Krista's Kristal Ball

Ashland Agent meets Celebrity in San Diego

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:30:41 -0600

Most people think of celebrities as being Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt. But, for us bloggers it can be another type of person. We admire the cutting edge Internet celebrities that are changing our business. One of my internet celebrities is Jonathon Washburn, founder of Active Rain.

I got to meet him at the National Association of Realtors convention in San Diego. I passed up William Shanter for Jonathon Washburn. I think I made a good choice.

I got his card, a handshake, and his smile.

I made it over 60,000 Points, Yeah!

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:27:30 -0600

How many of you out there have put AR on the back burner lately? i know I got busy chasing business around and neglected my blog. Well, I am back. Back from outer space...or something like that.

I am planning on attending some of NAR's classes in the next few days on Web 2.0 to learn more and someday go over 100,000.

Will Ashland and Medford Home Prices increase in 2010?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:23:38 -0600

Today I attend a conference regarding the housing economy. One of our speakers was Lawerence Yun, the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, according to him, he predicts home sales to increase by at least 15% in 2010.

He also predicts home prices to appreciate by about 3 to 5% from where the prices are at today. This is good news for sellers who want to sell their home or property next year in the Ashland and Medford area. Three to 5 percent is a normal home appreciation since it matches normal inflation.

Right now the overall housing inventory is at about 8 months which is down from last year, but not quite to normal at a 6 months supply as he is predicting for 2010.

Beware of Hidden Costs in Your Home Purchase Transaction

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:38:23 -0600

Karen makes some good point for a buyer and their agent to consider. Read the small print

Via American Pacific Mortgage- Karen Cooper, Oregon & California:

After a series of winter-like storms rolling through our corner of the world, the latest in a stream of “hidden costs” associated with the purchase of bank owned foreclosure sale transactions came to my attention. Working with a lot of first time buyers who often work very hard to come up with their required cash contributions to purchase their first home, I’ve learned to be diligent in watching their costs so they know going in to their first home purchase exactly what to expect. In the past couple of years, as bank owned foreclosure sales became more prevalent in our area, there are several issues that have come up (I won’t talk about the obvious “as is” provisions the banks have on their REO transactions since they have not occupied the properties) here are some that have come to light:

On Fannie Mae owned homes, a provision of the Fannie Mae Purchase Addendum to their accepted contracts is that the buyer pay certain escrow/title charges that are "usual and customry SELLER charges". These charges equate to about $700, which can be quite a burden for the unprepared buyer who finds this on their Estimated Closing Statement vs. their initial Good Faith Estimate of closing costs.

REO agents for bank owned foreclosure homes will “winterize” a property per the bank’s request. Often times, a buyer’s inspector shows up to do the whole house inspection, only to find they cannot do their job and need to come back. Because this has become more prevalent, these inspectors are charging for their time as well as their expertise. This just happened on one transaction where the whole house inspector had to come back after the Fannie Mae REO had been “de-winterized”, and the buyer was told they will be charged the $150 to “de-winterize” and “winterize” again. This process took place before the appraiser was scheduled in to do their inspection, and guess what? Another $150 AND the $50 re-inspect fee the appraiser will charge, even after the appraiser asked the real estate broker if all utilities were on at the subject property so they could do their job. $350 of unnecessary, undisclosed charges to the buyer.

A first time buyer was interested in purchasing a home that backed to a creek, one that was dry and overgrown at the time the buyer decided to make an offer on this bank-owned foreclosure home. Although the need for flood insurance was not listed on the MLS listing for this property, the buyer’s very diligent real estate broker knew that the property was located in a flood hazard area. As it turned out, a very expensive flood hazard area, as the flood insurance premium for this property would add $1,200 per year to the buyer’s costs.

Caveat emptor is Latin for "Let the buyer beware."

Buyers - choose your professional representation CAREFULLY!!!!!

See you at the closing table!

Karen Cooper - OR|CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com
Providing high Quality, Professional, Ethical service to Oregon and California home buyers and owners since 1983. Whether you are taking out your first home loan or your fiftieth, for your home, your second home or for investment, put my knowledge and expertise to work for you.

The Dirty Secret in a Short Sale No One Wants to Talk About

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:30:38 -0600

Agents, Banks, Lenders all talk about the risks for a Seller if they choose to sale their house short. Yes, there can be tax problems and lien release problems...plus the short sale may never even occur. Yes, a foreclosure is most of the time the better choice for most sellers, most of the time. Yes, most of us, know all of these reasons, and if you don't please refer to the many good sources of information out there on the risks.

What I want to warn Sellers about is the future lawsuit risks. Don't assume because you as a seller did not recieve any money, that you can not be sued later by a buyer. A buyer in most cases has at least one year to sue, and in some cases up to 7 or 10 years depending on the state and situations.

Why would a buyer sue you? Don't they know you were desperate, you didn't net any money at the closing, you are renting now, and your credit is ruined? Yes, they did at the time the property closed. Flash forward a few months and the new owners are not happy about something. Somethingthey think you did to them wrong (country western song potential here).... In their opinion it -Could be they think you did not leave the property in condition, they agreed to buy it in... Could be they think you did not disclose something to them about something....Or any number of reasons.....

At some point a buyer may want to take the seller to small claims court, arbitration, mediation, and/or general court to obtain a judgment against the seller. Once a judgment has been obtain they can collect. So as a seller, you may have to pay when you don't have money.

Remember this little dirty little secret when you consider the pro's and con's of a short sale vs. a foreclosure.

My Accountants Info on the Home Buyer Tax Credit you can use to Buy a Home in Ashland or Medford

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:11:09 -0600

My Accountant has let me post this information that he provides. I think it is good to review what a tax professional has to say.

On November 6, the President signed into law H.R. 3548, the ''Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009.'' The new law extends and generally liberalizes the tax credit for first-time homebuyers, making it a much more flexible tax-saving tool. It also includes some crackdowns designed to prevent abuse of the credit. These important changes could it make it easier for you or someone in your family to buy a home. And because the changes generally aid buyers and aim to improve residential real estate markets nationwide, they also could make it easier for you or someone in your family to sell a home. This Client Letter fills you in on the details you need to know about the first-time homebuyer credit.

Homebuyer credit basics. Before the new law was enacted, the homebuyer credit was only available for qualifying first-time home purchases after April 8, 2008, and before December 1, 2009. The top credit for homes bought in 2009 is $8,000 ($4,000 for a married individual filing separately) or 10% of the residence's purchase price, whichever is less. Only the purchase of a main home located in the U.S. qualifies. Vacation homes and rental properties are not eligible. The homebuyer credit reduces one's tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis, and if the credit is more than the tax you owe, the difference is paid to you as a tax refund. For homes bought after Dec. 31, 2008, the homebuyer credit is recaptured (i.e., paid back to the IRS) if a person disposes of the home (or stops using it as a principal residence) within 36 months from the date of purchase.

Before the new law, the first-time homebuyer credit phased out for individual taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income (AGI) between $75,000 and $95,000 ($150,000 and $170,000 for joint filers) for the year of purchase.

Your guide to the revised homebuyer credit. The new law makes four important changes to the homebuyer credit:

(1) New lease on life for the homebuyer credit. The homebuyer credit is extended to apply to a principal residence bought before May 1, 2010. The homebuyer credit also applies to a principal residence bought before July 1, 2010 by a person who enters into a written binding contract before May 1, 2010, to close on the purchase of the principal residence before July 1, 2010. In general, a home is considered bought for credit purposes when the closing takes place. So the extra two-months (May and June of 2010) helps buyers who find a home they like but can't close on it before May 1, 2010. They can go to contract on the home before May 1, 2010, close on it before July 1, 2010, and get the homebuyer credit (if they otherwise qualify). Note that certain service members on qualified official extended duty service outside of the U.S. get an extra year to buy a qualifying home and get the credit; they also can avoid the recapture rules under certain circumstances.

(2) The homebuyer credit may be claimed by existing homeowners who are "long-time residents." For purchases after November 6, 2009, you can claim the homebuyer credit if you (and, if married, your spouse) maintained the same principal residence for any 5-consecutive year period during the 8-years ending on the date that you buy the subsequent principal residence. For example, if you and your spouse are empty nesters who have lived in your suburban home for the past ten years, you are potentially eligible for the credit if you "move down" and buy a smaller townhome. There's no requirement for your current home to be sold in order to qualify for a homebuyer credit on the replacement principal residence. Thus, the replacement residence can be bought to beat the new deadlines (explained above) before the old home is sold. For that matter, you can hold on to your prior principal residence in the hope of achieving a better selling price later on.

The maximum allowable homebuyer credit for qualifying existing homeowners is $6,500 ($3,250 for a married individual filing separately), or 10% of the purchase price of the subsequent principal residence, whichever is less.

(3) The homebuyer credit is available to higher income taxpayers. For purchases after November 6, 2009, the homebuyer credit phases out over much higher modified AGI levels, making the credit available to a much bigger pool of buyers. For individuals, the phaseout range is between $125,000 and $145,000, and for those filing a joint return, it's between $225,000 and $245,000.

(4) There's a new home-price limit for the homebuyer credit. For purchases after Nov. 6, 2009, the homebuyer credit cannot be claimed for a home if its purchase price exceeds $800,000. It's important to note that there is no phaseout mechanism. A purchase price that exceeds the $800,000 threshold by even a single dollar will cause the loss of the entire credit.

The new purchase price limitation applies whether you are buying a first-time principal residence or are a qualifying existing homeowner purchasing a replacement principal residence.

Other homebuyer credit changes. The new law includes a number of new anti-abuse rules to prevent taxpayers from claiming the homebuyer credit even though they don't qualify for it. The most important of these are as follows:

... Beginning with the 2010 tax return, the homebuyer credit can't be claimed unless the taxpayer attaches to the return a properly executed copy of the settlement statement used to complete the purchase of the qualifying residence.

... For purchases after Nov. 6, 2009, the homebuyer credit can't be claimed unless the taxpayer has attained 18 years of age as of the date of purchase (a married person is treated as meeting the age requirement if he or his spouse meets the age requirement).

... For purchases after Nov. 6, 2009, the homebuyer credit can't be claimed by a taxpayer if he can be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer for the tax year of purchase. It also can't be claimed for a home bought from a person related to the buyer or the spouse of the buyer, if married.

... Beginning with 2009 returns, the new law makes it easier for the IRS to go after questionable homebuyer credit claims without initiating a full-scale audit.

What hasn't changed. The tax law still gives you the extraordinary opportunity to get your hands on homebuyer credit cash without waiting to file your tax return for the year in which you buy the qualifying principal residence. Thus, if you buy a qualifying principal residence in 2009 you can treat the purchase as having taken place this past December 31, file an amended return for 2008 claiming the credit for that year, and get your homebuyer credit cash relatively quickly via a tax refund. Similarly, you can treat a qualifying principal residence bought in 2010 (before the new deadlines) as having taken place on December 31, 2009, and file an original or amended return for 2009 claiming the credit for that year.

What also hasn't changed is the need for getting expert tax advice in negotiating through the twists and turns of the new beefed-up homebuyer credit. Please call us today for details on how the homebuyer credit can help you or your family members.

-- 
The advice we provide in this communication is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used by you or any other person or entity for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code or any applicable state or local tax law.

MARTIN H. LEVINE
Certified Public Accountant
Come visit us @ www.mhlcpa.com

Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes 2009-2010 - Ashland and Medford Homes Sales Info

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:45:06 -0600

Home sales in Ashland and Medford area should remain steady now that Congress has passed new legislation that:

Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.

Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010. This is for home purchases up to $800,000.

If you have specific questions or need additional information, please contact a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040.

To see a comparison chart CLICK HERE.

Affordable Ashland Home with possible Rental Unit

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:10:12 -0500

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers | Coldwell Banker Pro West | 951-2323/944-2172

621 Altamont St., Ashland, OR

Special Cottage & Guest Unit Set-Up Near Downtown Ashland

2BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $355,000

Year Built	1951
Sq Footage	984
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	None
Lot Size	.16 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Special cottage & guest unit set-up near downtown Ashland. Main floor living has 1+ bedroom (could convert back to 2 bedroom) with a view from the deck & tile bathroom, fireplace, hardwood floors. Downstairs has a separate legal rental unit with partial tile floors, tile bathroom, and patio. Also a shop area or ? The grounds have been carefully planned and designed by a horticulturist with seasonal flowerings of drought tolerant & deer resistant plants & trees all framed by walkways and stairs. There is also a storage shed, garden area & water feature. There is room to expand inside and out.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central heat	- Fireplace	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven
- Basement	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 1	Photo 2
Rental Kitchen	Photo 4

Contact info:

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers

Coldwell Banker Pro West

951-2323/944-2172

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 22, 2009, 3:10pm PDT

Affordable Old East Medford Home under $200,000

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:07:26 -0500

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers | Coldwell Banker Pro West | 951-2323/944-2172

135 S. Keeneway Dr., Medford, OR

50's Charmer in Old East Medford

3BR/1.5BA Single Family House

offered at $190,000

Year Built	1948
Sq Footage	1,523
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	1
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	.24 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

50's Charmer in Old East Medford. Lots of style including nice built-in storage, fireplace, niche in dining room, hardwood flooring, cultured marble surround and re-enameled bath tub, new vinyl in kitchen, solid sunroom addition with 9 foot ceilings, skylights, expansive front lawn with mature trees and nicely fenced backyard too. Live comfortably now with room to expand if desired.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- Hardwood floor	- Living room	- Dishwasher
- Stove/Oven	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers

Coldwell Banker Pro West

951-2323/944-2172

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 26, 2009, 1:18pm PDT

One Week Left to Buy this Ashland Oregon Home!

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:24:13 -0500

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers | Coldwell Banker Pro West | 951-2323/944-2172

129 High Street, Ashland, OR

Classic Craftsman Close to Downtown Ashland!

2BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $384,000

Year Built	1906
Sq Footage	1,037
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	None
Lot Size	0.07 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This charming craftsman home, located 2 blocks from the plaza, has been lovingly restored and updated from the roof to the landscaping. Features include central air conditioning, eucalyptus hardwood floors, new appliances, skylight and solar tubes, new windows, custom lighting, automatic irrigation system, built-in storage, upgraded electrical and plumbing throughout, master bath with original claw foot tub, excellent storage in basement.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- Hardwood floor	- Living room	- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Washer	- Dryer	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4

Contact info:

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers

Coldwell Banker Pro West

951-2323/944-2172

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 9, 2009, 2:28pm PDT

Medford Home in Lone Pine School District, omly $209,900!

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:22:19 -0500

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers | Coldwell Banker Pro West | 951-2323/944-2172

922 Brookdale Ave., Medford, OR

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $209,000

Year Built	1978
Sq Footage	1,561
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.23 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Extra Special East Medford Home! Recently remodeled home on large lot with mature trees. Granite countertops in kitchen, fireplace, new Oak floors and carpet, upgraded baths, crown moulding in sunken living room, new paint, Lone Pine School. Ready to move into! Room for smaller RV or boat. Shed. No through traffic on this part of Brookdale.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- Hardwood floor	- Living room	- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers

Coldwell Banker Pro West

951-2323/944-2172

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 14, 2009, 1:27pm PDT

The Prize of Medford! Affordable and not a short sale or a REO

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:19:07 -0500

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers | Coldwell Banker Pro West | 951-2323/944-2172

730 Summer Glen, Medford, OR

A Prize in Southwest Medford

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $169,900

Year Built	1999
Sq Footage	1,185
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.14 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Well maintained home with all laminate wood floors, vaulted living room, natural light, nice sized backyard with large covered patio, mature trees, peaceful, auto-sprinklers, horse shoe pit. Home feels bigger than actual square feet, split floor plan, two car garage, near golf course, Fichtner Mainwaring park, stores.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers

Coldwell Banker Pro West

951-2323/944-2172

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 12, 2009, 1:35pm PDT

HOPE event in Medford - Loan Modification Help and Foreclosure Prevention

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:15:07 -0500

Southern Oregon residents concerned about losing their home to foreclosure can receive help Saturday, Oct. 17, at an event in Medford organized by several government agencies, nonprofits, and real estate organizations.

The Home Ownership Preservation Event (HOPE) will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the SOU/RCC Higher Education Center at 101 South Bartlett in Medford. At the free event, homeowners can learn about the options available to help them save their homes, including the federal Making Home Affordable Plan and Oregon's Senate Bill 628, which gives homeowners the right to meet with their lender to discuss a loan modification.

Homeowners can set up a one-on-one meeting with a foreclosure counselor certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Both English- and Spanish-speaking counselors will be available. Government agencies, lenders and loan servicers, lawyers, and Realtors also will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. Also attending will be servicers from Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase.

The event will offer free clinics on the Making Home Affordable Plan, short sales, and avoiding foreclosure scams.

To register for the event, homeowners can call ACCESS Inc. at 541-774-4305.

Sponsors of the Medford event include: ACCESS Inc., the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon Department of Justice, Oregon Housing and Community Services, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, the Center for Nonprofit Legal Services, City of Ashland, City of Medford, Grants Pass Association of Realtors, Southern Oregon Housing Resource Center, Rogue Valley Association of Realtors, SOFCU Community Credit Union, and the SOU/RCC Higher Education Center.

This is the second Home Ownership Preservation Event the state has helped organize. The first event was held at Portland's Memorial Coliseum in May.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services, the Department of Justice, and Oregon Housing and Community Services have been working with the legislature, and consumer groups to protect Oregonians from mortgage fraud and provide resources to homeowners facing foreclosure.

The agencies have provided funding for foreclosure counseling using proceeds from Oregon settlements exposing mortgage fraud. Homeowners can call 1-800-SAFENET or log onto www.211info.org to find a counselor in their area. In addition, the state launched a new Web site for homeowners at http://foreclosurehelp.oregon.gov. The site contains information and resources to help homeowners prevent foreclosure, avoid scams, and better understand the foreclosure process.

A new bill passed this year will further help homeowners. Senate Bill 628 requires lenders to meet with borrowers facing foreclosure - either in person or by phone - and evaluate whether they qualify for a loan modification. A loan modification could help borrowers lower their monthly payments and keep their home.

Empty or Full, Which Half are You?

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:25:02 -0500

Every day there is someone's opinion on the economy. In particular, I am focused on the housing market. I know opinions are like belly buttons - every one has one, but....How can there be a so many conflicting opinions???

The LA times just posted an opinion that said there is no pent up demand for housing and hence there will really never a be quick recovery and it will take many years to see any real appreciation. But, the National Association of Realtor's, economist, says just the opposite - we have pent up demand, and it is, and will fuel a housing recovery.

I guess the glass is half full, but full of what? I think the housing sector will recover slowly, but definitely in the next few years....So i guess I think it is half full.

What about you - full or empty?

Affordable Ashland Oregon Home

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 13:00:35 -0500

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers | Coldwell Banker Pro West | 951-2323/944-2172

291 E Hersey St, Ashland, OR

Cute 1940's Cottage Close to Downtown Ashland!

2BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $229,900

Year Built	1949
Sq Footage	1,078
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	None
Lot Size	.17 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Cute 1940's Cottage close to downtown Ashland. Two bedrooms, two baths, 1078 square feet, newer roof and siding, newer heat system, updated kitchen, skylight, nice sized lot with decent views. Large willow in the front provides good shade, mature plantings in the back form a nice garden foundation. This is a nice small home or potential rental investment.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Living room
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Washer	- Dryer
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers

Coldwell Banker Pro West

951-2323/944-2172

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 14, 2009, 10:42am PDT

Ashland Oregon Home with Rental Unit

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 12:57:53 -0500

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers | Coldwell Banker Pro West | 951-2323/944-2172

621 Altamont St., Ashland, OR

Special Cottage & Guest Unit Set-Up Near Downtown Ashland

2BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $363,000

Year Built	1951
Sq Footage	984
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	None
Lot Size	.16 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central heat	- Fireplace	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven
- Basement	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 1	Photo 2
Rental Kitchen	Photo 4

Contact info:

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers

Coldwell Banker Pro West

951-2323/944-2172

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 23, 2009, 10:28am PDT

Affordable Ashland Oregon Home

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:26:10 -0500

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers | Coldwell Banker Pro West | 951-2323/944-2172

291 E Hersey St, Ashland, OR

Cute 1940's Cottage Close to Downtown Ashland!

2BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $229,900

Year Built	1949
Sq Footage	1,078
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	None
Lot Size	.17 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Living room
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Washer	- Dryer
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers

Coldwell Banker Pro West

951-2323/944-2172

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 14, 2009, 10:42am PDT

Are Home Sales in the Ashland and Medford area Improving?

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:23:59 -0500

According to L. Yun, NAR's chief economist, "summer is not the only thing that has ended. The world-wide economic recession is also essentially over. Led by countries such as Brazil, India, and, in particular, China, the economies of the world are digging themselves out of that recessionary ditch."
The most important factor for those of you trying to "figure out" the real estate market locally in the Ashland and Medford area this means the number of home sales is going up (at least more than last year), inventory has slowly, but surely gone down in the last year, and home prices don't seem to be going down (at least not under $350k). In fact, in the bottom end of the price range, I have seen price wars and an increase in the property prices. Good news for those buyers who were not afraid to buy about 8 months ago.

French Style Ashland Home with Pool now only $695,000

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:25:09 -0500

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers | Coldwell Banker Pro West | 951-2323/944-2172

1656 Ross Lane, Ashland, OR

Lovely Country French Home in Ashland!

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $695,000

Year Built	2003
Sq Footage	2,782
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	.22 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Lovely Country French Home in Ashland! Bask in the amenities of this 4 bedroom, 3 bath green built stucco home including Black walnut flooring, custom Italian tile work, imported French light fixtures, gourmet kitchen w/ Viking range, Marmoleum flooring & Sub-zero appliances, and an elegant master suite w/ private covered deck and fabulous views. The gardens are strictly organic with fruit trees & raised beds, plus there's a salt water pool, expansive patio & lifetime Port Orford Cedar arbor & fencing. The detached garage includes a full bath and 500 sqft office/guest suite. Wonderful!!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Living room	- Dining room
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Washer	- Dryer	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Swimming pool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

- Covered parking

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Wonderful Outdoor Living
Salt Water Pool	Living & Dining Area
Entry & Living Area	Custom Kitchen

Contact info:

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers

Coldwell Banker Pro West

951-2323/944-2172

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 15, 2009, 9:37am PDT

Cutest Craftsman Cottage Home in Ashland Oregon, now $384,000

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:23:22 -0500

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers | Coldwell Banker Pro West | 951-2323/944-2172

129 High Street, Ashland, OR

Classic Craftsman Close to Downtown Ashland!

2BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $384,000

Year Built	1906
Sq Footage	1,037
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	None
Lot Size	0.07 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- Hardwood floor	- Living room	- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Washer	- Dryer	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4

Contact info:

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers

Coldwell Banker Pro West

951-2323/944-2172

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 14, 2009, 3:16pm PDT

Rogue River Area Ranchette, Live the Oregon Dream

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:24:33 -0500

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Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers | Coldwell Banker Pro West | 951-2323/944-2172

6537 Rogue River Hwy., Rogue River, OR

Everything You'd Want In Country Living!

2BR/1.5BA Single Family House

offered at $372,900

Year Built	1965
Sq Footage	1,429
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	15.77 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Everything you'd want in Country living! Solid 1429 square foot home with 2 fireplaces, large country kitchen with lots of cabinets, new laminate floors in dining, newer metal roof, new exterior paint, self contained, approx. 350 square foot, 1 bedroom, 1 bath guest log cabin with kitchen, workshop. 15 acres with a combination of pastures for animals and/or alfalfa, pear orchard, fruit trees of every kind, soaring shade trees, tree lined entry road, high quality growing soil, irrigation rights and system, small animal barn & timber. The only thing missing is YOU.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Fireplace	- Tile floor	- Living room
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Microwave
- Washer	- Dryer	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers

Coldwell Banker Pro West

951-2323/944-2172

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 18, 2009, 12:25pm PDT

Newer Ashland Home with Nice Views

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:25:01 -0500

Kristi Gomez, Broker/Realtor | Coldwell Banker Pro West | 261-2094

2713 Clay Creek Way, Ashland, OR

Clay Creek Gardens

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $425,000

Year Built	2003
Sq Footage	2,051
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.09 acres
HOA/Maint	$25 per month

DESCRIPTION

Beautiful views, covered porches, decks and more! Great room with rock surround gas fireplace, breakfast bar, granite kitchen counters, and dining area. Office/den with French doors, built in bookcases and a door to the side patio. Large deck off master bedroom with 180 degree, expansive views. Laundry room with utility sink and lots of cupboards. Wood wrapped windows and doors. Coat closet with pocket door is wired for computer desk. Located in sought after Clay Creek Gardens neighborhood. Beautiful roses, lawn, garden space, natural gas hook up for BBQ on back deck. HOA dues $300 annually.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Living room	- Office/Den
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4

Contact info:

Kristi Gomez, Broker/Realtor

Coldwell Banker Pro West

261-2094

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 25, 2009, 11:31am PDT

Downtown Ashland Oregon Condo -Location, Location, Location

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:37:17 -0500

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers | Coldwell Banker Pro West | 951-2323/944-2172

71 Water Street, #301, Ashland, OR

Desirable Water Street Condominium

3BR/2BA Condo

offered at $566,000

Year Built	1997
Sq Footage	1,786
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$250 per month

DESCRIPTION

Desirable Ashland Creek Condominium with gorgeous gardens, creekside setting and all the amenities of downtown Ashland & Lithia Park. Lovely top-floor, corner unit in great condition with slate entry, 9-foot ceilings and crown moldings, gas fireplace, temperature controlled wine room, open tile kitchen with eating bar and gas cooking, spacious master suite with jetted tub and separate shower, 3rd bedroom/den with view deck and built-in bookcases. Security parking garage, elevator for convenient access, $250 monthly HOA dues. What a Winner!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- Tile floor	- Living room	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Washer	- Dryer	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

- Secured entry

- Elevator

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Rick Harris/Krista Bolf, Principal Brokers

Coldwell Banker Pro West

951-2323/944-2172

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 27, 2009, 10:23am PDT

Ashland and Medford Homes and Real Estate Sales Info

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:34:02 -0500

Below are some of the recent statistics posted by the Southern Oregon Multiple Listing Service (Ashland & Medford Oregon area). These statistics compare July 2008 to July 2009:

The Months Supply of Inventory in all areas have gone down. Overall Jackson County's supply has gone down from over 14 months supply to 8 months supply. The number os homes for sale in Ashland has gone down from over 18 months to about 10 months supply. The number of homes for sale in East Medford has gone from 14.5 months to 8 months, and West Medford from 9 to 5 months. Good news for sellers.

Pending home sales in Ashland have gone up from 23 to 28 in this time period, East Medford declined from 47 to 46, West Medford increase from 27 to 52!!, and the county overall saw an increase from 155 to 201 sales which is approx. a 30% increase in the number of sales.

Affordable Homes in Medford and Ashland Oregon? Data says yes.

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:29:58 -0500

According to an article in RIS Mediahousing affordability continues to be near highest level in 18 Years. RIS media says "The HOI showed that 72.3% of all new and existing homes sold in the second quarter of 2009 were affordable to families earning the national median income of $64,000, down only slightly from the record-high 72.5% during the previous quarter and up from 55.0% during the second quarter of 2008."

Most experts equate the affordability to be related to low interest rates and the first time home buyer's credit of $8000. I personally believe all of this is true based on my experience as an agent in Ashland and Medford area. In some cases, I am seeing home prices at their 2001 or 2002 price level.

Although inventory has come down in the last year, there are still many choices for buyer. You can log unto my webpage at www.ashlandprowest.com and use the new easy property search to look for you home.

Also on our website is a link to JackStats which provides local home sales statistics.