Tools for homeownership, tools for your business

Surveys show that many homeowners and homebuyers are not aware of the true value a Realtor provides during the course of a real estate transaction.

Opinion Column By Gary Taylor, CRB, GRI, RE/MAX Equity Group

A recent news story dubbed Portland a “renter’s hell” and gave our city the dubious honor of the toughest rental market in the nation (December 7th Willamette Week cover story). Rents in the Portland area have jumped 8% this year—three times faster than the national average.

This Thanksgiving, Real Estate Insider has much to be thankful for: family, friends, a home. But this month, we’re focusing on one thing in particular—the men and women of our country who are serving, and have served, in the armed forces. It’s why were so excited about the Heroes Welcome Home project created by the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors® (PMAR).

Real Estate Insider recently watched a new story running on a local news station about the housing market. The impetuous for the story was a piece of good news: Portland is doing better than the rest of the nation in new home sales. However, despite this glimmer of hope about our local housing market, the story took pains to focus instead on foreclosures, slower sales, etc.

Record-low interest rates, affordable prices, and ample choices—the current real estate market is ripe with opportunity for buyers. So much so, that you hate to see your kids throwing away money on rent every month. But, are there obstacles standing in their path to homeownership? Perhaps they have a stable job and have accumulated some savings, but maybe they haven’t developed much of a credit record. Or, they’re nervous about dipping into their savings for a down payment in today’s uncertain economy. What’s a parent to do?

Real Estate Insider assessed the room and board costs (not including tuition) for six Oregon public and private colleges, and the average cost is about $10,000. That’s annually, folks. Ouch! Read more to find out how parents can ease the sting.

The recent 2011 Cotton Report surveyed 800 participants about their housing preferences and revealed a marked increase in homebuyers looking to purchase a vacation home. Buyers are reacting to record-low interest rates and affordable prices.

Real Estate Insider is turning our column this month over to guest columnist Deana Doney, a broker with RE/MAX Equity Group who has 30+ years experience serving on HOA boards. Deana offers advice to those buyers who are thinking about purchasing a condo or townhome.

Over the past 100 years, Realtors® have been involved in almost every facet of the community, working to help make our region better. From serving on a committee with other business groups to investigate forming what would later become Portland’s renowned Farmer’s Market to turning out in large numbers to actually help build the Columbia Highway, the tradition of civic involvement is long-standing.

Real Estate Insider is turning our column this month over to PMAR’s Legal Counsel, Phil Querin, of Querin Law, LLC. Phil offers advice to those homeowners who may be thinking about offering their home “For Sale By Owner,” also known as “FSBO” within the industry.

Real Estate Insider is hearing a lot of stories these days about potential homebuyers who are hesitant to buy because a better deal is just around the corner. They’re waiting for the housing market to hit bottom. Unfortunately, the problem with that approach is, how will we know when the market has hit bottom? Only when prices start to rise!

Whether you’re selling, buying, or just aren’t sure, give your Realtor® a call for expert advice. They’re here to help!

2011 marks the centennial celebration of the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors® (PMAR). As we look back over the past 100 years, the impact Realtors® have had on the community is substantial.