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.

Marianne Pittard Earns Honor

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.

Utopia + An Ocean View!

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/

Moving To Seaside, OR.

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/

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