What's New?

Spring time is definitely here - the flowers are blooming, kids are thinking about summer vacation, garage sales are on the upswing, and it’s that time of year when thoughts turn to assorted projects that always seem to land on the “we ought to do this” list. I need more paper!

And typically, it’s that time of year when REALTORS kick into full swing with the spring and summer market – but we all know that the market has been anything but typical. So what should you do? If your home is competing with countless others or you’re considering a move, you need a well-designed plan of action. So shed those winter clothes along with the old patterns and outdated models, and let’s get going.

In today’s market, getting ready to sell means turning beige into bright and moving beyond bland to grand. Even with the most modest budgets a few simple eye-pleasing ideas to add curb appeal and freshen up rooms. And a little bit of elbow grease will get prospective buyers thinking. Resist the temptation to sweep necessary repairs and those needed improvements under the carpet. Someone’s going to look under that carpet! Small changes can reap big rewards and increase your home’s value when it’s time to sell.

Here’re some tips:

• Spruce up your landscaping – mow, trim, prune, put in flowers
• Replace or paint ugly or damaged siding
• Upgrade your front door
• Place a colorful arrangement of flowers on the dining room table
• Get rid of all clutter inside and out – put personal items in boxes, and store neatly out of the way, especially family photos, nick knacks, luggage, old papers and books
• Eliminate unnecessary furniture – this allows people to “envision” their own belongings in their potential new home, especially if your home is tight on space
• Don’t overdo it with air-freshener plug-ins – or you might send perspective buyers screaming for air
• Add porch panache! – get rid of dust, leaves, webs, clean the deck or cement, put up a hanging basket or place some flowers on a small table, and make sure that light fixture is clean

What's On The Market?

A must see! Check out Collen Mincinski’s custom designed (James Michael Edward) home at 4015 NW Elmwood Drive that features 5 bdrms / 4 bths. Extensively remodeled in 1986 with 3000 sq. ft. of new construction added, plus gourmet kitchen, formal dining room with warmers, counter, glass cabinets, and much, much more! List price: $589,973.

Looking for that perfect home in NW Corvallis? Sue Long’s listing at 3610 NW Bunting Drive is a beautiful Brent Jenkins home with unbelievable views across the valley. This lovely home features 4 bdrms / 3 bths, a huge wall of windows and gorgeous views from the lower level too! List price: $579,000.

Looking in Philomath? Then see Clark House’s listing at 3224 Southwood Drive to view one-level living at its best. Wheelchair friendly home (ramp in garage) with 36” wide doors, wheelchair accessible sinks in kitchen and master bath, and the kitchen has new appliances with 24 feet of Silestone counters. This attractive 3 bdrms / 2 bths home also boasts an attached shop/studio/potting room area and has beautiful views of the Cascades and Coastal mountains. List price: $299,000.

What's Pending?

It’s a Buyer’s Market! Eric Skinner, a licensed loan officer for Prospect Mortgage (dba locally as Corvallis Metro Mortgage), the largest independent mortgage banking firm in the nation, says “Now is the best time to buy in a generation, as interest rates have not been this low in recent memory. There are several first-time buyer programs available like never before. FHA and VA programs have interest rates almost as low as conventional. FHA requires only 3.5% down and allows up to 6% selling contributions to closing costs. VA is 0% down for qualifying veterans and allows up to 4% for seller contributions and no mortgage insurance! And USDA Rural, an often over-looked program, will loan up to 102% of the appraised value of the property, and has no limit to seller contributions and no mortgage insurance. There are also many local incentive programs for first-time buyers, and you sure can’t beat the new federal $8000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers. So there is no better time to buy than now!” Questions? Our friends at Corvallis Metro can help:www.corvallismetro.com

Momentum is growing! Yes it’s true, some homes are staying on the market longer than we might normally experience. The upside is that there is good inventory in and around Corvallis and the surrounding area.

Is there a Silver Lining here? Yes! Buyer interest is up, and for first-time home buyers, incentives to purchase make it all that much more attractive.

The one of a kind period home at 1860 SW Whiteside Dr in Corvallis, built in 1941 and is located near the entrance to the Corvallis Country Club, underscores the demand for a piece of Corvallis history on nearly half an acre lot.

Good homes will find willing and able buyers --- in spite of what otherwise might be considered tough timing--- the single-level home at 3163 NW Powderhorn Pl can certainly attest.

What's Happening?

With family visiting over the weekend, we took advantage of the beautiful spring weather and headed downtown to the Saturday Market on the waterfront park. Open every Saturday during the summer the popularity of fresh produce, fresh-baked breads, flowers and crafts always draws a good crowd.

For you outdoorsy types, City League softball is now gearing up. Time to warm up that throwing arm and get to the batting cages. If you don’t have a team yet, check with Parks and Recreation in Corvallis at 766-6918. Batter up! That’s not all – there’s something for the whole family in recreation this summer, and you can find it on the City of Corvallis web site at www.ci.corvallis.or.us.

Western Oregon University’s Symphony and senior student recitals are on-going. For a lovely evening of music check out the WOU calendar of events at www.wou.edu.

If you’re like our household, you too may be a Star Trek fan and you won’t want to miss this one now showing at the theaters. Is anyone going to beam me up?

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.

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