Despite a recent slowdown, the U.S. real estate market continues to be a popular investment destination for foreign investors. Attracted by a desirable return on investment, many foreign nations continue to invest heavily in the U.S. residential and commercial real estate markets. In fact, in 2005, foreign investment in U.S. real estate reached 1.83 trillion.

To evaluate the impact of foreign investment on the U.S. real estate market, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) produced a 2006 report entitled ‘Foreign Investment in U.S. Real Estate: Current Trends and Historical Perspective.’ The report provides insights into the trends in foreign real estate investment, its impact on the U.S. economy, and the major countries that participate in U.S. real estate investment. Below are some highlights from the NAR report.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the top seven countries that had significant holdings in U.S. real estate as of 2005 were:

Germany – 13 %

Latin America – 13 %

Australia – 11 %

Japan -10 %

United Kingdom – 10 %

Canada – 6 %

Netherlands – 6 %

The U.S. economy is wide open to foreign investors. Both investors and Americans significantly benefit from all this foreign investment. The NAR study estimates that without foreign investments in the securities market, the long-term lending rates would be four percentage points higher than the current rate, which would adversely impact the U.S. real estate market.

Foreign direct investment into the U.S. not only creates more jobs but also contributes to the demand for U.S. real estate. In fact, foreign investment may be responsible for creating two million U.S. jobs by the end of 2006, which further bolsters the demand for U.S. real estate.

Permanent and temporary immigration of foreign-born workers into the U.S. further bolsters the demand for real estate. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, 1.2 million net immigrants are expected to arrive in the United States annually. This immigration pattern is expected to offset the decrease in housing demand by post baby-boomer generations.

In summary, the impact of foreign investment and immigration into the U.S. will continue to play a major role in the U.S. real estate market.

The Pacific Northwest — specifically Portland, Oregon — is renowned for pairing the convenience and luxury of urban life with the unmatched beauty of nearby parks and wilderness. Portland seems to be bursting with city parks, and Portland residents take great advantage of having a number of green areas right in their own backyards. The Forest Heights neighborhood of Portland is perhaps the best example of this combination; homeowners are treated to spacious and beautiful lots in the heart of a breathtaking natural setting. And the welcoming surroundings aren’t the only reason to consider relocating to Forest Heights. Top notch schools, clean streets and parks, and a bustling market center are just a few reasons why Forest Heights may be the perfect neighborhood for you.

It may be an old real estate axiom, but it still rings true; location, location, location. Nestled in the gorgeous, rolling West Hills of Portland, Forest Heights gives homeowners acres of pristine residential and forest areas to explore and enjoy. The neighborhood is conveniently located to the darling Northwest 23rd Street district, minutes from Downtown and a quick commute to the outlying Beaverton and Hillsboro areas. The natural beauty of the West Hills accents the diverse array of architectural types available to Forest Height homeowners. Unlike many cookie-cutter residential communities, Forest Height architects and designers make sure the mix of house styles is not only varied but aesthetically complimentary to the rest of the neighborhood. Classic Northwest-, Colonial- and Mediterranean-influenced houses mix to create as attractive a planned community as can be found in the Portland/Metro area.

Location may be important but it certainly isn’t everything. Luckily for homeowners, Forest Heights provides many opportunities for active residents to get involved in their community. Indeed, many Forest Height residents are responsible for helping maintain the charm and individuality of their own neighborhood. Apart from the beautiful parks, trails and old-fashioned streets, Forest Heights residents are also invited to participate in and attend special events as a way to build a greater sense of community and safety in the neighborhood.

Of course, a neighborhood is only as charming as its local merchants, and Forest Heights happens to have one of the most pleasant and convenient merchant centers in the area. The Forest Heights Village Center started in 2005 and boasts a broad spectrum of shops and services. Looking for a relaxing way to spend a Saturday afternoon? Treat yourself to a few hours of massage and beautification at DentSpa before checking out the fine hand-crafted needlepoint designs of In Stitches. Running errands between business meetings? Get those copies done at Postal Annex while shooting down some espresso from the nearby Starbucks. Or perhaps you’re looking for a fun or romantic night out with a loved one? Fill up at Pizzicato Gourmet Pizza and then try to squeeze in a little dessert at Sweet Ambrosia Bakery. Each business in the Village Center is on a five-year lease, meaning you won’t lose your favorite hairstylist or barista soon after settling in to your new neighborhood. And the Forest Heights Village Center also offers several special events throughout the year, such as holiday celebrations and summer music concerts. The Village Center offers such a dizzying array of shops and events, it’s amazing Forest Heights residents ever make it back to their homes.

For those home owners in the process of or planning to raise a family, Forest Park Elementary School allows children to get a solid education in the comfort of their own community. Forest Heights is also conveniently located to a number of Portland’s best public schools, and the Forest Heights bus service makes sure students get to their classes safe and on time.

Portland is quickly becoming one of the Pacific Northwest’s premiere relocation destinations, and with communities such as Forest Heights it is easy to see why. The jaw-dropping landscape, convenient location, community involvement, education options and merchant center provide residents with virtually everything they might need. Small-town simplicity is combined with urban eccentricities into one fun, safe and attractive community. If you’re looking into relocating to the Pacific Northwest, make sure to consider Forest Heights; it may be the best Portland’s West Hills have to offer.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Renovating or designing a new kitchen is a major undertaking and you owe it to yourself to take extra time during the planning stage. After all, the kitchen is probably the most populated room in your house and you want to enjoy spending time here.

If your final color choice or cabinet style is not quite right, it can be hard to adjust to. The following points are designed to get you thinking about what you really want, and point out some pros and cons you may never have considered.

1. How much natural and artificial lighting is available in your kitchen? Just having a light stain does not a bright kitchen make. If it’s more closed in, rather than open, consider creating a window to take advantage of lighting in adjoining rooms, or add reflected lights from your cabinets.

2. What’s going on in the neighboring rooms? Are there stains or color schemes being used that you’ll want to bring into your kitchen decor?

3. Are you looking for a contrasting decorating scheme or a decor where colors are softer and flow from room to room?

4. If you decide on a lighter opaque color, keep in mind that this shade does not wear as long as other colors or finishes. Depending on the size and age of your family, you may find yourself cleaning these cabinets more often.

5. Consider any themes you may want to feature, such as traditional, formal, country, rustic, or modern. The style and color of cabinets will vary depending on the theme you choose. For instance, a more formal look may include a stain or glazed cabinet finish with upgraded crown molding and possibly decorative legs to make your base cabinets appear like furniture. A contemporary look may have a smooth, molded style of door and possibly be painted instead of stained.

6. When choosing a color scheme, you may want to consider less traditional shades that provide a cool/warm contrast, such as khaki, oyster grey, or grey/blue.

7. Once you choose your cabinet shade, it must be coordinated with your countertop, backsplash, sink, and appliances. Any decorative lighting such as pendants over an eating area should also be considered. Pendant lights can provide nice accents, but can also be unobtrusive and simply disappear.

8. The size of the room will go a long way in determining your lighting choices and color scheme. Dark cabinetry is fine in a well lit, small room with light walls; however, a blending of light shades will make a small kitchen appear less busy.

9. If you’re going with a fairly neutral kitchen, you may want to consider some accents to add interest. In a large kitchen with lots of cabinets, choose one wall and add glass inserts to break up the wood. If you have a large backsplash area over the stove, a decorative tile image can liven up the work space.

10. The various species of wood for your cabinets all lend themselves to different looks and decor styles. The more popular choices are maple, cherry, birch and oak. The latter was more commonly used in the 80’s, but is still popular for modern style doors, or for painted cupboards where you want the grain to stand out.