Buying Property in a Flood Zone in the Next Few Weeks?

You will not be able to buy flood insurance for it until Congress extends the National Flood Insurance Program, expected to be in the next few weeks. (If you already have insurance you are still covered. This applies only to new insurance.)

“FEMA told insurance agents in a letter, “the NFIP will experience a hiatus – a period without authority to issue new policies, issue increased coverage on existing policies, or issue renewal policies – until Congress reauthorizes it.” If you already have a policy, don’t panic. This hiatus will not impact the 5.6 million flood insurance policyholders nationwide. Any policy that is in force will remain in force, but if you need a renewal, you’ll have to wait.

The problem is that all insurance brokers must arrange for flood insurance through the Federal NFIP. There is no other option for purchasing insurance through your home insurance broker or agency.”

http://www.housingwatch.com/2010/04/05/congress-lets-flood-insurance-program-expire/

2410 Spring: Mid-Century Modern Open Today, 1:00-3:30

Fawn Faribault is holding 2410 Spring Open today from 1:00-3:30. It’s a great example of Mid Century architecture, with walls of windows to a view of open spaces, 2 fireplaces and many large rooms. Officially 4 bedrooms, and two other multi-purpose rooms plus the family and living room. All this for less than $130 a sq. ft., and in the Edison, Roosevelt, and South schools.

So go there NOW and see this great buy in an extremely desirable area. And tell Fawn you saw it on the blog! If you can’t make it today call Fawn for a private showing, 541-520-4818.

Open House 3055 Alder, only $186,000

Chris Mills is holding 3055 Alder open from 2:00-4:00 today.  Just listed, amazing value for a little house near campus.

It’s 2 bedrooms, hardwood floors and fireplace, built in 1953.  Not updated, but at this price you can update it yourself, the way you like.  Drop by Chris’s Open house or call him at 541-729-5869.

A Great Value Open Saturday Feb. 27th, 10:00-12:00

The early bird gets a really good deal tomorrow in Veneta.  25175 E Hunter Rd. is a duplex on over half an acre for only $158,900!   It has a  2 bedroom one bath 1953 house with vaulted beamed ceiling, knotty pine paneling and a rock fireplace, and a newer (90s?) 1 bedroom 1 bath unit above the 2 car garage.  A great way to subsidize your mortgage, and it qualifies for the $8000 first time buyer tax credit!

Drop by and see it Saturday Feb.27th 10:00-12:00 or call Brian Schartz at 541-912-9368 to set up a showing.

Customer Service Contact Help, or How to Reach the Person You’re Trying to Reach In As Few Steps As Possible

I just found this site, Contact Help, with phone numbers and tips to get out of the “push 2 now” maze and reach real people as quickly as possible. I have only tried it for one place (B of A) but I used the advice “If asked to speak a specific reason you are calling, just mumble. You will then be transferred to a live person.”  Their logo:

Let me know how it works for you!

Price Checking Zillow…Sold Real Estate Prices in Lane County

In 2007 when I first heard of Zillow its “zestimates” were almost always wrong, and usually on the high side. This made it hard when I’d tell a seller he should list his house at $xx and zillow told him it was worth $yy.  So I thought I’d try again with several different types of properties, areas, and prices. I used homes that closed in the last few days.

• 90040 VALLEY VISTA DR, Elmira: Country property, 12+ acres, 2100 sq. ft. Zillow says it’s worth $330,000, or a range of $277k-359k.  It just sold for $365k, after 40 days on the market at $385k. Zillow was -35,000.
• 76867 RIDGE DR, Cottage Grove: Also country, but just .74 acres, 1900 sq. ft. Zillow says $263,000, range of $218k-284k. It just sold for $290,000 after 87 days on the market starting at $295,500. Zillow was -27,000.

Open House: 6411 Forest Ridge, Springfield

Chris Mills is having our REO listing at 6411 Forest Ridge open Sunday from 2:00-4:00. This is the one up in the Mountaingate Subdivision, built for the builder of best quality materials…slate, cherry, granite and more. It’s a 3492 square foot home on over half an acre for only $429,900, which makes it not only the lowest priced per square foot but the lowest priced existing home up there! Four bedrooms 3 baths, den and family room. Come see it Sunday.  More photos.

See related Blog here Directions: Main St. to Mountaingate, left on Forest Ridge to address. Sunday January 31st, 2:00-4:00 Call Chris Mills for more info, 729-5869

Unclaimed Property in Oregon = Found Money

Check this out. Unclaimed property (meaning money) in Oregon can be found here.  You could have a couple hundred dollars waiting for you! And who doesn’t like finding money?

Craftsman Home between Pleasant Hill and Creswell

 Friends and Neighbors just put 83120 Cloverdale on the market for what I think is a great price!  This Craftsman House on 5.11 Acres is offered at only $425,000.  It’s a 2472 sq. ft. house with a 624 sq. ft. garage and a 1260 sq. ft. shop.  House has  gorgeous woodwork, including Brazilian Cherry floors, Alder cabinets, and granite counters and bar. Exterior features are Hardi-Plank siding, front porch and side patio, dog run, and established landscaping.  Don’t be fooled by the front…much bigger than it looks! Sits way back from the road. Many more photos here.   And website is www.83120Cloverdale.com  Call me for more details. Sharon 915-8969

Green–Shipping Container Homes

Have you considered building a home from used shipping containers? If you like modern architecture and are looking for sustainable materials, take a look at what’s being done with shipping containers. From beach cabins to massive homes and even office buildings, they are an exciting way to reduce, reuse, and recycle.