Salem Oregon Real Estate | Salem OR Homes for Sale | New 2 Salem

Salem Oregon Home Search Tips

2010-03-09T19:26:00Z

If you are in buying a Salem Oregon home, following these home search tips will make the process less overwhelming.

1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.

2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.

3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.

4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.

5. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move.

6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this Salem Oregon home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.

7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.

8. Get help from a REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment.

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Be Forewarned About Buying Salem Oregon Real Estate Foreclosures

2010-03-05T07:24:00Z

For many reasons this is a good time for potential home buyers to purchase Salem Oregon real estate, and the large number of foreclosed homes available holds the promise of bargain prices.

Too good to be true? Perhaps. Buyers of foreclosed property, especially if it has been unoccupied and not maintained for some time, must be acutely aware of possible problems and trouble spots involved in such a sale and may have to realistically face some unpleasant facts. As Vince Mastronardi, president of On-Site Specialty Cleaning and Restoration, observes, “Buyers need to educate themselves about the potential pitfalls of purchasing distressed property. It’s not so much what damage occurred, but the sources of that damage and how long before the problem was addressed.”

A cautious buyer should look for signs which indicate that all is not well with a piece of Salem Oregon real estate.

        1. The presence of mold. Once mold takes hold, it is almost impossible to get rid of. Look for places which have been excessively painted in an attempt to cover up mold.

        2. Lack of heat for months in a home not properly winterized. Result? Burst pipes and water damage.

        3. Hints of water damage. Peeling, bubbling, or discolored paint may occur as a result of moisture. Other evidence of water damage includes swelling in walls/ceilings, stains, and a musty odor.

        4. Blocked drains or pipes may lead to sewage problems.

        5. Evidence of vandalism or break-ins. Signs of such activity include holes punched in walls and broken windows. Theft of appliances, fixtures, air conditioning/heating units, pipes, and electrical wiring is also of concern. Were the stolen items properly removed or carelessly ripped from their location?

        6. Indications of furnace malfunction or soot damage. Telltale signs include black cobwebs, greasy grey residue on walls, or an oily odor.

        7. Renovations in an older home. You would be wise to check to see if permits were issued. Was the work performed by a professional? Does it conform to required Salem Oregon real estate building codes? Was asbestos disturbed during construction?

        8. Debris dumped in the yard. You will be required to remove such refuse in a timely (and possibly expensive) manner.

        9. Occupation by uninvited critters. Wild animals often live in abandoned structures. Look for snakes, rodent infestation, and unexpected “nests.”

Obviously, you must insist on a thorough inspection of your Salem Oregon real estate to avoid buying a badly flawed foreclosure filled with unpleasant and costly surprises. Be sure to request air quality and surface testing; it is well worth the little extra it costs. You should also inquire about any corrections that have been made to address damages and talk to the company who performed the repairs.

By diligently doing your homework and actively anticipating problems, you may just find the foreclosure which fits your needs and is indeed a bargain!

How You Can Save Down Payment for Your Salem Oregon Home

2010-03-02T19:21:00Z

This is a great time to think about buying a Salem Oregon home. Salem Oregon home prices have dropped and interest rates are at all time lows. The biggest hurdle for many home buyers is saving money for a down payment.

Here are 25 things to do on a regular basis to save money:

1.   Make it automatic. Before you see your paycheck, have a percentage of it automatically deposited into your 401(k) and savings.

2.   Keep minimum funds in checking account. Transfer extra funds into your savings account where it will earn more interest than in our checking account.

3.   Don’t pay banking fees! Use your bank’s free bill pay, automatic deposits, free checks, and free reimbursements for all ATM fees.

4.   Use rewards credit cards. Use a credit card offering cash back on every purchase and pay the card off each month to eliminate interest fees.

5.   Actively search out deals. It never hurts to try and find a better deal, or request a better deal from your service providers.

6.   Use a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats save you an estimated 10-20% on your heating and cooling bills.

7.   Use ceiling fans, floor fans, and space heaters. Turn your thermostat down, close the doors to unused rooms and use a space heater for heat. Use ceiling fans and floor fans to assist with heating and cooling - depending on the season of course!

8.   Install CFLs to save energy. Compact fluorescent lights use about a quarter of the electricity of normal incandescent bulbs. They also need replaced much less often.

9.   Drive smoothly. Accelerate smoothly and at a reasonable rate, and coast to a stop as often as possible. Also use cruise control on the highway. My car is rated to get 26 mpg around town and I regularly get 29. You can also use these tips to save money on gas, and use gas rewards credit cards to save money on fuel costs.

10.   Plan and research major purchases. Take the time to research the best deals when planning a vacation.

11.   Buy quality products. Quality items may cost more up front, but they last longer and generally provide better results than cheaper, inferior products. Examples of items you should buy higher quality - furniture, clothes and shoes, vehicles, and other items that will see a lot of use.

12.   Buy generic where applicable. You can save a lot of money on generic items for which the brand name product is essentially the same as the store brand. Food and medicines come to mind as items where generic products are good deals.

13.   Use coupons and rebates. Use coupons for oil changes, groceries, books, on-line purchases, and just about anything else we can find.

14.   Use store rewards cards. Many grocery stores have their own ‘reward cards’ saving you money each time your shop. If you are a senior, shop on designated senior citizen discount days.

15.   Cook at home. Limit restaurant dining to once a month.

16.   Eat leftovers. You can save a minimum of $20 a week by bringing your lunch to work. It is also healthier. On the rare occasion you go out to lunch with coworkers, you’ll enjoy it more.

17.   Use the library. Borrow books and movies from the library. New movie releases aren’t always available, but there are usually plenty of classics from the 40s and 50s.

18.   Use parks. They are great for hiking and outdoor recreation.

19.   Take care of things. Treat the tings you own with respect and take good care of them. This includes doing things such as cleaning the house, washing your cars, and polishing shoes. Things last much longer when you take good care of them.

20.   Buy insurance. Health insurance, home owner’s insurance, auto insurance, and other types of insurance are designed to save you money! Sure, you may end up paying premiums for years and never file a claim, but in the event you need to file a claim, your premium will likely be small compared to what you would have had to pay. You’ll be very happy if you ever need it!

21.   Bundle cable and internet. You can save a lot of money by bundling these together rather than purchasing the separately. You can save more if you bundle your phone as well.

22.   Use cell phones - skip the landline. Depending on your plan, it can be a real cost saving.

23.   Cancel subscriptions. Almost everything you want can be found on-line for free.

24.   Home improvement. Try making your own repairs before calling a professional.

25.   Avoid debt. If you don’t have the money for it, don’t buy it.

Saving money and watching your savings account grow is a rewarding experience…especially if it can help you purchase a Salem Oregon home of your own.

Learn more about buying a home at FindSalemHomes.com or give us a call for more personal service.

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Salem Oregon Foreclosure Statistics - January 2010

2010-02-26T14:35:00Z

There has been a rising trend in Salem Oregon foreclosures in the past six months. Let's take a look at January statistics in both Marion and Polk counties to understand the local foreclosure situation.

January 2010 Salem Oregon Foreclosure Statistics

Number of foreclosed homes:

Polk County: 457
Marion County: 2,198

Average sales price:

Polk County: $177,251
Marion County: $177,251

Average foreclosure sales price:

Polk County: $165,098 (7% savings)
Marion County: $165,098 (7% savings)

Home price appreciation:

Polk County: 0.00%
Marion County: 0.00%

Compared to national statistics:

Polk County: +0.09%
Marion County: +0.09%

As you can see, home buyers can save on approximately 7% when buying a foreclosed home. This is a significant savings for most people. If you are thinking buying a foreclosure might be a good option for you, contact us anytime. We are glad provide more information so you can make a good buying decision.

Top 10 Reasons To Hire a Salem Oregon Real Estate Professional

2010-02-23T22:06:00Z

Skeptics thought the Internet would be the extinction of the real estate agent. Let's face it, all the information in the world about how to buy and sell a house is at your finger tips. So why hire a real estate professional to represent you in the purchase or sale of your home, when you can save the big fat commission they charge and do it yourself. If you have asked yourself this question, you are not alone.

Here are the Top 10 Reasons To Hire A Salem Oregon Real Estate Professional:

1. Education & Experience

Most people buy or sell homes 2-3 times in their lives. Many Salem Oregon real estate professionals are involved in buying and selling real estate 2-3 times a month. Henry Ford once said that when you hire people who are smarter than you are, it proves you are smarter than they are. You don't need to know all there is to know about buying or selling real estate, you just need to hire the people that do. Hire someone with more experience and education than you that can help you get the best possible deal and save you precious time and money.

2. Agents are Buffers

If you are a buyer, agents will insulate you from builder representatives and listing agents, who can be piranhas when going after a sale. And if you are a seller, your agent will weed through the ‘lookie loos' and bring you only well-qualified buyers. Real estate professionals save you time...and as they say, ‘time is money.'

3. Neighborhood Knowledge

Your neighbor may know that the people who sold the house down the street were asking $350,000, but your Salem Oregon real estate agent will know that the house actually sold for $295,000 and paid $5,000 of the buyer's closing costs after being on the market 45 days.

4. Price Guidance

Your real estate agent is able to guide you through the decision making process to help you make the right choice for yourself and your family. Whether a buyer or seller, agents are able to provide you with the data you need to choose a correct price and then put together a negotiating strategy based on market supply, demand and conditions.

5. Market Conditions Information

Real estate professionals can also provide you with market data such as price per square foot, median and average sales prices, days on market and list/sell ratios that will have a bearing on your buying and selling decisions.

6. Professional Networking

The network of other professionals known by real estate agents, many of whom provide services that you will need to buy or sell, can be invaluable. Isn't it better to have a service provider, who is known for quality and professionalism, recommended to you than having to pick someone out of the yellow pages?

7. Negotiation Skills & Confidentiality

Top producing real estate agents are skilled negotiators, not just messengers delivering paperwork to a buyer or seller, who are able to remove themselves from the emotion of the situation...and be assured, buying and selling a home is emotional! They are professionals who are trained to present their client's case in the best light and agree to hold client information confidential from competing interests.

8. Handling Volumes of Paperwork

Purchase Agreements in the 21^st Century are 10 pages or more and include state and federally mandated disclosures which can be overwhelming and confusing to the inexperienced. One omission or mistake could land you in court or cost you thousands of dollars.

9. Answer Questions After Closing

Issues have a habit of cropping up after closing...things such as taxing authorities that collect property tax assessments, doc stamps or transfer tax can fall months behind and mix up invoices. Your real estate professional is there to answer questions, provide documentation and help clear up questions. You won't be left out in the cold to handle issues by yourself.

10. Develop Relationships for Future Business

Referrals are the basis of am agent's success. Your real estate professional will provide you with ongoing market updates, news and information. Keeping you informed and staying in touch will help insure your repeat and referral business.

Bottom line, Salem Oregon real estate agents are highly skilled, knowledgeable professionals. They will help you sift through the mountains of information you find on the Internet and make sense of it in order for you to make good buying and selling decisions.

Learn more about Salem Oregon real estate at FindSalemHomes.com.

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Salem Oregon Real Estate Sales Statistics - January 2010

2010-02-19T15:21:00Z

Home sales surged in the fourth quarter of 2009 with many areas seeing double digit gains according to the National Association of Realtors. Total existing-home sales (single-family and condo) jumped 13.9 percent above the third quarter and 27.2 percent above the fourth quarter of 2008. Distressed property sales accounted for 32 percent of the fourth quarter transactions, down from 37 percent from 2008.

Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist, said the first-time home buyer tax credit, combined with record low interest rates, played a dominant role in fourth quarter sales. Yun went on to say, “With inventory levels trending down over the past 18 months, we expect broadly balanced housing market conditions in much of the country by late spring with more areas showing higher prices.”

Let's look at January Salem Oregon real estate sales to see how the housing recovery is progressing in Marion and Polk County.

Salem Oregon Real Estate Sales Statistics - January 2010

Marion County Real Estate Sales - January 2010

Marion County real estate sales (single family) totaled 36 homes in January. This is a 56 percent increase over January 2009. The average sales price of $180,629 is a 14 percent decrease from January 2009. Homes were on the market for an average of 159 days.

Date	Total Listed	Homes Sold	Average Sales Price	Days On Market
Jan 2010	82	36	$180,629	159
Jan 2009	91	14	$208,820	108

Polk County Real Estate Sales - January 2010

11 homes sold in Polk County in January, a 27 percent decrease when compared to January 2009 numbers. The average sales price of $209,490, a 21 percent increase from the previous year. Market times decreased 2 percent.

Date	Total Listed	Homes Sold	Average Sales Price	Days On Market
Jan 2010	51	11	$209,490	151
Jan 2009	45	15	$166,526	153

Home sales in Marion and Polk County are on the rebound. Don't miss out on the home buyer tax credit (must qualify) which will expire April 30 2010. Give us a call today to take advantage of your FREE money!!

Contact us for more detailed reports for Keizer, Central Salem, Suburban East Salem, Southeast Salem, South Salem and West Salem.

Mistakes Salem Oregon Real Estate Buyers Don't Want To Make

2010-02-16T17:52:00Z

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0pt; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} No matter what the condition of the Salem Oregon real estate market, purchasing a home is a major commitment and a vital financial decision. A home is much more than a financial investment; it is an investment in a new lifestyle and a new way of looking at property. Those who are unprepared to make the leap from renting to home ownership can make some costly mistakes, and learning to avoid those blunders is vital.

Think With Your Head Not Your Heart

One of the most common mistakes made by first time home buyers is allowing emotion to rule the day. Although buying a home can be an emotional process, there are some things home buyers can do to prevent emotional ties from getting in the way of sound financial discipline.

While it is all too easy to picture your family relaxing in the backyard of a new home, take a step back and look at the home with the eyes of an investor. Pretend for a moment that you are not going to live in the house but are buying it as a pure investment. Is it still just as attractive, or has it lost some of its appeal? Emotional attachment is fine, but it should not overrule your good judgment.

Consider All the Costs of Home Ownership

Buying more house than they can afford is a classic blunder for many first time homeowners. One of the chief culprits behind this error is factoring in only the cost of the mortgage versus the cost of continuing to rent. While it is certainly appealing to go from collecting rent receipts to building up home equity, keep in mind that the costs of owning a home do not end with the monthly mortgage check.

Don't Try to Time the Market

Market timing doesn't work in the stock market, and it doesn't work in the home market either. Although it can be tempting to try to wait for the market to hit rock bottom, you may be left out in the cold when the market starts to turn around. Many professionals, including home builders, lenders and real estate investors, have a great deal of difficulty timing the market, even with all their specialized knowledge and experience.

While some home buyers will be lucky enough to sell their existing homes at the top of the market and buy their next one when the market craters, most of us will not be so lucky. There are bargains to be found in every Salem Oregon real estate market; the key is to arm yourself with as much information as possible and shop smart.

Learn more about the Salem Oregon real estate by visiting FindSalemHomes.com or giving us a call for more personal service.

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Celebrating Your Salem Oregon Valentine

2010-02-12T19:13:00Z

If you are still looking for a way to celebrate with your favorite Salem Oregon Valentine, here are a few suggestions:

Have a special Valentine Dinner at the Glockenspiel Restauran. The menu features tender beef stuffed with German Cambozaola bleu cheese and mushrooms, drizzled with a Syrah demi-glaze; seafood trio, grilled salmon and crab soufflé with a shrimp cream sauce; chicken roulade stuffed with prosciutto, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes; and dessert.

1900 E Charles St.
Mount Angel, OR 97362
Phone: 503-845-6222

Enjoy a pairing of Vista Hills Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noirs served with chocolate crafted from the owners' Hawaiian plantation. A special Hawaiian coffee from the owners' coffee plantation is also available.

3675 Hilltop Lane
Dayton, OR
Phone: 503-864-3200

Celebrate with dinner at Eola Inn Restaurant. Menu features chicken cordon blu, prime and prawns, sesame dill salmon and New York steak. No reservation necessary.

4250 Salem Dallas Highway NW
Salem, OR
Phone: 503-581-1305

Make the Move To Your Salem Oregon Home Hassle Free

2010-02-09T15:44:00Z

It doesn't matter if you are moving across town or across the country, moving is stressful! But a little planning can go a long way to making the move to your new Salem Oregon home less stressful. Below are 10 time-saving tips for a hassle-free move.

1. Make a list.

Create a week-by-week checklist of everything that needs doing. Start 60 days prior to your move and include the most trivial items. Staying on schedule will eliminate a lot of headaches, especially the closer you get to moving day.

2. Hire a quality moving company.

If the quote you get from a moving company seems too good to be true...it probably is! An unreliable company will cost you more in the long run, so be sure to check out the companies you interview with the Better Business Bureau.

3. Have a yard sale.

Now is the perfect time to get rid of items you haven't used in the last few years and have a yard sale. Why pack, move and unpack something you most likely won't use in your new Salem Oregon home? Discard it now rather than later.

4. Create a system.

Create a color coded boxing system with a different color for each room in the house. Only pack items for a specific room in specific boxes. Let your movers know which colors correspond to which room so they will put the boxes in the correct room.

5. Unplug.

Most movers won't unplug appliances, computers, etc. Before the movers arrive, disconnect all appliances, electrical equipment and lighting fixtures that go to your new Salem Oregon home.

6. Stock up on packing supplies.

Don't run out of packing tape the morning of the move; have plenty of supplies on hand. Early on in the moving process, start gathering boxes, tape, bubble wrap, newsprint, box cutters and markers. Try to save time and the environment by packing with materials you already have. Load up suitcases and plastic containers and use pillows, scarves and towels to "wrap" fragile items.

7. Pack a moving survival kit.

Pack a "last-to-go" box with all of the necessities-toiletries, snacks, important documents-and keep it with you instead of packing it in moving truck.

8. Clean it up.

An empty house is much easier to clean than one with boxed stacked everywhere. Clean your new home before you move in so you can concentrate on unpacking after the movers leave.

9. Create a floor plan.

Prior to the move, create a floor plan with graph paper and cutouts for the furniture. Plan where the furniture will go so the movers can put it in the right place the first time and you don't have to move it around later.

10. Change service prior to the move.

Arrange for your mail, utilities, phone, cable, Internet and any other services to be transferred prior to the move so you don't have a lapse in service. There is nothing worse than not having water, heat or air conditioning on moving day!

Moving to Salem Oregon? You need the expertise of Dewey and David Whitton! They are leading real estate brokers in Salem Oregon and have successfully helped many families relocate to Salem Oregon.

Search all Salem Oregon homes for sale.

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6 Reasons To Own Your Own Salem Home

2010-02-05T18:49:00Z

You've probably seen lots of financial arguments about why you should invest in Salem real estate and own your own home rather than rent. This includes budgeting (no rent increases) and the tax savings you'll most likely have. Now we're going to give you some reasons you probably haven't heard.

1. Freedom to pursue other goals in life once the major goal of home ownership is achieved.

Strange as it sounds, many of our first-time buyers have told us that once they bought the house, other things in their life started to fall into place. It's as if not owning took so much of their mental energy that other goals were not worked on until that big goal was reached. So buy a home and get on with your life!

2. A greater sense of belonging to the community.

Once you own a home, you feel more attached to the city in which you live. You're more interested in what happens in Salem, to the roads, schools, and shopping areas. Some people even become involved in local politics.

3. A commitment to something, a sense of stability.

Home ownership is an anchor, something that cannot be pulled out from under you. You'll never get a notice that you have to move. You're kids will never have to change schools. It gives you freedom to plan years ahead.

4. You can change things, a feeling of being in control.

It's your home. You can add to it, remodel it, change the landscaping, do whatever projects you want. You have a feeling of being in control of something in your life. At work we don't always have control of what happens, but your home is your castle and you have dominion over it. You can see what you're building take shape before your eyes.

5. More control over the children than in an apartment complex

In a neighborhood, kids usually play in the yards or go to friend's houses a few doors away. Our clients have told us that in an apartment complex they never knew where the kids were. They could be in any of hundreds of apartments, doing who knows what. In a home you get to know the neighbors and watch out for each other's kids.

6. Children do better in school and feel more secure.

This one surprised us, but buyers have reported to us that their kids calmed down in school after they bought a house. We don't know why, but it seems to work that way. We remember a single mom watching her son play in the yard, making steps in the slope and building things. She didn't have to tell him to leave everything alone, like she did at the apartment complex. I guess kids feel the same need for control we adults do.

7. Time and money saved by not going to the Laundromat.

A small point, but if you have kids, you know the value of this one. You gain a whole evening a week when you buy a house! The wash gets done in between other things, or while you're at work. What would you do with the extra evening you'll have? How about going out for dessert with your spouse with all those quarters?

We've been in a home of our own for so long; we take these benefits for granted. We forgot what it's like to be renters! If you have anything you can add to the list, please let us know via email. We would love to hear from you!

Start your Salem home search.

Steps for First-time Salem Home Buyers

2010-02-03T14:47:00Z

A simplified guide for painless purchasing of your Salem home.

PART 1

Congratulations! So you've made the decision to stop renting and purchase a place of your own. The home buying process may initially appear complicated and a bit daunting, but by using the skills of a buyer's real estate agent, searching the internet, and familiarizing yourself with each of the steps involved, your experience can be a smooth and rewarding one.

1. Analyzing your financial situation.

The first thing to do is to learn how much you can afford to pay for your Salem home. Generally speaking, mortgage costs, or PITI (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance), should not exceed 26-28% of your gross monthly income. We offer free tools for calculating these expenses for you. Remember that in addition to income, your credit rating, on-going monthly expenses, amount of the down payment, and the current interest rate must be factored into your financial analysis. Also take into consideration any HOA's (homeowners' association) dues, maintenance costs, and utilities you'll have to pay on a monthly basis. You would be wise to investigate state and federal government programs which help qualifying first-time buyers with down payments and closing costs. Visit U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for specific information which could be quite beneficial to you.

2. Getting prior loan approval.

The next step, before you ever begin actually looking a home, is to secure pre-approval for a loan. In order to do this, you will need to provide a potential lender with all necessary information about your finances. Your realtor will help you do this.

After performing a thorough and positive analysis of your financial situation, the lender will issue you a letter of approval which states the amount for which you qualify. This letter assures buyers that you are guaranteed a sufficient loan and that they are guaranteed a sale with no unpleasant surprises.

3. Determining your needs and desires.

If you are relocating to Salem, you will certainly want to familiarize yourself with the area--in person or via the net. Think about the type of community you'd feel most comfortable in. Older and established? Brand new and shiny? Consider age, style, and size you'd prefer. Would a fixer-upper be a good match for you? Is proximity to good schools important? What about the distance to and from your workplace? Traffic patterns and noise? Ample (and reserved?) parking? Do the community amenities suit your lifestyle? Do you want neighbors nearby?

Make lists for yourself. What are your "must haves"? Where do you want laundry facilities? Is an updated kitchen essential? Do you prefer an open floor plan? Who will maintain a large yard? Prioritize your wants and needs and revise the list when necessary.

As a first-time Salem home buyer, you'll learn that you'll have to make some compromises and that the whole process can be time-consuming--but oh, so exciting! Rely on your real estate agent to advise you about the advantages/disadvantages of specific locations and house styles and help you through the loan approval step. Because of his/her access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), he or she can search, with your wish list in hand, through thousands of listings to find the "ideal" Salem home for you.

Watch this space for more simplified steps.

Get your Free Insiders Guide to Salem Oregon! A $30 value...yours FREE!

Salem Oregon Walk To Governor's Mansion

2010-01-29T17:09:00Z

Back in November we wrote about how walking is not only a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but according to a new study, it also contributes to increased Salem Oregon home values!

We thought you would enjoy this video of a walk from Mission MIll Museum to the Governor's Mansion with Tyler Burgess.

The walk follows a map from the book "Oregon Townscape Walks" by Tyler Burgess. This is a guidebook of walks in 22 Oregon towns, with 13 bicycle paths. Available at www.Amazon.com and www.walk-with-me.com.

The three Salem walking maps are: Mill to Mansion, Capital and Creeks, Taste of Salem. Distance varies from 3 miles to 5 miles, or connect all the walks for a fabulous 15 mile walk!

Tax Credits for Replacing Windows, Doors, and Skylights in Your Salem Home

2010-01-26T22:04:00Z

If money seems to be escaping through drafty windows, doors, and skylights in your Salem home, this federal tax credit might make energy-efficient replacements more affordable.

Does it feel like money is escaping through your home's drafty windows, doors, and skylights? You might be able to keep at least some of that cash in your pocket by taking advantage of federal energy tax credits for retrofitting your house with qualified energy-efficient replacements. You can claim a tax credit of up to $1,500 for upgrading the windows, exterior doors, and skylights in your primary residence during 2009 and 2010.

The credit is based on 30% of the cost of materials, so a $5,000 purchase would max it out. But a tax credit alone isn't reason enough to start calling contractors. Do a little homework first. The true value of replacing aging windows, doors, and skylights isn't always an open-and-shut case.

Follow the 15-year rule for windows

A good rule of thumb for window replacement: Don't bother if they're less than 15 years old, says Jim Rooney, a home inspector in Annapolis, Md. The savings on your energy bills likely will be negligible since window technology hasn't changed that radically and the integrity of your windows should still be intact. Shoddy installation or poor manufacturing may call for exceptions to the 15-year rule. Windows that are 20, 30, or more years old are prime candidates for replacement.

Most of your focus should be on windows, since they're more numerous, but skylights are notorious for energy loss too, not to mention water leaks. Exterior doors tend to outlast windows, so keep them unless the upgrade is purely for aesthetic reasons. Besides, weather stripping and snug sweeps can boost the energy efficiency of exterior doors for a whole lot less money.

Adding up the costs-and savings

With windows, doors, and skylights, you get what you pay for. Expect to shell out between $500 and $1,000 per window including installation, or about $10,000 total for a moderately sized house of about 2,000 square feet. New energy-credit-qualified doors and skylights are also in the $500 to $1,000 range, including installation.

Tom Herron, of the National Fenestration Rating Council, says products on the higher end of the cost scale are usually better constructed and more energy efficient. NFRC is a non-profit organization that administers the rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, and skylights.

It could take years to recoup the upfront costs, but you should see an immediate reduction in your energy bills. In general, you'll save $126 to $465 a year if single-pane windows in a 2,000 square foot house are replaced with tax-credit-eligible windows, according to the Efficient Windows Collaborative, a trade group. That's 15% to 40% off the typical energy bill.

Do my replacements qualify?

A label alone doesn't guarantee your new windows, doors, and skylights qualify for the energy tax credit, but it does provide critical information related to eligibility. To qualify, windows, doors, and skylights must have a U-factor of 0.30 or less and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 or less. The U-factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping, and the SHGC gauges how well a product blocks heat from the sun. Labels also carry information on light transmission, air leakage, and condensation resistance.

Herron, of the NFRC, says about 80% to 85% of the manufacturers in North America provide NFRC labels. All Energy Star qualified windows carry an NFRC label, according to Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that promotes energy-efficient products and practices.

Resist the urge to trim costs by purchasing cheaper windows, doors, and skylights with poor U-factor and SHGC ratings. Not only will you miss out on the tax credit, energy bills won't come down much.

Taking advantage of the tax credit

A credit is especially valuable because it directly reduces the amount of tax owed, as opposed to a deduction, which lowers the amount of taxable income. To be eligible for the full credit you must owe more in federal taxes than you're trying to claim. Use IRS Form 5695 to take advantage of the credit, which is cumulative for 2009 and 2010 only. You can't claim $1,500 for each tax year, but you can spread the $1,500 over the two-year period.

Uncle Sam may want proof that your new windows, doors, and skylights meet energy-efficiency standards, so be sure to save receipts, product stickers, and certification statements. The latter can often be found on packaging or manufacturers' web sites. As for receipts, ask contractors to itemize expenses. Installation costs aren't eligible for the credit; only materials are.

Keep in mind that a variety of energy-efficiency improvements to your existing Salem home, including insulation, roofs, and HVAC, count toward the credit limit. You can't claim separate $1,500 credits for each upgrade, nor can you claim the credit for a newly built home. Matt Golden, president and founder of San Francisco-based Sustainable Spaces, says homeowners can often lower energy costs for a lot less, and still get the tax credit, by insulating attics instead.

Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with persmission of the National Association of Realtors.

Salem OR Real Estate Sales Statistics - Dec 2009 - Marion and Polk County

2010-01-22T14:24:00Z

According to the National Association of Realtors®, pending home sales nationally are comfortably above year-ago levels, although the Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in November, fell from October levels. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said a drop was expected. “It will be at least early spring before we see notable gains in sales activity as home buyers respond to the recently extended and expanded tax credit,” he said. "We expect another surge in the spring as more home buyers take advantage of affordable housing conditions before the tax credit expires.”

Marion County Real Estate Sales - December 2009

Marion County real estate sales (single family) totaled 49 homes in December. This is a 81 percent increase over December 2008. The average sales price of $210,843 is a 1 percent increase from December 2008. Homes were on the market for an average of 151 days.

Date	Total Listed	Homes Sold	Average Sales Price	Days On Market
Dec 2009	80	49	$210,843	151
Dec 2008	71	27	$208,656	153

Polk County Real Estate Sales - December 2009

37 homes sold in Polk County in December, a 54 percent increase over December 2008 numbers. The average sales price of $193,329, a 20 percent decrease from the previous year. Market times decreased 31 percent.

Date	Total Listed	Homes Sold	Average Sales Price	Days On Market
Dec 2009	43	37	$193,329	129
Dec 2008	30	24	$241,885	188

Contact us for more detailed reports for Keizer, Central Salem, Suburban East Salem, Southeast Salem, South Salem and West Salem.

2010 New Year Resolution You Must Keep

2010-01-19T15:16:00Z

Are you tired of the same old promises you make to yourself every January 1^st but forget by February? Not this year! Here's a 2010 resolution that's so beneficial you simply must keep it: buy a Salem Oregon home! Now that the Home Buyer Credit Act has been extended and qualifying income levels have been raised, this is an ideal time to purchase a house. Generally advertised as a tax credit for first-time buyers, the new legislation actually benefits many current homeowners, also.

Basic facts:

Changes: Originally slated to end in November 2009, the credit deadline has been extended to April 30, 2010. If you have a binding, signed contract and settle on a Salem Oregon home before July 30, 2010, you are also eligible.

First-time buyers are those who have not owned a home in the last three years. They are eligible for a credit of 10% of the purchase price (not to exceed $800,000), up to $8000. Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as a prime residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first-timer.

Repeat buyers, or those who have owned and lived in a principal residence for at least 5 consecutive years of the last 8, may qualify for a credit of up to $6500.

Income levels have been increased to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples.

Military exception: For an active-duty member of the U.S. military serving an extended tour (90+ days) more than 50 miles from home, the deadline is April 30th (or June 30) 2011.

Applying for the credit is easy. Buyers purchasing in 2010 will have the option to claim the credit on their 2009 (by filing an amended return) or 2010 income tax return. Applicants will use the new IRS form 5405 and attach copies of their HUD settlement form.

Important notes:

Applicants must be 18 years of age at time of settlement.
Principal residences may include single family homes, condos, townhouses, co-ops, and duplexes.
For married couples, the homeownership history of both parties must qualify for the credit.
Recipients of the credit must own and live in the purchased home for at least 3 years or face repayment of the credit amount.
Your Salem Oregon home may not be purchased from any family member.

Remember that a tax credit is far more advantageous than a simple deduction as it provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what a taxpayer owes. If the amount of the credit exceeds the amount owed, a refund will be issued.

If you have specific questions or need additional information, contact a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-1040 or http://www.irs.gov/.

Enjoy the 2010 year in your new Salem Oregon home!

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