Corvallis, Oregon frequently makes the “top list” for one reason or another…  I’m going to start posting them, as I run across them. I think it will be fun to see how many I can collect:

Top Places to Retire and Work (Forbes)

Corvallis Oregon, Best Commute Times -rank 18th Nationally, Mid-sized City (Portland Business Journal)

More to come…

Great Food at Good Prices: Corvallis Culinary Week

Corvallis Cullinary Week should once again, prove to be an excellent opportunity to get out, sample some local restaurants and enjoy some really great food.  The 2012 event is held January 22nd to January 28th. The week is geared toward offering the Chef’s specialty dinners at only $10.00 per person.  Meals will be paired with local (Benton County) wines (cost of wine is not included in the meal prices).

The family and I attended a few of the offerings last year and were rewarded with some excellent meals at great prices.  We will be sure to check in again.  More information can be found at the Visit Corvallis web site: Corvallis Culinary Week 2012.  Hope to see you there!

For Sale: 4818 NW Bruno Place, Corvallis, Oregon

This beautiful home is nestled on a quiet (double) cul-de-sac in the desirable Walnut Park neighborhood. Head to Martin Luther King Jr. Park (formerly Walnut Park) on the neighborhood trail. This home is also close to schools, community parks and nature trails, and is just minutes from Oregon State University (OSU) and downtown Corvallis.

The floor plan is versatile and designed for comfortable living and has inspiring spaces for entertaining, relaxing and fun. 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, bonus space, two main living areas, a beautiful kitchen and 3 season room. Approximately 2500 square feet.

Entry:Vaulted ceiling Access to living room, family room and upper level Hall closet is hidden behind a built-in bookcase for a delightfully, efficient use of space.

Living Room: Open to entry with arched doorway, dining room, and kitchen. Ideal flexible room for TV, den, or other needs. Great space for entertaining or as a place to put your feet up and relax a bit.

Dining Room: Access to the living room, kitchen, and outdoor screened porch. Beautiful hardwood floor.

Family Room: Open to kitchen and entry with ceiling fan, wood burning fireplace with brick surround, bay window with window seat.

Kitchen: Spacious and bright with beautiful hardwood floors and open floor plan to dining room, living room, and family room. Access to 2-car attached garage, powder bath, laundry area and backyard. Oak cabinetry with ample pantry storage throughout and breakfast bar between kitchen and dining room. Large center island with Granite counter-top and pantry storage. Appliances include cooktop with 4 burners plus a grill/griddle, convection wall oven, side-by-side refrigerator, dishwasher, and built-in microwave. Double sink and planning station overlook backyard.

Upper Level Master Suite: Double door entry and ceiling fan. Spacious walk-in closet with ample storage. Large window seat plus you’ll feel like you’re in the lap of luxury with the attached master bath

Master Bath: Peaceful and serene overlooking the backyard features a  spa-like large jetted tub, seperate shower, double vanities with storage, separate toilet room with linen storage.

Upper Level Bedrooms: One bedroom has a built-in desk and shelves, one bedroom has a niche for a reading nook or desk and access to additional under eave storage closet, great for seasonal storage items. The 4th bedroom (no closet) has built-in storage shelves and is also ideal as a library, home office, craft room, play room or a variety of other uses to suit your needs.

Upper Level Main Bath: Shower/tub combo Large vanity with tile counter-top and tile flooring

Third Floor: This finished space provides additional bonus and storage.

Outdoor Screened Porch: Located just off dining room and kitchen, making it an ideal space for entertaining and maximizes living space 3 seasons of the year.  The ultimate way to extend your time enjoying the outdoors.

Backyard: Large with easy-care landscaping including an irrigation system, it’s fenced and level, providing a great place to play, garden, or entertain. Wide side yard and double gate provides enough room for a small RV or boat.

Garage: Large 2-car attached garage with plenty of storage space.

MLS#648252

If you’d like to see this property in person: Contact Dava

Related Links:
4818 NW Bruno Place, Corvallis, OR 97330 — Home Book

HOME FOR SALE– 4015 NW Elmwood Drive, Corvallis, Oregon

Contemporary styling is beautiful, warm and inviting. They say the kitchen is the heart of the home and this gourmet kitchen proves it with space for all. Tons of storage, specialty cabinets and plenty of counter-tops. Designed for fun, formal and informal living areas provide the spaces you need. Upper level suite with second full kitchen is perfect for long term guests or any large gathering. Sumptuous master suite provides a quiet respite. Outdoors find extensive decking, sport court and private yard space. 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, approximately 5,144 sq. ft.

Located in a desirable Northwest Corvallis neighborhood on a quiet cul-de-sac, this beautiful home is close to local parks and schools, Oregon State University Campus, CH2M Hill, shopping, medical facilities, and has easy access to downtown Corvallis. Take advantage of local hike and bike paths and close access to Bald Hill Natural Area. Large windows and skylights throughout this home maximizes use of natural light and views. Established landscaping and multiple outdoor areas allow you to enjoy what’s in your own backyard, literally.

Relax or entertain in the formal living room with large windows, mirrors and skylights that maximize natural light and wooded views. Access to the dining area, lower level, mid level and upper levels of the home. Formal dining rooms is an entertainer’s delight with an open floor plan to both the kitchen, formal living room and large back deck. Pass through counter-top to kitchen allows for passage of food and conversation. Custom built buffet with two inset chaffing dishes is great for large dinner parties and gatherings. Glass fronted cabinets are mirrored and lit for display of all your fancy glassware. Lower cabinet storage is great storage for dishes, linens, serving pieces and more.

Chef’s ultimate dream kitchenhas ample room for multiple chefs and many hands and features black appliances including a side-by-side refrigerator, microwave, double wall ovens, dishwasher, trash compactor and in-island cooktop. Kitchen also has abundant storage for all your kitchen gadgets and food, including step-in pantry, counter-top appliance hideaway and dual storage closets. Custom cabinets have several bells and whistles including pull-outs, divided utensil drawer, spice rack pull-out, wine storage, cookie sheet and cutting board storage, and extra deep divided drawer. Prep area with smal sink and marble pastry board is a great space for cooking projects. Built-in workstation and eat-in dining area makes the kitchen a true hub of activity within the home.

Enjoy the ultimate getaway in your own home. Just a few steps up from the main level find peace and tranquility in the master suite with vaulted ceilings, large windows with wooded views and a private deck. Master suite also features two walk-in closets with built-in dressers and tie rack for all your clothes storage needs. From the attached spa style master bath you can enjoy tree top views from the large jetted soaking tub. Bath also features built-in magazine rack, large make-up counter with huge mirror and separate shower room with vanity and storage. An additional two bedrooms and full are located just down the hall from the master. Hallway features art niche, linen closets and laundry chute.

On the lower level you’ll find a spacious and fun area where you can bring family and friends together. Enjoy game nights, TV and movie viewing, or casual hanging out in the lower level family and game room. Wet bar provides an area for snacks and beverages, woodstove with fossil embedded stone surround keeps the room cozy and warm, and private patio and lawn area is a great space when the games move outdoors. Lower level also features a bedroom, full bath, and large laundry room with lots of storage, folding laundry table and built-in ironing board.

You can get the party started in the upper level great-room style family room. Features a second full kitchen with refrigerator, dishwasher, freestanding range, garbage disposal and counter-top blender, as well as upper glass fronted, mirrored and lit cabinets, ideal for display storage. Great-room style family room also features a large, private patio, vaulted ceilings, and a huge expanse of windows and skylights to maximize the natural light. Upper level also has afull bath, bonus room, multiple storage closets, and a secondary suite with two closets and private patio with wooded views.

Interconnected outdoor areas include main living cedar deck, private master suite cedar deck, sport court, and game room patio and lawn area.

MLS#623846

Search for more homes for sale in Corvallis here.

New Price!

HOME FOR SALE – 1175 NW West Hills Place, Corvallis, Oregon

From the covered front porch to the immaculate interior, this home has many features that make living here a joy! Wood flooring through entry, dining, hallway and kitchen and beautiful finishes include crown moulding, granite counters with glass tile splash in open floorplan kitchen, plus extra space in all-season room. Master is located on the main level with separate tub, shower, and marble counters. Breathe easy, gas forced air with whole house HEPA and UV system. Cul-de-sac location, landscaped yard adjacent to green space with wide sideyard and concrete pad. 4 bedroms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2452 sq. ft.


Located on a quiet cul-de-sac backed by green space in southwest Corvallis, this beautifully immaculate home is convenient to shopping, Oregon State University, Corvallis Country Club, downtown Corvallis and Philomath. Enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities at nearby Bald Hill Natural Area, Starker Arts Park, Sunset Park, Irish Bend Covered Bridge path and several bike paths.

Quaint curb appeal welcomes you home with a lush landscaped yard and wonderful covered porch. Family room is open to kitchen with a great-room style floor plan, ceiling fan, gas fireplace with stone tile surround and sliding door that provides access to sun room. Kitchen is neutral and bright with granite counter-tops and glass tile backsplash, beautiful hardwood floors, white appliances, island with breakfast bar, and large pantry. Dining room is accessible through the kitchen and has beautiful hardwood floors and crown molding.

Main level master suite is spacious and bright with walk-in closet and attached master bath with dual sink vanity with marble counter-tops, large soaking tub and separate walk-in shower. Secondary bedrooms are light and neutral, generously sized, and located on upper level. Upper level main bath has large vanity and shower/tub combo.

Sun Room is located off the family room through sliding doors and is ideal as a rec room, gym, craft area, or a place to read and relax. Finished with heating/cooling, and laminate flooring with access to backyard. Side yard has concrete pad and gravel, great for RV parking, or large toy storage. Home has gas forced air/AC with whole house HEPA filter and UV system. This is an upgrade that’s a huge benefit to those that are dust and allergen sensitive, making living in the Willamette Valley much easier! Laundry and powder bath are located on main level.

Seller is providing a 1 year home warranty.

Search for more homes for sale in Corvallis here.

3009 Maplewood Court, Philomath, OR 97370 – Home for Sale close to Corvallis and Oregon State University

A Great Place to LIVE!

Exceptional views, outstanding outdoor spaces 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 approx 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

Don’t make these mistakes:  Common errors that create problems with 1031 exchanges.

Most real estate investors know that one of the very best tools for delaying capital gains taxes is to utilize a tax provision called a 1031 exchange.  The 1031 comes from the section of IRS Tax code that is applicable and the “exchange” part comes from the process by which the investor trades-up into the next property without incurring immediate tax consequences (in other words the income and capital gains tax consequences are deferred to a later date).

The rules are stringent and must followed exactly for the exchange to work.  Best intentions are not acceptable to the IRS and your state tax board.

I recently learned that 1o31 Exchanges are identified by the California Francise Tax Board as one of the top audit topics and the four top issues (as provided by IPX1031) are:

“1. Failure to make a proper identification or comply with other technical requirements of Section 1031;

2. That the relinquished and/or replacement property are not held for a qualifying purpose (held for investment or productive use in a trade or business). For example, the property is used for personal purposes or it is held primarily for sale;

3. The taxpayer who sells the relinquished property is different from the taxpayer who acquires the replacement property; and

4. The taxpayer receives non qualifying property in the exchange (boot), but fails to report it on their tax return.”

I understand that only relates to audits conducted by the State of California, but the issues that are found in California will not be that much different than those found in Oregon.  Taxing authorities are looking for areas to make up for lost revenue.  You don’t want it to be the mistakes you make in your real estate purchase or sale.

It also emphasizes the importance of having a 1031 exchange facilitated by a Qualified Intermediary that knows and complies with the requirements contained in the 1031 statute and regulations.

If you are interested in finding out more about investing in real estate, 10310 Exchanges, buying or selling real estate in Corvallis, Philomath, Albany or Lebanon, I’d be happy to help!  Contact Dava

related links:

History of 1031 “Starker” Exchange (did you know it originated in Oregon?)

IPX1031 (user friendly, detailed information about exchanging property)

I picked up a couple of interesting bits of news this week about the economy. Thought I would share:

Last week’s Pending Home Sales index from the National Association of REALTORS® (nar) went up 7.3% in November, the highest level since April of 2010.  The 2010 numbers were pumped up because of buyers that were in the market to take advantage of home buyer tax credits available then, that are not available now.

NAR chief economist, Lawrence Yun (and one of Inman’s 100 most influential)  said,  “Housing affordability conditions are at a record high and there is a pent-up demand from buyers who’ve been on the sidelines,  but contract failures have been running unusually high. Some of the increase in pending home sales appears to be from buyers recommitting after an initial contract ran into problems, often with the mortgage”.

I think that some some contract failures are preventable, especially when both the buyer and seller want to see the transaction through — having the right team in place, real estate professional, lender and title/escrow in place, can make a huge difference on an individual basis. Local markets and individual circumstances drive the reasons for contract failures.

According to NAR, It should be noted that “Pending home sales are not affected by the recently published rebenchmarking of existing-home sales because the index uses a different methodology based directly on contract signings, and is adjusted for seasonality.

and

According to USA Today, news sources and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the, U.S. unemployment numbers are the lowest in 3 years.  “The U.S. job market strengthened in the second half of 2011 and added 200,000 jobs in December while the unemployment rate fell to 8.5% from a revised 8.7% a month earlier.”

Bright spots.  I’m looking forward to serving your Real Estate needs to 2012.  If you have questions about Corvallis, Albany, Philomath or other mid-Willamette Real Estate feel free to get in touch.

Contact Dava

The questionable antics of everyday real estate:

Although I’m a real estate professional, please note: I am not delusional enough to think my life is, or ever will be glamorous a la Selling NY or Selling LA or Million Dollar Listing. In preparing for today’s open house I stepped in something of indeterminate nature which was in the middle of the cul-de-sac. I suspect the leavings of the local deer population–which is for some reason in my mind better than the other option, huge dog.  I knew immediately that something was amiss by the slippery nature of the event.

A slight delay to open house prep as a result of the need to clean my shoe (glad I noticed before I went inside). I’m guessing that Madison Hildebrand (whom I have met–seems nice, been photoed with, but do not know), The Kleirs or any of the other agents featured on TV would NOT need to clean off their shoes prior to commencing the open house (although, if they stepped in deer poop, I would hope they would…) In my case you could call it “all in a day’s work“.

HOME FOR SALE– 4471 NW Honeysuckle Drive, Corvallis, Oregon

Enjoy comfortable and gracious living- This beautiful home features it all, VIEWS, LOCATION, STYLE – plus a quiet peaceful setting. Enjoy vaulted ceilings, arched openings, high quality finishes and upscale appliances. MAIN LEVEL MASTER is a spa-style retreat with jetted tub, double vanity and 2 walk-in closets. Upstairs- 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Daylight basement has 2 large open areas-great game, media and exercise spa. Landscaped yard with irrigation is a great combination of lawn, natural woodland and spacious decks.

Located in the Meadowridge subdivision of Timberhill, this beautiful and stylish home has it all. Amazing treetop views, convenient location, high quality finishes and comfortable luxury living. Close to medical  facilities, shopping, Timberhill Athletic Club, outdoor recreation trails and just minutes from downtown Corvallis and Oregon State University.

4 bedrooms
3 full baths, 2 half baths
Approx. 4724 sq. ft. on .4 acres
Attached 3-car garage
Schools: Hoover Elementary, Cheldelin Middle, Crescent Valley High
Wonderful formal and informal spaces
Luxurious main level master suite
Large multipurpose area
Beautiful treetop views

Entry and Foyer:
Exposed aggregate driveway and walk
Landscaped front walk
Lovely stone accent façade
Open two story covered entry
Double French doors
Interior light slate tile

Formal Living Room:
Neutral and bright
Large windows with beautiful treetop views
Art niche
Access from foyer

Formal Dining Room:
Light slate tile
Built-in buffet with Granite counter-top
Open to foyer

Kitchen and Eat-in Dining Area:
Light slate tile
Stainless steel appliances including Dacor double wall ovens, Asko dishwasher, JennAir downdraft gas cooktop
Granite counter-tops
Buffet and breakfast bar
Open floor plan with eat-in dining area and informal living room
Walk-in pantry

Informal Living Room:
Two story vaulted ceiling with ceiling fan and recessed lighting
Built-in bookcases and shelves
Stainless steel accented gas fireplace with light slate tile hearth
Open to dining area and kitchen
Access to upper back deck
Wonderful treetop views
Also on the main level are a powder bath, office and laundry room with access to the attached 3-car garage.

Master Suite:
Vaulted trayed ceiling with ceiling fan
Large windows
Built-in dresser
Access to upper back deck
Treetop views
Attached master bath with:
Two walk-in closets, one with built-in dresser
Large jetted soaking tub
Step-in shower
Large double sink vanity
Separate toilet room
Linen closet with built-in safe

Upper Level:
Landing with built-in bookcase, ideal as a reading nook or office area
Upper hallway overlooks both the formal living room and informal living room
Three secondary bedrooms with walk-in closets and ceiling fans
One bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with:
Shower/tub combo
Two bedrooms share a jack-and-jill bathroom with:
Dual sink vanity
Separate shower and toilet room
Lower Level Family Room:
Trayed ceiling with recessed lighting
Access to back patio, powder bath, and two multipurpose rooms that are ideal for crafts, gym, home office, play and more

Lower Level Rec Room:
Spacious and multifunctional
Great for games large and small, second family room or to suit your needs
Access to back patio

Lower Level Back Patio:
Access from rec room and family room
Built-in stone fire pit
Ideal for outdoor entertaining

MLS#646716
Search for more homes for sale in Corvallis here.