770 North Moss Street

Shawn Brittenham Windermere Real Estate/Lane County Office Phone: 541-484-2022 Direct Phone: 541-465-8176/517-0734 sbrittenham@windermere.com Gorgeous custom built home in a private setting offering lake and mountain views. Enjoy the marina, fishing & boating w/an easy commute to Eugene. Spacious and open floor plan features hrdwd and tile flrs, custom cabinets, large bonus room, master suite on main level w/ jacuzzi tub, magnificent stone fp, abundance of windows allowing natural light. Mini vineyard w/ deck/arbor.

Real Estate Agents - Two Sides to the Business

There's two sides to the real estate business. There's the emotional side where the person is buying [or selling] and then there's the business side, the non-emotional, logical and rational side. The emotional side is made up of the excitement, frustration, euphoria, fear, etc. that the buyer feels when they're going through the process of looking at houses, making offers, arranging furniture in their minds as they look at homes, etc.

The business side is the side that most homeowners and prospective homeowners don't look at. Homeowners and prospective homeowners do not pay attention to this important side.

Therefore, they get involved with real estate agents who are like them. They don't pay attention to the business aspect of real estate and thus, do not (can not) consult their clients accordingly. These real estate agents know about the market and homes in general. They can tell you alot about a home, type of construction, the heating system, the history of the neighborhood, local home values, etc. But on the business side is the most vital because in the transaction of real estate, is a business transaction. We're talking about a financial transaction of over $375,000 on the average in the Long Island real estate market.

That is a major business and financial transaction that is cut throat and perfectly rational. It is based on municipal regulations, real estate laws, appraisals, and thorough analysis of the conveyance of title. It requires insurance policies to be executed and title insurance to issued in order to assure clear conveyance of ownership.

The business side of the transaction is where the turkey is talked about. In this market, with changes in the mortgage markets from day to day, if an agent is not thoroughly entrenched in the business side of real estate, they could certainly cost a homeowner and prospective homeowner thousands upon thousands of dollars.

A real estate agent must be empathetic to the emotional needs of his/her clients, while at the same time proficient in representing their business interests which includes helping their bottom line.

I know for me, personally, I pride myself on being "in the know" about mortgage markets, where they're going and how it will effect both my selling clients as well as my buying clients. For example, higher interest rates will effect my sellers by shrinking the already small buyer pool. Higher interest rates combined with a banking industry that has tightened it's lending practices so much already, will only make things more challenging for my selling clients because these two important aspects will drive the buyer pool down.

Higher interest rates for my current buying clients/customers means one thing - find a home now, while prices are still down and interest rates are still low because with higher rates comes higher monthly interest payments, which translates to thousands of dollars leaving their income column and going into their expense column. Sure they will get to "write off" the interest at the end of the year, but high cash outlays during the month of say August, totally overshadows the fact that sometime in the future you'll get a "write off" in taxes.

I consider myself a counselor, consultant, and businessman. While I am human and very much enjoy helping people find a home to buy or help them sell the one they have and buy a new home, I also am a businessman who takes the responsibility of representing my clients business interests very seriously (that's why my website features such good information and analysis).

Elizabeth - Portland Condos

Visit www.allportlandcondos.com for more details

Real Ghosts - Were They Summoned by the Curse of Savannah to Haunt the City?

Real ghosts, haunted places and paranormal activity make the sleepy southern town of Savannah, Georgia "America's Most Haunted City." Is there really a "Curse of Savannah" to explain all of this?

Is it Hoodoo or something more sinister?

There are many mysterious happenings and ghost stories related to the Curse of Savannah. It seems like a haunted house with real ghosts is lurking around almost every shadowy corner. There are countless true scary stories that the locals will swear by.

Ghostly shrouds of Spanish moss cascading from mighty oaks everywhere and the balmy southern air create an eerie atmosphere in Savannah. Here the tales of mystery seem larger than life (death?).

Stories of the Curse of Savannah date to initial settlement and perhaps farther back to a time when missionaries, buccaneers, and American natives inhabited the coast. A number of the nation's bloodiest battles were fought on Savannah soil, including the Siege of Savannah during the American Revolution. 1,200 men were killed in one hour - only Bunker Hill had more casualties.

Plague, fire, and hurricanes have devastated the city, leaving in their wake a legacy of death and dismay. Stories of real ghosts are woven into the history of Savannah to such an extent that it is difficult to separate the real from the surreal.

A City Built On The Dead

Savannah was founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe and is Georgia's oldest city. The City was built initially on an Indian burial ground known as Yamacraw Bluffs. As settlers were struck down by Yellow Fever or other unfortunate events, the cemeteries filled rapidly.

Businesses and homes were forced to expand onto the ground where the dead lay resting, as the city grew. Some bodies were disinterred and buried elsewhere, but many were not. Could it be these restless spirits that haunt the city?

The Hoodoo Doctor

The story is told of a former slave and alleged Hoodoo doctor called Mathias. Having obtained his freedom, Mathias planned to infiltrate an estate posing as a slave in order to guide the slaves north to freedom via the Underground Railroad.

On a cool November night in 1859 Mathias made his move. To protect their escape he provided each slave with a mojo bag. However, one slave refused the offer and threatened to expose the plan, so Mathias killed him. Twelve slaves escaped, but Mathias was caught and thrown in jail.

Witnesses claimed Matthias was hung in his cell, but the sheriff swore he was killed in the act of attempted escape. Many believe that Matthias cursed the city in revenge and summoned the many real ghosts that have haunted Savannah ever since.

Warm on the Oregon Coast, Coos Bay

Beautiful Day on Coos Bay. Living on the Oregon Coast

12350 Rices Crossing Road Oregon House CA 95962

View full virtual tour: www.justsnooping.com

Oregon Coast Lighthouses

Lighthouses offer a mystic of days gone by. There is a fascination about them and what the lives were like for people who operated them.I got interested in them when I found one in Mexico that was named after me. Well maybe not really named after me but with the same name. I started collecting pictures and statues and didn't seem to know when to quit.

The Scenic Oregon Coast has 9 lighthouses, 2 private ones and a Lightship. Most of them have been restored and offer a look back to Oregon's past. It makes you wonder how a light keeper and his family could live by them and still survive. Most of them were exposed to the Pacific Ocean wind all of the time.

There are some great stories about some of the lighthouses in Oregon. At one lighthouse in Oregon the light keeper and his family would actually have to crawl on their hands and knees to get from the lighthouse to their house because the wind was so strong.

One lighthouse that was located 1 1/2 miles from shore was closed down because it was to dangerous for people there and the lighthouse needed some repair. It was sold in 1980 to a real estate developer and a group of investors for $50,000. The structure was gutted and turned into the Eternity at Sea Columbarium. The only problem is that they went broke and had to close it down. The cremated remains of many people are still located there.

Some of the lighthouse are said to be haunted. Light keepers at the Tillamook Light reported hearing low, bone-chilling groans. It quickly became know as a mysterious and haunted lighthouse.Most of Oregon's lighthouses are open to the public. They are a lot of fun to tour and see how they were operated in the late 1800's.

There are many stories about the lighthouses and how they were originally built. When some of them were built, lives were lost just trying to get the material to the area. You have to remember that this was in the 1800's and they didn't have some of the modern equipment that we have now days.

At the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse even today you can't land a boat there because it is so treacherous. They had to use pulleys to get the supplies to the rock off shore.

The Heceta Head Lighthouse is located on the Central Oregon Coast and is a lot of fun to explore. The original head light keepers house has been turned into a Bed & Breakfast and is even said to have a ghost. If you believe in ghosts it is a great place to stay and the view is outstanding.

SOLD - Seaquist Real Estate -84,660 Winesap Rd, Milton-Freewater, OR

Affordable in this country living at its best! This easy-home care, without a lot of neighbors. Some new windows, together with some new carpets. There is pasture for a horse or some animals. Enjoy the fresh country smells, if you are the proud owner of this package of property. View Formorer www.tourmf.com. Courtesy of Music of Mike Giles and the McLoughlin High School Jazz Ensemble in Milton-Freewater, Oregon. © 1998, 2000 McLoughlin High School. AllRights reserved.

97 Cedar La Grande, Oregon

SOUTHSIDE La Grande RANCH STYLE 3/2 with AMAZING KITCHEN FOR SALE! Come see this beautiful family home in south La Grande. Hardwood floors. Fireplace in great room. Owners put more than 25K into the custom kitchen! Fenced backyard with creek, off street parking, deck, hardwood floors, bonus family room. GREAT QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD! Call today!

Current Homes For Sale Present Bargain Buying Opportunity

The current real estate market has been hard on me homeowners in the Portland Oregon and Vancouver Washington area. It has not been out of the norm for your typical person who owns a home to have lost 30 to 40% in their home equity.

As as unfortunate as that is now is the time to buy a home in the area. Real estate is going for pennies on the dollar relative to what it was going for her two years ago. Many homes that were once out of the price range of your average individual now are affordable.

For instance in many parts of Vancouver Washington your typical three bedroom two bath home would cost more than $300,000. This would've been in an average neighborhood. Now, in 2010, you can buy a pretty nice home for $250,000. There is just so much more value for your money versus what you could get several years ago.

Let's backup a moment as a felony to disclose something. Credit is a lot harder to get than it was two years ago. Easy credit was the main factor that fueled the local home buying craze as soon as that well dried up so did massive home sales. Although there are a lot of buying opportunities in the Vancouver Washington area you have to be able to get the credit to buy these properties. Reviewer person who has excellent credit you should have no problems. If you are person with average to good credit you may have to put more money down. This is where having money in the bank can really help a person have a step up. Even before you talk to her real estate agent you should see what type of loan you would qualify for based on your credit history and income level.

Economic and real estate busts are nothing. They have happened many times and believe me, if history tells us anything, they will happen again. You would think as humans we would understand and be prepared for the cycles but as it turns out we never are. What the smart people do is take advantage of the cycles and when the market is down they buy and when it eventually goes back up they sell. If the market is going well, and you are buying, you will probably lose.

Vancouver Washington is Portland's biggest suburb. Though the local economy is not the best it's ever been make no mistake that it is still viable and there's plenty of people who want to live here. That is not going to change anytime soon. The real estate market has corrected itself and as much as it hurts it was do. Those who have foresight will reap the rewards later.

Do You Want to Start a Mobile Home Remodeling Addition?

A mobile home remodeling addition is a great way to add more space to your home. Most mobile homes are fairly small and it is difficult to have a growing family in one. If you own the land that your home is on, you might want to consider adding an addition to your home.

You can use a computer program to design your addition or just make up some of your own designs. You can also hire an architect who is trained in creating additions for real estate that is similar to what you want your home to look like.

The Decision Process

Deciding on the interior design of your addition is often the hardest part. You will only have a limited amount of money, but you want to maximize the space that you are adding on to your home. Homes that have a good design will automatically feel more comfortable.

When you start to remodel you will also need to decide on the quality of products that you will be putting into your home. Building products come in a variety of styles and costs, so you will need to do your homework to make the right decision for your needs.

There are many different little decisions that you will have to make throughout the process of your remodel or addition. You may have to pick out cabinets, create a color palette, or even decide where electrical outlets need to go.

The Plan

It is important to have a plan when you begin your remodeling project. You will need to create a budget and repair the budget as needed throughout the building process. Creative home remodeling is often necessary to stay within your ideal budget.

Once you have come up with a reasonable budget, then you will need to start looking into contractors that can complete the work for that budgeted price. You will want to find a contractor that is good and has references from previous clients. Make sure and actually call those past clients and talk to them about their project.

After hiring a contractor you will want to stay as active in the remodeling process as you can. Stay informed of the progress and continually ask for updates. It will be easier to remedy any problems if you know about them well in advance.

Remodeling or adding onto your home is a fun and exciting project, but it can also be a bit overwhelming if you have not planned correctly. Make sure you spend the necessary time planning your project so you do not have more problems later on.

Stick to your budget as close as you can and you will avoid spending more money than you wanted to. The additional space that you add on is a great way to increase your home's value while adding comfort to your family's daily life. Now get started on planning your mobile home remodel... It is a long process ... that will be full of many ups and downs... but well worth it in the end!

Cloud 9 Neighborhood Homes in Salem Oregon

View video about the homes and real estate in this South Salem Oregon neighborhood.... Check out more at www.tomsonburnham.com

A Brief Overview of Dam Construction Using Roller Compacted Concrete

One of the oldest manmade structures are none other than the dam, whose main purpose is to hold back water. They are also used to help drive water to where it is needed for irrigation purposes, to help keep flooding under control, or to help generate power. Dam construction may only serve a handful of useful purposes, but there are numerous types of dams and different ways to create them to meet those needs. Some of the different types include timber, arch-gravity, masonry, and embankment dams. And the more common materials used in dam construction include concrete, rock, steel, and wood.

Even though dam construction has existed for quite some time, the craft has been refined and perfected, especially in the last 100 years with the advanced dam construction engineering techniques that have developed. Some of the dams built a long time ago are in need of a structural update, if not a complete repair. The cost of the huge undertaking of bringing all dams in the US up to meet the current standards has been estimated at $40 billion. It will be important to use a material that is affordable, but still remains reliable and safe.

Engineers have been more and more focused on using a material called roller compacted concrete. It is a fairly new creation, which was first used in dam construction in the early 1980's to build the Willow Creek Dam in Oregon. Since then, roller compacted concrete has been effectively utilized in the dam construction of over 70 brand news dams, and to repair at least another 100 dams. The 3 things that make it a perfect fit for dam construction are cost, time to construct and performance. Roller compacted concrete is durable and strong, yet its cost can match that of rock filled constructions.

Roller compacted concrete allows the dam to be protected from earthquakes, erosion, and keeps water from running over top of the dam. It is made with the same materials that make up conventional concrete including water, cement, and construction aggregate (sand, gravel, stone, etc). Roller compacted concrete has also shown that it can be used efficiently in reinforcing older dams to help them become more resistant to earthquakes as well making them more stable overall. Many dams already do not meet the current safety standards, and 80 percent of this country's dams will have been around for 50 years by 2020, so roller compacted concrete can come in handy now more than ever.

Earning Money With Passive Income

The economy is in bad shape at the moment. Unemployment is up, the stock market is down and the financial credit crisis and housing markets are in turmoil.

Now the good news.

There are a few different ways for you to make money and the best part about it is that you won't have to do much after the initial set up. This type of income is called passive income. or residual income.

What is passive income? It's income that you earn without have to do anything, or a limited amount, once the initial work is done. It's your money working for you instead of the other way around. Most people think of passive income as in the stock market with your money growing over time without you really doing anything. Interest on any bank accounts or investment vehicle is also considered passive income.

Another type of passive income is owning and operating vending machines. Granted, there is some involvement from you in regards to reloading the machines, but basically you don't have to be involved to have someone buy merchandise and make money from the sale.

Many people looking for passive income are looking toward the internet for ideas. The internet has become such a money maker for so many people. John Chow, Darren Rowse and Courtney Tuttle are just a few that have made their living from passive income in the form of the internet. Building a website around a particular theme where you can get a steady flow of traffic from, can attract companies to advertise on your site. Amazon.com has an affiliate program that you can add on to your site where you can make passive income.

One of the best ways that I've been able to make an income from is real estate. My wife and I have bought several rental properties at a great price that have been bringing in income since day one. At this time we are looking for some more great deals since the housing market has been beaten up and the prices have come down so much more. With a lot of people losing their homes to foreclosure, the need for rental properties have hit an unbelievable level.

So if you're one of the many that are struggling to make ends meet and are not able to get another job or even a decent raise, then you might want to think about passive income.

Evicting Squatters - Knowing Your Rights

It's surprising when it happens. An absent property owner may be completely unaware that someone is living on his property. When a person lives on the property without having permission by the property owner, it's known as "squatting." In some cases, squatters have been known to live in unoccupied houses and buildings for years before being discovered by the owner. In doing so, they establish a form of ownership over the property. While the true property owner can kick the person out, evicting squatters requires him to go through a legal process. In this article, we'll explore squatters, trespassers and the art of evicting them.

Difference Between Squatting And Trespassing

First, it's important to understand that squatting and trespassing aren't necessarily the same. While trespassing is a criminal offense, squatting is technically a civil matter. By definition, squatting may not actually be illegal in your jurisdiction. Plus, removing a squatter requires the property owner to claim possession and prove ownership. That being said, if there are signs of a forced entry (broken windows, locks, etc.), then the squatter is trespassing and the police have the right to remove that person.

When The Law Works Against You

Surprisingly (to the chagrin of thousands of property owners), evicting squatters can take months. In cases where a squatter has lived on a property for years, it can be nearly impossible to evict them. The law requires the property owner to show proof of ownership. While that may seem a simple matter at first, the fact that years have passed without the owner of a home or building realizing the presence of a squatter can make his case less compelling. If a squatter can demonstrate restricted access (for example, locks on the main entry that only the squatter can open), he may be able to prove legal ownership.

The Art Of Evicting Trespassers And Squatters

First, if you notice squatters or trespassers are living on your property, it's recommended that you hire a professional service to evict them. Approaching and dealing with them personally could expose you to risk. Plus, property owners may not realize that it's possible to infringe upon the squatters' legal rights by barging in (despite having true ownership).

Next, file a claim of repossession of your property through the County Court or the High Court. You should have the guidance of a solicitor to ensure you follow the correct procedure. Once your ownership of the property has been proven, the Court can enforce its order by having the squatters removed.

Getting Your Property Back

Finding strangers inhabiting your property without your permission can be an unpleasant surprise. To begin the process of evicting squatters and trespassers, hire a professional eviction service. Avoid confronting the squatters yourself. Prepare the necessary documentation to prove your ownership of the title. Before long, you'll have your property safely back in your possession.

Hoyt Commons - All Portland Condos

Visit www.allportlandcondos.com for more details

Neighborhood Profile - Princess Anne Plaza in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Princess Anne Plaza is a large neighborhood in Virginia Beach located between Holland Road and Virginia Beach Blvd. With quick access to Interstate 264, this area is easily accessible to both the oceanfront and the city of Norfolk. Shopping is plentiful and you are literally just a mile or 2 a way from everything you need. Retail outlets in close proximity include Harris Teeter, Super Kmart, Sam's club, Home Depot, Lowe's, and many strip malls with locally owned businesses. Travel just a couple more miles and you'll be in what locals call downtown Virginia Beach, which includes the brand new Va. Beach Town Center and Pembroke Mall. The Virginia Beach Town Center offers great restaurants and retail outlets like The Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang's, Barnes & Noble, and many others.

Although most of the homes in Princess Anne Plaza are older (from 1960 -1977), many have been well-maintained and updated. As you walk down many of the wide tree-lined streets you'll see manicured lawns, kids riding their bikes and maybe an occasional yard sale. There's a good mix of residents containing retirees, families with kids, and singles. This neighborhood is huge containing mostly detached single family homes with lots of opportunities for families who are interested in owning a home in a good neighborhood with decent sized lots, especially compared to most of Va. Beach. Currently there are 54 homes for sale in Princess Anne Plaza and prices are very affordable ranging from $119k to $285K.

Schools for Princess Anne Plaza are Lynnhaven Elementary, Plaza Middle School, and Green Run High School.

How To Sell My House Fast In Boise Idaho

Selling your home in Boise Idaho these days is not an easy and quick process. Boise is the capital city of Idaho and is located in Ada County along with Eagle, Star, Meridian and Kuna.

In July 2007 there were 5,198 houses for sale in Ada County and only 12.4%, 648 of them sold. That means the rest of the over 4,500 home sellers are still waiting for a buyer to submit an offer.

There are many reasons why there are so many houses on the market and so few are selling. Boise and the surrounding cities have experienced substantial boom over the last 2 years and this caused home builders to over supply the real estate market with new houses.

Lenders have tightened their requirements for potential home owners to qualify for a loan. This limits the amount of people who can actually get funding to purchase a house.

Recent layoffs at Micron have increased the amount of houses on the market. People who lost their job can no longer afford the home they were living in so they need to sell their home fast.

The truth, the cost of your home sitting on the market and not selling fast may frighten you. Mortgage payments, utility bills such as gas, water, trash, sewer, electric, home owners dues, lawn and home maintenance, these cost all add up fast to a lot of money.

Many home owner who are trying to sell their house need to sell it fast. They do not have the time or are not in the financial position to let their house sit on the market, waiting for an offer. If you are in any of the following situations I would suggest selling your house fast to a professional, local home buyer. Going through a divorce, need to stop foreclosure fast, inherited a property, your house needs fixed up, you are being transferred by your job, you do not have enough equity to pay Realtor commissions, your mortgage is going to adjust and you will not be able to afford the payment, you recently lost your job.

Real estate is a very complex subject. For that reason real estate professionals such as Realtors, brokers, professional home buyers and real estate consultants exist.

With the recent slow down in the Boise real estate market many home owners who wish to sell their home turn to real estate professionals for help. The trick is to choose the right type of real estate professional for your particular home selling need. There is a large difference in the services provided by a realtor and a real estate investor who purchase houses. Choosing the right real estate professional for your home selling need can be the difference of losing your home to foreclosure, bankruptcy, or selling your home fast.

There is a time to use a realtor and a time to use a local home buyer. It is important that you choose the right real estate professional for your home selling situation.

If you truly are in a selling situation where you need to sell your house fast then contact your local home buyer you just may be surprised by the offer you get.

West Hills Estates Homes in Salem Oregon

A higher end neighborhood of homes in west Salem Oregon.... Check out more at www.tomsonburnham.com

Points to Consider When Relocating in Europe

If you are thinking of moving to a different European country, it's easy to get caught up in the romance of it all. But it's wise to consider the practicalities of moving before you take the plunge.

Many people go on holiday to European countries such as Bulgaria and enjoy their stay so much they start thinking about living there full time. Even before their holiday ends they are looking at houses advertised with estate agents in Bulgaria, and planning a return trip to actually start looking at properties.

But it's essential to think through the whole process of moving to another country before doing anything. First of all you need to think about whether or not you could continue in your current career. If you work for a big company you may be able to get a transfer to your chosen country, so it's best to ask your manager for advice on whether this is a possibility.

If this isn't possible or you simply want to change careers completely, it's wise to find a suitable position before you make the move, so that you know you have a job to go to. You should also find out what the cost of living is in the country you are intending to move to. You may find that when you have liquidated your assets in your own country, they can go much further at your destination.

For example, if you sell your home and car and you are looking at property for sale in Bulgaria, you could find that your total budget goes a lot further in Bulgaria than it does at home. Get an idea of what everyday items, utilities and requirements are likely to cost, and figure out how big a property you could afford.

You also need to think about how you will stay in touch with friends and relatives. Many people who move to another country invite their families over for holidays each year, as well as going back to their old home once in a while to catch up with people they don't see as often.

There is also the language barrier to consider. Try and take an evening or home study course before you move abroad, so that you will be able to converse with the locals as soon as you move in. This will help you to fit in more easily right from the start.

In short, moving to a different European country can be a wonderful way to broaden your horizons - so long as you are prepared for making a big change. Prior planning is the best way to make sure everything goes smoothly, both before, during and after the move itself. Remember you are not just moving home - you are embracing a whole new lifestyle.

InSite Virtual Tours

Oregon Virtual Tours for Real Estate and Business

Small Budget Investment Properties

To begin investing in real estate properties you don't need to have a huge start up capital. If you have a tight budget for investing it doesn't mean that you can't reap the financial benefits of fixing up homes for resale. Actually many of the cheaper homes you can buy and remodel inexpensively will get you the greatest return on your investment.

To successfully invest in real estate on a low budget you should start by finding a cosmetically challenged home with a strong structure that is in a mediocre neighborhood. Once you begin looking in the right areas you will see that it isn't very difficult to find an investment property with a low asking price.

The selling price of a fixer-upper home can be negotiated considering all of the flaws. This makes is easier for you to invest small amounts of money to add the maximum amount of value to the property.

When it comes to real estate investment quality doesn't always have to mean a lot of money. You might be surprised at how far a new paint job, fixtures, and flooring can go when it comes to the over all appearance and value of a home.

If you aren't convinced that you can manage investing in real estate on the budget you have set up you can always turn to your own investment, your home. If you have already purchased a home then you can leverage this asset to gain the capital you need to feel secure investing in real estate.

A homeowner that has paid their monthly mortgage payment on time and has decent credit will be able to get money in their hands faster and easier then they ever imagined. Whether you have a considerable amount of equity in your home or recently purchased it, it is possible that the property increased in value creating a larger amount of equity for you to access.

To calculate the amount of equity you have built up in your property you take the current balance of your mortgage loan and subtract it from the home's market value. You can generally get the amount of your equity in a secured form of credit such as a home equity line of credit or a home equity loan.

You can also refinance your property to receive a lowered interest rate and some spare investment cash on the side. You can then use the money given to you as the means of buying an investment property or at least using it as a down payment. Be sure to ask your lender about any rules regarding cash-out refinancing. The majority of cash-out refinancing mortgages come with a higher interest rate attached then other types of mortgage loans.

Homeowners can use their home's equity value to receive a home equity loan as another option. A home equity loan is a type of second mortgage to the one you are currently paying off. Opting for this type of loan offers many benefits including the ability to repay the loan early without getting hit with a large penalty fee.

You may wish to contact Joe and Colleen Lane, Realtors® for more info on real estate, especially in the areas of Pasco Wa Real Estate, Richland Wa Real Estate, and surrounding Southeastern Washington Communities.

NE Cullen Rd, Newberg, Oregon - Property for Sale

This Home is a "10 !!!". Country Living RARE Single Level 2.48acres, 2800sqft 3bdrm. Must SEE to "EXPERIENCE".... more than pictures can express. Found in Wine Country of Yamhill county, Oregon. Listed by Todd mccabe Real Estate Group of John L Scott Real Estate, Sherwood ,OR... For more info Call Rick at 503-348-9625. RMLS#9032576.

FSBO: For Sale By Owners Chapter IV [part 1]

Like a monarch, Red Haring reigned in the deep leather seat of his KenWorth cab--with its king-size sleeper. The 400 horsepower Caterpillar diesel engine droned apathetically as Red downshifted for the parking lot to his favorite Boise, Idaho roadside diner. He'd picked up a large 26,000 pound household move in Olympia, Washington, which he'd delivered to Baker City, Oregon.

Red's company had a contract with BIG Van Lines to move households. Red Haring Trucking, Inc., he used his tractor to pull their trailers. He wore their crisp blue uniform jacket, blue pinstriped shirt, a BIG tie--scenic pictures and moving vans--when moving people's family cargo.

Red's traveling companion was a dog named Mercy. She had befriended him at a roadside rest area, four years previously. Apparently abandoned, Mercy seemed to be waiting for him. When Red hopped out of his cab to use the restroom, the dog had come over, sat down in front of him, looked him straight in the eyes, and barked twice. At 3:00 AM, there were no other vehicles in the rest area. That, too, was strange on an Interstate, no other trucks with drivers sleeping or cars that she could have jumped out of. Red had patted her on the head, more interested in why he had stopped than in a dog.

As he continued, the dog walked two steps behind him until they were about thirty feet from the concrete building with its doors to Men's and Ladies' rooms blocked open. Mercy raced ahead, went into the Men's room, came back out, sat down by the door and waited for Red.

Again, as he approached, she looked him in the eyes and barked twice as if to say it was safe. She continued sitting there until he came out, barked once, rose to her feet and followed Red back to his van.
Taking advantage of the stop to check the padlock, the mud flaps and the tires, Red was ready to mount the cab when the dog began barking franticly.

"I'm not taking you with me, dog!" Red told her.

The yellow, longhaired who-knows-what-dog seemed to understand what he said. She stopped barking, ran over between the tractor and trailer, sat down and resumed barking.

"What is it, a squirrel or something I need to see?"

Two barks.

"Okay, I'll take a look."

Red walked back to discover a large nut had fallen off his coupler to the trailer when he'd come to a stop. The dog had noticed it. Red knew that a potential disaster had been averted. Had his trailer come lose, on the Interstate, he couldn't have done anything. This dog had saved him, and who knows how many other motorists. Red selected a wrench from behind a seat, replaced the nut and prepared to leave the rest stop.

"Thanks, dog!" I've really got to go, now."

The dog whined. Red bent down. She was using those big brown eyes of hers to her best advantage.

"You got a collar on? Dog tag? Maybe, we can find out who you belong to!"

There was no tag, only an inch-wide turquoise nylon collar on which someone had taken time to hand embroidery a word in red, MERCY.

"Mercy! Is that your name?"

Two barks.

"You look like you might be hungry, Mercy! You hungry?"

Two more barks.

"Let me see if I've some hamburgers in the cab. Are World Burgers all right with you?"

Mercy sat up before he even opened the door. Red located a bag with three World-Burgers.

"They're kind of cold, Mercy. You don't mind, do you?"

Mercy dropped down and whined, again.

"What? You want me to put them into the microwave for thirty seconds before you get one?"

"Woof! Woof!"

"Okay Mercy. One hot World-Burger coming right up. But, I get two of them. Understand?"

Immediately, Mercy's right paw shot forward. "Woof! Woof!" She agreed.

Red never planned getting a dog. A few long-haulers keep animals for company because it's illegal to transport human passengers. Section 392.60 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations clearly reads: Unauthorized persons not to be transported. Dogs, cats, even parrots or boa constrictors are not forbidden. For Red Haring, the childhood memory of a car running over his dog had never been healed. He'd sworn never to become attached to another animal.

"You must belong to a trucker, Mercy. Okay! Hop in! You can ride with me a little ways. We'll get on the CB and find out where your owner is."

Red tried to find Mercy's owner. Three different truckers remembered a driver that used to travel with a yellow dog. Had a turquoise collar. He'd died on the highway, they'd heard. The year before! No mention of what became of his dog. The word would get passed along by CB radio for several days. Meanwhile, Red agreed he'd take good care of the animal. Within a week, Mercy would be inspecting Red's truck and supervising his road-hire employees. Red was glad that Mercy had persuaded him to break his never-get-attached-to-another-animal vow. On his long hauls, Mercy was a must.

The small 5,500-pound load he'd taken on in Baker City, Red had unloaded alone in Boise. It had been mostly boxes, some small end tables, lamps, two bed frames, no mattresses or couches requiring two movers.

The man he'd hired in Baker City to help unload the truck was a good worker. Mercy had approved him. Wearing the clean BIG shirt Red provided, he'd looked presentable. Red used him to load the small move to Boise, before returning the worker to the truck stop where they'd met.

Red had offered him $15.00 an hour cash for five hours work. It had only taken 4 hours but Red had paid him $75.00 anyway. The worker signed a receipt for Red's contract labor (independent contractor) that would be used for calculating expenses and taxes, collecting a phone number from the laborer so he could call ahead next haul to Baker City. Good, careful, workers are a moving van driver's dream.

Red now had two Boise households loaded in the fifty-three foot long by eight and a half foot wide trailer ready for his transport to the Seattle area. The Larry and Moe team he'd hired at Boise BIG, the national affiliate, had insisted on taking rest breaks every forty-five minutes. He'd had to tell the Moe to wait until his break to smoke. At the second house, the lethargic loaders had taken a walk. Red had a good idea what they had been smoking.

Now, before they headed back to Washington State, Red and Mercy needed something to eat.

Idaho night was approaching as Red Haring located a safe place to park his consignment. He swung easily from the cab to the nearly full parking lot of the Chicken Out Restaurant and Lounge. Mercy yawned in the passenger seat sensing that chicken and dumplings were on their way. Dogs are not supposed to eat chicken bones, but neither she nor Red seemed to know that. Except when here in Idaho, Mercy preferred World Burgers. Sometimes, she sat cocking her head, holding her nose just so, barking twice to alert her master that a Burger World was nearby.

After a quick check of the trailer padlock, Red straightened his Big company tie before going in to claim the best chicken and dumplings in the Northwest United States.

All the tables and booths were occupied. He could see several hungry natives waiting. Red spotted an empty stool at the counter. It would do fine. Faster anyway.

The flawlessly toothy waitress greeted him with a jam-packed smile.

"It's been a while, Red. Are you staying over?"

"If I'd known you'd invite me, I'd have planned better!"

"I'll forgive you this time. My new boyfriend wouldn't understand anyway."

"Ah, he's territorial! I can't really blame him, Ruby."

"When did you get in?"

"This morning, why?"

"Curious. You write my song yet?"

"Not yet. But, I will."

"You owe me one, Red."

"Do you know what I would like to do with you, Ruby?"

"Yeah, take delivery of chicken and dumplings and drive off into the night."

Red Haring flashed her some teeth of his own. Ruby slammed down a cup of black coffee before she disappeared into the kitchen to pick up an order. The guy on Red's right in a suit shook his head and said "Ouch."

Maybe, it was his strong jaw line, or his cleft chin, or both. Women found Red tempting. He was a physical specimen, six three with rock-solid muscle of a kind not developed in a gymnasium. No combination of bench presses, tread mills, or twenty-five rep weight series could have sculptured Red's lean body as had his twelve years in the moving business. Totally functional.

The man on the next stool was observant. He spoke to Red, again.

"X-wife?"

"An old friend."

"Doesn't seem very happy," the salesman observed.

"I hope she is. She's a nice lady. Deserves a heaping mound of happy."

"A happy alamode!"

"I wish I could order her one," Red admitted ."

"Me, too. I'll bet she could make me happy! She looks like she likes your flavor better. Where you from?"

"Seattle area. You?"

"Chicago. Sell medical equipment."

"You married?"

"Not if a woman asks," the salesman said slyly. My wife thinks I work late. Spend lots of nights in places like this. I can usually find a warm lonely to share a bed with me when I'm away on business."

"If I was married, I'd try to work closer to home. You might want to consider it," said Red confrontationally. "I think that women have enough problems without getting messed around with by married men. Ruby sure as hell don't need messed with."

"Well, I think I'll examine the bar then. Have some new lines I have to try out."

Ruby had overheard the exchange. She was more composed when she returned with a huge plate of chicken & dumplings.

"Thank you, Red. I get so tired of guys like that. You look good tonight, Red."

"You always look good, Ruby."

"Are you heading back tonight?

"I've got to deliver two households tomorrow. One in Seattle.
One in Tacoma."

"I don't get off until two in the morning, anyway. How about next time you're in town? You've got my number."

"I'd like that, Ruby." Savoring the poultry, Red enjoyed watching Ruby. As he finished his last bite, she returned.

"You want some coffee to take along with you?"

"That would be great, Ruby. Large, Styrofoam."

"You won't throw it out the window and kill my birds, will you?"

"I don't believe in throwing things out the window."

"You'd better not, Red," Ruby warned. She sat down a large steaming stay awake, picked up the twenty, and showed him her teeth. "Oh, here you are, a 'To-Go' for Mercy. Drive careful, darlin."

Chicken and dumplings to-go order in hand, Red returned to his truck, opened the driver's door and tossed the container over to the passenger floor mat where it was well received by his patient pooch who opened the lid herself.

Styrofoam cup in one hand, chrome bar in the other, Red swung effortlessly up into his commanding cab. Securing the shoulder restraint, he skillfully maneuvered the truck-trailer rig between the utility pole and cars that only appeared to have boxed him in.

Soon, he was headed west on Interstate 84. As if it knew its way home, the 400-horse Cat diesel roared approvingly as it glided past other, less committed vehicles. The tractor had 90 gallons of diesel left in its 170-gallon tank, Red and Mercy had full stomachs. All three were content.

Red thought about Ruby and their conversation in the diner. He'd met her on another move. His truck had blown its transmission. It had taken seven days to locate the right parts necessary to complete repairs. The mechanic had said he'd have him back on the road in three. It was on the third night, after the guy told him it would be a few more days, Red had walked to the diner the mechanic said had great chicken and dumplings.

Discouraged, low on cash, he'd drank coffee at that same counter. Ruby had come on at 6:00 PM to find him not sure of what he'd do.

"Cheer up, Red," she encouraged. "You don't mind that I call you Red?"

"That's my name. You can call me anytime."

"Can't be that bad, Red! What's hurting you tonight, Darlin?"

"It isn't your smile," he'd answered.

"You got a good smile yourself, Red. You want the special?"

"If you're it!" He volunteered half-hopingly.

"Chicken and dumplings, for now, Darlin. I don't even get off until 2:00 AM."

"The special is what I want, for now."

For the next eight hours, Red had sipped countless coffees while Ruby had served the variety of patrons. While she waited on them, he waited on her. She brought him refills with just enough encouragement. Finally, the payoff.

"Here's some fresh strawberry pie. It's on me."

"With whip cream, too?"

"You'll see. You might like it."

I really did, Red remembered. Then, as now, it had been a cold, November night. When her shift was over, Ruby had invited him to share her warm waterbed. Red wished he had more time tonight.

Tires against the highway, wind, and the pulse of a healthy engine combine to create a unique music that a trucker could feel. Each song exclusive, tailored to the man who holds the big wheel. Red switched off the CB radio to hear it more clearly. His now hungry hand moved as expected, to locate the yellow pad. Inspired by the highway harmony, Red shifted into high gear and right brain. He would make good his pledge to a willing waitress. She'd not be disappointed next time he delivered to Boise. As the words came to him, he composed her promised song.

Diner Doll

She's a lady of the light,

She serves coffee in the night

To the many men who spend their nights alone...

So, she warms them with her smile

For, she knows that in a while,

They must face the cold that haunts an empty home...

She's the lady of the late,

When a man can't find a date,

He wanders in, and now and then, gets rude...

But, she takes it in her stride

As she helps him find his pride,

She restores him with her super attitude...

She's a lady all the time,

When a mans had too much wine,

When he plans to put his hands where he should not;

She can quickly move away

Then, if he still wants to play

She can, even quicker, put him in his spot...

She's a lady every way,

Even knows just what to say

To every guy who has to try his line...

Yet, on the nights she's off,

She can be so very soft;

When, best of all, this "Diner Doll" is mine...

The exit to a Pendleton, Oregon truck stop ahead, Red downshifted to left brain and fourth gear. In 222 miles, 3 hours 54 minutes of hard labor, he had given birth to a new song. He had to spank the baby. 12-string in his hand, he leaped down from his leather throne.

No one but Mercy was there to hear the review of 'Diner Doll' when Red put the cords to the beat he'd heard on the highway. His yellow pad bore evidence of the many word combinations, phrases that didn't fit. By the seventh page, he had the final draft. He hardly glanced at the pad as his nimble fingers set up the correct strings to complement his moving voice.

"Not too many cowboys lean against a truck to play guitars here at midnight," the cash attendant commented.

"Most cowboys are truckers, but not all truckers are cowboys," Red replied.

Mercy barked twice.

By fifteen after midnight, fresh coffee in hand, Red was back on the road. He switched on the CB in hopes that a caravan would be coming up behind him. He was in luck.

"Breaker, breaker. This is the Red Haring swimming west on 84--out of Pendleton--a little fish can get lonely out here. Over!"

"Swim easy there, big Red. Lot of nets out, tonight. We've got a school of eleven, swimming your way. Over!"

"Roger... I'll just tread water until you show up. The Red Herring - over and out!"

Caravanning has been the driver's defense since before there was radar. With higher cab elevation, good eyesight, and constant use of the CB radios, no smoky bear patrolman could set up a speed trap undetected.

Red cruised along at the speed limit until eleven assorted trucks caught up to him. He settled in and switched off the CB. It might take only moments for Red to begin to discern the loyal harmony.

It didn't happen right away. He'd have nearly three hundred miles to make another musical baby.

He thought about the medical salesman he'd talked to at the Chicken Out diner. On the road, at these hours, there aren't usually many people, other than truckers, who share the camaraderie.

Red's mind slipped into his trucker's world. Thoughts, conversations with other drivers, problems and pet peeves common to those who move American goods via the nation's highways:

We pay thousands of dollars in road use taxes, spend millions of dollars for gas and diesel, and endure the scorn of most motorists who wish we'd stay off the road.

When we quit rolling, he mused, this country stops. Supermarket shelves soon empty, as do all of the other stores. Those motorists, who curse us on the highways, can't even buy gas for their cars.

News crews are quick to cover the trucks that leave the roadways, spill loads, or catch on fire. Why don't they ever report that the trucker involved had averted a disaster by choosing self-destruction rather than to crush the car that was responsible? Newspapers always put out a headline like:
3 Dead in Car when hit by truck head on.

What they don't say until way down in the story, if at all, is that the so called truck was really a Ford F150 pickup driven by a teenager who was high on drugs. The people read the truck headline, but not the story. Press people aren't on hand to film the rescues when, hundreds of times each year, a real trucker sees an accident in progress on the opposite side of the turnpike, pulls over, dodges cars, drags the mother and children from a flaming car, and then leaves the scene to continue his time sensitive delivery. At least, the firefighters and police are finally getting some of the respect, appreciation they deserve. Someone should present our stories in a different forum.

Red was snapped out of his hypnotic trucker's world by a flash of bright headlights in his mirrors. Lights blinked bright, then dimmed. An automobile driver had signaled that he was about to pass the truck on this beautiful stretch of wide open road. Flashing his trailer lights, as the signal to come ahead, Red watched in his door mirror as a burgundy Cadillac pulled alongside before moving on by.

The driver was wearing a gray suit, white shirt, and a broad striped tie with its knot loosened half way down his chest. Truckers see a lot more than most people think. Another salesman, change of clothes on the hangers in his rear seat, probably had to make an early appointment in some town up ahead. He was using the wee hours for his commute.

If the caravan had overtaken him, the Caddy might have 'hitchhiked', settled in between a couple of us feeling safe. Salesmen aren't limited by the no more than ten hours following eight consecutive hours off duty Rule-- or only logging fifteen hours in any twenty-four hour period-- like we truckers are. Red felt his brain shift. The Cat Diesel started throbbing music again. So did Red. The seven-line chorus came first:

Truck Drivers and Salesmen

[Chorus]

Truck drivers and salesmen are men of the road;

One 'Loads his holler',

While one 'Hauls his load'...

Before you fall for one

It's best that you knew:

Truck drivers and salesmen

Are just 'Passing through'...

Verse 1:

It's true that they do seem different, sometimes,

The way they may dress,

And, oh yes, different 'Lines'...

But, they share the 'Feel' of the 'Flight of the free',

And, theirs is the 'World'

That awaits them to 'See'...

[Chorus]

Verse 2:

Sometimes, they get lonely;

Sometimes, they get down...

They know that they've only

A short time in town...

Then, when they meet 'Someone',

As, sometimes, they do:

Truck drivers and salesmen

Are just 'Passing through'...

[Chorus]

Verse 3:

Yes, they must atone for the life that they've led,

They could have stayed home

With a 'Sweet wife', instead...

But, they've chosen 'The road',

Chose to 'Follow a star':

I suppose, that's what makes them

The men that they are...

[Chorus]

In his own altered state, Red Haring had become part of a caravan, traveled past The Dalles, through Portland, turned onto Interstate 5, missed two of his favorite truck stops, and was approaching Centralia, Washington before he realized that his lyrics were complete. I'll try it out at Trolley's.

The watch on his wrist said it was just after four in the morning. Making the left brain shift, Red recognized he'd had a great time. Even better than sex, he told himself. Lasted longer, too. I wonder if the 'Lady McBest' Realtor is back; if she liked the roses I sent her? The poem I knocked out for her wasn't much. I know I'll have to do better.

[Much of Chapter IV was cut to meet posting guidelines. Read complete Chapter in published "FSBO." ]

The Final Countdown - Moving Your Cat

You have closed the deal and are now the proud owner of a new house. Unfortunately, the stress is just beginning; not just for you, but for Poofypaws, your darling little cat. Here are some tips to eliminate some of the difficulties inherent in moving your cat from your old home to the new.

The final days leading up to the move are going to be the most stressful for Poofykins. As much as possible, keep to her schedule. If she normally gets fed at 8, feed her at 8. If you regularly have a game of Chase the String at 7, try to drag the string around for a couple of minutes every day. Try to maintain the illusion that everything is normal - despite the growing pile of boxes in the living room.

The day before the move, feed Poofy about half as much as she normally gets. On the day of the move, don't feed her at all. Not only will this minimize her projectile vomiting a ball of goo into the back of your head; it will make her associate the new house with something positive once you pop her into her holding room.

The holding room is a room in your new home that you have marked ahead of time to hold Poofy until the moving is over. It should be free from a lot of junk, exits or unsecured windows. An empty bedroom is good. Make sure that any closets or exits are closed and can't be opened by an enterprising paw. Set it up with a small amount Poofy's yummy food, water, her litterbox and any items that you know she is especially fond of. If you have music you regularly play, bring a player and let Poofy hear some familiar tunes or the radio. Some cats like to watch TV, so a TV with a DVD player can allow Poofy to relax with the Aristocats while you accidentally break that hideous sculpture Aunt Edna gave you for your birthday.

Bring Poofy over to the new place before you do anything else and set her up in the room you have prepared for her. Allow some time for her to check things out while in the crate; then open the crate and let her inspect the room. Try to have a way for her to be able to see out the windows - her cat tree or a small table may help. Again, bungee cord the crate door open so it can't close, so Poofy has somewhere familiar to escape to. Stay with her for a few minutes to make sure she isn't too freaked out and then head out to unload your stuff. Put a sign on the door to alert movers and other people that the cat is in residence and severe bodily harm will come to the unfortunate who releases her.

After the movers have left, check on Poofy. If she seems calm, you can leave her again. If she is nervous, try spending a few minutes petting her and calming her down. Try playing with her or engaging in a familiar activity if you have the time. If she has eaten her yummy food, try making a big production of giving her more - only a little bit of it. You don't want her leaving you the cat's version of the letter, "Dear Person-who-brings-me-Food, I am displeased with the way things are going. Signed, Her Most Serene Highness, Poofypaws".

Later on, you can try introducing Poofy to other areas of the house. You may want to take it slow and not overwhelm Poofy at first. Always bring her crate or cat bed and encourage her to retreat to it if she's feeling stressed. You can also bring Poofy's equipment into your new bedroom so that she can have you around for comfort during the night.

Over the next week, gradually allow Poofy greater freedom within the house. If she is an indoor/outdoor cat, don't let her outside for a few weeks, so she can learn to bond with her new territory. If your move has been a short one, you may find that Poofy has taken a sojourn back to her old stomping grounds. If she makes a habit of it, ask your former neighbors to make life hard for her and the new tenants of your house to make it clear that she is unwelcome.

With a little bit of preparation, you can make your cat's transition from your old house to the new relatively easy. A smooth transition, where the cat is exposed to a minimum of stress, will pay off. You will have a cat that is less likely to reduce your house to its original components or take its stress out on your furniture.

Hood River, Oregon - One of the Best Places for Outdoor Lovers to Live in the United States

Nestled in the heart of the 292,500-acre Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, along a wide river lined with 4,000-foot cliffs, lies the small, friendly town of Hood River, Oregon. This spot's boundless recreational opportunities and progressive lifestyle inspired both Men's Journal and Outside Magazine to name it one of America's best places for outdoor lovers.

Close to the center of the 83-mile gorge, Hood River's 30-knot winds draw thousands of boardsailers to the area each year. Although it's known as the "Windsurfing Capital of the World," this sport is only one of countless activities that residents can participate in. Dozens of waterfalls offer hikers spectacular scenery, and the numerous rivers that feed them are havens for kayakers and fishers. To the southwest, the Cascades' fourth highest peak, Mt. Hood, rises 11,240 feet into the sky. Locals can climb or ski on Mt. Hood in the morning and windsurf in the afternoon.

People who prefer to see the outdoors can circumnavigate Oregon's biggest mountain in their vehicles via the Mt. Hood Byway. This route follows parts of the original Barlow Road portion of the Oregon Trail, which carried wagon-bound settlers to the Oregon Territory and on to the Willamette Valley. Drivers can also check out the annual Hood River Valley Blossom Festival, which takes them on a 47-mile loop to see dozens of pear orchards sporting thousands of trees in full bloom. The numerous fests and fairs also support a burgeoning performing and visual arts community, which is also supported by the Columbia Center for the Arts and the busy Columbia Gorge Community College. Growth in the arts and culture scene reflects the overall growth in the economy.

In recent years tourist dollars have flowed into a region already supported by a solid timber and fruit packing industry, flourishing wineries, and the floating highway of the Columbia River, which brings commerce to and from the Pacific Coast. Newcomers include a variety of telecommunications and software design businesses. New or old, sporty or artsy, the community-oriented residents of Hood River County all flock to the town's many local hangouts. At the Full Sail Ale brewpub residents can find tasty brews made with locally grown barley, and at many local cafes residents will find fresh cups of Hood River Coffee Company java. Hood River offers the full gamut of charming amenities, and is clearly one of the country's hottest new spots.

E-Permitting - Making The Building Permit Process Efficient

One of the biggest hassles of building a home or other structure is getting the paperwork finished. Because building codes and local laws are so complicated, you may find yourself running back and forth, trying to get your building permit approved. E-permitting is a new process that many cities and states are implementing to try to streamline the permitting process. It works entirely online, and allows you to apply for and receive a building permit without ever leaving your computer.

Using the web can actually help you reduce the amount of time it takes to get a building permit. In places like Los Angeles and some part of Oregon, the permitting time goes from two to three hours to just a few minutes on average. That includes filing, fee payment, and printing off your building permit - all from home! Say goodbye to bulky forms and annoying travel between offices.

If you're a contractor, real estate investor, broker, agent, or any other kind of real estate of building professional, e-permitting means a great advantage for you. E-permits keep your from having to shuffle through inconvenient paperwork - everything is kept track of digitally. Designers may check and correct building information through their computers to make sure that the information submitted for the building permit is correct. That way, there's no more running back and forth with corrections if an error is made.

The biggest thing keeping e-permitting from being a big success is that local governments don't have employees who are well educated about the Internet and modern digital methods. Many employees, especially older ones, are unwilling to adapt to an entirely paperless system. There's also some worry in many municipalities about the cost and reliability of various software packages. However, these problems can be surmounted by providing educational programs for the employees of local governments and careful choosing of which e-permitting software packages are purchased. In the end, everyone benefits from an e-permitting system, because time and paperwork are reduced on both ends of the process.

Many cities across the country have chosen to improve the efficiency of the permitting process by using e-permitting. However, there's currently no standardized process across the country for putting e-permitting into effect, so the implementation can be very different, depending on the area you're in. For instance, Cleveland, Ohio, uses wireless technology as part of its electronic permitting system, meaning that developers and real estate professionals can get an e-permit even when the inspector is still out in the field. Mobile inspection professionals can use special applications for "e-inspection" and e-permitting to upload finished inspection and permit forms, reschedule inspections, and get new assignments, just by being in a wireless hotspot. This shaves a lot of time off of the process and lets the inspectors stay in the field longer, since they don't have to travel in to make reports. More inspections can be done in less time. Inspectors also have access to a complete history of violations and permits, meaning that their research is reduced, too.

In Lake Oswego, Oregon, a state website offers contractors and other real estate professionals the ability to apply and pay for permits. A hundred and thirty two cities in that state are involved in the e-permitting system. Having the entire state use the same system allows consistency between all the cities. This is especially useful if you're trying to get permits for multiple sites in different locations. There's no more trying to navigate the different permitting systems of each municipality. In the first two years that the e-permitting program has operated, contractors have bought more than ten thousand permits online, and the response from both local governments and permit-seekers has been positive. Everyone becomes more efficient on the job when e-permitting is an option.

If you're involved in any aspect of real estate that requires getting a building permit, e-permitting could make your life a lot easier. Find out if the locations where you want to build allow e-permitting, and make use of it whenever it's available. If they don't have this innovative, efficient system in place, support efforts to change over to a new, modern permitting system that will improve everyone's speed and efficiency. Travel times and frequency are reduced, paperwork eliminated, and the entire permitting process speed up when all information can be transmitted through the Internet.

Whether you're new to the real estate industry, or have been involved for a long time, e-permitting can make things easier. The process varies by location, so it's important to check the websites of each individual municipality where you want to get a permit, unless there's a statewide system in place, like in Oregon. Half of the real estate professionals surveyed stated that if e-permitting were available to them, they'd happily use it to reduce the hassle and time expenditure associated with getting a permit. See how e-permitting can help you get things done more efficiently. We're all looking for more time to get through our workloads. By reducing problems with getting a building permit, e-permitting can help us find that time.

Are You a Real Estate Agent That Wants to Sell Income Property?

If you're a real estate agent and particularly an agent that specializes in residential selling, but would like to supplement your business by selling income properties, then this one is for you.

In this article, I want to share with you why residential real estate agents should sell rental property, some truths and myths, and what you should do to prepare.

Benefits of Selling Income Property

The primary benefit of working with rental properties, of course, is the money. When I started selling real estate, the average commission for selling a house was about $1,500 after the broker split. When I made my first income-property sale as a residential agent, I made $15,000 after the broker split.

That sale took place in 1978 and having gotten a taste, I choose to make rental properties my business as a result, have been selling income-producing properties exclusively for the past thirty years.

But I digress.

This article is not about getting you to forsake your current residential business to become a multifamily specialist, it's about getting you to become a real estate agent who can (and will desire to) sell investment property in addition to single-family homes because the money is good.

Let me give you one example of a residential agent here in Salem, Oregon that merely called a FSBO regarding a small vacant lot that ultimately connected her with an apartment builder who subsequently allowed her to list about sixty apartment units. She never stopped selling houses, but because she thought outside the box and also made an effort to expand her residential business, she unwittingly fell into investment real estate and made a healthy commission as a result.

Another benefit of being able to work with rental property, especially for those of you who have been successful at selling houses and have a sizable customer list, is that you have at your disposal a ton of potential investors. Given this economy and the fact that banks are only paying about 2% to use our money, it might surprise you to discover that homeowners who have never invested in rental property are more open to the idea now than ever before.

Lastly, it benefits you to have the ability to sell income-producing properties because it prepares you to service walk-ins and others who inquire about income property. So you never risk losing a sale opportunity or have to refer it away because you're not prepared to work with real estate investors.

You Don't Need to Become a Specialist

The beauty of rental properties is that you don't have to become a specialist or have any special training to sell it. Naturally, there are exceptions with some types of commercial property, but at the end of the day, most properties associated with real estate investing require little preparation on your part.

How to Prepare

Bear in mind that real estate investing is about the numbers-cash flow, rates of return, and profitability. Therefore, obtain good real estate agent software that will enable you to run those numbers correctly (and easily).

A good real estate agent software solution will provide you with cash flow presentations you can give to (and capture) investors and, just by virtue of using the software, enable you to learn all you need to know to service investment properties adequately. As an added bonus, having the ability to create multifamily cash flow and rate of return presentations, you may even get some referral business from colleagues.

Okay, I admit, I am trying to make you aware of my real estate agent software program. But I wouldn't risk alienating even one colleague if I didn't witness for myself the remarkable success residential agents have had with investment software. If it didn't work, I wouldn't even suggest that you consider it.

Here's to your success.

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