HomeStar Brokers

How Do I Prepare for a Home Inspection?

A handy home inspection checklist so you don’t have to sweat the small stuff A full home inspection is when the buyer of your house or property hires a licensed inspector to examine your property and prepare a detailed report. Many sellers assume this is an hour-long process and simply leave their home for the… Read More »

Curious how the shutdown is affecting mortgages?

The ongoing shutdown of the Federal Government has a lot of people scratching their heads wondering how this might affect their plans to buy a home. We reached out to Claire Mahoney of Mortgage First to get insight into how the Federal Government shutdown might be affecting mortgage loans. Here’s what Claire had to tell… Read More »

Rent vs Own?

With rents going up, many people are deciding between continuing to rent, or purchasing a home. Some are still saddled with poor credit from the economic turndown but those feeling buyer confidence are feeling the squeeze put on by increasing rents. As reported in “Accelerating Housing Costs Has Renters Feeling the Squeeze” Posted in Economist… Read More »

Multiple Offers!

Multiple offers are becoming more commonplace in Salem and the Willamette valley. When competing in what’s known as a “bidding war” it is important to make your offer as strong and clean as possible. It should be the highest and best offer you are comfortable making. Ask yourself and the other parties involved in the… Read More »

Inventory is down in The Willamette Valley

According to year to date statistics from Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service, real estate inventory is down 13.35% from last year. Agents are noting an increase in traffic at open houses and the number of calls received per listing is up. There is a definite shift in how buyers are reacting to new listings on… Read More »

Is Flood Insurance In Your Future?

In response to recent natural disasters like Super Storm Sandy, the U.S. Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012. This act calls upon the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to make a number of changes to the way the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is run. Key provisions of the legislation will require… Read More »

To Stage or Not to Stage, That is the Question.

Most People assume that staging a home prior to marketing it is always better and creates an inviting setting for prospective buyers. Remember, however, to consider if the home is a long term resale or a fixer/flipper type home. In the case of appealing to investors it may be best to leave it as clean… Read More »

Average Sales Prices

Average Sales Prices (all types, all areas) in the Willamette Valley have increased for the first time since 2007. (Source WVMLS) It will be interesting to see how the year finishes up with the Government shut down and fluctuations in inventory. It is uplifting to be able to tell both buyers and sellers that positive… Read More »

What is a Comparative Market Analysis?

Comparative Market Analysis is used to help evaluate what your home is worth. How your home compares to the competition? It looks at both homes that are currently listed and also those recently sold. The purpose is to find the best and highest price that will make your home competitive on the open market. A… Read More »

A Leveling Market in Willamette Valley

Did you know that throughout the past 8 months the market has slowly been leveling out from a buyer’s market (increased inventory and empowered buyers) to a more level playingfield for both buyers and sellers? This means that there is no more reason to wait to list your home for the market to turn, and… Read More »

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