Central Oregon Real Estate Information

Village at Sunriver Has New Manager

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:04:13 -0600

The Village at Sunriver has hired a new operations manger, Denease Schiffman is now responsible for tenant relations, overall management and assisting with lease agreements. She is quoted in the Sunriver Scene as saying “I spent the first 30 days on the job ensuring that tenants are accommodated due to all the construction, mitigating impacts from the construction by directing traffic flow and ensuring customer access. Every day is different. I walk the property looking for issues. I talk to tenants. I’ve met them all at this point. I’ve never dealt with easier clients in the midst of a construction zone.”

As a property manager Schiffman has 12 years of property management, most of which is commercial. Her experience varies from the U.S. Bancorp Tower in Portland to the simple mom and pop store, she has also worked the Bend retail buildings. I have yet to meet her, but I have heard great things about her attitude and capabilities.

Ryan Smith, who was the director or operations has not left us, he is now focusing on promotions and events to attract shoppers, and guests to the Village.

Phase One continues with the redevelopment, installing new composite roofs on buildings 23, 24 and 25 is basically complete. When you are in the Village, take a look at the new dormers, windows and fresh siding. Now on to building 22, it is slated to receive new windows, entry doors, cedar siding and some stone work for additional accents. If you are heading to Goody’s or Toy Kingdom, you might anticipate changes in your entry area.

Building 22 is slated to be the signature building - The outcome of this building is what you can expect for the entire mall. To read more - check out The Sunriver Sceen the mall update can be found on the front page and page 4.

Do You Posterous?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:20:51 -0600

I love POSTEROUS - I am not sure why - maybe because it has so many great possibilities. I use it simply to show off the Central Oregon Views. Posterous is so easy that it is almost scary - you can simply blog via email. I am not blogging so much there but I am putting up photos as are many of our friends. Now, I have a ton of things to do in a day, and for some reason I keep adding more to my plate and stretching myself too thing. BUT I love to share photos of Central Oregon, so what is a girl to do...

Then it hit me

Outlook

Has a Delayed Delivery Function.....

Last night I set up my Posterous posts for the next 30 days and it took me a total of about 40 minutes. How cool is that - as long as I turn on my computer and open Outlook each day my posts will email out every day.

I use Outlook 2007 - and it is fairly easy follow these 6 steps

Open an email
Create the email like you normally would
Click on the Options Ribbon
Click on Delay Delivery and set your day and time
Close the delay delivery window
Click Send

When you go to close Outlook you will receive a message stating you have mail in your outbox that has not been sent. It will ask you if you want to exit without sending simply click yes....

If you do not have a Posterous blog and want one - simply send a photo or your first post to post@posterous.com you will receive an email - follow the instructions and within 5 minutes you are up and running... have fun!!!!

River Meadows, Bend, OR - Great House! Great Price!

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:50:32 -0500

We all know that it is a buyer’s market, just about everywhere in Central Oregon inventory is high, prices are low and now is the time to buy! River Meadows in no exception! Finding a great deal in today’s market seems to be the objective of almost every buyer, and who could blame them? There are great deals to be found!

55782 Lost Rider Loop is located in River Meadows. This home is located just a short distance from the Big Deschutes River. River Meadows does have paved paths for bikes and walking or running. The path does follow the Big Deschutes River.

55782 Lost Rider Loop is a 3 bedroom 2 bath home that also features a bonus room. It is currently priced at $144 a square foot – which when compared to the average of $196 (as of today) a square foot. The price per square foot is a great way to see the motivation of the seller, but keep in mind this home has slab granite kitchen counter tops, hardwood, well maintained, has front and back decking, and backs up to a nice green belt.

Check out this slideshow of the property, then call your agent or me to see the property!

Speachless Sunday - Monarch of the Seas Pool Deck - Oh Yeah!!!!

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:01:50 -0500

RiverFront Home on Pringle Falls Hear The River!!!

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:43:49 -0500

Central Oregon is known for it's beauty and versatility. You can obtain just about any type of property you want in Central Oregon (no ocean view though). One of the most popular property searches is for riverfront property in Central Oregon.

Most of the River Front Homes for sale in Central Oregon are on The Big Deschutes or Little Deschutes Rivers. There is a great community on The Big Deschutes River called Wild River. The name comes from the section of the river these homes are located. Pringle Falls has the appearance of a fast rapid and makes the river wild in the area.

This home on Wild River Way is currently being offered at $239,900 and I personally believe it is one of the best deals in Central Oregon. For more information please contact me.

Wordless Wednesday! A Taste Of Logging Days Gone By in Central Oregon

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:33:47 -0500

Like Nike Says - Just Do It - Ask For The Referral!

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:37:03 -0500

Today I sent out a twit that reminded others to ask for the referral. I, like a lot of us forget to do this time and time again. I have been trying to remember the simple things that build our business and things that are low cost. You can not get much lower cost than asking a buyer for a referral! They are already hooked on you, they know you, they trust you and they are EXCITED!

So, after posting this reminder - @JakePlanton asked how I ask for referrals. I love it when people ask me how to do something and love it even more when someone helps me with a method, question or just good old assistance... so this one is for you Jake.

It really does not matter what part of the Real Estate business you are involved with you have opportunities to ask for a referral without being pushy or feeling awkward.

When you start working with a client - and you connect - simply give them a small stack of business cards and say, "Working with you is going to be a lot of fun, here is a couple extra cards, because as we go through this process you are going to be excited and talking to friends and family. As you do, you may find they have been thinking about buying (or selling) also, give them my card so I can help them."
As the transaction winds down, and you send your thank you card, closing gift or what ever you do again send them extra cards and say "Working with you has been great, I will be in touch from time to time to see how things are going, remember I am here for you and YOUR family and friends feel free to give them my card."
I call a couple days after the closing to see how the move went and say. "It is so exciting setting up your new home. I was just updating your contact information in my data base, changing your address to your new one... while I am completing your information I thought I would double check with you, is there anyone YOU would like me to contact to help them buy or sell in our area?"

Now I know these are pretty soft sells but they work for me.

I then add my buyers to a recipe club where every other month they receive a card with a great recipe on it asking for a referral - I pay once and it is good for a 2 or 3 year program. Some of my clients have called to tell me how great the recipe was, and just yesterday one buyer posted on FaceBook how much she loved a cheesecake recipe and it because a fairly long thread where she was making it for friends... and then she sent me a private email inviting me to meet her friends that are looking to buy on "Cheese Cake Night."

Asking for the referral is as easy or hard as you make it... but asking when you are working with someone is simple you already have the connection... so just jump in with both feet and do it!

Are You In Violation of REALTOR®?

Sun, 31 May 2009 20:39:05 -0500

Today one of my local competitors / friends showed up on Twitter I saw that there were 3 tweets promoting his website and realized he had created 3 Twitter accounts. Ok, a few people think and find ways to use more than one account.

One of his accounts used a community name and then the word REALTOR® - this is a violation of the Trademark many of us pay each year for. I know a lot of us have made the mistake or might even still be making the mistake but NAR does find these violations and they do shut the account down.

Anyway the REALTOR® I tried to help by telling him he might want to find another user name did not take kindly to my words of advice. He is positive he is not in violation...

If you are going to use REALTOR® - you can say Thesa Chambers REALTOR® (or your name) but you can not say Oregon REALTOR® (or your state)

To make this a little easier NAR has published a quick guide to using the term REALTOR® on the internet.

Some of the recent violations I have seen include

REMAX REALTOR®

C21 REALTOR®

Town Name REALTOR®

State REALTOR®

If you are using REALTOR® in this manner you may want to think twice about putting a lot of time, effort and sometimes money into something that may be taken away from you. I am not telling you this to make things difficult, in fact I would hate to see all your hard work go down the drain and for you to be starting over.

$8,000 Tax Credit .............. Watch Out For The SCAMS!!!

Sun, 31 May 2009 01:46:16 -0500

Remember - to always check with a WELL KNOWN lender and your AGENT

Via George Souto (McCue Mortgage) FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages CT.:

Yesterday I wrote a blog on the new policy that was just announced by HUD for the $8,000 Tax Credit, in their latest Mortgagee Letter "MORTGAGEE LETTER 2009-1. In it I advised everyone to read it for themselves and become familiar with it. What I did not do in my blog yesterday was to further advise everyone to caution their clients about the SCAMS that will most likely emerge as a result of this latest change.

We have seen SCAMS pop up for everything prior to this, and I have no doubt that new SCAMS will pop up with creative ways to take advantage of those who do not follow sound advice, and would rather listen to those who will tell them what they want to hear instead.

We have seen SCAMS devised to take advantage of those who are trying to refinance out of high interest loans.

We have seen SCAMS devised to take advantage of those who have fallen behind on their mortgages and are being promised loan programs that they can't possibly qualify for.

We have seen SCAMS devised to take advantage of those who are trying to Modify their present mortgage.

So why would we not expect the Con Artist to come up with ways to make money off of this latest change to the $8,000 Tax Credit that is prime for the picking.

Make sure that your Buyers/Borrowers are dealing with reputable Lenders and Banks when it comes to this. They need to stay away from Internet Lenders that no one has heard of.

It is likely that very few Lenders and Banks will participate in this program, because most are not set up for doing Bridge Loans, which this will be a form of. I have not heard of anyone that has even considered participating in making these advances on the $8,000 Tax Credit available.

So as they use to say on the TV program Hill Street Blues "Lets Be Careful Out There"

******************************************************************************************************************

Info about the author:

George Souto is a Loan Officer who can assist you with all your FHA, CHFA, and Conventional mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which includes Middletown, Middlefield, Durham, Cromwell, Portland, Higganum, Haddam, East Haddam, Chester, Deep River, and Essex. George can be contacted at (860) 573-1308 or gsouto@mccuemortgage.com

Good Faith Estimates - Knowing & Understanding the Power of the paper!!!

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:18:39 -0500

Jeff is a well respected FHA expert - this is important information for all buyers - and so it is my honor to have the ability to post his information on my blog

Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):

Good Faith Estimates - Extremely important message below!!!

If you are a consumer looking to purchase or refinance, this is a must read. It could cost you thousands if you don't pay attention. This is not a threat, but a warning from someone that has over 16 years of experience in the mortgage industry.

When shopping for a mortgage, even if shopping with more than 2 lenders, you want to get a good faith estimate from everyone that you speak to.

So, here is my pet peeve. This is a major red flag - if you speak to a loan officer, on the phone or in person, and they didn't offer you a good faith estimate, don't walk, Run!!!

The Good Faith Estimate is an over abused term and can be misleading. If the loan officer qualifies you for a mortgage, no matter if its a FHA loan or a conventional loan, you should receive one in a few hours. In reality, if the loan officer qualifies you and tells you a rate, a payment, and your total costs, they should be able to give you that good faith estimate in a matter of minutes. Think about it, they had to do this already in order to give you those figures. There is no excuse. Sure, things happen, but just being busy is not good enough. Unless they specifically tell you that they will give it to you the next day. This can happen, but other than that, if they dont communicate this with you, no excuse. And this could be indicative to how your loan process will go.

Let me ask you this. If you are shopping for a car, don't you want to see your payment, interest rate, and total costs? I know I would. If you have to keep asking for a good faith estimate and it's been 3 days, major red flag.

Overall, it doesn't matter if you are applying for a FHA loan, a conventional loan, or any other type of mortgage. If you have to beg for a good faith estimate, you are just asking for trouble in most cases.

THE GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE

So, what is a good faith estimate? Its an estimate of all your costs associated with buying or refinancing your home. But here is the catch. There are some costs that are known costs and not just estimates. These would be the lenders fees. The lender fees are all fees that are under lines 801 to 823. I enlarged this section below for you.

Three things that you want to look for when you first look at your GFE.

Look at the loan program and make sure this is the program that you want. If it was an adjustable, it would say differently. This would fall under the term of the loan.

Look at the mortgage rate. Make sure this is what you discussed when speaking to your loan officer. (Up top, middle of page, yellow highlight)

The 3rd issue are the fees. As I mentioned above, everything in section 801 to 823 would be the lenders fees or anything the lender is going to charge you. (left hand column with highlighted items) Don't ever be fooled if one lenders fee is higher than the other. You still need to compare the mortgage rate.

(Speak to your tax accountant to make sure what can be written off and what cant. But typically just the points can be written off)

What not to do when comparing good faith estimates.

Don't compare total fees at bottom of the GFE, which I will explain why below.

Just dont compare the APR of the loan. (explained here)

Conclusion: Again, don't always shop and ask for total fees. Compare the lenders fees the most. In regards to your escrows, each state is different. I highlighted this in red. Your property taxes are paid either quarterly, twice a year, or once a year. I have seen some loan officers sometimes not show enough for your escrows in regards to the property taxes. Its very easy for a loan officer to say at closing, ˜these aren't my fees, so all I can do is give an estimate. Word of advice, yes, its an estimate. But I have seen some loan officers estimate less to make the overall cost look cheaper. And just be careful, because some of these figures are not worth the paper that they are written on. It's just that, an estimate based on good faith. Make sure that you always speak with a Mortgage Professional. And don't shop yourself right out of the market.

One other thing, if you have 3 good faith estimates in front of you, always go back to the person that you had the best feeling with, that you are comfortable the most with, and share the other 2 with them. Just don't run to the person with the best rate and or fees. I always like my clients to come back to me no matter what. I might be able to point something out to them. And this next topic must be discussed when receiving a GFE, otherwise this Good Faith doesn't mean squat. Locking or floating my mortgage rate !!!!

Lastly... if you are going to shop rate & costs, ALWAYS shop on the same day !!! Rates change daily...

UPDATE : The laws in some states are different, when a good faith estimate must be given. In Paul McFadden's example, comment #15, they have 3 days from the day they pull credit. According to RESPA, the lender has 3 days from the time of application. When just casually shopping, there is no time period or law.

In regards to my example, with the rate and points, this is just an example. Besides, not all rates or good faith estimates come with points. And I don't charge fees. But there is a cost of doing business with any lender or bank out there.

- FHA Loans - USDA Loans - VA Loans -

- Energy Efficient Mortgages -

- Conventional Loans - 203 k loans -

- Mortgages -

Experience & Knowledge at its BEST !!!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. The FHA Expert

For more information about the 2009 Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers : 2009 Tax Credit

For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags !!!!

Copyright © 2009 by Jeff Belonger

Fire Season is Around the Corner

Wed, 20 May 2009 11:03:44 -0500

We are finally seeing some nice daytime temperatures and with the warm weather comes the threats fo fire. Packing an evacuation kit prior to an emergency is a great way to reduce your stress level at the time of evacuation.

There are many items you may need that when under stress you may not think to take. Placing these items in the same safe location may make it much easier and less time consuming should you need to evacuate.

Be sure you are prepared for Central Oregon fire season.

photo by Sam Beebe / Ecotrust

Central Oregon Bank Owned Homes Free Listings

Thu, 07 May 2009 00:40:27 -0500

Central Oregon is a great place to be from and a great place to live. When you live in Central Oregon and travel everyone is jealous of your home area. Central Oregon is one of the most visited places in Oregon because there is so much to do. NO matter what your favorite outdoor activity it can most likely be found in Central Oregon.

Full List of Bank Owned Homes in Bend, Three Rivers South & La Pine Oregon!

Because we have such great recreational areas we also had a huge boom in real estate. Now we are seeing some of these past buyers in trouble and with that we have bank owned homes.

5 Years Ago - My Life Changed Forever - Thank You TEXAS

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:44:25 -0500

5 years ago today I met my father for the first time, I was almost 41 years old that Cinco De Mayo. It was a great day, one I had dreamed of my entire life. One that fairy tales are made of. I grew up always wondering who he was, what he had done with his life, did I have siblings I did not know about, the questions were endless.

My dad was not the saint I had dreamed of, he was so much more. He was who he was, and never tried to be anything else. In 5 years he told me all the stories he could about his life, he told me the truth and he loved me unconditionally.

5 years have gone by since I met my dad and my time with him was limited as he passed away last September.

I will always remember the day I stepped off that plane. There was never a thought of not going to meet the family I never knew, it was just supposed to be. We were meant to be together. We were meant to meet. I have 3 beautiful sisters, a wonderful step mother and a great family of nieces and nephews that will always be apart of my heart and life.

It amazes me how one phone call, one plane ride and one simple step forward can change your life forever. My dad may be gone, but the lessons he taught me, the family he gave me and so much more will live on forever.

Happy Anniversary Dad and The Arrington Family - I love you all and miss you all.

Happy Easter

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:50:07 -0500

I hope all of you are having a great Easter - I just love how simple children can make our lives. This is a video that had us all laughing the morning... This is our 2 year old grandson trying to put 19 eggs into a carton that holds 18 - he is pretty determined - hope it makes you smile - What a great day to take off and just enjoy the world around me... See you all Monday!!!

We Found The House - The Price Is Right - Now For The Offer

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:32:49 -0500

I love working with first time home buyers. The feeling through out the transaction all the way to closing and after is so rewarding. Today, a young couple I have worked with for 2 and a half years finally got an accepted offer on the perfect home. A bank owned, brand new never lived in 4 bedroom home.

This young couple has waited patiently - they have driven streets, they watch their email and they knew exactly what they could afford regardless of what they qualified for (lender would loan more than they wanted to spend).

We saw the home come on the market last month and made a low offer on it... we held our breath - the bank would not budge....they felt the activity they had would bring them a higher offer. Guess what - it did not, they had to lower the price.... and again we made a run at this home and again the bank would not budge.

Monday the home had yet another price reduction.... lower than what we had offered not once but twice.... and guess what we did not offer full price - and guess what - we got the house.

Patience, teamwork and persistence has paid off - I am thrilled - now to get through the Typical Central Oregon Contingencies. The Bank has already provided the septic info, well report and we are well on our way to a successful closing.

If you are ready to buy, just thinking about it, or not sure what you are looking for - sign up for your free listings.

Ask & You Just May Receive IT!

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:51:08 -0500

Months ago I asked either here on ActiveRain or in another forum, how to get involved with listing bank owned homes. I really thought it would help my business and generate some sales, a a very wise agent, and I am sorry I do not remember who you were, told me you do not want to be known as the REPO agent find the buyers. Since then my business has been focused on finding buyers for bank owned properties. I am seeing some decent success at this niche market. Educating buyers to the fact that they do not have to use the listing agent - or what they call the bank's agent has been the biggest obstacle.

Many buyers believe they can not ask for repairs - this is untrue. Banks will not do the same repairs an owner occupied seller would but they will do some repairs. I have had banks agree to replace wall heaters, fix plumbing and replace septic systems.

Buying a bank owned home in Central Oregon can be frustrating, because the good ones generally sell quickly, they are priced right and clean. Most of my buyers know a home is coming on the market before the public. When you subscribe to my automatic listing program you will receive a copy of the listing about 24 hours before it hits the public sites.

If buying a bank owned home anywhere in Central Oregon is something you have considered sign up below, no obligation and no spam I promise.

Are You Willing To Lose The House For $2,000 Difference?

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 06:29:06 -0500

Buyers today are in the drivers seat more than ever, we all know this and buyers are educated about it. However, when do you stop and say - ok. Every time a buyer or seller puts out a new offer or a counter offer they take the chance of the other walking away. We all have our bottom line and some of us do not want to move off that number.

But... Buyers and sellers are you risking the home of your dreams or the sale when you counter offer and are only a thousand or two apart? Is getting that additional $1000 going to make any real difference on your payment or what goes in the bank? Even if the answer is yes, every day that the negotiations go on is another day that closing can be delayed.

Today, the sad truth happened for one of my buyers. We were battling back and forth over the weekend over $2000 and the seller finally caved in... we got the house for the price the buyer wanted.... GREAT UH????

Not so fast... you see, Friday lending guidelines changed and the buyer no longer qualifies for this second home. So since the loan was not locked - the lender can not honor the program we planned to use. So everyone lost out over a $2000 difference, the buyer no longer qualifies for the loan and the seller is without a buyer...

Back to the Drawing Board all the way around, be certain you want to take that risk when you are so close, the outcome could cost you more than the difference.

Out of State Sellers - Income Tax Withholding

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:07:47 -0600

January 1, 2008 House Bill 2592 will go into effect. What does this mean? For the out of state seller it means less money in the short run. If an out of state seller sells an Oregon property after January 1, 2008 new legislation will require a mandatory withholding for income taxes.

The withholding will be from the seller's proceeds at the time of closing. The 2008 sales agreement will have text that pertains to this and the new law.

What to expect - from looking over the bill which can be viewed at http://www.leg.state.or.us/07reg/measpdf/hb2500.dir/hb2592.intro.pdf I see it as you should expect to have 4% of the net proceeds or 10% of the gain for taxable income. Obviously it is much more detailed than this, please do read the bill so you know exactly what to expect regarding your own sales in Oregon.

This law is over a year old now and it still poses a lot of questions - the one thing that both REALTORS® and Title and Escrow have to continue to explain is that this is a withholding and not a tax.

Short Sale vs Bank Owned

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:01:34 -0600

Today Buyers and Sellers of Central Oregon homes are hearing these terms more and more which bring more questions than answers most of the time. There are many misunderstandings of what these terms mean and what the process is or can be. The current real estate market is one that even veterans of 40 plus years have never seen before. Let's explore what these mean here locally and have a glimpse of what they may mean in other areas.

The Short Sale - A seller is attempting to sell their home for less than they owe the bank. That is the simple answer to what a short sale is. As we tread on you will see that the answer is not all that simple. How can the seller do this is one of the most common questions followed by how can I buy this home for less. The seller of a short sale is usually behind at least one payment and can not keep up with the current mortgage. The banks do not want to have to take the home (Foreclosure). Some of the reasons are, banks are not in business to be home owners and the average cost to the bank for a foreclosure is in excess of $30,000 according to some experts.
Ashley Drake Gephart, Associate Broker, REALTOR® a good friend in Albuquerque explains in more detail what a short sale is

A short sale of a residential property is still owned by the owner, but the owner is usually behind in their payments and the price listed is short of what is needed to pay off the mortgage and closing costs . There is no guarantee that the bank will accept a short sale even if the owner offers the full list price, and the response time from a bank on an offer can take up to six months.

A Short Sale is always subject to the lender approval this process is far more complicated that it sounds. Some homes currently listed as a short sale have a first and a second mortgage. In these cases approval by both lenders is necessary. Most short sales will be sold as is, with few if any warranties. Everything about the contract depends on the bank agreeing to it. A short sale can take weeks to months to get bank approval.

Joshua Jarvis REALTOR® in Georgia also explains short sales;

Pre-Foreclosures are also called Short Sales in some cases. Most of these will be listed as well. Short sales can be a great deal and opportunity but do require patience and a easy living arrangement in case the deal falls through. Not all pre-foreclosures are short sales, but most will be.

The process is not as simple as it sounds. There are specific documents the seller will need to provide sometimes multiple times, the listing agent will need to have extensive communication with multiple parties to keep the ball rolling and be familiar with the process and the specific situation.
As a buyer you can have the best agent out there and if the listing agent is un-aware of the process your offer can be a total waste of time. Sellers if you are working with an agent and trying to short sale your home, make sure your agent knows the process. More than one buyer can tell you that they had an offer with a short sale only to find that it went to foreclosure anyway. Reasons for this can vary from the bank would not accept the offer to the listing agent did not ask for the sale date to be delayed while the offer was negotiated.

Complete Article of Central Oregon Bank Owned vs Short Sale

The Bank Owned & Short Sale List for January 2009 La Pine and Three Rivers South

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:58:02 -0600

We are seeing a slow down on Bank Owned and Short Sale properties in Southern Deschutes County. In previous months I have broken the active listings down in price range. Today we have each area with 2 lists - one for bank owned and one for short sales. There are some great deals out there, I think my favorite is the listing in La Pine on Day Rd. This home is in good shape has a nice open floor plan, double attached and triple detached garages, fully fenced and access from Day Rd and Snowberry - for $135,000.

Remember when buying a bank owned home or a short sale you deserve to have your own agent. I would be honored to assist you with the purchase of your new home.

La Pine Bank Owned Homes Jan 09

La Pine Short Sale Homes Jan 09

Three Rivers South Bank Owned Homes Jan 09

Three Rivers South Short Sale Homes Jan 09

Sunriver is not showing any bank owned homes at this time - there are 3 short sales, please email, or call for this list of properties.

Bank Owned Homes & YOU!

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 13:00:03 -0600

Many buyers today think that the bank owned home is different than other listings. That is true to some aspects but not the most important one. As a buyer you deserve to have your own agent represent your needs in the transaction. Bank owned homes are no different. You do not have to use the listing agent, the listing agent is working for the bank and not you.

There are a lot of factors you as a buyer should take into consideration when buying a bank owned home. Make sure you are represented and have your own agent. Because of the misnuderstanding from many buyers - I have become a "Bank Owned Buyer's Represnentive."

Buying a Bank Owned Home You NEED YOUR OWN AGENT

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 01:01:37 -0600

So, you want to buy an REO (bank owned home)? Many of the homes selling in Central Oregon are bank owned homes. Agents across the nation are specializing in these homes, and I am no exception. I am working with the Buyers wanting to buy bank owned homes.

As a buyer in Central Oregon having an agent that represents you and your needs is important. Short Sales, Bank Owned Properties are no exception to a buyer needing their own representation.

Central Oregon has different issues in different areas - having an agent that knows the area and puts your needs first should be your first choice in buying a bank owned property or a short sale.

Let me help you walk down the road to home ownership whether you choose a bank owned home, a short sale or a reasonably price home.

There are a lot of great loan options for many of these properties. Many times in today's market you can purchase a home for very little down, and payments very close to what you are paying in rent. Investors, this is the perfect time to purchase rental properties or vacation homes. It has been a long time since you could buy a rental home that actually penciled out without a loss, there are a homes out there that can and will rent for the payment amount or more. Central Oregon is having a great buyer's market - the best in 20 years.

Central Oregon Short Sale Scam - It Can Happen To YOU TOO!

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:08:47 -0600

The Scam

We are seeing a scary scam in Central Oregon and if has not hit your area it could be any time. People posing as asset managers claim they need to winterize a home that is vacant and listed as a short sale. They call the seller or the listing agent and claim to be with an asset management company needing to winterize a vacant home.

The Method

Upon calling these folks are very persistent and make it seem that they are looking out for the seller and the bank as well. They explain that they know the home is vacant and that to save the seller the expense of loosing a home with weather related issues. They claim that if the home is not winterized when the bank takes possession that the seller will be billed for the repairs. They claim they have spoken to seller and that the seller understands the need.

The Result

Upon gaining access to the home these folks strip it. They take everything they can – the light fixtures, appliances, heaters, hot water tanks and anything else they can get away with. They have not only taken these items but sometimes done even more damage by removing plumbing fixtures without turning off the water.

What Can You Do?

As a listing agent of a short sale home you need to realize that you represent the seller – and that unless the seller has given you permission to let the folks in they have no authority. A bank owned home will not allow early occupancy – this is no different than the bank trying to take early occupancy (if it were the bank). Seller’s if you are called directly – get the name of the company and contact your lender – check it out. Do not assume you are being told the truth.

Central Oregon Short Sale Sellers if you have moved out of your home, you might want to protect the home from winter weather by having it winterized. If you do not know how please call me I can connect you with someone that can do it for you. If you have moved out you might want to make it obvious you have not abandoned your home. Agents, protect your seller and make sure you are serving them properly – click here for my story of this Central Oregon short sale scam.

GREAT Ski Get-Away or Summer Vacation Home - Perfect Full Time Home Too!

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:03:44 -0600

It’s Snowing!!!!!

Snow should have been here for some time – Mt. Bachelor generally opens on or before Thanksgiving weekend. This year we are seeing a late start to our winter recreational season. Now we just started getting snow today – but it is supposed to be steady for the next several days.

Planning a trip to Ski Mt. Bachelor and Always wanted a home of your own to enjoy on this side of the mountain?

There has not been a better time in years to buy your vacation home or vacation rental than now. Have you seen what rates are? You should see how motivated some sellers are, pricing is great for the buyer plus a lot of great incentives.

River Meadows in Three Rivers South is a great community with the same CC&Rs as Sunriver without the hustle and bustle.

If you love Sunriver and want a home under $300,000 you are most likely a little disappointed in what your money will bring you. River Meadows is a great community just off of South Century along the Big Deschutes River. This community has the same or very similar CC&Rs as Sunriver. A community pool, hot tub and bike paths are also found. There is a locked storage yard for your RV and the lots are generally larger than your typical lower end Sunriver home.

Do I have your ATTENTION and Spiked your INTEREST?

This home is located on Lost Rider Loop a very short distance from the river, and yet tucked away a little too. The seller has lowered the price to a point we should see it sell quickly. Furnished per inventory (furniture stays some personal items don’t) 3 bedrooms, 2 bath a greet game room or family room with a nice deck this home is a steal at $279,900.

Central Oregon Bank Owned Properties

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:21:41 -0600

Looking for a great deal? Many buyers are searching frantically for the bank owned properties in Central Oregon. I am here to make that search easier for you.

Below you will find a couple of links that will take you to the current bank owned properties in La Pine and Three Rivers South. Please keep in mind that our MLS changes every day and new listings come on the market, prices change and buyers buy. For an up to the minute list please call or email me and I will explain how you can always know what the current status and homes are.

La Pine Bank Owned Properties

Three Rivers South Bank Owned Properties

Many think buying a bank owned property takes longer and is more frustrating than other properties that does not have to be the case. Let my experience with these properties help you be the proud owner of your new home.