10 Best Websites When Buying A Home

Most people today prefer to do a little digging themselves. With SO many websites out there, claiming to have the latest and greatest catalog of listings, it can be hard to know who is the best. Truth be told, not all listing websites are created equal, and most have special areas of expertise. So lets jump right in! 

Zillow 

http://www.zillow.com/

If you search "Home Buying" you are more than likely going to see Zillow pop up in your search. Its a great resource to find homes listed in the area you are looking. The downside is, a lot of the time the information on the listing is grossly inaccurate. Even when writing this, I looked up one of my listings on their website and noticed right away that the number of bedrooms was wrong. That is a really big deal to a home buyer! Though this is a great place to get some images and general ideas of listings in Central Oregon, I would highly suggest sending the listing to your agent to get the correct details before getting too excited. Your agent will have much more accurate information than Zillow can provide. 

Central Oregon Homes and Land 

http://centraloregon.homesandland.com/

This website is a fantastic resource for home buying, and selling in Central Oregon. The searches are much more extensive, you can really get an idea of the area the home is located and what the community offers. The website is an extension of their magazine. It has lots of great, up to date information about Central Oregon. Unlike the others, it is going to give you the information, without the chance of getting solicited, or your name and email sold to the highest bidder. This is more than just a search engine for listings, it really is a great resource for prospective home owners as well as the current community.

Trulia 

http://www.trulia.com/

Though Trulia has sometimes conflicting data with Zillow, they are actually one of the same. When it comes to listings, property values and estimated mortgage payments, you can find them here. But again, are they accurate? The answer is, not usually. Unfortunately, many home buyers find themselves frustrated and confused when the details just don't add up. Again, a great starting place, but that is all it is. Talk with your agent to make sure you have the right information.

Home Smart Oregon 

http://www.homesmartoregon.org/

If you are a first time home buyer, I highly suggest starting here! Home Smart offers educational classes, financial assistance and loan options to help first time buyers work towards home ownership. This is a great resource, whether you are struggling to find a way to buy or not. Unlike other websites we will discuss, this resource does not give you listing to search, but it does give you wonderful resources for the home buying process. 

HomeFinder 

http://www.homefinder.com/

If you are looking for a hassle free way to find available properties in your area, homefinder.com is another great recourse. Like the others, it has over 4 million listings from around the county and gives you the convenience of searching based on a very detailed criteria. On the flip side, also like the rest, not all information is verified and can be fraudulent. In some cases, listings may be all together fake and only listed to attempt to gain access to your information. Overall, most information is pretty accurate and another great beginning in your search for your dream home. 

MLS 

http://www.mls.com/

A great way to weed through all the clutter, is to use a site like MLS.com. Here you will find two ways to search for homes. The first is the basic search criteria. There is also an option to add your name and email in with the promise of getting more listings, being able to save lists and also getting email alerts. The downside is you will begin to receive loads of emails, just like the websites listed above. However, unlike the rest, this website does simplify the search. You can always forward the listing you are interested in to your agent and they can add it to their list for you and make sure the facts are all there. 

Homes.com 

http://www.homes.com/

For a more basic search, homes.com is a viable option. This site makes it very simple to put in what your looking for, see the listings, have a mortgage payment calculation provided and be on your way. Like all other sites, caution must be used when calculating estimated mortgage payments and you should really contact a lender to get actual pre approval and mortgage payment calculations. In some cases, you can have all the information you need in as little as one business day. Better to go this route and be well informed. Overall, homes.com is another great resource to add to your bookmarks.  

Realtor.com 

http://www.realtor.com/

As far as homepage accessibility and layout, realtor.com is very visually appealing. Their homepage has search engines for listings listings, agents, has a mortgage calculator, up to date rates trends, lender resources and you can even search a neighborhood! If you are looking for ballpark estimates, this is a great way to go. Just remember, when you get down to it, do not be disappointed when the numbers look a little different from your lender and agent. Best way to use this website is to compile your own list of properties to view on Saturday afternoon with your awesome agent!  

Craigslist 

http://bend.craigslist.org/

OK, you got a pretty penny for your dining room table on craigslist, you found that amazing SUV that is still running strong...maybe Fido was even a craigslist find. But a house? Sure, but there is a strategy to the game. I post homes I list on CL. It is an easy way to reach home buyers that are looking on their lunch break, or from their couch. I have had agents contact me for showing from CL as well. It is extremely important, even more than other sites, to have your agent check the credibility of a listing on CL before planning your new furniture. CL has no verification process. Sellers can put any information they want on their ad, so look to your hearts content, but have your finds verified. 

COAR 

http://coar.com/

Another great local resource is going straight the the source. Central Oregon Association of Realtors in a wonderful landing page for anything and everything concerning real estate in Central Oregon. Here you can search for a property, get local real estate news and market statistics and community information. Using a local search page can be very beneficial in really learning the about the community you are considering living in. 

With all the resources out there when it comes to finding a home, its easy to get sucked in to the big name websites. My suggestion is to stay local. Watch the trusted local sites, have an agent you can trust to build a list from their resources, and work together to find your dream home. Buying a home can either be the most stressful time in your life, or one of the most exciting. Do your part, and let your agent do theirs, and together you will find your dream home! 

Hello.

Welcome, I'm Glad You're Here!

About Me

I was initially so excited about diving in to the blogging world. It gave me even more reasons to spend my evening researching the new world I had entered, just a few shorts months ago. In all the excitement, I forgot to formally introduce myself! So as I sit here on a Saturday night, chugging coffee and quietly listening to Adele radio in my office, I found this as good a time as any to tell you HELLO. 

For YEARS my family urged me to join the family business, and tip my toes in the real estate waters. I was very hesitant. I became a stay at home mom after our third child was born in 2013. We also decided I would home school. So beginning last year, I became mommy and teacher. Best decision ever! I did not want to give up my mommy time, we didn't want to have to send our son back to public school, or our youngest to daycare. So after my husband joined in on convincing me to start real estate, I caved. 

To be completely honest, I thought I would hate it. It was completely foreign to me. I didn't grow up around real estate. When I started the classes, I felt like I was learning another language. I will admit, I procrastinated in getting my classes complete. Not a long time, I finished in about 3 months. My goal initially was to complete my class and test out within a month. Not realistic for all that I had on my plate, and lacking motivation didn't help. When I finished, It took me another month to schedule my test. I had every excuse in the books to keep putting it off. I was secretly terrified of failing. I don't fail things, but I wasn't confident. Well I went in, and thankfully I passed on my first try. I was a REALTOR. 

I was extremely fortunate to walk out of the testing center and into my first deal, all in the same week. My Principle Broker, who also happens to be my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law were both (and still are) right by my side. They have been a tremendous help in getting me started. And guess what? I LOVE IT! 

In my first three months, I have been on both the buyer and the sellers side of things, I have worked on a sale that has closed, one that is set to close next week and a third that is brand new! I am VERY motivated to succeed. I have tremendous support and resources to ensure I am on the right track. I have plans, I have goals and I want to be the very best Broker I can be. 

If you have even considered buying or selling in 2016, PLEASE give me a call. I would love to work for you and I can guarantee I will make you a priority. 

When To Sell and When To Buy In Central Oregon

When To Sell and When To Buy

When Is a Good Time To Sell?

If you are in Central Oregon, I say NOW! Putting your home on the market now could be one of the best decisions you make this year! With the number of buyers greatly outweighing homes on the market, things are moving fast! Spring and Summer months are known for being the busiest months for the real estate market. Listing your home before these peak months can seem like a bad move, however it can be hugely beneficial! Buyers in Central Oregon today are finding it difficult to find a home they love. For sellers on the fence, now would be a great time to provide the current buyers with new inventory and hopefully provide you with a quicker close.

What About The Buyer?

If you are looking to buy, don't wait!! 85% of buyers say they wait until Spring or Summer to start looking. Beginning the search now will give you the edge with far less competition and prevent you from falling in the middle of bidding wars. In addition, interest rates are low and rumor has it we may see a hike later this year. Yesterday interest rates were reported at a 3 month low!  

The First Step

If you are even remotely curious about what your home is worth, or what kind of loan you qualify for, don't wait!! In less than 24 hours you can have a CMA and/or a pre qualification done. Knowledge is power! Want to know how to get started? Call me today at (541)280-4145. Or email morganmabarca@gmail.com

Design Trends in 2016 Highlight FAMILY

Less Technology. More Family.

When I began researching the top design trends for 2016, I found a common theme. The focus was more on the actual LIVING space. I saw more reading and reflection spaces, more removal of TV's from bedrooms, and even removing TV from the living room! Are we finally getting so overwhelmed with electronics and technology that we can start getting back to the basics of what makes a house a home?

Formal Dining Rooms 

The days of eating at the kitchen nook, or even in the living room, are becoming a thing of the past! Sitting down around the table and enjoying a meal is finally trending again in 2016. Not only does this give you the opportunity to bust out the fine china every once in a while, it also has huge health benefits for your family! Having dinner together around the table is shown to promote communication between parents and children. It fosters feelings of love and security and who knows, you might learn something new about each other! In addition to the emotional benefits, eating together can also provide health benefits as well. Home cooked meals around the table are usually prepared healthier and encourage children to expand their pallet, with new foods. Not all families can pull off dinner around the table 7 nights a week but with the trends of a creating a formal dining rooms on the rise...you might as well try out a meal in there as often as possible!

Tech Free Living Room

When was the last time you walked in to a living room and did not see a TV? Doesn't happen very often, but that could change. Removing television from living rooms in happening more and more. Remember meaningful conversations, board games and books? Well these things could make a comeback if predictions are correct. 

Sun-rooms

 

This may be my favorite trend, and one that I may follow in the VERY near future. For those of us who live in climates that do not deliver year round sunshine and warmth, sun rooms provide a wonderful alternative. These bright sitting rooms are wonderful for catching up on reading, crafting, or even a quiet drink after dark. Ceiling to floor windows are not necessary to enjoy this trend. Even a room with large windows and natural light will give you the tranquil feeling a sun room intends. 

The (Not So) Sterile Bathroom

Time to transform your bathroom from a quick stop to a luxurious getaway. Not all of us have the million dollar bathroom with the fireplace and deep jet tub, but that doesn't mean we cant make the most of it. The addition of custom lighting, statement mirrors and updated decor may be all it takes to transform your bathroom into a quiet escape. Time to trade in the fish soap dish and mismatched towels for a few statement pieces to provide a quick transformation. 

Millennials In Real Estate

2016 Rise in Millennial Home Buyers 

2016 will be a year for the Millennials. As one myself, I have seen a lack of both buyers and agents that are categorized as Generation Y since I began as a Broker. Those of us born between 1980-1995 are setting a new standard. We are getting married later, having kids later and so its only logical that we would be buying homes later in life as well. For Oregon especially, the rise in Millennials buying homes will create a much needed kick that we saw beginning in 2015. Central Oregon is a popular destination for the younger generation. With the plethora of outdoor activities, it is home like no other. Everything from the booming breweries to Mt. Bachelor make Central Oregon paradise for many.  

Because many Millennials are waiting to settle down and become a homeowner, they are securing themselves financially. With credit standards beginning to normalize again, it makes now the perfect time for first time home buyers to take the leap. Also, with jobs improving, it is giving the home buyer the opportunity to become financially secure and in turn, find lower rates and easier mortgages.

The Millennial boom is especially true in Oregon. In 2015, Oregon was the most popular moving destination. This is no surprise with the younger generation being drawn to places like Portland and Central Oregon.

With this also comes change for the real estate industry. Only 3% of agents are under the age of 30 (this includes me for another 15 days or so). Many agents are finding a shift in the way they do business. No longer is it as common for a day to be spent driving around and looking at homes. Most Millennials will do all the research first and be fairly well educated in what they want before the process even begins. 50% of buyers will research homes online and 26% buy this way. Agents have become an important resource to help weed through the clutter. Explaining details, negotiating deals and executing contracts.

Bottom line, if you are a Millennial, its time to get on it! Now is the perfect time to start busting out the Iphone and the Ipad. Text your agent, send a couple emails, you will be well on your way to buying your first home!

Bend Oregon - Dogtown USA

Photo by saltlakemagazine.com

Living in Central Oregon has countless opportunities for the humans, but it also has unlimited adventures for our four-legged companions. 

Where to Play

In 2012 Bend was names Dogtown USA by Dog Fancy Magazine. Awarded for the many dog friendly hotels, restaurants and events. Central Oregon is also home to eight dog parks in Bend, one in Redmond and many more off leash trails around Central Oregon. If you are looking for a great recourse for downloadable maps when you are ready to hit the park or the trails, check out this parks and trail list! 

Refueling 

Bend is also known for its beer and in Central Oregon, beer and dogs go hand in hand. 10 Barrel, Cascade Lakes Brewing CO. Crux Fermentation Project, GoodLife Brewing and McMenamins Old St. Fracncis all openly welcome your four legged companion in their outdoor dining areas. Bend is also home to a non-alcoholic brew, made specially for dogs. DAWG GROG is an all organic treat that Fido will thank you for! You can read all about the brew and order from Boneyard Beer.

Dog Beds

Traveling to Central Oregon and not sure where to stay that will accommodate the whole family? is a great list of pet friendly accommodations at Here. 

Rescues

When focusing on four-legged family, I have to mention the many wonderful rescues that have made Central Oregon home and have helped thousands of animals make this beautiful place their home too. If you live in Central Oregon or are considering relocating to this remarkable community, add adoption to your considerations! You can find a full list of Oregon Shelters and Rescues. 

So You Are Ready To Sell - Without A Broker

So you want to sell your house? You have been stalking Zillow and Trulia  for months. The number of homes you have compared yours to have ranged from the foreclosure on the other end of town, to that house you saw on HGTV last weekend. You are CONVINCED that you can figure this whole home selling thing out for yourself. Why wouldn’t you? With the hefty commission fee that agents charge, you can save BIG by doing it yourself! But does it actually save you money when you look at the big picture? Here are 3 things to consider before listing your home solo.

1. A Broker Can Get You A Better Price – You may think you know what you want to sell your home for, but can you actually get that price? Pricing a home out of the gates is crucial in getting top dollar. Brokers have easy access to market data to help in determining the best price to list. Homes overpriced tend to sell for less in the end. The shorter time the house is on the market, the more likely it is to get the highest asking price. Generally, agents are much better at negotiating a deal. They understand that buying and selling a home is an emotional time in both the buyer and sellers life. Your broker also understands that a persons bottom line, is not always their bottom line. Most people would be uncomfortable with negotiating thousands of dollars with a stranger and since neither one have each others best interest at heart, the level of trust is lacking.

2. Marketing – Brokers are able to advertise on a much broader market. Websites like Trulia, Zillow and craigslist are great resources when listing FSBO, however most Brokers don’t troll these sights when looking for homes to show their buyers. Having an agent is essential when wanting to reach a broader audience. Online marketing has skyrocketed. For the most part, buyers no longer drive around all day on a Sunday afternoon looking for signs in yards. With listings online, its as easy as picking up your phone. With thousands of homes to scroll through, having an agent who can feature your home and help it stand out is irreplaceable.

3. Time Is Money – From the moment a home owner decides to sell their home, the work starts. Researching the best price to list, taking phone calls from prospective buyers – and determining which ones are the serious inquires, scheduling showing, negotiations, appraisals, inspections, repairs, and MORE! In most cases, even the verbiage sounds foreign and sellers will be paying an attorney to translate. Having an agent takes all this responsibility off the seller, and in turn saves valuable time, money and grey hairs.

Bottom line is, selling your home alone is possible but in most cases painful! FSBO listings continue to drop. The rules and regulations in buying and selling continue to become more strict, making it harder and harder to go at it alone!

When you make the decision to list your home. Sit down with a real estate professional first and explore all  your options. See what they may be able to offer you and determine if it is beneficial to have the professional experience of an agent.