I See the Light!

February23
"I See the Light" from Tangled Reprinted from ARA Content, with good information regarding light bulbs from one of my favorite mortgage brokers, Rodd Miller at Pacific Residential Mortgage.  Who knew we'd need a guide for light bulbs? Lumens, CFLs and LEDs: A light bulb guide for new regulations (ARA) - You've probably been hearing the talk of federal light bulb regulations for years, but in January 2012, the talk will become reality, and these regulations will begin to take effect. While California residents began the transition in January 2011, the federally mandated phase-out of les… Read More

Your Perceived “Risk” to the Lender Determines Actual Mortgage Rates!

February21
Cast of Glee sings "Taking Chances"   Risk Determines Rate Regardless of what a lender quotes on mortgage rates, the actual rate paid by a borrower is based on a number of variables. Lenders determine whether to loan money and at what rate based on the risk involved with the transaction. Factors that increase the risk that the loan will be repaid will proportionately increase the interest rate charged to the borrower. If the risk becomes too high, the loan will not be approved. Loan amounts - conventional loans for more than the conforming limits set by Fannie Ma… Read More

February 2012 Portland Metro Real Estate Update!!

February16
Charley Pride - "Things are Looking UP"   FEBRUARY PORTLAND METRO REAL ESTATE UPDATE!!!! With the holidays, Valentine’s Day (not to mention my birthday) behind us, we can look forward to the 2012 Real Estate Season!!!  2011 ended on a positive note and this year has definitely started off on another positive note.  Closed sales experienced an 18.3% increase if you compare this January to the same month a year ago.  These are the highest numbers for January since 2007 (remember, if you believe the statistics, March 2007 was the height of the market).  The average time on t… Read More

How to Prepare to Become a Successful Real Estate Investor!!

February14
"Sunny Day Real Estate"-Rain Song By now, you've figure out that I'm "hot for real estate"!!!  And, I'm particularly excited about investment real estate!  I believe it makes an excellent addition and rounds out a financial portfolio that could include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, savings accounts, gold, your mattress and/or sock drawer!! So, how do you prepare to become a successful investor? Keep in mind who might NOT be the best candidate.  People who are not engaged in the process, fad followers who expect "easy money" or people who are "too busy".  It takes a bit of time and e… Read More

The Point is………….?! Deducting “Points” on Real Estate Purchases and Refinances!

February10
"Getting to the Point" - Electric Light Orchestra Deductible Is the Point :-) To continue our week of blogs about real estate tax deductions...I wanted to "point out" that the term "points" refer to prepaid interest on a home mortgage and can be fully deductible by the buyer in the year paid if the right conditions exist. The points must be used to buy, build or improve a taxpayer's principal residence but not all fees charged by the lender are necessarily deductible. According to IRS Publication 936, "The term 'points' is used to describe certain charges paid, or treated a… Read More