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Salem Keizer Living
Salem Keizer Living celebrates life in Salem and Keizer—sharing local events, real estate insights, market updates, new businesses, and the everyday moments that make our community special.

Latest

11
Nov
Wide path at Salem's Riverfront Park with trees lining the route

Salem's Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 2026: What to Know

The Salem Run'ucopia Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot happens at Riverfront Park on November 26, 2026, with 6K, 10K, and 15K runs plus a free 1K for kids. This guide covers parking, stroller-friendly tips, and how to fit a morning race into your Thanksgiving Day plans before heading home to cook.
8 min read
09
Nov
Service member reviewing and signing VA loan eligibility documentation

VA Loans in Salem-Keizer: What to Confirm Before You Offer

Before writing a VA offer in Salem or Keizer, confirm your Certificate of Eligibility, understand the funding fee applies to most veterans, and plan for appraisal timelines. Properties with wells or septic systems need extra contingency time.
11 min read
06
Nov
Mortgage rate buydown calculation spreadsheet showing payment comparison

Rate Buydowns in Salem-Keizer: When They Actually Pay Off

A rate buydown is negotiable credit that deserves the same scrutiny as any other deal term. Learn how temporary 2-1 buydowns and permanent points buydowns work, run simple breakeven math on your actual loan amount, and decide whether that same credit might do more for you applied to price or.
10 min read
05
Nov
Selling a Rental Property With Tenants in Salem & Keizer, Oregon: 2026-2027 Guide

Selling a Rental Property With Tenants in Salem & Keizer, Oregon: 2026-2027 Guide

Selling a duplex or fourplex with tenants in place doesn't require eviction, but Oregon law strictly governs showing access, notice periods, and relocation payments. The rules depend on tenancy type, move-in date, and unit count, and they've changed significantly since 2019.
10 min read
31
Oct
Residential rental home in Salem, Oregon during winter season

Oregon Rental Property Heat Requirements: What Salem and Keizer Landlords Must Know Before Winter

Oregon landlords must provide working heat, weatherproofing, plumbing, and electrical service as part of habitability standards. The critical piece most self-managing owners miss: the repair clock starts the moment a tenant reports a problem, not when you get around to it.
15 min read
29
Oct
Property manager discussing rental management options with homeowner

Self-Manage or Hire a PM for Your Salem-Keizer Rental? Real Costs

When you own a duplex, triplex, or fourplex in Salem or Keizer, the choice between self-managing and hiring a property manager comes down to real numbers, not percentages. Property managers charge base fees, leasing fees, maintenance markups, and more.
10 min read
28
Oct
Market statistics showing Salem-Keizer home prices and inventory trends

Sell First or Buy First in Salem-Keizer Without Owning Two Homes

Whether to sell first or buy first depends on your equity position, cash reserves, and how fast your specific home is selling in Salem-Keizer. A rent-back agreement timed to your next closing can eliminate the need to own two homes at once in most local scenarios.
9 min read
26
Oct
Homes on a tree-lined street in Salem, Oregon neighborhood

How Much House Can You Actually Afford in Salem or Keizer?

The lender's approval ceiling and your comfortable monthly payment are usually two different numbers. Learn how the math actually works, using real Salem and Keizer price points and income scenarios.
9 min read
23
Oct
Enchanted Forest Halloweentown entrance with Halloween decorations

Halloweentown vs. Haunted Nightmares: Your 2026 Visit Guide

Halloweentown and Haunted Nightmares are two separate experiences at Enchanted Forest in Turner. Halloweentown is a daytime, family-friendly event with trick-or-treat stations and costumed characters, while Haunted Nightmares is an after-dark haunted attraction designed for teens and adults.
10 min read
22
Oct
Residential street in Salem, Oregon with single-family homes

Oregon's Middle Housing Law: Can You Add a Unit in Salem?

Oregon's middle housing law allows Salem properties zoned for single-family homes to add duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes without a rezone. But zoning approval is just the first step. Your lot still needs city permits for setbacks, sewer capacity, parking, and fire access.
9 min read