Author: Lauren

Handy Info For New Von Klein Property Management Tenants!

Larry & Carmon von Klein
Larry & Carmon von Klein have owned and operated Von Klein Property Management for 25+ years!

It’s the beginning of a new school year and September is going to a very busy month for the Von Klein staff- “Move In Days” are finally here!  We are here to help all of our residents have a smooth move in process so read through these tips and bookmark this post, you never know when this info will come in handy:

  • If your move in date and lease signing date are the same, your security deposit is due with your first month’s rent. Please note that you will not receive keys until you have a zero balance.
  • If you are moving in this month, your security deposit was due on August 1st. This policy is in place because it ensures that you have a zero balance on your account and causes less confusion at move in time.
  • To get a parking space you must come to our office (or see your onsite manager, if applicable) for a parking permit when we post a notice on your door for your complex that they are ready. Please bring your driver’s license and registration- and not your insurance. The car must be registered under your name or under your parents name. Each unit comes with ONE parking spot at no extra cost to you. If you lose or misplace your first parking permit, you may purchase a second parking permit for $5.00.
  • Plug the following numbers into your phone (if applicable)
    von Klein office – 541-485-7776
    von Klein Emergency – 541- 686-0743
    EWEB Electric Company – 541-484-6016
    Northwest Natural Gas – 541-351-3661
    Century Link Phone Company – 1-800-244-1111
    Comcast Cable Company – 541-484-3000
    University Police Station – 541-682-8350
    Diamond Parking – 541-343-3733
    UO Conflict Resolution Services: 541-346-0617
    Community Mediation Services 541-344-5366
    ASUO Legal Services 541-346-4273

Bookmark these University of Oregon Resources (in case you ever need them)

City of Eugene

  • City of Eugene
    Information about the City of Eugene including services and city events.
  • Eugene Police Department
    Safety and police enforcement information for students and community members.

City of Eugene Parking

Download these Off-Campus Resources

If you need any assistance, we are here to help!  Please contact our office during business hours at (541) 485-7776. Our office is located at 1301 Ferry St., Eugene, OR 97401. We are here to help you! Happy move in!

Apartment Safety 101: 10 Tips to Keep Your Apartment Safe and Secure

Apartment SafetyAt Von Klein Property Management, we do everything that we can do ensure the safety and wellbeing of our tenants and their homes. We carefully screen our applicants to ensure that those with criminal records or drug convictions do not obtain a lease with us.

Unfortunately home invasions and burglary traditionally reach their peak during the holidays so we encourage you to be vigilant and follow these tips to deter criminals:

1. Never hesitate to report any suspicious activity you may see in and around our properties (or on campus).  Program these numbers into your phone and keep them somewhere visible so you can quickly call for help if needed (you can also call 911).
University Police Station – 541-682-8350

After you report any suspicious activity to the police, report it to us by calling the von Klein Emergency # – 541-686-0743

2. This may seem obvious, but it remains an important tip: NEVER leave your apartment door unlocked, even if you are leaving for a few moments to obtain something from you car, get the mail or take out the trash. Someone lurking nearby could gain access quickly.

3. Never open your door to a stranger. Require all utility/repair men to provide identification before opening the door. If there is no peephole, have the repairman slip the ID under the door so you can check it out. If still uncertain, look up the telephone number, (do not accept one they give you) and call to verify the information.

4. Use a timer (an inexpensive purchase from a hardware store) for radios, televisions and lights so that the home looks occupied. If you will be away for a while, notify a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home.

5. A well-lit area is one way to deter crime so keep a light on at night if possible. If you notice that a light is out on our property or parking lots, please notify our office.

6. Do not leave valuable items visible in your home or car.  Close your blinds at night and keep your car doors locked and park in well lighted areas if possible.

7. Get to know your neighbors. Introduce yourself to them, get to know who they are and try look out for each other. If your neighbors know who you are, they are more likely to report possible criminal activity and get some help.

8. Test and examine each latch, lock, window and door. Look to see if there are solid core doors, peep holes on entry doors, and securely fastened window locks.

9. If there are sliding glass doors, invest in a secondary locking device– it can be as simple as a broom stick that prevents the door from opening or as complex as “Charley Bars” pin-locking mechanisms or anti-lift measures to prevent the door from being lifted from the tracks.

10. Try to use common area facilities during high-traffic hours. Do not feel compelled to change laundry if your common sense tells you to stay away from an empty laundry room.

Sources:
10 Tips for Safe and Secure Apartment Living 
5 Apartment Safety Tips to Help You Sleep Easy 
Apartment Safety and Security 

Decorating Your Rental Property on a Budget (Part One)

Apartment Decorating

Ever wonder how you can personalize your apartment without spending a fortune or ruining your chances to get your deposit back?

Lots of our tenants have!  That’s why we have put together a list of simple decorating tips to help you make your apartment feel more like home.  Whether your taste is traditional, eclectic, minimalist or kitschy it is possible to create a desirable living space on without spending a fortune when you use a little bit of
creativity. Here are some ideas on how to decorate your rental property on a budget.

Bring in area rugs to add more color. If you are decorating on a budget, an area rug  is a big purchase. Look for bargains online and at discount stores like IKEA, thrift stores or resale sites like Ebay or CraigsList. Once you find the right rug that fits in with your color scheme, place the rug in the middle of the room to frame your space.

Brighten up standard walls and ceiling lights with DIY artwork ideas!

  • Add soft lighting throughout the apartment with inexpensive lamps with lamp shades rimmed with ribbon for a personalized designer look.
  • Tack a scarf or square of neat fabric to the ceiling over a drab boring light fixture. The fabric hangs far enough down that it won’t heat up or scorch, and the pretty colored light shines through below.
  • Staple fabric over a bulletin board. Hang on the wall and pin your favorite pictures on it.

Choose light and functional furniture (if possible). Chances are, you probably do not have a budget to buy all new furniture. For many of us apartment dwellers, our furniture chooses us when we inherit pieces from our family members. Despite popular belief, you don’t need as much furniture as you think.

  • Remember- what you move in, you will eventually need to move out. So go light and stick with the essential pieces- a few living room pieces for seating and storage, a dining room table, a bed and a dresser is really all you need to get started.
  • You can find great deals on used furniture at thrift stores or resale sites like CraigsList.
  • If you get a thrift store sofa, consider covering it with an inexpensive slip cover in a soft or muted color that blends with your accent colors.
  • Repurposing furniture from a thrift store is also great way to go green.
  • If you must buy new furniture, find some that you can assemble yourself (IKEA is a great place to find this). This will make moving in and moving out easier.
  • Make your own throw pillows in the same color scheme as your curtains to pull together the look in your living room and bedroom.
  • Go to the local discount store or dollar store for more basic items like kitchen utensils, trash cans and more.

New School Year, New Roommate, New Rules!

RoommatesFor many of you, the upcoming 2015/2016 school year also means  getting a new roommate!  Getting along with your roommate is important to succeed in your studies and is a necessity for your mental health and happiness (miserable roommate situation =-stress)!  We recommend getting off on the right foot and setting some ground rules early on to avoid conflict later.  Here are some talking points to help get the conversation going.

Study Habits: Will you have some sort of “quiet hours”? Where can you study? Is it ok to play music/video games/watch TV in common areas? What if one roommate is too loud? What is the best way to let each other know when there needs to be quiet?

Food: Take into account each person’s food preferences and dietary considerations. Will you share the cost of food? If so, how will you ensure each person contributes money? Do you shop individually? Is it okay to eat or drink something that belongs to someone else? If so, must it be replaced?

Other house items: Will you share the cost for common room items like garbage bags, dish washing soap, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and toiletries?

Personal belongings/Privacy: Is it okay to borrow personal goods without approval? What is off limits? Is it ok to go into a roommate’s bedroom? Can visitors go into the roommate’s bedroom? Should there be a knock first policy?

Visitors: Will you have parties? During what times and days can friends come over? How many visitors can come over at one time? Is it ok to have overnight guests? How long can an overnight guest stay? Where can guests sleep? What if a visitor makes someone feel uncomfortable? Where can guests park?

Smoking, drinking and drugs:  Will you have rules guiding what is permissible? Will there be limits as to where these things can happen, such as “no smoking in the house.” What will we do if someone brings drugs into the house? How will we ensure that we follow the laws around alcohol (such as not allowing anyone under 21 to drink).

Rent. Will the rent be split evenly? Will one person pay more to have a larger spacer or balcony? How will you pay rent? Will one roommate pay the landlord, or will you each pay separately? Who mails/delivers the rent to the landlord? Will any roommate be leaving before the term is complete? If so, who will pay the rent? How will a new roommate be selected? We recommend signing a “Roommate Contract” that specifies the terms of your partnership.

• Utilities and other services. How will we divide and pay for deposits and/or hook- up charges for each utility? Will we have a telephone, cable television or internet? How will we pay for hook up and/or charges related to these services?

Remember, establishing an open, honest relationship with your new roommate will help to save you from massive headaches later on.  Always discuss concerns as soon as they arise, before they escalate into larger issues.   Good luck and have fun!

photo credit: handshake via photopin (license)

Money Management Tips For Students Part Two

Money Management
Basic money management skills are essential for students to master in order to be successful during their college years and throughout life. Last month, we shared some budgeting and spending tips for students to follow to help them get a handle on their finances. Here’s a follow up post with more tips to help you get a handle on finances-

Know your Credit Score

Bad credit will haunt you for years to come and limit your options in the future as far as housing, transportation, continuing education and more. To secure a better future and access to lower interest rates, you must maintain a good, clean credit report. Sites like AnnualCreditReport.com will give you one free credit report per year online. You can also check with Consumer Credit Reporting Companies like Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

With identity theft and other cyber crimes on the rise, knowing your credit score can also help you stay ahead of potential consumer fraud. The Federal Trade Commission is a great resource to help protect yourself and your financial future.

Pay with Cash

Having trouble staying true to your budget? Always pay with cash- and you won’t have a choice. “Withdraw however much cash you plan to spend that week, and don’t use your debit card,” says blogger Jordin Keim in this article. “It’s harder to watch cash go than it is to swipe a card, so you will think twice before making unnecessary purchases.”

Set Aside Emergency Funds

Count on this- you will encounter unanticipated expenses as a student and throughout life. It’s guaranteed. So, be smart and plan for these emergencies. Follow this simple rule and it will set you free from the burden of these unwelcome “surprises”: Live below your means and set aside cash each month for emergency funds. Always have a cushion to get you through times of need.

Utilize Technology to Manage Your Budget

One of the advantages of living in the digital age is the ability to manage your cash on the go. Much of the work can be done right from your phone thanks to banks and their online money management resources like bill pay, budget monitoring, savings account management and more. Free apps like Balance and Mint are very helpful to busy students.

For more tips and ways students can manage their money and get ahead, visit these sites:

Get Rich Slowly – Personal Finance That Makes Cents
CNN Money – Personal Finance

photo credit: 223/365 – my bank sucks via photopin (license)

How to Find the Right Roommate for You

Happy Roomates

Now that we are renting properties for the 2015-2016 school year, it’s time to find your roommate if you have not already done so. While this process can be fun and exciting, it’s important to do your homework and find the right person. Trust us, you don’t want to be stuck in a lease with someone who you have nothing in common with.

Whether you plan to live with a friend or a friend of a friend or a stranger- you must find out important details about their personality, habits and lifestyle preferences before making a decision.

Tip #1-Set up an interview.

Even if you are moving in with someone you know, set aside time to have an honest discussion to find out of this is a good fit. Be honest about your expectations and make sure they match those of your potential roommate. Don’t tiptoe around the subject in order to seem polite, be upfront.

Tip #2- Ask questions before signing the lease.

Talk about your likes/dislikes, cleaning habits, friends, significant others, sleeping habits, etc. Establishing an open line of communication from the beginning will save you from potential misery down the line. Here are some basic ones you’ll want to cover-

1. Are they an early riser or a night owl? Light sleeper or good sleeper?

2. What is their typical work or school schedule? Will it conflict with yours?

3. What do they need to feel safe and secure (locking windows, etc)?

4. Are they neat or “relaxed?? Get clarification as this means different things to different people (and no one admits to being a slob).

5. What are their favorite/least favorite chores? How to do they like to divide up household work (chore list, just do it when they feel like it, etc.).

6. Are they extra-sensitive to fragrances and/or odors? This may affect what you choose as cleaning products and you may have to hide your running shoes after going to the gym.

7. Are they allergic to anything? (Examples: peanuts, perfume, milk, flowers, mold, smoke).

8. Do they smoke, drink, or do any other kinds of recreational drugs?

9. Do they enjoy talking or do they prefer to be quiet all the time? Do they talk about feelings or keep to themselves?

10. Do they enjoy decorating, or do they not care about decorating? What decorating style do they have?

11. What kind of music do they listen to and, more importantly, do they particularly enjoy listening to it when it’s loud?

12. How much TV do they watch? What do they watch? Are they fans of a sport team that you do not support or a sport you do not like

13. Do they like to share some items like pots and dishes or do they prefer to have separate everything?

14. How often do they invite friends and romantic interests over? Are you comfortable with the crowd they hang out with?

Source How to Find a Good Roommate on WikiHow

Tip #3-Listen to your gut instinct.

Your instincts are usually right on. If you get a weird feeling about a potential roommate, tell them politely that you don’t think it would be a good match and move on.

The University of Oregon Office of Dean of Students has additional resources for Off Campus living in addition to a list of places to search or advertise to find a new roomate. You can always contact our office at (541) 485-7776 for more questions, we are always willing to help in any way we can.

photo credit: Fun Ladies via photopin (license)

Essential Money Management Tips for Students

Money Management Tips College

Adjusting to college life is filled with obstacles, but basic financial management is one of the biggest challenges students must overcome to be successful not just in college, but in life. Unless you are living on trust fund, the costs of student life can be overwhelming. However, adopting simple money management habits like smart budgeting and spending can make all the difference in the world.

In order to form a strong foundation for money management, there are two essential steps students need to master:

#1- Know where your money is going.
#2- Create and follow a realistic budget.

Mastering these two steps will take time and patience. But the payoff in the long run is freedom from financial stress, dept and the means to provide for yourself and others.

#1 Know Where Your Money is Going

If you don’t already do this, get into the habit TODAY of keeping a spending log. Knowing where your money is going will allow to to take control of your finances and give you the ability to buy the things you really want in the future. A spending log is a very simple but powerful tool to get started. Click here to learn more and to download a spending log you can begin using today.

#2 Create and follow a realistic budget

Following a budget will ensure that you have enough to provide what you need and allow you to reach goals like saving enough money for Spring Break, buying a new bike etc. For this to be successful, it may take months of practice and patience and a willingness to make sacrifices.

To create a budget you can actually follow, review your spending log to see where your money is currently going and where you can cut back. To do this, you must determine between what you need (food, clothing, rent, gas, textbooks) and what you want (the other stuff). Here’s a great tip from the article, 10 budget tips for college students.

You must learn to balance between needs and wants. Your needs will always come first, and your wants second. You have to live within your means, so if your wants exceed your needs, you must either get another job, or sacrifice those wants. It’s a tough thing, but you can do it! It’s only for a little while. List monthly income sources, including savings, wages and parental allowances, and then write down estimated expenses for the month. It isn’t easy to identify college living expenses in advance, but you should try. Take costs such as school supplies, food outside your meal plan, personal care items and laundry into account. Then, try managing your budget and tracking expenses using an online personal finance management tool like Mint.com, which helps you easily create and stick to a budget.

Resources

Click here for a simple budget worksheet to help get you started. You can also learn more about personal budgeting, visit StudentAid.gov/Budget.

We recommend The Live Like a Duck program for students. This money management program provides tools and tips to help students and their families make sound financial decisions while you attend the UO.

photo credit: $23 lunch/beer/dessert 2009-11-02 12.05.49 via photopin (license)

Generations of Oregon Ducks Fans

“…this is the utopia of being a Duck” – Larry von Klein in Mighty Oregon

von Klein Property Management Company

University of Oregon Ducks

When you step into Larry von Klein’s office, a.k.a. the “Duck Cave” there is no questioning his long time love for the University of Oregon Ducks. In fact, Larry and his wife Carmen have been season tickets for Oregon Ducks football and basketball for 35 years and are currently season ticket holders for Ducks baseball and track teams.

von Klein Property Management Company

 

von Klein Property Management Company

The von Klein love for the University of Oregon began when Larry moved to Eugene from Seattle during childhood. Larry graduated from the University of Oregon in the late 1960’s with a degree in business followed with a masters in journalism.

Larry and Carmen von Klein have been managing apartments since attending the University of Oregon. Larry saw a need for a “hands-on” professional management company to properly manage the apartments and commercial properties. Thus the partnership of von Klein Property Management began with Carmen von Klein managing the company. Since that time, they have been property managers, owners and developers.

The von Klein commitment to The University of Oregon community continues today. In addition to their active involvement with UO athletic and community activities, the von Klein family is active with the UO Alumni Association where Larry has served as a board member and president of the Lane County chapter.

Larry and Carmen have proudly passed on their love for the University of Oregon Ducks to their children and a new generation of grandchildren! The family company also includes son Larry Jr., a partner in the business and 2002 U of O grad, and daughter-in-law Lauren, also a U of O grad. Daughter Christine von Klein Clapp rounds out the family business background with her extensive escrow and mortgage experience.

Going Somewhere for Winter Break? Follow These Safety Tips

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Reposted from The Pond & Beyond

The holiday break brings relaxation from the day-to-day demands of college life and for many, an opportunity to leave the area to enjoy time with family and friends. However, students are not the only ones who look forward to this time of year!

Here are some tips to keep your things safe while you’re away.
These simple and effective tips to protect your property can make the difference between coming home relaxed and ready to take on the new challenges of winter term and becoming a statistic for future students to learn from.

BURGLARY PREVENTION

Lock doors and windows
Take valuables like small electronics with you
Cose your blinds and leave a radio or TV and a light on

THEFT FROM VEHICLE PREVENTION

Don’t leave ANYTHING in your vehicle
Lock all doors and windows
Park in well-lit areas

THEFT OF VEHICLE PREVENTION

Use a steering wheel locking device
Use a vehicle security system that disables the ignition

Not Leaving for the Break?
For those who will be in the area for winter break, help protector your neighbor’s stuff by reporting suspicious activity to the Eugene Police non-emergency number at 541-682-5111!

Be sure to click here to download our Winter Break Safety Tips!

photo credit: UC Irvine via photopin cc

Five Tips to Get Through Finals Week

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It’s hard to believe, but finals week is here! Final exams can be a stressful time for students, especially if you are juggling a job, an apartment and multiple activities. We wish all of our tenants good luck on finals or any exam you may be taking right now. Here are some tips to help you do your best!

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1) Optimize and organize your study space

A well organized study room is very essential during this time. Make sure that you have enough space to organize your textbooks & notes, your chair & study table are comfortable and that the lighting in the room is good. be sure to remove any potential distractions like your phone, tablets (unless it’s needed to study), game systems, TV and anything else that would cause you to lose focus. If music is a distraction, replace it with white noise to minimize interruptions to your study time.

2) Eat right and exercise

It is CRITICAL to take care of your body during exam time, yet so many students neglect their health during this time. Stick to the basics: a balanced diet that includes vegetables & fruits, avoid sugar and go for healthy snacks (e.g. yoghurt, almonds, fruits) to keep your blood sugar stable. If you are going to study for a long time, eat some protein. On the day of the exams, do not forget to eat breakfast! Research has shown that high-carb, high-fiber, slow-digesting foods such as oatmeal are the best for exam day. Also, remember to drink plenty of water (at least 8 glasses a day) to keep your body hydrated. Exercise is also essential during this time as it helps you refresh your mind.

3) Manage your time wisely

It’s very common for students to wait until the last minute to “cram”, but according to experts, this is not advisable. Write down a list all the exams that you are preparing for, and then set a study timetable. Note that, there are some subjects that may require more study time than others however, you should never neglect any of them. Smart time management will also help you avoid cramming which lowers your ability to retain information.

4) Take regular breaks

Research shown that regular breaks are very essential for long term retention of knowledge. Not all the people are the same and therefore make sure that you develop a study routine that works for you. When you feel tired, take a short break to stretch and at least have your mind rest for a while before resuming your studies.

5) Look at the past exams

If possible, reviewing old exams will help you understand the format of the questions and train your brain to perform better on exam day. You can also time yourself to ensure that you spend the right amount of time on each section.

We hope these tips help you get through finals week successfully! On the day of the exam, make sure that you have everything that you will need ready (e.g. writing materials etc). Also get the directions of the room/place where the exam is going to take place and do not forget to look at the rules and regulations. Good luck!

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