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Karen Cooper - Mortgage Consultant for OR/CA

Snapshot of the Real Estate Market in Southern Oregon in September 2008

Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon, photo courtesy of flickr.comWith a market that is somewhat driven by what's happening with our neighbors to the South of us in California, we have definitely seen the numbers slowing here in the Rogue Valley. When a percentage of our buyers can't sell their property in California, it slows things down for us here in Jackson County and Josephine County Oregon.

But, guess what? It appears we may be reaching a turning point here. "Yeah, right!" you might be saying, based on all the doom and gloom reporting we are seeing in the news. Here's why I think this:

  • Inventory is contracting - Inventory of Homes for sale in Jackson County Oregon, the "hub" of Southern Oregon, has contracted three consecutive months in our year over year numbers posted at www.jacstats.com - by 16% September 1st, by 14% August 1st, and 16% July 1st. Based on the number of "Sold" signs I'm seeing as I drive around town, I'm guessing there will be a further contraction for October 1st.
  • Sales in California Up - California Buyers, including first time buyers, are taking advantage of low prices and low interest rates there, freeing up those Sellers to make their moves. Sales overall were up July 2008 for the first time in three years. Some of those Sellers will likely be moving here to Southern Oregon, the early wave of migrant homeowners to make up the 1.7 million anticipated by Oregon's Big Look Task Force.

Buy while we can still get a loan - This seems to be an attitude many fence sitters have adopted, prompting them to say "good enough" to one of the criteria they have that has had them adopting their wait and see stance... wait for the price bottom, wait for the lower interest. There is no doubt we're in a Buyer's Market here in Southern Oregon, with motivated sellers willing to make concessions for ready, willing and able buyers. There is no doubt that underwriting guidelines for home loans are getting tougher. There is no doubt that with the failure of so many banks and mortgage companies, competition is not as prevalent as it was, which Econ 101 tells me will lead to higher pricing.

Is it still tough out there? You bet! Are we still likely to face a few more bumps in the road? I think there will still be some hurdles to face in most real estate transactions that take place over the next year, especially with appraisals, tightening guidelines, and program eliminations. In my 25 years in this business, I've never seen buyers and property owners have to work so hard to obtain their financing, and that's saying a lot since I've been through 2 other major market cycles that had big dips. Is it a good time to buy? I'd get my checkbook out for the right deal, and put my money where my mouth is.

See you at the closing table!

Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com

Oregon Jumbo Real Estate Loans Still Available

Here it is October 6, 2008, and did you know you can still get a 30 year fixed rate Jumbo loan up to $600,000 (fully qualifying) up to 80% loan-to-value with an interest rate of 6.125% (6.253% a.p.r.)? Or, how about up to 90% loan-to-value, self-insured (lender pays for the private mortgage insurance), with an interest rate of 6.50% (6.631% a.p.r.)? For buyers purchasing or refinancing in Ashland, Jacksonville, Southwest and East Medford, and purchasing or refinancing waterfront or "gentleman farm"/mini ranch property, these higher loan amounts can come in handy.

See you at the closing table!

Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com

Bicyclist and Pedestrian Friendly Ashland Oregon Makes the List

Ashland Oregon, photo courtesy of flickr.comWhile reading fellow Active Rainer Mike Jones' post about the bicycle friendly towns and cities listed by the League of American Bicyclists, I saw that Ashland Oregon had made the cut. I knew Ashland has great bike lanes and paths throughout town, as well as trails for mountain bike enthusiasts up in the watershed on the base of Mount Ashland.

Mount Ashland, Oregon, photo courtesy of flickr.com

This university town needs systems in place like this, but they're great for residents and workers, too. My husband rides over to our weekly Rotary Meetings, arriving within 5 minutes of the time it would take him to drive, while enjoying the opportunity to get out there for a breath of fresh air and some exercise.

Mountain Bike, photo courtesy of flickr.com

See you out there!

Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com

City of Ashland Oregon Supports Green Building

The City of Ashland Oregon supports green building in so many ways. From the City supported Solar Panel program to the Green & Solar Home Tour, the City of Ashland Oregon is all about building sustainable, energy efficient buildings.

Ashland Oregon Solar Energy Program

On Saturday October 11, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the City of Ashland will hold a tour of four of Ashland's Green and Solar Homes. You may register for the tour through the city Parks & Recreations Department. The tour is only $10, and will depart from the Civic Center.

Ashland Oregon Solar & Green Home Tour, photo courtesy of flickr.com

Thinking about retrofitting your home's windows to lower your energy costs? The City of Ashland Oregon is in the process of changing the requirements for their loan program for qualifying homeowners who are replacing their old single pane windows, upgrading to meet today's more energy efficient windows. For current information, contact Cathy Cartmill, Conservation Analyst for the City of Ashland, at 541-552-2063.

See you out there!

Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com

Have You Heard of The Big Look, Oregonians?

The Big Look Task Force has taken on the huge task of taking a look at Oregon's Statewide Land Use Planning System, a system that came to be in 1973 when it was established by the Oregon Legislature.

Future growth expectancy for areas throughout Oregon call for the population to more than double, with the Rogue Valley, Central Oregon and Portland Metro areas seeing the majority of this growth.

Having relocated to Southern Oregon from Santa Clarita, California in 2004, an area which in my humble opinion could have used more attention to its land use system, I understand how important it is for citizens to get involved in this process.

Do you want to have a say in if the growth will be held to infill increasing density, or to expanding urban growth boundaries thereby eliminating farm and ranch lands? Do you want to see subdivisions with large lots on the outskirts of Oregon towns & cities, or do your concerns lean you toward affordability, smaller carbon footprints or public transportation access? Are you concerned that your favorite hiking and riding trails will be absorbed by expanding urban growth boundaries? Do you want to know the proper infrastructure plans are in place to meet the expected growth? My personal pet peeve, will there be enough water to meet the needs of the expanding population?

Okay Fellow Oregonians, attend your local Town Hall Meetings and bring your good ideas and your grave concerns to the table. Go to www.oregonbiglook.org for more information, and plan to come to one of the scheduled meetings that will be held

6:30-8:30p.m. at:

Tuesday 9/23 Klamath Falls Wednesday 9/24 Medford

Courthouse Basement Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater

Community Meeting Room 23 S. Central, Medford

316 Main St., Klamath Falls

Additional locations can be found at www.oregonbiglook.org, or contact John.Evans@state.or.us to host a meeting in your community.

See you out there!

Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com