concierge service

The challenges of attracting top celebrity stylists to join the platform and how they managed to overcome these obstacles, providing unique insights for e-commerce store owners looking to connect with top talent.

In this episode, Jordan West and Julie Floyd, share the journey of how she transitioned from being a bond trader and stay-at-home mom to launching a fashion and beauty platform that connects individuals with celebrity hair, fashion, and makeup stylists for personalized 1-on-1 appointments. She discusses the unique concept of StyldLife, the challenges and opportunities she encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the platform has evolved to cater to various needs beyond its initial scope. 

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Be open to new opportunities and constantly look for areas to grow and expand the business.
• Embrace word-of-mouth marketing and consider the impact of current events on the business to adapt and grow.
• Listen and learn from others to gain valuable insights and perspectives.
• Utilize platforms like TikTok for marketing and communication to reach new audiences.

Recommended Tools/App:

Slack: https://slack.com/ 

Microsoft Teams: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software 

Recommended Podcast/Audiobook:

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese: 

https://www.audible.com/pd/Cutting-for-Stone-Audiobook/B002V0K23M 

Today’s Guest: 

Julie Floyd, Founder and CEO of StyldLife is a confident and independent woman who realized the importance of trusting her own instincts. She helps aspiring business professionals and students find their confidence by preparing them for the professional workplace and new settings. 

Connect and learn more about Julie and StyldLife:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-floyd-9706a928/ 

Email: jfloyd@styldlife.com 

Website: https://www.styldlife.com/ 

This episode’s sponsor is Finale Inventory- the ultimate solution for accurate and efficient inventory management. Trusted by thousands of brands, Finale offers seamless integrations with over 80 sales channels and platforms.

With customizable workflows and reporting features, Finale empowers you to streamline operations and scale your business with ease, preventing overselling and maximizing profitability.

Whether you're juggling multiple platforms, expanding your product range or just looking for a way to reduce operational chaos, Finale has the tools you need to succeed. Step into the future of e-commerce with Finale Inventory.

Learn more here: Finale Inventory

In this episode we talk about the state of Real Estate around the States. Audra wanted to know what 700k got you in Chicago, Tulsa, Tucson, Cleveland, and Los Angeles. (The Portland market is not that outrageous after all.)

Then, in honor of Halloween, Andrew and Audra talk costumes, events, and share some of the scariest things they’ve seen in their 20 years Working Hard Welcoming People Home.  

And here's the Big October Question:

Would you buy a “Haunted” House or a Murder House?

Prepping for Old Man Winter is a must  for saving money, and possibly, saving lives. 

In this episode, Andrew and Audra have tricks and tips to make the winter maintenance less painful and more manageable. Then when you’re done the work go ahead and enjoy the many Autumn related fun things to do. All tried and tested by your Portland is Home Team!  

Short List: Gutters, Roofs, Fireplaces, Furnaces, Ductwork, Tree limbs and A/C Condensers. 

This month’s newsletter is guest written by me – Andrew! Welcome to October. Autumn is in the air and as we welcome the rain back -- I often find it (the rain!) on my glasses. I love the smell of rain...so fresh! I sincerely love summer and will miss the warm breezes and bright light. But pages turn, and as the days get shorter, I realize how much I enjoy the muted colors of an overcast sky and the vibrant saturated colors of the green turning to red to brown leaves that still adorn our trees. I entertain family time fantasies of fires in the fireplace with stew or bolognaise for dinner simmering since morning. Lastly, I look forward to our post-Halloween stomachache and belly of regret because, as we all know, that candy isn’t going to eat itself. 

Speaking of Autumn in air, can you also smell the whiff of winter preparation? It's never too early! We have plans on our next dry spell to put away summer / outdoor furniture and to clean our gutters (full disclosure: by ‘we’ I mean our we have a company come out and clean our gutters and down spouts – please let us know if you need a referral!). As you know the gutter / downspout systems need to operate free of debris to ensure proper drainage and increase the odds our basements do not take on water. Also: here is a gentle reminder to change your air filter and have your furnace serviced & your chimney cleaned. Cover your air conditioner's condenser unit (that big loud thing outside!). Check your insulation and seal windows & doors. Lastly – order some new slippers and a cozy flannel shirt. I think we would all agree after the last 18+ months we deserve it!!  

As always and forever, please feel free to contact us anytime for referrals for home maintenance or anything else! 

All our best to you and yours!

 Andrew

Realty Works Group

Bauman's Farms and Garden

Want your own Podcast Show? Contact Michelle at Modcast Productions

Things are staying HOT in the Portland area and we’re not talking the weather; well, the weather is hot, but the market is hotter. Audra and Andrew have the latest market information to help you make decisions and plan for a future in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Plus, they discuss  incredible and accessible day trips and fun resorts to check out  just a few hours from  Portland.

And if you have any questions they did not answer or ideas for a future podcast, shoot them a line at audra@portlandishome.com. And check out LISTINGS Realty Works Group

Audra’s Newsletter:

Honestly, I can't believe we are in August already. Even though we have had a great summer so far, it seems that this month really snuck up on me. Am I alone in this? We haven't travelled anywhere on a plane or gone on a long RV vacation...I just feel that summer is going too fast!  

The sellers’ market is still also fast! While we are reading and hearing reports of a leveling out, we are still seeing limited homes hit the market and multiple bidding situations. Selling a home is also an emotional roller coaster for most. Leaving a home, you have lived in for a while or a long while, finding another home, packing and unpacking...it is a lot. And we understand that so much! Years ago, I had my mom selling her home, and I was unabashedly vocal about making sure she was treated well. It became our mantra with our brokerage. Whether you're buying or selling a $100,000 home or a $2,000,000 home, our service is the same. We pride ourselves on our extreme attention to detail: walking through EVERY home before picture day to make sure every single wire is tucked away, adding pillows, wiping down counters and weeding outside. When you sell your home, we take pride in our work and making your home look its best on picture day. And this market remains great time to sell, so please reach out if you or someone you know is considering a move. We are here for you and we love what we get to do!  

Now, go enjoy summer a little more!!  

Want your own Podcast Show for your business? Reach out to michelle@modcastproductions.com

You have done your job well and the kids have moved on and they’re (probably) not moving back. It may be time to reevaluate the journey!   

The Team talks about how to downsize yet still have room for family, visitors, and easy living. 

Bittersweet yet exciting! 

Plus, we examine the good, the bad and the reality of reverse mortgages. 

There are plenty of options for every type of budget and situation. 

Ever thought you'd like to have your own Show? Are you looking for a new way to engage with your clients, customers, or patients? I help you with the entire process, from the spark of an idea to your own podcast show. Don't hesitate to reach out, no fees and no strings attached! michelle@modcastproductions.com

The Team knows it is not easy to buy or sell a home. Though they know with some patience and professional help you will make it happen. Inspections are a daunting but necessary part of the real estate process. We talk about the basics and some of the details that you really need to know. Foundations, sewers, electric wiring, oil tanks, radon and so much more are discussed. Listen  before you start looking!  

Realty Works Group

Portland is Home

Here we are already, in the second month of the year. Like the fall, February for me brings feelings of nostalgia. This is the month we get to celebrate our love for each other, the month we get to really start feeling like spring is right around the corner, and the month where we get to celebrate the true middle of winter in all its glory. That last hopeful month before spring really sets in. The last moment to savor the brisk air and the quiet before the rush to plant and get the yard ready. It doesn't feel like winter anymore, but it's definitely not Spring yet.

We rarely get snow here in Portland, so we need to drive to the mountain to play. And this year folks are going for it! Every weekend we drive past swaths of snowmen and -women, sledders, and snowshoers playing on the mountain on our way to ski. We have never seen the volume like this in years past and we chalk it up to the fact that we have nowhere else to go...which is a shame, because Oregon has so much to offer.  

But February is also a great time to try out those winter recipes you haven't gotten to yet. In my family, Hungarian Stuffed Peppers was a staple and a recipe I cherish. February is a great time to highlight dishes like this. Hearty, warm and delicious. I'll be making that for sure and getting my kids more acquainted with this one!

We have also kicked off our design and build business and thanks to all of you stepping forward, we are busy! We are also honored and thrilled and beyond excited to help make your house a home.  Working hard to help enhance your home is something we love to do, and our preferred team of superstars makes it just that much better.  

We hope you enjoy February as much we all do, and we look forward to seeing your family recipes posted online! Tag us if you want to share any...we would be thrilled!

-Audra Galler

Are you preparing to list your house and need everything cleared out? Maybe you just moved in and you have a million empty boxes you need recycled/donated. Or perhaps you’re in the midst of a small remodel, not enough for a dumpster, but you have some 80s siding or broken cabinets to get rid of...SheHauls can help! With nearly 10 years in the real estate industry, Lauren noticed a need for quick reliable trash removal. Her ear is up for every job, and in addition to dump hauling, they also offer other hauling and cleanup services, so not everything will go in the trash if it still has life in it. We have used her for a large estate cleanout in the past month and we were thrilled with the efficiency of the operation. Text her a picture of your trash pile today!

Ever thought you'd like to have your own Show? Are you looking for a new way to engage with your clients, customers, or patients? I help you with the entire process, from the spark of an idea to your own podcast show. Don't hesitate to reach out, no fees and no strings attached! michelle@modcastproductions.com

You dream it, they design it. Audra and her team of curated professionals work with both your budget and your aesthetic. Hear about the process, some of the amazing business partnerships and unique Pacific Northwest motifs.  And they have plenty of great advice to help you enjoy the whole process.

Plus,

What should you remodel to get your home ready for sale?

What area gives you the best bang for your buck to remodel?

Or, what gives you the least return? Hint: don’t bother replacing things that still work.

From a new kitchen or bath to a new look for your living room they would love to help. 

They are Working Hard to Enhance Your Home! 

Realty Works Group

Portland is Home

Miller Paint

Ever thought you'd like to have your own Show? Are you looking for a new way to engage with your clients, customers, or patients? I help you with the entire process, from the spark of an idea to your own podcast show. Don't hesitate to reach out, no fees and no strings attached! michelle@modcastproductions.com

With a tumultuous January on our minds Audra and Andrew are here for a short but much-needed reprieve and discuss the current market, inventory, and interest rates.  

What does it mean for all of us now and this quarter? Well, we’ll get some more of Andrew’s predictions which are always interesting and often prophetically correct!  

And if you have any questions they did not answer or ideas for a future podcast episode,  email audra@portlandishome.com.  

Check out LISTINGS  Realty Works Group

Quick Stats for Portland Metro Area:

475 Homes for sale as of December 31, 2020  

-28.6% from November 30, 2020

-43.2% from December 31, 2019

577 Homes under contract (pending) as of November 30, 2020  

-18.2% from November, 2020

+36.1% from December, 2019

730 Homes sold during December, 2020

-15.4% from November, 2020

+7% from December, 2019

$583,000 Average Sales Price for Sold Homes in December, 2020

+1.4% from November, 2020

+13.6% from December, 2019

21 Average Days on Market

0% from November, 2020

-44.7% from December, 2019

0.8 Months of Inventory as of December 31, 2020 (based on pending properties)

-20.5% from November 30, 2020

-60.9% from December, 2019

503.975.1829 / andrew@portlandishome.com

They are repeating their curated list of partners for January...because now that the holidays are over, you may feel like tackling your list of projects!

Does your HVAC need a tune-up or repair?

• Call Ted at Willamette Heating at 503.803.7074

Need some gutter cleaning, roof maintenance or general landscaping?

• Call/text Humberto at the Landscape Group, 360.771.4494

Do you need some trash or junk hauled after cleaning out your garage?

• Call/text SheHaulsPDX at 503.862.9186

Have you been wanting to do some interior painting for the holidays?

• Call/text Remy at RGF Painting, 503.281.7454

Andrew and Audra Galler make a great team because they each bring their own extraordinary skill set to the real estate process. Andrew has the years of experience needed to win when it comes to the often dramatic competitive buying arena, and he will share some of his secrets. Audra discusses the 4 Cs of being battle ready to get the home, terms and conditions you want.  

A Holiday Message from Audra-

As we move into the season of lights, I pause. Whatever holiday you celebrate this time of year, there is something magical in the air. From Kwanzaa to Christmas, from Hanukkah to Boxing Day, the season is bright with love, joy and reflection. The lights in the yards, the twinkle in the night sky, the colorful joy and magic in the air. The cool weather, the anticipation of (maybe) snow always makes me feel happy. In Portland, rain is usually part of our winter experience, although lately it's more crisp, bright and dry.  

Further up on the mountain, snow season is also upon us! Skiing, sledding, tubing, snow shoeing...the list goes on and one, and every winter we also take a horse pulled sleigh ride up on the mountain with the kids. We get hot cocoa and wave at folks as we pass, then settle cozy with our blankets in as we go thru the back streets. It is one of our favorite holiday traditions.

At the end of the year we traditionally look back to recap, remember and hold dear the year coming to a close. We sing Auld Lang Syne...mouthing the words, with our arms around each other, toasting the new year. This year was definitely different! A virus took control and stopped us in our tracks and we frantically tried to figure out how to move forward. We stayed home, stocked up on toilet paper and figured out how to home school our kids. Even if we personally didn't experience the loss, it's still difficult to hear about lost lives. We will not be singing this year with our arms around friends...but we still sing with our immediate family, and virtually with family whether across town or across the country. Because we will win against this virus. And it's okay to skip a year....we will make up for it next time, and appreciate our togetherness, our friendships and our community that much more.  

Being home with our kids actually turned out to be a nice re-set. Running from one sport to another at break speed slowed to non-existent. It made us be together more...be cognizant of each other...learn to live together with no outside distractions. This season is full of lights, love and memories. We hope you all are able to reset and start anew.  

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year from me and my whole team at RWG. And thanks for reading.

In part one, Audra and Andrew discuss some of Oregon’s monumental beauty, bounty and adventures to be had -- some of the discussion will be familiar and some are the well-kept secrets of this extraordinary 33rd state. 

Rivers, Lakes, Bays.  

The Coast.  

Pro tip on cooking crabs. It’s so easy! Lighthouses, farms, Dunes, a shipwreck. What’s SUP! 

High desert? Yes. There is such a thing as the Alps of Oregon? Yes.

Sit back and relax and let The Team fill you in on Oregon!

Just when you think the process could not get any worse, it does. The Team talks horror stories and lessons learned in the ever changing world of Real Estate. - With extra  Covid 19 discussion.  

Find out what Audra compares home buying to!  And she has solid practical tips to stay away from the dark side! (Can sellers really do that?)

Andrew spills some of the industry secrets in the art of negotiations, gives us his take on Portland Oregon in the News, and his not-as dark-as-you-think predictions for the coming Fall/Winter seasons.

So yeah, we’re gonna go there: we love Portland but here’s why YOU may not. Andrew and Audra know their way around and then some. They will give you a glimpse of the less-than-perfect side of Portland. 

You’re not going to want come to Portland if… 

Whether you already live here or you're on  your way, home buying can be a daunting task. That's why the Portland Is Home Team,  Andrew and Audra Galler, created this first episode. They explain it all for you, Soup to Nuts. The whole “scary” and overwhelming home-buying process broken down and explained by these seasoned specialists.  Check out listings and pertinent Portland info at Realty Works Group 

We are Portland Is Home, and this is our Podcast. We are a boutique, concierge-inspired real estate team that aims to deliver the highest level of personalized service. These various episodes are just the first step towards a long-term relationship in which we want to help you with everything related to house and home. We are Audra and Andrew Galler: your one stop shop!  We are working hard to welcome you home. We love Portland and love to help you! Check out listings and pertinent Portland info at Realty Works Group

 Thanks for listening.

As the founder of Bluefish, one of the most successful personal concierge services, and an expert marketer within the luxury industry, Steve Sims has been quoted in various publications including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, London’s Sunday Times, and many more.

Steve is a best selling Author with "BLUEFISHING - the art of making things happen”, sought-after consultant and a speaker at a variety of networks, groups and associations as well as the Pentagon and Harvard – twice!

Want to sing with your favorite rock star, be serenaded by Andrea Bocelli, walk the red carpet at A List Oscar parties, get married in the Vatican, Dive to the wreck of the Titanic – these are just a few highlights of what Steve has provided for his clients.

He makes the impossible, possible, after all he is called as “The Real Life Wizard of Oz" by Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine.

Visit Steve at https://www.stevedsims.com/ and http://simsdistillery.com/.