Rose Village is getting a facelift one home at a time thanks to the 4^th Plain Corridor Revitalization Task Force Housing Coalition 'Paint-a-Thon', generous donations by Fred Meyer and other area businesses, and the efforts of some dedicated volunteers.

In just over 2 months, the Coalition has been responsible for painting some 17 homes in Rose Village.  Here are before & after pictures of one of the most recent makeovers.  This home was built in 1920 and had recently started to look a bit tired.  The 'Paint-a-Thon' team consulted with the owners to choose a color combination they would like and that would fit well with other homes in the neighborhood.

The Rose Village  area is conveniently located near downtown Vancouver, with easy access to I-5, Highway 14 and SR500.  Much of the area was previously referred to as 'Vancouver Heights'.  Most homes in the area were built between 1900 and 1950.  Homes range in size from 500 to upward of 4,000 square feet.  In its heyday, the area was home to many prominent people and their families.  Names associated with the area include L.M. Hidden, S.W. Brown, C.H. Whitney, C.W. Slocum and L.R. Sohns.  Projects like the Rose Village 'Paint-a-Thon' are helping revitalize the Rose Village area, both directly and indirectly, and helping it live up to its historic past.

The following Columbian link provides more detail about this effort to revitalize the Rose Village area: Revitalizing Rose Village

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about area revitalization plans and/or get involved in future volunteer efforts, please contact Mark & Patti Maggiora at (360) 992-9969 or email mark@groupnw.net or patti@groupnw.net.

Patty & Scott Carroll - RE/MAX Equity Group, Vancouver WA

Old homes are great.  They have character and charm that you just can't find in new homes.  Patty and I have spent the last 2 years renovating an old church into our home.  Recently, we started researching the property to learn more about its history.  We are finding that it can be a real challenge to research a home in our area ... especially if it was built in the early 1900s or before.  We've found a few great resources, though, and thought that we'd pass them along to others who may be researching an old home.

One of the first steps we recommend is contact your title company.  For a fee (I think we paid $25), our title company wa able to provide us with a sales history of our property.  The sales history is a collection of deeds, maps, and other relevant documents that indicate the various owners of a property, transfer dates, etc.  The information can be quite fun and interesting to read and will often give you some insight into the history of your home.

The next stop should be your local library.  In our case, we went to the Fort Vancouver Regional Library (http://www.fvrl.org/aboutus/branch_list.cfm).  We went to the main Vancouver branch and found years of old news articles on microfiche, old city directories (many with reverse address look up), Sanborn Maps, marriage records, burials records, and all sorts of other tools to help us learn more about our town, our neighborhood, our home, and the people who lived in our home before us.  Other local resources that we found helpful were the Clark County Genealogical Society (http://www.ccgs-wa.org/) at 717 Grand Blvd in Vancouver and the Clark County Historical Museum (http://www.cchmuseum.org/) at 1511 Main St in Vancouver.

There are also a lot of online tools that we have found helpful.  We often started our name, company and/or address searches at www.google.com.  From there, we were led to all sorts of tools and resources.  For properties in Clark County and/or other areas of Washington State, you may want to check out Clark County Geographic Information System (GIS) at http://gis.clark.wa.gov/gishome/, the Digital Archives at http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov, Washington History at http://secstate.wa.gov/history, and/or the Washington State Digital Collections at http://digitalwa.statelib.wa.gov/wscollections.htm.

In our case, we knew that our home had previously been a church.  The sales history that we got from our title company gave us additional detail, though.  We learned that our area was platted by Edson M Rowley in 1909.  He first sold our property to the Seventh Day Adventist Church in 1911.  The first pastor was a man by the name of Rev. Clarence A Purdum.  From 1923 - 1970, our property was owned by the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints under the leadership of Rev. Marcus H Cook and, later, Rev. Paul E Fishel.

We have also learned that the name of our street was originally New York Avenue, that our area was once referred to as 'Vancouver Heights', that there was a railroad just blocks from our property that ran between Vancouver and the Battle Ground area, that there was a street car line just blocks from our home that ran between downtown Vancouver and Sifton (past a race track at Bagley Downs). and that our area was once owned and/or inhabited by some of early Vancouver's most prominent people/familes like Arthur W. Hidden, George T. McConnell, Louis Sohns (Sohus), Samuel W. Brown, Hon. C. H. Whitney and others.

We know that we have just scratched the surface and look forward to learning much more about our home.  And we're having a great time and meeting some great people in the process.  So if walls could talk, what stories would your home tell?

Patty & Scott Carroll - RE/MAX Equity Group, Vancouver WA

Patty recently earned her ASP® (Accredited Staging Professional) Real Estate Agent designation.  ASP is the only nationally recognized designation for Home Staging.  She received her designation and training from the professionals at Stagedhomes.com.

Home Staging started in Bellevue, WA in 1972.  Barb Schwarz was a Realtor who had challenges getting her clients to make necessary changes to sell their homes.  One day, a light bulb went on in her head and she uttered the words "Stage your house" with one of her clients ... and an entire industry was born.  As a Realtor, Barb understood that Staging is part of the Real Estate industry ... not the decorating industry!  This is a key distinction that sets ASPs apart from design facets that state they also Stage.

Accredited ASP Stagers and ASP Real Estate Agents are true Professionals trained under strict guidelines using proven Staging techniques developed for over 30 years. When you bring your home on the market and prepare your house for sale always hire an ASP because they are the true leaders in the Home Staging and Real Estate Industries.

Based on national averages, ASP Staged homes sell for more money than comparable non-Staged homes and/or in less time*.  Staging invites multiple buyer interest and generates offers at times even above the asking price.  Always insist on an Accredited Staging Professional when Staging your home.

You can see some of Patty's work at StagedHomes.com.

If you or anyone you know is considering selling a home in Vancouver/Clark County WA and could use the services of an Accredited Staging Professional, please call Patty at (360) 258-2459 or email PattyCarroll@SellingClarkCounty.com.

Patty & Scott Carroll - RE/MAX Equity Group, Vancouver WA

*Based on a limited survey of 200 homes prepared for sale by an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP®) in Sacramento, CA from 2004-2005

We have always told friends, family & clients that painting is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to improve the appearance of a home.  After years of renovating our own homes, you would think we would stop being amazed by the transformations.  But this is just too good ... we have to share.

We bought a place at Lake Merwin Campers Hideaway in May 2006.  We were told that it sat for 8-10 years with little or no maintenance.  If there had ever been stain on the deck or siding, it had long since broken down.  The wood deck has gray and had cracks from years of being exposed to the elements.  Unsure whether we wanted to paint or stain, we talked with our friends at Home Depot, Jantzen Beach.  They recommended a relatively new products called Behr Premium Solid Color Wood Stain.

Though a little more expensive than regular paints and stains, Behr Premium Solid Color Wood Stain has a lot of features that make it well worth the extra cost.  The stain is self priming, offers UV protection against fading, is mildew resistant and is a urethane-fortified 100% acrylic formula that resists scuffing, and cleans up with water.  We love that it hid the imperfections, while still allowing the wood texture to show through.  Its durable finish resists cracking, peeling and blistering and is available in more than 1,600 custom colors and is formulated for computer matching.  It can be applied to wood and composite decks, fences, siding and furniture.  Unlike some stains and sealers that may only last 1-2 seasons, this product offers a 10 year satisfaction guarantee on decks and a 25 year satisfaction guarantee on fences and siding.  How cool!

We decided to give it a shot figuring if it even lasted 1 extra season, it would be well worth the price.  The siding and deck now look almost new.  The cracks are gone, but the natural wood texture still shows through.  We were even able to bring the old picnic table back to life!  For less than $500 in materials and a couple weekends of work, we were able to completely transform our sad little shack into a welcoming weekend retreat.

We were so happy with our results that we told Scott's mom about the solid color wood stain.  She and her husband had spent 2 years trying to get a good finish on the deck at their home.  Everything they tried took unevenly, broke down too quickly, or just didn't look good.  With 1 coat of Behr Premium Solid Color Wood Stain and a little bit of touch-up, their deck looks great and they look forward to a durable finish that will last for years.

If you have a deck, fence or siding that you are planning to stain, we encourage you to take a look at Behr Premium Solid Color Wood Stain.  And don't forget ... you can save 10% on your purchase by ordering a Home Depot coupon on our website.

Patty & Scott Carroll - RE/MAX Equity Group, Vancouver, WA

Be sure to check out the Palmer/Wirfs Antique & Collectible Show this weekend, October 25 & 26, at the Portland EXPO Center.  Visit more than 1,350 booths filled with everything from estate jewelry, vintage toys, furniture from early American oak to European, paper Americana, china & glass including Fenton, Cambridge, Heisey, Tiffany, enticing smalls in silver, enamel and gold, country store, decor for every room in your home, kitchenware, coin-operated items such as jukeboxes, antique tools, costume jewelry, vintage clothing, barware, men's & ladies' antique watches, Native American, quilts, textiles, clocks, phonographs, sterling flatware, holiday memorabilia, lunch boxes, board games from the '60's, pop culture items, vintage gambling items, sewing, dolls from the 1870's to the 1970's, Western Americana, tobacciana, price guides and more!

Hours are Saturday 9-6 and Sunday 10-5.  Admission is $7 and is good for BOTH days.

Expert Identification & Evaluation will be offered all hours of the show for $5.00 per item. 

For more information, visit www.palmerwirfs.com

Patty & Scott Carroll - RE/MAX Equity Group, Vancouver WA

Get into the Halloween spirit (pun intended!) with a visit to the Bi-Zi Farms Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch.  Our granddaughter went there and had a blast!

Some of the activities include farm animals, hay rides, antique farm equipment, a pumpkin launch, bale maze, corn maze (with 6 acres of trails!) and, of course, the pumpkin patch.  Bi-Zi Farms is a great place to get all your festive decorations including pumpkins, gourds, winter squash, corn stalks, straw bales, apples and decorative Indian corn.  Food concessions are available including a free hot coffee, cocoa or spiced apple cider.

The Pumpkin Patch is open to the public each Friday (2-6p), Saturday & Sunday (10a-6p) through the end of October.  Admission is $8.00 and includes all activities and one pumpkin.  Children age 2 and under are free.  Bring your flashlights!  Group tours can be scheduled during the week by calling (360) 574-9119.

BiZi Farms has been owned by the Zimmerman family since 1872.  They are located at 9504 NE 119th St in Vancouver.  They can be reached at (360) 574-9119 or Bi-ZiFarms@juno.com ... or visit them on the web at www.bizifarms.com.

Patty & Scott Carroll - RE/MAX Equity Group, Vancouver WA

Most of us know that we can recycle cans, bottles, paper and cardboard.  But did you know that you can also recycle rock, branches and old lumber?

H&H Wood Recyclers in Vancouver WA offers an alternative to dumping organic waste into landfills and at a fraction of the price!  H&H Wood Recyclers accepts a wide range of items such as yard debris, rock, and wood debris.  The materials they take (that would otherwise be land fill material), are then converted into landscaping and gardening products such as barkdust and compost

Here are some of the materials H&H accepts and the corresponding disposal fee:

• Yard Debris $7.00/yd * Prunings, grass & leaves, etc.
• Sod $7.00/yd * Dirt, old bark dust
• Wood Waste $7.00/yd * Clean
• Pallets $3.50/yd
• Land Clearing $8.00/yd * Clean
• Stumps $8.00/yd * Clean
• Rocks, Broken Concrete $7.00/yd * Clean, dirt free

For estimating volume, figure that a full size pick up bed (full and level) is approximately 2.5 cubic yards and a small pick up bed (full and level) is approximately 1.5 cubic yards.

The materials H&H receives are then converted to useable materials like compost, screened soil, fir barkdust, barm nuggets, rock, pea gravel that are available for sale at their site.

H&H Wood Recyclers are located at 8401 NE 117th Ave in Vancouver.  Their phone number is (360) 892-2805.  You may also visit them on the web at www.hhwoodrecyclers.com

Operating Hours Are:

MARCH-OCTOBER
Monday-Saturday, 7:00am to 6:00pm
Sundays, 9:00am to 4:00pm

NOVEMBER-FEBRUARY
Monday-Saturday, 8:00am to 5:00pm
Sundays, 9:00am to 4:00pm

Patty & Scott Carroll - RE/MAX Equity Group, Vancouver WA

You can help put the finishing touches on the last of 15 homes that have been painted this fall as a result of the Rose Village Paint-a-Thon.  There are just 2 more homes awaiting a full paint job and several waiting for finishing touches.

You'll get the opportunity to see how a simple project like this is creating a new view for people's lives -- not just what they see on the outside of their homes, but more importantly what they see from within themselves and in the hearts of their neighbors and new made friends.  We are truly creating a new community in Rose Village - what one of our recipients refers to as a "psychological bomb" targeted on people's hearts from the many hands who choose to care.

Please join us for 2-3 hours ... or plan to stay all day (9a-3p).  Either way, you are sure to have a good time and your efforts will be very much appreciated.  There will be a good supply of brushes, rollers, scrapers and ladders, but feel free to bring your own tools if you have them.  We wouldn't want anyone lacking for something to do!

The Rose Village Paint-a-Thon is the brainchild of Mark & Patti Maggiora.  Inspired by a southeast Portland Paint-athon that gets hundreds of volunteers each year to help improve the homes of area senior citizens, the Rose Village Paint-a-Thon will have transformed more than 15 homes in just 2 months.

Once a popular neighborhood where many of the city's long-term residents were raised, Rosemere / Rose Village had more recently been perceived as a highly transient area with an elevated crime rate.  The increase in property values seen in recent years, though, has drawn the attention of investors and value seeking home owners and many of the vintage and historic homes are benefiting from a renewed pride of ownership.  The team of volunteers who support the Rose Village Paint-a-Thon have the vision of increasing these positive trends and restoring the neighborhood to its former splendor.

The following Columbian link provides a great story about the effort:  Revitalizing Rose Village  

This weekend, activities will be continue to focus on a 3 block section of L St in Vancouver between 33^rd Street and 37^th Street.  Volunteers will start assembling at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday in front of Patty & Scott Carroll's recently renovated "church home" at 3409 L St.

Volunteers are needed.  If you would like to volunteer to help with the Paint-a-Thon project, please call Mark & Patti Maggiora at (360) 992-9969 or email mark@groupnw.net or patti@groupnw.net.

Patty & Scott Carroll - RE/MAX Equity Group, Vancouver WA

With Halloween just a week away, people are on the hunt for the perfect pumpkin to carve into a Jack-O-Lantern.  What type of Jack-O-Lanterns do you like?  Do you like the friendly, happy ones ... or do you like the mean, evil ones?  Or are you one of those artist types that spends hours carving a black cat silhouette or an even more elaborate scene or design?

Still undecided?  Try out this great Pumpkin Simulator.  The simulator lets you try out all sorts of faces and designs without touching a knife, a pumpkin or any of the nasty, slimey seeds and stuff inside them.

Kind of cool, huh?  Let us know what type of pumpkin you draw and feel free to pass this along to others that may enjoy it.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Patty & Scott - RE/MAX Equity Group, Vancouver WA

There are all sorts of window coverings.  There are vinyl blinds, metal blinds, wood blinds, and vertical blinds.  There are paper shades, roller shades, honeycomb shades, bamboo shades and Roman shades.  There are interior shutters, exterior shutters and plantation shutters.  There are cafe curtains, sheers, standard length panels, full length panels, extra long panels.  There are valances and swags.  There are standard pocket, wide pocket and tab top options.  There are lace curtains, velvet curtains and insulated curtains.  And the list keeps going!

This can make choosing the right window covering difficult for people.  Then there's cleaning.  It seems like any choice you make is going to collect dust.  How and how often will you need to clean them?  How difficult are they to clean?  Can you do it yourself or are you going to have to pay a professional?  How much will it cost?

We have found what just may be the ultimate window covering.  It's called Artscape Decorative Window Film and it's available at Home Depot for $19.97 per panel.  Each panel is 24" x 36" (2' x 3').  They can be easily trimmed to smaller sizes ... they can even be combined to cover larger areas.  Installation is pretty easy and can usually be done in just a few minutes.  When done, the film creates the look of stained or leaded glass.

We have used Artscape Decorative Window Film in bathrooms, in a hard-to-reach window area that would otherwise remain uncovered and, most recently and as the primary window coverings for the whole upper level of our recently remodeled "church home". The panels that we used in our church home looks like stained glass. Everyone thinks that it is real stained glass and then when we tell them that it isn't, they have to touch it!

Some of the good things about Artscape Decorative Window Film is that it is relatively inexpensive compared to other window covering options ... you don't have to open or close them throughout the day ... you don't have to launder them or pay to have them drycleaned ... the film allows light during daylight hours and, depending on the pattern you choose, can cast a beautiful glow into the room ... the film offers privacy that people are looking for with window coverings and even provides some insulating value.

Artscape Decorative Window Film is available at Home Depot for $19.97 per panel.  Be sure to order a coupon from our website and save 10% off your purchase (up to a maximum discount of $200!).

Patty & Scott Carroll - RE/MAX Equity Group, Vancouver WA