Did you know that Oregon has one of the slower foreclosure processes in the country? Because foreclosure can take months, and sometimes much longer, many homeowners don't realize how many options they may still have. Foreclosure is a process, not a single event. Missing a mortgage payment doesn't mean you immediately lose your home, and even once the foreclosure process begins, there may still be options available. Here's the simplified version of how foreclosure can work in

Everyone says becoming a real estate agent is expensive, that it takes a while to make your money back, and that eventually you'll make so much money it'll all be worth it. Cool. But how much money do you actually need to get started? Getting your Oregon real estate license is only the beginning. There are classes, testing fees, REALTOR® dues, MLS access, lockboxes, brokerage fees, signs, marketing, commission splits, and a whole collection of smaller expenses that add up sur

I think it's time we kill something: the myth that you need 20% down to buy a home. I hear this one all the time, especially from first-time home buyers who assume homeownership is years away because they haven't saved tens of thousands of dollars for a down payment. Twenty percent can certainly be a useful amount to put down, but it is absolutely not a universal requirement for buying a home. So, how much do you actually need? Some Home Buyers Can Put 0% Down Depending on yo

Your offer was accepted, you're excited, and then the appraisal comes back $20,000 below the purchase price. Now what? First, a low appraisal does not automatically mean the deal is dead. It means the appraiser believes the home's value is lower than the price you and the seller agreed to pay. That matters because when you're financing a home, the lender is using the property as collateral for the loan. If the appraisal comes in below the contract price, the buyer and seller

Not every issue that shows up on a home inspection is a big deal. Loose outlets, missing caulking and minor repairs happen all the time. The inspection findings that tend to make buyers and sellers nervous are the expensive ones: foundation movement, major roof replacement, sewer line failures, water intrusion, and significant electrical or plumbing problems. The concern isn't just the cost of the repair itself. These types of issues can sometimes point to bigger problems hid

Homeownership can feel out of reach when interest rates climb, but creative financing options can make a major difference. One of the most effective tools available today is the temporary rate buydown, often called a 3-2-1 or 2-1 buydown. These programs allow you to enjoy a lower mortgage rate for the first few years of your loan, easing your budget while you settle in, grow your income, or wait for the market to shift.

Learn how to buy a manufactured home on land in Oregon, including financing options, land considerations, HUD standards, and loan types. Ideal for Oregon Coast buyers looking in Tillamook, Nehalem, Astoria, and surrounding areas.

Headlines often focus on how “low supply” makes this a seller’s market. But buyers who are ready and prepared are discovering that this...

When you hear the phrase “seller’s market,” it sounds like smooth sailing. Low inventory, multiple offers, bidding wars—at least, that is...

If you are getting ready to buy a home in Portland, one of the most important steps is focusing on your credit score. Your score affects...

A client recently asked me a great question: “I’ve been reading that condos don’t appreciate as well as single-family homes. If our...

Selling your home is a big deal. Whether you're downsizing, relocating, or moving into your next chapter, getting your home ready for the...

Buying a home with a disability can bring extra considerations, but with the right tools and support, it is absolutely achievable....

Real estate is full of half-truths and outdated advice. Whether you're buying your first home or returning after a long break, these 10...

Pride Northwest DREAM BIG Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade July 19-20, 2025 Hi, I’m Alexandra Starrett (she/her)—a queer,...

Buying a home is a big deal—for anyone. But for those of us in the LGBTQ+ community, it often means navigating more than just budgets and...

If you’ve ever looked up a home online—yours or someone else’s—you’ve likely seen a “Zestimate.” Zillow’s Zestimate is their proprietary...

Perched at the northwest tip of Oregon, Clatsop County is where historic charm meets salt-sprayed adventure. With sweeping coastal...

The heart of the Oregon Coast beats a little slower in Tillamook County. Nestled between forested mountains and the roaring Pacific, this...

Portland, Oregon has long been known for its lush landscapes, progressive values, and vibrant neighborhoods. But behind the rose gardens...