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!

With a nationwide clearance sale on homes, many people are out there looking for a great deal on residential property. If you’re looking to sell your home, it’s more important than ever that you take steps to make sure your house, town home or condominium outshines all of the others!

We are here to help you identify ways to spruce up your home’s appeal. We know what features interest local area buyers and can give you the inside track on ways to stage your home to sell.

If you’re ready to put  your home on the market, don’t spend another minute worrying about what you should or should not do to make it appealing to buyers. Contact us today and we’ll get you started.

Stage your home to sell:

1. Depersonalize your home. This is the hardest part for many sellers. People love to decorate their homes and feel warm and comfortable in their own surroundings. The idea here is to make buyers feel comfortable in imagining their own personal favorites on the walls and open spaces in the home you want to sell. When you stage your home to sell, remove personal photos from the walls.

2. De-junk your home. Clear all visible clutter to make your home look more spacious when you stage your home to sell. Remove all but a few items from visible shelves. If you can’t part with important items that make your house seem cluttered, box them up and store them for placement in your new home! This is an important step to take when you stage your home to sell. Think about renting a storage unit if you have to in order to make your home seem cleaner and brighter.

3. Organize, organize, organize. Sometimes when people tour a potential new home they look inside cupboards and closets. When you stage your home to sell, make it a point to organize storage areas to make a great impression on potential buyers.

4. Eliminate unnecessary furniture. Consider removing a few pieces of furniture when you stage your home to sell. Place them in a storage unit or store it with a friend or family member while you are in the process of showing your home.

5. Fix it! When it’s time to stage your home to sell, it’s time to do some handy work. Small cracks in paint, leaking faucets, broken screen doors, can all have an unconscious (and conscious) negative impact on a potential buyer.

6. Paint. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the appeal of your home. When you stage your home to sell, use neutral colors and disregard your own tastes so buyers can imagine their favorite colors in the home.

7. Clean. Scrub those windows, have carpets professionally cleaned, mop the floors and don’t forget the baseboards. When you stage your home to sell, make sure it smells and feels clean.

8. Create curb appeal. The yard is your first chance at making a good impression. Don’t forget the yard when you stage your home to sell. Clean up debris, mow and water lawns, sweep and wash walks and trim bushes. Repair and paint the exterior of your home if necessary.

9. Do a walk through. When you stage your home to sell, do a walk-through. Pretend you’re seeing it for the very first time. Try to see it from an objective perspective. Identify problem areas and fix them or clean them up.

10. Make yourself available to show your home. Once you stage your home to sell, work closely with your realtor to offer the most convenient access possible. Buyers who are interested in your home may want to see it immediately. Make arrangements for someone to show your home when you’re not available.

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate, or for more tips on how to stage your home to sell, contact us today. We have the experience you need to stage your home to sell.

I felt this article was so important to read that I copied and pasted it into my Blog. The title tells it all; "Mortgage Rates Hit Record Low". If there was ever a good time to Buy a home, it is now. Enjoy the article, and if you or someone you know is looking to Buy or Sell a home in the Central Oregon area, I can help.

By Les Christie September 15, 2011: 5:45 PM ET

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Mortgage rates hit yet another record low this week amid ongoing economic concerns both at home and in Europe.

The average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate loan fell to 4.09% this week, its lowest level in 60 years, according to mortgage giant Freddie Mac. Last week, the 30-year fixed averaged 4.12%. The average rate for a 15-year fixed mortgage -- a popular option among those who wish to refinance -- sunk to 3.30%, down from 3.33% last week, Freddie reported.

"Continued investor concerns over the state of the European debt markets kept U.S. Treasury bond yields low and allowed mortgage rates to ease once more this week," said Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist, Freddie Mac in a statement.

The low rates have done little to boost the beleaguered housing market, however. While mortgage applications increased 6.3% last week, only 23% of applicants intended to use the loan to buy a home, according to a weekly mortgage survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association. The remainder of applicants were homeowners seeking to refinance existing, higher-rate mortgages.

There are more than 8 million homeowners with mortgage issued through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac who have loans carrying interest rates of 6% or more, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

0:00 / 2:07 Mortgage denied despite perfect credit

The average interest rate of mortgages outstanding in the second quarter was 5.28 percent, according to Freddie Mac's Nothaft. By refinancing into today's 30-year fixed mortgage, homeowners with a $200,000 loan could shave almost $1,715 a year in interest payments.

However, not every homeowner or buyer would qualify. Many lenders require borrowers to have stellar credit and large down payments before they will give them mortgages with favorable rates.

Will rates continue to drop?

The latest decline in mortgage rates marks the second week in a row that mortgage rates have fallen, according to Freddie.

"It would be hard to continue to forecast record lows week after week," said Keith Gumbinger of HSH Associates, a publisher of mortgage information. "But there is some expectation that the Federal Reserve will pull something out of its hat next week to make interest rates go down."

Foreclosures rise in August

In August, the Fed promised to keep interest rates low through at least mid-2013.

Treasury yields, however, rose this week from near 1.9% on Monday for a 30-year to 2.09% Thursday.

According to Greg McBride, senior financial analyst for Bankrate.com, 30-year fixed-rate loans and 10-year Treasury yields usually rise and fall in tandem, with mortgage rates normally about 1.6 percentage points to 1.8 percentage points typically higher than yields. That difference represents the premium investors demand as compensation for taking on the extra risk of mortgage-backed securities, he explained.

Obama's housing scorecard

These days, however, the spread is closer to 2 percentage points. So if that decreases to normal levels, interest rates would fall further.

McBride, however, does not see the spread shrinking for the time being. Economic conditions are in such turmoil that investors are putting a higher value on the risk premium, which means mortgage-backed securities must offer higher returns than during more stable eras. 

First Published: September 15, 2011: 3:25 PM ET

There can be many different personal reasons you decide to proceed with a short sale on your home. The short sale process can be very complicated, and if you don’t hire a competent real estate agent with short sale experience, you may end up dealing with much more stress and hassle than you need to.

Not all lenders will accept short sales or discounted payoffs, especially if it would make more financial sense to foreclose on the property. Not all properties qualify for short sales either, so before you make the decision, speak with your lender first.

You may think you’ll save money trying to go through the process on your own. However, it’s important that if you choose to place your home on the market as a short sale, you hire an experienced short sale real estate agent. Here are just a few reasons why:

• In many short sale cases, the bank requires it. The bank wants to ensure that your property will get the marketing exposure it needs to sell for top dollar. Many properties that are For Sale By Owner (FSBO) don’t get the exposure they could by listing with an agent.

• The bank generally pays for the real estate agent as part of the short sale. For that reason alone, you should hire an experienced agent.

• The short sale process is very complicated and can take time. Let an agent with short sale experience handle the process, deal with the bank, gather and submit all necessary paperwork, and market your property to sell. Banks know that if they work with a Realtor, the paperwork will likely be processed in a timely manner.

• The laws regarding short sales continue to change and are bank specific. If you have any questions, an experienced real estate agent can help you get them answered.

• A real estate agent with short sale experience knows how to communicate and negotiate with the bank.

• An experienced agent can also communicate and negotiate with the buyers’ agent.

Real estate agents work in the market every day helping people buy and sell houses. They are familiar with the process. If you qualify for and plan on a short sale for your home, hiring a real estate agent with short sale experience is your next crucial step. I'm ready if you have any questions.

The recent downgrade on the U.S. debt should technically raise interest rates on consumer loans; however, the cost to borrow has actually decreased. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage hit a low of just 4.32% last week, according to Freddie Mac.

Many analysts believe that the worst of the price decline is likely over. While we won’t see a drastic increase in prices, we likely won’t see much more decrease either. Once there are clear signs of recovery, demand will pick up and your competition will increase, so now might be a great time for you to buy a house.

If you’re a potential homebuyer, this news alone might compel you to run out and start house hunting, but just because mortgage rates are at an all-time low and housing prices have declined, there are other financial factors you may want to consider.

• Getting preapproved. Have you been preapproved for a home loan? Because home prices and interest rates have decreased, buying a home has become easier for some people. However, qualifying for a home loan has become increasingly more difficult. It takes a higher credit rating and more financial responsibility to own a home today than it did during the housing boom around 2005 when nearly anyone could qualify for a home loan.

• Down payment and closing costs. Remember that buying a home includes upfront fees and costs. If you haven’t saved, now may not be the right time to buy a home.

• Maintenance and repair. According to the guidebook Home Buying for Dummies, you should budget 1% of the home’s purchase price annually for maintenance.

• Utilities. A single-family home is generally larger than an apartment. You will need to factor this into your monthly costs.

• Property taxes. The median property taxes paid on homes in the U.S. is almost $2,000 per year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Aside from the mortgage itself, this is generally the biggest cost of home ownership. Taxes can increase as time goes on, so make sure you can be financially prepared for that.

• Homeowners insurance. Your home has to be insured, so ensure you can afford it.

• Homeowner association (HOA) fees. If you live in a condo, townhome, or neighborhood that is regulated by an HOA, you could pay up to several hundred dollars each year in HOA fees. These costs are not fixed and can increase over time.

As far as the market goes, now is a great time to buy. Many buyers are finding beautiful homes at affordable prices for less than what they’re paying for rent. If you feel that you are prepared, you’ve saved enough money, you qualify for a mortgage, and you know you can afford all the costs involved, then now is a good time for you to buy a home.

Americans are on the move. Recent housing market fluctuations and economic conditions have prompted many Americans to relocate. Some relocate to find employment or meet job requirements. Others are (sadly) losing homes to foreclosure and looking for a new start. Some are finding affordable housing as a result of the slow housing market in new locations. Believe it or not, there are some who simply seek new and better surroundings.

People choose different locations for different reasons at different stages of their lives.

Whether you're moving to a new community by chance or by choice, the transition can require a long period of stressful adjustment. There are ways to minimize the stress and prepare you and your family for life in a new neighborhood.

Tap Into Technology

If you have decided to move to a specific location (such as in the case of a job transfer), it's a good idea to become familiar with your new surroundings before you make any decisions about housing or local location.

The Internet is a wonderful, wonderful tool that can take you places without ever having to leave your home. Take full advantage of the tools the Internet offers. Start by contacting a real estate agent who can act as a "virtual guide" and, later, a location guide.

A real estate agent can be your best friend in this situation. Real estate agents are generally very well connected and can provide you with quality community information in an instant. Peruse your agent's website for local information and links that will help you evaluate:

• Communities and neighborhoods
• Recreational opportunities
• Climate and geography
• Commerce and local economy
• Education
• Social settings
• Housing markets
• Local demographics
• Utilities
• And more!

Your real estate agent can provide you with external local website links that will help you provide in-depth information.

Nearly every incorporated city and some unincorporated communities feature websites with helpful information. Simply access your favorite search engine and type in the name of the city. You may get more accurate results by using quotation marks around the name of the city (especially if the city name includes more than one word), for example, "Salt Lake City, Utah" or "Salt Lake City, UT". Be sure to use the name of the state in your search. Look for official websites with a ".gov" or ".org" extension. You can also type in questions such as, "In what county is Salt Lake City located?"

Local chambers of commerce are almost always willing to send relocation packets with selected information including visitor guides and local resources. Often their websites feature links that allow you to request a relocation packet online. Some charge a minimal fee.

If you are still deciding where you want to live, there are many public and private enterprise websites that compare communities and offer demographic information on multiple communities.

U.S. Census Bureau - www.census.gov

The U.S. Census Bureau is a great source of information. Be forewarned that smaller communities may only feature information based on the most recent complete census conducted in 2000. There are many different data sets available through the U.S. Census Bureau including:

The Decennial Census taken every 10 years to collect information about the people and housing of the United States.

• American Community Survey - an ongoing survey that provides data about communities every year.
• Puerto Rico Community Survey - the equivalent of the American Community Survey for Puerto Rico
• Population Estimates Program - population numbers between censuses
• Economic Census - profiles the U.S. economy every 5 years
• Annual Economic Surveys - data from the Annual Survey of Manufactures, County Business Patterns and Nonemployer Statistics

You will also find:

• American Indian and Alaska Native data and links
• FastFacts for Congress - Demographic and economic data for Congressional Districts
• Kids' Corner - Learn fun facts about your state and take a quiz

CNNMoney.com (Money Magazine) - money.cnn.com

Each year Money Magazine conducts a study of America's small towns and compares them to other small towns throughout the country. The information provided by this source is more subjective than hard statistics provided by the U.S. government, but its also more user-friendly and in some cases more in-depth. The information is somewhat limited depending on the towns studied in a given year. Money Magazine Places a high value on strong economy, education, low crime, affordable housing, etc.

Wikipedia - wikipedia.org

Wikipedia is a multilingual, Web-based, free-content encyclopedia. You will find information on many states, counties, cities and towns, and counties on Wikipedia. Remember Wikipedia is written collaboratively by volunteers from all over the world. Anyone with access to the internet can make changes to its articles. On this site you will find information about demographic (usually based on the most recent decennial census), history, geography, climate and more.

Sperling's Best Places - www.bestplaces.net/

Sperling's Best Places is another good private site that compares community features and gives readers an inside look at the best features of many communities. Here you'll find information about the cost of living, crime, education, the economy, population, climate and more.

Where to Retire -- wheretoretire.com

If you're ready to retire and are looking for a new location, Where to Retire can help you analyze different areas armed with information. Where to Retire strives to be America's foremost authority on retirement relocation.

Relocating to a new area is a monumental event! Choose the right location and know the location before you actually make your move.

If you need any assistance with your relocation to Central Oregon, or if you're looking to Buy or Sell real estate in this area, please give me a call. I'm happy to help you any way that I can.

Choosing the right price for your home is one of the most important aspects of selling your home. If your price is above market value, you run the risk of it sitting on the market too long.  

An overpriced property:

• Minimizes the number of offers
• Limits qualified buyers
• Reduces the number of showings
• Lowers prospects
• Limits financing
• Will attract buyers in a higher price range that have high expectations

Most buyers today are educated about the home buying process and have done their homework before purchasing a home. They will know if your home is overpriced. 

In choosing the right price for your home, the market is the most accurate indicator. The condition of the current market, the number of buyers, and current competition will dictate your home’s value. If your home does not meet the competition price, it simply will not sell.  

Keep in mind that the value of your property is not dictated by what you’ve invested in the property, what you paid for the property, or by the amount you feel you need to receive from the property. 

Choosing the right price for your home will increase advertising response, stimulate buyer interest, compensate for property shortfalls, and provide you with a negotiating advantage. If you are looking to either sell or buy a home in Central Oregon, please give me a call.