Common wisdom suggests Oregon home sales activity should decline during the holidays. At first glance, this makes sense, given Oregon's less favorable weather then, along with less daylight and a general aversion to adding yet one more task to what is for some, an already overloaded holiday schedule. However, there's a compelling case that the time surrounding Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's is one of the most active seasons of all...and for a variety of reasons you might not have considered. Holiday Househunt Hysteria: Hot or Hoax? Find out more...in this helpful Oregon real estate Podcast!

The diversity of Oregon residents is hardly surprising, given the fact that a majority of Oregonians are not native to our state. It turns out that fewer than half of Oregonians were born here, with more than half hailing from somewhere else—most often California & Washington. In fact, roughly one in five Oregon residents were born in California! So what are the faces of Oregon...and how might this affect you if you're buying or selling a home in our state? Find out more in this edition of the Oregon Real Estate Podcast.

When multiple buyers express interest in a property by each writing an offer, the balance of power has shifted substantially in favor of the seller. As a result of this decided shift, buyers typically become more competitive. Why? Because fear of loss can be a powerful motivator.

And while it's possible for three, four, or even more buyers to compete for the same house, the principle is essentially the same, regardless of how many multiple buyers write an offer. Adding more buyers to the mix, however, does have a tendency to 'quicken' the pace. 

What can buyers do to lower the volume, lessen their own anxiety and reduce the frenzy without getting caught up in a multiple buyer scenario, all while making sure they don't miss out on the house of your dreams? Plus, what can sellers do to maximize their leverage in getting the best possible offer? And for both buyers and sellers, are there specific tips you can use to ensure you're 'in it to win it' for your next home purchase or sale? Find out more...in this helpful Oregon real estate podcast!

A common saying states 'Knowledge is power.' Have you ever wondered what kinds of information others may have about you?

You may not have considered how much insurers know about you, your home, or car, but the insurance industry holds quite a bit of information that can significantly affect your insurance costs, especially if it's either incorrect or incomplete. The bottom line is that while insurance companies may have 'secret' records on you, just because you haven't known about it, doesn't mean it has to remain 'secret.' And believe it or not, you can not only get a copy, but it's also free! Curious? Find out more in this helpful Oregon real estate podcast.

In most relationships, business or otherwise, there's some usual 'give and take.' In the end of such encounters, both sides typically benefit, making the situation a 'win-win' outcome for those involved. And that's why 'taking advantage' of your Realtor as a helpful resource needn't be adversarial. Instead, providing counsel and information is what expert real estate agents do best. And leveraging that professional assistance to your maximum advantage is typically a wise move.

Did you know the profession of real estate agent consistently ranks as one of the most stressful occupations? Yet, some Realtors seemingly deal with stress as if their work is a breeze. Ever wonder what's their secret? And is there something homebuyers and homesellers can learn about defusing stress using tips from real estate professionals who work daily 'in the trenches' while handling  potentially stress-riddled transactions? Find out how professionals handle stress AND perform at a high level...in this helpful Oregon real estate podcast!

You might have heard about Oregon's livability. You could also be enthralled by the Beaver State's reputed natural beauty, or perhaps you enjoy outdoor activities, since fishing, hunting, skiing, kayaking, surfing and bicycling are all popular here. But what else is to be found in Oregon? And what's it like to actually live here? Is there anything helpful to know before showing up upon arriving in Oregon with a filled U-Haul truck? Plus, why do most people move to Oregon and might you 'fit in' here? Find out more, in this edition of the Oregon Real Estate Podcast.

President Herbert Hoover. Grammy Award nominee Gino Vannelli. Double Nobel laureate Linus Pauling. Renowned chef James Beard. Composer Ernest Bloch.  Authors Beverly Cleary and Walt Morey. Actors Sally Struthers, Frank Cady and Ginger Rogers. What do the people on this diverse list have in common? Celebrities all, they have each called Oregon 'home.'

Given the many potential lifestyle differences among Oregonians, how about differences when selling a home? Oregonians have plenty of housing options. For many homebuyers, one main decision is whether to live in the country, or the city.

If you're selling country property, it's important to realize that not everyone is a prime prospect for your home. That's because buyer considerations between country and city properties include trade-offs. Some of these trade-offs include commute time, convenience and affordability.  It's true that home prices in general tend to become more affordable with added distance from the economic hub of cities. Yet even given a lower house price tag, with increased countryside commute times and what some see as rural inconveniences, there also tends to be a decrease in buyer demand.

While many buyers speak longingly about having 'a place in the country,' the reality of change is just too overwhelming for some. So they stay in the city or suburbs. Does this mean country property sellers are doomed to the 'double whammy' of fewer buyers and a longer selling period?  Isn't there a buyer for every property? And what about other aspects of the sale, like getting a loan, appraisal and inspections. Are those different for country transactions, too? Find out more in this helpful edition of the Oregon Real Estate Podcast.

There’s something not only different, but truly special about being ‘out in the country.’ The sense of natural beauty, privacy and stillness is difficult to find anywhere else. The song ‘Out in the Country’ recorded by Three Dog Night embodies what many find so compelling:

Whenever I need to leave it all behind

Before the breathin’ air is gone

 

Out in the country 

 

Listen to this podcast episode here:

https://episodes.castos.com/Helpful-Interesting-Information-on-Oregon-Real-Estate/Differences-When-Selling-Country-vs-City-Homes.mp3

Given the many potential lifestyle differences among Oregonians, how about differences when selling a home? Oregonians have plenty of housing options. For many homebuyers, one main decision is whether to live in the country, or the city.

If you’re selling country property, it’s important to realize that not everyone is a prime prospect for your home. That’s because buyer considerations between country and city properties include trade-offs. Some of these trade-offs include commute time, convenience and affordability.