Category: Blog

Why You Definitely Need Renters Insurance

Tornado
(That can’t be good…)

 

No matter how prepared you are, life comes with unexpected risks. Be it by theft or a flood or a malfunctioning clothes dryer, in a moment you could face the loss of your personal belongings or your home. Can you afford to bet against these risks by not having renters insurance?

Too many people decide against renters insurance because they simply think their stuff is just not valuable enough to protect. Is this really the case?

Your stuff is worth more than you think

Look around at the possessions in your home: computer, bike, clothes, television, iPhone, that strange Angolan scarf your mom gave you. Start adding up the value of how much it would cost to replace all these items. It’s pretty high, right?

According to the USAA, new renters typically have about $20,000 worth of belongs. Not only is that a ton of money but it’s the last thing you’d want to worry about in a time of crisis.

That’s where renter’s insurance comes in.

Replacement Cost Coverage

The ideal policy is one that has replacement cost coverage over cash value.

A replacement cost coverage policy would pay out the cost of buying a new item to replace the ones you lost. A cash value policy would instead pay the cash value of the item lost at the time of its loss.

These policies mean the difference between a payment for a brand new computer and a payment based on the current cash value of your five year old computer.

Renters Insurance Computer
So, about the replacement cost coverage…

Protection against severe natural events

Did you know that the United States has more tornados than anywhere else in the world?  Ensure that your policy not only covers you for fire but also covers you in case of flooding, earthquakes, tornados, and any other nature disaster.

Coverage doesn’t just extend to your home

Renters insurance can also be extended outside of your home. If someone breaks into your car and steals your bag from inside, your renters insurance would cover that too.

It covers your neighbor’s property

Renters Insurance
Oh great, the dishwasher in 3B is acting up again.

(What would happen if your washing machine goes haywire floods into your neighbor’s apartment? Renters insurance would include a liability to cover you in these instances for any damage incurred.

Liability Insurance

This policy should also cover you against a lawsuit should someone hurt themselves in your apartment. This is not just limited to guests, service providers and repair individuals would be covered too in case of injury in your property.

Landlord insurance is not enough

Your landlord’s insurance may cover damage to the carpet or to the walls but it will not cover your personal belongings.

It’s Affordable

Renters Insurance can start as low as $12 to $15 dollars a month. A small price to pay when you consider the coverage it affords.

 

Essential Tips for Cyclists in Eugene, Oregon

Biking in Eugene OregonIf you’re a U of O student, which many of our tenants are, chances are you will rely on bicycling for some (if not all) of your transportation needs.  The good news is you’re in the right town. Eugene, Oregon is one of the most bike friendly cities in the country!

Did you know we rank 7th on the list of Top 20 Cities with the Highest Share of Bicyclists in the country? It’s safe to say that if you’re reading this then you’re probably a proud cyclist yourself. But whether you’re a long-time cyclist or new to the scene there are several things you should keep in mind to ensure a long, positive bike ownership.

BIKE REGISTRATION

In case of theft, registration of your bike can be the difference between recovering your bike or not.  If you’re a student of the University of Oregon, bike registration is required by the Department of Parking and Transportation for all bikes on campus. But the best part? It’s free!

Here are some simple steps to register your bike:

  1. Fill out the form on Eugene-or.gov’s Bike Registration page. If you’re a University of Oregon student you can also register through project529.com.
  1. If you apply through Eugene-or.gov’s page, a registration decal will be sent to you once your application is processed. If you’re registering through the University of Oregon then you can pick your decal through the Department of Parking and Transportation.

BIKE SAFETY AND LAWS

Always Wear a Helmet – Protect your head!

Wear Reflective Clothing – Bright colors will keep you visible during the day, and reflective colors will increase your visibility at night.

Obey The Laws of The Road – As a biker you follow the same rules of the road that cars do. Always obey traffic signs and signals.

Ride On The Right – Ride on the right side of the road and follow the flow of traffic.

Keep The Lights On – Bikes are required by Oregon law to have lights and reflectors both on the front and back.

Take Those Buds Out – Avoid wearing ear buds or headphones to keep your hearing free for traffic.

LOCK YOUR BIKE

  • We advise investing in a reliable U-Lock of at least $50, as cheaper locks are easier to bypass.
  • Always lock your bike when you’re not using it, even if you are only away from it briefly.
  • Be aware that no lock is foolproof. A determined thief will be able to break one given enough time. Avoid leaving your bike locked outdoors overnight and keep it indoors or in your garage whenever possible.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A THEFT

File a police report. Fill out a police report via their online form.

Register your bike as stolen at webikeeugene.com. By providing this information bike shops, pawns shops, and others, We Bike Eugene increases the possibilities of your bike being recognized and reported. It’s a free community driven service that anyone can use.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Eugene Oregon Bike Maps

Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals

Eugene Bicyclist

Greater Eugene Area Riders

Oregon Bike Manual

OR Bike

We Bike Eugene

Project 529

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!

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!

photo credit: CollegeDegrees360 via photopin cc

photo credit: JuditK via photopin cc

Off Campus Living Tips- Know Your Neighborhood!

Eugene is full of great neighborhoods U of O students call home.
Eugene is full of great neighborhoods U of O students call home.

Living in off campus neighborhoods can be an enriching experience for college students by giving you an opportunity to interact with a more diverse group of neighbors. In other words, not all of your neighbors will be college students. Some are retired professionals while others are families with small children.

Eugene is filled with vibrant neighborhoods that are accessible to students, and we can help you find a great place to rent in many of these areas. Click here to see a list of properties available now, or call our office at (541) 485-7776 and we’ll be happy to help.

Here’s some info about 2 popular neighborhoods close to the U of O campus where permanent residents and renters co-exist:

The West University Neighborhood (WUN)

Approximately 75% of West University’s residents are U of O students. This charming community has lots of new construction and complexes that are coming up. Some of the popular spots that you will enjoy in the neighborhood include the Glenwood restaurant, The Duck Store, Yogurt Extreme and Starbucks. The neighborhood encompasses the area west from Kincaid Street to Willamette Street, and north from East 19th Avenue to Franklin Boulevard.

The South University Neighborhood

The South University Neighborhood consists of 60% students while the other 40% are members of the university faculty, retired folks, university staff and families with small children. Students who live in this area have a much different experience here than in other traditional off campus neighborhoods and are expected to keep quieter and follow a more traditional schedule (no late night parties, etc). Some of the popular spots include Toms Market, Safeway, Eugene City bakery and Prince Puckers Ice Cream.

Don’t forget these quick tips to help you be a better neighbor:

1. Make sure you introduce yourself to the homeowners in the area. It’s simple, but you’d be surprised how often this step is neglected! Let your new neighbors know that you care about the neighborhood and you will plan to show them the respect they deserve. You can also exchange contacts and learn about them a bit.

2. Communicate. Ask for assistance when you need it and discuss your concerns with neighbors before they escalate.

3. Keep the noise down. You should try and keep your conversation or music that you are listening to low in your room. The neighbors have the right to call the police in case you are too noisy, you should respect them and their rights.

4. Park your cars in appropriate places. There are drive ways and parking places provided in the neighborhoods. In order to ensure you do not obstruct others, you should park your cars in those places.

5. In case of conflict you should seek help. You can contact UO conflict resolution centre at uodos.uoregon.edu or 541-346-3216 and crs.uoregon.edu, 541-346-0617.

photo credit: Don Hankins via photopin cc

Seven Reasons to Be a Volunteer

Volunteering Oregon
The experience you will have helping others is like none other.

For many college students, juggling busy class schedules, jobs, exams and social activities make it challenging to find time for yourself, let alone for helping others. But if you’re able to fit the time in, even if it’s alongside a part-time, paying campus job, it could be worth your while to pursue a volunteer position.  The experiences you will have are priceless.

Other than the fact that it’s simply a good thing to do, here are seven reasons for you to consider becoming a volunteer.

1. Volunteering Can Be Good for Your Health

Studies have indicated that college students who spend time giving back to others experience lower levels of stress & depression. Volunteering offers a sense of purpose, fulfillment and satisfaction that are vital to surviving the stressful college years. It’s also a great way to get out and be physically active, which we all know is good for you!

2. Could Result in Landing That Big Job

There are no guarantees in the workplace, but having volunteer experience on your post-graduation resume could make you more appealing to potential employers. When employers see that you have volunteered your time, it sends a positive message that you are able to manage your time and that you’re a team player.

3. Teaches Life Skills Beyond the Classroom

Volunteer work gives you an opportunity to develop valuable skills such as public speaking, decision making, writing, communication, personal leadership, etc that you may not have been able to do otherwise. Equally valuable, it allows students to gain a greater understanding of their interests and how to pursue career goals and dreams.

4. Helps You to Build Your Professional Network

Volunteer positions are a great way to meet people, especially if you land a volunteer position in your desired field, whether it’s medical, education, business, etc. The contacts you build through volunteering are very valuable and a great way to build your professional network.

5. Can Lead to Potential Scholarship and Financial Aid Opportunities

There are a great deal of scholarships and grants out there that list community service as a prerequisite, so if you dedicate some time each week to volunteer work, you could be giving your financial aid profile a boost as well.

6. You Will Grow as a Person

In additional to resume and professional network building, volunteerism can do wonders for your social life and help you grow as a person. Finding causes that matter to you is a sure fire way to surround yourself with like-minded people who share your interests. You will also have the added benefit of encountering people from different walks of life as well. Even if you do something completely different with your life, you’ll now be able to boast experience in a variety of different fields. You’ll be surprised how much you will mature and grow as a person once you see that an organization is relying on you.

7. It’s fun

Trust us! Volunteers get all kinds of fun perks, access to cool events, meet interesting people and do things they would not otherwise do!

What more can we say? Volunteering can help you meet new people, find new experiences, get healthy and have fun! Ready to get started?

Duck Corps hosts a variety of volunteer opportunities to make it as easy as possible to find ways to serve in the community! Register now to become part of the growing Duck Corps community. Click here to see their local Volunteer Opportunities Database.

Content Sources:
Benefits of Volunteerism in College


The Health Benefits of Volunteering – Corporation for National and Community Service

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