Blog & News

October 11, 2012

There is some good news on the housing front with two reports indicating the long-stagnant U.S. real estate market is climbing to its feet and growing more stable. The first indicator comes from CoreLogic, which says the nation’s current “shadow inventory” of homes is in decline, a healthy sign more houses are moving off the “for sale” market….

October 11, 2012

Twelve years ago, the U.S. Green Building Council launched a rating system called LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, hoping that architects, engineers, designers and real estate firms would improve energy efficiency and increase the use of recycled materials and nontoxic paint in their projects to win LEED-certified recognition. Now LEED has grown…

October 4, 2012

Investment firm Morgan Stanley has high hopes for the housing market’s recovery this year and next. “We expect to see 2012 end with an increase of 7 to 9% for the year in aggregate home prices after considering seasonality effects for the remainder of the year, with the possibility of a 10 to 12% increase on…

October 2, 2012

October’s National Energy Awareness Month is designed to promote smart energy choices. We all can do small things to save energy around our homes and work places. No matter how large the problem may appear, we all have the means to shape our energy future and move our nation toward energy independence. The following energy…

October 2, 2012

The buyer should always look at the COST of a home, not just the PRICE. The cost is determined by the price and the mortgage interest rate which is available at the time. Below is a list of the interest rates over the last ten years and the impact they have on a $100,000 mortgage…

September 25, 2012

In another sign of a turnaround in the long-battered real estate market, average home prices returned to the best level in nine years in July. According to the closely watched S&P/Case-Shiller national home price index, which covers more than 80% of the housing market in the United States, the typical home price in July rose…

September 19, 2012

Trulia’s Chief Economist reveals how you can save hundreds of dollars a month by buying a home instead of renting – especially if you can get today’s low mortgage rates, itemize your tax deductions and plan to live there for 7 years. The most important housing decision that most consumers face is whether to rent or…

September 18, 2012

Based on prices, mortgage rates and soaring rents, there may have never been a better time in real estate history to purchase a home than right now. Here are five major reasons purchasers should consider buying: Supply Is Shrinking With inventory declining in many regions, finding a home of your dreams may become more difficult…

September 12, 2012

Renaissance Homes President Randy Sebastian will be speaking to the Home Builders Association during their All Member Lunch series, “Getting From There To Here.” Join us Thursday, September 13th, from 11:30 am to 1:30 at the JMG Conference Center in Lake Oswego. Randy will be presenting his roots in the industry, his struggles and triumphs…