Forbes Names Portland 4th-Best Housing Market

We know we love it here....now the secret may be out! Check out the recent article in the Oregonian...

Forbes names Portland 4th-best housing market
Sunday, March 08, 2009


Portland was named the fourth-best housing market in the country by Forbes magazine, based in part on the latest S&P Case-Schiller 20-city home price index, published monthly.

Case-Schiller examines monthly and year-over-year declines in home prices, price-drop momentum and repeat home sales, among other factors. It does not include new construction or foreclosures.

The five best housing markets, according to Forbes and in order, are New York; Washington, D.C.; Charlotte, N.C.; Portland; and San Diego. The five worst housing markets are Las Vegas, Phoenix, Detroit, Minneapolis and San Francisco.

FHA increases loan limits: As part of the federal recovery package, the Federal Housing Administration temporarily increased loan limits to make more families eligible for FHA-insured mortgages.

In most Oregon counties, the new loan limit is $271,050. In Portland, Vancouver and Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill counties, the new limit is $418,750.

For more information, visit www.hud.gov.

HGTV seeks stars for show: HGTV's series "My First Place" is scouting Portland and surrounding areas to film first-time homebuyers as they go through the purchase process.

The show is looking for those who are just starting the home-buying process for their first home, have an interesting story, are willing to share personal and financial struggles with viewers, are looking to purchase within a 90-minute radius of Portland, and are hoping to close before fall 2009.

To be considered for the show, contact associate producer Sara Adams at sadams@highnoonentertainment.com.

Funding will help homeless: Federal funds recently received by the Rural Oregon Continuum of Care will help keep housing assistance and support services in place for homeless individuals and families in 23 Oregon counties.

Counties slated to receive portions of the $1.5 million allocation include Columbia and Yamhill counties. For a full list of awards, visit www.hud.gov.

The funding will enable agencies to move forward with strategies identified in Oregon's 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness, "A Home for Hope," posted at www.ehac.oregon.gov.