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 NORTH GILHAM RMLS Market Area, HERE ARE:     A decade's worth of supply (Active Listings) and demand (Closed Sales) for the Months of DECEMBER 2O01 - 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 una... 01/22/2011

  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 FERRY STREET BRIDGE 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 ... 01/22/2011

Should the Ducks participate in the “Celebrating Champions Parade?” Some are questioning if the Ducks should participate in the “Celebrating Champions Parade” given that they lost 22-19 to Arizona in the BCS game.  Is a team that comes in second entitled to ‘celebrate’ with champions? You’re darn right they are!  First of all, this is an annual parade - the Eugene Celebration Parade.  It’s a celebration for champions of all sorts from Eugene; it gives the community a time to come together and celebrate together.  It will raise spirits during a time most needed – Oregon’s economy is still rough, and let’s face it, we’re not even half-way through our rainy season! Given what the Ducks accomplished this year, the celebration on their behalf is completely in order.  The Ducks have always be... 01/21/2011

My spouse pays me rent – can I use that amount to help qualify for a loan? Question:  I am the sole owner of the home my husband and I share.  When I bought the home years ago I was working full-time and easily qualified for the loan with my income only.  I have since started working part-time and am not sure I can qualify for a loan, but, I want to remain the sole owner of the home.  My husband pays me rent each month, can I use that to help qualify for a loan? Answer:  This is a great question. First: did you change your profession entirely or just cut your hours, say, from 40/week to 30/week?  Our guidelines require a two year employment history, and they prefer it be in the same line of work, and better yet, with the same employer. Second, call me so I can run the numbers to see if ... 01/19/2011

Recently I heard this story from a friend and thought it was just amazing, so I did some research to verify it.  I found articles on Bloomberg, Huffington Post and CBS News to name a few, all verifying the story. I want to share it with you because it has applications in multiple areas of life - both personal and professional. It’s about a single women working in the family business that has a very giving heart - even as a child she was giving her allowance to UNICEF.  Apparently it was her Mother who taught her about giving and how important it is. An unexpected tragedy happens in the family and her brother is killed in a car crash.  With the possibility of her 5 nieces and nephews going to foster homes, she steps up to the plate, gets custody and raises them herself, adamant that they... 01/17/2011

When I first read this in the Oregonian I remembered reading an old blog on ActiveRain talking about what a great meeting place Panera Bread was - I've never been to one; but now with all that I've learned about this organization, I want one in Eugene! With 1,421 cafes in 40 states - maybe they'll make it here, eventually. Tomorrow, January 16th, Panera Bread on NE Halsey Street in Portland, Oregon, will no longer be a for-profit restaurant.  They are joining the two other non-profit cafes within the Panera Bread organization that are now run by the "Panera Foundation."  The first Panera Bread to turn non-profit was in St. Louis in May 2010; next was the Detroit Panera Bread in November 2010.  Both locations are bringing in more than they spend - and the hope is that the same holds true... 01/15/2011

Talk about paying it forward Today I ran into a former neighbor of mine.  He's a friendly fella, has to be well into his 70's if not 80; I'll call him John.  I remember when John retired - it was a big deal for him - what was he going to do with all his time?  Work had always kept him so busy.  When I asked John what he does to keep himself busy, he smiled, as he well should.  He volunteers his time.  Every day.  He explained it to me this way: while leaving a local deli after having lunch with his wife one day he saw one of the employees carry a large bag out back and dump it into the garbage.  John was curious what was in the bag - what exactly was being thrown away - because sticking out of the top of the bag was a loaf of his favorite kind of bread.  The employee explained to John t... 01/13/2011

What Happens at the end of a Reverse Mortgage? Question: You explained that a Reverse Mortgage is a loan on the equity of my home, and it becomes due when I move from my home or pass away.  How does that work in the end, what happens at the end of a Reverse Mortgage?  What if there is not enough money from the sale of my home to pay back what is owed on the Reverse Mortgage?  Will my heirs have to pay the remaining balance due? Answer: This is an excellent question.  Generally, after you move from your home, or pass away, the bank will send a notice that the loan is due.  At that time there are choices to be made.  One option is to put the house up for sell and pay the balance of the Reverse Mortgage with the proceeds from the sale. Another option is that if you, the borrower, have pass... 01/12/2011

  Here is the break down for single family home sales by month for   CALENDAR YEAR, 2010 in   All of EUGENE, Oregon   Including:   Danebo, River Road, Santa Clara, Ferry Street Bridge, North Gilham, East Eugene, Southwest Eugene, and West Eugene RMLS Market Areas   (SHOWN BY type of sale:  REGULAR SALE, SHORT SALE, or BANK-OWNED SALE)           01/11/2011

Auburn vs. Ducks at 2011 BCS Bowl Yes, I realize that by living in Eugene my view may be a little skewed towards the Ducks.  However, in less than 24 hours, without a doubt, the Ducks will rule Auburn in the 2011 BCS Bowl. The Ducks team has an incredible line-up (with future NFL players I’m sure) and incredible coaching that includes a HUGE bag of trick plays.  Not to mention, probably the best kick-off return man in the business, Cliff Harris.  Harris is a threat on every kick-off to run the ball back all the way, as he’s done numerous times this season; last season he had a 99-yard return. The Ducks are so confident in their abilities that they often go for the 2 pt conversion rather than just settle for ‘safe’ extra point.  Their depth extends to not just the starting players, but a... 01/09/2011

  Here is the break down for single family home sales for DECEMBER, 2010 in   All of EUGENE, Oregon   Including:   Danebo, River Road, Santa Clara, Ferry Street Bridge, North Gilham, East Eugene, Southwest Eugene, and West Eugene RMLS Market Areas   (SHOWN BY type of sale:  REGULAR SALE, SHORT SALE, or BANK-OWNED SALE)   108 Single Family Homes sold in DECEMBER:     Here, for reference, is   NOVEMBER, 2010 105 Single Family Homes sold in NOVEMBER:   OCTOBER, 2010 95 Single Family Homes sold in OCTOBER:   SEPTEMBER, 2010 118 Single Family Homes sold in SEPTEMBER:   AUGUST, 2010 123 Single Family Home sold in AUGUST:   JULY, 2010 111 Single Family Home sold in JULY:   June, 2010 155 Single Family Home sold in June:   May, 2010 170 Single Family Home sold in May:   April, 2010 154 Single F... 01/08/2011

  Here is the break down for single family (detached) home sales for DECEMBER, 2010 in EUGENE, OR's   WEST EUGENE  (RMLS Market Area) (SHOWN BY type of sale:  REGULAR SALE, SHORT SALE, or BANK-OWNED SALE)    6 Single Family Homes sold in DECEMBER:   Here, for reference, is   NOVEMBER, 2010  2 Single Family Homes sold in NOVEMBER:   OCTOBER, 2010  5 Single Family Homes sold in OCTOBER:   SEPTEMBER, 2010 10 Single Family Homes sold in SEPTEMBER:   AUGUST, 2010 5 Single Family Homes sold in AUGUST:   JULY, 2010 8 Single Family Homes sold in JULY:   June, 2010   5 Single Family Homes sold in June:   May, 2010 12 Single Family Homes sold in May: April, 2010 4 Single Family Homes sold in April: March, 2010    9 Single Family Homes sold in March:     February, 2010 5 Single Family Homes sold i... 01/08/2011

Here is the break down for single family (detached) home sales for DECEMBER, 2010 in EUGENE, OR's   SOUTHWEST EUGENE  (RMLS Market Area)   (SHOWN BY type of sale:  REGULAR SALE, SHORT SALE, or BANK-OWNED SALE)   24 Single Family Homes sold in DECEMBER:   Here, for reference, is   20 Single Family Homes sold in NOVEMBER:   OCTOBER, 2010 22 Single Family Homes sold in OCTOBER:   SEPTEMBER, 2010 24 Single Family Homes sold in SEPTEMBER:   AUGUST, 2010 29 Single Family Homes sold in AUGUST:   JULY, 2010 28 Single Family Homes sold in JULY:   June, 2010 36 Single Family Homes sold in June:   May, 2010 25 Single Family Homes sold in May:   April, 2010 35 Single Family Homes sold in April:   March, 2010 21 Single Family Homes sold in March:   February, 2010 22 Single Family Homes sold in Febr... 01/08/2011

  Here is the break down for single family home sales for   DECEMBER, 2010 in EUGENE, OR's EAST EUGENE  (RMLS Market Area)   (SHOWN BY type of sale:  REGULAR SALE, SHORT SALE, or BANK-OWNED SALE)    15 Single Family Homes sold in DECEMBER:   Here, for reference, is   NOVEMBER, 2010  16 Single Family Homes sold in NOVEMBER:   OCTOBER, 2010  20 Single Family Homes sold in OCTOBER:   SEPTEMBER, 2010 16 Single Family Homes sold in SEPTEMBER:   AUGUST, 2010  19 Single Family Homes sold in AUGUST:   JULY, 2010  17 Single Family Homes sold in JULY:   June, 2010  25 Single Family Homes sold in June:   May, 2010  38 Single Family Homes sold in May:   April, 2010 18 Single Family Homes sold in April:   March, 2010 17 Single Family Homes sold in MARCH:   February, 2010 12 Single Family Homes sold ... 01/08/2011

While stocking up on my favorite groceries today at Trader Joe’s I was reminded of a fact worth sharing about the store and the Trader Joe’s ‘brand.’  Anyone with food sensitivities knows when they’ve had a healthy dose of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), simply by how it makes them feel after eating it.  MSG is a flavor enhancer used to flavor foods; it’s commonly found in sauces, processed meats, canned soups, vegetables, etc.  While researchers have not been able to find evidence that MSG directly causes adverse physical reactions, they do admit that there are some people that do have adverse reactions to MSG.  Because the ingredient MSG is so controversial, the Food and Drug Administration requires any manufacturer that uses MSG to list it on the label. Back to Trader Joe’s: if you buy f... 01/07/2011

Here is the break down for single family (detached) home sales for DECEMBER, 2010   in EUGENE, OR's BETHEL - DANEBO  (RMLS Market Area)   (SHOWN BY type of sale:  REGULAR SALE, SHORT SALE, or BANK-OWNED SALE)      19  Single Family Homes sold in DECEMBER:     Here for reference is:     NOVEMBER, 2010     19  Single Family Homes sold in NOVEMBER:   OCTOBER, 2010 16  Single Family Homes sold in OCTOBER:   SEPTEMBER, 2010   16 Single Family Homes sold in SEPTEMBER:   AUGUST, 2010 17 Single Family Homes sold in AUGUST:   JULY, 2010 12 Single Family Homes sold in JULY:   June, 2010 20 Single Family Homes sold in June:     MAY, 2010 31 Single Family Homes sold in May: April, 2010 31 Single Family Homes sold in April: March, 2010 23 Single Family Homes sold in March:   February, 2010 12 Singl... 01/07/2011

  Here is the break down for single family home sales for DECEMBER, 2010 in EUGENE, OR's   RIVER ROAD  (RMLS Market Area)   (SHOWN BY type of sale:  REGULAR SALE, SHORT SALE, or BANK-OWNED SALE)      11 Single Family Homes sold in DECEMBER:   Here, for reference, is      7 Single Family Homes sold in NOVEMBER:   OCTOBER, 2010 5 Single Family Homes sold in OCTOBER:   SEPTEMBER, 2010 9 Single Family Homes sold in SEPTEMBER:   AUGUST, 2010 7 Single Family Homes sold in AUGUST:   JULY, 2010 10 Single Family Homes sold in JULY:   June, 2010 15 Single Family Homes sold in June: May, 2010   10 Single Family Homes sold in May: April, 2010 13 Single Family Homes sold in April: March, 2010 7 Single Family Homes sold in MARCH:   February, 2010 7 Single Family Homes sold in February:    January, 20... 01/05/2011

    Here is the break down for single family (detached)  home sales for DECEMBER, 2010 in EUGENE, OR's   SANTA CLARA  (RMLS Market Area)   (SHOWN BY type of sale:  REGULAR SALE, SHORT SALE, or BANK-OWNED SALE)   14 Single Family Homes sold in DECEMBER:    Here, for reference, is   NOVEMBER, 2010 17 Single Family Homes sold in NOVEMBER:   OCTOBER, 2010 17 Single Family Homes sold in OCTOBER:   SEPTEMBER, 2010 19 Single Family Homes sold in SEPTEMBER:   AUGUST, 2010 16 Single Family Homes sold in AUGUST:   JULY, 2010 14 Single Family Homes sold in JULY:     June, 2010 19 Single Family Homes sold in June:   May, 2010 19 Single Family Homes sold in May: April, 2010 27 Single Family Homes sold in April:     March, 2010 32 Single Family Homes sold in MARCH:     February, 2010 10 Single Family... 01/05/2011

Here is the break down for single family (detached)  home sales for DECEMBER, 2010 in EUGENE, OR's   NORTH GILHAM  (RMLS Market Area)   (SHOWN BY type of sale:  REGULAR SALE, SHORT SALE, or BANK-OWNED SALE)     9 Single Family Homes sold in DECEMBER:    Here, for reference, is   NOVEMBER, 2010 13 Single Family Homes sold in NOVEMBER:   OCTOBER, 2010 7 Single Family Homes sold in OCTOBER:   SEPTEMBER, 2010 9 Single Family Homes sold in SEPTEMBER:   AUGUST, 2010 9 Single Family Homes sold in AUGUST:   JULY, 2010   6 Single Family Homes sold in JULY: June, 2010 10 Single Family Homes sold in May:   May, 2010 10 Single Family Homes sold in May: April, 2010 10 Single Family Homes sold in April: March, 2010 6 Single Family Homes sold in MARCH:     February, 2010 5 Single Family Homes sold in... 01/04/2011

Here is the break down for single family (detached) home sales for DECEMBER, 2010 in EUGENE, OR's   FERRY STREET BRIDGE  (RMLS Market Area)   (SHOWN BY type of sale:  REGULAR SALE, SHORT SALE, or BANK-OWNED SALE)   10  Single Family Homes sold in DECEMBER:   Here, for reference, is:   NOVEMBER, 2010 11  Single Family Homes sold in NOVEMBER:   OCTOBER, 2010 12  Single Family Homes sold in OCTOBER:   SEPTEMBER, 2010 15  Single Family Homes sold in SEPTEMBER:    AUGUST, 2010 21  Single Family Homes sold in AUGUST:   JULY, 2010 16  Single Family Homes sold in JULY:   June, 2010 25  Single Family Homes sold in June:   May, 2010 25  Single Family Homes sold in May April, 2010 16  Single Family Homes sold in April   March, 2010 18  Single Family Homes sold in MARCH       February, 2010 18  Si... 01/04/2011