Renting v. Buying: By the Numbers
Have you ever wondered if you should rent or buy a home for yourself and your family? Here is a simple case study of a for rent or sale property to show what factors may impact your decision. An updated…
How to Read a Real Estate Listing
If you are in the market for a new home, you’ve probably turned to the internet to begin your search. You can learn about neighborhoods, find out about schools, and a lot more using a simple search. Once you are…
What Are Points in Real Estate?
If you are purchasing or refinancing a home, chances are you have learned a lot of new terms. One of those may be “points.” But what exactly are points in a real estate deal? Points are referred to as mortgage…
Buying a Portland Home with an HOA
Many home buyers love a neighborhood with great amenities. A community pool, parks and playgrounds, and well kept walking trails all make prospective buyers’ eyes light up. If you are looking to buy in a neighborhood with top-of-the-line amenities, make…
U.S. Homeownership Rate Rises to Highest Point in 8 Years
For nearly two months, most of us have been following strict stay-at-home orders from our state and local governments. It is a whole new way of life that has put our daily lives on pause. On the other hand, many…
Have You Budgeted for Closing Costs?
Saving for a down payment is a key step in the homebuying process, and it’s not the only piece you need to include in your budget. Another factor that’s important to plan for is budgeting for closing costs required to…
How to Determine If You Can Afford to Buy a Home
The gap between the increase in personal income and residential real estate prices has been used to defend the concept that we are experiencing an affordability crisis in housing today. It is true that home prices and wages are two…
5 Powerful Reasons to Own Instead of Rent
5 Powerful Reasons to Own Instead of Rent Owning a home instead of renting has great financial benefits. In a recent research paper, Homeownership and the American Dream, Laurie S. Goodman and Christopher Mayer of the Urban Land Institute explained: “Homeownership…
Tax Refunds and Home Down Payments: Your Key To Homeownership
According to data released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Americans can expect an estimated average refund of $3,143 this year when filing their taxes. This is down slightly from the average refund of $3,436 last year. Tax refunds are often thought of as ‘extra money’ that…
What Credit Score Do You Need To Buy A House?
There are many misconceptions about the credit score needed to buy a house. Recently, it was reported that 24% of renters believe they need a 780-800 credit score to be considered for a mortgage. The reality is they are misinformed! Only…
