Ogaenia Calkins, Oregon Broker

06/19/2026

Thinking about renting out your home? Here are 10 things you should know

Deciding to rent out a property is an exciting step. Whether you are inheriting property, turning a former home into a source of income, or getting started in real estate investing, becoming a landlord is more straightforward than you might think, even for first-timers who have never managed a prope...

06/17/2026

Not every buyer attends an open house, but creating more opportunities for people to see a home can help build interest early.

Open houses have been part of the home-selling process for decades, but many sellers still wonder whether they're worth the effort. This article looks at the potential benefits, including increased exposure, buyer interest, and opportunities to generate momentum when a home first hits the market. If...

06/11/2026

If you're thinking about buying your first home, knowing the process ahead of time can make the whole experience feel a lot more manageable.

Taking the leap into homeownership can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. This guide walks through the basics of preparing your finances, exploring loan options, making an offer, and getting through closing with fewer surprises. If you're starting to think seriously about buying your f...

06/09/2026

Trellises, stackable planters, and container gardens maximize greenery without taking up valuable ground space.

Small yards demand intentional design to balance function and beauty. Techniques like square-foot gardening, vertical planting, and using tiered or stackable planters help maximize growing potential without overcrowding. Even narrow areas, such as side yards, can become lush pathways or compact seat...

06/09/2026

06/05/2026

Even small changes in mortgage rates can affect monthly payments more than people realize, especially for first-time buyers watching affordability closely.

Mortgage rates are shaped by a mix of inflation, economic conditions, bond markets, and central bank decisions, which is why they can shift so quickly from month to month. This article breaks down some of the biggest factors lenders watch when setting borrowing costs and why buyers often feel the ef...

06/03/2026

An updated version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a bipartisan housing package aimed at boosting supply and improving affordability, passed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday by a vote of 396–13.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act takes important steps to close the nation’s housing supply gap and make homes more affordable. The bill gives communities new tools and resources to build more homes, streamlines federal processes that delay construction and updates financing options for manufa...

05/29/2026

A lot of buyers still think you need 20% down to buy a home, but that’s not always the reality anymore.

The idea that every buyer needs a 20% down payment is one of the biggest misconceptions in real estate. This article looks at different loan options, why some buyers choose smaller down payments, and what trade-offs come with that decision, including mortgage insurance and monthly costs. For first-t...

05/26/2026

WalletHub scored each city on a 100-point scale, with higher scores reflecting greater affordability.

Flint, Michigan, once closely linked with the auto industry, ranks as the nation's most affordable real estate market, according to a new analysis from WalletHub. The personal finance site based its findings on 10 factors, putting the heaviest weight on the ratio of median home prices to household i...

05/21/2026

Retirees also explore side hustles like house sitting and renting unused space, and overseas options such as Greece’s low-tax Golden Visa.

Average mortgage rates for second homes stand at about 7.03%, roughly 0.25% to 0.50% higher than primary residences. Still, retirees in high-demand areas are renting properties to cover mortgages, HOA dues, and management fees, sometimes generating extra profit. Experts stress treating the venture l...