Laura's Blog

Oregon Realtor Paying It Forward by Sharing Personal Journey on Weight Loss

Laura Gwyn (Laura Gail Gwyn Properties) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 02:10:17 -0800

It's the end of the year. Are you feeling tired, sluggish and warn out?

I used to... but for the first time in a LONG time... I feel I am on top of my game! I sell real estate full time but want to pay if forward by sharing these amazing all natural weight loss and health products!

I noticed a past customer of mine had lost a considerable amount of weight. I explained to her that as a salesperson I needed more energy and to be lighter on my feet. She showed me the Xyngular Ignite Fat Burning System.

I jumped right in and started on the 8 day Ignite Fat Burning System. They had a 30 day money back guarantee. I knew if it didn't work I would send it back and get a full refund. I was very surprised at how easy it was, how great I felt AND I lost 10 pounds in only 8 days! Since I was 150 pounds this was a high percentage to lose and it was all around my core which I have never been able to lose.

I have been using the Core 4 products ever since. I ate my way thru Thanksgiving, and many events. I have been so busy between work and the holidays I haven't even had time to exercise. (I am not promoting, just being honest.)

They have a wonderful way to "correct" our metabolism so we maintain or continue to lose. I can't believe with all I have eaten that I haven't gained any weight back. This journey has been simply amazing! You will have to go to my personal blog site where I am keeping track of my progress and experience. I have a few tabs at the top to explain each of the products and the benefits. There are too many to list here.

You too could feel brand new in only 8 days!

Have you struggled to lose weight and keep it off? (I have.)

Do you feel like it is impossible to give up the foods you love? (I did.)

Have you given up hope that you will ever be the weight you want to be? (I had.)

We are not alone! Millions of people worldwide feel exactly the same way!

Xyngular has the answer and it is faster and easier than you can ever imagine...

The Xyngular Ignite Fat Burning System was developed by a personal trainer with over 60,000 hours invested in working with people just like us. The Xyngular Ignite Fat Burning System will IGNITE your weight loss program and MAXIMIZE your results.

If you would like more information regarding this program you can read my Xyngular Weight Loss Blog, go to the Xyngular Corporate Site, call, or email me. No sales pitch ~ No pressure. I want you to feel amazing, have high energy, and improved health. The weight loss for me has become secondary now that I have so much more energy and feel fantastic. No more feeling sluggish, slow or warn out at the end of the day. Go into the new year strong on Xyngular's all natural product line.

Call or email me! I'll tell you how you too, can have high energy all the time and feel brand new.

If you decide you want to try these products, I would appreciate you ordering from my link so I get credit for it. I heard they have a fantastic commission structure. I am using the products because I love them but if I earned a little cash on the side, hey what the heck, right? And please share this with everyone you know! We are having tremendous success among many here in Salem, Oregon and I know there are many others all over the world.

Laura Gwyn, Salem Oregon Realtor, Wife, Mother and Xyngular Distributor

503-585-0802 or Laura@ViewSalemHomes.com 100% confidential. Call me ~ I am here to help.

Do You Have An Academy Award Winning Presentation?

Laura Gwyn (Laura Gail Gwyn Properties) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:51:04 -0800

I posted a blog today regarding my need to fine tune my 30 second elevator pitch, 3 minute story and boiler plate. I know a few of my sales minded friends need to as well so I thought I’d quickly post something to open up some conversation on this topic.

These items aren’t easy to rattle off the top of our heads. We get rusty. So fine tune and re-visit yours, practice it, tweak it, and present it like you are up for an Academy Award! If you are ahead of the rest of us in social media, then yours is uploaded on your You Tube channel and I want to see it so send me a link!

~Have a profitable and productive day!

Support a Local Artist ~ 4 Condos Held Open for Viewing ~ Sunday 1 to 4 PM

Laura Gwyn (Laura Gail Gwyn Properties) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:00:38 -0800

Don't miss a fabulous opportunity to meet a local artist and view condos for sale. There will be at least 4 condos for sale and open for your enjoyment, Sunday November 28, 2010 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

2261 Crestview Drive S Salem Oregon - South on River Rd S just past Minto Brown Island Park, first left up Schurman, left on Crestview.

The seller made this fantastic flyer to portray some of the wildlife you will witness from your private deck. You will get to feed the birds and other critters while overlooking your own private view of Minto Brown Island Park and the Willamette River. This is a perfect setting for someone who wants privacy with little to no maintenance.

To view a copy of the full post go to my Wordpress Blog. Please comment so I know you stopped by!

I am looking to read some new blogs so if you are a social media or tech savvy agent let me know. I'd love to connect and read your blog!

About the Author: Laura Gwyn, P.C. is the Principal Broker and owner of Laura Gail Gwyn Properties, in Salem, Oregon. She utilizes 20+ years in real estate with her skills of a wife and mother to ensure her clients receive the finest real estate services available. She and her family are active in the Salem community. Look to Laura Gwyn, P.C. for all your real estate needs in addition to information about market trends, local activities, shopping, working, playing and raising a family in the beautiful Willamette Valley. Follow her on your preferred social media sites to stay current on happenings in real estate in the Salem Keizer area as well as the greater Willamette Valley.

Laura Gwyn, P.C. can be reached at 503-585-0802, Laura@ViewSalemHomes.com or @lggp

Forgive me Cecily, for I have sinned.

Laura Gwyn (Laura Gail Gwyn Properties) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:42:20 -0700

Forgive me Cecily, for I have sinned. It has been too long since my last confession.

I started this Active Rain blog as a newbie. My good friend Cecily Parks turned me on to AR to learn, build Google juice, etc. Well, I am sorry Cecily, I failed you. Hopefully it is temporary. I hope to make you proud in the end. It is just that I wasn't super thrilled so I wasn't excited about spending a lot of energy here. I have figured out what I want and I am going after it.

My initial idea was to post my personal stuff on blogger and business on Active Rain. It didn't work. I didn't like blogger at all. It reminds me of a kiddy Ferris wheel. So I didn't invest any time there either. My complaint about AR is that I didn't feel the general public read it like a newspaper.

Everyone kept telling me about Wordpress. After much thought and getting thru my busy summer months, I have launched it. I hope to have more flexibility, and the overall eye presence I am looking for. My day to day Wordpress blog is here. I will have it better organized by topic. My focus is more on the folks I work with. I am working with tenants and owners now as much as buyers and sellers. I will occasionally post realtor topics there but more localized.

I am keeping my Active Rain account to post and read information about homes and realtor topics both locally and nationally. I have found this to be the best source of realtor to realtor communication I have seen. I am very impressed by this stand point and will do a better job getting to know more realtors. If you are a realtor, comment so I can get to know you and send you referrals.

I use Facebook personally. So please put a message with your friend request if you want added. I get so many requests that I wonder if they are just trying to build a huge database. If they don't talk to me I usually end up deleting them. I want to keep it personal. If you would invite me to a BBQ, send me a friend request, but otherwise, I'll pass. Just between us, I hate Facebook. It doesn't work well at all. I am there because my friends want me to be, but don't spend a lot of time there.

Well that is my thought on how to better organize all my social and information sites. My brain is very full and I am looking forward to having the information better organized. If you are reading this, please leave me a comment so I know you stopped by. I want to get to know you. I assume it will be here, on AR, but if you want to meet in another playground, please let me know.

It is Oregon Berry Season and I have turned into a Jam Makin' Addict!

Laura Gwyn (Laura Gail Gwyn Properties) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:47:00 -0700

Oregon Berry Season is here and I have turned into a jam making fool! I love to can and just can't seem to get enough of this... Be sure to check out our local farmers for u-pick and we-pick.

Zachary and I drove out to Greens Bridge Gardens to buy strawberries. I love so many from Hoods, to Bentons, but Firecrackers last. They definitely have a kick!

I was excited to try out my jam skills since I haven't made jam as an adult. I thought about it and couldn't bring myself to use Splenda in an effort to make Lee sugar free jam. It just doesn't sound right to take out sugar and replace it with chemicals. So, my friend Melina, who I now adore, introduced Agave Nectar to me.

I made the best strawberry jam:

I used about 1 pound of fresh strawberries and ½ a cup of agave nectar light.

(You can find it at Life Source for $3.59 a pound.) This was super scrumptious! It cooks about 25 minutes for the berries to fully break down.

My family has never "canned" their jam using the full hot water bath method. We just turned our jars over on a towel and they always sealed. So, this is what I did. Melina informed me I really should can them to be sure, so this batch ended up in the freezer. When I told my 90 year old grandma yesterday she laughed at me... said she never "canned" jam in hot water!

I had so much fun, Lee, Zachary and I went out to Fordyce and picked raspberries. For $31 a flat I decided I could pick berries! We picked 1 ½ flats and paid $13.

You guessed it. I had to make more jam. This time I tried the pink box of sugar free pectin and made a batch of SF raspberry jam and then a regular batch with the yellow box and real sugar.

I am still of the mindset that I hate cooking with Splenda. The SF batch with the pink box and Splenda didn't turn out at all and it has a sour bite to it. I'll have to mix it in with the regular and sneak it into my family that way. Or use it for ice cream topping!

It's fun to try different recipes and now I am getting my recipe cards organized so I know what works and what doesn't. My favorite is the Agave recipe above. It is clearly sugar and pectin free. If you have a favorite jam recipe that is sugar free please share it with me. I would love to find more healthy alternatives for my family.

Selling to Gen X or Y

Laura Gwyn (Laura Gail Gwyn Properties) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:33:08 -0700

Home buying and selling to Gen X or Y

According to the National Association of Realtor's 2009 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, nearly 50% of home buyers are between the ages of 25 and 49. Typically, this age bracket falls into two generational categories with the older group referred to as Generation X and the younger as Generation Y.

I started selling real estate when we carried around a big thick 5 # book that was 2 weeks old. We weren't "allowed" to loan out our mls book. Lol... Boy has it changed... Some old dogs or as I refer to them as "Gate Keepers" don't like all this technology but it has freed me up so much, how can you not love it?

We were "required" to wear full suits and drive big fancy cars. Remember the gold jackets? One broker/owner told us when our 2 year old Mercedes in her parking lot needed replaced. (True story.)

Times have really changed in real estate. It is ok to drop the expert approach. These generations are under the impression that they can do the majority of it themselves. They usually have done their research before they have their first contact with me. In fact, they may even know more about me than I want to believe. On average, most Generation X and Y homebuyers search online for up to 18 months before they even consider contacting a real estate agent. I support them by providing helpful links online, industry stats and other information. I ask them to try me out as their "guide" while doing their own research.

I have found Generation X doesn't approach the home buying process. They attack it by surrounding themselves with as much information as possible. Since they've grown up in a technological world, they are used to adapting to changes in technology and will use these resources to learn as much as they can about the home buying process. They come to the first meeting armed with questions they want my opinion on, answers they have already found on the web and a list of properties they already want me to show them. My job with this Generation is to simply guide them to the correct information. They want to maintain anonymity as long as possible. I hope they will find ME online while they are researching. I try to advertise myself and my listings online locally. (If you see somewhere I am not shoot me an email.) My goal is for them to continually see me while doing their research. I hope that they will feel more comfortable in contacting me when they are ready to drop their anonymity and continue with their next step.

Generation Y make their decisions socially. They will consult their friends and family on every decision and usually ask these opinions via mobile phone and by sharing on social media sites. They seek out as many opinions as possible in order to make the right one. I encourage them to seek other opinions. In reality, I am just another one of those opinions. My opinion is backed up by many years of industry and community experience. However, it's important for members of Generation Y to hear that same opinion shared by many others. I try to give advice, but not too much advice. While members of Generation Y seek information and advice from their peers, they do not like to be constantly pestered by someone online. Too much information, especially from someone that they barely know, will result in a negative reaction.

I'm sure you get the idea by now, but Generation X and Y actually shop for homes online in the same way they shop for a new shirt, book or cell phone. I include as many pertinent photos as I can of the homes I am selling. I feel the more information I can provide up front, the better prepared the home and my company will look in the eyes of the viewer.

These generations will also educate themselves on current industry topics. If you have state of the art products or "green initiatives," the listing needs those items reflected.

Additionally, you may also see more non-traditional family types interested in purchasing homes. It's not too uncommon in Generation Y for groups of friends or multiple families to be interested in purchasing a home together.

I may be an expert in real estate but truthfully these generations are not looking for an expert. I feel it is more important to listen and understand these generations so that I can guide them successfully through the home buying and selling process.

If you or someone you know is researching, or ready to make a decision, contact me. I would love to hear from you. I want the opportunity to earn the business of all our ever changing generations.

Just finished a move of my own!

Laura Gwyn (Laura Gail Gwyn Properties) — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:21:46 -0700

I am proud to announce I have just completed a move of my own! This is our 3^rd personal residence and our final resting place. We were anxious to downsize. 2000 sq ft gave us everything we needed. We have a formal/every day dining room, living room, kitchen, office, 2 other bedrooms and 2 large bathrooms. We also scaled down to a 2 car garage.

Last week we moved stuff over to the new house every evening afterwork. The movers (Chuck Rambo - AM PM Moving 503-399-7822) showed up Friday 8:00 AM sharp to pick up our heavy stuff at the rental. They also unloaded our pods and placed everything in the rooms for us. 3 big guys and their huge truck were $85 per hour. We have used them for every one of our moves. We have some very heavy, sentimental pieces so we are nervous about movers in general. I highly recommend Rambo to anyone with heavy fragile items.

5:00 Sunday we showered, changed and even went out to dinner. For the most part we are done. We sold stuff at the end of the driveway, off craig's list, and I even threw together a quick garage sale Sunday at Noon. I picked up a few extra hundred bucks and have the garage cleaned out and organized!

Yes, we are parked in the garage. So, I know it can be done and I do practice what I preach! Lol...

I know not everyone is as crazy as we are. We have a goal to move and be completely unpacked in 1 weekend. We wanted to have our lives back to normal. As you can see I still have my office and dining room to go! We'll get this done in the evenings this week.

We are looking forward to getting back to work and life as normal. Work will seem like rest to us now.

Moving is hard, but it is definitely rewarding!

Laura nominated to contest by Past Customer!

Laura Gwyn (Laura Gail Gwyn Properties) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:29:06 -0700

Teresa Ray, a past customer, nominated me for the StatesmanJournal.com's Best of the Mid-Valley List! The Statesman invited readers to nominate and vote for their favorite people, businesses and things to do in Marion and Polk counties.

I sold her house a year ago and received this letter of recommendation from her:

"Hi Laura! I think you are the coolest realtor this side of the Mississippi! You are truly amazing. What a long haul this has been. You did it in one of the worst times since the Great Depression! You are an inspiring girl and so much more! I love you and am so proud of you. Hip hip hooray for a job well done." Love, Teresa.

"Well, Teresa, I am so amazed and feel so loved. And to think we were strangers... This was a very difficult time to sell a home and we had some very serious obstacles in front of us to overcome. YOU made the difference. You never gave up hope and prayed without ceasing. You worked very hard in many different areas on this transaction. It never would have happened without your tenacity. You never forgot who makes all things happen and always gave God the glory. Girl, you Rock! Thank you for always picking me up after the long days and hard work, brushing me off and sending me back out again. It was a rough year but letters like yours make it all worth it. I don't expect to win going up against the best of the best in the valley but knowing you nominated me makes me feel like a winner. Thank you!" I love you, Laura.

In each category, readers can vote for their favorite nominee by selecting it from a drop-down menu. After submitting your vote, the current top five nominees will then display in alphabetical order. Readers are permitted to vote in each category once per day.

Of course the devil in me wanted to conspire a way to win, so I called my good friend and fellow realtor, Cecily Parks. Then I read that the StatesmanJournal.com reserves the right to exclude from the competition any businesses or individuals that engage in activities intended to improperly influence the voting process. So, I guess I will not campaign for votes or hire Cecily as my Campaign Manager.

The regular voting period begins 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 17 and ends 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2010.

The names of the winners and runners-up will be posted at StatesmanJournal.com on Sunday, May 2, 2010. All will be honored in our Best of the Mid-Valley special section publishing in the Statesman Journal on Sunday, May 2.

Click here to vote

Thank you Teresa! Once again, you continue to make me feel like a winner! And Cecily, thank you again for being willing to go the extra mile for a fellow realtor! You both are awesome!

http://community.statesmanjournal.com/bestof2010/vote.php?cat=86

Tax Credit Available for Repeat, Move Up and 1st Time Buyers

Laura Gwyn (Laura Gail Gwyn Properties) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:24:01 -0800

The tax credit(s) are still available. It is NOT just for 1^st time home buyers. Repeat and move up buyers also qualify! I am providing you an easy to understand report of the tax credits.

I have heard it all...

"We didn't buy in 2009 because we didn't understand it." "We don't believe we could possibly qualify for a tax credit." Did you say anything similar? (Be honest.)

I am here to tell you that the homebuyer tax credit works. It has spurred market activity in the Salem and Keizer area and is stabilizing declining property values. The extension of the credit was critical to restoring the health of the housing market, which many economists have declared as the engine that drives our economy. So let's all do our part and buy a house!

Time is running out for those that did not buy in 2009. Please take advantage of this tax credit by calling or emailing me today. I offer a free, no obligation consultation.

Time will run out on you again if you don't call or email me today.

Here is a summary of the different credits available in an easy to understand format:

The Federal Tax Credit At A Glance

If you have specific questions or need additional tax advice, please contact your tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040.

1 Hour Free Aging in Place Seminar Friday Jan 8th in Salem

Laura Gwyn (Laura Gail Gwyn Properties) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:29:44 -0800

Aging in Place

A Homeownership Solution for Maturing Boomers

According to AARP, nearly 90% of seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age, often referred to as "aging in place."

Please join us to learn how to "age in place" confidently and comfortably.

•· What kinds of changes can I or should I make to my home?

•· Who can I trust to do the work?

•· Where do I get the $$$ to pay for the upgrades to my home?

•· What tax advantages are there and how can I maximize them?

When: Friday, January 8, 2009; 10:00AM-11:00AM

Where: The Center 50+ in the Lecture Hall

2615 Portland Rd NE Salem, Or 97301

RSVP: Brandi Gibson @ 503.602.1891 or brandi.gibson@prospectmtg.com

Presented by:

Dale Van Lydegraf, Dale's Design & Remodeling

Remodeling Homes Since 1978

David Chandler, Prospect Mortgage

10+ years of Mortgage Banking Experience

This is a great time to sell a home!

Laura Gwyn (Laura Gail Gwyn Properties) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:24:06 -0800

The Mike Ferry Organization has been tracking the highest producing agents across the country for years. They encourage us to tell the public the many great reasons to list their home during the holidays. Consumers often say they want to wait until after the first of they year. They don't realize they are losing great exposure to buyers. Buyers are out buying right now and there is a lot less competition now than in the Spring/Summer months. There is even less competition today than after the first of the year. So, let's get your home on the market today and get it sold.

Here are the Top Reasons to List Your Home During the Holidays:

1. Buyers who look during the holidays are more serious.

2. Buyers are better prepared and make faster decisions.

3. There are fewer homes on the market so sellers have less competition. Sellers get more money for their homes when they have less competition!

4. Houses "show better" when decorated for the holidays.

5. Buyers are more emotional during the holidays and often base their decisions on the good feelings they receive when viewing the home.

6. Buyers have more time to look for homes during the holidays.

7. Many people want to buy before the end of the year for financial and tax reasons.

8. January is traditionally the month for job transfers. Transferees can't wait until the spring to buy. These buyers need a home now and houses must be in our multiple listing system to capture these buyers.

9. Sellers can restrict showings during personal family events and still take advantage of their homes being marketed to potential buyers.

10. Sellers can sell now with a delayed closing after the first of the year.

11. By selling now sellers have the opportunity to buy when more properties are on the market.

Call me today if you or someone you know needs to buy or sell real estate.

Try A New Turkey Day Tradition!

Laura Gwyn (Laura Gail Gwyn Properties) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:39:23 -0800

Salem has something new and fun going on! This year Creekside Golf Course Residents are enjoying a wild turkey they have named "Tom."

Tom the Turkey walks up and down the sidewalks completely clueless it is Thanksgiving. He is a nice addition to this community and I hope enjoyed by many during the next couple weeks.

Family Traditions are huge this time of year. Some families simply eat and drink too much and declare it a holiday. Some have a certain dish they eat that they secretly hate in the name of tradition. I would like to encourage you to mix up your routine and try something different.

Here are 10 easy family traditions for you to try:

1. Go for a quick bike ride, walk or run as a family.

2. Attend a Thanksgiving Eve Church Service. If you want to come with us, let me know. It is from 7:00 - 8:00 PM Wednesday.

3. Donate $70 for a Salem family in need. This covers a hot Thanksgiving Day meal and Christmas Tree. Partial donations are also being accepted.

4. Cook the above meal if you have the gift of cooking. Email Emily Fitz or call her at 510-316-8470. Meals will be cooked in shifts at Richmond Elementary on Wednesday Noon to 10:00 PM.

5. Serve meals at your local homeless shelter.

6. Buy presents/school supplies for foster children. I pick up and deliver during the month of December!

7. Gather your family around a computer and surf the Plymouth Plantation website. You can pretend you are a Historian investigating the 1^st Thanksgiving or even learn to talk like a pilgrim.

8. Pass out small pieces of paper at the dinner table. Ask everyone to write down 3 things they are grateful for and then take turns sharing them aloud.

9. Turn off the television and break out everyone's favorite board games.

10. Play Nerf or Wii football as a family.

Most importantly, do something different that brings joy to your family. If there is something that you have been doing that seems to be too much work, stop doing it! Families are meant to be together and happy so don't do anything that causes you stress or makes you cranky.

From my family to yours, "Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!"

Anyone who needs a community service idea or to buy or sell real estate can contact me at 503-945-0164 or my website.

Debt to Income Ratio ~ Do you know yours?

Laura Gwyn (Laura Gail Gwyn Properties) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:13:32 -0800

I believe we have good intentions. But life on earth comes with job losses, divorces, reduced hours or pay, and debt. Do we really need all that we have? Or are we looking to fill that void we all carry but hate to admit?

As today marks the beginning of the retail holiday season, I recommend you get a debt check-up. Get out all your bills and complete the following exercise. The media and retailers will be begging you to open your wallets but before you do, you better know your debt to income ratio as it stands today. If a lender today would not give you a loan, we better make some changes in your financial picture. The market is not coming back. This is our new normal.

I asked Trudy Martin, a local loan officer to explain to us how to calculate our debt to income ratio. She has also included an explanation of what lenders mean by "back end" vs. "front end" ratios. Sometimes they use terms we don't understand and I think it makes all of this less scary if we know what they are talking about.

The formula for calculating your debt-to-income ratio is monthly fixed expenses divided by gross monthly income (before taxes and deductions).

Monthly fixed expenses include all debt, such as the following: new house payment or lease, credit card and other revolving credit balances that it will take you longer than 6 months to pay off; car payments, alimony, child support, etc. Do not include grocery, telephone, and utility bills or any debt in the calculation that will be paid off in the next few (3) months.

There are two ratios lenders consider: the ratio of your new house payment including principle, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI) and this ratio is called your "front end ratio". Example: $1450 PITI house payment divided by $5,000 gross monthly income equals a front end ratio of 29%.

Then, there is the "back end ratio". This is all the monthly debts including the new house payment (examples of debts listed above). Using the same house payment and income, let's add $600 per month in debts such as auto loan and credit card payments to the $1450 PITI payment and divide it by $5,000 monthly income. This gives us a "back end ratio" of 41%.

29%/41% are ideal ratios for lenders, however with compensating factors such as reserves in savings, high credit scores, established credit and length of time on the job, lenders are able to analyze these factors and approve up to 50% "back end" debt to income ratios as an industry standard.

The above exercise is for information only. If you are ready to buy a new home now, you should not determine this by yourself. This is to give you the basic math formula and terminology. You can call or email either one of us for assistance. We will help you organize your debt, buy a new home or just establish your goals. The most important thing is to tell someone you need help. We are here for you and all information is strictly confidential.

You can reach Trudy Martin at Resident Lending Group from my Face Book page, emailing her, or her cell 503-949-2468.

They aren't ready to declare, "Recession Over!"

Laura Gwyn (Laura Gail Gwyn Properties) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:48:53 -0700

It's all over the news that our recession is over. Let's be real here folks.

They determined this because our economy grew 3 consistent quarters. It grew because of stimulus driven gains in consumer spending and home building which are now over. Household purchases may have climbed 3.4 percent nationally but we are a long way from where we should be. Here locally, according to the Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Statistics, 2009 is down 14% from 2008, 2008 was down 34% from 2007 and on down from there. So it isn't hard to climb a little after hitting rock bottom.

Can this be sustained in 2010 and generate the much needed jobs for those still unemployed? Will they give us what we need in revising the tax credit that was only given to 1^st time home buyers? We are still waiting for information that will help us tremendously in 2010 so it is a little soon to believe we are out of the recession. I understand what they are saying so don't send me a bunch of hate comments. I just want to make sure everyone knows where we really are. I also don't think my definition of recession is the same as theirs.

Consumer spending accounts for 70% of the economy. Don't hunker down and not spend. I am reminding you to spend wisely. Spend with cash from your need vs. want list.

Grasp this cartoon for a minute. "Official" word on this recession report can't be confirmed yet. Robert Hall, head of the committee that makes this call out of the National Bureau of Economic Research said in August it may take more than a year for their group to reach this conclusion. Let's use this next couple of months wisely. Continue to get your finances in order. If you didn't get help or have someone review your financial picture because you were in shell shock, do it now. I have resources available for you if you feel like you are still trying to stop the bleeding.

This is the perfect time to pay down debt and get organized. I think we have all learned a lot of great lessons in this economy. It has been fantastic for my family. I'll have to tell you about that sometime. Get your numbers organized and let me help you.

Trudy Martin, Resident Lending Group will share how to figure your debt to income ratio Monday on my blog. You need to know where you stand currently and what your goals are. If they open up this tax credit to existing home owners you want to take advantage of it. You probably have already been long overdue down sizing and getting debt cleaned up and out of your life. To get a tax credit on top of it would be a double serving of icing on the cake!

Feel free to contact me directly anytime!

The Band Esterlyn and Bob Caldwell - Outward Church Tues October 27th!!!

Laura Gwyn (Laura Gail Gwyn Properties) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:14:15 -0700

Tuesday October 27, 2009 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Outward Church, 775 Front St NE Salem, OR.

Come join Esterlyn and Pastor Bob Caldwell for an evening of passionate worship and fresh vision for reaching others with the love of Christ! They are visiting Salem, Tuesday, on their Open Your Heart Tour. They do a fabulous job of showing people how to get involved to help their communities. If you have never been to something like this you don't want to miss it! I promise you will leave forever changed, so bring your family and friends.

There will be a required donation of 3 cans of food or non-perishable food items to get in, but bring all you have! Proceeds go to Hope Station, a local food bank in Salem. They are a faith-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing support to working individuals and families in need.

For more information check out their Open Your Heart Tour, or the Esterlyn website.

Haven't heard of them? Listen to their music on myspace and check out their videos on utube! Watch the video to see the inspiration behind the name of their band. She is adorable!

Come have fun, learn, worship and support those in our community!!

Thank you Outward for hosting this great event!

Attn: Salem/Keizer ~ Stimulus Money Available for Down Payment and Closing Costs

Laura Gwyn (Laura Gail Gwyn Properties) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:35:19 -0700

Dear Salem and Keizer Residents;

In July 2008, President Bush signed into law the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA). This legislation includes $4 billion of grant funds for the Emergency Assistance for the Redevelopment of Abandoned and Foreclosed Homes program. Under the HERA, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated $19.6 million in grant funds to the State of Oregon. Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) have allocated $845,564 to the City of Salem and Keizer to provide down payment assistance and potential rehabilitation for families with 120% or less median family income for Salem and Keizer. This figure is up from what they allowed previously!

These funds can only be used for bank owned properties and properties within designated census tract areas. (There are plenty to choose from!) Additional information can be found on the city of Salem website at www.CityOfSalem.net/NSP so read everything on their website before calling them. If you need help let me know. I am learning this information quickly and there are approved lenders to help you.

It is critical that you not get discouraged or disqualify yourself by not taking action. If you do nothing right now, you will still not own a home. If you call me or an approved lender who is educated with these stimulus funds you may get to own a home when you didn't think you could. We are here to help you!

My basic rule of thumb is that if you have a job and feel you can afford the monthly payment but do not have the down payment and closing costs, you are most likely a candidate. There are many programs out there right now to help people get into homes. I will post a separate blog for each program so they are easier to read and refer your friends to.

The first step is to read the websites I posted under "links" on my blog page. Second, email me and let me know that you are interested in the information so I know who you are. Third, schedule a free no obligation pre-qualifying appointment with one of the lenders listed.

There are links to each program you may be qualified for under my links tab on my blog page. So, grab a cup of tea, slip into your pajamas and start reading! This is well worth 15 minutes of your time. If it takes longer than that, schedule an appointment with one of my lenders. They can move you thru it quickly...

Enjoy!

Where on earth do you find a good realtor?

Laura Gwyn (Laura Gail Gwyn Properties) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:48:08 -0700

Our First Business Coffee Conversation ~

In this market, everyone needs a good realtor. A couple of years ago my biggest competitor was the For Sale by Owner. They simply put a sign in the yard with their number and price and it was sold in 2 weeks. But now, we are back to the days I first started working in and everyone needs a realtor. They also need to interview to find the best one. If you don't know what to ask, email me and I will send you the list of questions.

Please consider me when you make that list. My name is Laura Gwyn. I own a small independent real estate company in Salem Oregon. I don’t write very much about myself because I am not at all ego driven and ego driven people drive me nuts. However, in my personal life, I am an open book and you will learn a lot from being around me!

In regards to my professional life: I have been selling real estate full time for over 15 years. I worked in escrow for 5 years before I started selling and this is actually where I probably learned the most about what problems could arise in real estate. Attention to detail is a great way to describe me because in escrow if you get sued the sky is the limit. There is no cap. We were required to have an extremely high level of education and held a lot of responsibility for the escrow transactions we closed. Title Departments, realtors, everyone else, has a limit that they can be sued for with a mistake, but not escrow. I learned a lot during these 5 years and knew immediately I wanted to sell real estate full time and be out with the customers. I worked for the loan department at the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs for 5 years before escrow. This is where I learned a lot about veteran vs. non-veteran loan programs, veteran benefits, etc. I love veterans. They are very cool. Just don’t get me started on all I feel they deserve for fighting for our freedom, getting shot at, blown up and tortured in prison camps.

Personally: Don’t expect more than the girl next door. I am easy to get along with, have a sharp mind, and witty humor. Even though I read a ton I would not consider myself a “brainiac” at all. People tell me all the time I am really smart but I am quick to remind them it is only about real estate. For some reason I know a ton about real estate law, selling, marketing, etc, yet can’t find my car at Walmart. So please know I have seen more earnest money agreements than most realtors see in a life time, but may need to ask for directions occasionally.

This is the part where I add that I am old enough to say things like, “I remember when interest rates were 17 percent,” and “My first house was 10% and we thought that was low.” So, I have been around a long time.

If you are looking for a realtor who needs to sell a lot of houses to get her kid thru college and pay the mortgage, I’m your girl. I do not do this part time or passively. I am honest and up front and will tell you what I think and not what I know you want to hear. My theory is to tell you the truth up front and then let you decide what you want to do. I am conservative in what I promise because I don’t want anyone to make financial decisions on anything but what I feel is reality.

If you are selling something, I will work every day to find you a buyer. If you are buying something, I will go in and negotiate the lowest possible price and terms for you. I hope you give me a chance to interview for the job. I can be reached at 503-945-0164. Call me!