Real Estate Law Change Scheduled For 2011

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

 

Marianne Pittard Earns Certified Distressed Property Expert Designation

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.

The American Beauty

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

Luxury Home Sales Trends

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!

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

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.