Property Taxes Explained by a former County Appraiser!

by Janell Arant

In the last several years, homeowners have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of what comes with an absurdly imbalanced seller’s market, resulting from a high demand for housing with not enough inventory, which created unprecedented home equity gains.

Picture a typical spring storm – a little wind, a little rain turning to giant snowflakes that melt the next day, right? Maybe a few broken branches, but people are outside walking their dog and getting on with their day. Then, picture bomb cyclone...a culmination of extreme weather conditions all joining forces, never seen before in one storm.

Now picture your 2023/24 property taxes as that bomb cyclone (yes it’s a stretch but stay with me). In this scenario, the County Assessor’s office is the weather reporter, simply gathering the data and delivering the report to you, good or bad. The County appraisers gather sales data occurring during a select period of time, to value homes equitably so property taxes can be collected by the County Treasurer to pay for public services such as schools, roads, water, sewer, libraries, and public safety! All the things we need to run our cities well.

On May 1st the news of that bomb cyclone is hitting homeowner’s mailboxes in the form of a little postcard known as your NOV (Notice of Value) sent by the Assessor’s office.

For homeowners, it comes down to this: While unprecedented housing market conditions were great for earning equity, they are now going to be paying for it in their property taxes. BUT, it might be possible to reduce the amount owed, at least by a little, by doing some legwork + research! Protesting your property value is every tax payer’s right.

Please let me know if you have questions or would like help with the process. I’m here to be your local Real Estate Resource!

Related Links

• Real Estate Market Update

• Record apartment supply is good for mortgage rates

• 5 Reasons Millennials Are Buying Homes

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Real Estate Market Update

by Nick DiPasquale

The housing market continues to favor sellers, and that will likely remain the case for the foreseeable future.

For buyers, the market remains highly competitive. Low inventory and high demand are leading to bidding wars and higher home prices, as well as an increase in multiple offer situations and a sharp decline in days on market from February to March.

However, numbers across the board show the market is cooler than this time last year, when interest rates were much lower. Higher interest rates will always have a significant effect on the market, both impacting buying power and keeping homeowners, most of whom are paying much lower rates on their current mortgage, in their homes unless they have to move.

Expect activity to continue gaining momentum, even in the slower areas, over the next several months, as March through July is the seasonal busy period for the housing market. Interest rates will temper that, though, and keep us below the craziness we experienced in the past few years.

This post-pandemic housing market is starting to look more like it did prior to 2020, but will continue to present things we have not seen before. While some have predicted a market correction or downtick, the market has shown an historic resilience, even from the greatest fluctuations in the market.

Navigating through it all successfully will come down to knowledge, creativity and lots of patience. This starts with having a great team of trusted advisors around you — from your financial advisor to your lender to your Realtor.

Related Links

• Ultimate Guide To Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring for Your Home

• Record apartment supply is good for mortgage rates

• 5 Reasons Millennials Are Buying Homes

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Featured at West + Main Downtown Bend, Oregon: Megan Marie Myers

Excited to hold our office open again on First Friday May the 5th!

Please join us as we celebrate the night in our new downtown office and come meet our featured artist. You can purchase her works. We’ll have refreshments, swag, and friendly faces.

Stop by our Downtown Bend office to see some amazing art by Megan Marie Myers!

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Megan Marie Myers

WEST + MAIN HOMES
750 NW Lava Rd. Bend, OR 97703
5.5.2023, 5-8pm

 

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Meet Megan!

I am a painter, illustrator, and native Oregonian. My favorite projects are inspired by the outdoors and the connection we have to our natural surroundings and to each other. 

My vision for my artwork is to cultivate connection between all people and nature through art.

A few of my clients include: Hydro Flask, Outdoor Ukulele, Mt. Bachelor, Visit Bend, Summit Medical Group, 1859 Oregon's Magazine, and Vooks.

Learn more about Megan in our Q+A!

What is your studio like? Where do you create?

My studio is walking distance from downtown Bend and it is in my yard across from the house. It was formerly a spider-filled toolshed! But we upgraded it before I moved in, so it’s got a nice north-facing window, lights, drywall, plenty of shelving, and a heater for the winter. It’s not beautiful; nothing like what you would see on Pinterest! It’s pretty bare-bones and definitely a work space. Paint is all over the floor. All the fixtures are hand-built and unfinished. I’ve got an area dedicated to shipping, and I have a large plywood easel for my big paintings. My splurge on the studio was a dutch door, which I painted teal, so in the summer, I can swing the top of the door open and get a nice breeze.

What makes Bend’s economy work for you to set up shop here?

At the time, I don’t think I fully realized what an ideal time it was to start working on something like this in Bend. I personally feel like there are a number of contributing factors to why the work has done well here so far. First, Bend residents LOVE living here and are very proud of our city, our outdoors, our people, and our active lifestyle. Residents seem to be very intentional about supporting local businesses and artists; they love to see work that reflects the unique qualities we love about this place. I felt like the most important thing I could do for my life and my business in Bend was to make connections as a resident sharing the values of my community. I spent a lot of time making artwork that was inspired specifically by places in Central Oregon. I listened to people when they’d tell me why they loved living here and I listened to myself about why I loved it here. These sentiments became the heart of my work. For me, making art is about connection, so in a lot of ways, I just think it hit a nerve because people who choose to live here all want to feel a connection to place, nature, and each other in this tight-knit community.

Your art is very nature oriented. What inspires that?

When I’m not making artwork, I’m trail running, hiking, camping, or just staring up at the trees. The work is nature oriented because that is where I feel most at home, most exhilarated, and most inspired. And actually, I would say that while the work is nature-oriented, it is foremost about relationships: our relationships to nature, our relationships to each other, and our relationships to ourselves. That’s why I don’t typically paint landscapes alone; there are always characters in my work. By including them, a relationship is created. The characters function as our guides into the natural settings and I think that’s what makes the work feel approachable. So, I wouldn’t say that my initial intent was to find a hole in the market. It might have been something I stumbled into just from listening to people and what spiritually fills them up. It’s been really cool to find that it’s resonating and I feel like the sentiment of the work sort of compliments the outdoor industry in an interesting way and it’s starting to get recognized for that a bit. Like, the idea that being an outdoors-(wo)man isn’t necessarily just about being a badass or winning races or whatever. It’s about doing something that fills your heart and connects you to the natural world and your community. Whenever I get a chance to collaborate with the outdoor industry to help build the connections between people and place, I’m always excited for the opportunity. Zooming out, I also really hope that my work can do a small part to build healthy relationships between people and nature. If the work does anything to help create reverence for our planet, it may encourage each of us to do what we can to preserve and protect it..

Do you have a day job or is your art your full time work now?

It’s full time. Haha – beyond full time. And I can’t remember how I ever did it without putting in so many hours. But creating art is only half of the work and running the business is the other half; sometimes more. There is ALWAYS stuff to do. The last few years have been a real lesson in trying to find balance between creating, business, and having a life and staying healthy. I just hired a part time employee this year which has made an indescribable difference. I’ve also taken some important time to read more business books and learn more about workflow, which has helped a lot.

Do you have words of wisdom you would like to share with aspiring artists ?

When I was in school, it never occurred to me that if you decided to make art for a living, then it is a business. And you need to know about business just as much, or more, than you know about art. That said, foremost, I would advise anyone starting out to take business classes alongside your art classes if you’re serious about making a living at it. I can’t believe that business classes aren’t required in an art program. There is nothing wrong with making art as a side-gig or hobby, but if you want to go full time with it – learn everything you can about business and know that at least half of your time will not be creating. A harsh reality! But don’t get down on the business side, because it is SO fulfilling and you get so many friends along the way. I would also encourage aspiring artists to have mentors. And collaborate as often as you can with other artists or businesses. Connect with other creative entrepreneurs (in person, not just online!) and talk openly about your struggles, triumphs, and be generous in sharing information. We can learn a lot from each other. Every huge leap I’ve made in my business was because another generous business owner shared their knowledge with me. And of course, cheer others on in your community and in your industry; a rising tide lifts all boats.

Some questions were originally shared in an interview on Southern Oregon Business Journal here

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Get in touch with Megan Marie Myers

Website: meganmariemyers.com

Instagram: @meganmariemyersart

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If you are a local artist/crafter/maker/indie business owner and would like to be featured on our blog, please fill out this form or contact Greg Fischer at greg@westandmainoregon.com with questions...we can't wait to learn all about you!

Just Listed: Rustic Charm and Comfortable Living in the Popular Golf Community of Eagle Crest!

This rustic, cozy chalet has unique qualities and is located in the popular golf community of Eagle Crest.

Features include open concept living, cathedral ceilings, spacious loft area designated for work or play, wood beams with decorative iron work, river rock corner fireplace with live-edge mantle, a hot tub, storage and more..... Private master suite is on the 2nd floor with ensuite bath and jetted tub. The kitchen has a breakfast bar and overlooks the dining and family room. There is a laundry and linen closet in the hallway. A new furnace and heat pump being installed. Carpets professionally cleaned. The Eagle Crest community offers rental management services if you are interested in purchasing as an income/ vacation property. There is a shuttle service to the airport and on-property! The HOA's include all the sports center activities; Pickle ball, swimming pool and spa, basketball, racquet ball, tennis and more..... Golf is extra. The owner is offering Seller Financing!

Listed by Roma + Dan Larsson for West + Main Homes. Please contact Roma for current pricing + availability.

 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
Roma + Dan Larsson
541-610-3896
teamlarsson@westandmainoregon.com

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How To Maintain Your Plumbing and Avoid Costly Repair Bills

A plumbing system is a complex network of pipes, fixtures, and valves that all work together to bring you clean water and dispose of your wastewater.

Although this system is designed to last, it can become damaged or worn over time due to age, wear and tear, or even just poor maintenance. Fortunately, there are some simple steps that homeowners can take to extend the life of their plumbing system and avoid costly repair bills down the line. 

Check for Leaks Regularly
Leaky pipes are one of the most common causes of water damage in homes and can be extremely expensive to repair. The best way to avoid leaks in your plumbing system is to check for them on a regular basis. Look under sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances for any signs of moisture or water damage. If you do find a leak, it's important to call a professional plumber as soon as possible to help you identify the source and make repairs.

Clean Out Drains Regularly
Clogged drains are another common problem in many homes. To prevent clogs from forming in your plumbing system, make sure you clean out your drains regularly using an enzyme-based drain cleaner or hot water mixed with baking soda or vinegar. This will help keep debris from building up in the pipes and causing major clogs down the line. It's also important to never put grease down your kitchen sink as this can solidify inside your pipes and cause major blockages over time.

Inspect Exposed Pipes Occasionally
Inspecting exposed pipes occasionally is one of the best ways to ensure that they remain in good condition over time. Look closely at any exposed pipes for signs of corrosion, rusting, or other damage, such as cracks or leaks. If you notice anything unusual, it's important to call a professional plumber right away before small issues become big ones! And don't forget about your water heater—check it regularly for rusting or any other signs that it needs replacing. 

Maintaining a healthy plumbing system doesn’t have to be difficult - but it does require some regular attention from homeowners! Taking proactive steps like checking for leaks regularly, cleaning out drains often, and inspecting exposed pipes occasionally will go a long way toward extending the life of your plumbing system - saving you time and money in the long run! So don’t forget: when it comes to plumbing maintenance, prevention is always better than cure!

Get more on RISMedia.

Related Links

• What’s the Difference Between a Home Inspection and an Appraisal?

• Got a tax refund? 6 Home Improvements Will Level Up Your Living (and Help Sell Your House)

• The Three Factors Affecting Home Affordability Today

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Search Homes in Oregon

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