Real estate for people who love cars http://portlandhomesforcars.com I sell homes with large garages Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:44:52 +0000 en hourly 1 Alfa Romeo Owners of Oregon Spring Track Day http://portlandhomesforcars.com/aroo_track_day/ http://portlandhomesforcars.com/aroo_track_day/#comments Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:33:36 +0000 Mark Scholz http://portlandhomesforcars.com/?p=114 Read More]]> Sunday March 25 the Alfa Club will be hosting our annual Spring Track Day event at Portland International Raceway.  $210 will get you approximately 2 hours of seat time on the track in a non-competitive lapping day format.

With a schedule of six 20-minute sessions, it will be enough time to stretch your car’s legs and focus your driving skills.  Here’s the link for registration:
MotorsportReg.com

Info on vehicle prep, rules, and guidelines here:
http://alfaclub.org/Track_Days.html

Weather forecast is for dry, sunny, and close to 70 degrees.  Perfect!  Like it always in for Portland in March.

Whether you are driving or simply watching, come join the Alfa club for a beautiful sunny Sunday at the track!

]]> http://portlandhomesforcars.com/aroo_track_day/feed/ 0 Car care tip for windshields and side windows http://portlandhomesforcars.com/winter-car-care-tip-for-windows/ http://portlandhomesforcars.com/winter-car-care-tip-for-windows/#comments Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:39:38 +0000 Mark Scholz http://portlandhomesforcars.com/?p=112 Read More]]> How does that road grime build up on car windows so quickly?  Would you like a solution?

The next time you wash your car, use a product like Rain-X on the exterior of side windows and side mirrors.  Waterdrops will then run off the window, taking the grime and dust with them.  And when washing your car the next time, the windows will be easier to clean.  Clean windows are easier to see through, especially on overcast days!

Note: I suggest NOT using Rain-X on the front windshield, as long-term use contributes to “chattering” of the wiper blades.  Just clean the glass and wiper blades on a regular basis, top up your wiper fluid reservoir, and use the factory wiper spray system.

]]> http://portlandhomesforcars.com/winter-car-care-tip-for-windows/feed/ 0 Doernbecher Dash is coming http://portlandhomesforcars.com/doernbecher-dash-is-coming/ http://portlandhomesforcars.com/doernbecher-dash-is-coming/#comments Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:22:15 +0000 Mark Scholz http://portlandhomesforcars.com/?p=110 Read More]]> Imagine the thrill of your first ride in a race car!  Cascade Sports Car Club can make your dream a reality at our annual Doernbecher Dash on August 18-19, 2012.  For a small donation to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, you will get a passenger seat ride in a race car for three laps around Portland International Raceway.  You will feel the rush of the air, hear the whine of the gearbox, and experience the g-forces of cornering while supporting the favorite charity of Cascade Sports Car Club.

This event is free to the public!

CSCC Doernbecher info page

Please come join us and support an amazing cause!

]]> http://portlandhomesforcars.com/doernbecher-dash-is-coming/feed/ 0 Garage Style Magazine http://portlandhomesforcars.com/garage-style-magazine/ http://portlandhomesforcars.com/garage-style-magazine/#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2009 06:46:07 +0000 Mark Scholz http://portlandhomesforcars.com/?p=98 Read More]]> For the better part of one year, I have been working with the publisher of Garage Style Magazine to promote their magazine in the greater Portland area.  Focusing on the garage, GSM is a quarterly magazine dedicated to the garage and all that it can be.  In addition to articles on storage, floor coverings, lighting, and lifts, it includes creative articles on noteworthy garages across the USA.  Several guest editors provide valuable insight into garages and the role they play in our lives.  Compared to the numerous car-related magazines to which I subscribe, this is one of the higher quality productions!

http://www.garagestylemagazine.com/

As a contributor, I have included stories of my clients and their garage features.  Most recently, I provided a sidebar article on how garage floor coatings can add value to your home when it comes time to sell.

If you are interested in a complimentary issue of this magazine, contact me at mark.scholz@gmail.com and I will send you your own copy!

]]> http://portlandhomesforcars.com/garage-style-magazine/feed/ 0 Automated parking structure in Hawthorne neighborhood http://portlandhomesforcars.com/automated-parking-structure-in-hawthorne-neighborhood/ http://portlandhomesforcars.com/automated-parking-structure-in-hawthorne-neighborhood/#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2009 06:26:20 +0000 Mark Scholz http://portlandhomesforcars.com/?p=94 Read More]]> Parking lifts are nothing new, whether in Portland or around the world.  But for residents of “The 20″ apartment complex in SE Portland, off-street parking is now available for 29 cars in the same space that normally would accomodate just 10 vehicles.  A robotic parking system moves veicles on metal platforms into a puzzle-like configuration for maximum storage.  Then when the owner is ready to go, their vehicle is delivered back to the point of entry in less than one minute. Here is the link to the article on OregonLive: http://tinyurl.com/ny7jje
The burning question: how can I adapt this to my personal garage?  It would make storage of the race cars and my classic Mustang a breeze!  But the trailers will likely have to still go to the storage yard…

]]> http://portlandhomesforcars.com/automated-parking-structure-in-hawthorne-neighborhood/feed/ 0 Ten Things to Look for in Your Next Garage http://portlandhomesforcars.com/ten-things-to-look-for-in-your-next-garage/ http://portlandhomesforcars.com/ten-things-to-look-for-in-your-next-garage/#comments Fri, 22 May 2009 21:53:21 +0000 Mark Scholz http://portlandhomesforcars.com/2009/05/22/ten-things-to-look-for-in-your-next-garage/ Read More]]> Here are 10 features you must consider when looking for your next garage:

  1. Floor space – enough space for all of your toys and to be able to get around without dinging them is essential.
  2. Shelf space – as important as floor space, otherwise your tools will end up on the floor.
  3. Power – 120V and 220V so you can run all of your toys such as an air compressor and welder.
  4. Heating/Cooling – it can get real hot and real cold in a garage.  Make the space comfortable so you can spend more time in it.
  5. Durable flooring – a sealed floor to protect it from crashes and spills.
  6. Sink – the last thing you need to do is have to go into the house with oil on your hands!
  7. Light – natural light is fantastic if you are going to spend a lot of time in your garage.
  8. Sound insulation – for the benefit of those in the attached house.
  9. Ventilation – for when you get to play with chemicals.  A ceiling fan is a nice addition to big windows.
  10. Comfort – can this space be somewhere you feel comfortable enough to spend an entire weekend?  Do you need somewhere to sit? Room for a fridge?

Whatever is most important to you, I can help you find the garage of your dreams.

]]> http://portlandhomesforcars.com/ten-things-to-look-for-in-your-next-garage/feed/ 0 Increase the Value of Your Garage for Selling http://portlandhomesforcars.com/increase-the-value-of-your-garage-for-selling/ http://portlandhomesforcars.com/increase-the-value-of-your-garage-for-selling/#comments Tue, 19 May 2009 22:30:49 +0000 Mark Scholz http://portlandhomesforcars.com/2009/05/19/increase-the-value-of-your-garage-for-selling/ Read More]]> If you are looking to sell your garage (presumably throwing in the attached house) here are some inexpensive ideas to makeover your garage:

  1. Improve the lighting – flourescent lights are inexpensive and shed a lot of light.
  2. Cover the floor – epoxy is simple now as there are kits you can buy at home improvement stores.  Consider your options if you do a lot of welding or torching.
  3. Fresh lick of paint – as with the attached house, a new layer of paint can really transform a garage.
  4. Improve the storage – people love to have storage in a garage.  Look for garage sale deals as well as on craigslist.  Can even be kitchen cabinetry that you buy.

One more expensive idea:

  1. HVAC – adding heating and cooling to your garage can make it a much more friendly place especially if your potential buyer comes on the hottest day of the year.
]]> http://portlandhomesforcars.com/increase-the-value-of-your-garage-for-selling/feed/ 0 Should I buy an Attached or a Detached Garage? http://portlandhomesforcars.com/should-i-buy-an-attached-or-a-detached-garage/ http://portlandhomesforcars.com/should-i-buy-an-attached-or-a-detached-garage/#comments Thu, 07 May 2009 18:12:48 +0000 Mark Scholz http://portlandhomesforcars.com/2009/05/07/should-i-buy-an-attached-or-a-detached-garage/ Read More]]> This is a common question from my clients.  The answer is simple:

Both!

Why both?  Well, each type of garage has advantages that the other does not.  Let’s see what they are:

Attached

  • The most convenient option.
  • Simple storage area for outside items such as yard care and sports.
  • No wind, rain, etc. to stop you getting what you need.
  • Common area for all the family.

Detached

  • Noise doesn’t have as big an impact.
  • Safer to have more dangerous items at a distance and locked away.
  • Can leave projects half done as it isn’t going to affect anyone else.

So, when you are looking for your next home, give me a call and I can help you find the ideal combination that meets all of your needs.

]]> http://portlandhomesforcars.com/should-i-buy-an-attached-or-a-detached-garage/feed/ 0 Moving to a new address http://portlandhomesforcars.com/moving-to-a-new-address/ http://portlandhomesforcars.com/moving-to-a-new-address/#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 22:07:15 +0000 Mark Scholz http://portlandhomesforcars.com/?p=10 Read More]]> We have moved!  With a new hosting service, we are in the process of unpacking the old content and filling in the vacant space with new ideas.  Just like moving from one garage to another – there are virtual boxes everywhere that need unpacking!  Blogs, images, stories, helpful hints, event calendars – they all will find their new place in this garage soon!

Please be patient while we unpack and get organized.  Check back in the next week to see what we valuable information we will have for you.

]]> http://portlandhomesforcars.com/moving-to-a-new-address/feed/ 0 What is Portland Homes for Cars? http://portlandhomesforcars.com/firstpost/ http://portlandhomesforcars.com/firstpost/#comments Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:25:58 +0000 Mark Scholz http://portlandhomesforcars_com.realestate-idx.com/2009/04/03/firstpost/ Read More]]> Q: Hey Mark, what exactly is “Portland Homes For Cars” anyway?

A: It is the combination of 30 years of automotive passion with a career in real estate in Portland, Oregon.  The result is a Realtor who uniquely understands the needs and desires for a garage to accommodate your passion, hobby, or storage requirements.  I am blessed to work in the area of my passion!

While other Realtors limit their knowledge to just the house, my expertise includes the garage and the features that turn it from simply indoor storage into a functional workspace or showcase room.

Do you need a larger garage?  Parking for your trailer?  Space for a shop?  Or just extra parking for your boat, quad, RV, or golf cart?

I sell homes with large garages and space for your toys.

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