Monthly Archives: January 2011

Free Portland Area Homebuyer Resources

Every year at this time, I pay my dues to the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors (PMAR).  Of course, this benefits me in many ways, but it also benefits you, the homebuyer.  PMAR runs the HowNW.com website, which is offers … Continue reading

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There is No Real Estate Tax Hiding in the Medicare Bill. Or is There?!?

There is a story going around that there is a 3.8% federal tax on all real estate transactions in the current Medicare bill.  That isn’t true.  Well, not exactly. There is no federal real estate tax. Period.  However, there is … Continue reading

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The Annual Cost Vs. Value Report

Each year, Remodeling Magazine does a report looking at the average cost of many home improvements and compares it to the monetary value it will likely add to your home.  The 2011 Cost Vs. Value report is out now.  And, … Continue reading

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The Oregon Bond Loan is No Longer Extinct–Going Going Gone

The Oregon Bond Loan is a terrific mortgage product for first time homebuyers with low-to-moderate income.  This state program was gone for awhile, but it is now back.  There are two programs: RateAdvantage and CashAdvantage.  RateAdvantage is the best plan … Continue reading

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