Value of Homeownership

Coldwell Banker survey and commentary by Dr. Robi Ludwig on the value of homeownership.

Interesting that the emotional value of homeownership doesn’t change and some of the reasons why. It really hit me that that we need to be “rooted” in order to feel like life has meaning and that we are safe.

Predict Your Real Estate Market | Tool from CNN/Money

Here’s a tool from CNN/Money to predict the change in various real estate markets.

Corvallis, OR Metropolitan Statistical Area:

Forecast change: second quarter, 2011 – second quarter, 2012 +3%
Forecast change: second quarter, 2012 – second quarter, 2013 +9.9%

This tool tracks 384 markets. It will be interesting to see what actually happens.

Track a market near you: Home Price Data on 384 Markets

New Listing–Home for Sale |1620 NW Menlo Drive, Corvallis, Oregon 97330 $320,000

Just Listed: Corvallis Single Level Home

Wonderful single level living with beautiful architectural details. Charming curb appeal with spacious landscaped yard, brick façade greet you as you pull into the wide curved driveway. 3 bedrooms, 2, baths, den/office, ±2015 sq. ft., Attached 2-car garage

Covered entry with double doors and wide front porch provide no-step access to the entry of this home. As you enter you will delight in the art niches, open main living areas and the view of the main living area into the beautiful backyard.

The living room is spacious and light with vaulted ceilings and open wood beam work. Beautiful wood floors, walls of windows with backyard views, built-in birch bookcase, and gas fireplace with brick surround. Open floor plan flows from dining room to kitchen to living room and into the backyard, creating the optimal space for year-round entertaining. Light wood cabinetry and beautiful hardwood floors throughout. Large windows and access to backyard, brings the outdoors in.

Just off the kitchen is a bonus room that is great for an office, tv room, crafts, home gym, play or to suit your needs. Indoor laundry and access to the 2-car attached garage are through the bonus room.

The Master Suite is comfortable and luxurious with carpeted flooring and access to the backyard. The attached bath is wheelchair accessible with tile flooring and a curb-less tile shower and walk-in closet.
Two secondary bedrooms provide great spaces for guests, family or provide space for exercise, extra office, crafts or other uses as needed, they are carpeted and each have ample closet space.

The laundry room is located between the den/office area and the oversized 2-car garage. The garage is vaulted and has broad expanses of windows that provide natural light. The double wide, nearly new wood garage door is a natural accent to the front of the home.

Interior flows naturally to outside spaces, creating an ideal setting for entertaining and play. Extensive patio space, covered and uncovered is accessible from many interior spaces. Fenced back yard, extensive lawn and planting areas, a south exposure and the irrigation well are a delightful and rare opportunity.

Conveniently close to everything. Just a few blocks from Garfield and Porter Parks, Garfield Elementary, Linus Pauling Middle, Corvallis High School, Osborne Aquatic Center, Corvallis Boys and Girls Club, and Local Shopping Areas. Just minutes from downtown Corvallis, Oregon State University, and medical facilities.

Highlights:

Recently installed Maytag gas range
Updated windows in many areas
Display cabinets
Extensive use of natural wood and wood flooring
Generous amount of storage throughout
Water source heat pump-source irrigation well
Large back yard with south exposure
Covered and open patio area
Extensive lawn and ornamental planting areas
Raised garden beds
Fenced back yard
.35 acre lot
Irrigation wll
Water source heat pump (Water furnace)
Year built:1960
Approx 2.1 miles to Oregon State University (Memorial Union)
Approx 1.8 miles to Corvallis, Oregon City Center (Central Park)
Schools: Garfield Elementary, Linus Pauling Middle, Corvallis High
MLS# : TBA

For more information or a personal tour of the this home: Contact Dava

Home For Sale | 1665 NW 11th Street, Corvallis, OR 97330

Comfortable living, close to everything Corvallis has to offer (Walkscore 85).

Spacious and open floor plan flows from living to dining to kitchen to family. Sunny breakfast nook off kitchen is a great “hang-out” spot and ideal place to soak up the sun. Two steps down (at the same level as the entry) is the family room, large laundry and full bath. Upper level provides 4 large bedrooms with fir flooring under carpet. Master with attached bath and large walk-in closet. Landscaped yard with wide driveway (RV parking). Easy access to 9th Street shopping, neighborhood schools, downtaown and Oregon State University. 4 Bedrooms, 3 baths, ±2391 sq. ft.

Now…this…is home… Comfortable living, close to everything, with a walk-score of 85. The sheltered front door leads to a wide and open entry. Just two steps up and you’re ready to nestle into the spacious yet cozy living room and bask in the warm glow of the gas fireplace. The flowing floor plan leads from the living room to the light and bright, formal dining area and then to the large kitchen. A wonderful space for entertaining and parties. Settle into the adjacent breakfast nook with the morning paper and your coffee or juice and savor the sunlight. Entry, kitchen and breakfast room enjoy warm wood flooring. Two steps down from the kitchen and at the same level as the entry, is the family room, a hub-of-fun, your ideal game, media, hobby or TV room which features built-in sewing cabinet and bookcases. Nearby you’ll find a full bath, with jetted tub and a large laundry/mud room with a door to the backyard. Upstairs are 4 very large bedrooms with fir flooring under carpet, including the master with attached bath with wide shower, Marmoleum® flooring and large, walk-in closet. The second bath includes double vanity, tub/shower combo and Marmoleum® flooring. Outdoors you’ll enjoy extended living many seasons of the year with the covered deck that’s accessible from both the dining room and breakfast nook; it’s the ideal outdoor dining and BBQ spot. Landscaped backyard is easy care with potential for raised bed gardening, rose bed and there’s a garden shed. The wide driveway can easily accommodate an RV, boat, big-wheels, four-square or chalk-art. This home is very close to local schools and you’ll enjoy the wide open expanse that comes with nearby Garfield Park and it’s also very close to Porter Park. Easy access to 9th Street businesses including Market of Choice, Trader Joes, restaurants and retail establishments. 4 Bedrooms, 3 baths, ±2391 sq. ft.

MLS# 650004

For more information or a personal showing, contact Dava

Corvallis Home For Sale | 4364 NW Jon Place, Corvallis, Oregon 97330

Want a great home in Corvallis? Looking for RV Parking or an RV garage? This home is Open, airy and light.

All the space you need and then some… With a floor plan that features good separation of living spaces on a variety of levels. And, it has a MAIN LEVEL MASTER. Vaulted living room is spacious and features a gas fireplace. Enjoy family gatherings and entertain friends in the spacious kitchen that has generous amounts of counter and cabinet space and an island cook-top, casual in-kitchen dining and formal dining adjacent. There is plenty of space and a possibility for dual living. Lower level features a large family room and a gas stove and a very large 4th bedroom and a full bath. The fenced yard has extensive decks and patio areas. Plus a gazebo area that would be the perfect place to set your hot tub or convert to covered picnic area. There’s RV Parking and a bonus space off garage that provides that coveted space for working out, crafting, other hobbies or additional storage. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2663± sf.

4 bedrooms

3 baths

2663± sf

Main Level Master Suite

Kitchen features center island, plenty of cabinet and counter space and pass through to dining room

Spacious lower level family room has a ceiling fan, access to patio area and a cozy gas stove

Living room at ground level with gas fireplace

Bonus room

Extensive amounts of decks and patio spaces

RV Parking

Tons of storage

Quiet cul-de-sac location less than 2 miles from OSU and is close to local schools, parks and bus lines

Neighborhood walk-ways provide easy access

You’ll be comfortable all year long with the gas forced air heat, cozy gas fireplace and stove and central a/c

Home Warranty Included

MLS# 649474

Corvallis Home For Sale: 4818 NW Bruno Place, Corvallis, Oregon 97330 $367,500

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

Additional Details:

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.

American Dream Survey–Fall 2011 (Trulia)

According to a recent survey by Trulia¹ the American Dream of homeownership is alive and well.

Trulia American Dream Survey – Fall 2011

View more presentations from Trulia

One interesting fact to me is that the number one concern of potential home buyers is the ability to save up a sufficient amount for a down payment.

I find this a bit ironic given the political trend to create an environment of even higher downpayments. As recently as this spring, regulatory agencies were working on rule making that would further increase the downpayment requirments. This was covered by The National Association of REALTORS^®(NAR) in REALTORS® Oppose High Down Payment Requirement for Qualified Residential Mortgage Exemption .

The survey also covers the age demographics and ideal home sizes and locations. Interesting information. It’s worth a look.

¹ Trulia is a major site that provides information about real estate and homes for sale and rent

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.

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.