My husband and I sometimes talk about where would be the best place to live at retirement. Neither of us are from Sacramento, and I prefer the ocean over just about any place inland. Homes along the coast in California are extremely expensive, even a small home, and although prices are better in Hawaii, I don't think I will be able to persuade my husband to live year-round in Hawaii. We might need a summer place in the states somewhere. We've been talking about buying a second home now, way before retirement, if we can just come to a compromise on where.He brought up Coos Bay, Oregon, as he's much more of a rugged outdoor enthusiast than me. I will go hiking, for example, but I don't want to go more than 3 miles or so, and definitely not straight uphill. Otherwise, he will have to liste... 07/04/2015

According to this recent survey in the Oregonian More than half of U.S. adults have had to cut back elsewhere to cover their rent or mortgage, according to a new survey. The John D. And Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation found that 52 percent of adults had made trade-offs. Of those: 21 percent took a second job or worked more hours 19 percent stopped saving for retirement 16 percent accumulated credit card debt 14 percent cut back of health care 12 percent cut back on healthy food 6 percent moved to a neighborhood they considered less safe 3 percent moved to a neighborhood schools are not as good. Renters were more likely to make such sacrifices than homeowners. Blacks and Hispanics were more likely to have made such sacrifices than whites. And homeowners and renters spending more than ... 06/09/2014

Chances are that your Coos Bay OR home and your retirement are closely linked to your financial future.  Retirement accounts have taken a big hit through the course of the recession and many people are considering tapping into the equity of their homes.  Tapping into home equity has become a less frequent option for many home owners over the past couple of years, due to both the lack of equity in homes today and tighter lending principles.   For those who need money for the funding of retirement or other issues it is safer to borrow equity in a home today than it was four years ago, in theory.  Those who borrowed four years ago are more likely to be underwater today, especially when adding up a primary mortgage and a HELOC together.    Today’s home owner is most likely tapping equity a... 03/30/2011

There is much talk in the real estate world about increasing rents.  The decrease in home ownership caused by the bursting of the nation’s housing bubble, combined with an increase in renters has put a big demand on rental markets across the country.  This demand is creating a competitive market that is allowing a climate for rents to increase.   This is a prime example of how owning a Coos Bay home can be more beneficial than renting in certain markets.  Housing is more affordable than it has been in years in the majority of the United States.  Mortgage rates are low, inventories are high, and home values are still falling.  In areas where a monthly mortgage payment is the same or less than monthly rent, home ownership is a wise investment.   The National Association of Realtors has b... 03/24/2011

Combating high Coos Bay property taxes is something people should be aware of in a time when home values have dropped significantly.  It can be a puzzling question to many homeowners, leaving many thinking that if my home value has dropped 25%, why have my property taxes not decreased by the same amount?     However there is hope in sight. If you make an effort to challenge your property tax bill, it can be adjusted.  The first step is to take a good look at your property tax bill.  This year’s assessment and last year’s assessment should be listed, as well as a breakdown of how your taxes are allocated and added up.  You should have a good idea of the value of your property and whether or not you have been assessed properly.  A good next step is to approach your Assessor’s Office.    ... 03/09/2011

It is possible to update your kitchen on a budget.  Remodeling a kitchen can turn out to be one of the most expensive projects in a home, as the price of new cabinets, new appliances, new plumbing, new counters, and installation can all add up to a hefty price tag.  However, more times than not, a kitchen is what sells a Coos Bay home, and considering the kitchen is one of the most lived in rooms in a home this makes sense.   If you are considering selling your Coos Bay home and don’t have a lot of money to pour into it to prepare it for sale, consider some low-cost improvements that will update your kitchen without breaking the bank. The kitchen sink is a great place to start.  Faucets come in a wide variety of modern forms these days.  A simple faucet replacement can make the area ar... 03/03/2011

The Coos Bay real estate recovery appears to be picking up speed.  Helping to accelerate the sales of homes is the extremely low cost involved.  While home values may still drop in many areas, it appears that volume may start accelerating.  The high number of foreclosed homes has pushed the prices of home very low in many parts of the country, helping to create extremely reasonable affordability.   An interesting examination of real estate sales data uncovers the fact that cash buyers are representing a large percentage (roughly one third) of the nation’s home sales.  Today’s buyers market is a boon for real estate investors who are clearly seeing that the bottom is here, whether it has already hit or is close to being hit.  January showed that home prices on average were the lowest th... 02/27/2011

There are many remodeling Dos and Don’ts to examine before undertaking a project with regards to your Coos Bay, OR real estate investment.  Underscoring any remodel is a homeowner’s financial position and commitment to the home.  If a remodel is being conducted to create a livable space to be enjoyed for some time and money is no object then remodel choices are not necessarily subject to an analyzing of the return on investment.  If money and value are important and the home will be sold after a remodel takes place then paying attention to current trends and cost vs. value reports is important.   Don’t go over the top.  No matter what the remodel, whether it is a kitchen, bathroom, or addition, going over the top with finishes, appliances or accessories will automatically reduce the re... 02/03/2011

Selling a Coos Bay home, or trying to sell a home, while still living in it as a family is not without its challenges. One of the primary responsibilities of a home seller is to keep a home presentable, which means clean, neat and organized so that at any given minute a potential buyer can come in and view your home at its best. Talk about stress.   Anyone with children has experienced toys taking over his home at some point. Even small babies, unable to move, somehow amass a trove of toys, books, play mats and more, quickly taking up valuable living room space. When trying to sell your Coos Bay home, dealing with these toys is of the essence.   The best plan of attack when dealing with a family’s vast amount of “stuff” is to pack away unneeded items. These items can be stored and appr... 01/25/2011

Vacation Coos Bay OR real estate appears to be what is selling. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal noted how vacation properties and second home markets are starting to see activity. When real estate is suffering all over the nation what is making vacation real estate loosen up? Low mortgage rates and bargain prices. While volume is way up in certain sought-after areas, prices are down and buyers who don’t want to miss the opportunity to buy a vacation home, are starting to snap up vacation homes.   The key is patience and an absence of emotion. The true deals are being bought by patient buyers who are submitting offers until they succeed in finding sellers who are willing to accept a low price. A lot of vacation properties are being bought by cash buyers who are in a position... 01/15/2011

Anyone selling a Coos Bay Oregon home gets excited with the anticipation of receiving an offer, how to approach it can be another story. When your Coos Bay Oregon Realtor, like Jan Delimont, calls you with an offer and sends it your way it is important to peruse the contract with a discriminating eye. Look over every detail and try to keep the following in mind: Take the emotion out. It is understandable that you are attached to your Coos Bay Oregon home, you might think it is worth every penny you are asking for it, or you might disagree with inspection items. You decided to sell your home, take your attachment away from it and sell it from a real estate perspective. Prioritize. What is most important to you as the seller? Closing quickly? Price? Inclusions? Financing? What are the bu... 01/02/2011

There are a number of smart decisions Oregon coast home owners can make to live greener during the holidays, choices that will not only make people lessen their impact on the environment but also add a little zip to your holiday spirit. The holidays breed good will toward men and the spirit of giving, and there is no need to ignore the environment in the process. Wrapping paper. Wrapping paper no doubt creates the most garbage during the holiday season and choosing recycled or reusable materials is easier on the landfills. Fabric makes a great wrapping and can be used again for further wrapping or to make something out of. Christmas trees. Christmas tree farms grow trees strictly for Christmas time, lessening the effects that could come from chopping a tree down in a forest, its natural... 12/16/2010

Many people grow up assuming that they will own a home one day, and while the days of taking everything for granted may appear as days gone by, Coos Bay OR home ownership is a viable dream that has its benefits.  Recent reports show that those who own a home are often more financially stable than those who have stuck to renting. If you have been considering Coos Bay home ownership here are some of the benefits you could expect from your endeavor: Affordability.  Right now OR home ownership is at the highest affordability level seen in years.  The historically low interest rates, high inventories and low home values have created an ideal buyers market. Community.  Owning a home helps create roots in a community.  Neighborhood involvement, dedication to local education, and community spir... 12/11/2010