New HARP(Homeownership Affordability Refinance Program) ready to roll out.  No lender has made a decision on how they will administer this program, but this program is a sequel to the 2009 original HARP program designed to help those homeowners “upside down” on their mortgage.   However, the results fell way short of expectations, mainly because …

Putting less than 20% down payment on a house does not necessarily mean you have to pay that dreaded monthly mortgage insurance on top of your regular principal and interest payment. On the contrary, if you are a veteran, for example, you can (all other credit qualifications met) apply for a VA loan for up …

Economists report the homeownership affordability index at its highest point in 30 years.  Affordability index measures the proportion of the average mortgage size based on median home prices compared with median household income. An index reading at 100 means that one can afford a home at median price at 100% of median income.   Today, …

It is a known fact that the best single investment a anyone can make is owning their own home, whether its a single family type home, condominium, or town home. When purchasing a home, whether it is your first time or if you are moving up to a bigger home, or for whatever reason, there …

Over the last few years, the Portland – Vancouver metro area has received numerous “Best Places” tributes, by Forbes and other media, and has made the “top city lists” for many things, including: Forbes Lists: * #15 Best Places for Business and Careers* * #106 in Cost of doing Business* * #86 in Job Growth* …

Many states do not have escrow requirements for real estate transactions and many people do not know about escrow and how it works. If you are in a state or relocating to a wonderful Vancouver neighborhoodor the Portland area where escrow is required for all real estate deals, then you need to know more about escrow …

By Josh Garskof @Money August 12, 2011: 6:02 PM ET (MONEY Magazine) — Done right, an exterior paint job is a smart investment: It will protect your home from the elements, help defer costly repair work, preserve your property value, and add curb appeal. Plus, if your existing paint is peeling, cracking, or bubbling, delaying the job …

By Les Christie August 9, 2011: 1:58 PM ET NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — Any glimmer of hope that the housing market will stage a recovery in the upcoming months has vanished, thanks to the recent spate of bad economic news that has been making headlines over the past several weeks. According to the latest analysis of …

By Les Christie August 10, 2011: 12:17 PM ET NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — Housing markets struggled through another tough quarter, this time during the spring buying season, the strongest time of year for home sellers. Prices of existing homes fell 2.8% in the three months ended June 30 compared with the same period in 2010, according …

By Les Christie August 11, 2011: 11:08 AM ET NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — Foreclosure filings dropped once again in July, hitting their lowest level since November 2007, as processing delays and foreclosure prevention measures enabled a larger number of delinquent borrowers to remain in their homes. Filings were down 4% compared to June and were 35% lower than …