Buying or Selling in
Lake Oswego Oregon?
Call Corey:
503-752-3540
Corey Zielsdorf, Owner / Broker
Newdoor Realty Lic# 201249342
coreyz@newdoorrealty.net
Your Lake Oswego Home Featured Here!
Sellers Home Value Toolbox
Provided By:
Q&A: Top 5 Questions to ask before Selling…
1. Should I wait for a seller’s market to get the highest price for my home?
Sellers want to know if holding off until the market favors sellers will yield a significantly higher sale price. While a seller’s market can lead to bidding wars and faster sales, factors like interest rates, seasonality, and personal circumstances should also be considered.
2. How much does market timing actually impact my home’s final sale price?
Timing the market can affect ROI, but the impact varies. A strong seller’s market can push prices up by 5-10% or more, while a buyer’s market may require price reductions. However, well-prepared homes priced competitively can still sell well in any market.
3. What if I need to buy a new home after selling? Will market conditions work against me?
Sellers often forget that if they wait for a seller’s market to get a higher price, they may also face higher home prices and competition when buying. In a buyer’s market, they might sell for less but also buy their next home at a discount.
4. How do rising interest rates impact my home’s ROI?
Higher interest rates can reduce buyer affordability, shrinking the pool of qualified buyers. This can soften even a seller’s market and affect final sale prices. Watching rate trends is key to maximizing ROI.
5. Is it better to sell now or invest in renovations and wait?
Many sellers wonder if they should improve their home first before listing or sell as-is. The decision depends on the market conditions, potential ROI of renovations, and how quickly they need to move. In a strong seller’s market, homes can sell quickly with minimal updates, while a buyer’s market may demand more improvements to compete.
Final Thoughts…
Need personalized advice on preparing your home for the market? Contact Corey Zielsdorf, Portland’s Local Westside Real Estate Broker for more than 20 years… coreyz@newdoorrealty.net
503-752-3540
Top 5 Renovations to Maximize Your Home’s Value...
1. Kitchen Upgrades
- Refinishing or repainting cabinets
- Upgrading countertops (quartz or granite are popular choices)
- Replacing outdated appliances with energy-efficient models
- Updating hardware and lighting fixtures
2. Bathroom Refresh
- Installing new fixtures and faucets
- Replacing or reglazing the bathtub
- Updating vanity and countertops
- Adding fresh grout and caulk for a clean look
3. Curb Appeal Enhancements
- Fresh exterior paint or power washing
- Landscaping improvements (trimmed bushes, fresh mulch, seasonal flowers)
- A new or freshly painted front door
- Updated outdoor lighting and a well-maintained walkway
4. Flooring Improvements
- Replacing carpet with hardwood or high-quality laminate
- Refinishing existing hardwood floors
- Installing new tile or luxury vinyl in high-traffic areas
5. Fresh Paint Throughout
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a home feel newer and more inviting. Stick to neutral colors like beige, gray, or off-white to appeal to a broad range of buyers.
Final Thoughts…
Before investing in any renovations, consider your home’s current condition and market trends. Some homes may benefit from small cosmetic updates, while others may need more extensive work. Consulting with a real estate professional can help determine which renovations will maximize your home’s value and lead to a quicker sale.
Need personalized advice on preparing your home for the market? Contact Corey Zielsdorf, Sherwood’s Top Local Real Estate Broker for more than 20 years… coreyz@newdoorrealty.net
503-752-3540
Search Newest Listings in Lake Oswego!
Home Buyer’s Financing FAQs
Buying a home is an exciting journey, but understanding the financing process can feel overwhelming. To help, we’ve compiled the top five financing questions buyers often ask, along with clear answers to guide you through the process.
Q&A: Top 5 Buyer Financing Questions Answered
1. What Types of Loans Are Available to Me?
There are several loan options available, each with different requirements:
- Conventional Loans: Require higher credit scores but offer competitive interest rates and flexible terms.
- FHA Loans: Ideal for first-time buyers, requiring as little as 3.5% down with lower credit score requirements.
- VA Loans: Exclusive to veterans and active-duty military members, offering zero down payment and competitive rates.
- USDA Loans: Available for rural and suburban homebuyers with zero down payment options.
- AgWest Farm Credit Country Home Loans: Country properties often have outbuildings, second residences, farm income from vineyards, orchards, nurseries, woodlands or other agricultural commodities that are often rejected by traditional banks or credit unions but can be considered for financing through AgWest Farm Credit.
2. How Much Down Payment Do I Need?
The down payment requirement varies based on the loan type:
- Conventional loans typically require 5%–20% down.
- FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down.
- VA and USDA loans may require no down payment at all.
- AgWest Farm Credit Country Home Loans typically require 20% down.
3. What Credit Score Do I Need to Qualify for a Mortgage?
- Conventional loans typically require a score of 620 or higher.
- FHA loans allow scores as low as 500 with a 10% down payment or 580 with a 3.5% down payment.
- VA and USDA loans don’t have strict minimums but generally require at least 620.
4. What Are the Closing Costs, and Who Pays Them?
Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. Buyers usually pay closing costs, but in some cases, sellers may cover a portion through negotiations. Typical closing costs may include:
- Lender fees (origination fees, appraisal, credit report)
- Title and escrow fees
- Prepaid property taxes and homeowner’s insurance
- Discount points (optional to lower interest rates)
5. How Much Can I Afford to Borrow?
Lenders determine your loan amount based on your income, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, credit score, and down payment. A common guideline is the 28/36 rule:
- No more than 28% of your gross monthly income should go toward your mortgage payment.
- No more than 36% should go toward total debt payments (including mortgage, car loans, student loans, and credit cards).
Final Thoughts…
Getting pre-approved with a lender is the best way to understand how much you can afford and strengthen your offer when house hunting.
Understanding your financing options is a crucial step in the home-buying process. By working with a trusted lender and real estate professional, you can navigate your mortgage options with confidence.
Need help finding a lender or have more questions? Contact Corey Zielsdorf, Lake Oswego’s Top Local Real Estate Broker for more than 20 years… coreyz@newdoorrealty.net
503-752-3540
Lets Talk Real Estate with Corey…
Testimonials
See what Corey’s clients have to say about working with him.
“My wife and I have bought and sold several properties and worked with many agents throughout the years. Hands down, Corey is the best of all of them! Corey is a breath of fresh air in the process of buying and selling a home. He listens to our needs and provides sound counsel based on his years of experience honestly and impartially. He is always willing to help find a favorable solution in his client’s best interest. He is genuinely interested in getting what’s best for his client, so much so that by listening to Corey’s feedback and insight of the local market, we were able to get an offer the first weekend listed that was significantly higher than surrounding market values! He continued to keep us informed during the entire process, and everything went smoothly! If you are looking for a great Real Estate Agent who can be trusted to represent you ethically and help you navigate a relatively difficult environment, then I recommend Corey Zielsdorf without reservation!”
“Corey helped us with advice to prepare our home to sell and then took us with ease and professionalism to buy the new home that we just love. Both transactions were smooth and Corey made all the difference in making the experience a pleasurable one.“
“Corey from New Door Realty is a full-service real estate broker.
He found us our dream home even though we didn’t recognize it as such at the time. He helped us navigate the shark-infested waters of the real-estate market. He was very hands-on and helped us avoid some bad situations. He helped us get a full-price offer on our existing home. No one will provide more care and a personal touch than Corey. Strongly recommend this guy”
“Corey is a man of integrity…
Corey has helped my family members buy/sell homes for many years. When it was my turn to buy/sell I thought, well just because my family has used Mr. Corey that doesn’t mean he’s the best. Well, I interviewed five different realtors and decided to go ahead and hire him.
A crew of 10 and stats were not what I was after, I wanted someone who after our sale/purchase were over could walk away and tell you about how it all went down and felt good about it, not just happy about their paycheck. I truly believed Corey would always do what was right throughout the process and keep our best interest in mind at all times.”
“Over the past 35 years we have dealt with numerous real estate agents. Corey has been by far the most helpful. Moving from Texas to Oregon was very time consuming with multiple trips to Oregon searching.
Initially I thought that I wanted to live in Redmond or Bend but settled on the other side of the pass. That is when I met Corey. He didn’t just take me from house to house, Corey showed me neighborhoods and towns and provided me with information on the town’s events and services.
During the purchasing process Corey was very helpful during price negotiations and builder’s concessions. Corey always kept us informed with new information no matter how minor. He oversaw the building inspections, repairs, and compliance. Even during our 5 day drive to Oregon, Corey called me on a regular basis with updates. It was a pleasure dealing with Corey. Best agent ever.“
“Corey is a man of integrity and it shows through in his work. No question throughout the process was left unanswered, and I ask a lot of questions.
Corey was accessible and prepared to handle any situation that arose with potential buyers and the same can be said in the search for our new home. Corey made sure we did what was necessary to get top dollar out of the sale. He provided guidance on where to spend money that would lead us to a much higher profit on the flip side of the expense and did not waste our time/money on changes that would not benefit us in the sale.
When it came to buying our new home he was fantastic about telling us if he saw anything in a home that would be of concern and investigated as necessary. Day 2 after our new purchase we had gained equity, that’s the kind of purchase I wanted and got. I would not hesitate to use Corey again and will likely do so many years from now.”