MARIA PEACE, M.B.A., G.R.I.

I just attended a very informative HUD webinar class about what seems to be an awesome way to create some affordable homebuying and selling opportunities for buyers and realtors. By attending this class, I am qualified/certified to write deals under this program.. For Deschutes County, there will be opportunities in Redmond. A google map will be posted in early September where you will be able to type in the address to see if the property is qualified. It sounds like the opportunities will be mainly in Redmond and Lapine. The purpose of the NSP (Neighborhood Stabilization Program) is to clear out foreclosure inventory and stabilize housing prices. The nice thing about this program is that you don't have to be low income to qualify. This program is more targeted to the middle class and household income can be up to 120% of area median income. You can get up to $30k for down payment, closing, rehab costs. The buyer only has to come up with 1/2 of the FHA required downpayemnt amount of 3.5% which means if the house is $100k, the downpayment would be $1750! The nice thing is that with foreclosures that have been stripped of appliances, you can get the cost of a new stove, frig covered by these funds. Another nice thing is that short sales also qualify. For a short sale to qualify, the homeowner must be 60 days delinquent on their mortgage or 90 days delinquent on property taxes. I will be posting more about this program as I get additional info in the future and would love to help someone buy a home under this program. In the meantime, below is the link to the HUD website that has info on this:

http://hudnsphelp.info/

One of my interests is self sustainable living and my goal is to be self sustainable in the near future. I got the idea from clients who are looking for properties off the grid and coupled with our bad economy, I came to like the idea and decided it is the only way to be free. I have been practicing with organic gardening techniques and now know how to raise my own fruits, vegetables, and staple foods. I learned a lot of this growing up as a child and helping my parents with their garden where I learned how to plant and grow vegetables, fruit trees, composting, etc. Gardening has always been a hobby of mine, so converting it to something useful is an added bonus. I have learned a great wealth of info subscribing to the Mother Earth News, attending gardening classes, and researching on the internet. I thought I would share this link to the Mother Earth News for those who might be interested. Their website has a lot of free DIY info and even if you are not interested in it for yourself, it might provide you some good knowledge for conversation with clients who are looking to homestead or live off the grid. It is amazing what you can do for yourself, even in the harsh climate of Central Oregon. Will post some pics of my garden to prove it later.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/

http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/11845#

Warren Buffet recently wrote an editorial in the NY Times entitled "Stop Coddling the Rich" Interesting coming from a weathly and successful businessman who is definitely one of the top taxpayers and generously shares his knowledge. This interview with Charlie Rose is a follow up on that editorial. Interesting discussion on economic stats as well as housing about 10 minutes into the interview. Some good food for thought.

As some of you know, I have a retirement goal of being in the mountains, but still having a decent growing season so I can be self sustainable and one of the areas I was looking at is outside of Tucson. I see Tucson is the sickest city according to this article and now hope I can save up some money to buy here before prices rise. You may find it interesting for the other cities listed as well.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/03/americas-ten-sickest-housing-markets_n_917071.html#s321178&title=1_Tucson_AZ

Before I became a realtor, I sold my own homes and it was pretty easy having the background in the industry and because times were good. Having become a realtor, I realize the difference that comes from exposure to MLS. It is like the saying you get what you pay for: a better attorney, accountant, or any other professional usually costs more, but is well worth it in the long run. When you sell a home, time is money and the savngs of selling in 90 days vs 180+ days pays for the commissions on many homes, not to mention the other areas of expertise that a realtor can share. I thought this was an interesting article:

http://agentgenius.com/real-estate-news-events/forsalebyowner-com-founder-gives-up-on-own-listing-hires-real-estate-broker/