In the News… Economic Tid-Bits

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

 

HOME FOR SALE– 4471 NW Honeysuckle Drive, Corvallis, Oregon $739,000

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.

HOME FOR SALE | 1425 NW Alta Vista Drive, Corvallis, Oregon $379,900

HOME FOR SALE– 1425 NW Alta Vista Drive, Corvallis, Oregon

Location, Location, Location just about a mile to Oregon State University (OSU); even closer to Co-op, Sam’s Station and Cloverland Park. Terrific home with main level master, new slate flooring in living room and laminate in kitchen. Windows have been recently updated (2009). Great new deck off dining area, ideal for entertaining (2009). Leaf-guard gutters (2010) Large lot (.37 acres) with private backyard has plenty of place to play, relax and garden and paved access. Views from deck and upper level rooms.

Solid home located in a highly sought-after northwest Corvallis neighborhood. Close to Cloverland Park, First Alternative Co-op, Sam’s Station, local schools, and Oregon State University. Just minutes from downtown Corvallis and medical facilities.

5 bedrooms, 2 baths
Approx. 2754 sq. ft.
.37 acres
Main level master suite
Generous amounts of storage throughout
Private fenced yard with paved access
Many updates including:
windows (2009), deck (2009),
LeafGuard gutters (2010)
Living Room:
Large windows overlook spacious backyard and treetop views
Wood burning fireplace
Newer slate flooring
Access to both dining area and kitchen
Kitchen and Dining Area:
Newer wood-like laminate flooring (2011)
White appliances
Built-in desk and buffet with display
Access to attached 2-car garage, living room and upper deck

Upper Deck:
New in 2009 with rope lights
Great for entertaining and barbecuing
Overlooks entire backyard with treetop views
Access to the kitchen/dining area and master suite

Main Level Master Suite:
Large linen closet
Cork flooring
Access to back deck
Attached bath with shower/tub combo and eco-flush toilet

Lower Level:
Three secondary bedrooms with cork flooring
Multipurpose room could be a 5th bedroom, craft room, home gym, office or to suit your needs
Full bath with step in shower and two sinks
Spacious laundry room with lots of storage, counter space and utility sink
Family room with large storage closet, gas fireplace and access to patio and backyard

Backyard:
Spacious and private, fenced with paved access along side of house in into yard
Room for play, gardening, entertaining, relaxing and more

MLS#646710

Search for more homes for sale in Corvallis here.

New Price! 830 NW 11th Street, Corvallis, Oregon 97330

Home for Sale, 830 NW 11th Street, Corvallis, Oregon 97330 $299,000

Home for sale in Corvallis, Oregon. Near Oregon State University (OSU) and Downtown Corvallis. Wonderful Craftsman style home with many vintage features preserved.  6 bedrooms (2 on the main level); 2 full baths (one on the main); approx. 2188 sq. ft. not including partially finished basement.

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. 

Coldwell Banker | Web “Awesomeness”

Just a little brag-fest. Coldwell Banker awards for an awesome and innovative web site.

Coldwell Banker Wins Two Web Awards for Website Awesomeness.

Want a taste of what makes Coldwell Banker’s web site awesome?  Try BlueScape Search.  It’s a wishing and dreaming rating system that helps you hone in on the the house of your dreams…  Absolutely not the same old thing!

Want to find the home of your dreams?  Get in touch with Dava and let’s get looking.

 

 

HOME FOR SALE– 45728 Santiam Hwy, Sweet Home, Oregon $85,000

HOME FOR SALE– 45728 Santiam Hwy, Sweet Home, Oregon

River Front Property!…rumor has it this is one of the best swimming holes in Foster! Located near Foster Lake, Green Peter, hiking trails, and only 40 minutes to I-5 and less than an hour to Hoodoo Ski Resort! Live in the manufactured home while building your dream home, or have that affordable vacation home you have always wanted. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1152 sq ft. on 3.98 acres.

MLS#638130
Search for more homes for sale in Sweet Home, Lebanon, and Corvallis here.

SOLD! HOME FOR SALE– 7925 NW Oxbow Drive, Corvallis, Oregon

SOLD!

NEW PRICE! HOME FOR SALE– 7925 NW Oxbow Drive, Corvallis, Oregon

Beautiful home in Oak Creek, a close in rural area that provides easy access to Oregon State University and downtown Corvallis. Easy main level living with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, open kitchen, dining and spacious laundry room with large pantry. Two bedrooms, full bath, family room, bonus room on lower level. Extras include workshop area, updated windows, updated baths and kitchen. Plenty of level backyard space, with decks and covered patio area. Loads of parking out front and nearly two private acres. Seller is providing a home warranty. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 3163 sq. ft.

Located in the desirable Oak Creek area of northwest Corvallis, this home is situated on almost 2 acres, tucked amongst the trees. Close to Oregon State University, shopping, nature trails and natural areas including Bald Hill and Fitton Green, Benton County Fairgrounds, and the Irish Bend Covered Bridge path. Just minutes from downtown Corvallis, medical facilities, and Philomath.

Foyer is warm and inviting. Opens to living room, dining and kitchen, and stairs to basement. Also has access to main level bathroom, master bedroom, and secondary bedroom. Living room has large windows with wonderful wooded views, wood burning brick fireplace with mantle, and a open floor plan to the dining area and kitchen, which is ideal for entertaining.

Kitchen is neutral and bright with large garden window above the three bay sink and white appliances. Kitchen also features a breakfast bar, microwave and TV nooks, pull-out and lazy susan cabinets, and counter-top hideaways, great for small appliances. Kitchen is open to the dining area and living room and has access to the laundry/mudroom and walk-in pantry. Dining area is spacious and light with the open floor plan to the kitchen, living room, main bath, and entry and access to the back deck, ideal for outdoor barbecues and parties. Laundry/mudroom is spacious with tons of storage, large utility sink, walk-in pantry, and access to attached 2-car garage, main bath, and kitchen. Main bathroom has shower, vanity with tile counter-tops and towel bar, and access to both the laundry room and dining area.

Master bedroom is enormous and bright with wooded views, tons of closet space with two walk-in closets, and attached master bath. Master bathroom has loads of storage and counter space, single sink vanity with make-up counter, seperate toilet/shower room with shower/tub combo, and access to the main hallway. Main level also features a secondary bedroom with closet and lots of natural light.

Lower level has an open floor plan with the family room and wet bar area. Wet bar area has a brick woodstove alcove and access to back yard and outdoor storage/shop areas. Lower level also features two huge secondary bedrooms, one with an alcove that is great for a reading nook or desk area, and one with a cedar storage area, previously a sauna, plumbed for a shower. Also located on the lower level is a spacious mechanical room, multipurpose room, great for crafts, home gym, office, playroom, or to suit your needs, and a recently remodeled bathroom with large dual sink vanity, beautiful decorative tile, and separate toilet/shower room with large shower with glass doors.

Outdoor spaces include a back deck off the dining area that overlooks the large back yard which is partially fenced and great for gardening, pets, play, and more, storage/wood shed which is accessible from the lower level wet bar area and is a great place to store firewood, outdoor toys, and garden equipment, and a nice-sized shop area accessible from the lower level wet bar area that has plumbing, electrical, insulated ceiling, and is great for hobbies, woodworking and more.

MLS#640054

 

Search for more homes for sale in Corvallis here.

Price Reduced! HOME FOR SALE- 1780 Clover Ridge Rd. NE, Albany, Oregon $325,000

HOME FOR SALE- 1780 Clover Ridge Rd. NE, Albany, Oregon

Beautiful horse property or other hobby farm uses. Exceptional acreage close in to Albany; easy commute to Salem and Corvallis. Partially fenced acreage with level pasture, seasonal pond, oak and other trees, and fenced front yard. Very private, yet not isolated. Single level living has gorgeous master suite with jetted tub, shower and plenty of storage, nice sized secondary bedrooms, updated windows and attached 2-car garage. Large shop and RV parking provides all the space you could need. Seller is providing a home warranty. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 2132 sq. ft. on 5.26 acres

Living room is cozy and spacious with large bay garden window and wood burning fireplace with insert. Built-in niche with shelves and firewood storage, inset ceiling lights, and arched doorway to kitchen adds a touch of character. Family room is light and open with large sliding glass door that maximizes your living space by providing access to the back yard and patio, an ideal place for back yard barbecues and outdoor parties.

Kitchen is neutral and bright with large window above the sink with calming pastoral views, ample cabinet storage and counter space, microwave niche, and access to the living room, laundry room/mudroom, and 2-car attached garage. Laundry room/mudroom has tons of storage with cabinets, shoe cubbies and coat hooks, wash sink, attached full bath, and access to the kitchen and 2-car attached garage.

Master suite is private and spacious. Private hallway with motion sensor entry lights, ceiling fan, large walk-in closet with built-in storage, additional closets, and private deck with calming pastoral views. Luxurious master bath is complete with jetted soaking tub, step-in shower, large linen closet, and dual sink vanity. 2 additional bedrooms, one “double sized” with ceiling fan and built-in desk, both with pastoral views, and main bath with soaking tub and linen storage tower completes the floor plan.

Outbuildings include a machine shed and a 32′ x 28′ shop with 2 roll-up doors and attached covered RV storage/parking.

5.26 acres also has level pasture, seasonal creek and pond, fenced front yard, perimeter fencing, RV parking, Oak and other trees, room for horses and other animals, gardening, play, relaxation, and more.

 

MLS#628419

Search for more homes for sale in Albany and Corvallis here.

SOLD! HOME FOR SALE– 45700 Santiam Hwy, Sweet Home, Oregon

SOLD!

HOME FOR SALE– 45700 Santiam Hwy, Sweet Home, Oregon

Vacation cottage? Rental Property? Tucked away off main road and nestled in the trees… this cute log cabin home with large deck and master bedroom overlooks a sparkling stream and beautiful waterfall. Nicely located near Foster Lake and Green Peter, hiking trails, 40 minutes to I-5 and less than an hour to Hoodoo Ski Resort! Bring your fishing poles, your boat and all your toys… the detached garage/shop offers plenty of storage. 26′x28′ shop with loft. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1120 sq. ft. on 4.59 acres.

MLS#638133
Search for more homes for sale in Sweet Home, Lebanon, and Corvallis here.

• Search for:

• Property Search

• Recent Posts

  • Value of Homeownership
  • Predict Your Real Estate Market | Tool from CNN/Money
  • Improving Housing Markets | May 2012
  • New Listing–Home for Sale |1620 NW Menlo Drive, Corvallis, Oregon 97330 $320,000
  • Annual Number of Residential Real Estate Sales | Corvallis, Oregon

• Hot Topics

  Absorption Rate Acreage albany Albany Oregon Benton County Buyer Buyers City Of Corvallis Newsletter Close to Oregon State University coldwell banker College Hill West Historic District Corvallis Corvallis Oregon Curb Appeal dava First-Time Homebuyer Historic Homes home home buyer homebuyer Home For Sale homes Homes For Sale house for sale Houses For Sale Lebanon Oregon Linn County listing New Construction Open House oregon Oregon State University philomath Philomath Oregon Real Estate Residential Average Sales Residential Real Estate Statistics Seller single level Staging Tax Credit The City Corvallis Vintage Homes Willamette Valley Wooded Forest Setting