congrads on getting married. I moved to Eugene about 8 years ago and we did not have time to buy before moving. We rented for a little while until we found a home in a great neighborhood. I think you should rent and once you are settled find a agent to help with looking through areas that you feel might fit your needs. Driving the neighborhoods, going through open houses are also a way to decide on an area. good luck!!!!

Have you considered renting the home you intend to buy? In the current buyer's market, sellers are open to a variety of constructive approaches to getting their home sold. Many houses are currently on the market for a number of months not generating revenue for the homeowner and/or stifling their ability to eradicate housing debt and other liabilities. As a tenant you are affected by the business decisions and personal situations of the property owner often as an unwitting participant.

Many sellers would love a strong, stable tenant whose working toward the ultimate goal of homeownership. It could be like the best of both worlds. When you arrive in Eugene you'll meet many people who are what I call dual listed, those looking for a tenant and a buyer at the same time. Of course there are risks and certain conditions that must be met so that your properly protected.

If you were my client I'd consult with both of you and determine what's affecting your ability to purchase and see if a strategy and time frame can be developed with pointed goals at every interval. I'd also recomend you do the same with a trusted mortgage professional so that all the facts are at hand. In the meantime, check out http://www.nedcocdc.org, they offer free pre-purchase counseling and administer many of the grant programs offered through the state that could help you with your down payment and closing costs.

If you are looking in Medford I have a condo to rent.
Marian

I graduated from UT Austin about 10 years ago -- call me if you need a Texas gal to show you around Eugene. Whether you're looking to rent or buy a home, it's a good idea to have a real estate professional advocating for you when you're new in town and looking for a good neighborhood. Hook'em Horns! 541-954-1915

Try Craigslist.org.

Search under Oregon/Eugene/Housing...

Hi there, I would definitely recommend the Chinook Management team, they are courteous and friendly people. When you are ready to buy, call up Dave at the Alternative Realtor team, they are great to work with, they helped me navigate through the buying process and highly recommend their services. It was not jsut getting the listings , but closing the deal and helped me get the pricing in relative to issues that would have been overlooked by a less savvy realtor. they really know the market in Eugene and can set you in the right direction. Best of luck with life in Eugene and welcome!

Chinook is very good and Property Management Concepts is also reputable. I would definitely rent before you buy. Try to stay away from Bell Realty they are not recommended at all.

I have an upscale, furnished, 2 bdrm townhse riverfront property in Eugene. What is your price range? When do you want a place? Also, my niece lives in Austin and I will be there for Thanksgiving--so there is an opportunity to meet if this rental is of interest to you. Pls. email response to djheger@mac.com.

Your best bet would be to call Greg or Keith at Chinook Property Management - 541-484-0493. They are excellent and come highly recommended. Of course, please feel free to call me when you're ready to go home shopping!

Sincerely,
Ryan Morgan
Broker
Barnhart Associates
(541) 654-3395

Hi Dayna. Congrats on getting married. It sounds like you are moving to Eugene, Oregon soon and I think renting before buying a good idea. Consider renting an apartment as it's easier to get in and out of the lease. Many private home owners will require at least a 1-year lease to start and you may not want to stay that long. You should contact a local real estate agent who can put you in contact with the right people in Eugene. Ask the agent what kind of relocation services he/she offers. Good luck to you.