Take Me Home

Buying a home can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience, especially for first-time buyers navigating the labyrinth of real estate transactions. Among the crucial steps in this process is the home inspection, a pivotal moment that can illuminate both the strengths and weaknesses of your prospective investment. To shed light on this integral aspect of […]

A couple of weeks ago (right before our weekly deadline) news broke that the National Association of Realtors settled to end litigation brought against it by home sellers regarding broker commissions. I will be discussing the facts of the settlement thus far, acknowledging that the courts have not approved the settlement and no changes will be […]

Are you thinking about buying a home soon? If so, you should know today’s market is competitive in many areas because the number of homes for sale is still low – and that’s leading to multiple-offer scenarios. And moving into the peak homebuying season this spring, this is only expected to ramp up more. Remember […]

In the ever-evolving world of real estate opportunities, infill lots stand out as hidden gems waiting to be unearthed. Next time you’re out walking around, maybe biking, or driving (carefully) take a moment to notice empty lots, or open spaces throughout the various neighborhoods in Bend. I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power these parcels hold, […]

If you’re trying to buy a home and are having a hard time finding one you can afford, it may be time to consider a fixer-upper. That’s a house that needs a little elbow grease or some updates, but has good bones. Fixer-uppers can be a really great option if you’re looking to break into […]

Buying a home is a thrilling milestone in life, representing independence, stability and a place to call your own. However, amid the excitement of house hunting and envisioning your dream space, it’s crucial to understand the financial landscape that accompanies it. Beyond the actual price, prospective homebuyers must grapple with myriad upfront and/or out-of-pocket costs. […]

It wasn’t until 1974 that women were allowed to apply for and own a credit card or a mortgage in their name. That was just 50 years ago, ladies! Since that year of “women’s mortgage liberation,” so much has changed. Today, the share of single women homeowners surpasses that of single men. Here are some […]

The other week I responded to a reader’s question about why real estate brokers don’t like to use escalation clauses, and this sparked several additional readers to ask questions about escalation clauses, so I figured the best way to answer those questions, in lieu of another mailbag, would be to write an article about them. […]

On the road to becoming a homeowner? If so, you may have heard the term pre-approval get tossed around. Let’s break down what it is and why it’s important if you’re looking to buy a home in 2024. What pre-approval is As part of the homebuying process, your lender will look at your finances to […]

Q: Can you take us through the buying process of a real estate transaction? A: A quick rundown of the “buying side” process: In a typical financed transaction, first the person(s)/entity needs to be pre-approved from a lender and to identify a property they’d like to purchase. Once the buyer and seller agree to terms, […]