Lighting up the night.

My life for the last ten years has been punctuated by a series of home improvement projects, and while the results are ultimately satisfying, the process can be filled with surprises (not the good kind), and costly (concealed conditions anyone?).

So it is with excitement that I report on one of the most recent enhancements to our century old farmhouse outside of Eugene – exterior accent lighting! My designing wife called from the warehouse store the other day excited about a great value on a brushed nickel yard light set - six etched-glass accent lights and two halogen spots of decent quality for a great price. An hour later I was unloading three cartons from the back of our Subaru and, with the help of our four year old daughter, unwrapping and assembling the contents.

It was easy to push the tapered bases into the soil of our garden beds, staggering the layout for a casual effect. And it was fun deciding which plants to target with the spotlights. All that was left to do was plug in the transformers, run the wiring, and wait for darkness to fall.

And it was worth the wait! The beds surrounding our house are now transformed into a magical garden at dusk each night, with twenty four low voltage lights drawing a modest amount of current. The timer cuts the power after an adjustable interval, so in the summer they’ll only burn about four hours per evening. I can’t recall another project that has delivered so much reward for such a reasonable cost and effort. The indirect glow perfectly lights our front porch for the long warm evenings of summer, we can walk through the yard without stumbling over dog toys (or the dogs themselves), and the nighttime curb appeal is simply outstanding!

Happy home improvements,
Bobby
541 225-8081
bobby@alternativerealtor.com

What you deserve from your Real Estate Agent.

In the early days of our nation the practice of Real Estate (along with most other professions) was only minimally regulated. Back then, Real Estate agents typically only represented the interests of sellers. For purchasers of Real Estate it was literally caveat emptor (buyer beware).

The industry has come a long way since those days, and the National Association of Realtors (the worlds largest professional association) maintains and enforces a strict code of ethics for its members – called REALTORS. These ethics, and the supporting standards of practice were created to protect the interests of buyers and sellers of Real Estate.

By law, Oregon Real Estate agents must provide a copy of the Oregon Real Estate Agency Disclosure Pamphlet to represented parties at first contact. The agent should explain this document to you in your initial consultation when you are interviewing agents to find one that will best serve your needs. Remember, you may be spending considerable time with this person (particularly if you are buying), so in addition to making sure they are an expert who can get the job done, pick someone who shares your values and interests.

Even when professional standards are clearly defined, quality of service varies widely in any industry. To inform yourself of the fiduciary duties your agent owes you, and the standards they are to uphold, please download and read the document at the link above. And if you are seeking a high standard of professionalism and superb customer care, take a look at Eugene’s Alternative. We have a great reputation in the Eugene real estate community and a proven record of success helping our customers achieve their goals.

Cheers,
Bobby

541 225-8081
bobby@alternativerealtor.com

The Contractor Conundrum.

One big challenge for homeowners is finding the right company or person to work on their homes. Just getting a call back can be difficult, and the best contractors are booked in advance. Look to your Realtor for help here. We refer and employ many contractors in the course of our business – let us use our relationships to your advantage.

The issue of unlicensed contractors has been getting a lot of press in Lane County lately. A Contractors license means that a minimum of one person in a company has passed a state exam (primarily covering business management and compliance with law), and that the company can qualify and pay for a bond and liability insurance to protect the homeowner. It makes no attempt to ensure quality of any trade.

Lots of people do their own work, or get help from friends and family. In many circumstances this is legal, or at least low-risk. We are a nation of do-it-yourselfers and I consider this an inalienable right! But as a long time DIY’er, a former licensed contractor, and a full-time Realtor I've made the rounds on this subject, and urge you to consider the following when tackling projects yourself or paying someone to work on your home:

Small repairs and handyman work.
We tend to think that jobs requiring less skill (perhaps we would do them ourselves if we had the time) warrant less concern. There are many honest and capable workers available for hire, but if someone other than a licensed contractor falls off your roof while cleaning the gutters, you can be held liable.

Light remodeling – painting, hardware, trim carpentry.
Almost everybody can paint, and screwing knobs on cabinets is pretty simple, right? I enjoy doing the aesthetic work on my home, but here’s where quality (or lack of it) really shows. Consider the impact on your home’s value if a job is not done to professional standards.

New construction and/or remodeling involving structure, plumbing and electrical.
Permit enforcement and code compliance in Lane County have been dramatically increased in the last couple of years and the penalties for violation can be significant. Interview up to three licensed contractors. Get detailed quotes based on identical specifications. See examples of work. Check references with past clients and check license status and claims against bonds or insurance. Make sure to read and understand the contract. Don’t pay in full up front. Write the final check after you approve of the finished product. And make sure your contractor is someone you like – they and their employees will have close contact with your home and family. When considering substantial improvements, your Realtor can be a great resource to help you identify trends and determine the potential for return on investment.

Happy home improvement! And don’t hesitate to call if you need help selecting a contractor or advice on your next project!
Bobby Stevens
541 225-8081