Moving to Roseburg from E. Oregon (Portland, Medford: RV parks, extended stay, real estate)

[Yessie]

We used to live in Myrtle Creek and work in Roseburg about 20 yrs ago. Traveled around and now we are heading back, and this time, with our 7 yr old son in tow.

We have to make a very fast move. My husband will be there in less than 30 days and needs a place to park our camping trailer where he will stay until I meet him in June, as soon as my son's school ends for the year.

I would love to go straight from my current home to one we purchase but Im afraid we will have to go to a rental while I look for a house. I dont know how I could accomplish buying a house long distance.

Any recommendations, suggestions, and advice would be greatly appreciated. From buying real estate remotely to where the good neighborhoods/schools are, safe rv parks, what areas to stay away from, etc.

Thanks in advance!

[Larry Caldwell]

Park at the casino in Canyonville while you get settled. They have RV hookups for the suckers. If you would rather be out of town, there's a nice little park along the South Umpqua at exit 112 (maybe 110?) with a boat ramp and everything.

There are hundreds of foreclosed houses around Myrtle Creek, and the banks are willing to dump them for 40 cents on the dollar. The County Clerk can provide you with a list of foreclosed properties in the last year. Pick one you like and make a rediculously low offer. I have a friend who just bought 1800 sf in Sutherlin, built in 1992, for $149,000, and another friend who picked up 8 acres and a fairly new mobile home with North Umpqua river frontage for $180,000. Like I said, 40% of boom days prices. Offer 30% and let them talk you up.

[Brenda-by-the-sea]

We're in the process of doing the same thing in moving to Medford. New job starts in a month and there isn't time to buy a house, even with foreclosures all over the place. We've been homeowners for over 20 years, so we don't have any verifiable rental history, either. We found a duplex that rents month-to-month without a lease and allows pets for a reasonable amount. You won't usually find these deals from property management companies. Look for private individuals that are managing their own property. Craigslist, hotpads, and similar websites can be a big help. Also check on-line classifieds and Nickle Ads for Roseburg. You might also google terms like "corporate housing+Roseburg" or "extended stay+Roseburg" and see what comes up. There are lots of unoccupied rentals out there; lessors won't turn down a good renter easily.

[bluebird39]

We've done different things in the past. We usually make a house-hunting trip soon after a job offer, and try to find a house and make an offer on it. Then we've either rented a house (I've had good luck with "vacation rentals" that are usually fully furnished), or one person has stayed behind and the other hotel/moteled it until houses closed etc... I've even rented a room from a co-workers family, or stayed short term with future co-workers.

Tough spot, but doable. Unfortunately, we discovered about a year ago that even with tons of forclosures and excellent credit scores it's so incredibly hard to get a bank to loan you money. I'd almost recommend starting there. We literally had to go to several banks to find a loan, and we had lots to put down, a job, excellent credit scores. Hopefully that's changing... Good luck!

[Yessie]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

This next house purchase will be our 5th and last so it has to be as right as possible, including the neighborhoods and schools. I WISH I could make a trip over to check things out but we only have 27 days to get the house ready to sell and my husband packed up and ready to go. And we still have work and school to maintain, so that brings our 27 days down to about 6 days and a dozen or so evenings. ACK!!

I've been checking out this old farmhouse on 570 Portland Ave. The schools are Fir Grove Elementary and Roseburg High. But its right on the river and I'll bet that puppy floods. Grrrr.

bluebird39, good advice on the home loan. I should get that process started so that we're pre-approved before I fall in love with a house I cant have.
I see you're in E. Oregon too. In the Grande Ronde Valley by any chance?

Thanks again everyone.

[Larry Caldwell]

Originally Posted by Yessie

I've been checking out this old farmhouse on 570 Portland Ave. The schools are Fir Grove Elementary and Roseburg High. But its right on the river and I'll bet that puppy floods. Grrrr.

Not according to the FEMA flood plain map. The part by the river floods, but the house is outside the 500 year flood plain line.

FEMA: Map Service Center

[Yessie]

Originally Posted by Larry Caldwell

Not according to the FEMA flood plain map. The part by the river floods, but the house is outside the 500 year flood plain line.

FEMA: Map Service Center

Oh my gosh, you're awesome! Thank you so much!

[Hawk J]

I haven't stayed there, but an RV Park by Winston is,
umpqua safari rv park

[Hawk J]

I know a man who lived at River Bend RV Park, Winston, until he passed on. He liked it there. Now they don't say much about that park, so they may have closed it. hmmm

[bluebird39]

We're in Pendleton, but lived many years in Medford area too (and 3+ years in Michigan). Plus 1 year for me in school in Portland in the early 90's.