Portland Oregon Real Estate Information

"Just Show Me That You Trust Me"

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:53:18 -0600

There are times that regardless of how hard I try to stay positive, I begin to look at my circumstances, and my faith begins to waiver.

In these times, I begin to rely on the word that is hidden in my heart, and when I begin to take my eyes off of God, I hear his words in my head, and they are a great comfort to me.

I have been blessed with some truly wonderful friendships here on Active Rain, and I want to let all of you who have been calling and emailing me know how grateful I am that you have been praying for me, and how awesome it is to have a God who can truly align hearts and like minds.

John 13: 34-35 says this: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Thank you for the love that you have shown to me, for your caring and concern, and for your prayers.

I just wanted to leave you with this illustration of faith that I received while I was praying this morning.

I have been hearing the Lord tell me that all that he requires of me in this time is to " Just Show Me That You Trust Me."

As I was meditating on these words, God showed me two perfect illustrations of what it means to truly trust him.

Our children are a wonderful reminder of the true faith that God calls us to have. Think about the unwavering faith they have in us when they are very small. Our words are law to them. I learned a long time ago to be very careful with the promises that I would make to my children, because they had such faith in those promises. And like dear children, they had no shame in reminding us of those promises. In fact, they had no reservations in continually asking us to fulfill the promises that were made to them, and absolute faith that we would carry out and deliver what had been promised.

I also remembered a time when my daughter was very little. She had a "thing" about jumping off of high places. She loved to climb on the couch and jump off. Climb, climb, climb is what she would do all day long if I would allow her. One night as I was preparing dinner, she motioned for me to pick her up. Not skipping a beat, I scooped her into my arms and continued with what I was doing. After a while she began to squirm and wanted me to put her on the counter top so that she could sit and watch as I unloaded the dishwasher. Without thinking, I placed her on the counter top and as I turned away, I realized "Oh No! She's going to try to jump off" so I spun around and saw that, while she had been considering it, she was afraid to jump because it was too high.

My husband walked in around that time, and saw that my daughter was keeping me company in the kitchen. Walking over to my daughter, he held his hands out, and motioned for her to jump. Hesitant at first, I watched as my daughter looked at the distance from the counter to the floor, and then to her Dad. This went on for several minutes, as my husband tried to coax her to jump into his arms. Finally, my husband said "Don't worry, I'll catch you!" and with that, my daughter STOOD UP and leapt without any fear.

How many times has God gently told you "Don't worry...I'll catch you"?

Mark 10: 13 - 16

13People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.

14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

15I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

16And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

A person with child like faith means believing that God can absolutely do the impossible. In fact, it means having faith in God, the way that our children believe in us. That we can do anything! We must believe that he can do all things, according to his word.

Even as I write this, I hope that this message will encourage someone else to STAND UP AND JUMP WITHOUT FEAR. He WILL catch you. He caught me.

May your weeks be blessed, shaken down, and running over with his abundant grace!

737 Westview Drive, Brownsville OR 97327 - Price Adjustment - $499,000.

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:53:26 -0600

Alecia Barnes | T R Hunter Real Estate | 541-936-1630

737 West View , Brownsville, OR

Seller to pay up to $10,000 Toward Closing Costs

4 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $499,000

Year Built	2007
Sq Footage	3,036
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	11,379 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Move In Ready! Gorgeous ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) construction, 4 BR, 2.5 BA, Two Story home welcomes you with a Ledgestone rock exterior, tiled entry, vaulted ceilings, and beautiful cherry hardwood floors in the living room/dining room area.

Sit by the beautifully ornate gas fireplace, as you enjoy some of the best views available of the Willamette Valley.

Kitchen has cherry cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. Range has a gas top, with convection oven and warming drawer.

Verde Butterfly Granite Countertops throughout.

Breakfast Nook/Sunroom and an Upstairs Bonus Room included.

Not included in the SF is a 1764 semi finished daylight basement.

Seller will contribute up to $10,000. towards closing costs.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Fireplace	High/Vaulted ceiling
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Family room	Living room	Bonus/Rec room
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Microwave	Granite countertop	Stainless steel appliances
Basement	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

1764 +/- SF Daylight Basement

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Alecia Barnes

T R Hunter Real Estate

541-936-1630

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Feb 7, 2008, 1:34pm PST

931 Filbert Street, Brownsville OR 97327- Updated - Sold

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:01:37 -0600

Alecia Barnes | T R Hunter Real Estate | 541-936-1630

931 Filbert Street, Brownsville, OR

Victorian Style Two Story Home - 3 Bed 2.5 Bath

3 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $275,000

Year Built	2007
Sq Footage	1,914
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	7,932 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Listed at $25,000 below appraised value!

Brand New Victorian Style Two Story Home, in quiet cul de sac setting.

Tiled Kitchen, Baths. Lots of Storage space.

Kitchen includes Granite counter tops, and refrigerator.

Included in the Sq Ft. is a 240 SF bonus room above detached Garage, with Cadet heater, wired for TV and Telephone.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Fireplace	Walk-in closet
Hardwood floor	Tile floor	Living room
Bonus/Rec room	Dining room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Granite countertop	Laundry area - inside

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

Storage space(s)

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Partial Fencing

Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Laminate Floors

Gas Fireplace

Laundry Facilities Upstairs

Bead Board Wainscoting

240 Sq. Ft. Bonus Room with Cadet Heating, Wired For Telephone and TV

Large Backyard, with Sprinkler System

Clean, Quiet Cul De Sac

Detached Two Car Garage

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Alecia Barnes

T R Hunter Real Estate

541-936-1630

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Feb 7, 2008, 12:56pm PST

No Greater Love...

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 14:01:46 -0600

This was shared by my Pastor on Sunday, and I thought that the story was so beautiful, that you might be as blessed as I was . Please continue to keep me in your prayers. I have recently changed brokerages, and I am just trying to get back into the swing of things. May God bless your week with favor, blessings and abundance, pressed down, shaken together and running over with his grace.

After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church's Pastor slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit and, befor he gave his sermon for the evening, he briefly introduced a guest minister who was in the service that evening.

In the introduction, the pastor told the congregation that the guest minister was one of his dearest childhood friends and that he wanted him to have a few moments to greet the church and share whatever he felt would be appropriate for the service.

With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit and began to speak.

"A Father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific Coast," he began. "When a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to the shore.

The waves were so high, that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright and the three were swept into the ocean as the boat capsized"

The old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story.

The aged minister continued with his story, "Grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life: to which boy would he throw the other end of the life line. He only had seconds to make the decision.

The father knew that his son was a christian and he also know that his son's friend was not.

The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of the waves.

As the father yelled out, ' I love you son!' He threw out the life line to his son's friend. By the time the father had pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beneath the raging swells into the black of the night.

His body was never recovered.

By this time, the two teenagers were sitting up straight in the pew, anxiously waiting for the next words to come out of the old ministers mouth.

"The Father," he continued, "knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus and he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus..Therefore, he sacrificed his son to save the son's friend."

How great is the love of God that he should do the same for us. Our heavenly Father sacrificed his only begotten son so that we could be saved. I urge you to accept his offer to rescue you and take a hold of the life line he is throwing out to you in this service."

With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room.

The pastor again walked slowly to the pulpit and delivered a brief sermon with an invitation at the end. However, no one responded to the appeal.

Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man's side.

"That was a nice story," politely stated one of them, "But I don't think it was very realistic for a Father to give up his only son's life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian."

"Well, you'be got a point there," the old man replied, glancing down at his worn bible. A big smile broadened his narrow face. He once again looked up at the boy's and said "It sure isn't very realistic, is it? But I'm standing here today to tell you that story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up his son for me.

You See....

I was that Father, and your Pastor is my son's friend."

Homes For Sale In Salem Oregon - 556 23rd St NE, Salem OR 97301

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 17:17:21 -0600

Homes For Sale In Salem Oregon 97301 - $289,900

Location: Salem, OR

Beautiful 1 1/2 Story home built in 1935 on a large 100X100 double lot. Gorgeous landscaping with charming English gardens and a private back yard with trellised patio. Large open living spaces, FA heat, Gas Fireplace, Hardwood floors, and a double attached garage. 4 bedrooms 2 bath - approximately 2032 sq ft. Located in a very nice, quiet neighborhood. Home has a very unique layout, and has been very well maintained. Must visit to appreciate! Refrigerator and Washer/Dryer are negotiable.

Information

Contact Information

Treena Sanders

Pricing

Asking Price: $289,900

Flexibility: Negotiable

Additional Pricing Information: Will accept all reasonable offers. Types of financing accepted: Cash, VA, FHA, Convential.

Property Location

556 23rd St NE
Salem, OR 97301
View Map

Features

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

Year Built: 1935

Lot Size: 100X100

Garage Size: 2 Car

Square Footage: 2032

Agent Name: For Sale By Owner

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Hardwood Floors

9 Foot Ceilings

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Fenced Yard

Grass Lawn

Secluded setting

Garden Shed

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow View Photo Gallery (11 Photos)

Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 1469616

For All To See...The Real MeMe- UPDATED!

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:20:23 -0600

I was really surprised when I recieved the message that I had been tagged for another Meme, by Midori Miller in her blog 8 Random Things About Me...I Have Been Meme'd Outside of Activerain......

This is my second time "up to bat" so if you haven't had a chance to read my first Meme, here it is: I've been Double Meme'd!! Tag Meme'd! Meme'd....

Now to find four or five more things about me that you could find remotely interesting...

1. One of my favorite TV shows growing up, would have to be The Bionic Woman, with Lindsay Wagner. I absolutely LOVED that show, and I wanted to BE Jaime Sommers. I would run around my yard, jumping off of things, and making that sound that meant that the "Bionics" were kicking into gear. Remember that sound? Mememememememememe! Mememememememememe! All day long I would make that sound, as I jumped down from higher and higher obstacles (lucky I didn't break anything). I never did get the supersonic hearing sound right, though. I am cracking up as I write this, folks in my neighborhood must have thought I was one CRAZY kid!

2. I am an absolute Disco and 80's fanatic! Tell me the name of your favorite song from that era, and I can probably sing the lyrics to you, word for word. Some of my favorite bands from these two era's - Abba (YES, ABBA!), Duran Duran, The Police. If you were to ride with me in my car, you would quickly notice that in addition to my christian radio and CD's I have a collection of 70's and 80's compilation CD's. My absolute guilty pleasure!

3. While in college, I had the priviledge of singing with a group of jazz musicians who moonlighted as college professors. (HA). Because of their connections with the University, we were to selected to open for the Concert under the Stars at UC Irvine for Tony Bennett! It was a magical experience for me, and one I will never forget. I remember when I stepped out on the stage, that there were so many people that they looked like a blanket of humanity stretched out as far as the eye could see. I was so nervous that my knees literally knocked together during the first song. But after the first song ended, the audience actually applauded! It was a thunderous sound, and it was literally intoxicating. After that, I got through the set with such ease and I had a blast. I even got a "great job, kid" from Mr. Bennett as he entered his limousine after the concert. Priceless!

4. For an extended period of time during my early twenties, I was actually convinced that I was going to marry Prince! Looking back on it, at the time I just thought I was one of his BIGGEST fans. In this day and age, they have a new name for it. STALKER.

5. When I was born, I had a hearing loss so profound that the doctors advised my parents that I would need to learn sign language, and be able to lip read. They also felt that I would have a very pronounced speech impediment, and that I would have to have these skills in order for people to understand me, and have the ability to communicate. I didn't speak a word for the first three years of my life. One day, as my mother was cleaning the house, she heard a child singing the Sesame Street song, and thought that she had left the television on. When she walked into the room and glanced at the TV, the screen was blank. Puzzled, she looked at me, and to her complete astonishment, the child singing was me.

Today, I wear hearing aids, but doctors are completely baffled, because I do not have a speech impediment, and I have PERFECT PITCH. If you play a note on a piano, I can tell you what note it is. If you want to know the particular key of any piece of music, I can tell you that key. I can't count the number of doctors and medical specialists who look at the results of the hearing tests, and then shake their heads as they listen to me speak. I have no idea why this is, I just know that I am blessed, and very grateful for the ability to hear music. Music is my PASSION.

Well, there are five additional things about me, that you probably wouldn't have known otherwise. I now tag:

Michelle Maddox - Fayetteville Real Estate Agent and Donna Paul

**To all who commented, please accept my apologies for taking so long to get back to you. I have changed brokerages, and will share on my next blog. For now, thanks so much for your awesome comments, and for your prayers and support. God Bless You!

Homes For Sale In Albany Oregon - 2533 Waterford St SE

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:39:27 -0600

Homes For Sale In Albany Oregon- $170,000

Location: Lexington I

Neat and clean, with fenced yard. Landscaped, with room to park an RV. Vaulted living room ceiling, kitchen with oak cabinets. Large master bedroom and bath. Home owner's assoc. $25/year. Easy access to wheelchairs.

Features

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Parking: RV Parking

Year Built: 1998

Subdivision: Lexington I

Lot Size: 5400

Garage Size: 2 Car

Square Footage: 1146

Agent Name: Alecia Barnes

Broker: Alecia Barnes

MLS #: 588884

Information

Contact Information

Alecia A Barnes

541-466-5094

Contact Reply Form

Forward to a Friend

View Other Flyers

Pricing

Asking Price: $170,000

Flexibility: Negotiable

Property Location

2533 Waterford St SE
Albany, OR 97322
View Map

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Interior Amenities

Hardwood Floors

Kitchen Island

Vaulted Ceilings

Exterior Amenities

Fenced Yard

Grass Lawn

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow View Photo Gallery (6 Photos)

Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 1423415

"2008 Is Gonna Be Great!"

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 17:45:17 -0600

"2008 is gonna be great!" Corny saying but it is true, for me. I believe that we can attract the things in our life that we want, by choosing to believe in the things that we want for our future.

This is actually based in biblical truth, as the word of God tells us in Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". So we choose to believe in what we can't see, knowing that having faith will bring these hopes to reality.

Many people have been fascinated by "The Secret". The principle is that the law of attraction is at work in our lives. If you really believe something about your life, about your future, you bring it to pass, either through your positive or negative thoughts.

What you choose to believe about 2008 is going to be what 2008 is for you. I choose to believe that 2008 is going to be a phenomenal year for me, and I believe it so much, that I have my family members walking around the house saying "2008 is gonna be great!"

You cannot listen to the negativity that goes on inside your head, and expect your year to be any different, much less your next week. Stop listening to the negative, we have enough of that in our every day lives, and we dodge the negativity bombs as much as possible.

I choose to believe that this will be my best year EVER.

I choose to believe that "2008.....is gonna be great!"

The song I chose to share in this post is called the "The Voice Of Truth" by Casting Crowns. I hope you enjoy it, and I look forward to hearing about how 2008 turned out for you. I know I'll look forward to sharing how mine turned out, and referring to this post!

This post was inspired by my lovely, funny and thoughtful friend, Julie Neerings, GRI- Heart of Utah Real Estate
Julie Neerings, is a Utah Realtor® who specializes along the Wasatch Front, from Ogden to Provo. To find out more information about her real estate services please visit her profile .

First Time Home Buyers: Find Down Payment Assistance Programs

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 16:32:40 -0600

As a First Time Home Buyer, you have probably weighed all of the options of buying v.s. renting your own home, and you've come to the conclusion that buying a home is still a great investment into your future.

In my series for First Time Home Buyers, I have outlined the steps that you should take to ensure that your first home purchase is a smooth transaction. If you have been following the steps, you know that it is very important to know what you can afford. You also know that you will have a distinct advantage in purchasing your new home, if you've taken the time to get pre-qualified, or better yet, pre-approved.

If you are like many other First Time Home Buyers, you might have concerns about the down payment, and the closing costs.

If you live in Oregon and you are in the low to moderate income range, Oregon Housing and Community Services offers many options to assist you in your goal of home ownership.

Some of these services include down payment assistance programs. Here's one that you can research:

Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP): This is a state wide program, targeted specifically toward down payment and closing cost assistance.

Home Purchase Assistance Program Brochure

Home Purchase Assistance Program Brochure - En Espanol

Program Income Limits (Opens in an excel file)

The Department of Housing and Urban Development also offers many helpful resources for the First Time Home Buyer who lives in Oregon. You can find those resources here.

If you would like additional information, assistance or a referral to a lender who specializes in any of the programs you have read about, please send me an email, or you are always welcome to give me a call.

"Til He Appeared, And The Soul Knew It's Worth"

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 13:05:14 -0600

2006 was an awesome year for me in so many ways. The Lord had been very good to me, and had blessed me in almost ever way imaginable.

I had studied for, and passed the Real Estate Exam. I already a company that wanted to hire me as an agent.

I was looking forward to leaving behind a successful sales career, in which I had grown weary, and burned out.

I was so excited about the prospect of truly stepping out in faith, and following a direction that I had heard God call me to. Venturing out into to unknown. Knowing that I would have to trust God to lead me, and surrenduring myself to his will.

As the holidays drew near, I was in a real funk, and I couldn't put my finger on the reason why I would feel so sad. I felt like a true scrooge, because no matter how I tried, I couldn't shake the sadness I felt.

As I drove to the company that I worked for at the time, I turned on the radio, to the Christian Station that I always listen to. Listening to a Christian Radio station has always been very healing for me, a quiet time where I can pray, and focus on Him. Our time. No cell phone, no interruptions.

I can't begin to count the number of times that I have receive dthe answer to a prayer, through a broadcasted sermon, or a song.

While I was listening to the radio, I began to pray for God to show me the reason for my sadness, and during my prayer, a listener called in to the radio station and began to talk about the song "O, Holy Night." She explained how the words had really touched her heart, and requested that the song be played.

Something in her voice made me stop praying, and I listened to her testimony, as the song began to play. I hat to admit it, but as many times as I have heard this song, that day was the first time that I really heard the words.

As I listened, the words of the song began to truly minister to my sadness.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

As I heard these words, I begin to weep. I apologized to God for forgetting what the season, the season of our saviours birth was truly about. I apologized to him for taking his blessings for granted. For just expecting him to hand me everything I asked for.

I remembered the day that I was truly saved. How grateful I was for having someone love me enough, that they would lay down their life for mine. I remember the day that my soul felt its worth.

In that alone time with Him, my joy was restored.

2007 has been an interesting year. I have lacked for nothing, and gained so much more. Character, strength, trust. It has been very scary at times, and I have been filled with fear. We have struggled at times, but, God has never failed me. He has rewarded me with much more than money could ever buy.

A knowledge of my worth, in his eyes. And that is priceless.

Here is the song - Enjoy! And may God bless your holiday season, pressed down, shaken together, and running over with his grace.

Invincible! Driving to the "heart" of motivation

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:21:03 -0600

How motivation and determination made one man's dream, a reality.

Based on a true story, this story takes place in the summer of 1976, and Vince Papale is a 30 year old bartender, who is down on his luck, and running out of options.

His wife leaves him, telling him that he'll never amount to anything, and that he will never make a name for himself.

The new coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, Dick Vermeil announces that he will hold open tryouts for the team, and at the urging of his friends, Vince reluctantly answers the call, having no college football experience, and having played football for only a year in high school.

Overcoming almost impossible odds, Vince makes the cut, and goes on to play three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.

While I watched this movie with my family, I thought about the many people in Real Estate and the mortgage industry, who are trying to make a living, and are making it, overcoming obstacles that look impossible to others.

What sets those people apart, from the ones that are leaving the industry, and looking for work elsewhere?

Is it determination? The drive to succeed against all odds?

When Vince Papale made the Philadelphia Eagles, he had an opportunity to achieve something that many have dreamed of, but have never achieved. When the big day arrived, and it was time for him to stand and deliver, he froze. He could have blown the opportunity of a lifetime, and could have been cut, but he wasn't.

Coach Vermeil believed that Vince Papale had something that he could build a team around. What was it that made Coach Vermeil decide to put his neck on the line for someone who didn't have the background, the experience, or the finesse of the finest athletes he could have chosen to play for the Philadelphia Eagles?

What Vince Papale had was guts, and heart. Despite the fact that the veterans on the team refused to accept him, despite the fact that he was told to quit numerous times, Vince Papale persevered.

Just like professional football, our industry is not for the faint at heart. It is one thing to take a hit, and get tackled in a friendly neighborhood game of touch football, but the hits get much harder at a higher level and standard. The talent, the skills, and the competition for the successful in any industry are at a higher standard than the average.

Are you performing at the very best that you can perform, giving it your all? Is your heart in it?

I highly recommend this movie, it will really make you think! Here is the movie trailer:

photo courtesy of idmb.com

Thanks Active Rain! A First Time Home Buyer Referral!

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 12:39:40 -0600

I just wanted to write this to encourage those of you who are new to Active Rain that Active Rain DOES work!
I have been on Active Rain for less than a year. Through the awesome blogs that I have read, I have been able to learn about the importance of blogging for the buyers and sellers that you want.
I decided to test this out, and have recently written a series for first time homebuyers.
I just received a referral for a couple who are looking for a duplex, and they are pre-approved!
I LOVE Active Rain! This network will really work if you put forth the effort that it takes to make it work for you!
Do a search for keywords that your buyers or sellers would be looking for, and start to blog about it!

First Time Home Buyers - Get A Home Inspection

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:56:16 -0600

Congratulations! Now that you have made an offer You are on a fast track to owning your first home! But your work is not complete. In order to protect yourself, and your investment, you need to order a complete home inspection, prior to closing on the home.
Why is a home inspection important? A Home inspection is crucial because you should make sure that the home you intend to buy is in good condition.
Several years ago, the actor Tom Hanks did a movie called "The Money Pit". The story centers around a couple who buy a beautiful home, one that they consider to be the home of their dreams. It is highly unlikely that they had a home inspection done, as problem after expensive problem begins to surface. For every dime they spend to resolve one issue, another expensive issue would appear, hence the movie's title "The Money Pit"
Although the story is fictional, the movie could serve as a precautionary tale of what NOT to do when buying a home. The circumstances in the movie can be a harsh reality if a home inspection is not done prior to closing.
Spending a couple hundred dollars on a home inspection could in fact, save you thousands of dollars down the road. It could also prevent you from purchasing a home that just isn't as good as it looks.
A home inspection evaluates the condition of a home through the eyes of a trained expert. A qualified inspector will take an impartial look at the property you want to buy, and provide you with a written report of findings, usually within five to seven days.
Here are a few links for you to go to, for more in depth information about what you can expect from a home inspection:
What is a home inspection?
Get A House Inspection Before Buying
For Your Protection Get A Home Inspection
10 Important Questions To Ask Your Home Inspector
Remember, a home inspection will reveal things about the home that the eye cannot see. Protect yourself, and know the facts about the home you intend to buy before you make it final.

Related Posts To This Topic:
Common Mistakes Smart People Make When Buying Their First Home
First Time Home Buyers - Consider Five Reasons Why You Should Buy
First Time Home Buyers - Find Out How Much You Can Afford
First Time Home Buyers- Getting Pre-Qualified
Buying Your First Home? Find A Great Buyers Agent!
First Time Home Buyers- You've Hired A Buyers Agent- What's Next?
First Time Home Buyers: You've Found The Perfect Home - Make An Offer
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541-466-5094 Office • 541-936-1630 Cell • 106 W Bishop Way, Brownsville OR 97327
Written By: Alecia A. Barnes -Proud to be a Realtor® in the State Of Oregon - Serving Albany, Brownsville,
Corvallis, Eugene/Springfield, Halsey, Lebanon, Sweet Home, and the surrounding areas. If you are thinking of
moving to Oregon, or are looking to list or buy property, give me a call, I'd love to help. Contact Me For A FREE Homebuyers Booklet!

Show Me Your Books! My Book Meme

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 20:21:20 -0600

What can I say about reading? Reading has been the key to my success in business, and in life. I absolutely love to read, and I urge my children to read as much as possible, because I believe that reading is food for the mind!
When I was a kid, I was known as a book geek. You could always find me reading a book, no matter what!
I've read a lot of books over the years, and so I found it really hard to pinpoint 5 books that I would describe as my favorite, but here are the books I feel have had the biggest impact on my life, and career:

Secrets of The Millionaire Mind - By T. Harv Eker
This book will change the way that you view money and unlocks the secrets of the "Millionaire Mindset". The message is similar to "The Secret". By changing our "money blueprint" and the way that we view money, we can unlock the key to true wealth. A very interesting read!

Who Moved My Cheese? By Dr. Spencer Johnson
This book really helped me to make the decision to leave a 21 year career in yellow pages. The book is written as a parable of life, in a maze. It showed me that I could view change as a curse, or as a blessing. Very well written, it will help you to think about your circumstances, and may even give you the courage to make a change- for the better.

BattleField Of The Mind - By Joyce Meyer
Ephesians 6:12 states that "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but     against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This book is a powerful message of how we can overcome "stinking thinking" and be victorious in every aspect of our lives. A wonderful read!

Becoming A Better You - Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen has written two books - Your Best Life Now, and Becoming A Better You. This is an inspirational message, that shows us that we CAN change our circumstances through the way that we view ourselves, the way that our creator views us. This book is a very easy read, and very uplifting.
I found myself walking taller, and feeling more confident about myself, and the plans that I have for my life after reading this book.

The Notebook- By Nicholas Sparks
A beautifully written love story about the power of love, and it's ability to withstand the test of time. This story was adapted into a movie in 2004, but I believe that while the movie was very good, the book is even better. Have some kleenex handy for this one, because it is a tear jerker. I LOVED THIS BOOK!

Thank you to Elizabeth Nieves - Bilingual NC Real Estate Team for tagging me for this book meme! You can read Elizabeth's Book MeMe Here. Now, I tag Lola Audu~Grand Rapids, Michigan Real Estate, Todd Clark (Realtor), GRI (Washington Co, Beaverton, Oregon), and Midori Miller-Daytona Beach Florida Real Estate Training.
Looking forward to hearing about what YOU like to read!

First Time Home Buyers: You've Found The Perfect Home - Make An Offer

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 18:27:24 -0600

The process of finding a home for the first time can be challenging, but if you are properly equipped and know what to expect during the process, looking for your first home can be an exciting, and rewarding experience.

If you have been following my First Time Home Buyer series, then these are the steps that you've completed so far:
Common Mistakes Smart People Make When Buying Their First Home
First Time Home Buyers - Consider Five Reasons Why You Should Buy
First Time Home Buyers - Find Out How Much You Can Afford
First Time Home Buyers- Getting Pre-Qualified
Buying Your First Home? Find A Great Buyers Agent!
First Time Home Buyers- You've Hired A Buyers Agent- What's Next?
Now, your Buyers Agent has been working hard for you, looking for homes that match the wish list that you submitted and reviewed. Keep in mind that you may have to view a few homes before one stands out as having the potential to be your first home. Don't worry! It will happen.
Since this part in the series has to do with making an offer, we are assuming that you've found The One. The Perfect house to call a home. Now, you are ready to make an offer.
What to expect:
Your Buyers Agent will prove to be invaluable at this stage, because the negotiation of the sales price, and writing up of an offer will be done for you, on your behalf.
Before you make an offer, you must be sure that the house you have decided on is the one that you really want. Make sure that you are serious about buying. Once an offer is accepted by the seller, it is a legally binding contract.
Here are some helpful links from Freddie Mac that will describe the process of making an offer in more detail:
Making An Offer
Negotiating An Offer
Here is another helpful link from Realtor.com
The Basics Of Making An Offer
Forbes.com offers the follow video tips for the first time home-buyer: View The Video
While having a Buyers Agent will definately assist you in getting through the negotiation and writing of an offer to present to the seller, staying knowledgeable about the process, and knowing what to expect will make buying your first home a much smoother and much more relaxed experience.
*Photo Courtesy of Flickr - shaug
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

541-466-5094 Office • 541-936-1630 Cell • 106 W Bishop Way, Brownsville OR 97327
Written By: Alecia A. Barnes -Proud to be a Realtor® in the State Of Oregon - Serving Albany, Brownsville,
Corvallis, Eugene/Springfield, Halsey, Lebanon, Sweet Home, and the surrounding areas. If you are thinking of
moving to Oregon, or are looking to list or buy property, give me a call, I'd love to help. Contact Me For A FREE Homebuyers Booklet!

Let's Say Thanks To Our Troops

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 13:12:41 -0600

Let's Say Thanks!

Let's join our voices here at Active Rain and Support our Troops and LetsSayThanks and send a quick post card from you and your families! A dear Active Rain member challenge us all to do our part and post within our own communities and send a postcard to our troops! Xerox has made this an easy challenge to do with their user friendly site. It's easier than composing an email. I want to challenge all of Albany, Brownsville, Lebanon, and surrounding areas in Linn County and my blogging community to share your well wishes to those sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, mothers and fathers who have spent time away from their love ones for our freedoms! As we comfortably gather Christmas morning or snuggle close to our families at night, let us remember them and the sacrifices they make daily. May you all take a moment of your time and click two clicks away to send a postcard from your family!
"The mission of Let's Say Thanks is to provide a way for individuals across the country to recognize U.S. troops stationed overseas. By submitting a message through this site you have the opportunity to send a free personalized postcard greeting to deployed servicemen and women."
The postcards, depicting patriotic scenes and hometown images, were selected from a pool of entries from children across the country. It takes less than one minute to hit the send button! Sometimes the smallest of gestures mean the most, won't you join me and other Active Rain members to wish our Troops a Happy Holiday!

Lets Say Thanks and send a quick post card from you and your families!
May I also personally challenge you to create a localism post for your area! If you need this copy of this HTML, Candace Robinson will gladly email it to you for your use! May you also visit Give2TheTroops
Happy Holidays from Alecia Barnes- Realtor®
"Fulfilling the American Dream"
Alecia Barnes, NuEra Realty of Albany Oregon (541) 936-1630
35283 Oakview Drive     Brownsville, OR 97327
Alecia@nuerarealty.com

First Time Home Buyers- You've Hired A Buyers Agent- What's Next?

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 20:59:03 -0600

In my series for First Time Home Buyers, I have been covering the steps that a First Time Home Buyer should follow in order
to make sure that the purchase of your first home runs smoothly.
If you are reading this for the first time and want to re-visit my previous blogs on
this subject, here is what we've covered so far...
Common Mistakes Smart People Make When Buying Their First Home
First Time Home Buyers - Consider Five Reasons Why You Should Buy
First Time Home Buyers - Find Out How Much You Can Afford
First Time Home Buyers- Getting Pre-Qualified
Buying Your First Home? Find A Great Buyers Agent!
So, to pick up where we left off, you should be in the process of
interviewing and hiring a Buyers agent to begin the process of looking at homes.
Because you have gone through the process of getting pre-qualified, or pre-approved, you know what price
range to provide your Buyers agent with, but have you given any thought to what you really want in a home?
If you haven't done so already, consider making a wish list. A wish list will make the job of finding your first home much easier for your
Buyers agent, because it will help your Buyers agent narrow the criteria for homes that might suit your needs.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development has a wish list on their website that you can download here. Start compiling a wish list of things that you really would like to have in your first home.
Once your Buyers agent has a wish list from you, and the amount you are qualified for, they'll start the search for your new home! Now the process begins to really speed up, and the fun begins. Your Buyers agent will begin to schedule viewings of homes that they've found to match your wish list as closely as possible.
While you are out viewing homes, here is a handy home shopping checklist for you to bring along. Once you've found a home, it will be time to make an offer. We'll cover that topic in another blog. In the meantime, happy house hunting!
Update: Here's the link to the next post in this series:
First Time Home Buyers: You've Found The Perfect Home - Make An Offer
Forbes.com offers the follow video tips for the first time home-buyer: View The Video

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

541-466-5094 Office • 541-936-1630 Cell • 106 W Bishop Way, Brownsville OR 97327
Written By: Alecia A. Barnes -Proud to be a Realtor® in the State Of Oregon - Serving Albany, Brownsville,
Corvallis, Eugene/Springfield, Halsey, Lebanon, Sweet Home, and the surrounding areas. If you are thinking of
moving to Oregon, or are looking to list or buy property, give me a call, I'd love to help. Contact Me For A FREE Homebuyers Booklet!

Sometimes I Fall Short....But He Still Loves Me

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 13:17:46 -0600
I woke up with this song on my heart this morning. I have been so grateful for all of the things that God has blessed me with, but at times, I know that I haven't been the best example of His love, or of my christian walk.
I am just thankful that even in the times that I stumble and disappoint him, or myself, that he still loves me. The song is from "The Fighting Temptations". I hope you enjoy the video.

The Lyrics:
Took me awhile, but i`m finally here
So I just wanna testify, make it crystal clear
See I`ve been picked out, to be picked on
Talked about out my friend`s mouth
I`ve been beat down, til` he turned my life around
Seems like I always fall short of being worthy
Cuz I ain`t good enough, but he still loves me
I ain`t no superstar, the spot light ain`t shinin` on me
Cuz I ain`t good enough, but he still loves me
I used to, wake up somedays, and wished I had stayed asleep
Cuz I went to bed on top of the world, today the world is on top of me
Now everybody`s got opinions (They Share)
They ain`t been in my position (They Dont Care)
But it breaks my heart when I hear what they
Have to say about me
Seems like we always fall short
of being worthy
Cuz I ain`t good enough,(no no) but he still loves me (but you still love me Lord)
I ain`t no superstar
the spot light ain`t shinin` on me (but I wanna be for you)
Cuz I ain`t good enough, but he still loves me
I`m not perfect
Yes I do wrong
I`m trying my best
But It aint good enough
Shunned by the world
If I don`t succeed
Cuz I aint good enough
But he still loves me
If you ain`t worth just raise your hands
And let me know that you understand
(That we are all so blessed to be loved....loved)
(Stand for him and fall for anything
Cuz through his eyes we all look the same
What would we do, without blame?)
Seems like we always fall short
of being worthy (We are not worthy, no)
Cuz I ain`t good enough,(no) but he still loves me (I ain`t good enough, I ain`t good enough)
I ain`t no superstar,(I ain`t no superstar)
the spot light ain`t shinin` on me (but I wanna be for you Lord)
Cuz I ain`t good enough, but he still loves me (me, me, me)
No I ain`t good enough (No, No, No, No)
But he still loves me (Raise your hands if you understand)
No I ain`t good enough (How he blesses you, cuz he blessed me too)
But he still loves me (Even though I ain`t worthy)
No I aint good enough (You ain`t worthy, he`s there for you)
But he stil loves me (No matter what I do)
No I aint good enough (I ain`t good enooooooooough)
But he stil loves.....me (But the Lord still loves...me)

Helping the Homeless and Orphaned in Uganda- Show Mercy International

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 14:49:48 -0600

After reading Elizabeth Nieves blog entitled PLEASE look at this photograph before Thanksgiving Day...
and Broker Bryant's blog entitled ActiveRain members CAN make a difference. Will you? I wanted to
tell the folks at Active Rain about an organization that I belong to, that has taken on the task of feeding,
clothing and giving shelter to the homeless and orphaned children of Uganda.

The founders, Mike and Lori Salley answered a call on their lives after a visit to Uganda opened their eyes to the
extreme poverty and living conditions that the people of Uganda had to endure. Mike especially took notice of
the plight of the many orphaned and abandoned children that he came in contact with. His heart was broken for
these children as he saw them all alone on the streets, scavenging for food like animals and even prostituting
themselves just to stay alive. Thinking about his own children and how he would feel if they had to experience
this kind of existence, he recognized that this was not OK with God and that he could not just stand by and
pretend that everything would be OK and do nothing.

As Lori puts it, "When I saw the faces of these children, who had been through so much, and endured so much
at the hands of others, I was just wrecked. I knew that I had to do whatever I could to make sure that we could
help these children know that they have a Father in heaven who loves them, and wanted to show them the love
of the Father by providing them the things that they would need to survive; food, clothing, medical attention,
education, shelter and love.
In July of 2004, Show Mercy was officially founded and registered as a 501c3, nonprofit organization. From that
point on, God began providing financial resources that enabled Show Mercy to begin build homes for many
orphaned and abandoned children. Since that time, the ministry has continued to be blessed enabling them to
continue providing assistance to hundreds of hurting children in Uganda and India. This includes providing
shelter, food, clothing, medical care, education and love to many hurting children.
As we draw close to Thanksgiving, and move on to Christmas, would you consider sponsoring a child, or
donating to this worthy cause?

Click here to learn more about Show Mercy International:
Click here to Sponsor a Child:
Click here to donate to this worthy cause:
Photos courtesty of: Show Mercy International

Buying Your First Home? Find A Great Buyers Agent!

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:40:01 -0600

Now that you're well into the process of obtaining your dream of home ownership, you've probably followed the steps necessary to ensure that the purchase of your first home is a smooth process.
Home ownership has many advantages and benefits, as you're aware, and the process of buying your first home doesn't have to be as time-consuming or complex, if you're following a sound plan.
Before you begin looking for a Realtor® to hire as a Buyers Agent, let's recap what you've done so far, to make sure that you are really ready to start looking at homes.

First, you've gone through the process to find out how much you can afford. Knowing how much you can afford will assist your Realtor® in identifying the right properties for you to view.
Second, you've reviewed Common Mistakes Smart People Make When Buying Their First Home to know what common pitfalls to avoid when making your first home purchase
Third, you've interviewed and hired a good lender to get Pre-Qualified. If you are really ready to buy, get Pre-Approved. A firm approval will make it much easier for your Realtor® to negotiate the price of your home, and gives you an advantage over someone who is not approved, or is simply pre-qualified.
Pre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved - What's the difference? Getting pre-qualified may sound official, but it is really a ballpark estimate of what you can afford. Getting pre-approved means that a lender has reviewed your credit history, verified your assets and employment, and has approved your loan prior to you finding a home to purchase. Just remember- don't give out your social security number to several different lenders. Start with the pre-qualification process, and once you've found the lender you like, then get pre-approved.
Now that you're pre-qualified, or pre-approved, it's time to find a Realtor® who can represent you as a Buyers Agent.
Why Do I Need A Buyers Agent? The seller of the house I like already has a Realtor®.
Traditionally, real estate agents represent the sellers in a transaction. When you are not working with a Buyers Agent, there is a chance that you may not be able to negotiate on price as well or request contingencies. It is best that you hire a Buyer's Agent, who will represent your best interests, and the seller's agent will represent the seller's best interests.
A Buyers Agent's job and legal duty (fiduciary responsibility) is to you, the buyer. Before working with an agent, it is always best to establish whether they are a buyer's agent or a seller's agent. Since you will be working and spending a lot of time with your Realtor®, you'll want to feel like your working together as a team.
A Buyers Agent can guide you each step of the way to prevent costly errors. Failure to find out about defects in the property or the actual value of the property can be an expensive mistake. Failure to negotiate a contract that works for you can be a costly mistake. You will receive advice and assistance in selecting the best property and determining an offering price when you work with a Buyers Agent.
Who pays the Buyers Agent fee?

That depends. Buyers Agents generally receive a share of the sales commission built into the list price. Many listing agreements between the seller and the seller's agent indicate whether the commission will be split between the seller's agent and a buyer's agent. That's because most sellers are prepared to pay a commission simply to get their home sold. They aren't concerned whether it's a Buyer's Agent or a subagent that shares the commission.

The Bottom Line
In summary, here are just some of the reasons you'll want to hire a Buyers Agent to help you find your first home.
A Buyers Agent will fully represent your best interest
A Buyers Agent will give you help in evaluating property
A Buyers Agent will negotiate to get you the best price and the best terms
A Buyers Agent will do due diligence to help you avoid costly errors and identify defects in the property that you should be aware of.
Related Posts to this topic:
Common Mistakes Smart People Make When Buying Their First Home
First Time Home Buyers - Consider Five Reasons Why You Should Buy
First Time Home Buyers - Find Out How Much You Can Afford
First Time Home Buyers- Getting Pre-Qualified
Buying Your First Home? Find A Great Buyers Agent!
First Time Home Buyers- You've Hired A Buyers Agent- What's Next?
First Time Home Buyers: You've Found The Perfect Home - Make An Offer
Forbes.com offers the follow video tips for the first time home-buyer: View The Video

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

541-466-5094 Office • 541-936-1630 Cell • 106 W Bishop Way, Brownsville OR 97327
Written By: Alecia A. Barnes -Proud to be a Realtor® in the State Of Oregon - Serving Albany, Brownsville,
Corvallis, Eugene/Springfield, Halsey, Lebanon, Sweet Home, and the surrounding areas. If you are thinking of
moving to Oregon, or are looking to list or buy property, give me a call, I'd love to help. Contact Me For A FREE Homebuyers Booklet!

First Time Home Buyers- Getting Pre-Qualified

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 17:01:28 -0600

If you have made the decision to purchase your first home, Congratulations!
Home ownership has many advantages and benefits, and you are in a perfect
market to find the home of your dreams.
Before you employ the services of a Realtor®, there are several steps that you
will want to follow to make sure that the purchase of your new home is as smooth
as possible.
One of the first things you'll want to do is to find out how much you can afford
for your new home.
Getting pre-qualified by a qualified lender is one of the first things that you can do to
get the ball running.

There are many reasons why this will give you an advantage;
Pulling a credit report will give you the chance to correct any errors that might appear.
Shopping for rates will give you more knowledge about rates, fees, and the monthly payment you will be making and more.
Knowing how much you can afford gives you bargaining power when you do find the home you would like to own.
Pre - qualification will allow your Realtor® the ability to know in advance which homes will suitable to show you.
What should you look for when shopping lenders for a competitive rate?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a free brochure that you can download, with information that can
answer many of the questions that you might have. You can download the pamphlet here.
Once you have obtained a pre-qualification, and know how much you can afford, it is time to hire a Realtor®.
Having a Realtor® negotiate on your behalf, with your best interest in mind is one of the best ways to ensure that your first home purchase
is a wonderful experience.

Related Posts to this topic:
Common Mistakes Smart People Make When Buying Their First Home
First Time Home Buyers - Consider Five Reasons Why You Should Buy
First Time Home Buyers - Find Out How Much You Can Afford
First Time Home Buyers- Getting Pre-Qualified
Buying Your First Home? Find A Great Buyers Agent!
First Time Home Buyers- You've Hired A Buyers Agent- What's Next?
First Time Home Buyers: You've Found The Perfect Home - Make An Offer
Forbes.com offers the follow video tips for the first time home-buyer: View The Video

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

541-466-5094 Office • 541-936-1630 Cell • 106 W Bishop Way, Brownsville OR 97327
Written By: Alecia A. Barnes -Proud to be a Realtor® in the State Of Oregon - Serving Albany, Brownsville,
Corvallis, Eugene/Springfield, Halsey, Lebanon, Sweet Home, and the surrounding areas. If you are thinking of
moving to Oregon, or are looking to list or buy property, give me a call, I'd love to help. Contact Me For A FREE Homebuyers Booklet!

Why I am Grateful This Thanksgiving - 2007

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:23:14 -0600

I have been reflecting back on this year as we draw near to Thanksgiving, and I realize that I truly have a lot to be thankful for.

This year has been a year of character building for me. I left my full time job to devote myself to Real Estate completely, and I set out, goals in hand, ready to truly believe God for my income.

I wasn't prepared for the changes that God would bring about this year, as I left behind a 21 year career, and a six figure income, but I trudged ahead, determined to be obedient to the call on my life, and to the voice of instruction gently leading me forward, and urging me to leave the former things behind.

But God, whose thoughts are not my thoughts, and whose ways are not my ways, had a year planned for me that was entirely different than I had pictured.

This has been a year in which we have been gently reminded about how important it is to be good stewards of our money, and while we have struggled at times, I have to say that God has been very good to my husband and I. He has always made sure that we have had more than enough, and while it has been significantly less than we have been accustomed to in the past, somehow, knowing that God has seen to it that we have what we need, when we need it, has made all of the blessings that we do receive so very sweet.

I am grateful for a God that supplies all of my needs, according to his riches and glory.

It has been a year that showed me that I had spent very little time with my children. I had devoted myself entirely to my career, and I have to admit, it has been very sobering realizing that I missed out on so many of the little things that make up raising children. In fact, it hasn't been just a shifting of my priorities; it was an adjustment period for my kids as well.

I am grateful to God that after working so hard to reconnect with my children, we are so much closer than we have been in many years. I am also very grateful for the fact that my children have responded to having me there for them, even telling me at different times that they are glad that even though we don't have as much money as we used to, they are happy that they get to spend more time with me.

Finally, I am so grateful for a wonderful, supportive and loving husband. This has been the best year I've had in so many ways; My husband has been clean and sober for just under two years now, and has been a great source of strength for me. He has pointed me to God to pray when I've been worried, and has prayed and interceded for my success. He has been a wonderful motivator, and given me many pep talks when ever I have been down. God truly blessed me with a mighty man of God, and I am ever so grateful that he gave me the strength and endurance to wait on Him while he changed my husbands' heart, and won him over.

Thanks for letting me share with you. May God Bless Your Families at Thanksgiving and always, pressed down, shaken together and running over with His Grace!

First Time Home Buyers – Find Out How Much You Can Afford

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:21:51 -0600

Now that you've made the decision to buy your first home, the process of buying a home can be confusing, and
complicated. Where should you start?
Find out how much you can afford. To get started with the process, consider getting pre-approved with a lender
prior to making an appointment to view homes with a Realtor®. This will give you more leverage when you are
ready to make an offer once you've found the house you'd like to call home.

In my blog Common Mistakes Smart People Make When Buying Their First Home ,   I explain how important it is
to decide which lender you would like to work with. Multiple credit inquiries may affect your credit rating and have
a negative impact on loan amount, interest rate, etc. Avoid Giving your Social Security Number out to several
different mortgage companies while shopping for rates.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development offers these free links to calculators that can assist you,
but remember, it will be best to visit with your lender to find out for sure.
How much home can you afford?
Buying Vs. Renting

To gain a better understanding of the home buying process, contact me for a FREE homebuyer booklet that will
explain the home buying process in simple terms, and show you how I can help make the process of buying
your first home a much smoother process.

Related Posts to this topic:
Common Mistakes Smart People Make When Buying Their First Home
First Time Home Buyers - Consider Five Reasons Why You Should Buy
First Time Home Buyers - Find Out How Much You Can Afford
First Time Home Buyers- Getting Pre-Qualified
Buying Your First Home? Find A Great Buyers Agent!
First Time Home Buyers- You've Hired A Buyers Agent- What's Next?
First Time Home Buyers: You've Found The Perfect Home - Make An Offer
Forbes.com offers the follow video tips for the first time home-buyer: View The Video

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

541-466-5094 Office • 541-936-1630 Cell • 106 W Bishop Way, Brownsville OR 97327
Written By: Alecia A. Barnes -Proud to be a Realtor® in the State Of Oregon - Serving Albany, Brownsville,
Corvallis, Eugene/Springfield, Halsey, Lebanon, Sweet Home, and the surrounding areas. If you are thinking of
moving to Oregon, or are looking to list or buy property, give me a call, I'd love to help!
* Photo Courtesy of Flickr Novembre85

First Time Home Buyers - Consider Five Reasons Why You Should Buy

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:05:07 -0600

If you've considered the benefits of buying a home, and you are like most first time buyers, you've probably
had reservations about whether buying a home is right for you.
The more you know in advance about buying your first home, the easier the whole process will be for you.
Here are five great reasons why you should buy a home now:
Property Appreciation:
Even though real estate moves up, and then down, over a period of years real estate has consistently
appreciated, and many who purchase their home consider their investment as a hedge against inflation.
Property Tax Deductions
Real Estate property taxes paid for a first home and a vacation home are fully deductible for income tax
purposes. Read what the IRS has published regarding tax information for first-time home buyers.
Mortgage Interest Deductions
Our tax rates highly favor those who own their home. Mortgage interest is fully deductible on your tax return, as
long as the balance on your mortgage is smaller than the price you paid for your home.
Paying Your Mortgage down Will Build Equity
Part of your monthly payment goes directly to the principal balance on your loan, and reduces your obligation.
Every payment that you make reduces the interest on your loan, and increases the amount that is paid toward
your principal balance. As the amount of your interest decreases, and the amount you pay toward principal
increases, the amount of equity you have in your home builds.
The Pride of Owning Your Own Home
This is the main reason people want to own a home. You have the freedom to make the choices you want,
whether it is wall colors, landscaping, or decorating how you see fit.
Owning a home gives a sense of security, and stability. You are investing in your future.

If down payment is of concern to you, read the Purchase Assistance Loan blog by Rick Grand, a Mortgage
Broker, in Eugene Oregon. Rick explains how the purchase assistance loan program works, and can give you
assistance in getting pre-qualified for a home loan.

Related Posts to this topic:
Common Mistakes Smart People Make When Buying Their First Home
First Time Home Buyers - Consider Five Reasons Why You Should Buy
First Time Home Buyers - Find Out How Much You Can Afford
First Time Home Buyers- Getting Pre-Qualified
Buying Your First Home? Find A Great Buyers Agent!
First Time Home Buyers- You've Hired A Buyers Agent- What's Next?
First Time Home Buyers: You've Found The Perfect Home - Make An Offer
Forbes.com offers the follow video tips for the first time home-buyer: View The Video
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

541-466-5094 Office • 541-936-1630 Cell • 106 W Bishop Way, Brownsville OR 97327
Written By: Alecia A. Barnes -Proud to be a Realtor® in the State Of Oregon - Serving Albany, Brownsville,
Corvallis, Eugene/Springfield, Halsey, Lebanon, Sweet Home, and the surrounding areas. If you are thinking of
moving to Oregon, or are looking to list or buy property, give me a call, I'd love to help!
Photo Courtesy of Flickr: dsb nola

Winter Home Heating Safety Tips

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 12:38:59 -0600
As the weather chills and you heat your home, stay cozy and safe.
Have your furnace cleaned and checked.   A professional inspection will help prevent fires and carbon monoxide leaks. A furnace running at top efficiency will save you money as well.
Hire a professional to clean your wood-burning fireplace, wood-stove and chimney. Creosote, a by product of burning wood, can build up and catch fire. Also, many chimney problems, such as cracks and faults, can't be seen from the outside.
Inspect your gas fireplace. Call a professional to clean the fan, clear any blocked vents and make needed adjustments.
Check electric blankets. Hold the blanket up to the light to see if embedded wires are touching. If they are, it's time for a new electric blanket. You'll also want to replace it if it is more than 10 years old or has a damaged cord, wires or temperature control. if it's worn, torn or singed, buy a new one.
Use space heaters as a short-term heating solution. Buy heaters with protective guards around the heating element and an automatic shutoff feature. Use them on a stable surface, at least three feet from combustible items.
Store safety tools near your outdoor fire pit or chiminea. You need a mesh screen, fire extinguisher, insulated gloves and heavy meal ash bucket with tight fitting lid. Place portable hearths on stable, fireproof surfaces, such as concrete, away from combustibles. Keep your first fire small so you can get a feel for how hot and how long it burns. Refrain from using your fire pit or chiminea in dry weather.
Did you know that space heaters sparked 26 percent of home heating fires in 2003, but caused 73 percent of fire related casualties?
Chimneys caused 40 percent of home heating fires in 2003. Failure to clean the chimney accounted for almost 60 percent of those fires*
*Source: National Fire Prevention Association
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Written By: Alecia A. Barnes -Proud to be a Realtor® in the State Of Oregon - Serving Albany, Brownsville, Corvallis, Eugene/Springfield, Halsey, Lebanon, Sweet Home, and the surrounding areas. If you are thinking of moving to Oregon, or are looking to list or buy property, give me a call, I'd love to help!