The last few months have brought several changes to our team of real estate professionals. The first was when Cyndi, our Client Care Coordinator told us she was offered another position at a local construction company. The second came when I decided to take her place.
I am back at my original position with Brenda and Sandy before I decided to go into real estate full time as a buyer's agent. The catch this time is that I am going to continue as a buyers agent and keep the office running as smooth as peach fuzz. Sounds easy enough.
Actually, I don't mind the extra work and the pay check is nice, especially with our Stayton market being so slow on the buying end. The good news is we are listing a ton of great properties to sell. Interest rates are still SUPERB and buyers really need to get off the fence and make a great deal out there.
My goal is to get back into posting a few times a week. I can't tell you all how much I have missed contact with my AR friends and I look forward to commenting on your posts soon. Have a great 4th!
As brokers, we received notice from one of our preferred lenders, we need to be writing our offers for no less than 60 days. The changes in underwriting, lender verification and appraisal times have prompted our lenders to advise brokers not to expect closings in 30 days. What this really means is: Gone are the days of the quick underwriter review.
Appraisers are taking additional time to set an appointment, verify the comparable properties and any possible seller concessions (closing costs paid on the buyer’s behalf).
The time the loan documents are spending in underwriting will prolong the escrow closing as well. We have been told by some lenders to expect 5 – 10 days in underwriting. I can appreciated the fact that lenders are reviewing loan documents thoroughly, but it is frustrating as a consumer to wait for final loan approval.
We are educating our buyers and our sellers to expect the additional time to close their prospective transactions. I know I always feel better when I know what to expect out of a transaction and I am sure consumers are no different.
Realtor Day at the Capitol - 2009 Legislative Agenda Recapped
Approximately 600 Realtors showed support of this years Realtor Day at the Capitol. Every area of the state was represented according to Jana Jarvis, OAR Vice President of Public Policy. It was an increase from the last session of over 200 Brokers. It was reported we are the largest group to show up so far this year. Our Stayton office of Prudential Real Estate Professionals saw attendance of 10 of our 14 brokers participate in this year's event. Attendees included, Michelle Gescher, Michelle Hendricks, Roy Lovejoy, Michel Jo Scott, Suzette Boudreaux, Cyndi Bolduc, Mary Gries, Brenda Bonebrake, Sandy Edwards and myself. We even got to meet up with Jim Allhiser of Perfection Inspection, Inc.
I planned on meeting up with Todd Clark but he was unable to attend.
The morning education session at the Salem Conference Center, informed us of the talking points to relay to our elected Representatives and Senators. Our group met with Senator Fred Girod and Representative Sherrie Springer.
Affordable housing is at the forefront of everyone's mind. To help Oregonian's achieve this goal, we asked our legislators to vote no on HB 2473 to prohibit efforts to create local real estate transfer taxes and yes on HB 2481 to prohibit new private taxes or fees on the sale of real estate.
We encouraged the acceptance of SB 640 to improve real estate industry education requirements and HB 2436 to create a dedicated and stable revenue source for affordable housing.
Also at stake is affordable health care for Realtors. We promote attainable insurance coverage by reforming association group plan requirements to increase access to affordable health care, while preserving state regulation.
Another big issue is land use. "One size does not fit all," especially in Oregon. Regulations that benefit the Portland Metro-area are not necessarily a good idea in the rural areas of Heppner or Lebanon. Regional differences must be acknowledged and be taken into account for the future development of these areas.
The state capitol is a magnificent building and it is always a pleasure to visit.
I have a new member of my family to introduce. Meet Loki. He is a 10 week old Yorkshire Terrier. Right now he weighs less than one pound and full grown will be about 1.5 pounds. He is the runt of the litter and has one brother and one sister. He went for two weeks without a name. Everyday I would get calls from friends and family to see if I had named that dog yet?!? I tried several different names and nothing "stuck." I love being able to check out an animals personality before sticking them with a lifetime handle. We tried Tank, Conan, Remington, Winchester, Vader, Hercules, Riggs, Perseus (my cats are named Andromeda and Cassiopeia, this should have been a no brainer) and about 100 names but nothing seemed to fit.
We got him from my husband's cousin Shari and his Aunt Jenny. Shari has raised Yorkies for several years. Aunt Jenny wanted us to have this puppy and she wouldn't take no for an answer. I have always wanted a Yorkie, but I had resigned myself that my Yorkie would be a dog for me after I retired when I was home to take care of him full time. We picked up the puppy and visited Aunt Jenny in the Lewiston, Idaho hospital where she has been battling cancer for two weeks. Jenny lost her battle with cancer 3 days after we left, but we are happy to have been able to have an extended visit her before her passing and eternally grateful for the puppy. We did take the puppy to the hospital to visit with Aunt Jenny before we headed for home so she got to see him with us.
I have to admit, he is a little love and he has established himself as a permanent fixture in the Stewart household. He curls up on my shoulder and sleeps.
BTW- if you don't know, Loki is named after the Norse God of Mischief and I think I did a great job naming him. He is going to live up to his namesake.
Santiam Marketplace Trade Show and Outdoor Show - Stayton Oregon
Mark your calendar and join us on Saturday, March 7th from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm at the Stayton Middle School. Please bring one can of food for admission to benefit the Stayton Area Food Bank to this Trade Fair and Outdoor Show. There will be gardening tips, outdoor cooking demonstrations, a health van, and lots of fun for the whole family.
Brenda, Sandy, Mary and I will be hosting our Prudential Real Estate Professionals booth. We will be handing out goodie bags filled with great real estate information and up-to-date market stats for the Stayton and Sublimity area and the Santiam Canyon. Bring your real estate questions and stop by to say hello. Ann Shipley of Reliance Mortgage will be joining us and can answer all your questions about the new $8000.00 tax credit for homebuyers!
Shuttle bus transportation is available at Marian Home, Lakeside Senior Living and Roth's Market.
Fresh To You Produce Introduces New Spring Products February 26, 2009 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Here's a great way to shoo the winter blues!
Fresh To You Produce is happy to announce its new line of spring products. On hand for the festivities will be a Jazz Ensemble, refreshments and a look at this year's new products for spring. Fresh To You always has many fresh produce items on hand as well as gardening supplies, books and their wonderful gift basket line. You can choose from jam or jelly baskets or a nice pancake mix and variety of syrups. Don't forget about their famous Oatmeal! It is rumored to be one of Governor Arnold's favorites!
Be sure to stop by and see what's new for yourself!
Oregon Realtor Day at the Capitol March 4, 2009 – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Calling all Oregon Realtors! Spend a day at the Capitol in Salem with your colleagues and create a strong presence on behalf of real estate professionals.
This event begins at the Salem Conference Center with registration - 10:00 am.
Welcoming Remarks and 2009 Political Dynamics - 10:30 am. Leap into the internal workings of the Oregon State Capitol. Top Political consultants will give you an inside glance of the session dynamics.
Legislative Issues Briefing - 10:45 am. Learn about the top legislative priorities and threats for the 2009 Legislative Session. This briefing will provide detailed descriptions of legislative issues being pursued by the Oregon Association of Realtors and emerging issues that could negatively impact the real estate market in Oregon.
These are some of the issues that demand our attention:
Climate Change
Education and Professional Standards
Business and Real Estate Taxes
Mandatory Energy Audits
Housing Affordability
State Capitol Events
Barbecue on the Capitol Grounds -12:00 Noon Join your colleagues and members of the 75th Oregon Legislative Assembly for a complimentary barbecue lunch on the Capitol grounds
Constituent meetings with legislators 1:00 – 4:00 pm Meet with your legislator and share which real estate issues are top priority for this legislative session.
Plan to go with a few friends at your office and lets make a grand showing of Realtors this year.
This is a free event. It is sponsored by the Oregon Association of Realtors
I have attended this event twice and I enjoy getting an opportunity to meet with my representatives and share my real estate issues. It is also a great time to meet Realtors from all over the state and do a little networking. I hope to see you there!
Great News for investors from Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FHLMC). Hopefully this newly announced guidelines will encourage strong investors to come back to the housing market and help with the economic recovery.
Beginning next month, the GSE's (FNMA & FHLMC) will raise the maximum number of financed properties from 4 to the new limit of 10. This guideline change is intended to recognize the key role that experienced and financially strong investors play in our nations housing system and the housing recovery. The words "financially strong" can not be emphasized enough here. The guidelines are fairly strict, but that is how they should be. We, as a nation, cannot afford another run of bad investment properties on the market from borrowers that got in over their head.
A peek at some of the guidelines;
2-6 months PITI payments in liquid cash reserves for every property owned. (varies depending on number of financed homes)
Need two years landlord history (2 years filed tax returns)
Not available as a refinance loan where borrower is receiving cash back.
Larger down payments requirements based on property type.
The investor will need at least a 720 Credit Score and 25% down payment
If you are in the looking to invest in the real estate market, please start by getting a pre-qualification with your favorite lender. If you don't have a lender and would like to contact one, please contact Fred Chamberlin for all your mortgage needs.
February 14th is not only Valentine's Day, but also the State of Oregon's Birthday. Oregon became a state on February 14th, 1859 and this year marks her 150th birthday. Congress voted to allow Oregon's statehood by a margin on 114 - 108 on February 12th and 2 days later President James Buchanan signed the bill into law.
Oregon has a rich history of pioneers, lumberjacks and some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. We have one National Park, Crater Lake and the scenic Columbia Gorge is a haven for windsurfers, photographers and tourists. Silver Creek Falls and Multnomah Falls are also favorite travel desinations. Oregon's fabulous beaches are open to the public.
So join me in wishing Oregon a very Happy Birthday!
Stayton and Sublimity Oregon Real Estate, Willamette Valley Real Estate, Salem Oregon Real Estate, Santiam Canyon, North Santiam River, Fishing the Santiam, Stayton Homes for Sale, Salem Homes for Sale, Scio Homes for sale, Lyons, Mill City, Gates, Detroit, Idanha, Jefferson, Lebanon, Albany
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
lenders to expect 5 – 10 days in underwriting. I can appreciated the fact that lenders are reviewing loan documents thoroughly, but it is frustrating as a consumer to wait for final loan approval. 
"stuck." I love being able to check out an animals personality before sticking them with a lifetime handle. We tried Tank, Conan, Remington, Winchester, Vader, Hercules, Riggs, Perseus (my cats are named Andromeda and Cassiopeia, this should have been a no brainer) and about 100 names but nothing seemed to fit. 
wanted a Yorkie, but I had resigned myself that my Yorkie would be a dog for me after I retired when I was home to take care of him full time. We picked up the puppy and visited Aunt Jenny in the Lewiston, Idaho hospital where she has been battling cancer for two weeks. Jenny lost her battle with cancer 3 days after we left, but we are happy to have been able to have an extended visit her before her passing and eternally grateful for the puppy. We did take the puppy to the hospital to visit with Aunt Jenny before we headed for home so she got to see him with us. 
;)
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