Click to Call

So, have you ever heard of "Click to Call"?  Most haven't.  This is a new feature that is just coming to life with remax.com that many of us are both fascinated and excited about.  As we move forward over the next few weeks, the agents in our office will begin to attach this feature to their listings in the website.  Here's how it works.  As you look up properties for sale on the remax.com website, some will have a big phone icon in the body of the information about the home.  By pushing that button, you will be able to be connected to the listing agent by phone!!  It will ask you to enter your phone number and the computer will connect the listing agent with you directly so you can talk to them. Great way to save time and gather useful information!!  As always, the agents at RE/MAX Real Estate Team are here to make your real estate experience rewarding and easy.  Call one of us today for more information.

Our Office Website

Sometimes we in the real estate business forget thing most basic of things when visiting with our clients and customers.  I was talking to someone a few days back and we were talking about our office website. I mentioned lots of things-the blog site (this one), the nice home page photos taken in the valley, lots of things.....  What I failed to mention was property searches.  He called me later and asked how to find a property listed with another office.  He was interested in the property, wanted to look it up on the internet and didnt want to take up my time until he was somewhat sure he was really interested.  Not an exactly unusual string of events.  Lots of people want to gather information on their own-on their own timetable-and narrow down the list to the ones they are truly interested in.  All properties listed in the RMLS system (the one used in the La Grande area) are available to see through our office website.  It's easy.  Just go to http://www.lagranderealestateteam.com/ and look for the property search button near the top of the page.  Click and look for the search properties tab. That takes you in to the RMLS system.  Pick your options for cities, price and other options and you are on your way.  Have fun.  Sign up for realty watcher to get email updates on all the latest listings similar to what you are interested in.  Look at our you tube videos....  When you have questions or want to learn more, call or email us from the website.  Any of us would be more than happy to assist you......

Facebook

Facebook has become a very popular social media tool for individuals and for businesses.  It has provided a way to convey information and a way to stay in touch with friends and family as well as business clients and contacts.  RE/MAX Real Estate Team has a variety of Facebook pages that contain tons of worthwhile information about real estate and about the things going on in our office.  If you havent "liked" one of our sites or become friends with one or more of our agents, I encourage you to do so.  You can find our office at RE/MAX Real Estate Team, our franchise RE/MAX International or most of our agents by looking them up by name.  You can also find Randy and Shawna's real estate page at La Grande Properties.  This is a great way to keep up on most things real estate and on the lives of our agents.  Look us up, feel free to make comments. If we can be of help to you, be sure to drop us a message, an email or call us...... 

RE/MAX.com mobile....

Have a smart phone and are looking at property?  Would you like to look up some information on a property or others in the area?  Remax.com mobile may be just the answer.  Here's how it works-- Open your browser and go to remax.com.  The website will automatically determine that you are accessing from a smart phone and load the smart phone version of remax.com to your phone.  Really.  It's just that easy.  Try it for yourself.  No texting.  No numbers to remember.  Just type in remax.com and you are on your way.  Search, find, call one of the RE/MAX Real Estate Team agents to tour some of them!!

The REAL Real Estate Guide

Maybe some of you have noticed-there are several real estate papers floating around the La Grande area lately.  A couple have been produced by local companies in order to market their own listings, but not the entire MLS.  They do an excellent job of attracting buyers with lots of color photos and nice marketing information, but the reality is, they are showing the ones they want you to buy, not all the ones available to you.  Don't be deceived.   It's very easy to make this mistake.  The REAL Real Estate Guide is called just that-The Eastern Oregon Real Estate and Homebuilders Guide.  It carries listings from many real estate companies in the area-not just one.  We at RE/MAX Real Estate Team believe buyers are entitled to knowing what properties are available for them to purchase through a variety of offices, not just the ones that benefit our office the most.  Avoid the confusion, come by or contact one of us at RE/MAX Real Estate Team so we can discuss ALL your buying options and help you decide what is best for you.

The Weekend

Don't miss out on the fun this weekend...  The EOU football team is at home and looking to extend a win streak!!  They are a lot of fun to watch and if the weather is bad, the football is better.  The Mountaineers are an exciting team not to be missed.  The yhave one more home game this year, so it's sort of now or never..   Go BLUE!!

Rural Development Loans

If you are shopping for homes in La Grande or anywhere else in Union County, make sure to ask your lender about Rural Development loans.  These loans are readily available for most Union County residents and properties through your favorite local lenders. These loans tend to be more flexible when it comes to down payments requirements, which makes it a great option in today's economy-especially for first time home buyers.  Don't be afraid of the current loan environment when trying to buy a house.  It is NOT as frightening as you have been told.  With these RD loans, it is possible for the seller to pay a portion of the buyer's closing costs, which makes home ownership much more reasonable for many people.  Come see one of us today and ask us to help guide to a recommended lender.  We are both compassionate and knowledgeable.  We work very hard to put ourselves in the shoes of our clients and build our business on satisfied clientele. Come feel the difference of working with someone who cares for you and your family...... 

Loans Are Easier Than You May Think

If you have paid attention to all the media reports regarding mortgages over the last few months, you may be assuming loans are nearly impossible to get-requiring tons of down payment money and the promise of your first born child in order to get home financing. While it is true that the requirements have gotten a bit more rigid, they are far from the daunting task they are made out to be and many of the changes are related to the condition of the house instead of the qualifications of the buyer.  Most lenders offer FHA loans, which require about 3.5% down plus closing costs as your out of pocket expense.  Some lenders offer USDA Rural Development loans-a great loan program that requires very little out of pocket money and are ideal for first time home buyers.  The helpful, experienced agents at RE/MAX Real Estate Team can help you structure sales agreements that sometimes allow you to buy a home for less out of pocket expense and lower payments than you may be paying for rent right now!!!  Don't be deterred by the negative press regarding mortgages.  They are readily available, reasonable to qualify for and sometimes require very low out of pocket investment.  Call one of our agents today and we can refer you to some of the lenders we work with every day!

Visit Your Lender

If you are considering a home purchase and haven't visited your lender in the last few months, now may be a great time to do so.  The information they have may be old and out of date-which happens rapidly these days.  In order to keep yourself current should you find a home to buy, they will want current credit, income and banking information.  When you get ready to make an offer to purchase a home, having a current approval letter from your bank is a valuable asset.  Another reason to visit your lender is to update yourself on the current mortgage rates!  Most likely, the mortgage rates have dropped-maybe substantially-since the last time you checked.  With 30 year rates hovering around the 4-4 1/2% range,  you may actually qualify for a little higher purchase price, just because of the lower rates!!! With lots of inventory, historically low rates and motivated sellers, this is the ideal time to buy.  Make sure you are prepared.  Call any of our agents today to talk about the steps needed to get ready to be a home owner!!