Located on the West side of Salem (ie across the river in Polk County), Chatnika Heights is a combination of homes built in the 1960’s to homes built until the past decade. As a result, a wide range of architectural styles fills this neighborhood. Tri-levels, ranches, traditional two story homes, and the occasional contemporary style…
FHA has been revising its loan limits across the country, which is good news for many potential home buyers. The loan limits are different for each county in the United States depending on real estate costs. With 100% financing become very difficult, many people with excellent paying jobs, but not enough for a large down…
A box…that is what comes to my mind when I look at the American Foursquare style home. It is also known as the Prairie Box. This was a very popular style from 1895-1930. It was very economical to build since the lines are so simple and clean. The American Foursquare will have some of the…
You have no doubt heard about short sales. They are all over the media. I’m sure you’ve never heard of a long sale though…A long sale is what real estate agents call short sales. Why you ask? Real estate agents get calls daily from people wanting to purchase a short sale. A short sale is…
Like many honest agents, I lose some business to other agents that make outlandish promises. “I can sell it for $1,000,000 more than any other agent.” “I’ll have multiple offers for you within 24 hours.” “I will hold an open house for you every weekend.” I always wonder why sellers often choose Pinocchio over a…
Sitting in the middle of the vineyard, I reach for my glass of excellent local Oregon Pinot Noir. Far out in the countryside, I relish the quiet solitude of the landscape…Reaching for the Brie cheese, I turn to my husband and ask for the gray poupon…well..not really, but you get the image I am going…
I was recently asked about arsenic streaks in my area. Arsenic is a natural element that occurs in soil and rocks. Most people hear the word arsenic and immediately become concerned. I work with a lot of buyers purchasing small acreage properties here in Salem, Oregon so am familiar with well testing. In Oregon, the…
“You’re going to blog about me aren’t you.” stated my client, Jill. “Yep! I’ve got a years worth of blogs in just working with you two. I’m down to about $1.50 per hour, so I have to get something out of the deal,” I replied. “Are we your worst buyers ever?” she asked. Let me…
Many new construction homes here in Salem Oregon are referred to as Craftsman. Some have elements of the Arts and Crafts movement (AKA Craftsman), but most are not Craftsman homes. When talking about Craftsman homes, most people think of the Craftsman Bungalow, but a Craftsman doesn’t have to be a bungalow and not all bungalows…
It’s no big secret that insurance companies have rated certain areas or neighborhoods a better risk in terms of lower payoff than others. Home insurance policies will be cheaper for some neighborhoods vs. another based on this risk factor. Countrywide Homes Loans, and some other lenders are starting to do the same thing. They created…