It’s true – Antiques Roadshow is coming to Eugene, Oregon! How much is that old crank telephone in your attic worth, anyway?  You’ll soon find out, because Antiques Roadshow is coming to Eugene, Oregon! The popular Antiques Roadshow will be in Eugene on June 4, 2011.  Tickets are FREE and limited to two per household; click here to apply.  Deadline for the much wanted Antiques Roadshow tickets is April 18th at 11:59PM EST, so don’t delay.  Tickets are limited and the lucky winners are selected at random.     How many items can I bring to Antiques Roadshow for appraisal?  Having tickets to Antiques Roadshow allows you to bring two items for appraisal.  According to Antiques Roadshow homepage they generally see over 10,000 objects, and then narrow it down to roughly 80 objects for the epi... 03/02/2011

Jean Chatzky gives for getting over your fear of retirement - use your Home Equity with a Reverse Mortgage! I've been in the mortgage industry for 16 years.  While working with first time home buyers is my heart of hearts, explaining the process to them, seeing the smile on their faces and the excitement when they move into and decorate their own home for the first time, I have to be honest, I get the most satisfaction from helping seniors stay in their home or purchase a new home with a Reverse Mortgage, so they have no mortgage payments for the rest of their life; now that is a great feeling. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that of the 401k account balances for people very close to retirement, age 60-62, only a quarter of them have enough money to maintain their current stan... 02/22/2011

What are the Reverse Mortgage payout options, and are they taxable? A question I'm often asked about a Reverse Mortgage is: how do I get the money? And, will I be taxed on the money from a Reverse Mortgage? There are 6 different payout options for a Reverse Mortgage, and they are all based off the equity in your home at the time of closing. Lump Sum: This is the most common form of payout I see.  It is the full amount of the Reverse Mortgage, in a complete lump sum.  No monthly check, and no Line of Credit. Line of Credit: This is the full amount of money from the Reverse Mortgage that can be used whenever you need money.  It will sit in a Line of Credit account, and you will not be charged interest until you draw from the Line of Credit. Tenure: This is a check for an equal amount that... 02/17/2011

  FHA Home Loans Eugene Springfield Lane County Oregon  FHA Commissioner David Stevens announced yesterday a new premium structure for FHA home loans. The FHA will increase its annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) by .25 on all 30 and 15 year FHA home loans. The new fee will impact new FHA home loans starting on April 18, 2011. How will this impact home buyers? On the purchase of a $225,000.00 home this higher premium will add about $45.00 to the monthly payment or about $540.00 per year. This higher payment could make a buyer who could be approved before, unable to get approved now. FHA home loans have been traditionally used by first time home buyers and borrowers who have lower incomes or lower down payments. This new, higher fee will not help these borrowers. I am telling any of ... 02/16/2011

  THE MOST MEANINGFUL LOOK AT DATA FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN EUGENE, OR  IS TO COMPARE THE CURRENT MONTH WITH THE SAME MONTH IN PRIOR YEARS   So for the BETHEL - DANEBO RMLS Market Area, HERE ARE:     A decade's worth of supply (Active Listings) and demand (Closed Sales) for the Months of JANUARY 2001 - 2011:   And a decade of Average Prices for Closed Sales for the Months of JANUARY 2001 - 2011:   These average sales prices represent the arithmetic mean for those residential closed sales in this RMLS market area.   The mix of homes sold varies over time.  The average price for some months is drastically affected by an unusual number of homes selling at the TOP or BOTTOM of the range of prices.  A history of the variation in the statistical median would make for a better comparison but is u... 02/13/2011

Our home is not paid off, can we still get a Reverse Mortgage? Question:  I'm wondering if you can help me.  I'm 66 and my wife is 64 years old.  We are interested in a Reverse Mortgage but don't know if we can get one because our home is not completely paid off.  Can we get a Reverse Mortgage if our home is not paid off, and if we can, how much can we get? Answer:  This is an excellent question and I'm glad you asked. First, I see that you are both at least 62 years old, which is a requirement, so we're good there. Second, your house does not need to be paid off to qualify for a Reverse Mortgage, but it is a popular myth!  However, with a Reverse Mortgage, you are tapping into the equity of your home.  Because of that, a bank likes to see substantial home equity. To determine an estima... 02/09/2011

Do I have to be in credit trouble to get a Reverse Mortgage? Question:  I've heard that to get a Reverse Mortgage I have to be 62 and be in credit trouble.  I am not in credit trouble, but don't have a lot of retirement income.  Can I still get a Reverse Mortgage? Answer:  This is a question I am asked often, and thank you for asking. It's a rumor that you have to be in credit trouble to get a Reverse Mortgage, but you do need to be 62. I will have to run a credit report initially when you apply for a Reverse Mortgage, but only to verify the loan amount that is currently outstanding on your home.  Really the only thing you need is equity in your home!  Give me a call and I can determine how much equity you have - you might be surprised.  I will ask you a few simple questions and it only... 02/08/2011

 Teamwork makes a difference. So does surrounding yourself with the best professionals for their job. As a Realtor, that frees me up to do what I do best-help clients buy and sell their homes.  To keep things organized and systematized, I have an assistant. My marketing specialist makes sure my listings get great exposure and my buyers have the best technological tools to find their perfect home.  My professional stager works with each of my sellers to make their home more marketable. Lenders which I trust are a phone call away to help a client with a question. My website providers are the best at what they do, and I have a professional listing photographer. When it comes to title and escrow, I know who will go the extra mile.  My clients are supported on every side with knowledge and ... 02/07/2011

As a Realtor, I come across all kinds of vendors of various services. The ones I trust are straight forward and consistent in their work. When asked about a good landscaping company from sellers, I like to recommend Lonny Sherman's company, Valley Landscape. Lonny's tagline is "Quality You Can Count On," which is accurate. His staff works on both commercial and residential sites. As part of an ongoing program to feature local business owners, Lonny's company will be highlighted on my website, http://www.colincall.com. Valley Landscaping can be reached at 541-998-2011. 02/07/2011

Can the bank kick me out of my home if I get a Reverse Mortgage? Question:  I recently turned 62 and am interested in a Reverse Mortgage.  I've heard that once the bank pays me the full amount of the Reverse Mortgage they take my home and I have to move out.  My home is full of years of memories and I couldn't handle having to leave before I'm ready!  Is it true, can the bank kick me out of my home once the full amount of the Reverse Mortgage has been paid to me? Answer:  Thank you so much for emailing me this question.  It's a rumor, and it's not true.  With a Reverse Mortgage, the bank does not have the right to kick you out of your home. Like any mortgage, either a regular mortgage or a Reverse Mortgage, the bank has a lien on your home, but you remain the owner of your home and can ... 02/05/2011

Not to long ago a friend, knowing I had kind of branded myself with the Red Glasses image, gave me a red teddy bear she had found.  Another friend saw the bear, and with no prompting, found a miniature pair of Red Glasses for the bear.  Neither of these friends expected anything for this gesture.  Sometimes we really need to remember the little things that come our way, and try to make sure we send those small acts of kindness back out to someone else. Friends, to me, are the gold and rubies of life.  You will never see me dissolve a friendship, as I really consider those "commodities" too valuable to part with.   Hope you have a great day! 02/04/2011

I'm old enough to remember when we didn't have cell phones and pagers were new to the scene.  The only way someone talked to you on the phone was if they caught you at the office or home.  I think we had answering machines, and it seems that we were fairly good at returning calls when requested.Times have changed, life has gotten much faster and we seem to have lost our way when it comes to common courtesy.  So...here is just a thought..!  If you want to be respected in your field, whatever field that may be, try these simple rules: 1.   Turn your phone off or to silent every time you go into a meeting.2.   Change your voice message when you go into that meeting so the caller will know why you are not answering their call, and let them know when you will call back. You will be suprised ... 02/03/2011

  THE MOST MEANINGFUL LOOK AT DATA FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN EUGENE, OR  IS TO COMPARE THE CURRENT MONTH WITH THE SAME MONTH IN PRIOR YEARS   So for the WEST EUGENE RMLS Market Area, HERE ARE:     A decade's worth of supply (Active Listings) and demand (Closed Sales) for the   Months of DECEMBER 2001 - 2010:   And a decade of Average Prices for Closed Sales for Homes in Eugene, Oregon for the Months of DECEMBER 2001 - 2010:   These average sales prices represent the arithmetic mean for those residential closed sales in this RMLS market area.   The mix of homes sold varies over time.  The average price for some months is drastically affected by an unusual number of homes selling at the TOP or BOTTOM of the range of prices.  A history of the variation in the statistical median for homes sold ... 01/29/2011

VA APPROVED CONDOS in Lane County, Oregon   If you’re trying to get a VA loan and are looking at condos, please know the condominium needs to be VA approved to obtain a VA loan.  The three condominium complexes that are VA approved in Lane County are: FlintRidge Condos, Hunington Heights, and Island Lakes (and the various phases of Island Lakes.)       If you are looking for a VA home loan, FHA, HomePath, Reverse Mortgage or Conventional home loan, I am happy to help.  I’ve been in the industry for 16+ years and pride myself on putting my customers first and giving them all the information they need up front!  I can be reached at 541-868-1050 x22, or 541-521-7192; you can also reach me by email at loansbyellenadams@gmail.com. 01/29/2011

  THE MOST MEANINGFUL LOOK AT DATA FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN EUGENE, OR  IS TO COMPARE THE CURRENT MONTH WITH THE SAME MONTH IN PRIOR YEARS   So for the SOUTHWEST EUGENE RMLS Market Area, HERE ARE:     A decade's worth of supply (Active Listings) and demand (Closed Sales) for the Months of DECEMBER 2001 - 2010:     And a decade of Average Prices for Closed Sales for the Months of DECEMBER 2001 - 2010:   These average sales prices represent the arithmetic mean for those residential closed sales in this RMLS market area.   The mix of homes sold varies over time.  The average price for some months is drastically affected by an unusual number of homes selling at the TOP or BOTTOM of the range of prices.  A history of the variation in the statistical median would make for a better comparison but... 01/28/2011

THE MOST MEANINGFUL LOOK AT DATA FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN EUGENE, OR  IS TO COMPARE THE CURRENT MONTH WITH THE SAME MONTH IN PRIOR YEARS   So for the EAST EUGENE RMLS Market Area, HERE ARE:     A decade's worth of supply (Active Listings) and demand (Closed Sales) for the Months of DECEMBER 2001 - 2010:       And a decade of Average Prices for Closed Sales for the Months of DECEMBER 2001 - 2010:   These average sales prices represent the arithmetic mean for those residential closed sales in this RMLS market area.   The mix of homes sold varies over time.  The average price for some months is drastically affected by an unusual number of homes selling at the TOP or BOTTOM of the range of prices.  A history of the variation in the statistical median would make for a better comparison but is ... 01/26/2011

If you have not had a chance to try a new restaurant in the Oakway Mall called Sabai, you should give it a shot. Angie and I dined there last night and were very impressed. It may be the best Thai restaurant in Eugene. From the green papaya salad to the stir fry and wide noodle dishes all was delightful. The service provided by our waitress Addy was exceptional, so be sure to ask for her. Prices averaged about $11 for an entree, so very affordable, and the ambiance was super. We also recommend you see The King's Speech.  Stellar performances by Colin Firth, Jeffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter  all combine to make a great historical film which is enjoyable and true to fact.  01/26/2011

  THE MOST MEANINGFUL LOOK AT DATA FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN EUGENE, OR  IS TO COMPARE THE CURRENT MONTH WITH THE SAME MONTH IN PRIOR YEARS   So for the BETHEL - DANEBO RMLS Market Area, HERE ARE:     A decade's worth of supply (Active Listings) and demand (Closed Sales) for the Months of DECEMBER 2001 - 2010:   And a decade of Average Prices for Closed Sales for the Months of DECEMBER 2001 - 2010:   These average sales prices represent the arithmetic mean for those residential closed sales in this RMLS market area.   The mix of homes sold varies over time.  The average price for some months is drastically affected by an unusual number of homes selling at the TOP or BOTTOM of the range of prices.  A history of the variation in the statistical median would make for a better comparison but is... 01/26/2011

  THE MOST MEANINGFUL LOOK AT DATA FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN EUGENE, OR  IS TO COMPARE THE CURRENT MONTH WITH THE SAME MONTH IN PRIOR YEARS   So for the RIVER ROAD RMLS Market Area, HERE ARE:     A decade's worth of supply (Active Listings) and demand (Closed Sales) for the Months of DECEMBER 2001 - 2010:   And a decade of Average Prices for Closed Sales for the Months of DECEMBER 2001 - 2010:     These average sales prices represent the arithmetic mean for those residential closed sales in this RMLS market area.   The mix of homes sold varies over time.  The average price for some months is drastically affected by an unusual number of homes selling at the TOP or BOTTOM of the range of prices.  A history of the variation in the statistical median would make for a better comparison but is un... 01/25/2011

THE MOST MEANINGFUL LOOK AT DATA FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN EUGENE, OR  IS TO COMPARE THE CURRENT MONTH WITH THE SAME MONTH IN PRIOR YEARS   So for the SANTA CLARA RMLS Market Area, HERE ARE:     A decade's worth of supply (Active Listings) and demand (Closed Sales) for the Months of DECEMBER 2001 - 2010:   And a decade of Average Prices for Closed Sales for the   Months of DECEMBER 2001 - 2010:   These average sales prices represent the arithmetic mean for those residential closed sales in this RMLS market area.   The mix of homes sold varies over time.  The average price for some months is drastically affected by an unusual number of homes selling at the TOP or BOTTOM of the range of prices.  A history of the variation in the statistical median would make for a better comparison but is un... 01/24/2011