Area Real Estate News & Market Trends

You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!

Sept. 30, 2021

What Separates Us from the Competition!


At R&R Properties of Eugene we will always work to make sure your needs are met. As professionals and leaders in the Property Management field, we strive to give our clients the best costumer experience through open communication, tailored needs, and professional experience. We are dedicated to our clients and it shows through not only our commitment to their success but also our care for your valued investment.
Regular Inspections & Prompt Maintenance
We do regular inspections on units every 3 to 4 months. It’s free to owners and is included in our management of property. We also pride ourselves in taking care of maintenance repairs promptly and provide a service for emergencies during the weekend or after hours.
No Surprise or Hidden Fees
We offer affordable, high-end, rural, and campus area properties in the area of Lane County. We not only have an incredible staff with a Property Manager whom has more than 13 years of experience we also don't have any hidden or surprise fees. 
We are Your Best Advocate
We are an owner’s best advocate and will work hard to get the best tenants through our comprehensive screening process. We will also evaluate your rental comps annually to ensure your property is at maximum rent. Our staff will work hard to keep your property free of any stress.
Our Tenants Like Us
We strive to bring a sense of security as well as build long term relationships with our tenants through open communication and prompt response to needed repairs and concerns. Our tenants like us!
We are Family Owned & Local Oregonians
Our staff are all local Oregonians who love the community we live in and take pride in their work. With years of experience comes knowledge and having a deep connection with the community and all there is to do around the Lane County area gives our staff the ability to assist with just more than your day-to-day Property Management needs.
Aug. 24, 2021

Simple Tricks to Fix Common Household Issues!

 
Maintaining the house does not have to be expensive or require the presence of a plumber or handyman, there are many small things we can actually do ourselves. Here are a few simple tricks to fix common household issues.
Removing Wood Scratches
It’s frustrating to find new scratches on your beloved wooden furniture, especially when they were a family heirloom or were very expensive to buy. But luckily there is a simple and quick hack to fix this.
Just get some regular walnuts from your local store and rub them directly over the scratch. Then gently rub the area with a finger, the warmth of your skin will help the wood absorb the oils from the walnut.
Filling Nail Holes with Crayon
Here’s a little trick for people who are renting and don’t want to lose their deposit. Once you remove all of your pictures and frames from the wall, what do you do with the screw holes?
Instead of going the extra mile of buying filler and paint, simply grab a crayon that is closest in color. Color in the hole, then rub it with your fingers until smooth. The wall will look good as new! 
Soda Tabs as Picture Hooks
Soda can tabs are one of those things that come in handy when you least expect it, so it’s always good to save a few in the kitchen drawer. For instance, you can fix an old picture frame with a screw and a can tab.
Simply drill the screw into the bottom half of the tab and use the top half of the tab to hang it from any hook or nail to the wall.
Stop Creaky Stairs
Creaky wooden stairs can be annoying. With the years and constant use, the wood of the stairs expands and contracts, slightly changing shape. It also gets cracked and scratched gathering dirt.
Take some regular talcum powder and sprinkle a generous layer of it on the wood. Then gently rub it in with your hand for a while and dust off the excess. It will pack up the creases and it won’t make creaky sounds anymore.
Cleaning Wooden Cutting Boards
It’s important to keep all kitchen tools clean since they handle the food we consume. Cutting boards are tricky to keep sanitized due to all the nooks and crannies they collect over time and the natural porosity of the wood.
There is a simple hack to clean them and get rid of stains and odors. Place coarse salt over the board and rub it with half a lemon. The combination acts as exfoliate and disinfectant.
Posted in Home Maintenance
July 1, 2021

Staying Cool this Summer!

 
For many people, there's only one thing stopping them from enjoying summer: oppressive heat. But, frankly, that's no reason to let ridiculously high temperatures keep you from enjoying everything that's wonderful about the summer.
Freeze Those Sheets
This one is going to sound odd but trust, it is amazing! Refrigerate or freeze your bedsheets! Once you try this trick, you’ll wonder why you haven’t thought of it before. Place your bedsheets in your fridge or freezer for a half an hour before you sleep, and you’ll never have trouble falling asleep because of the heat again. Also consider investing in soft gel packs that you can place underneath your sheets, or tucked between your legs (wrapped in a tea towel).
 Go swimming or Take a Cool Bath
There are plenty of rivers/lakes or even Rec. centers to venture out to. For example, local places would be Dexter/Lowell Lake, Fern Ridge Reservoir is a really big lake just a few miles west of Eugene with nice park areas on the shore and plenty of room for kayaking, boating and swimming.
If you don't have the time to get out to the rivers and lakes in the area, you can always take a cool bath which is not only cooling but relaxing.
Think Green!
House plants do a lot more than we actually think. The benefits of having houseplants are manifold. They can improve mood, purify air, and they can also make a room feel cooler. Plants release moisture into the air, which helps regulate the relative humidity of a room and can make it feel more comfortable than it otherwise would.
Make DIY Popsicle's
My personal favorite is taking Country time Pink Lemonade, popping it in the freezer. It tastes so good and you can make it as flavorful as you want. But there’s so many options like fruit pops and you can put whatever kind of fruits you want as well as juices. Coconut water is used for its cooling properties. In addition to that, it's also a great source of the electrolytes you lose through sweating, making it a relatively low-calorie, low-sugar substitute for sports drinks.
Water Sports are Your Friend!
You don't have to have a pool or body of water to involve water in your staying cool activities. Here are a few outdoor activities that can fill your summer afternoons with cool, fun memories.
1. Water Balloon Fight (fill with cold water)
2. Good old fashioned water fight. Fill up a large bucket in the center of the yard, giving everyone a small bucket and let the fun begin.
3. Slip-n-slid and running through the sprinkler are still very effective ways to not only stay cool, but create amazing memories.
June 7, 2021

Vacation with a Staycation!

 
Taking a vacation is a great way to be around family and friends and also enjoy new experiences while kicking back and unwinding from everyday life. However, going away doesn’t come cheap. Many Americans are putting travel plans on hold amid the coronavirus and until their financial situation stabilizes. Why not get out and enjoy some normality and be around loved ones with a staycation? So, with that being said the good news is you don’t have to travel far or spend a lot of money to create lasting memories with your family and friends. In fact, a staycation is an affordable alternative to a traditional vacation when planned thoughtfully. Be spontaneous and have a great time!
Spa Day
Support your local spas with a spa day for your yourself, family or friends.
If you’re on a budget you can still create a spa at your own home! Often one will already have some household items such as; coconut oil, sugar, lotion, cucumbers, nail polish, and essential oils all are great DIY ingredients for a home spa.
Go For a Hike
Living in the Pacific Northwest, there’s so many beautiful destinations readily available. Below is a list of a few you should check out:
1. Kentucky Falls, is located near Mapleton on Hwy 126 inland of the Oregon Coast.
2. Sahalie & Koosah Falls, are located along the McKenzie River in the Cascade Mountains.
3. Salt Creek Falls, is located near Oakridge - Westfir in the Cascade Mountains.
4. Diamond Creek Falls, is also located near Oakridge - Westfir in the Cascade Mountains.
 Check Out Local Events
There are several local events throughout the year in Lane County. A few of the highlighted by locals are:
  1. The Downtown Farmer’s market, every Tuesday and Saturday
  2. Pride Parade, August 14th at Alton Baker Park
  3. Eugene Rodeo, July 2-4 at the Oregon Horse Center
  4. Scandinavian Festival, August 12-15, Junction City
  5. Lane County Fair, July 21-25, Lane Event Center
Volunteering in Your Community
This is a great way to not only feel good about this but also helping and giving back to your community. A few suggestions are Green-hill Humane society, Food for Lane County, A Family for Every Child, CASA, Boys and Girls Club, 20/30, Lions Club and so many other local organizations that would be thrilled to have your support!
Finish a House Project
You’ve probably had days where you have wished for more hours in a day to get things done especially around the house. Here’s some ideas to get done: Cleaning, paint your home’s interior or exterior, remodel your cabinets, reupholster your headboard, build your own fire pit for your backyard.
May 2, 2021

Summer Camping Activities!

 
As we are approaching summer, the weather is beginning to get warmer. A lot of families and friends take a nice relaxing weekend and go camping. Who doesn’t love a nice Zen weekend of nothing but fun in the sun and enjoying the river or lake! While all of this is sounding perfect right now, let’s see how we can make sure your adventures are not only fun but safe as well.
 First and Foremost, make sure you know the lay of the land as far as where the entrances and exits are as well as any type of restroom buildings at the campsite you might be going to. You may also might want to practice prior to; setting up your tent so nothing gets in the way or makes it frustrating while on this relaxing trip. Always, cautious of dry, windy areas as fires are easily started and harder to put out. Then have a drink and relax!!
Rest and Relaxation
Most people go camping to get away from the stress and busyness of everyday life, so take it easy. Relax and let the rest of the world fade away with these ideas for chilling out.
  • Swing in a hammock
  • Listen to nature
  • Take lots of naps
  • Daydream and let your mind wander
  • Float on the water
The Best Rainy-Day Activities
There are times when you will need stuff to do in the tent. You might get stuck inside on rainy days, and you will be in the tent at night, too. If everyone else is sleeping, you may need a quiet activity to do.
  • Board/Card games
  • Crafting (knitting, sewing, drawing)
  • Reading
  • Story Telling
  • Playing in the rain!
Getting Into Nature
Part of the joy of camping is being close to nature. Explore the great outdoors with these activities. Be sure to respect the area where you are: Don't disturb the wildlife!
  • Bird-watching
  • Animal watching
  • Collecting fireflies in a jar
  • Bug collecting
  • Geocaching: Get real souvenirs
Get Up & Get Moving
There are easy sports that don't require a lot of physical movement and other sports that are very active. Pick ones that suit your style and have fun playing.
•   Disc golf (Frisbee golf), Bocce Ball
•   Horseshoes, Ring toss, Corn Hole
•   Hide & Seek, Simon Says
•   Bikes, Boating, Floating
•   Hiking, Rock climbing, Exploring your surroundings
Large Group Activities
There are tons of large group and physical activities that can be done while camping.
There are easy sports that don't require a lot of physical movement and other sports that are very active. Pick ones that suit your style and have fun playing.
If you have a lot of people with you, these active games are fun to play:
•   Capture the Flag, Tag, Red Rover
•   Soccer, Football, Kickball, Baseball
April 5, 2021

Tips for Having a Thriving Garden All Summer Long

 
Home gardens offer a wide variety of benefits to the environment as well as serve a diverse group of people. Home gardening provides a source of fresh produce and free of chemicals so what more could we ask for? It also gives you complete control over the hard work that you put into this and products used during the growing process. Here is some fun, easy tips for when you start putting your green thumb to use. Don’t forget above all else just enjoy this time of being outside.
Location, Location, Location
Starting a garden is just like real estate. It’s all about location. Place your garden in a part of your yard where it will get morning sun and evening sun but try to avoid direct sun. Start with great soil is also key. When starting a garden, invest in soil that is nutrient rich and well-drained.
Have Your Garden Near Water
Make sure your plants get plenty of water. The best way to tell if plants need watering is to push your finger an inch down into the soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. The rule of thumb is to water flower beds twice a week. Avoiding watering during the heat of the day and at night is also key.
Follow the Sun
Misjudging sunlight is a common pitfall. Pay attention to how sunlight plays through your yard before choosing a spot for your garden.  Most edible plants need at least 6 hours of sunlight in order to thrive. They thrive best in morning and afternoon sun. Direct full sun is often too much for their delicate leaves and blossoms. Also try to avoid watering your plants during full sun, morning is best.
Choose the Right Plants
It is important to select plants that match growing conditions. This means putting sun-loving plants into a sunny spot, choosing heat-tolerant plants in warm climates, and giving ground-gobbling vines like pumpkins and melons ample elbow room or a trellis to climb. Remove any diseased, damaged or dead debris as they block airflow. Light pruning all year encourages steady growth and builds a healthy plant.
Consider Containers
You can grow many plants in pots including vegetables, herbs, flowers and berries. When gardening in containers, use a pot that is large enough for the plant it is hosting. You will find planting plants in pots that will take over your garden will save you a lot of headache and cleanup for next season.
Posted in Home Maintenance
March 22, 2021

Rental Property Maintenance: It’s Importance & How R&R Cares for Your Property

One of the main reasons why most landlords get in trouble is because they are reactive and not proactive. Very often for months, sometimes even years, they tend to ignore all of their rental issues. And when things tend to escalate, their panic mode sets in. All of a sudden, the property needs a new water heater, the gutters are all clogged, the furnace needs to be replaced, and so on. The list can be quite long. The only way to avoid such a trap is regular maintenance.
There are some basic maintenance tasks we at R&R do regularly. That’s the best way to make sure that small problems don’t turn into huge expenses. Plus, regular maintenance keeps the real estate valuation from going under. Here are the most basic maintenance tasks that any responsible Property Manager should do.
Rental Property Maintenance Tasks for Every Season
At R&R Properties we take care of all the maintenance and needed repairs for you before they escalate into replacements and not just repairs. Beyond maintaining open communication with the tenants about needed repairs and/or concerns we also we also inspect every property every 3 or 4 months, to ensure there are not further maintenance needs that tenants haven’t told us about. During the inspection period we look for needed repairs and maintenance.
We Check All Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
These devices need to be tested regularly to make sure they are in good working condition. In case there is a carbon monoxide leak or a fire in one of your buildings, and one of these devices fails to respond, then you are looking at a potential lawsuit on your hands. The cost of that significantly outweighs the cost of a check-up or changing a few AA batteries.
We Have the Roof and Gutters Cleaned Every Fall
The roof and gutters of our clients valued property should be thoroughly cleaned of all debris annually. This important because they might cause leaks if leaves or other debris clog them. We will also have trees and bushed cut back to lessen the amount of leaves as well as prevent damage and moisture to siding and roofing materials.
We Replace the Filters in the Forced Air Systems
Dirty filters not only can increase the utility bill, but they can also lead to a malfunction in the systems. Even if tenants are the ones that pay the utility bill. High bills can cause you to lose tenants. By changing the filters regularly, we keep everyone happy and the air system running smoothly.
How to Budget for Maintenance on a Rental Property
There are several different ways to calculate expenses but in most cases they all end up with approximately the same amount of money spent on maintenance annually.
At R&R we use the 1% Rule
This is pretty easy and straightforward. All of your maintenance costs should be around 1% of the value of your property. For example, if your rental property is valued at $180,000, the landlord should project about $1,800 just for maintenance. That comes roughly to $150 per month. However, there are some exceptions, and this formula doesn’t apply to all types of properties.
For example, you’ve bought an old piece of real estate property that hasn’t been maintained for years. For the first year, you might need to invest way more than just 1% of its total cost.
Why Hire a Property Manager vs Be a Landlord?
The Greatest Benefit to employing our Property Management Team at R&R is that we take all the guess work out of the equation for you. We not only have a strict schedule we stick to concerning inspections and maintenance but we also are available to our tenants 24 hour a day in case of emergency. No more late-night calls or emergencies when on vacation for our clients. We have our independent, licensed contractors investigate and resolve the issue within 24 hours if possible.
Feb. 3, 2021

5 Things People With Tidy Homes Do

With the New Year in full swing, many resolutions made have already been accomplished or are still going strong! If you are like many and still working from home you may have found the home and work life being combined a drain on your mental and physical health. In hopes to keep your work/home stress down we have a few tips on how to keep your home "tidy" without constantly feeling like you are cleaning. Happy 2021!
Thrive in a constant state of low-grade tidying, you soon wont even realize it.
The number one thing Tidy People understand is how valuable it is to develop some simple, non-drastic, tiny habits that when added together will change the level of tidiness in your home. Cleaning up all at once is hard, overwhelming and not fun.
Never let the sun go down on your mess.
Tidy People practice the quick reset, that might mean different things to you than the Tidy McTidersons down the street, and that’s okay. Maybe for you that means getting the entire family involved right after dinner and clean up for five timed minutes of tidying.
Don’t store things on the floor nor keep unused/unwanted items.
Stacks of books, the box that should have been dropped off at the thrift store two weeks ago to the laundry basket can all clutter up the floor and make your home seem messier than it really is.
Tidy People know this secret, you’ll never see stuff stored on their floors.
Don’t over decorate.
Tidy People value a cleared off surface more than a highly decorated surface. A bunch of pretty small things all over every surface only makes it harder to clean and to have your home look clean. Aim for 1-3 decorative pieces per surface depending on the surface size. This allows our house to still look pretty but at the same time, it seems clean, even if there’s a layer of filth!
Be Happy with “Clean Enough”.
You may want your house to be relatively clean and tidy but that doesn’t mean that every little thing has to be perfect. Try to follow the 80/20 rule – meaning that you are happy with 80% of the cleaning being done. Not getting caught up in all of the little details that make up the last 20%
Posted in Home Maintenance
Jan. 20, 2021

Real Estate Stats: How Does 2020 Compare to 2019

2020 was great year for real estate in the greater Lane County area. The average sales price of a home increased an amazing 12.2% to $365,500 while the median sales price was up 13.3% to 336,500. The lack of inventory and low interest rates are fueling this appreciation. There is approximately 0.6 months of inventory available, meaning theoretically that if nothing else is listed it would take less than a month to sell through everything on the market.
 Interest rates remain in the high 2%’s for qualified buyers, which are around all-time lows. Multiple offers are being seen on many houses for sale. With all of these factors continuing to be in play, prices may continue to rise throughout 2021, but at what rate is yet to be seen.

 

 

Posted in Market Updates
Jan. 5, 2021

R&R Receives A+ Reputation Award 2020