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Hybrid Real Estate, Eugene Oregon - Is Big Box Realty Dead?

Dennis Pease — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:37:35 -0800

This topic has been around for years and I'm certainly not the first person to write about this. In fact if I count my friends here at REW I would have to guess that the majority are not at the big box companies, although many are affiliated with them and of course many are owners.

For me I was always a huge fan of the brokerage I was with and I certainly am not going to knock them. But in this continuously declining market for me the writing was on the wall, in fact it had been for quite some time as I watched the company continue to loose agents and staff, yet I held on.

I'm in a fairly small market and 3 years ago a local couple started Hybrid Real Estate, a local independent brokerage focused on their agents being able to run their own businesses without all the ridiculous fees and splits, yet still offering a great environment to work in. They are very “Green” minded which in Eugene , Oregon that is extremely popular and they are very technology savvy which is serving them well. Hybrid Real Estate is growing fast as other companies are struggling and failing.

This has been asked many times, but as we get ready to roll into 2012, do you still see the value of being in a big box brokerage?

Greatest Real Estate Agent in the World

Dennis Pease — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:16:48 -0800

It's been a while since I posted anything here but the new SEO contest Greatest Real Estate Agent in the World that was the idea of Eric Bramlett in Austin, TX. and with Morgan Carey generous enough to offer a free website with life time hosting I decided it was time to get back here and write an article. Hopefully this will get me in the habit of writing more.

This contest started out as a fun little experiment in SEO for an uncommon keyword phrase that would not affect anyone negatively and would just be a learning experience. It has taken on a more serious tone with Morgan's offering of the website, Eric offering 10 free articles and Tony Sena of Wannanetwork is offering 1 year of advertising.

Since official entries must use do-follow the Current the top 4 contestants are;

Ryan Ward
Justin Smith - Although he has withdrawn from the contest
Eric Bramlett
Tony Sena

So far the contest that will end May 1, 2008 is only a few days into it and already some emotions are running high. I won't get involved in that part of it, but if you do a little search you will see what I'm talking about.

Hey, I'm just here for FUN :)

Tsalila, The Umpqua River Festival in Reedsport Oregon - September 22-23

Dennis Pease — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:55:25 -0700

The Oregon Coast is hopping with festivals and events on the weekend of September 22-23, 2007. Reedsport has its 11th annual Tsalila (pronounced sa-LEE-la) this weekend to celebrate the return of the salmon to the Umpqua River and the spectacular natural and cultural resources in the Umpqua watershed.

The Festival is free and open to the public, listen to story tellers and music, dance to the drums, play a round of migration golf, browse through the arts and crafts booths, have fun at the river box, find your way through the maze and eat a delicious salmon dinner - there's something for everyone.

Just 22 miles to the north, Florence Oregon has a big eventful weekend planned beginning Friday September 21st through the 23rd with the annual Chowder, Blues & Brews festival featuring great blues music, clam chowder cook-off and beer from the best microbrews in Oregon . In addition the annual Lane County Home Builders Association (HBA), Florence Chapter Tour of Homes, this is open to the public. Tour map guides are available around town including at the Florence Events Center . The public can follow the map guides to view the new homes at their leisure, open for everyone to visit.

September is one of the best months to visit the wild and rugged Oregon Coast. Make plans today.

If you are considering relocation to Florence Oregon and the Central Coast or east to Eugene, please consider Dennis Pease Team with RE/MAX Integrity for all Western Oregon Real Estate services. We are Oregon Real Estate Brokers, REALTORS offering professional and competent assistance to all home buyers and sellers. DennisPeaseTeam.com Specializes in Internet Real Estate Marketing and Consulting with an Interactive Real Estate Website that buyers love to come back to again and again, and sellers benefit from because of the Custom Mapping and Interactivity that encourages buyers to continuously return.

Florence Oregon tribal casino adds 250 new jobs

Dennis Pease — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 22:40:37 -0700

FLORENCE, Oregon -- As reported by the Oregon Register-Guard: "Wanted: 250 new employees in a town of 8,000 people.

"It's not every day that an employer in the City of Rhododendrons posts a job ad like that. But on Friday, the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians will begin hiring in anticipation of the newer, bigger Three Rivers Casino and Hotel opening at year's end.

"The tribe will begin the hiring boom with the grand opening of a new employment and information center, at 37th and U.S. Highway 101, at the renovated site of the former Windward Inn.

"...All employees who work more than 32 hours a week get medical benefits. Open positions include blackjack dealers, cooks and managers..."

Shelter Cove - Florence Oregon Real Estate

Dennis Pease — Sat, 05 May 2007 20:58:21 -0700

Shelter Cove - Florence Oregon Real Estate

Shelter Cove is ideal for those people moving to Florence Oregon that are looking for a beautiful gated community with upscale homes, close to the Siuslaw River and the Ocean. Located just west of Rhododendron many of the homes are situated on the banks of the Siuslaw River looking west across the River some even have a view of the Ocean beyond the dunes on the South Jetty.

Shelter Cove has the advantage of currently being the last Subdivision heading north on Rhododendron located in the Florence City limits. Why is that an advantage? In addition to all the city services, areas north of Shelter Cove like the new gated community of Fawn Ridge and many others are currently in the City of Florence's sights for annexation.

Of course if the City annexes that part of Lane County the idea is to bring City Water and Sewer to the area. Many homeowners are up in arms over the proposed annexation because it will cost every homeowner affected for their portion of the services. The area already has a good water supply (Haceta Water) and if they are already living there they have a septic system, so to many it is something they don't want to see this change. Developers in the area would like to see City services brought in to avoid the permitting and costs of a Septic System, in addition to the space required for the system.

So as you head north on Rhododendron keep in mind that Shelter Cove is in the City of Florence and beyond that you are in Lane County which will more than likely be annexed by the City costing each homeowner for their portion of services. In my opinion that adds a little extra value to Shelter Cove as you look for your next home.

For more information on this subject or any other real estate related topic, contact Dennis Pease directly at 541-284-8069

Reedsport Oregon Real Estate - MLS - Reedsport Homes

Dennis Pease — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 22:53:05 -0700

Reedsport Homes are considered a great value considering it's in the heart of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area with over 40 miles of Sand Dune Recreation. Winchester Bay with it's beautiful camp grounds and one of the largest charter fishing fleets on the Oregon Coast.

Reedsport Real Estate prices are very affordable and with Florence Oregon only 23 miles to the north and Coos Bay only 28 miles south, Reedsport is a great location with most anything you may desire less than a 30 minute drive north or south.

If you want a larger city than Florence Oregon or Coos Bay Oregon, it's an absolutely beautiful drive to Roseburg Oregon following the Umpqua River east past the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area with 60 - 150 Elk grazing in the fields, through the Charming Historic town Elkton, then to Sutherland located on the I-5 freeway and south to Roseburg.

Some of the other attractions near Reedsport include The Umpqua River Lighthouse and Salmon Harbor which is just down river from the confluence of the Umpqua river and the Smith River.

Buyers and Sellers call The Dennis Pease Team Internet Real Estate Specialists with RE/MAX Integrity with all their Real Estate needs.

Reedsport Oregon Real Estate

Fawn Ridge - Florence Oregon Real Estate - Gated Custom Homes and Lots for Sale.

Dennis Pease — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 21:30:05 -0700

Fantastic Ocean View Lots and Homes in Fawn Ridge West

Fawn Ridge is Florence's newest Gated Community, a High End Development of Custom Homes with underground utilities including Haceta Water and septic on Rhododendron Drive. Fawn Ridge West has Ocean View Lots still available with Homes currently under construction. Fawn Ridge East is currently in the development stage.

The City of Florence will most likely annex some areas to the north of the city, including the Fawn Ridge subdivision. These areas are inside the UGB (Urban Growth Boundary).

If you are interested in building a custom home with Ocean Views, Fawn Ridge prices are much lower than beach front homes such as in Kla ha nee. Call me for your personal tour of Fawn Ridge while building lots and homes are still available.

Missing Wife Found Alive after 7 1/2 Hours - Prayers & Cell Phone Credited

Dennis Pease — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 16:43:55 -0700

I just have to share this story with my friends here at REW. Our Story is in the Oregonian Newspaper in Portland today.

My wife Debi started a new job as Casino Cage Cashier on Thursday April 5th, 2007 at the Three Rivers Casino here in Florence on the Rugged Oregon Coast, working a late swing shift. On her second night Friday the 6th, she was supposed to get off work at 1:30 am Saturday morning, at 1:15 am I received a call from her Cage Supervisor wanting to know if my wife had made it home safely, I asked when she had left and he said about 20 minutes earlier and that she was disoriented and not feeling well. I waited 10 more minutes and decided she should have been home by then so I drove to the Casino and back, she still wasn't home.

I had talked to her at 11 pm and she was feeling real bad, she said she didn't think she was doing her job very well, that she was having a hard time focusing. She is a Type 1 Insulin Dependant Diabetic, her blood sugar had been off all day. When her blood sugar fluctuates a lot like it was that day she doesn't think clearly.

By then it was 2:00 am and I knew something was seriously wrong. I know my wife and she wouldn't do anything but come straight home. So I called the Casino Security Supervisor and told him I need to know all the details. So he told me they let her go home a little early because she couldn't think clear enough to close out her cash drawer. One of the girls took her out back to the break area, she told Debi that she should call me and asked her if there was anything she could do to help her. Debi told her she would like a mint, when her co-worker returned Debi was gone. They looked around and couldn't find her and that is when the Cage Supervisor called me.

At that point I didn't know if she had been kidnapped from the parking lot or what had happened but if you imagine yourself in my shoes, I was scared but I knew what I had to do. I told the Security Supervisor that I need to know exactly what happened, I told him they need to check their parking lot surveillance tapes, I need to know if she was kidnapped or if she left on her own. He said he would check those tapes right away and get back with me.

My next step was to contact all the law enforcement agencies, as far as I was concerned this was a possible abduction. I notified the Florence City Police, Lane County Sheriff and Oregon State Troopers. I asked the state to put out an APB for outlying Counties and they agreed to put out an APB for the entire Oregon Coast to be on the look out for her truck. After making all the calls I could, I returned to the Casino to meet with Security. Sgt. Freeburg told me the tapes showed Debi walked to her truck at 12:50 am, sat in it for 5 minutes and pulled out of the parking lot at 12:55 am.

I was extremely relieved to know that she was not abducted. But now what, the drive from the casino to our home is about 5 miles.The casino is on the south side of town east of Hwy 101 about a half mile. She should have come back to Hwy 101, drove North through town and we live about 3 miles North of Florence at Sutton Lake. You can imagine my state of mind, I had been calling her cell phone repeatedly and no answer, why isn't she answering her phone? My wife and I are very close and I knew without a doubt that she would come straight home if she could. As I left the casino I was praying a lot.

I went home and notified all the law enforcement agencies that it was not an abduction, that she is diabetic and the condition she was in, I was afraid she may have went into a diabetic coma or was wondering around lost in a near comatose state. I asked the Oregon State Troopers to contact Verizon Wireless, our cell phone provider to see if they could triangulate her cell phone to determine her location. They were hesitant, she has been missing for about 2 hours. I know what they were thinking.. How many men call the police to help them locate a cheating wife or girlfriend by telling the police some story, so I had to convince them otherwise. I stressed the fact that I am concerned she is in a diabetic coma and she has to be found immediately. I insisted they contact Verizon and try to locate her.

They finally agreed, it took about ten minutes and they called me back. Verizon said she had not used her phone all day but that there had been a lot of calls to it. Well I knew all those calls were me trying to contact her. Verizon said to trace her location she had to use her phone.

I drove all around town looking in parking lots thinking maybe she had to pull over and passed out. By 4 am I was convinced she was not in town, she wasn't answering her phone, so she must have been so disoriented that she got lost and headed out of town the wrong way and possibly wrecked her truck. This is rugged forest country with rivers and lakes near the roads, if you go very far out of town you loose cell phone service and she could have gone any number of directions. There are logging roads everywhere, little roads leading to homes in about every direction.

Even though the police had an APB out on her truck, I knew they didn't have the manpower to find her. I had to do something. What lengths would you go to trying to find your loved one? I knew I had to go out of town looking which meant I would loose phone service on my cell. I got my parents up and had my mom take calls from my home phone in case Debi called or the police called. My dad and I headed in different directions out of town, hoping to find her parked on the side of the road and looking for places she could have run off the road and checking those areas. In this country you could run off the road and not be found for a long time because of the thick forest and brush.

At 5 am my mom started calling friends to help in the search. At 6 am she called church members to start prayers. We felt Debi had to be unconscious to be gone for 5 hours. We were all praying for God to help us find her, for God to wake Debi up and have her call me. My mom had the local radio station broadcasting a diabetic emergency and for everyone to be on the lookout for Debi's truck with a description and license number.

I got back to town and in phone range about 6:30 am and started calling Debi's cell phone again and again, between calls from the City Police, Lane County Sheriff, Oregon State Police and the Three Rivers Casino all wanting to know if we had found her yet.

The call finally came at 7:38 am, my wife called me. She was crying but she sounded good. She had been unconscious for six and a half hours and was just coming to. My phone calls and I believe all the prayers brought her back to a conscious state, but she was very confused. She said honey I need help, I'm stuck in an elevator. I said what do you mean you're stuck in an elevator. She responded in a hesitant tone, I don't know somehow I fell in an elevator and I need help I can't get out. I said honey did you roll the truck. Moments passed as she thought about that, still just coming around from being unconscious for so long she finally said, I think so. I asked her what she could see and she said bushes and trees.

As we continued to talk I was heading down the street to my office where I work as a Florence Oregon Real Estate Broker, I knew her phone battery was very low and I had to get the State to have Verizon triangulate her position before her phone battery died. I unlocked the office and ran to a phone, I didn't even take the time to shut off the alarm, which was soon sounding alarm. I got the state on the phone, kept my wife talking and within 10 minutes they knew within about 3 miles where she was. There are numerous roads in that area and I had asked my wife if she knew where she was. She didn't but she said she could hear cars. I had her count how many she could hear and she said 5 to 10 in a minute or two. With the GPS reading the State Troopers had and that many cars going by we knew she was just south of Florence on Coastal Hwy 101. At 8:38 am Oregon State Troopers found where she had left the road.

We now believe she was unconscious when she drifted across the road and rolled about 75 feet down the embankment until she was stopped by a large fir tree. The truck stopped partially on its side yet nearly over which left my wife on her side but also somewhat hanging upside down by her seat belt. She had been there for seven and a half hours. She is in as good of condition as you can be after rolling down a 75' embankment and hanging by a seatbelt for that long. She was taken to the hospital and released yesterday afternoon with no broken bones, only bruises, very sore ribs and a few minor cuts. One Trooper said we should buy a lottery ticket because this was definitely our lucky day. Not many people live from a wreck like that. If she had left the road just a little sooner or later she would have hit large trees head on. Even though she rolled down the cliff the location where she left the road had slowed her enough that when she did start rolling and hit a tree it kept her from rolling another 75 to 100 feet down the hill.

People that go into Diabetic comas need immediate medical attention and without it they often die.

It was by Gods Grace and all the prayers of my parents, friends and church members that I still have my wife.

How do you Choose a Retirement Destination?

Dennis Pease — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 15:09:33 -0800

How do you Choose a Retirement Destination?

To many people it's somewhere they have traveled to, often many times. You must decide what you like to do with your spare time. Of course probably the most important decision is the type of climate you like. There are books written on this subject taking into consideration many aspects.

For more than 20 years, people have turned to author David Savageau for help in choosing the perfect location.

Considered the best source for selecting an ideal location for your retirement or second home, in this completely revised and updated edition, the top retirement areas are ranked and rated by six essential criteria to help you make the right choices for your lifestyle:

The best places to enjoy the performing arts and the outdoors
The most reasonably priced places to live
The most stable and comfortable climates
The safest and most crime-free areas
The best in health care, public library access, continuing education, and other services
The best opportunities for employment and affordable housing

Only in Retirement Places Rated is there;

A personalized quiz to help you determine the factors that are most important to you
Additional resources you can contact to make the most informed choices, from newspapers to tax commissions

Taking into consideration all these criteria Florence, Oregon was rated the #1 Place to Retire

David Savageau is the author of the best-selling Places Rated Almanac. Since 1982, he has traveled throughout the country visiting locations that attract older adults. He is a featured speaker at the U.S. Department of State's quarterly seminars on retirement.

In his latest edition he has ranked the top 10 places to retire based on his exhaustive research and analysis, as well as his travels.

Florence, Oregon
Scottsdale, Arizona
Charleston, South Carolina
Melbourne-Palm Bay, Florida
North County San Diego, California
Tucson, Arizona
Medford-Ashland, Oregon
Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
Daytona Beach, Florida
Fayetteville, Arkansas

Now obviously these Top 10 Retirement areas are different in many ways, so everyone needs to examine their own preferences as far as climate, area size, and usually closeness to relatives. I hope this list will help you in your decision of retirement areas.

Florence Oregon Market Report

Dennis Pease — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 15:10:15 -0800

Florence Oregon

Real Estate Market Report thru 10/06

The real estate market is stronger than many people think. When comparing Greater Lane County year to date trends to the same time period in 2005, new listings increased 12.1%. On the other hand, closed sales decreased 8.5% and pending sales dropped 11.2%, so one can see listings are up, sales and pending sales are down. These numbers reflect a national trend, as much of the country is experiencing much of the same.

At the same time appreciation is on the rise. During the same period, comparing the 12 months ending with October 2006 to the 12 months immediately prior the average sale price in Greater Lane County climbed 11.1% ($290,600 vs. $261,600). Using the same data we can see that the median sale price increased 7.9% ($247,000 vs. $229,000).

In Florence Oregon on the Coast prices are a little higher than the averages and of course much more desirable, on top of ranking as a top retirement area. To many baby boomer's looking for a great place to retire Florence Oregon ranks at the top. In fact Florence was named the #1 place to retire in the 352 page "Retirement Paces Rated" published in 2004.

The average sales price this year through October, 2006 is $292,800 and the average sales price in October was $371,500 mainly because this represents more of the higher end homes selling, beach, lake and river frontage homes.

We currently have a fairly high inventory of homes on the market, so it is still a buyers market and a very good time to buy with interest rates still low and prices still climbing. More and more retirees are selling elsewhere to be here on the wild Oregon Coast which offers so much for the active adult lifestyle.

Give us a call to get listings from the area or to make arrangement to come look at homes. Dennis Pease sells Florence Oregon Real Estate and is with RE/MAX Integrity - Which Sells More Real Estate in Lane County, Oregon than Anyone!