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Starrett Realty Group


Understanding 3-2-1 and 2-1 Buydowns: Lower Your Rate Without Lowering Your Standards
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.
Alexandra Starrett
3 min read


Buying a Manufactured Home on Land in Oregon: What Coastal Buyers Need to Know
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.
Alexandra Starrett
4 min read


Why It’s a Surprisingly Good Time to Be a Buyer
Headlines often focus on how “low supply” makes this a seller’s market. But buyers who are ready and prepared are discovering that this...
Alexandra Starrett
2 min read


Why It’s a Tough Market for Sellers, Even in a “Seller’s Market”
When you hear the phrase “seller’s market,” it sounds like smooth sailing. Low inventory, multiple offers, bidding wars—at least, that is...
Alexandra Starrett
2 min read


Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score Before Buying a Home in Portland
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...
Alexandra Starrett
3 min read


Condo vs. House: What You Should Know Before You Buy
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...
Alexandra Starrett
2 min read


Prepping to Sell Without Losing Your Mind: A Calm Seller’s Guide
Selling your home is a big deal. Whether you're downsizing, relocating, or moving into your next chapter, getting your home ready for the...
Alexandra Starrett
3 min read


10 Practical Tips for Disabled Homebuyers
Buying a home with a disability can bring extra considerations, but with the right tools and support, it is absolutely achievable....
Alexandra Starrett
3 min read


🏠 10 Real Estate Misunderstandings That Still Trip People Up
Real estate is full of half-truths and outdated advice.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...
Alexandra Starrett
3 min read


Why I’m Excited to Be at Portland Pride 2025
Pride Northwest DREAM BIG Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade July 19-20, 2025 Hi, I’m Alexandra Starrett (she/her)—a queer,...
Alexandra Starrett
3 min read


Empowering LGBTQ+ Homebuyers: You Belong in Every Neighborhood! From a Queer Realtor Who’s Been There
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...
Alexandra Starrett
3 min read


Why You Shouldn’t Trust a Zestimate When Buying or Selling a Home
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...
Alexandra Starrett
2 min read


Clatsop County: Oregon’s Coastal Crossroads of History, Art, and Adventure
Perched at the northwest tip of Oregon, Clatsop County is where historic charm meets salt-sprayed adventure. With sweeping coastal...
Alexandra Starrett
2 min read


Tillamook County: Oregon Coast Charm Rooted in Simplicity
The heart of the Oregon Coast beats a little slower in Tillamook County. Nestled between forested mountains and the roaring Pacific, this...
Alexandra Starrett
2 min read


The History of Homebuying in Portland, Oregon: Tech, Trends, and the Vancouver Effect
Portland, Oregon has long been known for its lush landscapes, progressive values, and vibrant neighborhoods. But behind the rose gardens...
Alexandra Starrett
3 min read


Highlighting Hillsboro
Hillsboro Farmers Market - A Downtown Delight Nestled in the heart of Oregon's Tualatin Valley, Hillsboro offers a harmonious blend of...
Alexandra Starrett
2 min read
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