First Time Home Buyer - Oregon

Directions Website

First Time Home Buyer - Oregon Kim Carty, OR Principal Broker/OR Attorney, Soldera Properties

11/04/2026

Read the full post: https://bit.ly/4BB9Sq5

Beaverton Homes: How to Evaluate Rental Potential and Long-Term ROI

Credit Scoring Is Changing: 3 Things Homebuyers Should KnowThink you need a 700 credit score to buy a home? You might be...
11/02/2026

Credit Scoring Is Changing: 3 Things Homebuyers Should Know

Think you need a 700 credit score to buy a home? You might be surprised by how wrong that number is.

And if you've been putting off buying because of your credit, this could change everything.

According to a recent Veterans United survey, 57% of prospective buyers think they need a credit score of at least 660 to qualify for a mortgage. And 34% believe they need 700 or higher.

But here's what many people don't realize.

The traditional benchmark for many conventional loans has been 620. And with recent changes to mortgage credit scoring, even that isn't a hard-and-fast requirement for every loan.

Plus, lenders are beginning to adopt newer credit scoring models that could help millions more Americans get evaluated for a mortgage.

So, the number you see on your credit monitoring app may not tell the whole story about your ability to buy a home.

Does that mean everyone can qualify? Of course not. But it does mean you shouldn't count yourself out before talking to a professional.

Curious where you actually stand? Send me a message, and let's connect you with a lender who can help you find out.



Message me if you would like to discuss buying, selling or any other real estate need.

The Fed just met and they decided on no rate hike and no rate cut. So, what does that mean if you're watching and hoping...
10/29/2026

The Fed just met and they decided on no rate hike and no rate cut. So, what does that mean if you're watching and hoping for lower mortgage rates?

The short answer: don't expect this to dramatically change things.

For now, they’re holding steady. But a recent survey from Reuters asked 100 economists what to expect from here – and all 100 said the Fed will do a hike in December.

Now, the Fed doesn't directly set mortgage rates, but their actions do have an impact. Rates will also move based on inflation, economic data, and how financial markets react.

The takeaway? There’s a lot at play here – and we’ll probably see a hike the next time they meet.

Follow me for straightforward updates on what’s actually happening and why it matters for the housing market.



Message me if you would like to discuss buying, selling or any other real estate need.

10/28/2026

Read the full post: https://bit.ly/3WNzcJh

Explore Forest Grove Living: Pacific Avenue, Parks, and Weekend Favorites

Why More Buyers Are Turning To Adjustable-Rate Mortgages TodayWhat if you could save $150–$300 a month on your mortgage ...
10/26/2026

Why More Buyers Are Turning To Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Today

What if you could save $150–$300 a month on your mortgage payment just by choosing a different type of loan?

For some homebuyers, that could be a game changer. And it's one reason adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are getting more attention.

According to Bankrate, ARM rates recently came in more than a full percentage point lower than traditional fixed-rate mortgages. That's potentially hundreds of dollars in monthly savings on a median-priced home.

And buyers are taking notice. About 1 in 10 mortgage applicants are now choosing an ARM, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

So, what's the catch?

Unlike a fixed-rate mortgage, an ARM gives you a lower introductory rate for a set number of years. After that, your rate can adjust up or down based on market conditions.

That means you could save money upfront, but you'd also need to be comfortable with the possibility of higher payments later.

And here's something worth knowing: Today's ARMs have more borrower protections than the risky loans that made headlines during the 2008 housing crisis.

The bigger takeaway? A traditional 30-year fixed mortgage isn't your only option.
If today's rates are making your homebuying budget feel tight, there may be financing options you haven't explored yet.

Curious whether an ARM could help make your next home more affordable? Connect with a trusted lender who can run the numbers.



Message me if you would like to discuss buying, selling or any other real estate need.

Newly built homes now cost less than existing ones in about a third of major markets.And nationally, the gap is pretty b...
10/22/2026

Newly built homes now cost less than existing ones in about a third of major markets.

And nationally, the gap is pretty big. A newly built home typically sells for about $35,000 less than an existing one.

Prices can look very different from one area to the next, though. So, what neighborhoods do you have your eye on? Let’s tour a new home and an existing one, and see how they compare.



Message me if you would like to discuss buying, selling or any other real estate need.

10/21/2026

Read the full post: https://bit.ly/4B9ltMF

Understand Inventory Shifts in NW Portland and Bethany Prices

Want to move but don’t want to give up your current low rate? This is for you. Data shows homeowners with a mortgage hav...
10/19/2026

Want to move but don’t want to give up your current low rate? This is for you.
Data shows homeowners with a mortgage have an average of $310K in equity right now.

And that means if you've been putting off a move because you don't want to give up the mortgage rate you locked in a few years ago, your equity could help.

You could use it toward a bigger down payment and borrow less at today's rates.

Or, if you're downsizing, you might even be able to buy your next home in cash. No mortgage. No worrying about today’s rates.

Want to know how much equity you have and what it makes possible for you? DM me, and I'll help you find out.



Message me if you would like to discuss buying, selling or any other real estate need.

Address

525 3rd Street, Suite 211
Lake Oswego, OR
97034

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when First Time Home Buyer - Oregon posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Nearby realtors & realty services