The sun is peeking out and the plants are starting to blossom, so it must be about time for spring chores again. Here's my annual spring checklist of important issues to tend to around the house.

1. Roofing repairs: If you suspect winter storms may have damaged your roof, it needs to be inspected. (If you're not comfortable with the height or steepness of your roof, hire a licensed roofing contractor for the inspection.) Look for missing or loose shingles, including ridge-cap shingles.

Examine the condition of the flashings around chimneys, flue pipes, vent caps, and anyplace where the roof and walls intersect. Look for overhanging trees that could damage the roof in a wind storm, as well as buildups of leaves and other debris.

If you have roof damage in a number of areas, or if older shingles makes patching impractical, consider having the entire roof redone. Also, remember that if the shingles have been damaged by wind or by impact from falling tree limbs, the damage may be covered by your homeowners insurance.

2. Check gutters and downspouts: Look for areas where the fasteners may have pulled loose, and for any sags in the gutter run. Also, check for water stains that may indicate joints that have worked loose and are leaking. Clean leaves and debris to be ready for spring and summer rains.

3. Fences and gates: Fence posts are especially susceptible to groundwater saturation, and will loosen up and tilt if the soil around them gets soaked too deeply. Check fence posts in various areas by wiggling them to see how solidly embedded they are.

If any are loose, wait until the surrounding soil has dried out, then excavate around the bottom of the posts and pour additional concrete to stabilize them. Replace any posts that have rotted.

4. Clear yard debris: Inspect landscaping for damage, especially trees. If you see any cracked, leaning or otherwise dangerous conditions with any of your trees, have a licensed, insured tree company inspect and trim or remove them as needed.

Clean up leaves, needles, small limbs and other material that has accumulated. Do any spring pruning that's necessary. Remove and dispose of all dead plant material so it won't become a fire hazard as it dries.

5. Fans and air conditioners: Clean and check the operation of cooling fans, air conditioners and whole-house fans. Shut the power to the fan, remove the cover and wash with mild soapy water, then clean out dust from inside the fan with a shop vacuum -- do not operate the fan with the cover removed.

Check outdoor central air conditioning units for damage or debris buildup, and clean or replace any filters. Check the roof or wall caps where the fan ducts terminate to make sure they are undamaged and well sealed. Check dampers for smooth operation.

6. Check and adjust sprinklers: Run each set of in-ground sprinklers through a cycle, and watch how and where the water is hitting. Adjust or replace any sprinklers that are hitting your siding, washing out loose soil areas, spraying over foundation vents, or in any other way wetting areas on and around your house that shouldn't be getting wet.

7. Check vent blocks and faucet covers: As soon as you're comfortable that the danger of winter freezing is over, remove foundation vent blocks or open vent covers to allow air circulation in the crawl space.

While removing the vent covers, check the grade level around the foundation vents. Winter weather can move soil and create buildups or grade problems that will allow groundwater to drain through the vents into the crawl space, so regrade as necessary. Remove outdoor faucet covers. Turn on the water supply to outdoor faucets if it's been shut off.

8. Prepare yard tools: Replace broken or damaged handles, and clean and condition metal parts. Tighten fittings and fasteners, sharpen cutting tools and mower blades, and service engines and belts in lawn mowers and other power equipment.

9. Change furnace filters: Now is the time to replace furnace filters that have become choked with dust from the winter heating season. This is especially important if you have central air conditioning, or if you utilize your heating system's fan to circulate air during the summer.

10. Check smoke detectors: Daylight Savings Time snuck up early again this year, and that's usually the semi-annual reminder to check your smoke alarms. So if you haven't already done it, now's the time. Replace the batteries, clean the covers, and test the detector's operation before it's too late.

If you have gas-fired appliances in the house, add a carbon monoxide detector as well (or check the operation of your existing one). CO2 detectors are inexpensive and easy to install, and are available at most home centers and other retailers of electrical parts and supplies.

As always, if you or anyone you know is looking to Buy or Sell real estate in central Oregon, please give me a call. Have a great Spring!

Now more than ever may be a better time to buy instead of rent. According to the online real estate company Trulia, buying a home is more affordable than renting in 98 of the top 100 housing markets.

Home prices are falling, and mortgage interest rates are at all-times lows. Also, rent is on the rise.

The best buyer’s markets, according to Trulia, are Detroit, Oklahoma City, Dayton, Ohia, Warren, Michigan, and Toledo, Ohio.

Of course, it’s not as easy to get a home today as it was a few years ago, which causes many to not be in a position to buy right now. However, if you are in a position to buy a home, now may be a better time than ever.

Ken H. Johnson, a professor of real estate at Florida International believes home prices across the U.S. have bottomed. He said, “Markets should slowly start to recover. Housing will return to its traditional role of a safety investment.”

If you are looking to buy a home, contact me to discuss your mortgage loan options today.

Read the article below, and let me know if you have any questions. If you have been waiting for signs that the real estate market has bottomed out in this area, you had better not wait much longer. If you need help finding a home, now is the time to Buy! I'm ready to help you if you need it. Give me a call today.

February pending sales up 9.2% from year ago

By Inman News
Inman News®

The National Association of REALTORS® is predicting existing-home sales will jump 7 to 10 percent in 2012 to the highest level in five years, based on an "uneven but higher sales pattern" so far this year.

Pending home sales fell a seasonally adjusted 0.5 percent from January to February, which was up 9.2 percent from the same time a year ago, NAR said today in releasing its latest Pending Home Sales Index.

Last week, NAR reported a similar trend for existing-home sales, which were down 0.9 percent from January to February, but up 8.8 percent from a year ago.

The pending sales data released today provides a glimpse into more recent trends, because it tracks homes that were under contract in February -- deals that will in most cases be finalized within one or two months.

NAR said 31 percent of REALTORS® experienced contract failures in February, in some cases because buyers' mortgage applications were rejected or because appraisals came in below the negotiated price.

In the Northeast, NAR's index slipped a seasonally adjusted 0.6 percent from January but was up 18.4 percent from a year ago.

The Midwest saw a month-over-month gain of 6.5 percent and a 19 percent gain from a year ago.

Pending home sales fell 3 percent in the South from January to February, but were up 7.8 percent from a year ago.

In the West, the index declined 2.6 percent from January to February and was 1.8 percent below the index rating in February 2011.

In its latest economic forecast, NAR predicts existing-home sales will total 4.65 million in 2012, up 9.1 percent from last year. That forecast assumes that the U.S. economy will grow at a 2.3 percent annual rate and add 2.7 million jobs this year. 

You can't change your home's location, but you can certainly do everything within your power to make that first impression a strong one, so let's go over the basics of that all-important must-have for a successful sale: curb appeal.

Start with a step back

You've seen the outside of your house so many times that you don't really see it anymore. So now's the time to look at it with new eyes, from the perspective of a prospective buyer. And if you can't do it objectively, get a friend, a neighbor or I can do it for you.

Put yourself in the buyer's shoes, and make a written list of those things that might raise some concerns for you if you were thinking of buying it. And while the front of the house is the primary focal point, don't overlook the sides and rear of the house as well. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Exterior paint: The color and condition of your home's exterior paint job is one of the single most important things to a prospective buyer. The color makes a visceral impact the moment a buyer walks up, and while you might have thought that the hot pink siding with neon purple trim was a great showcase of your individuality when you painted the house, it's going to severely limit the home's appeal.

And no matter what color the house is, if the paint job is faded and peeling, it's an immediate warning sign to buyers that the house hasn't been maintained, so they'll have their magnifying glass out to look for other defects.

If you're handy with a brush and an airless sprayer, you might just want to undertake a repainting project yourself. A long weekend and a few hundred dollars in paint can make a world of difference in how well the home shows and how quickly it sells.

If you don't want to paint the entire house -- or if it doesn't really need it -- just painting the trim, exterior doors, garage door or window shutters can make a big difference as well.

Roofing: A bad roof is another indicator of a general lack of maintenance, and may point a finger at potential structural and even mold problems resulting from leaks. Roofs are expensive to replace, but depending on your market and your desire to reap top dollar from the sale, you may want to take a hard look at the economics of re-roofing. Also if the buyer for your home requires financing, most lenders require the roof have a minimum of 3-5 years of life left in it.

Talk with me about the pros and cons of re-roofing now.

Driveway and walkways: Driveways are a pretty dominant feature in most homes. Clean any oil-stained concrete, and repair small cracks before they get larger. For asphalt driveways, a seal-coat can often make a big difference in appearance and help prolong the asphalt as well.

For concrete or asphalt that's badly damaged, it's time to be thinking about replacement. You can replace the driveway with the same material as before, or consider an updated look by using paving stones instead -- they hold up well in all types of weather, and can even be a very satisfying do-it-yourself project.

How about walkways? When someone arrives, is there a clear and safe path to your front door? You may not mind walking across your front lawn, but guests and prospective buyers would definitely prefer a walkway. There are lots of options for creating a new front walkway or replacing an existing one, so check out your home center or some landscaping magazines for ideas.

Landscaping: Are things overgrown? Dead or dying? Obviously neglected? Landscaping is a huge part of that first impression, so remember to take a critical look at it.

• Fertilize and water the lawn regularly to green it up, and run an edger along sidewalks and driveway edges.
• Rake up leaves and pine needles.
• Repair sprinkler systems.
• Prune back or even remove those wild shrubs, and trim overhanging tree branches.
• Use bright flowers to create borders and accent areas that add both color and hominess to the yard.
• Consider adding new shade trees in front, which help a home look more established and appealing. Trees look best planted in odd numbers -- a grouping of three or five for example -- and the folks at your local nursery can help you with proper spacing.

Clean and organize: Finally -- clean! If you're not going to paint, wash down the siding to remove dirt and stains and get it looking fresh and clean. Wash driveways, walkways and patios. If you have a wood deck, consider a complete cleaning to restore the wood to a fresher look.

Wash all the windows, inside and out, and wash the screens as well. Polish doorknobs and light fixtures. Stow all of your garden tools and kids' toys away to remove clutter and potential tripping hazards. Take a trip to the local landfill and dump all the stuff that's accumulated in and around the yard.

Check the night view

One last thing: Check the night view as well. A home that shows well at night really creates an impression. Replace any burned-out light bulbs, and consider adding a timer or two to keep the lights on a little longer into the evening.

Consider some low-voltage or solar lights to accent front walkways, and maybe provide up-lighting to accent trees and larger shrubbery. Keep a light or two on in the front windows as well, to add to the feeling of coziness and comfort.

Feel free to forward this on to anyone you know who is thinking about putting their home on the market. It could potentially help get their home sold faster and for the most possible money. And if you are looking to Buy or Sell a home anytime soon in the Central Oregon area, please let me know! I'm here to help.

Real Estate Tax Talk

By Stephen Fishman
Inman News®

Over the past several years, millions of homeowners have had billions of dollars in mortgage debt forgiven, either through foreclosure, refinancing or short sales. It's important for real estate professionals and homeowners to understand that mortgage debt forgiveness has significant tax consequences.

Here are 10 things the Internal Revenue Service says you should know about mortgage debt forgiveness:

1. Normally, when a lender forgives a debt -- that is, relieves the borrower from having to pay it back -- the amount of the debt is taxable income to the borrower. Thus, a homeowner who had $100,000 in mortgage debt forgiven through a short sale would have to pay income tax on that $100,000, as an example.

Fortunately, under the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, you may be able to exclude from your taxable income up to $2 million of debt forgiven on your principal residence from 2007 through 2012. This means you don't have to pay income tax on the forgiven debt.

2. The limit is $1 million for a married person filing a separate return.

3. You may exclude from your taxable income debt reduced through mortgage restructuring, as well as mortgage debt forgiven in a foreclosure.

4. To qualify, the debt must have been used to buy, build or substantially improve your principal residence and be secured by that residence.

5. The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act applies to home improvement mortgages you take out to substantially improve your principal residence -- that is, they also qualify for the exclusion.

6. Second or third mortgages you used for purposes other than home improvement -- for example, to pay off credit card debt -- do not qualify for the exclusion.

7. If you qualify, claim the special exclusion by filling out Form 982: Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness , and attach it to your federal income tax return for the tax year in which the debt was forgiven.

8. Debt forgiven on second homes, rental property, business property, credit cards or car loans does not qualify for the tax-relief provision. In some cases, however, other tax-relief provisions -- such as bankruptcy -- may be applicable. IRS Form 982 provides more details about these provisions.

9. If your debt is reduced or eliminated, you normally will receive a year-end statement, Form 1099-C: Cancellation of Debt, from your lender. By law, this form must show the amount of debt forgiven and the fair market value of any property foreclosed.

10. Examine the Form 1099-C carefully. Notify the lender immediately if any of the information shown is incorrect. You should pay particular attention to the amount of debt forgiven in Box 2 as well as the value listed for your home in Box 7.

The IRS has created a highly useful Interactive Tax Assistant on its website that you can use to determine if your canceled debt is taxable. The tax assistant tool takes you through a series of questions and provides you with responses to tax law questions.

For more information about the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, see IRS Publication 4681: Canceled Debts, Foreclosures, Repossessions and Abandonments. You can get it from the IRS website at irs.gov.

Warren Buffett says along with equities, single-family homes are a very attractive investment right now.

Appearing live on CNBC's Squawk Box, Buffett tells Becky Quick he'd buy up "a couple hundred thousand" single family homes if it were practical to do so.

If held for a long period of time and purchased at low rates, Buffett says houses are even better than stocks.  He advises buyers to take out a 30-year mortgage and refinance if rates go down.

As I mentioned above, quick and to the point. If you have any questions about getting involved either as an investor, or as a person looking to buy a home to live in, please let me know. I am here to help! 

Banks, Credit Unions, and Similar Lending Institutions

Lending officers at a bank or credit union sell and process mortgages originated by the institution they work for. Any of the types of loans banks have will originate from one lending institution.

Banks are generally more conservative in their lending process. If you don’t fit the profile in credit, job, and income, you will likely get declined or you won’t get the rate you could possibly get somewhere else.

Sometimes you can get a better deal with a bank, but they usually only offer a few loan programs, so you’ll either be approved, declined, or counter-offered. Their loan process is also very lengthy and bureaucratic.

While a bank may be more familiar with your particular financial situation than a mortgage broker, you are ultimately limited to the types of loans you can get.

Mortgage Brokers and Loan Officers

Mortgage brokers and loan officers usually work with a variety of lenders. They evaluate each person’s credit situation, job, and income to determine which loan will best fit that person’s needs. Mortgage brokers can often find a lender who will provide loans that a bank refuses. If your credit is less than perfect, a mortgage broker can still likely find a loan for you; whereas, you probably won’t get the same loan from a bank with less than ideal credit.

Unlike banks, mortgage brokers are professionals that deal with mortgage loans day in and day out. Buying a home can be stressful and complicated at times, and a mortgage broker’s professional experience is often worth paying for.

If you are self-employed or if you recently switched professions, mortgage brokers may be a better option for you as well.

Pricing with mortgage brokers can be just as competitive as a bank. Wholesale rates are generally much cheaper than retail interest rates you’ll get with banks.

When applying for a mortgage loan, you’ll want to shop around to find the best option for you. If you are seriously looking to buy a home, contact me today to discuss your options.

 Q: We bought a house this year! We put $33,000 down and the bank financed $28,000. Can I write this off on my 2011 taxes? How much of it?

A: First things first: Congratulations! You've become a homeowner, and seem to have done so using an enviable financial arrangement. But now that you own a home, you might need to shift the way you think and look at some things, including your taxes and other financial matters.

Owning a home is one of those landmarks that signify financial adulthood. And one of the things that responsible financial adults do is get professional help when the situation requires it. Taxes are one of those areas that often do warrant calling the pros in.

I'm not just shilling for the tax prep industry here, either: The ultimate aim of using a tax professional is to make sure you get every deduction, credit and other tax advantage for which you qualify, without jacking up your chances at triggering the universally dreaded Internal Revenue Service audit by claiming dubious deductions.

Your mortgage debt is fairly small, as was your home's purchase price, though I don't know whether they are large or small in the context of your overall financial picture (i.e., income, assets, investments, etc.).

The fact that you saved or somehow came up with such a sizable chunk of change to put down makes me hesitate to assume that your finances are as simple as your mortgage balance might otherwise lead me to believe.

So, it might be the case that you can easily handle your own taxes -- in fact, it's even possible that your real estate-related deductions won't even outweigh the standard deductions, so that filing a simple form without even itemizing your deductions is actually the financially advantageous move.

Whether that's the case cannot be determined in a vacuum -- you may have other financial and tax issues going on. But with software and tax preparation services as inexpensive as they are, starting at under $20 for simple returns, I think it behooves you to get some professional advice and ensure you get the deductions you need.

Hiring a tax preparer might be a worthwhile investment to make, even if just this year, so he or she can brief you on what records you should keep and strategies you should do moving forward, like home repair and improvement receipts, or documentation of your use of an area of the home as a home office.

Now, let's talk more substantively about the deductions that are available to you, in the event you do decide to itemize your taxes (IRS Publication 530 offers a more nuanced view into Tax Information for Homeowners):

1. Mortgage interest deduction. Assuming this home is your personal residence, 100 percent of the mortgage interest you owe and pay before Dec. 31, 2011, is deductible on your 2011 taxes. In January, your mortgage lender will send you a form documenting the precise amount of interest you paid, although most lenders also now make this form immediately available to borrowers online.

Chances are good that you paid some amount of advance interest on your home loan at closing -- expect to see that on your statement from your lender, but you should also be able to find it on the HUD-1 settlement statement you received from your escrow agent at closing.

2. Property tax deductions. Again, assuming that this is the home you live in most of the time, you should be able to deduct 100 percent of the property taxes you've paid to your state and/or local taxing agency this year.

3. Closing-cost deductions. Discount points and origination fees paid to your mortgage lender and/or broker at closing are frequently deductible, but there are rules around this, which tax software and/or professionals can help you make sure you meet. Also, state and local transfer or stamp taxes paid at closing are generally deductible on your federal returns.

Beyond these basics, there are various home improvements (especially those that increase your home's energy efficiency), state and local tax credits for buying a foreclosure, and other tax advantages that might be available to you.

My advice is to work with an experienced, local tax preparer or, at the very least, use reputable tax preparation software to ensure that you get the maximum tax advantages available to you as a result of your new role as a homeowner.

The new Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) that will allow many underwater homeowners to refinance their homes is being modified. HARP was first introduced in 2009; however, not many homeowners utilized its benefits. The new HARP program will allow more underwater homeowners to qualify and take advantage of the program.

What are the qualifications?

• Borrowers must be current on the mortgage at the time of the refinance, with no late payments in the past six months and no more than one late payment in the past 12 months;

• Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac must back your loan;

• You must be currently employed and have a steady income;

• The mortgage must have been transferred to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac no later than May 31, 2009; and

• The mortgage must be on a one-to four unit dwelling that serves as your primary residence.

You are not eligible for HARP if your mortgage is FHA, USDA, or a jumbo mortgage.

It’s important to remember that HARP will not delay or stop foreclosure on your home. HARP is meant to give homeowners who are currently employed, current on their mortgages, and have lost home equity a chance to refinance at the current low mortgage rates.

Borrowers will be able to take advantage of HARP even if they owe more than what their house is worth. The previous version of HARP only allowed borrowers to refinance up to 125 percent of the home's appraised value. Millions of borrowers couldn't benefit from HARP when it was first introduced because of that cap.

HARP has been extended through Dec. 31, 2013. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will send instructions to lenders by November 15, 2011. Some lenders may start offering refinances under the improved HARP by December 1, but the timing may vary, according to the FHFA.

If you're an underwater homeowner, this new version of HARP could finally allow you to refinance your mortgage at an all-time low interest rate you’ve heard about but couldn’t qualify for.

You keep hearing that NOW is the time to refinance because interest rates have never been lower. It’s true that interest rates are at an all-time low. Refinancing can be a great option if you’re looking to lower your interest rate, but there are some things to consider before making that decision.

It’s important to realize that when you refinance your current mortgage, you are essentially entering into a brand new mortgage loan agreement, so ask yourself the following questions:

 1. Can I lower my interest rate enough to pay for the closing costs in a reasonable amount of time?

It’s important to remember that as with any new mortgage loan, there are closing costs associated with refinancing your current mortgage. According to Dave Ramsey, “A refinance makes sense when you can lower your interest rate enough to pay for the closing costs before you plan to sell your home. Here’s a simple example. If you have a $100,000 mortgage and you can lower your interest rate by 1% in a refinance, you’ll save $1,000 a year. If your closing costs are $3,000, it will take three years to break even on your refinance.”

Before making the decision to refinance, know what the closing costs are going to be. Closing costs usually include fees associated with: survey, appraisal, title search, title insurance, realty transfer taxes, legal services, messenger or delivery services, document copying, etc.

In general, refinancing your home loan could be worth it if you can lower your interest rate by at least one to two percent. Refinancing probably doesn't make sense if it’s going to take 5 years or more to get your closing costs back.

2. How much longer do I plan on staying in my home?

Refinancing is not the best option if you don’t plan on staying in your home for at least a few years. Most likely, if you sell your home soon after a refinance, you won’t recoup the refinancing costs.

If you currently have a high interest rate and you plan on staying in your home for a few years, refinancing right now may be a great option for you.

As always if you have any questions, or if you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell real estate in the  Central Oregon area, please let me know.

Do you want to buy a new home, but you haven’t saved up quite enough money yet for a down payment? Are you already a homeowner on a tight budget? Do you just need to save more money so you have it for a rainy day? Here are 30 money saving tips to help you achieve your goals.

1. Budget. Creating and sticking to a budget is the best way to start saving now.
2. Sell the stuff you don’t need. Have a yard sale or place items in your local classifieds or on eBay, Craigslist, or Amazon.
3. Limit eating out. By preparing your meals at home, you’ll not only save upwards of $200 each month, but you might also save some extra pounds from avoiding all the fast food you’d otherwise eat.
4. Leave the plastic home. When you go shopping, only carry cash. Once the cash is gone, there’s no credit card to fall back on.
5. Be thrifty. Don’t be afraid to shop at thrift stores or consignment stores.
6. Save energy. Turn off and/or unplug your appliances and lights when you’re not using them.
7. Skip Starbucks. Make your coffee at home instead of buying it at the coffee shop.
8. Wash your own car. You don’t need the $20 interior/exterior cleaning. With soap, water, and a little elbow grease, you can save a lot by washing your car yourself.
9. Consider eliminating cable or satellite T.V. Many people use Hulu, Netflix, and other online sources to watch T.V., movies, and sports.
10. Buy generic brands. This includes over-the-counter medications, prescriptions, when applicable, all available grocery items, etc.
11. Clip/Print coupons. Obtain coupons from newspapers, mailers, group coupon sites, etc. There are many classes offered around the nation - some of them free - to teach you how to save hundreds each month by using coupons.
12. Know before you go (shopping). Create weekly menus and shopping lists and buy only the items on the list when you go shopping.
13. Carpool. Carpool to work with your colleagues or use public transportation.
14. Stay healthy. Exercise, eat right, and wash your hands frequently. Healthier people spend less on medical expenses than unhealthy people.
15. Use energy-efficient light bulbs. You’ll save on energy bills and since energy-efficient light bulbs last longer, you’ll buy fewer bulbs over time.
16. Use homemade cleaning supplies. Use old-fashioned vinegar and baking soda to clean your home.
17. Avoid overpriced snacks. Avoid snacks and drinks from the gas station, convenience store, and vending machine.
18. Filter and bottle your own water. You can purchase inexpensive filtering containers for your water, such as a Brita water filter, if you want filtered water. Also, if you have a filter in your refrigerator, you can use that water. Reuse BPA-free containers to carry your own water with you to avoid buying overpriced bottled water.
19. Stay away from ATMs. If you need to get money out of the ATM, plan ahead and only withdraw it from your financial institution to avoid paying additional fees.
20. Auto-withdraw savings. Automatically withdraw a predetermined amount of money from your checking account that goes into a separate savings account. When the money is automatically withdrawn, you generally don’t even notice it’s gone.
21. Consolidate and pay off debt as soon as possible. Avoid paying too much interest by making additional payments each month or adding to your monthly payment. You may also be able to consolidate your debts to a lower interest rate.
22. Avoid overdraft fees. Be aware of your checking account balance and when automatic payments are withdrawn. Sometimes banks will set up a line of credit if you qualify so you can avoid overdraft fees.
23. Avoid credit cards with annual fees. The best way to do this is to not apply for credit cards with annual fees. The fees often don’t justify the rewards. Smaller banks and credit unions often offer credit cards with no fees.
24. Do regular scheduled maintenance on your vehicles. Don’t forget your regular oil changes. Remember to check the air in your tires often, and use the grade of fuel that the owner’s manual recommends. These small acts can significantly lengthen the life of your car, giving you years of use.
25. Cancel subscriptions. Don’t subscribe to newspapers or magazines. Almost everything we want can be found online for free.
26. Borrow books from the library. You usually only read a book once, so why pay full price for books when you can check them out at the library.
27. Drive your car as long as possible. Drive your car as long as you safely can.
28. Pass on extended warranties. A $100 two-year extension on a $300 product is just not worth it. Warranties are insurance, and we rarely need to insure such a small amount.
29. Agree to limit gift giving. Agree in advance to limit the gifts you exchange during birthdays and holidays and save everyone money.
30. Find free local activities. Explore your town’s public parks. It’s likely that your town or a nearby town has free outdoor movie nights, museum days, greenways, libraries, festivals and so much more.

If you are looking to either buy or sell a home in Central Oregon, please give me a call today. I am happy to help!