Living Beaverton - Your guide to everything Beaverton

Today is Friday, May 30, 2008 and it is time for another breakdown of homes sales in the Washington
County, Oregon market. This week I'm starting to see a pick up of listings and also showings. I'm encouraged that people are looking to move as summer begins.

So, if you have a family home that you are thinking about selling, this is a great time to get it on the market!

Here is a breakdown of homes sales for the week by neighborhood. Just click on the link to your neighborhood for the complete breakdown of what the average of homes that are on the market, how long they have been on the market, how many have sold, what their average price was, and how long they were on the market.

As always, if you are looking to buy or sell in the Washington County, Oregon area, I would love to show you how you can save the most money by being on your side during the negotiations.

Neighborhood # of Active Listings

Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

 

 

 I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard.
All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.

 

What if there was a way you could search the MLS for FREE just like Realtors

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you'll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You'll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that's listed in the MLS!

Click here to start your FREE home search now

 

Yesterday I went on a listing appointment with a person that had had their home expire after 284 days on the market. They had 10, count them, 10 extensions of that listing contract! Why, did this person keep signing things with this other agent, even though they weren't producing results? Because the listing agent kept making promises and the seller kept feeling guilty and would sign an extension.

Have you ever seen someone where you work that doesn't do a thing until they think they are about to get fired, and then present themselves as employee of the year, so they can keep their job? Well, in real estate, we have some of those same people and they will do anything a few days before the expiration of a contract to keep your listing.

This seller told me, "I didn't like the agent, he didn't do a thing besides put it in the MLS. It wasn't until days before it was set to expire that I saw flyers and got an open house. I decided to extend the listing, since he was now doing the things I was told I was going to get when I originally signed with him. But, then as soon as I signed, he went back to his old ways. Then there were promises of an offer coming in to get me to sign and extension and other agents holding opens for him. Finally, I got the hint and after 10 extensions. I knew he wasn't going to produce a sale of my home and let it expire and called you. I found you on the internet and had seen a couple of your signs around, so I thought I would sit down and at least discuss what you proposed for my house and what it would take to get it sold."

So sellers, if you get a feeling about an agent, go with your gut, and don't sign an extension. If you like your agent and they are doing everything you expect and you just think it is just price, then keep your agent and lower the price. But, if you think it is time for a change, please give me a call, I would love to talk to you about your home.



Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

 

 

 I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard.
All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.

 

What if there was a way you could search the MLS for FREE just like Realtors

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you'll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You'll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that's listed in the MLS!

Click here to start your FREE home search now

 

I know it sounds far fetched, but I see more and more agents that have been in the business 20+ years leaving, as they just can't survive and aren't willing to change again.

I recently read about someone who had 89 sales last year that this year, to date, has 2 and is leaving the business and going back to their previous profession and being in real estate part time only.

Is that really possible, to go from 89 to 2 in just 5 months? It amazed me and then the story continued that when he went back to his office, just two months later to pick up his paperwork, he found a sign on the office door that the office was closed due to not paying their lease!

What is happening? Is this bubble really worse than the ones of previous years that I have read so much about?

UPDATE: I have now found out more about this agent and his business. He was only in the business on his own for 3 years and the first year did nothing the 2nd got a sub-division and the builder has since gone bankrupt. The other part of his business was REO and the bank didn't renew his contract. I still think he would have some good contacts from that, but I don't know what happened, but I wish I had meet him to ask why he doesn't call some of those buyers. (He has been in the business 20 plus years, but it turns out most of those he was working for someone else)

Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

 

 

 I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard.
All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.

 

What if there was a way you could search the MLS for FREE just like Realtors

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you'll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You'll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that's listed in the MLS!

Click here to start your FREE home search now

 

As many people in the rain know, I'm a huge fan of music and especially Elvis! I can hear you thinking (do I smell smoke?) "How can Elvis be a lead generator?"

Well, I was at my open house today, typing away on my laptop, with my legs put up so my computer sat nicely on them and I could type more comfortably when a couple walked in and wanted to know more about the house.

I quickly tried to put my computer down and heard them start talking to each other and laughing. I immediately asked, "What is so funny? I'm not that bad looking and I know it isn't the house!" They were still giggling a little bit and said, "We would like you to represent us in our home search, do you work
with first time home buyers?"

"You bet I do! But, I have to ask...You haven't asked me a single question and I haven't even introduced myself to you. Why are you so interested in working with me? Unless it is my really good looks!" They said, "We have been working with an agent for about 2 weeks and we haven't signed anything with him and we know that is a question you are going to ask, because we get asked that at every open house. But, he is always telling me and my husband that we weird and just doesn't understand us.

So I had to ask "Again, we haven't met have we? (I'm a little worried about that after last weeks post.) Then how do you know I'm the agent for you?" They started laughing again and said, "YOUR SOCKS!" "What, my socks?" I had to look, because I honestly didn't remember what socks I had on. There they were... my Elvis socks and he was lead generating when I wasn't!

"So what about my socks got me the job of being your agent?" They said, "Well we are huge Elvis fans and our present agent just gives us crap about it, to the point that it annoys us. He isn't an Elvis fan and we know it. We don't criticize his choice in music, but he just puts us down all the time for it. Even once as a joke, that we didn't find funny, he took us to a trailer park and said we could live with other Elvis fans here!"

"We know you are the agent for us, because no non-fan would ever wear Elvis socks in public." and that is when I told them about my bust of Elvis and the newspaper from the day after he died from Memphis and they said, "Good, someone who is proud of being an Elvis fan!"

So starting Tuesday we are going to go out and look at some homes together and listen to Elvis music in the car while doing it!

Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

 

 

 I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard.
All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.

 

What if there was a way you could search the MLS for FREE just like Realtors

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you'll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You'll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that's listed in the MLS!

Click here to start your FREE home search now

 

Why I love my career and helping people. Everyday, I have people come to me when everyone else has said no to them. They find me on the net saying I help those who are told no by others.

What usually is the case was no one was willing to sit down with a potential buyer or seller and tell them they had more than one option.

More times than not, the situation isn't as dire as they were lead on to believe it was. It was just a situation that the other agents weren't prepared to do that much work on and just stopped calling the potential client. The other situation was the agent wasn't able to think outside the box and come up with a solution that could make it work.

There are lots of answers out there for both buyers and sellers of property that aren't your everyday cookie cutter sale, but ends up being a win-win for everyone involved. So if other agents have stopped
returning your phone calls or have said no to you,
give me a chance, I would love to say yes to you!



Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

 

 

 I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard.
All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.

 

What if there was a way you could search the MLS for FREE just like Realtors

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you'll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You'll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that's listed in the MLS!

Click here to start your FREE home search now

 

Have you ever heard the saying don't lend money to a friend or a relative unless you never plan to see it again? What about co-signing on a car, boat or now even a house? I always warn people of this and despite my best efforts, they say it will be alright, I trust them.

But, it never works out that way and can cause even more family distress down the road. A couple years ago, I had a client that was buying a house and was having a friend co-sign for them on the property. All looked good, and they gave the friend all the lowdown of what could happen if they default. Of course it was, "it is alright, I trust them and this will only help my credit."

Two years have now gone by and the house is in default and the buyers have called me to try to sell the home, but the now ex-friend has said he doesn't want anything to do with them and is refusing to sign the papers to sell the property.

His plan is that he lets the property get farther in default and then contact the bank to take over the loan exclusively and kick the buyers out, and since they are both on the title, he wants to take the legal action to get them removed.

The one thing the co-signer did, that he wasn't planning on doing originally, was put his name on the title. But, his credit has already been affected by this home purchase, and from what I understand, that really has put a strain on his home life as well. You see, he didn't bother to tell his wife that he was doing this!

The bad news for the buyers is now they can't find housing, because so far everyone who has pulled their credit sees they are in default on a home and they don't want to let them move in. They are fearful that they will get stuck with a deadbeat renter that could stay for months without paying.

So, if you are person with great credit, don't sign your name on a friend's loan to help out, as your credit may go in the toilet, but maybe just lend them the money as a down payment and hope you get it back. That way, even if you lose the 20% down you helped them with, you won't be stuck with the bad credit for seven years like this person is now.

Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

 

 

 I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard.
All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.

 

What if there was a way you could search the MLS for FREE just like Realtors

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you'll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You'll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that's listed in the MLS!

Click here to start your FREE home search now

 

Today is Friday, May 23, 2008 and it is time for another breakdown of homes sales in the Washington
County, Oregon market. This week I'm starting to see a pick up of listings and also showings. I'm encouraged that people are looking to move as summer begins.

                                        

So, if you have a family home that you are thinking about selling, this is a great time to get it on the market!

Here is a breakdown of homes sales for the week by neighborhood. Just click on the link to your neighborhood for the complete breakdown of what the average of homes that are on the market, how long they have been on the market, how many have sold, what their average price was, and how long they were on the market.

As always, if you are looking to buy or sell in the Washington County, Oregon area, I would love to show you how you can save the most money by being on your side during the negotiations.

Neighborhood # of Active Listings

Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

 

 

 I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard.
All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.

 

What if there was a way you could search the MLS for FREE just like Realtors

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you'll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You'll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that's listed in the MLS!

Click here to start your FREE home search now

 

I met with a client yesterday and her best friend was there, as she needed to come up and help her son, so, she drove up from Southern Oregon, and decided to hang with her friend at the same time. This friend was wise beyond her years and because of it, in that hour we talked, I gained a friend, and wisdom, that will propel me to new levels in life and business.

This wisdom she bestowed on me showed me that what I'm doing right today, toward others and my family, will repay itself 10 times over in the future. I normally don't talk about how I raise my family, but there was something about her that just made me want to talk to her. I believe people come in to our lives for a reason and I think she came in to my life to reassure me that I'm doing just fine!

But, at the same time, she also gave me the knowledge that the only thing holding me back in life and business is me. She said, all of us have fear, but how we look at that fear determines if we succeed in life or not. She gave me the word and broke it down for me and that I plan to put on my office wall. What was the word and the breakdown?

F = False
E = Evidence
A = Appearing
R = Real

It made sense, what holds us back more than anything? FEAR! What is the worst that can happen? It is always worse in our mind, than it ever could or would be in reality. Is a person I call on the phone really going to come down to my office and yell at me for calling them? NO, they will at worst, just say please don't call me again. If I door knock, is that person going to throw a phone at me? Well, maybe if I door knock on Russell Crowe's front door. These fears hold me back from success, when I should just do what I fear most and realize that is never as bad as I imagine.

The weird part is we all criticize others for their fears of things such as public speaking, spiders, snakes or cold calling. Whatever it may be that we don't have a fear of, we criticize others for. Maybe to them your fears of whatever maybe just as ridiculous, so until you can have no fear in your own life maybe you need to look at yourself before criticizing others.

So why not throw out your fears and exceed in life and business?



Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

 

 

 I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard.
All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.

 

What if there was a way you could search the MLS for FREE just like Realtors

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you'll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You'll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that's listed in the MLS!

Click here to start your FREE home search now

 

How foreclosure and short sales affected one person in a cul-de-sac of eight homes. It was really was heartbreaking when I had to tell her that her home wasn't worth as much as she thought it would be when she went to sell it so she could buy her dream home.

Recently, I had a client that owned a nice 1979 ranch on a wonderful little cul-de-sac in a great neighborhood with eight other homes. She told me on the phone that recently they had four of the families move out and she wanted to put her home on the market, because she had finally found her dream home.

So, I decided to pull the comparables and what do I find? Only one is still on the market and has been for only 1 day, but is now bank owned. The other three were sold on short sale and went for a lot less than they had bought for in the last couple years. There were two other homes on the next street over that were for sale also and they looked like they were priced lower than they probably wanted to because they had to compete with those bank owned and short sale properties that had gone on the market.

So, when I sat down with her and told her what she could sell for, if she wanted to sell quickly, she couldn't believe her ears. Just last year you told me that I could sell this place for $25,000 more than that. I had to explain to her that last year you weren't under the gun to sell quickly as you hadn't found your dream home yet. This year is a little different. You have a home picked out, and if you don't act quickly, you could lose it. Also, there are 3 properties that are on this cul-de-sac that were sold in a short sale situation and one that is now bank owned, selling for thousands less than I'm even suggesting. The two houses on the next street over are selling for a little more than this, just trying to compete with the bank owned properties and the short sales.

That is when she yelled, "That affects me? I'm not the one not paying!" I said, "I know, but because those homes had to be sold for less to get them sold quickly, that brought down other homes in the neighborhood that needed to sell quickly, and now you need to sell quickly and the spiral downfall of prices in this neighborhood continues. It is true that this fast of a price drop wouldn't have happened had those four families not had been on the verge of losing their homes, but it happened and I'm sorry to say it affected you!"

She thought about it and understood and realized that maybe that is why her dream home is priced the way it was and they maybe in the same situation. Lucky for her she had lived in the house since 1981 and had lots of equity, but if she had only lived there a few years, she would have had to bring money to the table to sell her property.

So, even though your house may not be what it was worth last year because of your neighbor, it could be right back up there in value next year. If you find that dream home, remember their value maybe down just as much as yours, if not more, and you could get your dream home at a dream price!

Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

 

 

 I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard.
All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.

 

What if there was a way you could search the MLS for FREE just like Realtors

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you'll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You'll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that's listed in the MLS!

Click here to start your FREE home search now

 

Are you in a situation that you are in default, but can't sell your home for what it was worth when you bought it? Maybe the problem is the home is still the same value as it was when you bought it, but after real estate fees and taxes, you would have to come out of pocket, with money you don't have, to sell your home.

These are all reasons people sometimes sell their home via a short sale and sometimes you don't have to, if you know the options. Because even though you aren't going into foreclosure, a short sale can still affect your credit.

Now, even if you want to sell your home on short sale, instead of looking at some of the other options available to you, it is still important to work with someone who knows how to work with a bank.

A short sale can sometimes be very time consuming and you need to know who to talk to at the bank in order to facilitate a transaction to avoid a property from going to foreclosure. If you have read on short sales, then you have heard the horror stories of it taking months for a bank to get back to the buyer and seller on a potential offer on a property. (Sometimes
                                                                 you just don't have that kind of time!)

I've had one case where I was contacted two days before the auction and I was able to facilitate the short sale with two different banks, and got the seller out of the situation of a for sure foreclosure. Yes, you read that correctly, two days from the time of getting the listing, to an accepted offer from the bank, and another foreclosure avoided!

Now, this isn't the norm, but most people would have said it was impossible and walked away leaving the home owner to losing their home and having their credit completely ruined!

If you are in default, and need help to facilitate a short sale with your bank, please contact me. I would love to sit down with you and go over your options.

Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

 

 

 I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard.
All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.

 

What if there was a way you could search the MLS for FREE just like Realtors

Now you can access the MLS using similar tools as Realtors. You are in control of what you want to search for, and you can search the MLS at your leisure. The information you submit in the form below can also be used to put you on an automated system where you'll be emailed all homes that meet your search criteria. You'll get internet access to a website that includes pictures, prices, and addresses to real estate that's listed in the MLS!

Click here to start your FREE home search now