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        <title>The Hokanson Group - Keller Williams Realty Southern Oregon</title>
        <link>http://www.topsouthernoregonagent.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Here You Can Find Great Information on Beautiful Southern Oregon, including, Medford, Ashland, Jacksonville, Eagle Point, White City, Phoenix, Talent, Gold Hill, Rogue River and Central Point, Grants Pass, Oregon Real Estate, foreclosures, short sale</description>
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            <guid>http://www.topsouthernoregonagent.com/blog/top-home-staging-tips-to-sell-your-home-fast.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.topsouthernoregonagent.com/blog/top-home-staging-tips-to-sell-your-home-fast.html</link>
            <author>jared@topsouthernoregonagent.com (Jared Hokanson)</author>
            <title>Top Home Staging Tips To Sell Your Home Fast</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you think home buyers are looking through the flaws at the potential your home has, think again. The biggest mistake sellers make is assuming that buyers will overlook "minor" details and see the big picture. While buyers like to think that's what they are doing, distractions can consciously or subconsciously turn buyers off before they've had a chance to.


The following tips will help you show off your home to its fullest potential and appeal to buyers' imagination and fancy.


Clean &amp; Declutter


You know your home looks best when it's spotless but it's easy to overlook when you're busy and on the go, especially with kids in the household. As a seller, it's your due diligence to pick up every dropped morsel of food, sweep the floors daily and ensure your house is always ready for a showing. Don't forget to make those appliances sparkle!


Depersonalize


Take down the photos of your cute nephew, hide the kids' toys, put religious artifacts somewhere private and remove the Gone Fishin' sign from the hallway. Stick with impersonal and neutral decor that doesn't reflect your fantastic personality, because your buyers might not have the same taste. Again, it's about letting your buyers picture their own lifestyle without any distractions.


Odor Control


Invite a couple friends over and ask them to smell your rooms. Seriously! We become immune to the scents in our house over time, which means we may not notice pet odors, cigarette smoke, musk and other odors that can be an instant turnoff for buyers. Do everything you can to eliminate the source of the smells, then mask any lingering odors with scented candles or air fresheners. But stay subtle, because hitting a potential buyer with a sudden doze of Febreeze may cause them to wonder what you're hiding.


Remove Wallpaper &amp; Paint


One of the best ways we show off our personality is through wallpaper and paint, and it's also one of the best ways we deter buyers. Remove wallpaper—it's outdated anyway—and paint over any bright, dark or unusual paint colors. Each room should be neutral and relatively boring, so stick to off-whites, beiges and creams.


Room Decor


The furniture and decor used in a room is just as important. In addition to having a clean, classy and mature feel to each room, you'll want to stick to one specific theme per room. If your bedroom doubles as an office, take away the desk and computer, and show it as just a bedroom. Arrange the furniture in a welcoming but spacious manner, open all the curtains and blinds, and replace broken fixtures to really help your space shine.


If you aren't having second thoughts about staying in your now-perfect home, you probably aren't ready to show! When your work is done, you should want to buy your own house.


Selling your home? View our Seller's Guide!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2013 08:48:19 -0800</pubDate>
                    </item>
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            <guid>http://www.topsouthernoregonagent.com/blog/city-of-medford.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.topsouthernoregonagent.com/blog/city-of-medford.html</link>
            <author> ( )</author>
            <title>City of Medford</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



 


 


Medford is famous in the US for its succulent pears. Bosc, Comice, d'Anjou, Bartlett, and Winter Nellis pears are all grown here. Its economy is centered around agriculture and timber products, and visitors will see miles and miles of fruit and timber trees in the area. It is a popular place to live in Southern Oregon.


 


Its proximity to Ashland and Jacksonville draws many tourists who wish to take advantage of Medford's lower room and restaurant rates while visiting those cities. Medford is also in a central location for visitors who wish to access recreational areas such as Oregon Caves National Monument, Crater Lake, and the Rogue River Valley.


 


 


Population: 77,240 (2009) - metro 207,010 


 


Density:  2,910.5 / sq mi (1,124 / km²)


 


Restaurants


 


Kaleidoscope Pizza, Bistro 5, Morning Glory, Jaspers, Standing Stone Brewing Co


 


Points of Interest/Fun things to do 


 


Alba Park, Bear Creek Park, I.O.O.F. Eastwood Historic Cemetery, Claire Hanley Arboretum, Medford Carnegie Library, Roxy Ann Peak and Prescott Park, Vogel Plaza, Hellgate Jetboat Excursions


 


Annual events


Annual Ballet Fair - FREE Ballet Fair for children ages 3 thru 12. Activities, performances, more. Medford.


Bow Wow Bash - Annual Doggie Event, Paw Art, Celebrity Dog Wash, Fun for entire family. Eagle Point.


Jackson County Fair - And Expo Park, a variety of fairs and events throughout the year in Central Point.


Miss Rogue Valley - Annual pageant, Miss Rogue Valley, Outstanding Teen, Little Princess Scholarship.


Rogue Opera Main Stage Production By the Rogue Opera. 


 


 


Real Estate 


Below are graphs showing the 10 year history of Real Estate in terms of sold homes and median price in Medford, Oregon.


EAST MEDFORD





 


 


WEST MEDFORD



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2012 19:21:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.topsouthernoregonagent.com/blog/oregons-luxurious-beach-hotels.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.topsouthernoregonagent.com/blog/oregons-luxurious-beach-hotels.html</link>
            <author> ( )</author>
            <title>Oregon's Luxurious Beach Hotels</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
With no shortage of hotels along the famed Oregon coastline, it's not hard to find a place to sleep. But a well-appointed hotel can make your trip truly unforgettable.


The Oregon Coast is a place to savor, and from each one of these luxury properties, you're treated to unparalleled comfort, service that's a cut above and everything you'd want from a relaxing trip to one of the most stunning beaches in the world.


Hotel Elliott, Astoria





This 1924 hotel was completely renovated two years ago. It now serves as one of the coast's only boutique hotels, with 32 uniquely restored rooms and suites, all decorated in an elegant way. Located in Astoria's historic district, there are Columbia River views and beaches just a minute's walk away.


The hotel boasts a rooftop terrace for guests to relax and enjoy the views, a wine bar and a cigar bar. The thread counts are high and the materials sumptuous in each of the guest rooms, including cedar-lined closets and spacious spa tubs. Two of the guest rooms are pet-friendly, and the hotel also has meeting spaces available.


Stephanie Inn, Cannon Beach





Cannon Beach is luxurious enough, but a trip there when you're staying at the legendary Stephanie Inn is over the top. This oceanfront property is known as a romantic getaway spot throughout Oregon. Jacuzzi tubs in every room and an elegant breakfast buffet provided each morning ensure that you stay relaxed throughout your trip, and all the rooms are warmly and elegantly appointed. Four suites are available for extra luxury.


The hotel keeps an emphasis on solitude, which means the property stays peaceful and quiet most of the time. Massage and other services are offered to guests, and the dining room is a four-star dining destination serving their breakfast buffet to guests and dinner to several seatings of guests. The hotel also offers several promotions and packages throughout the year.


 


Inn at Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City





 


 


Pacific City is an up-and-coming town on the Oregon Coast, and the Inn at Cape Kiwanda was one of the first signs of that. This shingled, modern hotel overlooking the cape and Pacific City's own Haystack Rock provides 35 deluxe guest rooms for visitors.


Each room has a private deck, a gas fireplace, pillow-top beds and more. A fitness facility, art gallery, coffee shop and special jacuzzi rooms all round out the experience, and because of Pacific City's size, it's easy to walk to the area businesses and the beach because of the Inn's central location.


Walk right across the street to have a bite at the casual family favorite Pelican Pub &amp; Brewery, with award-winning ales on tap every night. Specials are available throughout the year.





Salishan Spa &amp; Golf Resort, Gleneden Beach





Salishan has long meant comfort and luxury to many Oregon Coast visitors. Because of its large size and its many amenities, it's a good place for family gatherings or for golf enthusiasts. The 205 guest rooms are designed to complement the outside views and natural surroundings. There are private balconies in many rooms and the three signature suites are the most luxurious option.


The suites have features like wet bars, jacuzzis, fireplaces, double walk-in showers and walnut furnishings. Throughout the resort, there are three restaurants offering meals throughout the day that cater to a refined palate.


The amenities stack up at Salishan — the spa, award-winning golf course, pool and fitness center, tennis courts, shops and other recreational activities keep guests busy during their stay. Check out winter packages for a special deal.


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2012 19:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.topsouthernoregonagent.com/blog/my-first-blog-entry.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.topsouthernoregonagent.com/blog/my-first-blog-entry.html</link>
            <author>jared@topsouthernoregonagent.com (Jared Hokanson)</author>
            <title>15 Best Housing Markets For The Next Five Years</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ Business Insider chose the 15 markets with the greatest potential for gains over the next five years.

 





The latest data from Fiserv Case Shiller shows that national home prices are expected to grow at an annualized rate of 3.2 percent between 2011 and the second quarter of 2016, 


Every major metropolitan area is expected to see gains except for Miami. Presumably this market is still weighed down by foreclosures and excess supply, while Lakeland, Fla. looks forward to major gains.


 


The 15 markets are:


     1: Bend, Ore.      2: Medford, Ore.      3: Madera, Calif.      4: Napa, Calif.      5: Flagstaff, Ariz.      6: Carson City, Nev.      7: (tie) Bremerton, Wash.      7: (tie) Panama City, Fla.      9: Ocala, Fla.      10: Lakeland, Fla.      11: Santa Fe, N.M.      12: Eugene, Ore.      13: Bakersfield, Calif.      14: Mobile, Ala.      15: Punta Gorda, Fla.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 24 May 2012 16:17:00 -0700</pubDate>
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