Retiring in Eugene: What to Know Before You Move

Are you looking for a beautiful place to retire with mild weather, excellent outdoor recreation,

and a relaxed pace of life? The Eugene Life is for you! Eugene, Oregon and the greater Lane

County area offer unmatched beauty and livability that make it a popular destination for retirees

looking to relocate.

What to know before retiring in Eugene

Climate, culture, recreation — there’s a lot to love about living in Eugene! However, while

Eugene is known for its livability, relocating to Oregon has financial implications for retirees.

Retirees should know that Oregon taxes income from retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs

at the full state income tax rate. On the plus side, the state has no sales tax and below-average

property tax rates. After owning your house for five years, you may be eligible to defer property

taxes.

While property taxes are reasonable, home prices in Eugene are higher than the national

average. In June 2021, the median home price in Eugene was $425,000 with many homes

selling in under a week.

How to buy a home in Eugene

To compete in Eugene’s competitive housing market, Eugene homebuyers need to have

financing in order before making an offer. Conventional loans are most competitive among

financed purchase offers due to fewer regulations and shorter time to close. Conventional

mortgages also have more competitive rates than FHA loans with no mandatory mortgage

insurance with 20% equity.

You’ll also need a local real estate agent that knows the Eugene area inside and out. Aaron

Stansbury at The Eugene Life and Keller Williams Realty prides himself on his knowledge of

Lane County and the surrounding areas and his ability to help people find and buy their dream

home.

What to prioritize when buying a home in retirement

After securing financing and hiring your real estate agent, you’re ready to start shopping for your

next home. Other than a great location, what should retirees look for when buying a home?

Neighborhood

Safety, walkability, and convenience are top priorities for older buyers. Active retirees should

look for neighborhoods with parks, shopping, dining, and other social opportunities nearby. The

Crest Drive, Cal Young, Fairmount, and Amazon neighborhoods top the list of best places to live

in Eugene. Lane County is also home to several growing small towns for retirees who prefer a

slower pace.

Transportation

If you plan on living in your home long-term, there may come a day you no longer drive. While

not everyone wants to live in a tight-knit neighborhood, it’s important to consider your new

home’s proximity to shopping and other amenities. If your next home doesn’t have access to

public transportation, are you close enough to make taxis and ride-sharing services affordable?

Accessibility

Older buyers should choose a home that will allow for ease of access as they age. Look for a

house with a level driveway, no steps at the main entrance, a first-floor bedroom and bathroom,

and a flexible layout for future renovations. While you might not need these features today,

you’ll appreciate an accessible home if you experience mobility changes later in life.

Additional nice-to-have amenities for older homebuyers include extra-wide doorways and

hallways, spacious bathrooms with roll-in access, and accessible kitchens. While single-story

homes are ideal, it’s possible to retrofit multi-story homes with stairlifts and elevators. Factor

renovations into your home-buying budget to avoid sticker shock. Full kitchen remodels can cost

upwards of $50,000 and $20,000 for full bathroom remodels isn’t uncommon.

Lane County is a fantastic place to spend your retirement years, but there’s more than greenery

and culture to consider when relocating to Oregon for retirement. Retirees relocating to Eugene

should understand what to expect from the housing market and how to find a home that meets

their needs as aging homeowners. When you’re ready to find your Oregon dream home, contact

Aaron Stansbury at The Eugene Life for expert insights into the local Lane County market.

Written by Bob Shannon

5 Home Upgrades You Don't Want to Miss Out On in 2021

In 2020, 76% of Americans made at least one improvement to their homes, and that can-do attitude is continuing in 2021. This is year is huge for the home improvement market, but what are the unmissable upgrades homeowners are interested in?

Major trends are leaning towards outdoor improvements, home offices, and an increase in home security, but as always, before diving into a total home overhaul, you should assess your needs and budget.

1.    Outdoor living

The major lifestyle changes we collectively went through in 2020 have impacted us deeply, and also affected the way we think of our homes. After all that time spent indoors, people are excited to be outside and make the most of their backyards, gardens, and patios.

Outdoor living is a major trend that’s not only very convenient, especially in the summer months, but also adds value and desirability to your property, should you plan to sell in the near future. Outdoor kitchens or entertaining areas are extremely popular at the moment, with dining areas, state of the art grills, and fire pits being installed in homes all across the U.S.

2.    Home office

The other big change that came with the territory last year was the shift to working from home. Millions of employees around the country – and around the world – have switched to working remotely temporarily or even permanently.

That means that most of them now need a dedicated space for work, and it led to the rise of the home office. While some may make do with working in bed or at the kitchen table, between parents working from home and kids going to school from home, a separate office space is definitely needed for a lot of families.

The good news is that this is easy to set up. It just takes bringing in a desk, a comfortable chair, some storage space, and all your essential devices, including computers and cameras. Many households are also upgrading to high-speed internet to support the increase in online activity.

3.    Major home repairs

All this time spent at home has really given homeowners a chance to notice just how many maintenance jobs there are to do around the house. 2021 is a big year for home repairs, as people are taking this opportunity to get their properties in shipshape.

Roof repairs are a popular choice, because they’re a big, expensive job that is very necessary, lest things get worse. The other major repairs homeowners are getting up to are window replacements, filling in cracks, as well as fixing or replacing old, rotting wooden decks. There is a big focus on exterior repair and refresh, so you don’t want to skip that.

4.    Energy efficient homes

With all the energy we’re using between working, going to school, and hanging out – all at home – it has become apparent that expenses are increasing, so energy efficiency is a big concern moving forward.

Following on previous inroads made in this sector, more and more homeowners are choosing to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, devices, and solutions. Solar roof panels are a simple way to make the most of renewable energy, but other options are also worth looking into.

Newer, more modern appliances tend to be more energy efficient, so if you were due for an upgrade on your fridge and washing machine, this can be a good opportunity to go green. Other easy and efficient swaps are smart thermostats and lightbulbs – these alone can save you hundreds on your energy bill.

5.    Increased safety

It’s impossible not to think about home safety at a time like this, so that’s a major category families are investing in this year. With so many smart tech advances, it’s easier and more affordable than ever before to secure your home.

Devices like a smart doorbell give you some peace of mind by allowing you to see who you’re opening the door to and who’s been stealing your online orders. Smart cameras can also be a great investment, as they can give you a 24/7 live feed of the outside of your home and notify you the second they detect suspicious movement.

More and more households are also switching to keyless locks. Instead, there is a keypad and a code you can change as many times as you like. Stolen keys are no longer an issue.

Final thoughts

The past couple of years have been challenging for all of us, but they also yielded some positive changes, mainly related to home ownership and upgrades. More people than ever before have taken it upon themselves to improve their homes, whether it was a fresh coat of paint or a brand new grill.

Whether you’re concerned with energy efficiency, home maintenance, or improving your outdoor space, make sure to carefully consider your needs and the potential value these improvements can bring.

A Short Resource Guide To Help Veteran Seniors Downsize Quickly

A Short Resource Guide To Help Veteran Seniors Downsize Quickly

Image via Pexels

Retirement is the perfect time to reevaluate your living situation as a veteran. If you are currently still in a large family-style home, downsizing to something smaller is often a smart choice. Scroll on for a few links that can help you determine if it’s the right time to move and how to manage your relocation.

Is The Time Right?

Before downsizing and choosing which type of home you’d like to move into, do an honest evaluation of your needs. If you have considerable mobility issues, moving into a retirement home may be in your best interest.

This Is the Perfect Size for a Retirement Home

How to Help an Elderly Loved One Downsize

Two Questions Can Reveal Mobility Problems in Seniors

Work with Aaron Stansbury to Find a Home That Suits Your Needs

Paying Your Way

Now that you’ve made the decision to downsize, you’ll need to do a thorough review of your finances. Once you know what’s in your budget, you can start shopping for mortgages.

How to Get a Mortgage

Explore Rates on Home Loans Backed By the VA

You’ve Earned It: Housing Grants Can Help Disabled Veterans

The Details

Now it’s time to prepare for your move. Understand the steps you need to take, costs involved, and professionals you may need to hire to get the job done.

25 Ways To Clear Clutter

A Complete List of Moving Companies With Military Discounts

The Right Move: Working with a Senior Move Manager

Now that you have the information, it’s time to weigh your options as you determine the best course for your downsizing efforts. The links above can help, but remember, only you can decide if the time is right.

If you’re looking to purchase a home in Lane County, work with dedicated and experienced realtor Aaron Stansbury! 503-396-1787

Written by Katie Conroy for The Eugene Life Professional CORP

How to Feel at Home After Moving to Eugene

How to Feel at Home After Moving to Eugene

Eugene is a bustling town that serves as a wonderful home for many families and young professionals. Are you planning to move to Eugene? Check out the following resources to get settled in and explore your new community!

Tackle Your Moving Checklist

Eugene Water & Electric Board

How to Unpack After a Move (Without Driving Yourself Crazy in the Process)

Cheap Car Insurance in Eugene, Oregon

Eugene School District

Make Local Connections

Find a Babysitter in Eugene

Churches in Eugene, OR

Auto Repair Shops in Eugene

How and Where to Recycle

Find a Local Pet Sitter in Eugene Online

Discover Local Favorites 

Grocery Stores in Eugene, OR

Cafés in Eugene

Eugene Recreation

Lane County Farmers Market

Eugene Public Library

Setting Up Your Small Business

Google Ads: Buy Branded Keyword Ads Announcing Your Move

4 Things to Remember When Moving Your Business

How to Move an LLC from One State to Another

Why Domesticating an LLC in Your New State Is a Great Idea

Your Google My Business Listing

You’ll never run out of things to do in the beautiful Eugene. Once you have checked everything off your moving to-do list, venture out into town and get to know your new neighborhood! You’ll fall in love with Eugene in no time!

If you’re planning to move to Eugene but haven’t found that perfect home yet, get in touch with Realtor Aaron Stansbury today by visiting The Eugene Life.

Written by Katie Conroy for The Eugene Life Professional CORP

Things to Consider When Buying Your First Investment Property

Things to Consider When Buying Your First Investment Property

Things to Consider When Buying Your First Investment PropertyBuying an investment property can be a great financial move. However, before you jump into real estate investment, you’ll need to carefully consider what kind of property to buy, how you’ll manage the property, and what return on investment you can expect. Don’t forget that if you have any questions about the Eugene housing market, you can reach out to Aaron Stansbury, a member of the Keller Williams team who has plenty of experience in the area!

Having the Right Mindset

If you’re buying an investment property for the first time, it can be a bit overwhelming. Whether you’re buying a rental condo in the city, a commercial investment property, or even a vacation rental on the beach, you’ll need to ensure you’re making a good investment, and won’t be risking a big loss. When searching for your first investment property, don’t listen to your emotions; instead, develop a business mindset. Unlike purchasing your own home, when you go with a gut feeling to buy a home that will make you feel great, an investment property is a business investment. As such, it’s important to be as logical as possible throughout the decision-making process and use your head, not your heart. 

Return on Investment 

Investing in property is all about making a good return. When deciding what property will give you a good return on investment, use the 1 percent rule. This rule states that each month your gross income should be at least 1 percent of the price you paid for the investment property, including any renovations or upgrades you made to the space. If the property is far more expensive than that, walk away. This won’t be a good choice for your first investment.

Calculating Expenses

Once you’re sure you’ll get a good return on the property, calculate the expenses of managing and maintaining the property. Consider all the expenses your property will incur, such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance costs, vacancy costs, and property management expenses. A good rule of thumb is the 50 percent rule, which suggests that your expenses will be roughly 50 percent of your gross income on the property.

Managing Investment Property

When deciding to purchase your first investment property, it can be tempting to be very hands-on and become your own property manager. You may want to act as a landlord or oversee the operations of the building. Managing your investment property on your own may save you some costs, but hiring a property management service will be more effective and save you from making any costly rookie mistakes. They will handle marketing, build a website, find the right tenants, handle all concerns, and maximize your returns, among other things, and you won’t have the headache of making all these decisions.

What to Consider When Buying Rental Property

If you’re buying a rental property as your first investment property, there are a few more factors to consider. When deciding if the rental property will give you a good return, consider home prices in the area (Eugene homes have been selling for an average of $360,000) and how much you’ll be able to charge for rent, factoring in the location of the property, the home type, and any updates you make to the building. Think carefully about what renters in the area are looking for in a property, and be sure that this property is appealing to renters; otherwise, you’ll suffer from high vacancy costs, and sink a lot of money into a property no one wants to rent. With a rental property, you’ll definitely want to hire a property management service to manage all your tenants and enjoy peace of mind knowing your property is in good hands.

When buying an investment property for the first time, make sure you’re making a good investment. Carefully consider the potential return on investment and the expenses, and treat this decision like any other business decision. Weigh the risks and rewards, and make sure your first investment property isn’t too risky. Once you find a property that will provide a great return, move forward with the investment and find a qualified property management service to take care of all the ins and outs of your investment property.

Written by Katie Conroy for The Eugene Life Professional CORP