Our Blog
RECENT NEWS
HOMEOWNER RESOURCES
LIFE IN OREGON & WASHINGTON
HOME BUYING & SELLING TIPS
URBAN NEST STORIES
ALL BLOG POSTS
Spring 2026 Home Maintenance Guide
After months of grey skies and rainy afternoons, suddenly the rhododendrons are exploding, the moss on your fence has never looked greener, and that nagging list of home projects you kept deferring feels, for once, entirely manageable.
Whether you're tucked into a craftsman bungalow in Portland or a new construction home in Vancouver, WA, spring is your annual reset button. This guide walks you through it room by room, corner by corner. Below you’ll find a checklist to clean, organize, and upgrade your home and garden from our amazing Agents at Urban Nest Realty.
Why Your Home Style Choice in Portland Could Be Your Best Investment Decision
Discover how architectural style impacts investment returns when buying a home in Portland, Oregon. Learn which home styles—Craftsman bungalows, Mid-Century Modern, Tudor Revival, and more—sell for over list price, appreciate fastest, and offer the strongest ROI. Expert guidance from Urban Nest agents on making strategic home style decisions.
Winter Home Buying in Portland and SW Washington: Why It’s a Great Time to Buy
As your resident Real Estate experts here in the Pacific Northwest, we’ve got a little known tip about winter house hunting that we are bursting at the seams to share. It may seem counter-intuitive but we've discovered that winter house hunting isn't just feasible - it's actually one of the smartest strategies for savvy buyers in Oregon and Washington. While many people hibernate during the rainy season, and hunker down for the holidays, those willing to brave the elements often find themselves in an advantageous position. Let’s find out why…
Agent Mike Bodine Helps You Decide: DIY Home Improvements or Hire a Professional Contractor?
When you're moving into a new home or refreshing your current space, the to-do list can feel endless. From kitchen remodeling and bathroom renovations to painting walls and landscaping projects, homeowners face a constant question: should I tackle this DIY home improvement project myself or hire a professional contractor? Understanding when to DIY and when to call in the experts can save you thousands of dollars, prevent costly mistakes, and help you create the home of your dreams.
As a real estate agent who's seen countless home renovation projects—both successful DIY transformations and expensive DIY disasters—I've learned valuable lessons about home improvement planning. My first home was a fixer-upper that taught me everything from basic cosmetic fixes to complete basement finishing, kitchen remodeling, and bathroom renovations. Whether you're considering DIY painting, flooring installation, deck building, or more complex home renovations, here's your comprehensive guide to making smart decisions about home improvement projects.
2026 Home Features That We’ve Seen Increase Property Value in Portland & Vancouver
In the ever-evolving real estate markets of Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, homeowners are increasingly focused on strategic home improvements that deliver genuine returns on investment. As Pacific Northwest real estate professionals, we've tracked which renovation projects consistently add the most value to properties across our region. Whether you're planning to list your home soon or investing in its long-term value, these are the home features that buyers are willing to pay premium prices for in 2026.