Demystify the numbers with a trusted lender.

Finding and choosing an articulate, professional, and savvy lender can improve your real estate experience. The financing portion of real estate transactions can be challenging, confusing, and alienating, or it can thoughtfully presented and masterfully executed. With the following lenders, I’ve seen clients experience great success. I don’t get any kickbacks by recommending them, but I do get peace of mind that my clients are receiving accurate, up-to-date information and excellent service.

List of Recommended Lenders

• Aaron Nawrocki of Mortgage Advocates 503-445-9525 aaron@capitalmlending.com
• Dakota Gale of West Coast Mortgage 503-708-4932 dakota@greenmortgagenw.com
• Anette Sieverson of Pacific Residential Mortgage Specialitsts 503-670-0525 anette.sieverson@pacresmortgage.com
• James Komro of Rose City Mortgage Specialists 503-680-4784 james@rosecitymtg.com
• Loren Pember of Riverside Mortgage Group 503-252-2401 lorenpember@comcast.net

*last updated May 2011

Energy Conservation Pyramid

All we need is a few good autumn winds to rattle the windows and remind us that winter is on the way. If you’ve been contemplating some energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy incentives, or annual weatherization measures, here’s a helpful graphic to help prioritize which steps and upgrades will yield the best bang for the buck.

We are fortunate to live in the one of the country’s preeminent hotbeds for energy efficiency retrofitting. Between the Energy Trust, the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, the Earth Advantage Institute, the Cascadia Green Building Council, and the abundance of general contractors and specialists who have committed to educating themselves and training their crews to help residents make gains in energy efficiency and overall carbon footprint reductions, we have what it takes. One place you might start is the Energy Trust of Oregon’s Trade Allies. This is a group of service providers who have taken the necessary training to be able to provide you with services and expertise in what incentives you may qualify for.

Another great option is Clean Energy Works Portland, a utility-based financing program that allows homeowners to make improvements with no money out of pocket upfront. This is an excellent program that supports homeowners in the getting a jump on those elements at the bottom of the Conservation Pyramid.

Stay tuned for more updates on the programs that become available to us in Oregon. It is a growing industry and legislation is continually working on incentive programs to help fund the retrofitting of our existing housing. Contact me if you’d like more information about any of these programs or organizations. I’m happy to be a resource and provide more information on local service providers as well.

Stay warm. Be well.