Special offer

Portland, OR Real Estate News

By Eric Newman, Loan Officer with 25yrs in Housing, NMLS-97776
(Directors Mortgage, NMLS-3240)
503.698.5801 - It's really easy to get sucked in by ads that show ridiculously low mortgage rates. But, if you look at the cost, those rates may not be the best deal. Watch today's video as I compare and show you what to look for on your next home loan. www.CallNewman.com
Comments 0
By Eric Newman, Loan Officer with 25yrs in Housing, NMLS-97776
(Directors Mortgage, NMLS-3240)
Effective immediately, Fannie-Mae and Freddie-Mac just raised their fees to banks, which has caused an increase in home loan cost. Watch for details on how this will impact your next mortgage loan! www.CallNewman.com
Comments 2
By Eric Newman, Loan Officer with 25yrs in Housing, NMLS-97776
(Directors Mortgage, NMLS-3240)
503.698.5801 - I get calls daily from people who would love to buy a home, or refinance their loan ... but they think they can't qualify. Lending guidelines have loosened a bit, making it easier to get that Pre-Approval Letter you need. Watch for details! Watch all my videos at www.CallNewman.com
Comments 1
By Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging, "Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"
(Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR)
Update:  This home had a pending sale just 3 days after going on the market! It's hard to find home furnishings that can outshine the quality of a well-made grand piano. Whether you play it or just admire it's beauty, it's an impressive instrument.  Our Portland home staging company recently helped prepare a charming 1911 bungalow for selling. During our first visit to this enchanting home it was impossible to ignore the biggest feature that straddled the living & dining rooms ... a lovely baby grand!  Here's how the living room looked Before staging: We knew that this home had so many "sellable" features like the fireplace, the striking crown moldings, great windows, and hardwood floors -- but that buyers would instead be focusing on the piano -- its size overwhelmed the space (and mad...
Comments 33
By Eric Newman, Loan Officer with 25yrs in Housing, NMLS-97776
(Directors Mortgage, NMLS-3240)
Does the election really matter? Will housing prices rise or fall? Will mortgage rates rise or fall? Watch today's video as I explain the differences between the two party's views on the housing and mortgage industries! Watch all my videos at www.YouTube.com/EricNewmanBanker
Comments 1
By David Peterson, Home Stager Portland OR-Synergy Staging-Portland Oregon
(Synergy Staging ~ specializing in vacant home staging)
When planning the staging design for each property, the style of the house tends to guide the furnishings that will be installed. However, keeping in mind the potential buyers, it is important that they can visualize their furniture in the house and not be overwhelmed with a specific style. From time to time we get calls from Realtors or sellers who say they have an old house and ask if we have period furniture that can be used for staging. Does a Craftsman home require Craftsman style furniture? Does a home built in the early 1900′s call for antiques throughout? No. Most people who are looking to move to stylized or century homes prefer to keep the furniture they already own. This is just one reason we believe that it is important to stage with a mix of styles in our designs that appea...
Comments 16
By Eric Newman, Loan Officer with 25yrs in Housing, NMLS-97776
(Directors Mortgage, NMLS-3240)
Mortgage rates have been at record low levels for years, so it's easy to think they will last forever. However, new information released is signaling a home loan rate increase in the near future, that will affect borrowers in Portland, Oregon and beyond. Watch all my videos at www.YouTube.com/EricNewmanBanker
Comments 0
By Eric Newman, Loan Officer with 25yrs in Housing, NMLS-97776
(Directors Mortgage, NMLS-3240)
Fannie-Mae and Freddie-Mac have just made it a lot easier and faster for underwater homeowners to sell their home. Watch today's video for details! Watch all my videos at www.YouTube.com/EricNewmanBanker
Comments 0
  There comes a time in a successful real estate agent’s career when there is more work to do than hours in a day.  If the business is to grow, a qualified assistant or virtual assistant needs to be found, hired, and trained.  It’s a big step, with many things to consider.  Without an assistant, you can’t move forward.  Hire the wrong assistant, and you take a step backward.   Recently I was asked to help a successful real estate team in Portland, OR find an assistant.  Finding a qualified real estate assistant isn’t as easy as posting a wanted advertisement.  The need and demand for a real estate assistant is greater than the supply.  The skill set needs to be tailored to a residential or commercial real estate business’ needs and licensing may be necessary.   Below are some links to b...
Comments 8
By Eric Newman, Loan Officer with 25yrs in Housing, NMLS-97776
(Directors Mortgage, NMLS-3240)
Real estate sales typically slow down in Fall and Winter months, however this year you should buck the trend and consider buying your first home, or moving up. Watch today's video as I give you several reasons why it's cheaper to buy now, compared to any other time in history! Watch all my videos at www.YouTube.com/EricNewmanBanker
Comments 0
By David Peterson, Home Stager Portland OR-Synergy Staging-Portland Oregon
(Synergy Staging ~ specializing in vacant home staging)
When Synergy Staging was asked to stage a model unit for one of the newest Proud Ground developments in Portland Oregon, we were thrilled to be able to work with this awesome non-profit agency that helps low income home buyers purchase their first home. This beautiful project named Svaboda Court has twelve newly constructed townhomes that are LEED platinum certified. One of the more rewarding aspects of being a home stager is helping buyers see the potential of their new property. When our staging is also helping first time buyers envision their first home, it's all the more fulfilling. The Oregonian published a featured article about the new development where you can see many more details about Svaboda Court and some photos of the staging. *** After only one month on the market half of...
Comments 12
By Eric Newman, Loan Officer with 25yrs in Housing, NMLS-97776
(Directors Mortgage, NMLS-3240)
Renters should realize how easy it really can be to buy a home, minimal or zero downpayment, and even with a few dings on their credit. Forward this video link to your friends & family, and let's change the local housing market! Watch all my videos at www.YouTube.com/EricNewmanBanker
Comments 0
By Eric Newman, Loan Officer with 25yrs in Housing, NMLS-97776
(Directors Mortgage, NMLS-3240)
Fannie-Mae and Freddie-Mac have just made it a lot easier and faster for underwater homeowners to sell their home. Watch today's video for details! Watch all my videos at www.YouTube.com/EricNewmanBanker
Comments 0
By Eric Newman, Loan Officer with 25yrs in Housing, NMLS-97776
(Directors Mortgage, NMLS-3240)
As we wait to see the impact of "Isaac", we should say a prayer for those in New Orleans and be thankful for our local region ... a natural disaster can have a far-reaching impact even on those not in the immediate affected area. Watch today's video for details! Watch all my videos at www.YouTube.com/EricNewmanBanker
Comments 0
By Eric Newman, Loan Officer with 25yrs in Housing, NMLS-97776
(Directors Mortgage, NMLS-3240)
Rental rates in the Portland market rose almost 10% in the past year. With housing prices and mortgage rates at all-time lows, it's time to buy! Watch today's video as show you a real-life comparison of renting vs buying, plus details for future landlords! Watch all my videos at www.YouTube.com/EricNewmanBanker
Comments 1
By Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging, "Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"
(Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR)
As a home staging company based in Portland Oregon, we help our clients sell their homes as quickly as possible.  Our home staging services include tips for sellers that will make their homes appealing to potential buyers (but not just any buyer, specifically the target buyer of their home). Sometimes our home staging advice includes paint color suggestions if the current paint is either too bold, too taste specific, or tired and worn.  Staging also includes tips for easy cosmetic fixes and re-arranging the client's furniture (or bringing in our own furnishings if they've moved out).  Furniture placement is a really important part of staging and makes a big difference in how buyers feel about the home:  is it big enough?  is there enough room for family and friends when we entertain? wi...
Comments 79
By Eric Newman, Loan Officer with 25yrs in Housing, NMLS-97776
(Directors Mortgage, NMLS-3240)
Most homeowners know that mortgage rates have fallen again to record lows. But if you refinanced recently, should you do it again? Watch this video as I show you a real-life example of how to determine the benefit. Watch all my videos at www.YouTube.com/EricNewmanBanker
Comments 1
By Eric Newman, Loan Officer with 25yrs in Housing, NMLS-97776
(Directors Mortgage, NMLS-3240)
The economy is so bad in Greece, that they are actually trying to sell some of their islands. Could this happen in the U.S.? It already is in some places. Watch today's video for details! FYI ... mortgage rates have dropped back to all-time lows again this week. Watch all my videos at www.YouTube.com/EricNewmanBanker
Comments 0
By Eric Newman, Loan Officer with 25yrs in Housing, NMLS-97776
(Directors Mortgage, NMLS-3240)
503.698.5801 - Sales of existing homes rose again in July, along with prices. The demand is strong so far in 2012! Watch today's video as I give some interesting Homebuyer statistics ... some might surprise you! Watch all my videos at www.YouTube.com/EricNewmanBanker
Comments 0
By Tammy Emineth, Content Marketer, SEO Teacher, Website Fixer
(Personal SEO - Website SEO and Real Estate Marketing)
  Culinary Events Happening August 24 - 26 Food Lover Events in Portland Oregon Are you a foodie? This weekend, August 24 through August 26, are some of the best Epicurean events and festivals going on around the Portland area. Portland is alive with a variety of fantastic restaurants and world-class dining. Whether you are here visiting, just moved here, or have been a local for years, if food is your thing, this weekend is your weekend. Epicurean Excursion Tour -  located at the Heathman Hotel at 1001 SW. Broadway, this delicious walking tour offers local cuisine, fabulous cocktails and beverages, artisans and vendors. Enjoy Portland's amazing culinary scene where we have become a go-to destination for those who love food and love to experience new tastes and sensations. Learn about h...
Comments 12