Displaying blog entries 1491-1500 of 1919
The National Association of Realtors provided this information comparing the Portland Metro area economic conditions with the rest of the US. These numbers were produced from the 4th quarter of 2009. Once we regain jobs our housing market will recover.
Multiple Listing has just released the February sales numbers for the Mt. Hood area from Government Camp, Brightwood, Rhododendron, and Welches. Number of sales are up and prices are down.
Our area saw eight closed sales. Pending sales are up 20% from the same momth in 2009 and 30% up year to date. This is good news. Compared to last year at this time the "number of sales" is a good indicator that 2010 should be a much better year than 2009 when we were still realing from the stock market plunge and credit tightening. Listing numbers are starting to increase. If interest rates stay near their present numbers this bodes well for a better market.
There's lots of credit information/conditions getting tracked by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Not only do they track mortgage information but credit card delinquencies, student and auto loan delinquencies and more!
Here are some interesting statistics for Clackamas County from this site:
* 4.2% of all mortgages are delinquent at 90 days or more
* 5.3% of Jumbo mortgages are in foreclosure
* 1.6% of prime loans are in foreclosure
* 1.9% of FHA and VA loan mortgages are in foreclosure
* 92.7% of prime loans are current!
* 9.1% of student loans are 60 days delinquent
If you'd like to check out other Oregon counties or states, visit this web site.
THE WAITING GAME!
The well-known Nike commercials have hammered into our heads the phrase "Just do it!" Regardless of how you view their advertising, there is magic in the words "just do it." The real key to the message is "doing it," a.k.a. taking action. Anything you have ever desired is available to you if you will it.
Now, consider those who are constantly washed over by the "tide." Note that the lyrics in Jim Croce's song say, "I'm WAITING for my ship to come in . . ." and then, "but all that comes in is the tide." That sounds like a victim's lament, as in, "Oh poor me, here I am ready and excited, waiting for my ship to come in, and I get dumped on by the sorry tide. Bummer. How unfair." Duhh! Helloooo!
It's easy to see that "action" is the opposite of "waiting." Yet, it's so easy to do nothing - waiting passively. Action requires energy, enthusiasm, movement, and objectives, while waiting requires not even a thought.
Whether your desire (your "ship") is a relationship, wealth, a healthy body, or a new car, you must be the captain, not the port - the "master of your fate," not a tide-washed, sand-covered beach ball. Life is great! On your next trip to the beach, buy a boat, a map, and a compass, and then choose your own port of call. You'll dine at the Captain's Table every day!
Fraud Alert: First there were inflated appraisals, fake buyers, and escrow fraud as the market was screaming hot in real estate bubble times. Most fraud was directed at financial institutions.
Times have changed and so have the fraudsters. They have turned to owners who are in trouble financially with mortgages. You must be aware of loan modification and foreclosure scams that are running rampant throughout the counrty.
The California Department of Real Estate has put out an information document that can be found HERE that explains seventeen items (starting on page 5) to look out for concerning Loan Modifications offers that may be fraudulent.
Looking for that perfect mountain getaway? You will enjoy this classic 1930's cabin in the woods. Great for skiers since it's on a plowed road! Picture yourself sitting in front of this fireplace after skiing. Enjoy the knotty pine and wood floors. Comes furnished too!
The cabin is located in Rhododendron, only one hour from Portland and 15 minutes to the slopes of Mt. Hood premium ski areas. Enjoy the benefits of the Mt. Hood National Forest on leased lands. You can take an entire tour of this two bedroom cabin:
$125,000
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LOOK BACK TO THE FUTURE!
Life has been described as a path, a direction in which we travel over time - rather than a single event. Each of us gets to choose the direction our path will take us. By making those choices, we also clear the way to achieving the objectives we've set for ourselves.
When we fail to choose the path we will travel, that is also a choice. In that case, the path we travel becomes less distinct with more twists and turns than we would have liked. Each side path we encounter tempts us to change direction. Lacking any roadmap of objectives we might have chosen, we often end up somewhere - else.
Regardless of the quality of our choices, we can get a clear understanding of where we are likely to end up - just by turning around. By simply looking back at the path we have been following, much can be learned. For example, is the path behind us straight, or filled with curves and detours taken? Is it paved with solid, masterfully laid stepping-stones, or filled with muddy ruts that zig-zag around every obstacle?
Chances are that, as teenagers, most of our paths seemed to have had many twists and turns. As we matured and learned from our mistakes, however, it is also likely that we began improving the direction and quality of the path we traveled. The more attention we paid to the path, the more enjoyable the journey became.
Want life to be a most pleasant journey? Build your own roadmap - then start paving!
THROW AWAY THE BAND-AIDS!
What do Scotch Tape, Post-It Notes, and paper clips have in common? Each apparently has a different function, is made of a different material, and serves its own purpose. Oh sure, you can say they're all office supplies - and you'd be right - but look a little deeper for their common purpose.
Scotch Tape pieces are placed along the edges and on the ends of holiday gifts - for a short period of time. Post-It Notes are stuck to documents suggesting that a signature is needed, or some action be taken. Once the action is complete, the note is discarded. Paper clips hold two or more things together for a few hours or days, and are then returned to the desk drawer.
Figured it out yet? They are all just a temporary "fix" - a momentary solution to a temporary need. They are used in "reaction" to a short-term need. They are also similar to our daily personal lives. When feelings are hurt and the tears come, we automatically reach for a Kleenex. We might, on the other hand, have taken time to determine the source of those feelings and concentrated on resolving a difference before tears were necessary.
When our children misbehave, we react with a 15-minute (or 3-day) "time-out." We might have avoided that temporary fix by listening to their concerns and teaching appropriate behavior before the fact. Then, there are all the excuses we make, used like Band-Aids, to temporarily cover the flaws in our own behavior. Wouldn't a more permanent solution like performing to expectations, learning from past experience, or practicing excellence be more appropriate?
Yes, we live in a very fast-paced world. Quick solutions are the order of the day, yet we must eventually realize that we continually seem to need a fresh supply of Scotch Tape, Kleenex, or paper clips. By taking more time to look ahead, it is possible to eliminate many of the situations that require those one-minute Band-Aids. Avoid future "boo-boos." Search for, learn, and practice a more permanent and proactive life. That's right - "No more tears!"
The Mt. Hood Forest Homeowner's Assocation is hosting the Oregon Forest Homeowner's Assocation meeting this year. Details below:
If you are a first time home buyer and made a purchase last year or this year you need to know that the IRS will not accept electronic filing of your taxes. After over 90,000 fraudulent claims, according to the Treasury, the IRS is changing the filing requirments. Here is information from the IRS' "First-Time Homebuyer Credit" page online.
The IRS has created form 5405. Check the rules and requirements to get this tax credit on the First-Time Homebuyer Credit page above to be sure you qualify.
Did you know that if you sell your house within three years of purchase you may have to pay that tax credit back?
If you have not made your first time home buyer purchase, you have until April 30th to have a binding contract in place and you MUST close by June 30th, 2010!
Displaying blog entries 1491-1500 of 1919
