Things to know about your loan…

3 key factors determine how much you can afford:

1. Down payment

2. Your ability to qualify for a loan

3. Closing costs

Down payment requirements vary from purchase to purchase.

Most lenders require that your monthly payment range be between 25-28% of your gross monthly income. The 3 components that determine your ability to secure a home loan include your credit report, assets, income and property value.

You will be required to pay fees for loan processing and other closing costs. These fees must be paid in full at the final settlement, unless you are able to include them in your financing. 

Some money do’s and don’t’s during qualifying and escrow.

DO’s

– Stay current on existing accounts 

– Continue to use your credit as normal 

– Keep records of credit use 

– Call your lender with any questions or concerns about your credit

 

DON’T’s

– Apply for new credit 

– Close credit accounts 

 –  Max out credit cards 

 –  Consolidate your debt 

– Pay off collections or “charge-offs” 

Have other questions? Ask away!

So, you’re thinking about selling your home?

 

There are some simple things you can do that will make a huge difference.  

Your doorstep is everything.

I work with both buyers and sellers and can tell you there have been many times when I’m out showing a buyer a home and they decide they are in love with the house before I even get the door open. That probably means something about the character of the exterior and the neighborhood really works for them. And, it also usually means the mailbox is in great shape. The exterior lights are working. The doormat is fresh. The spiderwebs are gone. There are blooming flowers near the door. And the listing agent has placed the lockbox in an easily accessible place.

 

Consider the process…. I’m standing on your doorstep working the lockbox while the buyer and I chat away. They’re checking things out from that viewpoint. Making a strong first impression is so important. If you can’t be bothered to touch up the front door paint, then maybe you also haven’t been servicing the furnace???   

Remember, your doorstep is everything.

I’d be honored to help you sell your home and can help you with many other tips to help you secure that best offer. Let’s talk!

I am often asked for help finding just the right agent at the Oregon Coast, or Texas, or Florida, or Utah, or New York… you get the point. Finding an out-of-town agent on your own can be stressful.

So, I’ve put together a program where I can help you find just the right agent anywhere in the country by not only checking their behind-the-scenes agent reviews, but also by calling them and interviewing them for you. Yes, I vet them personally!

Then, I give you two agents that I think would be a great fit. You want an agent who not only has a proven track record, but one who has good relationships and a great reputation in the industry. Finding an out-of-town agent is a delicate balance.

This is a free service I provide and I am honored to help. Please don’t hire your agent off a park bench in a new town or because it’s your brother’s, ex’s cousin twice removed.  

This is one of your most personal decisions, not to mention one of your most expensive investments. Let’s do this right.  I can help.

Let’s chat!

The joy of real estate is taking exceptional care of the clients with whom I choose to work.

Here are just a few of the ways I can be of service:

Relocating? I belong to a vetted network of exceptional agents and can connect you at no cost to someone fabulous anywhere in the country.

Planning: Real Estate happens around your life needs. I’m happy to help you plan even if you aren’t ready to do something yet.

Preparation: I handle prepping your home for sale so you don’t need to spend time and money where it’s not needed.

Staging your home. I work with both physical and virtual stagers.

Pricing: I price your home for current market conditions, your neighborhood and to get you top dollar.

Information: You will know every step of the way what is happening next, your choices in how we respond and strategies for the smoothest possible transaction. I have written both buyer and seller guides to assist you along the way.

I never pass you off to an assistant; I am always your main point of contact.

I have built a team of exceptional professionals, including lenders, escrow officers, inspectors, photographers, contractors, stagers, landscapers, etc. Even after your transaction is long completed, I am here for you.

I have a stellar reputation in Portland, Oregon and have worked hard to develop relationships with other agents. That means when I send in an offer, or take a listing, they want to work with me which helps you get your offers accepted/ or your listing sold more quickly.

Exceptional care is part of who I am and not just something I say to get business. I believe it taking care of you as you go through the peaks and valleys of selling or buying your home.

I’d be honored to work with you. Let’s talk!

Thinking of buying? Why buying now may actually be your most brilliant move.

If you are thinking to purchase, this market may have discouraged you a bit.  

Here’s a few financial things to consider if you are currently renting, and first steps towards your home purchase should you decide to move forward.

1. Rent paid this year is cash out of pocket, plus you don’t get the write off of having a mortgage and you aren’t gaining appreciation.  So figure that equals whatever you are paying in rent x 3.

2. Home prices statistically and historically continuing to rise.  So, the same home you might buy today, will most likely be quite a bit more expensive next year.  Depending upon your price point that could be $40,000 to $100,000 more…. appreciation that could be yours if you had purchased it.

3. Interest rates are expected to continue to rise. They doubled in just the past few months. Every .25% increase to an interest rate can make a several hundred dollar a month difference to a mortgage – again it depends on the amount of the loan.

So in my opinion it’s still a great time to be buying a home, even though the market is competitive and a bit stressful.  

To have the best experience and success with the process you need two things:  

First an exceptional lender.  If you don’t have one please reach out I can connect you to resources. Trust me they are not all created equally. Being pre-approved for your loan is critical before shopping. You want to know what your payment will be, what you are pre-approved for and that paperwork must be submitted with your offer when you find a home.

   

Second an exceptional agent. You need an agent who is resourceful, responsive and creative. You need an agent other agents want to work with and who has a stellar reputation.  I am all of those things and more and would be honored to be of service!