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Leslie Stewart – Realtor ®, CRS, eCertified

New Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Guidlines Encourage Experienced Investors

Great News for investors from Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FHLMC). Hopefully this newly announced guidelines will encourage strong investors to come back to the housing market and help with the economic recovery.

Beginning next month, the GSE's (FNMA & FHLMC) will raise the maximum number of financed properties from 4 to the new limit of 10. This guideline change is intended to recognize the key role that experienced and financially strong investors play in our nations housing system and the housing recovery. The words "financially strong" can not be emphasized enough here. The guidelines are fairly strict, but that is how they should be. We, as a nation, cannot afford another run of bad investment properties on the market from borrowers that got in over their head.

A peek at some of the guidelines;

  • 2-6 months PITI payments in liquid cash reserves for every property owned. (varies depending on number of financed homes)
  • Need two years landlord history (2 years filed tax returns)
  • Not available as a refinance loan where borrower is receiving cash back.
  • Larger down payments requirements based on property type.
  • The investor will need at least a 720 Credit Score and 25% down payment

If you are in the looking to invest in the real estate market, please start by getting a pre-qualification with your favorite lender. If you don't have a lender and would like to contact one, please contact Fred Chamberlin for all your mortgage needs.

Happy Birthday Oregon!

Happy Birthday Oregon!

Birthday cake

February 14th is not only Valentine's Day, but also the State of Oregon's Birthday. Oregon became a state on February 14th, 1859 and this year marks her 150th birthday. Congress voted to allow Oregon's statehood by a margin on 114 - 108 on February 12th and 2 days later President James Buchanan signed the bill into law.

Oregon has a rich history of pioneers, lumberjacks and some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. We have one National Park, Crater Lake and the scenic Columbia Gorge is a haven for windsurfers, photographers and tourists. Silver Creek Falls and Multnomah Falls are also favorite travel desinations. Oregon's fabulous beaches are open to the public.

lincoln city sunset

So join me in wishing Oregon a very Happy Birthday!

Bank Counter Offer Comes Back $25,000 Over Asking Price!

Bank Counter Offer Comes Back $25,000 Over Asking Price!

I had an offer in on a Short Sale for some buyers. The List price is $129,000. My buyer's made decent offer. We knew this was a back up offer and in 3 days we had a counter offer of $125,000. My buyers made a counter offer and came up a couple thousand dollars.

There are renters in the property and they are beating the heck out of the house. One bedroom smells horribly of "cat," the bathroom has extensive dry rot and the kitchen cabinet doors are being torn off the hinges. Our offer was a good offer for the shape the house was in.

After two weeks of waiting for an answer, I get a giggling call from the listing agent. She tells me she can't

light bulb

believe it but the Bank came back at $155,000. Can you believe it $155,000!!!! This was the original listing price and this property has been on the market for almost 6 months.

I've got to tell you, I'm still scratching my head on this one. If someone can enlighten me as to the Bank/investor's thinking, I welcome any explanation.

Willamette Valley Market Stats for December

Willamette Valley Market Stats for December

The market stats are out! What a year it has been with all the short sales and REO's. It's been a crazy year in real estate indeed. If you are looking to purchase a home in the Willamette Valley or if you have questions about our real estate market please give me a call!

Average Sales Price: $240,780 - All types, all areas

2008 Number of Sales: 5954 - Which is down from 8899 Sales in 2007

Active listing are down 8.44% from last year

Source: Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service

WVMLS Stats Dec 2008

For more stats and to see the rest of the report visit Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service