Lorie's Blog

Great Community - Battle Ground, WA

Lorie Carroll (RE/MAX equity group) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:27:48 -0600

Battle Ground, Washington has the greatest sense of community!

Every year Battle Gound, WA has a great Halloween tradition. All of the businesses along Main Street set up shop out in front of their stores to hand out Trick-or-Treats. There are crossing guards at every intersection. Hundreds of children attend this event. This year it was held on Friday the 30th to accomodate businesses that aren't open on Saturdays. It was a great turn out.

This event is just one of many that make Battle Ground stand out as a great community that I'm very happy to live in!

If you'd like to learn more about Battle Ground Real Estate give me a call.

Lorie Carroll
REMAX Equity Group
(360) 828-2092

Lady Bug Bazaar - Battle Ground, WA

Lorie Carroll (RE/MAX equity group) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:45:48 -0500

Get ready! It's almost time for the annual Lady Bug Bazaar.

What: The annual Lady Bug Bazaar is an event not to be missed. It's held every year on the first Saturday in November.
When: November 7, 2009. 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Where: Battle Ground High School. Both Gyms.

I'm hooked on this HUGE event. There are crafts, housewares, toys, food and more. Put on yearly since 1967 by the GFWC (Good Friends Who Care), it is the largest non-commercial bazaar in Southwest Washington.

Check it out on Facebook

www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115968906216

Good Friends Who Care website:

http://www.gfwc-battlegroundwa.org/GFWC_Battle_Ground,_WA/Welcome.html

A True FHA Story - Cashing an $8017.55 First Time Home Buyer IRS Check

Lorie Carroll (RE/MAX equity group) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:07:47 -0500

Via Chris Brown - Florida's #1 FHA Mortgage Broker | Syndicated Mortgage Blogger (www.OrlandoMortgagePro.com):

Watch the Fox 35 Video here.

Andrea Tlumacki was one of the people not afraid to take the plunge... and she has been rewarded for it! With the deadline of the $8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit approaching - it is urgent to develop a plan of execution. Most people are focused on the restriction of closing before the expiration of Nov. 30th. Fair enough... but many are not building a time line in order to establish milestones that one needs to meet if they desire to witness the delivery of an $8000 Treasury check. This is done by finding the advice of both a rock-solid Realtor and a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist. Andrea Tlumacki did. Expert real estate advice from J. Robert Brown - owner of Prefer 1 Real Estate - proved priceless. Not only was she able to nail down a low mortgage rate of 4.500%, but received unparalleled direction from Robert Brown's corporate-world experience to get a purchase price that would make an investor envious. In her interview with Andrea, Tracy Jacim states, "time is running out," and the time to delay is over. Many of us are familiar with Student Syndrome - but the need to:

get approved for a mortgage,

identify a dream home, and

go-under-contract

...has a time line of about a week. Sure, things can be closed a somewhat faster in the proper circumstances, but as volume elevates in the weeks ahead for lenders, the length of time it takes to actually close will be increase. In other words... it is important to engage in the Orlando Real Estate process quickly if you hope to benefit from the First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit before it expires.
Chris is Florida's #1 FHA Mortgage Broker and a syndicated mortgage blogger. He is regular contributor to the three leading industry blog-fronts including The Mortgage Chili Blog, My FHA Mortgage Blog, Top of Mind Networks, and proudly the newest contributor to Lenderama. Chris can be found at Orlando FHA Loans, Chris[at]OrlandoMortgagePro[dot]com, or by calling 407.377.0500 x 210

A few helpful ways to expedite your home puurchase to guarantee the federal tax credit

Lorie Carroll (RE/MAX equity group) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:02:44 -0500

Via Rachel Tyndall (REMAX PV & EXECS):
Need to rush your home purchase? Here's how

The $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit runs out Nov. 30, but it can take 45-60 days to close on a home. Here are 4 ways to expedite your home purchase so you can take advantage of this federal freebie.

By Lisa Scherzer of SmartMoney

The days are numbered for the $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time homebuyers.

The credit expires on Nov. 30 - a deadline that's putting pressure on would-be homeowners trying to take advantage of a real-estate market on the mend.

"Most first-time homebuyers understand that time is running out. Now they need to understand how little time is left to get into action," says Jay Papasan, the vice president of publishing for Keller Williams Realty and co-author of "Your First Home: The Proven Path to Ownership."

In the current housing market, it takes about 45 to 60 days to close on a home from the time you have an accepted offer, Papasan says. So buyers should have their offer accepted no later than mid-October if they're trying to make the Nov. 30 deadline. (For information on who can qualify for the credit, check the IRS Web site.)

Several bills have been introduced in Congress to extend the credit by six months to give the real-estate market another boost, though they are still up for debate. The National Association of Realtors estimates that the credit has generated 350,000 home sales this year. Moody's Economy.com puts the number at 400,000.

The process of buying a home is neither quick nor easy. Compiling your financial paperwork, applying for a loan, negotiating an offer and signing contracts can take months. And that's if everything goes smoothly. There are myriad ways homebuyers - especially novices - can get tripped up by the process.

Here are four strategies that can expedite a closing.

1. Make sure you're liquid
When it's time to make a down payment, homebuyers should make sure they have enough cash available. Their funds should not be tied up in a stock portfolio, 401(k) plan or other investment that could delay the money by days.

Using gift money for a down payment is another potential snag for homebuyers. Say your parents gifted you the $60,000 you'd need for a down payment on a new house. The bank underwriting your mortgage needs a paper trail to track the money's origin, says David Hanna, president of the Chicago Association of Realtors. Money that suddenly shows up in your account can raise a red flag. Buyers should expect a thorough financial examination, a process that "won't necessarily derail [a] transaction," Hanna says. "But it will slow it down."

2. Forget about short sales
A short sale occurs when a homeowner is no longer able to make his mortgage payments and owes more on his home loan than what it can fetch in the current market.

They're attractive from a price point, but they can take months to close. So if you're after the tax credit, "you have no business looking at short sales," says Steven Senter, a real-estate broker and the owner of Keller Williams Fox Valley Realty in St. Charles, Ill. When making an offer on a short sale, not only does the seller have to accept the offer, but the bank must accept and approve it, too - and that can take awhile. "There's no guarantee on when the bank is going to approve it - it may approve it in 30 days, maybe in 300 days," Senter says.

3. Don't go on a shopping spree before you close
Refrain from making big purchases on a credit card before closing on the home and completing the transaction, Papasan says.

Big buys can trigger concern because a buyer's debt-to-income ratio is usually the most important factor lenders use to determine how much they can borrow. This ratio compares the amount you earn to the amount you owe (including credit-card debt, student loans and car loans). Once you enter into the loan application process, that ratio is set. If you're in the middle of securing financing, buying a $5,000 living room set might throw that balance off. Any increase in credit-card debt can come under scrutiny from a lender, who may be looking at buyers' credit reports until the day of the closing. It can also prompt an inquiry on your credit report, which then might have a negative impact - albeit a slight one - on your credit score.

4. Be aware of closing costs
Each state has its own closing requirements, and first-time buyers should know in advance what and how much they're required to cover. For example, in Maryland, the buyer pays the closing costs. In most states, the buyer and seller share the costs. In many states, closing costs must be paid in cash at the closing.

Buyers "need to hold onto every penny until they make sure they get it done," Papasan says. "You don't want to be short at the last minute."

I hope you found this information helpful. Happy hosue hunting! :)

Mortgage Delinquencies - The Coming Storm

Lorie Carroll (RE/MAX equity group) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:08:51 -0500

Via Jeff Geoghan MBA - Lancaster PA Real Estate Expert (The Jeff Geoghan Realty Group, Coldwell Banker Lancaster PA):
This is one of those posts where I wish I didn't have to write it, but felt it was so important to my readers that I would be remiss not to at least talk about it.

Everyone out there probably knows somebody who is behind on their mortgage payments, looking for alternatives and likely also just finding out that their home's value has dipped below what their loan amount is. I know some within my own personal circles. It's a tough situation for me to advise them as a professional because it's such a personal challenge to their pride and self-worth, not to mention their plans and dreams for the family. The question we're asking is "when is this going to stop and where are we heading?"

I'm going to put up a few graphs that show the trends nationally with regards to mortgage delinquincies:

This chart is by quarter - Single-family mortgages set a new record delinquency rate in the second quarter of 2009, according to a quarterly survey by the Mortgage Bankers Association. Those of us in the real estate business see the foreclosure process (just visit the local Sheriff Sale docket to see the current numbers) but the looming delinqency-to-foreclosure issue is far, far larger.

The Wall Street Journal on 8/3/09 reported the following quote: “While subprime mortgages sparked the first round of housing problems two years ago, now "troubles are lurking further up the food chain," says Joshua Shapiro, chief U.S. economist at MFR Inc. White-collar job losses have accelerated while more adjustable-rate loans to prime borrowers are resetting to higher payments. ‘You put all that together, it leads me to believe that the next leg down on home prices is going to come from the top,’ he says.”

The first objection someone may have would be to say "yes, but historically those who are delinqent usually get their act together and come current on the mortgage after a while". That WAS true, but not anymore! We call that the "Cure Rate", that is the rate of delinquencies that go back to current. The Wall Street Journal reported on 8/24/09 about a Fitch analysis that found that the Cure Rate from 2000-2006 was 45% (which means about half of people fix their delinquency). However, as of July 2009 the rate had dropped to just 6.6%! That means that over 90% of delinquent customers are going to foreclosure. Take a look again at the above chart...

The next thing someone will say is "well, that's the 'sand states' and not my area". Here's the chart for all 50 states showing the same breakdown of delinquencies and foreclosures. Guess what - most states have a significant problem, especially compared to historical figures.

Now the next thing someone may say is "aren't those loans going to get 'fixed' by a loan modification?" I know several people right now who are applying for a Lancaster County loan modification but are waiting and waiting. I hope it works out for them...

In reality, loan modifications are hardly making a dent. To me, that's a burning question. Why arent banks being more aggressive in giving customers the option to extend their loan and/or reset to a lower rate? Why are they being SO difficult? The people I know don't want to be foreclosed. They CAN make payments. They just need the terms redrawn to allow them to catch & keep up. Loan modifications are not helping us get this crisis under control.

What are the causes of all these delinquencies? Here's a chart that is enlightening:

We hear a lot about adjustable rate mortgages being the culprit, but the reality is that it's the loss of jobs and the tanking real estate market that's the perfect storm. See my previous post on unemployment in the nation, the state and Lancaster County.

Keep in mind, this post is not intended to give us "good news". You may be experiencing good things in your market and that's great. My intent is to get us thinking about the challenges that aren't going away and how we're going to address them as homeowners, agents and professionals. I'd love to hear your ideas!

Under market Value - Ready to move-in

Lorie Carroll (RE/MAX equity group) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:56:58 -0500

Lorie Carroll | RE/MAX equity group | 360-828-2092

1115 NW 114th Cir, Vancouver, WA

Fabulous move-in Ready Home in a Great Neighborhood

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $299,000

Year Built 2001

Sq Footage 2,465

Bedrooms 3

Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial

Floors Unspecified

Parking Unspecified

Lot Size 6,000 sqft

HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Great neighborhood of mostly newer homes. Large corner lot with RV Parking. Generous sized kitchen features Maple cabinets with brushed nickel fixtures. Elegant french doors separate the formal dining room from the formal living room. The Master bathroom is enormous and features a jetted tub alongside a separate shower. Large laundry room upstairs. The fenced back yard features extensive decks and raised flower beds.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Central heat - Walk-in closet

- Family room - Living room - Bonus/Rec room

- Dining room - Dishwasher - Stove/Oven

- Microwave - Laundry area - inside - Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Large Corner lot

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Great corner lot

Spacious Kitchen

Family Room w/French door

Formal Dining Room

Formal Living Room

Master bedroom w/window s

Contact info:

Lorie Carroll

RE/MAX equity group

360-828-2092

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 21, 2009, 9:16am PDT

Amboy, WA Acreage

Lorie Carroll (RE/MAX equity group) — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:44:59 -0500

Lorie Carroll | RE/MAX equity group | 360-828-2092

399th, Amboy, WA

Beautiful Territorial Views on Acreage

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $299,000

Year Built 1973

Sq Footage 2,776

Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial

Floors 2

Parking 3 Car garage

Lot Size 4.21 acres

HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

ALL OFFERS CONSIDERED!!! Wonderful move-in ready home. Just minutes to Lake Merwin. 35 min to PDX. Great 18 X 27 ft shop, pasture, apple trees, grapes, blueberries, roses, gated entry and private road. New kitchen cabinets, newer appliances, overhead flourescents in kitchen, 2 large decks for entertaining. Room for RV, horse, any toys you like! Incredible deal on the great home!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central heat - Fireplace - Family room

- Living room - Bonus/Rec room - Dining room

- Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven

- Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Separate Shop/Garage

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1

Photo 3

Photo 5

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 1

Contact info:

Lorie Carroll

RE/MAX equity group

360-828-2092

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 14, 2009, 10:17am PDT

Arc in Motion - Vancouver, WA

Lorie Carroll (RE/MAX equity group) — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:38:39 -0500

When?

Saturday, June 14,2008
9:00am - 1:00pm
The Arc Family Center
6511 East 18th St.
Vancouver, WA

What?

The Arc in Motion is a community event designed for all ages and abilities, we welcome casual and competitive athletes to participate in our 1st annual event to promote an inclusive community.
Join us on the beautiful Burnt Bridge Creek Trail, located directly behind the Arc Family Center, for your choice of a 5K walk or 10K run, followed by carnival games, food, fun and entertainment in Alexi's Garden, the Arc Family Center Playground.

REGISTER TODAY: Individuals and Families: go to the registration page, print the registration form (remember to print one for each participant, including the kids) and mail with payment and signed waiver to: Arc in Motion, 9415 NE Fourth Plain Rd, Vancouver, WA 98662 OR to register and pay online follow the link on the registration page. To register your team of ten or more please have the "team captain" register first then be sure each team member lists the team captain on their registration form. Challenge your co-workers or classmates!

INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISING: Raise additional funds to support people with developmental disabilities by printing the pledge form and asking family, friends and neighbors to support your efforts! Prizes will be awarded to the top three fundraising teams and individuals.

ALEXI'S RUN: Kids 12 and under are invited to walk/run this free 1/2 mile loop to benefit "Alexi's Garden", the Arc Family Center Playground. Collect pledges from family and friends to help maintain this beautiful playground. To learn more about "Alexi's Garden" visit www.arcfamilycenter.org. Kids must register and have parent signed waiver.

To register or donate click here: http://www.arcinmotion.org/arc_in_motion_003.htm

Why are Single level homes so hard to find in Vancouver, WA

Lorie Carroll (RE/MAX equity group) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:50:01 -0500

I recently did some research on single level homes here in beautiful Vancouver, WA. What I found was really interesting. There are roughly 4,300 homes for sale right now in Clark County. Out of those, only 24 homes are single level with a 3 car garage. With so many people at an age where they really don't want to travel up and down stairs any more, why haven't builders figured out there is a need for this type of home?
Let's look at the factors at work here:
The county determines lot sizes based on zoning. With the Urban growth boundaries builders are forced into high density sites.
Lots have gotten to be so expensive that in order to make any kind of profit, a builder needs to build a larger square footage home. This is what leads most builders to have to build up instead of out.
There are actually several builders locally who would love to build single story homes, but with the price of land these days, it just doesn't make sense.
In order to build on larger lots, you're going to need to be outside of these boundaries.
The prices for these single level homes range from $414,000 on a 7000 sq. ft. lot up to $679,000 on a 10,000 sq. ft. lot. If you or someone you know is having difficulty finding a home like this, let me tell you about an opportunity.
We have 4 single level homes with 3 car garages. They range from 2233 - 2241 sq. ft. The lots range from 8854 sq. ft. up to 14,180. They truly are the best priced and best built in the county in my opinion.
To view pictures of a finished home visit: http://www.clarkcountyhomesnow.com/viewhome.asp?MLSArea=RMLS&HomeID=7117221

Lorie Carroll | RE/MAX equity group | 360-828-2092

7308 NW 13th Ct., Vancouver, WA

Single Level on large lot w/3 car garage

4 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $429,900

Year Built 2008

Sq Footage 2,233
Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial
Floors 1

Parking 3 Car garage
Lot Size 14,400 sqft
HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Amazingly big kitchen with a great layout including GE appliances with gas range, beautiful granite counters, Island w/eating bar, hardwood floors, stylish maple cabinets. The dining room opens onto the covered patio overlooking a private oasis.

Huge back yard is landscaped with sprinklers and possible RV parking.

Master suite features french doors on entry, coved ceiling, soaking tub with separate shower and big walk in closet.

Cedar fencing, extremely large back yard, covered patio, front landscaping with sprinkler system.

see additional photos below



PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat Fireplace High/Vaulted ceiling
Walk-in closet Hardwood floor Living room
Breakfast nook Dishwasher Stove/Oven
Microwave Granite countertop Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio Yard



COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking Lake

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

fenced, covered patio, sprinklers
10 Minutes to Portland

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:



Lorie Carroll
RE/MAX equity group
360-828-2092

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Apr 9, 2008, 11:26am PDT

Single Level New Construction Vancouver Washington

Lorie Carroll (RE/MAX equity group) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:22:50 -0500

Gorgeous new construction in a lovely established neighborhood.
Home is 2233 sq. ft. on a 14,400 sq. ft. lot. Amazingly open kitchen with granite countertops, gas range, hardwood floors and huge walk in pantry. Great room concept with a full height stone fireplace, dining room overlooking covered deck and enormous fenced yard. Mud/Utility room, beautiful master suite with french doors and coffered ceiling.
Just blocks to the Lake in desirable Lakeshore area.
4 bd, 2 1/2 baths offered at $429,900
To see more pictures visit: http://www.ClarkCountyHomesNow.com
or call Lorie Carroll (360) 828-2092 to schedule a tour.

Desirable Westridge Place home - Vancouver, WA

Lorie Carroll (RE/MAX equity group) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:28:58 -0500

This home features hardwood floors throughout the lower level. Formal living room, nice sized kitchen with butcher block island and gas appliances looks out onto the private treed yard. The master suite is vaulted with a soak tub/separate shower and walk-in closet. Additional rooms include a main floor office/den and upstairs a lofted bonus room. Beautifully treed Easy care yard with micro sprinklers on a timer. You'll find Cherry, plum, apples and maple trees in the spacious yard. Truly a must see. Walking distance from Illahee, Shahala and Union schools.
3 Bedrooms, Bonus & Den, 2 1/2 bathrooms on large treed lot. 2341 Sq. Ft. Offered at $349,900
To see more pictures visit:
http://www.clarkcountyhomesnow.com/
or call Lorie Carroll (360) 828-2092

3598 Sq Ft Custom Home on 1 acre for sale In Brush Prairie, WA

Lorie Carroll (RE/MAX equity group) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 19:16:20 -0500

Includes 798 SF unfinished basement w/full bathroom & French doors to outside. 9 ft ceilings, security system, water filtration system, 2 water heaters & central vac. Kitchen features stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops. Wide lighted staircase. Main level den could be BR. Master suite w/vaulted ceiling, HUGE walk-in closet & jetted tub. Large Bonus Room. Highly sought after Hockinson schools. To see more pictures visit:
http://www.ClarkCountyHomesNow.com
or call Lorie Carroll (360) 828-2092

Vancouver WA - Immaculate Ranch $234,950

Lorie Carroll (RE/MAX equity group) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 18:15:41 -0500

Immaculate ranch on large corner lot. Vaulted ceilings, Pergo floors, new paint inside & out, formal living room. A/C, upgraded lighting, new stainless appliances, large patio w/gas line. Boat/Trailer parking, Outstanding landscaping, sprinklers. There is not another ranch out there this nice at this price!

For more pictures visit http://www.ClarkCountyHomesNow.com
or Call Lorie Carroll (360) 828-2092

Vancouver Wa Real Estate for Sale - Old Evergreen Hwy

Lorie Carroll (RE/MAX equity group) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 18:08:46 -0500

Lorie Carroll | RE/MAX equity group | 360-828-2092

7520 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver, WA

Million Dollar view home on Gated lot

5 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $550,000

Year Built 2004

Sq Footage 3,248

Bedrooms 5

Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial

Floors 2

Parking 3 Car garage

Lot Size .31 acres

HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Gorgeous custom that was builders own home. Stately entry to living room with 20 Ft ceilings. Spacious Gourmet kitchen with 6 burner gas cook top, granite counters, built in Miele espresso maker, wet bar. Luxurious master suite features vaults, bathroom with travertine floor and counters, his/hers walk-in closets and sitting area. Gated private road, River and lights views.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C Central heat Fireplace

High/Vaulted ceiling Walk-in closet Hardwood floor

Tile floor Family room Living room

Bonus/Rec room Dining room Breakfast nook

Dishwasher Stove/Oven Microwave

Granite countertop Stainless steel appliances Laundry area - inside

Balcony, Deck, or Patio Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Gated property

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Worth a tour Today!

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Lorie Carroll

RE/MAX equity group

360-828-2092

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 12, 2008, 11:52am PDT

Fisher's Landing 1st Time homebuyer opportunity

Lorie Carroll (RE/MAX equity group) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:59:45 -0500

Super cute move-in ready home in desirable Fisher's Landing. 3 Bedroom, 2 1/2 bath right across from the park! 1642 Square feet. Great floor plan featuring laminate floors and designer paint. Indoor laundry, pantry, upstairs desk area. Master suite with walk-in closet. Low maintenance yard w/sprinklers. Includes refridgerator, washer and dryer. Great neighbors! Offered at only $239,950. Home for sale!

For more information see http://www.ClarkCountyHomesNow.com