Good Monday Morning!

The Eugene, Springfield area and the entire State of Oregon is heading in direction that is very dangerous for homeowners.  The Oregon legislature has recently passed legislation that has put some strict rent control measures into effect.  Over time, this alone will create increases in rent rates.  But, the most dangerous legislation is now being talked about by the Oregon legislature.  Our representatives are discussing massive property tax increases and at the same time looking at removing some of the property tax safe guards that have aided in keeping property taxes under control in the past.  This is a dangerous road for Oregon to go down, because rental rates are already extremely high in many areas, including the Eugene/Springfield area.  Any property tax increases are going to be passed right on to the renters and this will lead to rents that spiral out of control over time.  It will also lead to fewer investors who are willing to build, purchase or retain rental properties.  Property tax increases put a squeeze on the rental inventory as well and again this leads to higher rental rates.  How does this effect the housing market?  We already have a housing crisis in the Eugene/Springfield area, where home prices have risen sharply over time and now there are few homes available that are in the price range suitable for first time homebuyers.  This has been caused by an enormous increase in land prices due to the County and City governements refusal to expand urban growth boundaries, higher labor costs, increased building material costs and already high property taxes.  Now you increase property taxes by and estimated 20% to 30% or more and you have just wiped out the potential for most first time buyers to ever purchase a homein our area.  At the same time as the home prices have increased, so have rents.  This creates a situation where would be first time home buyers are paying so much for rent that it is almost impossible for them to save enough money for a down payment and closing costs for a home.  The first time home buyer market also fuels the rest of the housing market.  This situation will have enourmous effects on our overall local housing market.

Is this what we want for Oregon and the Eugene/Springfield area?  It is dangerous road to be on and it is one that once you go down it, there is little chance of turning back.  It can lead to long term depression for our area and even worse it can lead to a situation to where young people and young familes can't afford to live in our community.  It also puts extreme pressure on retired people and those with fixed incomes.  If you are interested in stopping this potentially harmful legislation, then I suggest that you contact your state representative and voice your opinion right away.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

24542 Bolton Hill  

Price: $949,000    Beds: 4    Baths: 3/1    Sq Ft: 3700 

Stunning estate w/ amazing valley view! Enjoy beautiful sunsets & sunrises over Fern Ridge Lake & Three Sisters mountains from a serene & private hillside. Oak & hickory hardwoods, marble & porcelain tile. Master suite. Bonus rm w/ balcony, office & wet bar. Outdoor fireplace/pizza oven, patios, 5-car attached garage, covered RV parking, 6-car shop. Merchantable timber...View this property >> 

AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!