Keep your Central Oregon Home Warm this Winter with these 5 Inexpensive Energy Saving Tips

Keep your Central Oregon Home Warm this Winter with these 5 Inexpensive Energy Saving Tips

1. Check Your Doors for Leaks - Keep the cold air from leaking in doorways by replacing or fixing your weather stripping or using a decorative draft stopper.
   


2. Open and Close Your Blinds - Open your blinds to let the sun shine through and help heat your home during the day. Then make sure to close the blinds to help seal the heat in as the sun goes down.


3. Bundle Up - Add a little extra insulation to your body. Wear a sweater and slippers to keep warmer vs. turning the thermostat up.


4. Enter your House through the Garage - If you don't already have an arctic entry way use your garage to enter the house and keep the cold breeze from entering with you.


5. Exercise - Exercise increases your blood flow and warms your body. If you've got the winter chills add in 10 minutes of exercise, not only will you stay warmer with out spending money you'll be healthier too!

Central Oregon Awarded $3.89M for Affordable Housing

Central Oregon Awarded $3.89M for Affordable Housing. The real estate market has declined and rent rates are lower across Central Oregon, but the need for affordable housing is still in high demand.

According to an article in todays Bend Bulletin, the state housing agency has awarded approximately $3.89 million in grants, tax credits and loans to contractors in an effort to repair and add additional affordable hosing in the area. These funds will help maintain section 8 housing through out Central Oregon including Quimby Apartments in Bend, the High Desert Commons Project in Redmond and Grasshopper Village in Prineville.

This is good news for the more than 78,000 low-income rental households in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties.

Read the whole article - Affordable housing gets a boost on the Bend Bulletin online.

Are Your Skis and Snowboards Ready? It's Official - Mount Bachelor Opens Friday, November 20th 2009 at 9am!!!

Are Your Skis and Snowboards Ready? It's Official - Mount Bachelor Opens Friday, November 20th 2009 at 9am!!!

The ski season has officially begins this Friday as Mount Bachelor opens in Central Oregon. Opening day operating lifts are expected to be the Pine Marten Express and Sunshine Express. Additional areas of the Mountain are expected to begin opening Saturday through the Thanksgiving weekend. The Nordic Lodge and trails will also open for the season first thing Friday morning.

All open services will be operating out of the West Village Base Area including food, rentals, retail shop and Snowsports school.

Skiers and Snowboarders should remember that early season terrain still exists and to watch out for unmarked obstacles. The staff at Mount Bachelor recommends skiing and riding groomed terrain. For beginners there are a few runs open via the Sunshine express.

If you don't already have a season pass - visit the Tickets/Passes page of the Mount Bachelor website for more information.

As of Tuesday, November 17, 2009, there has been 70" of snowfall and more is on the way!

Has the Real Estate Market in Central Oregon Stabilized? Free Market Reports for your Neighborhood.

Has the Real Estate Market in Central Oregon Stabilized? Free Market Reports for your Neighborhood are available from Kryste Adams and Neil McDaniel of Fred Real Estate Group.

These reports will provide you with recent sales and active listings in your Bend, Redmond or any other Central Oregon neighborhood. Whether you are looking to buy or sell your home, take advantage of these reports so you can stay competitive in this challenging real estate market.

Knowledge is Key to staying on top! Please contact us with questions, we are happy to assist you with any of your Central Oregon real estate needs.

Winter Golf, Just One More Reason to Love Central Oregon - Where You Can Golf & Ski in the Same Day! Here's Where to Play.

It may be snowing but you can still Golf this winter or any winter in Bend, Redmond and surrounding Central Oregon Cities. Just one more reason to love Central Oregon - you can ski and golf all in the same day!

The following Central Oregon Golf Courses are still OPEN for Public play all winter.

• River's Edge Golf Course in Bend, OR


• Lost Tracks Golf Club in Bend, OR

• The Greens at Redmond in Redmond, OR
  


• Juniper Golf Course in Redmond, OR


• Missing Link Family Golf Center in Redmond, OR

• Kah-Nee-Ta Resort in Warm Springs, OR

• Meadow Lakes Golf Course in Prineville, OR
  

• Challenge Course and Ridge Course at Eagle Crest Resort

• Desert Peaks Golf Club in Madras, OR

A few pointers for Central Oregon Winter Golf:

Be prepared to walk more often in the winter as high cart traffic can be damaging to the grass over the winter. Bundle up to keep your muscles warm between holes especially if you are not walking the course.

Although these courses are open year round, they may not be open every day. Call ahead to double check before heading out to hit the links. Click the link on the above courses to be directed to their websites.

Avoid frost delays by scheduling late morning or early afternoon times. While it's great to be the first one on the course when the sun is rising in July, this is not the best course of action for the winter. Schedule late morning and early afternoon tee times and you'll have a better chance of scoring an on time tee time.

Don't Miss the 10th Annual Veterans Day Parade in Bend, OR, Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Don't Miss the 10th Annual Veterans Day Parade in Bend Oregon this Wednesday November 11, 2009.

This year's parade begins at 11:00 am on NW Newport Ave. The parade will proceed through downtown Bend, OR to the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

The Veterans Day Parade of Bend is sponsored by community and volunteer donations. Come out Wednesday and show your support of our Veterans. A map of the parade route is available on the Bend Bulletin's Website.

Photo Notes: The picture is my cousin, CPT Scott Adair, currently serving our country in Iraq. Stay safe Scott!

Central Oregon First Time Home Buyer and Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit Update - Obama to Sign Extension on Friday.

Central Oregon First Time Home Buyer and Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit Update - Obama to Sign Extension on Friday.

After an overwhelming vote in the Sentate on Wednesday and another overwhelming vote in the house today (Thursday) the Bill to extend the First Time Home Buyer and Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit has one remaining step. Only one signature remains, President Obama will sign into law Friday morning according to CNBC.

Stay tunned for a full update including the tax credit amounts, dates and limitations.

Good News for Bend Oregon Home Buyers: First Time Home Buyer and Repeat Buyer Tax Credit Close to Final Senate Vote

Good News for Bend Oregon Home Buyers: First Time Home Buyer and Repeat Buyer Tax Credit Close to Final Senate Vote

Innman News recently announced with in the article, "House leader: Tax credit a go," the following:

The Senate on Monday voted 85-2 to place limits on further debate of HR 3548, a bill extending unemployment benefits that includes an amendment that would allow homebuyers to claim the credit on sales under contract before May 1. The vote to invoke cloture moves HR 3548 closer to a final vote in the Senate as early as today.

Stay tunned for continuing updates as news is released regarding the first time home buyer tax credit and repeat home buyer tax credit.

Outstanding New Loan Program Available for Real Estate Investors in Bend, Oregon

Outstanding New Loan Program Available for Real Estate Investors in Bend, Oregon

Market Niches WHO CAN BENEFIT?

• People looking for a great deal for a primary, second home or an investment property


• First time home buyers allowed


• Non-Perm Resident Aliens are not allowed


• Non-Occupant Co-Borrowers are not allowed

FHA VS. HOME PATH

• FHA requires UFMI & an annual MI premium


• Home Path only requires LPMI

• FHA only allows purchases on primary residences


• Home Path allows purchase options for primary, second & investment homes

• FHA requires a full appraisal on purchases


• Home Path requires no appraisal as the LTV is set by the purchase price

Underwriting Guidelines

LOAN LIMITS

• Conforming $417,000 (One Unit)

TERMS AVAILABLE

• 30 Year Fixed TRANSACTION PURPOSE


• Purchase Only

CREDIT

• 640 Minimum

PROPERTY ELIGIBILITY

• Condos, PUDS, SFR, Multi Family Dwelling are eligible for financing


• Maximum of 10 Property for owner occupied transactions


• 4 properties owned restriction for non-owner occupied and second home transactions

LTV / CLTV

• LTV is determined by sales price - no appraisal required

Minimal 3% Down Payment

• No minimum from the borrower


• Can be 100% Gifted


• Can be a Grant


• Can be a loan from a Nonprofit Organization, State or Local Government or Employer

Purchase Owner Occupied/ Purchase Investment Property

Appraisal Requirements

LTV DETERMINED BY SALES PRICE

• No Appraisal Required

Email for more details. . . . .

This loan program is offered through Aaron Myra of Bridge City Lending in Bend, Oregon.

First Time and Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credits - The Vote IS NOT In - Lawmakers are Getting Closer

First Time and Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credits - The Vote IS NOT In - Lawmakers are Getting Closer

News updates, rumors, fact and fiction have been flying around regarding the extension of the first time home buyer tax credit. As of today, Thursday, October 19th 5:04 EST (2:04 Pacific), these are the facts regarding the extension of the $8000 first time home buyer tax credit as reported by CNBC. If you're reading this post after the 29th chances are there are more facts and fiction I have not yet reported.

A larger glimmer of hope for those hoping to benefit from the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit as well as Repeat Buyer Tax Credit. According to Realtor.org, "Key lawmakers in the Senate have tentatively agreed to extend the existing $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers and also offer a new $6,500 credit for existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for a consecutive five-year period in the past eight years." Please do not confuse "agreed upon with voted." This has not yet been ratified.

In addition to the agreement, we do have more information regarding the proposed dates for the tax credit to end. Home Buyers must have a home under contract by April 30, 2010 and the property must close before July 1, 2010.

WHEN IS THE VOTE??? According to CNBC, the vote for the Tax Credit extension and addition of the repeat buyer tax credit is as follows:

"The Senate is expected to take up the tax credit measure next week as part of separate legislation to extend insurance benefits for unemployed workers.

The House, which would also need to approve it, is expected to wait for the Senate to act."

However, a measure to keep interest rates down and loan limits high did pass the House.

Approved:The House of Representatives approved a measure that would keep the loan limit for U.S.-backed mortgages at $729,750 until 2011, effectively holding interest rates down for a large swath of U.S. homebuyers. The limit was scheduled to shrink to $625,000 at the beginning of 2010

On a side note. The tax credit has been estimated to cost $1billion per month. How do you feel this will effect our economy?

For more information on the first time home buyer tax credit, repeat home buyer tax credit stay tuned......

Attention Central Oregon Home Buyers: Fact vs. Fiction on the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension

News updates, rumors, fact and fiction have been flying around regarding the extension of the first time home buyer tax credit. As of today, Wednesday, October 28th 8:06 EST, these are the facts regarding the extension of the $8000 first time home buyer tax credit as reported by CNBC. If you're reading this post after the 28th chances are there are more facts and fiction I have not yet reported.

The summary of today's updates regarding extending the first time home buyer tax credit.

Fiction = The extension of the $8000 first time home buyer tax credit has passed a vote.

Fact = The tax credit has not yet been extended. A vote was set to occur this week but may be delayed until next week. Specifically, Republican Senator Mitch McConnell stated, "(the) Timing of a Vote is Uncertain."

Fact = Top Senate Democrats and Republicans have voiced support for Extending the tax credit although there has not been a vote on the measure

Fact = The newest measure will extend the tax credit through the end of April 2010.

Fact = The new measure will have increased income caps for both individuals and couples. Individuals making up to $125,000 and couples making up to $250,000 per year will qualify for the tax credit.

Fact = The tax credit will be $8000 for first time home buyers and $6500 for repeat home buyers. What isn't clear is the time line for repeat home buyers will all buyers from 2009 be included or only those purchasing after the measure passes.

Fact = There are plans to attach the home buyer tax credit as an amendment to legislation designed to lengthen insurance benefits for unemployed workers

Hopefully, this clears up some of the confusion for home buyers here in Bend, Oregon or else where. Remember home buyers, bills may be amended as they pass through the House and Senate. These are the facts regarding the proposed legislation not the outcome. If you remember last spring repeat home buyers were included in the tax credit as well, but it did not pass.

Stay tuned for more updates on the first time home buyer tax credit and the repeat home buyer tax credit.

New Updates on Extending the $8,000 tax credit for First Time Home Buyers in Central Oregon

Good News for First Time or Second Time Home Buyers in Bend, Oregon - Updates on Extending the $8,000 tax credit for First Time Home Buyers

According to CNBC, the extension of the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit is making progress. The most recent update has the $8000 tax credit extended through the end of April. In addition, the Bill will included a credit for repeat buyers (those who have lived in thier home three of the last five years) of a primary residence. Repeat buyers would recieve a $6500 credit. According to CNBC, "Senate Banking Committee Chariman Christoperh Dodd stated that a deal has been reached." Additional specifics on the "deal" have not yet been reported and the "deal" still has to pass a vote.

Stay tunned for addittional updates on the Bend, Oregon real estate market and the $8000 first time home buyer tax credit.

Real Estate Market Statistics for Home Sales in Bend, Oregon - September 2009 Sales Prices are UP

Real Estate Market Statistics for Home Sales in Bend, Oregon - September 2009 Sales Prices vs. List Prices. Home sales are up and so are sales prices in Bend.

The difference in Sales price vs. list price for homes sold in September 2009 in Bend, OR, are close to or over 100%. Of the 167 homes Sold in Bend, OR, in September, 8 homes were on the market less than 30 days and they sold for 105% of the list price. There were also 43 homes on the market for between 30 and 60 days that sold for approximately 99% of the list price. The remainder of the homes sold in Bend were on the market greater than 60 days and still sold for around 93% of the list price.

List vs Sales Price for Bend Oregon Home Sales in September 2009

Minimum Average Median Maximum

List Price $81,180 $277,320 $209,900 $1,950,000

Sales Price $92,500 $265,104 $205,000 $1,500,000

Real Estate Market Statistics for Bend, Oregon - Homes Sold in September 2009

Bend, OR Real Estate Market Statistics - Homes Sold in September 2009

In September 2009 there were a total of 167 Single family homes sold in Bend, Oregon. Bank owned homes sold comprised 66 of the total home sales in Bend while 33 were short sales.

In comparison to August 2009 Statistics there was a slight increase in total homes sales, approximately 23 more homes sold in Bend, OR in September 2009 vs August 2009. The most notable difference is the amount of Bank Owned homes sold in Bend in September vs. August.

There was almost a 50% increase in the number of Sold Bank Owned homes in Bend, 36 sold in August vs. 66 sold in September.

The 'September 2009 Sold by Type' pie chart has the break down for Residential and Residential with Acreage Homes sold in Bend Oregon for September 2009.

Super Fun Fall Family Activities in and around Bend, Oregon – NorthWest Crossing Harvest Fest 2009 in Bend, Oregon

Super Fun Fall Family Activities in and around Bend, Oregon – NorthWest Crossing Harvest Fest 2009 in Bend, Oregon. If you haven’t been to a festival in NorthWest Crossing, then you are missing out. The 2009 Harvest Fest will surely be another Super Fun Fall Family Activity in Bend, OR. As always, NorthWest Crossing has planned pleanty of activities to keep the kids happy and local music for all to enjoy.

Location: NorthWest Crossing on NW Crossing Drive in the Neighborhood Center

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2009

Time: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Super Fun Kids Activities

• Kids' Halloween Scavenger Hunt throughout the NorthWest Crossing Neighborhood Center


• Kids' Costume Contest and Parade (3:00 pm)


• Facepainting, provided by the Summit High Dance Team


• Free bouncy houses


• Meet "Louie" the mini donkey


• Kids' Craft - Fall Decorations

Live Music:

12:00 - 1:00 pm Quincy Street band

1:30 - 2:30 pm Etoufee

3:00 -4:00 pm Jackstraw

In the heart of the Neighborhood Center are several delicious restaurants with meal or snack options for the whole family to enjoy, including: La Rosa Mexican Kitchen, Pisano's, Portello winecafé, Riley's Market and Sage Café. Also on site will be the Produce Patch Harvest Bounty Booth.

Be there Saturday for an afternoon of Super Fun Fall Family Activities in and around Bend, Oregon!

More Super Fun Fall Family Activities in Bend Oregon

The Central Oregon Pumpkin Co. Safari Adventure 2009

A Snowy Morning In Bend Oregon!

A Snowy Morning in Bend, Oregon!

Today we woke up to quite a surprise. Can't believe it was 90 degrees a week ago. Here are some pictures from my snowy neighborhood in Bend.

The Neighborhood with a fresh Blanket of Snow

My Little Angel making Snow Angels

Early morning backyard views now several inches deeper.