Buying a home is a big decision that offers many advantages. We share the best tips for buyers.
Learn how much you can afford and how much house you can buy, plus what types of mortgages are available.
Our basic guidelines can help make the purchase negotiation process run as smoothly as possible.
From the title signing through move-in day, we can help guide you into your new residence.
Use our handy Mortgage Calculator
May 2012: Bank of America offers relo assistance to short-sellers (read more)
Thinking of buying?
Before making a choice between adding on to an existing home or buying a larger one, consider these questions:
* How much money is available to remodel your current house?
* How much additional space is required? Would the foundation support a second floor or does the lot have room to expand on the ground level? And what do your local zoning and building ordinances permit?
* How much equity already exists in the property?
* Are there affordable properties for sale that would satisfy your changing housing needs?
Q: Do we buy a dream home or a starter home?
Choosing between this years Dream home, a smaller house in a familiar neighborhood, a charming older residence or a brand-new home is not easy. If you're in this situation, start by examining your priorities and asking the following questions:
* Is the surrounding neighborhood or the home itself the most important consideration?
* Do you feel safe and "at home"in the chosen neighborhood?
* If you have children, of what value is the school district?
* Do any of the areas seem to attract more families with children or adult residents? And where do you fit in? As for the return on your investment, home-price appreciation is hard to predict. We just witnessed housing values drop somewhat after a rapid elevation. But as a rule you can count on your home to hold its value, and typically appreciate over time. The purchase of a home is an investment in your future. Feel free to call us and ask for the best housing values on the market.
Q: Do you have information on the 2011 CO2 Law?
For 2011 the Oregon Legislature enacted HB 3450, requiring the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in specific residential applications with a carbon monoxide source. The purpose of the bill is to reduce deaths and poisonings from carbon monoxide. There are rules for minimum standards for carbon monoxide alarms in one and two family dwellings and multifamily housing.
Download our guide here. Oregonians can learn more about the requirements of the bill and installing carbon monoxide alarms.
Read more on the Oregon carbon monoxide law
