Oregon Coast Real Estate Blog - Living on the Oregon Coast » Visitor Favorites

Crabbing on the Oregon Coast

Dean — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:24:40 +0000

Tis the season to crab on the Coast. The recently announced delay of the opening of the commercial or offshore Dungeness crab season will not effect recreational crabbing in Oregon’s bays and estuaries. Bay crabbing is fun, inexpensive and easily accessible. A fishing license is required and the gear is simple. If needed, you can rent a boat and traps from one of the many marinas — they have bait for purchase, too. Timing is important as the crabs feed on an incoming tide. Once you have caught your limit, the shellfish need to be cooked. This can be done for a small fee at the marina where the rentals were obtained.

Rain gear is advised; even in dry weather, rubber boots and waterproof gloves are a good idea. Some of my best memories are of crabbing trips with family on Yaquina and Alsea Bays. My consistent companions (other than my daughter Amanda who was a great boat driver) were my two Newfoundlands. Since there is always some slack time involved it was entertaining to watch the Newfies watch the pelicans, seal and sea lions as they watched us.

Come on over for a great adventure and some wonderful eating.

Dungeness Quick Tips:

Tide Tables (HMSC)

Daily sport fishing limit: 12 male.

Minimum legal size: 5 3/4 inches measured in a straight line across the back immediately in front of, but not including, the points.

Look for:

White tipped claws
Ten carapace spines (widest at 10th)
Color reddish-brown to purple

Shellfish Regulations (from the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations publication)

Arts and Entertainment on the Coast

Dean — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 04:02:39 +0000

People often ask “what is there to do on a rainy November Saturday on the Coast?” Here is one option: spend it in the comfort of our beautiful Performing Arts Center! Even those who are not opera buffs are becoming enchanted with the Met’s Live in HD presentations.

On Saturday November 19, The Metropolitan Opera returns to the Newport Performing Arts Center for a live in HD presentation of Satygraha by Phillip Glass. The Washington Post calls this “a profound and beautiful work of theater”. The synopsis tells us of the early life of Gandhi in South Africa. The great news is that this performance is presented live from New York and if you don’t happen to speak Sanskrit, not to worry; English subtitles follow the script.

For more tickets and more information call 541-265-ARTS or log on to CoastArts.org. If your are fortunate enough to live in this Coastal Community you can take advantage of the rich local arts culture. Or you can make a wonderful weekend visit and sample the abundant local seafood in season. Come on over and sample some of the very best without the crowds.

Beaver Creek Natural Area, a Jewel in the Coastal Crown

Dean — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 02:13:16 +0000

The Beaver Creek Natural Area, which was dedicated in the Spring of 2010, has already become one of the brightest gems in the crown of attractions on the Central Oregon Coast. More than 300 acres of marsh, uplands and meadows in this coastal waster shed provides an opportunity to observe close up deer, elk, beavers, river otters and nutria. In the bird families this area is home to Bald Eagles, Blue and Green Herons, Kingfishers and many other types of marsh and forest dwelling birds.

This area is unique for several reasons. In a relatively small area one can observe several distinct zones all with their own plant, animal and insect life.

Accessibility is a key to enjoyment here. Several miles of hiking trails are used in the Summer months with more planned in the future for year round use.

Kayaking and canoeing are very popular here both as self guided tours year round and Oregon State Parks tours from July 1 to Labor Day. having experienced both I can attest to the fact that a trip up Beaver Creek in a kayak is like a journey to a pristine wilderness without the hard work to get there.

With so much to see it’s worth several trips in all kinds of weather just to watch the ever changing panorama.

Located 8 miles South of Newport and 2 miles North of Seal Rock on Highway 101 this attraction is easy to find. For those curious folks jussst go to the links provided or stop by the Visitor Center 1 mile East on North Beaver Creek Road.

This area was for years a treat known mostly to local residents. Now, thanks to good planning by several conservation groups and Oregon Parks it is ready to be enjoyed by all.

Come on over and give yourself a treat.

July 2011 Real Estate Sales on the Oregon Coast

Dean — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 03:53:41 +0000

Sales are increasing slightly in the current market. Lenders are becoming more able to fund new loans and interest rates remain below 5% in most cases. Requirements are stringent with regard to Buyer qualifications of excellent credit and income. Once these hurdles are jumped new loans are moving fairly swiftly assuming that the property condition is better than average. Most Buyers are arriving with letters of conditional loan approval in hand and with a good knowledge of the overall market as a result of internet research. This research is often broadly done by the Buyer with specific detail done by an experienced who has access to the local inventory and a clear idea of the Buyers objectives.

The days of the Realtor acting as “tour guide” are pretty much over even though on an initial visit, some familiarization of areas and neighborhoods is often quite helpful.

Sellers seem to be getting the message as well. They, for the most part, are understanding that to gain showings of their property it must be priced within an accurate range and in really good condition.

There has never been a better time to invest in real estate on the Oregon Coast. Call or e-mail me, I would be happy to discuss your objectives and needs.

Central Oregon Coast Property Type	Volume	Avg Sales Price	Days on Market	Avg % of List to Sale Price
Site Built	40	$275,104	157	94%
Manufactured	2	$164,950	116	96%
Condos	4	$207,250	434	89%
Residential Land	4	$111,375	70	80%
Multi-Family	2	$357,000	81	94%
Bank Owned	8	$159,356	99	97%

April 2011 Real Estate Sales on the Oregon Coast

admin — Fri, 06 May 2011 04:26:33 +0000

The number of closings on the Oregon Coast is holding fairly steady for 2011 as Sellers begin to understand the pricing philosophy that Realtors have been promoting for many years. The days of overpricing and hoping to negotiate to a lower price are long gone. The properties that are priced to sell are the ones getting the showings and are selling. The current thought is to price going in at an accurate value. Negotiations do occur leading to agreement and these are more often on minor issues other than price. Bank owned properties closed at a lower number last month but at an average price actually over the list price. This may be due to the number of Buyers competing for the same properties. Overall this is a great time to be looking at Central Oregon Coast properties.

Central Oregon Coast Property Type	Month	Avg Sales Price	Days on Market	Avg % of List to Sale Price
Site Built	40	$232,070	190	95%
Manufactured	5	$114,700	201	91
Condos	8	$184,438	283	92
Land Residential	8	$61,825	267	88
Multi Family	0	0	0	0
Bank Owned	10	$141,920	176	101

Rogue Ales Brewery

Dean — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:39:00 +0000

One of the “must stop” sites in Newport is actually two. The Rogue Ales Brewery in South Beach on Yaquina Bay and Rogue Ales Brew Pub on the Bayfront. In the brewery tours are available of the unique process of creating handcrafted beers and ales which incorporates many ingredients from farms owned by them parent company. In both locations great food is to be enjoyed featuring custom grown Kobe style beef and local fresh seafoods. The food service is family friendly with a varied menu.

Established in Ashland,Oregon in 1988 the project was moved to Newport in 1989 and has grown steadily ever since. Over the years Rogue Ales has won it’s share of gold medals in competition.

The Brew Pub on the Bay Front is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors. A short walk takes you to all the galleries, shops, eating places and provides a close up view of a working fishing port.

The Brewery located on the South Beach side of the Bay is located at the apex of a triangle which includes OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon Coast Aquarium and the New National Oceanic and Atmospheric h0me port. Just adjacent to the West is the premier condominium development on the Oregon Coast, The Regatta.

Just another way to Relax in a State of Excitement on the Oregon Coast. Come on over and see for yourself.

Oregon Coast Beach and Riverside Cleanup Fall 2010

admin — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 05:45:50 +0000

This weekend, volunteers can choose from more than 160 cleanup and watershed projects on the Oregon coast and inland rivers. This is the first year since the beach cleanups began in the 1980s that it has been expanded to include waterways that lead to the ocean. This is only possible because volunteer turnout is always so strong, numbering in the thousands. The selection of so many new locations (including a large number along the I-5 corridor) makes the opportunity accessible for more people than ever.

Here’s where to find what you need to know:

List of locations with link to register for each site
New interactive map to find locations in a more visual way
Coordinate a ride to the coast

Here’s what you should bring:

Clothing appropriate for the weather (which is looking fabulous for Newport) and sturdy shoes. (This isn’t a day for flip-flops.)
Sunscreen (a hat and/or sunglasses may also be welcome on a sunny day like we’re expecting!)
Mosquito repellent is recommended
Reusable containers for drinking water
A reusable bag or bucket to collect trash
A colander from home for sifting through sand to collect small pieces of plastic on the beach

The SOLV coordinators at each location will be providing:

Vinyl gloves and information on safe collection of debris
Litter bags for receiving debris from your personal bag or bucket
Instructions on where to get started
Biohazard/sharps containers

So… there you have it! It’s going to be a gorgeous weekend at the beach. Come out and make a difference on Saturday from 10 am – 1 pm — and enjoy the rest of the day here, too!

What’s Fresh on The Oregon Coast?

Dean — Tue, 11 May 2010 00:11:45 +0000

Local Ocean Seafoods, operated by Laura Anderson is my favorite place for seafood both at the fish counter and as a meal in the restaurant. You may have caught a previous blog post on this site. If not here is an overview. This is a terrific location at which one can enjoy some of the benefits of living on the Oregon Coast. Laura is really tuned in to the local fishing industry and makes great use of her location across the street from Port Dock 5, home to Newport’s Commercial fishing fleet. As I’m sure you know, seafood is healthy, inexpensive and a delight to eat. Entrepreneurs like Laura are a familiar feature in our Coastal towns. Taking an idea and developing it into a viable business model results in a must visit location in Newport. Stop in on your next visit, you will be glad you did.

Name the Sea Lions

Dean — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:55:03 +0000

Two young female sea lions are nearing the end of their rehabilitation at the Oregon Coast Aquarium and are almost ready to join the penniped display where they will be well cared for and can interact with others of the species. Both of these youngsters were saved from a slow death in the ocean due to eye problems. One had cataracts and the other had an injury from an unknown source. Steps were taken to remedy the difficulties by the Aquarium Vet with help from the staff. Had the corrective measures not been taken, neither animal would have been able to hunt for food in the open ocean.

Now is the chance to participate in the recovery process by offering a name for each one. Simply email social@aquarium.org to put your best creative efforts to work. Who knows? You may be one of the two winners to receive a gift basket from the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Next time you are on the Coast you can see these females in their new home, hopefully with names, and enjoy all the terrific exhibits rain or shine.

Favorite Places to Dine on The Oregon Coast

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:08:16 +0000

A top favorite of visitors and locals alike is Panache at 2nd and Coast Streets in Nye Beach Newport. This thoughtfully restored 1919 house is a visual treat – not to mention the “Northwest Cuisine with a Twist”. This delightful menu is created by Chef Tom and wife Linda and serves up local Northwest seafoods, poultry and meat including locally grown organic greens and vegetables. Yes, it does make a difference. This is the place to go for a true fine dining experience and superb service. The works of local artists are on display and local musicians add to the ambiance. I have been to Panache for both business and social gatherings and never ever have I come away disappointed. There is always something new and creative at Panache. Come on over to Newport and and enjoy the very best.