HFO Brokers Apt. Sale at 6% Cap + A Busted Condo Sale at $50K/Unit

HFO's recent transactions - Russellville Commons and the Village Condos - were the featured Deals of the Day earlier this week at Multi-Housing News.  Read More.

Axiometrics: Portland Rent Growth #2 in U.S.

Portland's 12-month effective rent increases were 10.43% for the year ending February 2011 according to a report issued by Axiometrics, Inc., a provider of data and analysis on the multi-family sector.

The company said that effective rents nationally (true rents net of concessions) increased by 4.65%, further evidence of market strength that could lead this year to one of the largest pricing jumps in more than a decade.

Axiometrics Inc. measures the performance of the apartment sector every month. The company tracks individual properties or portfolios owned by both private and publicly traded apartment REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts), as well as properties owned and managed by private investors, developers, and management companies in more than 300 markets, totaling over 16,500 properties and 4.4 million units. Read their full report.

CNN To Renters: "Lock In Your Lease Now - Rents Could Rise 10%"

"Renters beware: Double-digit rent hikes may be coming soon." That's the latest message from CNN and national apartment experts.  Read more.

HFO-TV: Featured guest Dr. Gerard Mildner, Director of the PSU Center for Real Estate

Dr. Gerard Mildner, Director of the PSU Center for Real Estate, offers an introduction to the Center and its programs, quarterly reports, and annual conference.

The Latest Economic and Real Estate Forecast from Stewart Title's Chief Economist

Stewart Title's Chief Economist Ted C. Jones offered this economic assessment and real estate forecast.  Follow his up to the minute information at http://blog.stewart.com.

Decision Made on Where Washington County Will Grow For the Next 50 Years

The Washington County Board of Commissioners and Metro Council have finally reached agreement on where the county can and cannot grow over the next 50 years. Read the full story in today's Daily Journal of Commerce online.

What You Need to Know About Hazard Communication

In your day-to-day job duties, you likely encounter a wide range of potentially hazardous chemicals and materials during routine property maintenance tasks. However, you can maintain a safe working environment for yourself and those around you if you simply understand the materials you're working with and take appropriate precautions. Click here to download the 2-page PDF from USI Northwest Insurance.

Chase Issues Economic Outlook for Oregon and Washington

Earlier this month, JP Morgan Chase gave this economic outlook slideshow presentation for Oregon and Washington. (Courtesy Patti Cordon).

Many Apartment Units In Oregon Must Have Carbon Monoxide Alarms Installed by April 1st, 2011

Since July 1, 2010 carbon monoxide alarms have been required in new tenancies, and next month is when the final phase arrives mandating installation in all existing tenancies that have a carbon monoxide source. A carbon monoxide source includes a wood or gas fireplace, an attached garage, or any gas or oil powered appliance or heat source (hot water heater, dryer, stove, etc.).

A properly functioning carbon monoxide alarm must be located within each bedroom or within 15 feet outside of each bedroom door in dwelling units containing a carbon monoxide source or that are connected to a common area containing a carbon monoxide source. Bedrooms on separate floors in a structure containing two or more stories require separate carbon monoxide alarms. A carbon monoxide alarm must be installed in any enclosed common area within the building if the common area is connected by a door, ductwork, or ventilation shaft to a carbon monoxide source located within or attached to the structure.

HFO encourages membership in the Metro Multifamily Housing Association.  If you have questions about the above new law contact Metro Multifamily Housing Association at 503-226-4533.

Jeff Passadore Discusses The Latest Local Trends in Apartment Management

HFO Investment Real Estate's Apartment Investor Roundtable featured this presentation by Jeff Passadore of Cambridge Management. Are you an apartment investor who is not receiving invitations to our free Investor Roundtable luncheons? If you would like to attend please click here and fill out the request form.

Things Are Looking Good For Rental Operators - So Far...

Last week, the unemployment rate fell to 8.9 percent, making things even brighter. “There is more optimism than not in last week’s job report,” says Chris Herbert, director of research for Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. “That is a question mark going forward.” Read the full story at Multifamily Executive Online.

Bloomberg News: U.S. Apartment Investors Expect Income Growth As Apartment Growth Surges

As U.S. demand for rental housing surges, investors are venturing beyond class A properties, or newer, well-leased buildings in centrally located neighborhoods of big cities like San Francisco and New York.  One example is Vancouver, Washington's Orchard Pointe, the first class B property purchased by Invesco since credit markets seized and commercial property values tumbled.  Read the full story.

Multifamily Executive: Rents to Increase in 2011 and 2012

Is this how the great recession ends in the multifamily industry? Not with a whimper, but with a bang -- and not just any bang, but a screaming- eagle, sonic-booming, avenging-angel bang that is blasting apartment operators to an unheard of zenith in rent fundamentals?

Mark 2010 down as the year of the recovery, and then fasten your seat belts for 2011 and beyond! Read the full article from Multifamily Executive.

MPF Research: "Portland is Exhibit A in How 2010 Was a Far Better Year For Apartments Than 2009"

In its latest video about Portland, MPF Research cited the Portland Metro area as the prime example of the apartment market recovery currently underway. Click here to watch the video.

Vintage Apartment Building For Sale In Oregon City: Riverview Apartments

The 27-unit Riverview Apartments are a well-maintained bricker in Oregon City’s historic district. Built in 1927, this 3-story complex overlooks Willamette Falls, the historic Oregon City Bridge, and the I-205 bridge. Some units offer views of Mt. Hood.

The building rests on a stuccoed concrete foundation and is clad with glazed buff colored brick. Windows are all double-hung vinyl sashes with steel supported jack arches and weathered rowlock sills. The main entry faces east and is approached by a broad staircase leading to an arched entry of red brick and a clay tile overhang, giving the building a mediterranean flair. Riverview is listed at $1,600,000.  Click here to learn more.