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...
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...
Willamette Week Best of Portland 2020 Nominations
NOMINATIONS ARE 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 April 18 the BOP polls are open for nominations, and I'm asking you to please take a minute of...
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...