Category Archives for Articles for Buyers

In the ‘good ol’ days’ people may have initiated the sale with a handshake, but history shows that those friendly intentions often ended in bitter court disputes. For as long as real estate has been bought and sold in Oregon, there have been real estate lawsuits. Well over a hundred years of real estate agency […]

This is some of what you can expect to take place during your home search: 1. Your search could take 6-9 months Most people begin their online searches 6-9 months before they are ready to buy. We know this, accept this, and will never try to rush you into any decision. Your Bella Casa agent […]

Option #1: FSBO, Do it Yourself Real Estate Technology and the internet have given buyers more information and control than people have ever had before. This is good. People have always had the opportunity to buy and sell FSBO without professional assistance. Many people have done this without mishap. We believe in expert representation by […]

Everyone knows that location is the most important consideration affecting value in real estate. But there is even more to it than that. The most basic principle for understanding and evaluating all real estate is this: All Real Estate is Local. It is very, very local, right down to the individual property. What About Automated […]

A first time home-buyer, according to the traditional industry standard, is one who has not purchased a home within the last three years. Programs for the first time home buyer come and go. There are a variety of programs available with different down payment options and your lender will explain the advantages and disadvantages of […]

Interviewing a prospective real estate agent is a safe way to choose the agent who will represent you in your home-buying transaction. It is important to learn about the agent’s personality, experience, specialties, values, and manners. You can begin this process on the Meet Our Brokers page and and get to know each Bella Casa broker by […]

Homeownership is how many American families begin to accumulate wealth, according to studies by the National Association of REALTORS® and the U.S. Federal Reserve Board. Buying a home should be approached as a long-term investment, providing a build-up of equity over time and considerable tax advantages. Housing is not a quick-in, quick-out investment. When purchased […]

These milestones are built-in contingencies that must be satisfied for the sale to be completed. They mostly protect the buyer from losing the earnest money if the buyer terminates the sale for legitimate reasons. 1. Review of the Sellers Disclosures By law, sellers must disclose what they know about the property. Oregon is not a […]

Perhaps you’ve heard that one of the best ways to get a “steal” or a “great deal” is on foreclosed properties.  It’s no secret that there are great bargains to be had right now. A flood of these foreclosed properties have hit the market and the banks that repossessed them want to get them sold…….quickly. […]

Congratulations! You’re a homeowner! Now that you’ve closed on your home purchase, there are a few more important tasks to note. 1. Keep your closing papers in a safe place. They are valuable! You will use them to figure out tax deductions for the year and in the future, they will come in handy when the […]