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.

SOLD! HOME FOR SALE– 728 NW 32nd Street, Corvallis, Oregon

SOLD!

HOME FOR SALE– 728 NW 32nd Street, Corvallis, Oregon

Charming home with many vintage touches and great updates as well, including coved ceilings, original tile surround on fireplace, wood floors (fir in living area, oak in kitchen), updated insulated windows, spacious kitchen, newer roof, 95% eff. furnace, water heater, interior paint and front deck. Large fenced backyard with garden beds and plenty of space for pets. Detached garage. Great location, just a few minutes from Oregon State University (OSU) and less than half a mile from Co-op and Sam’s Station.

  • Single level
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Approx 1075 sq. ft.
  • Seperate dining room
  • Large kitchen with gas range
  • Wood floors (fir in living areas, oak in kitchen)
  • Coved ceilings
  • Newer insulated windows
  • Recently replaced roof
  • Newer front deck
  • Newer electric water heater
  • Newer gas forced air furnace
  • Large fenced backyard with garden space
  • Detached 1 car garage
  • Year built 1949
  • MLS# 643336

Search for more homes for sale in Corvallis here.

SOLD! HOME FOR SALE – 9066 NW Lessie Place, Corvallis, Oregon

SOLD!

HOME FOR SALE – 9066 NW Lessie Place, Corvallis, Oregon – Pacific Northwest Dream Home on 1.34 acres

Beautiful in every way, open, light and airy floor plan invites the sunshine in. Gourmet kitchen is the hub of the home and features top of the line stainless steel appliances, granite counter-tops, island, breakfast bar, and walk-in pantry. Main level bedroom/office and full bath, to-die-for master suite with huge walk in closet and attached bath is a half flight up. 3 bedrooms and a full bath are clustered together just a half flight down from the main. Spacious family room is just a few more steps down. Outdoor living includes spacious decks at every level with steps down into the large grassy yard. Setting is private and sunny, bordered with trees to enhance privacy and you’ll love the sound of the nearby creek.  3 car attached garage and room for RV or shop.  5 bedrooms, 3 baths, approximately 3352 sq. ft., 1.34 acres.

Enjoy living close to Corvallis’ McDonald-Dunn Forest, managed by Oregon State University’s College Of Forestry. Within McDonald-Dunn Forest you can spend some time exploring Peavy Arboretum. Hike trails to Cronemiller Lake, picnic at the Firefighter Memorial Shelter, and learn about the native plant species that inhabit the arboretum. Located in a desirable area in northwest Corvallis on a cul-de-sac, this 5 bedroom, 3 bath home was built in 2007 and has territorial and wooded views, an ideal private setting that is open and light.  Convenient to all that Corvallis has to offer, with easy access to shopping, Good Samaritan Hospital and the Corvallis Clinic medical facilities, local schools and parks, and downtown Corvallis.

Make your home here in the great-room style living room. Large windows, vaulted ceiling, and skylights maximize views and natural light creating an atmosphere that’s warm and inviting as well as spacious and open. A nice combination of hickory hardwood flooring and carpet define spaces and provides additional warmth. Gas fireplace with stone surround, keeps it warm and cozy.

Let your inner chef reveal itself in this gourmet kitchen. Open to dining room with breakfast bar, island, walk-in pantry with glass door and sensor light, granite counter-tops and tile back splash with decorative accents, custom Beech cabinetry with an antique glazed finish, and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances; Viking professional grade side-by-side refrigerator, Jenn-Air microwave, Electrolux electric convection double wall oven, Thermador warming drawer, Electrolux 6-burner gas cook-top, and Electrolux dishwasher.

Host your parties at home, this floor plan flows. Ideal for entertaining with the dining room open to both the living room and kitchen. Dining room has large windows, vaulted ceiling, and access to the covered decks and backyard.

A spacious bedroom/office (an excellent choice for guests), full bath, laundry mudroom combination and direct access to the house from the garage complete the main level floor plan.

Find your moment of relaxation. Leave the world behind…Spacious master suite has large windows to maximize views and natural light, serene master bath, and a walk-in closet that can easily hold enough for all four seasons. Enjoy a nice hot bath after a hard day’s work in the soaking tub, complete with wooded views. Master bath also has large step-in shower, dual sink vanity with granite counter-tops, ceramic tile flooring, and access to both the master bedroom and walk-in closet.

Take some time for you in a place you can call your own. Basement family room is an ideal place for fun for people of all ages. Spacious with large windows and storage alcove, the possibilities are endless; craft area, playroom, home office, man cave, teenager’s hideaway, adult lounge, home gym, or YOUR dream space. Access to large covered deck allows you to maximize the space in which you live.

A place where your backyard dreams can come true. Located on 1.34 acres, this home has manicured landscaping in the front, fire ring, stone retaining walls, and large expanse of lawn in the back, surrounded by your own personal forest. Enjoy the natural music of the nearby creek from areas both inside and out. Plenty of room for play, gardening of any kind, specialty landscaping, and more.


Search for more homes for sale in Corvallis here.

10 Tricks to help you Slash Your Electric Bill

If you’re looking for ways to help you save more and spend less, one of the best places to start could be right at home. Put these tips to work to help cut your next electric bill.

10. Install Motion Detectors on Lights: Kids are notorious for leaving lights on by accident. This easy trick can help you say goodbye to wasted electricity – and sky high bills.

9. Wash Clothes in Cold Water: Since most of the energy used by top-loading washers is to heat water, washing in cold can help you save each month.

8. Tint Home Windows: For windows that get a lot of sun, you can add a layer of solar window film to deflect sunlight and help conserve energy.

7. Program Your Thermostat: Simply set it to raise or lower your thermostat for the times when you’re not at home.

6. Unplug Appliances: Even when they’re not in use your toaster, laptop and can opener drain power. So unplug them and save.

5. Wash your Lint Trap: Since dryer sheets can cause a transparent film that burns out the heating unit, it’s vital to wash your lint trap with hot soapy water every 6 months.

4. Change your Showerhead: Replacing it with a low-flow head can use less water per minute – so there’s less to heat.

3. Cook on the Back Burner: By turning on your exhaust fan and using the rear burner on hot days, warm air will be sucked out which minimizes AC use.

2. Change your Light Bulbs: Compact florescent bulbs use a quarter the electricity and last longer than regular bulbs. And, they’re a more environmentally responsible choice.

1. Check Furniture Placement: Rugs or furniture that block a vent can really cost you. Move them and save!

These ideas were sent to me via an American Home Shield newsletter. The American Home Shield (AHS)/Coldwell Banker Home Warranty Program has saved my buyers and sellers thousands of dollars on covered repairs. I highly recommend a warranty with every transaction.

Money Matters

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)

Important Items To Look For In A Home Inspection

Important Items to Look for In a Home Inspection


For Buyers and Sellers

Home inspections can vary from simple one page check lists to extensive multi-page documents.  When evaluating written reports and/or selecting an inspector based on the report produced, there are several
important factors to consider:

  1. What is the scope of the inspection; what systems, fixtures, and components are inspected? Does the report include general information to improve the reader’s overall knowledge about the property in addition to reporting problems? How much of the property is inspected? Is there a systematic approach to the inspection?  Knowing what is included in the inspection report is key to knowing if the inspection is thorough. Obtaining information about the status of all components (those in good condition as well as those needing attention) provides you with a benchmark of condition for ongoing maintenance.
  2. Is the report easy to read? Is the layout straightforward and is redundancy avoided? Is there a summary that supports the details? Are the items numbered and in categories that are easy to follow? A report that’s easy to read and identifies items by category and/or room as well as numbers makes communication with others regarding the findings easier.
  3. How detailed is the report? Does it include photographs of the findings? A picture paints a thousand words. Photographs make it easier to understand items included in the report.
  4. Is an electronic version of the report provided? Frequently the report needs to be distributed to others in order to work through negotiations and contractor evaluations. A report that’s easy to forward on to others streamlines those processes.
  5. How quickly will the report be provided? Often times there are tight time lines associated with negotiation of inspection related items. Prompt delivery of the inspection is an essential element of the inspection process.
  6. Does the report “package” include items of added value? Some inspectors provide coupons, home
    maintenance checklists and simple home repair guides as added value to their reports.
  7. Is the inspector available to answer questions after the fact? Being able to communicate with the inspector about the specifics of the report and clarification of findings helps simplify the corrective action process.

Recent Changes In Laws That Affect Oregon Real Estate

Recent Changes In Laws That Affect Oregon Real Estate

There have been a number of recent changes to Oregon laws that affect real estate transactions and real estate in general. The following are a few highlights of those changes. What’s important to know is that when it comes to your transaction, I take care of making sure you know what to do.

Residential Rental Smoking Policies and Rental Agreements HB 2135):  Requires a rental agreement for a dwelling unit regulated under ORS chapter 90 to include disclosure of the smoking policy for the premises on which the dwelling unit is located. Must state whether smoking is prohibited, allowed on the entire premises or allowed in limited areas. Owner occupied mobile homes and house boats are exempt from the rental agreement requirement. Effective 1/1/2010.

Read the bill: http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measpdf/hb2100.dir/hb2135.en.pdf

Disclosure of 100-Year Floodplain to Tenant (HB 2614): The law requires a landlord of a dwelling located in a 100-year flood plain to notify a tenant that the dwelling is in the flood plain. Allows the tenant who did not receive notification and then later experiences a loss to recover from the landlord the lesser of the actual loss or two months rent. Effective 1/1/2010

Read the bill: http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measpdf/hb2600.dir/hb2614.en.pdf

Landlord May not Charge Tenant More than Landlord is Charged for Utilities (HB 2613): Amends the residential Landlord Tenant Act. Prohibits a landlord from billing or collecting more money from tenants for utilities or services than the utility or service provider charges the landlord. Effective 06/17/2009

Read the bill: http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measpdf/sb0700.dir/sb0772.en.pdf

Additional Well Testing for Arsenic (SB 739): Requires a seller of real estate that includes a well that supplies ground water for domestic purposes have the well tested for arsenic upon acceptance of an offer to purchase. This is in addition to tests for nitrates and coliform bacteria (already required). Test results must be submitted to both the Drinking Water Program of DHS and the buyer within 90 days of receipt of the results. Effective 1/1/2010

Read the bill: http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measpdf/sb0700.dir/sb0739.en.pdf

Oregon Homeowner Facing Foreclosure (SB 628): Foreclosure notices must now include new information about how to meet with their lender and how to request a loan modification. If so requested, the lender must meet with the borrower and evaluate the borrower for a loan modification before foreclosing on the home. The meeting can be by phone and it must be with a person who has or can get authority to do the modification. Effective 06/30/2009.

Read the bill: http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measpdf/sb0600.dir/sb0628.en.pdf

Tenants Living in Property Subject to Foreclosure Sale (SB 952):  Includes provisions to: require that tenants in good standing receive advance notice of foreclosure proceedings with specific information regarding tenants’ rights; allow tenants with fixed-term leases to stay after the foreclosure sale for the earlier of 60 days or until the lease expires, except when the purchaser intends to live on the property in which case only 30 days’ notice is required; provide tenants with weekly or monthly agreements with notice of the intent to evict 30 days after the date of the foreclosure sale; allow tenants receiving notice of foreclosure to apply pre-paid security deposits toward ongoing rent obligations (and relieves purchase of any obligations to return security deposits); and clarify that purchasers do not become “landlords” unless they accept rent from the tenants, enter into a new rental agreement, or fail to terminate the tenancy as provided by this bill. Effective 8/23/2009

Read the bill: http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measpdf/sb0900.dir/sb0952.en.pdf

Carbon Monoxide Detectors (HB 3450) Includes provision to: prohibit title transfer of single family dwelling or multifamily housing containing carbon monoxide source unless there are properly functioning carbon monoxide detectors at locations that provide carbon monoxide detection for all sleeping area; allow for civil action to recover damages, attorney fees and costs for violation; allow State Fire Marshall to adopt rules establishing standards for carbon monoxide detectors and requires adoption of rules for alarms in existing housing; require landlords in multi-family housing to maintain carbon monoxide detectors in units; prohibit tampering with installed detectors; and require all rental housing to have alarms in place by April 1, 2011. Pending rule making, Effective 6/25/2009.

Read the bill: http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measpdf/hb3400.dir/hb3450.en.pdf

Transfers of Real Property Interests(HB 2481): The law prohibits conveyance of an agreement for transfer of real property that imposes fees or other consideration upon actual or purported future transfer of the property. Certain exceptions are allowed. Effective 06/17/2009

Read the bill: http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measpdf/hb2400.dir/hb2481.en.pdf

Document Recording Fees (HB 2436):  Adds a new $15 fee to the existing fees pertaining to deeds and mortgage records filed with county clerks (with same exclusions). The fee imposed by this measure will be collected by counties and deposited into specified accounts within the Housing and Community Services Department for affordable housing-related programs. Effective 09/28/2009

Read the bill: http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measpdf/hb2400.dir/hb2436.en.pdf

How Would You Spend Your Tax Credit?

How Would You Spend Your Tax Credit?

COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE STUDY FINDS CONSUMERS’ ANTICIPATED ‘SMART SPENDING’ OF HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT WILL AID ECONOMIC RECOVERY

83 Percent of Current Homeowners Surveyed Say They Would Spend Tax Credit on Repaying Existing Debts, Home Improvements, Savings/Investments and Household Expenses

Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC today announced the findings from a new survey that looked at how the recently expanded federal homebuyer tax credit, which opened up the credit to existing homeowners, might impact the economy.  Of the more than 1,000 homeowners surveyed, 83 percent responded that if they were to purchase a home and qualify for the tax credit, they would engage in “smart spending” or put the money toward paying off existing debts, home improvements, savings/investments, or everyday household expenses.  Only 6 percent of respondents indicated that they would spend the money on what are commonly referred to as luxury items such as a vacation or a shopping spree.

According to the survey, the top way homeowners would spend their $6,500 tax credit in a “smart” way would be to pay off debts (34 percent), followed closely by making home improvements (29 percent) and putting it into savings and investments (28 percent).

In addition, Coldwell Banker Real Estate found that 20 percent of homeowners indicated they were more likely to consider purchasing a home than they were six months ago, after learning about the $6,500 federal tax credit. The tax credit, which previously only was for first-time homebuyers, is now available to existing homeowners who sign a binding contract before April 30, 2010 and close on the purchase of a home before June 30, 2010. To learn more about the details of the expanded homebuyer tax credit, go to www.coldwellbanker.com

If you’re considering purchasing a home in Corvallis, Albany, Lebanon or Philomath (and surrounding areas of the mid-Willamette Valley); I’d like to help you meet your goals.  I work with buyers and sellers at all price levels. Please get in touch and we can get started today.

Other resources for information about the tax credit:

National Association of Realtors frequently asked questions about the tax credit

I.R.S. information abut the tax credit

Expanded and Extended Tax Credit Information–From the Expert

Questions and Answers from the Expert about the Expanded and Extended Tax Credit

Sellers and Buyers in and around the Corvallis and Albany, Oregon real estate markets can benefit from a clear understanding of the opportunities the Expanded/Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit provides.

An excellent source for answers to questions you may have about the expanded and extended tax credit for First Time Home Buyers and Long Time Home Owners that are thinking of making a change can be found at the Q & A page for the I.R.S.  The ultimate resource for information about taxes, tax credits and all other information that relates to the Expanded and Extended Tax Credit for buying a home.

It is possible to have parent (or other family members) assist in the purchase and still be eligible for credits.

If you are currently a homeowner and meet the other requirements, you do not have to sell your existing home (you could rent it out), but you do have to occupy the newly acquired home and meet all the other requirements.

You do not have to “buy up” or, in other words pay more for the new house.

Read the Questions and Answers about the tax credit for Home Buyers. This is truly a limited time opportunity.

I.R.S. Information about the Expanded and Extended Tax Credit

As always, seek the advice of a qualified tax advisor if you have questions about tax laws and how they pertain to personal circumstances.

Coming Soon | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | $257,000

I have a new listing coming on the market very shortly and just wanted to let everyone know about it before it gets here!

Spacious and clean Philomath home with amazing views of Mary’s Peak and the rest of the Coast Range.  Landscaped yard with underground automatic sprinklers and trickling stream water feature. Large open living area with westward facing balcony to take advantage of those wonderful views! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approximately 1843 sq. ft. on .38 acres.  Take advantage of the extended first time home buyer/expanded buyer tax credit.

Located just of west of Corvallis and easy commute to Corvallis employment, including Oregon State University)

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