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

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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
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Homes In Portland Seem To Be Selling Faster!

HGTV

Hello, all:

At long last, the House Hunters special that I got to participate in, "House Hunters' Guide to House Hunting", is airing this Sunday, April 5th, at 8 PM EST. I would advise you all to check your local listings for specific times in your area, just in case, because sometimes the different cable or satellite providers air the shows at slightly different times.



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How Long Is It Taking To Sell A Portland Home?

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How Did it Happen?

Fantastic documentary, by CNBC, on how the housing crisis developed and crashed.

Stats From A Friend At Umpqua Bank

House Still Buyable

The economic climate has been a bit stormy lately, but that doesn’t mean your dream of buying a cozy cottage by the seaside has to go by the wayside. Learn more about what’s still possible when it comes to home buying.

PERCEPTION REALITY
Banks Have no money for mortgage Loans Umpqua Bank has plenty of money to lend, and we’re ready to use it to help you get settled into your new home
No one can get a home loan right now We’re closing nearly $60 million in new mortgage loans every month; our customer are building, buying and financing their homes.
You must have 20% into the deal not Government – sponsored loan programs can require as little as 3.5% down, and loans with a 95% loan-to-value with out on finance are still available. We’ll help you evaluate what you can borrow and connect you to the program that makes sense for your specific situation.
Down payment assistance programs have disappeared Some down payment assistance programs have disappeared, but many are still available through city, state and local community development organizations
You must have stellar credit to get a mortgage loan Though the industry overall has seen a tightening of credit criteria, our lending practices have not dramatically changed. Talk to us to see where you stand.

THERE ARE NUMEROUS LOAN PRODUCTS AVAILABLE:

• Conventional - fixed and arm products with a loan amount less than $417,000.

• Non-Conforming - fixed and arm products with a loan amount greater than $417,000.

• FHA - 3.5% down payment (can be gifted by acceptable source). Flexible downpayment sources.

• Oregon Bond - Loan must be conventional, FHA or Rural Housing. Income restrictions and designed for first time homebuyers

• Rural Housing - Must be in rural housing area. 100% financing based on appraised value. Adjusted household income can not exceed the maximum allowable income

• VA - Guaranteed by federal government based on the amount of entitlement to the veteran in the conjunction with loan amount.

• ODVA - loans are conventional fixed rate designed for veterans.

• All-in-One Construction - Must be for primary or second home

http://jimhungerford.com/

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