Market Action Update for Lane County 2008

Here is a little info on the current market in our area...

March Residential Highlights
Looking at March 2008 compared with March 2007, the number of new listings decreased 9.5%. Additionally, the number of closed sales declined 29.1% and pending sales decreased 28.7%. See table above. At the month’s rate of sales, the 2,074 active residential listings would last 8.4 months.


First Quarter/Year-to-Date
When comparing market activity for January-March 2008 with the same period in 2007, new listings fell 1.5% (1,770 v. 1,796). Closed sales dipped 30.3% (643 v. 923) and pending sales decreased 27.4% (809 v. 1,309).


Appreciation
Comparing the average sale price for the 12 months ending in March 2008 with that of the 12 immediately prior, it appreciated 2.3% ($264,500 v. $258,500). Using the same formula, the median sale price increased 2.1% ($232,900 v. $228,000).

All information from Market Action March 2008 provided by RMLS



Tawnya Madsen, Broker

Tawnya@AlternativeRealtor.com

541.729.2350

Living Free on Residential Investment Propeties...

I enjoyed this thought today.

If an investor owns 10 properties and puts them on an amortization schedule such that one property is paid off every year the investor can refinance that property on a 10 year amortization schedule and live comfortably for the rest of their life...(Living for Free...wow)

Here is the really fun part...that income is tax free!

Now...lets go get those properties...(We know of a screaming deal on a duplex that is not yet on the market..call quick)

...I bet you know that loans with shorter amortizations schedules offer the benefit of lower interest rates, significantly less interest paid and a pay-off date visible from the starting line.

Summoning the cash needed to make these investments cash flow positively can be a short term drain that pays off in the peace of mind of owning a self sustaining investment.

Dave

dave@alternativerealtor.com

541-302-5999

Charming Eugene,Or. home

What is a "FSBO"?

"FSBO" is an acronym for: For Sale By Owner. In the real estate world you might hear them referred to phonetically as a "Fizbo". For Sale by Owner properties are easily found in craigslist.com under Oregon, Eugene, Real estate for Sale. Click here

Many sellers will attempt to sell their properties themselves prior to seeking professional representation. Most are open to compensating a buyer's agents if a buyer is professionally represented. (This means that there is often no cost to a buyer to seek professional representation)

Eugene's Alternative represents many buyers in FSBO's transactions every year.

Our clients are counseled to have Eugene's Alternative make the first contact with the seller to build the relationship, assess the story of the property and schedule a viewing time. Eugene's Alternative then reports back to our clients with the information and timing. Having Eugene's Alternative make the 1st contact is important because we have a high level of success negotiating buyer's agent compensation paid by the seller when Eugene's Alternative makes the 1st contact.

The sale fall-through rate without a professional representative is very high. Some of the qualities that professional representation brings to a transaction are:

Safety - All agreements are reviewed by a licensed Broker who has experience and understands the requirements of a legal real estate transaction in the state of Oregon.

Professional Perspective - There is nothing more dangerous to a transaction than two confused and emotional parties trying to work through a difficult negotiation alone. When trust between the buyer and seller is compromised the transaction's environment can become toxic. Having a smooth handed professional in the middle, listening, reacting to, or leading parties through a tough spot can make all the difference to the success of a sale. A good Realtor can take the pressure off of the individuals and bring smooth & quick resolution to issues that can otherwise progress to a danger.

Quality Team Members - Eugene's Alternative brings years of experience with quality people in the real estate community. We have developed relationships with outstanding folks in these fields and more:

Mortgage Finance
Title and Escrow
Home Inspection
Pest and Dry Rot Inspection
Law
Surveying
Licensed Contractors of all kinds (Building, remodeling and repair)
Architecture
Landscaping
Staging

Experience - There is no substitute for experience. Understanding the landscape of a negotiation and transaction can prevent or cut short problems before they become a threat.


David Koester
Pricipal Broker / Owner
Eugene's Alternative
302-5999
dave@alternativerealtor.com

Pets in Cottage Grove

Question: How many dogs can I have at my house in Cottage Grove?


Answer: According to the City of Cottage Grove, no more than three dogs per household are allowed. If you want more, you must apply for a kennel license. Hope this helps.

John Baumann
654-2060
john@alternativerealtor.com
Eugene's Alternative