My New Blog

Southern Oregon Multiple Listing Service is hosting the first Annual Taste of Rogue Valley.

A community event to benefit the Home Foundation and the Oregon Association of Realtors.  The Home Foundation assists companies working with Oregon families at or below local median income to realize the dream of home ownership.  All proceeds raised remain local, to provide families in the Rogue Valley with home purchasing assistance.

We are in search of donations for a live & silent auction, to be held the evening of May 6th, at the Rogue Valley Country Club! The event will sponsor extraordinary cuisine from local restaurants, wineries & breweries.

If you have items or services you would like to donate, please contact me!  Help keep our Southern Oregon community strong.  It's good for business & everyone that lives here!You can contact me @ awarner@q.com or Jen at SOMLS office (541)770-7060

Event times: May 6th, 5:00pm - 8:00pm Rogue Valley Country Club, Medford, OR.  Tickets for the event are $30 ea or $50 for two.  Tickets available RVAR office, 629 Franquette Street, Medford, OR (541)770-7060

Table Sponsor registration form.pdf

Auction Item Donation Form.pdf

Food Sponsor Form.pdf

sponsorship letter.pdf

press release.doc

OAR Home Found FlyerFINAL.pdf

Flyer for this event on page 13: SOMLS Newsletter

Related Notes: County Homeless Grows: Especially in Families with Kids 

Three miles from my home is a quaint little city known as Jacksonville.  It was founded in the 1850's after the discovery of gold.  However, when gold mining slowed in 1884, the railway decided to bypass Jacksonville.  For this reason, 100 of the original commercial and residential structures are still remaining, and are listed on the National Historic District registry.  In fact, the only real difference in the appearance of the downtown area, are the paved streets.

The population in Jacksonville is approximately 2,555.  Median home sale price is $340,000 (that includes REO sales).  The city is complete with artisan boutiques, medical facilities, public transportation, churches, financial institutions, schools, post office and shopping.  It is also home to some of the finest cuisine, entertainment, and Lodging in Oregon. (Jacksonville Inn, Bella Union, McCully House, Britt Festival & Wineries, Jacksonville Museum, Historic Walking Tours). 

 It truly is a treasure and a must visit when you are in Oregon!

I had a person call me about an appraisal they had done (by someone other than myself). They were extremely unhappy with a value $50,000 below what they were expecting and wanted some advice.  So I thought I would offer a few things to consider before, during and after you get an appraisal, for a purchase, estate, refinance or a pre-listing appraisal.

Even though the appraisal is to protect the lender, you are paying for it.  Seems unfair doesn't it.  Especially if the appraisal comes in low and you have to pay for an additional review appraisal.  (I hope that one day they will pay for it!)  Truth is the lender is the client, and appraisers work for the bank.  There is an air of discouragement from discussing anything with homeowners in appraisal classrooms.  But in order to find out everything we must about a home (to protect the lender) we must discuss a few things.

*Always tell the appraiser what latest and greatest upgrades you have made.  Minor things may be overlooked, such as new faucets, ceiling fans, landscaping, energy efficient items, etc.  It does make a difference in the way we compare.  Most residential appraisals are based on the sales comparison approach.  What the typical buyer is willing to pay for certain features.

*Make sure the appraiser acts in a professional manner! We aren't there to be your new friend, use your bathroom or find out details of your personal life.  (I would question that persons credibility). We are there to do a job.  That includes, but may not be limited to: measuring the exterior dimensions, taking pictures, noting all amenities and checking its overall condition. 

*If the appraisal is for a "Normal" purchase (seller not under distressed conditions) or a refinance, make sure the home has not been compared to Foreclosure, REO or Short Sales.  Fannie Mae's (who backs most mortgage loans) definition of Fair Market Value states that both parties (buyer & seller) are equally motivated, under no duress, the home has a fair marketing time  and typical financing options.  Comparing apples to apples is the saying.  What makes the appraisal process difficult these days is the prevalence of distressed sales.  But, unless your buying a home with a price less than fair market value, they shouldn't be compared to your home. If they are, make sure the appropriate adjustments have been made.

*Make sure the appraiser is familiar with the area.  An example would be Ashland.  Appraising the market there is entirely different than appraising in Medford.  So make sure they know the city or neighborhood well.

*Over-improvements: Sometimes a home can have all the latest and greatest amenities, but no one else in the neighborhood does.  The amount of money you put into your home does not necessarily mean its worth that much more.  Take a swimming pool for example.  It does have value, but unless you live in Arizona where everyone has a pool, its not the exact amount you paid for the pool the home gets credit for.

The appraisal process is not an exact science.  I wish it were.  It would make my job so much easier.  Though we are suppose to remain as impartial to judgement as possible and we have extensive training and education, perceptions can vary based on a persons personality.  So keep these few things in mind the next time you order an appraisal.  

I call this my blah blog because I realize its just that.  Everyone has a public diary these days, I can't help wondering when I write "who cares what I think" (other than you Mom)!  Point is, to keep my website ranking high in the search engines, blogging (a word I practically despise) is essential!  So, if I must say something, it will always come from my heart! Here is my latest thought:

As an Appraiser I spend much of my day isolated in front of my computer.  A huge adjustment for a person that likes to move and interact with people.  Fortunately, the fun part of my job is getting out and meeting many wonderful homeowners.

The time in my work cubicle allows me to think about the conversations I have with them.  Unfortunately, I am not hearing stories of rags to riches.  Quite the contrary!  I've sat with people, and they have told me their tragic stories.  Often, I go home broken hearted and down.  It all started me thinking about money and this latest financial crisis.

Is money so important that our whole identity revolves around it.  Why does it have such a powerful affect on us?  Depression, suicide, anxiety, shame and physical illness.  A reasoning mind knows that it can't.  Its just paper.  It's not a drug, a gun to our head, or cancer in our bodies.  Yet these stories are real and so is the pain of many right now!

What money signifies is freedom. Without it we feel like slaves and have no certainties.  No quality of life, a dreadful thought!

To cheer myself up I decided to think of what I am certain of.  A spectrum came to mind.  You can't have one side without the other and thats a reality.  Financially speaking, somewhere in the middle would be comfortable for most.  Currently, many are at the very bottom of the spectrum.  However, the potential for things to turn around are not only possible, it is certain.  History has proven that!

Lately, everywhere I go I see ingenuity.  On the side of the road things for sale, custom built wood racks for trucks, produce, flowers or just signs of services offered.  In the past, I may not have even noticed them.  But now it makes me feel good.  It reminds me how resilient humans are, and I see little glimmers of hope, strength and pride.  It heals the broken hearts I come home with. 

Money is good and worth achieving, but to be happy in these tough times, refuse to believe its the only way to get what you want.  Really examine what "it" is that money would bring you.  It's not the actual little green pieces of paper that you want!  Absolutely there is another way to get where you want to go!  Its hard to keep your eyes open when all you see is fog. But still believe that something lies beyond the fog.  Possibilities are limitless!  That I am certain of!  

Make a game out of it.  Be extra creative, ask for help if you must and help people where you can.  A persons potential lies in their effort, will and determination.  If achieving loads of cash were easy, no one would want it! 

Always reserve judgements for yourself and don't let fear get the best of you.  And to all those so called "residential street vendors", My Hats Off To You!

A good friend of mine (in a different state) was a victim of a recent scam! He received a piece of mail that appeared to be from his local tax assessment office.  It claimed it could lower his taxes based on the recent market value decline.  Stating that if he sent a certain amount of money, they would re-assess the value of his residence and lower his yearly tax amount.  He sent the money, and has heard nothing since. 

Shortly after, he started receiving similar types of mail that were slightly different!  It was then that he wondered if he had been scammed!  Yes.... he had! 

Remember, when you get a piece of mail claiming to be the tax assessment office, make sure it has your counties name on it!  (A tip that should alert you to fraud would be the absence of their name).  Always call your local office to verify any mail that claims to be from them.  I'm fairly certain that our county offices are so overloaded with work, that lowering our taxes is not first on their list of priorities!  And your local county office would never require money to re-assess your property!

Be on the lookout!  When the chips are down, there are those waiting to take advantage!  Some are more clever than others.  Before you send anyone money, always make sure it's legitimate. 

Equally, don't forget how vulnerable we are to our electronic funds and credit cards!  I have personally had my identity stolen by someone in Florida, where they had access to my personal checking account.  I also had 3 different credit card numbers stolen (one just this morning) where purchases were made on the internet!  Fortunately I have, and had fraud protection, and the credit card companies called me right away!  Always go over your statements when they come in, and don't avoid calls who's ID says "Card Services."  It might be your credit card company calling to alert you to fraud! 

I never like to report negative news, but sometimes someone elses misfortune can serve as a reminder for others, bringing a positive result! If you know of a scam that you would like to alert people to, respond to this, and I will post it!  Thanks and keep your eyes open!

Business services in Southern Oregon are available through Southern Oregon Regional Ecomomic Development (SOREDI).  Wether you are planning to move your business to Southern Oregon, expanding an existing business or are planning a new organization, they stand ready to assist in the development of your business.  There you will find helpful information for planning, counseling, financing options and links to help you along the way.

On May 14th, SOREDI, with numerous local business partners will host a reception with California business prospects in Pleasanton, CA.  This event will include a team of local community and business leaders.  Using business costs of operation comparisons prepared by the Oregon Economic Development Dept. they will show guests how relocating or expansion to Southern Oregon can save their businesses as much as 37% (over California costs).  Lets look forward to new businesses moving to the area!

If you know a California business or decision maker who hasn't discovered why Southern Oregon means business - please share their name with SOREDI.  Send suggested business names to Colleen Padilla, Business Development Manager at colleen@soredi.org

If it's adventure you seek, by all means, visit or move to Southern Oregon!

Outdoor Adventures: 

www.crater.lake.national-park.com

www.oregonhiking.com

www.oregonphotos.com/pagesixteen-L.html

White Water Rafting:

www.OrangeTorpedo.com

www.KoKopelliriverguides.com

www.Turtleriver.com

www.roguerivertrips.info/locations/wilderness_areas.asp

Pacific Ocean

www.oregonbeachvacations.com

Lodging & Resorts

www.resortandlodges.com

www.greenspringsinn.comhttp://web.me.com/mcdiarmuid/Newsletter_042309/Welcome.html

Wineries & Vineyards:

www.southernoregon.com/wineries/index.html

Arts:

www.brittfest.org

www.osfAshland.org

www.atasteofashland.com

Real Estate:

www.move2oregon.com

For climate details click on Southern Oregon located on my home page.  And don't forget, there is no sales tax in Oregon!  It's well worth a visit!

Whether you are buying for commercial purposes or to build your dream home, there are four factors an appraiser examines in their site data analysis.

*Physical Factors: this includes size of useable area, width, depth and shape.  Configuration of the parcel is important as well, ie. how land sits in relation to the road and other parcels of land.  A larger parcel is worth more than a smaller parcel; a commercial parcel with more road frontage is more valuable than a land-locked one.  For commercial properties a corner lot is usually more valuable than an inlot, but for a residential lot, a corner lot may or may not be beneficial.

*Economic Factors: the most important economic factor is the specific position or location of the lot with regard to market demand for that type of property.  (Is there a need for more commercial development in the area and can the land be used to fill that need).  It all depends on the unique circumstances of the area.  Whether or not the utilities are adequate for the lands ideal use, and what would it cost if it becomes necessary to upgrade them.  When looking at the economic factors concerning a property data should be obtained from public records, physical inspection, and by finding out what the future plans of the area are.

*Governmental Factors: the most important is zoning.  Most land would be worth more if it were used for commercial purposes.  However the government limits the way a piece of property may be used.  Restrictions on land use also include easements for roads and sewer, and building codes that restrict building size or placement.  All of these can limit the buildable area of a site.  There are some non-governmental restrictions can also impact value in the same way.  Such as deed restrictions and private easements.  Don't forget about taxes and public services.  A heavy tax burden can lower the value of a site, whereas tax abatements can make a site more attractive.  Having public services near by can also make a site more desirable, such as police and fire protection.  All of this data can be obtained from public records.  www.jacksoncounty.org in the assessment department.

*Social Factors:  The social dynamics and demographic trends in an area are important as well.  They determine what type of development might be best suited for the market area and identify area growth patterns. 

These are just a few of the forces an appraiser researches in the valuation of property.  Do some homework before you buy, or rely on your handy appraiser to do it for you.  Happy Shopping!!

Eligibility is determined by the following:

    *If you need to refinance your primary residence.

    *Have a conforming loan backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac

    *Are current on your mortgage

    *Owe between 80-105% of the current value of the home

To learn more visit "Making a Home Affordable" refinance plan to get an anonymous quote.

If you can't afford to make your monthly payment, you may be eligible for a Loan Modification. 

I recently had the opportunity to listen to a local economist who works for the Economic and Workforce Research Division of Oregon.  I was worried at first, didn't want to hear more gloom and doom, but came away hopeful instead.  According to her research, the Rogue Valley isn't in such a bad position after all.  (I know that is hard to hear if you are one of those misfortuned by this economic setback).  

According to economists, recessions typically last around 11 months.  Lets hope that stands true!  The National Journal of Demographics has projected Jackson County to be the 8th fastest growing area in the nation for the next 25 years.  She said we will continue to have a strong population growth, and that we have one of the fastest growing economies in the state.  We are an important "Retail and Health Care Hub" between Portland, San Francisco and the Coast. We are also an important West Coast tourism destination (Shakespear Festival brings 90,000 tourist each summer).  For these reasons people will keep moving to, and visiting the Rogue Valley.

The trick is to survive in these hard times.  That means local business owners need to do some research.  Markets change and the trends of the buyers change.  Your ability to adapt to a new and changing market will determine your longevity.  Offer something new if you have to.  We can't expect to provide the same services that we did during the boom times.  The boom is over.  Find out what your market demographics are, (who are your buyers and how old they are), diversify your products to fit the needs of the buyers, expand your coverage area (get on the internet so people in Malin, Oregon can find you), and down size to save expenses. 

Jackson and Josephine counties will remain one of the fastest growing regions in Oregon.  According to OED's projections 2006-2016 the Growth Industries are:

    *Health Care

    *Construction

    *Professional and Business Services

    *Leisure and Hospitality

Oregon housing is down but is surviving better than CA, AZ, NV, FL and many other states.  Sales tax states are having a harder time relative to income tax states, so we have that going for us as well.

To look for jobs in Oregon and for general labor market information in Oregon go to www.qualityinfo.org for demographic data go to www.census.org 

I know things are extremely challenging for business and home owners right now.  Here's an interesting way to look at it, and perhaps this will inspire some ideas.  If we think of it in terms of Darwins Theory of Evolution and the process of Natural Selection, only those with the ability to adapt and change will survive.  It's no longer good enough to provide the same services your competitor is offering.  So grow some legs or fins or something. Stand out, be strong and good luck! 

Finally, I would encourage you to help where you can.  Even if its just putting in a good word for someone.  Everyone benefits when we work together.  There are a lot of kind people out there ready and willing to help.