Cary Perkins

Barb,

If it's the house you're referring to is the one I think it is, the house was temporarily taken off the market for repairs.

I live in the area and I can vouch for this being a very popular street, and great neighborhood, close to schools, shopping, & restaurants. The house needs some updating, but it might be a great bargain, and in this market, sellers are considering offers - if you need help, I'd love to do be the one to help you! I can help you determine a great offering price in this market on this or any home.
'07-'08 taxes just under $3000.
Cary Perkins
503-720-4455 - Sun Nov 9 2008, 12:05

Keryn,

Perhaps the sellers would like to close a few before year-end. I would recommend writing your best offer and seeing what happens. Once the election is over, things will undoubtedly calm down. I think an offer in this slow period will get some serious attention!

And then you'll know.

And you might find that you're interested in exploring hip alternatives in the detached housing market.

If I can help you, I'd love to. I'm right in the neighborhood.

Best.
Cary Perkins
Windermere
Northwest 20th & Johnson
503-720-4455 - Mon Nov 3 2008, 16:41

Perhaps you can find a resale property in a newer building that is FHA approved. Are you stuck on only buying brand new construction?

Condo sellers are frustrated - buyers are few - so all offers are worth looking at. Have you considered bumping up your price range, knowing that you will offer a commensurate amount less? It might open up another "level" of properties.

I'd be happy to forward listings to you.

Cary Perkins
Windermere
caryperk@windermere.com
503-720-4455 - Mon Nov 3 2008, 16:31

Paula,

It sounds as though you might want to contact an attorney, at least for a bit of information on your recourse.

If you'd like to speak to a reputable lender for information purposes, I'd be happy to direct you to several reliable, trustworthy contacts in the Portland area. I can also recommend a good attorney.

Cary Perkins
Windermere
(503) 720-4455 - Mon Nov 3 2008, 09:57

Have you looked at everything that's available in your price range?

I did a quick scan of the greater Portland area and found 63 properties from $400,000-$550,000 with 4+ bedrooms and .3 acres or better lot sizes. Sellers are currently quite anxious for buyers, and you might be able to even look a little bit higher, as some are willing to reduce their list price more than 10% to get their property sold - so with a good interest rate and a motivated seller, your buying power might be even greater than you think. (There are some great low down payment FHA loans that would free up your cash for remodling)

The major remodeling you are concerned about on an existing house is nothing compared to building a new house - so my advice would be to continue my search with an open mind to remodeling and looking for a bargain that is likely out there for you. I think we'll look back at 2008 as the year of the housing bargains - and you're lucky to be in a position to snap one up. (If only I needed a condo right now!)

If you need help with finding a great remodeler, or locating some of these available properties, I'd be happy to assist you. - Mon Sep 22 2008, 07:49