Washington Square in Tigard, Oregon again has the breakfast with Santa - 11/30/07 11:35 AM
Saturday, December 1st marks our 5th annual breakfast with Santa. You see, every year Washington Square mall in Tigard, Oregon opens it doors early, and for $5 each they open the food court and cook up a great buffet style breakfast.

About 30 minutes after breakfast is served, Mrs. Claus shows up and has a little show that includes songs and a magic show that the kids love!Then you hear sleigh bells... and she asks all the kids if they hear that? And she gets on her phone and says, guess who is here? Then the big man himself steps out … (5 comments)

How dare you call me and tell me I’m that old! - 11/30/07 12:43 AM
Can you believe this call, especially on a day like today when my head hurt, my back hurt (because I sneezed), and I just didn't feel good already. Someone called me out of the blue, and dared to tell me I was old!
Why did they do this? They dared asked me if I was coming to my 20 year high school reunion? What? That can't be? I'm not that old! I had to come to the realization that I am getting that old and here was the proof!
The 5 year reunion was to put in place to see what … (27 comments)

A card is nice, but giving back can be even better - 11/29/07 01:23 AM
Recently I've read some great articles about Xerox offering to send cards to service men, but what about their families here back in Oregon who's incomes have been cut by their spouses being over seas?
What is Oregon doing about that? Well thanks to a local talk show host Lars Larson, we have the Hometown Heroes program. This program helps families that are left behind by war, and sometimes can't afford the simple things.
This program was set up so people could volunteer their services to help family members of those who are at war protecting our country. You see, if … (13 comments)

In Default in Oregon, don’t get conned by the “We will buy your home and lease option it back to you scam” - 11/26/07 01:27 PM
Why do I say this is a scam? In some states the banks won't allow you to purchase the home at a discount with the intent of selling it back to the person in default. It is mortgage fraud!
The second reason is, even if it isn't written into the deed that they buyer can't sell it back to you, the contract they have with you is they buy the property from the bank for usually $20,000-$30,000 less than you own and then lease option it back to you for ONE YEAR and one year only. Then you agree to buy … (7 comments)

Don’t do a lease option without representation - 11/25/07 11:28 AM
Recently, here in Oregon, we had a lady that was finding vacant homes that were for sale and posing as the owner. She was advertising that she was doing lease options and meeting potential buyers at the home. She would collect a large upfront option fee and first months rent and let them move in. The problem is, she wasn't the owner, and at the next showing it was found out that she wasn't the owner and the dream of home ownership was gone along with their money.
How could this be avoided? First, if the buyers had been working with … (14 comments)

Proof that staging works in Tigard, Oregon condos - 11/25/07 12:33 AM
I am kind of in charge of getting a condo conversion project sold in Tigard, Oregon, and in 1 month's time we had about 30 showings and two offers. Not bad, since the only home we had to show them was the model, and if they put an offer in, then we put the finishing touches on the unit they would like to buy and get them moved in.
  
We hold the model unit open every Saturday and Sunday from 12-5 and usually get 3-4 couples a day through, and on weekdays, we usually get one or two drop bys … (12 comments)

“Think outside the box before you are put in to one.” - 11/24/07 12:38 AM
I was talking to a client today and she said, "When I think of you, this is what comes to mind." I had to laugh. She said, "So many people are never willing to think out of the box and when they die, you have to wonder if they regret it. With you I'm never worried about that, you are always thinking outside the box."
This thought has now been stuck in my head, and that brings up the question, am I truly thinking outside the box enough? I always have new ideas, but am I willing to implement them? When I started … (15 comments)

Now is the time to cut that limb hanging over your home - 11/23/07 12:29 AM
Winter is coming to Oregon and so is the freezing rain. If you have trees around your house, you know when the freezing rain hits, some of those limbs will be coming down from the weight of the ice hanging off of them.
Now, if those limbs are above your home, then you and your family are in danger of getting hurt or worse. When that limb falls on your home, it won't slide off your roof like a leaf, it could go right through that roof and do significant damage.

So, this is the time to get those limbs removed while … (7 comments)

What I am thankful for this Thanksgiving - 11/22/07 01:02 PM
I'm thankful for my health, which gives me the opportunity to enjoy and be thankful for everything else on my list!
                      
I'm thankful for the most wonderful family I can ask for. Smart, wonderful, healthy children, and a wife who is willing to stand behind me in any decision I make good or bad!

I'm thankful for the science that brought us such technology as the liver transplant. Because of this technology, I've been able to spend 17 extra years with my best friend, my dad. (Please be an organ donor, it really does mean something to someone.) As … (16 comments)

Are you selling houses or selling dreams - 11/21/07 03:53 PM
Most of my clients are first time home buyers, that at one time or another had a home ownership dream. But that dream was crushed, either by another agent or a mortgage broker that told them "NO, you can't own a home at this time".
That is when they found me, an agent that wanted to be their dream catcher. The person, that instead of saying "NO", wanted to be creative enough and take the extra time to bring their dream of home ownership in to reality.
I love the enthusiasm that some of my clients have. It is the same enthusiasm that … (7 comments)

That doesn’t impress me much! And you want me to send you my clients? - 11/20/07 10:35 PM
Last Thursday was like any other day, going about my business and checking in on clients, showing homes, and getting those annoying calls from people trying to show me why they have more to offer than who I'm presently using!
This blog today has to do with the trying to get me to send my clients to you! I have no problem with people trying to market themselves to me, that is what I am doing when I cold call or door knock, so I can't expect people not to do it to me. I would be a hypocrite if I … (27 comments)

Taggers beware - 11/19/07 12:38 AM
OK - Just to let you know, I love this idea that the City of Portland had put in to affect despite it being very 1984ish. What is the City of Portland doing? They are putting up security cameras that are on motion detectors in high graffiti areas. What happens is, if something moves, it triggers the motion detector and a DVR camera goes on and records everything, while sending a text message to the police dispatch that the camera has been activated. The police check the camera to see what triggered it to start recording, and if there are taggers … (19 comments)

Zero tolerance has to stop! - 11/18/07 02:15 PM
Today a story in the news has finally got me to blow my top! And if you are wondering why I homeschool my kids, this is just one of a many reasons. The public school system,  has many great teachers, including my parents and brother. but the administrators have gone off the deep end.
A six year old girl was suspended Thursday for hugging a friend who was crying and the school suspended her for a public display of affection. Last year, a student was suspended for bringing a gun to school. What violent gun was this? It was the plastic … (41 comments)

How to save over $500,000 on your million dollar home purchase in Washington County Oregon - 11/17/07 12:54 AM
You read that correctly and I can prove it! When a buyer of mine goes to buy a million dollar home, I save them up to $500,000 when they finance their next home. Any buyer can do it, but you have to be working with  the right agent, and that agent has to know the secret to savings thousands when buying a home.
How is it possible to save $500,000 on a million dollar home? Creative Financing is the way to save you, the buyer, more! If you are in the market for a million dollar home in the Washington County, Oregon area, … (4 comments)

Avoid foreclosure in Oregon and turn your home into a monthly profit center instead - 11/15/07 05:12 PM
Are you on the verge of going in to default and have no equity in your home? What if there was a way you could sell your home and walk away with a check at closing, and get a check every month?
Find out why my sellers who were about to go into default, or already are in default, are now happy to go the mailbox every month. Why would they be happy to go to the mailbox now, when just a month ago they were dreading another bill arriving? They sold their home that had no equity, for a profit!            
If you … (5 comments)

Tigard First Time Home Buyers (Lease Option / Owner Financing) - 11/14/07 08:52 AM
Are you presently a renter and keep thinking to yourself "Every time I save money for a down payment the prices continue to rise even more?"
It is true and I even had the same thought before I bought my first home. In Oregon if you were to save $20,000 for a down payment, more than likely by the time you had it saved, the prices would raise $30,000. It truly is a never ending battle to get out of a rental home.
One option for you may be a lease with an option to purchase. The idea behind a lease … (6 comments)

I’ve had some crappy homes and sellers, but this one take the … - 11/13/07 06:42 PM
Have you ever had a seller that you just felt the house was "Crappy"? Well try selling this house from South Korea! This house is being built for the up coming toilet convention of the World Toilet Association.
I know, I can read your mind...The World Toilet Association? I was surprised too, that someone would actually say they had such a crappy job to be a part of this association!
Well look at this house they built! Can't argue that it just looks inviting, or can you? Let us get together and use our collective intelligence and help the agent that is … (27 comments)

Who is this “WE” you speak of…Do you have a frog in your pocket? - 11/13/07 10:21 AM
Don't ask me where I got the phrase, I've used it for years. But, have you ever had a deal go south, and the buyer or seller calls you and asks, "So where did we go wrong on this one?"
Well time for me to bring my phrase book out. "Who is this "WE" you speak of? Do have a frog in your pocket?" I have had so many great transactions go south because a buyer or seller wouldn't listen to my advice until the second transaction, when they have to learn the hard way that I was right!
The most … (11 comments)

The difference between a salesman and a conman is intent! - 11/12/07 12:15 AM
This is a phrase that I heard a few years ago and it has stuck with me. Today, I discovered the meaning of the phrase when I met another agent that did lease options on his own properties.
I am a salesman, and I use lease options and owner financing to help with the salability of my properties, as well as get everyone in to a home. This agent said, "What are you talking about? I use lease options to get higher than market rent and put a max of one year on the lease. I know these people can't get … (16 comments)

Relocating to Oregon? There are ways to save money! - 11/11/07 02:43 PM
Are you considering moving to Washington County, Oregon? Moving can be a stressful and very expensive venture, but there are ways to save money and today I'm going to give you a few ideas.
Money saving tip #1 - Instead of buying boxes from your local u-haul consider going to your local Target or Walmart and ask for them to save you some of their boxes. They have to pay to have these boxes crushed and recycled and will more than likely give them to you for free! Money saving tip #2 - Instead of hiring a moving company to drive your … (5 comments)

Happy cow commercials cause depression and maybe even suicide - 11/10/07 01:05 PM
Have you ever seen the California cheese commercials? "Great cheese comes from happy cows." In these commercials they are always talking about how happy the cows are that are from California. The cows are warm and have plush grass year round.
Well, in eastern Washington this past week, a 600 lb cow allegedly fell off a cliff and landed on a mini van's hood that was traveling down the highway. Nobody in the mini van was injured, but I think there needs to be an investigation! Cows don't just fall off cliffs everyday. I think the cow was depressed and committed … (35 comments)

Don’t bankrupt yourself this Christmas – Set limits - 11/10/07 01:55 AM
So many people have problems with debt after Christmas and the family always seems to suffer. January seems to be a high time for divorce, and February is a time when debt starts to get out of hand when the Christmas credit card bills start to arrive and so many people realize they can't pay!
My suggestion to you is set limits, make a list, budget what you have, and never more! Never use a credit card to fund Christmas. Your family's well being just isn't worth losing your home or car for.
I'm going to tell you what my wife … (18 comments)

Beaverton, Oregon homes sales (Greenway Neighborhood) - 11/09/07 04:37 PM
The greenway neighborhood of Beaverton, Oregon goes East, starting at Murray Blvd, to Hall Blvd, and south, from Brockman/Greenway to Scholls Ferry Road. This area features Wildhorse Park, Buckskin Park, Forest Glen Park, Hiteon Park and the 85 + acre park, Greenway Park.<center>
Click here to go to Google Maps to get point to point directions 
As of 11/9/07 here are the stats for the Greenway NeighborhoodTotal number of homes for sale              27Average List Price:                                    $273,602Average Days on Market:                          94
Total Pending home sales:                     10Average List Price:                                   $249,450Average Days on Market:                         47
Total … (2 comments)

Buying a condo in Beaverton, Oregon? Read the Condo’s HOA minutes from the last year before you buy! - 11/09/07 12:26 AM
I'm hearing more and more cases where there are great deals on condo units and a lot are for sale in that complex. But, have you stopped to ask why so many are for sale? You may want to ask for the HOA minutes before you pay full price for the condo.

You see, what happens a lot is the HOA meets every month and discusses issues that need to be resolved, then haves and wants. But, if there is a major problem such as a roof that needs to be repaired soon and the HOA doesn't have enough in … (10 comments)

What are buyers looking for in a home in Beaverton, Oregon? - 11/08/07 04:37 PM
As a seller, you need to think of what buyers are looking for in a home. As a seller, you are more than likely a buyer yourself. So, why not think like a buyer and make your home what the buyers in Beaverton are looking for?
What are the items that are most important to buyers in Beaverton?
Kitchen - Size, amenities, storage, counter space

Size of a kitchen is not controllable unless you remodel, but if you make it look bigger by de-cluttering and adding lighting. It can help a lot!Amenities - New dishwasher, range, refrigerator. These items can … (5 comments)

Oregon’s Measure 49 Passes (What does this mean to land owners?) - 11/07/07 01:18 PM
A few years ago, Oregon land owners were up in arms about the state's and county's rights to take the land they had bought and changed the land use laws on an owner and not pay them fair compensation if the property lost value due to that change.
Measure 37 that gave land owners the right to use the property that was in place when they bought the property, or get compensated by the state for the value that was lost by the change in land use.
Last night was time for another debate and another fire fight about land use … (7 comments)

Tualatin Hills Nature Park & Interpretive Center (Another reason to relocate to Beaverton, Oregon) - 11/07/07 09:50 AM
Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Interpretive Center is a 220 acre wildlife preserve in Beaverton, Oregon and one of the only drawbacks to this park is that you can't bring dogs. Kids even love it despite it not having any playground equipment.
This park has so much to see and touch that boredom just never hits. This park had trail after trail and is such a large park it really does require a map if you ever want to get back to your car.
Tualatin Hills Nature Park & Interpretive Center Trail Map
The park is always having classes at the interpretive center, like … (3 comments)

When buyers are gaining control and sellers won’t admit it - 11/06/07 01:01 AM
Oregon is a unique market right now in the United States, prices are still on the rise, but buyers are holding out and asking for more from sellers. You see, buyers know that prices are starting to stabilize, but are still on the rise. They also know that sellers are not getting multiple offers within 24 hours anymore.
What are buyers asking for? Buyers are looking to have things like closing costs paid, or in some cases, down payment assistance. Down payment assistance programs are non-profit programs set up to help first time home buyers purchase a home. The price is raised … (9 comments)

As the news reports that the market is crashing, investors are doing better and better - 11/05/07 09:20 AM
If you are an investor, there isn't a better time than now to start buying real estate. As more and more people are put out of their homes due to foreclosure, and others aren't able to get loans, that means there will be a need in the very near future, here in Oregon, for rental properties and properties available for lease option.
The wisest investors buy when others are not buying, because they know if people are not buying that means they are renting or leasing. The person who controls the real estate is king! So start buying your kingdom and … (9 comments)

I’ve been asked to be part of a tele-seminar on Owner Financing & Lease Options - 11/04/07 04:43 PM
I love doing owner financing and lease options, and it is really nice when I can sell things before they even get put into the MLS. Why do they sell so fast? Because with the mortgage industry being the way they are right now, it is leaving a lot of people out in the cold, that just 1 year ago, could have gotten financing.
Other reasons Owner Financing works so well is Luxury Homes, even with an 800 credit score you still may end up paying 8% on a jumbo loan. With owner financing the interest could be only 6%.
Why would … (10 comments)

Lease Option a great way to own a home in Washington County, Oregon - 11/04/07 09:35 AM
Are you presently renting a home and want to make the step to homeownership, but don't have a large down payment, good enough credit, or been in your present job long enough to get a traditional mortgage?
Then getting a home with a lease option may be a great way for you to get in to your first home. A lease option requires very little down, usually equal to the first months rent, and then monthly payments usually not as high as if you were paying a traditional mortgage.
Unlike rent, the down payment is yours to keep if you exercise … (4 comments)

The power of “NO” - 11/02/07 03:38 PM

We all do it from time to time, we mean to say no, but the word yes comes out of our mouths. Why is this? Is it some kind of automated system in our heads telling us that this person is someone I just have to say yes too?
Have you ever noticed it is a lot easier to say no to someone who is on the phone versus someone who is standing right in front of us? There may be a reason for this and that reason maybe their facial expressions, their body movements, or just your need to … (17 comments)

Owner Financing and Lease Options a way to invest your way to riches! - 11/02/07 10:28 AM

 
Yes it is true! You can set yourself apart from the other investors and make yourself thousands of dollars in the process. Did you know the average bank now requires you to have 20% down on an investment property, and still charges you 7.5 to 8% interest? What if there was a way to get around this and to start making money the day title is put into your name?
With owner financing you can sometimes get a home at 6%interest, little to no money down, lease option it immediately to someone else, and let them pay your payments … (7 comments)

Kids had fun, but I had to take a lot of unsafe candy! - 11/01/07 12:24 PM
Halloween 2007 is officially over, even though I still seem to have a Superman and a Cinderella running around my living room. The kids all had fun and now it is time for the sugar overload to test the parent's patience for the next couple of weeks.
Although, once again this year, much to the kids' disappointment, there was is plenty of dangerous candy that mom and dad had to confiscate. As you can see from the picture below, I think this may have been a record year for "UN-SAFE CANDY" that had to be taken to protect the kids. - … (11 comments)

 
Helping Families Home is a blog set up to help families find that perfect home for them. I have a family and I understand how hard it can be to find a home that everyone is happy with. Let me help you find that home and help your family home.


Find out why I'm a happy grasshopper




Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog