Posts from November 2024

If you've been keeping an eye on mortgage rates lately, you might feel like you're on a roller coaster ride. One day rates are up; the next they dip down a bit. So, what's driving this constant change? Let's dive into just a few of the major reasons why we're seeing so much volatility, and what it means for you.

The Market's Reaction to the Election

A significant factor causing fluctuations in mortgage rates is the general reaction to the political landscape. Election seasons often bring uncertainty to financial markets, and this one is no diff...

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If you're debating whether or not you want to sell right now, it might be because you've got some unanswered questions, like if moving really makes sense in today's market. Maybe you're wondering if it's even a good idea to move right now. Or you're stressed because you think you won't find a house you like.

To put your mind at ease, here's how to tackle these two concerns head-on.

Is It Even a Good Idea To Move Right Now?

If you own a home already, you may have been holding off because you don't want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on your 

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There are more homes on the market right now than there have been in years – and that could be a game changer for you if you're ready to buy. Let's look at two reasons why.

You Have More Options To Choose From

An article from Realtor.com helps explain just how much the number of homes for sale has gone up this year:

"There were 29.2% more homes actively for sale on a typical day in October compared with the same time in 2023, marking the twelfth consecutive month of annual inventory growth and the highest count since December 2019."

And while the number of homes on the market still isn't quite back to where it was in the years leading up to the pandemic, this is definitely an 

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Over the past few years, some homeowners have decided to delay their move because they don't want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on their next home. Maybe you're thinking the same thing. And honestly, that's no surprise. It's a very common roadblock and is one of the biggest factors that's kept the number of homes on the market so low for so long.

But a growing number of homeowner...

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Hike to Paulina Falls in the Winter for a Unique Experience

Once the roads into the high Cascades have been closed for the winter, there are more limited hiking opportunities for Central Oregonians. However, one favorite hike is close to La Pine state park and on the road to Newberry Crater. This is the Peter Skene Ogden trail which follows Paulina Creek all the way to Paulina Lake. Hikers can take the trail as far as they wish, although during winters with heavy snow, it can be challenging and snow shoes would be recommended.

November 2, 2024 was scheduled to be cloudy, but dry. The lower elevations of Peter Skene Ogden Trail had patchy snow, but it was easy walking.

Two and a quarter miles into the hike, the second large, "twin" waterfall is passed and then the hike steepens until the bridge is reached which crosses over Paulina Creek. Past the bridge the snow deepened and hikers without snowshoes had to post hole in soft snow to get any further. 

The path also steepens past the bridge and there was more accumulated snow. Central Oregon typically doesn't get a lot of snow early November, but 2024 was different with the snow depth on Peter Skene Ogden Trail over a foot at Paulina Falls. With more snow falling and the trees covered in a snow blanket, it was truly a winter wonderland with no other hikers seen. The entire hike up and back was just under twelve miles and over 1500 feet of elevation gain.