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Interest Rates Up? Consider Owner Financing!
The factor of having no or little loan balance on a property is often the one limiting condition in determining if seller financing is an option.
Oregon’s Land Use Tug Of War
Since the 1970’s, an ongoing ‘tug of war’ has been at the center of Oregon politics. On one side is a coalition of environmentalists, some ardently anti-growth. On the other side is an equally diverse cross-section of private property rights advocates. So how does 1970’s Oregon relate to today? Ever since then, Oregon’s ‘urban-rural divide’ has […]
Oregon’s Real Estate Sky Isn’t Falling Yet
News outlets benefit from sensationalism, so sometimes it’s difficult to accurately assess headlines. No one can predict the future of Oregon real estate with 100% accuracy, yet there are basic facts for context about what some might presume is ‘clickbait’ news. The Long Game Depending on where in Oregon you live, our market has seen […]
Have Oregon Homesellers Missed The Mark(et)?
Given a recent rise in interest rates, some Oregon homeowners who planned on selling this year are now wondering about holding off. One reason given is that interest rates have dampened buyer activity. While it’s true higher interest rates make home loans more expensive, a key ingredient to selling any home is property inventory. The […]
Now Oregon Homesellers REALLY Need A Realtor
It may seem counterintuitive, but the ‘hotter’ the real estate market, the more sellers are likely to need a Realtor. Never has this been more true for Oregon homesellers. Here are a few reasons why, plus a secret some homebuyers don’t want you to know. The ‘I’ll Save On The Commission’ Fairy Tale Sellers sometimes […]
The New ‘Curb Appeal:’ Curbing Your Real Estate Ego
One reason buying or selling a home is different than other transactions is because with real estate, egos are sometimes involved. We often hear about the importance of ‘curb appeal,’ or making a home look good from the street. Yet the ‘curb appeal’ that could be a deal-maker or deal-breaker in your next real estate […]
Homebuying In A Pandemic
Pandemics can provide unique home buying opportunities. That’s because market disruptions often propel motivated home sellers to action. Yet outbreaks like the Covid-19 virus don’t automatically favor home buyers. So what’s the real scoop on buying a home during the Covid-19 pandemic? Do home buyers have more, or less of an influence in today’s real […]
2020 Homeselling: What to Expect
Some effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on Oregon real estate include inconvenient home showing protocols, elevated lender caution, higher unemployment (meaning fewer buyers), plus a reduction in the number of homes for sale. Through it all though, many homebuyers and homesellers continue to work together in closing transactions. Hear this podcast by clicking here or […]
3 Scenarios to Coronavirus Recovery
As we move through Spring, 2020 in the current Covid-19 environment, many are wondering how Oregon real estate is being affected by the Coronavirus and what to expect ahead. Press the ‘play’ button to hear this podcast episode. https://episodes.castos.com/Helpful-Interesting-Information-on-Oregon-Real-Estate/3-Scenarios-to-Coronavirus-Recovery.mp3 Some good news is that properties continue to sell in Oregon. This has been assisted by […]
Corona Virus And Real Estate in Oregon
Given concerns about the COVID-19 or Corona virus, many Oregon home buyers and home sellers are concerned about how it may affect their next real estate transaction. Related questions include “Will I be able to get a loan?” to “Are buyers still interested in buying?” and “Is the market going to improve, worsen, or stay […]
Helping Friends And Family Downsize
Those fortunate to live near parents, friends or family members are often faced with a dilemma. That question is ‘At what point should I help Mom, Dad or Uncle Joe move into housing that’s more appropriate?’ The process of this often-tricky situation can look quite different from person to person, depending on those involved. Do […]
How Your Home Price & Market Time Are Related
With rare exception, most home sellers hope to sell their property for the most money possible, a perfectly reasonable approach. Yet if you overprice your property in an attempt to maximize your return, you’re likely to sabotage your home selling efforts, have your property on the market longer and receive less at the closing table. […]
Real Estate Soft Landing or Crash?
Real estate isn’t always predictable. Given changing conditions, language used to describe housing is rife with lingo from other industries that experience constantly shifting events—some catastrophic—like aviation. While housing is axiomatically ‘grounded’ compared to the aircraft industry, from time to time Oregon real estate market activity is described as akin to a ‘bumpy recovery,’ ‘hard […]
Is My House Haunted?
This popular true podcast episode illustrates the far-reaching impact of what Realtors call ‘stigmatized property,’ sometimes known as a ‘haunted house:’ While at work one day, I received a phone call, then quickly recognized the caller as a client I assisted with a home purchase months earlier. I soon detected serious concern in his voice […]
Power Homeselling: 4 Steps to Winning with Multiple Offers
Many homesellers are intent on either the hope of selling fast, or at the highest price. Yet there’s a way to help you accomplish both of these goals. How is this possible? The secret is getting homebuyers to compete for your property. Curious? Find out more…in this helpful real estate podcast! https://episodes.castos.com/Helpful-Interesting-Information-on-Oregon-Real-Estate/Power-Homeselling-4-Steps-to-Winning-with-Multiple-Offers-.mp3 Click here or […]
How Weather Affects Homebuyers & Homesellers
Did you know weather can impact a home purchase or sale in ways you may not have considered? The type of weather conditions possibly affecting your next real estate transaction is wide-ranging, perhaps even surprising. What kinds of weather events should you look out for in your next real estate transaction? Find out more…in this […]
What Real Estate Agents Wish You Knew
Would you like to know information that real estate agents believe you’d find helpful? Stay tuned for this brief but informative video!
How to Sell Your Home with Minimum Hassle
Most of us are interested in avoiding hassles. Selling your house is no exception. But what about selling a home that could use some work, before you put it on the market? Concerned about the grind of preparing your property for sale? You’re not alone. Don’t fret about the work ahead! You have options. […]
The Perfect Home Sale: Fact or Fairytale?
Most residential real estate transactions are ultimately successful, meaning they actually ‘close.’ Such a ‘happily ever after’ scenario has sellers receiving their money and buyers, their new house. However, given the many steps along the way, many real estate transactions have a few ‘bumps in the road.’ Sometimes it’s a home inspection defect. At other […]
When’s Too Soon to List My House for Sale?
‘When’s too soon to list my house for sale?’ is a common homeseller question Realtors are asked. To be sure, there are a host of factors that influence the optimum time of year to sell. When considering the best time to sell your home, several factors stand out. One is the amount of homeseller […]
Can You Handle An Honest Real Estate Agent?
A famous, oft-quoted movie line is ‘You can’t handle the truth.’ Yet have you ever considered how that statement might relate to hiring a Realtor? In other words, since agents provide information that can help your bottom line, are you interested in being informed with the truth, or might you prefer not to know? It’s […]
Holiday Househunt Hysteria: Hot or Hoax?
Common wisdom suggests Oregon home sales should decline during the holidays. At first glance, this makes sense, given Oregon’s less favorable weather, less daylight and a general aversion to adding yet one more task to an already overloaded holiday schedule. However, there’s a compelling case that the time surrounding Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s is among […]
Lessons My Prisoner Clients Taught Me
Is it possible to sell your house…from the big house? In today’s program, we go behind the walls of freedom to see what it’s like to work with multiple convicted homesellers. We’ll also learn some life lessons from each convicted homeseller. Find out more…in this interesting feature article and podcast episode!
The Many Faces of Oregon
In Oregon, what some might call a lifestyle, others may consider a mindset or demographic. Each of these terms is an attempt to describe characteristics of those who live here and to put a ‘face’ to them. But why does this matter? It matters because a better understanding of Oregonians provides a sense of what […]
How Multiple Buyers Change Everything
What can buyers do to lower the volume, lessen their own anxiety and reduce the frenzy without getting caught up in the process, all while making sure they don’t miss out on the house of their dreams? Plus, what can sellers do to maximize their leverage in getting the best possible offer? And for both buyers and sellers, are there specific tips you can use to ensure you’re ‘in it to win it’ for your next home purchase or sale? Find out more in this helpful article and podcast, ‘How Multiple Buyers Change Everything.’
Inside The Insurance Industry’s Secret Report On You
A common saying states ‘Knowledge is power.’ Have you ever wondered what kinds of information others may have about you and would you be interested to find out what they know? Find out more in this helpful feature article & podcast by clicking this link, titled Inside the Insurance Industry’s Secret CLUE Report on You. […]
How to Take Advantage of Your Realtor
Gaining Advantage When buying or selling a home, any advantage could be helpful to make your decisions easier and more profitable. Few are more experienced and better positioned to provide homebuyers and homesellers with a meaningful advantage than an expert Realtor. That’s because seasoned real estate agents hold access to a literal wealth of information, which […]
How House Color Affects Your Selling Price
When paint time arrives, did you know some homesellers risk leaving ‘money on the table’ later by not taking advantage of ‘market-friendly’ house paint colors to more effectively attract homebuyers?
Realtor ‘Stress-Busting’ Tips for Homebuyers & Homesellers
Did you know the profession of real estate agent consistently ranks as one of the most stressful occupations? Yet, some Realtors seemingly deal with stress as if their work is a breeze. Ever wonder what their secret is? Burnout What is it that causes some real estate agents to ‘burn out?’ And as a homebuyer […]
What to Know When Moving to Oregon
Welcome to Oregon Perhaps you recently experienced a job change, or maybe you’re simply seeking something different and have decided to make a move. If your final stop is Oregon, you’re not alone, since it’s a common destination. But Why Oregon? You might have heard about Oregon’s livability (having three of the top 50 places […]
Should You Buy A Celebrity Home?
President Herbert Hoover. Grammy Award nominee Gino Vannelli. Double Nobel laureate Linus Pauling. Renowned chef James Beard. Neo-classical composer Ernest Bloch. Authors Beverly Cleary and Walt Morey. Actors Sally Struthers, Frank Cady and Ginger Rogers. What do the people on this diverse list have in common? Celebrities all, they have each called Oregon ‘home.’ A Brush […]
Differences When Selling Country vs. City Homes
There’s something not only different, but truly special about being ‘out in the country.’ The sense of natural beauty, privacy and stillness is difficult to find anywhere else. Click the ‘play’ button below for this new podcast episode: https://episodes.castos.com/Helpful-Interesting-Information-on-Oregon-Real-Estate/Differences-When-Selling-Country-vs-City-Homes.mp3 Out In The Country The song ‘Out in the Country’ recorded by Three Dog Night […]
Stop Waiting For Your House To Sell
Especially during a ‘hot’ real estate market, it’s understandable how some homesellers may wonder “Why isn’t our house selling?” Some homesellers wait longingly, certain that if the sale of their property is ‘meant to be,’ a buyer will appear. But now, given a plethora of ways to gauge the popularity and market-friendliness of any listed […]
I Have An Offer On My House – Now What?
Selling a home usually involves a considerable amount of planning. And like many activities, with homeselling there is a beginning, middle and an end. So somewhere approaching the mid-way point in the homeselling process and well before the end, you’ll receive at least one offer. But what happens then? Questions 67 And 68 There are […]
Secrets Your Realtor Knows
On many Realtor property listings, there are one or more sections reserved for ‘private remarks.’ This private information is usually intended for real estate agents. What are these ‘private’ remarks and do they include information potentially helpful to buyers? And why are these remarks private? Find out in this edition of the Oregon Real Estate Podcast.
Deputized: How 2 Oregon Realtors Become ‘Policemen for a Day’
A fellow Realtor and I had been asked by our seller client to assist with the removal of squatters on her property and also make homeselling suggestions prior to her placing the home on the market. As a result, we were told to meet police at the property to assist with access, so the house could be vacated. Little did we know that we would not just assist with access, but were also about to become deputized as temporary police officers!
What’s The Cost to Sell Your Oregon Home?
A common homeseller question is ‘How much will it cost to sell my home?’ Hear the audio podcast presentation of this article by clicking here or on the ‘play’ button below. As with the sale of anything, there are a few factors for homesellers to consider. Seller costs typically include a real estate commission, plus factors […]
Can I Trust My Oregon Realtor?
Trust is an important factor when buying or selling real estate. Thankfully, trusting your Realtor is not typically super risky. That’s because consumer surveys consistently reflect a high level of satisfaction with Realtor performance. One study by Forbes magazine revealed 96% satisfaction for the real estate industry. So if many real estate agents were dishonest, we could expect that figure to be much lower.
This doesn’t mean blindly signing off on every suggestion one receives from their Realtor. But obsessively hand wringing over transaction minutiae is one sure way to make the process less enjoyable. A recommended approach is for Oregon homebuyers and homesellers to carefully read all documents, ask plenty of questions and work with a recommended professional with a solid track record.
Finding Your Oregon Real Estate Superhero
To adults and kids alike, superheroes seem to have time-tested appeal. Some think it’s because they look different. Indeed, some superheroes dress uniquely. Others believe superheroes represent the ‘good guy’ and these days, we can always use more good guys and gals. Yet others suggest that superheroes are in the rescue business and we all […]
What Agent 007 Can Teach You About Oregon Real Estate
Compared to the life of famed superspy James Bond, buying or selling Oregon real estate is dull and monotonous, right? Au contraire. You might be surprised to see how such a comparison actually sizes up. Click here or on the play button above to hear the audio podcast of this article. Not So Mundane, After […]
Oregon’s ‘Magic’ Real Estate Number
Sometimes absorbing the sea of Oregon real estate information is more like drinking from a fire hydrant. Yet, out of all the seemingly helpful real estate data bandied about, there is one especially helpful number, which when understood, can provide near-magical clarity to both homebuyers and homesellers.
10 Reasons Oregon Homesellers Hire A Realtor
There are many good reasons why Oregon homesellers hire a Realtor, including the handful of sellers who first try the ‘for sale by owner’ or ‘FSBO’ route. Here are ten of the most common reasons why Oregon homesellers hire a Realtor to get the job done right. Click here to hear the audio podcast version […]
Why Does My Realtor Do That?
Realtors must follow many rules and according to consumer satisfaction surveys, real estate agents do an overall good job. Realtors are trained to abide by applicable state and national real estate laws, follow accepted business practices and the Realtor Code of Ethics, which is considered a higher standard of duty. Yet as in other professions, sometimes […]
Dancing The ‘Two Transaction’ Tango
Simultaneous/Consecutive Home Transactions: Selling one home and buying another are frequently linked activities. Click here or on the ‘play’ button below for the audio version of this presentation about how to minimize the bother and maximize your effectiveness when simultaneously home buying and home selling. https://certifiedrealty.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Dancing-The-Two-Transaction-Tango.mp3 We’ll also examine options to help decide if simultaneous or […]
10 Reasons Why Winter Homeselling Is Hot
While there are cases to be made for homeselling in each of the four seasons, Winter is one of the most powerful times sellers can place their home on the market and for ten very good reasons. Hear the audio podcast version of this helpful real estate presentation by clicking here or ‘play’ below. Price […]
5 Winning Homebuyer Tactics for Any Market
Regardless of the kind of market you find yourself in when buying your next home, there are key tactics buyers can use to make the process both more successful and considerably less stressful. What are these key homebuying tactics and how can you use them to navigate to a successful purchase? Find out here in […]
7 Strategies to Sell Your House Sooner!
Homeselling Strategies Sellers can employ certain key strategies to more successfully sell their home. What are these strategies and as an Oregon homeseller, what is it that you might need to know? As an Oregon homebuyer, it can be helpful to learn strategic insights on the homeselling process from an ‘insider’s’ view. Click here or […]
The ‘Art of War’ for Homesellers
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War Click here or on the ‘play’ button below to hear the audio podcast of this presentation. The ‘Home Front’ Without being overly dramatic, it’s helpful to realize that as a homeseller, you are in a ‘war’ […]
What’s An Oregon Acre Worth?
One frequent Oregon real estate question is ‘What’s an acre worth?’ When you think about it, this question is not so different than ‘What’s a car worth?’ since in each situation there are variables. With a car, the mileage and condition are very important to arrive at an accurate value. Land, too has unique variables. What are these variables and as an Oregon property buyer or seller, what is it that you may need to know? Find out here!
3 Questions Your Oregon Realtor Can’t Answer
Listen to the audio podcast of this presentation by clicking here or on the ‘play button’ above. When making the biggest financial decision of their lives, many homebuyers and homesellers understandably ask their Realtor to provide a professional opinion on a range of topics. Some common questions include if adding a bathroom will boost resale value, […]
The Power of Oregon Seller Financing
While most Oregon homebuyers use traditional loan providers like banks, mortgage brokers or credit unions, there are solid reasons (and a very helpful alternative) for purchasing a home without them. Buyers avoid traditional lenders for a variety of factors and when they do, one mechanism they frequently turn to is known in our area as […]