For Buyers & Sellers
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Oregon First, Realtors® & Washington First Properties
There are numerous online resources for determining the value of a house — and they can be a good starting point. However, keep in mind that each home is unique, even if it sits in a neighborhood of similar properties. An impersonal algorithm can offer only a very general picture of its true market value.
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Get the most recent numbers from the Regional Multiple Listing Service’s “Market Action” report that comes out mid-monthly and is e-mailed to all member Realtors®. This is data specific to our market, and drills down into particular cities and neighborhoods so it’s much more accurate than the national and regional reports you find in most media reports.
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate continues to decrease for the fourth week in a row! The 30-year, fixed mortgage averaged 7.22% as of Nov. 30th, down from last week’s 7.29%. The continued downwards shift in mortgage rates has been encouraging homebuyers, with purchase application activity modestly rising. To put current rates in perspective, the 30 year fixed rate in 2010 was 4.69% and ten years before that, it was 8.05%. If we go all the way back to 1981, the rate was a whopping 16.63%!
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When considering serious remodeling projects, make sure you understand the limits of the return on your investment. Most projects aren’t going to pay for themselves unless you’re bringing the property up to buyer expectations or doing repairs the buyer’s lender is likely to require. We can help you decide which projects are likely to be demanded by the market given the price you’re seeking.
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Obtaining a professional home inspection is the single most important thing a buyer can do for their protection. A professional home inspection report will provide the buyer with detailed information about the home’s physical condition, its systems and fixtures and usually note any potential future problems.
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Every one of our listings includes a link to detailed information on schools in that area, including test scores and ratings by parents and educators. In addition, the Oregon Department of Education produces yearly report cards for all schools and districts.
Every one of our listings also includes a link to the property’s Walk Score, which can be a great way to learn more about the property’s neighborhood. We even have a Map function which allows you to walk the neighborhood without leaving your computer!
Useful sites and information about veterans loan programs, first time buyer classes, credit score information, how to protect yourself from loan fraud, and more.
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Your house is more than a place to live. It’s your sanctuary, filled with meaning and cherished memories. It’s also a legacy that can be passed down to your loved ones, but the past few years have been challenging for everyone. Many are struggling to keep up with bills, including their mortgage. However, there are several resources readily available to help you keep your house in the face of a looming foreclosure.
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Scams seem to be common across all facets of life, and real estate is no exception. Real estate scams target home buyers, sellers, and owners alike, and they're fairly common. While no one wants to be the victim of a scam, it's possible if you're not aware of the tactics scam artists employ. Read on for some of the most common scams aimed at homeowners today.
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