Medford, OR

The Blind Side - A Heart-Warming Story. Based on a true story, "The Blind Side" is a movie about a homeless African-American youngster, Michael Oher, who is taken in by the Tuohys, a well-to-do white family who helps him fulfill his greatest potential.

This is truly a triumpant story about a young man who is blessed with an opportunity to rise above his unfortunate circumstances and go all the way to the top to become an All-American offensive left tackle, and eventually a round one draft pick in the NFL.

I am not usually a big fan of sports-type movies, but this heart-warming, inspirational story will literally hit you on your blind side and will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. A must see movie. Be prepared though, "The Blind Side" can be a tear-jerker, so don't forget to bring the Kleenex!

Working with a lot of first time home buyers over the years prepares one to expect challenges in the mortgage process. One recent transaction that should THANKFULLY close before Thanksgiving was probably at the top of the challenging range. I found out some things on the journey with these buyers. Some of these things make sense to me, others were like being blindfolded and poked with a sharp stick repeatedly:

• Patience is not only a virtue, it is the key to these buyers successfully closing on their first home purchase
• Neighborhood Stabilization Program guidelines and provisions were not carefully thought out
• Real estate brokers handling the listing for bank owned foreclosure homes are not supportive of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, and if they have an offer from a buyer not using NSP, they will choose it first
• The lender support the State of Oregon thought they had does not exist
• Diligent efforts of SOME of the parties to a transaction cannot trump other parties dropping the ball – the whole team has to work together, or we lose the game
• Expect the unexpected – over and over and over again! Trained NSP coordinator transferred to another position; new NSP coordinator doesn’t have lending background, so has a sharper learning curve to get up and running; three consecutive local NSP contacts – one fired but is appealing that decision, one goes out on vacation, the third gets to start from scratch trying to carry the ball forward until the 2^nd one returns; NSP application accepted, but documentation not reviewed for 6+ weeks with no mention of this during repeated fund requests; three inspectors do not require repairs, FHA underwriter does; FHA lender closes office due to the commercial building they are located in being foreclosed upon; chaos reigns with the merger of lender’s operations centers; notified lender’s corporate center has reviewed and approved NSP program as an acceptable down payment assistance program, but approval is retracted; lender’s rep goes out on maternity leave early; FHA lender’s underwriting approval is three pages long, but only two pages are provided; the missing 3^rd page contains additional FHA underwriter required repairs

This family WILL be recipients of Neighborhood Stabilization Program funding, as will roughly 7 others in the City of Medford. I cannot afford the time investment this program requires, and will only help this one family, having referred the other I had to another lender. God Bless this first family and the families that follow them…

Thank you, Damien Mann of the Medford Oregon Mail Tribune, for responding when this family reached out to you to share their story. It needed to be told.

See you at the closing table!

Short Sale - Pre-Foreclosure - 450 Midway Rd #22, Medford, Oregon 97501. Just when you think you couldn't afford to buy a home...

This wonderful 3 bedroom, 2 bath 1182 s/f Medford townhome was built in 2005 and presents itself with a great floor plan, granite counter tops in the kitchen, appliances, and all the modern conveniences of home. Nicely landscaped with private patio in backyard, and plenty of storage area. HOA $100/per month, which includes water, sewer and trash.

Why wait any longer to buy a home in Medford, Oregon? Interest rates are still low and you may qualify for the First Time Home Buyers Tax credit!

MLS# 52908346 - $85,000.

Southern Oregon - A Beautiful Place to Visit and Live!

Medford, Oregon is the center of the Rogue Valley and Southern Oregon's largest and most diverse City where you can shop tax-free and experience nature at its best! Start your day off golfing, fishing, rafting the Rogue River, hiking the Table Rocks, exploring the Oregon Caves and Crater Lake, or enjoying a scenic wine or agricultural tour. In the evening, take in a premier live performance at the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater, sit under the stars and enjoy the Britt Music Festival, and feast on a culinary delight from one of Medford's fine dining establishments.

Southern Oregon - A Beautiful Place to Visit and Live!

Near New South Medford High School
Type: Single Family Home
Location: 1342 Avalon, Medford, OR 97504
Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 2 full, 0 half, 0 three-quarter bath
Price: $144,650
Description: Prime location close to new South Medford High School in a quiet neighborhood. Separate living room and family room. Open floor plan. Vaulted ceilings and skylights in family room. Fully fenced backyard with sprinkler system. Small RV parking.


Visit www.TopSouthernOregonAgent.com for more information.

Contact Information:
Jared Hokanson
RE/MAX Realty Group
2594 East Barnett, Suite B
Medford, OR 97504
Phone: 541-772-7653
Fax: 541-734-5559
Email: Jared@TopSouthernOregonAgent.com



1342 Avalon (google map) (yahoo map)