Quiet Location Near Oregon State University                                                           $329,000 Located in a popular neighborhood near Oregon State University. Beautiful light and extensive hardwood flooring greet you as you enter this single level. Warm and comfortable living room features dining alcove, updated wood windows, pellet stove insert and solar tube skylight. Spacious kitchen has ample storage and counter space. 2 bedrooms/1 bath on main plus finished full basement that provides additional living space. Detached 3 car garage (3rd bay has side access). Awesome yard gets plenty of light, perfect for the gardener in you. 3 bedrooms/2 baths/ 3 bay garage (cars, toys, shop?) approximately 2197 square feet   WVMLS# 624183   03/25/2010

I was recently invited to participate in a fund raising effort for the Corvallis Boys and Girls Club. It was a great deal of fun and I learned some new things about the Corvallis, Oregon, Boys and Girls Club. Boys and Girls Club of Corvallis: Provides young people in the Corvallis community with direction through Character and Leadership Development; Relationship Building; Education and Career Development; Health and Life Skillls; The Arts; Sports, Fitness and Recreation. This organization is very much community based and is supported and funded by the efforts of the community at large. Today’s Youth are Tomorrow’s Leaders. 03/25/2010

Last week I was called for a staging consultation where the agent and home seller thought one of the biggest problems was the turquoise tile in the bathroom.  It looked dated. From my perspective, that was an easy challenge to tackle.  Turquoise is one of the “hot” new colors for 2010, and so bringing dated tile to look 2010 will be easy! Still don’t think it is a color you can fall in love with?  Here are excerpts from an interview with Maria Killam – color expert and author of the blog “Colour Me Happy”.  The combination I’m using in the bathroom update aren’t included here.  We’ll show off our decorating with turquoise success here next week!         From the BluLabel Bungalow interview: With turquoise as the Pantone Color of the Year, can you give us three color palettes that contai... 03/09/2010

  Smart Money posted an article this week noting areas around the country that see strength in the real estate market.  Listed in the top five was one of my favorite cities - Corvallis, Ore. (up 2.96%).  Per the article: The most influential factors for the forecast include household income growth, population growth, the jobless rate and the user cost of housing. Granted, these increases are modest. But given that some parts of the country were pummeled by 40% declines in home values, any number that's positive stands out. It shows those markets have done exceptionally better than others. Read the entire article Good news to share with your potential buyers or those considering selling in 2010! 03/08/2010

Yes – as a home stager I shop all the time for clients and to keep our inventory cool and up to date.  But I’m really excited about a store opening that isn’t decor or furniture this week! Trader Joe’s,  the cool and quirky grocery chain so popular in Eugene and Portland is opening in Corvallis on February 12th! Carrying organic and quality grocery items (and some great cheap wine), Joe’s has been a frequent stop of our families while in Portland. The new store is located in the Corvallis Market Center at 1550 N.W. Ninth St. I’m in this shopping center all the time because it includes TJ Maxx (where I get lots of cool accessories for our staged homes) and Michaels Crafts (silk plants, stones and fancy papers always tempt me here). One staging tip we use is to put a live orchid by the ki... 02/08/2010

9 April 1942 Bataan has fallen. The Philippine-American troops on this war-ravaged and bloodstained peninsula have laid down their arms. With heads bloody but unbowed, they have yielded to the superior force and numbers of the enemy.  The world will long remember the epic struggle that Filipino and American soldiers put up in the jungle fastness and along the rugged coast of Bataan. They have stood up uncomplaining under the constant and grueling fire of the enemy for more than three months. Besieged on land and blockaded by sea, cut off from all sources of help in the Philippines and in America, the intrepid fighters have done all that human endurance could bear. Radio Broadcast - Voice of Freedom April 9, 1942, Bataan was surrendered and Eugene Davidson began the longest trip of his y... 01/09/2010

Corvallis, Oregon's second annual "Corvallis Culinary Week" is coming to one of your favorite restaurants starting Monday, January 18! This great event will run through Sunday, January 24 and features special chef's menus for just $10 per person. Enjoy traditional french, pacific rim, asian inspired, southwest cuisine and more at nine great participating restaurants in downtown Corvallis.  Restaurants whipping up the specials include: 101 Eat & Drink Aqua Cloud 9 The Downward Dog Fireworks Le Bistro Magenta Terzo Zia's These are among my favorite restaurants in Corvallis, and I am really looking forward to trying these special menus.  Plan to make reservations, because all the restaurants were very crowded last year.  In addition to Culinary Week, these great eateries should be on your ... 01/05/2010

If you are looking for a great salon and spa in Corvallis, Oregon, look for Pink at their new location in downtown! Pink recently moved to 128 SW 3rd St., in the former Kaari K boutique location.  Co-owners Elisha Edwards and Shannon Gammon offer hair and nail services, facials, micordermabrasion, skin rejuvination, laser/IPL hair reduction, and massage.  Elisha, shown here with daughter Ava, is a local girl who specializes in hair services.  I've been lucky enough to have her do my hair for several years and highly recommend her for weaves, great cuts, and personal attention. Pink offers a 10% discount to Hewlett-Packard, Samaritan Health Services, and OSU students and staff.  You can reach Pink at 541-754-7379.  Say hi for me!   12/29/2009

Fantastic Corvallis 3 Bedroom! 3398 SE Charlotte Place, Corvallis, OR 97333 View Map Looking for value? Here's a 3 bedroom, 2 bath single level home on large corner lot. This beautiful home features laminate floors, vinyl windows and upgraded stainless kitchen appliances. Vaulted ceiling in living/dining gives a spacious feel. Incredible grape arbor loaded with a variety of grapes - trellised over front courtyard for privacy & shade. Well maintained yard features native plant garden & herb garden, fruit trees, berries & red maples. Fully fenced backyard. AHS Home Warranty included. Margaret Oscilia | Home Staging and Redesign Specialist | Creative Concepts and Contracting Cell 503-881-0886 | Email | Website 12/19/2009

An ECHO (Elder Cottage Housing Opportunities) unit is often a separate, small, manufactured home added in the side or backyard of a single-family house - usually an adult child's house.  It can also be an apartment within the main house or added onto the main structure.   Older parents can then live near their children but not with them.  ECHO is an ideal answer for many families. It allows older adults to get the support they need while all can stay independent in their own homes. It gives everyone the privacy they may desire. ECHO units permit closeness without sacrificing self-reliance or independence. Often, they foster a spirit of mutual support between the households. Grandparents and grandchildren are more apt to develop close relationships.   An ECHO unit can eliminate the hassl... 10/15/2009

  With a little magic, vacant rooms can come alive and show buyers the full potential on the internet and in person. Here's a quick snipit of a job we completed last week. The best way to entice potential buyers to envision living in a home is to make sure it appeals to their senses - which is nearly impossible to do when it is vacant! Leave a comment and let us know what you think! For other examples and ideas check out our website too!   09/29/2009

Corvallis, Oregon - 37th Annual Fall Festival Weekend...Lots to Do! The last weekend in September is big in Corvallis, Oregon.  The OSU students are back, the air is a little crisper, and it's time for Fall Festival, the annual arts and crafts event that fills Central Park downtown.  This year Fall Festival celebrates 37 years with 170 arts and crafts booths, food court, wine tasting, and a beer garden. There will be kids art zones and plenty of things to do over the weekend.  There will be free music at the Festival all weekend and a big street dance on Saturday night.  Also on Saturday, the OSU Beavers will take on Pac-10 rival Arizona in Reser Stadium for a home footbal game. Then on Sunday "the largest road race in Benton and Linn Counties" takes off with the Fall Festival 10k and 5... 09/16/2009

Thinking About Buying a Home in Corvallis, Oregon?  Now's a Great Time! It's really true that now is a great time to buy a home in Corvallis. Here's why:  Inventory is good at most price points Interest rates are low There's still time to take advantage of the $8,000 credit for first-time buyers According to a search of our Multiple Listing Service, there are currently 252 single-family homes for sale in Corvallis ranging from $130,000 - $1,075,000.  The average list price is currently $344,655.  There are 35 homes under $200,000.  In the condo market, there are currently 20 units active in the MLS ranging from $59,900 - $795,000.  The price point for homes in Corvallis depend on many factors including age, condition, and location.  Properties located in the western sections of Corvalli... 09/11/2009

 I have been checking out senior facilities in Corvallis but hadn't gotten around to Albany yet. This past week I had the sad job of helping research an appropriate place for my uncle. Eugene Davidson, ex POW of the Japanese, survivor of the Bataan Death March.  90 years old and just in the past year stricken with Alzheimers to the point that his wife can no longer care for him at home.  The Corvallis Manor won't take him and the VA won't pay for Regent Court.  So, to Albany we went.  Timberview is on 6th Street right across the street from the hospital.  I talked with Admissions and went on a short tour of the building.  It was just a quick preview because ultimately it was his wife and children who would make the decision.  I was just a scout.  It was lunch time when I was there and e... 09/07/2009

Corvallis, Oregon Neighborhoods - Walking the Atomic Ranch! No, the Atomic Ranch neighborhood isn't located next to a cooling tower.  Atomic Ranch is a ranch-style architechtural design popular in the United States from the post-war period through the 1970's.  Other names for this style of home is California Ranch, Rambler, or Rancher.  The style is often associated with tract housing built during this period, and incorporates the long, low to the ground profile typical of the design. In Corvallis, a walking tour has been developed to highlight some of the homes developed during this era. The properties are located near Dixon Creek and Corvallis High School, and are in a very popular residential area. The home shown here is known as "Hampton House" as it was purchased by Dr. Richard Ham... 08/28/2009

The Beautiful Willamette River Not only is Corvallis located in the Heart of the Willamette Valley, the Willamette River runs beside town creating a natural boundary between Benton and Linn Counties.  Here's a view from the banks of the Willamette taken during a quick stop on Friday afternoon. Made me want to sit and watch it roll by for the rest of the day!! 08/17/2009

Corvallis Neighborhoods - Stoneybrook Village for Residents 55+ Among Corvallis' many diverse neighborhoods is a newer development named Stoneybrook Village, a community of residents aged 55 and older.  The Village consists of single family homes (Stoneybrook on the Green) adjoining an independent living retirement facility, Stoneybrook Lodge, managed by Holiday Retirement, and an assisted care facility managed by Hawthorn Retirement Group.    Located in Southwest Corvallis near the Corvallis Country Club, residents of the homes have a homeowners association that maintains the front and side yards of the residences, and maintains a central club house. If they desire, homeowners may also purchase meal tickets for use in the dining room at Stoneybrook Lodge.  A community garden provides s... 08/06/2009

The Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis - The Positive Place for Kids I have the privilege of sitting on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Corvallis, an organization that has been growing and evolving over the years into a prominent youth services  provider. The Club features a 40,000 square foot Clubhouse with two separate gyms, a game room, study centers, art and computer centers, and teen lounge. Membership in the Club is just $25 per year. The Boys and Girls Club of Corvallis has five core programs: Education & Career Development Health and Live Skills Arts Sports, Fitness, and Recreation The club provides school age care after school and during school breaks, a summer day camp, STARS (Super Time for Art, Academics, Recreation & Sports) as well as special programs for... 08/01/2009

Corvallis, Oregon residents are never far from getting their hands on a great cup of coffee. With more than 20 drive-thrus, shops, and counters scattered around the city you can be sure to get your caffeine and probably run into someone you know.  Is it a Nortwest thing?  Ever since Starbucks began selling premium brew in Seattle, coffee stands in the region have popped up on nearly every corner.  Even the smallest of towns seem to have a drive-thru kiosk to keep locals and passing motorists satisfied. In Corvallis there are four primary coffee places around town: Starbucks (6 locations), Allann Brothers, aka the Beanery or Bean (3 locations), Dutch Bros (3 locations), and Coffee Culture (3 locations).  Of those, all but Starbucks are Oregon grown.  I have to admit I haven't been to all... 07/31/2009

Corvallis' Osborn Aquatic Center Note:  This blog contains a correction dated 8/5/2009 regarding the kayak roll practices noted below.  This is NOT a class.  My apologies to the Willamette Kayak and Canoe Club!  Wow.  It's really HOT here this week - a rare run of 100 degree days in Corvallis. As I write this it's an even 100!  One way Corvallis residents can keep cool (besides going to the Oregon Coast where the temps are about 60) is to take advantage of the great Osborn Aquatic Center.  It's a guaranteed way to fill a hot summer day with water-based fun! The complex consists of two outdoor pools which are open through September 27th this year,and two indoor pools which are open year-round.  The outdoor pools are a "leisure" pool called Otter Park, filled with slides, fountains, a "bu... 07/28/2009