So you're finally ready to start shopping for a home... before you just hire your relative or aunt that's recently decided to get into real estate, it's important you choose wisely. This person is about to represent you in one of the biggest purchases you'll likely ever make, so take some time to interview at least 3 candidates. Not all real estate agents are created equal but good news for you, there's no cost to...
10 Things to Do After Closing
Just bought a home? Today I'm sharing 10 things to do after you receive the keys to your new home!1. Transfer & set up utilities2. Change locks3. Deep clean4. Reset garage door5. Forward mailing address6. Change address with DMV 7. Check smoke detectors8. Introduce yourself to neighbors9. Create a maintenance schedule10. Establish safety plan and assemble first aid kithttps://youtu.be/gcKQU-_oeJY
3rd Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest
We are so excited to host our 3rd Annual Pumpkin Contest this year! See below for entry details and rules. And be sure to stay tuned on our social platforms as we announce the prizes in the next couple of weeks. They're going to be good this year and we can't wait to share!! There are 2 ways to win:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1. PARTICIPATION - JUST BY PARTICIPATING IN THE CONTEST YOU WILL BE ENTERED INTO A...
10 Things to Avoid Before Closing
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...
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...
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...
I’ve owned a home before. Do I qualify as a first-time homebuyer?
It may seem obvious that if you’ve never owned a home, you are considered a “first-time” homebuyer. However, did you know that even if you’ve owned a home before, you might still qualify for first-time homebuyer (FTHB) programs? If you have questions about the “who, what and where” of FTHB, we have the answers! Who qualifies as a first-time homebuyer more than once? Even if you’ve previously owned a home, mortgage programs and down payment...