Maryann Spady's Blog Posts

7 Staging Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home

Staging Mastery - Avoid These Home Mistakes by Maryann SpadySelling your home is a thrilling journey, and staging it to perfection can make all the difference in attracting potential buyers.

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Unlocking Mental Well-Being: A Journey with 'Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?' by Julie Smith Unlocking Mental Well-Being: A Journey with 'Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?' by Julie Smith 100% 11

"Unlocking Mental Well-Being: A Journey with 'Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?' by Julie Smith" by Maryann SpadyIn a world where self-help books flood the market, it's a rare gem that truly

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Serenity at Sunset: 5 Self-Care Rituals for a Restful Night After a Busy Day

Serenity at Sunset: 5 Self-Care Rituals for a Restful Night After a Busy Day by Maryann SpadyIn the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, it's essential to carve out moments of self-care,

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Unmasking the "Laziness Lie": A Review of "Laziness Does Not Exist" by Devon Price, Ph.D.

Unmasking the "Laziness Lie": A Review of "Laziness Does Not Exist" by Devon Price, Ph.D. by Maryann SpadyIn a world that champions productivity, many of us have been conditioned to equate our

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Rise and Shine: 5 Self-Care Secrets for Blissful Busy Mornings

Rise and Shine: 5 Self-Care Secrets for Blissful Busy Mornings by Maryann SpadyWe've all been there—alarm clocks blaring, to-do lists growing by the second, and the ever-elusive quest for

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Unveiling Creativity: Art in the Pearl Festival in Portland

Design by Maryann SpadyAn Artistic Legacy Unveiled - Discovering the Origins of Art in the PearlNestled in the heart of Portland's North Park Blocks, the annual **Art in the Pearl Fine Arts &

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Meet Luke: NextHome's Loyal Frenchie Mascot

🏠🐶 Happy International Dog Day! 🐾🏠On this special day dedicated to our beloved furry friends, I want to introduce you to someone who holds a special place in the heart of all NextHomies.

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The Rising Popularity of Axe Throwing: Hitting the Bullseye in Downtown Hillsboro

Design by Maryann SpadyIf you've ever wondered about unique and adrenaline-pumping activities that are gaining traction, look no further than the fascinating world of axe throwing. What started as

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Quick and Easy Dinner Solutions for Busy Fall Practice Nights

Quick and Easy Dinner Solutions for Busy Fall Practice Nights by Maryann SpadyAs the school year kicks off and fall sports take center stage, parents find themselves juggling homework, practices,

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Embrace the Calm: Free or Inexpensive Ways to Relax at Home

National Relaxation Day by Maryann Spady💆‍♀️🌿 Happy National Relaxation Day! 🌿💆‍♂️On this special day dedicated to unwinding and rejuvenation, let's explore free or

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National Finance Awareness Day: 3 Essential Home Finance Tips for Buyers and Sellers

Design by Maryann Spady💰🏠 Happy National Finance Awareness Day! 🏠💰As we celebrate the importance of financial awareness, we are going to look at real estate and explore three crucial

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🐶🎉 Happy National Spoil Your Dog Day! 🎉🐶

National Dog Day by Maryann SpadyToday is the paw-fect opportunity to show our furry companions just how much they mean to us! Our four-legged friends bring boundless joy and unconditional love

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Embracing the Aroma: A North Plains Resident's Guide to the 25th Annual Elephant Garlic Festival

Greetings, fellow North Plains residents and garlic enthusiasts! As August draws near, our excitement peaks, for it marks the arrival of the 25th Annual North Plains Elephant Garlic Festival. This

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Irresistible Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Recipe for Cookie Perfection!

Irresistible Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Recipe for Cookie Perfection! by Maryann SpadyCalling all cookie enthusiasts, it’s National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day! So if you're a fan of

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7 Common Homebuyer Regrets (And How To Avoid Them)

Copy of August 2023 - MVP - Blog Post Image by Maryann SpadyTo avoid buyer's remorse, be sure to consider your future self when shopping for a home.Most new homebuyers don't regret becoming

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Embracing Local Excellence: Junk It Junk Removal - A Black-Owned Gem in Portland

Embracing Local Excellence: Junk It Junk Removal - A Black-Owned Gem in Portland by Maryann SpadyAugust is Black Business Month, and I’m delighted to spotlight a truly exceptional local

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Safeguarding Your Home from Forest Fires: Essential Tips for Oregon Residents

Welcome back to my blog! As forest fire season is in full force in Oregon, it's crucial to be prepared and take necessary steps to protect your home and loved ones from potential wildfires. Even if

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Renovate or Relocate? 3 Questions To Help You Decide

Renovate or relocate? by Maryann SpadyDoes your current home no longer serve your needs?If so, you may be torn between relocating to a new home or renovating your existing one. This can be a

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Colorful Kitchens: Embrace the Trend of Two-Toned and Three-Toned Cabinets

Colorful Kitchens by Maryann SpadyWelcome to the world of kitchen design, where creativity and innovation intertwine! One of the hottest trends that have taken the culinary kingdom by storm is the

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Experience the Delight of Frozen Yogurt at Cuppa Yo in North Plains, Oregon

Frozen yogurt has long been a favorite dessert for many, offering a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream while not compromising on taste. In recent years, it has seen a surge in,

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Is the Housing Market Going to Crash?

Is the Housing Market Going to Crash? by Maryann SpadyAs a homeowner or buyer, it's crucial to understand the relationship between the housing market and the overall economy. Though it may seem

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Navigating Real Estate Challenges: Pricing, Inventory, and Adaptation

Navigating Real Estate Challenges: Pricing, Inventory, and Adaptation by Maryann SpadyIn a dynamic market like real estate, it's crucial to stay informed about the challenges that can shape your

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Scoops of Joy: Celebrating National Ice Cream Month with Salt & Straw

salt and straw by Maryann SpadyJuly is National Ice Cream Month, and what better way to celebrate than indulging in some of the most delicious and innovative flavors from Salt & Straw? With

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Hillsboro's Star-Spangled Spectacle: A News Story on the City's Grand 4th of July Parade 🇺🇸🎉

4th of July Parade by Maryann SpadyA Salute to IndependenceEvery year, Americans across the country come together to celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks, barbecues, and patriotic parades. In

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Blooming with Fun: The Ultimate Guide to Portland's Rose Festival 🌹

A Floral Extravaganza Awaits!Welcome, fellow flower enthusiasts and festival lovers! If you're looking for an unforgettable experience filled with colorful blooms, exciting events, and a vibrant

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Juneteenth - The History Behind a Reminder of American Freedom

Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that Union soldiers, led by

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A Brief History of the Oregon Rose Festival in Portland, Oregon

by Maryann SpadyIf you're looking for an exciting event to attend in Portland, Oregon, then the Oregon Rose Festival is definitely something you should consider. Running for over a century, this

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Tips to Make Your Home Look Perfect Before Selling

 by Maryann Spadyby Maryann SpadyAre you looking to sell your home quickly and without any issues? The first step you’ll want to take is to make sure your home is tidy and spacious. Not

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Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Month with Nong's Khao Man Gai | Portland Food Cart Icon

If you crave simple, yet flavorful Thai food, Nong's Khao Man Gai should be on the top of your must-try list. This unassuming food cart in downtown Portland serves only one dish, but that dish is so

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5 Stressors When Buying A Home

by Maryann SpadyBuying a home can be one of the most exciting and fulfilling experiences of your life. However, the process of buying a home can also be stressful and overwhelming, particularly if

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Why Screen Appeal is Key in Selling Your home

by Maryann SpadySelling a home can be a long and arduous process. From listing the property to finding the right buyers and negotiating a deal, it can take months to close a sale. However, one of

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The Perfect Paint Finish for Rooms with Kids

by Maryann SpadyAs a parent, you know that children are prone to make messes and cause wear-and-tear in your home. One of the most common ways that a home shows its wear-and-tear is through the

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How to Reduce Stress When Buying a Home

For Blog April 5 Blog by Maryann SpadyBuying a home is a big decision, and for many, it can be a stressful process. You have to deal with everything from finding the right home to securing

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Selling Your Home? Take a Deep Breath! How to Manage Stress When it is Taking Longer than you Thought to Sell Your Home.

Selling your home can be challenging, emotional, and stressful, especially if it takes longer than expected. You may feel the pressure of carrying two mortgages or the weight of uncertainty about

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Taking the Stress Out of Selling Your Home - Tips to Make It Easier

April is stress awareness month, and as a Realtor® I am aware that selling your home can be a very stressful experience. From packing your belongings to finding a reliable buyer, it can be

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SAY HELLO TO SARAH WINNEMUCCA

I grew up in Southern Oregon, where early on my parents began to teach me about Native American Culture. We would visit The Favell Museum where I was introduced to Native American artifacts. In

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SAY HELLO TO MERCEDES DEIZ

As I’ve researched the amazing women in Oregon’s history I have been so surprised by the number of firsts, and today I have the opportunity to introduce you to another first. Say hello

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SAY HELLO TO LOLA GREENE BALDWIN

In last week’s blog post I introduced you to Berthenia Owens-Adair who was the first woman in Oregon to practice medicine. Today I’m going to introduce you to Lola Greene Baldwin who

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SAY HELLO TO BERTHENIA OWENS-ADAIR

Berthenia Owens-Adair is someone I would consider amazing. Her young life was filled with struggles. Born in 1840 she traveled with her family to Oregon on the Oregon Trail at just three years old.

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SAY HELLO TO TABITHA MOFFIT BROWN

Tabitha Moffit Brown was honored by the Oregon Legislature in 1987 as the “Mother of Oregon”. She traveled the Oregon trail in 1846 with her son and aging, ailing brother-in-law.

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AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY IN OREGON RUNS DEEP

In today’s Instagram post you’ll learn a little about the first African Americans in Oregon - the first being Markus Lopius in 1788. These early African Americans paved the way for those

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BLACK HISTORY IN OREGON

There have been times in the past where African American and white Oregonians have struggled to get along. Yet there have also been times when they have come together for the greater good of our

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Is Oregon the New France for Wines?

Oregon is certainly gaining recognition as a top-tier wine region, but it's not quite the same as France yet. Oregon wineries specialize in cool-climate wines like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and

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AFRICAN AMERICANS AND THE OREGON LEGISLATURE

When it comes to African Americans and the Oregon Legislature, traveloregon.com features three influential leaders each for different reasons: Margaret Carter, Avel Gordly and Jackie Winters

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THIS SOUP BRINGS ME BACK TO MY CHILDHOOD!

Growing up in Klamath Falls, meant we always had to travel to see my Grandparents. The trips were not day trips because one set of Grandparents lived two hours away while the other lived three hours

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TWO OF OREGON’S FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN PIONEERS

February is Black History Month, and I decided that I wanted to educate myself on some of Oregon’s African American History. Today I’m going to introduce you to Letitia Carson, and her

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ORGANIZATION CAN BE BEAUTIFUL

I love when I walk into a space that is not only organized, but it’s beautiful too. The problem is I don’t always know how to pull it off. Have you ever felt that way? Well, thanks to

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2023 Home Decor Trends

A new year brings with it new home interior design trends, and 2023 is no different. When I started to research some of this year's trends I found that some made complete sense, while others I am

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COMMAND HOOKS AND ORGANIZATION

CAN A COMMAND HOOK HELP YOU ORGANIZE YOUR HOME?My daughter recently moved into her first apartment with her fiance and step-daughter. She is the type of person who needs to have artwork and familiar

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ARE YOU READY TO GET ORGANIZED?

   IT’S TIME TO THROW IT AWAY!One easy way to declutter is to throw away ALL of the items you don’t need, aren’t using, won’t fit into, have expired, etc. We all

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Say Hello to Viva Magenta!

Twenty-three years ago the Pantone Color Institute created an educational program for the design community and color enthusiasts around the world. They wanted a way to create a conversation around

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WELCOME TO GET ORGANIZED MONTH!

IT’S GET ORGANIZED MONTH!January always brings with it the desire to start fresh. Be it your health, relationship, financial, getting organized, etc. I’m sure this is why someone decided

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Where Should You Go To See The Christmas Lights In Portland?

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and one of my favorite things to do, like it is for many of you, is t go around and look at all the different Christmas light displays.  So I

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Time to take care of those December Home Maintenance items.

December is here and I know that you are getting ready for the holidays, however there are still some home maintenance items that you'll want to check off your list.Prepare for all the new gifts you

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It's Time to Get A Christmas Tree!

For many it's tradition to head out to a local Christmas tree farm and cut down your Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving.  If you're like me, it isn't until after Thanksgiving before

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Types of flooring - Carpet vs. laminate vs. hardwood vs. tile

As we move into the winter months, you might be looking at your flooring and realize it's time for an update. You've done your research and have narrowed it down to tile vs. laminate. But you&rsquo

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The Average Age of a First-time Home Buyer is at an all Time High.

Are you at a place in life where you feel like you should have purchased your first home already?  You may not be alone.  According to the National Association of Realtors the average age

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NATIONAL AUTHOR DAY IS NOVEMBER 1ST!

National Author Day is November 1st and I’ve been reminiscing on the stories of one of my favorite authors who also happens to have been born in McMinnville, Oregon, however lived in the small

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So You Want to Leave A Gift for Your Homes New Owners....

Selling your home is an emotional process.  You decide to put it on the market, you accept an offer, make it through the inspection and appraisal periods when you realize you're about to leave

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As A Buyer How Do Contract Contingencies Protect Me?

If you’ve ever thought about this question you are not alone.  It’s one of the first questions I get asked when I meet with potential buyers, and I completely understand. 

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Kitchens & Baths May Sell Your Home, but Are They The Biggest Bang for Your Buck?

You’ve heard the saying “Kitchens & bathrooms sell a home”, and if we’re being honest they do because they are the spaces that we spend a lot of time in when you consider

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Are we really talking about 2023 design trends?

You may not be ready for it however, 2023 is just three and a half months away.  Which also means there are some new home decor trends to talk about, and some of these may delight you while

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It's Almost Time to Visit the Pumpkin Patch!

While I'm not ready to say goodbye to summer, I can feel the cool, crisp fall air during my morning walks.  It makes me realize that before too long, it will be time to head out to one of the

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Are you looking for a place to play disc golf?

Over the weeks, I’ve been blogging about some amazing parks and trails in the Hillsboro, Oregon area.  I love that each of these parks/trails offers something different, and Orchard

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A special place

Are you looking for an extraordinary park?  If you answered yes, then be prepared to fall in love with Griffin Oaks Park's eight-acre park.!  The park features the following amazing

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Get Ready to Explore at Jackson Bottom Wetlands

Kingfisher Marsh and Pintail Pond Loop are a part of the 635-acre Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve.  The 1.5-mile trail is extremely popular for birdwatchers, trail runners, and,

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One mile and 20 mins at Rood Bridge Park

There are times in life when you need to take a break in nature but don’t have much time to do so.  If you find yourself in this position, then the one-mile Rood Bridge Loop, which takes

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Say Hello to Rock Creek Trail!

Rock Creek Trail is a part of the Hillsboro Parks and Recreation and the Tualatin Hills Parks & Rec District.  Today I am focusing on the Hillsboro portion of the trail that goes from

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Welcome to Trail Tuesday!

Oregon is known for its amazing outdoor adventures, and for the outdoor lover, the Portland Metro Tri-Counties area can be a dream come true thanks to all of the hiking trails. From beginner to more

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