Agent Profile
Tony and Libby Kelly, MBA, M.Ed. are ranked in the top 1% of REALTORS in Portland Metro. They have been featured on HGTV's "House Hunters" 3 Episodes & "My House is Worth What?" 4 Episodes.
The Green Way to Deal
Portland Going Green and Away from Asbestos
When buying or selling a home, consumers frequently relay questions to their agents. Many old homes may need repairs or renovations, especially in locations that are susceptible to natural disasters. Many things may go unnoticed, such as obsolete forms of construction that can be a cause for concern. Having the assistance of an honest and reliable Portland real estate agent can make all the difference.
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was utilized in millions of building and construction applications throughout the 20th century. This substance may still appear in roof shingles, insulation, piping and flooring in homes built before 1980. This should not make you jump out of your chair because exposure to asbestos is easily avoidable by taking simple precautions. There are many green, eco-friendly materials that replace the need for asbestos and can reduce energy costs annually.
Recently, congress passed an economic stimulus package that promotes energy efficiency for home and business owners. The American Recover and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 includes incentives for upgrading to more eco-friendly/sustainable methods of energy and insulation. The move to a greener lifestyle will build on the change to healthier methods of building products, home remodeling and renovation.
A rare, but severe form of asbestos lung cancer known as mesothelioma is caused solely from exposure to asbestos. The risks involved with asbestos were hidden from public or worker knowledge for financial gains by manufacturers. The negligence involved with most asbestos-related incidents has lead to mesothelioma lawyer firms providing assistance in advocating and protecting victims’ rights for their wrongful illness.
If any suspected asbestos is in good shape, it’s posing no apparent risk. If it’s in bad shape, it could be a problem. If a home inspector suggests removal is necessary, it must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor who is trained in handling hazardous materials. They can perform the removal in public facilities, homes and work places.
Sustainability and energy guide many aspects of life in Portland. The Oregon Environmental Council protects what many citizens of Oregon want to keep: clean air, water, no pollution and healthy food. Their goal is to help individuals move to greener living, help business adapt to these new models and assist political officials in creating clear policy. Moving to a green eco-friendly paradigm has become an important part of Oregon’s Real Estate market. Insuring buildings, homes and apartments are up to date is vital to the success of companies and their investments.
Building green with proper insulation will save you on bills. Rather than expensive and mal-treated wood, interior walls can be made from steel and concrete, avoiding many of the problems associated with asbestos and other insulation methods. There are now many green alternatives to asbestos insulation. Many are unaware to the fact that utilizing eco-sustainable products such as cotton fiber and lcynene foam can cut annual energy costs by 25 percent.
Cotton fiber is made from recycled batted material and treated to be flame resistant. With the implementation of these recycled materials, waste is also decreasing in landfills. These options will provide a safe and healthy home, free of any damaging materials.
PLEASE CHECK OUT THE HOMEPAGE OF OUR WEBSITE http//:www.TonyandLibby.com
Just HAS to be good!
There is a new restaurant in town and I will be heading over to try it out as soon as I possibly can. A BBQ chain call Famous Dave’s has just opened up in Tualatin, Oregon that is not only adding 150 jobs but providing much needed BBQ to the SW area of Portland Metro.
Oregon has always had far too few BBQ joints so it makes sense for one of the chains to finally make it’s way out here because if they are any good, I guarantee it will be extremely popular.
http://tigardtimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=124287187716194400
PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PODCAST ON THE HOMEPAGE OF OUR WEBSITE http//:www.TonyandLibby.com
Great News For First Time Home Buyers!
GREAT NEWS FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS!
Great news for first-time home buyers. This week, Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development stated that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is now going to permit it’s lenders to allow home buyers to use the $8000 tax credit as a down payment. Previously, buyers had to wait to file their taxes to take advantage of the tax credit, which hindered some home buyers from buying.
By allowing buyers to utilize the tax credit as a down payment, money will now be freed up for the buyer that would otherwise be needed at closing. This will allow the first-time home buyer to save their money for a rainy day or for home improvements.
I believe this new program will further stimulate the already improving real estate market, attracting even more first-time home buyers.
There couldn’t be any more incentives for first-time home buyers, considering that interest rates are at an all time low, home prices are not over inflated and there are plenty of homes to choose from. Sellers would have to give the home away for free for there to be a better deal. This is the absolute best time to be a first-time home buyer.
Consumer confidence needs a boost and I feel that this is just the news that will do it or at least light a fire. Now, if only the news media such as the TODAY Show would report on this great news instead of always reporting on the negatives about the real estate market, consumer confidence would increase.
If you are a first-time home buyer, get out there and find your home before this tax credit is gone in November.
Mortgage Interest Rates*
Rates as of Wednesday, 13th May, 2009:
Conforming APR Payment per
$1,000 Jumbo APR Payment per
$1,000
Conforming FNMA Fixed 5.0% 5.088% $5.37 % 0.000% $0.00
FHA 97% Fixed 4.875% 4.962% $5.29 % 0.000% $0.00
Conforming 15 Fixed 4.625% 4.711% $5.14 0% 0.000% $0.00
Conforming 3 year ARM 4.5% 4.585% $5.07 % 0.000% $0.00
Conforming 5 year ARM 4.5% 4.585% $5.07 % 0.000% $0.00
Jumbo Fixed 7.0% 7.099% $6.65 % 0.000% $0.00
Jumbo 5 year ARM 6.125% 6.219% $6.08 % 0.000% $0.00
*Rates are subject to change due to market fluctuations and borrower’s eligibility.
Information provided by…
Kevin Donahue
Executive Mortgage Advisor
Wealthbridge Mortgage
Phone: 503.501.6468
Fax: 503.597.7525
kevin.donahue@wealthbridge.com
http://www.wealthbridge.com/ <http://portal.mxlogic.com/redir/?FTujKDuX8USDtYQsEEIEzzhOr016fQ-pcx6i17-nMTvHTLuX3XNEVsdTdPZlo_p_g57RS4WRf8l3-ndEIe9I6QkS4QSbI9LCQNNIb7Xek6Rkzh02ZDVEw2qO6PYQg0LZgb6V-7PNo_pgdECQjqtTPhOyyOyMyrD06O>
PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PODCAST ON THE HOMEPAGE OF OUR WEBSITE http//:www.TonyandLibby.com & OUR NEW PORTLAND METRO BLOG AT http://pdxrealtynews.com/
14874 SW Cochran St, Sherwood OR 97140
LEASE OPTION & SELLER FINANCING AVAILABLE. Striking Sherwood Remodel! Beautifully renovated one level featuring a large great room, stunning gourmet kitchen w/SS appls, modern interior colors & light fixtures, elegant tile flooring,cent.air, & light filled floorplan w/tons of windows. Master suite bath w/granite dbl sinks & tile shower, and views of Mt. Hood & Mt. St. Helens.
3905 NE 65th Ave, Portland OR 97213
Fantastic Rose City restoration. This certified Earth Advantage home features period restored kitchen cabinets, granite counters, SS Appliances, modern bronze hardware & fixtures, extensive hardwood flooring, remodeled baths Marmoleum flrs. Light & bright lower level w/fireplace. New windows, electrical, sewer, plumbing, and LeafGuard gutters. Organic landscaping and garden.
1410 NW Kearney St, Portland OR
Fantastic corner unit in the excitingly modern Edge Lofts. This Spacious Pearl District gem features abundant upgrades including gourmet kitchen w/custom back splash, high-end stainless appliances, gorgeous hardwood flooring, custom partition forming extra bedroom or office & extra storage unit. Floor to ceiling windows bath living area w/natural light. Dining, shopping & fun.
Taking Advantage of Interest Rates
It seems like everywhere you turn there is some letting you know how amazing rates are now and how you MUST take advantage. At the same time you will hear story after story of people with decent to great credit not being able to get one of these amazing loans because of stricter standards. So how do you give yourself the best chance possible?
To start you are going to want to see if you qualify for a refi. Banks are currently wanting a credit score of at least 740 and 20% equity. These are not hard and fast guidelines but if your credit score could use some help, now is the time to work on it. If you don’t have the 20% equity there are some programs out there but your loan must be held by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae.
Next you are going to want to get rid of any home equity loans or lines of credit. Otherwise you can be adding significant time to the loan process and/or some interest could be tagged on.
You will also want to know where to look by shopping around. Where one bank may reject you, another might see you as a perfect candidate. Lately the best rates seem to be coming from small local banks and credit unions.
If you have the option, it is a really good idea to pay a point up front. A point is 1% of your mortgage and paying one off up front can buy your loan down an eighth to a quarter of a percentage point off your rate. Some lenders will even take off a full half of a percentage point just to avoid serial refinancers. This could also help you lock in a rate. Before you really only need about a month so locking in your rate wasn’t so difficult. Now it can take closer to two months and paying a point can get that rate locked in for 45 days.
The loan application process has gotten a lot harder and more complicated, but not only will it be easier if you know what you are getting into but also completely worth the effort to get these historical rates.
http://money.cnn.com/2009/04/17/real_estate/low_rate_loan.moneymag/index.htm?postversion=2009041711
PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PODCAST ON THE HOMEPAGE OF OUR WEBSITE http//:www.TonyandLibby.com
Homes In Portland Seem To Be Selling Faster
HGTV
Hello, all:
At long last, the House Hunters special that I got to participate in, “House Hunters’ Guide to House Hunting”, is airing this Sunday, April 5th, at 8 PM EST. I would advise you all to check your local listings for specific times in your area, just in case, because sometimes the different cable or satellite providers air the shows at slightly different times.
PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PODCAST ON THE HOMEPAGE OF OUR WEBSITE http//:www.TonyandLibby.com
Beware
I was reading a blog by a RE/Max agent in New Jersey, Mr. John Nyiszter who made me aware of some very important information.
Apparently there are identity thieves out there who will borrow an address and pictures from your listing website and post an ad on craigslist posing as a renter.
Then when this person finds a renter via craigslist they will request payment for the home they are going to rent you.
The potential renter in this scenario figured it out when the person who posted the craigslist ad asked for a wire transfer to Nigeria.
Especially nowadays, there are a lot of shady people out there and I want you all to be careful.
PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW PODCAST ON THE HOMEPAGE OF OUR WEBSITE http//:www.TonyandLibby.com
Recent Blog PostsOne of America’s Best Pancakes
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
I have been driving by this place for YEARS and have not got around to trying it. I have always wanted to because the line to get in is so long, but have not because the line to get in is so long. One of these days I’m going to get up [...] Plastic Bag Resolution
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Portland, Oregon city council is demanding a ban on single-use plastic bags at the grocery store. So much so that they passed a city resolution Wednesday stating that Portland will ban plastic bags sometime in the future if state lawmakers fail to pass a statewide ban next year.
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Thursday, July 29th, 2010
Portland, Oregon has 2,241,841 residents and 21.9% of those are from Generation Y. Some of the top employers include Intel, Fred Meyer Stores, Oregon Health & Science University, Providence Health Systems, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the NW, city government and Legacy Health System. These are just some of the reasons that Portland, [...] Lower Rate of Childhood Obesity
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From 2003 to 2007 Oregon has come up as having the lowest rate of childhood obesity of any other state in the country. Unfortunately ALL states need to do something about it’s overweight children. Some will have more trouble than others because of factors like poverty and race have complicated [...]Market Report Portland Oregon
Friday, July 16th, 2010
June Residential Highlights While inventory continued to stay low in the Portland Metro area, sales activity saw both increases and declines. When comparing June 2010 with June 2009, closed sales increased 13.3%. Pending sales and new listings fell 25.2% and 4.9%, respectively. Comparing June 2010 with the previous month, May 2010, closed sales dropped 1.9% (2,012 v. [...]Agency Info
Keller Williams Realty Portland Premiere
17700 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd
Portland, OR 97224