It’s not all about clean up, as Bob is a trained observer for Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (read more about Bob’s work). One of the things he does is to report any dead sea birds and mammals on the beach. ODF&W uses this information to help track the well being of birds. In the case of marine mammals like seals, ODF&W works with The Hatfield Marine Science Center to determine cause of death and uses this to expand their knowledge base. This is an example of how citizen volunteers can make a difference and enjoy the beach at the same time.

Whether you’re able to attend one of this year’s Fall or Spring beach cleanups sponsored by SOLV, take a hint from Bob, and bring one of those dreaded plastic grocery sacks with you every time you walk an Oregon Beach! If we all do our part, the Oregon Coast will be an even more spectacular place to live.

Thanks, Oregonian, for the free press on my Yachats restaurant listing!

Here’s my question: When interest rates are historically low, why are lenders restricting the flow of money to the areas that would help support local business and provide employment opportunities to local residents?  In a recent Oregonian article (which so thoughtfully promoted one of my listings!) several really important points are raised:

• With the closure of the town’s sole grocery people became very willing to help others who were not able to drive the 8 miles to the nearest market.
• The article opens with the Trouble in Paradise line and then goes on.  We do live in what I believe is the most beautiful part of the Oregon Coast — a paradise indeed.

I happen to be one of those “hopeless optimists” who migrated here from a major metropolitan area 20 years ago and never looked back. It is my firm conviction that Yachats as well as other coastal towns caught in the current struggle will persevere and prosper. We have lived through tough times before and we will recover.

When you next have some free time, come on over to the coast and experience what we enjoy every day.

The home I’m featuring from amongst those sold in February is a great example of the variety in home styles and locations we enjoy. Located 20 miles East of Newport near Logsden, this 19+ acres parcel is home to frequent visitors such as the Roosevelt Elk seen grazing in the rear yard.

If you have a desire to establish your own corner of paradise on the Oregon Coast, come on over or give me a call.  I’m happy to help.

Some awesome Bob's Red Mill products

My very favorite supplier of whole grain products for several years has been Bob’s Red Mill in Milwaukie, Oregon. The latest news from the Mill is that on February 15, Bob turned 81 years old. As a gift to the employees of the Mill Bob presented them with an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) which makes each of the employees an owner in the company.

This concept will allow a vital, thriving concern to grow and provide continuity of the quality and service for which Bob’s Red Mill famous. You may have seen Bob’s products in local stores here on the Coast and may be familiar with the variety and quality.

I first discovered Bob’s buckwheat pancake mix to which I add blueberries from my garden (they freeze well) and have never had a disappointed consumer. I then discovered Bob’s Scottish Oatmeal which makes a terrific morning cereal and is compliant with my diabetic food plan. Rather than drive the 1 1/2 hours from Newport to Milwaukie, I now order online. However, if you happen to be in the Portland area, you should stop by the mill’s store or even take the mill tour if you’re there by 10 am on a weekday. During my first visit to the store, I was really impressed with the friendliness and courtesy of the staff and the wide variety of products available for purchase. The selection is not limited to baking supplies. All sorts of dried goods and healthy eating items are offered at very reasonable prices.

Bob’s Red Mill products are a wonderful addition to the varied food we enjoy on the Central Oregon Coast.

This year, they’ve divided the coastline up into 43 Check-in Locations in 14 Zones. Zones 6, 7 and 8 correspond to the Central Oregon Coast where I live (and play). Each zone has a coordinator who will actually pre-assign a location to groups of 20 or more, so get in touch early if you’re putting together a team.

Zone 6 (Lincoln City & Depoe Bay)
Mark Saelens  541-574-1285 (w)
msaelens@co.lincoln.or.us

Zone 7 (Newport)
Charlie Plybon 541-961-8143 (w)
cplybon@surfrider.org

Zone 8 (South Beach through Yachats)
Doug Sestrich 541-867-7451 (w)
doug.sestrich@state.or.us

If you’d rather go to another part of the Coast, here’s the complete list of the check-in sites and zones. Either way, plan to pre-register online this year (a new feature) to streamline the check-in process.

And while you’re in the neighborhood lending a hand, take time to check out some significant buys here on the Central Oregon Coast. E-mail or give me a call to set up a time to meet.

While the Oregon Coast is seeing a much lower ratio of bank-owned to regular inventory than some areas of the US, it is still a significant challenge for Buyers as well as the banks. Simply put, banks do not want to own real estate. For this reason the bank, as Seller, attempts to market the REO property through a licensed broker for as much as possible to cover the cost of the foreclosed loan.

Each lender has a different approach in calculating what their bottom line may be. The listing usually comes on the market at a fair market price suggested by the Realtor and agreed upon by the bank. In my recent experience, I have been able to put Buyer/Clients in homes for 60% of the price the home had been listed at prior to going REO.

Sounds good, right?  Well, it is — and can be a terrific way to obtain “instant equity” for wise Buyers. Here are the elements to consider:

Be prepared with your financing:

• To be in the best negotiating position the Buyer should come to the table with a solid loan prequalification letter in hand to submit with the offer.

Banks will not make or negotiate for repairs.

• Offers should be subject to inspections at Buyer’s expense including structural, heating, electrical, plumbing and sometimes septic and well tests.
• In terms of Buyer investment these tests are really required insurance against defects since the bank has no duty to disclose. Costs can run up to $1,000 if all the tests listed above are completed.
• If repairs are indicated the Buyer can then re-negotiate through their Buyer’s Broker a new offering price to reflect the repairs.

Carefully Prepare for the Inspection:

• Since most banks winterize their REO properties this means that water, power and heat are shut off.
• Showings can easily be done by flashlight but it’s another story when the inspector(s) and appraisers arrive. They will need to test the function of all the mechanical features of the home.
• Getting the utilities reconnected for inspections is a major task and banks are more inclined to undertake this effort when they’ve received a really solid offer.
• Rely on your broker to run interference with the bank and make sure everything is lined up for inspection.

At the end of the day this could be your chance to make a great deal on an Oregon Coast home.

Late-model oceanfront in very good condition. Appears to be priced to sell.

The much beloved Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor and guests will appear via High Definition TV in Newport at the Newport Performing Arts Center on Thursday February 4 at 8:00 PM.   Direct from the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul Minnesota this is an opportunity to share in some down home Mid-west entertainment and excellent artists.

What better place to enjoy this performance than right here in the Coastal community of Newport.  Come on over and enjoy some Dungeness crab, local oysters or other fine seafood from just off shore. For ticket information call 541-265-ARTS (2787)

See you there.

• Site built sale prices are up slightly over the 2009 average
• Manufactured homes are selling for a little less.
• Condos remain in the doldrums with lower selling prices.
• Land improved slightly in number of sales with flat prices.
• Multi family, a fairly rare commodity, is beginning to show up.
• As of this month I will begin reporting on bank owned properties.
• Days on market indicates that January showed the beginning of a clearing out of some older inventory. Only the manufactured category showed any decrease in days on market.

If you would like to view other central Oregon coast homes like this one, please feel free to give me a call at 541-270-3304 or drop an e-mail my way.

The search and rescue functions of the Coast Guard include the use of infrared imaging as well as radar. It has been reported that sea turtles are sometimes confused with humans as they bask on the surface and wave their flippers in the air. According to the co-pilot of the HC-130, Lt. Antone Alongi, “we see turtles from the air but this is the first time we’ve had any aboard.”  The Sacramento-based Coast Guard crew transported the turtles to San Diego for further rehabilitation and hopefully eventual release into the wild.

Read the full story about Myrtle and Maude’s rescues.

More information about their trip to San Diego.

The Aquarium is one of many really fascinating places to visit here on the Oregon Coast. Plan to include it on your next visit. You will not be sorry that you did.

• A sales total of $61,382,438
• Active listings at 301 (which leads the County)
• Windermere listings expected to continue to improve in 2010

Those three Windermere offices were at the top of the pack amongst the 65 active real estate offices operating in Lincoln County as of January 2010.  A high percentage of these sales are repeat Buyers and Sellers and Windermere referrals from other areas who have had the pleasure of doing real estate the Windermere Way.  Certainly Windermere brokers are human – with all the usual human limitations – yet we practice what we preach: outstanding service before, during and after the sale.

Why not contact us and see for yourself what working with a Windermere Realtor is all about.  You will not be disappointed.