Real Estate Information Archive

Blog

Displaying blog entries 721-730 of 1876

October Mountain Sales Hit 18 for 2016

Tuesday, November 22, 2016
by Liz Warren

The numbers are still up for October 2016 sales on Mt. Hood. Despite huge obstacles in appraisal delays, which are causing many closings to take 60-90 days, more than likely these sales started in August and were just now coming to completion! 

Sales were scattered throughout all property types and areas. A couple of leased land cabins closed, two Mt. Hood RV Village units closed (Mobile homes with rental spaces), a couple of Timberline Rim and Twinberry Loop homes, plus three Government Camp properties including two chalets over $500,000 and one Collins Lake Condo unit. Buyers are still taking a great advantage of low interest rates that are starting to creep upwards. 

Mt. Hood Real Estate Sales for October 2016

Mt. Hood Reall Estate Sales for October 2016

Mt. Hood Real estate sales for October 2016

Add Comment

Appraiser Shortage Rocks Real Estate Sales on Mt. Hood

Sunday, November 20, 2016
by Liz Warren

Getting a mortgage these days is filled with massive amounts of documentation, strict regulations red tape and on top of that a huge shortage of appraisers in the Northwest. The further away from urban centers the more delays you will face! What once was a thirty to forty five day process is now becoming a sixty to ninety day process. Not only is the Mt. Hood area, only one hour from Portland, facing extended closings, if you're in Southern Oregon or at the coast you need to count on a ninety day closing.

I've had three transactions assigned to appraisers coming from the Bend area to get the work done for the loan! Portland's mass influx of new residents has shaken the mortgage process and most appraisers are looking for the short drive near PDX vs. the hour East to service Rhododendron, Welches and Brightwood and Government Camp. It's not just the Northwest though, appraisals are affecting all other areas of the country too. Part of the problem is the amount of education and training it takes to become an appraiser. The bar for entry is too high! Current costs of appraisals on the mountain run $600.00 plus. Many I've seen have reached the $700-$750 range. Add on the expedited appraisal fee and we are talking $900 plus.

The impact of the appraisal issue hits both buyers and sellers.

*Delayed closings are rampant!

*Buyers loose their lock on interest rates. 

*Try to plan a move without knowing when the appraiser will take place.

*Excessive fees to buyers to "expedite" their appraisal.

Here are  few articles I found online that discuss some of the issues and resolutions. Bottom line: if you want your house to close by June 1st and move into your new home by the beginning of summer, I suggest you get under contract by March to get that accomplished which changes the mind set of most buyers and sellers in the process. Currently we don't see any resolution to the problem in the near future so it's best to plan ahead. 

Southern Oregon Appraisal Delays

Only eight appraisers in Clatsop County: Astoria, Oregon

The system is broken: Bend, Oregon

Appraisal fees in Portland


 

Add Comment

Mt. Hood Inspiration for Monday

Monday, November 14, 2016
by Liz Warren

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"There's nothing as constant as change."
 
-Unknown
 
 
FEELING WIRED?
 
Feel on edge? Not sure what to expect next? Nerves frayed? Feeling overwhelmed by today's complex world situation? How is it that some people are calm, fearless, and content, while others are frightful, worried, overwhelmed, and uncertain about the future?
 
In the 1950's there were only three models of Chevrolet, about four dry cereals, two or three types of soap, etc. Mom went grocery shopping weekly. There were no shopping malls, computers, cell phones, portable CD players (or CD's), 401(k)s, Internet, or co-ed dorms. Life was simple and calm - and revolved around the family. Technology didn't dominate daily life.
 
Today, our choices have expanded exponentially. There are hundreds of vehicle models, 50 different cereals on the shelf, software for every occasion, hundreds of cable channels, and millions of pages on the World Wide Web. Think that might clog your thinking just a little? Want to get back to simplicity, peace, and security?
 
Try a few of the following suggestions. Begin limiting your choices. Spend less than you earn. Limit trips to the store. Spend the evening at home - with your family - with the TV OFF. Go directly home after work. Identify your principles - and live them. Count your blessings daily by entering them in a journal. Read. Treat yourself to a hot bath.
 
Think of your life as an extension cord with too many appliances plugged-in. Each vies for the limited energy you have available until a short-circuit or fire occurs. Start unplugging all those peripherals now, and you'll notice your life-light begin to shine.
 

 

Add Comment

Mt. Hood Real Estate Sales for October

Monday, November 14, 2016
by Liz Warren

As we head into fall, the past month of October was still packed full of pending sales and 20 completed sales, probably finishing up summer contracts that have been going through the mortgage process. I'm warning buyers and sellers that some transactions are taking 2 to 3 months to close due to extensive appraisal waiting times. 

October saw higher sale prices making the average sale price $326,700 for the month. Closed sales for the year so far has hit 171! With only 60 active listings the inventory is thinning quickly with continued high demand and low supply. Interest rates are inching up after the election results so any first time home buyers should make their move now!

 

Mt. Hood Real Estate Sales and Listings for October 2016

Add Comment

September Closed Sales on Mt. Hood Were Huge!

Saturday, October 22, 2016
by Liz Warren

September 2016 saw a huge number of closed sales for Rhododendron, Welches, Brightwood and Government Camp. Area 153 in the multiple listing service reported 27 residential sales closed for the month.

Rising equities in Portland, new residents and increased density in Portland has caused an uptick in buyers for the Mt. Hood area. This includes full time and second home buyers heading for the Cascade Foothills. Our properties are much more affordable than inside the urban growth boundary making mountain living very attractive to many!

Timberline Rim, which is Mt. Hood's largest subdivision running along the Sandy River, saw seven sales close for the month. The "Rim" as locals call it, is one of the most affordable areas to purchase on the mountain. Most homes were built within the last twenty five or so years so they are relatively new compared to many of our 1930's and 40's cabin which frequently have financing challenges. 

Speaking of affordable, two tiny homes at the Mt. Hood RV Village Resort changed hands. These properties have recreational amenities with indoor pool and weight room plus gated access for security. Downsizers love these properties and the space rent runs in the area of $550 a month.

forest service cabin inventory is way down with multiple offers on many cabins as soon as they hit the market. Only about five cabins are currently for sale. Three closed in September. These are great getaways for urban dwellers who need space to relax and get away from the crowds of big cities and small spaces. 

Here are the twenty seven sales that closed in September.


Mt. Hood Real Estate sales for September 2016


Welches Real Estate sales for 2016 September


Mt. Hood Real Estate Sales 2016 September


Mt. Hood Real Estate Sales 2016 September

Mt. Hood Real Estate Sales 2016 September

Add Comment

Custom Buillt Rhododendonr Home on Over Half Acre!

Thursday, October 6, 2016
by Liz Warren

Listen to the sounds of the Sandy River from your front deck at this Rhododendron location in the Mt. Hood Cascade foothills. This home is "like new" and it was just finished. Four bedrooms and three and a half baths gives plenty of room to spread out! I love the great room with kitchen and family room area complete with propane fireplace and tons of windows letting in natural light. An island and breakfast bar is great for entertaining. Granite counter tops, built in desk and butler bar are just a few of the bonuses in this home.

All bedrooms are upstairs with a master bedroom and bath to die for. Tub and tiled shower! All the bedrooms are spacious. Bonus room upstairs great for media room, office or kids play room.  This sun filled area has skylights and a wet bar. 

The property is over a half acre and is flat and usable. Plenty of room for a pole barn too! 

This location is a recreational paradise with Sandy Basin Mountain Biking trail down the road and minutes to the Mt. Hood National Forest for hiking. Skiers will enjoy the easy access to the mountain with a quick 20 minute drive to the slopes. 

Tons of room for family and friends in your new Mt. Hood home only one hour to Portland!  asking $495,000


Custom Built Rhododendron Oregon Home with Four Bedrooms near the Sandy River

$495,000

Custom Built Mt. Hood Home with Great Room and Four Bedrooms       Cutom Build Mt. Hood Home Kitchen with Granite and Island

More details on 64100 E. Relton Road 

 

Add Comment

Classic Log Cabin in Rhododendron

Monday, September 19, 2016
by Liz Warren

Looking for a great Mt. Hood getaway in the Cascade foothills? This is the one! Originally built in 1937 its had a lot of tender loving care and shows it throughout. Beautiful wood walls and floors, stone fireplace and a bedroom on the main level plus spacious loft bedroom upstairs. Located just a short walk to the Zig Zag River and on nearly a half acre, this gem will be a wonderful full time or vacation home.  Remodeled kitchen, updated bathroom and comfortable propane heated cabin. Asking $275,000.


Mt. Hood Log Cabin in Rhododendron Oregon  Rhododendron Oregon Log Cabin near the Zig Zag River


Classic 1937 Mt. Hood Getaway in Rhododendron  Rhododendron Log Cabin

Mt. Hood Log Cabin details 

Add Comment

Mt. Hood Real Estate Sales for August 2016

Thursday, September 15, 2016
by Liz Warren

August sales topped 20 this past month and the average sales price is inching up as lower priced properties disappear. The marketing time is down to an average of 59 days for the month. 

There's only 45 homes, condos and cabins for sale in Welches, Rhododendron and Brightwood right now. Government Camp inventory is higher with 33 properties for sale. Good weather has brought buyers out in force so a good fall in sales should continue with low interest rates. 

Closing times are delayed by exceptionally long appraisal delays. It sometimes takes 6-8 weeks to get an appraisal in the area. Lengthy closing dates are the norm creating chaos for buyers and sellers trying to make plans. The appraisal crisis isn't going away so it's something to keep in mind with any real estate transaction in the works with a mortgage of any kind. 

Mt. Hood Real Estate Sales for August 2016

Add Comment

Mt. Hood's Hood to Coast Relay Begins Friday!

Thursday, August 25, 2016
by Liz Warren

The biggest relay race in the country begins tomorrow, Friday the 26th. This marks the 35th year of the Hood to Coast Relay run which starts at Timberline Lodge and ends at Seaside at the coast. Locals get ready for the stunning invasion of 1050 teams of runners with 8 person teams plus volunteers and support groups. As locals prepare there are a few places we don't want to be on Friday and that is on Hiway 26 between Government Camp and Sandy during the afternoon. It's a welcome economic boost to our area and we turn our Village over to the runners for Friday.

Spectators can enjoy the whimsical runners outfits and transportation vehicles in all their glory. Vans will be heading to the mountain today and restaurants will be packed this evening for pre-race celebrations. 

Good luck to all runners!

Add Comment

July Mt. Hood Real Estate Sales Increase at Top Priced Properties

Thursday, August 25, 2016
by Liz Warren

Good news for higher priced homes in the Mt. Hood area for July. Three homes sold for over $500,000 and two in the $400,000 range. Dwindling inventory and affordable mid price range homes are few and far between in this market with multiple offers coming in on many properties.

As home equities rise in Portland we are seeing many new buyers purchasing that second home. We are also seeing many new full time residents moving to the mountain to escape the urban density of Portland. Here are the July sales for Mt. Hood. 

July 2016 real estate sales on Mt. Hood

Add Comment

Displaying blog entries 721-730 of 1876

Syndication

Categories

Archives