Real Estate Information
Mt. Hood Real Estate Blog
Liz Warren
Blog
Displaying blog entries 271-280 of 1905
Mt. Hood Real Estate Voted Best Investment
Real Estate Consistently Voted Best Investment
Some Highlights
- Based on a recent Gallup poll, real estate has been rated the best long-term investment for nine years in a row.
- Owning real estate is more than just a place to call home. It’s also an investment in your future. That’s because it’s typically a stable and secure asset that can grow in value over time.
- If you’re ready to buy a home and invest in your future, let’s connect.
Steiner Log Home Tour
Direct from the Mt. Hood Museum Website:
St. John Catholic Church to be Featured on Steiner Cabin Tour This Year
Forest Service News Release for Mt Hood Area and Independence Day
|
||||||||||||||||||
Zig Zag Riverfront 1922 Cabin
Here's a great mountain getaway. Located in the Mt. Hood National Forest and only 10 minutes to skiing. You can forget the long lines of traffic trying to get to the slopes on the weekend. This charmer has a lot to offer. Two bedrooms, stone fireplace, comfortable great room with pellet stove and paned windows to enjoy the forest. Huge decks for barbecues too. $299,000
Bear Issues on Mt. Hood
It appears there are increasing problems not only in the Mt. Hood area but in Hood River also. This information recently appeared concerning bears in the Hood River area and some tips from ODFW
Oregon Fish and Wildlife ODFW responds to garbage bear problems in Hood River area; Residents reminded it is against the law to feed wildlife in Oregon Black bears June 24, 2022 HOOD RIVER, Ore. – ODFW is urging residents in the Hood River area and other towns along the Cascades to take steps to prevent bear problems. The bears have torn down bird feeders, gotten into trash cans and a smoker, damaged fences and dug up gardens. The bears have been repeatedly seen around homes during the day and appear undeterred by efforts to haze them such as setting off car alarms or using other noise-making techniques. "Black bears are moving through neighborhoods in the Hood River area looking for a free meal," said Jeremy Thompson, ODFW district wildlife biologist based in The Dalles. "Garbage cans left unsecured and bird feeders are the main attractants that we’ve seen this spring." Once a bear gains access to human food or garbage and becomes habituated it can lose its natural fear of humans, which can lead to a variety of safety problems for both people and bears.
ODFW will not relocate bears it considers habituated, because these bears simply return or repeat the behavior elsewhere. "It’s unfortunate to have to put down a bear that is a public safety risk simply because it got easy access to food from people," added Thompson. It is illegal to either directly or indirectly feed bears (ORS 496.730) and can result in a criminal citation (Class A misdemeanor) by Oregon State Police.
Some basic safety tips include: Never feed bears. Store garbage cans in a garage or shed or purchase bear-resistant garbage cans if possible. Put garbage cans out just before pick-up. Keep pet food inside. Remove bird feeders. Keep BBQ grills and smokers clean or in garage. Clean up fruit under fruit trees. Keep all food stored outdoors (patio refrigerators, etc.) locked As bears are in the area,
ODFW also shares advice for what to do if you encounter a bear: STOP: Never approach a bear at any time for any reason. If you see bear cubs, leave the area. GIVE IT SPACE: Give any bear you encounter a way to escape. STAY CALM: Do not run or make sudden movements. Face the bear and slowly back away. AVOID EYE CONTACT: Don't make eye contact with the bear. DON'T RUN: It may encourage the bear to chase you. FIGHT BACK: In the unlikely event you are attacked, fight back, shout, be aggressive, use rocks, sticks and hands.
Todays Housing Market Isn't in a Bubble on Mt. Hood
Two Reasons Why Today’s Housing Market Isn’t a Bubble on Mt. Hood
You may be reading headlines and hearing talk about a potential housing bubble or a crash, but it’s important to understand that the data and expert opinions tell a different story. A recent survey from Pulsenomics asked over one hundred housing market experts and real estate economists if they believe the housing market is in a bubble. The results indicate most experts don’t think that’s the case (see graph below):
As the graph shows, a strong majority (60%) said the real estate market is not currently in a bubble. In the same survey, experts give the following reasons why this isn’t like 2008:
- The recent growth in home prices is because of demographics and low inventory
- Credit risks are low because underwriting and lending standards are sound
If you’re concerned a crash may be coming, here’s a deep dive into those two key factors that should help ease your concerns.
1. Low Housing Inventory Is Causing Home Prices To Rise
The supply of homes available for sale needed to sustain a normal real estate market is approximately six months. Anything more than that is an overabundance and will causes prices to depreciate. Anything less than that is a shortage and will lead to continued price appreciation.
As the graph below shows, there were too many homes for sale from 2007 to 2010 (many of which were short sales and foreclosures), and that caused prices to tumble. Today, there’s still a shortage of inventory, which is causing ongoing home price appreciation (see graph below):
Inventory is nothing like the last time. Prices are rising because there’s a healthy demand for homeownership at the same time there’s a limited supply of homes for sale. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, explains:
“The fundamentals driving house price growth in the U.S. remain intact. . . . The demand for homes continues to exceed the supply of homes for sale, which is keeping house price growth high.”
2. Mortgage Lending Standards Today Are Nothing Like the Last Time
During the housing bubble, it was much easier to get a mortgage than it is today. Here’s a graph showing the mortgage volume issued to purchasers with a credit score less than 620 during the housing boom, and the subsequent volume in the years after:
This graph helps show one element of why mortgage standards are nothing like they were the last time. Purchasers who acquired a mortgage over the last decade are much more qualified than they were in the years leading up to the crash. Realtor.com notes:
“. . . Lenders are giving mortgages only to the most qualified borrowers. These buyers are less likely to wind up in foreclosure.”
Bottom Line
A majority of experts agree we’re not in a housing bubble. That’s because home price growth is backed by strong housing market fundamentals and lending standards are much tighter today. If you have questions, let’s connect to discuss why today’s housing market is nothing like 2008.
Over Two Acres One Level Home Plus Shop in Sandy
Own your own piece of paradise with private location on over two acres close in to Sandy. Pride of ownership throughout this 4 bedroom 3 bath one level home with bonus detached office/workshop. Work at home and enjoy a sunny yard, garden, plus your own forest. Hardwood floors and bonus family room. Amazing kitchen with quartz countertops and custom built cabinets. Oversized two car garage. Beautiful landscaping and patios too. Covered deck access from primary bedroom and family room. Too much to list. It's a must see! $860,000
Hedging Inflation on Mt. Hood
Homeownership Is a Great Hedge Against the Impact of Rising Inflation
If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve heard about rising inflation. Today, inflation is at a 40-year high. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB):
“Consumer prices accelerated again in May as shelter, energy and food prices continued to surge at the fastest pace in decades. This marked the third straight month for inflation above an 8% rate and was the largest year-over-year gain since December 1981.”
With inflation rising, you’re likely feeling it impact your day-to-day life as prices go up for gas, groceries, and more. These climbing consumer costs can put a pinch on your wallet and make you re-evaluate any big purchases you have planned to ensure they’re still worthwhile.
If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a home this year, you’re probably wondering if you should continue down that path or if it makes more sense to wait. While the answer depends on your situation, here’s how homeownership can help you combat the rising costs that come with inflation.
Homeownership Helps You Stabilize One of Your Biggest Monthly Expenses
Investopedia explains that during a period of high inflation, prices rise across the board. That’s true for things like food, entertainment, and other goods and services, even housing. Both rental prices and home prices are on the rise. So, as a buyer, how can you protect yourself from increasing costs? The answer lies in homeownership.
Buying a home allows you to stabilize what’s typically your biggest monthly expense: your housing cost. When you have a fixed-rate mortgage on your home, you lock in your monthly payment for the duration of your loan, often 15 to 30 years. James Royal, Senior Wealth Management Reporter at Bankrate, says:
“A fixed-rate mortgage allows you to maintain the biggest portion of housing expenses at the same payment. Sure, property taxes will rise and other expenses may creep up, but your monthly housing payment remains the same. That’s certainly not the case if you’re renting.”
So even if other prices increase, your housing payment will be a reliable amount that can help keep your budget in check. If you rent, you don’t have that same benefit, and you won’t be protected from rising housing costs.
Investing in an Asset That Historically Outperforms Inflation
While it’s true rising home prices and higher mortgage rates mean that buying a house today costs more than it did even a few months ago, you still have an opportunity to set yourself up for a long-term win. That’s because, in inflationary times, you want to be invested in an asset that outperforms inflation and typically holds or grows in value.
The graph below shows how the average home price appreciation outperformed the average inflation rate in most decades going all the way back to the seventies – making homeownership a historically strong hedge against inflation (see graph below):
So, what does that mean for you? Today, experts forecast home prices will only go up from here thanks to the ongoing imbalance of supply and demand. Once you buy a house, any home price appreciation that does occur will grow your equity and your net worth. And since homes are typically assets that grow in value, you have peace of mind that history shows your investment is a strong one.
That means, if you’re ready and able, it makes sense to buy today before prices rise further.
Bottom Line
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home this year, it makes sense to act soon, even with inflation rising. That way you can stabilize your monthly housing cost and invest in an asset that historically outperforms inflation. If you’re ready to get started, let’s connect so you have expert advice on your specific situation when you’re ready to buy a home.
Displaying blog entries 271-280 of 1905
Categories
- Government Camp Real Estate (707)
- Mt Hood Inspiration-Morning Coffee (256)
- Mt. Hood 1031 Tax Exchanges (67)
- Mt. Hood Economic Conditions (780)
- Mt. Hood Local Events (362)
- Mt. Hood Mortgage and Financing Information (374)
- Mt. Hood National Forest Cabins (473)
- Mt. Hood New Properties on Market (309)
- Mt. Hood Sales Information (353)