HOME FOR SALE — 4197 NW Douglas Avenue, Corvallis, Oregon $365,000
Home for Sale – 4197 NW Douglas Avenue, Corvallis, Oregon
Enjoy territorial views of the local area and mountain views including Mary’s Peak from this excellent location in wonderful NW Corvallis neighborhood. Quality custom construction (Russ Peterson built) and incredibly livable home. You’ll enjoy the light open feel and the 9’ ceilings in the main level rooms. Lovely terraced yard, brick capped walls, patio and numerous fruit trees and shrubs. Appreciate the easy access to downtown Corvallis, local business areas, schools, parks and recreation areas. 3 bedrooms / 2.5 baths, Approx. 2938 sq. ft., .20 Acres, Built in 1994, Schools: Jefferson, Linus Pauling, Corvallis High School.
Main Level Living areas:Spacious and Light kitchen–
- overlooks backyard
- Island cook-top with eating area
- Wood flooring
- Pantry and broom closet
- Pull out shelves, lazy Susan, other specialty cabinets
- Built-in planning space
- Newer dishwasher
- wall oven
- Recessed lighting
Formal dining room–
- Direct access to back yard through atrium door
- Flows from kitchen through dining to living room
- Light and bright with newer light fixture
- Recessed lighting
Living room–
- Bay window with beautiful views to the Coast Range
- Spacious and bright with room for Grand Piano
- Recessed lighting
Full bath–
- Double vanity
- Tub/shower
Secondary bedrooms –
- Main level
- Dimmers in both
- Closet organizers
Large laundry–
- Convenient to both bedrooms
- Plenty of cabinet and counter space
- Utility sink
Upper Level Spaces
Master Suite–
The entire upper level is devoted to the master suite. Experience a true “spa-like” retreat in these spacious, bright and open spaces.
- Large bedroom area, plenty of room for furnishings
- Spacious and light with views
- Recessed lighting
- Large walk-in closet
Attached “spa” bath–
- Jetted tub
- Generous amounts of storage in double sink vanity
- 2 closets with built-in shelving
Lower Level
A great place for family room, extended family living (it’s like its own suite), or home based business. Provides plenty of space for play and relaxation.
- Half bath adjacent
- Spacious area with kitchenette with plenty of storage and counter space
- Separate direct access to 2-car garage
- Easy access to back yard up half-flight of stairs
Outdoor spaces
- .20 acre lot
- Extensive use of brick accents
- Exposed aggregate patio and stairs
- Terraced with retaining walls
- Extensive use of outdoor lighting around house and yard
- Recently re-sided with Hardieplank and fresh paint
- Landscaped with irrigation system
- Access to exterior storage in back yard
- Fruit trees: plum, cherry and apple
- Berries: blackberry, Marionberry and rasberry bushes
- Fenced yard
MLS #643210
Search for more homes for sale in Corvallis here.
Coldwell Banker Home Listing Report
Coldwell Banker Releases its Annual Home Listing Survey Report
On Wednesday, June 15, 2011, Coldwell Banker released its annual survey which provides a “snapshot” of the average listing price of four-bedrooms two-bathroom homes that appeared on ColdwellBanker.com in a 6 month period, covering more than 2,300 North American Markets. This year’s report is more extensive than ever before and covers more markets. As a Coldwell Banker agent, I appreciate it that Coldwel Banker provides excellent interactive tools for buyers and sellers making the information easily accessible and useful.
Jim Gillespie, chief executive officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC said, “We’ve included nearly ten times more markets than ever before, which gives us unmatched real estate insight into thousands of North American cities…. We know that home buying remains a deeply personal lifestyle decision, and we believe that reports like this, along with trusted real estate agents, will help today’s buyers make smart decisions .”
For the full report: Coldwell Banker Home Listing Report.
While visiting this page, take a look at the charts included in the press release or compare the price of your home to other markets by filling out the data at the lower half of the page, check out the infographic for a visual of the ten most affordable and ten most expensive markets or check out the ranking of your community in comparison to other communities in your state with the State Survey List.
NEW PRICE! HOME FOR SALE – 869 SE Bayshore Circle, Corvallis, Oregon $249,700
HOME FOR SALE – 869 SE Bayshore Circle, Corvallis, Oregon
Versatile floor plan provides all the spaces you need. Bonus family room on upper level could be utilized as a large bedroom. Main level has extra space for office, TV room or formal living. Open kitchen and family area provides “great room” living spaces and gas fireplace, plenty of cabinets and counter space. Stay comfortable all year long with gas forced air heat and central air conditioning. Large fenced backyard with patio allows for garden, pets and backyard fun. Easy access to local park, pool and clubhouse facilities and Willamette River trails. Seller is providing a home warranty. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1932 sq. ft.
Situated on a corner lot in the quiet Willamette Landing community you are welcomed home by green landscaping, quaint flower box and large covered entry. Home features a versatile floor plan that suits the way you live. Spacious fenced backyard is great for entertaining, gardening, pets, play and more.
Great room living room is open to the kitchen and dining room, an ideal space for living and entertaining, Living room features gas fireplace with large mantle and tile surround, and large window. Kitchen is open to both the dining room and living room. Neutral and bright with sleek black appliances, dual basin sink, under cabinet lights, breakfast bar and ample counter and cabinet space. Dining room is bright and spacious with access to large backyard, great for entertaining and outdoor parties.
Main level also features powder bath, garage access, and bonus room that can be used as a home office, gym, guest room, TV room and more.
Master suite is spacious and light with ceiling fan, double doors, attached master bath with dual sink vanity, and huge walk-in closet with loads of storage. Upstairs floor plan also features indoor laundry, two secondary bedrooms, and family room that could be used as an additional bedroom.
MLS#636439
Search for more homes for sale in Corvallis here.
Wood Stove Certification Labels
Quick Check: If your wood stove has one of these labels, it’s certified. If not, there are rules/laws you need to follow if you’re selling your Oregon home.
To Remodel or Not to Remodel, That is the Question…
I am often asked by my customers “is there a formula for determining how much I can expect to get out of a remodel?” (or how much can I spend on a certain improvement and still be safe?)
It doesn’t matter if you are a homeowner in Corvallis, Albany, Philomath or elsewhere in the Mid-Willamette Valley, homeowners all over the country want to know “is it worth it to remodel?” and “will I get my investment back?”
Luckily, some guidance is available. Annually the National Association of REATLORS® and REATLTOR® Magazine and Remodeling Magazine survey and compile information about resale values and home improvement projects and publish a document called the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report (2010-2011). This report is full of information about home improvement projects and their regional return on value.
However, that question is not as straight forward as it may appear on the surface. The information in the report is helpful, but should not be the only resource or reasoning behind the decision making process. Each set of circumstances and each individual household needs to evaluate and decide on an individual basis.
There are other factors to consider. You might want to think about some of the following…
- The location of the home (can you replicate the setting, neighborhood, lot amenities if you choose to sell vs. remodel?)
- Are replacement homes available that meet your needs?
- Is it something you would need to address to sell anyway?
- Can you handle the effort associated with a move?
- Can you handle the effort associated with a remodel?
- If you remodel will you get what you need out of the project and live with it long enough to reap the intrinsic value which may be more than the monetary value?
- Is the project a bona-fide improvement, a cosmetic face-lift or decorating?
- Would the footprint of the improvement (eg. room addition) take up so much lot space that the remaining yard area is inadequate or atypical for the neighborhood?
- Is the improvement very specific to your needs/tastes (hobbies often drive these kinds of remodels) or is it something that is easily resold, appealing to a broad market segment?
- Are you interested in being more “green” and are making energy saving improvements? Energy costs can sometimes help offset remodeling costs, but it often takes years to fully recoup. Are there tax credits available for the type of improvement you are considering?
- Is there a medical reason for making the changes? If the improvement enhances your (and/or your households) ability to fully enjoy the property…
- Is what you are changing already so functionally obsolete that it would not appeal to a large segment of the homebuying market and/or is it unsafe?
- Are you using existing space that would sacrifice the function of another room?
- Are you relatively sure that your housing needs are stable?
Sometimes the amount of money spent on a remodel will generate a strong, nearly dollar for dollar because of the nature of the project or because the existing space is so bad it has an adverse affect on the value of the home. So there is really no question that the project can be left ”as is”, the only question is the depth of the remodel (very dated kitchens and baths often fall into this category).
Conversely, it is possible to become involved in remodel projects that don’t generate a good fiscal return because they are very specific and/or high cost materials have been used in a location/neighborhood that doesn’t return high-cost (also known as an over-improvement.)
It is possible with careful shopping, realistic planning and the right project to make improvements that will return positive results that meet your goals.
To some degree, the timing and the current market conditions will have some influence on the return of expense on a remodel project.
There is no “right answer” to any of these questions. Each project should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and in light of the needs of the homeowner in question. It’s a matter of balance and personal preference.
I’d be happy to visit with you to discuss your project and needs. I’d be happy to provide your with information about what’s typcial for your neighborhood, current trends and price ranges for similar homes.
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.
Corvallis, Oregon Real Estate Market: Over or Under Valued?
Corvallis, Oregon Housing Market Ranked 9th Most Over Valued – Is that a Fair Assessment?
Recently, I answered a posted question on Trulia.com, which related to a CNNMoney.com post that ranks Corvallis, Oregon as the 9th most overvalued housing market. I’ve been asked about the study in person a few times… here’s what I think.
The study was done by IHS Global Insight and PNC Financial Services. The terminology used are “overvalued” and “undervalued”. The study ranks Corvallis, Oregon as the 10th most “overvalued” market in the study (there were only 399 markets included in the study—one has to wonder about the sample size) .
On one hand I’m completely aghast at the use of the terminology. The definition of market value is “a price at which buyers and sellers are willing to do business” (Webster’s ninth new Collegiate Dictionary). So, by the very definition of market value, how can a market be “over” or “under” valued? The published article is unclear about what the “percent” relates to (percent of what?). Is it the number of homes on the market that are “over/under valued?” Or is it the total number of homes in the community (if so, where did they get that “value” from)? Is it a comparison of number of home on the market or sold in relation to the median house price? None of the data I reviewed tells you what any of it really means. I searched the web in general and the web site for both PNC Financial Services and IHS Global Insights could not locate to the actual study.
With only a surface evaluation at my disposal, I have to say, I am more than a little skeptical about comparisons or rankings of such diverse cities. Seriously, Corvallis is in a list with Honolulu, Hawaii; Bangor Maine; and Bakersfield, California? Not much commonality. Perhaps it would make more sense to compare college towns to college towns (See the Coldwell Banker Home Price Comparison Indexes — there’s one index for College Towns and one for select markets) or towns with similar features and sizes.
The study says it is based on select data: “These judgments are determined by comparing median home prices, local interest rates, population densities and income, plus historical premiums or discounts that areas have exhibited over time.”
If you want to look at the “premiums” that Corvallis has to offer and length of time for the “history”, I have to say, Corvallis is not the same place it was 20 years ago. What are the “historical premiums or discounts”, and who is deciding which of these factors is significant. The term “overvalued” may be relative to who is doing the shopping and what the current “premium” list is…
How long is the history? It does not appear that there is any consideration for supply and demand; and important factor in a community like Corvallis.
Interest rates are very much based on national pricing (at least as long as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are still around) not locally set, so the rate climate really has a limited effect.
Corvallis is a very small market. Median home prices fluctuate (and drop) when the upper end of the market is slow and/or when there is limited inventory in the entry level available. For a significant portion of 2009, entry and mid level housing was more active than any other price point because of low interest rates, inventory and tax incentives. When more homes sell in the entry and median levels, the median and/or average is bound to move down. It is simply how the math works (Median is the center point between the highest high and the lowest low, more weight at the lower end, drives the median down.) Based on what I know about individual home sales and the market in which I work, I am not clear on how the median can be a valid statistical point in our market. The sample is simply too small.
The variance in the study between 2006 and 2010 for Corvallis is under 5%–many of the communities on either end of the scale exhibit much wider variances between the 2006 study and the 2010 study. That (almost 5%) is not much of a difference when you are comparing the same figure to other communities. To me it is an indication of a comparatively stable market (relative to the overall economic climate). Other communities, especially those where the bottom dropped out, show wider variations. The communities that are now rated extremely undervalued took big employment hits, have high foreclosure rates, did not control growth and/or a combination of those factors.
Do not get me wrong. I do not think that any community that is immune to the impact of the current economy. However, I do not think that we are in for the fall that one might derive from this report. Jobs will determine that.
It was not until this last housing cycle that homes were considered short-term investments. In the past, most investors were looking at purchasing investment properties on the basis of cash-flow. Appreciation was a bonus. Flipping was done only by the most experienced investors and with appropriate types of financial backing.
The last paragraph of the article is the most significant. “The bottom line, at least for a few years, is that the average buyer should forget about home purchases as investments. The good news is that, long-term, their home values should appreciate.” That sounds more like a return to normal to me.
I’d like to know what you think? Please post your comment or question.
Five things I’m looking forward to in 2010 | Changes that will Affect the Corvallis Real Estate Market
Five things I’m looking forward to in 2010 and Change in the Corvallis Real Estate Market
As 2009 comes to a close, it will be nice to put a cap on it and move onto a better 2010. I, for one, am looking forward to some positives in the economy and the Corvallis real estate market. Recent economic activity would lead one to believe that the country is coming out of an extremely difficult economic period — some say the longest recession in decades.
What I think we’ll see in the coming new year:
1. Slightly higher, but still very appealing interest rate environment, at least for the first half of the year. Not the really extra-ordinary rates hovering at five or slightly under, but more like the low sixes, which historically (and if you can remember the early 1980s really very much better than seventeen percent or higher.)
2. Buyers, both first time and move (up,over,down) buyers taking advantage of tax incentives (written contract must be in place by 4/30/2010; closing by 6/30/2010)
3. Locally good levels of inventory without the impact of extreme high levels of foreclosed properties. Basically, a more balanced market. Making it a better market for everyone. As the markets that tend to feed Corvallis and the mid-Willamette Valley continue their recovery they will provide a little “stimulus” to our economy.
4. Better employment rates as the economy crawls out of the recession hole. Employment is the one factor that will really change the course of the current economy.
5. Along with higher interest rates, may come a more relaxed, perhaps I should say, sound, approach to underwriting. Not the take a pulse, give a loan attitude that helped create the mess, but realistic and reasonable, as banks re-enter the mortgage business and become less fearful of risk.
All in all, no matter what the economy does, how the real estate industry deals with ups and down, we are all just and we will continue to adjust and do what we need to do to live our lives the best way we can.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010.
Related posts:
Questions and Answers about the Expanded/Extended HomebuyerTax Credit
Homebuyer Tax Credit De-Mystified
Richard Smith CEO of Realogy on CNBC about the Tax Credit
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.
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