Real Estate Information Archive

Blog

Displaying blog entries 1-6 of 6

Communication is the Key!

Friday, December 22, 2006
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
When closing a real estate transaction , clear communication is the number one contributer to a smooth transaction.  The Rob Levy Team has established working relationships with our recommended lender, Shawn Headlee, and recommended escrow officer, Tammy LeMaire. After years of working together we have a learned the most effective way to communicate as one large team striving to exceed our buyer's and seller's expectations.  With the large number of documents being handled in your average real estate purchase, it is nice to know that they rest in capable hands.  Our team feels absolutely comfortable entrusting Shawn and Tammy to complete their roles in your transaction.
 
Most often as the closing day nears, buyers and sellers may begin to feel anxiety regarding the process.  With the solid team and constant communication we are available to answer any questions that may be of concern.  Time and time again our clients recognize the effectiveness of the smooth transaction we offer when working with our entire team.  When you choose to purchase or sell a home, please consider the importance of communication between all key players throughout the transaction.
Submitted by Kate Baldus on out team....

 

Add Comment

Life Styles and Great areas:

Tuesday, December 19, 2006
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
I have worked with 2 different buyers in the past few days, both of these buyers are moving from out of state.  They are moving to Portland Oregon because  they want a life style change and the great areas that Portland Oregon offers. Along with the proximity of these great areas to downtown Portland and the sense of close community and village feel that these neighborhoods offer.

They like to be able to walk or bike to work, coffee houses, food and shopping.  Most all of these close in areas to downtown Portland offer that flexibility.  Parks is another reason buyers move from far away and Portland Oregon has so many parks that it is hard to count all of them.  Some are situated right in downtown Portland and others are right across the street from homes I show them or ones that we look at.
 
No matter what you are looking for in your next town or city you are looking for, Portland Oregon can provide all of that and more.  A recent buyer that I have been emailing with and sending property searches too, from Colorado, is so excited to move to here he can not load up his car fast enough.  He was ready to leave last week, but Colorado was hit with a snow blizzard that dropped 2+ feet, roads were closed, he could not leave.
If you want more data on the "Portland lifestyle" contact us and we'd be happy to share, after all, we all love it here !
Add Comment

Buyer/Agent Relationships

Tuesday, December 19, 2006
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Establishing a relationship with your agent will help to keep your home search moving and ensure that you are both on the same page.  Understanding what you, the buyer, is lokoing for will help your agent to select homes that are best fitted for you.  Some important questions to ask yourself are:
 
What is your time frame to purchase a home?  Do you have time to browse and find the right home?  Will you need to sell your home first? What is your search criteria?  Price Range? Neighborhood? etc...
The answers to these questions will help guide your purchasing experience.  Here are four additional tips for working with agents....
1)  Most agents work on commission:  Agents are most often paid commission only, usually by the seller, and do not get paid if they do not close the transaction.
2)  Keep appointments and be on time:   Please be respectful, use common courtesy, and allow as much time as possible to have your agent show you a home.  If you're going to be late, or miss the appointment, pelase call your agent.
3)  Choose a real estate agent that will work for you:  Decide whether you want to work with an agent or without representation.  Interview agents until you find a match with someone who is interested in your wants and needs.  Some agent will ask you to sign a Buyer Agency Agreement, this is not required, but may help secure you as a client for this agent and encourage them to work hard for you!
4)  Make your expectations known:  If you would like to be driven to the properties, ask your agent if you can meet them at the office, or possibly be picked up at home or the hotel.  Let your agent know how often you would like to communicate and in what form is best for you.  Do you want phone calls, emails, text messages, etc.?  Set realistic goals and a time frame to find your dream home!
Our team's goal is to make your home buying experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.  If you are looking to buy a home in Portland, Orgegon, contact us today and we'll show you how !
Add Comment

Let your lazy money buy you a house:

Tuesday, December 19, 2006
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
I just attended with one of my buyers, a great 1 day seminar about how you can make your
lazy, slow earning money, that is just sitting in your IRA,401K or SEP accounts, buy you your next great investment!

This type of investment is not new.  You have been able to direct your Retirement invest accounts since 1974.  But in the 1970's, when these first started, no one had enough money built up in them to buy any real estate, now, 30 years later, most all of us have enough in our accounts to buy some investment properties.
 
There are a number of rules and guidelines you need to follow, the biggest one is, you want to make sure you invest in the right market.  Portland Oregon is one of those perfect real estate investment markets.  You can still buy a great condition home (not needing a lot to be rented out at once) for well under $225,000.  If you put the correct amount down, buy in the right neighborhood, you can create a wonderful investment that is going up approximately 5-15% per year.  You also get to write off the interest rate and someone else is making all or most all of your mortgage payment.  Make sure to check with your CPA, Attorney or any other professional that you deal with about your finances.
 
There are also things you CAN NOT use your Retirement money to invest in.  For example,
 
Collectables:
work of art
rug or antique
metal or gem
stamp or coin
alcoholic beverages
 
Let me know if I can be of any further help with this concept. We are well versed in using your IRA funds to purchase investment real estate...
Add Comment

Home Buying for Dummies!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Home Buying for Dummies is a great reference tool for upcoming home buyers.  The authors Eric Tyson and Ray Brown write in a style that makes the book useful as well as fun to read.
The book begins by discussing the many topics revolving around the decision to purchase a home, covering everything from the rent vs. buy question to tracking the real estate market.  By the end of the book the reader will understand terms like Escrow, ARM interest rate, inspection contingency and other phrases that can overwhelm the average home buyer.
 
My favorite three tips from their list of the Top 20 Hints for Homebuyers:
 
1) There are no absolutes in real estate negotiation:
Smart buyers realize that there are times when it's wise to make a lowball offer, and times when it's best to make your first offer the highest offer you can afford.  And remember that everything is negotiable.
 
2)  Don't let unexpected closing costs sabotage you: 
Ensure that you have enough cash to buy the house by estimating in advance all the costs you must pay at the time of closing, including moving expenses, insurance premiums, loan fees, and property taxes.
 
3)  The best time to think about selling your home is before you buy it:
Be sure that the home you buy has features other buyers will find desirable, or you won't be able to get a good price when you sell it.
Check out the book, and call us if you want to apply it's advice.  As Portland's top Prudential Real Estate Team, we'd be happy to share our two decades of experience with you.
Add Comment

Appreciation is appreciation: Portland Oregon market is a proven winner

Tuesday, December 19, 2006
by Rob Levy, Prudential Northwest Properties
Whenever we invest our money we want it to grow for us.  Living in Portland Oregon and investing in real estate has always been a smart move.  I was talking with one of my neighbors last night at a neighborhood holiday get together that we have.  He asked me what I thought about the real estate market and that fact that is supposed to slow down?  I said, what do you mean?  He said that we are only suppose to be seeing 5-8% growth in real estate in Portland Oregon in 2007.  I asked him why he thinks that is "going down"?  He said, "well, last year homes were going up 10-18%!  I said, yes, you are correct.  But if your home goes up 10%, instead of 18%, how can you think or say, that the market is going down!? He agreed, appreciation, is, appreciation.
 
Many economists and real estate experts link the buying habits of "baby boomers" and investors, to the demand for homes in this country. They argue that the population will stabilize or decline as these potential buyers age and their children are grown.

What is left out of such a picture is that the emerging real estate market is made up of people who are immigrating to this country. It is also made up with investors wanting to try to establish and build their portfolios. When these newcomers have achieved a stable income, they look for the best living situation they can find, often preferring buying to renting.

Real estate continues to be an attractive investment opportunity. If you are sitting out the current market because you are afraid that the appreciation won't continue, you may want to re-think your decision. Today's market is providing opportunities for homeowners and smart investors from all over the globe.  Buy now and reap the benefits of appreciation .
Add Comment

Displaying blog entries 1-6 of 6

Syndication

Categories

Archives