medford: Sometimes It’s a GOOD Thing To Be In The Bottom Five - 06/30/08 07:20 PM
So often we focus on being in the "Top 5...This" or the "Top 10...That". Well, although I have some what of a competitive nature, I was thrilled to read in an article in our local newspaper, the Mail Tribune, that I live and work in a "Bottom Five State". That would be … (3 comments)
|
medford: "Can I Still Get A Stated Income Loan in Oregon"? Alive and Still Kicking…But, Barely - 06/27/08 12:21 PM
This week I realized that amongst my many other reasons to be grateful, reasons like on my last trip to California I loaded up on rice and coffee beans at Trader Joe's before prices shot up, I should be grateful that the majority of loan applications/inquiries I've had lately have been … (3 comments)
|
medford: “Do You Finance Log Homes in Oregon”? - 06/27/08 12:09 PM
I received a referral last week to a person who owns land just outside of Ashland, Oregon in the beautiful tree covered countryside. They bought this land a few years back, and have an outbuilding/shop/living-quarters on it where they'd been living while preparing to build their dream home. At first, they … (0 comments)
|
medford: Living Longer And Lifelong Learning Programs in Southern Oregon - 06/16/08 01:32 PM
While reading about the World Health Organization data reflecting U.S. life expectancy has surpassed 78 years for the first time, and I was reminded of one of the many reasons my family and I relocated to Southern Oregon in 2004, educational opportunities for children and adults. At this week's Rotary Club of Ashland meeting, … (0 comments)
|
medford: Southern Oregon Home Buyers! Can We Talk? BEFORE You Spend George W’s Tax Rebate? - 05/16/08 01:11 PM
Calling all Jackson County Oregon First Time Home Buyers who have a tax rebate on its way. What are you going to do with it? Take a vacation? Go on a mad spending spree? Or, leverage it in to becoming part of your retirement fund while providing your family the … (3 comments)
|
medford: Calling All Jackson County Oregon Real Estate Investors Don’t Stop Now!!! - 05/15/08 10:53 PM
Southern Oregon Investors: Have you already purchased and financed 10 investment properties, and are now being told by your lender you will be unable to take advantage of the many buying opportunities we are seeing in our current local real estate market? You have good credit, you can qualify with full … (0 comments)
|
medford: Calling All Jackson County Oregon Eligible Veterans! Would $25,000 Help You Buy A Home? - 05/15/08 06:48 PM
Jackson County Oregon eligible Veterans, if you could get up to $25,000 in down payment assistance, would you buy a home? If the State of Oregon's Veterans Home Loan program wanted to give you a 30 year fixed rate mortgage with an interest rate of 5.25% for 1% point … (2 comments)
|
medford: Families With Children Have So Much To Do In Southern Oregon In The Summertime! - 05/15/08 05:57 PM
Our temperatures here in Southern Oregon will have their first brush with 100 degrees today, and it reminded me that we have so many fun events to look forward to during the summertime! From the arts to water play, are kids will only bored if we want them to be, as … (7 comments)
|
medford: California “50 Somethings” Ready to Begin Their Steps to Retire? - 05/15/08 12:59 PM
I've been checking in with some of my Southern California clients since I learned one of the latest banks to begin freezing home equity lines of credit, National City, had pulled the plug on homeowners who are seeing declining values in their market areas. Some common threads have been emerging in … (2 comments)
|
medford: Oregon Vet State Home Loan Program Affected By Recent MI Company Changes - 04/25/08 09:52 AM
Our Oregon State Veterans' Home Loan Program has been affected by the recent changes the mortgage insurance companies have made, the same as the recent changes made to the Oregon Bond Loan.
Unlike the Federal VA home loan program, the Oregon program is underwritten to Fannie Mae guidelines, and loans greater … (0 comments)
|
medford: Now Is The Time For Us To Swing This Pendulum Back To The Middle! (Part 2 of 3 – Low-to-Moderate Income, Workforce Buyers) - 04/03/08 05:06 PM
In the almost 25 years I've been in the real estate and finance world, I've come across many programs that effectively contribute to sustainable homeownership for owner occupants. These programs may work for buyers qualifying for Conventional, FHA, VA, even Jumbo loan programs, but most require buyers take fixed rate loans, not … (0 comments)
|
medford: Now Is The Time For Us To Swing This Pendulum Back To The Middle! (Part 1 of 3) - 04/03/08 04:48 PM
Wonderful news! Oregon Affordable Housing advocates have helped secure much needed funds to help retain low-cost rental housing units, funding that will include saving 667 apartment units in Jackson County, Oregon, keeping these units from being sold at market rates when their contracts expire soon. With the low rents maintained to … (0 comments)
|
medford: Pear Blossom Festival for Medford Oregon is Just Around the Corner - 03/14/08 04:09 PM
Daylight Savings Time is here, and it won't be long before our favorite Springtime events are here.
The Medford 2008 Pear Blossom Festival kicks off with The Junior and Senior Royalty Coronations held on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at the North Medford High Auditorium, Jr. Royalty beginning at 9:00am and Sr. Royalty beginning … (4 comments)
|
medford: Rotary Club of Ashland Speaker Discusses Oregon Economy - 03/14/08 02:27 PM
At this Thursday's Rotary Club of Ashland Meeting, guest speakerDr. Tom Potiowsky, the Oregon State Economist, spoke about the effects the national economy will have on the Oregon economy. Dr. Potiowsky emphasized the affect the housing market has had on the wood products and construction industry, and although Oregon's economy will be … (3 comments)
|
medford: Oregon Veterans Home Loan Now at 5.50%/5.375% - 03/13/08 08:23 PM
Like the Oregon Bond Loan's RateAdvantage and CashAdvantage programs, the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs will be increasing their available interest rates for new applications effective Friday, March 14, 2008. Their new 15-to-30-year fixed-rate/loan fee options will be:
* 5.375% with a 1.5% loan origination fee, or,
* 5.5% with a 1.% loan … (0 comments)
|
medford: Table Rock Fellowship of Medford Oregon Steps Up to Help Habitat for Humanity Rogue Valley Build Their Next Home - 03/10/08 01:44 PM
Table Rock Fellowship is a nondenominational Christian fellowship church that has grown to become one of the Rogue Valley's mega churches. In spite of roughly 3,000 weekly attendees at this church, it has remained a down-to-earth, friendly church offering many programs and link groups to its members looking to find the right … (8 comments)
|
medford: Rogue Valley Manor’s Contribution to Southern Oregon - 03/06/08 11:12 PM
From most places in the Rogue Valley in Oregon, you will see a very recognizable property on Barneburg Hill on the East side of the Interstate 5 Freeway. These two tall buildings are part of the Rogue Valley Manor property, a property that has grown to 668 acres which include two golf … (2 comments)
|
medford: Oregon Bond Loan Rate Volatility - 03/06/08 07:11 PM
We just received notification from the State that they reserve the right to adjust the interest rate on the Oregon Bond Loan programs, RateAdvantage and CashAdvantage, just as any market interest rate published by the banks and lending companies. Lending professionals will need to check the Oregon Bond Loan's Reservations website … (2 comments)
|
medford: MCC A Better Alternative Than Oregon Bond? Maybe, With The Newest Interest Rates - 02/29/08 02:24 PM
The State of Oregon's Bond Loan Program for first time homebuyers will have higher interest rates on Monday. Effective March 3, 2008, the RateAdvantage interest rate will go up to 5.40% and the CashAdvantage interest rate will go up to 5.90%.
I recently did an article comparing the Oregon Bond loans to the … (4 comments)
|
medford: Delightful Ranch-Style Home in Desirable Old East Medford Neighborhood on Quiet Residential Street - 02/28/08 11:23 PM
… (2 comments)
|
medford: How Low Can It Go? How About 4.875% For An Oregon Vet 15 to 30 Year Fixed Rate Loan? - 02/05/08 09:28 PM
Interest rates have been hovering at historic lows for quite a while. It has been several years since I've seen the 30 year fixed rates dip below 5%, though. For qualifying Oregon Vets choosing the Oregon Vet Loan, the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs says 5% just isn't low enough!
Effective February … (4 comments)
|
medford: Southern Oregon – More Than a Vacationer’s Paradise - 01/30/08 11:38 PM
As you might be able to tell by some of my Localism posts about the many wonderful places to see and experience, I think that Southern Oregon is not only a wonderful place to visit, but an amazing place to live.
When my family decided to make the move to … (9 comments)
|
medford: “Back to Nature” - Jacksonville Woodlands Historic Natural Park and Trail System, in Historic Jacksonville, Oregon - 01/28/08 09:48 PM
The discovery of Gold in the Oregon Territory at Rich Gulch in 1851 created the boom town of Jacksonville, Oregon, like many of those towns established in the California Gold Rush of 1849. The resulting gold rush fever quickly created the prosperity of Jacksonville, the hub of commerce as well as the County … (10 comments)
|
medford: “Back to Nature”-Upper & Lower Table Rocks in Medford/Central Point Area, Oregon - 01/28/08 09:14 PM
Two of the most prominent topographic features in the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon are Upper and Lower Table Rocks. These mesa buttes rise immediately above the north bank of the Rogue River near Tou Velle State Park in southwestern Oregon, between Sams Valley and Central Point, providing amazing vistas of the surrounding Cascade … (7 comments)
|
medford: More Affordable Housing for Rogue Valley - 01/23/08 11:54 PM
Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation (RVCDC) held their annual meeting tonight in Ashland, Oregon at the Ashland Community Center across from Lithia Park. Created in 1990 to work with low-to-moderate income people, this non-profit corporation has successfully developed 42 units, and has 14 units under development with the hope of soon pushing … (1 comments)
|
medford: Declining Market Designation? Maybe, Maybe Not For the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon! - 01/13/08 10:54 PM
In December 2007, Fannie Mae instituted a requirement that maximum loan-to-value ratios be reduced for loans they make on properties deemed to be in a declining market area, either by the appraiser or by secondary verification sources such as Moody's/Case-Shiller House Price Index.
Depending on which list you look at, cities in … (7 comments)
|
medford: Rogue Valley Habitat for Humanity Dedicates 2 Homes January 12, 2008 - 01/11/08 10:48 PM
In this day and age when affordable housing is such a challenge to come by, it is wonderful that Rogue Valley Habitat for Humanity will dedicate two homes in Medford, Oregon on Saturday at 2PM.
What a rewarding day this will be! Not only for the 14 lives about to change with … (10 comments)
|
medford: Home Loan Financing for a Part Time Farm/Ranch - 01/08/08 09:53 PM
See you at the closing table!
Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com
… (8 comments)
|
medford: First Time Buyer Resources - (Part 5 - Homebuyer Education) - 01/08/08 10:12 AM
Homebuyer education courses can be an invaluable tool for the First Time Homebuyer. They provide details on the many facets of homeownership, from preparing for the process, through the house hunt, all the way through to responsibilities of maintaining homeownership.
Not all homebuyer education classes are the same. Many real estate brokers and lenders … (5 comments)
|
medford: First Time Home Buyer Resources (Part 2– Purchase Assistance Loan - PAL) - 01/07/08 01:34 PM
Many States, Cities and Counties offer Down Payment Assistance Loan programsto first time homebuyers whose income is low-to-moderate. Each program participant establishes the criteria for their local area. Usually, these loans are for homebuyers earning up to 80% of the HUD median income for their County and family size. Many of … (6 comments)
|
medford: Where Do We Go From Here Jackson County Oregon? - 01/02/08 12:45 AM
Like Alecia Barnes, a real estate broker in Albany, Oregon, I believe that 2008 is going to be great. Well, here in Jackson County, Southern Oregon, the residents of Ashland - Talent - Phoenix - Jacksonville - Ruch - Medford - Central Point - White City - Eagle Point - Shady … (2 comments)
|
medford: Is It Time To Refinance That Re-Setting Adjustable? - 12/14/07 04:06 PM
So, Jackson County Oregon Homeowners, is it time to refinance?
Are you an Ashland - Talent - Phoenix - Medford - Jacksonville - Central Point - Eagle Point - Ruch, Oregon homeowner who took out an Option ARM? Have you called your CPA for the 3rd time to confirm you made … (0 comments)
|
medford: Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley Youth Choruses Strike Medford Again! - 12/02/07 07:56 PM
Last night was the Winter Finale Performance of the Rogue Valley Youth Choruses, and what a wonderful performance it was!
"A Harvest of Song"was presented at North Medford High School's Lynn Sjolund Auditorium, with all four choruses - Rogue Valley You Ensemble, Directed by Pam Nordquist; Discovery Chorus, Directed by Sandy Roney; … (0 comments)
|
medford: Medford Ranked Safest City in Oregon - 11/30/07 11:27 PM
Well, she's done it again! The Mail Tribune reported that Medford has hit the FBI's list as the safest city of more than 75,000 residents. She ranked 35th in the Nation. High community involvement from volunteerism to activism play a part in this City's success.
Whether you want to visit or … (2 comments)
|
medford: Holiday Giving In the Spirit of the Season - 11/28/07 06:43 PM
Several years ago, our family decided to stop gifting to adults for Christmas and Hanukkah. We have been truly blessed with our needs being met. Our family is large and the holiday shopping was becoming a source of stress for some of us, with some family members exceeding their budgets, going in to debt to … (0 comments)
|
medford: "ABC's of Homebuying" HUD approved Course Saturday December 8th - 11/26/07 03:53 PM
It's that time again! Every two months, Southern Oregon Housing Resource Center/ACCESS Inc. puts on the HUD approved "ABC's of Homebuying" course at Rogue Community College campuses, alternating between Medford and Grants Pass. The next class will be on December 8th from 9 - 4 at the Medford RCC Campus located … (0 comments)
|
medford: First Time Home Buyers Finding Great Deals! - 11/16/07 03:56 PM
With all the focus on the negative in today's news, I thought I'd throw in a couple of positive scenarios.
#1 Transaction closed September 2007:
A young couple decided the time was right for them to buy their first home. They were married a year and a half ago, have been … (2 comments)
|
medford: Medford Oregon Makes the List - Again! - 11/15/07 12:16 PM
So, you are a Baby Boomer looking to slow down the pace in your life. The kids are grown and on their own, or maybe you didn't choose to HAVE kids, having focused your attention on your career, hobbies and travels. In your mid-forties on up to 70+ years old, is … (9 comments)
|
medford: New Affordable Housing in Medford - 11/08/07 08:14 PM
Have you heard of the Grape Street Village Project being built by Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation (RVCDC) at Grape and 11th in West Medford? Unlike the Mutual Self-Help project RVCDC is building in Ashland, this project will only require 100 hours of sweat equity from the buyers. These will be … (0 comments)
|
medford: New Affordable Housing in White City - 11/05/07 11:41 PM
I was happy to read in our local newspaper that a new Affordable Housing construction project is almost ready in White City, an unincorporated area just north of Medford. Auburn Estates is the name of this development and it looks like a great place for families. Only recently have we seen prices reach this … (0 comments)
|
medford: Prime Time Networking Event a Big Success - 10/24/07 10:24 AM
Last night's Prime Time Networking Event for The Chamber of Medford/Jackson County was a big success! It was held at the Medford Red Lion Hotel, and was sold out, with almost 70 of our local businesses represented. Attendance was strong, with much local support.
Quality Home Loans held a drawing for a … (0 comments)
|
medford: Help for Jackson County Homeowners Facing Large Payment Increase - 10/13/07 05:33 PM
Are You, Or Is Someone You Know, Facing a Large Payment Increase on Your Mortgage Soon?
You are not alone! The real estate market has been a favorable one for several years, but the market has slowed. If you are facing the prospect of defaulting on your mortgage, unable to make … (0 comments)
|
;)
Links;)
Tags (Tag Cloud);)
Archives
