Talk 2 Lee Featuring Darren Dickerhoof

First, thanks to all who attended our Talk 2 Lee speaker series.  We were fortunate to have Darren Dickerhoof, Principal at Dickerhoof Properties.  It was an evening full of stories!  For a full video of the evening see below! Thank you for sharing with us, Darren!

Second, I am very excited to announce our 3rd speaker.  Joining me for an interview will be 
Bill Humphreys, Jr. 

You are invited to hear and meet Bill at our next Talk 2 Lee event on 

Tuesday, September 9th from 6:30-7:30 

here at Town & Country Realty

 located at 455 NW Tyler Avenue, Corvallis, OR 97333.

Bill Humphreys, Jr., a lifelong Oregonian, is a Vice President and the Main Office Manager for Citizens Bank in Corvallis. He has been a Senior Commercial Loan Officer and member of the Bank’s Management Loan Committee since 1999.

Bill has previous banking experience with Columbia River Bank in the Columbia River Gorge and Central Oregon markets, as well as with Centennial Bank in the Eugene area.  Bill attended the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin after getting his Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance & Management from the University of Oregon.

Bill has served on numerous non-profit boards and foundations, including the Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis, United Way of Benton County and the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation.   Bill currently serves the State of Oregon Business Development Commission as a member of Business Oregon’s Finance Committee. Bill is also active with the Oregon Bankers Association and has served on the OBA’s Lending Committee since 2007. 

Snacks and drinks will be provided. This is a unique, question and answer format opportunity to help open doors to your success and build new relationships as you meet and learn from local, community leaders who are making a positive difference. 

Because of the room size, our attendance is limited to 15 people.  Please RSVP soon to guarantee your seat!  If you know of anyone who might be interested, please be sure to share this communication with them.

Thanks and I hope to hear from you, and see you, soon.

Lee Eckroth

Town & Country Realty, Broker, CNE, C-RIS, e-Pro, GRI

Cell: 541-760-4742

Email: Lee@Talk2Lee.com

Corvallis Housing Survey Results

Many of you possibly took part in the recent survey regarding housing in and around Corvallis. For those of you who enjoy wading through pages and pages of data here is the link to the complete survey report. The official results are not completed yet but below is a recap of some interesting findings. Again, these are not official conclusions, only observations from a fellow survey participant. :) Stay tuned for official results from the Survey Committee and for the compilation of open-ended responses.

Purpose of the Corvallis Housing Survey:

"The City of Corvallis recognizes both the need to both understand local housing markets and housing need as well as implementing strategies to address the housing needs of Corvallis residents. Like many Oregon cities, Corvallis has found meeting the housing needs of all of its residents to be challenging. For a variety of reasons, Corvallis has higher housing costs than neighboring cities in the Willamette Valley. The characteristics of Corvallis’ housing market are different from other cities in the Willamette Valley. A few basic indicators of Corvallis’ housing market with other Willamette Valley cities underscore the key differences:

1. Corvallis has more rental and more multifamily units. Corvallis’ housing is much more likely to be renter-occupied, even when compared to Eugene. Corvallis has a much larger share of multifamily dwellings than other cities.
2. Corvallis’ housing is less affordable. The median sales price for single-family housing is substantially higher than other cities, except for Eugene, where average sales prices are somewhat lower than Corvallis’. The ratio of median sales price to median household income is higher in Corvallis than other cities, with sales prices more than six times household income.

The [survey] questions build from the assumption that there is a need to better balance housing supply with housing demand. [Results show that] nearly twice as many people commute to Corvallis to work as live in Corvallis and work elsewhere. The inflow/outflow of workers and residents is commonly referred to in the planning literature as “jobs-housing balance.” The factors that lead to jobs-housing imbalances are many. A core objective of this study is to better understand the characteristics of the 18,000+ individuals who commute to work in Corvallis that live outside the Corvallis city limit. In summary, the central question addressed in this survey was “Why do Corvallis workers choose to live in other places?”"

Charts and Summaries:

Some things to note before looking at the data...

1. The data shows housing preferences for survey respondents who work in Corvallis but choose to live outside of Corvallis.
2. The result conclusions focus on respondents who live outside of Corvallis, however it presents results of respondents living inside of Corvallis to provide context for the results.
3. 49% of respondents live within the Corvallis city limits and 50% of respondents live outside of the Corvallis city limits. 1% were uncertain. 
4. Because a non-probability sampling method (for more information on this type of sampling check out wikipedia) was used, the results presented are for the sample only and should not be inferred to be representative of the entire population. 
5. The sample size (1,681) is about 9% of the 18,476 individuals who work in Corvallis and live elsewhere.

Top Take-Aways:

• Although housing costs are similar - only about a $100 difference not including utilities - of respondents within and outside of Corvallis, the size of homes outside of Corvallis are very different. In general residents outside of Corvallis tend to have more bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage than residents in Corvallis. Meaning that for the same price they are getting more. It's not that residents are particularly looking to lower overall costs of housing by living outside of Corvallis but they want to get more for their investment. See exhibits 6, 7, 11, 12, and 13 above.

• The top reasons for living outside of Corvallis include: wanted more affordable housing, rural setting, wanted to own versus rent, good place to raise children, and wanted a larger home. Two of the top 5 reasons for choosing a current location to live had to do with home size or affordability which is directly related. Therefore the baseline cost of housing is not an issue but rather the cost per square foot is higher in Corvallis and not as desirable as other areas. See exhibit 15 above.

• "The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Services (HUD) estimates that the median family income (MFI) for Benton County in 2014 is $69,400. Using standard estimates of housing affordability, a household earning the MFI could afford to pay about $1,735 for housing per month or a house costing about $210,000. The median sales price for housing in Corvallis is nearly $270,000 in 2014. (based on median prices on Zillow). The median housing costs for survey respondents who rented and lived inside Corvallis was $1,150, including rent and utilities. According to the American Community Survey, the median rent in Corvallis is about $790." Corvallis is less affordable than surrounding communities. To be able to buy/rent an average home in Corvallis, assuming the family does not spend more than 30% of their gross income on housing costs, the resident more than likely will need to make more than the median family income for Benton County, thus making buying/renting a residence in Corvallis difficult for those who make the MFI or less.  See exhibits 24 and 25 above.

• Homeowners outside of Corvallis living in larger homes are more likely to be able to afford housing costs in Corvallis but it seems that they feel they will be making sacrifices on preferred location within the city, higher tax costs, and suitable condition of properties to get something comparably priced. See exhibit 40 above

Information taken from the Corvallis Housing Survey Report prepared by ECONorthwest. The full report and City Council agenda/meeting notes can be found here.

Play Corvallis, Play! - Homes for Pianos

Play Corvallis, Play was a huge success!  Here is a recap of some of the music and magic that was created over the past couple of weeks...

Articles:

The Daily Barometer

Gazette Times

Corvallis Advocate

The Hype 

KEZI

Videos:

Memories:

We are sad to see the pianos leave the streets but the story will continue through the next year! All of our pianos have been adopted to be hosted through the year in homes throughout Corvallis! Stay connected on the Facebook page to keep up-to-date on the piano adventure!

Always remember to play Corvallis, play.

Gary Hamilton - OSU Federal Credit Union

It has been our pleasure to work with Gary Hamilton at OSU Federal Credit Union. There are some great First Time Home Buyer opportunities happening right now! Read on to find out more about Gary, OSU Federal, and the amazing loan programs available to you!

I began my career over 20 years ago after graduating from Oregon State University. My extensive experience in mortgage lending has resulted in successful loan options for hundreds of happy OSU Federal members. Whether helping you explore our first time home buyers program or financing the perfect coastal vacation home, you can be sure I’ll surpass your greatest expectations.

Gary Hamilton

Office: 541-602-5754

Email: ghamilton@osufederal.com

NMLS registry #: 562249

Visit my website

1980 NW 9th Street

Corvallis, OR 97330

Corvallis Imagination Music and Art Festival THIS WEEKEND!

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Stop by the CIMA Festival going on in Bruce Starker Arts Park this Friday and Saturday the 15th-16th of August.

Here is a bit more information about what to look forward to at the Festival!

This festival is a celebration of music and art – with proceeds going to support local art and music in the Corvallis community. 2013 was the first year for CIMA Festival – held on the Sunday of Labor Day with about 350 attendees. The festival is put on by Imagination Music and Art, a local non-profit, and a dedicated team of volunteers.   This year we’ve expanded the festival to a Friday night – all day Saturday!

Music will occur on the Main Stage of the Bruce Starker Arts Amphitheater in Corvallis on Friday and Saturday evenings.  The amphitheater seats up to 2000 people.  The festival will add music workshops this year – Saturday morning and afternoon on the Main Stage.  Art Booths will be located on the south end of the park. Concessions will be to the left of the front entry area.  As the park is on the Corvallis bike path, we will encourage bicycling to the event – with a secure check area on the north side of the pond.

CIMA 2014 is FREE!!!

This year the festival will be free!  We believe that everyone should be able to join in the production and appreciation of community art. A KickStarter funding campaign is helping to fund this festival.

Visit www.cimafestival.com for more information and the full line-up of events!

5 Summer Home Projects - from HomeAdvisor.com

5 Summer Projects That Will Improve Your Home and Boost Its Value

You already know that remodeling is a great way to improve your home's appearance and raise your property value. The question is: Which improvements are worth tackling today? Here are five that you can easily complete before the leaves start falling.

1. Add a Deck

Creating enticing outdoor living spaces is one of the hottest trends in home improvement. When it comes to outdoor living spaces, the right deck makes all the difference, and is especially important for those who prefer to spend most of their summers relaxing or entertaining outside. However, adding a deck does more than improve your yards livability, a well-designed deck improves your home’s value and is a feature that has the potential to really set your house apart. Tackling the project now ensures you’ll be able to enjoy your new deck this summer and for summers to come.

2. Upgrade Your Air Conditioning

Maybe you’re tired of paying those exorbitant utility bills. Or perhaps you’re tired of having no air conditioning whatsoever. If so, an A/C upgrade is a home improvement worth making. From lowering your bills to improving the comfort and salability of your home, installing a new high-efficiency air conditioning system is one home improvement you’ll be glad you made. Concerned about the price? Getting quotes from at least three HVAC pros will ensure you get the best price. They’ll also be able to tell you about any rebates that your local utility might be running – making your new air conditioner a lot more affordable than you expect.

3. Replace Your Siding

Siding is responsible for protecting your home from the elements. It’s no surprise then that worn out siding can really affect your home’s appearance. Equally unsurprising is that replacing your siding can greatly improve your home’s appearance and increase your property value.

When considering replacement siding, look to your environment for clues as to which choice is right for you. In the southwest, stucco offers a regional look and provides extraordinary durability; in the northeast, wood (or vinyl that looks like wood but requires less maintenance) will give your home a more classic look. However, don't just consider your climate, consider your neighborhood, too. If every house on the block is clad in vinyl siding, would stone or brick set your house apart or make it stick out? A siding pro will be able to help you figure out the right siding solution for your needs and your budget.

4. Replace Your Roofing

If your roof has been hit by severe weather or is simply at the end of its lifecycle, installing a new roof is a project best completed sooner than later (or immediately if your roof has been severely damaged and is leaking). So, what do you need to know about replacing your roof? First, talk to your insurance agent to see if the replacement is covered by insurance. Second, make sure you talk to at least three roofing pros before making the hiring decision (HomeAdvisor is here to help you find a roofing pro you can trust to get the job done right). Third, your new roof's durability will be directly related to its cost. Asphalt is the most affordable and the quickest to wear out; tile and slate are the most durable and by far the most expensive. Metal falls somewhere in the middle; its quick installation, moderate price, and 40+ year life expectancy make it a popular choice among homeowners who want a good balance of value and durability. To find the best solution for your home and budget, we recommend talking to a roofing pro.

5. Improve Your Landscaping

No list of remodeling projects is complete without mentioning landscaping. For good reason too, as a well-designed and properly installed landscaping plan can have a big impact on your home’s curb appeal and value. However, in many cases improving your landscaping involves more than adding plants and cutting the grass, especially if you’re looking to make significant changes or have challenging design features to work around. We recommend talking to a landscape designer or landscaping pro to figure out the best solution for your yard and your budget.

Pick Your Project and Go

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by your to-do list. The key is to prioritize your list of needs and wants to focus your attention on the project that makes the most sense right now (obviously, any roofing or siding issues affecting the structural integrity of your home need to be addressed ASAP). On that note, if you’ve been considering that new deck or new air conditioner, there’s no time like the present to get started. After all, completing the project now means you get to relax and enjoy the rest of your summer.

Just in case you're curious...here are the Top Ten Home Projects in Corvallis

1.  Landscaping
2.  Handyman
3.  Bathroom Remodel
4.  Exterior Painting
5.  Additions
6.  Cleaning Service
7.  Windows
8.  Roofing
9.  Decks
10. Kitchen Remodel

Link to original article on HomeAdvisor.com

Play Corvallis, Play!

Play Corvallis, Play is excited to announce that the free-play pianos have hit the streets!

This is a dream coming true to put music in the air and smiles on people's faces! From August 6th through August 20th you can look forward to free-play pianos throughout Corvallis. The list of locations can be found below...be sure to visit them all!

Check out the Facebook page and post any pictures and videos of magic happening while you are out and about!

www.Facebook.com/PlayCorvallisPlay

Click here for an interactive map of all the piano locations!



We would also like to encourage you to attend the Corvallis Imagination Music and Art Festival (CIMA) going on August 15th-16th in Starker Arts Park. They have been a huge part of our project so far and one of the pianos will be featured at the festival! You can learn more about CIMA at the following links:

www.cimafestival.com

www.Facebook.com/CIMAFestival

CIMA Kickstarter Campaign


A personal note from Lee:

Corvallis is a special place to me. It is where I call home. It is where I chose to put down roots and raise a family. It is where I wear a smile and have awesome days. Last fall, while traveling in Boston and the year prior in Fort Collins, I was exposed to the inspiring idea of having music in the streets - through pianos! After much thought and consideration my kids and I decided to bring this idea to Corvallis.

It is with great joy that I get to share with you Play Corvallis, Play. On August 6th, we placed 8 free-play pianos around Corvallis that were painted with passion by our community! All the pianos were donated to the program to help the streets of Corvallis be filled with wonderful sounds (and art!). The pianos will be on the streets until August 20th for all to enjoy. We really hope to see some great photos, videos, and stories uploaded to our Facebook page at: www.Facebook.com/PlayCorvallisPlay


A special thanks to CIMA - Corvallis Imagination, Music, and Art - for their support in making this project happen. Without their support and mission we would not have pulled it off! Be sure to check out their webpage at www.cimafestival.com and check out the festival on August 15th and 16th at Starker Arts Park. Just another reason Corvallis is amazing!

The Pianos!

Bedazzled Piano is located near Central Park in the Arts Center Plaza

Beaver Believer Piano is located on the OSU campus

Fire Piano is located near the Downtown American Dream Pizza

Fruits & Veggies Piano is located outside of Market of Choice

Galaxy Piano is located in Starker Arts Park and featured at the CIMA Festival!

Helping Hands Piano is located outside the Public Library

Life is a Song Piano is located on the River Front Path 

Ocean Piano is located on the River Front Path near the fountains

The Pulse of the Valley - video links

The Pulse:

Real estate plays an incredibly important role in everyone’s lives, spreading ideas, trends, and observations related to real estate will promote smarter decisions and a healthier, more vibrant community. This forum will act as a platform for everyone to learn and deepen their understanding of the Corvallis real estate market.

The Pulse of the Valley took place last February...if you were unable to attend that's ok! We recorded each talk and have shared them on the website! Each speaker's video is also below! Enjoy watching and learning!

Dave Dodson on OSU's past and future master campus plan

Darren Dickerhoof on commercial development in Corvallis

Bill Humphreys Jr. with an economic overview

Tom Nelson on local business resources for entrepreneurs 

Ronda Wymore on MLS data and trends

Lee Eckroth on local real estate stats, trends, and rules

Dan Ripplinger on commercial lending

Mike Goodrich on home building trends