Going Green – Imagine…
Filed Under Going Green · Tagged:
If everyone in the U.S. said “no thanks” to ATM receipts, it would save a roll of paper so long it could circle the equator fifteen times.
Change light bulbs from traditional incandescent to compact fluorescent. If every American did, it would reduce greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars.
Turn off the car instead of idling when waiting to pick up the kids at school. When a car idles for more than 30 seconds it actually uses more gas and releases more greenhouse pollution into the air then if it were turned off.
If every household in the U.S. replaced just one roll of virgin fiber paper towels (70 sheets) with 100% recycled ones we would save 544,000 trees.
Trade Up – The Opportunity of a Down Market
Filed Under Real Estate · Tagged:
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A buyers’ market is a trading up market. With falling home prices comes a great opportunity for move-up buyers. Even though your home’s sale price may be lower, the smaller loss at sale can be compensated by greater savings at purchase. For example, if home prices dropped by 5 percent, here’s what if could look like if you decided to trade up:
Old Home Price = $200,000
Sell at $190,000=$10,000 Less New Home Price = $400,000
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Portland Mall Light Rail
Filed Under Going Green, Portland · Tagged:
Opening in 2009, a new MAX light rail line to Clackamas County-dubbed the “Green Line”-will run the length of the Mall, connecting Union Station and Portland State University.
Mortgage Rates Plummet Thanks to the Fed!
Filed Under Real Estate · Tagged:
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In Late November, an announcement that the Federal Reserve and US Treasury would purchase up to $600 billion in asset-backed securities sent mortgage rates plunging below 6%. This is a bold step towards a more stable economy. Not only will this increase the availability of credit, but it should help support the housing and financial markets as well. For new buyers and for homeowners looking to refinance, this is great news. While no official announcement has been made, there is rampant speculation that the Treasury will purchase additional mortgage backed securities to force 30 year fixed rates down to 4.5%. With interest rates near historic lows, home prices at 2003-2004 levels in many markets, and a tax credit up to $7500 for first-time buyers (anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years) the current real estate market is ripe with opportunity!
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