Central Oregon Real Estate Info

Now is the time to help this family - there is much to be done and with our help this family can focus on the important things -

We all know that Central Oregon is known for the sunshine, the winters and the wonderful lifestyle so many want to enjoy.  Selling in the winter certainly brings some challenges that our Spring and Summer selling season does not.  Below is a list of things that every Central Oregon seller can do to make their home shine above the rest in the winter.

1. Keep Walkways Clear of Clutter and Snow – while we cannot always be home to make sure the daily dusting of snow off the walkway, but you you certainly not have items cluttering the walk way or snow and ice from the week.  When buyers approach your home and have to climb through the snow they think of the work it will take to keep the walk way clear – when it is already clear – you have taken this obstacle away.
2. Open the Blinds – Although Central Oregon does have the advantage of great sunlight through out the entire year even while snowing often a home can seem dark when the blind are closed.  Let the Sunshine in and make your home as light and bright as possible even on the darkest day an open blind will make a home brighter than a closed blind. Turn on the lights too, light makes people feel welcome.
3. Keep The Heat ON – although we all want to save energy it is said that keeping a home a steady temperature costs the same or less than cranking the heat up when you get home.  Remember you don’t have to keep the house at 75 degrees to have it feel warm, your buyer is coming in from the cold a 70 degree home feels very toasty and welcoming.
4. Mat on both sides of the door – This will not only help you keep your home cleaner – it will give the buyer the opportunity to not leave snow to melt on your floor.  If you are requesting a buyer take their shoes off – providing a place to do so is a great idea.  Winter shoes are not as easy to slide in and out of as those sandals of spring and summer were.
5. Holiday Decorations – there is nothing wrong with decorating your home for the holidays, we all love the holiday spirit, but keep them to a limit so the buyer can still see your home.  It always amazes me at how many buyers will fall in love with a home, then say, “wait we need to go back, where will we put the Christmas Tree?”

Selling your home in the winter is not as difficult as many people might make it out to be.  Just remember, your buyer needs to feel, welcome and not overwhelmed.  To list your home this winter – drop me a email or give me a call I would be happy to assist you.

If you are wanting to buy a home and waiting your wait may cost you up to $8000, plus interest and possibly a higher price.  The calendar shows spring is around the corner but the weather says it is here in Central Oregon and with that the end of the homebuyer tax credit deadline is fast approaching. 

The homebuyer tax credit can give a married couple first time home buyers up to $8000 in tax credits. A first time home buyer is not necessarily an accurate phrase as the true meaning of a first time home buyer is someone that has not owned a home for 2 years.  

There is a second tax credit that many move up or downsizing buyers can also qualify for this credit can be as high as $6,500 - to many that can make a significant difference in the bottom line of your taxes.

For more information please visit Central Oregon Home Buyers Tax Credit.

Yesterday I found out what Technical Hell is - I was scheduled for an all day class, had a couple transactions needing constant attention and buyers out there asking questions.  On my way to my class my "smart phone" melted down and gave me a fatal blue screen.

Upon arriving at the class and connecting to the wifi I felt I was back in control even if I could not use my phone I could get my messages through and keep my world moving.  Email, twitter, facebook, life was good.  Then I realized I was not getting any responses to my email - that was odd.  Oh great the wifi will not allow outgoing email - great - no phone - no out going email - Calgon take me away.

During our lunch break - I ran to the Cell phone carrier - and yelled HELP!!!!!  The sales clerk was awesome - wish I had gotten her name - anyway - we got me all set up with a new phone - and as I was setting it up - I told her I was surprised at how much faster this phone was - that was when my day went from hell to heaven.

U.S. Cellular in Central Oregon FINALLY HAS G3 - whooo hoo - I am one happy girl - things are moving in the right direction.

If you are a home buyer getting ready to jump into home ownership and plan to obtain a loan there are a few things you can do to save yourself a ton of frustration.

• Make sure your ID is valid and shows your current residence as your address
• Make sure you have bank accounts / utility bills and so on with the correct address
• When you sign your offer, make sure you date each place a date is asked for
• Create a file for all your paystubs and bank statements to go into so they can be easily obtained
• Document where your earnest money, appraisal fees or other fees come from

These seem to be easy items - but when your loan hits final underwititng it is amazing the silly things that can cause a hiccup - cross your t's and dot your i's and closing will be much smoother.

Today was the day - 3 days early the bank acceptance gave us till the 19th.  We wrote the offer just 62 days ago on a great Short Sale property in Sunriver. 

It is amazing what team work, a great lender and a motivated buyer can do to get a property closed.  We offered full price, we had our ducks in a row, pre-qualification letter, proof of funds for the down payment, the necessary addendums and got it all submitted.

On February 2 the bank came back with the approval.  Keep in mind that the 15th was a holiday and they only gave us till the 19th to close on a purchase with a loan. The lender was called, the home inspector, and the buyer - the buyer was instructed we had to move fast - because if we did not close by the 19th the home would foreclose on the 26th. 

Lender ordered the appraisal - the appraiser got there in 2 days, along with the home inspector - and WELLS FARGO - you rocked - you went from 0 to funding in just 14 days including a holiday.  I could not ask for better, your service.

For those of you that think short sales are a pain - I hope you continue to think that - it leaves more business for me.

Log homes are one of the most dreamed about homes in Central Oregon.  A log home is generally more expensive to build, insure and they generally sell for more.  Three Rivers South, an area just outside of Sunriver, Oregon has several log homes for sale.

Two such homes are currently available for sale as short sales.  I know, I know you all groan at the word.  Short sales are not as bad - yes they can take longer, but a short sale is just like any other transaction we just have a couple additional steps.  Buyers, do not let those two little words scare you away from buying a home of your dreams.  Now, not every agent is the agent you should choose to represent you in a short sale transaction.  You should always choose an agent that has additional education in short sales and knows the area.

Take a look at these beauties - start dreaming and call me so I can help make them yours.

Central Oregon Short Sale Information

We all know that it is a buyer’s market, just about everywhere in Central Oregon inventory is high, prices are low and now is the time to buy!  River Meadows in no exception!  Finding a great deal in today’s market seems to be the objective of almost every buyer, and who could blame them?  There are great deals to be found!

55782 Lost Rider Loop is located in River Meadows. This home is located just a short distance from the Big Deschutes River.  River Meadows does have paved paths for bikes and walking or running.  The path does follow the Big Deschutes River.

55782 Lost Rider Loop is a 3 bedroom 2 bath home that also features a bonus room.  It is currently priced at $144 a square foot – which when compared to the average of $196 (as of today) a square foot.  The price per square foot is a great way to see the motivation of the seller, but keep in mind this  home has slab granite kitchen counter tops, hardwood, well maintained, has front and back decking, and backs up to a nice green belt.

Check out this slideshow of the property, then call your agent or me to see the property!

Central Oregon is known for it's beauty and versatility.  You can obtain just about any type of property you want in Central Oregon (no ocean view though).  One of the most popular property searches is for riverfront property in Central Oregon. 

Most of the River Front Homes for sale in Central Oregon are on The Big Deschutes or Little Deschutes Rivers.  There is a great community on The Big Deschutes River called Wild River.  The name comes from the section of the river these homes are located.  Pringle Falls has the appearance of a fast rapid and makes the river wild in the area.

This home on Wild River Way is currently being offered at $239,900 and I personally believe it is one of the best deals in Central Oregon.  For more information please contact me.