Buyers

Mortgage rates for the Portland area have dropped to 3.875% in the past few days, presenting an amazing time to buy and save money.  Rates for a 15 year fixed mortgage are at 3.25%!  

We have no idea how long this opportunity will last.  Inflation is a concern and many pundits believe rates will have to rise in the near future.  

Financing $250,000 at 3.875% gives you a monthly paymnet of $1,176 P+I.   

Financing $250,000 at 5% gives you a monthly payment of $1,342 P+I.  

That's $166 per month savings.  $1992 per year.  $59,760 in savings over the term of the loan. 

Another way to look at these great rates is what your monthly payment gets you in home value.

A house payment of $1,176 per month, essentially gets you a $250,000…

We thought we would create a regular series about properties that our team has seen that we think are NICE.  By flagging these properties as "cool" we are not making any judgement about the list price or the value.  We just think they're inspired. Most of these "cool properties" are not our listings. If you see one you like, we'd love to show it to you, and represent your interests if you decide you just gotta have it.

To see the details of any of these listings, simply click the picture of the home you like.

The volatility of the stock market recently has many of us watching our retirement savings dwindle.  Until we see some positive news, the stock market will continue to see some majors ups and downs.  Many of us feel like we have no real control of our money that is invested in IRA’s, 401Ks and other retirement savings accounts.  Take control of your investments.

An interesting, and mostly overlooked, vehicle is the use of a Self-Directed IRA to purchase real estate.   Roll over your stagnate or declining accounts over to a custodian that allows you to invest in more than the institutional stocks and mutual funds.  Control you own future, by making investments into real property that will produce income and appreciate over time.

The current Portland real…

What is a Self-Directed IRA?

A self-directed IRA is really not that different from any other IRA. The term “self-directed” simply indicates that you choose your IRA’s investments. Most investment brokerages and banks that offer “self-directed” IRAs limit clients to the scope of their own investment products. Custodians without proprietary products do not need to impose the same restrictions. This means you have more choices and greater flexibility for your retirement savings plan.

What can a Self-Directed IRA invest in?

Almost anything making for virtually unlimited array of possible investment choices that are allowed.

The IRS only defines the following assets as excluded:

• Life insurance contracts (e.g., a life insurance policy on the life of the…

We just finshed reviewing the final Portland real estate sales stats for February 2011 and want to share the following highlights:

North Portland.  Very little change from January.  This area has stabalized in a fairly balanced market.  Inventory is flat, properties priced to sell are moving in approximately 2 months.  Price per sq. foot stats are down $17/sf, caused by no sales over the last 90 days above $500K.

Northeast Portland.  Positive trends in pending sales which increased by 34 units, cleariong some of the aged inventory from the market.  This indicates that the time good for sellers to bring their NE Portland homes to market, and for investors to purchase into the positive momentum.

Southeast Portland.  New Sales increased 43 units,…

As we approach spring, take note of storm and water damage to your home.  Most houses sustain at least a few problems during the winter months. Make the repairs now, before starting on any remodeling or other major warm-weather projects.

Check for damage to your roof

Signs include missing, curling, broken or cracked shingles. Pooling or ponds of water that fail to drain from flat roofs may indicate low areas and inadequate drainage. Moss growth can also cause damage to shingles.

Serious roof leaks are not caused by missing or damaged shingles, but rather by broken or improperly installed roof flashing. Repair or replace it, as needed.

Clear gutters & downspouts.

Water damage often comes from clogged gutters…

Deceiving beauty and value. MUST SEE BACKYARD ... sanctuary with a separate sport court. Every room is generous with finishing detail. Special hardwoods, vaulted ceilings, slate in remodeled kitchen, game room, sauna, hot tub. Great for entertaining and enjoying life. 

3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath 3059 Sqft 

Taxes $5239 per year 

Address:  14308 SW STALLION DR , Beaverton, Oregon 97008

List price $319,500. 

For more details and photos see Sorrento Ridge Traditional

Don't forget to check out the Virtual Tour

Contact us to schedule a private showing.

See the latest in the areas remodeling and design trends at the Build, Remodel & Landscape Show.  Professionals will be on site to talk with the public about the latest and greatest in cabinets, countertops, flooring, windows, additions, basement finishing, and outdoor landscaping. 

Call us or send an email for your free tickets!

So yesterday Melissa and I set off the check out Multnomah Village.  It is the first in an on-going series of blogs, videos, and photographs that we are starting in order to review neighborhoods, restaurants, coffee shops, and stores in order to get a better understanding of what each neighborhood has to offer.  In turn we are hoping this helps your experience as a buyer.

So far this year NFL QB Tom Brady has eclipsed even his own stratospheric standards for good decision making, as evidenced by a touchdown to interception ratio of 27/4.  How does he do it?   Tom’s decision making happens repeatedly in a few frenetic seconds before a linebacker crushes him into the ground.  He must make a series of choices that happen so fast that they don’t really seem like decisions.  The velocity of the game makes thought impossible.  As soon as Brady glances at one of his receivers, he must immediately decide if the receiver will be open a few seconds in the future.  He’s evaluating options in his sub-conscious mind, and is taking his guidance from his EMOTIONS.  When he glances at a receiver who is covered he FEELS a slight twinge…