Friday, November 30, 2012

Looking for a place to live?

We have many properties for rent!  Click to view our most recent!

Vintage 3 Bedroom, Ranch Style home with Huge Yard! in SW Portland!

Newly updated ranch style home on a 1/4 acre in a prime location! This home has new hardwood floors throughout with tile in the kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen features plenty of light wood cabinetry, ample counter space as well as a very nice black range and full size stainless steel refrigerator. There are built-ins throughout the home which is very convenient for storage! This vintage beauty has a very open floor plan with a large living room at 15 X 13, neutral colors and a large fenced yard. You do not want to miss out on this gorgeous layout! Hurry and schedule an appointment to view today! Local Schools are: Vose Elementary, Highland Park Middle School, and Beaverton High School! JF/AH

By applying for this unit you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and accept the Rental Criteria. Click on this link (or copy into your browser) https://www.tmgnorthwest.com/forms/disclaimer.php?st=or Additionally, applications submitted without payment will not be processed until payment is received. A property is NOT reserved until the deposit to hold has been received.




Beautiful, Newer 4 BR, Backs to Woods, Large Deck and More! 

This beautiful 4 bedroom home is located in a neighborhood of custom homes. Formal living and family rooms, wood floors throughout dining and kitchen area. Kitchen has huge pantry, island and tile counter tops. Enjoy summer evenings on the huge back deck that is surrounded by trees. Skylight in hallway upstairs provides a ton of natural light and master bedroom has a great master bathroom with double vanity and giant walk in closet. Laundry room has built in cabinets and is located upstairs for convenience. Don't miss this house, it is a must see! JF


By applying for this unit you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and accept the Rental Criteria. Click on this link (or copy into your browser): https://www.tmgnorthwest.com/forms/disclaimer.php?st=or Additionally, applications submitted without payment will not be processed until payment is received. A property is NOT reserved until the deposit to hold has been received.



CONTEMPORARY 3 BEDROOM PLUS LOFT HOUSE IN COMMUNITY WITH POOL AND FITNESS CENTER!

Newer contemporary home in the Sunset Ridge community with a nice vaulted master bedroom. There is a deck off of the master suite, jetted, jacuzzi tub in the huge master bathroom and nine foot ceilings throughout. The home features shutters throughout and tile counters in the kitchen along with gorgeous white cabinetry. There are vibrant color schemes and white wood work. The house is also set up for wifi. Front yard landscaping is included! The community itself features and indoor pool, outdoor basketball area, fitness center and more! AH/DMF 

By applying for this unit you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and accept the Rental Criteria. Click on this link (or copy into your browser): https://www.tmgnorthwest.com/forms/disclaimer.php?st=wa Additionally, applications submitted without payment will not be processed until payment is received. A property is NOT reserved until the deposit to hold has been received.



2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH IN BEAUTIFUL GATED COMMUNITY IN CASCADE PARK!

 Beautiful Gated Community located in Cascade Park! Immaculate Condo on 1st Floor with custom wall colors, gas fireplace and open dining area with wall built ins. The kitchen features bright white cabinetry and all appliances. This layout features one and 3/4 bath as well as two good sized bedrooms. There are beautiful wall sconces throughout and the home comes with brand new front loading washer/dryer! There is also a detached garage that is adjacent to this unit. Strict CC&Rs rules apply. Local schools are: Crestline Elementary, Wy East Middle and Mountain View High School. AH/DMF


By applying for this unit you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and accept the Rental Criteria. Click on this link (or copy into your browser): https://www.tmgnorthwest.com/forms/disclaimer.php?st=wa Additionally, applications submitted without payment will not be processed until payment is received. A property is NOT reserved until the deposit to hold has been received.  

https://tmgwashington.appfolio.com/listings/listings/9e89f4b5-ee47-46ce-9648-fd16abd5e479

Thursday, November 29, 2012

How To... Create A Cozy Space With Ease


How To... Create A Cozy Space With Ease

Because of the tough economy, many long-time homeowners are now finding themselves returning to the days of renting. When you are living in “someone else’s” house, it can be hard to make it feel like your own. Follow these easy steps to make your rental house feel as comfortable as your favorite reading chair.
Couple in home
Many former homeowners are deciding to rent instead, free of mortgage constraints. Even though it is nice to avoid the property taxes, interest rates and falling home values, it can be difficult to transition from owning a home you can do anything with to living in someone else's home with rules to follow. These steps will help you go from feeling like a guest to being ready to host your first get-together.

Step 1: Read the rules

Read through your entire rental agreement for guidance on what you can and cannot do to the interior and exterior of your home. If you do not see information on things like painting walls, hanging pictures or moving items that are not your own, ask for clarification. Get any and all clarification in writing.

Step 2: Work with what you have

If you are unable to paint, put holes in the walls or change the landscaping outside, start looking for creative alternatives to make the home feel more like your own. When you are unsure of whether a change will be within the guidelines of your rental agreement, check with your landlord. It never hurts to check and doublecheck -- and check again.

Step 3: Find alternatives to paint and wallpaper

There are many attractive options for decorating walls that can be easily removed. For kids' rooms, there are wall decals that will make you forget you ever pined for paint. If you want to spruce up your room or add some spice to your kitchen, try sites like Etsy or Allposters.com for unique wall decor ideas.

Step 4: Hang pictures without holes

If you can't stand an empty wall or a hallway that isn't lined with photos of your family, don't despair. Many manufacturers now make products that will hang your pictures or artwork without a single nail. Try products from the 3M Command line that allow you to hang pretty much anything without ever picking up a hammer.

Step 5: Scope out stand-alone decor

Wander through the aisles of your favorite store for home supplies and you can find stand-alone options for anything, from holding your toilet paper to displaying your wine collection. There are countless ways to work with a "no hammer and nail rule" in your rental find. Even a potted plant in the corner or a lamp you love can make you feel at home again.

Step 6: Liven up your landscape

Maybe you had a gorgeous garden at your last home or loved planting flowers every spring but now you don't have the space or the privilege to rearrange the landscaping outside your house. Spend some time at your local nursery and find a hanging plant or two. If you have some must-haves when it comes to growing your own fruits and vegetables, you can always plant them in clay pots or even grow herbs on your windowsill or balcony.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Whether renting was your first choice or your only option, there are countless ways to bring your own sense of style and make it work for you. Spend a little time channeling your creative side and your rental house will be a home in no time!

Reference:

She Know How To



The Management Group
Property and HOA Management in Vancouver WA and Portland OR
http://www.TMGnorthwest.com
 


 

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Plan your indoor herb garden!

Indoor Herb Gardens

Don't have space outside? Start your own indoor herb garden. Apartment dwellers and home renters can enjoy the pleasures of cultivating and harvesting their own indoor herb gardens. There are a surprising number of plants that flourish indoors with proper care and attention.  

Here are some helpful hints to help you get started in maintaining a bountiful indoor herb harvest.
Containers : Herbs grow well in small to medium-sized pots.  Clay or terra-cotta pots are decorative and work well with indoor planting. You may also want to try growing in glazed pots, window boxes, or even a hanging basket. 
  • Drainage: Herbs require a growing medium with good drainage. If the roots are soaking in water, they will not grow or survive.
  • Temperature & Light:  Keep plants away from areas with varying temperatures such as a winter window or a stove.  Make sure the plants are receiving plenty of light.  You may need be rotate plants to ensure all have even light. 
 
Choose your selection based on your culinary preferences. Most of these plants can be mixed within the same container to create a contrasting arrangement. Some plants such as rosemary , bay and mint should probably be contained in their own pot.  They have a tendency to roam and may overpower the other herbs sharing the space. 

After you have established your own indoor herb garden and harvested your hard work, you will experience the peace and joy of "working the soil" (even if it is indoors) !

Reference: Rental Decorating Digest

Posted by Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Specialist

The Management Group
Property and HOA Management in Vancouver WA and Portland OR
http://www.TMGnorthwest.com
 



Monday, November 26, 2012

Winterize your pipes for colder temperatures

The Winter is the hardest time of the year for homes and apartment pipes, ducts and joists in the Northern tier of the United States. It is equally hard on our neighbors to the North, Canada. Many do it yourself projects can turn out to be a nightmare. These simple projects are ones that even a monkey could do. A monkey with a credit card, that is. For a small investment of time and money anyone can reduce energy loss and possibly reduce the horrible experience of a broken pipe in the middle of Winter.

At the least you may reduce your energy use and increase energy efficiency . All of these products may be purchased locally at Ace Hardware and Home Depot or any building supply company. You will generally find store personnel very helpful if you have any questions.

Insulate the Water Heater and Water Pipes:
There are various do it yourself web tutorials I can recommend and will do so in the resource section of this article. The first step is to prevent heat loss and prevent cold air from entering through exposed areas of your basement. The water heater is a prime suspect in the area of heat loss as well as the water pipes that are attached to the water pipe. There are insulation blankets you may purchase or craft yourself. One item that is very cost effective is Ace Hardware's Water Heater Insulation Jacket.
This item comes in the exact size of most water heaters. It is simple to install and requires little or no knowledge of the plumbing and heating vocation. The jacket is a vinyl backed fiberglass jacket designed for gas or electric water heaters with up to a 60 gallon capacity.

Water Pipes:
The pipes leading to and surrounding your water heater may also be a culprit in losing heating or allowing frigid air to enter your basement. There are various methods of dealing with this problem. There are self adhesive insulation tapes that you wrap around all pipes leading to the water heater. The insulation tape is sold at most hardware stores. The other thing to do is check and see if any cool air is present in the area of the foundation in the basement. It is the area where the floor joist meets the rim joist. There often times is a gap where cool air is allowed to enter the basement.
For this repair all you need is the self adhesive insulation tape or duct tape and a square sized cut of fiberglass insulation that should cover the gap. You want a snug fit, but do not compress the insulation as it will be ineffective in this state. In order to ensure the snug fit you may use putty as an adhesive to make sure it stays in place. I have done this several ways, but the easiest way is to either buy a small roll of fiberglass insulation or I have bought squares of insulation. You need to protect your eyes and hands because fiberglass is harmful.

Heating Ducts:
Another thief of energy is the heating ducts in your house. These ducts transfer and carry heat throughout your house, but also have a propensity for allowing in cool air or allowing heat to escape. Home Depot has a great insulation package that has multi-functions. The product, Thermwell's Self Adhesive Foil/Foam Duct Insulation can be used for duct insulation, sound proofing in automobiles and various other purposes. The product reviews are astounding. It is made of foam rubber and has a foil backing. The dimensions are 12" by 15' by 1 1/8". It is a safe product and reduces the need for protective covering of your eyes and hands. I would wear gloves, but there is no concern about the fiberglass particles entering your eyes.

Aside from its intended purpose to insulate heating ducts, many reviewers rave about the product use in automobiles. The product reduces the rattles in the doors or improves the sound acoustics by placing it in the door panels. It is so easy to install and provides a huge improvement in overall listening pleasure of radio and CDs while in your automobile. There is nothing more aggravating than having a good sound system and a series of rattles or bad accoustics mess up the listening experience. The amazing price for this multi-use product is $16.



Posted by Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Specialist

The Management Group
Property and HOA Management in Vancouver WA and Portland OR
http://www.TMGnorthwest.com
 



Saturday, November 17, 2012

Smoking Ban and Apartment Communities


No Buts About It!


No Smoking signs are popping up at apartment communities and condominiums everywhere. In some states, homeowner associations ban owners from lighting up in their own backyards. In places where smoking is permitted, tenants and owners are beginning to seek protection from the secondhand smoke they say is seeping into their apartments.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say secondhand smoke can cause asthma, respiratory and ear infections, sudden infant death syndrome, heart disease and lung cancer. "There is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke," the agency says on its website.

Such concerns have led to efforts to ban smoking not only in common spaces of buildings, but also in individual apartments. The Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a notice last year encouraging public housing authorities to consider smoke-free policies, and many have, officials said.

Many private developers in the Portland/Vancouver area also are going smoke free. TMG has a smoke free policy for the interior of all single family homes, each apartment community has designated smoke free buildings and each homeowner association has their own policies specific to their community.

“While we want to be respectful of an individual’s right (to smoke), we also feel obligated to protect our residents from second hand smoke and our properties from potential damage”, says Carmen Villarma, President of The Management Group, Inc.

Marin County, California recently passed a new ordinance banning smoking in apartments and condominiums. Contra Costa County also passed a home smoking ban prohibiting smoking if they live in a building with 4 or more units.

Banning smoking in public parks has become a smoldering issue too. Vancouver, Washington banned smoking in city parks effective January 1, 2012 and Lake Oswego’s ban took effect April 2012. Seventeen counties in Oregon currently ban smoking in public parks, however Clark County Washington has not yet made the leap.


Post by Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Specialist

The Management Group
Property and HOA Management in Vancouver WA and Portland OR
http://www.TMGnorthwest.com