April 11th Auction at John Ross

The Oregonian reported today that The John Ross tower on the South Waterfront will have an auction at 1pm on April 30th in order to help meet their goal of selling out the tower by the end of 2010. Starting bids will be significantly lower than current asking prices on 50 properties. Much like the Atwater auction, you will have to pre-register. If you need some help trying to get a great condo at a great price, give me a call. I can help you navigate the process.

New FHA Restrictions, What Does it Mean?

A recent article from Realtor.com talks about the possibility of changes to the current FHA loan situation.  Many First-Time buyers have been using FHA loans because of the 3.5% down payment aspect.  This offers the buyer a chance to get into a home without an extremely steep output of initial cash.  I expect to see more tightening of credit in the future and this could be a small step towards that.  It seems that buyers are encouraged to get out there (tax credit, etc.), but discouraged by the credit and banking guidelines.  Which way are we going to sway?

Do you Have Questions About the New Tax Credit?

As many of you are well aware, Congress has passed a new tax credit for first-Time Buyers and for buyers that have lived in a primary residence and are moving up.  I have had plenty of questions regarding the credit.  There are regulations that govern the $8000 or $6500, so I have been referring my clients to the source:  www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

HGTV’s National Open House

Well, after two full years of waiting, I finally get a chance to see what I look like on TV.  I am a little anxious to say the least.  Two years ago I filmed a TV show for HGTV called National Open House.  For a big explanation of what that show is, check out my previous post. Read more

November 30th First Time Buyer Credit Expires

 Most people know that the first time home buyer tax credit will expire November 30, 2009.  If you are looking for a home you need to know and understand these facts:

 

Fact: The average timeframe from when you find a property until it closes is 30-45 days.

Fact: You will need some time to find the property that you wish to buy. Some buyers are lucky and find their home quickly, but others need more time.

Fact: The week before November 30th is Thanksgiving! Many banks and title companies are traditionally closed for the last 3 days of that week.

Fact: November 30th is the Monday following the typical 3 day bank shutdowns.

Fact: There will surely be many, many buyers who will wait until the last minute to start looking for homes. This means that November 30th is sure to be an extremely busy day and many banks and title companies will not be equipped to handle all of the expected volume.
Fact: As more buyers start to frantically hit the market to take advantage of the tax credit the selection of properties is sure to decrease. This will result in fewer options for all buyers.
Fact: You NEED a plan to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit. Waiting too long is a gamble that you should not take. You need to work with a team of professionals who can develop a plan with you to hit the deadline

Start your search at www.portland-listings.com today and contact me for a consultation on the tax credit and your home-buying experience.

Mt. Tabor Celebration

As an addition to the events section of the site, check out the Mt. Tabor Centennial celebration at this link!

Volunteer at the Oregon Food Bank January 15, 2009 from 6-8:30pm

To all of my readers, clients, friends:

This January 15, 2009 from 6-8:30 pm I am hosting a Volunteer Party at the Oregon Food Bank on North Columbia Blvd.  We will be doing a Food Re-pack, where we take bulk food and repackage the food for distribution to other parts of the state.  It is suitable for ages 6 and up.  If you have questions regarding the event or the Food Bank, please contact me at mricker@kw.com.

I hope to see all of you there!

Sauvie Island October Tradition

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A tradition here in Portland, Oregon during October is visiting  Sauvie Island and the numerous Pumpkin Patches.  Read more

SE Events in the Coming Months

Division/Clinton Street Fair–July 26 from 10am-5pm.  Plenty of activities to be hosted by local businesses, and a parade beginning at 10:45 am.

Hawthorne Street Fair-August 16th from 11am-6pm.  More information at this link!

Belmont Street Fair-September 6 from 10am-5pm.  More info at this link!

Fun on Foster-September 13 from 10am-5pm.  Live Music, Activities for the family between 50th and 93rd avenues.

Ricker Realty Group

Ricker Realty Group  This year I have created a logo for my group inside of Keller Williams Realty.  The success of my business has allowed me to expand and create my own group inside of my Read more

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