Oregon Real Estate Queen

Archive for January, 2009

by Lori Palermo, GRI – Principal Broker So … you want to buy a home of your own. You are probably excited and maybe a little nervous if it’s your first home. For many of us, owning a home is, “The American Dream”. The following are some of the beginning steps that will lead you to realize the dream of home-ownership:   Set Realistic Goals Setting realistic goals is a great place to start on the road to home-ownership. Financial goal-setting that will enable you to afford a home of your own and practical goal-setting about the kind of home you want. Define early on the difference between your wants and your needs. Determine what you can afford and then determine your housing needs. Ask yourself questions like, read more

1. Find a real estate agent that you “click” with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the agent you chose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality. 2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, any more than there’s a right time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess the interest rates or the housing market by waiting. Changes don’t usually occur fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long. 3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas will make it much harder to make a decision. 4. Accept that no house read more

The neighborhood you choose can have a big impact on your lifestyle—safety, available amenities, and convenience all play their part. Make a list of the activities—movies, health club, church—you engage in regularly and stores you visit frequently. See how far you would have to travel from each neighborhood you’re considering, to engaging in your most common activities. Check out the school district. The Department of Education in your town can probably provide information on test scores, class size, percentage of students who attend college, and special enrichment programs. If you have school-age children, also consider paying a visit to schools in the neighborhoods you’re considering. Even if you don’t have children, a read more