ashland: To Be Or Not To Be...Higher USDA Incomes for Jackson County Oregon?
- 11/07/08 07:40 AM
It looks like the proposed revisions for the USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing program may go in to effect January 20, 2009 for their programs. If so, Southern Oregon home buyers looking to purchase a qualified property outside of the Medford and Central Point city limits will fall in to only two income categories vs. the many we have been using. For example, presently the income limits for qualifying USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Home Buyers in Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Jacksonville, White City, Eagle Point, Shady Cove, Trail, Gold Hill and the surrounding rural areas would be qualified using the following income chart: … (0 comments)
ashland: Rogue Valley Home Sellers, Are You Looking At Plan B To Sell/Buy Your Southern Oregon Home? (Part 1 of 5)
- 11/07/08 04:49 AM
What happens when you've decided to move up, taking advantage of the many buying opportunities you are seeing in today's real estate market? You see the home that is just perfect for you - larger/ smaller, newer/upgraded, your ideal neighborhood, closer to work, more/less property, the pool you've always wanted, decorated as though the interior designer was inside your head, a view to die for? You put your home on the market, but the buyers just aren't getting off the fence to buy your home. Your home is always presented in its best light for when its buyer walks through the … (0 comments)
ashland: 2009 Conforming Loan Limits Are Changing
- 11/07/08 04:37 AM
In order to help stimulate sluggishness in the high cost real estate markets, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had increased their loan limits for the second ½ of 2007 and for 2008 to $729,750. Based on declining values, they are adjusting these limits downward accordingly.
The new * Agency High Balance max conforming loan limit for the continental U.S. will be $625,500 for 2009
Here in Southern Oregon, this loan limit will cover most of our properties, as our medians are well below this limit. But, our neighbors to the South in the high-cost markets of California may still … (2 comments)
ashland: Green Springs Inn Cabins Giving A Whole New Meaning to Sustainable
- 11/02/08 01:12 PM
Recently, we visited the Green Springs Inn outside of Ashland Oregon. The restaurant here has been a pit stop of ours since our early days of moving to the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon. Diarmuid McGuire had contacted me here through Active Rain, having seen from my Blog that I have a love of nature and an appreciation of the incredible beauty to be found here in Jackson County Oregon and the surrounding areas. Diarmuid wanted to share the amazing project he and his son Paddy have been working on - building 15 cabins next to the Green Springs Inn just 10 miles … (2 comments)
ashland: Have You Been To Green Springs Inn Restaurant Outside of Ashland Oregon?
- 10/27/08 04:49 AM
Any Southern Oregonian who plays in the vicinity where the Siskiyou and Cascade Mountains join in Southwestern Oregon understands the incredible beauty to be seen in this federally protected area of Jackson County containing the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. Pacific Crest Trail hikers, horse back trail riders, snowmobilers, cross country skiers and snowshoers from all around come to this area to enjoy its natural beauty and easy accessibility.
At the junction of E. Hyatt Lake Road, which leads to the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, and Highway 66, about 10 miles South of Ashland Oregon you'll find the Green Springs Inn Restaurant … (4 comments)
ashland: A Glorious Sunday Drive On Route 66
- 10/27/08 04:33 AM
Did you know Route 66 winds its way right through Southern Oregon? It was such a wonderful Autumn Day, with temperatures in the high 70's. We were chomping at the bit to get out of the house and enjoy this day. What better destination to have than no destination at all? Having communicated earlier in the week with Diarmuid McGuire, owner of the Green Springs Inn located about 10 miles South of Ashland Oregon (the McGuires are back!), we thought we would start our meanderings in that direction, and head down Route 66 to see what Fall Foliage we might experience … (5 comments)
ashland: 2nd Annual Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation Dinner/Auction/Raffle
- 10/22/08 06:33 AM
Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation is holding its 2nd annual dinner and fundraising event with delicious food, a silent auction and a raffle. "A Harvest of Affordable Homes" will be held Saturday November 1, 2008 6-9 p.m. at: Ashland Pioneer Hall 73 Winburn Way Ashland Tickets are $30, and you may call 734-2355 to reserve.
Come on down and support this non-profit organization's efforts to build more affordable housing in Southern Oregon.
See you out there! Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com
… (0 comments)
ashland: Is It Time For Your Senior Parents/Grandparents to Simplify Their Home Life?
- 10/20/08 05:57 AM
Do you have a parent or grandparent who is one of the 65,000+ Jackson County Oregon residents aged 50+? Population Growth for the Rogue Valley has averaged over 1.5% per year. One segment is the 50+ age group, a group which represents roughly 33% of the residents of Jackson County's estimated 199,295 residents in 2007.
With the phenomenal Quality of Life we have here in Southern Oregon, our net migration numbers are some of the highest in the State of Oregon. Many of the 50+ group migrating to the Rogue Valley are active residents still part of the workforce … (4 comments)
ashland: Get Opened Again Soon Morning Glory Restaurant in Ashland Oregon!
- 10/18/08 09:15 AM
My heart goes out to the owners and employees at Morning Glory Restaurant, who experienced a kitchen fire Thursday. I'm glad the damage was limited, and you'll be opening right back up again soon. Thank goodness the fire crews got to you so quickly to help you! Kudos to the fast thinking Morning Glory staff who went right to work on that fire, and to the Ashland Fire Fighters who nipped it right in the bud. See you soon! Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com
**UPDATE** - Morning Glory is up and running, and as good as ever! … (3 comments)
ashland: Can Ashland Oregon Buyers Still Get 100% Financing in October 2008?
- 10/18/08 08:00 AM
Can a home buyer looking to purchase a home in Ashland Oregon still find 100% financing? You bet! The variety of program options we have had available to us in the past are not as prevalent, but there are options available, such as the Federal VA home loan program for eligible Veterans and the USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing program. Let's take a look at how a buyer looking to purchase a home in Ashland Oregon who meets the current income criteria shown below may successfully become a homeowner using the USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing program, using this 30 year fixed rate loan … (2 comments)
ashland: Documentary Transfer Tax To Help Fund Affordable Housing – Aye or Nay?
- 10/17/08 11:07 AM
It appears that in our area, our citizens may shortly be finding it necessary to address yet another attempt at getting a Documentary Transfer Tax through to help fund affordable housing. This is not the first attempt for us, and if it isn't passed, will likely not be the last attempt. Housing prices exceed sustainable levels based on area incomes in many areas, with market forces driving out the lower income range families - and often times the working families. Having experienced both sides of this coin, the strong needs communities have for affordable housing for their citizens and the increasing … (3 comments)
ashland: Round Two for Oregon Big Look Task Force Meeting in Medford Oregon on October 20, 2008
- 10/13/08 12:56 PM
With the overwhelming attendance the Oregon Big Look Task Force found here in Medford Oregon, they have rescheduled a second meeting for those of us who were unable to fit in to their previous meeting room. If you would like to go to the second meeting to share your thoughts and position for the review of Oregon's Land Use Plan, here is the information for the second meeting: The Oregon Task Force on Land Use Planning (aka, "the Big Look") will hold a second meeting in Medford next Monday, October 20th. Location: South Medford High School, Auditorium (815 South Oakdale Avenue, Medford, … (0 comments)
ashland: Another Successful Affordable Housing Project Completed in Ashland Oregon!
- 10/11/08 03:01 PM
It is with great excitement that the new homeowners who have participated inthe Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation's Mutual Self-Help Program at Terrace Court are moving in to their homes. These 6 homeowners have completed their townhome units on the South side of Ashland on Siskiyou Blvd at Park Street, and are moving in to their homes. Congratulations to these homeowners and the incredible support system they have had through Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation and Jobs Corp teams that have helped these six families' dreams to become homeowners a reality! Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation is a local non-profit housing … (4 comments)
ashland: Have you been to Tabu in Ashland Oregon?
- 10/08/08 11:16 AM
Tabu Restaurant & Martini Bar is a favorite choice of locals and visitors alike. If you are looking for Nuevo Latino Cuisine, Martinis and/or some late night Free Salsa Lessons and Salsa Dancing afterward to work off your delicious meal, Tabu is the place to go.
Check out Tabu Restaurant and Martini Bar in Downtown Ashland across from the Shakespeare Festival at: 76 North PioneerAshland, OR 97520Phone: 541-482-3900
See you out there! Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com … (2 comments)
ashland: Have you been to Allyson’s Kitchen in Ashland Oregon?
- 10/08/08 11:04 AM
Allyson's Kitchen is a multi-faceted experience for its visitors. From their wonderful deli counter lunch offerings, to their Gourmet Chef supplies and cooking classes, to their Friday Night Wine Tastings, if you haven't been to Allyson's Kitchen, you are missing out on several wonderful experiences. Check out Allyson's Kitchen in Downtown Ashland at: 115 East Main StreetAshland, OR 97520Phone: 541-482-2884 (Allyson's Kitchen is also open in Bend now, too.) See you out there! Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com … (2 comments)
ashland: Bicyclist and Pedestrian Friendly Ashland Oregon Makes the List
- 09/30/08 06:35 AM
While reading fellow Active Rainer Mike Jones' post about the bicycle friendly towns and cities listed by the League of American Bicyclists, I saw that Ashland Oregon had made the cut. I knew Ashland has great bike lanes and paths throughout town, as well as trails for mountain bike enthusiasts up in the watershed on the base of Mount Ashland.
This university town needs systems in place like this, but they're great for residents and workers, too. My husband rides over to our weekly Rotary Meetings, arriving within 5 minutes of the time it would take him to drive, … (2 comments)
ashland: Realtors – How Do YOU Communicate With Your Referring Agent?
- 09/19/08 11:57 AM
Realtors, do you LIKE receiving referrals from out of area agents? Do you consider this a good source of business, or do these clients play second fiddle to your own repeat and referral business?
Although my mortgage company has been in Southern Oregon since 2004, I've worked in mortgage lending since 1983, with an overlap for several years when I wore my real estate broker's hat (whole different topic, working "both ends of the stick", which I'll save for another article...or 10!), and 6 years "sabbatical" when I became an escrow officer so I could better grasp … (6 comments)
ashland: City of Ashland Oregon Supports Green Building
- 09/19/08 06:33 AM
The City of Ashland Oregon supports green building in so many ways. From the City supported Solar Panel program to the Green & Solar Home Tour, the City of Ashland Oregon is all about building sustainable, energy efficient buildings.
On Saturday October 11, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the City of Ashland will hold a tour of four of Ashland's Green and Solar Homes. You may register for the tour through the city Parks & Recreations Department. The tour is only $10, and will depart from the Civic Center.
Thinking about retrofitting your home's … (4 comments)
ashland: Have You Been To Standing Stone Brewing Company in Ashland Oregon?
- 09/12/08 03:39 PM
In the heart of downtown Ashland, Standing Stone Brewery is another favorite stop of ours for lunch, dinner, snacks and, of course, a hand made ale. You will even find some of our delicious Southern Oregon wines on the menu, by the bottle and by the glass, and a full bar, too. You will also find this award winning restaurant has a heart, having "greened" everything they can at their restaurant - and winning a State Sustainability Award in 2007 for their efforts.
Just across the street from one of my favorite Ashland Realtors, we frequently stop here for lunch … (0 comments)
ashland: Seventy-Five Hundred Reasons for First Time Home Buyers to Buy NOW!
- 08/11/08 04:34 AM
So HR 3221, the Housing & Economic Recovery Act of 2008, was signed by President Bush, and as with many of today's proposed solutions it comes with good and bad news. So, first time home buyers - want the bad news first? The "bad news" is Seller Funded Down Payment Assistance programs that have been allowed on FHA programs will no longer be allowed. The "good news" is eligible first time home buyers, buyers who have not owned a home in the past 3 years, who meet the income criteria of less than $75,000 for an individual or $150,000 for joint … (7 comments)
Loving the challenge of a career in mortgage|real estate since 1983, keeping up with the progression of changes in this industry keeps one on their toes. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right? Here's to a few more decades of strength building!
It looks like the proposed revisions for the USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing program may go in to effect January 20, 2009 for their programs. If so, Southern Oregon home buyers looking to purchase a qualified property outside of the Medford and Central Point city limits will fall in to only two income categories vs. the many we have been using.
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