Salem Oregon Best Places to Eat-Orupa-Dining Out Tips from Your Salem Oregon Real Estate Agent.   This past Thursday, my husband and I were treated to a dining delight.  We weren't planning on eating here when the evening started out, but we are so glad that we ended up at the new Orupa restaurant in Downtown Salem. Orupa is located at 500 Liberty Street and is open for lunch and dinner. Orupa also has a bar menu and happy hour Monday through Saturday from 3 pm to 6 pm, and then from 9pm to close.  The owners of Orupa used to own the Old Europe Inn, and the name Orupa is a combination of Oregon and Europe. For our dining pleasure this evening we started out with a wonderful Viridian Pinot Noir, Orupa's warm rolls with olive oil and a delicious appetizer of Crab ‘N Brie which was served ... 12/18/2010

I don't think people like to talk about it.  It's easier that way.  We've made progress, but clearly not enough.   Some of you may have seen the mapping project.  It's fascinating, to say the least.  Based on census data they are plotting the racial makeup of cities.  Right now, if you went up to a Salem real estate agent and said "I want to live in an area of town with a lot of Hispanics" we can't legally answer that question due to fair housing laws. We aren't allowed to steer people towards or away from a specific area based on race, ethnicity...on and on.  You know the drill.  This law was borne out of necessity when white people wouldn't sell a black person their home.  Oregon had areas of towns where blacks were allowed to live and not live.   Let's face it.  That was an ugly time... 12/16/2010

  Salem Oregon's Saturday Market Holiday Market     Do you love Salem Oregon’s Saturday Market? Then you won’t want to miss this year’s Holiday Market held at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. The Holiday Market is on December 11 and 12 in the Americraft Building. Hours of operation are 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday. Admission is free for this event. Free is a very good price! This market was voted Best Holiday Market in the Willamette Valley, so be sure to get it in your calendar for your holiday shopping. All products are handmade by the vendors. There will be 8 $100 gift certificates awarded, and hourly door prizes. There will be fun activities for the kids in the “Kids Corner”. So, come on out and get some of your holiday shopping taken care of while supporting l... 12/09/2010

Your gutters need attention.  The shorter days have told the trees to drop their leaves.  Not only that, the rains are about to begin again. Your gutters will be working overtime for the next few months in this area.  It is important to keep your gutters clean.  This will require cleaning your gutters out several times over the next few months as the different trees around your home drop their leaves at different times. We all know that the parts that are exposed to the elements (and leaves) are important to keep clean but lets not forget about the underground pipes as well. These pipes are low and out of sight and are easy to forget about. Those underground pipes are probably the most important part of the system as they will collect, concentrate, and (hopefully) remove the concentrat... 12/06/2010

Salem Oregon Real Estate-Sellers, 11 Reasons to List and Sell Your Home During the Holidays.   Should I list my home now during the holidays, or wait until Spring when the market is busier?  That is the most frequently asked question that I am asked this time of year.  I have a handout that I give to my Salem Oregon Home Sellers that has some great reasons why selling your Salem Oregon home during the holidays makes sense.  Here is the handout that I give to my sellers. 1.  People who are looking for a home during the holidays are more serious buyers. 2.  Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the holidays, and less competition can mean more money for you. 3.  Since the supply of houses will start to dramatically increase beginning in January, there will be less demand f... 12/04/2010

Dear Creative Concepts:  I need a Home Make-over!  I’d love to have a home I “fall in love with” every time I walk in the door.  For me – finding cute home decor is the easy part – having it look great when I get it home can be a challenge.  I buy things that are so cute and then get home and think, “what do I do w/ it now?!” How do I get a room to look “pulled together”?  I’d like a stylish look, comfortable for my family but one that I LOVE! Thanks, Design Challenged Dear Design Challenged: Thanks so much for your email!  First off – let me assure you that you are not alone.  Often a fresh set of eyes and a little fine tuning can take a home from ordinary to extraordinary! It’s what we do everyday, and putting our expertise to work will save you time, frustration and money!   Giving y... 12/04/2010

Salem Oregon Community Events-Greens Show and Holiday Market   It's that time of year again for the annual Greens Show and Holiday Market. The Greens Show and Holiday Market will be held once again at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem, Oregon. The show has been an annual event since 1969, and is put on by the Willamette Christmas Association.   This show offers shoppers quality crafts,  holiday gifts and decorations.  The show runs from December 3rd through the 5th.  The hours for the show are  12/3 from 10 am to 8 pm; 12/4 from 10 am -6 pm; and 12/5 from 10 am to 5 pm.  Advanced tickets may be purchased at Roth's Sunnyslope, Keizer and West Salem locations.  Tickets may also be purchased at Macys.  Purchasing an advanced ticket will save you $1 off of the door price. Happy Shopping!! 12/02/2010

Salem Oregon Boys and Girls Aid Annual Gala of Trees 2010 Salem Oregon Community Events     This Friday, December 3rd, 2010 is the annual Boys and Girls Aid Gala of Trees.  The event is being held at the Conference Center in Salem at 6 p.m.  Tickets are on sale now for this charity event to support finding permanent homes for children in need.  The Boys and Girls Aid was formed in Portland in 1885 and is still going strong today over 125 years later.  This event is for the local Salem chapter.  You can order your tickets by visiting the Boys and Girls Aid website.  The Boys and Girls Aid also has a Facebook Page that you can join to keep up with upcoming events. Originally posted at Real Estate Salem Oregon under Salem Community Events Licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Oregon 12/01/2010

Snow in Salem Oregon-Yes, You Read that Right and Happy Thanksgiving to All! For any of you who are familiar with Salem, Oregon, you know we don't get much snow around here.  If we do get a dusting, or a few inches, it is usually about once a year during December or January.  This year we were treated to snow on Tuesday, right before Thanksgiving!  It caused excitement and chaos all over Salem.  The last time I remember it snowing in November was the first year I moved down here, 25 years ago.  It snowed on Thanksgiving.  That was also the year I decided that I didn't like driving in the snow anymore.  Salem drivers are not used to driving in the snow, so going anywhere is exciting to say the least.  I'm originally from Eastern Washington and took Driver's Ed in the winter, so until I m... 11/25/2010

Thanksgiving Day options in and around Salem for eating out on Thanksgiving Day.  Which restaurants are open?  Be sure to call ahead to find out whether they will be serving their regular menu or a Thanksgiving Buffet, times that they are open,  and whether or not you will need reservations.  Have a favorite place to eat out for Thanksgiving or Christmas that isn't on here?  Please add it in the comment section.   Alessandro's Ristorante and Galleria 503-370-9951 120 Commercial St. NE Salem, OR 97301 Bentley's Grill 503-779-1660 291 Liberty St. SE Salem, OR 97301 DaVinci Ristorante & Wine Bar 503-399-1413 180 High St. SE Salem, OR 97301 Eola Hills Wine Cellars 503-623-2405 501 S Pacific Hwy 99W Rickreall, OR 97371 Fathoms-Inn at Spanish Head 541-994-1601 4009 SW HWY 101 Lincoln City, OR... 11/24/2010

11/24/2010

Don't miss a fabulous opportunity to meet a local artist and view condos for sale.  There will be at least 4 condos for sale and open for your enjoyment, Sunday November 28, 2010 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. 2261 Crestview Drive S Salem Oregon - South on River Rd S just past Minto Brown Island Park, first left up Schurman, left on Crestview. The seller made this fantastic flyer to portray some of the wildlife you will witness from your private deck.  You will get to feed the birds and other critters while overlooking your own private view of Minto Brown Island Park and the Willamette River.  This is a perfect setting for someone who wants privacy with little to no maintenance. To view a copy of the full post go to my Wordpress Blog.  Please comment so I know you stopped by! I am looking to rea... 11/23/2010

Salem Oregon Community Events-Holiday Shopping at Historic Deepwood Estates   This weekend, November 19th and 20th from 10-3 pm is also the weekend for Holiday Shopping at Deepwood Estates.  So, once you have finished up your holiday shopping at the Mission Mill Holiday Faire, be sure to head over to Deepwood Estates which is just a block away) to see what kind of fantastic new decorating ideas and gifts they have on display.  There will be many gifts already packaged and priced under $20.  Parking is free at the corner of 12th and Lee ST. If you are a Salem Oregon Home Seller that has your home on the market and are wondering whether or not to decorate for the holidays, you can visit my blog article Your Salem Oregon Real Estate Agent's Tips on Holiday Decorating When Your Home is on t... 11/19/2010

Salem Oregon Event-Mission Mill's Heritage Holiday Faire Yesterday I posted a blog about holiday tips for decorating when your home is on the market.  Today I have a great suggestion for where to start your your shopping for those "just right" decorations.  Next weekend is Mission Mill's Heritage Holiday Faire. The Heritage Holiday Faire begins on Friday the 19th of November at 10 am and runs through Sunday.  Hours for the Faire are from 10-6 on Friday and Saturday, and 10-4 on Sunday.  In addition to being able to shop for holiday decor including fresh holly and wreaths, there will be a number of trees on display to give you some great decorating ideas.  The event not only includes shopping, but also includes pony rides for the children and many other activities for kids and adults.  ... 11/17/2010

Your Salem Oregon Real Estate Agent‘s Tips on Holiday Decorating When Your Home is on the Market   My Salem Oregon home is currently on the market.  Can I still decorate for the holidays, or will that turn potential buyers off?  That's a great question, and I get asked that a lot this time of year.   Another frequent question that I get asked is whether or not now is a good time to list my Salem Oregon Home. We will get to why the holiday season can be a great time to sell your Salem Oregon home in another post. As for the question about decorating your Salem Oregon home for the holidays, the answer is yes, please do!  A good rule of thumb to keep in mind when decorating is to keep it simple with high quality decor and coordinating colors.   Also, be sure to have your real estate agent ... 11/17/2010

This was originally posted on the Get Real Estate Blog.   "I think Oregonians were subterranean dwellers in another life."   The confused look on my face must have given it away, as she continued on...   "Well, you all live in that gray, rainy and gloomy state all year. I mean I hear that you guys are so used to the rain you don't even carry umbrellas! That's just wrong. No one likes their hair all frizzy, looking like a drowned rat and all. Only cave people can survive the gloom of Oregon."   "Ah yes...the never ending cloud of gloom that hangs over Oregon 24/7/365. Forget the Bermuda triangle, we are the Rainy Square. Disappearing forever in the warm waters has nothing on looking like a wholly mammoth during the winter" I replied.   Granted there is some truth in that we don't carry u... 11/16/2010

I’ll be getting in trouble with some real estate agents over this one, but I have strong opinions on the “carpet allowance” question! What does “carpet allowance” say to me? The seller doesn’t have the time or money to get new carpeting, so maybe I can negotiate the lower selling price. There may be other items that need repair or replacing that haven’t been done. If I’m not a handy or visual person, I’ll probably not be impressed by this home.  You’ve lost the “fall in love factor” – which is key to getting an offer. Giving an allowance doesn’t change the first impression, gives another items to negotiate, and buyers ALWAYS overestimate the cost of potential repairs.  Here’s a perfect example! Recently we were hired for a home staging consultation for a darling South Salem Oregon home.... 11/14/2010

This was originally posted on the Get Real Estate Blog. It seems like with our recent elections the angst of Oregonians is really apparent due to the closeness of the governor's race.    Unemployment is high, those who are employed may be underemployed or had pay cuts, and housing, of course, is still in turmoil. Enter foreclosures... Foreclosure notices in Salem Oregon I had been really excited about the drop in the number of homes served with foreclosure notices in Salem Oregon.  We had two quarters of pretty substantial drops in notices served and this past quarter had a bump up of 6.5%.  Keep in mind that this bump is still down 22.8% from the worst quarter so that is still a good thing. The closing of one of the prison's doesn't help the local job situation, but the Home Depot dist... 11/11/2010

Acreage Real Estate updates for the Salem and Keizer Oregon area in October 2010   It is taking even longer for homes on acreage to sell in the Salem and Keizer Oregon area.  October sales took on average 261 days vs. just 147 days in September.  Homes outside Salem and Keizer but still in Marion County also took longer to sell in October, 170 days which is 29 days longer than September.  But Linn and Polk Counties both saw a decrease in average market time for homes on acreage. Sellers of acreage homes saw 93% of their asking price in October, which averaged $317,000.  There were 20 new acreage homes added to the Salem Keizer market in October alone, for a current total of 215 actively listed.  There are also 11 pending properties in escrow, a pretty consistent trend all year. Interest... 11/10/2010

Fantastic price on this lovely 3/2 single level in Jan Ree. Home features a large kitchen with breakfast bar and separate living and family rooms. Plenty of room for your toys and hobbies with the bonus pull through RV garage/shop. Fenced backyard and CAC. Seller is providing a 1 year upgraded First American Home Buyer Protection Plan - Value Plus. Single Level in Jan Ree with RV Garage/Shop Overview Maps Photos $169,900 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms2 BathroomsInterior: 1480 sqftLot: 0.20 acre(s) Location 4473 Hayesville Dr NESalem, OR 97305USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Mel Wagner Coldwell Banker Mtn. West Real Estate, Inc.(503) 931-1846MelWagnerBroker@msn.comhttp://www.MelWagnerBroker.com Listed by: ... 11/06/2010