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Tuesday Morning Coffe

by Liz Warren

The mountain market is adjustment state. Interest rates are going down, prices are adjusting. If you have good credit you can get a loan. Many current buyers want to purchase but are having a difficult time selling their existing homes in order to buy. As we move into November I suspect many will refinance with these great rates!

 

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

“So is cheerfulness, or a good temper, the more it is spent, the more remains.”
 

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

THE POWER OF NEGATIVE THINKING!

"If everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane." We've all read or heard similar humorous observations regarding the idea that, when all seems to be going well, it's merely the precursor to some sort of disaster. Unfortunately, many people seem to base their attitudes on that perception and, even more regrettably, they often permit such negativity to influence not only their lives but also the lives of others.

Is it possible you’ve never been guilty of this transgression? When a colleague made a particularly impressive sale, did you ever say something along the lines of "Well, it'll probably take forever to top that one!" or "Too bad you can't do that all the time, huh?"

Ever told someone going on a trip that you've been there before and had a terrible time? Even telling a child who brings home a good report card to "Keep it up!" can lessen the moment, because it implies that the current achievement isn't truly enough or that you fear poor performance in the future. Such statements carry “conditional approval” that demands future accomplishment as well.

One of the keys to harmony, in the workplace or at home, is for everyone to feel good - about themselves and about their accomplishments. The next time you have the opportunity to make a comment, take a moment and carefully consider what you're saying - and how you're saying it. Squash any negativity right then and there.

It's an attitude that’s easy to change once you're aware of it and its effect on those around you. Simply put, view the glass as being half full, not half empty. The power of negative thinking can make an even stronger impression than that of positive thinking, so be careful how you wield that power!

 

Attention Oregon Vets!

by Liz Warren

Here is a fabulous offer from McCormick & Schmick's Restaurant to Honor VETS on November 11....please read this news release:

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants Honor Active Duty & Veterans


In their annual salute to all veterans McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants will again provide free meals in honor of Veterans Day. All veterans can receive a free lunch or dinner entrée at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants nationwide on Sunday, November 11. Vets should show proper identification (VA card, VFW card, veterans ID,
DD214, discharge papers, etc.) Reservations Are Strongly Encouraged! In a show of thanks to our nation's veterans, Bill McCormick and Doug Schmick offer to serve those who've served at their McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants. Last year the company served nearly 15,000 vets nationwide. This year's event is taking place on the Sunday before Veterans Day so that families can participate. McCormick & Schmick's annual veterans program began as a small effort in just one
restaurant in 1999. Due to its overwhelming popularity and positive response received from veterans the program has expanded nationwide. A complete list of participating restaurants may be found at
http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.display

&pageID=263.

Top Five Pricing Considerations In This Market

by Liz Warren

Here are the top five pricing considerations for today's market and selling your property.

1. Increased  Inventory

2,Increased Mortgage Rates

3.Increased Mortgage Restrictions

4. Increased Vacancy Rates

5. Increased foreclosures

(cutesy of  Steve Harney)

 

Mortgage Industry Update

by Liz Warren

The mortgage industry is not in chaos and there is plenty of money available to loan. The industry has changed though. To  summarize some of the changes, and there are a few, here is a bullet list of some items for consideration when searching for a new loan and for understanding what is different since last year.

*161 lenders have closed their doors since 2006

*Underwriting standards are stricter than ever

*Credit scores less than 620 with little money  down are not eligible for subprime loans

*Buyers are turning to FHA and VA loans to get 97%  and 100% loans at reasonable rates

*Non-profit down-payment assistance programs are gone

*It's very tough to do a 1st and 2nd mortgage to finance a 90-95% loan of the sales price

*Jumbo loans (over $417,000) are now quoted at  7.5% or more depending on the borrower and their down-payment

*Jumbo loans often require two appraisals-one by  the lender and one by the investor

*Lenders are very cautious about fraud these days

Lenders are searching for risk reduction. and scrutinizing loans heavily which have low FICO scores (credit scores), stated income borrowers, low down-payments, and high dept to income ratios.

I would highly recommend  you search for an experienced mortgage broker if you're looking for a first mortgage or refinance!

 

Fall Home Maintenance Tips

by Liz Warren

As we head into fall, here are a few tips to keep your property in tip top condition, Courtesy of Amos Home Inspections:

Winterize exterior faucets.

Check caulking around doors and windows. Repair or replace, if necessary.

Check for cracks and openings in exterior siding, fill with caulk, if necessary.

Check exterior siding and trim for peeling paint or exposed wood. Prep and paint, if necessary.

Clean leaves and tree debris from gutters and downspouts.

Trim vegetation away from house and roof.

Drain or maritally drain water heater. Follow manufacturer's recommendation.

Check furnace filters, repair or replace, if necessary.

Pending Sales

by Liz Warren

Despite the doom and gloom of the media drums, the mountain market currently has 21 pending sales! 

Under $200,000    8 pending

$200,000 to $300,000    4 pending

$300,000 to $500,000    9 pending

These numbers include three forest service cabins and two properties in Government Camp. Forest cabin invenotry is down to three properties listed so if you want a cabin for skiing this winter, now is the time to buy.

And for my shameless plug: This forest service cabin is on the market right now at $109,500!

 

Call me today for details! 503-705-3090

Three Upcoming Musical Events and Festivals!!!

by Liz Warren

Three musical events and festivals are heading to the mountain next weekend!

September 14 through 16th

First is the Festival of the Forest held at Wildwood Park right off Hiway 26. This event will be held September 15th and 16th. This event celebrates Mt. Hood’s culture, arts & forest. Over 12 hours of live music, food, beer garden, booth with activities & crafts, art contest and forest activities for the whole family. Don’t miss the 20 year musical reunion of legendary Portland nightclub The Last Hurrah. We are talking some great Portland bands such as Burnside Bombers – Bob Voll & the Too Loose Trio - Cowboy Angels -  Hank Rasco - Hurrman Burrman – Jeff Lorber – Marlon McClain - Jack McMahon - John Bunzow – Jon Koonce (of the Distractions) & One More Mile  - Lone Coyote Club - NuShoozOrchestra -  Thin Man
Trigger's Revenge -  Billy Rancher's Unreal Gods - Wheatfield

Lineup Subject to Change

Hit this link for details: http://www.mthood.info/forestfest/

 

This year is the first annual 3900 Foot Festival event on September 14th and 15th.  The event will take place over Friday and Saturday at Mt. Hood Skibowl East (Multorpor) on two outdoor stages. The goal of the festival is to feature the best of independent music in the West, and make it accessible to everyone--families, kids, teenagers, and others, as well as to celebrate our beautiful natural resources at Mt. Hood. Details are listed at this link. http://theunionrecords.net/index.php

The third event: Spirit on the Mountain Christian music festival on September 15th at the Mt. Hood RV Village. This event features 14 well knows Christian bands and details can be found at this link: www.spiritonthemountain.com

Living the Good Life!

by Liz Warren

Here's a new home on the market that will knock your socks off!

Take a tour of this great home in Timberline Rim: It's only $279,500 and the list of bells and whistles will fill this page http://www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=1169901

Living the Good Life! This is it! Lots of remodeling and incredible space in this charming home with newer 800 sq. ft. addition! Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths with vaulted ceilings, newer floor coverings throughout, woodstove, new trex decking for the huge outdoor entertainers deck, hot tub, great shop.

Let the light shine in your main living area. There's windows galore and skylights too. A woodstove with hearth warms the kitchen and dining area. An open livingroom/ family room area is perfect for large groups and the french doors to the deck make this an fabuous home for entertaining. The fullly fenced yard is perfect for pets and kids.

I love the open kitchen area and breakfast bar. The new appliances really make the kitchen a delight for cooking.

The new 800 sq. ft  addition has added a knotty pine master bedroom with a custom walk in closet, an open loft, storage closet and full bath.

Amenities in the area include a pool, tennis court, lodge, trails to the Sandy River and picnic areas right on the river. For outdoor enthusiasts, you'll love the 15 minute drive to skiing and a 27 hole resort golf course is nearby. The Mt. Hood National Forest surrounds the area giving access to thousands of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.

Life is Good!

 

Ok folks, if you are an info junkie you will enjoy the University of Portland's quarterly report for real estate. Hit the link below to download the report by pdf file.  It includes quite a bit of info on the Oregon economy,  Not only does this report cover residential and commercial properties, it comments on the apartment market and downtown condos. No, it is not specific to the mountain market but....since many of our sales are second homes the general implications are broader and ripple out to the second home market.

www.mthoodarearealestate.com/agent_files/portland state/portland state university center for real estate.pdf

 

What's Selling on the Mountain?

by Liz Warren

The summer selling season has started a bit slower this year. Kick off typically surfaces right around the 4th of July but things are different this year with fewer pending sales and less inquiries for properties.

The past six and a half months leave 18 pending sales still not closed at this point in the year. Of that 18, around 12 sales pending are under the $300,000 range. Last month's market statistics showed a 44% decrease in sales from a year ago May. I anticipate this number will increase after June's numbers come out to press.

Last year when other areas of the country were singing the blues the Northwest held steady in sales. I am finding we are finally feeling what the rest of the country has been experiencing, although not as severe, but a year later.

Increased inventory, great interest rates and motivated sellers make for a great playing ground to purchase right now!

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 22

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