Quotables, for a little perspective....

What and how we act depends greatly on our chosen perspective. Here's something* I came across that really spoke to me. Hope it is good to you, too....

Wednesdays With Willie

"Wealth is the ability to fully experience life." ---Henry David Thoreau

COMMENT: This is a take on real wealth---the kind of wealth that makes life the journey it is meant to be. So, how do you fully experience life? Well, it starts with simple things such as smiling at a friend. But there is much, much more to experience if you set your sights high enough. To express gratitude is another way to bring joy to your life. Even in the tough times, there is always something important to be grateful for. To forgive past hurts is yet another path you can take. And now we come to the most rewarding way to fully experience life, and that is to give love away at every opportunity. This action alone will bring you the experience of a lifetime, and it will go on and on and on. You’ll end up wealthy in all kind of ways.



* courtesy of Tere Maurer at Director's Mortgage

Tips for Preparing Your Home for Winter

A home requires work. Some of us (ah hem) are not as handy as others....but, here's an article* I came across that has a good list of items to do to prep your home for winter.

Winter Home Prep
With the fall and winter months upon us, now is the time to do some routine maintenance around your home to prepare for the changing weather ahead. Taking the time to do some work now may save on some major expenses later. Some of these tasks can be performed by you, and some may need to be done by a professional.

Outside your home
1. Clear debris out of window wells, gutters, downspouts, and storm drains.
2. Remove garden hoses from spouts. Drain and store for the winter. Wrap spouts in insulation.
3. Drain in-ground sprinkler systems.
4. Check windows, doors, and siding for holes and cracks. Caulk as necessary.
5. Check weather stripping on windows and doors for fit and condition. Replace as necessary.
6. Inspect all soffit vents and other venting systems to make sure they're clear of debris.
7. Check painted surfaces for paint failure, water damage, or mildew. Repair or repaint if needed.
8. Check caulking where two different materials meet, where wood siding joins the foundation wall, at inside corners, and where the window and door trim meets the siding.
9. Check for broken or cracked glass and damaged screens or storm windows. Check for loose putty around glass panes. Repair glass if necessary.
10. Insulate outdoor faucets, pipes in unheated garages, and pipes in crawl spaces with materials such as rags or newspapers.

Inside your Home:
1. Have a heating professional check your heating system every year. Replace your furnace filter.
2. Woodburning stove connector pipes and chimneys should be inspected by a certified chimney sweep at least annually.
3. Make sure you have proper insulation in both your attic and basement. While checking your insulation, if you see any dark, dirty spots, it may indicate you have air leaks coming into your home.
4. Remove hair from drains in sinks, tubs, and showers.
5. Test all smoke alarms. Replace batteries as necessary.
6. Check your home around windows and doors for air leaks. An easy way to check for leaks is to move a lighter around the window or door frame and see if the flame moves with a breeze. If you find a leak, you can caulk it or you may have to replace the wood frame. Repairing these leaks can save you money on your energy bill during the cold months.
7. Check for water leaks on the ceiling. Repair if needed.
8. Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs.
9. Protect your home from frozen pipes. How to do this.
10. Test your emergency generator.



* info courtesty of The Home Warranty Group

What's Selling in Portland Today?

Up to $299,999
September 2008 vs. September 2009 | Variance
Avg Sale Price: $222,000 | $210,000 | ‐5%
# Closed Sales: 795 | 931 | 17%
Avg Days on Market: 69 | 73 | 6%
Active Listings: 5535 homes on the market
Absorption Rate: 5.9 months' supply

$300,000‐499,999
September 2008 vs. September 2009 | Variance
Avg Sale Price: $379,000 | $377,000 | ‐1%
# Closed Sales: 474 | 401 | ‐15%
Avg Days on Market: 76 | 78 | 3%
Active Listings: 3295 homes on the market
Absorption Rate: 8.2 months' supply

$500,000‐699,999
September 2008 vs. September 2009 | Variance
Avg Sale Price: $581,000 | $585,000 | 1%
# Closed Sales: 91 | 79 | ‐13%
Avg Days on Market: 89 | 111 | 25%
Active Listings: 1137 homes on the market
Absorption Rate: 14.4 months' supply

$700,000+
September 2008 vs. September 2009 | Variance
Avg Sale Price: $1,017,000 | $1,115,000 | 10%
# Closed Sales: 57 | 49 | ‐14%
Avg Days on Market: 95 | 109 | 15%
Active Listings: 1194 homes on the market
Absorption Rate: 24.4 months' supply

Rates for this weekend are GREAT!

Loan Type | Rate*

30 YR Fixed | 4.875%
15 YR Fixed | 4.375%
5/1 ARM | 3.75%
30 YR Fixed VA | 5.0%
30 YR Fixed FHA | 5.0%
5/1 FHA ARM | 3.75%
USDA 30 YR Fixed | 5.0%
30 YR Fixed Jumbo | 6.125%
5/1 Jumbo | 5.125%


Investor:
30 YR Fixed Investor (20% Down) | 5.75%
30 YR Fixed Investor (25% Down) | 5.375%



* rates courtesy of Wells Fargo

Real Estate News: Sales Up, Tax Credit, Oregon's Senator and More

Low rates, more sales.
Loan modifications and Washington: see how Oregon stands.
Mini Miami boom and overseas investors.
$8k tax credit specifics.

And more, check out specifics: realtytimes.com/