FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS - Housing Interest Rates Are More Affordable Than Ever!

Housing Interest Rates Are More Affordable Than Ever!

Calling all FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS !  Interest rates over the last few weeks have plunged even lower making an enticing invite for anyone sitting on the fence thinking about buying.   It is a great TIME TO BUY A HOME.

With the rates down this low, some are even buying the rental they live in and their payments are dropping - saving them a ton of money AND they are now owners of the property investing and not throwing money away!

You will be amazed at what you might qualify for and with the low housing prices you could finally afford your dream home.

The first step is to give me a call – I have a great loan officer who can pre-qualify you over the phone ! 

So, if you want to work with the BEST REALTOR IN MEDFORD, OREGON then call me - anytime.  You can also go to my website for a snapshot of the market and see what homes recently sold for and where the best deals are.

If you are a FIRST TIME HOME BUYER or just want to invest in Real Estate – now is the time. 

Cheryl Malone – Real Estate Broker

Windermere Investors Marketplace

541.951.1960

www.CherylMalone.com

Once you are pre-qualified for a home loan, I would love to help find your dream home - "Lets Go Shopping!"

Servicing the Rogue Valley including Medford, Central Point, Jacksonville, Talent, Phoenix, Eagle Point, Sams Valley, Rogue River & White City Oregon.

Buying A Property With An Investment Account - Financing Options

Buying A Property With An Investment Account may be what you are looking for.

A lot of people don't know this but you may be able to buy a piece of property with your investment account and not be charged taxes, fees or interest!

There are many different types of accounts as well as the companies that hold them. If you have a IRA, 401K, etc then call them (or your financial advisor) to see.

Many times you will be allowed to pull money from the account for your down payment on the property! Sometimes you may be charged interest, or certain fees, taxes, and so on - or not at all! It all depends on the
account you hold and the limitations/allowances you have.

For other financing options, give me a call - THE BEST REALTOR IN MEDFORD OREGON and see what works best for your situation.

CHERYL MALONE - Real Estate Broker
Windermere Investors Marketplace
http://www.cherylmalone.com/
541.941.1960

Remember, the first step in buying a home is to get pre-qualified on a home loan. Sellers do not like to deal with buyers who might not qualify. There are plenty of different options out there (even other 100% financing options). To do this, I recommend you call the BEST LENDER IN MEDFORD, OR:

DAVID DUBEAU - Loan Officer
Sterling Savings Bank
541.292.9663

Once you are pre-qualified, "Lets go shopping!"

As always, your comments are welcome!

First Time Homebuyers - The Best Way To Get Started In Searching For A Home

If you are a FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER and WANT TO BUY A HOUSE, then now is the time.  The process can be easy, much easier than in the past.  It is important that you work with someone you feel comfortable with.

First you should get pre-qualified for a loan.  There are many different loan programs available in today's market and a loan officer can help you select the best one for you. I have the best loan officer who can pre-qualify you over the phone. You will be surprised how much you can qualify for with today's record low interest rates.

Once you know what you can afford, it is time to figure out what is most important to you in a home.  This will be the basis of your search.  I can search different criteria, so this will help find you the best house for your money.

Looking on the internet yourself, can help educate you to what is available... but many of the homes you will find might be short sales and have pending offers in on them.

I can narrow your search to only available properties for you to see, this helps in some of the frustration that most buyers experience when searching for themselves.  I am also alerted to any new listings the day they come on the market. 

So, If you WANT TO BUY A HOUSE and WANT TO WORK WITH THE BEST REAL ESTATE AGENTin the Rogue Valley, give me a call.  I can get you pre-qualified and we can start looking the same day !  So, Let's go shopping !

Servicing Medford, Jacksonville, Central Point, Eagle Point, Talent, Phoenix, White City, Sams Valley, Rogue River and Wimer.

Cheryl Malone
Real Estate Broker
Windermere Investors Marketplace
541-951-1960

http://www.cherylmalone.com/

Looking for a LIST OF FORECLOSURES in MEDFORD, OREGON ?

Looking for a LIST OF FORECLOSURES in MEDFORD, OREGON ?

Most people's idea of a FORECLOSURE is a beat up old house that needs loads of work.  This is not always the case, especially in today's market.  I can give you a LIST of FORECLOSURES that the previous owners spent time and money upgrading and are a great deal at today's prices.

If you would like a LIST of FORECLOSURES in the ROGUE VALLEY including MEDFORD, CENTRAL POINT, JACKSONVILLE, EAGLE POINT, WHITE CITY, SAMS VALLEY, ROGUE RIVER or WIMER you have come to the right place.

I can search any of these locations and email you a LIST of FORECLOSURES in your price range.  You will be surprised at what your money can buy today.

This LIST of FORECLOSURES will include pictures and all the details you will want to know... call me at 541-951-1960 and your list is on it's way !

Cheryl Malone
Real Estate Broker
Windermere Investors Marketplace
541-951-1960

http://www.cherylmalone.com/

Investment Properties - Jackson County, Medford, Ashland, Jacksonville, and Southern Oregon: Investors Are Moving In

Investment Properties - Jackson County, Medford, Ashland, Jacksonville, and Southern Oregon:
Investors Are Moving In!

Distressed properties are everywhere on the market, and housing affordability has jumped to levels not seen in 20 years.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) / Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) for the fourth quarter 2010, reveals that 73.9 percent of all new and existing homes sold were affordable to families earning the national median income of $64,400.

How To Find Deals:

(Call me for a list of Foreclosures/Bank Owned Properties & Short Sales)  I will send them to you by email and you will be able to view all the details along with pictures of the property.

The Realtor you are working with should be able to show you all of the distressed properties on the market. If you are not working with a Realtor yet, or having problems with your current one you are working with, call me - I would love to help!

Here is a great place to start looking:
1) Foreclosures, or REO's (bank owned)
2) Short Sales
3) Other properties that are discounted like fixers (or fixer-uppers) for example.

These homes all usually have deeply discounted prices and are great to invest in!

If you have any questions, contact:

CHERYL MALONE - Realtor
Windermere Investors Marketplace
541.951.1960
http://www.cherylmalone.com/

Remember, the first step in buying a home is to get pre-qualified on a home loan. Sellers do not like to deal with buyers who might not qualify. There are plenty of different options out there (even other 100% financing options) so just call:

DAVID DUBEAU
Loan Officer
541.292.9663
www.DavidDuBeau.net

Once you are pre-qualified, "Let's go shopping"!

Should I Buy A House Right Now? Are There 100% Financing Options To Buy A House?

Should I Buy A House Right Now?  

The short answer?  YES!

The best time to buy is when things are on discount and now more than ever before things are CHEAP.   

What that means is that buyers CAN afford to buy houses right now.

Lenders are lending money.

Now is the best time to buy a house… low interest rates and low housing prices… now is the time !

David DuBeau is still closing loans and still has many 100% financing options, "First Time Home Buyer" programs, and other products all the way to your normal conventional loans.  I always recommend you should check with us if you are wanting to buy a house right now.

CHERYL MALONE – Real Estate Broker

Windermere Investors Marketplace

541.951.1960

www.CherylMalone.com

DAVID DUBEAU – Loan Officer

541.292.9663

541.608.2161

www.DavidDuBeau.net

Remember, the first step to take if you want to buy a house is to get pre-qualified on a home loan. Sellers do not like to deal with buyers who might not qualify. There are plenty of different options out there (even other 100% financing options)

Once you are pre-qualified, "Lets go shopping!"

OTHER RELATED BLOGS:

Are you on the fence about buying a home?

http://sellingoregonhomes.blogspot.com/2011/03/are-you-on-fence-about-buying-house.html

What are closing costs?

http://sellingoregonhomes.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-are-closing-costs-when-buying-home.html

What is the difference between a Forecosure, REO, and Short Sale?

http://daviddubeau.blogspot.com/2011/02/difference-between-foreclosure-and.html

What kind of credit do I need to buy a home?

http://sellingoregonhomes.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-kind-of-credit-or-what-credit.html

What Are Closing Costs (When Buying A Home)? What Costs Are Included?

Getting pre-qualified and being approved for a mortgage are only part of the financial responsibility of buying a home.  As a buyer you should know and expect what to pay at closing - called closing costs.

Here is a list of common closing costs that you are almost guaranteed to see every time:

1. Down Payment: This ranges from 0 down 100% financing, to anywhere from 3.5% down upwards of 20+%. This is up to you and the loan program you choose and/or are approved for.

2. Credit Report: The first step in qualifying for a mortgage is checking your credit. You generally must pay to view your credit score, and this usually costs around $7 - $20 (per person).  The lender that I work with, David DuBeau does not charge this upfront fee.

3. Home inspection: Costing around $300 - $500, a home inspection is always recommended but not always required. Even new homes (as we teach in our home buying classes) can have faults from horrible work. Your contract can leave you an out if something is wrong as well. 

4. Loan Origination and Points: You can pay points in order to get a lower interest rate, but you do not have to and your loan officer should not charge them unless it is talked over with you first. Please see my other blog about this. An origination fee is the cost of doing business with the lender doing your loan. David DuBeau is very good at making sure you do not get overcharged.

5. Appraisal: An appraisal costs around $400 - $500 depending on the type of loan and property. This is usually the only fee collected from the lender up front and usually a credit card or check is collected to hold. If the closing costs are being paid for by the seller, then the card/check will not be charged/cashed upfront, or at all when the seller pays.

6. Title Insurance and other 3rd party fees: There are other charges that vary based on the purchase price and loan amount like title insurance, government, and notary fees etc. Your lender will always provide a good faith estimate of your expected settlement costs. There are other costs associated with closings to be sure but the good faith estimate will cover them for you.

7. Property taxes:  Some lenders require that the property taxes be collected on a monthly basis (impounded).  The lender will then make the property tax payment to insur that it is kept current.  Therefore, several months (usually 6 months) worth of impounds are collected at the time of escrow closing.

In this "buyers market" it is very easy to get the seller to pay for your closing costs, so keep that in mind!  This is why you should have the BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT AND LOAN OFFICER working for you.

Getting prequalified for a home loan is quick, free, and easy.  I always recommend to call THE BEST LOAN OFFICER IN MEDFORD, OREGON:  David DuBeau 541-292-9663 at Sterling Savings Bank.  He has many different loan programs available including 100% financing.   

Then, call THE BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT IN MEDFORD, OREGON:

CHERYL MALONE  - Real Estate Broker

Windermere Investors Marketplace

541-951-1960

www.CherylMalone.com

Get USDA 100% Financing Loans w/ the Best Real Estate Agent and Loan Officer in Rogue Valley Oregon

A USDA Guaranteed Home Loan is a government insured 100% purchase loan. There is no required mortgage insurance with this loan which makes it even more affordable!

This means that you can literally buy a home with 0 down, 100% financing, and even have the seller pay your closing costs if you have the BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT AND BEST LOAN OFFICER working for you!

These USDA loans are offered in specific areas, but you would be amazed at how many areas actually qualify for this loan.

The only areas that have SLIGHT restrictions on where your house can be located is in main congested areas. Most of the areas in Jackson County, Southern Oregon or the Rogue Valley pretty much qualify (there are some spots that may not - Call us for a map).

THE BEST thing you can do is contact us and we can give you a link to check if the address of the home you want qualifies for the 100% financing or not.   If not, there may be other programs that you qualify for.

We can also prequalify you for the loan - and just a heads up, David can still close loans in only 2-3 weeks!

If you are looking to buy in any of these areas:  Medford, Central Point, Jacksonville, Eagle Point, Talent, Phoenix, Ashland, Jackson County, Rogue River,  Wimer  and Sams Valley or anywhere on the West Coast for that matter then I would love to help.

If you need a home to buy, or a home loan, I suggest you call THE BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT AND LOAN OFFICER IN MEDFORD, OR   and... "LETS GO SHOPPING!"

CHERYL MALONE
Real Estate Broker/Realtor
Windermere Investors Marketplace
Cell:  541.951.1960
www.CherylMalone.com

DAVID DUBEAU
Loan Officer
Cell:    541.292.9663
Direct: 541.608.2161
http://www.daviddubeau.net/

Remember, the first step in buying a home or refinancing is to get pre-qualified on a home loan! Sellers do not like to deal with buyers who might not qualify. There are plenty of different options out there (even other 100% financing options) As always, your comments are welcome

USDA 100% Home Loan Financing by using Best Real Estate Agent & Loan Officer in Rogue Valley

A USDA Guaranteed Home Loan is a government insured 100% purchase loan. There is no required mortgage insurance with this loan which makes it even more affordable!

This means that you can literally buy a home with 0 down, 100% financing, and even have the seller pay your closing costs if you have the BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT AND BEST LOAN OFFICER working for you!

These USDA loans are offered in specific areas, but you would be amazed at how many areas actually qualify for this loan.

The only areas that have SLIGHT restrictions on where your house can be located is in main congested areas. Most of the areas in Jackson County, Southern Oregon or the Rogue Valley pretty much qualify (there are some spots that may not - Call us for a map).

THE BEST thing you can do is contact us and we can give you a link to check if the address of the home you want qualifies for the 100% financing or not.   If not, there may be other programs that you qualify for.

We can also prequalify you for the loan - and just a heads up, David can still close loans in only 2-3 weeks!

If you are looking to buy in any of these areas:  Medford, Central Point, Jacksonville, Eagle Point, Talent, Phoenix, Ashland, Jackson County, Rogue River,  Wimer  and Sams Valley or anywhere on the West Coast for that matter then I would love to help.

If you need a home to buy, or a home loan, I suggest you call THE BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT AND LOAN OFFICER IN ROGUE VALLEY, OR   and... "LETS GO SHOPPING!"

CHERYL MALONE

Real Estate Broker/Realtor

Windermere Investors Marketplace

Cell:  541.951.1960

www.CherylMalone.com

DAVID DUBEAU

Loan Officer

Cell:    541.292.9663

Direct: 541.608.2161

www.DavidDuBeau.net

Remember, the first step in buying a home or refinancing is to get pre-qualified on a home loan! Sellers do not like to deal with buyers who might not qualify. There are plenty of different options out there (even other 100% financing options) As always, your comments are welcome

Are You Looking For A VA Home Loan? VA Home Loan Rates

If you looking for a VA HOME LOAN and VA HOME LOAN RATES you have come to the right place.

A VA Home Loan is one of the best home loans you can get when you buy a home and the rates are incredible!

The rates in the housing market can change sometimes 2-3 times a day, and it is common to do so. The VA HOME LOAN RATES are usually lower than the rest of the lenders home loan rates out there.

If you are looking to find where the rates are at and you want a professional to talk to who SPECIALIZES in these types of loans, then contact THE BEST LOAN OFFICER IN MEDFORD, OR:

DAVID DUBEAU
541.292.9663
541.608.2161
http://www.daviddubeau.net/

David DuBeau, having also served in the ARMY for 6 years, has now done home loans for over 7 years and VA Loans are his specialty among his many products.
He knows how to help and take care of your needs.
He can still close in 2-3 weeks on average as well!

Once you are prequalified for a home loan then call THE BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT IN MEDFORD, OR:

CHERYL MALONE
541.951.1960
http://www.cherylmalone.com/

And "Lets Go Shopping!"
You will be one step closer to your dream home when you have the BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT and THE BEST LOAN OFFICER working for you!  Service you won't be disappointed in !
We service the Rogue Valley including Medford, Jacksonville, Central Point, Talent, Phoenix, Eagle Point, White City, Sams Valley, Gold Hill, Rogue River and Wimer Oregon.

How To Create Equity In Your Home, Investment Or Fixer-Upper !

When you are trying to create equity in a home by making improvements, here are some tips and things that can help.

***NOTE- "What is equity?"  It is the difference between what you owe on a property, and what it is worth.

Example: If you have a property worth $200,000 but only owe $150,000 then you have $50,000 in equity in the home. If you owe 0.00, then you have $200,000 in equity, make sense?

Keep in mind that almost all the improvements you do in your home can increase the value. But, if you are like most people, you want to spend the least amount of money while creating the most amount of value.

These things are traditionally known to create the most value in a home:

1) Increasing the size of living space- Since a home is valued at a dollar amount per square foot, increasing the square footage by adding another bedroom, bathroom, etc naturally increases the value.
2) Remodeling or Updating the Bathrooms and Kitchen- This is a great way to increase value and to help the home sell quicker as well, if that's the goal.
3) New Windows- Updating to energy saving windows not only increases monthly savings but increases the "curb appeal" of your home.
4) New Siding- Again, see the notes on windows as this is the same.

Remember, the first step in buying a home or refinancing is to get pre-qualified on a home loan! Sellers do not like to deal with buyers who might not qualify. There are plenty of different options out there (even other 100% financing options)

I recommend you talk to:

David DuBeau
Mortgage Loan Officer
541.292.9663
541.608.2161
www.DavidDuBeau.net

If you want to list your home or buy a home, then give me a call.  Now is a great time to move up and use your equity to buy a larger home.  Find out what your home is worth, no obligation.
Cheryl Malone
Windermere Investors Marketplace
www.CherylMalone.com
541-951-1960

Buy a Foreclosure - One Could Be Your Dream Home - Great Deals On Foreclosures - Medford, Oregon

With the amount of  FORECLOSURES  on the market there are some great deals out there right now.  If you are able to  BUY A FORECLOSURE , now is the time.  If you are looking for your dream home, you may now be able to afford it.

You don't need to buy a short sale to get a great buy in today's market.  There are plenty of regular home sales, along with FORECLOSURES (bank owned properties) to choose from.  In some cases values are
30%-50% less than they were in the peak of the real estate market.

Given the rock bottom prices and the record low interest rates, your dream home may just be a phone call away.  The low interest rates allow many buyers to afford much more home than they would if they wait.  Once interest rates rise, then you will qualify for less.

Real estate is still a solid investment, you must think long term.  Give me a call and we can get the process started.  It's easy and once you are prequalified... Let's go shopping!

If you want to BUY A FORECLOSURE you need to get prequalified... I work with a great loan officer who has many different programs available, including 100% financing.  Let's see which one is best for you!

Servicing the Rogue Valley including Medford, Jacksonville, Central Point, Eagle Point, Sams Valley, White City, Talent, Phoenix, Rogue River and Wimer Oregon.

Cheryl Malone
Real Estate Broker
Windermere Investors Marketplace
541-951-1960

www.CherylMalone.com

VA Home Loan Benefit - The IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan)

VA Home Loan Benefit - The IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan)

Many veterans do not understand one of the best benefits of their VA home loan. It is designed to allow you to lower your interest rate and monthly payments. It is called an IRRRL: Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan.

An IRRRL is a streamline refinance process which allows you to refinance without an appraisal to take advantage of a lower interest rate! There is minimal documentation needed and a long as your payments have been made on time you should be able to qualify.

These loans can be closed quickly and provide relief when it is needed in a down market.

If you want to lower your payments or interest rate on your VA loan, or to apply for a VA loan, call the Best Loan Officer in the Rogue Valley to discuss your options:

David DuBeau
541.292.9663
541.608.2161
www.DavidDuBeau.net

Once you are prequalified for a VA home loan:

Call The Best Realtor In The Rogue Valley,
Cheryl Malone at Windermere Investors Marketplace and "Lets Go Shopping"! 
541.951.1960  www.CherylMalone.com

OTHER RELATED BLOGS:
How Do I Use My VA Home Loan?
http://daviddubeau.blogspot.com/2011/02/va-home-loan-how-do-i-use-my-veteran-va.html
What is a "Preapproval Letter"?
http://daviddubeau.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-is-preapproval-letter-when-buying.html
Should I Buy A Home Right Now?
http://daviddubeau.blogspot.com/2011/02/should-i-buy-home-right-now-john.html
Is it cheaper to rent, or buy?
http://daviddubeau.blogspot.com/2011/02/it-is-cheaper-to-buy-than-rent-home.html

What is the difference between a Foreclosure, REO, and Short Sale?
http://daviddubeau.blogspot.com/2011/02/difference-between-foreclosure-and.html

How To Buy A Home In Medford with The Best Realtor in Southern Oregon

How to buy a home in Medford with The Best Realtor in the Rogue Valley and Southern Oregon...

The process of buying a home can seem daunting, but it is actually pretty simple! There are stages and different steps in the process, but to simplify it here is a short list:

1) Get prequalified or preapproved for a home loan. I recommend you do this by calling David DuBeau (see contact info below). In my opinion he is THE BEST LOAN OFFICER IN MEDFORD, OR!

2) Once you know what you are approved for, decide where you would like to find a home to live in, and what kind of a house you would like to live in (New, foreclosure, Stick Built, Manufactured, etc). If you need help, talk with Cheryl Malone (ME!) about what your thoughts are, or call and ask advice on what you should do.

At that point, "Lets Go Shopping"!

It really is that simple! There are other details to think about for sure, but any questions you have can be answered along the way by your loan officer and Realtor.

You can contact David for a prequalification or preapproval any way below. To talk to me about buying a home - look to the right of this blog, or, here is the best way to reach me as well:

Cheryl Malone (THE BEST REALTOR IN MEDFORD, OR!)
Windermere Investors Marketplace
C: 541.951.1960
www.CherylMalone.com

David DuBeau
Mortgage Loan Officer
C: 541.292.9663
O: 541.608.1800
david.dubeau@sterlingsavings.com
www.daviddubeau.net

Feel free to read some of my other blog posts if you have more questions and good luck in your search!
www.sellingoregonhomes.blogspot.com

What Kind Of Credit, Or What Credit Score Do I Need To Buy A Home?

David and I get asked a lot: "what kind of credit scores do I need to buy a home?", or "what kind of credit do you need to get into a home"?

Every loan program is different, and each loan also has different guidelines it follows on credit to buy a home. Some programs require 700+ credit scores while others can allow your score to go all the way down to a 380 believe it or not! It is all about what your report says, not the score itself when it comes to getting into a loan on a house.

It is possible that you may still qualify for a loan even though you have some of these issues in your past:

Divorce
Collections (even large medical collections)
Credit Card, car, or other debts
Foreclosure
Short Sale
Bankruptcy
Late payments

In our experience when a client checks and/or monitors their credit on their own can be confusing for them. What happens is that they will pull their credit and see their scores. Then, they will either feel defeated and not do anything, or, they will call us and ask to apply for a mortgage thinking they are ok. When we pull their credit it is a different score from what they originally saw - sometimes better or worse! The reason for this could be many things, just keep in mind that it is always better to ask the lender you are applying for a loan through as they are the decision maker anyways.

Here is a brief explanation and what often goes on in these situations:

There are 3 credit reporting agencies that report a credit score for you. Mortgages (home loans) are driven off of a "mid fico" score. What that means is your score, as applied to mortgages, will always be the middle of the 3 scores reported.

For example, if your 3 scores were 600, 700, and 800 then your mid fico (or credit score) would be 700.
When you check your credit, what can happen is sometimes only one credit reporting bureau is checked and people think that is their score! What if the one score you checked is the 600 score? Then you might think you need improvement when really you have a 700!

Another example is when you buy a car, they look at your "beacon" score. So sometimes people will say "I have "X" as a credit score, I just had my credit pulled". Car loans are driven off of a different score than home loans so when we check your credit... That's right, we pull a different score!

HERE IS THE BOTTOM LINE

You can bring in your credit report, and David can review it with you (if you pulled it yourself) and that's ok. But ultimately he is going to have to pull his own report anyway for the bank.

The best thing to do if you want to buy a home is to have him check your credit, let you know where you are at, what loan programs you qualify for, or, what needs to be done to get you there. We would love to help you with this.

Remember, the first step in buying a home is to get pre-qualified on a home loan! Sellers do not like to deal with buyers who might not qualify. There are plenty of different options out there (even other 100% financing options).  Give us a call, it's easy to get started - Let's check your CREDIT and get you started in BUYING A HOME.

Cheryl Malone -- Real Estate Broker
Windermere Investors Marketplace
541-951-1960
www.CherylMalone.com                                                                                         

David DuBeau  -- Loan Officer  Sterling Savings Bank
541.292.9663
541.608.2161
www.DavidDuBeau.net

Once you are pre-qualified, call Cheryl Malone and "Let's Go Shopping"!

VA Home Loan - How Do I Use My Veteran VA Home Loan Benefits?

I have worked with many VA buyers lately and have used, David DuBeau with Sterling Savings Bank as my loan officer.  Getting a home and a great loan for the veterans is easier than many people may think.
David DuBeau served in the military for 6 years total. After his tours ended he jumped into real estate and started doing home loans.

The VA home loan has a background and a name for itself as being a very good loan to get into (one of the best) but also used to be a hassle to apply for and get eligibility... But not anymore!
Having done over 200 VA home loans for veterans in 2010 alone, David DuBeau has arose as a specialist when it comes to VA home loans. He now knows them inside and out and has the ability to close them in a matter of weeks!

HOW TO APPLY FOR YOUR BENEFIT
You used to have to get your DD 214, fill out some paperwork, send it in to the VA and wait out your response for 30 days or so just to find out if you qualified for the loan and to receive your eligibility letter. You can see why everyone liked to "shy" away from these, especially loan officers that DO NOT UNDERSTAND these loans.

***NOTE: Never let a loan officer talk you into a FHA loan by telling you it is better than a VA loan! We hate hearing this and those loan officers need to be honest with you and admit they do not understand a VA loan!

Now, all you need with David DuBeau at Sterling Savings Bank Home Loans is to call and let him ask you a few questions about your service. They are set up online directly though the VA and can help you every step of the way.

Normally there is never a need for a DD 214, paperwork for you to bring in, etc and the turn times to see if you are eligible are within 24-48 hours!

Here are some major benefits to using your VA home loan:
1) 100% Financing
2) No mortgage insurance required!
3) Amazing rates for VA loans
4) Seller can pay your closing costs
5) Seller can also pay for the veterans bills to help qualify for the loan (if needed) or just take a slightly higher rate!
6) Your loan is guaranteed by the VA and if rates ever drop you can do a IRRRL refinance to lower the rate!
7) Possible financial assistance if you lose your job!

If you are a veteran, want to buy a home, want the best Realtor, hard working Real Estate Agent and great Loan Officer - then you have found the right team!

Here is David's information:
David DuBeau - Loan Officer
Sterling Savings Bank
541.292.9663
541.608.2161
www.DavidDuBeau.net

You may contact him directly to see what you can qualify for or contact me and we can set up an appointment to get you started.

Cheryl Malone - Real Estate Broker
Windermere Investors Marketplace
541-951-1960 - Cell

www.CherylMalone.com

Best Real Estate Agent in Medford Oregon - Cheryl Malone - Windermere Investors Marketplace

If you are thinking about buying or selling real estate in the Rogue Valley then you need to have the best Real Estate Agent working for you.

 

I believe in providing the BEST service possible to all of my clients.  Communication is key to any successful transaction.  All phone calls are returned promptly and you are never left in the dark.

While your property is listed with me, we work together to obtain the best possible sales price in today's market. I have a unique marketing plan for each and every property.

When you are ready to buy, it is not just a house you are looking for - it's a home.  By listening to your needs I can make that happen.

I have been in the real estate business since 1987... I am licensed in Oregon and California.  I have bought, managed, listed and sold many homes and apartments throughout my career.  I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

I service the Rogue Valley including Medford, Jacksonville, Central Point, Talent, Phoenix, Eagle Point, White City, Rogue River & Wimer Oregon.

Cheryl Malone - Service you won't be disappointed in!
541-951-1960

VA Home Loan - How Do I Use My Veteran VA Home Loan Benefits?

I have worked with many VA buyers lately and have used, David DuBeau with Sterling Savings Bank as my loan officer.  Getting a home and a great loan for the veterans is easier than many people may think.

David DuBeau served in the military for 6 years total. After his tours ended he jumped into real estate and started doing home loans.

The VA home loan has a background and a name for itself as being a very good loan to get into (one of the best) but also used to be a hassle to apply for and get eligibility... But not anymore!

Having done over 200 VA home loans for veterans in 2010 alone, David DuBeau has arose as a specialist when it comes to VA home loans. He now knows them inside and out and has the ability to close them in a matter of weeks!

HOW TO APPLY FOR YOUR BENEFIT

You used to have to get your DD 214, fill out some paperwork, send it in to the VA and wait out your response for 30 days or so just to find out if you qualified for the loan and to receive your eligibility letter. You can see why everyone liked to "shy" away from these, especially loan officers that DO NOT UNDERSTAND these loans.

***NOTE: Never let a loan officer talk you into a FHA loan by telling you it is better than a VA loan! We hate hearing this and those loan officers need to be honest with you and admit they do not understand a VA loan!

Now, all you need with David DuBeau at Sterling Savings Bank Home Loans is to call and let him ask you a few questions about your service. They are set up online directly though the VA and can help you every step of the way.

Normally there is never a need for a DD 214, paperwork for you to bring in, etc and the turn times to see if you are eligible are within 24-48 hours!

Here are some major benefits to using your VA home loan:

1) 100% Financing

2) No mortgage insurance required!

3) Amazing rates for VA loans

4) Seller can pay your closing costs

5) Seller can also pay for the veterans bills to help qualify for the loan (if needed) or just take a slightly higher rate!

6) Your loan is guaranteed by the VA and if rates ever drop you can do a IRRRL refinance to lower the rate!

7) Possible financial assistance if you lose your job!

If you are a veteran, want to buy a home, want the best Realtor, hard working Real Estate Agent and great Loan Officer – then you have found the right team!

Here is David’s information:

David DuBeau – Loan Officer

Sterling Savings Bank

541.292.9663

541.608.2161

www.DavidDuBeau.net

You may contact him directly to see what you can qualify for or contact me and we can set up an appointment to get you started.

Cheryl Malone – Real Estate Broker

Windermere Investors Marketplace

541-951-1960 – Cell

www.CherylMalone.com

How To Get Pre-Qualified or Pre-Approved For a Mortgage (Or Home Loan)

Working closely with a lender is an important part of my business.  I like to stay informed and help my clients understand everything about buying a home.  Many people have heard a lot of real estate terms, but don’t always know what they mean.  I asked a loan officer to help explain the initial qualification process for me.  This is what he had to say about Pre-Qualifing/Pre-Approvals:

This is a touchy topic these days with all the different regulations and laws that have come out. Everyone has to step lightly as to not get in trouble for saying the wrong things that could be taken as misleading or misguiding.


Take for example the words pre-qualification, and pre-approval. As a loan officer, you are not allowed to market a "Pre-Approval" anymore because "Approval" indicates you just approved a person for a specific loan. Although loan officers can issue pre-approvals, it is not allowed on marketing materials because it simply cannot be done correctly until a borrower has picked out a property, and a full loan application has been made.


"Pre-Qualification" simply means to sit down and cover the very basics of getting a loan. This simply means that you are "Qualified" to apply for a mortgage and have high chances of obtaining a mortgage and so this is the lingo they want loan officers to use. This is what realtors and sellers want to see happen before you write an offer on a house. Once you have a letter from a lender they then begin to take you seriously.


This is good for you too. You need to know you qualify for a loan (mortgage) before you buy anyway. And after the process is complete the loan officer can tell you how much money you qualify for, what payment ranges will be, and also a lot more needed information that you might not realize you need to know.


The process usually should take only 10-15 minutes. You can fill out information online, over the phone, or in person. Most people love a in person meeting at their place of business because of fraud these days. 


What information a loan officer will need during the pre-qualification is your rough estimated income (gross- not after taxes!) to see what debt to income ratios you are at. He then talks to you about your overall credit situation, and then other details associated with each individual that may effect things like if you have any money to put down, etc. Every transaction is different and it is best at this point to be very open and give all the information you can.


After you sit and talk, your loan officer should be able to tell you what loan programs you qualify for or if there are any challenges you need to overcome before looking for a home. But, if you do qualify, your loan officer should issue a letter for you to give to your realtor to put an offer in on a home you love!

If you want to do this, contact David:

David DuBeau – Loan Officer

Sterling Savings Bank

541-292-9663

541-608-2161

www.DavidDuBeau.net

Once you're pre-approved, "Let's Go Shopping!"   Shopping for a home has never been easier.  I can send you information via email so you can preview many homes from your computer.  Then, you can select which ones that best fit your criteria and then we see those in person.   We can have you in a home sometimes in less than 30 days.

For a list of properties, give me a call:

Cheryl Malone – Real Estate Broker

Windermere Investors Marketplace

541-951-1960

www.CherylMalone.com

Remember, the first step in buying a home is to get pre-qualified on a home loan! 

Sellers do not like to deal with buyers who might not qualify. There are plenty of different options out there (even up to 100% financing). 

So get the best Realtor / Real Estate Agent and Loan Officer in Medford and the Rogue Valley working for you today.

When is it a good time to make a good first impression?

Always.  In this market many homeowners are anxious to sell their homes.  Like most people, they too want to get top dollar for their home. 

Buying a home is an emotional time for many buyers, especially 1st time homebuyers.  When they walk into a house, they want it to feel like a "home" - their home.  Therefore, it is very important for sellers to prepare their home to grab the attention/emotion of the buyers.  If done right, it can have a very positive result.

It starts with decluttering, rearranging and cleaning.  Every detail should be addressed.  You will be surprised at the difference this will make.  If you have a budget that can afford it, you should bring in a stager or decorator.  You may be able to get someone for a few hours to give you advise on colors or furniture arrangements.  This will be money well spent.  You will sell your house faster and probably get closer to asking price if it shows well.

Remember, you need to have a good first impression and then build from there.

Call me if you are interested in this type of marketing approach.  I have people I work with that can help us get you on the road to selling your home.

Servicing Medford, Jacksonville, Central Point, White City, Phoenix, Talent, Eagle Point and Sams Valley Oregon.

Cheryl Malone
541-951-1960

Investment Property - It's A Great Deal - Invest In Your Future

If you are thinking about investing in rental property... now is the time.  In addition to purchasing a home for your primary residence, one should consider purchasing a rental property too.  It is not as scary as it might seem. 

Once you have decided that this might be an option, you should contact a local realtor in your area to find out what kind of property would best suit your needs.  Some people prefer an apartment building (2+ units) and some prefer a single family residence.  After deciding on which type of property you feel most comfortable with (they each have an advantage), ask your realtor to refer you to a property management company that is reliable.  Set up an appointment and interview several to get a feel for what services they offer.

Single family homes are nice because you have only one tenant to deal with.  These tenants seem to have a sense of "pride of ownership" and may take better care of your property (although that is not always the case!).  Multifamily units (2 or more units) can have more of a turnover, but when you do have a tenant move, the loss of rent is a fraction of what it would be on a single family home.  Ask your property managerand Realtor what they have experienced in your area.

According to AXIOMetrics, an apartment market research firm in Dallas, said last year was one of the best periods for landlords over the past 15 years and may mark a turning point in the short term.  With supply in demand, rental properties are a good investment.

You can manage the property yourself, if you feel comfortable doing so... keep in mind that you must know the local rental laws and codes in your area.  If you prefer, you can hire a property management company and they will handle everything for you for a monthly fee.

I have had many, many years managing rental property for myself and others.  It can be a very rewarding experience, if handled right.  Other advantages include tax deductions and appreciation on the value of the property.

If you have any questions or think you would like to take the plunge... give me a call.

Cheryl Malone

541-951-1960

Check out my other blogs:
www.sellingoregonhomes.blogspot.com

How much down payment do I need to buy a home?

If you want to buy a home you may not need a down payment.  Down payments usually vary from zero to 20% of the purchase price.

If you are a veteran or are buying a rural property, you may very well need no money down.  This is a good thing for some people, as they certainly can affort the monthly house payment, but don't have the funds for a down payment.

There is FHA finanincing which allows for a small down payment, usually 3.5% of the purchase price.  Most people fall into this catagory.

If you would like to reduce your monthly payment amount, you can put more money down or pay additional points to buy down the interest rate.

Most investors are required to put 20%-25% down in today's market.

There are many different loan programs out there, so the best thing to do is call a loan officerto see which one best fits your circumstance.  Keep in mind some of the ads you see on the Internet are "teaser rates" and you need to be aware that those rates usually increase at some point.  I personally like the the "fixed rate" loans, then there are no surprises.

So, the first step is to call a loan officer... I know two great ones in my area.  David and Micah DuBeau work for Sterling Savings Bank in Medford, Oregon, they are the best.  They can prequalify you over the phone.  You will be surprised at what you might qualify for.

Then once you know how much you can spend on a home, give your realtor a call... I know a great one in Medford Oregon... me.  I can then guide you through the process of buying a home... you will be glad you did.

We both serve Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, Central Point, Jacksonville, Talen, Phoenix, Sams Valley, Eagle Point, White City, Shady Cove, Rogue River and the surrounding areas.

Look forward to talking with you !

Cheryl Malone
541-951-1960

ARE YOU ON THE FENCE ABOUT BUYING A HOUSE?

If you are thinking about buying a home, NOW is the time.  If you are on the fence, it's time to get off and jump into the backyard of your new home !  With real estate prices being as low as they are today and the interest rates being at a historical low you will be amazed at what what you can afford.

You will get so much more for your money right now.  If you wait much longer, the prices will go up and/or the interest rates will go up.  If either one of those things happens, you will have lost thousands of dollars... you know why - a penny saved is a penny earned.  If you buy now you get in on the ground floor, then when prices increase - guess what - you just made thousands of dollars.

People don't realize that when the interest rates go up, you end up paying thousands and thousands of more dollars in interest over the life of the loan.  Every little bit of a percent that they go up and every month/year that there is appreciation in the real estate market is money that can or cannot be benefiting you.

So, if you want to buy a house in Medford, Jacksonville, Central Point, Eagle Point, Talent, Phoenix, Sams Valley or White City Oregon - then give me a call. 

We can get you off the fence and into a home with a nice backyard!

Cheryl Malone
541-951-1960

Habitat For Humanity - How You Can Help

You might have heard of Habitat for Humanity before so I have included a link to their site. They raise money to build homes. As a realtor, I feel that homeownership is very important.

This is what it says on their website...

"Habitat for Humanity International is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat and its homeowner families have built or rehabilitated more than 400,000 houses. A nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing ministry, Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build together in partnership." I have been volunteering for them and it is a really great organization.

There are several different ways you can help.

* You can help build the homes... even if you have no construction experience, there are things for you to help with - so don't let that stop you.

* You can volunteer in their "ReStore"... which is where they sell new and used donated building supplies to raise money for their projects.

* You can donate money... which is always needed.

It is a great way to help people in your community... give it a try.

Here is the link to their website.

www.habitat.org/cd/giving/lander/lander.aspx?st=My8xMi8yMDExIDI6MTk6MTUgUE0%3d&media=GooglePd&source_code=DHQOQ1008W1GGL&keyword=brand&tgs=My8xMi8yMDExIDI6MTk6MTUgUE0%3d

Want to buy a home with no money down?

If you want to buy a house with no money down, you have come to the right place.  Luckily, there are programs out there that allow 100% financing.

Many people today have lost their retirement investments or equity in their homes, but still make enough money to afford a house payment.  There are many benefits to owing a home like tax deductions, pride of ownership and appreciation in value.  With todays interest rates and low home prices, it is a great time to take advantage of these 100% financing programs.

If you are a veteran you may qualify for a 100% financed VA loan.  There is also a 100% financing USDA program for rurual properties.  Both of these programs allow for the seller to pay a portion of your closing costs.  How much better can that get?

So, give me a call and we can see if you can fit into one of these programs.  A new home is just a phone call away !

Cheryl Malone

541-951-1960

What To Look For In A Property Manager.

Are you thinking of hiring a property management company to handle your rental property?  How do you pick a good property manager?

I have had rental property most of my life.  I had worked as a property manager for many years.  Here are 10 things that one should consider when hiring a property manager.

1-Do they return your calls in a timely manner?
2-Do they give you copies of workorders and receipts for repairs?
3-Do they get more than one estimate on repairs?
4-Do they use a handyman whenever necessary instead of a contractor?
5-Do they do routine inspections or drivebys?
6-Do they check for hazards, leaves on the roof, unkept yards, or potential problems?
7-Will they take a picture of the property and send it to you?
8-How/where do they advertise your vacancy?
9-Are they raising the rents to keep up with the market?
10-Are they notifiing you if the rent is not collected on time?

These are all important aspects of property management.  These items should be part of their monthly serive fee.  Don't let them collect their fee and then charge you for inspections & time getting work done - those should be part of their job.

A good property manager can make or break your investment.  Don't be afraid to ask questions or check on what services they are providing.

http://www.cherylmalone.com/

Veterans Helping Veterans - First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit - VA Loans

I had this article published in one of our local papers today...

Exciting News For Veterans

Windermere Investors Marketplace in Medford and Jacksonville has teamed up with David and Micah DuBeau of Sterling Savings Bank to let the veterans know that many of them may still be eligible for the $8,000 or $6,500 First Time Home Buyer tax credit.

These credits have been extended to members of the military and certain other federal employees serving outside of the U.S. on qualified extended duty service for at least 90 days during the period beginning after December 31, 2008 and ending before May 1, 2010. However, to take advantage of these credits, an eligible taxpayer must purchase, or enter into a binding contract to purchase, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2011.  The eligible taxpayer then has until June 30, 2011 to close on the purchase.

This is an enormous benefit to our veterans! We do not feel there has been enough media coverage which is why we are trying to get the word out as the window of opportunity is about to close.

There are many financing options available to eligible veterans including 100% loans.  They are easy to apply for and the process has been streamlined.  Often eligibility can be determined within 48 hours, it's easy.  No DD-214 is required.  David and Micah are veterans, having recently served in Iraq themselves and they take pride in serving their fellow veterans.

When you combine a 100% VA loan, a Realtor that negotiates the seller paying their closing costs, a low priced foreclosure home, and an $8,000 tax credit - things get exciting.  Interest rates are at a historical low... it's a great time to buy.  We want all the veterans to experience The American Dream, homeownership.   We would like every eligible veteran to have the chance to take advantage of this great opportunity.  Veterans should check with their tax advisor regarding eligibility.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Malone  541-951-1960
Windermere Investors Marketplace

David DuBeau  541-608-1800
Micah DuBeau  541-608-2161
Sterling Savings Bank

Are You Looking Out And Saving For Your Future?

When most people think about that question, they usually think about how much money they have in their savings or retirement account.  I think it is really hard for people to put money in the bank and leave it alone.  It is very hard to "save" for the future that way.

There is a better way to save, which still requires some restraint.  Buying a home... and NOT REFINANCING.  Once you buy your home, leave it alone... let the equity build.  You are going to need it one day, when you are old/older.  Is social security going to be there for you?  If so, is it enough?  Probably not. 

My way is a simple and easy way to save - if you keep your hands out of the pot!  Another thing people don't think about doing is paying an additional $100 per month towards the principle on their mortgage.  Don't put that $100 in the bank... include it with your mortgage payment as principle only and at the end of 10 years you will have brought your loan balance down by $12,000.  Wow, that is money in the bank - that you can't touch until you REALLY need it.  How many of you can have $12,000 in the bank and not touch it?  Be honest... not that many.

Food for thought - money in the bank actually!

If you want to buy a house... give me a call - you will be glad you did.

Cheryl Malone
541-951-1960

www.sellingoregonhomes.blogspot.com

Craigslist and eBay - How To Get Rid Of Stuff.

Do you know how to get rid of all that stuff you don't want to take with you when you move?  These days the answer could be only a click away.

Craiglist is great for finding a home for the larger items around your house.  It is very easy to post something on this site, all you need is an email address.  It is helpful if you take pictures of your items, as most people want to see what they are buying before they make a trip out to your house.  You can attach up to four pictures of your item. 

Remember when taking pictures for the Internet, don't make the picture size to large.  It will take to long to load them and some files will not be transferred at all.  You can set your camera to a smaller pixel size or resize them once you load them on your computer.

eBay is another great place to sell smaller items.  It is easy once you set up your account and it is helpful if you have a Paypal account too.  You canset up an auction for your item or just set a fixed price with a "Buy It Now".  You are charged a fee to list the item and then if it sells they charge you another fee.  But, it is worth it.  You would be amazed at what people are looking for and buy on eBay. 

You can actually set up an account with the shipping companies and do all of your shipping from home.  You can use UPS, FEDEX, and United States Post Office.  All you need is a scale and some sticky labels.  This is the best part, you don't have to go down to the post office to mail something that you sold for $5, you just do it from your house and drop it off in the mail box at the corner.  How easy is that.

So, if you are thinking about moving or just want to clean out your "stuff" (everyone has stuff) then consider these options.  You will be surprised at how the $$$$ add up.

Check out my other blogs:  http://www.sellingoregonhomes.blogspot.com/

Want To Sell Your Home Fast? What You Can Do To Help.

What can I do to sell my home faster?  This is a question that most sellers should be asking their agents and themselves.  Besides pricing it competitively, there are several things that the seller can do to increase their chances of a fast sale.   You have to remember - you market your home differently than you live in your home.   

With so many homes for buyers to choose from right now, you have to make your home stand out from the rest. There are many ways to do this.

1-    You can hire someone to come in and “Stage” your home.  This entails rearranging your furniture to make the home look more spacious, de-cluttering, putting away personal items, changing lighting, art and paint as needed.  The Staging concept has been very effective in most cases.  This service could run anywhere from $500 on up depending on what is needed.

2-    If you can’t afford someone to Stage your home, then there are several low cost things you can do to help.  The most important is de-cluttering.  You are planning on moving, so go ahead and start packing up what you don’t need right now.  They say you should pack up about half of your belongings and store them in the garage.  If you have a lot of stuff in the closets and on shelves, etc. it gives the appearance that there is not enough storage in the home.

3-    Another thing you should do is put away most/all of your family pictures and personal items on your desk, dresser, counters and bathroom sink.  When buyers walk in they start looking at all your stuff (its human nature) and don’t really visualize themselves living in the house.

4-    Paint is a wonderful thing… it’s not too expensive and is easy to do.  It really makes a difference in the appearance of a “well kept house”.

5-    Cleaning is one of the most overlooked things that should be done.  Clean your mini blinds, ceiling fan blades, light switch covers, baseboards, etc.  A good spring cleaning any time of the year is a must.  The only thing it costs is some “elbow grease” and you will really notice the difference.

These are only a few things you can do.  If you have some larger items you don’t want, try posting them on Craigslist – it is free.  Everyone is using the internet these days, so take advantage of it and put a few bucks in your pocket too.  The smaller items can be sold on eBay.  I have sold many things on eBay, so the possibilities are endless on what you can get rid of.  If you need help with eBay, let me know I can get you set up – it is pretty easy once you know how.

So, if you want to list your house for sale, give me a call and I can help get you get started on preparing your home for sale and getting top dollar.  Remember, you have to do something different then the rest to grab these buyers attention.  Make your house feel like a home and have an advantage over these distressed properties that are vacant and cold.  There are a lot of buyers that want to just move right in and your home could be the one for them!

Cheryl 541-951-1960