W I L L A M E T T E VA L L E Y
C O N N E C T I N G .
E L E VAT I N G .
I N S P I R I N G .
COVID CHRONICLES
JULY 2020
2 • July 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Willamette Valley Real Producers • 3
PREFERRED PARTNERS
This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted affiliate sponsor to use. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring Willamette Valley Real Producers. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting Willamette Valley Real Producers! BASEMENT WATERPROOFING John’s Waterproofing Company (503) 419-0404 https://www.johnswater proofing.com CLOSING GIFTS / CLIENT APPRECIATION / PRIVATE PARTIES Paint and Pinot Parties & Events (503) 586-3738 www.paintandpinot.net CONTRACTOR Goff Construction (503) 559-8670 www.billgoffconstruction.com FIREPLACE INSERTS, STOVES Home Fire Stove 1695 Market St. NE, Salem, OR 97301 (503) 364-6339 www.homefirestove.com FOUNDATION REPAIR / WATERPROOFING TerraFirma Foundation Systems 13110 SW Wall St., Portland, OR 97223 (844) 371-8816 www.goterrafirma.com GARAGE DOORS AND REPAIRS Dave’s Garage Doors (503) 641-8987 www.davesgaragedoors.com HOME INSPECTION 360 Professional Home Inspection (503) 509-8691 www.360proinspection.com
4 • July 2020
Inspections Unlimited – Brandon Biehn (503) 931-6401 www.inspections unlimited.com Pillar to Post Home Inspection – Derek Renz (503) 856-8775 Https://derekrenz. pillartopost.com HOME STAGING Creative Concepts (503) 881-0886 www.stagingoregon.com HOME WARRANTY Kimberly Peterson First American Home Warranty 541-521-3302 www.homewarranty. firstam.com HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES Azucena’s Cleaning (503) 779-5906 www.azucenacleaning.com SOCIAL MEDIA GURU, VI Rafael Designs – Eddie Peterson (503) 551-8071 www.epeterson9981.wixsite. com/rafaeldesigns MORTGAGE/HOME LOAN AND REFINANCE Academy Mortgage Ben Nelson (503) 910-9872 https://academymortgage. com/lo/bennelson
Cherry Creek Mortgage Lisa McCormick (503) 502-0336 www.cherrycreek mortgage.com/profile/ lisa-mccormick
ISSUES FROM YOUR INSPECTION?
Oregon Rental Property Management 280 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97302 (503) 567-0816 www.orpmllc.com
Land Mark Professionals Katy Canales (503) 581-8100 www.bestloanprogram.com
REAL ESTATE SCHOOL A1 Superior Schools (503) 551-4467 www.a1schools.co
Mortgage First Corporation (503) 588-3511 www.mortgagefirstcorp.com
ROOFING AND ROOF REPAIR Anytime Roofing (503) 446-0918 www.anytimeroofingllc.com
US Bank Home Mortgage Angie Stanley Team (503) 316-3700 https://mortgage.usbank. com/or/salem PHOTOGRAPHY/ MULTIMEDIA SilverDream Photography (503) 507-5783 www.silverdream photography.com Brian Stone Real Estate Photography bstonephotography @yahoo.com (503) 930-7265 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Centurion Real Estate Management, LLC 1365 Commercial St. SE, Salem, OR 97302 (503) 588-0940 www.c-rem.com
BASEMENT ISSUES?
WE FIX THEM ALL!
CRAWL SPACE ISSUES?
SIGNS AND GRAPHICS 1 Day Signs (503) 371-1329 1010 Commercial St. SE, Salem, OR 97302 www.1-daysigns.com TITLE AND ESCROW Fidelity National Title Company 500 Liberty St. SE, Suite 200 Salem, OR 97301-3496 (503) 585-7219 www.fidelitytitleoregon.com Amerititle, Inc. 320 Church St NE, Salem, OR 97301 (503) 581-1431 www.amerititle.com
UNLEVEL CONCRETE?
FOUNDATION ISSUES?
Rely On Us To Keep Your Client's Home Safe, Dry And Level. Billable In Escrow Customized Solutions For Your Buyer And Seller No Cost Transferable Warranty Financing Available
WINDOW COVERINGS Made in the Shade Andrea McCann 503-581-8257
Schedule your COMPLIMENTARY evaluation today!
www.GoTerraFirma.com • 866.486.7196 @realproducers
realproducersmag.com
CCB# 173547 WA: TERRAFR931LH
Willamette Valley Real Producers • 5
Big banks pick their own products and rates. We act as your client's personal shopper.
TAB L E OF
CONTENTS 04
08
Preferred Partners
10
Publisher’s Note
COVID Chronicles
TODD ALLEN
Brokers are better.
President
503-588-3511
TODD@MORTGAGEFIRSTCORP.COM NMLS #41813
1820 Commercial St SE #100, Salem, OR 97302
www.mortgagesalem.com Company NMLS# 40558
If you are interested in contributing or nomination REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at sabrina.dikeman@realproducersmag.com. DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 Publishing but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2 Publishing or the publisher. Therefore, neither N2 Publishing nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication.
$3
This is home. It’s a place called reputation.
Whether your clients are buying or selling, a Pillar To Post home inspection will give them peace of mind about the home’s condition. Choose from our exclusive Home Inspection Packages.
MILLION DONATED THIS YEAR TO HELP BREAK THE CHAINS OF MODERN - DAY SLAVERY .
• Report printed on-site • E&O insured • Convenient scheduling
Request an inspection today!
SELL FASTER. SELL FOR MORE.
Marie Baker & Derek Renz 503-856-8775
derek.renz@pillartopost.com pillartopost.com/derekrenz CCB#: 222048
Did you know there are more victims held against their will today than ever before? That’s why N2 Publishing, the company behind this magazine, is financially committed to helping end human trafficking.
Creative Concepts Home Staging & Contracting stagingoregon@gmail.com - (503) 881-0886
And through their advertising partnerships, the businesses seen
Professional Home Staging - Reliable Contractor Services
within these pages are helping us break these chains, too. Learn
Beautiful Results!
Serving Marion & Polk Counties
more about our cause by visiting n2gives.com.
Each office is independently owned and operated.
6 • July 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Willamette Valley Real Producers • 7
What are we learning? What of life will we hold onto when this is over, afraid it may slip back to whence it came, as quickly as it appeared out of nowhere? How will this change us? What of our businesses, our financial livelihoods, and our politicians. What will we pass on from this experience, as our elders passed their experiences down to us? I remember my grandmother folding and saving tinfoil because going through the great depression taught her to never throw anything away that could be used again. Right?
FORCED RESET
Let’s hold on to what we’re discovering is important
Let’s hold on to what we’re discovering is important, vital to who we found in ourselves during this. Let’s take it forward with us. Let’s keep being these people we found and live these better lives we are living. Let’s keep being more kind and caring and present and connected with ourselves, our families and our communities. Let’s keep looking out for each other and just care.
Sabrina Dikeman 503-991-4341 sabrina.dikeman @realproducersmagcom Find Willamette Valley Real Producers on the ISSUU app for your phone or tablet. Or go to www.ISSUU.com.
publisher’s note
OH!
We’ve been watching this COVID-19 thing evolve, and we as people evolve during it. It’s become a very juxtaposed existence. Sanitizing while re-prioritizing. Careful while caring, craving connection. Training ourselves not to touch while reaching out to others more. Being more vigilant while more relaxed. Staying home while walking, laughing, playing, singing more. With the news changing daily and even hourly, it’s safe to assume the new normal will be a moving target for the foreseeable future. I, like most of you, have been watching very closely. I’m watching to see who steps up during the crisis. I’m watching to see who is a true leader vs. who just holds the title. I have some pretty strong opinions about all this, but that is definitely a conversation for a different setting! When 2020 started, I had no idea that is was a unique leap year! Twenty-nine days in February, 100 days in March, 200 in April, 10 years in May! Since I am a “glass-half-full” type of person I thought, okay, I’ll use this time to get a ton of stuff done, relax a bit and lose a few pounds. After all eating out was, well, out. This plan didn’t work out quite like I have wished it would. (See my COVID Day satire.) I’ve seen a lot of heartwarming things! Families on bicycles, and jogging, people walking their dogs and out in their yards. People helping people in need and our front line workers caring for patients tirelessly. I saw two men sitting in chairs on the front lawn chatting and watching the world go by. I did a double-take, because it was a first. We have become a country that does not sit in the front yard and watch cars go by under normal circumstances, and this little vignette made me smile. Those gents looked happy, and so was I. It has been nice to have days NOT filled to the brim that often extend until late at night. Being home and 8 • July 2020
COVID Day #1: I’m going to meditate, and work out on the treadmill and really watch what I eat. I’m going to spend some quality time with my three boys. Puzzles, board games and some movie time. cutting off work by 5 pm, early enough to play with the dogs, or take a bike ride. I’ve made a habit of starting my day on my back patio with my coffee, viewing a nicely manicured lawn and beautiful potted flowers all around, both of which my husband and I have had the time to do, watching the world go by. I’ve played with my four Collies a lot and even canned vegetables for the first time! I am not exhausted when I wake up and dragging when I come home, and I’ll bet I’m not the only one. And I am joyed with our (husband Steve and me) early Saturday visits to the Saturday Market with dogs in tow (or actually “us” in tow), coffee in hand, to buy this week’s freshly cut flowers. A must for me. I start my weekend and new week with an emotional uplift, and I love them. Now, those who know me well, know that I’m always on the move. So yes, I am clamoring for a return to the “normalcy” of interaction, activities and events. BUT, I am actually hoping that some of the changes that have
been “forced” upon us – more time with family, more connection with friends, more time to think, study and create – can become part of a new normal, even for me. I think we could be better for it. While I long for gatherings and social connections, I am loving the silver linings. I think it’s slowing life down just the right amount to allow for discovering new stories from the people we think we already know everything about – or reminding us of some of the talents we may take for granted in the dayto-day hustle. On a serious note, I may mock the joys of family life togetherness and showcase the insanity of the extremes, yet I acknowledge that we all share a new worldview. The truth of the matter is no one asked for this reset. That is why I call this a forced reset. But we can embrace our situation and find the blessing that comes with it, while still standing up for what we believe with all the crazy inconsistencies that surround our current situation. @realproducers
COVID Day #3: Went to the store, only to see plundering and hoarding of paper products and food. “Too bad social distancing doesn’t apply in essential stores. I wonder how angry this group of frightened, anxious people will be when they finally get inside the store and realize all the chicken, beef and fish products are gone?” COVID Day #5: Ate ice cream and pasta…okay, it was ice cream in my pasta. COVID Day #12: While I am accustomed to working from home, I am was not prepared for homeschooling my children while working from home. Keeping tabs on assignments due, helping with assignments (I don’t understand this stuff, it’s been a long time), making sure it is all complete EVERY DAY. And hearing “I’m bored,” “My eyes hurt,” “I just want to play my game,” “That’s optional. Why do I have to do that?” and so on. And the house… they are slugs. I can see exactly what they’ve done and went all day long. COVID Day #16 (and every day after): I am now at the point where I play a game each morning in my closet. It’s called, “Will today be the day I wear pants or my robe…starring Sabrina.” The phrase, “the New Normal” has been spoken of a lot realproducersmag.com
The COVID Challenges… recently. However, I’m not sure everyone is on the same page as to what that means exactly. COVID Day #22: Not feeling very well, I put my symptoms into WebMD and it turns out that I just have kids. Home School: Listen up kids, it’s another arts and crafts day and we’re making homemade masks out of egg cartons and toilet paper rolls again. My 11-year-old writes a biography titled, “Why I hate My Family.” COVID Day #31: In a montage of quarantine frustrations, I thought it prudent to iron our toilet paper, put vodka in the water dispenser and bathe in a tub of Purell, as I sing: “A little bit of sanitizer in my life…” riffing on “Mambo No. 5.” COVID Day #35: My 14-year-old son is eating pizza rolls with a spoon. Yes, a spoon, and his Jello from a straw. Yes, a straw. All the while, I am no longer allowed to chew or swallow in his presence. COVID Day #40: Arguing and breaking of rules became so bad between my two youngest boys that I banished
one to the backyard and one to the front yard, as they yelled, proclaiming, “Laws don’t matter anymore.” The worst part, I was on my last bottle of emergency back-up wine. COVID Day #46: Fiercely fought with the husband over the day of the week. We were both wrong. COVID Day #50: Dinner. “Yes, we are going to a restaurant called the kitchen and it’s really fun…you gather all the ingredients and get to make your own meal. I have no clue how this place is still in business.” COVID Day #56: Wore bathrobe and with nothing under it to parent-teacher conferences. COVID Day #65: Did this form of exercise called “walking.” Tried it outside and experienced something called “fresh air” and “sunlight.” Might follow it all up with drinking something called “water.” COVID Day #70: I conquered that first game and finally put on some pants. COVID Day #80: I’ve begun referring to myself as the lady of the estate. Willamette Valley Real Producers • 9
COVID Chronicles:
Attitude, Acceptance, Plan
ing and feeling, “What am I going to do now?” “What did I need to change?” Most importantly, “how would I do it?” First, I stretched (est. a home-office/est. new workflow and procedure(s)). Second I got in the blocks (procedures in place). Finally, I cut loose and broke that home-body mentality. I hit my stride and found myself racing down the track, tacking on business, working my contacts, marking myself and trying to be a bit more open to new ideas and ways to do them. Lastly, finding myself writing offers for clients, submitting offers for new ones, seeing their dreams come true, and through all of this evolution and change. I’m seeing my dreams again for the first time in a long time. Through this, I have reinvented myself and the way of doing things. Perhaps the greatest accomplishment through this long, crazy journey, is that I’ve found myself again, my spirit, and a love for myself. I’ve met so many wonderful new friends along the way. I’ve even become a home landscaping professional as well.
like the rest of us, it’s all going to be OK. Together with help, it will all be OK… I have never been, what a person would call a “homebody,” that is, until COVID-19 hit. But, boy, oh boy, did that change. I knew I was about to have zero control over what and how that change to come was going to be and look like…In the beginning was I scared, with so many big changes already going on in my own personal life. And now, with COVID-19, “What in the hell was I really going to do and how was I going to do it?” Like many…Fear, stress, and other fun things (not!) like anxiety set in, and I totally froze; I mean like ice, and I remember think-
Coach Karen My life after shutdown 2020 kicked off very strong and it definitely had the potential to not only be my best year ever in Real Estate but to the start of a new beginning in my own personal life, too…However, no one moving into 2020 could ever have imagined or made a prediction to such a catastrophic event like this one or
to the extent with damage that it would cause or the change and impact as a result. I think not! When this epidemic initially kicked off, I was sure it would pass quickly like the rest of us then as the days went on and on and on…I started to realize that life and my business and most importantly MY life needed to change and quick…Who likes that? So, what happens next…Well it went like this…A girl gets damn emotional and yucky things like fear, anxiety, stress, depression and a bit of panic took over for a bit in the begging, that’s definitely sure! But, the quicker I turned on “Coach Karen” and I took a look at this like I would a track meet and that this was just another hurdle to be cleared
and crossed over. What would I tell my kids? What’s the best approach? Once I did that, my perspective started clearing up, I had a plan with some direction and I knew exactly what’s next. So, first I changed my attitude (stretch), acceptance (get in the blocks), and then a plan (you break towards that ribbon and give everything you possibly have and surrender to whatever the results end up being). And as you break in your stride along that path, your form and pace are constantly changing and evolving. Once I realized this and let go, I took a deep breath, and
This is how I’ve been spending my time, addressing the challenges, and how I found my portion of the “Silver Lining.” Not to mention my plans for the future! “Dream, Believe, Succeed.” Love people and use money. This is what my mentor, Kenny taught me along time ago, and that’s what I hold onto! Karen Roush – Roush Realty Group – Homesmart
Garage Door Sick? You Need The Garage Door Doctor!
DOORS | OPENERS | SERVICE | SALES | INSTALLATION | SPRING REPAIR SPECIALISTS
BIG ENOUGH TO COUNT…SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE
$15 OFF
$25 OFF
SERVICE CALL
NEW GARAGE DOOR OPENER
NOT VALID WITH OTHER DISCOUNTS OR COUPONS
NOT VALID WITH OTHER DISCOUNTS OR COUPONS
$75 OFF NEW DOOR
NOT VALID WITH OTHER DISCOUNTS OR COUPONS
(503) 581-7045 | www.davesgaragedoors.com CCB#107970
10 • July 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Willamette Valley Real Producers • 11
COVID Chronicles:
COVID Chronicles:
More serious buyers I’ve had my best month! And probably best May.. I haven’t had time to check. I don’t know how long this activity will last but I suspect that as long as rates are low, we will be in a strong market. And having COVID has naturally weeded out unmotivated sellers. And I’ve seen more serious buyers. So it’s a win for all! Ally Puentes - EXp Realty
We surely won’t ever forget this time
Keeping it simple During these unprecedented times, my husband and I along with our 3 year old golden retriever decided early on that we will not let this pandemic alter our lives in too many ways. We decided to continue to do what our everyday lives require while following the CDC guidelines. In business, we both showed properties while wearing; masks, gloves and shoe coverings. We limited the amount of people we saw but overall, we continued to have date nights, went on walks around Minto Brown Park and we even slipped a trip to Bend for a week to meet the newest member of the Family. Overall this experience has taught our family a lot – especially about how to be properly prepared for a crisis/pandemic. Although it’s fun seeing everyone through Zoom, I can’t wait for the day we get to see each other in person. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who have been effected by Covid-19.
Within seven days of the COVID shutdown, Realty ONE Group developed a website and strategy to keep real estate professionals across the country that were with ROG or at another brokerage. They started Agent Townhalls that were done every weekday at 9 am. The entire leadership team, including the Owner and President of Realty ONE Group were on the Town Halls. They have been committed to keeping brokers moving forward and helping all of us with positive messages and incredible industry guests. They also created a website WakingUpToWin. com where real estate professionals from any brand could go and see quick videos and listen to podcasts from some of the all-stars in the real estate space.
Lillian Kay - HomeSmart Realty Group
12 • July 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
As a company locally here in Salem we actually nearly doubled our agents between April 1 and the end of May, adding 20 brokers. Personally, it was difficult to see our son Jackson and all of his 2020 graduates, unable to play their final baseball games and have the senior year experience. I took this time to help our brokers work on their business plans, learning our tech tools, and trying to help them keep their heads up. We surely won’t ever forget this time. Ty Hildebrand – Realty ONE Group
Willamette Valley Real Producers • 13
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT W E L E A S E & M A N AG E YO U R R E N TA L P R O P E R T I E S
COVID Chronicles:
Positive Vibes
ORPM maximizes your investment • • • •
Optimize Rent Reduce Vacancies Reduce Maintenance Cost Decrease Turnover Time
Salem Office: 280 Liberty St SE, Suite 100 Salem OR 97301 Beaverton Office: 1915 NE Stucki Ave, Suite 250 Beaverton, OR 97006
On Call 24/7 | Online owner/tenant
ADDING TO YOUR TEAM? A1 Superior Schools, Inc. provides Online real estate broker licensing courses and partners with Chemeketa Community College to offer live courses.
COVID has really been a strange and sad time. Being a REALTOR®, I am already accustomed to working from home. The biggest challenge I face daily, is really just trying to get my two dogs to stop playing and barking when I’m on the phone with a client. It is really kind of fun to have those conversations with clients when I apologize for my girls, and then, they tell me they have the same thing going on, either their children or animals. It’s kind of a quick bonding moment I must say. Working from home has its benefits and challenges. I haven’t put on a pair of jeans or real clothes in weeks!
Cathie Velasco Senior Property Manager 503-567-0816 www.orpmllc.com
One of the biggest disappointments from COVID for my family was having to cancel our wedding that was scheduled for June 6. After paying all the vendors, coordinating all of our friends and families, we decided it’s just not going to happen. We just moved our wedding date to 2021. I will say, maybe it’s a sign, let’s see if we make it through quarantine still, haha.
Dress up your listing with
Window Coverings! Free In-Home Consultation
Not being able to go out to dinner, go see a movie, or hang out with friends and family have all been a serious strain on my family. We did escape to the beach for my birthday back in March before the beaches shut down!
Check out our list of CE classes that meet states’ requirements
COVID doom and gloom, let’s talk about something positive! I’ve had my best year ever in real estate and continue to close deals. By June 1, I will have sold $2.5 million in sales volume just this year! So for me, COVID isn’t affecting my business. I’m finding opportunities to help families and I feel truly blessed to have this much activity. I just wish I could do more to help others during these terrible times.
Check out our website or contact Stacey Harrison for more information Stacey@sts.careers | www.a1schools.co 503.551.4467 | 888.903.1021
Kassandra Bruhn - Realty One
Locally Owned | Experts in real estate education
14 • July 2020
Andrea McCann • 503-581-8257 @realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Willamette Valley Real Producers • 15
We provide
COVID Chronicles:
Silver Linings open to all agents and not brand-specific, simply a time to learn and collaborate together across companies. In addition, nearly 40,000 KW agents are all enrolled in our four-week business-building program called, BOLD PIVOT, receiving coaching on how to thrive during this time with primary focuses on mindset, lead generation and technology.
With COVID-19 changing the course of our lives personally and professionally we are faced with the daily decision of whether we want to thrive or survive as we navigate this new normal. Prior to this pandemic, we witnessed the real estate industry head toward a shift in the market. Luckily, for Keller Williams Capital City, we were already putting strategies in place to thrive during the shift. Did COVID-19 force us to pause and reevaluate the needs of our agents and our responsibility as leadership to define win-able actions to support their long-term success...absolutely! And so we did just that! Following the governor’s guidelines and “Stayat-Home” order we looked at this as more of a “Slay-at-Home” order focusing our time and attention around coaching, training, technology, and
culture; the true cornerstones of our company and exercised it the highest level possible, yet virtually! What does a typical week look like for Keller Williams Capital City Agents? Agent engagement and growth in a variety of ways. Every morning our agents are provided with live links for live business-building activities, both locally and nationally across all spectrums of an agent’s business. Literally, dozens of options per day to plug into. In addition, weekly, our owner, Chris Suarez provides a “State of The Industry,” addressing MLS statistics across the state highlighting: new listings, new solds, pendings, contingent offers, prices changes and back on market and sheds light on winnable activities to achieve winnable results for our associates. This Zoom call is
With rapid advances to our premier technology, many agents have been doubling down on their lead generation tactics through our all in one centralized platform, KW Command. There they are building up their database management, creating Smart Plans for past, present and future client engagement, and launching Facebook Ads yielding great results acquiring buyers and sellers in their pipeline as cheaply as 32 cents per lead. Oneon-one coaching and group coaching is available weekly for all our associates to master this at a high level. While social distancing creates a challenge of the usual day-to-day face to face interactions, in my experience it’s deepened relationships with our agents, our colleagues and our leadership teams aligning us to be vulnerable together, learn together, thrive together and win together. As I write this article, so many silver linings come to the surface which just reinforces why Keller Williams is the largest company in the world. Our Mission Statement is to build careers
worth having, businesses worth owning, lives worth living, experiences worth giving and legacies worth leaving and KW International and our local leaders are committed to helping our agents achieve it through COVID-19 or otherwise. And we continue to honor our mission even during COVID. One highlight aligning with our mission was shown during our “Red Day Give Where You Live” on May 14, in which our associates volunteered at Family Building Blocks honoring their programs and the communities they serve, while other KW associates supported the Dallas Food Bank collecting 460 lbs of food and raising $1,675, ultimately providing experiences worth giving and creating legacies worth leaving. From providing daily/weekly trainings, personalized coaching, reducing agents fees, giving back to our community and volunteering through our Red Day efforts, to just being a local resource to each other and for each other, I’m proud to say, we as Keller Williams Capital City are THRIVING not surviving and proving we can SLAY at Home, and not just stay at home. Mat Genuser – Keller Williams Capital City
outside-the-box thought processes for drainage and crawl space services.
Our services are completely geared towards customer service, efficiency and ingenuity. FRENCH DRAINS | RAIN DRAINS SUMP PUMP SYSTEMS | CRAWL SPACE DRAINAGE CRAWL SPACE EXCAVATION CRAWL SPACE DEBRIS REMOVAL CRAWL SPACE VAPOR BARRIER
David Craig /Owner | 541-852-6766 We have the experience and resources to help take you from start to finish through the simplest to the most complicated projects. Areas served include Roseburg, Eugene, Salem, Portland
EFFICIENT OIL TANK DECOMMISSIONING BILL GOFF CONSTRUCTION OI L TANK REMOVAL • L OCATI NG • TES TI NG S OI L REMEDI ATI ON • AB ANDONMENT • CL EAN U P
Turn to Bill Goff Construction for all your environmental consultation needs. Count on our licensed, bonded, and insured business for your environmental consultation. 503-559-8670 BillGof fConstruction.com • CCB #52834
16 • July 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Willamette Valley Real Producers • 17
COVID Chronicles:
COVID Chronicles:
Learning that it’s OK to need other people supporting you
It reminds us of the importance of time
I had my son, Noah in December and was just preparing to leave my maternity leave when COVID hit. It was actually the week that I was scheduled back in the office with the team that the stay at home order was put in place. I was crushed! I was basically forced to sink or swim with working from home with a baby. I coped and have been thriving by making three major changes: 1.) I joined a team and leveraged the resources that they had, lessening my workload; 2.) I had to hire a nanny to watch my son for a few hours a day so that I can actually get some work done; 3.) I had to get serious about time blocking and being in control of my time (rather than the other way around). I have filled my time with work! I have actually had to make a conscious effort to stop working at a certain point every day because the boundaries between work and life have been blurred. When I am not working, you can find me writing, taking classes, and hiking (where and when I can).
Even during a pandemic, business is still booming! I made a big move to join the Blum Team, and am still working day and night for my clients. Luckily, most things in our business are already online so the transition is easy. I still show homes and do listing appointments while using masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing. It’s hard and I miss being able to shake my client’s hand, but it’s worth it because I know that my clients are safe. There’s something about the physical touch of a handshake or hug that builds trust, and since we can’t do that so now I’ll just have to fall back on my witty dad jokes from afar.
My biggest challenge has been time management for sure. With my business booming, my 5-monthold, and my own personal goals, it has been really hard making sure I am prioritizing my time The great things that have come out of this COVID-19 shutdown for me are that I have gotten really good at working efficiently and am an expert at Zoom meetings! I have been really leveraging my virtual resources such as Facebook, Instagram, email, etc. and my business has never been better. I’m looking forward to traveling with my family and friends and wine tasting! I also love trying out different restaurants and breweries so I am looking forward to those experiences as well. As a new mother working in quarantine, I must say that this has been one of the more challenging seasons in my life. It has also been one of the best because I have proven to myself that I can overcome any obstacle and thrive despite what’s going on around me. I also have learned that I cannot excel and be the balanced person I want to be without the support from others. I have really leaned on my team and my
friends and family in this season, and I am learning that it’s OK to need other people supporting you. It’s how we are designed to work as human beings, and I hope the rest of the world comes together too through this.
In my personal life I have used this quarantine as an opportunity to get myself into good habits, and better myself. I have started to wake up and go to bed earlier, spending more time with my family, I started running, learned how to cook something other than cereal, volunteering with Marion-Polk County food share and our public schools, reading more books, and I have even started meditating! I think it’s hard to be stuck at home, but I also see this as an opportunity for us to each work on becoming a better version of ourselves. It reminds us to look out for others even if we aren’t going to be affected ourselves. It reminds us of the importance of time, and how little of it we have here on this earth. It reminds us to take a few minutes away from our busy work schedules to spend time with family, because they are what matters most. Stay safe, everyone; we will get through this.
Tracey Sherrell at Fidelity has really shown up in a big way! She has organized classes for the Real Estate community every week, has been actively checking in with us Agents, and she even took the time to give me a Zoom tutorial! I’m very impressed by her work ethic and her dedication to providing the best resources for her clients and colleagues. Allegra “Rose” Mero
Keller Williams Capital City with the Benson Broker Group
Jesse Lippold – Blum Real Estate
18 • July 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Willamette Valley Real Producers • 19
COVID Chronicles:
One for the books! 2020 will be one for the books! I can’t say it has been my favorite year so far but I do know I am looking forward to 2021. I had clients that chose not to move forward and those that did. My clients that did buy or sell didn’t really see that much of a difference in prices. I recognize both sides and understand that no matter how big a crisis the world is having, our individual lives move on. Buyers will buy and sellers will sell. There are a few inconveniences now as far as a RE transaction goes. Not really huge obstacles to overcome. A little more time and patience goes a long way. Once I had my system down, it was all easy to work with. I do have more time for self-reflection and nurturing. I am using my time to work on my garden, write my blog, do small projects around the house and exercise. Each day I took a walk, hike or bike ride. It was something I really looked forward to and will keep in practice once life is “back to normal,” whatever that is. My garden and yard never have looked so good and I am really looking forward to sharing it with my friends and family later this year.
Brian Stone
Yvonne Messmer – John L. Scott
W E CAN D O T HI S
541.521.3302 kipeterson@firstam.com PROPERTY/ LAND
PACKAGES: to 2000 SF Package 1 - $125 - Up and Exterior 25-35 images, Interior 1-4000 SF Package 2 - $175 - 200 and Exterior 25-35 images, Interior ve 4000 SF Package 3 - $225 - Abo ges, or 2+acres 25-35 ima r. Interior and Exterio aerials ne Package 4 - $175 - Dro ges up to 5 acres. and only exterior ima the following: *Packages includes high-resolution Approximately 25-35 Only Package) images (except Dronent and editing • Professional Enhanceme le 24-48hrs Photos will be availab 100% Guarantee Add-Ons: aphy - $100 when -Aerial Drone Photogr lone shoot. added on. $125 stand-a 1-5 exterior -Twilight Shoot $75 HDR images transitions, music, -Virtual Tour $50 w/ mins and titles. Length 2-3 rough w/ music & - HD Video Walk-th 2-4 mins titles $100. Length
Tel: (503) 930-7265
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
“I’m your home warranty expert, so you don’t have to be!”
TWILIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
bstonephotography@yahoo.com 20 • July 2020
Kim Peterson
REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY
My hope is that collectively the world was able to find peace during our great pause and will come back together refreshed and ready to roll up our sleeves. I know I am! Cheers to everyone.
Your Local Resource
Great Service is More Important Than Ever Ask me about the services and coverage options you can order for your clients with a First American Home Warranty. Contact me to learn more!
firstamrealestate.com Phone Orders:
800.444.9030 ©2020 First American Home Warranty Corporation. All rights reserved.
AD_JULY_KPETERSON_MRP_7_20
Willamette Valley Real Producers • 21
COVID Chronicles:
COVID Chronicles:
Keeping everyone in good spirits
A quick pivot
We very much miss our coworkers, owners, and tenants, and we look forward to getting on the other side of this pandemic together. Coronavirus has changed many aspects of the way Fidelity National Title has been closing transactions. We moved swiftly to getting 75% of our staff working from home, all while remaining very busy. Keeping our employees and clients safe, while still being able to physically sign documents has been challenging. Processes have been put into place to ensure that social distancing is being followed, as well as extensive cleaning measures. We have been providing signings traditionally in the office, through notaries, and even offering drive-up signings. We are currently planning on how to best integrate our staff back into the office while balancing our customer service levels with everyone’s well being.
At home, I have two children with autoimmune disorders and we have kept them in lockdown. Distance learning has also been interesting; having my kids take Zoom calls throughout the day has been a big adjustment. While staying mostly at home, we have had many game nights to keep everyone in good spirits. Overall, this time has been challenging yet we are doing what we can to stay positive and make the best of it.
In an industry that at its core operates on personal contact, relationships, and customer service, the coronavirus outbreak has us all doing a quick pivot and creating new policies and procedures in response to COVID-19. At Oregon Rental Property Management, we have implemented a variety of measures allowing us to continue to serve our clients with safety as the top priority. In this time of uncertainty, our goal has been to move quickly and act decisively so that our tenants and owners can rest assured. We want them to know we are on the front line and we have a plan! First and foremost, we had to rethink our property showing process. Luckily, we have technology and the entire real estate industry navigating the same uncharted waters. ORPM has had great success using online videos to help prospective tenants view our vacant properties from the safety and security of their homes. Thus far, that is working well. If a prospective tenant is interested enough to then visit the property, we have a plan in place to allow them to visit while keeping appropriate social distance. Non-emergency repairs and regular inspections have had to wait but we are hoping to get back to those regular business tasks soon. With many local businesses closing and unemployment increasing with the Stay-HomeStay-Safe Order we have worked hard at becoming an information portal for all current tenants who are either unaware or uncertain of the rules around rent relief in the event of lost income. This allows us to serve both the tenant and owner to reduce the risk of rent loss. We very much miss our coworkers, owners, and tenants, and we look forward to getting on the other side of this pandemic together. We can say, however, that through these challenges we are learning that more creative, efficient and effective communication is paramount in serving both tenants and property owners now and in the future.
Randy Leeper – Fidelity National Title Cathie Velasco – Oregon Rental Property Management, LLC
22 • July 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Willamette Valley Real Producers • 23
COVID Chronicles:
COVID Chronicles:
Words are powerful
Moving through the day intentionally, looking for things to be grateful for
Typically I am that person who loves hugs and handshakes. But my heart knows those things are put on hold for now out of respect to others and myself as we try to be cautious in the current situation… So now I try to focus more on my words—words are powerful! They go a long way these days in lifting someone up who is struggling. Statements like congratulations, Happy Birthday, I am so proud of you, thank you, I love you, and we are sending prayers, are just a few words and phrases that can make such a difference during this time of social distancing and it’s accompanying feelings of isolation.
24 • July 2020
So I try to appreciate the “now” moments: • Taking that walk • Listening to the birds • Watching clouds float by • Raindrops on the window • Giggles and wagon rides with little Miss Lili • Planting a garden • Surgery during a pandemic • Calming my anxiety at 3:00am by focusing on all the things to be grateful for • Grocery shopping for my mom and neighbors • Supporting and keeping Shasta calm in her last few weeks of pregnancy • Working from home • Being vulnerable • Sharing fears and anxieties over the phone with friends and clients of AmeriTitle • Attending via Zoom a dear friend’s funeral • Witnessing love, loss, and many milestone moments for us all • Listening to the river • Watching campfire flames dance • Seeing neighbors wave • Meditating and praying • Finding humor in times of stress • Remaining generous • Finding my feet and staying grounded • Reminding myself isolation doesn’t have to mean darkness • Loving the gift of ordinary things • Surrendering instead of controlling • Sharing hope and gratitude • Realizing that love is too big to ever be contained. Yesterday is gone and the future is not here yet. It is the present moment that holds the sweetness and contains lessons to help us move forward during this time of isolation. Choose your words with love and compassion. I love you all. Big virtual hug, Lynda Hunt – AmeriTitle
@realproducers
When asked how I have been dealing with the COVID-19 shutdown, my answer has been a mixed bag of emotions, challenges and successes! Thankfully, I have always been a flexible person and adapt fairly easy to new situations. However, COVID-19 has challenged all of us in a new way none of us was prepared for. Here are a few ways that I have pivoted, adapted and thrived during these past months. I have approached this time as an opportunity to grow personally and in my business. I have been dedicated to staying on a daily routine, with structure and discipline.
realproducersmag.com
I have been more intentional in my daily work activities, and my daily connections with others. I think the most important thing I have worked on during this time is starting my day with prayer, journaling and gratitude. Then moving through the day intentionally looking for things to be grateful for and acknowledging and sharing them. Connection with others has been incredibly important and needed. I have been calling, texting and emailing more than ever and of course “Zooming” has been a must! With us getting closer to opening back up, here are a few things I am committed to carrying with me from this time of reflection: gratitude, slowing down, being intentional with my all of my decision making and appreciation of others. Kim Peterson – First American Home Warranty
Willamette Valley Real Producers • 25
COVID Chronicles:
COVID Chronicles:
Remembering the spirit of togetherness even though we are apart
Positive Vibes helped us get in-front of our clients when our clients were in a stay at home order. We always wanted to do videos and this pandemic made us take a deep and almost immediate leap. Doing a Facebook live on our listings will be a permanent line item on our checklist.
crashing or the stock market crashing. It’s a physical virus meant to cause us harm but I would argue we are stronger than ever!
• How has life changed for you personally on the home front? I find myself in front of my laptop more at home, trying to stay in front of this “pivot”. It takes a lot of studies and filtering through ideas. I now do a lot of home cooking. In the morning, my habit is now, to take out some for dinner. The 2nd & 3rd weeks in March were a blur. We were Zooming with our Washington and California top KW agents and we feared we had a short window to video our inventory before the stay at home order. Our team jumped into action and started doing Facebook lives on all of our active listings. Our team pivoted and still took 60 listings in March. In a 30 day period we posted 87 videos from homes, PE exercises, storybook readings, market updates and even how to make an origami butterfly. The prior 30 days our team posted 4 videos so this was a new adventure for us. Videos
What am I doing during the COVID-19 quarantine you ask? I am working; going home; hanging with those closest to me and accepting the challenges that come my way every day. While not receiving clients at the office, I am still working hard.
• Overall Challenges? I recharge “my batteries” through events and servicing people. I can also find myself filling that void with caffeine and sugar. I need to get back to healthy eating! • Any thoughts, advice, etc. to share with others? Keep a positive mindset and look for the opportunities in chaos. Laura Gillott - Keller Williams Realty Mid-Willamette
When you asked me to write an article for you about what I’m doing during COVID-19 I gladly responded with “sure.” I then realized it was going to be harder than I thought it would be. So as I thought through COVID-19; I remembered I was going to focus on the good and how I would speak about this virus at a later time in my life. So – I will remember: • I will remember the spirit of togetherness even though we were apart • I will remember the way we adapted to change and created new systems • I will remember valuing my family and friends even more than I did before isolation • I will remember feeling nostalgic -- being taken back to a time when we ate at home, dinner out was a treat, family was everything and games & 26 • July 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
puzzles were the norm • I will remember worrying about my community and friends as businesses closed – yet at the same time being excited to watch them reopen • I will remember the support and encouragement from my employer – Cherry Creek Mortgage. They offered support in the form of office equipment; emotional encouragement and information – weekly loan officer calls from coast-to-coast; daily emails and constant reassurances Cherry Creek is strong and solvent. This is unlike anything we in the United States have ever seen. It’s unlike a recession; it’s unlike the economy
Cherry Creek is open for business! I’m so fortunate to be able to work with my clients over the telephone and through email. Our corporate office has hired economic forecasters to remind us this economy will recover; rates will remain low (last time the Feds dropped the rate to the floor – they stayed there for 7 years); and the housing market as a whole will be booming again! I’m so proud of the work ethic and situational awareness of our industry as we navigate through these interesting times. We are all going to have a story to tell. . . . what will your story be? Lisa McCormick -
Cherry Creek Mortgage Willamette Valley Real Producers • 27
COVID Chronicles:
COVID Chronicles:
2020 Was Quite A Year
The new norm I would say the most challenging thing for me has been trying to disconnect work life from home life as they are both at the same location right now… It’s hard to step away while it is so busy and your computer is literally right there, looking at you… all the time!! I have also grown accustomed to our new “norm” if you will of connecting over phone, text, email and zoom. While I miss seeing my clients and co-workers, I know that social distancing is very important. I’ve grown to appreciate those little things we miss as well… Just popping in to a restaurant for lunch with a friend! My family is also going through the “misses” of no prom, no spring sports, possibly no graduation… it’s been a tough one for sure! That is why I love the attached quote by James Lane Allen… We must remember those who need our help and cannot function as easily as most during this pandemic! Stay Healthy…..
I know we cannot control the winds of change, but we can adjust our sails. This is my mantra goal: to envision the end of this current era with a well-rounded look back on its ups, downs, twists and turns. As we watched the shift in March tighten the quarantine, we were thrust into new frontiers of navigating empty store shelves, the closing of restaurants and businesses, as well as hearing about the perceived slowdown of real estate activity. Simultaneously, my business actually picked up to a heightened pace that I have not experienced in recent years.
which finally showed up this year. For those Millennials unfamiliar with the phrase about the bricks, it signifies walking around, “pounding the pavement,” and literally knocking on doors, asking people about their real estate needs.
I believe there were two main factors for my fortunate uptick: my natural proclivity for communicating in the digital space (I’m a Libra, blame the stars), and hitting the bricks since last summer,
Now that so many others are getting used to meeting via Zoom, Google Hangouts, FaceTime and FB video, I am very much looking forward to conducting more future business remotely. I mean, why not save money on gas, maximizing efficiency,
28 • July 2020
Although the reason for the quarantine is awful, the results are an interesting mix of how to adapt and effectively move forward, and the ability fend off feeling cut-off, stifled and stuck in the areas of life and business as we knew it. My first thoughts were to learn Zoom, advertise that I was still open for business, and reach out to my sphere with a fervor like never before.
Angie Stanley - US Bank Home Loans
and bringing more interaction into play by doing listing presentations and buyer consults online, have more people attend presentations, scheduled live events, group trainings and invite-only mastermind sessions, that naturally evolve into more efficient and smoother digital dealings? My takeaway: I know we cannot control the winds of change, but we can adjust our sails. And sales! Cheers to those of us agents, our clients, hardworking affiliates, and trusted allied resources who now, more than ever, really want to go with the new flow. Koli Cutler – Keller Williams
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Willamette Valley Real Producers • 29
COVID Chronicles:
COVID Chronicles:
Extra time to benefit others
Better and stronger through adversity
What have you been doing during the “shut-down”? It is pretty much business as usual for us at Academy outside of not meeting as many clients face to face and not going to loan signings. We are in the office from around 8am to 6pm 5 days a week and working many hours at night and weekends to keep up with the current demand of new business. I will say I am dressing a lot more casual (shorts/flip-flops) than I ever would when I am meeting clients daily. There are a few additional things that need to be done (verification of employment) due to Covid-19, and a few less loan programs available, however 95% of the loans we normally originate are still available and have great rates. I personally just added 2 new loan officer to Team Nelson so we can keep up on our Speed, Communication and Service to our clients and referral partners With work! I think most mortgage lenders will agree, these last 4 months have been the most business in their careers Anything challenging? To keep adjusting to changing guidelines & requirements and developing new systems to stay efficient. Any “silver-linings”? My family is getting to spend so much more time together because of this. We are not running all over to different sport practices and tournaments. We get to eat a lot more family dinners, play more games and have more meaningful conversations with our kids. Don’ get me wrong, our family loves running around all over the place, but this has been a nice change of pace for us. Hope for the future? Just the simple things: I want to see my kids be able to play and hang out with their friends, I want to go out in public and not see masks on people’s faces, and really just get back to what life was like prior to all of this. What are you thankful for? I am thankful that we are lucky to be in an industry that was able to continue working to be able to provide for our families. I feel sorry for those who cannot go to work, for those people and families who are being over-looked
30 • July 2020
by the Government and not getting financial help at this time. I do think that it is great, how the majority of people in our area, as well as around the world, are coming together to make the best of this and sticking together. Last Thoughts? I am looking forward to hearing the stories of everyone who are doing amazing things. I know a lot of Real Estate agents who have called past clients, especially the elderly, to make sure they have food and everything they need, so they can avoid going to the stores. There are so many people in Real Estate, in our community, who are using their extra time to benefit others.
Boredom, multi-tasking, parenting in overdrive and Real Estate moving to the forefront is my description of how life in quarantine has affected myself and family. Teens at home is hard, not because I don’t love them, but because at this age all they want to do is spend time with friends and stay connected. So, schedules and routines have gone out the window in lieu of picking battles that will help them stay kind, plugged in to their online learning and to our family. For me, Real Estate is relatively new; from the Broker side. I have been lucky enough to be around this industry for several years in different capacities. Last year I decided to take the leap that I should
Ben Nelson - Academy Mortgage
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
have taken a LONG time ago, to a Broker. Before COVID I was also working Full-time in Marketing. I needed the additional paycheck while I “worked my business”. I describe it this way to help prove the point. I realized Kari’s boys Cade 13, Drew 15, and her nephew that you cannot do Real Tanner 15 Estate part time. It is too difficult to serve your clients, much less, do all the other things that I am responsible for as a parent while working full time in another industry. The silver lining in this COVID madness is that I have had time to take care of my clients and have placed 3 deals under contract and a buyer currently looking for a home. I have had time to take classes and learn, spend time with Agents in my office via ZOOM and to learn from industry leaders. I have started to truly believe that I can do this. That I am capable and that I should be taken seriously. I have learned that you need to ask questions to be successful and trust those around you that want to push you to make you better. Like many, a regular paycheck didn’t come and Unemployment only came after 7 weeks of claiming it.. but, I realized that I was OK. That I can dig in and become better and stronger through adversity. I have learned that the quiet is ok too. That rest is important, and it is ok to be afraid. However many adversities have been thrown my way, there are MANY MANY more who have experienced more than I can imagine in terms of struggles. In the end, I feel blessed through the COVID to find my strength, my courage, and my determination while focusing on the moments that matter. Kari Zohner - Realty One Group
Willamette Valley Real Producers • 31
COVID Chronicles:
COVID Chronicles:
Reflect and regroup
Getting involved
into the hands of non-profits who have been severely impacted.
watching movies and binging TV shows each night along with having dinner together as a family. Our family was running at full speed with all of our kids events, games, practices, work, school functions that we have really enjoyed the time together.
Our local branches supported these non-profits through our COVID Giving Initiative: • Boys & Girls Club of Salem • Marion / Polk Food Share • Silverton Small Business Relief Fund (Silverton Rotary) • Linn Benton Food Share • Lebanon Soup Kitchen • Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis
I’ve taken on a 52 hike challenge. It has been a great assignment to get me outside. My goal was to explore several new trails, but this year has proved challenging to get very far from home. I’ve improvised and hiked every direction outside my front door.
In our highly driven society, sometimes things that really matter get lost, neglected, or pushed aside. In our rush to serve and succeed, it is easy to forget to take time to contemplate our methods. This year, a rare opportunity has been forced upon all of us to pause, reflect, and regroup. Here we find our center and strength so we are poised to come through the other side of this better people than we were before. We can choose to navigate this historic time with hope in our hearts and eyes wide open to the possibilities that are presented to us. Gratitude: We are grateful to all of the real estate agents, lenders, and our title and escrow teams who are working hard to keep our industry healthy. We see you greet each day with a professional attitude and the heart of a counselor. You do what it takes to ensure property ownership needs are taken care of. We are well aware that without the work of our agents and lenders, there is no work for us. Our strength and drive connects us and has a ripple effect on the economy. You are facing this pandemic with great fortitude.
We have had a little extra time putting the final touches on and landscaping our new office, which is something we have really enjoyed doing.
‘An effective method to overcome fear is to shift one’s concern from oneself to others. When we actually see the difficulties that other people face, our own seem less enormous.’ Dalai Lama
“To the victim, adversity is bad. To the leader – and warrior – hard times are life’s richest times of growth, opportunity, and possibility. Use them to fly.” Robin Sharma
Innovation Through Adversity: Our leadership approach has been to rise above the fray. The message has been clear right from the start that a critically important focus is to get closings to the finish line. Our efforts to be nimble and innovative have soared in every aspect of our operations like never before.
Handshakes & Hugs: We’re all about handshakes, hugs, and high-fives. Gathering large groups is our specialty from the bocce courts to The Half Penny for AmeriTitle Idol. We miss packing a room like sardines to learn something new, and we miss seeing you.
Eric Templeton soothes himself with Excel, and out of his laboratory the Weekly Market Analysis was born. There is no better metric to monitor these weeks and months as they unfold. While some of the data is grim, there are many bright spots to celebrate.
While we’re distant, we’ve grown closer in many ways. As we navigate fear and bravery together, we create bonds of solidarity. Through this we will emerge better, stronger, wiser, more connected, and better prepared. We have so much to be grateful for. “Good timber does not grow with ease. The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees.” Thomas S Monson Quarantine Diaries | Submitted by Rosi Green, AmeriTitle
When Covid hit we were enjoying riding the long Real Estate wave and have been fortunate to see most transactions close. It was an eerie feeling when the government shut the country down back in March. As the phones silenced, memories of 2008 came to mind. However, this time we were optimistic that this could be a short term problem as the government told us we needed to temporarily lock down to ‘flatten the curve’ because our hospitals couldn’t handle the demand. 8 weeks later as we are witnessing hospitals around the country furlough staff and Governors punish hairstylists; it is clear that it is not about flattening the curve. So what do we do with what is handed to us? I’m sure there are several silver linings, blessings and positive benefits to the lock down, but it is encouraging to see many more people getting involved in government and public affairs. Senator Michael Enzi from Wyoming is quoted to say, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu”; and our good friend and Salem City Councilor, Jim Lewis has often said it this way, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the table.” It’s encouraging to see more people have the time to get passionate about their rights during this process. Although everyone
needs to be sensitive to other people’s needs and health, government overreach may have awakened a giant. As Realtors, we have been on the forefront of leadership for 112 years. We are constantly advocating for people’s rights, especially the vulnerable, by encouraging affordable housing, fighting improper government regulations, supporting the mortgage interest deduction, and rejecting excessive taxation; to name a few items. This situation should not be any different. Realtors need to lead by calling out government abuse of our Bill of Rights as well as formulating policies to secure the safety of our citizens. I believe we can self-govern by following level-headed policies as well as protect the vulnerable. The Willamette Valley doesn’t need any more passivists. Silver Linings: We have really enjoyed seeing our kids more, spending time
We have had a little extra time putting the final touches on and landscaping our new office, which is something we have really enjoyed doing.
Challenges: We have a senior graduating from Sprague High School and it is so disappointing experiencing the end of the year without any festivities, parties, choral concerts, track meets and lacrosse games. We are now trying to figure out what college will look like next year. How do you plan when there is a good chance college will continue to be shut down to some capacity? Brian & Nina White - Paramount Real
Estate Services
Giving Back: Healthy communities are essential to our industry. As a whole, AmeriTitle put $41,000 32 • July 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Willamette Valley Real Producers • 33
COVID Chronicles:
It’s been a roller coaster
This has certainly been quite the roller coaster the last two months. Our family was headed to Disney World March 14 and we had to obviously postpone our trip a day before leaving with the closure of Disney parks; so to say it was a disappointment to our six children
34 • July 2020
would be quite the understatement. Our kids settled into a routine quickly and our oldest two kids decided to build a roller coaster in our back yard, they named it the Corona Coaster. While the two of us experienced a lull in activity with work for a couple of weeks in
early April, business has been crazy since. We are very thankful for our health and to be in the position to work from home while homeschooling the kids. We are looking forward to things getting back to normal, and our rescheduled trip to Disney World. Matt Mahoney - HomeStar Brokers
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Willamette Valley Real Producers • 35