All Forum Posts by: Lisa Thoele

@Ben D. I would suggest you contact a good local mortgage broker - I think that they could advise you on which way to go and and which loan programs are the best and what the advantages/disadvantages are to refi-ing your current mortgage with regards to your long term plans.  They can run the numbers for you so you can compare your options.  

I don't think you can do a fixer or non-owner occupied with a USDA loan but Newberg should qualify as far as the area (I believe its still considered rural) but there are income restrictions on that type of loan - worth asking about for sure.  If you need a referral to a mortgage broker feel free to PM me - I have a terrific guy I've worked with for 10+ years and am happy to pass along his info.  

I have a couple of acquaintances who have picked up small multi-families in Newberg off RMLS in the last year and have been really happy with the numbers so I would think if you could market for off-market deals it might be a great area to find a really good deal - which is really hard to find in Portland proper.

I agree with what @Michael Jones

said above.  I haven't heard of anyone talking about a crash but I think as interest rates rise there will be a slowing of frenzy in the market in Portland.  Even though it feels like its been rapidly increasing, we do have a very seasonal market and we haven't seen price increases close to what it was before the crash.  Most of the current craz seems to be driven by low inventory with no decrease in buyer demand.   

Best wishes!  Sounds like you have a well thought out plan.  

@Alexi Polenur that's pretty close to what I pay in Oregon. 

Hello @Trevor Cross - If you call any title company in the area they will be able to give you the current owners  name and mailing information.  Just ask for their customer service department.  If its already owned by a bank but not listed by an agent and didn't sell on the courthouse steps its my understanding its almost impossible to purchase it directly from the bank - someone else might have had a different experience.  You will just have to wait it out until the bank lists it or try to figure out what agent lists that bank's property in the area - the ease of this will depend on the size of the market.  If there is a trustee involved you might have better luck if it isn't already listed.  Sometimes if the bank is just waiting on the redemption right period to expire, the listing agent will have already put a sign on the property but just not be marketing it yet.  Good luck!!

I would love to attend!  Count me in!  I was so bummed to have missed the last one!  Lisa

Hello @Cindy Wong

I would suggest you check out our local NWREIA group (northwestreia.com) and Rare Bird (myrarebird.com) both have lots to offer!  

Best Wishes!  Lisa

@Siddharth Shastri

I would be interested in coming too!

Thanks!

@Ben Allard

 I only have one daughter and she is seven years old - I'm sure its a little different with three so close together but I have managed this since she was a baby with my real estate practice, flipping and wholesaling.  I try to set aside a certain amount of time in the morning to work on my business and then take a break and spend time with her and then work a little again.  You have to be really focused during those times.  Sometimes we both sit a the table and she works on summer workbooks for school.  My little girl knows that this is what pays the bills and when I have to make a phone call or take a phone call she knows what's expected.  If she can rise to those expectations there are always rewards - frozen yogurt, an extra park trip...you get the idea.  Also this summer we are driving for dollars and she is my scribe.  She is super excited because I'm "paying" her for each address and she get's a bonus if I am able to get a deal from our list.  We are taking a picnic and having lunch at a neighborhood park.  Again, I only have one kiddo but you can do it - you just have to be creative and able to switch focus really quickly.  I also put her in three camps over the summer.  Camps and vacation Bible school are amazing options that can buy you a few hours a day - your three year old is probably a little young but that would bring your count down to one kiddo for a few hours instead of three.  Best of luck!

@Shawn Davis

Hello Shawn I think this has already been mentioned here but we have an insurance policy in Oregon through Regence with an HSA.  We've had it for about 5 years and its awesome.  We have a high deductible, low monthly premium (allows us to fund our HSA pre-tax).  It covers one check up a year for each of us with no cost and any basic medical stuff vaccines, mammograms, etc.  Anything else we pay out of our self-funded HSA pre-tax and goes towards our deductible.  I would call the big insurance guys in Oregon and see if they have any HSA options.  Best Wishes, Lisa

@John Manasco 

Thank you so much!! Really appreciate you sharing your knowledge!

@Susan Millhauser

 You might try giving your escrow agent a call...not sure but I think I've gotten a name from them before?  Also the City of Portland's surveying department has a list of local professional surveyor organizations where you could probably get a recommendation if you don't get someone here who can give you a referral.  Best wishes!  Lisa