What's New?

For first time home buyers the tax credit of up to $8000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principle residence has been extended. Additionally, a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified repeat home buyers has also been implemented. This is good news for those of you considering your first home and for those home owners considering a new one.

In the last issue of A Sharp Perspective I asked, “What's on your mind?” Those that responded are asking and wondering about the current market in Corvallis. The market remains strong, although we traditionally see the inventory of homes start declining right about now. So sellers, this is a good time to consider putting your home on the market. Contact me for my list of 11 Great Reasons To Put Your Home On The Market During The Holidays, and I'll gladly send it along.

Are you one of those that secretly loath asking for directions? Somehow I don't think it's a “guy” thing! I freely admit that sometimes I need directions, though once in awhile my gut feeling would like to shout "I know that street was here just this morning! Who moved it!” Well, we all have our little quirks I guess. And fortunately for me, there's a coffee shop within close driving distance to give me that laser sharp focus that a busy agent needs. Isn't coffee one of the major food groups?

The last few weeks have been busier than usual. And with the weather cooling off nicely, by the afternoon I forego the coffee and starting dreaming about hot cider. "Now, where did I put that GPS?"

Oftentimes, a Real Estate Professional is called upon to provide direction of all sorts. Working together with sellers to prepare their home for market or helping a buyer navigate the real estate process, I am always pleased to provide those services. And that is why I have in big bold letters on my web site “A successful real estate transaction is like a destination - the path begins here.”

What does that mean? It means that for every phase of the real estate process, we oftentimes find ourselves wearing many hats, rolling up our shirt sleeves working together with sellers to help prepare their home for the market. Part planner, part landscaper, part mover, part hostess, part counselor (you get the picture) – I'm whatever is needed at the moment. For certain tasks (those that require specific skills), those are better left to professionals with more experience. So let them do the work they know best!

Preparing a home for sale, even if the time period is a little longer than planned – requires coordination and collaboration. It can be a daunting process and there's no shortcut to the work involved. And those emotions! Your home is not just a house – it's memories, shared times, kids growing up, kids moving out, someone getting married, your first home, your second home, scaling up, scaling down, where the dog had puppies (you know the story). These things can be emotional land mines even for the most prepared.

Navigating the process is what I do best, and I do this best when both sellers and buyers are willing to work collaboratively. A map and a compass to your goals - whatever those may be, are important to me too. To the extent that you can lighten your burden, delegate the real estate process. It can be surprisingly satisfying! "Can I offer you a cup of coffee?"

What's On The Market?

Carol Trueba has a lovely home on 4372 NW Honeysuckle Dr, Corvallis. Gracious and elegant home with 3 bed /3.5 bath and 5888 sq. ft. Gourmet kitchen with professional stove, custom cabinetry, walk-in pantry, lots of hardwood and big windows are just a few of the amenities of this beautiful home. Offered at $588,880.

Tanya Freeman's Grand Oaks home at 6216 SW Chestnut Dr, Corvallis is on the market. 3 bd / 2.5 bath with 2216 sq. ft. open floor plan and handsome architectural features. Offered at $365,000.

Michele Miscinski's 31992 Fern Rd, Philomath home is on the market. Elegant single level home on 64.65 acres, 3620 sq. ft. with 4 bed / 4 bath, gourmet kitchen, private views, fabulous master retreat with cherry built-ins, separate shower and jetted tub. For the equestrian lover enjoy the outdoor/indoor arena, stalls, organic hay producing pastures, and a pond with large mouth bass. This special home is a must see! Offered at $1,295,000.

I haven't mentioned every special home - just a few of my favorites! For more information on these listings and other homes, please email me at sharp@kw.com or call me: 541-740-6574.

What's Pending?

Willing buyers are in fact, visiting open houses - so sellers - if you are thinking that the colder weather will slow down sales, not so fast. Low interest rates are spurring buyers to take a second and third look at the available inventory in and around Corvallis.

Carol Trueba's listing at 602 Cascade Falls Ct NW, Albany (offered at $375,000) is now pending. This Boydston Construction Home has 4 bed / 2.5 bath and 2811 sq. ft. Craftsman style with lots of details, triple car garage and formal dining room are just a few of the amenities of this lovely home.

Michele Mincinski's listing at 1910 NW Kings Blvd, Corvallis (offered at $239,000) is now pending. 3 bed / 1.5 bath home has 1909 sq. ft. and spacious rooms, private feel in a convenient location.

What's Happening?

Good homes will find ready, willing and able buyers, and qualified buyers are recognizing value in this marketplace and acting on their instincts. Working with an experienced mortgage lender to see if you qualify is an excellent first step for curious buyers.

One often hears the phrase, “homes will sell themselves,” but nearly every time the opposite is true. Now is the time to choose your real estate broker carefully. It is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. Don't fall for false promises, and make sure that whatever someone tells you regarding the listing of your home, that the current market activity supports what they say.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a terrific week!

My Best,

For more information about any of the properties listed above or event information, please call me at (541) 740-6574, or send me an email at: sharp@kw.com.

Feel free to visit my website at SharpRE.com for more information.

I respect your privacy. Information from this database is not shared with anyone. Period! If you would like to opt out of receiving this newsletter, please click here to unsubscribe. On the other hand, if you would like to pass it on, please do so!