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Mt. Hood Real Estate Blog

Liz Warren

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Displaying blog entries 11-20 of 1892

Make Your House the Top Thing on Every Buyer’s Mt. Hood Wish List This Season

Thursday, November 28, 2024
by Liz Warren

Make Your House the Top Thing on Every Buyer’s Mt. Hood Wish List This Season



 

With the holidays right around the corner, homeowners planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait? Some may even consider taking their house off the market until next spring. But is that the best choice? Because at this time of year, your home can really stand out.

Here's the thing: there are plenty of buyers out there who want to be in a new home by the holidays, and your house might be just what they’re looking for. As an article from Redfin says: 

“. . . there is typically less inventory in the housing market this time of year, allowing your home to easily stand out among the available inventory. And though there are technically fewer buyers overall, the homebuyers that are looking are far more serious about finding a home within a specific timeframe. . . selling your home during the holidays might be your best present this year.”

Here are four key reasons you may not want to wait to sell your house.

1. Serious Buyers Are Looking Right Now 

The holiday season doesn’t put a pause on the desire to own a home. Sure, some buyers might delay their search until next year, but others have a reason they need to move now. These buyers are highly motivated and ready to make a serious offer. As Investopedia says:

“Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely going to be a serious buyer. Putting your home on the market at this time of year and attracting a serious buyer can often result in a quicker sale.”

2. You Have an Inventory Edge

While there are more homes coming to the market right now, overall, the number of houses available to buy is still low. 

So, what does that mean for you? If you work with a trusted agent to price your house right, it could still sell pretty quickly. That’s because today’s buyers are on the hunt for quality options – and your home may be exactly what they’re searching for.

3. You Have Control Over Your Showings 

Selling during the holidays doesn’t mean constantly disrupting your schedule. You have the flexibility to set up showings at times that work best for you. This is especially helpful during a busy season, and many buyers are likely to be more flexible with their schedules since they often have extra time off around the holidays.

Now, it’s always better to offer more flexible access to your house. But the reality is, you don’t have to stop the process entirely – especially when you have a great agent to help you navigate each step along the way.

4. Holiday Décor Can Make Your House Shine

For many buyers, a tastefully decorated home can create a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s easy for them to imagine holiday gatherings and cozy nights in a space that feels just right. Keep your choices simple to let your home’s charm shine through. An article on holiday home-selling advises:

“If you’re selling around a holiday and have decorations up, make sure they accent—not overpower—a room. Less is more.”

Bottom Line

There are plenty of good reasons to put (or keep) your house on the market during the holidays. Let’s connect to see if this is your moving season.

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Control the Controllables if you are Worried about Mortgage Rates

Wednesday, November 27, 2024
by Liz Warren

Control the Controllables If You’re Worried About Mortgage Rates



 

Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now, and all you really want to hear is that they’re coming back down. And if you’ve seen headlines about the early November Federal Funds Rate cut by the Federal Reserve (The Fed), maybe you got hopeful mortgage rates would start to decline right away. Although some media sources may lead you to believe that the Fed’s actions determine mortgage rates, in reality, they don’t. 

The truth is, the Fed, the job market, inflation, geopolitical changes, and a whole list of other economic factors influence mortgage rates, too. So, while recent actions from the Fed set the stage for mortgage rates to come down over time — it's going to be a gradual and, likely bumpy, process.

Here’s the best advice anyone can give you right now. While you may be tempted to wait for rates to fall, it’s really hard to try and time the market — there’s just too much that can have an impact. Instead, set yourself up for homebuying success by focusing on the factors you can control. Here’s what to prioritize if you’re looking to put your best foot forward.

Your Credit Score

Credit scores can play a big role in your mortgage rate. And the difference of just a few points can make a significant impact on your monthly payment. As an article from Bankrate explains:

“Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates and better terms you’ll qualify for.”

With rates where they are today, maintaining a good credit score is one of the keys to getting the best rate possible. To find out where your credit score stands and what you can do to give it a boost, reach out to a trusted loan officer.

Your Loan Type

There are many types of loans, and each one offers different terms for qualified buyers. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) says:

“There are several broad categories of mortgage loans, such as conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA loans. Lenders decide which products to offer, and loan types have different eligibility requirements. Rates can be significantly different depending on what loan type you choose. Talking to multiple lenders can help you better understand all of the options available to you.”

Work with your team of real estate professionals to see which loan types you may qualify for and figure out what will work best for you financially.

Your Loan Term

Just like with loan types, you have options when it comes to terms, or the length of your loan. As Freddie Mac says:

“When choosing the right home loan for you, it’s important to consider the loan term, which is the length of time it will take you to repay your loan before you fully own your home. Your loan term will affect your interest rate, monthly payment, and the total amount of interest you will pay over the life of the loan.”

Lenders typically offer mortgages in 15, 20, and 30-year terms. And which term you go with has a direct impact on your rate. Talk to your lender about which one is right for your situation. 

Bottom Line

Remember, you can’t control what happens in the broader economy or when mortgage rates will come down. But there are actions you can take that could help you set yourself up for success.

Let’s connect to go over what you can now do that’ll make a difference when you’re ready to make your move.

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Steiner Log Cabin Fixer on Over Ten Acres on Mt. Hood

Monday, November 25, 2024
by Liz Warren

    Steiner Log Cabin Fixer

$649.000

Steiner Log Cabin Fixer Upper on Over Ten Acres

     Steiner Log Cabin Fixeer Upper on Acreage Near Mt. Hood    Steiner Log Cabin Fixer Upper Fireplace with Wood Stove Insert

Opportunity knocks to own 10.58 acres of land with a fixer upper Steiner log cabin. Classic Steiners are in high demand on Mt. Hood and this one has signature markers including wood floors, huge log beams, stone fireplace and half log stairway to the second level bedrooms. It’s just under 1500 square feet with three bedrooms and one bath. A garage and attached outbuildings are near the log home. Bring your repair skills and elbow grease. The property is zoned RRFF5 so could possibly be divined into two parcels. Buyer to complete all due diligence for RRFF5 zoning. The old owner at one time was starting a tree farm but that project has since gone to blackberries. Seller is selling the property completely as is, where is, and what is. Potential plus with this hidden Steiner gem.

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Homeowner Equity on Mt. Hood

Monday, November 25, 2024
by Liz Warren

Homeowner Equity on Mt. Hood

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How to Get Your Mt. Hood Home Ready to Sell in 2025

Friday, November 22, 2024
by Liz Warren

         

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Zig Zag Riverfront Cabin

Monday, November 18, 2024
by Liz Warren

Zig Zag Riverfront Cabin

$400,000

   Chalet Style Cabin on Mt. Hood          Vaulted Ceilings in a Mt. Hood National Forest Cabin 

This unique Zig Zag Riverfront location has a chalet style two bedroom cabin with the river rolling by right in front of the huge well built benched deck. This is the place to spend your summers enjoying the sounds of the river with friends and family. Remote work with ease with internet access at your cabin too. Entering the main living room you have a massive wall of windows with tons of natural light nearly filling up the entire cabin. The open floor plan also boasts a floor to ceiling brick fireplace for cozy fires after a day on the slopes only 10 minutes away! The dining area is shared with the living room and it’s perfect for playing board games or sharing meals.The kitchen, bathroom and a bedroom are on the main level. The kitchen has the essentials and is steps away from the living room. The bathroom has a tile shower. The main level bedroom has a closet and is tucked away from the main living areas. Right over the living room is a massive sleeping loft. The current owners have multiple beds to sleep all the kids with friends or has the potential of dividing space off for a second private bedroom. There’s views of the Zig Zag River from the loft. A huge bonus is the brand new propane furnace that was just installed this month! It heats up fast and you’ll be set for easy warm ups this winter. This cabin is just off the road down a driveway through two massive stone pillars that mark a shared driveway. The cabin is on the right with a garage/outbuilding. It has extra wide steps to a covered porch entry complete with benches. Located in the Mt. Hood National Forest on leased land and only 1.5 miles to grocery stores, restaurants and coffee! Cabins may be used as second homes but no "nightly rentals" allowed. Get out of that weekend traffic and hit the slopes early from here! Sellers have enjoyed this cabin for a very long time but it's time to move on to new adventures. Only 1 hr to PDX.

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Slash Burning in the Mt. Hood National Forest

Thursday, October 31, 2024
by Liz Warren

Mt. Hood National Forest

Forest Service News Release

 

Pile burning begins on Mt. Hood National Forest

 

The arrival of cooler weather has allowed firefighters to begin burning piles of slash on Mt. Hood National Forest. Pile burning operations will continue over the next several weeks as conditions allow. 

 

Woody debris, also known as slash, is created from post-fire restoration, fuels management, and vegetation projects. The slash is placed in piles and left to cure for about a year before burning during the wet season to reduce the fire footprint. Allowing time for the vegetative material to dry out means piles burn more efficiently and produce less smoke. Removing these large accumulations of hazardous fuels during the fall and winter months is part of an ongoing effort to reduce wildfire risk.

 

All prescribed burns are carefully and methodically thought out. Fire personnel consider many factors before burning, including temperature, moisture levels, wind speed and direction, and relative humidity. Before implementing a burn, weather is assessed, a test fire is lit, and its behavior is monitored to determine whether conditions are safe to continue and will meet burn objectives.

 

Firefighters plan to ignite slash piles along the following roads, focusing first on higher elevations:

 

East Zone

  • Forest Roads 16/1610/1630/1640
  • Forest Roads 17/1720/1721/1722
  • Forest Roads 27/2710
  • Forest Roads 44/4430/4431
  • Forest Roads 48/4810/4811/4820/4885 

 

West Zone

  • Forest Road 4220
  • Forest Roads 45/4545
  • Forest Roads 46/4630/4640/4660/4661
  • Forest Road 57
  • Forest Roads 58/5810
  • Forest Roads 63/6330/6340
  • Forest Roads 70/7010

 

Smoke may be visible in the vicinity during ignition operations and for a short time afterward. Fire personnel follow policies outlined in the Oregon Department of Forestry smoke management plan. These guidelines help minimize smoke impacts to visibility and public health.

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

 

Pile burning on Mt. Hood National Forest, 2019.
 
Mt. Hood National Forest
 
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Mt. Hood National Forest | 16400 Champion Way | Sandy, OR 97055 US
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Debunking Scary Myths About Buying A Home on Mt. Hood

Wednesday, October 30, 2024
by Liz Warren

          

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Why Your Mt. Hood House Will Shine in Today's Market

Monday, October 28, 2024
by Liz Warren

Why Your House Will Shine in Today’s Market



 

Even though there are more homes available for sale than there were at this time last year, there are still more buyers than there are houses to choose from. So, know that if you’ve got moving on your mind, your house can really stand out.

There are several key reasons why there aren’t enough homes to go around and understanding them will help you see why the market is working in your favor if you’re ready to make a move.

What’s Causing the Shortage?

1. Underproduction of Homes: For years, the industry hasn’t built enough homes to keep up with demand. As Zillow explains:

“In 2022, 1.4 million homes were built — at the time, the best year for home construction since the early stages of the Great Recession. However, the number of U.S. families increased by 1.8 million that year, meaning the country did not even build enough to make a place for the new families, let alone begin chipping away at the deficit that has hampered housing affordability for more than a decade.”

2. Rising Costs: Building materials, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic have all made it harder and more expensive to build homes. This can either limit or stop new home construction in some areas.

3. Regional Imbalances: Some markets are more affected by the shortage of homes than others. Popular and more desirable areas have more people moving in faster than new homes can be built. The number of new building permits issued doesn’t always keep pace with job growth in these regions, and that leads to even tighter markets and higher prices.

How Big Is the Problem?

According to estimates from Real Estate News, the U.S. is facing a housing shortfall of roughly 3.3 million homes, based on an average of several expert insights (see graph below):

a graph of blue squaresThis shows there’s a significant number of homes that need to be built just to meet current demand from buyers. But what about future demand?

According to John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC), over the next 10 years, the U.S. will need about 18 million new homes to meet projected demand, including homes for new households, second homes, and replacements for aging or unusable homes.

So, even though more homes are on the market compared to last year, there still aren’t enough of them to go around. This is where you can really win if you’re ready to sell your house.

What You Need To Remember

If you’re thinking about selling, the shortage of homes for sale means your house is likely to get some serious attention from buyers. It’ll take years to climb out of this inventory deficit, and the market is still very tight. So, when buyers are competing for relatively few homes like they are right now, that creates more interest in the houses that are on the market, putting upward pressure on prices and ultimately working in your favor.

And since every market is different, it’s important to work with a real estate agent who understands local trends. They can help you price your house right and create a strategy to attract the right buyers.

Bottom Line

While there are more homes for sale than there were at this time last year, there’s still a shortage overall. And this puts you in the driver’s seat as a seller. Let’s connect so you have someone who can help you take advantage of today’s market.

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Affordability is Increasing on Mt. Hood

Thursday, October 10, 2024
by Liz Warren

      

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Displaying blog entries 11-20 of 1892

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