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Featured

Belmont Library Is Back: A Southeast Portland Staple Reopens

After nearly two years of construction, Belmont Library has reopened in Southeast Portland with a major expansion, new children’s and teen spaces, community rooms, updated technology, local art, and a full slate of neighborhood programming. Here’s what to know about this beloved library’s next chapter.

HOMEOWNER RESOURCES

Featured

Understanding Radon: What It Is and Why It Matters for Your Health in Oregon and Washington

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that forms naturally when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down. Because you can't see, smell, or taste it, radon often goes undetected in homes—making it a silent health hazard. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the United States, responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually. For homeowners in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, understanding radon risks isn't just about health—it's a crucial part of the home buying and selling process.

If you have questions about radon testing, mitigation, or how radon considerations affect Portland and Vancouver real estate transactions, read more to learn all about Radon and how it affects millions of Americans each year. If you would like more information, reach out to your Urban Nest agent. We're here to provide the expertise and support you need to navigate every aspect of your home buying or selling journey with confidence.

Feeling Crafty? A Guide to PDX Do-It-Yourself Centers

Read this handy guide, intrepid PDX do-it-yourselfers, for a comprehensive list of the best places to get your build on in the City of Roses.

ADU Tips: How to Be a Successful Portland Land Lady or Lord

Portland can be a difficult place to find a rental. That space above your garage or in the attic isn’t being used, so… Why not consider becoming a landlady or landlord? Find out how.

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LIFE IN OREGON & WASHINGTON

Featured

Belmont Library Is Back: A Southeast Portland Staple Reopens

Our Monthly Picks Around Town: August 2026

Summer isn't done with us yet — and August is here to prove it. The Portland and SW Washington area is buzzing with festivals, food events, and community gatherings that remind us why we love calling this place home. Grab your calendar and get ready, because this month's lineup is a good one.

Our Monthly Picks Around Town: July 2026

One of the best parts of living in the Portland/Vancouver area? The summers. July brings an incredible lineup of festivals, parades, and community gatherings that remind us why we love calling this place home. Here's what's on our radar this month!

Pick Your Own Adventure: U-Pick Farms Around Portland & Vancouver

Summer in the Pacific Northwest has a rhythm all its own, and if you know what's in season, you know it's time to grab a flat, load up the car, and head out to a u-pick farm.

Whether you're hunting for sun-warmed strawberries, blueberries by the bucketful, or a flower bouquet you cut yourself, the Portland-Vancouver area delivers. Here's your guide to some of the best spots to get your hands dirty this season.

Our Monthly Picks Around Town: June 2026

Summer is heating up and the Portland-Vancouver area is absolutely buzzing with things to do! From multicultural music festivals and Nordic solstice celebrations to neighborhood block parties and world-class art, there's something for everyone this June. Grab your family, your friends, and your sense of adventure. Here are six fantastic local events you won't want to miss!

Our Monthly Picks Around Town: May 2026

May is bursting with things to do across Portland, and we've rounded up some of our favorite picks to help you make the most of the warmer weather! Whether you're looking to explore open streets on two wheels, discover local art in a charming neighborhood, dig into Portland's history, or simply enjoy a classic fair with the family, there's something for everyone this month. From free community celebrations to culturally rich festivals, May is shaping up to be a great month to get outside. Mark your calendars and get out there!

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.

Agent Heather Theiss on How to Avoid Home-Buyer’s Remorse

There are SO many things that can discourage would-be home buyers from taking the plunge, but I’m willing to bet one of the most common ones these days is a fear of “buyer’s remorse”. I’m here to tell you that you have a lot more control over your results than the internet would have you think. Read on for my list of tips to avoid regretting your home purchase.

Our Monthly Picks Around Town: April 2026

April is one of the best times to get out and enjoy everything Portland and SW Washington have to offer. With spring in full swing, the calendar is packed with events that celebrate creativity, community, good food, and fresh inspiration. Whether you’re looking to give back, try something new, or just have a little fun, here are a few of our favorite picks to check out this month!

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HOME BUYING & SELLING TIPS

Featured

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.

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.

Wildfire Risk and Preparedness in Portland and Vancouver

As climate change continues to impact our region, Portland and Vancouver residents need to be increasingly vigilant about wildfire preparedness. The recent focus on Forest Park's vulnerability to catastrophic wildfires serves as a wake-up call for all homeowners in the metropolitan area. With rising temperatures and longer dry seasons becoming more common in the Pacific Northwest, urban areas once considered safe from wildfire threats are now facing new challenges. The intersection of dense urban forests, expanding residential areas, and changing weather patterns creates conditions that demand our immediate attention and action. Even residents living in primarily developed areas need to understand their role in wildfire prevention. Read our blog for a comprehensive plan to prepare yourself and your home.

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URBAN NEST STORIES

Featured

June 20, 2026

City Biking in Portland: A Local’s Guide by Realtor Shane Morgan

June 20, 2026

If biking in Portland feels intimidating, this guide is for you. It breaks down how to start city biking without needing athletic gear or expensive equipment, and shares simple steps to build confidence on two wheels. You will also find local Portland bike fitting resources and beginner-friendly, low-stress routes like the Eastbank Esplanade, the Springwater Corridor Trail, and a scenic Southeast neighborhood ride.

June 20, 2026

May 8, 2026

Realtor Rachel Freed Describes The Benefits of Buying a Condo in the Pearl District (from someone who actually lives there)

May 8, 2026

If you’ve ever walked through the Pearl on a sunny day with coffee in hand, Powell’s across the street, people watching on the way to the Farmers Market—and thought, “Okay, I get it”… you’re not alone.

The Pearl District has a very specific kind of magic. It’s urban, it’s convenient, it’s lively, and for the right person, condo living here can feel like a total lifestyle upgrade.

May 8, 2026

April 8, 2026

Agent Denise Wolfe on the Sabin Neighborhood: Portland's Sunny Secret

April 8, 2026

Realtor Denise Wolfe tells us why Sabin is Northeast Portland's best-kept secret — more light, more breathing room, and a relaxed vibe that Irvington's famous neighbor can't quite match. Come for the walkability. Stay for the sunsets.

April 8, 2026

March 25, 2026

Agent Heather Theiss on How to Avoid Home-Buyer’s Remorse

March 25, 2026

December 22, 2025

How Urban Nest's Dedicated Marketing Team Amplifies Success for Agents and Clients

December 22, 2025

Urban Nest's marketing advantage transforms how properties reach buyers. With a dedicated marketing team executing multi-channel campaigns—from targeted Realtor emails reaching thousands to strategic social media across Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest—every listing receives professional-grade exposure. High-quality photography, immersive video walk-throughs, and data-driven strategies ensure properties stand out in crowded markets. Combined with collaborative agent networks and prominent website placement, Urban Nest's comprehensive marketing infrastructure delivers maximum visibility and competitive results for sellers.

December 22, 2025

December 8, 2025

Agent Mike Bodine Helps You Decide: DIY Home Improvements or Hire a Professional Contractor?

December 8, 2025

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.

December 8, 2025

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ALL BLOG POSTS

Unlock Collective 8/17/26 Unlock Collective 8/17/26

Belmont Library Is Back: A Southeast Portland Staple Reopens

Urban Nest Realty 8/10/26 Urban Nest Realty 8/10/26

Moving from Seattle to Portland? Here’s An Honest Local’s Take on the Pros & Cons

If you’re living in Seattle and thinking about moving to Portland, you’re not alone. Here’s a clear, casual comparison of Portland vs. Seattle. Including the cost of living, real estate, neighborhoods, traffic, jobs, and lifestyle, plus what you’ll love in both cities and how to decide which one fits your day-to-day life better.

Urban Nest Realty 8/4/26 Urban Nest Realty 8/4/26

Why Buyers in 2026 Want Move-In Ready (And What That Means for Your Listing)

There was a time when buyers walked through a home, mentally tallied up the cosmetic fixes, and shrugged it off as part of the process. New carpet? Easy. A fresh coat of paint? No big deal. Dated cabinets? Something to tackle down the road.

That era is fading fast.

Between higher interest rates, tighter budgets, and a general sense of "I just don't have the time or energy," today's buyers are looking for homes that feel done. Not perfect, not renovated top to bottom…just cared for. And if your home doesn't feel that way when someone walks through the door, you may be leaving money on the table before you even get an offer.

Urban Nest Realty 7/23/26 Urban Nest Realty 7/23/26

Our Monthly Picks Around Town: August 2026

Urban Nest Realty 7/20/26 Urban Nest Realty 7/20/26

How to “Read” a House in 30 Minutes (Before You Fall in Love)

Open houses can make you fall in love fast, before you’ve checked the expensive stuff. This 30-minute home walkthrough gives buyers a practical checklist for “reading” a house: drainage and grading, foundation clues, moisture smells, the big four systems (electrical panel, roof/attic ventilation, windows), and neighborhood noise. Learn what’s important so you can tour Portland and Vancouver homes with clear eyes and smarter questions.