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Chris Quinn's Blogspot Blog Feed |
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LiveInBendOregon.com
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Time for first time homebuyers
Now May Be the Best Time for First Time Homebuyers
"If you've been watching for the fleeting, best time to buy a home,
this fall & winter may be it, especially if you're a first-timer. There are signs that things are starting to stabilize. Pair that with limited-time-only offers from the government, and this fall's market looks awfully tempting for buyers.
The Federal Housing Administration recently boosted its loan limits in expensive areas such as Washington, but it's going to take some of that back come Jan. 1, when the loan limit will shrink back down. If you're going to need a FHA mortgage start touringhomes now, and make sure to close by the end of the year.
Keep an eye on the expiration date for the new close on the home no later than June 30, 2009. That may seem like a long way off, but it will loom larger come spring, traditionally the busiest time for real estate sales."
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10 ways to cut energy bills this winter!
1. Plug air leaks with caulking, sealing, or weather stripping. Save 10 percent. Focus on windows, doors, outlets or switch plates on exterior walls.
2. Properly maintain the heating system. Heating accounts for half the average family's energy bill. Make sure the furnace or heat pump receives professional maintenance each year.
3. Install a programmable thermostat. Programming the thermostat from 72ºF to 65ºF for eight hours a day while no one is home, or everyone is tucked in bed, will help cut the heating bill.
4. Seal and insulate heating ducts. A system can lose up to 60 percent of its warmed air before it reaches the register.
5. Insulate, insulate, insulate. Adequate insulation in the attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawlspaces can save up to 30 percent on home energy bills. Focus on the attic heat rises. Learn more at www.eere.energy.gov/consumer.
6. Close fireplace dampers when not in use. When in use, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window about an inch.
7. Let the sun shine in. Open curtains on south facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
8. Stay out of hot water. Water heating accounts for 15 percent of household energy use. Reduce water heating costs by lowering the water heater’s thermostat setting. Also insulate the hot water heater and hot water pipes.
9. Install storm windows over single-pane windows or replace them with Energy Star qualified windows. Can’t afford new windows just now? Tape clear plastic sheeting to the inside of window frames if drafts, water condensation, or frost are present.
10. When replacing appliances, light bulbs, electronics, or heating and cooling systems, cut energy bills by up to 30 percent with Energy Star labeled products. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in place of comparable incandescent bulbs. Find retailers at http://www.energystar.gov/.
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Real Estate Search Engine
If you know how to use Google and like searching for real estate the same way you like searching for everything else, with a search engine, then there is a good chance you will come back and use this site over the course of your market research. We wanted to build a site that focuses squarely on your search the task 95% of Real Estate Web site visitors are trying to accomplish.
Eliminating the visual clutter that is endemic on Real Estate web sites. A simple user interface lets the power of the search engine shine through.
Encourages site users and agents to talk to each other through a progressive series of Web 2.0 interactions.
Try it out at the top of the page!
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Century 21 Gold Country
At Century 21 Gold Country we are as strong as ever.
There's no way to paint a pretty picture in this Real Estate Market because a lot of hard working, bill paying people are losing everything. I find it easy to focus on the negative just as much as the next person. I have found if you look for a positive situation out there in the sea of bad news its not hard to do. I think all the people who have found themselves in a tough situation need to get out of it. The people who were not in a position to get into the real estate market two years ago for the first time probably can. No matter what anyone's personal situation the oppurtunities are many and those oppurtunities are not going away anytime soon. So why not due what you have to and put yourself in a position to take advantage of the market!
 
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Why Bend Oregon?
With 300 days of sunshine a year (as many as Arizona!) and oodles of fresh powder come winter, the high desert country of Central Oregon is an idyllic playground for sports lovers. Rekindle your spirit with a gamut of possibilities such as world famous golf at more than 25 unique courses, coveted fly-fishing at over 150 rivers and lakes, and outdoor adventures including hiking, rock climbing at Smith Rock and an abundance of snow sports atop Mt. Bachelor. And what’s more, the region boasts an equally impressive selection of restaurants and breweries, a vibrant nightlife, unique lodging and a growing arts & music scene.
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Testimonials
John made this deal happen. It was a very short escrow, and all the pieces had to come together without a hitch. Thanks to John's attention to detail and his communication skills, we were able to close on time, and virtually no hassles. I would recommend John highly to anyone looking to purchase property in and around Bend, and especially to anyone who needs to make things happen in a hurry.
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Archived Listings
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April, 2008
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December, 2006
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