The Anchor Blog

This blog and our website will be disappearing soon (as subscriptions expire).  As you may know, our situation has changed and unfortunately this website/blog must go away for now.  We trust you have our contact information.  We ARE still here to serve you (friends and family, coworkers, etc) with home financing needs, and will continue to do so.  We really do appreciate any and all referrals.

So web spiders and other internet tools don't SPAM us easily, here is our contact phone spelled out.  Five four one, seven four nine, one zero six six.  My email is: steve.miller(at)b)a)n)k)o)f)o)r)e)g)0)n)(dot)n)e)t.  Sorry to be so cryptic, but you know how it is...

There are still predatory lenders out there, so please be careful.  We have hung in here to protect you!   Beware of web lenders and TV lenders who tease you with those low rate commercials and options that sound to good to be true.  Everyone's profile is different and guess how many really qualify for those low/low rates? (We could tell you stories)  Ah, then there's the issue of "where does the paper go?"  Ask any local escrow/title person about the challenges of these big internet giants concerning your title and deeds.

Sorry to ramble, but your protection and survival is important to us.  Hope to visit with you soon.  God Bless!

I posted this awhile back, but the information is probably more appropriate for this time of year.

With the flattening or declining real estate market in 2008 your local County Tax Assessor may have (or will) over tax you on your real estate investment.  Having your property appraised by a professional real estate appraiser may be the first step in determining the accurate value of your property.  If you feel the market value shown on your tax statement is too high, you may legally file an appeal with your local Board of Property Tax Appeals.  There are usually deadlines for such petitions, so check with your local County.   In Central Oregon, we have found Appraisal Solutions to be a very honest, ethical and professional source of accurate data.  Give them a call at (541) 848-9995.  If you live in Oregon, but outside of the Central Oregon market, we may be able to round up a reputable Appraiser for you.  Contact us (800) 590-0323.

Dear friends and interested person's.  As dramatic changes continue within the mortgage world , Anchor Mortgage Group* continues to make adjustments as needed to remain strong and provide the highest quality loan services possible.

We have recently transitioned and have now aligned ourselves with the Bank of Oregon* aka Bank of Bend*.  This is an FDIC institution (a real bank) with all the security and safeguards one would expect.

We can now lend in all fifty states and can provide FHA lending within Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada and California.  If we can be of assistance to you, feel free to contact us via our 800 number.

While the economy is a bit sluggish, life goes on with weddings, births, new empty nesters, job transitions, and so on.  Any of these situations can necessitate a housing change.  Let us be your resource for assistance, and at the very least, your source of sound information.  Don't rely upon rumor or new urban legends to drive your home loan decisions.

OH, our number is 800/590-0323.  Please no solicitations or marketing calls.

*Anchor Mortgage Group has been closed.  The Bank of Oregon and Bank of Bend are dba's of Willamette Valley Bank, Salem Oregon.

There are good housing values on the market today and good loan products still exist (contrary to what the media says).  Many folks cause themselves much grief while trying to acquire a home.  To minimize challenges, here is a short list of things to avoid while going through the home buying or refinancing process.  This is only a summary.  You can find details on our website under the page "Buyer Don'ts".

Don't make an expensive purchase.

Don't get a new job.

Don't switch banks or move money around.

Don't give a good faith deposit directly to the seller in a FSBO purchase.

Don't disregard your lenders requirements.

Anchor Mortgage Group is currently in transition.  We will be offering additional mortgage products and perhaps even sport a new name.  Stay tuned for details.

While you're waiting, don't forget to stay in touch with your State and Federal Representatives concerning issues that are important to you.  Right now I can think of at least two topics for which you should be bombarding your public officials; energy and home financing.

I remember my grandfather using a phrase, "that's like the pot calling the kettle black".  It now seems that certain Senators who have been blasting our industry because of their need to fix blame somewhere for the housing challenges in the country are now found to be waist deep in the same issues they've been railing against.

"Countrywide officials allegedly gave preferential treatment in mortgage loans, including float-down interest rates and shaving of points, to a select group of VIPs that included both Sens. Kent Conrad [D-N.D.] and Chris Dodd [D-Conn.], both of whom have denied any wrongdoing. Countrywide’s controversial deals were given under the “Friends of Angelo” program, nicknamed after Countrywide chief executive Angelo Mozilo. Portfolio Magazine reported the allegations last week." By Elizabeth MacDonald

Were there unscrupulous mortgage brokers? Yes.  Are they still in the industry? probably not.  They've taken their money and run.  They're probably speculating in oil and are the cause of the current energy crisis...  ok, just kidding. 

Seriously, The majority of Loan Originator's who are still in the game are still in it because they like what they do and they enjoy helping people.  

The Senator's mentioned above now have punitive legislation against the mortgage industry ready for a vote.  Please contact your elected officials and encourage them to vote against these misguided bills.

It has been a few days and it's time to update this blog and keep it fresh.  I have no burning passion to blog at the moment.  However, I know some of you hang on my every word...  <G>.  I'll bet some readers are concerned about gas (energy) prices.  I'm mature enough to tell you that I was alive and driving during the gas "crisis" of the 70's.  Yes, the gas lines were terrible.  The ten gallon limit a bummer and the odd/even purchase days, well enough said.  I truly wish our society and politicians had learned from that experience, but here we go again.  You've probably heard this before and I'm not sure who coined the phrase, "those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it."

Life must go on...  If you need advice, counsel, planning concerning home financing and purchasing within the State of Oregon, please contact us.  Our team is here for you.