Archive for Corvallis Real Estate
Broker Tour | Knowing the Real Estate Market
Broker tour
Q. What is Broker Tour?
A. Broker Tour is a time when sellers make it easy for Brokers to see properties that are on the market. The “tour” is a process by which brokers can look at properties without making prior arrangements. In the Corvallis, Albany and Philomath areas the agents let themselves into homes that are pre-set; in some areas, like Lebanon or Sweet Home there is a “caravan” type tour that is rigorously scheduled and the agents group together and all go in a few cars at once.
Q. How does this process work?
A. The listing agent sets the tour time up in the MLS system. In Corvallis, Philomath and Albany brokers “tour” on Wednesdays. The time of the tour is flexible, but most commonly around 9:00 am until early afternoon. One of the nice features about the way we tour here is that we can flex a little and work around our client’s schedules and needs. Other areas have different methods, for instance in Lebanon the tour is more of a “caravan” with a list of pre-scheduled properties. Additionally, some offices have an established “office tour” which may or may not be established as part of their office meeting agenda.
Q. Which properties are on tour?
A. Tour is often comprised of the “new” listings for the week. Sometimes a “new” property has been on the market for a while (days or even weeks) before it is scheduled for tour. Sometimes homes that have already been on tour once are re-set for additional tours. Generally, those homes have had a “change” like in price or décor. Occasionally, the first tour had a poor turn-out, so it’s re-set to give the brokers another chance to see the property. It’s never a bad thing to let brokers have easy access to preview a property. Broker tour is a little like “open house” just for agents.
Q. Why is it beneficial for brokers to tour?
A. This is a chance to see the property and be familiar enough to discuss it with clients. Sometimes, brokers tour with a specific client in mind, other times not. It is also a way to become familiar with the market, understand the various homes that are for sale and associate a price point with them. This is also a social opportunity, brokers on tour often cross paths and has a chance to talk with colleagues, exchanging ideas and needs.
Q. Why didn’t more agents tour my home?
A. There could be any number of reasons why some agents didn’t tour. Often it’s because they have conflicts in their work schedule. It’s possible that they’ve seen the house (either on tour previously or even when it was on the market in the past). Sometimes the time that is set is not practical or long enough to allow them to see every property. Rural properties are often under-toured due to drive times etc. There may have been a number of properties on tour and the volume made it impossible to see them all. Some brokers only tour if they have a client that may match a property, some never tour at all.
Q. What about a luncheon or give-away?
A. A lot of brokers offer luncheons or give-a-ways with the idea in mind that more brokers will tour the home. It’s my opinion that the brokers that need to see a specific home, make a point to visit with or without incentives.
SOLD! HOME FOR SALE– 7925 NW Oxbow Drive, Corvallis, Oregon
SOLD!
NEW PRICE! HOME FOR SALE– 7925 NW Oxbow Drive, Corvallis, Oregon
Beautiful home in Oak Creek, a close in rural area that provides easy access to Oregon State University and downtown Corvallis. Easy main level living with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, open kitchen, dining and spacious laundry room with large pantry. Two bedrooms, full bath, family room, bonus room on lower level. Extras include workshop area, updated windows, updated baths and kitchen. Plenty of level backyard space, with decks and covered patio area. Loads of parking out front and nearly two private acres. Seller is providing a home warranty. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 3163 sq. ft.
Located in the desirable Oak Creek area of northwest Corvallis, this home is situated on almost 2 acres, tucked amongst the trees. Close to Oregon State University, shopping, nature trails and natural areas including Bald Hill and Fitton Green, Benton County Fairgrounds, and the Irish Bend Covered Bridge path. Just minutes from downtown Corvallis, medical facilities, and Philomath.
Foyer is warm and inviting. Opens to living room, dining and kitchen, and stairs to basement. Also has access to main level bathroom, master bedroom, and secondary bedroom. Living room has large windows with wonderful wooded views, wood burning brick fireplace with mantle, and a open floor plan to the dining area and kitchen, which is ideal for entertaining.
Kitchen is neutral and bright with large garden window above the three bay sink and white appliances. Kitchen also features a breakfast bar, microwave and TV nooks, pull-out and lazy susan cabinets, and counter-top hideaways, great for small appliances. Kitchen is open to the dining area and living room and has access to the laundry/mudroom and walk-in pantry. Dining area is spacious and light with the open floor plan to the kitchen, living room, main bath, and entry and access to the back deck, ideal for outdoor barbecues and parties. Laundry/mudroom is spacious with tons of storage, large utility sink, walk-in pantry, and access to attached 2-car garage, main bath, and kitchen. Main bathroom has shower, vanity with tile counter-tops and towel bar, and access to both the laundry room and dining area.
Master bedroom is enormous and bright with wooded views, tons of closet space with two walk-in closets, and attached master bath. Master bathroom has loads of storage and counter space, single sink vanity with make-up counter, seperate toilet/shower room with shower/tub combo, and access to the main hallway. Main level also features a secondary bedroom with closet and lots of natural light.
Lower level has an open floor plan with the family room and wet bar area. Wet bar area has a brick woodstove alcove and access to back yard and outdoor storage/shop areas. Lower level also features two huge secondary bedrooms, one with an alcove that is great for a reading nook or desk area, and one with a cedar storage area, previously a sauna, plumbed for a shower. Also located on the lower level is a spacious mechanical room, multipurpose room, great for crafts, home gym, office, playroom, or to suit your needs, and a recently remodeled bathroom with large dual sink vanity, beautiful decorative tile, and separate toilet/shower room with large shower with glass doors.
Outdoor spaces include a back deck off the dining area that overlooks the large back yard which is partially fenced and great for gardening, pets, play, and more, storage/wood shed which is accessible from the lower level wet bar area and is a great place to store firewood, outdoor toys, and garden equipment, and a nice-sized shop area accessible from the lower level wet bar area that has plumbing, electrical, insulated ceiling, and is great for hobbies, woodworking and more.
MLS#640054
Search for more homes for sale in Corvallis here.
A New Resource for First Time Homebuyers
A New Resource for First Time Homebuyers
Coldwell Banker Corporation has just added a new resource for First Time Homebuyers to its web site ColdwellBanker.com. The First-Time Home Buyer Resource Center includes videos, articles and tools to answer questions and guide new home buyers through the real estate search process. If you’re thinking about buying a home for the first time in Corvallis, Albany, Philomath or for that matter, anywhere in Oregon or the U.S., this site would be worth a visit.
If you want to ask questions or need help buying your first home, Contact Dava.
What is Escrow?
My clients that are buying and selling homes in the Corvallis and Albany areas frequently, ask ”What is escrow? 
In general, “escrow” is the neutral third party that holds instruments (deeds or other documents that convey ownership); funds (or other items of value); or evidence of title for real or personal property. In Oregon, the escrow agent is typcially a Title Insurance Company (but this does not always have to be the case).
In a real estate transaction, “escrow” is the neutral third party that holds the deeds, collects and disburses the funds and follows instructions on behalf of the parties to the transaction.
It is the function of escrow in a real estate purchase transaction to make sure that all the instructions (which are really the terms of the sales agreement and the lend, er instructions) are followed; that all bills are paid (through the instruction of the buyer, the seller or the lender) and that funds are disbursed (lender loan proceeds, seller’s proceeds and any excess monies deposited by the buyer to the buyer).
Escrow follows the instructions of the parties to the transaction to determine how proration of taxes and other re-occuring charges such as homeowner association fees are handled. Escrow also makes sure that appropriate parties such as taxing authorities, homeowners associations, water districts and so forth are notified when there is a change of ownership. Escrow does not typically notifiy public utilites of changes of ownership. An owner that is selling should notify their hazard/homeowners insurance of the sale (but not until the sale is completed and the sellers proceeds are disbursed.)
Escrow is also responsible by law for the collecting of information and reporting of sales information to the state and federal government in the event of a possible income tax liability on the part of the seller of real estate. It’s important that sellers and buyers understand the tax ramifications of their transactions prior to closing. Escrow will send out questionnaires to be completed early in the process to help alleviate problems that can arise from tax consequences of a sale (such as FIRPTA and State and Federal witholding requirements), if for some reason you do not receive paperwork from the escrow company early in your transaction, you will want to check on it.
Escrow is not allowed to act independently. In general, once a buyer’s earnest money deposit is “in escrow” escrow cannot release those funds without express instructions from all parties. Escrow is not allowed to proceed with finalizing or cancelling a transaction without instructions from all parties. If there is a dispute that arises from disagreements from any of the parties to the transaction, escrow must wait for instructions between the parties that are consistent before they act upon them.
It’s important the that escrow agent: be finanacially responsible (and have financial strength); have expertise in handing complex transactions; act in a manner to assure that payment of liens and other encumbrances is accomplished; provide single point of contact for coordination of flow of documents and funds; remains an impartial third party.
If you need more information or have specific questions I can answer, please get in touch. Contact Dava
SOLD! HOME FOR SALE– 1185 NW Country Hills Drive, Corvallis, Oregon
SOLD!
HOME FOR SALE–1185 NW Country Hills Drive, Corvallis, Oregon
Spacious single level home in private 1.1 acre woodland setting. Located in the Country Hills Estates subdivsion with easy access to downtown Corvallis and NW Corvallis. Living areas are incredibly large and open with plenty of space to entertain or relax. Formal dining room features charming french doors to separate kitchen and family room. Bonus area off dining room and living room creates a wonderful reading or office area. Kitchen has new granite counter-tops, sink and faucet. Huge master features a wall of closets, attached bath and a bonus room that works well for many uses. Very large garage provides plenty of space for cars and storage. 3 Bedrooms, 2 baths and approx. 2724 sq. ft.
Search for more homes for sale in Corvallis here.
Huge Price Reduction! HOME FOR SALE–3560 NW Tyler Avenue, Corvallis, Oregon $797,000
VINTAGE HOME FOR SALE– 3560 NW Tyler Avenue, Corvallis, Oregon
Iconic College Hill “Casa Musica”, historic home exemplifies Tudor Revival style with decorative half-timbering, multi-paned casement windows and a complex floor plan. The quality and craftsmanship of its era is evident, yet it “lives” in a comfortably “modern” way. Vintage details include quality wood and iron work (open beams, decorative mouldings, flooring, light fixtures, handrails) blend seamlessly with updated and enlarged kitchen, spacious master suite, and garage addition. Large backyard with stone fence and brick terraces. Approximately $700,000 has been spent on additions, restoration and renovation of this home. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 5195 sq. ft.
Located in the highly sought-after College Hill Historic neighborhood, Casa Musica is an architectural treasure. Infused with rich history, the original handcrafted details blend seamlessly with many modern, yet era appropriate updates. A fine example of the Tudor Revival style with decorative half-timbering, multi-paned casement windows and a complex floor plan. Uniquely situated in close proximity to Oregon State University, local schools, parks, shopping, and downtown Corvallis.
Brick front walk and charming curb appeal welcomes you home. Oak door with handmade wrought iron hinges, mail slot, and original handmade wrought iron light post, door knocker, and Casa Musica sign sets the tone for the rest of the home. Foyer is warm and inviting with oak hardwood flooring, open staircase to the upper level, vintage phone booth with light, phonebook shelf, and swing-out seat, and trunk room under the stairs.
Living room is the heart of history within this home. Original handmade wrought iron touches include hanging globes, wall sconces, curtain rods, and fireplace screen and tools.. Hand-hewn open beam work with “knuckles” and “acorns”, original pegged white oak hardwood flooring, window seat, granite stone gas fireplace (originally a wood burning fireplace), large multi-paned Gothic window, and French doors to the garden give a light and open feeling to the living room. Built-ins include desk, bookshelves, bench with speaker holes for the original phonograph, and bench with wood lift for the fireplace. The soloist balcony and piano stage, along with the acoustically designed ceilings brings this home’s moniker to life.
Dining room is situated between the living room and kitchen, creating an ideal floor plan for entertaining. Dining room features a built-in china cabinet with original glass doors, serving pass-through to the kitchen, and French doors that lead to the garden. The dining room was enlarged southward by 4 feet shortly after the original construction and also has the original pegged white oak hardwood flooring, exposed beam work, and original handmade wrought iron curtain rods. Kitchen is light and bright with original window and mirrored medicine cabinet, white tile counter-tops with red rope accent tile, white double sink with garbage disposal, 1920′s style glass paned cabinets, and white KitchenAid appliances; gas cooktop, convection microwave/hood, double wall ovens (one convection), dishwasher and refrigerator.Kitchen also features a walk-in pantry and laundry chute near the cooktop, red radiator which serves as a memory of the original sawdust-fired heating system, access to the attached 2-car garage, upper level and basement, and entry to the breakfast nook that features a china cabinet.
Adjacent to the breakfast nook is a main level bedroom, originally the “maid’s room” and is ideal for guest use with large closet and access to guest bath (bath can also be accessed from the foyer). Guest bath features original sink and mirrored medicine cabinet, wall tiles circa 1926-27, and floor tiles circa 1960.
Master suite is luxurious with open beam work styled after the living room, window shelves, chandelier and wall sconces on dimmer switches, French doors to an iron railed belvedere that overlooks the backyard, and walk-in closet. Walk-in closet has lots of shelving and hanging space, re-purposed mirrored closet door from the original northeast bedroom, and access to the upper level bathroom. Upper level bathroom has fir cabinets styled after the original woodwork, large double sink vanity with Kohler sinks, white tile counter-top, and laundry chute, tile flooring, wainscotting and shower/tub combo, and original windows and mirrored medicine cabinet. Upper level bathroom also has access to both the master closet and hallway. Other upper level spaces include: South bedroom that overlooks the backyard with wall sconces and walk-in closet with the original access to the attic. Northeast bedroom (originally the master bedroom) with window seat and dressing room with built-in vanity/desk, bookshelves, and closet with original glass knobs. Study or other multipurpose space (formerly a bedroom) with window seat.
Expansive backyard features a granite wall (1996) that is made of the same granite as the original chimney and fireplace, custom wrought iron gate and wall window with music motif and Gothic shaping, mirroring the living room window, original wrought iron treble clef on the chimney, original brick terrace with southern extension and fountain (1960′s) and a 2.5 ft. path around the perimeter of the home (1996), original cement urn, wrought iron trellis underneath the master suite’s belvedere, and a computerized underground irrigation system. This home’s grounds also feature a cedar garden shed on a brick pad off the alley, gated area in alley that hides the A/C units and trash cans, and a double wood gate with wrought iron hinges that allows utility access from the alley into the backyard.
Additionally this home has a finished attic, finished basement and finished 2-car attached garage. The finished attic is heated, insulated and plastered and features unfinished fir flooring, built-in bench styled after the living room built-ins, and one new window and one re-purposed window.
Finished basement features lots of built-in shelving, some with sliding doors, herring bone patterned oak hardwood flooring, full bathroom, and laundry room. Full bathroom has tile shower and extra long bathtub, Kohler pedestal sink, mirrored medicine cabinet styled after the upper level bathroom medicine cabinet, and original built-in wall toothbrush holders and covered toilet paper holder re-purposed from the upper level bathroom. Laundry room features ample cabinet storage and counter space, original built-in ironing board re-purposed from the original kitchen, and laundry chute from the kitchen and upper level bathroom.
Finished 2-car attached garage is heated, insulated and plastered and features hot and cold water faucet, great for clean-up and car washing, automatic gate-style garage doors with original wrought iron hinges, 220 volt plug for generator, and original door to garden and 4 windows re-purposed from the original garage.
Vintage Points of Interest
- The builder’s name (C.A. Heilman) and date are etched in the exterior stucco at the northwest corner of the house
- All original handmade wrought ironwork is said to have been made in the college blacksmith shop at Oregon Agricultural College (now Oregon State University)
- Wrought iron music door knocker was handmade by a student of Professor Petri
- Lathe and plaster and picture rail throughout the home
- Original unpainted tinted plaster can be seen in the foyer coat closet, living room desk, and upper level linen closet.
- Granite used to construct the original fireplace and chimney and the stone wall (1996) came from the Newman Quarry in Philomath, Oregon (the only granite quarry in western Oregon)
- All windows (new and old) are true mullioned, including the glass doors on the kitchen cabinets and both china cabinets located in the dining room and breakfast nook
- There is a total of 635 panes of glass within this home
- Most of the original windows have original Pella Rolscreens and most of the new windows have similar built-in screens
MLS#639764
Search for more homes for sale in Corvallis here.
SOLD! HOME FOR SALE–2081 Dawnwood Drive, Philomath, Oregon
SOLD!
Home For Sale–2081 Dawnwood Drive, Philomath, Oregon
Beautifully remodeled and updated with materials and finishes of the highest quality. This single level home on 3.64 acres is located in a quiet and peaceful country setting. It is conveniently located close to Philomath, Corvallis, and Oregon State University. Take advantage of outdoor recreation opportunities with nearby nature trails at the Bald Hill Natural Area. Wonderful curb appeal with mature landscaping, including ornamental plum trees that bloom in the early spring. 4 Bedrooms (one den/office has no closet), 2.5 baths, 2911 sq. ft.
Great-Room Living Room:
Beautiful high quality Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring is open to dining area and kitchen. There is access to back deck provides a great space for year-round entertaining and a wonderful built-in entertainment center, bookcases, and wood-stove alcove. The wood-stove alcove is tiled and has a built-in wood storage nook
Kitchen:
Beautiful clear fir wood cabinets with Sugatsune hardware, German self-closing drawers with high-end stainless steel interiors. Antiqued granite counter-tops with Franke deep sink and high-end faucet. A true cooks dream kitchen, appliance include top-of -the-line stainless steel 48” wolf double oven gas range with exhaust system, Wolf convection microwave, KitchenAid built-in refrigerator, KitchenAid dishwasher, and Dacor warming oven. The breakfast bar is open to living room and provides a casual eat-in dining area or a place to visit with the cook. Walk-in pantry with loads of food storage shelves is adjacent to the work area. Under foot is beautiful Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring. Generous size corner windows provide beautiful views of ornamental garden and beyond.
Formal Dining Room:
Spacious and light with numerous windows that maximize natural light, beautiful Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors and is accessible from the
great-room living room and kitchen and right off the entry.
Calm and Serene Master Suite:
Windows that overlook the backyard and provide natural light and access to back deck, beautiful Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors huge walk-in closet and attached spa style master bath with clear fir cabinetry that has Sugatsune hardware and antiqued granite counter-tops, ceramic tile walls and flooring and large step-in shower with marble “cobblestone” floor and Kohler Memories series fixtures
Secondary Bedrooms:
Spacious with window seats, large closets and Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring
Den/Office (possible bedroom-no closet):
Window seat and Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring
Full Bath:
Ceramic tile flooring and walls, clear fir cabinetry with Sugatsune hardware and antiqued granite, counter-tops and shower/tub combo and Kohler Memories series fixtures
Laundry/Mudroom:
Neutral and light, with Marmoleum flooring, extensive storage cabinets and closets, central vacuum system cabinet provides access to 2-car attached garage (third “bay” set up as craft area/workshop)
“Barn” Shop/Finished Loft:
50 amp service and separate electrical panel, water. The lower level is multipurpose for shop space, equipment storage, car parking with concrete slab floor and 2 garage doors. The finished loft area is an ideal space for use as an office, home gym, home theater or more. This area is reported to be approx. 700 sq. ft. and is heated with a 30,000 BTU pellet stove, has track lighting and a 10’ sliding window that provides great lighting and beautiful views. There is extensive phone and fiber optic networking capabilities (house is networked to barn).
Back Deck:
Hot tub and access to
great-room living room and master suite, overlooks backyard and provides access to the backyard
Backyard:
Herb garden with rosemary, thyme, tarragon, 4 varieties of oregano, sage, fennel, lemon
verbena, mint, garlic, chives and more. Large lawn area ringed with mature ornamental cherry trees that bloom late spring
Gardens:
Has been maintained as an organic garden since 2006, there are raised cedar beds with protective nail cloth bases. Plantings include: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, Marion berries, and Concord and green grapes. Irrigation is provided by a combination of drip and above ground (some of which is commercial grade) . The Orchard has several varieties of cherries, apples, pears and plums, two varieties of
peaches, Asian pear, Fuji persimmon, pineapple quince, hazelnut and walnut trees. Other garden features include extensive ornamental flower gardens, an Oak savannah with picnic area and seasonal creek (there are actually two seasonal creeks on the property.
Misc.:
- Process for “antique” finish on counters involves first acid washing the granite, then hand polishing it and sealing it which gives it a tumbled river stone look.
- KOHLER “12 RES” – 12 KW Residential natural gas generator with automatic (10 second) transfer switch installed by Solid Ground of 19th Street Philomath.
- fiber optic computer network (between house and barn) with 1 gigabit adapters (expandable to 10 gigabit and higher) plus 4 pair of copper for telephone/intercom. The fiber is incased in a metal sheath with 2 redundant pairs of fiber stands.
- Barn loft has had 12×2 ceiling rafters added to hold ample insulation
- Barn has a 50 AMP service and separate panel which is sufficient to run a sufficient air conditioner (not included) plus 5 computers, lights and various network appliances (servers, modems, adapters, etc.)
- 30,000 BTU Pellet Stove heats 600-1,200 sq. feet (barn loft measures approximately 700 sq. feet – 35×20 minus the cut out for the stair enclosure; room height diminishes near the side walls)
- A portable air conditioner more than adequately cools the space during 100 plus degree heat.
- 5 foot double-pane sliding window, 2 garage doors, stair encasement with lockable door and outside man door were added to secure the barn.
- Barn has water
- Main house was built: 1993, remodeled 2006-2007
- Philomath Schools
MLS #641084
Search for more homes for sale in Corvallis here.
Tough Times Ahead for Rental Market–Rent? Invest? Buy Now?
Rent? Invest? Buy Now?
REALTOR(R) Magazine Online published an interesting piece recently about the state of rental housing in America, titled “Study: Tough Times Ahead for Rental Market”.
This item would indicate that renters are likely to find the rental market in the near future to be more difficult than it is today. Their article is based on a study done by The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies.
It says that the challenge is due in part to the reduction in numbers of multi-family dwellings being built. It also says that “Owners and investors of rental housing stand to profit in the coming months from the tightening rental market. But for renters, they’ll find the rental market increasingly challenging.” Source: “Harvard Study Warns of Rent Bubble,” RISMedia (June 2, 2011)
On a more local note, in Corvallis, Oregon, the rental market is already tight add to that an anticipated expansion of students at Oregon State University and families moving here for jobs that want to rent until they know the community better or have a house somewhere else to sell and our rental market will become even tighter.
Home prices have adjusted to “fit” the current market, interest rates are low and money is available for qualified buyers… Is this the time to return to investing in real estate? For many buyers it is absolutely the “right time”. For first time or move up buyers locally it’s a great time.
I can’t say that now is the lowest prices will ever be, but I can say that it’s a “supply and demand” market and that interest rates are very attractive. That doesn’t mean that “everyone” should buy now, but it does mean that thoughtful investors and current non-owners (renters) may want to really consider their position in the real estate market.
National Open House Weekend — June 4th and 5th, 2011
National Open House: June 4th and 5th, 2011
in Philomath and
in Philomath. Two amazing homes, one next to the other.
Both will be open: Saturday 6/4 1:00-3:00 and Sunday 6/5 11:00-4:00
in Corvallis.
Sunday 6/5 11:00-1:00
SPRING OPEN HOMES TOURS
Coldwell Banker Valley Brokers presents the 2011 Spring Open Homes Tours–Saturday, May 14, 2011 and Sunday, May 15, 2011
My Listings On Tour:
Saturday, May 14, 2011
4015 NW Elmwood Drive, Corvallis, Oregon
Hosted by Andy Caron
From 11am-1pm
3205 NW Tanager Drive, Corvallis, Oregon
Hosted by Dava Behrens
From 11am-1pm
7925 NW Oxbow Drive, Corvallis, Oregon
Hosted by Dava Behrens
From 2pm-4pm
Sunday, May 15, 2011
6060 NW Tokay Place, Corvallis, Oregon
Hosted by Dava Behrens
From 11am-1pm
Click here to view other homes on tour this weekend.
Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated.