Renting vs. Buying: A Note from RISMedia

RISMedia and RealtyTrac notes that buying remains more affordable than renting in more than half of housing markets.  Home prices are appreciating while wages remain the same - does this sound familiar?  

Portland is going through a resurgence especially when it comes to rent.  Average wage earners will need to pay 37% of rent while if you bought just 38% of your income would go towards your mortgage and housing costs (PMI, interest, etc).  

Think about this when you go to sign another lease.  Wage your options.  According to RealtyTrac, a 3 bedroom home will increase 3.5% in 2016.  For more info, watch here: http://bit.ly/1Sn0Yho

Corner Room in Portland, ME

Last night I had dinner at the Corner Room in Portland, ME.  I was pleasantly surprised by our table and options for wine and food.  Their wines are all from Italy, and the staff was helpful with steering us in the right direction of which ones we like to try.  For $35 or so for a bottle of wine, several apps and a hearty Garganetti loaded with ricotta cheese, I’d say check it out!  

The place cleared out after happy hour, as apparently they have free apps during that time.  Not a bad deal!

Fundraising for Junior League of Portland's Kids in the Kitchen

Kids in the Kitchen (KITK) is an event put on by the Junior League of Portland's New Member Class.  The event teaches young children at the Boys and Girls Club about healthy choices and fun activities they can do.  Much like Michelle Obama's initiative "Get Moving", encouraging children to be active and educating they about healthy choices will help ensure the next generation fits the obesity epidemic and keeps everyone healthier.  

As part of this year's KITK event, the fundraising team wanted to give back more than ever, so we hosted a night out where the portion of the proceeds at Portland Pie Company, a local pizza establishment, went to the Junior League of Portland.  We also hosted a silent auction featuring goods from local stores and a donation jar.  All in all, it was quite a fun and successful evening had by all!  Thank you to everyone who donated.