Bobby Stevens ~ Eugene, Oregon Realtor

I'm in the habit of asking my clients for ongoing feedback on my performance, and after a close I request their input on what worked well for them, what I could do to improve my service, and if they could provide a short testimonial I can use in my marketing.

I just assisted in the close of a wonderful condo - I was actually the "co-agent" handling the marketing, coordination, and customer care for my principal broker who secured the listing and handled the contract negotiation. Imagine my thrill and satisfaction when I recieved the following in email after the sale recorded:

"This summer Bobby Stevens represented us in the sale of our home. We were exceptionally pleased with the service and consultation he provided during that process. In reflection, the following actions and personal characteristics of Bobby are worthy of mention:

• Marketing—Expedient, broad range of internet sites, creative, verbally captured the essence of our property and its strengths, constructively suggested home interior changes to maximize the video presentation of the property (virtual tour), well prepared.
• Communication—Honest, constant email and phone updates without our having to request them, instant follow through on realtor inquiries, forthright, respectful, relaxed, utilized professional resources effectively, prompt communication with realtors who showed our home to gain feedback on the property, encouraged and welcomed questions from all parties.
• Going the extra mile—Hung a stubborn patio screen door for us, came immediately to place a new lock box on our property when the first one became jammed, incorporated our data sheet from a recent remodel into his marketing strategy, demonstrated patience and skill while coordinating efforts of title company, lender, and home inspection personnel.
• Character—Attention to details in reviewing documents, warm, sense of humor, thinks quickly. We recommend Bobby to you for your marketing and real estate needs. "
  

Mary Ann Klausner and Karen Howell
8/21/08

Thanks Mary Ann and Karen, for a wonderful experience!
Bobby Stevens
541 225-8081

More big flavors in Eugene's Whiteaker Neighborhood.

I used to work in the Whiteaker, and the New Day Bakery was my frequent go-to for a quick but healthy breakfast before hitting the shop in the morning.

You can count on organic ingredients, a variety of toothsome baked goods and strong coffee.

Lunchtime brought out the hearty soups and sandwiches, and I don't think I ever went away hungry.

I like to meet up with friends after work for a Pint and perhaps a slice of pizza, and for that, there's no better place than Sam Bonds Garage. You will never want for conversation when you belly up to the bar, as there always seem to be some colorful, quintessential Eugeneans hanging out and expounding on topics ranging from revolution to evolution. Conspiracy theories anyone? :-)

Head outside to the patio though, and the world slows way down. Quaff your beer in silence or chat with good friends, either way it makes for a relaxing end to a hectic day.

As the sun goes down, the music scene heats up with great local and regional artists.

Do come down and join us, Sam Bonds is a great place to be.

Eugene's Whiteaker neighborhood may be small, but it's full of big flavors.

Thai food is one of my favorites, and there are a number of good sources in Eugene. I've always preferred Chao Pra Ya. They've recently expanded and remodeled, but the delicious food remains the star of the show.

Last night I tried the Pepper Salt Squid for the first time, and I wish I hadn't waited! Lots of good sized pieces of tender yet crispy tempura battered squid, with onions, green and red peppers in a sweet and tangy sauce. The Pad See Yew with tofu is a favorite of my wife and daughter, and the curries are great as well.

The spice can be on the hot side, so go with mild if you can't handle the heat.

Equally savory, but worlds apart in character, is Papa's Soul Food Kitchen. I must confess I stayed away awhile because I'm not a consumer of land animals. I dig fish though, and it's worth a trip down Blair Boulevard for the pan-fried snapper alone.

Papa's also has a great selection of comfort-food side dishes - tangy collard greens, garlic mashed potatoes, and yummy mac & cheese to name a few, so don't worry about finding something tasty if you're a vegetarian.

Wash it all down with a cold jar of sweet tea and you'll feel like you're dining South of the Mason-Dixon line!

Now that the days are getting longer and (hopefully) warmer, it’s a great time to get outside and care for the exterior of your home – and not just for appearances sake. Curb appeal is one of the critical factors in creating desire when it comes time to sell your home, and deferring the maintenance chores below can end up costing you a lot more than giving up a weekend or two!

1. Get the gunk off (and out).
After the leaves fell in the fall you cleaned out your gutters, right? Well, most homes benefit from at least three cleanings – fall, mid-winter, and again in spring to remove storm debris. First get out the leaf blower and tackle the roof, then scoop the leaves (or if you live among the evergreens, that thick carpet needles) out of those gutters. If you don’t like heights, hire a qualified service provider to do the job for you.

2. Give your house a shower.
Plan the big wash when several dry sunny days are forecast – the hotter the better for quick, thorough drying. Before you start, trim back encroaching vegetation, keeping it at least one foot away from siding and trim. Plants are a potential invasion route for insects, and can thick foliage can stifle air circulation - promoting molds and rot.

Use caution when spraying - pressure washers can do damage before you even realize it. Hire a pro, or do it yourself with a long handled brush, a bucket of suds designed for house washing, and your trusty garden hose. Be careful not to force water up under siding and take it easy around windows and doors – direct the stream of water down like the falling rain and you should be fine. This is the perfect time to inspect siding and trim for chipped, peeling, or chalky paint. If you find areas that need help, plan to touch them up yourself or hire a pro – and remember that the best painters book up early for the entire summer

3. Check your deck.
Long wet winters can be particularly brutal to these large expanses of wood – now is the time to get yours in shape for summer grilling and outdoor entertaining. Clean debris out of the gaps between the boards to promote air circulation and prevent rot. (A drywall saw words great for this – but be careful!) While you’re at it check for protruding fasteners, cracked boards, wobbly railings, rot, or other damage and remedy these situations.

Now it’s time to clean – avoid the pressure washer on a wood deck – the damage they cause can be unsightly and shorten its lifespan. Instead, use a stiff bristle brush and a non-toxic biodegradable detergent and/or wood brightener. After a good rinse and a couple of sunny days, apply a clear sealer or transparent stain.

Now that you’ve cleaned up your castle, lower the drawbridge and get out of there! Hike the hills, stroll the lanes, visit your local parks, or head for the coast or the mountains to really get away from it all.

Happy house cleaning,
Bobby

bobby@alternativerealtor.com

541 225-8081
Eugene, Oregon

With a 167% increase in foreclosures from 2006 to 2007, Nevada tops the list of the hardest hit states in the nation. Two Las Vegas Realtors have taken their show on the road in an effort to make a dent in the down market. Wayne Newton would be proud.

Sin City Realtors Barbara and Marshall Zucker noted that 40% of all home sales in their market were foreclosures. Seeking to help their clients find the bargains, they bought a bus, dubbed it the “Vegas Foreclosure Express” and begin offering tours of repossessed homes. They screen houses, select the best, and take their clients, 24 at a time, on ten minute tours of each property – the real estate version of speed dating. Along the way, they offer onboard counseling on finance and home buying. It would appear that they are raking in the chips - since February they have closed several deals and have over 26 offers pending. Operators have revved up to tap this market in other struggling states as well. Cesar Dias, the originator of the foreclosure tour, hit the road in Stockton, California in September 2007, bringing his brokerage back from the brink of bankruptcy.

In Eugene we have much to be thankful for. Oregon ranked 22nd in the 2007 foreclosure rankings, and while the current inventory of Eugene homes for sale is about twice the average vs. one year ago, median sale price has only declined 6.1% since market peak in June 2007.

I’m not aware of any plans for a foreclosure tour in Eugene. Buyers are still buying (some getting great bargains). Sellers are still selling. The smart ones have taken care of their home's condition and hired a skilled REALTOR for help with presentation, competitive pricing, and a targeted marketing plan to attract the attention of qualified buyers in town and across the country. And hopefully, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!

Cheers, Bobby

bobby@alternativerealtor.com 541 225-8081

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Sources: Associated press, Fortune Small Business, Eugene RMLS