ashland: Have you been to Tabu in Ashland Oregon? - 10/08/08 06:16 PM
Tabu Restaurant & Martini Bar is a favorite choice of locals and visitors alike. If you are looking for Nuevo Latino Cuisine, Martinis and/or some late night Free Salsa Lessons and Salsa Dancing afterward to work off your delicious meal, Tabu is the place to go.
Check out Tabu Restaurant … (2 comments)
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ashland: Have you been to Allyson’s Kitchen in Ashland Oregon? - 10/08/08 06:04 PM
Allyson's Kitchen is a multi-faceted experience for its visitors. From their wonderful deli counter lunch offerings, to their Gourmet Chef supplies and cooking classes, to their Friday Night Wine Tastings, if you haven't been to Allyson's Kitchen, you are missing out on several wonderful experiences.
Check out Allyson's Kitchen in Downtown … (2 comments)
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ashland: Bicyclist and Pedestrian Friendly Ashland Oregon Makes the List - 09/30/08 01:35 PM
While reading fellow Active Rainer Mike Jones' post about the bicycle friendly towns and cities listed by the League of American Bicyclists, I saw that Ashland Oregon had made the cut. I knew Ashland has great bike lanes and paths throughout town, as well as trails for mountain bike enthusiasts up … (2 comments)
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ashland: Realtors – How Do YOU Communicate With Your Referring Agent? - 09/19/08 06:57 PM
Realtors, do you LIKE receiving referrals from out of area agents? Do you consider this a good source of business, or do these clients play second fiddle to your own repeat and referral business?
Although my mortgage company has been in Southern Oregon since 2004, I've worked … (6 comments)
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ashland: City of Ashland Oregon Supports Green Building - 09/19/08 01:33 PM
The City of Ashland Oregon supports green building in so many ways. From the City supported Solar Panel program to the Green & Solar Home Tour, the City of Ashland Oregon is all about building sustainable, energy efficient buildings.
On Saturday October 11, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 3 … (4 comments)
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ashland: Have You Been To Standing Stone Brewing Company in Ashland Oregon? - 09/12/08 10:39 PM
In the heart of downtown Ashland, Standing Stone Brewery is another favorite stop of ours for lunch, dinner, snacks and, of course, a hand made ale. You will even find some of our delicious Southern Oregon wines on the menu, by the bottle and by the glass, and a full bar, … (0 comments)
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ashland: Seventy-Five Hundred Reasons for First Time Home Buyers to Buy NOW! - 08/11/08 11:34 AM
So HR 3221, the Housing & Economic Recovery Act of 2008, was signed by President Bush, and as with many of today's proposed solutions it comes with good and bad news. So, first time home buyers - want the bad news first? The "bad news" is Seller Funded Down Payment Assistance … (6 comments)
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ashland: Down Payment Assistance Coming Soon For Medford Oregon Buyers? - 08/11/08 11:26 AM
Plans are in the works to help provide down payment assistance for first time home buyers looking to purchase a home in Medford Oregon. The State of Oregon's and the City of Medford's Purchase Assistance Loan programs have been out of funds for several months, leaving first time home buyers looking … (3 comments)
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ashland: Have You Been To Morning Glory Restaurant In Ashland Oregon? - 07/30/08 05:01 PM
Want a unique, consistently delicious restaurant to go to in Ashland Oregon for breakfast or lunch? Not far from our office on the South end of town across from Southern Oregon University, Morning Glory Restaurant is a personal favorite of mine. This award-winning breakfast and lunch establishment run by chef/owner Patricia … (5 comments)
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ashland: Have You Been To Dragonfly Cafe in Ashland Oregon? - 07/30/08 04:55 PM
Have you experienced the fabulous dishes turned out by Ashland Oregon's best chef in 2007, Chef Neil Clooney and his partner Chef Isabel Cruz at Dragonfly Café and Gardens? Using ingredients that are sustainably farmed and meat free of hormones, these unique Latin-Asian Fusion dishes are a delight to the taste … (4 comments)
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ashland: New Energy Efficient “The Condominium Cottages At Garfield” On The Market In Ashland Oregon - 07/29/08 01:52 PM
There is new green, affordable housing available in Ashland Oregon. Seven energy efficient condos constructed of interlocking concrete forms are on the market for $239,000-$269,000 containing many environmentally-friendly features and sustainable building materials. With sizes of 600 to 1,000 square feet, they are designed to meet the needs of the single … (0 comments)
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ashland: What To Do On A Friday After Work In Southern Oregon? - 07/01/08 03:13 PM
Living in this beautiful area of Southern Oregon, surrounded by forests, rivers, lava flows, caves and lakes, our biggest challenge is to figure out which wonderful terrain we want to go see when there is so much gorgeous scenery to see.
One of our most favorite destinations is Howard … (11 comments)
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ashland: Sometimes It’s a GOOD Thing To Be In The Bottom Five - 06/30/08 07:20 PM
So often we focus on being in the "Top 5...This" or the "Top 10...That". Well, although I have some what of a competitive nature, I was thrilled to read in an article in our local newspaper, the Mail Tribune, that I live and work in a "Bottom Five State". That would be … (3 comments)
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ashland: "Can I Still Get A Stated Income Loan in Oregon"? Alive and Still Kicking…But, Barely - 06/27/08 12:21 PM
This week I realized that amongst my many other reasons to be grateful, reasons like on my last trip to California I loaded up on rice and coffee beans at Trader Joe's before prices shot up, I should be grateful that the majority of loan applications/inquiries I've had lately have been … (3 comments)
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ashland: “Do You Finance Log Homes in Oregon”? - 06/27/08 12:09 PM
I received a referral last week to a person who owns land just outside of Ashland, Oregon in the beautiful tree covered countryside. They bought this land a few years back, and have an outbuilding/shop/living-quarters on it where they'd been living while preparing to build their dream home. At first, they … (0 comments)
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ashland: Escaping To Lithia Park in Ashland Oregon - 06/24/08 10:01 PM
Here we are, barely two weeks in to this year's summer break from school, I'm working from my home office more often then not, and already I've heard "I'm bored" several times. This last time instead of my standard response of "would you like to start on the Household To Do List?" … (10 comments)
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ashland: Green Affordable Housing Coming Soon To Ashland Oregon - 06/19/08 11:57 AM
Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation announced this week that they will have an informational meeting on the 15 affordable housing units they plan to build through their Mutual Self Help Housing Program in Verde Village in Ashland. Go to RVCDC's website for information on qualifying for this program , and if … (2 comments)
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ashland: Are True Energy Efficient Mortgages Finally On Their Way? - 06/17/08 05:04 PM
Fannie Mae, HUD, and the Veteran's Administration all came forward with various pilot programs in the 1990's to assist homeowners interested in "Going Green". One of the largest stumbling blocks for homeowners has been the maximum dollar amount these secondary marketing sources will allow to be allocated to energy efficiency improvements. … (6 comments)
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ashland: Shortened Time Frames Are On The Horizon For Home Now Alliance Applicants - 06/17/08 03:40 PM
Many Homeowners and the Realtors working with them to sell their homes have been frustrated by the slow time frames they are encountering when Lenders are involved in the transaction due to "short pays", a necessary part of the transaction when the homeowner owes more on their loan than … (2 comments)
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ashland: Living Longer And Lifelong Learning Programs in Southern Oregon - 06/16/08 01:32 PM
While reading about the World Health Organization data reflecting U.S. life expectancy has surpassed 78 years for the first time, and I was reminded of one of the many reasons my family and I relocated to Southern Oregon in 2004, educational opportunities for children and adults. At this week's Rotary Club of Ashland meeting, … (0 comments)
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ashland: Who Says Jumbo Loans Cost Too Much For Oregon Buyers!? - 06/02/08 07:59 PM
Here in Ashland, Oregon, where the current median priced resale home sells for $355,000 and a new home for $389,000 per JacStats.com, we happen to have a fair number of properties priced above the maximum conforming loan limit of $417,000, and the temporary jumbo conforming limit of $422,500 for a single … (2 comments)
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ashland: Southern Oregon Home Buyers! Can We Talk? BEFORE You Spend George W’s Tax Rebate? - 05/16/08 01:11 PM
Calling all Jackson County Oregon First Time Home Buyers who have a tax rebate on its way. What are you going to do with it? Take a vacation? Go on a mad spending spree? Or, leverage it in to becoming part of your retirement fund while providing your family the … (3 comments)
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ashland: Calling All Jackson County Oregon Real Estate Investors Don’t Stop Now!!! - 05/15/08 10:53 PM
Southern Oregon Investors: Have you already purchased and financed 10 investment properties, and are now being told by your lender you will be unable to take advantage of the many buying opportunities we are seeing in our current local real estate market? You have good credit, you can qualify with full … (0 comments)
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ashland: Calling All Jackson County Oregon Eligible Veterans! Would $25,000 Help You Buy A Home? - 05/15/08 06:48 PM
Jackson County Oregon eligible Veterans, if you could get up to $25,000 in down payment assistance, would you buy a home? If the State of Oregon's Veterans Home Loan program wanted to give you a 30 year fixed rate mortgage with an interest rate of 5.25% for 1% point … (2 comments)
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ashland: Families With Children Have So Much To Do In Southern Oregon In The Summertime! - 05/15/08 05:57 PM
Our temperatures here in Southern Oregon will have their first brush with 100 degrees today, and it reminded me that we have so many fun events to look forward to during the summertime! From the arts to water play, are kids will only bored if we want them to be, as … (7 comments)
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ashland: California “50 Somethings” Ready to Begin Their Steps to Retire? - 05/15/08 12:59 PM
I've been checking in with some of my Southern California clients since I learned one of the latest banks to begin freezing home equity lines of credit, National City, had pulled the plug on homeowners who are seeing declining values in their market areas. Some common threads have been emerging in … (2 comments)
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ashland: Do You Know A Jackson County Oregon Resident Who Could Afford $550-650 Per Month For A Home? - 04/30/08 10:17 AM
Calling all Jackson County Oregon residents earning 30-60% of Hud's currently published median income for Jackson County, Oregon based on family size!!!!!
Have you, or has someone you know, given up on the idea of ever fulfilling your dream of becoming a homeowner? Have you thought you would be a renter forever because that … (5 comments)
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ashland: 2008 Opening Day for Trout Fishing on Three Southern Oregon Lakes - 04/26/08 09:46 PM
Today was Opening Day for Trout Fishing on three Southern Oregon Lakes, Diamond Lake, Hyatt Lake and Howard Prairie Lake. And a BEAUTIFUL day it was! Diamond Lake and Hyatt Lakes were both still covered in ice, so anglers were going to be drilling holes in the ice to enjoy opening … (2 comments)
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ashland: Oregon Vet State Home Loan Program Affected By Recent MI Company Changes - 04/25/08 09:52 AM
Our Oregon State Veterans' Home Loan Program has been affected by the recent changes the mortgage insurance companies have made, the same as the recent changes made to the Oregon Bond Loan.
Unlike the Federal VA home loan program, the Oregon program is underwritten to Fannie Mae guidelines, and loans greater … (0 comments)
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ashland: Now Is The Time For Us To Swing This Pendulum Back To The Middle! (Part 2 of 3 – Low-to-Moderate Income, Workforce Buyers) - 04/03/08 05:06 PM
In the almost 25 years I've been in the real estate and finance world, I've come across many programs that effectively contribute to sustainable homeownership for owner occupants. These programs may work for buyers qualifying for Conventional, FHA, VA, even Jumbo loan programs, but most require buyers take fixed rate loans, not … (0 comments)
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ashland: Now Is The Time For Us To Swing This Pendulum Back To The Middle! (Part 1 of 3) - 04/03/08 04:48 PM
Wonderful news! Oregon Affordable Housing advocates have helped secure much needed funds to help retain low-cost rental housing units, funding that will include saving 667 apartment units in Jackson County, Oregon, keeping these units from being sold at market rates when their contracts expire soon. With the low rents maintained to … (0 comments)
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ashland: Rotary Club of Ashland Speaker Discusses Oregon Economy - 03/14/08 02:27 PM
At this Thursday's Rotary Club of Ashland Meeting, guest speakerDr. Tom Potiowsky, the Oregon State Economist, spoke about the effects the national economy will have on the Oregon economy. Dr. Potiowsky emphasized the affect the housing market has had on the wood products and construction industry, and although Oregon's economy will be … (3 comments)
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ashland: Oregon Veterans Home Loan Now at 5.50%/5.375% - 03/13/08 08:23 PM
Like the Oregon Bond Loan's RateAdvantage and CashAdvantage programs, the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs will be increasing their available interest rates for new applications effective Friday, March 14, 2008. Their new 15-to-30-year fixed-rate/loan fee options will be:
* 5.375% with a 1.5% loan origination fee, or,
* 5.5% with a 1.% loan … (0 comments)
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ashland: New Income Limits for Oregon Bond Loan Effective March 14, 2008 - 03/12/08 05:24 PM
There are new income limits going in to place on the Oregon Bond Loan that become effective this Friday, March 14, 2008. For the Jackson County area here in Southern Oregon, there is no change for non-targeted areas, but the income limit will INCREASE for targeted areas. The City of Ashland … (0 comments)
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ashland: Effective March 7, 2008 ANOTHER Oregon Bond Rate Increase! - 03/08/08 12:49 PM
Well, the State of Oregon did not wait long to put their new "no notification policy" to work. The rates were increased March 3rd, and March 7th they were raised again without the usual e-mail going out to lenders participating in this program. The RateAdvantage program is now at 5.625%, and … (0 comments)
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ashland: Oregon Bond Loan Rate Volatility - 03/06/08 07:11 PM
We just received notification from the State that they reserve the right to adjust the interest rate on the Oregon Bond Loan programs, RateAdvantage and CashAdvantage, just as any market interest rate published by the banks and lending companies. Lending professionals will need to check the Oregon Bond Loan's Reservations website … (2 comments)
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ashland: MCC A Better Alternative Than Oregon Bond? Maybe, With The Newest Interest Rates - 02/29/08 02:24 PM
The State of Oregon's Bond Loan Program for first time homebuyers will have higher interest rates on Monday. Effective March 3, 2008, the RateAdvantage interest rate will go up to 5.40% and the CashAdvantage interest rate will go up to 5.90%.
I recently did an article comparing the Oregon Bond loans to the … (4 comments)
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ashland: Shakespearian View of Oregon Bond versus Mortgage Credit Certificate - 02/27/08 12:06 AM
O Affordability, Affordability, wherefore art thou affordability?
Undeniably, first time home buyers in Ashland Oregon have a tough time of it when it comes to entering the Ashland Oregon real estate market for the first time. Other areas of Oregon are struggling with the same challenge of housing affordability versus … (3 comments)
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ashland: Apserkaha Group Camp on Howard Prairie Lake in Southern Oregon - 02/26/08 10:43 AM
Run by the YMCA for many years, now being operated by Table Rock Fellowship (TRF), Camp Apserkaha is a sixty-six acre camp located on the southern shore of Howard Prairie Lake. Amenities at Camp Apserkaha include a dining shelter, commercial kitchen, twelve cabins, and almost a half-mile of lake frontage. Just steps away … (4 comments)
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ashland: How Low Can It Go? How About 4.875% For An Oregon Vet 15 to 30 Year Fixed Rate Loan? - 02/05/08 09:28 PM
Interest rates have been hovering at historic lows for quite a while. It has been several years since I've seen the 30 year fixed rates dip below 5%, though. For qualifying Oregon Vets choosing the Oregon Vet Loan, the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs says 5% just isn't low enough!
Effective February … (4 comments)
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ashland: Oregon Bond Rate Advantage Program at 4.95% - 02/03/08 11:33 PM
Have I mentioned before how great I think the Oregon Bond Loan program is for the first time homebuyer purchasing their home in Oregon? This program is designed to help the first time home buyer by giving them a below-market interest rate AND the option to buy a slightly higher, but … (3 comments)
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ashland: Southern Oregon – More Than a Vacationer’s Paradise - 01/30/08 11:38 PM
As you might be able to tell by some of my Localism posts about the many wonderful places to see and experience, I think that Southern Oregon is not only a wonderful place to visit, but an amazing place to live.
When my family decided to make the move … (9 comments)
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ashland: “Back to Nature” at Lithia Park in Ashland, Oregon - 01/24/08 08:07 PM
Although Southern Oregon has a wealth of natural beauty to share with us, one of her special places is Lithia Park. This was one of the first places my family and I discovered upon moving here in June 2004, as we attended the City of Ashland's 4th of July Parade, enjoying … (10 comments)
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ashland: More Affordable Housing for Rogue Valley - 01/23/08 11:54 PM
Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation (RVCDC) held their annual meeting tonight in Ashland, Oregon at the Ashland Community Center across from Lithia Park. Created in 1990 to work with low-to-moderate income people, this non-profit corporation has successfully developed 42 units, and has 14 units under development with the hope of soon pushing … (1 comments)
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ashland: Declining Market Designation? Maybe, Maybe Not For the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon! - 01/13/08 10:54 PM
In December 2007, Fannie Mae instituted a requirement that maximum loan-to-value ratios be reduced for loans they make on properties deemed to be in a declining market area, either by the appraiser or by secondary verification sources such as Moody's/Case-Shiller House Price Index.
Depending on which list you look at, cities in … (7 comments)
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ashland: Winter Fun on Table Mountain at Hyatt Lake, Oregon - 01/13/08 09:42 PM
It was a beautiful day to go sledding, and we weren't the only Southern Oregon residents to think so! We headed off to our favorite sledding hill at Table Mountain Winter Play Area just across from Hyatt Lake. This is one of our favorite family time day trips for many reasons. Only … (8 comments)
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ashland: Rogue Valley Habitat for Humanity Dedicates 2 Homes January 12, 2008 - 01/11/08 10:48 PM
In this day and age when affordable housing is such a challenge to come by, it is wonderful that Rogue Valley Habitat for Humanity will dedicate two homes in Medford, Oregon on Saturday at 2PM.
What a rewarding day this will be! Not only for the 14 lives about to change with … (10 comments)
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ashland: Home Loan Financing for a Part Time Farm/Ranch - 01/08/08 09:53 PM
See you at the closing table!
Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com
… (8 comments)
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ashland: First Time Buyer Resources - (Part 5 - Homebuyer Education) - 01/08/08 10:12 AM
Homebuyer education courses can be an invaluable tool for the First Time Homebuyer. They provide details on the many facets of homeownership, from preparing for the process, through the house hunt, all the way through to responsibilities of maintaining homeownership.
Not all homebuyer education classes are the same. Many real estate brokers and lenders … (5 comments)
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ashland: Where Do We Go From Here Jackson County Oregon? - 01/02/08 12:45 AM
Like Alecia Barnes, a real estate broker in Albany, Oregon, I believe that 2008 is going to be great. Well, here in Jackson County, Southern Oregon, the residents of Ashland - Talent - Phoenix - Jacksonville - Ruch - Medford - Central Point - White City - Eagle Point - Shady … (2 comments)
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ashland: Mount Ashland Oregon 2007-2008 Season Opening Thursday December 20th - 12/18/07 05:14 PM
"Well the weather outside is frightful...", and as perspective often times goes, that weather is considered delightful for Mount Ashland Ski Resort. Like Mount Bachelor near Bend Oregon, Mount Ashland near Ashland Oregon has received over 26" of snow, and with incoming storms bringing us cold temperatures and more snow, … (2 comments)
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ashland: Is It Time To Refinance That Re-Setting Adjustable? - 12/14/07 04:06 PM
So, Jackson County Oregon Homeowners, is it time to refinance?
Are you an Ashland - Talent - Phoenix - Medford - Jacksonville - Central Point - Eagle Point - Ruch, Oregon homeowner who took out an Option ARM? Have you called your CPA for the 3rd time to confirm you made … (0 comments)
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ashland: Utility Independent AND Affordable Housing in Ashland Oregon?!?!?! - 12/03/07 12:56 PM
Oregon's First Utility Independent Housing Development AND Affordable Housing in Ashland Oregon?!?!
The City of Ashlandhas approved a proposed development on the Ashland Greenhouses land owned by Greg and Valri Williams and their family for more than 100 years. There are 68 units proposed for this project, Verde Village, that will not … (4 comments)
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ashland: Medford Ranked Safest City in Oregon - 11/30/07 11:27 PM
Well, she's done it again! The Mail Tribune reported that Medford has hit the FBI's list as the safest city of more than 75,000 residents. She ranked 35th in the Nation. High community involvement from volunteerism to activism play a part in this City's success.
Whether you want to visit or … (2 comments)
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ashland: Holiday Giving In the Spirit of the Season - 11/28/07 06:43 PM
Several years ago, our family decided to stop gifting to adults for Christmas and Hanukkah. We have been truly blessed with our needs being met. Our family is large and the holiday shopping was becoming a source of stress for some of us, with some family members exceeding their budgets, going in to debt to … (0 comments)
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ashland: Medford Oregon Makes the List - Again! - 11/15/07 12:16 PM
So, you are a Baby Boomer looking to slow down the pace in your life. The kids are grown and on their own, or maybe you didn't choose to HAVE kids, having focused your attention on your career, hobbies and travels. In your mid-forties on up to 70+ years old, is … (9 comments)
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ashland: Top Ten Things to Show to Our Visitors in or near the Rogue Valley - 10/14/07 01:07 AM
I don't know about you, but we get a lot of visitors since we moved to the Rogue Valley! We're glad we spent some time getting acclimated to our new surroundings when we moved here from Southern California in 2004.
Here are some of our favorite places to share with the family and … (8 comments)
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ashland: Help for Jackson County Homeowners Facing Large Payment Increase - 10/13/07 05:33 PM
Are You, Or Is Someone You Know, Facing a Large Payment Increase on Your Mortgage Soon?
You are not alone! The real estate market has been a favorable one for several years, but the market has slowed. If you are facing the prospect of defaulting on your mortgage, unable to make … (0 comments)
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