FIRPTA -- What it Means to Foreign Nationals Who Purchase Real Estate - 11/30/10 03:07 PM
FIRPTA -- What it Means to Foreign Nationals Who Purchase Real Estate
This post was inspired by Eileen Hsu's post: Foreign Nationals Purchase Properties in Manhattan New York Must Read
Nice post, but only covers the purchase, and doesn't go into the long-term "What If's" . . . What if they sell?
FIRPTA is acronym = Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act
While her post focuses on the purchase of real property, on the long-term perspective, any foreign national investing in real property should know about FIRPTA prior to their purchase.
Why?
Because if they don't, they may have a very rude … (7 comments)

To Tell The Truth -- Will the REAL "Terrorists" Please Stand Up?!? - 11/26/10 08:09 PM
I'll cut right to the chase . . .
The real "terrorists" are Michael Chertoff, and Deepak Chopra (NOT the new age guy that Oprah likes). 
The literal evil twin Deepak Chopra runs OSI, and they manufacture "Rapidscan" -- one (of the only two) companies who manufactures and sells the strip search machines body scanners here in the United States.  It would be considered a "monopoly" if there was only "ONE" company . . . so I'm sure the second company is a shell, and doesn't really exist.  Yeah, I know . . . call me crazy.
Here's more crazy . . .
 
 
Apparently, the … (14 comments)

Australian Drunk Driving Ad Campaign - 11/24/10 04:00 PM
This re-blog is a must see -- and a reminder:   STOP BINGE DRINKING AND DRIVING!!
DO NOT WATCH if you don't want to witness the reality of the affects of alcohol and driving drunk.
This is NO JOKE!!  "ACCIDENTS" such as these are preventable, and do not need to happen. 
Driving shit faced isn't an "accident" waiting to happen -- IT WILL!
We are experiencing very icy roads and dangerous conditions with temperatures in the 20's.  PLEASE BE CAREFUL THIS WEEKEND.
If you see someone swerving, and if you feel they are driving IMPARIED -- do them, and us a favor . . . call 9-1-1 with … (6 comments)

Agents in Wonderland: Why Listening to Real Estate "Experts" is Like Following the Hare into the Hole -- and Ending Up in WONDERLAND - 11/24/10 02:54 PM
For those that have ever read a real estate "Ask the Real Estate Person Expert" or other such column, one question keeps popping up in my mind (does it pop up in yours?):  Are they even licensed?
I just got through reading one article, and I'm going to ask/answer my own question on the author's license status:  Probably not.
Yes, for us licensed folks who are in the trenches day-in-day-out, it's a real slap in the face of the profession.  But, who am I to question? 
The expert I've just read has so many awards and accolades, and books, and TV appearances, and … (30 comments)

The 4th Amendment . . . Eroded One Body Scan at a Time - 11/21/10 05:50 PM
We all joked in line, as we took off our shoes, our belts, took out our computers -- yup, the joke was:  Pretty soon, we'll be going through the metal detectors naked.
And so it came to pass . . . in the "Land of the Free" and home of the brave.
Invasion of the BODY SCANNERS.
The TSA grew, and who ever's running that scam scan probably has some back-end deals going with the body scanner manufacturers, and government payola.  Think about the TSA having 65,000 employees since inception not even 10 years ago.  That's a HUGE growth industry . … (39 comments)

Visiting Portland? Get Out and About with Portland Walking Tours - 11/20/10 08:05 PM

Portland Walking Tours
If you're visiting Portland, a great idea would be to get out and about -- on foot -- and take a Portland Walking Tours!

Visting Portland, be sure to pack your comfy walking shoes, and discover Portland Walking Tours.   Finding out about the City of Portland couldn't be any easier than taking a nice walk of the city, while visiting local eateries, breweries, or just going on a nice walk, throughout the downtown Portland area.  Portland Walking Tours is a great way to get the feel (and flavor) of the city.
Just what is:  Portland Walking … (11 comments)

Things to do in Portland - 11/20/10 07:21 PM
Things to do in Portland
Portland, Oregon is centrally located to both mountain and ocean . . . about an hour drive each way.  Right now, the ski slopes are open so the #1 thing to do in Portland might be -- hit the slopes!
In no particular order:
THINGS TO DO IN PORTLAND - SKI
Mt Hood Meadows - Open for the season!  
Timberline Lodge - Today is the first day of the season with all lower mountain lifts open. THINGS TO DO IN PORTLAND - KIDS
Oregon Zoo - Turkey Trot  Nov. 25 and Beast Feed Nov. 25 - 28 … (1 comments)

First Time Home Buyer Program in Oregon - 11/20/10 06:51 PM
First time home buyer program in Oregon
There's, sadly, not a lot of resources in our State for first time home buyers.  But, I do know of a grant program offered to first time buyers program in Oregon.
To be eligible for the grant for the first time buyer program in Oregon: 
To be eligible for a grant first time buyer program in Oregon, borrowers must:
• Be qualified as a first-time homebuyer
• Occupy the property they purchase as their principle residence
• Not have household income over 100% of the area median income in the country where they purchase their home. Median income varies … (3 comments)

For Those That Like Charts and Graphs -- Here's a SECURITIES TRANSACTION Chart - 11/19/10 05:13 PM

Unfortunately, the chart I'd like to show is copyrighted, so I can only share the link. 
To cut to the chase . . . and view the chart, CLICK HERE
The chart was prepared by Dan Edstrom who performs securitization audits.  The fact that it took him a year to compile the chart is probably just about how long it will take people to digest the information.
Here's the article I read on the Huffington Post:
Man Makes Ridiculously Complicated Chart to Find Out Who Owns His Mortgage
I'm sure after review . . . it'll make all the sense in the … (9 comments)

Paying It Forward . . . Tammy Lankford Style - 11/16/10 06:35 PM
Tammy Lankford posted this the other day: 
Paying it Forward With What Will Fit in a Shoebox 
Her post inspired me, and I did some shopping at the local Dollar Tree last evening.  I even used her suggestion of placing the gifts in a plastic storage bin, rather than a shoe box.  The storage bin could be put to use at well.
I couldn't decide if I wanted to go with a little girl darling, or a little boy darling -- so I opted for both!
The "shoe box" collection is sponsored and run by:  Samaritan's Purse
Collection times are NOW -- … (16 comments)

Get Rid of the Mortgage Interest Deduction?!? - 11/16/10 03:36 PM
Get Rid of the Mortgage Interest Deduction?!?
There have been some "trial balloons" floating up of late which hint at eliminating the mortgage interest deduction.
"A home mortgage interest deduction allows taxpayers who own their homes to reduce their taxable income by the interest paid on the loan which is secured by their principal residence (or, sometimes, a second home). [cited]
This deduction began in 1913.  I'm trying to "figure" out when the AMORTIZATION OF LOANS was created.
With the premise that ALL THINGS in banking. mortgages, loans, etc. are done using mathematical formulas, there was some smarty pants that created the … (13 comments)

Short Video Clips of our Government InAction . . . - 11/15/10 12:16 AM
We all know how ineffective our Government has been.  I took some time this week to put together a few videos which should shed some light on just HOW ineffective they are.  These are very important, and a must see . . . they're VERY SHORT! Please watch!!
In the first video, you'll see our Government -- through the Treasury Department's -- plan to regain the economy . . . one dollar at a time.
Treasury Department Issues Emergency Recall Of All U.S. Dollars  
In this next video, you'll see our Government enacting quick and speedy "EMERGENCY" legislation.
 
Congressmen Submit Emergency 3 AM Bill … (11 comments)

Pay It Forward - I helped finance another small business person on Kiva.org this week! - 11/15/10 12:09 AM
I wanted to re-blog the other post Ralph did on Kiva.org, and then spaced it.  
Now, Ralph's provided us with another story about one of the ladies he is micro-financiang in Kenya, and I don't want to forget to re-blog. 
$25.00 . . . a small amount to us, that when pooled together can go very far in countries, such as Kenya, where poverty is so hard to get out from under.
 
I have supported the Garmeen Foundation, a similiar organization to Kiva.org.
COMMENTS OFF.  PLEASE GO TO RALPH'S POST TO LEAVE A COMMENT!!

Via Ralph Gorgoglione - California Sunset … (0 comments)

Paying it forward... with what will fit in a shoe box. - 11/14/10 07:07 PM
We are approaching the holiday season, with Thanksgiving right around the corner. 
With a little inspiration, I'm putting out a CHALLENGE to each and every one of you to take some time this week and pack a shoe box, then take it to a collection center near you. 
Tammy has done all work with her post, the re-blog is easy. 
I'm going to pack a shoe box, and CHALLENGE YOU TO DO THE SAME!  I only wish I could see the happiness and surprise of the little darlings when they get their gifts.  A ball and jacks can mean the world to a small child … (7 comments)

Is It Easy For Real Estate Agents To Move? - 11/11/10 02:14 PM
Is it easy for real estate agent to move?
Two things occured prior to writing this post.
One:  I was talking with Active Rain member and colleague Pamela Seley's New Accountabilitiy Group   As conversations have a way of getting off track (probably my fault for rambling) we got on the subject of moving -- and how it's not as easy for a real estate agent.  We got into specifics.
Two:  When reading Leolinda Bowers' post today, I noticed the banner on her blog.  It reads:  "I live here.  I work here.  I know the community."
Leolinda's tag line sums up why it isn't … (69 comments)

Relocating to Portland . . . How Metro Portland is Sliced and Diced -- RMLS MAP of Metro Portland - 11/11/10 01:29 PM
If you're planning to relocate to Portland, a few things to know about the area.
RMLS is the Realtor Multiply Listing Service used by local agents when we search areas for our clients.  When I'm working with a clien who is relocating to Portland, one of the first things I'll do is share this map with them. 
As a member of the RMLS, access to homes listed in this area of Metro Portland is helpful.  Many people relocating to Portland are coming here for a job transfer, and keeping commutes down is essential.
Many people relocating to Portland don't really know … (4 comments)

Oregon College Savings Plan . . . Thinking Ahead - 11/09/10 01:23 PM
Oregon College Savings Plan
Sometimes I see a lot of things that make me say "I wish they had that when my son was [a baby, younger, in school . . . etc.]  Oregon College Savings Plan is one such "I wish" . . .
Keep in mind, 24 years ago we didn't have the Internet as we know it today, it was still in 'infancy.'
College savings accounts were available back then, but the Internet makes it SO MUCH EASIER!!  Easier to find out about the benefits, costs, and how to set something up for the future. 
As I was … (7 comments)

Foreclosures Up In Portland, Oregon - 11/08/10 10:54 PM
According to recent numbers crunched by RealtyTrac, foreclosures in Portland, OR were up 17% in the 3rd quarter this year.
YIKES!
Over 7,100 foreclosure filings, which is one in every 126 households, make this the reason that Portland, OR is up there on the charts!
Of the 206 markets tracked, Portland, OR placed 57th.
YIKES!
While the Nation's foreclosure rate fell, on average 1%, Portland, OR foreclosures are up.
But on the plus side, Medford, OR is 39th on the list, with 1 in every 90 households affected by foreclosure.
What is UP WITH OREGON?!?  Salem is #74, and Eugene/Springfield #97!
It could … (7 comments)

Short Sale Activity Portland, OR -- Past Six Months - 11/08/10 10:19 PM
Short Sale Activity Portland, OR -- Past Six Months
Areas 141, 142, 143 (North, Northeast and Southeast Portland)

Report Summary
… (5 comments)

Foreclosure Activity Portland, OR -- Past Six Months - 11/08/10 10:11 PM
Foreclosure Activity Portland, OR -- Past Six Months
Areas:  141, 142, 142 (North, Northeast & Southeast Portland)
 Report Summary
 
… (2 comments)

Foreclosure Activity Beaverton, OR -- Past Six Months - 11/08/10 09:02 PM
Foreclosure Activity Beaverton, OR -- Past Six Months
Report Summary
 
… (0 comments)

Short Sale Activity Beaverton, OR -- Past Six Months - 11/08/10 08:52 PM
Short Sale Activity Beaverton, OR -- Past Six Months
Report Summary
… (2 comments)

Credit Suisse Monthly Survey of Real Estate Agents for Oct. 2010 - 11/08/10 12:52 PM
Well kids, no surprises here.  Yet another month of reported "thumbs down" in the key areas of the Credit Suisse Monthly Survey of Real Estate Agents:
Traffic Home Prices Incentives To review the Metro Portland market, please go to page 37 of the report.
The comments from real estate agents echo the same sound across the Nation:  concerns over the economy, employment concerns, buyers think prices will come down even further . . .
No surprises this month!!

 Credit Suisse Oct - 2010 Monthly Survey of Real Estate Agents … (3 comments)

We Don't Need an Agent . . . We're Paying CA$H - 11/06/10 03:05 PM
After reading Sally Cheeseman's post You Contacted Me But Don't Want a Real Estate Agent I was inspired to write this post.
NOT because of what Sally wrote, although a very good post.  Nope!  This is inspired by a comment made.  Some nonsense about maybe the caller/buyer was paying cash (had lots of it) and didn't need an agent.
HUH?!?
Since when is working with a Realtor® predicated on having cash to purchase?
Since when did having lots of cash equate to being a savvy negotiator?
In a prior transaction, I represented a married couple who were retiring and relocating to the Metro Portland area.  In … (50 comments)

$220 in Savings . . . What Would I Do?? I'll Buy Me Some Bubble Gum . . . - 11/02/10 09:18 PM
Okay, so the Kodak Challenge is on!!
Not sure why I thought about this, but when I was thinking of $220 in savings . . . and what to do with it, I thought "I'd buy something that I like." 
Why not?!?
For some odd reason, my hand to G*D, Bazooka Bubble Gum "popped" into my mouth, err I mean brain.  I like Bazooka Bubble Gum.  With $220 I'd be able to buy A LOT of it!
With $220 saved on ink cartridges using Kodak’s printer, I'd buy me some bubble gum . . . Bazooka, zooka bubble gum!!
I reckoned that I'd be … (27 comments)

 
Carla Muss-Jacobs - Principal Broker/ Owner | Buyers Broker | Buyers Agent EBA (503-810-7192 | BuyersAgentPortland.com) Rainmaker_large

Carla Muss-Jacobs - Principal Broker/ Owner | Buyers Broker | Buyers Agent EBA

Portland, OR

More about me…

503-810-7192 | BuyersAgentPortland.com

Address: Beaverton OR, Portland OR, Forest Heights, Lake Oswego, Hillsboro, SW Portland, SE Portland, NW Portland, N Portland, Downtown, The Pearl, NE Portland, Milwaukie, West Linn, Aloha, Cedar Hills, Portland, OR

Office Phone: (503) 810-7192

Cell Phone: (503) 810-7192

Email Me

Author Bio: Carla Muss-Jacobs is the Principal Broker/Owner of EBA Portland, LLC an Exclusive Buyer Agency representing Buyers in the Portland Metro real estate market since 1999.

The Sellers have their own agent ~~ Why don't you have yours?  

Carla Muss-Jacobs practices the TRUE FORM of Buyer Agency ~~ Exclusive Buyer Agent.  Her office/brokerage never takes listings and never respresents the Seller.  Exclusive Buyer Agency is the BEST form of legal real estate representation a Buyer can have.  There is 100% Buyer Representation - !00% of the Time.  There are NO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST and there is no possibility of ever having YOUR Buyer Agency comprised.  When buying a house -- it's important to know who is working for you!!  



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