Cindy Oja
9201 SE 91st Ave. #200
Portland, OR 97086
Mobile:
(503) 880-1444
Office: (503) 655-1711
Toll Free: (888) 608-4800
Fax: (503)
655-2216
E-mail
Me!
Buyer's
Resources
Benefits of Home Ownership
Finding the Right Home
When Previewing A Home
Home Shopping Tips
Home Inspections
Evaluating Property
Do You Need A Real Estate Agent?
FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
Benefits of Home Ownership:
Credit:
Owning a home helps you establish financial credibility.
Independence:
Owning your own home provides you with independence and more privacy than renting. You are free to paint walls, plant flowers, keep pets and anything else within legal bounds.
Investment:
As you make more payments and own more of your home, you add to its investment value. Most improvements you make will also add to its value.
Pride:
A home reflects its owner's values and lifestyle. Owning a home can provide you with a source of pride, enjoyment and satisfaction.
Security:
A home can provide security against inflation because the value of your home increases as prices go up.
Stability:
Being established in a community provides a sense of belonging, stability and security.
Tax Advantages:
Interest on your mortgage loan is deductible on your yearly personal income tax return. Many of the closing costs associated with purchasing your home are deductible, as are your property taxes.
Finding the Right Home:
Real Estate Agents:
You can sit down with a real estate agent and discuss your needs, type of area, style of home, amenities and everything you really want in your next home. Real estate agents can help you by accessing a Listing Service which covers all properties listed for sale within a specific area. Together, you can select the homes you would like to see, set appointments and preview homes in a short period of time. An agent can guide you through the entire process.
Newspaper Ads/Internet:
Many people go through the real estate classified section or browse the Internet to find a home that appeals to them. However, your real estate agent will have many listings available that may not appear in the newspaper or Internet on a continuous basis. New listings come on the market daily.
Multiple Listing Service:
Your real estate agent should have access to the multiple listing service if it is available in your area. It usually includes the following details about homes and properties for sale:
When Previewing A Home:
□ Write notes when previewing a home so you will be able to discuss the details later with your real estate agent.
□ Ask questions about the home and discuss any objections or concerns you may have.
□ Ask about the community - schools, shopping and transportation.
□ Ask specific questions about the construction of the home; electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling systems, etc.
□ Have Fun
□ Relax. Finding your new home can be a rewarding experience. Have a good time and enjoy the process.
Home Shopping Tips:
Check For Properly Working Appliances/Fixtures:
Bathroom:
Sinks
Showers/tubs
Toilets
Vent fan
Heating fan
Appliances
Kitchen:
Dishwasher
Stove
Oven
Ice maker
Garbage disposal
Range hood
Refrigerator
Freezer
Microwave
Trash compactor
Cabinet doors
Drawers
Sinks
General:
Lights (interior & exterior)
Windows
Heating system
Ceiling fans
Hot water system
Air conditioning system
Electrical outlets
Door bells
Doors
Water purifier
Fireplace damper
Garage door
Ensure House Is Well-Built & Systems Are In Working Condition:
Exterior:
Brick bulging or cracking
Shingles missing or broken
Siding rotted or missing
Gutters damaged or need to be cleaned
Concrete cracked in sidewalks/driveway
Basement:
Water seepage in basement
Cracks in foundation
Poor ventilation
Interior:
Sub-flooring damaged or loose
Cracked walls or ceiling
Cracked tiles
Loose plaster
Flooring damaged
Soft, springy floors
Water stains near windows
Water stains on ceiling below bathroom
Water stains in attic
Pipe insulation missing
Home Inspections:
What is an inspection?
There are numerous types of inspections. An inspection is meant to evaluate, at minimum, the structural and mechanical condition of a property. It is not the same as an appraisal which evaluates the market value of a property. Persons involved in real estate transactions need unbiased information about the physical condition of property they plan to buy or sell and your contract should include a contingency that you obtain a satisfactory inspection report. Talk with your agent about the types of inspections available.
Home Inspectors vs. Engineers:
Home Inspector: A person who examines any component of a building, through visual means and through normal user controls, without the use of mathematical sciences.
Engineering: Analysis or design work requiring extensive preparation and experience in the use of mathematics, physics, chemistry and the engineering sciences.
Finding a qualified Inspector:
What the inspection, at minimum, includes:
Every inspection should include, but not be limited to, an evaluation of at least the following:
Evaluating Properties:
Property Evaluation Form - Print this form and use it to rate different features of each property you view.
Do You Need A Real Estate Agent?
Can a real estate agent really help me in buying and selling property? The answer is YES! When you're ready to think about buying or selling your property, you need to ask yourself the following questions: Do you have the time, energy, sources of information, and contacts to do the job yourself? If you were one of the 'do-it-yourself' people, would the results be as good or better than they would be if you had professional assistance? Would it have gone smoother? Would it have given you more personal time? Would you have purchased for less, or sold for more, if a real estate agent was involved? Read the following information and learn how a real estate agent can help you understand everything you need to know about a real estate transaction.
The Buying Process
The process of buying a home or investment generally starts with determining your buying power; that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a real estate agent some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, they can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders -- banks and mortgage companies -- offer limited choices.
Finding
Once you know how much you can and want to invest, the next step is to find the properties that most nearly fit your needs. This is the time to choose a real estate licensee. When picking a real estate agent look for one who is also a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, a real estate trade association, and all members agree to abide by a 17 article Code of Ethics. A REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in that search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.
Selecting
Your job is to make the final selection of the right property for you. This is when excitement and emotion run high. Your real estate agent can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
Negotiating
There are a myriad of negotiating factors, including, but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should also provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
Due Diligence
With a negotiated agreement in hand, it is time to complete the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your agent can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your agent, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.
Financing
As soon as you are reasonably sure the property is right for you, the process of obtaining financing begins. Your agent can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.
Closing or Settlement
Finally, there is the closing, or settlement, as it is known in different parts of the country. Every area has its own unique customs. In some areas, the title or Escrow Company will handle this process. In other parts of the country, an attorney does it all. Again, your real estate agent can guide you through this process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.
How Do Real Estate Agents Get Paid?
Real estate agents or brokers are generally paid through the sales commission paid by the seller when a transaction closes. Agents have expenses and financial obligations just like you, so it will be to your mutual benefit if you choose a real estate agent and stick with that person. The agent will respect your loyalty and respond with a sincere commitment to you.
Why A REALTOR®?
All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR "®" logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.
Using a REALTOR®
You Be the Judge! Real Estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®!
FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between "pre-qualified" and "pre-approved"?
If you are "pre-qualified" you have determined, with a loan officer, what price you can afford based on the down payment, your debts and the amount the mortgage company will approve for your mortgage. Being "pre-qualified" is only a determination of your probable credit. If you are "pre-approved", your credit, employment and funds have been approved by the lender.
What are closing costs?
Closing costs are an accumulation of charges paid to different entities associated with the buying and selling of real estate. For buyers, they are usually about 4-6% of the total sales price of a property. Some of the closing costs you might encounter are: application fees, appraisal fee, county taxes, credit report, discount points, documentation fee, escrow fees, homeowners' association fees, loan fees, mortgage insurance, origination fees, tax registration and title insurance premium.
What is a point?
One point is equal to 1% of the new loan amount. Whenever government regulation, state usury laws and/or competitive practices prohibit the lender from charging a rate of interest that would make the real estate loan competitive with other fields of investments, the lender must seek some method of increasing the yield for the investors. By charging "points", the lender can bring the real estate loan up to those other investments.
What is earnest money?
When you make an offer, you will need to put up an earnest money deposit as a sign of good faith that you are seriously interested in buying a home. That deposit becomes a part of the purchase price and is held in a trust account until there is full acceptance of the offer. Typically, an earnest money is 3-5% of the offer amount.
What is title insurance?
Title insurance protects the named insured against loss because of defects, liens, encumbrances, adverse claims or other matters not shown or disclosed to the new owner that attach before date of policy.
Is VA or FHA financing unfair to sellers?
FHA and VA loans provide purchasers the opportunity to buy homes with minimal cash investment and at lower interest rates. The result is a larger market for sellers, who also benefit by receiving all cash for their equity.
Finding the Right Home
When Previewing A Home
Home Shopping Tips
Home Inspections
Evaluating Property
Do You Need A Real Estate Agent?
FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
Benefits of Home Ownership:
Credit:
Owning a home helps you establish financial credibility.
Independence:
Owning your own home provides you with independence and more privacy than renting. You are free to paint walls, plant flowers, keep pets and anything else within legal bounds.
Investment:
As you make more payments and own more of your home, you add to its investment value. Most improvements you make will also add to its value.
Pride:
A home reflects its owner's values and lifestyle. Owning a home can provide you with a source of pride, enjoyment and satisfaction.
Security:
A home can provide security against inflation because the value of your home increases as prices go up.
Stability:
Being established in a community provides a sense of belonging, stability and security.
Tax Advantages:
Interest on your mortgage loan is deductible on your yearly personal income tax return. Many of the closing costs associated with purchasing your home are deductible, as are your property taxes.
Finding the Right Home:
Real Estate Agents:
You can sit down with a real estate agent and discuss your needs, type of area, style of home, amenities and everything you really want in your next home. Real estate agents can help you by accessing a Listing Service which covers all properties listed for sale within a specific area. Together, you can select the homes you would like to see, set appointments and preview homes in a short period of time. An agent can guide you through the entire process.
Newspaper Ads/Internet:
Many people go through the real estate classified section or browse the Internet to find a home that appeals to them. However, your real estate agent will have many listings available that may not appear in the newspaper or Internet on a continuous basis. New listings come on the market daily.
Multiple Listing Service:
Your real estate agent should have access to the multiple listing service if it is available in your area. It usually includes the following details about homes and properties for sale:
When Previewing A Home:
□ Write notes when previewing a home so you will be able to discuss the details later with your real estate agent.
□ Ask questions about the home and discuss any objections or concerns you may have.
□ Ask about the community - schools, shopping and transportation.
□ Ask specific questions about the construction of the home; electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling systems, etc.
□ Have Fun
□ Relax. Finding your new home can be a rewarding experience. Have a good time and enjoy the process.
Home Shopping Tips:
Check For Properly Working Appliances/Fixtures:
Bathroom:
Sinks
Showers/tubs
Toilets
Vent fan
Heating fan
Appliances
Kitchen:
Dishwasher
Stove
Oven
Ice maker
Garbage disposal
Range hood
Refrigerator
Freezer
Microwave
Trash compactor
Cabinet doors
Drawers
Sinks
General:
Lights (interior & exterior)
Windows
Heating system
Ceiling fans
Hot water system
Air conditioning system
Electrical outlets
Door bells
Doors
Water purifier
Fireplace damper
Garage door
Ensure House Is Well-Built & Systems Are In Working Condition:
Exterior:
Brick bulging or cracking
Shingles missing or broken
Siding rotted or missing
Gutters damaged or need to be cleaned
Concrete cracked in sidewalks/driveway
Basement:
Water seepage in basement
Cracks in foundation
Poor ventilation
Interior:
Sub-flooring damaged or loose
Cracked walls or ceiling
Cracked tiles
Loose plaster
Flooring damaged
Soft, springy floors
Water stains near windows
Water stains on ceiling below bathroom
Water stains in attic
Pipe insulation missing
Home Inspections:
What is an inspection?
There are numerous types of inspections. An inspection is meant to evaluate, at minimum, the structural and mechanical condition of a property. It is not the same as an appraisal which evaluates the market value of a property. Persons involved in real estate transactions need unbiased information about the physical condition of property they plan to buy or sell and your contract should include a contingency that you obtain a satisfactory inspection report. Talk with your agent about the types of inspections available.
Home Inspectors vs. Engineers:
Home Inspector: A person who examines any component of a building, through visual means and through normal user controls, without the use of mathematical sciences.
Engineering: Analysis or design work requiring extensive preparation and experience in the use of mathematics, physics, chemistry and the engineering sciences.
Finding a qualified Inspector:
What the inspection, at minimum, includes:
Every inspection should include, but not be limited to, an evaluation of at least the following:
Evaluating Properties:
Property Evaluation Form - Print this form and use it to rate different features of each property you view.
Do You Need A Real Estate Agent?
Can a real estate agent really help me in buying and selling property? The answer is YES! When you're ready to think about buying or selling your property, you need to ask yourself the following questions: Do you have the time, energy, sources of information, and contacts to do the job yourself? If you were one of the 'do-it-yourself' people, would the results be as good or better than they would be if you had professional assistance? Would it have gone smoother? Would it have given you more personal time? Would you have purchased for less, or sold for more, if a real estate agent was involved? Read the following information and learn how a real estate agent can help you understand everything you need to know about a real estate transaction.
The Buying Process
The process of buying a home or investment generally starts with determining your buying power; that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a real estate agent some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, they can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders -- banks and mortgage companies -- offer limited choices.
Finding
Once you know how much you can and want to invest, the next step is to find the properties that most nearly fit your needs. This is the time to choose a real estate licensee. When picking a real estate agent look for one who is also a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, a real estate trade association, and all members agree to abide by a 17 article Code of Ethics. A REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in that search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.
Selecting
Your job is to make the final selection of the right property for you. This is when excitement and emotion run high. Your real estate agent can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
Negotiating
There are a myriad of negotiating factors, including, but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should also provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
Due Diligence
With a negotiated agreement in hand, it is time to complete the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your agent can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your agent, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.
Financing
As soon as you are reasonably sure the property is right for you, the process of obtaining financing begins. Your agent can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.
Closing or Settlement
Finally, there is the closing, or settlement, as it is known in different parts of the country. Every area has its own unique customs. In some areas, the title or Escrow Company will handle this process. In other parts of the country, an attorney does it all. Again, your real estate agent can guide you through this process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.
How Do Real Estate Agents Get Paid?
Real estate agents or brokers are generally paid through the sales commission paid by the seller when a transaction closes. Agents have expenses and financial obligations just like you, so it will be to your mutual benefit if you choose a real estate agent and stick with that person. The agent will respect your loyalty and respond with a sincere commitment to you.
Why A REALTOR®?
All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR "®" logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.
Using a REALTOR®
You Be the Judge! Real Estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®!
FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between "pre-qualified" and "pre-approved"?
If you are "pre-qualified" you have determined, with a loan officer, what price you can afford based on the down payment, your debts and the amount the mortgage company will approve for your mortgage. Being "pre-qualified" is only a determination of your probable credit. If you are "pre-approved", your credit, employment and funds have been approved by the lender.
What are closing costs?
Closing costs are an accumulation of charges paid to different entities associated with the buying and selling of real estate. For buyers, they are usually about 4-6% of the total sales price of a property. Some of the closing costs you might encounter are: application fees, appraisal fee, county taxes, credit report, discount points, documentation fee, escrow fees, homeowners' association fees, loan fees, mortgage insurance, origination fees, tax registration and title insurance premium.
What is a point?
One point is equal to 1% of the new loan amount. Whenever government regulation, state usury laws and/or competitive practices prohibit the lender from charging a rate of interest that would make the real estate loan competitive with other fields of investments, the lender must seek some method of increasing the yield for the investors. By charging "points", the lender can bring the real estate loan up to those other investments.
What is earnest money?
When you make an offer, you will need to put up an earnest money deposit as a sign of good faith that you are seriously interested in buying a home. That deposit becomes a part of the purchase price and is held in a trust account until there is full acceptance of the offer. Typically, an earnest money is 3-5% of the offer amount.
What is title insurance?
Title insurance protects the named insured against loss because of defects, liens, encumbrances, adverse claims or other matters not shown or disclosed to the new owner that attach before date of policy.
Is VA or FHA financing unfair to sellers?
FHA and VA loans provide purchasers the opportunity to buy homes with minimal cash investment and at lower interest rates. The result is a larger market for sellers, who also benefit by receiving all cash for their equity.
