Liven Up Your Holiday Celebration!

Just a few fun suggestions to consider adding 

to your holiday traditions!

Buyer and Seller Guides to Help You Plan for 2020

The Winter Buyer & Seller eGuides are a great way to learn more about what's most important in the market today - and they're available now! 

Let's connect to get them in your hands, so you can feel confident when buying or selling a home

November 2019 Real Estate Market Statistics

(For the past few years, I've used my photographs for the headline photos on the monthly market updates, using local area scenes in 2017 and roof tops of homes sold in 2018.  This year I'm featuring public art that can be found in our local communities.)

The following is the latest Real Estate Market Statistics for November 2019.
Click here for the full report

• Sales:   2,191 in November 2019 vs 2,144 last November:  2.2%

• Pending Sales:   2,274 in November 2019 vs 1,904 last November:  19.4%

• New Listings:   2,118 in November 2019 vs 2,310 last November:  -8.3%

• Average Sales Price:   $459,300 in November 2019 vs $453,100 last November:  1.4%

• Total Market Time: 60 days in November 2019 vs 57 days last November:  4.0%

• Inventory in Months: 2.4 months in November 2019 vs 2.89 months last November

Inventory by Area:

• NW Washington County   2.49 months
• Beaverton/Aloha               1.62months
• Hillsboro/Forest Grove     2.58 months

December 2019 Homework Series

If you need help finding professionals who can assist you with this checklist, I can provide you with a list of preferred contractors and vendors!  Just give me a call at 503-956-3505.

It's 'National Roof Over Your Head' Day!

Did you know that each year in the United States, we celebrate “National Roof Over Your Head Day” on December 3rd?

As noted on the National Calendar, it was “created as a day to be thankful for what you have, starting with the roof over your head. There are many things that we have that we take for granted and do not stop to appreciate how fortunate we are for having them.”

From bungalows to cottages, and farmhouses to treehouses, today we show our appreciation and gratitude for the places we call home. Owning the roof that shelters us is something many renters still aspire to, knowing there are so many financial and non-financial benefits to homeownership.

According to the 2019 State of the Nation’s Housing from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University,

“Cost-burdened renters now outnumber cost-burdened homeowners by more than 3.0 million. In addition, renters make up 10.8 million of the 18.2 million severely burdened households that pay more than half their incomes for housing.”

Homeownership drives many benefits, including providing families with a place to feel secure. It also helps promote confidence that they are investing proactively in themselves and their communities. That is why there are 77.7 million owner-occupied housing units in the United States.

Many, however, fear it is too expensive to own a home. In reality, however, it’s actually more expensive to rent. Here’s the breakdown as a percentage of income necessary for both – affording median rent and owning a home:

Bottom Line

Today we pause to appreciate the places we call home, and all of the other reasons we have to be truly thankful. For those who don’t own yet and would like to, it’s a wonderful time to start identifying the steps to take toward homeownership. Let’s connect today to begin creating your plan.

Let Me Buy You Coffee on Black Friday!

Buyers in the Portland Market Are Looking Now. Are You Ready to List Your Home?

Inventory on the market today is low, especially among existing homes in the entry and middle-level tiers of the market. It is hovering well below the 6-month supply typically found in a more normal market, as shown in the graph below:With inventory being one of the biggest housing market challenges today, finding a starter home right now isn’t easy. According to the Q3 Housing Trends Report from the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), 68% of those searching for a home think their search will get harder or stay about the same over the next 12 months.

The same study reveals,

“In Qtr3’19, buyers actively engaged in the process of buying a home are more likely to have spent at least 3 months searching (58%) than a year earlier (55%).”

 This is certainly no surprise, given the current inventory status. So, what’s the good news? The NAHB continues to say,

“If still unable to find a home in the next few months, the next step for most long-time searchers is to continue looking for the ‘right’ home in the same preferred location (52%). The next step for 35% is to expand their search area and for 16% is to accept a smaller/older home. Only 15% will give up looking.”

What does this mean for homeowners?

 If you’re thinking of selling your home, buyer demand is high – and those looking in your neighborhood aren’t planning on giving up anytime soon. The majority of potential buyers who are still searching for their dream home are eager, willing, and ready to buy, so maybe it’s time to list your house and make your move.

Bottom Line

With buyer demand as high as it is today, and inventory in the entry and middle-tier markets remaining low, it’s never been a better time to move up. Let’s get together to determine if now is your time to sell.

October 2019 Real Estate Market Statistics

(For the past few years, I've used my photographs for the headline photos on the monthly market updates, using local area scenes in 2017 and roof tops of homes sold in 2018.  This year I'm featuring public art that can be found in our local communities.)

The following is the latest Real Estate Market Statistics for October 2019.
Click here for the full report

• Sales:   2,588 in October 2019 vs 2,440 last October:  6.1 %

• Pending Sales:   2,575 in October 2019 vs 2,484 last October:  3.7%

• New Listings:   3,064 in October 2019 vs 3,100 last October:  -1.2%

• Average Sales Price:   $459,000 in October 2019 vs $453,600 last October:  1.2%

• Total Market Time: 54 days in October 2019 vs 53 days last October:  2.1%

• Inventory in Months: 2.4 months in October 2019 vs 2.7 months last October

Inventory by Area:

• NW Washington County   2.31 months
• Beaverton/Aloha               1.72months
• Hillsboro/Forest Grove     2.24 months

The #1 Reason to List Your House in the Winter

Many sellers believe spring is the best time to put their homes on the market because buyer demand traditionally increases at that time of year. What they don’t realize is if every homeowner believes the same thing, then that’s when they’ll have the most competition.

So, what’s the #1 reason to list your house in the winter? Less competition.

Housing supply traditionally shrinks at this time of year, so the choices buyers have will be limited. The chart below was created using the months supply of listings from the National Association of Realtors.As you can see, the ‘sweet spot’ to list your house for the most exposure naturally occurs in the late fall and winter months (November – January). 

Temperatures aren’t the only thing that heats up in the spring – so do listings!In 2018, listings increased from December to May. Don’t wait for these listings and the competition that comes with them to come to the market before you decide to list your house.

Added Bonus: Serious Buyers Are Out in the Winter

At this time of year, purchasers who are serious about buying a home will be in the marketplace. You and your family will not be bothered and inconvenienced by mere ‘lookers.’ The lookers are at the mall or online doing their holiday shopping.

 Bottom Line

If you’ve been debating whether or not to sell your house and are curious about market conditions in your area, let’s get together to determine the best time to list your house.

How Comps Affect Your Home's Value

The comparable houses (comps) in your area can have a significant impact on your home’s value. Whenever someone sells a home in your area, the listing agent pulls a list of comps and puts them into a document known as a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) for the seller. A CMA is a list of homes sold in the area over the past 3-6 months. It is used to figure out the current value of your home based on comparable homes. A home may be considered similar based on size, number of beds and baths, quality, location, condition, etc.

When home prices are on the rise or investors renovate other homes in your area, increasing that home’s value, your home’s value will likely rise as a result. However, if the market is in decline, sellers do short sells, or banks start foreclosing in your area, it can have a negative impact on your home’s value.

If you’re interested in finding out how the comps in your area are impacting your home’s value, I can help! Not all the houses in your area are the same and it takes a trained real estate agent like myself to find properties that are a reliable representation of homes like yours. Once I’ve done that, I can create a CMA showing you how much your home could be worth. You may be surprised at how much homes like yours are selling for!

November 2019 Homework Series

If you need help finding professionals who can assist you with this checklist, I can provide you with a list of preferred contractors and vendors!  Just give me a call at 503-956-3505.

New Price! Cornelius Single Level Home $346,000

OPEN HOUSE  

1418 S 10th Terrace, Cornelius

.

Saturday, Nov 2nd

1-3PM

Buying a home can be SCARY..Until you know the FACTS

Some Highlights:

Many potential homebuyers believe they need a 20% down payment and a 780 FICO® score to qualify to buy a home. This stops many people from even trying to jump into homeownership! Here are some facts to help take the fear out of the process:

• 71% of buyers who purchased homes have put down less than 20%.
• 78.1% of loan applications were approved last month.
• In September, the average credit score for approved loans was 737.

How to Choose a Voice-Activated Assistant

Smart home technology is becoming more accessible and more helpful than ever before. With the right technology in place, you can control anything from your slow cooker to your home security system via smartphone. To get started, you need to choose a voice activated home assistant. Each home assistant has its own pros and cons, so figure out what’s most important to you. For example, Apple’s Siri is designed with privacy in mind. The data on your Siri devices will always be encrypted. That’s great, but it means that fewer smart home devices will be compatible with Siri. Amazon’s Alexa is easy to set up and compatible with most smart home devices, but there are some issues with voice activation and may pose more of a privacy risk compared to other voice activated assistants. Google’s assistant is probably the cheapest name brand option in the voice-activated assistant market, but it has fewer compatible accessories than other big brand options. There are also dozens of smaller brands available that are even more affordable than Google’s assistant. Creating a smart home is great, but finding the perfect home is priceless. If you or someone you know is thinking about making a move, I’m here to help!

Tips for Selling Your Home This Fall

Last month I posted an article sharing 5 Reasons to Sell this Fall.  Strong demand, less competition, a faster closing were some of the enticing reasons to consider listing your home for sale during this time of the year.

If there is enough incentive for you to put your home on the market for sale this season, here are some tips to ensure your home is attractive and inviting to buyers.

I'm ready, willing and able to assist you in your Real Estate needs!  Give me a call and let's get started preparing your home for a quick sale this fall.

One of the Top Reasons to Own a Home

One of the benefits of homeownership is that it is a “forced savings plan.” Here’s how it works: You make a mortgage payment each month. Part of that payment is applied to the principal balance of your mortgage. Each month you owe less on the home. The difference between the value of the home and what you owe is called equity.

If your home has appreciated since the time you purchased it, that increase in value also raises your equity. Over time, the equity in your home could be substantial. Recently, CoreLogic revealed that the average homeowner gained more than $65,000 in equity over the last 5 years.

Unlike last decade, homeowners are no longer foolishly tapping into that equity. In 2006-2008, many owners used their homes like an ATM by pulling equity out to purchase new cars, jet skis, or lavish vacations. They were pulling out cash (equity) from an appreciating asset, and then spending it on rapidly depreciating items. That is not happening anymore.

Over 50% of Homes Have at Least 50% Equity

The number of homeowners that currently have at least 50% equity in their home is astonishing. According to the Urban Institute, 37.1% of all homes in the country are mortgage-free. In a home equity study, ATTOM Data Solutions revealed that of the 62.9% of homes with a mortgage, 25.6% have at least 50% equity. That number has been increasing over the last five years:By doing a little math, we can see that 53.2% of all homes in this country have at least 50% equity right now. Of all homes, 37.1% are mortgage-free and an additional 16.1% with a mortgage have at least 50% equity.

Bottom Line

Homeownership is different than renting. When you own, your housing expense (the mortgage payment) comes back to you in the form of equity in your home. That doesn’t happen with your rent payment. Your rent helps build your landlord’s equity instead.

September 2019 Real Estate Market Statistics

(For the past few years, I've used my photographs for the headline photos on the monthly market updates, using local area scenes in 2017 and roof tops of homes sold in 2018.  This year I'm featuring public art that can be found in our local communities.)

The following is the latest Real Estate Market Statistics for September 2019.
Click here for the full report

• Sales:   2,377 in September 2019 vs 2,272 last September:  4.6 %

• Pending Sales:   2,686 in September 2019 vs 2,471 last September:  8.7%

• New Listings:   3,470 in September 2019 vs 3,606 last September:  -3.8%

• Average Sales Price:  $458,900 in September 2019 vs $453,800 last September: 1.1%

• Total Market Time: 52 days in September 2019 vs 45 days last September:  15.2%

• Inventory in Months: 2.8 months in September 2019 vs 3.1 months last September

Inventory by Area:

• NW Washington County   2.09 months
• Beaverton/Aloha               2.50 months
• Hillsboro/Forest Grove     2.59 months

You Need More Than a Guide. You Need a Sherpa.

In a normal housing market, whether you’re buying or selling a home, you need an experienced guide to help you navigate the process. You need someone you can turn to who will tell you how to price your home correctly right from the start. You need someone who can help you determine what to offer on your dream home without paying too much or offending the seller with a low-ball offer.

We are, however, in anything but a “normal market” right now. The media is full of stories about an impending recession, a trade war with China, and constant political upheaval. Each of these potential situations could dramatically impact the real estate market. To successfully navigate the landscape today, you need more than an experienced guide. You need a ‘Real Estate Sherpa.’

A Sherpa is a “member of a Himalayan people living on the borders of Nepal and Tibet, renowned for their skill in mountaineering.” Sherpas are skilled in leading their parties through the extreme altitudes of the peaks and passes in the region – some of the most treacherous trails in the world. They take pride in their hardiness, expertise, and experience at very high altitudes.

They are much more than just guides.

This is much more than a normal real estate market.

The average guide just won’t do. You need a ‘Sherpa.’ You need an expert who understands what is happening in the market and why it is happening. You need someone who can simply and effectively explain it to you and your family. You need an expert who will guarantee you make the right decision, even in these challenging times.

Dave Ramsey, the financial guru, advises:

“When getting help with money, whether it’s insurance, real estate or investments, you should always look for someone with the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesman.” 

Bottom Line

Hiring an agent who has a finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying or selling experience an educated one.

The Unexpected Costs of Buying a Condo

Is it time to start thinking about buying that condo you’ve always wanted for retirement, a vacation home or an investment?  Or, are you a first-time buyer who sees a condo as an entry point into homeownership?  Condos are a great investment!  They are typically low maintenance, offer numerous amenities and they are often located in prime locations.

While a condo may be the preferred real estate for many buyers, you should remember not to overlook the hidden costs associated with condo living.  Here are a few things you need to know.

HOA/Maintenance Dues 

Most condos will have a HomeOwners Association (HOA) that is responsible for replacing the roof, addressing siding issues, maintaining landscaping and even some will replace broken windows. However, these services come at a cost to the condo owner. Typically, a monthly, quarterly or annual fee will be charged each condo owner to cover these expenses along with any upkeep for amenities the association is responsible for maintaining such as a pool or tennis courts.

Some condo HOA dues also cover all or some of the utilities.  Many times, the water, sewer and garbage services for the units are paid by the condo association. Some will even cover electricity and internet service.  When Buyers look at the regular HOA dues, be sure there is a good understanding of what all is included. 

Special Assessments  

Special assessments are additional dues that are charged to cover expenses that aren’t considered routine maintenance or that are beyond what the standard dues can cover. These unexpected expenses are divided among the condo owners to cover unplanned expenses such as storm damage, new amenities, or projects to protect the health and safety of residents. When purchasing a condo, be aware of the current condition of the building itself, the amenities offered in the development and any future amenities that are planned for the community, to help determine if special assessments may be coming. 

Many Buyers considering purchasing a condo will include the ability to have a condo document review by an attorney as a contingency in the sale agreement.  There are law firms that specialize in working with condominium developments that will review the budget, reserve account and HOA documents and provide an assessment of the strength of the HOA in covering current expenses, future needs for improvements and unexpected repairs.   

Additional Insurance  

The condo’s HOA should provide insurance to cover the exterior of the building and any common areas in the condo community.  Homeowners are responsible for insuring the interior of their unit, any personal content inside the condo and liability.  We often hear the phrase ‘the owner is responsible from studs in, the HOA is responsible for the exterior’.  Sometimes this can be a little unclear such as if pipes break between the walls or there is mold in the attic.  Get clarification on who covers what areas of the home to ensure you have the proper insurance.

On-going Fees  

Many homeowners feel great when they can pay off their mortgage and reduce the monthly costs associated with living in their home. One thing about living in a condo is that you continue to pay the HOA fees long after you’ve paid off the condo itself.

Additional One-time Fees  

In more and more condominium developments, the HOA not only charges the regular dues but there may also be membership fees, a share of the realty tax on the land where your condo is built, move-in and move-out fees, transfer of ownership fees and sometimes parking fees if the parking space(s) are not deeded to your unit.  Ensure you ask about any additional fees which would generally be payable at the time of closing on the purchase. 

Knowing what to expect to pay for your condo is important.  Many condo owners are happy with the fees as it gives them 24-hour security, well-maintained swimming pools and other amenities, and a more carefree lifestyle than a single-family home. Condos can be an affordable way to own a vacation property, downsize during retirement or get into homeownership for first time buyers.  Doing your homework prior to purchasing a condo is important.

Hiring an experienced agent who has your best interests at heart is also important. Contact me if you or someone you know is thinking about making a move!

Maintaining your Heating System During the Colder Seasons

Fall season is upon us and outside temperatures are getting cooler.  If you haven't already turned on your furnace, you will be soon and will be using your furnance more regularly over the next several months.  Here are some maintenance tips to ensure it runs effectively during the cold weather seasons. Check filters every month. Smell around the appliance for gas odors. Visually inspect exhaust vent for rust, damage or deterioration. Inspect the fan belt for cracking or fraying. Also check the belt’s tension by pushing on the center and ensuring it only deflects 1 ⁄ 2" – 3 ⁄ 4". Have annual system maintenance service performed during the fall to avoid the busy winter season. Become familiar with normal operating sounds. Problem: There is no heat at all. • Check for blown fuses or a tripped circuit breaker. • Replace the drive belt. Problem: Soot collects in your house. • Replace the filter. • Call a qualified professional to clean the heating system. Problem: The blower makes unusual noises when the burner is off. • Tighten the setscrews. • Replace the blower mounts. • Check if the belt is worn; replace if needed. • Loosen the belt tension. • Call a qualified professional. Problem: Your rooms are not warm enough. • Replace the filter. • Clean the registers and remove any obstructions blocking the register. • Seal any leaking ducts with duct tape. Courtesy of American Home Shield

Halloween Bucket List!

Here are some fun ideas to help you 

fully enjoy this holiday month!

3 Ways to Incorporate Pumpkins into Your Home this Fall

Pumpkin lovers rejoice! October is National Pumpkin Month, and to celebrate, I’ve got a list of ways you can go beyond the pumpkin-spice lattes and incorporate this versatile plant into your home. 

Cooking - Pumpkins hit peak ripeness in September and October. Roast the seeds for a delicious snack. For a more substantial dish, roast, boil, steam, bake, sauté, or puree the meat of the pumpkin to use it in a number of delicious recipes.

Gardening - Most people are happy to limit their love of pumpkins to a few weeks a year. True pumpkin enthusiasts can consider growing their own pumpkin patch. Plant your seeds in a sunny area by late May or early June to enjoy home-grown pumpkins in the fall.

Decorating - From pumpkin-themed placemats to hollowed-out pumpkin candle holders and serving bowls, you have almost endless options for decorating with pumpkins. Try placing miniature pumpkins as tabletop decorations or hollowing out a pumpkin to use it as a vase

What other ways do you use pumpkins - 

or a pumpkin theme - in your home?

October 2019 Homework Series

If you need help finding professionals who can assist you with this checklist, I can provide you with a list of preferred contractors and vendors!  Just give me a call at 503-956-3505.

Low Mortgage Rates Offer Borrowers Plenty of Options

Lower interest rates have historically given homeowners the green light to refinance their homes in order to lower their monthly payments. Even if you think you have a great rate already and won't benefit from refinancing your mortgage, you may be mistaken. There are a multitude of reasons for refinancing your mortgage. Here are just a few:

1. Cash out your home equity

Are you reluctant to move because of the hassle of getting another home? You can cash out your home equity and renovate the home you have. Build an addition, modernize your kitchen, or give your walls a fresh coat of paint. With the right amount of equity in your home, you may even have payments that are comparable to what you had before with a home that feels like new.

2. Remove mortgage insurance

Are you still paying private mortgage insurance (or PMI) on your home because you didn't have 20 percent to put down when you purchased the property? There are two important things to take into consideration when it comes to private mortgage insurance:

1. It doesn't automatically fall off when you get to 80 percent loan-to-value. It automatically falls off at 78 percent loan-to-value. You must write a letter to your servicer to request it be removed at 80 percent. Unfortunately, many homeowners don't realize when they hit that magic 80 percent and pay more than they need to.
2. Mortgage insurance doesn't account for an increase in home value unless you get a new appraisal. With the increase in home values in recent years, one may be paying PMI years longer than they should.

You may even save enough from removing the mortgage insurance to refinance into a lower term to build equity in your home faster.

3. Refinance into a more fitting product

Are you in an FHA loan that requires you to pay a mortgage insurance premium each month? You may have built up enough equity in your home, or enough credit to your name to refinance into a conventional product and get rid of that extra money you pay each month.

Just because a borrower can afford their monthly payment, doesn't mean they shouldn't speak to a mortgage professional. With mortgage rates continuing to stay low, you won't be shifting your savings into a higher interest payment. It's good to be proactive when it comes to one of the biggest assets most people will own. Be strategic in that investment and take advantage of the unexpected rate environment 2019 has given us.

If you need referrals to mortgage lenders for refinancing or contractors to renovate your home, give me a call!

Adapted from David Baker, Premier Mortgage Resources Newsletter Oct 2019

What Buyers Need to Know About HOAs

When searching for a home, you may end up selecting a property in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA). Before you buy, it’s important to know how an HOA works and what they mean for you.

According to a recent article on realtor.com,

“In a nutshell, an HOA helps ensure that your community looks its best and functions smoothly…The number of Americans living in homes with HOAs is on the rise, growing from a mere 1% in 1970 to 25% today, according to the Foundation for Community Association Research.”

An HOA is governed by a board nominated by those living in the neighborhood. It is designed to make sure the residents have a support structure to maintain the value of the community while abiding by a set of guidelines called Common Restrictive Covenants (CC&R),

“Simply put, CC&Rs are just the rules you'll have to follow if you live in that community. Unlike zoning regulations, which are government-imposed requirements on how land can be used, restrictive covenants are established by HOAs to maintain the attractiveness and value of the property.”

It's important for homeowners to understand that each HOA is a little different, and they usually have monthly or quarterly fees required for homeowners. These fees can vary based on property size, number of residents, amenities, and more. There may be additional fees charged to homeowners if the reserve fund for the HOA cannot cover a major or unexpected cost, like severe storm damage.

The fees, however, also help maintain common areas such as swimming pools, tennis courts, elevators (for high-rise buildings), and regular wear and tear. Although they are an added cost to the homeowner, an HOA can be a major benefit when it comes to maintaining the value of your neighborhood and your property.

The same article continues to say,

“After your offer to buy a home is accepted, you are legally entitled to receive and review the community's CC&Rs over a certain number of days (typically between three and 10)…If you spot anything in the restrictive covenants you absolutely can't live with, you can bring it up with the HOA board or just back out of your contract completely (and keep your deposit).”

Most lenders will factor your HOA fees into your loan package, ensuring the amount of the loan is appropriate for what you can truly afford.

There are some great benefits to having an HOA oversee your neighborhood, and it’s important to understand what fees, structures, and regulations will come into play if there is an HOA where you’d like to live.

Bottom Line

When you’re looking at a potential property to buy, let’s get together so you have a professional who can help you understand the neighborhood’s HOA structure and fees. This way, you’ll feel confident and fully informed when buying a home.

New Listing - 1700+ sf Single Level Home in Cornelius!

Is Your House “Priced to Sell Immediately”?

In today’s real estate market, more houses are coming to market every day. Eager buyers are searching for their dream homes, so setting the right price for your house is one of the most important things you can do.

According to CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index, home values have risen at over 6% a year over the past two years, but have started to slow to 3.6% over the last 12 months. By this time next year, CoreLogic predicts home values will be 5.4% higher.

With prices slowing from their previous pace, homeowners must realize that pricing their homes a little over market value to leave room for negotiation will actually dramatically decrease the number of buyers who will see their listing (see the chart below).Instead of the seller trying to ‘win’ the negotiation with one buyer, they should price their house so demand for the home is maximized. By doing so, the seller will not be negotiating with a buyer over the price, but will instead have multiple buyers competing with each other over the house.

The secret is making sure your house is Priced To Sell Immediately (PTSI). That way, your home will be seen by the most potential buyers. It will sell at a great price before more competition comes to the market.

Bottom Line

If you're debating listing your house for sale, let’s get together to discuss how to price your home appropriately and maximize your exposure.

The Hidden Costs of Home Ownership

Buying a home is a big decision that will impact your life for years to come. Choosing the right house in the right location and the right price point can help you live your best life. But how do you know how much you can afford? There are many hidden costs involved in homeownership that must be taken into account to ensure you’re not overextending your budget.


Insurance
Until you pay off your mortgage, the bank owns part of your home and will require you keep it insured. Even after it’s paid off, insurance is an essential part of protecting your investment. In addition to homeowner’s insurance, you may also need mortgage insurance. This fee is attached to mortgages when less than 20% is put down on the home. Mortgage insurance usually runs around 1% of the value of your loan.

Property Taxes
Property taxes cover expenses for things like public works, schools, police, and fire departments. A lot of mortgages will wrap the cost of your property taxes and insurance into the monthly payment, but this expense won’t usually be included in your initial loan quote. The national property tax average is $6,000 a year, but the exact amount you pay will vary based on location and property.

Maintenance
When you rent your home, all you have to do is reach out to your landlord if something breaks down. When you own your home, you’re responsible for any broken refrigerators, clogged pipes, and anything else that needs upkeep. Even expenses covered by your insurance company will typically involve a deductible. Budget for at least $3,000 a year for maintenance and upkeep on your home.

From RE/MAX September 2019 Newsletter

2019 Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes!

It's time to select your perfect pumpkins for holiday decor.  Plan a day to visit one of these local pumpkin patches and enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, fresh produce, and fun activities for all!