Selling Is So Last Century...

Networking is networking, no matter how the connection is made.  Social media has created a new method to connect with people, however the quality of communication is what counts.  Face-to-face or a Tweet, the message must engage the person we are focusing on.

We build relationships by learning about our clients. Building a relationship is the first goal of our social media connection.

Many of our clients are Boomers and Gen Xers. The idealistic Boomers are known as the "me" generation. They want you to listen to what they are saying-stop talking long enough to hear! They expect us to understand their focus on "what's in it for me?" They appreciate that we are rooted in the community, have civic interests and are involved in community activities. They don't want a hard sell. They expect us to be the expert.  They value in-depth knowledge of the area, the financial climate, the real estate market, and how it all relates to their expectations. We are the expert.

Gen Xers are skeptical and don't trust the establishment. They want to surround themselves with family and friends. We create a connection and care for them. They want quality not brand name. Our data and expertise, not sizzle, demonstrate our professional qualifications and earn their loyalty.

Our job is not to sell. It is to understand our clients and know their desires, lifestyles and financial circumstances that affect their real estate decisions. We turn information into focused knowledge tailored for them. The move from salesperson to counselor reflects the shift from "finding" real property to "evaluating" the property. The desire to buy comes from knowing the benefits of the purchase. In addition to location, location, location, we advise our clients on financing options, investment strategies, taxation issues and much more. We are experts in the subject of real estate. In representing our clients we understand valuation, negotiation, and contract creation. And finally our skill  in working with other agents and affiliated businesses closes the circle.

Will I save money purchasing a home from a For Sale By Owner?

There may be times when a FSBO is sold at a discount, but to assume that is always the case would not make sense. The seller has chosen not to hire real estate representation specifically in order to save themselves money, not the buyer

To forego professional representation at no cost benefit does not make sense. Investors who buy and sell homes for a living secure the services of an experienced broker. They know that purchasing a home with out an expert’s guidance is a gamble. They rely on their realtor to verify details such as: Sales history, length of time on market, price reductions, permit histories, DEQ history, city sewer connections, correct disclosures and accuracy of all necessary documentation. Knowing the areas in which you are not an expert is as important in life as knowing those in which you are. Unless you are an experienced real estate professional, it is risky to assume that you can rely solely on your own knowledge and experience to guide you through such a costly and complicated transaction.

The true power of the FED is realized as...

The true power of the FED is realized as the dollars free fall was stopped just by FED speak...they didn't tighten, they didn't raise rates, all they did was talk about the dollar and the dollar strengthened.

...so that's what we are watching for today!

Mortgage rates are holding in positive ground, and are tied to equities...if equities gain ground and go up...so will rates, so that's what we are watching for today!

How long does the loan process take?

The typical length is 30 to 45 days. If a quicker closing is needed, discuss this with your mortgage advisor and based on the specifics of your transaction they will let you know if this is possible. It is critical that your mortgage advisor be straight with you on this point. If a closing does not occur on the contractual closing date you are at risk of incurring additional expense if your inability to perform caused another principal in the transaction to incur financial loss.

Are gift funds allowable to use as a down payment?

Gift funds from an acceptable source are allowed to be used for your down payment on many loan programs. However, you will need to fully document the funds having been in the gift donor’s account and then provide a paper trail of the deposit or transfer into your account. A gift letter will typically be required. Consult your mortgage advisor to find out if your gift donor is an allowable source. As this is a critical factor, let your mortgage advisor know immediately if any part of your down payment is a gift.

BREAKING NEWS: HIGHLIGHTS ONLY! Homebuyer Tax Credit Set to be Extended and Expanded!

Earlier this week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed an extension and expansion of the homebuyer tax credit. This morning, the House of Representatives approved the agreement reached in the Senate by a vote of 403-12. The bill has now passed both chambers and is awaiting the President's signature, which could be as early as tomorrow!

Thank you all for helping mobilize REALTORS in Oregon as the entire Oregon Congressional delegation voted in favor of this vital measure for the housing market.

Below is a summary of the new modifications in the extension and expansion of the tax credit:

1) The $8,000 tax credit will be extended and available for first-time purchases before May 1, 2010.

2) A new $6,500 tax credit will be available for repeat buyers who purchase between December 1, 2009, and May 1, 2010. To qualify for this provision, buyers must have used the home sold or being sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years.

3) Prospective purchasers with binding contracts in place as of April 30, 2010, will be allowed an additional 60 days to complete the transaction.

4) Income limits are expanded to $125,000 on a single return and $225,000 on a joint return.

BREAKING NEWS: Congress Passes Homebuyer Tax Credit Expansion

RISMEDIA, November 6, 2009 - After the Senate gave final approval last night without a dissenting vote, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly this afternoon to pass legislation containing an extension and expansion of the homebuyer tax credit, completing Congressional action and sending the tax credit to President Obama for his signature, possibly as early as tomorrow.
The $8,000 homebuyer tax credit for first-time buyers, due to expire in 25 days, will be extended through April 30 of next year and buyers will have an additional two months, until the end of June, to close. First-time buyers who are in the process of making a purchase will no longer need to worry about qualifying for the $8,000 credit if they close after the November 30 deadline. The new legislation increases the income limit for couples with income up to $225,000, a nearly $55,000 increase above the level in existing law.

For the first time, the new legislation makes buyers who already own a home eligible for a credit. A $6,500 maximum credit will be available to existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for five of the prior eight years. The legislation limits eligibility for the existing homeowner credit to homes worth $800,000 or less.

The legislation takes effect December 1 and is not retroactive. Both credits are available only for primary residences, not second homes or investment properties.

In the House debate, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) took the floor to say the homebuyer tax credit was helping a new generation of Americans live out their dream of homeownership and financial independence. Debate on the homebuyer credit was overwhelmingly positive and the legislation passed 403 to 12.

Rummage Sale Time!! Catlin Gabel Big Sale at Expo Center. STARTS TODAY!

Rummage Sale Time!! Catlin Gabel Big Sale at Expo Center Submitted by Natali Marmion on Thu, 2009-11-05 06:58


This is it! If you've never been, or you look forward to it each and every year - Get out to this years Rummage Sale, at the Expo Center.

If you haven't heard, this will be the last one. The 65 year tradition is ending.

This has been such fun, and important part of our community - and especially, the Catlin Gabel School community. The funds have always gone towards raising money for finanial aid for students at the school, in Portland.

12,000 volunteer hours, from parents, alumni, students and teachers go into pulling this event off.

There are such great deals; clothing, furiture, jewelry, shoes, pet supplies, outdoor goods, holiday decorations and let me tell you - THE BEST deal on kids toys (especially legos!) around!

Come out - it's starts today (Thursday, November 5th), and runs through the weekend.

Senate Clears Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension, May Pass as Early as This Week.

RISMEDIA, November 5, 2009 - After two weeks of delay, the Senate cleared the way to pass a seven month extension and expansion of the tax credit for homebuyers. By an 85 to 2 roll call vote, the Senate voted to cut off debate on a package of measures that includes the homebuyer credit, making it virtually certain that the legislation will reach President Obama for his signature this week.

The homebuyer tax credit, due to expire at the end of November would be extended through April 30 of next year. First-time buyers who are in the process of making a purchase would not need to worry about qualifying for the $8,000 credit if they close after the November 30 deadline.

For the first time, the legislation that was recently cleared makes move-up buyers as well as first-time buyers eligible for a credit. The $8,000 maximum first-timer credit will continue and will now be available to couples with income up to $225,000, a nearly $55,000 increase above the level in existing law. A new $6,500 maximum credit would also be available to move-up homeowners who have lived in their current residence for five of the prior eight years.

For homebuyers across the country, the expanded tax credit would allow more people to qualify for the credit. While two-thirds of American families own their own home, and most earn less than the income limits that have been established within the extension, more buyers may be eligible. Move-up buyers don't have to sell their current home to qualify for the new credit, but the money cannot be used to buy a vacation home. "It's only for a primary residence," said Regan Lachapelle, a spokeswoman for Sen. Harry Redi (D-Nev.), who helped engineer the deal. "In expanding the tax credit, we are helping first-time home buyers, as well as homeowners looking to move up to a new home, but we would exclude from the credit speculators who may have recently purchased a home intending to flip it for a fast profit," said Senator Max Baucus, Democrat of Montana and chairman of the Finance Committee.

Highly allergic to cats and the home you want to buy has a cat in residence. What can you do?

It takes about 20 weeks for cat allergens to dissipate to the level of a home without a cat.  Vacuum all carpets using a vac with a hepa filter.  Wipe down the walls with Nature's Miracle (found at Pet's Mart) or Allercat (a product by Allerpet that neutralizes pet dander).  Clean the air filters in the heating and cooling systems.  An Eco Quest air cleaner is another good option.

What if my current home sells before I find my next home?

It is most people's desire to move directly from their current home into their new home. Sometimes this is simply not possible. Each situation is unique. It is generally best to view this as a short-term inconvenience in exchange for the long-term satisfaction of finding the optimal home for you and your family.

 

Some of the strategies to consider in these situations are:

• A potential lease back with the buyer of your home.
• Use of large portable storage containers to avoid the double move of your possessions.
• Solutions provided by full service movers. 
• Extended stay hotels for short term gaps in housing.
• Corporate apartments for slightly longer term - many are furnished to avoid a double move of your furniture.
• Staying with friends or family.

 

What are closing costs?

• Closing costs are charges associated with selling and or purchasing a home.
• The largest portion of closing fees when selling a home are the commissions incurred when hiring representation and marketing. When selling a home, a large sum of money is being invested by the real estate broker. The commissions will provide the resources to ensure your home is marketed to optimize the price you will net out of the home sale. These costs include paying a competitive commission to the buyer's agent, marketing campaigns, flyers and signage.
• The largest portion of closing fees when purchasing a home are incurred in conjunction with obtaining financing. When buying a home, a large sum of money is being invested by the lender. There are costs incurred to ensure the investment is secure. These costs include a credit report, underwriting, appraising the property, processing the loan and title insurance. Some fees you would incur even if you were paying cash for the home, such as the escrow and recording fees.