About Us
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.
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/
A Sign of the Times
Unemployment is sky high now-a-days and getting a plain ol’ part-time receptionist job will have you competing with hundreds of other applicants. What can you do to stand out from a crowd of overqualified job-seekers? Now is the time to get a little creative and get people to remember you. It’s common knowledge that you tend to get a job through who you know. Nick Willard decided he needed to expand his network and get his face out there. He stood at the freeway exit and handed out his resume and cover letter to those who showed interest. With a family at home to support he thought it was time for potential employees to see Nick, not just a piece of paper. Those who overcome in tough times are those who don’t sit at home feeling sorry for themselves.
http://tigardtimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=123984496254591400
PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE for Portland Real Estate http//:www.TonyandLibby.com
6327 SE 142nd Ave, Portland OR 97236
NEW flat screen TV, Washer, Dryer Stove/Oven & Fridge to be included. SELLER SAYS BRING ALL OFFERS! Looking for a great value or first home in Portland . . . this is it. This charming home features a huge master suite w/sitting area, modern interior colors, spacious open floorplan, pergo flooring,
15535 SW Beverly Beach Ct, Beaverton OR 97007
Meticulously Maintained Beaverton Traditional. This gorgeous home features a dramatic two story ceiling with skylights, hardwood flrs, large gourmet kitchen with granite counters, family room w/views to greenspace. Perfect home for pets or hypo-allergenic needs, no carpets. Covered patio and extra private patio area w/ Mt. Hood view. Backs to greenspace. Office & Bonus room.
10155 SW Murdock St, Tigard OR 97224
Fantastic remodeled Tigard colonial on rare fully fenced 1/2 Acre Lot! The privacy of a huge lot and the convenience of quick access to shopping, dining, and schools. Completely renovated from Granite counters & maple cabinets in kitchen to new vinyl windows & carriage style garage doors. The home is a must see! LEASE TO OWN & SELLER FINANCING AVAILABLE. Call for details.
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.
5126 NE 15th Ave, Portland OR 97211
Location, location, location! Fantastic Portland bungalow in the heart of the Alberta Arts District. This clean, neat and spacious home features extensive hardwoods, all new windows, remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, high ceilings, period built-ins and touches, and tons of room in the light filled basement. Just yards away from Alberta St and shopping & dining.
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
Recent Blog Posts
May is National Moving Month
Friday, May 4th, 2012
May marks the official beginning of the moving season, and is known as "National Moving Month". 10 Tips To Prepare Your Home to List
Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
Ten tips to prepare your home to list. Agency Info
Keller Williams Realty Portland Premiere
17700 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd
Portland, OR 97224