In the process of purchasing your next home? Here are 10 things to avoid before closing on your home! 1. Don't apply for credit This includes credit cards, student loans, car/boat loans, appliances, etc. 2. Don't close any credit cards Closing your credit cards can negatively affect your credit score. 3. Don't co-sign on a loan In order to eliminate additional payment amount from debt-to-income ratios, you'll need 12 months history of someone else making...
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10 Things to Do Before Buying a Home
So you're ready to buy a home? Here are 10 things to do to prepare yourself for the path to homeownership!1. Decide if you want to buy This is likely going to be the biggest financial decision you'll ever make. Take some time to decide if you're ready to commit to purchasing a home.2. Assess your budgetIt's so important you have a clear understanding of what your budget looks like each month and how much you're...
5 Things You Should Do Now to Protect Your Home This Fall
Deferred maintenance can drain your home's value. Here's a few steps you can take now to improve your investment.1. Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris 2. Remove hoses and cap outdoor spigots 3. Change your furnace and kitchen hood filters (especially important after all of the wildfires and smoke we've had in the PNW!) 4. Check and repair weather-stripping along doors and windows 5. Fill any cracks in your driveway and sidewalk BONUS TIP: Reverse your ceiling fans...
Don’t Let Tax Holdbacks Hold You Back!
It’s that “exciting” time of year again in Oregon where lenders will begin collecting real estate tax holdbacks. This is for transactions with close dates in September & October and first payment due dates in November & December. Tax holdbacks are usually the source of frustration for many homebuyers who end up having to bring in much more money than they had anticipated for closing because lenders forgot to account for those when running estimates...
Refinancing Your Home: the pros and cons
Refinancing your home: the benefits, pros and cons Even if your current home loan payments are affordable, there are many reasons to choose to refinance. Whether you need cash to pay essential expenses or would like to reduce your monthly payments, your decision should be based on what’s best for your financial situation. Learn the benefits, pros and cons to figure out whether refinancing a home is the right move for you. What does it...
Your Chance to Try Homebot for FREE!
If you've ever wanted to try Homebot, now is your chance to sign up for FREE! Click the link below to sign up with no obligation to join. If you decide you like the service and would like to upgrade to add more clients the cost is only $25 a month for up to 500 clients.What do you, as an agent, get out of Homebot through FREEMIUM?Ability to add up to 25 clientsAccess to a...
What is a Good Debt-to-Income Ratio?
Buying a home is sure to be one of the most significant purchases you and your family will ever make. That’s exactly why it’s essential to know if you’re financially ready. There are many different factors mortgage lenders use to measure how much house you can afford. Along with your credit score and job stability, your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI, is a key indicator of your financial health.1 Explore these eight frequently asked questions to find out...
Portland Area Farmers Market Schedule
With Summer here in full force, I thought I would share the schedule for some of our Portland Area Farmer's Markets as well as some helpful tips to make it a successful trip! DOWNLOAD SCHEDULE HERE! 10 of My Favorite Tips: Turn this into a weekly tradition. This will cut back on eating out, help with meal prep, and support our local farmers. Bring a friend! It’s always fun to go to the market with...
Willamette Week Best of Portland 2020 Voting
VOTING POLLS ARE NOW OPEN! Did you know that last year I was nominated and took 2nd place in Willamette Week's Best of Portland Reader's Poll? This recognition means so much to me because it's coming from the people I care about and connect with. With your help, I'm shooting for 1st place this year! From now through June 26 the BOP polls are open for voting, and I'm asking you to please take a...
Mother’s Day Giveaway
We are in constant awe of the mamas out there who do it all, especially in these uncertain times. For Mother's Day this year, we want to give you a chance to say thank you to a special mom in your life. We'll be giving away a $75 Me Spa gift certificate and basket to THREE deserving mamas! Rules are simple: Email, DM or text a quick video explaining what you love most about any...