Everything you need to confidently make real estate part of your investing plan
Freddie Mac
GaSandra Carlson of Envoy Mortgage talks about the FHA 203 K Loan
GaSandra Carlson of Envoy Mortgage talks about the FHA 203 K Loan. This is a Rehab loan that allows buyers to buy a home that needs some work and borrow enough money to Rehab the home. This loan can also be used a tool to refinance and rehab your home/. After you watch this video. If you have any questions please feel free to contact GaSandra at (503) 967-5099
GaSandra Carlson
Sales Manager
NMLS # 487425
(503) 967-5099 Office
(503) 351-1802 Cell
www.GaSandraCarlson.com
Multnomah County Property Tax Appeal Process
This information will help you decide how to appeal your property value to the Board of Property Tax Appeals (BoPTA). Your appeal must be postmarked or delivered by December 31.
- Deciding to appeal
- Submit your appeal
- Prepare for your hearing
- What to expect at the hearing
- Hearing decision
Use this Glossary of Value Terms to help understand your tax bill and prepare your appeal.
Deciding to appeal
Before you file an appeal, please contact our office (via live chat(link is external), phone or email) for more information about how your property value was determined. Our appraisers will help you understand your value and if it should be adjusted.
You may file appeals for the following reasons:
- Value: You can appeal the current year’s Real Market Value (RMV), Specially Assessed Value (SAV) or Assessed Value (AV) on both real and personal property accounts. Personal property includes business property, floating property and manufactured structures.
- Exception event: If improvements have been made to your property (for example updating or remodeling) and you believe that the amount the Assessor has increased the value of your property is too high, you may appeal the amount of the increase that is associated with the improvements (called an “exception event”).
- Penalty: If you disagree with a penalty assessed to you for late filing of your real or personal property return, you may petition BoPTA to waive the penalty.
When considering an appeal, keep in mind:
- A reduction in Real Market Value of your property may not result in tax savings.
- It is your responsibility to prove that the value the Assessor has placed on your property is too high.
- BoPTA can only hear appeals of the current tax year values. It does not have authority to consider appeals for any other tax years.
BoPTA cannot:
- Consider hardship as a factor in establishing value
- Set the amount of tax you owe
- Consider a sharp increase in value in a single year to be a valid reason for appeal
- Regard lack of normal property maintenance as a reason for appeal (however, severely deferred maintenance and structural problems are considered)
- Consider testimony on tax rates or the fairness of the tax system.
Submit your appeal
When can I appeal?
After your current year property tax statement is available, you have until December 31 to submit your petition to The Board of Property Tax Appeals (BoPTA). BoPTA can only consider petitions for the current tax year value.
Your petition must be postmarked or delivered by December 31.
- We use the U.S. Postal Service postmark to determine timeliness of filing. A postage meter imprint (e.g. Pitney-Bowes) is not considered a postmark.
Hearings will take place between the first Monday in February through April 15. You will be notified by mail of your hearing date and time.
Download appeal forms and petitions
- Real Property Petition (328.24 KB)
- Personal Property Petition (468.98 KB)
- Waiver of Late Filing Penalty (152.42 KB)
- Authorization to Represent(link is external)
- Other appeal forms and more information(link is external)
Pick up forms at our office
501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 175
Portland, OR 97214
Phone: 503.988.3326
Email form request to BOPTA@multco.us(link sends e-mail)
How do I submit my appeal and what is the fee?
You must submit a separate completed petition for each account. The filing fee is $30.00 per account.
If we receive your petition without the filing fee, you have 20 days from the date of notification to submit the fee or the petition will be dismissed.
Appeals are accepted by mail or in person only. Email or fax submissions are not accepted.
By mail
Board of Property Tax Appeals
PO Box 5007
Portland, OR 97208-5007
In person
501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 175
Portland, OR 97214
How do I appeal Business Personal Property?
Business Personal Property value for the current tax year may be appealed to BoPTA. Paperwork must be postmarked no later than December 31.
Late filing penalties for business personal property may also be appealed to BoPTA separately.
The cost for each appeal is $30.
Business Personal Property Appeals forms
Personal Property Petition (468.98 KB)
Waiver of Late Filing Penalty (152.42 KB)
Prepare for your hearing
When will my hearing be scheduled?
Hearings start in mid-February and run until April 15. Hearings take place in 10 minute increments from 9 am-2 pm, Monday-Thursday at the Multnomah Building (501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214).
- Notices of hearing will be mailed 5-10 days in advance of the scheduled time. You may also call or chat our Customer Service office(link is external) to find out your scheduled hearing time.
- Hearing times cannot be rescheduled. If, after your hearing is scheduled, you find you cannot attend, you may send a qualified representative. To designate a representative, fill out and submit the Authorization to Represent form(link is external).
- If you are in need of special assistance, please call or chat our office and we will be able to help you.
What evidence do I need?
Generally, to be successful in your appeal, you must provide evidence of the market value of your property on January 1 of the assessment year. A strong case requires careful preparation. Remember, it is your responsibility to prove that the Assessor’s value is too high.
The only evidence BoPTA can consider is what you provide with your current appeal. Evidence from previous appeals will not be considered. You may send your evidence with your petition, or bring it at the time of the hearing.
Here are some examples of evidence BoPTA may consider:
- Documentation of an arm’s-length (openly-marketed) sale of your property that occurred close to January 1 of the assessment year.
- A fee appraisal dated close to January 1 of the assessment year which reflects the property’s value.
- Proof that the property has been listed for sale on the open market for a reasonable period of time at a price below the real market value on the tax roll.
- A comparison of properties similar to yours in location, size and quality that have sold close to January 1 of the assessment year. If there are differences between properties, the differences must be accounted for in the comparison of values.
- Cost of new construction that occurred close to January 1 of the assessment year and was performed by a professional contractor.
- Cost to repair your property. You must provide written estimates of the cost of the repairs.
- For commercial property, documentation of income and expense information or a comparable sales analysis.
If you wish to submit comparable sales as evidence, an example of a Comparable Sales Grid is available.
Any evidence you provide to BoPTA will not be returned to you. If you wish to keep the original documents, you may submit copies to the Board.
What to expect at the hearing
A typical residential hearing is limited to a total of 10 minutes. All hearings in which a petitioner (or representative) is present are recorded. Most recordings are available for review upon request. During this 10 minutes you will:
- Introduce yourself and identify your property. The BoPTA Chair will announce the current value and your requested value, and will confirm the size, location and type of property under appeal.
- You will then make a statement supporting your requested value.
- Describe each piece of evidence you present. BoPTA members may ask questions during your presentation.
You must make your statement, present your evidence, and allow for questions within the 10 minute period. Remember that BoPTA is concerned with property values for the current assessment year, not large increases over last year’s value or increases in tax amounts.
The process is informal. You should expect to be treated with courtesy. The Chair must, however, adhere to the time schedule and you will be asked to cooperate in this regard.
Who is on the Board of Property Tax Appeals (BoPTA)?
BoPTA members are private citizens appointed by the Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners. They are not professional appraisers, but have training, experience and knowledge in property valuation.
BoPTA members are not part of the Assessor’s Office. BoPTA members are not part of the Assessor’s Office and they play no role in setting any of the values on your property.
BoPTA may be thought of as a panel which decides the value of your property based on the evidence you present.
Hearing decision
When can I expect a decision?
BoPTA hears all the day’s testimony before making any decisions. The decision-making process is typically between 2-4 pm. You are welcome to observe this process, however you will be unable to comment or offer any further testimony.
BoPTA’s decisions are not available by telephone.
Whether you are present for the decision-making process or not, a written Board order will be mailed to you or your representative within 8-10 business days after the hearing.
What if I disagree with the BoPTA’s decision?
Information and instructions on appealing BoPTA’s decision to the Oregon Tax Court will be included with the written decision. For more information, visit the Oregon Tax Court’s website(link is external).
Interview with Jake Planton of Rose City Mortgage
Jake Planton
Senior Loan Officer
Rose City Mortgage, NMLS 272695
503-475-3788
NMLS #209327
GaSandra Carlson Envoy Mortgage: Advice to Oregon Home Buyers
Piedmont Neighborhood on a Winters Day
Three Tips for Reducing Your Closing Costs if You’re Looking Forward To Buying a Home in the Spring
Spring is approaching fast and it is usually the busiest time of the year for home buying. After a long and cold winter, many people are ready to enjoy the nicer weather and begin to shop for a new home. Spring is also the perfect time for home buying for families with children because it allows them to move during the summer without interrupting school.
Home buying has costs associated with it other than the mortgage itself. Known as closing costs, these fees are a part of the home buying process and they are due at the time that the mortgage is finalized. Buyers, however, can negotiate these costs and reduce the expense with a little bit of effort and with the help of a good mortgage professional.
If you are thinking of buying a new home in the spring here are three helpful tips to reducing your closing costs.
Compare All of Your Mortgage Options
If you’re using mortgage financing to cover some of the up-front purchase cost of your home you’ll have other closing costs to pay including lender fees, mortgage insurance and more. Be sure to compare all of your options with your trusted mortgage adviser to ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal and paying the least amount in fees and interest.
You may also be able to save a bit on your closing costs by choosing a “no points” mortgage. In this type of mortgage you’ll end up saving on closing costs but you’ll be left paying a higher interest rate. Spend a bit of time doing the math to determine the best course of action.
Third Party Fees
Some of the closing cost fees will be associated with third party vendors that must perform required services. Home appraisals, title searches, and costs for obtaining credit reports are some of the items included in this area. While these may be a little harder to negotiate because the lender uses specific companies to perform these services, it does not hurt to ask if you can use your own appraiser or title search company.
Zero Closing Cost Mortgages
Buyers may also wish to inquire about a no closing cost mortgage. This type of mortgage eliminates all closing costs. The lender covers all of the closing cost fees in exchange or a slightly higher interest rate on the loan. In most cases the increase is less than one-quarter of a percent. This type of loan can be very helpful to buyers. Buyers can then use the money that they saved on closing costs to help with the move.
With a little preparation, you can find the best mortgage product for the up-coming spring season. Be sure to contact your experienced mortgage professional, as they will be able to help you find the right mortgage for your specific needs with the lowest out-of-pocket expenses.
Utility Issues with Rental Properties, by Troy Rappold, Rappold Property Management
When a rental property that is occupied by a tenant is sold to a new owner there are many details that require diligent attention. One of these areas is the utility billing and interim billing. Interim billing is one of the first things that you would want to cancel because an Owner doesn’t want to accidently pay for bill that isn’t their responsibility. This ensures proper and accurate billing. As a general rule, the tenant is responsible for all utilities for a single family home. In this case nothing changes if ownership changes and the tenant stays in place. If the house is located in a city where the population is over 100K, the owner is responsible for the garbage service. In this case, the garbage bill is changed to the name of the new Owner.
As a local property management company, we have the garbage bills mailed to our office and we pay it out of the rental income on behalf of the owner. That way the charge will be reflected on the monthly statement. This is important because this expense is a tax write-off for the home owner. If the new Owner is going to move into the property, and the tenant is going to move out, then all utilities will be a prorated amount based upon the move out date of the tenant. If the tenant moves out on the 18th of the month, then they are responsible for 18 days’ worth of electricity, water, sewer, garbage and natural gas. As the property management company for the house, we track this and make sure all these charges are distributed correctly.
We also manage condominiums and often times the owner/investor will pay the Condo Association fees that include water, sewer and garbage. These charges are also a tax write off and can be tracked for the year. Although none of this is difficult to manage, it does need to be watched carefully so all parties involved pay only their share. This careful attention to detail is what we do here at Rappold Property Management.
Rappold Property Management, LLC
1125 SE Madison Street, suite #201
Portland, OR 97214
Phone: 503-232-5990
Fax: 503-232-1462
The Advantage of Property Management, By Troy Rappold
In business, the slogan “Just Do It!” rings true and will serve you well. In the world of Property Management this is applicable as well. After all, we are trying to grow our business and be successful when we manage your asset wisely and efficiently. However, more often than not our slogan is “Just Do the Right Thing!”
As property managers we work with many vendors who complete work on our properties. We want quick, quality repairs, and at a good price for our clients. Sometimes this requires tough conversations. Navigating this world is our expertise and it is part of why you rely on us. Our fiduciary responsibility is always you, the client.
The other piece of the puzzle we have to navigate is relations with tenants. Our job is to provide clean, safe, well-maintained housing. However, and this might come as a shock, sometimes tenants can have expectations that are out of line. Just because a kitchen counter has a scratch on it doesn’t mean we need to replace the entire counter top with new, beautiful granite from Brazil. Often times a property manager has to say “no” in the most professional and courteous way possible.
Real Estate management is an active, engaging industry. One cannot just buy an investment property and watch it appreciate or mature, like treasury bonds. Having the right management in place is just as important as buying the right property at the right price. We have the expertise and experience to navigate the difficulties and pitfalls for you. Here at Rappold Property Management we take our job very seriously and we manage your property as if it were our own.
Troy Rappold
Rappold Property Management, LLC
1125 SE Madison Street, suite #201
Portland, OR 97214
Phone: 503-232-5990
Fax: 503-232-1462
http://rappoldpropertymanagement.com
4 Tips On Giving Your Mudroom A Makeover, by Steph Noble, Northwest Mortgage Group
From crunched-up leaves stuck to bottoms of shoes to bulky coats shed as soon as kids walk through the door, mudrooms are ideal for keeping outdoor dirt, wet clothing and outerwear from being strewn throughout your home.
Mudrooms not only keep the rest of your house clean, but they also designate a spot for those last-minute grabs, such as coats, umbrellas and purses, when you’re running out the door.
These rooms are great catchalls. However, an organized mudroom can make your life and those hectic mornings much less stressful. Below are smart tips for getting your mudroom ready this fall.
1. Put In Seating
After shedding outer layers, the next thing anyone wants to do after coming inside on a cold, wet day is to take off their mucky shoes. So make sure there is a built-in bench or convenient chair for people to sit down and tend to their tootsies. Whether taking off or putting on shoes, it makes life a little more comfortable.
2. Install A Sink
A mudroom is supposed to be the catchall for everything dirty from the outdoors. With this in mind, a sink for washing off the grime and mud makes sense. Then you can clean your clothing in the contained space without having to haul them to the kitchen sink or laundry room.
3. Create Cubbies
Even though this space is designated as a drop-off point before entering the main living space, you don’t want everything just thrown into one big confusing pile. Create individual cubbies for every person in your household. Each cubby should contain a shelf for purses and backpacks, hooks for coats and a low place for shoes.
4. Splurge On A Boot Warmer
While electric boot warmers can be a little expensive, you will definitely think it’s worth the money when it’s freezing outside and your shoes are damp. Electric boot warmers heat your shoes on pegs and dry them out at the same time. They also work well on gloves.
Fall is a mudroom’s busy season; so get it in shape with the tips above. With all the coats hanging on their hooks, shoes in their cubbies and dirt contained to this designated space, your life will be a little more organized and much less stressful!
Steph Noble
Northwest Mortgage Group
(503) 528-9800
http://www.stephnoble.com
http://www.nwmortgagegoup.com
Related articles
- The 7 Elements of a Perfect Mudroom (apartmenttherapy.com)
- Before & After: A Mudroom Goes Miniature (apartmenttherapy.com)
- Make Way for Mudrooms (californiaclosets.wordpress.com)
- outdoor mudroom . . . (kysakelleher.com)
- 83. The Mudroom Demolition (applehillcottage.org)
- The 7 Elements of a Perfect Mudroom (joindahunt.com)
- Even a Mudroom Needs a Facelift (cherneeshouse.wordpress.com)
How To Interview An Architect When Building A New Home by Steph Noble, Northwest Mortgage Group
Making the decision to build a home might be one of the biggest you make in your life. You’ve found the perfect plot of land and have a vision of what type of home you want, but you need someone to bring your dream to life.
That means it’s time to start interviewing architects.
Hiring an architect isn’t as simple as just calling up a few and seeing who might have the time.
You’ll want to ensure you choose a professional that understands your design aesthetic, communicates well, can design on budget and has an upstanding reputation.
Below are a few key questions to ask when deciding whom to hire.
Do You Have A Specific Design Style?
When interviewing architects, be sure to ask each one if they have a specific aesthetic and if you can see a portfolio of his or her work. While most are adaptable, they usually all have design themes that recur in their projects.
Whether you want a minimalist structure or LEED certified construction, you’ll want to know they have the experience.
What Is Your Fee?
You’ll need to inquire whether they charge a flat fee for their designs or a percentage of the total building cost. Most architects charge a percentage of the overall cost of your home, usually ranging from 5-20 percent.
This is important to know because it means that for every floorboard installed, you’ll need to add on the architect’s additional percentage.
Do You Provide Project Management Services?
There are many services that architects should include within their contract, such as checking the contractor’s work, making adjustments as the construction moves forward and obtaining lien waivers.
Get a list of what each architect you interview includes in his or her fee. Additional charges can add up and might play a part in who you choose.
Interviewing architects and finding the right professional can make all the difference when it comes to building exactly what you want. One you work well with can make the construction experience extremely pleasant, while a negative relationship can leave you hating your new home.
Asking Prices and Inventory for Homes in Portland Oregon June 3rd 2013
As of June 03 2013 there were about 8,714 single family and condo homes listed for sale in Portland Oregon. The median asking price of these homes was approximately $285,077. Since this time last year, the inventory of homes for sale has decreased by 23.4% and the median price has increased by 10.1%.
| June 03, 2013 | Month/Month | Year/Year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Asking Price | $285,077 | +1.8% | +10.1% |
| Home Listings/Inventory | 8,714 | +3.5% | -23.4% |
Recent Asking Price and Inventory History for Portland
| Date | Single Family & Condo Inventory |
25th Percentile Asking Price |
Median Asking Price |
75th Percentile Asking Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/03/2013 | 8,714 | $199,000 | $285,077 | $449,900 |
| 05/27/2013 | 8,631 | $197,700 | $285,000 | $449,000 |
| 05/20/2013 | 8,597 | $195,000 | $282,500 | $441,100 |
| 05/13/2013 | 8,460 | $194,950 | $280,000 | $448,500 |
| 05/06/2013 | 8,420 | $191,900 | $279,900 | $449,000 |
Portland Asking Price History
The median asking price for homes in Portland peaked in April 2007 at $354,740 and is now $69,663 (19.6%) lower. From a low of $239,125 in February 2011, the median asking price in Portland has increased by $45,952 (19.2%).
25th, Median (50th) and 75th Percentile Asking Prices for Portland Oregon
Portland Housing Inventory History
Housing inventory in Portland, which is typically highest in the spring/summer and lowest in the fall/winter, peaked at 23,354 in July 2008. The lowest housing inventory level seen was 7,969 in March 2013.
Housing Inventory for Portland Oregon
Portland Asking Price and Inventory History
| Date | Single Family & Condo Inventory |
25th Percentile Asking Price |
Median Asking Price |
75th Percentile Asking Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 2013 | 8,714 | $199,000 | $285,077 | $449,900 |
| May 2013 | 8,527 | $194,888 | $281,850 | $446,900 |
| April 2013 | 8,075 | $186,800 | $274,540 | $439,060 |
| March 2013 | 7,969 | $182,923 | $267,425 | $427,213 |
| February 2013 | 7,981 | $179,900 | $262,450 | $419,731 |
| January 2013 | 8,250 | $179,075 | $259,217 | $404,725 |
| December 2012 | 8,627 | $178,900 | $259,720 | $405,750 |
| November 2012 | 9,408 | $179,675 | $260,950 | $408,963 |
| October 2012 | 10,259 | $179,900 | $267,160 | $418,600 |
| September 2012 | 10,828 | $179,900 | $268,975 | $418,450 |
| August 2012 | 11,102 | $179,675 | $268,725 | $418,500 |
| July 2012 | 11,140 | $177,600 | $266,598 | $411,651 |
| June 2012 | 11,362 | $174,825 | $259,675 | $399,950 |
| May 2012 | 11,227 | $169,713 | $252,463 | $399,450 |
| April 2012 | 10,820 | $169,160 | $249,910 | $397,940 |
| March 2012 | 9,683 | $174,450 | $259,450 | $406,225 |
| February 2012 | 10,549 | $169,225 | $248,250 | $388,025 |
| January 2012 | 10,833 | $169,080 | $246,960 | $381,960 |
| December 2011 | 11,461 | $169,925 | $248,375 | $385,675 |
| November 2011 | 12,018 | $174,750 | $250,972 | $397,425 |
| October 2011 | 12,846 | $179,530 | $258,720 | $399,900 |
| September 2011 | 13,509 | $179,939 | $259,900 | $399,900 |
| August 2011 | 14,672 | $179,360 | $256,590 | $395,540 |
| July 2011 | 14,772 | $178,150 | $253,188 | $389,225 |
| June 2011 | 14,762 | $176,475 | $250,970 | $386,970 |
| May 2011 | 14,582 | $173,184 | $249,160 | $375,780 |
| April 2011 | 14,748 | $169,950 | $242,400 | $364,975 |
| March 2011 | 15,458 | $169,800 | $239,675 | $359,575 |
| February 2011 | 15,531 | $169,675 | $239,125 | $354,725 |
| January 2011 | 15,001 | $170,760 | $239,158 | $356,380 |
| December 2010 | 16,118 | $176,200 | $242,700 | $363,363 |
| November 2010 | 17,018 | $180,160 | $249,330 | $373,780 |
| October 2010 | 17,614 | $184,975 | $253,375 | $381,975 |
| September 2010 | 18,282 | $189,100 | $258,925 | $390,950 |
| August 2010 | 18,579 | $190,940 | $261,150 | $397,160 |
| July 2010 | 18,160 | $195,163 | $267,475 | $399,000 |
| June 2010 | 17,488 | $196,853 | $268,875 | $399,800 |
| May 2010 | 17,035 | $198,880 | $269,620 | $399,818 |
| April 2010 | 17,279 | $198,000 | $266,750 | $392,500 |
| March 2010 | 16,495 | $195,600 | $264,460 | $393,960 |
| February 2010 | 15,382 | $194,938 | $264,450 | $395,198 |
| January 2010 | 14,895 | $197,819 | $267,425 | $399,225 |
| December 2009 | 15,329 | $199,897 | $272,038 | $402,212 |
| November 2009 | 15,902 | $202,750 | $277,760 | $417,780 |
| October 2009 | 16,573 | $209,675 | $283,646 | $428,225 |
| September 2009 | 17,165 | $210,000 | $289,475 | $436,100 |
| August 2009 | 17,595 | $211,760 | $292,880 | $444,320 |
| July 2009 | 17,819 | $212,950 | $294,950 | $449,000 |
| June 2009 | 17,870 | $213,460 | $294,920 | $449,100 |
| May 2009 | 17,713 | $211,475 | $293,291 | $445,250 |
| April 2009 | 17,978 | $212,525 | $289,925 | $444,725 |
| March 2009 | 18,506 | $214,153 | $289,930 | $443,360 |
| February 2009 | 18,449 | $216,014 | $293,968 | $448,125 |
| January 2009 | 18,872 | $219,952 | $297,855 | $452,809 |
| December 2008 | 19,842 | $223,220 | $302,773 | $458,508 |
| November 2008 | 20,983 | $226,382 | $307,532 | $464,024 |
| October 2008 | 22,086 | $229,650 | $312,450 | $469,724 |
| September 2008 | 22,973 | $233,730 | $319,580 | $474,990 |
| August 2008 | 23,314 | $235,200 | $322,000 | $475,725 |
| July 2008 | 23,354 | $236,074 | $324,550 | $475,000 |
| June 2008 | 22,657 | $239,150 | $324,920 | $479,459 |
| May 2008 | 21,505 | $239,900 | $325,000 | $480,947 |
| April 2008 | 20,669 | $239,900 | $324,937 | $479,912 |
| March 2008 | 19,381 | $241,300 | $324,860 | $485,960 |
| February 2008 | 18,409 | $240,485 | $324,925 | $479,912 |
| January 2008 | 17,659 | $243,500 | $324,962 | $481,765 |
| December 2007 | 18,584 | $245,120 | $327,975 | $489,355 |
| November 2007 | 19,926 | $248,665 | $330,475 | $486,425 |
| October 2007 | 20,762 | $249,950 | $337,260 | $493,980 |
| September 2007 | 20,656 | $253,425 | $339,900 | $497,749 |
| August 2007 | 19,837 | $257,712 | $342,975 | $499,124 |
| July 2007 | 18,710 | $261,120 | $349,120 | $499,930 |
| June 2007 | 17,670 | $264,282 | $349,950 | $507,949 |
| May 2007 | 16,386 | $264,900 | $350,975 | $512,662 |
| April 2007 | 15,059 | $264,900 | $354,740 | $517,740 |
| March 2007 | 13,897 | $264,450 | $353,850 | $523,425 |
| February 2007 | 13,814 | $258,517 | $349,800 | $516,750 |
| January 2007 | 13,726 | $255,810 | $349,637 | $507,441 |
| December 2006 | 14,746 | $257,149 | $348,246 | $499,949 |
| November 2006 | 15,671 | $258,837 | $348,750 | $499,900 |
| October 2006 | 16,027 | $259,640 | $348,834 | $499,900 |
| September 2006 | 15,239 | $261,098 | $349,675 | $499,937 |
| August 2006 | 14,029 | $264,925 | $350,737 | $518,587 |
| July 2006 | 12,864 | $264,920 | $350,470 | $525,980 |
| June 2006 | 11,261 | $264,925 | $349,975 | $530,937 |
| May 2006 | 9,804 | $262,340 | $350,940 | $532,360 |
| April 2006 | 8,701 | $256,433 | $346,433 | $526,224 |
Department of Numbers
The Department of Numbers contextualizes public data so that individuals can form independent opinions on everyday social and economic matters.
HERE’S WHERE YOU ARE
- Home
- / Asking Prices
- / Oregon
- / Portland
DATASETS & TOOLS
RECENT LINKS [ ARCHIVES ]
[QE] is definitely a pretty roundabout way of driving money into the real economy. Instead of putting the money directly to work, pay money to people who already have assets even more than their assets are currently trading for, in the hope that they’ll put at least some of the money to work.
In a sidenote he addresses “helicopter money” AKA “QE for the people.”
QE involves paying over a $ (or Pounds, or Yen) amount in return for an existing asset. This is a crucial feature, and accounts for many of the drawbacks — in particular that the policy benefits above all existing holders of assets. In theory, just handing money to everybody in the country is a more effective and equal way of acheiving its aims. But you don’t have to be a hard-money Bundesbanker to be at least a little uncomfortable with where this might end up
QE via asset purchases does strike me as a very roundabout way of addressing a demand shortfall in a substantially consumer driven economy. But as the above post suggests, nothing else may be politically viable.
…
Institutional home buying fatigue?
We just don’t see the returns there that are adequate to incentivize us to continue to invest, [Bruce] Rose, 55, chief executive officer of Carrington Holding Co. LLC, said in an interview at his Aliso Viejo, California office. There’s a lot of — bluntly — stupid money that jumped into the trade without any infrastructure, without any real capabilities and a kind of build-it-as-you-go mentality that we think is somewhat irresponsible.
#2013-05-29 [ via ]
…
You don’t see 
Housing inventory trajectory for 2013.
I forgot to point out this post by Calculated Risk earlier this week. He’s using my housing inventory data to chart the trajectory of listings coming online this year. Inventory has come way down over the past couple of years and the big question is whether this winter will mark a bottom. If a lot of homes go on the market this spring, it probably indicates a bottom.
…
Steve Randy Waldman: I think the behavior of real interest rates is the empirical fingerprint of the effect of inequality on demand.
Where the missing demand comes from:
Household borrowing represents, in a very direct sense, a redistribution of purchasing power from savers to borrowers. So if we worry that oversaving by the rich may lead to an insufficiency of purchases [by poorer households], household borrowing is a natural place to look for a remedy. Sure enough, we find that beginning in the early 1980s, household borrowing began a secular rise that continued until the financial crisis.
Why that’s a problem:
Suppose that the mechanism that reconciles inequality and adequate demand is household borrowing. Is that sustainable? After all, poorer households would have to borrow new purchasing power in every period in order to support demand for as long as inequality remains high.
How it messes with the role of banks in the economy:
We very explicitly ask banks to intermediate the deficit in demand, exhorting them to lend lend lend for macroeconomic reasons that are indifferent to microeconomic evaluations of solvency. We can have a banking system that performs the information work of credit analysis and lends appropriately, or we can have a banking system that overcomes deficiencies in demand. We cannot have both when great volumes of lending are continually required for structural reasons.
The elegance and insight density of this post is off the charts!
Data on deptofnumbers.com is for informational purposes only. No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is offered or implied. Contact ben@deptofnumbers.com (or @deptofnumbers on Twitter) if you have any questions, comments or suggestions.
Department of Numbers
http://www.deptofnumbers.com/
Multnomahforeclosures.com: Updated Notice of Default Lists April 25th, 2013
Visit MultnomahForeclosures.com for the notice of default lists (Homes in Foreclosure) for Multnomah County and other Oregon counties.
Multnomah Country Foreclosures
http://multnomahforeclosures.com
Fred Stewart
Stewart Group Realty Inc.
info@sgrealtyinc.com
http://www.sgrealty.net
503-289-4970
3 Common First Time Home Buyer Mistakes Can Cost Thousands, by Steph Noble
Buying real estate for the first time is a very exciting step in life.
It is likely to be one of the biggest financial commitments that you make, so it’s very important to navigate the purchasing process wisely.
Many first-time home buyers make rookie mistakes that bring on negative consequences and a lot of frustration.
Outlined below are common errors home buyers make, so you can learn from their missteps and avoid them yourself.
1. Buying More Than What You Can Truly Afford
Just because the bank says that you qualify a certain amount for a mortgage doesn’t mean that you have to choose a house at the very top of this price range.
Many people get carried away and buy the most expensive house that they qualify for.
If something unexpected happens, they may find it difficult to keep up with their monthly mortgage payments later on.
Remember that you will also have student loan payments, vehicle costs, credit card bills, health insurance, groceries, retirement savings and other expenses, so make sure that your mortgage payments will comfortably fit within your budget.
2. Failing To Get A Home Inspection
Before buying a house, you should always have a professional inspection done. Not doing so is a big mistake.
You don’t want to get stuck with hidden damage that could saddle you with the expense of ongoing repairs.
Hiring a professional to assess the home’s condition is absolutely essential before making your final decision.
3. Disregarding Your Future
When you are buying real estate, don’t just think about how the home will work for you in the immediate future.
Also consider what your needs will be five, ten or even 20 years from now.
Find out the development plans for the neighborhood.
Look for reputable schools if you intend to start a family.
And consider whether the street’s home values are likely to increase or decline in the future.
Your Next Steps
Don’t let the home-buying process overwhelm you!
Learn from these common first-time home buyers’ mistakes, so you can avoid them.
A great next step toward planning for your first home purchase is to consult with a trusted, licensed mortgage professional who is trained in providing the best advice on how a new home will affect your budget.
Steph Noble
http://stephnoblemortgageblog.com/
Great Staging Tips To Set A Buyer’s Mood At Your Home For Sale, by Steph Noble
Staging is the art of preparing your home for sale before showing it to prospective buyers.
The point of staging is to highlight the house’s strengths, downplay its weaknesses and make it more appealing.
With the right decorating techniques, you can win buyers over the moment they step through the door.
Below are a few staging tips to help make your house irresistible to potential buyers.
Put Everything Away
The first step is to put away anything that is not essential. This will open up the house so that it appears more spacious.
Even if you have to rent a storage unit, finding a new home for all of your family’s projects and collections should clear some space and help buyers imagine their own belongings in your home for sale.
Pay special attention to entryways and narrow hallways to improve your prospective buyer’s sense of spaciousness.
Get Rid Of Clutter
Be sure to clear off the things that gather on kitchen counters and surfaces, such as old magazines and stacks of mail.
Also, emptying out your closets of half of the things inside them will make them look much roomier.
Use this time as an opportunity to thin the number of largely unused items that your family has collected over the years.
And look on the bright side; moving into a new house will be much easier after you have donated your unneeded items to a charity.
Fresh Scents Make Sense
You would be surprised by how much the sense of smell comes into play when buyers are viewing a house.
To avoid turning buyers off with pet or smoke odors, make sure you give each room a deep clean, including the air vents and carpeting.
Just covering up stale odors with air fresheners won’t do the job.
Let In The Light
Buyers are looking for spacious rooms with a lot of natural light, so make sure you open the blinds and turn on all the lights.
If you have rooms that are a bit dark, you can add floor lamps to make them brighter or flowers to suggest sunlight.
Home staging can make a big difference in how potential buyers see your home for sale, so make sure you set the mood to make it as attractive as possible.
http://stephnoblemortgageblog.com