Central Oregon Real Estate Information

RIP Clint Miller

2011-12-12T16:28:10Z

Now is the time to help this family - there is much to be done and with our help this family can focus on the important things -

Via Mimi Foster - Colorado Springs Realtor (EPIC Real Estate Group Colorado Springs Real Estate):

Clint Aaron Miller

March 8, 1971 ~ December 11, 2011

Many of you knew and loved Clint. He fought valiantly, but lost his struggle with cancer today. I am so thankful that he knew that so many loved him and will help take care of Angela and his boys. Rest in peace.

If you would like to donate, here is the information: (100% of proceeds are going to the Miller family)

Checks, money orders, cashiers checks (make them payable to: Christina Ethridge)

Christina Ethridge

110 S. Riverwood Court

Post Falls, ID 83854

Please text Christina when you mail a check - she wants to watch out for it and make sure it reaches her. 208-819-2965

Online payments:

Nikki Beauchamp will be taking those via a PP account - you can pay via paypal to: nicole@nicolebeauchamp.com. Also, if your name is different from your name in PayPal (ie business name or some other moniker)-please include that in the note field too if at all possible. If you need to reach her for any reason and you are not otherwise connected on FB-if you would like to be connected-you can do that too, she doesn't mind, no need to ask- - msg to narbeauchamp@facebook.com (if you aren't friends she probably will miss the message) or Voice/SMS to 917-720-0987.
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If you would like to Search for Homes for sale in Colorado Springs, CO, or for any of your other real estate needs, please contact your Colorado Springs Realtor

Selling homes throughout Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City,

Manitou Springs and surrounding areas with a

Specialty in Victorian and Vintage Homes in
Downtown Colorado Springs

Bend Oregon Deer

2011-11-20T14:13:05Z

Riverfront Property in Central Oregon

2011-03-18T01:54:28Z

Search For Riverfront Properties

The Big Deschutes River is navigational by motor boat, it is the widest and deepest of all 4 rivers in most places. The Big Deschutes River has private and public land along it’s banks. Many of the homes located on The Big Deschutes River are located on what is often called the high side of the river. When purchasing a property on The Big Deschutes River there are several things to keep in mind. The water quality, the type of sewer, river setbacks and if there is a dock is it an approved dock?

Wild River on Big Deschutes

The Little Deschutes River joins The Big Deschutes River at Crosswater Golf Course. Several beautiful homes are located on The Little Deschutes River, such as Vandevert Ranch, Crosswater on the upper end and for more affordable homes Lazy River South is one of the most well known. The Little Deschutes River is not generally navigated with a power boat or even a drift boat for any distance. The Little Deschutes River does tend to have trees down and areas that are unexpectedly shallow. Most of the recreational activities you will find on The Little Deschutes River is tubing, rafting, fishing and swimming.

Fall River is a shallow river that is extremely beautiful. The Fall River Fish Hatchery is located on this river along with the subdivision Fall River Estates.

Spring River runs into The Big Deschutes River at Sunriver. Homes on Cooper Drive are located on Spring River. There are several homes currently for sale on this road, prices are varied from the high $400,000 to over a million.

When purchasing property on any of these rivers there are things you need to know, there are issues that an experienced Realtor® should know and also will need to disclose to you. I am available to answer questions and show you the beauty that Central Oregon has to offer.

Click below to obtain your personalized list of Central Oregon Riverfront Properties or any other list YOU would like.

River Front Homes

5 Tips For Selling Your Central Oregon Home in the Winter

2010-11-22T12:29:40Z

We all know that Central Oregon is known for the sunshine, the winters and the wonderful lifestyle so many want to enjoy. Selling in the winter certainly brings some challenges that our Spring and Summer selling season does not. Below is a list of things that every Central Oregon seller can do to make their home shine above the rest in the winter.

Keep Walkways Clear of Clutter and Snow – while we cannot always be home to make sure the daily dusting of snow off the walkway, but you you certainly not have items cluttering the walk way or snow and ice from the week. When buyers approach your home and have to climb through the snow they think of the work it will take to keep the walk way clear – when it is already clear – you have taken this obstacle away.
Open the Blinds – Although Central Oregon does have the advantage of great sunlight through out the entire year even while snowing often a home can seem dark when the blind are closed. Let the Sunshine in and make your home as light and bright as possible even on the darkest day an open blind will make a home brighter than a closed blind. Turn on the lights too, light makes people feel welcome.
Keep The Heat ON – although we all want to save energy it is said that keeping a home a steady temperature costs the same or less than cranking the heat up when you get home. Remember you don’t have to keep the house at 75 degrees to have it feel warm, your buyer is coming in from the cold a 70 degree home feels very toasty and welcoming.
Mat on both sides of the door – This will not only help you keep your home cleaner – it will give the buyer the opportunity to not leave snow to melt on your floor. If you are requesting a buyer take their shoes off – providing a place to do so is a great idea. Winter shoes are not as easy to slide in and out of as those sandals of spring and summer were.
Holiday Decorations – there is nothing wrong with decorating your home for the holidays, we all love the holiday spirit, but keep them to a limit so the buyer can still see your home. It always amazes me at how many buyers will fall in love with a home, then say, “wait we need to go back, where will we put the Christmas Tree?”

Selling your home in the winter is not as difficult as many people might make it out to be. Just remember, your buyer needs to feel, welcome and not overwhelmed. To list your home this winter – drop me a email or give me a call I would be happy to assist you.

How Important is Sheet Rock in a Garage?

2010-06-24T11:02:27Z

I can not tell you the number of times a buyer has a home inspection and one of the items that come up are that there are voids in the sheet rock on the wall the separates the home from the garage, sometimes the wall has no sheet rock at all. The door between the garage and the home can be a concern also, as a buyer’s agent or a seller’s agent this is one of the repairs I encourage to be completed.

To Read the Entire Story Read - Central Oregon Home Inspection

Homebuyer Tax Credit

2010-02-20T19:18:06Z

If you are wanting to buy a home and waiting your wait may cost you up to $8000, plus interest and possibly a higher price. The calendar shows spring is around the corner but the weather says it is here in Central Oregon and with that the end of the homebuyer tax credit deadline is fast approaching.

The homebuyer tax credit can give a married couple first time home buyers up to $8000 in tax credits. A first time home buyer is not necessarily an accurate phrase as the true meaning of a first time home buyer is someone that has not owned a home for 2 years.

There is a second tax credit that many move up or downsizing buyers can also qualify for this credit can be as high as $6,500 - to many that can make a significant difference in the bottom line of your taxes.

For more information please visit Central Oregon Home Buyers Tax Credit.

Central Oregon Gets an Upgrade - whoo hoo

2010-02-19T12:48:27Z

Yesterday I found out what Technical Hell is - I was scheduled for an all day class, had a couple transactions needing constant attention and buyers out there asking questions. On my way to my class my "smart phone" melted down and gave me a fatal blue screen.

Upon arriving at the class and connecting to the wifi I felt I was back in control even if I could not use my phone I could get my messages through and keep my world moving. Email, twitter, facebook, life was good. Then I realized I was not getting any responses to my email - that was odd. Oh great the wifi will not allow outgoing email - great - no phone - no out going email - Calgon take me away.

During our lunch break - I ran to the Cell phone carrier - and yelled HELP!!!!! The sales clerk was awesome - wish I had gotten her name - anyway - we got me all set up with a new phone - and as I was setting it up - I told her I was surprised at how much faster this phone was - that was when my day went from hell to heaven.

U.S. Cellular in Central Oregon FINALLY HAS G3 - whooo hoo - I am one happy girl - things are moving in the right direction.

Save Your Self Some Frustration

2010-02-17T23:27:34Z

If you are a home buyer getting ready to jump into home ownership and plan to obtain a loan there are a few things you can do to save yourself a ton of frustration.

Make sure your ID is valid and shows your current residence as your address
Make sure you have bank accounts / utility bills and so on with the correct address
When you sign your offer, make sure you date each place a date is asked for
Create a file for all your paystubs and bank statements to go into so they can be easily obtained
Document where your earnest money, appraisal fees or other fees come from

These seem to be easy items - but when your loan hits final underwititng it is amazing the silly things that can cause a hiccup - cross your t's and dot your i's and closing will be much smoother.

Successful Short Sale 62 Days Start To Finish

2010-02-17T00:54:13Z

Today was the day - 3 days early the bank acceptance gave us till the 19th. We wrote the offer just 62 days ago on a great Short Sale property in Sunriver.

It is amazing what team work, a great lender and a motivated buyer can do to get a property closed. We offered full price, we had our ducks in a row, pre-qualification letter, proof of funds for the down payment, the necessary addendums and got it all submitted.

On February 2 the bank came back with the approval. Keep in mind that the 15th was a holiday and they only gave us till the 19th to close on a purchase with a loan. The lender was called, the home inspector, and the buyer - the buyer was instructed we had to move fast - because if we did not close by the 19th the home would foreclose on the 26th.

Lender ordered the appraisal - the appraiser got there in 2 days, along with the home inspector - and WELLS FARGO - you rocked - you went from 0 to funding in just 14 days including a holiday. I could not ask for better, your service.

For those of you that think short sales are a pain - I hope you continue to think that - it leaves more business for me.

The Log Home in Central Oregon's Declining Market

2010-02-16T00:24:06Z

Log homes are one of the most dreamed about homes in Central Oregon. A log home is generally more expensive to build, insure and they generally sell for more. Three Rivers South, an area just outside of Sunriver, Oregon has several log homes for sale.

Two such homes are currently available for sale as short sales. I know, I know you all groan at the word. Short sales are not as bad - yes they can take longer, but a short sale is just like any other transaction we just have a couple additional steps. Buyers, do not let those two little words scare you away from buying a home of your dreams. Now, not every agent is the agent you should choose to represent you in a short sale transaction. You should always choose an agent that has additional education in short sales and knows the area.

Take a look at these beauties - start dreaming and call me so I can help make them yours.

Central Oregon Short Sale Information

Do You Posterous?

2009-11-21T22:20:51Z

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!

2009-09-02T00:50:32Z

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!!!!

2009-08-30T14:01:50Z

RiverFront Home on Pringle Falls Hear The River!!!

2009-08-29T12:43:49Z

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

2009-06-03T10:33:47Z

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

2009-06-01T15:37:03Z

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®?

2009-05-31T20:39:05Z

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!!!

2009-05-31T01:46:16Z

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!!!

2009-05-21T00:18:39Z

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

2009-05-20T11:03:44Z

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

2009-05-07T00:40:27Z

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

2009-05-06T00:44:25Z

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

2009-04-12T11:50:07Z

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

2009-04-08T23:32:49Z

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!

2009-04-08T01:51:08Z

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.