Diana Robertson

Pet ownership here on the Oregon Coast is not quite a requirement for residency but it’s close.  I have yet to meet a dog who does not love the opportunity to “go to the beach”.  This is one of the superb benefits of Coastal living.  What happens when the pack leader is called away for  period of time?  Options range from friends, family, the vet… but what could be better than a concierge service for your critters? Before my most recent trip out of state for continuing education, I had the good fortune to meet Diana Robertson who owns Angel Wings Pet Sitting Services with her husband Rick Cosci.  We scheduled a pre-trip meeting and interview so that Diana and Rick could meet the pets and survey the setting so nothing would be missed.

Diana and Rick took over as surrogate “pet parents” for a week for my two senior Bassets, Claude and Herc as well as Wally the ginger cat.  The pack hardly missed a beat in their normal routine which included morning and afternoon walks (yes, Wally participates), medication, fresh food and water daily and some quality couch time.  Being very affectionate creatures all three absolutely thrived on the personal attention they received from Diana and Rick.  One excellent resource was the day to day activity log that was prepared.  Where they went for walks, the routine of sniffing and marking as well as the multiple neighbors and their dogs who were met along the way.

Angel Wings Pet Sitting Services has my very highest endorsement.  If you are considering a trip away, I encourage you to give them a call!

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)

If you're a visitor to the area and want to check out the Market, click on this map to get your bearings on where the Fairgrounds are located. Surprisingly, you won't find it labeled on Google Maps, the Market website, or even the County website!

In addition, bakers, artisans and craft people will all be in attendance showing their very best efforts. This could be a great place to begin your holiday shopping! Hours are 10 AM to 2 PM in the main exhibit hall at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds.

Who’s your favorite vendor at the Market? Give us your tips below.

• A hand-crafted item  or piece of artwork by a local artisan or artist.
• Gift certificates to a local gallery, restaurant, salon or car detailer.
• A “share” of produce at a local CSA

Nye Beach businesses welcome shoppers with beautiful holiday decorations

In our resort-oriented coastal community, local businesses depend on visitors for a good portion of their revenue. The most successful, however, are those that have built a customer base of local folks over the years. Many of these offer shopping online and will produce gift certificates online as well.

Please comment below and share your favorite local businesses that you plan to support this holiday season.

• pricing is accurate
• corners are clearly marked
• utilities are either installed or readily available

Land sales are usually cash transactions as lenders are very reluctant to loan on vacant land. Overall the best buys are appearing in the ocean front and good ocean view segments. Now may be a great time to find the perfect buy here on the coast.

An prime example of a site built home which sold in October.

Collection boxes locations:

Newport: Windermere West Coast Properties

Seal Rock: Windermere Real Estate Gallery  (you know the beautiful, wavy front building)

Please join us in making this a warmer Winter for folks in need here on the Central Oregon Coast.

Toledo Oregon home sold in September 2011

The Coastal real estate market remains steady if not exactly vibrant with homes that are priced for the current market getting plenty of activity and offers. As always there is a vast difference between the price the Seller would like to have and the price a qualified Buyer is willing to pay. The average 9 month list to sale ratio is at 93%. This indicates a movement toward more realistic pricing than in the past. Days on market has increased to an average of 214 days or just over 7 months.

The selection of properties continues to increase on a daily basis with homes and land showing up in all price ranges and locations. This would indicate a strong market for qualified Buyers. The home pictured is one located 9 miles inland in Toledo and represents a segment of the market that appeals to people who wish to enjoy a little warmer climate for gardening and yet be within 10 minutes to the beach. If you are looking for a primary residence or second home just send me an email or call. I would be delighted to assist in your search.

Home sold in August.

Activity on the Coast maintained well in August.  Selling prices appear to be holding at a ratio of 95% of list to sale price for site built homes. This reflects a serious adjustment on the part of Sellers who have decided to have their homes marketed rather than have them on the market.  Average sale prices hovering around $220,000 are representative of the highly sought after vacation and retirement home Buyers.   Sales of bank owned and short sale properties have dropped off significantly.  This appears to be more a matter of lenders holding properties off the market rather than any shortage of inventory.  As the lending industry remains in a state of flux it could be years before distressed properties, at least in this area become a major part of the sales process.

As always, a Buyer who wants to fufill their dream of living on the Oregon Coast, is well advised to connect with a local broker who is seasoned and experienced to act in their behalf.  If you would like to examine the options please give me a call or send an e-mail. You will be pleasantly surprised.

This luxury oceanfront property can be yours for the low, low price of $900,000! (Ok... so this is a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the point.)

Most real estate professionals agree that the most costly mistake a Seller can make is to over value their property whether it is a home, land or business.  Many Sellers are still tempted to overprice the property by several percentage points in order to “have room to negotiate”.  This thinking has several serious flaws that will, if the property eventually sells, result in lower selling prices and added stress.  Following are the most obvious reasons to avoid inflated pricing:

1. Appraisal Problems.  Even if a Buyer shows up who is willing to pay an inflated price, the fact is that 90% of Buyers use financing.  If the home does not appraise for the purchase price the sale will most likely fail.
2. Reduced Showings.  Today’s Buyers are usually well informed about the local real estate market.  If a property is overpriced, they won’t bother looking at it much less make an offer.
3. Price Point Identification.  When a new listing hits the market, every broker will check out the property to see if it’s a good fit for their clients.  If the property is noticeably overpriced, gaining the interest of brokers and Buyers will be very difficult.
4. Why Help the Competition?  Lower priced competing homes will be much more attractive and result in the very discouraging appearance of SOLD signs on your neighbors properties.
5. Time on Market.  A property that sits on the market raises the question of “what’s wrong with it?”
6. More Difficult Negotiations.  Buyers commonly ask how long a property has been on the market and use this as a negotiation tool to gain a better price especially if the price is inflated to begin with.
7. Opportunities Lost.  Most Buyers begin their search with a budget, usually in the form of a pre-approval letter from a lender. Working within this price range will see only those properties that fall within the range of their budgets.

The average number if properties viewed prior to making a buying decision is 10-15.  A competitive price relative to the competition is an essential component of any marketing plan.

If you have a property you would like to sell or are interested in buying please contact me so that we can work out a personalized plan that works for you.