The Salem Oregon Real Estate News

Mobile Education Store

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:47:34 -0700

Some of you know that my husband creates iphone and iPad apps for special education students mostly speech and langague apps. I'm just giving him a simple shout out on my blog. He will be appearing on the Lifetime Network talking about his apps and how moms can use them to help enhance their children's educational experience at home.

Anyway...totally excited for him! Here is the promo for his chat which will be on April 17th at 7-8am. So if you know a parent interested in educational use of the iPad, tell them to check it out. !

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The content of this blog is copyrighted so don't touch, reprint, republish, paraphrase, etc. That means if you want to cut and paste this article, even with attribution, you need my permission. My email address is right up there. No need to steal content without asking. Just remember that I'm not a morning person, so best to ask me mid-afternoon or evening if you want to use my content.

The Glamorous Life

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 21:49:41 -0700

You all think real estate is Beemers and golf outings during the day. I know you do, but really real estate is more glamorous than that. Seriously...so much more glam. In fact, I am wearing my Vera Wang and Jimmy Choos as I type this. I will share an only slightly embellished true story with you to demonstrate the sheer sophistication of being a real estate agent...

It was a cold, clear day in Salem, Oregon. I sashayed down the stairs in my typical taffeta real estate attire ready to sell houses that day. I popped down the top of my dark red convertible because as you know all real estate agents have one in the rainy Pacific Northwest. The wind and rain droplets whipping at my hair left me undeterred even as the "drowned rat look" overtook me. The 80's were on my side and Aqua-net was in my glove compartment. I was armed and ready for good big hair. Whizzing around the corner turns in the south Salem hills while jamming to iTunes, I was deeply aware that I looked cool.

I pulled up to the house, not even slightly frazzled at being 15 minutes late. My clients know that being "fashionably late" is what its all about. I located the key box on the garage door, daintily pulled out my supra iPhone to open it, and voila...the lovely sound of a key box opening.

While working on my hair flip, I felt a mystic force at play as it pulled the black case holding the key right out of my hands and heard the sound of metal bouncing off cement. Gasp! The sound was as horrible as a Justin Bieber Christmas song. I watched in slow motion horror as the key did a perfect swan dive (easily a 10 by the judges) into a deep dark abyss. That really didn't just happen, did it? Don't make me get on my hands and knees and ruin my Vera Wang or worse...break a nail! I squatted down and swatted away the leaves in the crack thinking it probably did a nice soft landing on the leaves. Couldn't see the key. Probably need to take my Versace shades off, I thought.

Must. Maintain. My. Elegance.

There were only words of Glee entering my head at this point and I almost broke out in song. I casually cleared away the leaves trying to find where the key had landed. As I don't subscribe to the Boy Scouts motto of be prepared as that is for lesser agents, I wasn't prepared. What's up with the Boy Scouts making me feel guilty at a time like this? I vowed never to buy any more of that really good chocolate covered popcorn from them, no matter how cute or nice they look. Someone had to pay for this force of evil that had me looking like a frantic Lindsey Lohan digging for crystal. No way I was calling the listing agent to grovel and tell them I dropped a key in a ~~crack~~ black hole leading to Middle Earth. Glamorous agents don't do that.

Little did I realize that my buyer clients were a walking Ace Hardware. I was handed Leathermans complete with needle nose pliers to grab the key. The key was too far down and the pliers too big. Two more tools later, I still didn't have it. Thwarted. I had to suck it up and walk miles, you know the "I walked 10 miles in the arctic blizzard to go to school when I was a kid" kind of miles, in my stiletto Jimmy Choos to a neighbors house to see if they had a hook I could borrow. I sheepishly knocked on the door as I said "I'm a really cool and amazingly glamorous real estate agent. Forget everything else I'm about to tell you after that, okay?" Armed with a long camping stake and cursing the days of my youth where I failed to win at Operation, I was able to snag the key after several attempts and pull it out. My Precious.

With key firmly grasped in my palm, we walked into the house. The highly unpleasant scent greeted us and despite my best efforts to convince them that a house with a kitchen was a good buy, they wanted to leave. 30 minutes digging out the key. 5 minutes touring the house. 1 minute spraying my hair with Aqua-net.

I truly lead the glamorous life.

This was originally published on Get Real Estate.

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4435 Matthews Loop S Salem, Or 97302

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:35:05 -0800

Punchlists. We all have them. If you have created one for a house and it includes the following:

3 beds/2 baths
One level
"starter" type of home, this one at 1405 sq feet
in south Salem
near a park
near the elementary school
a bonus of being near the high school

Then I have a house I want to show you. I just listed the house at 4435 Matthews Loop located in the Sunnyridge neighborhood. So drive by, if you must, then shoot me an email or call me to come and take a look. Click on the link for more photos and information.

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Salem Keizer market reports for August 2011

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:47:54 -0700

I know the end of September is approaching and my market reports are out a bit late this month, but we had some good news, temporarily anyway, about the Salem and Keizer real estate markets.

With the MERS foreclosures heading towards judicial foreclosure and off the real estate market currently (which is about 50% of foreclosures in our area), we've had a dip in inventory that is temporarily helping our sellers. Facing fewer foreclosures to compete with and insanely low interest rates means that more buyers may elect to pick a house not in distress.

This is not a sellers market by any means, but make no mistake...we are in a temporary sweet spot for sellers where they actually have a shot at selling their house.

You can read the Salem Real Estate Report and Keizer Real Estate Reports for more details.

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Safety Alert...

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 23:10:12 -0700

A man in southern Oregon has been calling female agents up asking to see million dollar homes. He wants them to pick him up at his motel. He says he has cash, but when asked for proof of funds says his attorney says that he can't give it to a real estate agent. He used the name Matthew Fox in Medford, OR but his real name is Matthew Fuchs, a registered sex offender in Wisconson.

Thankfully three female agents were concerned enough that they called the local police about it, and they questioned him. Chances are he will move onto another city, so ladies...be careful out there.

Here is the police flyer about him.

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The game just changed

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:09:38 -0700

Oregon has long been a state that uses Trust Deeds for real estate transactions. With the ease and low cost of foreclosure for banks, it was the instrument of choice for many years here in Oregon...well as long as you follow the state laws. You've heard the terms, judicial foreclosure, non-judicial foreclosure, deficiency state, non-deficiency state. Like all things to do with law, nothing is black and white. There are some huge changes with serious implications headed the way of homeowners facing foreclosure.

I chatted about the MERS problem Oregon was having and the backlog of foreclosures this was going to cause. Not a good thing for anyone, in my opinion. In the Oregonian a couple of weeks ago, Brent Hunsberger wrote an article about the shift that banks were making, taking foreclosures to the courtroom. Left with little choice , due to legal issues, the lenders that can actually produce the original note are headed to chat with a judge about getting the property in a judicial foreclosure. I was curious to see if we would have any of these converted foreclosures head our way in Salem. Sure enough, I looked through the notices this week and there it was...a nice list of attorney names, including the firm mentioned in the Oregonian article, Kelly Sutherland. Salem homeowners that have been in limbo due to the MERS debacle are going to find their way into a courtroom and standing in front of a judge.

What this means is that the building shadow inventory will once again start working its way down the foreclosure pipeline as banks start to push their way through the system. There are so many implications with judicial foreclosures. A HUGE one for homeowners facing foreclosure is ORS 86.705(3). This statute can convert a residential trust deed to a non-residential one which allows for a deficiency judgment. This could be financially disastrous for many people out there who are facing foreclosure and end up in a judicial proceeding. I am personally appalled that banks could break Oregon laws by failing to record note transfers properly, then have an "out" for a judicial proceeding which may open up some families to deficiency judgments that they would have been protected from before. That just isn't right.

If all banks decide to follow Wells Fargo's plan for MERS held loans and go the judicial route, homeowners facing foreclosure MUST talk to an attorney before they move out of their home. It is imperative because the game just changed.

This was originally posted on Get Real Estate.

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Go Team REALTOR

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:01:34 -0700

A glowing recommendation. It's what everyone wants in their business. Who doesn't want to be acknowledged as being good at what they do? Gallup released their latest poll about feelings about different industries. What's up with this touchy-feely stuff anyway? Feelings, schmeelings... I'm incredulous that in this current time of real estate turmoil, that the real estate industry didn't make the top 5. What's up with that people?

The top 5 were

Computer Industry
Restaurant Industry
Internet Industry
Farming and Agriculture
Grocery Industry

The bottom 5 were:

Banking industry
Health-care industry
Real estate industry
Oil and gas industry
Federal Government

I have to say that I was surprised that the banking industry was thought of more positively than the real estate industry. Seriously? I didn't think an industry could sink lower than the banking industry these days, so I guess congrats to the real estate industry for rising to new lows. Only 23% had positive thoughts about the real estate industry. Sweet, I was tired of working weekends anyway. I think at this point we just need to figure out how to get people to hate us more. You know really go for broke and try and be thought of as worse than government. This is not a challenge easily won people. This will take a true group effort.

So here are my suggestions about how to keep consumers from liking us more.

Continue to have low entry standards. Why pay a dime a dozen when you can get agents for a mere penny per thousand? Forget about going through the effort of requiring more from real estate agents when everyone hates us anyway. Revel in our mediocrity, I say. By the way, I think mediocrity goes well with a nice Chardonnay, maybe with some hummus and tortilla chips.
Continue with bad marketing. Let's face it, it is much more fun for consumers to guess what is in the photos than it is for them to be helpful. I mean if we take a good picture of the kitchen, what are we supposed to say when we walk into the kitchen with a buyer? I much prefer the current method of "remember that super dark blurry blob on the MLS. That is what we are looking at now, the kitchen. Bet you never would have guessed that, huh." It gives me something to chit chat about with my home buyers instead of standing there looking like I have nothing to say, so I appreciate that some of my peers are looking out for me that way. I like being an expert.
Continue to over solicit. There is nothing more refreshing than a Facebook or Twitter stream filled with self promotional goo. Goo isn't just for amoebas anymore. I feel so loved to have listings shoved in my face all the time. Who can resist the charms of such enchanted engagement? Personally, I'm thinking of using the water balloon slingshot method of delivery for my business cards to people that have never heard of me. They say that the first impression is the most important, you know.
Continue to offer nothing of value. Why learn to calculate current inventories when pulling numbers from down under is so much more fun? I'm calling 3 months inventory in Salem Oregon just because I can. I think it sounds impressive to say "Salem has 3 months of inventory." If I lower my voice when I say it, I'll sound more expert-like too. Cool, huh. Taking the time to calculate trends and such...eh, that's for people who know how to use a calculator. I just figured out where the kitchen is in a house, don't ask me for more than that. Sheesh.
Whatever, this list is too long anyway and I'm tired.

So in summary, I'd like to thank the Academy for this incredible opportunity to be thought of so poorly. I couldn't do this without you guys. I'm touched beyond belief and rest assured I will give it my all until we are thought of more negatively than the government sector. You can count on me.

Go Team REALTOR.

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Salem Oregon Foreclosures 2nd Quarter 2011

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 22:49:46 -0700

Back in the boom, MERS was a cornerstone of the real estate market offering a way to offload mortgages to investors allowing banks to continue to originate loans and make bundles o' money. Apparently, my strategy of waiting at the end of the rainbow for my pot of gold wasn't a good one: should have been a lender. Lots of green, just not in the form of little people with funny hats. Now, lenders wouldn't have been able to meet the demand of the American consumer for housing loans without sending loans off into the netherworld to be split up and chopped up into bite sized fare for investors. This MERS legacy is the gift that is contributing to the ongoing hell that is real estate these days.

Getting real on Salem Oregon Foreclosures

I almost didn't write my quarterly foreclosure post because the data, or lack thereof, isn't an accurate reflection of things to come. So, I pulled a NAR this quarter and extrapolated my data a bit for you. I wrote last quarter about the impact of MERS in Oregon, and in particular Salem. I doubt most of you care what is happening in real estate in Topanga so we'll just chat about Salem. What you need to know but don't really care about is that in the second quarter of this year, not one MERS held foreclosure notice was filed in Salem. This is significant because last year 48% of foreclosure notices were MERS held.

Why aren't they filing? Well that has to do with the 5 lawsuits that have occurred in Oregon this year, with the latest one the judge rescinded the foreclosure as the title transfer wasn't properly recorded per Oregon laws. As these loans were fractured and sold, Oregon law requires the transfer be recorded at the county level. Due to the massive costs associated with doing this, the banks decided "eh...what the heck with Oregon laws. Those people are up hugging trees anyway. They won't notice." This cavalier attitude works as long as the seller doesn't default and transfers the title directly. It isn't so pretty when foreclosures happen oh say such as circa real estate 2007 and beyond.

I might need a cocktail

What does it matter? Well, if you are a home seller right now, what you are seeing is a reduction in inventory. Huge price drops on homes happened in the first quarters this year so buyers are out. The reduction in inventory is a sign of stabilization, for now. This is the gift of MERS present. Incompetence on the part of the big 8 in following those pesky state laws has caused a temporary stop in those properties hitting the foreclosure market. So potentially 48% of homes that should be hitting the foreclosure market aren't. That is causing a nice drop in inventory.

But you know that old adage, all good things must end up in annihilation...or something like that. Anyway, what is building is of concern for our local market. See my pretty picture? I worked really hard on it so say it is pretty or my feelings might be crushed and I'll have to go drown my sorrows in one of @RobDrinkenstien's amazing cocktails at La Capitale.

Notice of Defaults in Salem

We had a dip at the end of last year and it looks like there is a dip this year, but this is where I pulled a NAR. MERS notices aren't getting filed, while those cases work their way through the Oregon legal system. What this means is that we really should have 48% more foreclosures each quarter than we really do (assuming that the percentage stayed the same as last year). So I created a special bar for the ghost of MERS. These are the potential notices that should be out there but aren't. Why is this a concern? Because they are building up, and at some point in the future when the MERS situation gets resolved there will be a tsunami that hits Salem as the notices hit the county. Right now we have a regular flow of foreclosures hitting the market so we can, in theory, have some sort of stabilization. If this buildup continues and those homes get dumped on the market in a short period of time...do I need to tell you that would be bad?

What we are looking at is the ghost of MERS future, and it sure doesn't look like Casper.

Peruse our Salem Oregon Foreclosures

This post was originally posted on the Get Real Estate Blog.

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NAR blows it

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:53:05 -0700

A client emailed me a link to a recent news article about the 5 worst real estate markets in the country for Q1 of 2011. Salem, Oregon was listed as number 3. They based this article on the NAR data that was released. Any of you that have read my blog know I am by no means a Pollyanna on this market and I expect good data when talking about anything. I also expect it to be put into context for the average consumer who doesn't live and die by real estate data.

How the NAR collects data has been controversial and CoreLogic called them out on the inaccuracy of their data before. Unfortunately this is no exception. NAR takes samples of MLS data and then has a "drift" calculation they use to "correct" for their sample error. The problem this creates is that most consumers don't understand the way statistics work, but tend to believe what they read. So here is the real deal about that data released by the NAR.

The data is for the Salem metro area, not Salem proper. This is defined by the census bureau as Marion and Polk counties.
The NAR uses samples. So if they pull an uneven sample and say pulled more homes from Woodburn, Dallas, Stayton, Jefferson, or Mill city area which have been harder hit, the data will skew the wrong way.
I have no idea what raw data the NAR used but it doesn't jive with my data set which is a complete set of WVMLS data.

So, the article reported that Salem (which you now know means the Metropolitan Statistical Area, not Salem proper), had a median home price drop of 20.6%, first quarter of 2011 from first quarter of 2010. Here is what you really need to know. Using the full data set and not the samples/drift combination of the NAR, the first quarter dropped 14.9% year over year. Salem proper, which is how many consumers are reading that article, dropped 11.3% year over year, first quarter. These price drops are not at all unexpected because as many of you many remember the first and part of the second quarter of 2010 had the federal tax credit associated with them. We had a disproportionate amount of sales early in the year last year as the housing market was temporarily propped up. Prices had to come down and this is the market reaction to that event. A completely expected event, in my opinion.

Anyone that has been around me will hear me consistently say that we are still in a declining market here in Salem Oregon. There is nothing wrong with accepting the reality of our economy, but I do expect the NAR and the news media to propagate data that is true and accurate for our cities. That is their function, is it not? If I wanted inaccurate information, I can always pick up the National Inquirer to find out which celebrity had the latest alien baby or I can encourage Sarah Palin to start her own history channel for television. The news media has a responsibility to help to interpret that data for readers if they are going to propagate it. Seriously, news media and NAR, you blew it.

This was originally posted on The Get Real Estate Blog

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Salem real estate market report March 2011

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:26:12 -0700

The first quarter ended in the world of real estate. I can tell you that personally I saw an increase in buyer activity on my listings and other agents reported the same thing. The proof is always in the data though.

Salem had the best first quarter in three years in terms of home sales. Supply met demand as home prices dropped this quarter and buyers responded.

You can read the March Salem market report

The first quarter foreclosure report for Salem and Keizer Oregon's market report for more details about what the local market is doing right now.

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A favor

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 13:55:06 -0700

To my wonderful subscribers, I have a favor to ask...

My house hasn't been cleaned in ages as I've been so busy, so i'm hoping one of you really wants to come over and scrub my toilets for me. Takers? No? How about pulling the weeds in my yard that have gone crazy with our Oregon rain? No, again? I can't believe you all are turning down such golden opportunities to help me out.

Okay...how about this?

Every year our local newspaper has the best of the Willamette Valley nominations. There are a bazillion and one categories, and of course, best real estate agent is one of them. Independents never win because we can't compete with all the agents at the large firms voting for their own. So, this year, I'm trying to change that. I'd LOVE it, if you guys could take a minute to cast a vote for me in the Best Real Estate Agent category. There are a bunch of agents nominated from many different companies, so if you have a minute to scroll down, and give me a quick vote, I'd appreciate it.

See, compared to cleaning toilets and pulling weeds, a couple of clicks is super easy. I'd upload images and make this all pretty and enticing for you, but AR won't let me..."bad gateway."

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Salem real estate market report February 2011

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:59:01 -0700

I could throw out some real estate cliches to start off my post, but I don't want to send your eyes rolling to the back of your head. Really, it was the best February in the past three years for home sales in Salem Oregon. I promise I won't spew out every other ad campaign created by the NAR meant to induce you into home ownership though. I'll just give you the facts, and of course my opinions on them.

Most local agents will tell you that things have picked up early this year. I am no exception. It doesn't mean that the market has returned to a normal, healthy reasonable place, but it does mean that we are starting to see some signs of the market righting itself. I don't see buyers being priced out anytime soon. We have many years ahead to work our ways out of things, but we have some good signs that we might be at the bottom sometime later this year. We do appear to be in the low, but not at the low. A 13.5 month inventory of homes is still really high, so sellers need to be prepared for a long sale time on the market.

Why did buyers decide to dive in? All you have to do is look at the home prices and that becomes obvious. The average home sold was $172, 642 and median $160,000. Those low numbers are clearly fueled by one thing...distressed properties. In February 20% of closings in Salem were short sales and foreclosures. While not as bad as some areas in Florida and Arizona where 60-70% is more common, these low price properties are having a clear and direct impact on home sales. That isn't going to change anytime soon. 17.6% of active listings in Salem Oregon are distressed properties which is a 3% jump from much of what it was last year. I would expect it to climb as those 2009-2010 properties hit the market this year. I can totally see distressed properties being 1/4 of our overall real estate market.

What does this mean for you, the consumer? Good things if you are a buyer. Not so good things if you are a seller. You all know the drill by now. We are in a buyer's market.

You can sign up to get distressed properties sent to your email inbox, by signing up at the Tomson Burnham website.

The data was crunched from data provided by the WVMLS and was originally posted on the Get Real Estate Blog.

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The private remarks...revealed

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:53:17 -0800

From: Jim <Jim@IDon'tNeedNoStinkinRealators.com>
To: Melina Tomson <melina@tomsonburnham.com>
Date: Feb 13, 2011 3:05 AM

Subject: MLS

Dear Melinda,

I found you on Swillow and clicked through to your website. I like your website and for an agent that's saying something because most of them suck. I like the house at 777 Lucky to Know Me Street and want you to send me the full MLS listing please. I don't need your help with the house; I just need the listing sheet. Thank you for your kindness in advance.

P.S. Keep up the good work on the website.

Sincerely,

Jim

From: Melina Tomson <melina@tomsonburnham.com>
To: Jim <Jim@IDon'tNeedNoStinkinRealators.com>
Date: Feb 13, 2011 9:05 AM
Subject: re: MLS

Hey Jim,

Thanks for stopping by my website and I'm glad you didn't think it sucked. I always strive to be a notch above completely worthless. Unfortunately, I can only give you a copy of the client version of the MLS and can send that to you. The full version has some confidential information, like phone numbers, showing instructions, etc. that I can't share with you. Would you like a copy of the client version?

Let me know if you would find that helpful.

P.S. I'm impressed that you were thinking of me at 3:05 in the morning. Also the name is Melina. Common mistake to call me Melinda. Thanks.

Melina

From: Jim <Jim@IDon'tNeedNoStinkinRealators.com>
To: Melina Tomson <melina@tomsonburnham.com>
Date: Feb 13, 2011 10:05 AM
Subject: re: re: MLS

Melinda,

I don't want the sanitized version of the MLS form. You agents all say that there is confidential information like seller's phone numbers and showing instructions but I don't believe it. I know you realators are hoarding information and I have a right to see it. So give me the full version. Top level clearance to whatever you get is all I'm asking. How hard is that? I thought you had half a brain, with your M. S. and everything. Don't make me think otherwise.

Jim

From: Melina Tomson <melina@tomsonburnham.com>
To: Jim <Jim@IDon'tNeedNoStinkinRealators.com>
Date: Feb 13, 2011 5:05 PM
Subject: My Half Brain

Jim,

I understand. I would need your blood type and a copy of your most embarrassing high school photo in order to give you access to the private remarks. I had to give them a copy of me in my Fiddler on the Roof costume from high school, so they are serious about it.

P.S. I kinda like going by a different name. It's cool to pretend I'm not me. Since we are changing names here is it okay if I call you Jack?

Sincerely,

Melina aka Melinda

From: Jim <Jim@IDon'tNeedNoStinkinRealators.com>
To: Melina Tomson <melina@tomsonburnham.com>
Date: Feb 13, 2011 9:05 PM
Subject: re: Your half brain

No Melina, you may not call me Jack. It's time to stop this propaganda going on with the real estate industry and get this information back into the hands of the public. It isn't like you have any great secrets on there or anything, sheesh. Get over yourself, thinking you are all important and stuff with your "secret data." Just hand it over, already.

Jim, not Jack.

From: Melina Tomson <melina@tomsonburnham.com>
To: Jim <Jim@IDon'tNeedNoStinkinRealators.com>
Date: Feb 13, 2011 11:05 PM
Subject: No Can Do

Dear Jim,

I understand your desire to see what I see, but the last time the full MLS sheet was placed in the hands of an unsuspecting consumer we had a minor problem: the Oregon Statehouse caught on fire. Since then, Realtors have been charged with protection of the MLS data. I'm sure you understand the need to not have our new statehouse catch on fire. No one wants to see the gold man melt, especially since skinny jeans are back in style now. He only looks fashionable every 20-30 years as styles recycle themselves, and we're not sure how long that will last. We don't want to have to put bell bottoms back on him, you understand I'm sure.

Sincerely,

Melina

From: Jim <Jim@IDon'tNeedNoStinkinRealators.com>

To: Melina Tomson <melina@tomsonburnham.com>
Date: Feb 14, 2011 3:05 AM
Subject: Data

Just give me the data. What happened to the customer is always right?

Jim

From: Melina Tomson <melina@tomsonburnham.com
To: Jim <Jim@IDon'tNeedNoStinkinRealators.com
Date: Feb 14, 2011 9:05 AM
Subject: Happy Valentines Day

Jim,

The customer can't be right about seeing ALL the MLS data because that would mean real estate agents have been wrong all these years and well...our egos can't handle that. So, look, here's the real deal. I know we say that those are showing instructions and worthless things like that, but the MLS really contains the secret plans for the Death Star. I know you think that Star Wars is just a movie, but ssshhh...don't tell anyone...it isn't. The NAR is building a Death Star as we speak and we've been entrusted with the plans. REALTORS and realators alike are going to rule the world. I'm sure you understand now why I can only send you the client detail sheet from the MLS. I know you don't want to be responsible for the destruction of mankind, unless you secretly know how to maneuver a TIE fighter.

P.S. Happy Valentine's Day.

Sincerely,

Melina

From: Jim <Jim@IDon'tNeedNoStinkinRealators.com>
To: Melina Tomson <melina@tomsonburnham.com>
Date: Feb 14, 2011 11:05 AM
Subject: re: Happy Valentines Day

Melina,

You're crazy. Of course I don't know how to fly a TIE fighter. They aren't real.

P.S. Nevermind

Jim

From: Melina Tomson <melina@tomsonburnham.com>
To: Jim <Jim@IDon'tNeedNoStinkinRealators.com>
Date: Feb 14, 2011 9:05 PM
Subject: Home Search

Jim,

I'm bummed you never learned how to fly a TIE fighter. I was thinking it would be cool to know someone that had been in one. Sorry, I couldn't be more helpful to you during your I-only-want-your-help-with-the-data-home search.

P.S. Thanks for contacting me off my website and if you need a good Salem real estate agent, don't hesitate to contact me back. I'm here to help with the exception of private data on the MLS.

Melina

Search for your Salem Oregon area home minus the highly coveted private remarks.

This is satire and not real. It was originally posted on the Get Real Estate Blog.

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Who ya gonna call?

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 23:08:13 -0800

If your house ain't selling

in your neighborhood

Who ya gonna call?

Housebusters?

I think not.

That leaves just one man.

Sometimes it just has to be done. Someone has to step up to the task and take it on. In Salem Oregon, the answer is obvious.

John Kirk is a principal broker for Tomson Burnham, LLC and licensed in the state of Oregon.

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I am not a toaster

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 19:50:22 -0800

You asked.

We gave you what you wanted, but the power of the dark side was just too great for the wanna be Darth-Vader-Home-Seller.

It isn't a big secret that real estate agents have really low entry standards into a profession that helps people spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a purchase. I swear going to toaster selling training is often more intense than the classes that real estate agents have to do to sell homes to people.

We're special that way.

Consumers know this not-so-well-hidden industry secret, and so you do what you should do. Try and figure out which agents to use and which ones to avoid. We all know that even though entry standards are inadequate, there are exceptional real estate agents in this industry. Since our industry seems reluctant to make it harder to join the club, some of us try and educate consumers. I know several agents that spend time on consumer forums trying to help consumers wade through the real estate industry. I'd like to think that we succeed in getting consumers to ask good questions and interview agents.

Buying a new toaster on Amazon? You'll know which ones burn your toast, which ones give you crisp perfection along with poached eggs, and those that will emblazon a smiley face on your toast. You have the wisdom of several others to guide you with this intensely important $20 purchase. Let's face it. Starting off your day with burnt toast is a precursor to Armageddon. Toast matters.

Stumbling through the mire of agents, consumers screamed for real estate agent ratings. Since we won't clean up our own muck, you need a way to get through it yourself. I get that. The problem is that some consumers get that too well. Real estate agents have been balking at participating in online reviews because we don't want to demean ourselves to well...being like a toaster. Which agents will burn you, which agents will pop up for you, and which ones go the extra mile for that smiley faced surprise at the end. Both you and I know that consumers can make or break someones success as a real estate agent with just a click of a star.

Enter the power grab.

I recently heard about a real estate agent, who is a really great agent by the way, who was threatened during a listing appointment with this..."If you don't cut your fee, I will write a bad review for you online."

Really? I mean really?

Online transparency is supposed to make it easier, a way for consumers to decide they like or dislike something from the ease of their comfy leather chair with, hopefully if you read your Amazon reviews, perfect toast with a nice homemade strawberry jam. It isn't supposed to be a way to force people into bending to your will with threats.

I think online reviews are good for the real estate industry because it places some power back in the hands of consumers, but dear consumers, you are welcome to love me or hate me. Don't try and extort me.

I am not a toaster.

This was originally published on the Get Real Estate Blog.

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Salem Oregon metro real estate market conditions

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:47:04 -0800

Home prices in Salem Oregon

In January 2009, I posted my predictions for real estate in Salem in 2010. My guess? Home prices would drop 5% in 2010. The reality? The average home price dropped 6.6% and the median shifted downward 6.1%. Pffft. I'm blaming the makers of Wheaties for not serving me breakfast in bed at a Holiday Inn Express. Had that occurred, I would have come up with that extra 1%, and I could amaze you all my great predictive powers. Alas, I merely had some green tea in Salem Oregon and we see where that landed me.

Off by 1%. I was so close. You will cut me some slack won't you?

Inventory in Salem Oregon

Inventory is an extremely important statistic in real estate because it is one of the closest measures we have in real estate to understanding supply and demand. When we look at the number of homes listed in 2010 vs. the number that actually sold you can see the disparity between the two. Ideally the lines would run close together indicating a more healthy supply and demand curve. In 2010, 40% of what was listed sold. That is pretty grim.

What does all this mean going forward?

More blah.

Here is my opinion. I am sure you will find some Salem real estate agent to give you a Pollyanna view of our market. I've already established that she and I aren't really on speaking terms. The market is still declining. Not huge declines, but our unemployment remains in double digits in Salem with little to indicate that it isn't going to be hanging there for a while. Our foreclosures, while they had been dropping, are still 4 times more than normal. Our real estate market is still bowled over by excessive inventory. All three of these factors are just going to continue to cause downward pressure on home prices over 2011. If interest rates creep up, that will add more downward pressure.

So, I'm predicting another 5% drop in home prices with a potential for up to 10% if interest rates creep up. Realistically, I think 5-7% is more likely. We've had this slow adjustment here in the Salem area, and I fully expect it to continue through 2011.

This data was crunched from information derived from the WVMLS. Data is for single family, non-farms, ranches, large acreage properties.

To read about the other local real estate markets, click on the link below.

Salem Oregon foreclosures

Keizer real estate market conditions

Silverton real estate market conditions

Dallas real estate market conditions

Stayton real estate market conditions

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In pursuit of a motto.

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 17:46:25 -0800

The new year has begun, and real estate agents have started blogging about their unfettered optimism for the coming new year. I was, in fact, brainstorming ideas for a new and improved motto for 2011 on my Facebook business page...

2011...the year that Salem real estate was only partially crummy.

I know, I know...it needs work. Pollyanna wasn't my BFF growing up, clearly. You'd think with only getting my 250 characters in the MLS description, I'd learn to be succinct at this point in my career, but alas...not so. I rock those abbreviations though...3B/2Ba, WI closet, W/D included. Killer description, don't you think?

Maybe that's my problem, I need to abbreviate the 2011 real estate year.

2011..the yr RE was abmnbl.

Okay, so that idea is utter garbage too. I'm sure I'll be given some mantra that I'm supposed to chant in unison with the millions of other agents across the country. "Buy now, people! Don't you realize I need to get my hair highlighted to cover my gray and I need that commission check?" That's not it, you say? Granted, it is a wee bit verbose. I'm moving onto plan B: hypnosis.

"Stare into this Archimedean spiral...buy, now...interest rates are low...Milk chocolate? Chocolate pudding? No...No...houses! Focus home buyers, focus."

Yeah, I know. I'm hopeless with these real estate mottos. I think I fell off the bandwagon and hit my head on a rock or something.

You don't have to be a genius to know that rates are low, but the fact is that real estate is still a risky proposition these days. Some people can't stomach the thought of risk, and others are fine taking the risk and are diving right into the market. I'm optimistic about the new year, but not because of some group chant meant to induce buyers to hop off the fence and dive in. I'm optimistic because the market will still be crummy in 2011, but people have started to adjust to the malaise. That makes my job easier. I don't get asked "How's the market?" anymore. We all know it isn't great.

We have a long way to go to deal with our economic issues and the real estate sector is just one portion of the overall economic picture. We aren't going anywhere fast, but you all knew that already. The next several posts will be year end real estate summaries for the cities in the Salem metro area. It won't be pretty, but it won't be horrible either.

Maybe the motto for 2011 is "Close enough."

This was originally posted on the Get Real Estate Blog.

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Control the devil inside

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 18:08:56 -0800

"Oh, this house has a broom rack!" she screeched with excitement.

"Please, like you need more brooms-" joked her husband before being interrupted by her seething voice.

"Beelzebub! Stop smooshing your sister's horns into their couch."

With a deep sigh, she turned to her husband.

"Lucifer, dear, can you light a fire under Satanay and Beelzie to behave. I need to look over the house to see if it has a large enough kitchen for my brewing cauldron. I just can't get anything done with these two little demons running amok! "

Grabbing his pitchfork, he nodded his head and rounded up the devils.

"I want to be moved into our new hell hole before the possession festival," she resumed. "What was I thinking bringing them along. I knew we should have left them with uncle Leviathan."

Parents, witches, fallen angels...you know how this goes...

Trying to go grocery shopping with the kids as they beg for some plastic salamander, huckleberry wart ice cream, or the latest Jonas-Brothers-please-love-me spell candy can be daunting enough as it is. Imagine trying to hunt for your next house, demons kids in tow, and trying to pay attention to see if the house has the perfect yard, enough storage space in the closets and kitchen, and a dark and dank basement for storing your canned newts.

While most real estate agents will encourage you to get a babysitter, myself included, there are those of you that want your child's input in the house purchase and those of you that just don't have anyone to watch your little devils kids. For those of you that elect to bring your children with you on your house hunt here are my top things that you can do to minimize the amount of demonesque behavior that ensues.

Don't set kids up to fail. If you have a naturally hyper-active kid don't plan to see 8 houses in a row. Seriously people, adults can barely handle that. Too many transitions means grumpy kids. Schedule to see an appropriate amount of homes based on your child's personality and schedules, not yours.
Work around nap times. No parent can pay attention when they are struggling with a cranky kid. Don't push getting into one more house to push your child's nap schedule. You'll just have to trust me when I tell you, you won't be able to look at the house anyway. Ear piercing shrieks=not able to pay attention.
Set a schedule for the kids and have a reward. Tell your kids that you will see three houses, show them the MLS photos, then go out for yogurt or something afterward if they follow directions. Kids get excited by all the new environments, so help them to avoid the ambiguity of when it will end by being clear with a schedule. You can have them be in charge of a "check off list" as you go to each house so they know that things are winding down.
For older kids that are just learning to write, have them be the "secretary." They can take notes about the houses as you go along. You can also have them record their notes on one of the smart phone apps. Kids love listening to their own voices so ask them to take notes as you go along. Busy hands can't touch other people's things,
Remind them not to touch things. This, honestly, has been the biggest issue with kids. They are being totally normal kids and touching other people's things. It isn't okay for them to do this, just so you can look around. Before walking into an occupied house, a gentle reminder is typically enough for most kids.
Have toilet paper. Not all homes are occupied which means no toilet paper. If you know you are looking at some vacant homes, have some toilet paper with you. Let's face it...kids don't have great bladder control and when they gotta go...they gotta go.
Have snacks. Those little tummies cause a lot of whining as kids get hungry. A quick snack while driving to the next house can keep the kids happy.
Have things for them to do. Most kids can make it through three houses. After than boredom sets in, big time. Bring coloring books, books, apps on your phones, ipads, movies, etc to keep them happy.
Schedule breaks. Tell your real estate agent what your child can tolerate. A stop at a local park, the Gilbert House, or a planned break for nursing moms can make things go a lot smoother during the search process.
Tell your agent what you need. Many parents often think that they can "power" through it with their kids. Honestly, this is not a good plan and a guarantee to trigger the devilish nature of your child. Typically, the house hunting process has to be cut short if that is the strategy a parent decides to take. Kids can't power through a whole lot so it is better to be upfront about any limitations you have with your Salem real estate agent.

House hunting can be a stressful experience and it should never be your goal to trigger the devil inside of your child to come out to play while in someones home. So remember, skip the Jonas Brothers, bring lots of snacks, and turn your house hunting into a devil of a good time.

This was originally posted on the Get Real Estate blog.

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An Uncomfortable Truth

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:53:59 -0800

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 in American history.

We've made progress for sure, but this mapping project turns fair housing law on its head.

Go ahead...mosey on over to the map...type in Salem, OR at the top...start hovering. You will see the racial makeup of the census areas pop up. Anyone that wants to live in a part of the city that is similar to their racial/ethnic origins just needs to click. You want to avoid a certain group. Click. You want a diverse neighborhood. Click.

I can honestly say in my 7 years as an agent, only one person asked to avoid a certain ethnic group. I was flabbergasted when it happened because I really didn't think people would buy a home based on racial criteria. I am interested to see if being this transparent about our ongoing racial divide will help us to move forward, or hold us back. I'm interested to know what you...the local home buyer will do with this kind of information. Other than local school demographics, which is public information, there hasn't been a way for home buyers to steer themselves toward or away from certain areas based on race/ethnicity.

Until now.

This post was originally posted on the Get Real Estate blog.

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No one looks good in bright orange

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:34:40 -0800

Originally posted on the Get Real Estate Blog.

"Well if you are going to complicate things..."

What!!!! (yes with all those exclamation points and all) is what I really wanted to scream on the other end of the phone, but I was already huffy.

"What is wrong with you. I don't have the right skin tone to pull off bright orange," I countered. You know the color convicts wear as they do meaningless arts and crafts hanging out in jail. I'm really not interested in emulating Martha Stewart.

"I'll pass."

What's up with those pesky Federal laws, anyway? Always getting in the way of a perfectly good Salem Oregon real estate transaction. RESPA, you know that set of Federal Laws called the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act? It's kind of a "minor" rule in real estate that any money that changes hands during the settlement of the loan has to appear on this small document called the HUD-1 Final Settlement Statement. Every so often, I get an "old school" agent that wants to do things "under the table." The urge to chuck the table at those agents is huge for me, because I'm telling you, bright orange will make my skin look sallow. Not good. Not good at all! Plus what kind of shoes would go with that?

Back to my point. Really, I do have one, so just keep reading.

Fraud.

If your real estate agent suggests to you that we take care of that after closing, and they aren't talking about the very legal hold back account. Walk. Run. Bunny hop or electric slide your way away from that agent. If you don't have any handy disco music to keep the beat for you just substitute the macarena. I know y'all have that song drilled in your head from being overplayed on the radio so I know you can do that one sans iPod.

Consumers count on Salem Oregon real estate agents to know and follow the laws of our state and the federal government. I don't know if it is because the real estate market is in the bidet, but dear consumers, don't let your real estate agent help you commit fraud. Really, I promise...you don't look good in bright orange either.

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Tie yourself to the mast

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:57:25 -0800

This was originally posted on the Get Real Estate Blog.

I'm starting to see why Odysseus tied himself to the mast.

Temptation is just too great.

Sitting at home in the comfort of your electric blue Snuggie, homemade hot cocoa brimming with mini-marshmallows by your side, you decide you need some help. You don't need no stinking expensive lawyers or real estate agents people that know a lot about real estate. Luring you online with the sweet persuasion, the Sirens forum calls to you...

"I'll give you the information you want for free, just tell me your secrets," it whispers.

The hot cocoa makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, temporarily rendering you passive. The Sirens downfall, in my opinion, was their failure to go to plan B...the Snuggie and hot cocoa. Filled with visions of world peace, you succumb to the Sirens random people that you don't know online and listen to their great words of wisdom. Much better than hiring a local attorney or working with a real estate agent who has read your contract and knows state real estate laws. These lovely voices online would never lead you astray...

Tie yourself to the mast dear consumers, or at least buy some beeswax for your ears. What Odysseus knew that some of you appear to be missing is that the lure of free advice online is fraught with disaster. Waiting for you by the sweet sounds of FREE advice are those rocky shoals waiting to crash your real estate contract into bits. Everyone wants reassurance, but state laws and customary practices vary so greatly from state to state that often the information you get online isn't right for you.

Did you know that in NYC, they don't use an MLS?
Did you know that in some major cities that listing agents attend all showings?
Did you know that in Illinois an attorney writes up a real estate contract, where out west they only get involved when there are problems?
Did you know that in North Carolina the attorney does the closing on a house, while we use title companies in Salem Oregon.
Did you know that in Texas the sales price of a house is confidential and not public record?
Did you know that in Salem Oregon that our rate of foreclosed homes isn't the same as say, Compton, CA?

The problem with going online and asking a bunch of strangers what you should write in your offer, what you should counter with in negotiations, whether or not a seller is being reasonable, is that none of us is privy to your contract, terms, and local market conditions/customs. The urge to bypass paying someone for advice is a strong and powerful force, and surely if Odysseus was a Jedi master he just would have gone all Yoda on those Sirens. Alas, you and I only get to carry those seemingly cool plastic light-sabers that break the moment you engage in battle leaving a young child forsaking all things made in China...but I digress from the point.

The point is that a real estate contract can be complicated. It is one thing to seek reassurance from your fellow oarsman that you are rowing the boat correctly. It is another thing to fail to tie yourself to the mast and be pulled in with erroneous advice from Sirens trolls that enjoy the sounds of their own voices as they lead you astray.

Tie yourself to the mast, dear consumer. Tie yourself to the mast.

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Surviving the Oregon gray days.

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 20:27:35 -0800

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 umbrellas here. Those are for the tourists. A good coat with a hood is what Oregonians generally use or we just go without. Drowned rat or wholly mammoth, pick your disheveled animal and we'll look like it during the winter months. Everyone looks that way so that is the new normal. Perfect hair means you never leave your home and that is a sure fire way to go crazy during the winter.

So how do we survive our gray winters here?

1) Coffee shops. Really I think there is a huge correlation between our obsession with coffee and our gray days of the PNW. There is nothing like getting out of the house, grabbing some hot tea or coffee, and chatting with friends at a local cafe. Even if you are new to the area and don't know anyone in town. Get out of the house and just go read a book at one of the local places.

2) Go hiking. Yep, really. Get some good waterproof boots and gear and hike some of the local trails near the waterfalls. Waterfalls need water (I know a genius observation on my part), and in the winter and spring, when Oregon is at its grayest, the waterfalls are spectacular to see gushing. Go hike the waterfalls and be in awe.

3) Take an overnight trip to the coast and watch the storms come in. The coast is notorious for high winds and rain and there is nothing like watching the coast get blasted and then walking on pristine beach the next morning.

4) Go all Gene Kelly. Get a really good pair of rubber boots and jump in some puddles. You'll be less embarrassed if you have young kids and it appears that you are just playing with your kids, but there is something totally innocent about stomping in a few puddles. If you break out in song, more power to you. Remember to ditch the umbrella though: those are for tourists.

5) When buying a house, look at natural light. When relocating home buyers move here from a hot state, I'm always suggesting that they consider the natural light of a house. They seem to be the most susceptible to SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), and having natural light in the house can minimize that.

6) Light some candles and relax. No I'm not a firebug, but there is something insanely soothing about candelight. Light some candles, take a hot bath and just relax to the sound of the rain outside.

7) No soup for you! Thankfully the soup Nazi isn't a real person, but Wild Pear and Amadeus in town make great soups. Get out of the house and grab a cup of soup at one of the local restaurants. If you are so inclined make some at home and get some fresh bread at Great Harvest or Cascade Baking Co to serve with it. I'd go on and on about the things you can do, but I'm leaving that for the comments section.

Dear Oregon readers, please write in the comment section at least one thing you do during the winter to deal with the gray days. This would be a nice cheat sheet for relocating home buyers to the Salem area about what to do and to ease their fears. So...what do you do to deal with the Oregon gray days?

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Foreclosures in Salem Oregon

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:06:25 -0800

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 distribution center is getting ready to hire. I think we are going to be in a job gained, job lost situation for a while, which means our unemployment numbers are probably going to hang up high for a while. Obviously the higher the unemployment numbers the worse our foreclosures will look.

I don't think we will spike back up to those 500 notices of default kind of quarters, but we still have a few years ahead of us in working all of these homes through the system. As of the minute I typed this post, (that's how totally up to date I am), 14.2% of homes sold to date in Salem Oregon were foreclosures or short sales. For all the home buyers out there that think that every seller is in foreclosure, only 14.2% of active listings are short sales or foreclosures. So 85% of home sellers...not in foreclosure.

So other than these juicy little tidbits of data, I've got nothing new for you.

Same ol' same ol'.

Bargain hunters...See the Salem Oregon foreclosed homes and then you know the drill...call me.

Foreclosure data is calculated from information received from Fidelity National Title Co. Sales data is calculated from the WVMLS.

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Relocating to Salem Oregon: Organic Ranches

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:47:46 -0700

Carob. Whole Wheat. Carrot Juice. No McDonald's.

Staples in my diet as a child.

I wasn't allowed to eat at McDonald's as a kid. I was convinced it was some bastion of great tasting food because all my friends ate there often and thought their food was great. I'd whine and cry about not being able to go, and somehow believed that my parents were torturing me for reasons unbeknownst to me. Clearly the good parents took their kids to eat there but why did I get stuck with the bad parents? I think I was around 10 when my dad caved and took me and my sisters there.

I thought it was some of the most vile food on the planet, right up there with mustard, Twinkies, and Oscar Meyer hot dogs in my book.

What I know now, is that my parents were way ahead of the times. They got as much organic produce as possible and limited our exposure to junk food. I think I might have been in high school or college before I had Pringles. I've eaten them once and on a side note, why do people like pop tarts? Growing up in the mid-west in ag central (ie DeKalb Illinois) which has the research site for creating new seeds, the words organic and non-GMO weren't exactly common.

Fast forward to our move to Oregon twenty years ago and fresh, local and organic/no spray were common place. I have to say it is one of the things I love the most about Oregon is that I can get good, local produce constantly. I know you are probably wondering what all my ramblings are about, but recently I was introduced to this insanely cool website and map that shows local organic farmers/ranchers that sell meat. All grass fed with no antibiotics and steroids. I thought it was the coolest thing and really wanted to share it with those of you out there that want to get good local organic meat. For those of you considering a relocation to Salem Oregon, rest assured that local healthy food is abundant. Bon Appetit!

View Oregon Farms & Ranches Listed on Eatwild.com C in a larger map

This post was originally posted on the Get Real Estate Blog.

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Salem Oregon 3rd Quarter real estate market report

Sat, 16 Oct 2010 18:43:11 -0700

I think the regular readers of my blog are so with it in terms of the local home trends here in Salem Oregon, that I can just post these charts with no opinions attached, right? Say yes…I’m in the middle of beating Plants vs. Zombies on my iPad and I don’t want to have to stop to write up any kind of analysis here…

You think I jest, but I’m serious. Have you ever played Plants Vs. Zombies on your iPhone, computer, iPad? These cute little sunflowers happily spew out suns which you can use to grow other plants to kill the zombies that cross the lawn to try and eat your brains. Personally I like the exploding jalapeno pepper. The even smile when the zombies eat them. They really need to take some karate or something and kick some zombie hiney.

What? My attempts to distract you from boring real estate data into talking about cute sunflowers isn’t working? Data you say? As Susan Mangigian, a sweetheart of a real estate agent from West Chester, PA, would say, pffft. So be it…

Home prices in the 3rd quarter are down. This isn’t a big surprise. I told in you January we’d be down again this year. Even John Kirk said we’d be down again this year. The market is just following our crystal ball nicely…thank you crystal ball. The third quarter was down 7% from 2009’s third quarter’s numbers, and Salem Oregon home prices are down 17% from our peak in 2007, for those who are curious.

Home sales were down year-over-year for the third quarter, which isn’t a big surprise. Unless you’ve been hanging out with a volleyball named Wilson for the past few years, you know that we had the real estate hangover to end all real estate parties this past quarter. No Oregon Dungeness crab at that party, by the way…

No big surprises here. Home sales were down 31% year over year from 2009’s third quarter.

For those of you that want to see how things look for trending….

Home prices have been down, and generally speaking home sales have been up. We should end the year with more homes sold this year over 2009, and then we’ll really get to see what the market can do on its own next year. Right now we have a 15.5 month inventory of homes in Salem Oregon so we are getting ready to head into the slow season with a massive amount of homes on the market. Unfortunately for you, the Zombies just ate by brains so I can’t give you any more analysis. You’re on your own for the rest.

P.S. This data was crunched using data from the WVMLS for single family, non-acreage property and originally posted on the Get Real Estate Blog.

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