheriting them when you take possession of the property.

2. Homeowner Association Fees

Homeowner associations need funds to operate. They gather these funds through fees paid by community members—some can be quite high. Median monthly fees range from $600 (New York, the highest) to $100 (Wyoming, the lowest).1 Fees can differ even within a development due to variations in square footage, location, and orientation.

Most MLSs include HOA fees in the property listing, so when you're looking at homes, ensure you locate this information. You can access it on most real estate sale websites, such as REMAX, Zillow, or Realtor.com.

You should also find out how often fees have increased over time and by how much. If you can, obtain a printed history of HOA dues by year for the past 10 years. HOA increases are generally mapped out a few years in advance using estimates of the future costs of utilities, labor, and maintenance.

Read More

Beaumont-Wilshire

Located in the heart of Portland, Oregon, the Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood exudes a unique blend of classic charm and modern appeal. Its real estate market offers a wide array of housing choices, from beautifully preserved historic homes to contemporary residences, ensuring there's something for everyone.

This family-friendly enclave is dotted with parks and green spaces, making outdoor adventures a breeze. The neighborhood is also home to a variety of schools, community centers, and a lively local scene, including trendy shops and restaurants. With a strong sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere, Beaumont-Wilshire is the perfect place for families looking to establish roots and enjoy the best of Portland living.

Learn More

Find Your Perfect Portland Neighborhood

Serving Oregon and Washington, One Speed Services holds licenses as general contractors. Known as Oregon's trusted air duct cleaning company, they improve indoor air quality for allergy sufferers and those with respiratory issues.

Their comprehensive services include mold remediation, insulation, air duct cleaning, and crawl space restoration.

One Speed Services is a one-stop-shop for the following indoor air quality services:

Air Duct Cleaning
Attic Ventilation Correction and Insulation
Crawl Space Drainage Correction, Insulation and Vapor Barrier
Duct Repair, Replacement, Sealant and Insulation
Mold Remediation and Prevention
Dryer Vent Cleaning, Repair and Replacement
HVAC Servicing, Repair, and New System Installation
Foundation Crack Repair, Post Replacement & Seismic Retrofitting

"We absolutely LOVED having Claire as our Realtor. She took the time to listen to what we were looking for and was always open to viewing any home. She never made us feel pressured to buy and patiently helped us look for our home for three months. After our offer was accepted, Claire connected us with a fantastic inspector, and gathered quotes for every improvement that was suggested, which ultimately led to us getting a generous amount off the home. We are absolutely ecstatic about our new home, and wouldn't be here without Claire." - csmenson (Zillow Review)