Jody McLeod

Ozziekim,
I don't have any personal recommendations for a lender, but here are a couple of articles about expats and dealing with lenders. One article states that dealing directly with a bank may be better than dealing with a mortgage broker. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B07E7D8103CF… and http://www.iht.com/articles/2002/09/28/radvice_ed3_.php - Wed Jun 4 2008, 14:15

The City of Portland publishes a survey asking local Portland residents their opinions regarding their neighborhoods. It addresses issues such as safety, ratings of government , and water quality. It will give you a better idea of what people think about particular neighborhoods: http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=176204

To help you navigate Portland neighborhoods here is a link to a map: http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=60598

I have also lived in different parts of Portland for over 18 years and there are several places that feel safe to me, that have homes priced in your range, and that have that artistic vibe you're looking for - Sellwood, Multnomah Village and Hawthorne are a some that come to mind.

Good Luck! - Tue Mar 4 2008, 07:27

I'm with Dirk on this one. North Portland has had some of the highest appreciation in the Portland Metro area. The latest RMLS report shows an 8.3% appreciation rate from from January 2007 to this year. If the neighborhood immediately around the house looks good I say go with Overlook. People like big yards, and if it offers enough room, they can build a big garage! Good luck. - Sun Feb 17 2008, 17:00

Well, (as I sit down at a small table, and wave you forward to look deeper into my crystal ball) in my humble opinion, if we do go into a recession, Oregon's housing market may be a little more insulated than other states because we haven't been hit as hard as other parts of the country, but we will still feel the pinch.

Seller's may have a harder time selling their home as people become more cautious about such a huge purchase. The good news for buyer's is that interest rates should be lower during a recession (although qualifying may be harder) and it will be a buyer's market because of slower sales. Negotiating for better deals would become more common.

On the other hand, I would think that sellers will be less willing to sell their home in a recession since they may not be able to sell it for a high enough price. That could lead to less homes on the market and fewer choices for buyers. Fewer choices means that buyers may have to broaden their notion of the PERFECT house and be willing to adjust their criteria. It can be easier to overlook a house not having that fireplace (or whatever it is) you wanted if you are getting a smokin' deal.

Good Luck and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that a recession DOESN'T happen. - Wed Jan 23 2008, 10:25