A Birthday Love Story - By the Ranstads

Kelly - I'm having a hard time with your birthday present.
Bryan - I must say a gift from the heart is getting old... I've gotten so many wonderful cards from you.


Bryan - Remember that letter you wrote me?
Kelly - Letter?
Bryan - You know that letter or maybe it was a poem.
Kelly - When did I give you that poem honey?
Bryan - I don't know... for a birthday or maybe an anniversary.
Kelly - Or maybe the night you proposed...
Bryan - Oh Yeah


Bryan - So what are your ideas for my birthday present?
Kelly - NOTHING - It comes from the heart.

Ahh the love! But don't fret I did get him something... Floor Mats!
Can't accuse that from coming from the heart LOL
Happy Birthday Bryan! Love you ;-D

Recession Recovery?

After attending the 2011 Economic Forecast session hosted by the Eugene Chamber of Commerce, I must say that is was refreshing to hear some slightly optimistic economy news. Most of the panelist agreed that The Eugene-Springfield metro area should experience a mild growth in our local community in 2011. In fact our area has already experienced some job growth in 2010. But for those of us expecting a complete turn around and waiting for a “V Shape” recovery… Don’t hold your breath.

The panelists acknowledged that our local economy had roughly 30 years of uncommon, steady growth. The Average Senor Citizen out there today has lived through 5 recessions, while most young managers have experienced one or maybe two. The outcome: Our society is ill equipped to successfully maintain in a tough economic state. We have seen many businesses close their doors, companies merging to stay afloat, and new companies flourishing with innovative, new, financial sound business models.

When it came to real estate, we were all in agreement that the real estate market will probably be the last to recover. However, it is hard to pinpoint the housing market because it is easily influenced by interest rates, loan programs, grants, and incentives. If we experience high interest rates and strict lending practices I feel it is safe to say that we will continue to experience a downward spiral. Currently, we have low interest rates (even though they are gradually increasing) and lending practices have greatly loosened from 2010 standards. With $500 and a 500 credit score low income buyers can now purchase a home. I’m not saying this type of program is wise, but I do acknowledge that the easier it is for people to buy homes in the lower end, the more homeowners are able to sell and purchase a more expensive home, and so on. I am interested to see how this market plays out.

This recession has been a painful eye opener to many. Financial empires have fallen, business as usual is no more, and unemployment is abundant. With that said I like to focus on the greatness this recession will produce. Healthy, financially responsible corporations, recently unemployed individuals that took the opportunity and went back to school or acquired a new trade, relationships that have suffered tremendous stress and are stronger today for it. No one says that this recession has been easy, but I foresee a resilient, strengthened community arising from its ashes.

Search Eugene-Springfield Real Estate

Recession Rebound?

After attending the 2011 Economic Forecast session hosted by the Eugene Chamber of Commerce, I must say that is was refreshing to hear some slightly optimistic economy news. Most of the panelist agreed that The Eugene-Springfield metro area should experience a mild growth in our local community in 2011. In fact our area has already experienced some job growth in 2010. But for those of us expecting a complete turn around and waiting for a “V Shape” recovery… Don’t hold your breath.

The panelists acknowledged that our local economy had roughly 30 years of uncommon, steady growth. The Average Senor Citizen out there today has lived through 5 recessions, while most young managers have experienced one or maybe two. The outcome: Our society is ill equipped to successfully maintain in a tough economic state. We have seen many businesses close their doors, companies merging to stay afloat, and new companies flourishing with innovative, new, financial sound business models.

When it came to real estate, we were all in agreement that the real estate market will probably be the last to recover. However, it is hard to pinpoint the housing market because it is easily influenced by interest rates, loan programs, grants, and incentives. If we experience high interest rates and strict lending practices I feel it is safe to say that we will continue to experience a downward spiral. Currently, we have low interest rates (even though they are gradually increasing) and lending practices have greatly loosened from 2010 standards. With $500 and a 500 credit score low income buyers can now purchase a home. I’m not saying this type of program is wise, but I do acknowledge that the easier it is for people to buy homes in the lower end, the more homeowners are able to sell and purchase a more expensive home, and so on. I am interested to see how this market plays out.

This recession has been a painful eye opener to many. Financial empires have fallen, business as usual is no more, and unemployment is abundant. With that said I like to focus on the greatness this recession will produce. Healthy, financially responsible corporations, recently unemployed individuals that took the opportunity and went back to school or acquired a new trade, relationships that have suffered tremendous stress and are stronger today for it. No one says that this recession has been easy, but I foresee a resilient, strengthened community arising from its ashes.

Search Eugene-Springfield Real Estate