Real Estate Is On The Move!

Gearhart Oregon

2011-01-18T15:26:00.000-08:00

Gearhart, the place that I lovingly call home! A small, quaint town with a New England flavor. A place where you still feel a calm sense of security far removed from the hustle of the big city. Building codes restrict the commercial development that threatens our small town charm! As such, it's small mom & pop ventures that cater to the needs of our visiting tourists. Pop's Ice Cream Parlour is a wonderful example of our small town enterprises enjoyed by both young & old. Another must see & do is to partake in our annual 4th. of July day town parade, which is a slice out of a Norman Rockwell painting. There you'll likely find children sporting bikes decked out in patriotic colors, parents pulling their children in wagons decorated to the nines or dogs sporting festive scarfs of red, white & blue. One year the Gearhart Short Leg Brigade march along with their Corgies! All culminates with free hot dogs at the local fire station, which is supported by a truly dedicated core of local volunteers with a singular mission, to serve & protect!

For all things Gearhart be sure to bookmark the following website:

City of Gearhart Website

Seaside Oregon Bank Owned Home - Deal of The Week!

2010-12-23T15:32:00.000-08:00

Opportunity is calling....

This wonderfully maintained & nicely updated home is the winner in the "Deal of The Week" category with a list price of: $ 147,900 This home is currently listed by Laurie Duey of Area Properties in Astoria, OR. MLS # 10-1844

Built in 1984, this home boasts: cedar siding, a covered front porch, newer roof, newer vinyl windows, newer floor coverings, newer hot water heater, rear entertaining deck, separate shop with cement floor, fenced yard & so much more! At over 1,400 sq. feet this 3/1 home is conveniently located near shopping & town. The garage has been converted into a 4th. bedroom, but could easily be converted back with a little bit of effort. This home would be perfect for a first home or rental property.

This home was originally listed at: $ 219,900 and more recently value priced at: $ 174,900 Current Clatsop County Real Market Value on this home is: $ 191,485. The RMV is obviously high and not realistic for the current market conditions, but price this price one is bound to be in an instant equity situation!

A deal like this won't last long...call me to preview this opportunity or other market values!

Marianne Pittard, Broker - RE/MAX River & Sea

website:
e-mail: Marianne@MariannePittard.com
office telephone: 503-738-9552
cellular telephone: 503-440-0577

Astoria Oregon Real Estate - Astoria's Crown Jewel

2010-12-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

The Henry Hoefler Estate

Perched high above the bustling city below and overlooking the mighty Columbia River sits the crown jewel of Astoria, a home both rich in history and heritage, the estate of the late Henry Hoefler. In the early 1920’s, the young confectioner left his native New York for the shores of Astoria and founded the Centennial Chocolate Company, along with building this sprawling 5,500 square-foot estate for his family. After the great Astoria fire of 1922, the Hoefler family relocated, and in the years that followed this richly interesting estate became the family home of the locally well-known Barbey family, who were instrumental in the early days of packaging Columbia River salmon and later a dormitory for the nearby Clatsop Community College.

Virtually every element of this antique diamond has been thoughtfully restored and updated for a perfect marriage of modern and vintage: State-of-the-art convenience with exquisite historical grandeur.

Exterior/Grounds/Patio

The Henry Hoefler estate features a wonderfully unique blend of Mission and Craftsman-style architecture. Beyond the grand brick wall entry and wrought-iron gates, the stucco and wood home boasts many historic, eye-catching details, such as Mission-style window casings, a beveled-glass door, and several original stained-glass windows. The expansive lot, over half an acre, has been professionally landscaped and features pristine lawns, carefully manicured shrubbery, and two sweeping archways of brick and stucco, one of which opens onto a large stone patio with an unobstructed 180-degree view of the Columbia River.

A detached wooden three-car garage opens automatically, and features delightfully high ceilings of tongue-and-groove wood.

Bedrooms

Up the beautifully restored grand staircase are the homes three bedrooms, which are all extremely large and airy and feature large walk-in closets with professionally installed organization systems.

The spacious master ensuite is really three rooms in one; the large sleeping space opens through French doors onto a sunny sleeping porch/enclosed balcony, perfect for enjoying an unparalleled view of the Columbia while sipping a morning cup of coffee. Also included in the master ensuite is a full bath of dreamy, restorative proportions. The large soaker tub invites a relaxing bubble bath, which also overlooks the Columbia. The bathroom is decked out in pristine white tile and the spacious countertop of smooth white marble is set in front of one of the home’s many original stained-glass windows.

Through a door in the master bath is a room with many possibilities; although the home’s washer and dryer are situated here, the room also features large windows and a closet and could easily be used as a nursery, craft room, an extra bedroom, or even a giant walk-in closet for a discerning fashionista.

Two more bedrooms sit on the second floor, both of which feature vintage charm in a breezy, open atmosphere.

Kitchen

Though the home was built circa 1920, the kitchen has been updated with every convenience that the modern at-home gourmet could possibly want, including a six-burner gas Electrolux stove and oven and stainless steel appliances. The kitchen’s countertops are lush, honed black granite, while the spacious kitchen island/breakfast bar is topped with Calcutta marble. The white cabinets are custom built, and a large white farmhouse sink and vintage-styled white bead-board lend a clean, energetic feel to a room with limitless epicurean appeal. Through restored French doors is a formal dining room, which features two uniquely restored chandeliers with silver tassel detail. On the other end of the kitchen is a cheerful breakfast nook with a panoramic view of the Columbia River.

Bathrooms

A charming half-bath on the main floor of the home features all the original tile-work in colors characteristic of the home’s time period. The master ensuite features a full bath, and a second full bath is shared by the home’s two other bedrooms. The second full bath has been attentively restored with its original white tile-work and original porcelain bathtub, plus a built-in marble-topped stool and built-in mirrored medicine cabinet.

Living Spaces

The formal living room is a perfect entertaining space with its fireplace, complete with custom Pratt-Larsen subway tile and a new decorative wooden mantel with specially-made cabinetry that fits the home‘s vintage appeal to a tee. The main floor also features a solarium with built-in window seat/underseat storage area that offers a breathtaking view of the Columbia. Past a uniquely curved wall is a functional foyer area, plus a cozy space for an office, library, or study.

Extras

Throughout the home are many closets and spaces for extra storage. The home also features built-in surround sound throughout the main floor and a home alarm system. The refinished original oak floors are stained with an espresso finish, and fantastically high ceilings combined with the view of the river from nearly every room create a feeling of expansive natural beauty.

Bonus Living Spaces With Unlimited Potential

The estate of Henry Hoefler features many unusual and interesting elements, including a walk-up attic with two rooms that could be used as spare bedrooms, a children’s play area, or even repurposed as a cozy loft. The home’s basement is roomy and features uncharacteristically high ceilings. The basement has the potential to become anything a home owner desires… the space has been plumbed for a bathroom and could easily become a guest apartment, home gymnasium, or media room, while a large basement storage room with built-in shelving is the ideal home for an impressive wine collection.

Garden House

Across the large outdoor stone patio is the garden house, which could serve many purposes from acting as a guest cottage overlooking the Columbia to housing outdoor tools and garden items. This space would also be ideal for a hot tub, and combined with the view, picturesque patio and expertly designed landscaping, begs for a summer garden tea, backyard barbeque, or a moonlit evening cocktail.

Call Marianne Pittard with RE/MAX River & Sea to schedule your private showing of this wonderfully unique view home.
Cell: 503-440-0577
Website For Additional Information & Property Photos
E-Mail: Marianne@MariannePittard.com

Surf Pines - Oregon Coast Real Estate

2010-12-22T15:13:00.000-08:00

Surf Pines was originally an unincorporated area of land & a few developed farms. In the 1930's the Civilian Conservation Corp planted thousands of shore pines & dune grasses in an effort to stabalize the existing dunes. The development was aptly named after the shore pines that continue to flourish even today.

In 1944, developer & visionary, Barney Lucas developed the land into what is now known as Surf Pines, a community of approximately 240 homes & many undeveloped lots. The gated subdivision is located in NW Oregon between the towns of Gearhart & Warrenton and is boardered by the Pacific Ocean to the West & Sunset Beach to the east. Many of the homes are sited on oversized lots that boast panoramic views of the mighty Pacific Ocean or vistas of beautiful dune grasses in varying shades of green. Today, you'll find a wonderful mix of architecture as well as a nice blend of both permanent & secondary homes. It is not uncommon to see residents biking, walking their dogs or stopping by to visit their neighbors. There's a real sense of community in Surf Pines as they have an active social calendar that features many events such as ice cream socials, Christmas parties & the like.

Surf Pines 2010 Sales Activity: Year-to-date there have been a total of 7 properties sold with an average sales price of: $ 541,429 ($ 200.24 per sq. ft). The prices ranged froma low of: $ 292,000 to a high of: $ 1,200,000 for a home that featured a separate building lot.

Additional information regarding the Surf Pines subdivision website

Real Estate Law Change Scheduled For 2011

2010-12-21T14:06:00.000-08:00

Changes are a coming soon, providing you're in the market to sell your home in 2011. Following, please find the new Oregon law relating to carbon monoxide detectors:

ORS 105.838 Carbon monoxide alarm in dwelling.

(1) A person may not convey fee title to a one and two family dwelling or multifamily housing that contains a carbon monoxide source, or transfer possession under a land sale contract of a one and two family dwelling or multifamily housing that contains a carbon monoxide source, unless one or more properly functioning carbon monoxide alarms are installed in the dwelling or housing at locations that provide carbon monoxide detection for all sleeping areas of the dwelling or housing.

(2) A carbon monoxide alarm in a one and two family dwelling or multifamily housing described in subsection (1) of this section must be installed in conformance with applicable rules of the State Fire Marshal and in conformance with any applicable requirements of the state building code

(3) Violation of this section or a rule adopted by the State Fire Marshal does not invalidate any sale or transfer of possession of a one and two family dwelling or multifamily housing. [2009 c.591 §2]

Note: 105.838 becomes operative April 1, 2011, and applies to a conveyance of fee title that is recorded

on or after April 1, 2011. See sections 16 (1) and 17 (1), chapter 591, Oregon Laws 2009.

State website with additional information

Gearhart Grocery

2010-12-20T11:34:00.000-08:00

A Local Landmark

UPDATE: The shelves have been installed & inventory is busting through the doors...Looks like the finishing touches are being added & the doors will once again be open soon! Oh, how we long for that shrimp macaroni salad!

Don't despair, Gearhart Grocery is getting a much needed makeover & will be re-opening in the Spring of 2011! After 13 years of dedicated service, Mike & Jill Graham have decided to hang up their aprons & actually retire. Local developer, Terry Lowenberg is at the helm & showcases his vision on the newly updated facade of the building. All breathed a sigh of relief when it was identified that the building would remain a much beloved grocery store, the true cornerstone of our community. An enlarged deli section & walk-in coolers are rumored to be a part of the renovation plan. Anxiously awaiting shrimp macaroni salad, homemade meat loaf sandwiches & wonderful homemade pies when she opens her doors once again!

Gearhart Grocery

Marianne Pittard Earns Certified Distressed Property Expert Designation

2010-04-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

Marianne Pittard EARNS PRESTIGIOUS DESIGNATION TO HELP HOMEOWNERS IN DANGER OF FORECLOSURE

Marianne Pittard of RE/MAX River & Sea has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by “distressed” homes in the foreclosure process.

Short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

In the Clatsop County area, many homes are in danger of foreclosing. It is happening in all price ranges. Local experts say that even high-priced homes are not immune.

“This CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales,” said Pittard. “It is so rewarding to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure.”

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that Realtors® such as Marianne Pittard with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys the credit rating. These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience, he said.

The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online. The CDPE is the premier designation for Realtors helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales.
“Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible,” Charfen said.

Marianne Pittard Earns Honor

2010-04-03T14:31:00.000-07:00

LOCAL RE/MAX PROFESSIONAL EARNS PRESTIGIOUS HONORS

Marianne Pittard, broker with RE/MAX River & Sea, joins national elite in sales.

Gearhart, OR March 19, 2010—Local RE/MAX professional Marianne Pittard was recently rewarded for her incredible work in real estate with membership in the exclusive “100% Club.” RE/MAX Club Awards are based on an associate’s level of gross commissions from January 1 through December 31 and are awarded by RE/MAX International every February.

Pittard has received this prestigious honor before and is delighted to once again be a “member of the club.” “My biggest goal is making sure that each and every one of my clients, whether they’re buying or selling, gets the service they deserve and the results they expect. I am so honored to be able to serve this community’s real estate needs, and so honored by this award.”

Fiscally speaking, Pittard also finished 13th out of 1,009 Oregon based RE/MAX professionals. In the Pacific Northwest region of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, Pittard finished 48th out of top 100.

Pittard has over 30 years of experience in national sales and marketing and holds many professional designations, including Accredited Buyer's Representation (ABR), Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and is a Graduate of the Real Estate Institute (GRI). She has also served as a Director for the Clatsop Association of Realtors.

RE/MAX River & Sea is the North Oregon Coast affiliate of the international RE/MAX network. RE/MAX agents have a referral base of nearly 100,000 affiliates in over 70 countries.

For more information, or to schedule an interview with Marianne Pittard, please call (503) 440-0577.

SW Seaside Retreat

2010-03-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

2216 S. Columbia, Seaside, OR 97138

Featured Price: $379,900

This charming "like new" cottage is nestled in the woods & is just a mere 2-blocks to the beach in highly popular SW Seaside. The reverse floor plan features a peek of an ocean view, great entertaining spaces with soaring ceilings, gas fireplace & deck. Perfect as a beach retreat or full time residence. Pride of ownership & low maintenance landscaping will ensure that you have more time for play at the beach.

Centrally located to almost everything, including: golf, neighborhood cafes, a wonderful family owned grocery store & the south end of the famous Promenade. Close to town, but removed from all of the hustle & bustle makes this a most desirable location.

Home Sweet Home

2010-02-25T13:29:00.000-08:00

636 NW 9th St, Warrenton, OR 97146

MLS# 10-155

Feature Price: $221,000

For More Information Please Click Here

Feels Like Home!

2010-02-01T16:58:00.000-08:00

165 SW 14th Place, Warrenton, OR 97146

Priced At: $249,900

The best of everything awaits lucky new owner's including hardwood floors, extensive use of tile, fas fireplace, dream kitchen with stainless steel appliace package, walk-in shower, quiet end of the road location in newer subdivision and wonderful wetland views that make you feel like you're in the country, but you're not! All fenced and ready to go!

For More Information & Photos Please Visit My Website!

Seaside, OR. Bank Owned Property

2010-01-12T11:06:00.000-08:00

Deal of The Week!

The time to buy on the beautiful N. Oregon Coast is NOW! Property prices have rolled back, interest rates are at all time lows, perched around 5% & inventory remains plentiful. The following home is a fine example of one of the many real estate opportunities currently available.

Classic Seaside Beach Retreat

Address: 870 S. Columbia St. - Seaside

RMLS # 9087169

It's All About Location, Location, Location!

Great Location In Coveted SW Seaside

Located Within Blocks of The Beach & Town

Has Previously Been A Successful Vacation Rental

She's Compact, But She's Cute!

Total of: 1,320 sq. Ft. with

Completly Remodeled Throughout

Nice Private Back Yard, Deck & Hot Tub

Current List Price: $ 234,900

(Sold For: $ 367,000 in 2006)

Currently Marketed By: Jenny Erhardt of:

Ark Real Estate

503-728-0161

Call Me Today To Act As Your Buyer's Agent On This Wonderful Opportunity!

Seaside, OR. Bank Owned Home

2010-01-12T10:48:00.000-08:00

Deal Of The Week!

The time to buy on the beautiful Oregon Coast is NOW! Property prices have rolled back, interest rates are at all time lows, perched around 5% & inventory remains plentiful. The following home is a fine example of one of the many real estate opportunities currently available.

Classic Seaside - 1940's Cape Cod

Address: 2390 S. Edgewood

RMLS # 9075922

It's All About Location, Location, Location!

Great Location In Coveted SW Seaside

Located Across From The Seaside Golf Course

Lovingly Maintained

Appointments: New Roof, Vinyl Siding, Updated Bath

Original Hardwood Flooring, Sought After 4-Bedrooms

Currently Bank Owned: Deutsche Bank National Trst Co

Listing Price: $ 289,900

(Sold For: $ 370,000 in 2005)

Currently Marketed By: Susan Werner of:

Reekie Properties, LLC

503-639-1600

Call Me Today To Act As Your Buyer's Agent On This Wonderful Opportunity!

The American Beauty

2009-11-18T12:31:00.000-08:00

Built For Enteraining-This well built standout is packed with potential & lots of extra features. Details include: covered front porch, arbor, hardwood entry, formal & informal living areas, fireplace, sought after 4-bedroom/2.5 bath, oversized lot in est. neighborhood & so much more! Shop offers extra space for all of your projects or in-home office, you decide! AHS Home Warranty Included In Sale

Criminally Naive

2009-10-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

I was raised to be a nice girl. You know the one that respected her elders, didn't talk back & all of that. Imagine the epiphany that I had at the young age of 23. I was diligently working two jobs for a year & a half to make ends meet when a business man actually lied to avoid paying my commission. It was beyond my comprehension that a man in the business community would actually lie to avoid paying my commission. As a distraught young professional, I called my father to ask why he hadn't prepared me for this life lesson. Life Lesson # 1. People, even professionals, have the capacity to lie, steal & cheat!

As I'm sure that most real estate agents will attest, the Obama First Time Home Buyer Tax Incentive has stimulated the real estate market, ggiving a much needed boost to the sluggish real estate marketplace. Inventory levels are dropping as a result of this and several other factors. Wouldn't you know that it's now coming to light that there's been an excess amount of fraud. Luke Mullins of U. S. News & World Report (10/22/09) reported the following, " Using computer programs & other means, a Treasury Department inspector general has identified more than 90,000 cases totaling more than $ 600 million in questionable first-time home buyer claims, while flagging shortcomings in the Internal Revenue Service controls." It appears that one of the more flagrant claims was made on behalf of a 4 year old. The article goes on to report that the inspector general has found at least 580 taxpayers under the age of 18 filing for the tax credit. One would have to then surmise that secondary home buyers are filing, along with others who have the capacity to dummy up documents or even be brazen enough to claim the credit without any documentation at all. Net/net, this once again catches me off guard. Who woulda thunk? Certainly, not the criminally naive!!!

As with all programs, there needs to be refinement, revision & reassessment. Does the IRS have enough manpower to monitor & review these claims? If not, why not? Let us all hope & pray that the political forces against the program will stop long enough to realize that this program has been effective, revisions are warranted & that more support is needed to monitor the claims. Let us all pray that those who practice fraud will get their just desserts, sooner vs. later. Let us stand strong as a real estate community and fight for the tools that we need to survive!

Utopia + An Ocean View!

2009-10-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Opportunities abound in the hub of southwest Seaside's desirable Ocean Vista neighborhood, where a truly unique three-unit home complex is seeking to be "yours, mine, and ours." Ideal for a multi-generational family or for an owner searching for a charming vacation rental prospect, this sunny brick trio features a private garden courtyard with loads of state-of-the-art built-ins for entertaining, breathtaking views of the ocean, and an unparalleled location, merely a few feet from the sandy shore.

Brick Bungalow:

Through the French doors of the quaint and cozy brick guest cottage is a welcoming gas fireplace which invites visitors to pull up an easy chair, enjoy the warmth of the fire, and reflect on a day spent at the ocean's shore, a mere stone's throw a way.
This charming home has been richly appointed in a rustic yet elegant Tuscan style. The walls of knotty pine tongue-and-groove are resplendent in warm red, while the wood ceiling displays one-of-a-kind ornate hand-craftsmanship. Smooth ceramic tile covers the floor throughout.

Near the fireplace is the modern kitchen with a sturdy island/breakfast counter, where guests can pull up a stool and read the newspaper while the coffee perks. The antique-finish white cabinets, some with glass windows, and intricate silver knobs and pulls enhance the Tuscan appeal with incredible attention to detail. Ceramic tile covers the countertops, lending both beauty and function. Nearby is a spacious and useful pantry closet, covered by a French door.

The comfy, informal living room is ideal for a wine party with a small gathering of friends, or simply curling up with a good book, while the adjoining dining room, complete with a second gas fireplace, invites guests for a four-course meal into its more formal atmosphere. A built-in media cabinet, complete with yet another beautiful French door, can hold all the makings of a great movie night.

Slip away to serenity in the spacious bathroom with spa-like jetted tub and glass-encased shower. Utilities are accessible and cleverly hidden behind wooden doors. After a long bath, slip into the tranquil master bedroom, drifting off to sleep to the sounds of the ocean's gentle lullaby. The roomy walk-in closet, accessed through a French door, is a fashionista's dream-come true.

Private Fenced Courtyard

The guest cottage adjoins the nearby duplex by way of a garden courtyard, which has been designed with fun and entertainment in mind. An eight-foot cedar fence and gate encircles the courtyard and promises privacy. Perfect for an outdoor party, the courtyard features a built-in bar with colorful tile countertop and a cedar roof (no rain in your margaritas!). A refrigerator beneath the bar can hold beverages and hors d'oeurves, and outdoor electrical outlets provide power for the fun, outdoor lights. Guests can warm themselves by the built-in brick fireplace while they wait for burgers cooking on the nearby barbecue grill, also built-in.

For maximum relaxing, invite guests for a soak in the courtyard's bubbling hot tub, which is included in the sale. If a quiet evening is more your style, the courtyard also has plenty of room for a cozy bistro table and chairs, where you can enjoy a glass of your favorite wine under the evening stars.

Duplex

Opposite the guest cottage, across the courtyard, is a large, matching duplex home, which is also of brick construction and features many charming, sea-side elements, such as porthole windows. The left half of the duplex has many stately features, including hardwood floors, pine walls, and a tiled gas fireplace. The kitchen has vintage appeal with handcrafted cabinets and many charming nooks and storage options. Two bedrooms share a bath with walk-in shower and built-in storage galore.

The right half of the duplex, which is handicap-accessible, has a most spectacular feature; a breathtaking view of the ocean from a large window in the kitchen. This unit is designed to be open and airy; the kitchen, living room, and dining area are all open and accessible, giving plenty of space for company. The bathroom conveniently features a walk-in shower with a sink in a separate, adjoining space.

With this spacious duplex, the options are endless; it could be a lucrative vacation rental, a cozy, loving space for a multigenerational family, or with a few remodeled elements, could easily become one large house!
The exterior of this three-home complex has been immaculately landscaped and maintained and puts the finishing touches on a true Seaside gem.

Property Information: http://www.postlets.com/repb/2370414

Virtual Tour: http://www.obeo.com/Public/Viewer/Default.aspx?ID=542380

Marianne Pittard
RE/MAX River & Sea
Cell: 503-440-0577
Office: 503-738-9552
Website: http://www.mariannepittard.com/

Customer Service or Lack Thereof!

2009-10-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

I pride myself on providing superior customer service to my real estate clients or rather "concierge" level customer service. I figured out early in the game that if I provided superior customer service the rest would follow. I'd earn clients for life & have the referral business that would be the envy of others. A rather simple solution wouldn't you say. That being said, I feel that I'm paid handsomly for what I do & in return my clients are in my opinion, entitled to a higher level of customer service. By definition, that would include things such as professional photographs, professional signage, full color property flyers, extensive property representation on the web & so much more!

Suffice it to say, I'm deeply troubled by a handful of agents that qualify for the title of "Single Bagger" The analogy is one that refers to the grocery clerk that takes a single bag, then places the eggs on the bottom of a single bag & the milk on the top. As you can visualize, the bag splits open before you reach the car, spilling the already broken eggs all over you & the parking lot. Conversely, I strive to be a Double or even Triple bagger. This type of service will in time be recognized as a point of differentiation & will prevail in the long run. Single Bagger real estate agents are the ones that give us a bad rap & place us in the respect level of a used car salesman. You can imagine my distress when I identified that the following bank owned property was actually listed by an out of area agent. One would simply have to pose the question, what's wrong with this picture?

As you can see, there's no indication that the property is even on the market! No sign, no flyer box, no nothing! It isn't even in our local inventory of properties as the out of area broker doesn't subscribe to our multiple listing service. Therefore, local agents aren't even aware that it's a viable option for their buyer clients. Imagine what the bank would say if they were to receive this photo!??!! Does the seller deserve more? You bet the seller deserves more!!! Perhaps the listing agent needs to subscribe to the following, (a quote that I have hanging promeniently in my office)

Quality

"Quality is never by chance; it is always the result of good intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and careful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives."

(source unknown)

Moving To Seaside, OR.

2009-10-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

Growing up on the North Oregon Coast was a most wonderful experience. I've always said that we had the best of everything with, the ocean out the front door, the mountains out the back door & the fact that Nordstrom's was only an hour & half away! Never in a million years would I have predicted that I would return home after a fulfilling sales career with Corporate Nabisco. Circumstances prevailed & I've been back about 13 years. Today, I claim to be living the good life (according to the standards of HGTV)! I'm living where I want to live & doing what I love to do. The sun is shining brightly on the North Oregon Coast as we enjoy yet another "Indian summer" day. Life is Good!

I recently stumbled across a wonderful relocation guide produced by our well respected Seaside Chamber of Commerce. This invaluable tool addresses some of the most often asked questions by my real estate clients.

Following, please find a excerpt that can be located at: http://www.seasidechamber.com/moving.htm

Population:

Seaside's permanent residential population is around: 6,300. During the summer months this can swell considerably with visitors from all over the world. Approximately 22% of the population is over the age of 65, and the median age 39.

Climate:

Seaside enjoys a cool, moderate climate. Summer days are long and often end with a dramatic sunset. Temperartures range from 50 to 80 in the summer with cooling breezes. Indian Summer in the fall provides a pleasant balmy close to summer. Winter brings misty rainfall interspersed with sunny days and occasional storms. Temperatures run from 30-50 on average. The air is fresh & clean with Northwest winds in the summer and Southwest winds in the winter.

Make It A Great Day!

Marianne Pittard
RE/MAX River & Sea
Cell: 503-440-0577
Office: 503-738-9552
http://www.mariannepittard.com/

Inventory Levels Are Dropping...

2009-10-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

Just thought that I'd provide you with a status update on our current market conditions. The number of active listings are falling! Today, a total of: 43 active residential (including both homes and condos) listings expired. That's great news for current sellers as there's far less competition. At the present time, there are currently a total of: 563 active residential listings (only residential). This is a significant decline vs. this time last year when there was roughly 750 residential homes for sale.

Inventory will continue to decline over the next several months. I strategically align my property listings to expire at year end. My goal is to give the listings a rest over the winter and re-list in the spring when there's a resurgence of buyer interest. Just thought that you'd like to know.......

Marianne Pittard
RE/MAX River & Sea
Cell: 503-440-0577
Office: 503-738-9552
e-mail: Marianne@MarianePittard.com
web: http://www.mariannepittard.com/

Luxury Home Sales Trends

2009-09-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

According to The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing formulas, the following trends have emerged:

Clatsop, OR. MLS: The average price for a residential luxury home in Clatsop County was: $ 490,000 for the time frame of: 9/25/08 through 9/25/09. This figure is calculated by review of all closed sale for that time frame & represents the top 10% of sale for the market. Anything sold at: $ 500,000 and above would be considered an "upper tier" listing. This number has adjusted significantly from the previous sales cycle of: 9/25/07 through 9/25/08 that reflected a average luxury home sales price of: $ 659,950.

Evidence shows that the economy has had a huge impact on upper tier sales in this resort destination community where purchase of secondary homes drives the marketplace conditions.

Marianne Pittard
RE/MAX River & Sea
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

Dare To Soar Award!

2009-09-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

Regional Vice President of RE/MAX Pacific Northwest Region, Kevin Northrup recently announced top sales rankings for two RE/MAX brokers from Clatsop County. Marianne Pittard and Bree Phillips, both of RE/MAX River and Sea, placed in the top ten in Oregon for sales volume in June of this year. Pittard earned the number five spot, and Phillips placed ninth out of 1,300 RE/MAX sales associates in Oregon for that month. "There are certainly many ways to measure success in our profession, but it all comes down to how many sales you close and families that you help," said Northrup. "Although the current economy has greatly impacted the real estate industry, both Marianne & Bree are finding ways to be successful in any market. They continue to demonstrate standards of professional excellence and integrity while building the RE/MAX brand." RE/MAX River & Sea offices are located in both Astoria & Gearhart.

-article published in the October 2009 edition of the Coast River Business Journal

Real Estate Sales Activity For: Warrenton, OR. 97146

2009-09-21T12:08:00.000-07:00

Amazingly enough, the first time home buyer is driving our market sales for the second year in a row. On average, approximately 3/4 of all real estate sales are concentrated in the # 200k - $ 300,000 price brackets. The sales are being driven by the first time home buyer tax incentives, the abundant amount of choices & the historically low price points. I recently compiled sales data for the Warrenton, Oregon market place, where prices remain reasonable & new construction option are in abundance. Following, please find a graph that outlines the sales year to date for fiscal 2009.

Lawrence Yun, NAR (National Association of Realtors) chief economist, said the housing market momentum has clearly turned for the better. " The recovery is broad-based across many parts of the country. Housing affordability has been at record highs this year with the added stimulus of the first-time buyer tax credit," he said.

Gearhart! Where The Mountains Reach The Sea & Your Vacation Lasts Forever!

2009-09-11T11:14:00.000-07:00

Forbes magazine recently published an article on America's Most Stressful Cities, which was written by Sara Lynch. Sara utlilized information from several federal agencies to compile her list of cities that have been impacted by everything from poor air quality to unemployment rates & free-falling home values. While some might dispute her ranking of cities, I suggest a solution to those residing in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area which happened to rank # 11 and those who call Portland, Vancouver, Beaverton, OR-WA home and ranked # 14.

Invest in a beach getaway on the beautiful North Oregon coast where living is more than just a day at the beach! Our wonderful locale will provide you with much needed stress relief. Our real estate values have adjusted, and inventory levels remain high, making this the perfect time to purchase a little slice of heaven. What say you on a stress reduction plan that will benefit the whole family!

Check out my personal real estate website at: http://www.mariannepittard.com/ additional information. for

Gearhart Beach Floats & More!

2009-09-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

More than just a day at the beach.....I'm excited to spread the word on a very exciting event that will be happening in Gearhart on October 10th., 2009. Geahart will be holding a treasure hunt for glass floats & more! Well recognized local glass artist, John Cook will be creating the beautiful colored treasures, which will include hand blown glass floats & starfish. A treasure map of the hunt site will be available at 8:00 am at the Gearhart Grocery store. Hunters will located the secret symbol on the beach & redeem it for glass treasures at: John Cook Studios.

For additional information & to register stop by the Gearhart Grocery store at: 599 Pacific Way (503) 738-7312 or visit John Cook Studios at: 3427 Hwy. 101-N. (503) 738-512. Updated information will be available at: http://www.johncookstudios.com/

Enjoy this Indian Summer weather!

Marianne