Eugene Oregon Real Estate Blog

Good Morning!

It is not common knowledge, but homeownership in the United States is at a 51 year low.  This is a frightening fact because the idea of homeownership is the foundation of the American Dream.  There are many factors that have contributed to this fall off on homeownership.  There is currenlty a large difference in what our two presidential candidates plan to do to stimulate the housing industry.  Do your homework and vote wisely. It is a very dangerous situation if homeownership continues to falter.  Here is a recent article from Realtor.com that talks about some of the conditions that are having an impact on homeownership.

Buying a home is hard enough these days as wannabe homeowners have to contend with a shortage of residences in some markets—along with ever-rising prices and plenty of drag-down, no-holds-barred competition. But guess what? It’s about to get even worse.

Builders and developers applied for fewer new-home construction permits in June, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s monthly new residential construction report. So get ready for a continuing decrease in the supply of new homes later this year and into the next. (It takes about six to nine months to complete a residence once a permit is secured.)

And, yes, that’s expected to drive prices up even higher.

The number of permits issued were down 15.4%, to just 114,000, in June compared with the same month a year earlier, according to the report. But before panic sets in, it’s helpful to realize that this was actually a 5.8% bump from May.

The numbers were not seasonally adjusted, meaning they weren’t smoothed out over a 12-month period to account for fluctuations.

The reason builders are holding off on putting up more homes is because they’re worried the number of buyers could drop off if the economy falters, says Jonathan Smoke, chief economist of realtor.com®.

“The presidential election poses a big wild card,” Smoke says. “At the same time, the world is teetering on entering a recession due to a number of factors, including most recently Brexit.”

It’s also important to note that those newly built abodes, often with state-of-the-art appliances and electronic systems, cost more than those which have been lived in—so developers have lots to lose if those properties don’t sell.

For example, the median price of a new home was $290,400 in May, according to the most recent Commerce data available. Existing (i.e., not new) homes went for a median of $239,700 in May, according to the National Association of Realtors®.It wasn’t just permits to build single-family homes that were down. Permits to put up sorely needed condo and apartment buildings, with five units or more, also dropped year over year by about 39.2%, to just 36,600 in June. But, on the bright side, the number was up nearly 4.9% from May.

“This environment is good for the landlord and property owner, but not so much for virtually everybody else,” Smoke says. “It’s going to be even harder to find an affordable place to rent than it has been.”

In a welcome bit of good news, June saw the completion of the greatest number of new residences over the past year, according to the report.

The number of finished abodes surged 16.5%, hitting 99,500 residences, in June compared with a year earlier, according to the report. It was also up 19% from May.

In addition, the number of completed condo and apartment buildings, with five units or more, were also up 14.5% from a year ago and 46.5% from May, according to the report.

But with permits down, the number of new homes hitting the market simply can’t—and won’t—continue.

“We’re just not seeing the growth in new construction that would be necessary to improve the shortage of apartments for rent and homes for sale,” Smoke says. So “we’re likely to see continued rent and home price increases.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

425 W 28th Ave

Price: $279,000    Beds: 3    Baths: 2    Sq Ft: 1586

Serene and secluded! Various beautiful trees provide privacy and great views. Features hardwood floor, two fireplaces, vinyl windows, ductless heat pump, built-in storage/shelves in home and in garage. Upstairs main level offers seclusion and mounta...View Home for Sale >>

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Good Morning,

July numbers are in and just as I predicted last month, the figures indicate a slight slowing of the housing market in the Eugene and Springfield area.  Not only were total home sales down from June of this year, but they were also below the level of July 2015.  I would expect to see this trend continue for the remainder of the year.  As indicated by the increase in home values, there seems to be some price resistence beginning.  When home prices increase faster than the economy, there will a market slow down as homes start to become harder to afford.

Lane County had another month of mixed activity in July. Pending sales (549) ended 4.8% ahead of July 2015 (524) but fell 1.1% short of the 555 offers accepted last month in June 2016.

New listings fared similarly—the 670 offered in July topped July 2015 (647) by 3.6%, but fell one short of the 671 offered last month in June 2016 (-0.1%).

Closed sales, at 418, ended 22.9% below July 2015 (542) and 20.2% below June 2016 (524). Even so, these 418 closings were stronger than the 390 closings posted two years ago in July 2014.

Year to Date Summary

Comparing the first seven months of 2016 to the same period of 2015, closed sales (2,833) have increased 3.8% and pending sales (3,359) have increased 5.6%. New listings (4,088) have decreased 4.1%.

Average and Median Sale Prices

Comparing 2016 to 2015 through July of each year, the average sale price rose 6.7% from $243,300 to $259,700. In the same comparison, the median sale price rose 6.5% from $220,000 to $234,400.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

1615 Taney St

Price: $299,000    Beds: 4    Baths: 2    Half Baths: 1    Sq Ft: 1913

Brand new home! Great quality construction with plaster finished walls, maple hardwood & porcelain tile floor, hickory cabinets, granite counters, 9 ft ceiling, LED dimming lights, 3 skylights one of which opens. Great room layout with gas fireplace...View this property >>

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Good Monday Morning!

The 2016 election season has been one of the most divisive presidential races in this country's history and unfortunately, that unrest has been something of a wet blanket on the housing market nationally. While many areas in the nation have enjoyed a boom market, the sense of unease and nervousness has convinced many Americans to wait before buying or selling a home. This is not a new scenario for our country, even in years with less chaos and uncertainty, Realtor associations nationwide have noted that consumers tend to be more cautious during an election year. The question is:

Should prospective sellers and buyers hit the pause button during an election year?

A recent study showed that housing prices tend to drop slightly, approximately 1.5 percent, during an election year. But even if that is the case, many real estate experts agree that consumers shouldn't feel the need hunker down until after the show is over and a new president is chosen. The fact is that real estate values locally and nationally are determined by only one factor: Supply and Demand.

The great Warren Buffet said "Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful". Translated for the general public, that means that we should do the opposite of what others are doing.

When the media is predicting gloom and doom, many buyers and sellers will make the decision to sit on the sidelines. What does that mean for sellers? Often it means lower housing inventory which equals less a smaller pool of buyers and possible multiple offer situations. For buyers it can add up to less competition and the opportunity to find a bargain. Added to that the fact that mortgage rates are still at historic lows, now is definitely the right time to get the most bang for your buck.

Have an awesome week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

3686 Yogi Way

Price: $250,000    Beds: 3    Baths: 2    Sq Ft: 1776

Spacious and bright! Lovely one level home on corner lot with RV parking. Stamped concrete in front walkway. Wonderful entertaining space in the huge vaulted Great Room. Living room opens to kitchen and dining area with slider. Well-sized master sui...
View Home for Sale >>

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Good Monday Morning!

It is not just the Eugene and Springfield area that is having a hot Real Estate market.  Nationally, the housing market has been robust and just as in Eugene and Springfield, home prices are on the rise as well. Here is a short and informative article about the national housing market from Realtor.com.

Frazzled home buyers may need to sit down and take a few deep breaths before reading any further. Those rapidly rising home prices have hit an all-time high—and show no signs of slowing down before Labor Day.

The median price of an existing (i.e. not newly constructed) home across the nation reached $239,700 in May, according to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors®. That’s up 3.8% from April and 4.7% from May of 2015.

The previous peak was last June at $236,300.

“The price increases are a natural result of the very strong demand for homes against very limited homes for sale,” says realtor.com’s chief economist, Jonathan Smoke. “It’s pent-up demand… coupled with the lowest mortgage rates we’ve had in three years.”

He predicts prices will continue to surge this summer as buyers fight over the not-nearly-enough residences on the market. But there is hope: the mad rush for available homes is expected to taper off come Labor Day, Smoke says.

“There’s a higher probability that interest rates will go up [in the fall]. School is back in session, which means fewer [parents] are looking to move,” he says, adding that the presidential election will cause some potential buyers in certain areas of the country, like Washington DC, to postpone home buying decisions.

The high prices have been a boon to sellers who are putting their properties on the market and cashing in.

“More homeowners are realizing the equity they’ve accumulated in recent years and finally deciding to trade-up or downsize,” NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun said in a statement. “Repeat buyers are using the proceeds from the sale of their previous home as their down payment.”

Residences also continued to fly off the proverbial shelves at the highest volume for the month of May since 2005—before the financial crisis walloped the world economy. This May, the number of sales hit 526,000, a 11.9% jump from April and a 6.3% rise from May of last year, according to the report. Those numbers were not seasonally adjusted, which is to say they weren’t smoothed out over a 12-month period to account for seasonal fluctuations.

The cost of becoming a homeowner is by far the highest in the West, home to astronomically expensive areas like San Francisco and nearby Silicon Valley, according to the report. The median home price in the region was $346,900 in May and the number of sales rose 0.9% year-over-year to 114,000.

The next most expensive region was the Northeast at $268,600, according to the report. The region also saw the fewest sales, at 69,000, in May. But the number of existing homes sold jumped 11.3% from the same time a year earlier.

The region was followed by the South, where the median home price hit $211,500. The warm weather region saw the most sales at 211,000, a 8.2% rise from a year earlier.

Last up was the Midwest, where prices reached $190,000. The number of sales reached 132,000 in May, a 5.6% bump from May of 2015.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

2484 Crowther Drive

Price: $299,000    Beds: 3    Baths: 2    Half Baths: 1    Sq Ft: 1911

This Heitman Custom Home has been beautifully maintained and offers wonderful amenities and details. Some of the features include crown molding, tray and vaulted ceilings, wainscoting, custom cabinets, hardwood and tile floors, granite and abundant ...View Home for Sale >>

AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Good Morning!

If you are purchasing a home, one of the most important steps is to have the home you are purchasing inspected by a professional home inspector.  This way you will not have any surprises after you have purchased your home.  The following is an article from "Realty Times" that gives you some suggestions on how to get your home inspected.

If you're hiring someone to inspect the home you want to buy, or you're a seller trying to find out if there are any hidden problems that need fixing before you put your home on the market, here are five things you need to know:

1. You can choose your home inspector. Your real estate professional can recommend an inspector, or you can find one on your own. Members of the National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. (NAHI), must complete an approved home inspector training program, demonstrate experience and competence as a home inspector, complete a written exam, and adhere to the NAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

2. Home inspections are intended to point out adverse conditions, not cosmetic flaws.

You should attend the inspection and follow the inspector throughout the inspection so you can learn what's important and what's not. No house is perfect and an inspection on any home is bound to uncover faults. A home inspector will point out conditions that need repair and/or potential safety-related concerns relating to the home. They won't comment on cosmetic items if they don't impair the integrity of the home. They also do not do destructive testing.

3. Home inspection reports include only the basics.

A home inspector considers hundreds of items during an average inspection. The home inspection should include the home's exterior, steps, porches, decks, chimneys, roof, windows, and doors. Inside, they will look at attics, electrical components, plumbing, central heating and air conditioning, basement/crawlspaces, and garages.

They report on the working order of items such as faucets to see if they leak, or garage doors to see if they close properly. Inspectors may point out termite damage and suggest that you get a separate pest inspection. The final written report should be concise and easy to understand.

4. Home inspectors work for the party who is paying the fee.

The NAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics clearly state that members act as an unbiased third party to the real estate transaction and "will discharge the Inspector's duties with integrity and fidelity to the client." A reputable home inspector will not conduct a home inspection or prepare a home inspection report if his or her fee is contingent on untruthful conclusions.

The inspector should maintain client confidentiality and keep all report findings private, unless required by court order. That means it is your choice whether or not to share the report with others. If you're a seller, you don't have to disclose the report to buyers, but you must disclose any failure in the systems or integrity of your home.

5. Inspectors are not responsible for the condition of the home.

Inspectors don't go behind walls or under flooring, so it's possible that a serious problem can be overlooked. Keep in mind that inspectors are not party to the sales transaction, so if you buy a home where an expensive problem surfaces after the sale, you won't be able to make the inspector liable or get the inspector to pay for the damage. In fact, you may not be entitled to any compensation beyond the cost of the inspection.

As a buyer, you need the home inspection to decide if the home is in condition that you can tolerate. You can use the report to show the seller the need for a certain repair or negotiate a better price. You can also take the report to a contractor and use it to make repairs or to remodel a section of the home.

One thing you should not do when buying a home is skip having the home inspected because of cost or undue pressure by the seller. A home inspection is reasonable, it can save you money in the long run, and it's required by many lenders, particularly for FHA loans. There's a reason why buyers should beware, and a home inspection gives you the information you need to make a sound buying decision.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

3686 Yogi Way

Price: $250,000    Beds: 3    Baths: 2    Sq Ft: 1776

Spacious and bright! Lovely one level home on corner lot with RV parking. Stamped concrete in front walkway. Wonderful entertaining space in the huge vaulted Great Room. Living room opens to kitchen and dining area with slider. Well-sized master sui...View this property >>

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Good Morning!

Here are the statistics for the June Real Estate market in the Eugene and Springfield area.  As you can see the month of June shows that our local market continues to be extremely strong and that the inventory of homes for sale continues to decline.  In fact 1.8 months of inventory is the lowest that I can remember seeing in this market.  Of concern is the fact that home prices continue to rise at a rapid pace.  In fact, home values now show that they are at or slightly above pre-recession numbers. This is a concern, because at some point, we will begin to see price resistance from buyers.  The fact that the local economy is not keeping up with home price increases means that many buyers are now going to be taken out of the market because they can no longer afford to buy at the new higher prices.  When we hit this point, it will put pressure on pricing and the market will begin to trend downwards.  Any spikes in mortgage interest rates at this time could be very negative to a healthy Real Estate market here.  

If you are consideriing the sale of a home, this may be your last opportunity to take advantage of this strong sellers market.

June Residential Highlights

Real estate activity in Lane County was mixed this June. Closed sales (524) rose 18.8% compared to May 2016 (441), but fell 2.2% short of the 536 closings recorded last year in June 2015. New listings (671) rose 2.1% over May 2016 (657) but fell 1.3% short of the 680 new listings offered last year in June 2015.

Pending sales (555) ended 0.4% short of June 2015 (557) and were 2.1% short of the 567 offers accepted last month in May 2016.

Inventory decreased to 1.8 months in June, with total market time decreasing to 49 days. Lane County ended June with a total of 959 active residential listings.

Year to Date Summary

Comparing the first half of 2016 to the same period of 2015, closed sales (2,379) have increased 9.9% and pending sales (2,852) have increased 5.8%. New listings (3,402) have decreased 5.3%.

Average and Median Sale Prices

Comparing 2016 to 2015 through June of each year, the average sale price rose 7.4% from $241,300 to $259,100. In the same comparison, the median sale price rose 6.2% from $219,000 to $232,500.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

1760 Sweetbriar Ln

Price: $385,000    Beds: 4    Baths: 2    Sq Ft: 1969

Beautiful contemporary craftsman! Features fully remodeled kitchen with long granite counters & island, steel appliances, 5 burner gas Wolf range, cherry wood cabinets. Vaulted ceiling with skylight, hardwood floor and open multi-level floor plan. K...View Home for Sale >>

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Good Monday Morning!

Nationally, home sales continue their upward trend and home prices continue to climb as well. 

Locally, our home sales remain strong as well, but as I have been saying, change is in the air.  The numbers don't show it yet, but right around mid June I feel the Real Estate market in the Eugene and Springfiel made a change.  I am watching homes that were selling in days with multiple offers now sit for weeks without an offer and I am seeing fewer new buyers entering the market.  The inventory of homes in many areas and price ranges is also creeping up.  This could be seasonal, but I think that it is more than that.  Mortgage interest rates have actually decreased over the past seveal weeks, so the change most likely is the result of home prices increasing.  Price resistance can put the dampers on a market just as fast as interest rate hikes. 

In the Eugene and Springfied area we have watched home prices increase steadily now for several years and now affordability is again becoming a factor.  Two years ago, when home prices were down from the recession and mortgage interest rates were at historic low levels the market here was perfect for buyers and many took advantage of the situation, which caused more demand, lower home inventories and competition.  As the price of homes increased the attractiveness of our local market has changed and now buyers are having a harder time quailifying for loans and dealing with the higher mortgage payments.  It's all a cycle.

Have An Awesome Week!

Video Link: http://eugeneoregonhomesforsale.com/video/This-Month-in-Real-Estate-July-2016

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

1615 Taney St

Price: $299,000    Beds: 4    Baths: 2    Partial Baths: 1    Sq Ft: 1913

Brand new home! Great quality construction with plaster finished walls, maple hardwood & porcelain tile floor, hickory cabinets, granite counters, 9 ft ceiling, LED dimming lights, 3 skylights one of which opens. Great room layout with gas fireplace...View Home for Sale >>

AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Good Morning!

Over the last few days I have been asked frequently about what effect the economic situation in Europe is going to have on the U.S. housing market.  The gut reaction of the UK leaving the EU is that the stock market here in the U.S. has responded negatively.  This in turn puts pressure on the Fed to continue the current pattern of holding low interest rates and to put any near future rate increases on the back burner.  We may see some immediate reductions in mortgage interest rates as a result, but the sure thing for now is that mortgage rates most likley will not change much until the dust settles in Europe and the economy picks up some momentum here at home.  If other European countries follow the UK, then it could all change.  The reality is that we still have a a economy here at home and with worldwide economic turmoil, mortgage rates may remain low longer than anyone anticipated.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

1615 Taney St

Price: $299,000    Beds: 4    Baths: 2    ｽ Baths: 1    Sq Ft: 1913

Brand new home! Great quality construction with plaster finished walls, maple hardwood & porcelain tile floor, hickory cabinets, granite counters, 9 ft ceiling, LED dimming lights, 3 skylights one of which opens. Great room layout with gas fireplace...View Home for Sale >>

AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Good Monday Morning!

Today while the inventory of homes is low, I see buyers panic buying at times.  This does not always lead to the buyer getting the best house or even a house that will meet their needs.  If you are in the market for a home, take your time.  This might mean missing out on a few homes, but in the long run your patience will pay off.  Also, know what you are lookng for and think the process out.  Here is a checklist of things to think about when choosing a home.

If you're in the process of buying a house or are getting ready to, you may be overwhelmed by all the possibilities - and all the details. It can be easy to lose sight of some of the things that are important to you when you're seduced by pretty countertops or kids playing out on the street. Making a checklist of those must-haves will help keep you on track.

Is the bedroom count and general floorplan workable? You may be tempted by a house that's nicely staged and has that elegant-yet-warm feel you want. But look beyond the furnishings to make sure what you need is what the house has.

Is there a place for your dogs to hang out? And is there a place for the dog bowls to go? This only seems like a little thing until you're moved in and are constantly tripping over their food. When the dogs are part of your life, you'll want the house to accommodate them, and you.

Is there a place for your kitchen garbage can? See above. This "little thing" will drive you crazy. Is it enough to keep you out of the home? Probably not, but it's worth noting for situations where you can't decide between a couple of homes. It might be the little things that make the difference.

What direction does the house face? Facing west is great when it means you get to watch the sunset every day. It's not so great when it means your electric bill costs as much as your mortgage from May to September because your air conditioning is running 24–7.

Where are the structural walls? If you're planning an extensive renovation, it might be a good idea to bring in an engineer to make sure the walls you want to remove won't bring the house down.

Is there enough pantry space? A poor kitchen layout, and one that isn't easily remedied by a renovation, is a deal killer for many people.

What shape is the floor in? Look carefully. Replacing floors can be a big and expensive undertaking. Even if you have an inspection and the floors are in decent condition, they may not match your style. It'll be up to you to decide if you can live with them.

Where's the nearest Target? If location is important to you and the house you're looking at is over the mountain and through the woods, think hard about what you're willing to compromise. It might be that you start to hate being so far removed from amenities once the shine of a new house has worn off.

Where is the nearest Starbucks? Not a coffee drinker? Doesn't matter. The "Starbucks Effect" means higher home appreciation if you live within proximity.

Is there an HOA? This is important to know if you're looking to paint your home purple and display your collection of flamingos on the lawn.

How are the schools? Even if you don't have kids and never plan to, a good school district is important to home values. Pay special attention to the possibility of being rezoned. This happens quite often in growing areas, and, while you won't always know what's going to happen in the future, impacted schools and districts and chatter about coming changes might give you reason to pause.

What are the acoustics like? If there's a ridiculous echo coming from the upstairs bonus room, think about what that's going to sound like with two young kids playing.

Is the wiring what you need? If you need your home to accommodate all the latest technology, you may have some extensive rewiring to do. Checking it out before you buy will help you feel confident you can achieve your goals.

How's the yard space? Too little, or too much, space can make the day-to-day living less than ideal.

What's the neighborhood makeup? Seeing a lot of young couples on the street? Or maybe it's mainly older couples you're seeing. Spending a little time in your neighborhood you're considering can tell you a lot about who your neighbors could be, and whether you'll fit in.

Are there sex offenders nearby? Unfortunately, checking to make sure the people around you are decent is a reality today. Family Watchdog allows you to enter an address and see if there are any sex offenders in the area.

Did you schedule an inspection? You may be tempted to buy a home as is, especially in a hot market, but if you forgo an inspection, you'll be on the hook for any issues that arise with the home down the line.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

1471 Barrington Ave

Price: $575,000    Beds: 5    Baths: 3    Sq Ft: 3756

Luxurious and grand! Great room with surround sound speakers, Brazilain cherry hardwood floor & gas fireplace. Huge theater/bonus room prewired for surround sound. Open kitchen with cherry stained cabinets, island, LED under & above cabinets & toe k...
View Home for Sale >>

AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Good Monday Morning!

The good times just keep rolling!  Yes, the home sales market in the Eugene and Springfield area remains hot and at this point in time there is no sign of change.  For those of us who have been involved in the Real Estate world for a number of years, we know that change is on the way.  We just don't know when.  As I told a client last week, in the Eugene and Springfield area you can go to bed one night and the market is hot and wake up the next morning to a cold market.  It sometimes is like somebody just turned off the switch.  This is why I am still advising anyone who is considering the sale of their home to do it now and don't wait until we hit a downturn.  The inventory of homes remains low and there are plenty of buyers out there looking and ready to buy.

Have An Awesome Week!

Video Link: http://eugeneoregonhomesforsale.com/video/This-Month-in-Real-Estate-June-2016

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

2484 Crowther Drive

Price: $310,000    Beds: 3    Baths: 2    Partial Baths: 1    Sq Ft: 1911

This Heitman Custom Home has been beautifully maintained and offers wonderful amenities and details. Some of the features include crown molding, tray and vaulted ceilings, wainscoting, custom cabinets, hardwood and tile floors, granite and abundant ...
View Home for Sale >>

AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!