How to Buy a House with Friends

Buying property with friends is a topic close to my heart because, let’s face it, housing affordability SUCKS and we gotta get creative. For some folks, teaming up with friends, family, coworkers, or lovers is the only option — and hey! That’s an AMAZING option. Making the dream of buying a house with friends into […]

Housing Affordability SUCKS! It’s Time to Get Creative

Lauren Goche

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s not just close to my heart — it’s a TOTAL game-changer for anyone looking to buy property.  Investing in a duplex, triplex, or four-plex, whether on your own, with family, a coworker, or alongside a pal is more than just a sound financial move, it’s about reshaping our […]

Why You Should Buy Ugly and Sell Cute

We’ve all heard the saying, “Love at first sight,” right? Well, when it comes to buying homes, it’s not always that straightforward.  Yes, the property you buy is going to be your sanctuary, that spot where you kick off your shoes and unwind after a long day —  you should love it! But it’s also […]

Ready, Set, Reno: Preparing Yourself for a Fixer-Upper Journey

fixer-upper

Virgo season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a blog allllll about the relentless pursuit of perfection? That’s right, we’re diving into the world of fixer-uppers!  Today, we’re exploring a few sage pieces of advice from my fixer-upper aficionado friend, Perry Eising (@perrysetgo). From how to save a pretty penny […]

How I Used a HELOC Loan To Move Into a New House

Strategically utilizing my HELOC is what made me go from barely getting along to really getting ahead in life. That’s why I’m hella passionate about this type of home loan as a real estate investing tool. Our goal here is to provide a helpful guide to demystify HELOCS and make them less scary. We cover the basics of HELOCs as well as how I used mine to put a downpayment on my second home. 

Self-employed? Here’s How to Buy a House

Self-employed mortgage

Ah, self-employment… The joy and opportunity of being your own boss and setting your own hours are endless. As a self-employed person myself, I wouldn’t change it for the world. However, there is one downside that often gets pushed under the rug: buying a house when you’re self-employed is freaking hard! A lot has changed […]

The Change in Loan Limits for 2021 is a BIG Deal for Buyers. Here’s Why.

New loan limits for 2021 have recently been announced, and I’ve got some great news for hopeful Portland home buyers! Right now (it’s December of 2020), conforming loans for the Portland area is at $510,400. (It is the same for much of the U.S., but not everywhere… it is determined by county). Starting January 1, […]

Your First House Isn’t Your Forever House

There’s a good reason why it’s called a “starter home”. It is because your first house isn’t your forever house. It allows you to learn and make mistakes, and realize that life changes. You change. Your city changes, your needs change.  And that is probably why, statistically, people nowadays stay in these “starter homes” for […]