September 2009

The following is a to-do list that help guide you in the right direction:

Researching mortgage loans will help you avoid making the wrong decision on your financing which could cost you thousands of dollars down the line. Choosing right mortgage is critical in the current Portland real estate market. A mortgage can also be a great investment tool, which is very important since buying a home may be the biggest investment you will ever make.

Here are a few tips to help you make sense of the various mortgage programs available to the consumer:

•    How long do you plan on staying in the home? If the answer is less than five year, you may want to consider a 3, 5, or 7 year adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), which will have a lower interest rate for that period of time. At then end of the ARM period, the interest rate will adjust…

The Portland Street of Dreams tour for 2009 has been canceled, according to the organizers at the Portland Home Builders Association.  Another sign of the times.  But, the organizers plan to get creative with the Pearl District Condo Show where prices are a bit more reasonable.

There are quite a few vacant condos in downtown Portland and the Pearl District, with still more new construction going on and in the works.  If you are thinking about buying a Pearl District condo or loft, now is a great time to be a buyer.  Lots of inventory to choose from and interest rates are low.

While helping a client find a waterfront vacation home outside of Portland, I stumbled across a hidden gem in Fishhawk Lake. Located about an hour and a half drive from Portland, Fishhawk Lake is situated in the north Oregon Coast mountain range about one mile east of Birkenfeld and four miles west of Mist.

It’s a man-made lake fed by three springs and a mountain stream to create a 100 acre water paradise. The lake is home to just over 300 private lots, mostly weekender and vacation homes, but also about fifty full-time residents.

Homes are very unique and vary from small A-frame cabins to large upscale retreats.  Prices start around $150K for a fixer upper cabin to over $800K for a luxurious modern home of 6000SF.

Some of these are are really nice and…

As fall approaches in Portland, now is a great time to tackle home repairs and maintenance, before the rainy season is upon us.  Here are a few tips to keep your real estate investment in top shape.

WINDOWS AND DOORS

• Change those summer screens to cooler weather storm windows and doors.
• Inspect/repair any loose or damaged window locks, latches or door frames.
• Install weather stripping or caulking around all doors and windows to prevent drafts and help lower your energy bill.
• Check the condition of the putty around the window panes. If crumbling, it's time to have fresh putty installed.
• Clean and oil garage door hinges and tracks. Make sure all the screws are tightened.

HEATING SYSTEMS

• Replace the your furnace filter. It’s a good idea to…