Spacious View Home for Sale close to Corvallis and Oregon State University

A Great Place to LIVE!

Exceptional views, outstanding outdoor spaces, including a large yard with swing set, water feature and patio areas and a floor plan that flows…  Open living areas make this home very easy to enjoy. Take in the ever changing views (Mary’s Peak & the Coast Range) from west facing windows in Master Bedroom and Living Room. In excellent condition, amenities include living room balcony and gas fireplace, open kitchen/dining/family. Spacious master suite. Calming and peaceful, private outdoor spaces. Landscaped with water feature, patio and automatic sprinklers. Convenient to all that Philomath and nearby Corvallis have to offer.  3 Bedrooms/2.5 Baths ±1834 sq. ft.

• 3 Bedrooms
• 2.5 Baths
• 1834 sq. ft.
• Living room with west facing balcony and extensive windows for panoramic views
• Gas fireplace in living room
• Great room kitchen, dining, and family room with access to backyard patio area
• Spacious master suite with mountain views, large shower, dual sink vanity, and walk-in closet
• Landscaped yard with brick patio and trickling stream water feature in back
• Gas Forced Air Heating
• Cul-de-sac location
• .18 acre lot is landscaped with irrigation and fenced backyard
• Taxes 11-12 $3,844
• MLS #646089

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–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 19^th 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.

National Open House: June 4th and 5th, 2011

2075 Dawnwood Drive

in Philomath and

2081 Dawnwood Drive

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

6060 NW Tokay Place

in Corvallis.

Sunday  6/5  11:00-1:00

Coldwell Banker Valley Brokers presents the 2011 Spring Open Homes Tours–Saturday, May 14, 2011 and Sunday, May 15, 2011

My Listings On Tour:

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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

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6060 NW Tokay Place, Corvallis, Oregon

Hosted by Dava Behrens

From 11am-1pm

The following are some “local” fact for the Corvallis and Albany, Oregon area and surrounding markets.

It’s very interesting to see a comparison between 2009 and 2010 figures for the number of foreclosures. Some communities have obviously been more impacted by job loss and down-turn than others.

I think this is a pretty good explaination of why the Corvallis market is a little more stable than some of the other markets and why it’s difficult for buyers coming from other regions of the country to understand our market. It also clearly demonstrates that there are some good buyer opportunites out there.

Note: total sales has approx. a margin of error due to the way sales data is aggregated and stored by third parties

Information provided by First American Title

With loads of extras and a great new price this Philomath property (3201 Southwood Drive) stands head a shoulders above the rest. 

In addition to being very close to Corvallis (really a very short under 5 mile commute), great shopping, quick access to local employment areas including OSU and easy access to main transportation corridors leading  to the coast, highway 99 and Interstate-5), this beautiful, well planned home has many features not typically found in most homes.  A few of the highlights follow:

View from 3201 Southwood Drive

Whether you are thinking about a “move-up” to something larger (with potential for additional living areas), looking for single level living (finished living space 3 bedrooms/2 baths/kitchen/dining/living room and garage are located on the main level), shop space (daylight basement is huge with high ceilings and extra electrical), potential for dual living (finish the basement)  or have other needs, this home should be one you consider.

View details, additional photos, virtual tour and video tours regarding this property 3201 Southwood, Philomath.

An interesting item in DSNews: Economists Say Home Prices Have Already Hit Bottom

I’m glad that a panel of economists could read the writing on the wall:

 “When it comes to the distressed side of the business, it’s become clear that the nation’s high level of unemployment is now one of the primary triggers of default among struggling homeowners. Getting more people back to work is key to a recovery in housing and getting a handle on still-rising delinquency numbers.”  

Home prices in some markets have hit the floor, some may be rebounding and some may still experience a dip, it has a lot to do with what the local (key word here is “local”) economy is doing including housing inventories, the job market, business growth, and potentials for lender owned properties to come into the market (affecting inventory).

Locally, there are vast differences between markets that are virtually contiguous. For example, Albany and Corvallis have vastly different economic profiles. Philomath is a community adjacent to Corvallis; it’s small and often gets overlooked in “searches” (Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and other real estate search sites.) One does not “compare’ properties in these differing markets against each other when attempting to establish a market value.

Job availability and types of jobs, growth rates, volume of new construction during the “boom” (which added to inventory), profile of homes built, price appreciation during the “boom”, supply and demand (including supply and demand for rental properties), homeowner and home buyer demographics all play into the availability, pricing and negotiability of prices. 

Further, “The group of economists is projecting gains in home prices of 1.2 percent over the course of 2011”, I personally find it inappropriate to make sweeping comments about “home prices”.  There is no “national real estate market” it’s all local. Saying there’s a “national average home price” or a “national median home price” is a little like saying there’s “a national average temperature” or “a national median temperature”.  Those kinds of statistics are a method of measuring change, but one should not take the figures and attempt to apply them to any specific market. 

Consumers, either Buyers or Sellers, looking to enter any market are best served to research that market, taking into consideration the local economy and local housing market prior to drawing conclusions. Investigate communities near-by. Good values can be found in surrounding communities. Don’t assume that the market where you are going is similar to the one from which you are moving. Let’s all just know that the key to any recovery is the strength of the local job market and get on with the business of living.

The administration has extended the Home Affordable Refinance Program until June, 2011.  It was set to expire June, 2010. 

HARP benefits a borrower who has demonstrated acceptable payment history on their mortgage and needs an expanded Loan-To-Value ratio or potential relief from Morgage Insurance requirements for FNMA (Fannie Mae) & FHLMC (Freddie Mac) loans.  for more information call your current servicer for details.  This may be a way to lower your payment, allowing you to benefit from lower interest rates, even if your house has not gone up (or has gone down) in value.

Money Matters

• Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is rolling out new guidelines soon (April) for their loan programs, increasing the up-front Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) to 2.25% (currently at 1.75%).  For every $10,000 in loan amount, this translates to a cost of $50.00 extra in closing costs.  For example, if you were to borrow $200,000 the additional cost would be $1,000.
• FHA is also reducing the amount that a seller can contribute toward closing costs from up to 6% of the purchase price to 3%.
• The first time homebuyer credit is expiring soon as well.  April 30th is the deadline for a written contract to be in place; June 30th is the last date for that contract to close.
• Attention existing homeowners; you too may be entitled to a tax credit.  There are many out there that are unaware that if you purchase a replacement primary residence (in contract by April 30th, Closed by June 30th) you may qualify for a $6,500 tax credit.

(Certain conditions apply for transactions to be eligible for tax credits—check this web site: http://www.homebuyertaxcredit.com/  and get advice from your professional tax advisor)