The increased cost of living has infiltrated every aspect of people’s lives—at the gas pump, the grocery store, heating or cooling houses… the list goes on. It’s gotten very expensive to provide just the basics. It’s no secret that affordable and attainable housing is a major obstacle for many Central Oregonians, too. In July, the […]
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The “Dos and Don’ts” During the Loan Process
A buyer’s guide
When getting ready to purchase a home, a buyer needs to get a prequalification or preapproval letter from their lender. The thing to remember, is that these “prequalifications and preapprovals” are just that…the beginning stage of the loan process. These letters DO NOT mean that a buyer is 100% approved for the home loan. As […]
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Net Zero, the Energy Saving Hero
Sunlight-powered homes generating all they need
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, buildings in the residential and commercial sectors account for 40% of the total energy consumption in the U.S. Green homes and buildings are helping immensely with reducing energy requirements, but homeowners can do even more to help offset dependence on fossil fuels. The solution is to build or […]
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Be Prepared for the Unexpected Delay
What can delay closing of escrow?
The dream property is in escrow, the home inspection contingency has been removed and it looks like it’s smooth sailing to close the transaction. What could go wrong? Is there anything that can delay closing and moving dates? It was late May 2017 and I was working on the listing side of a transaction that […]
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Smart Homes for Smart People
Benefits to automated living
The smartphone is one of the most influential and widely used technology devices today. We’ve watched them grow in popularity since the early 2000s, and now everyone—and their kids—seem to have one. It’s predicted that within this coming decade we’ll see the rise of the smart home—a “connected home” that works together as one system. […]
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Landlord/Tenant Law: Part 2
Working with tenant-occupied properties
My last column on landlord/tenant law covered 24-hour notices, transfer of leases and lease buyouts. As I mentioned then, when purchasing or selling a tenant-occupied property, it’s crucial to be aware of state landlord/tenant laws. An incorrect step from a landlord can result in a massive headache and potentially financial loss. It’s also important to […]
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Action Plan for Building
Bend Climate Action Committee takes on energy use
“Fire made us human, fossil fuels made us modern, but now we need a new fire that makes us safe, secure, healthy and durable.” -Amory Lovins After Independence Day I was reflecting on our great nation. I’m mostly proud, but also wish we would do better. The continued use of fossil fuels such as coal, […]
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Landlord/Tenant Law: Part 1
Working with tenant-occupied properties
In today’s market, it’s not uncommon for single-family homes to be tenant occupied, specifically in Central Oregon. As a real estate professional, I reconcile some of this as a result of the Great Recession. As we are all aware, in 2008, we experienced a massive change in the real estate markets across the U.S. While […]
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Green is the New Black
Sustainability is trending in all seasons
“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” – Buckminster Fuller As parents to young children, as well as realtors and community members, we’re thankful that green building is now a trend growing in popularity—and without a doubt will establish a […]
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Frequently Asked Questions in Real Estate
Answering the inquiries real estate clients ask
Whether buying or selling a home, questions surrounding the process abound. As is a common statement in the vast majority of my columns, the purchase or sale of a property is one the largest investments one will make in their lifetime. As such, there are bound to be a lot of questions. The sales process […]