STEVE FRISBIE - CORVALLIS AND ALBANY REAL ESTATE AGENT: March 2017

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Home Sweet Home....

How Much Do You Love Your Home? Enough to Turn Down a Million Dollars?

Read

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Sellers remorse? You're not alone, it's very common....

Why Seller's Remorse Is So Common, and What to Do About It

Thinking of selling your home and worried you’ll regret it? Here’s how to cope. Read

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Corvallis is starting to bloom....

This picture doesn't do it justice, but the cherry trees and other spring time blooming trees are really starting to bloom out. The building in this picture is the Oregon State University Memorial Union building in the center of campus. It has some kind of flowering tree (can't remember what kind it is, but the flowers are huge, it's not a cherry tree definitely) out front that should be in full bloom within a week or less by the looks of it. It's a beautiful building and a very nice walk through campus.

Later,

Steve

Planning some home renovations, here's some budget considerations....

Don't Be One of Those Homeowners Who Goes Over Budget on a Renovation

‘Home renovations on a budget’ isn’t an oxymoron. It can be done with these 5 tips. Read

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Replacing your heating/cooling system? Here's some tax info that may be helpful...

Tax Credits for Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems

If you installed an energy-tax-credit-eligible heating and cooling system, here’s what you need to do to collect. Read

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Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Oregon State baseball team earns #1 ranking in pretty much all of the polls...

The Oregon State baseball team is off to a hot start this year. 20 and 1 so far. Click here for an article on the team's poll rankings. I haven't made it to a game yet this season, gotta change that. Here's a shot of the stadium on campus from a previous year.

Monday, March 27, 2017

Here's some Corvallis March 2017 residential real estate sales statistics...

Thought I'd post the most recent stats passed along to me at work. These are taken from the Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service. Compared to the last couple of months, inventory of available homes is starting to rise again but it's still only about two thirds of what it was last year.

Homes are still selling at a very brisk pace. It seems to be a very good time to be on the market. If you, or anyone you know, are thinking of selling your home, please contact me. I'd like to help you sell your home.

Click here: For the February 2017 Corvallis real estate stats.

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Baking soda home remedies, quite handy stuff....

9 Awesome Things That Cleaning With Baking Soda Can Do

Wow. What an olfactory difference cleaning with a small box of baking soda can make. Read

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Friday, March 24, 2017

Here's a few thoughts on renting versus owning....

Should You Look for Your First House Or Keep Renting?

5 key questions to ask yourself before buying a home. Read

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Thursday, March 23, 2017

6 common home tax deduction mistakes....

6 Home Deduction Traps and How to Avoid Them

Get an “A” on your Schedule A form: Dodge these tax deduction pitfalls to save time, money, and an IRS investigation. Read

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Click me: Here's some hints on doing your own taxes.

Here's some information on septic systems...

Should You Repair or Replace Your Septic System?

Here’s how to figure out whether you can fix a problem septic system or if it’s going to have to be replaced. Read

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Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Woohoo! I have a new house picked out. What kind of inspections should I have?

Often times there are inspections beyond a basic home inspection that should be done on a case by case basis when you are buying a home. Here are a few...

Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers

A general home inspection only goes so far. Here’s what else you might need. Read

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Tuesday, March 21, 2017

A little about mortgage deductions...

How to Deduct Your Mortgage Interest & Equity Loan Costs

Deducting mortgage interest, as well as interest on home equity loans and HELOCs, can save money on taxes. Read

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Winter got you down? Get an early start on spring....

This is a little late in the year for a lot of people since we're coming out of the dark and cold season, but I thought I'd pass it along.

9 Mood-Lifting Ideas For a Cozier Home This Winter

Banish the winter blahs for a radically better outlook this season. Read

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Monday, March 20, 2017

The brewing business in Corvallis is growing. Both Block 15 Brewing Company and 2 Towns Ciderhouse are expanding...

Image may contain: one or more people, people sitting, table and indoor

...AGAIN!

Here's a shot I took at the Block 15 Tap room (south of town as you head towards the airport) after they opened their expanded brewery back in summer of 2015.

Both 2 Towns Ciderhouse, which specializes in craft ciders, and Block 15 Brewing Company have expanded into larger brewing facilities in the last few years, and they've outgrown their "new" digs already.

Recently they were approved for extra expansion. Click here for an article from the Corvallis Gazette Times about the expansions.

It's a good idea to back up your tax documents....

4 Dangers You Face If You Don't Back Up Your Income Tax Documents

Do you know what important documents to keep and why? You risk wasting money and time if you don’t back up your income tax records. Read

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Here's an article about replacing your plumbing considerations.

Oregon State Women's Basketball Team advances to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament...

Last night the women's team defeated Creighton, and they will advance to play Florida State this next Saturday. Click here for more information.

In other OSU sports news Madeline Gardiner was named the Pac-12 gymnastics scholar athlete of the year as OSU placed second at the Pac 12 Gymnastics Championships.

Congratulations to our strong women's teams.

Sunday, March 19, 2017

It can a good idea to get an accountant's help on your taxes....

There can be a number of changes in life that can bring about changes in the way you'll want to handle your taxes. Here's an article that might be of help to some people...

When It's Time to Get an Accountant to Do Your Taxes

Do you need a CPA? Or will a regular accountant do? Read

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Saturday, March 18, 2017

It's a hot real estate market in the Corvallis and Albany area, what price offer should I accept?

Real estate is moving at a brisk pace right now. In Corvallis specifically, inventory this past couple of months has been running quite low in comparison to last year. Pricing a home can be a tricky thing, and accepting an offer can be even trickier...

Here's an article that gives some recommendations on accepting offers...

6 Tips for Choosing the Best Offer for Your Home

Have a plan for reviewing purchase offers so you don’t let the best slip through your fingers. Read

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Click here for some Corvallis real estate statistics from February 2017

Went to the Oregon State Football spring game today....

Here's a quick shot of Reser Stadium from today. I took the photo from one end of the club seats, coulda been in a better location if I wanted a better pic but I was comfortable right where I was.

The OSU football team had their practices pretty early this spring compared to usual. The weather this morning was pretty darned wet, but by game time it wasn't raining, and an hour in there was plenty of sun to be had.

This morning they had the OSU athletic department used sale. I showed up an hour to hour and a half after it opened so I suspect it was fairly picked over. There were tons of jerseys, shoes, signs, and such left when I arrived. From what I understand they have had furniture in the past (I know a couple years back they had theater recliners that were a hot item, no idea if they had them this morning). There were lots of people buying while I was there. I mention it because in the future an OSU sports fan needing something to hang on the wall might come across this. I didn't jump on anything for my mancave this morning.

later,

Steve

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Home odors many people don't even realize they have? Here's a way to deodorize a few of them...

Those who get into real estate and start looking at a lot of homes realize pretty darned quickly that many homes will have their own "unique odor". It's quite common. Most people who are living with it don't even notice it, but when it comes to visitors, or potential buyers, who don't have the same living circumstances... they'll likely notice. Here's a short article that addresses a few common "unique odors" and how to help eliminate them....

You Can’t Detect These 4 Odors, But Your Guests Can

Noseblind? Here’s how to find and eliminate the smelly culprits. Read

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Wednesday, March 15, 2017

A few things homeowners could do with their tax refunds that pay off....

What to Do With a Tax Refund: 3 Ideas That'll Practically Double Your Money If You're a Homeowner

Turn a refund into instant home equity with these small home improvements. Read

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Tuesday, March 14, 2017

A little post on reading those energy efficiency labels on windows and doors....

Understanding Energy Ratings for Windows and Doors

Qualifying for the $200 to $500 federal tax credit on new windows and doors depends on two measurements, U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. Read

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Some info regarding vacation homes and taxes...

Tax Deductions for Vacation Homes

Tax deductions for vacation homes vary greatly depending on how much you use the home and whether you rent it out. Read

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Monday, March 13, 2017

Keep your eyes open for these tax mistakes....

I'm thinking I'll be making a lot of tax postings in the next month. 'Tis the season...

9 Easy Mistakes Homeowners Make on Their Taxes

Don’t rouse the IRS or pay more taxes than necessary — know the score on each home tax deduction and credit. Read

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Follow this link to more tax tips. Click me!

And now for something different...

Here's a photo I took back in the days when I owned a dive company in Kona and was scuba diving a lot. I figure every now and then I might post a pic that isn't revolving around my current work or Corvallis.

I need to get back to diving again, It's kinda tough to get back into the idea of suiting up for the cold water we have here when you've been away from it for so long. Believe it or not, one of the more spectacular dives I've ever done was off Newport, Oregon back in the late 90's during a period of time the ocean was really clear. There's a ton of sealife off of our coast.

Thinking about replacing that old water heater? Here's some things to look at....

Tax Credits for Non-Solar Water Heaters

Don’t get in hot water over fuel bills. If you installed an efficient water heater, you might be eligible for a tax credit. Read

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Friday, March 10, 2017

Here are some hints on doing your own taxes this season....

How to DIY Your Taxes — and Not Miss a Single Deduction

Tips on choosing tax preparation software to help get all the homeowner benefits. Read

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Here's some previous articles I've posted that involve taxes for home owners:

Another article on home owner taxes...

More tax tips....

The old Tum-a-lum Lumber building on 9th st in Corvallis is coming down....

I was driving today and noticed the second building on the lot where someone is putting in a new retail complex on 9th street is coming down. Looks like they're getting on it at a pretty good clip.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Homeowner alert.. Little things that could cause expensive problems in cold weather....

OK, sorry about this... it's a little late in the winter to post this - I just saw it... we have a fairly mild climate in Corvallis, but in some parts of the country these tips could really make a big difference.
7 Mistakes That Cost Homeowners BIG Money During Cold Weather

Avoid winter’s nastiest tricks. Read

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For more cold weather tips: click here and maybe save some money on your power bill.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Nice hiking at the Lewisburg Saddle just outside of Corvallis....

I went for a hike the other day up at the Lewisburg Saddle. This is the first time I had been there. My wife had been there numerous times before and had always talked about us going up there some day. Well, we'll have to go back on a fairly regular basis.

The Lewisburg Saddle hiking area is literally just 6 miles from our house. To get there you head up to Lewisburg Road and turn on to Sulfur Springs Road and head uphill. There will be obvious parking and a kiosk along side of the road when you reach the spot.

We did a short three mile hike that day. Staying on the road there wasn't much of an elevation change. Apparently there's some pretty good climbs and drops if you decide to take some of the other trails which are available. I'll try some of those once I get out a bit more and am more used to hiking. My wife is capable of hiking circles around me for the moment..., gotta change that.

The whole place is part or Oregon State University's McDonald-Dunn Research Forest which borders a large part of the northwest section of Corvallis. There are several logging roads to hike as well as several hiking adn biking trails to explore. It is a working research forest, with good signage to help explain what is going on as far as logging research.

While we were out there we were pleasantly surprised by a bit of late winter snowfall. This was the day before we were hit with a decent snowfall in town, which I had mentioned in an earlier post ont he blog. I was a very pleasant way to spend a bit of the weekend.

Later,

Steve

Monday, March 6, 2017

Rain barrels are a neat way to save and conserve water...

Save Water and Money with a Rain Barrel

Using rain barrels to harvest rainwater from your roof is a simple, low-expense solution for conserving water and saving on your water bill. Read

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Corvallis Oregon makes Top 8 list...

I ran across this on facebook the other day...

Corvallis just made a list titled: "The 8 Best Cities for Young Entrepreneurs" Click Here.

A great way to cut your energy use and save on the power bills....

How to Use a Programmable Thermostat to See Real Savings

A programmable thermostat can help you rake in the energy savings, but there’s a hitch: You’ve got to pick one you’ll actually use. Read

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Snow in Corvallis this morning....

Just when I make a post saying "Spring is coming..." it turns around and snows the next day, March 6th. Spring is still coming... some day.

Sunday, March 5, 2017

A few home winterizing tips....

How to Protect Your Home From Severe Cold

Besides your wubby, do you have what it takes to defend against winter’s chill? Read

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Spring is coming....

Well, there was a light dusting of snow in the foothills today, but despite that there are signs of spring coming. I can't wait. Corvallis and the surrounding area are loaded with green once the leaves reappear. We do have year round green with all the pines we have here, but when the deciduous trees leaf up it's beautiful here. Here's a shot of Cronemiller Lake, a small lake up in Peavy Arboretum, where my wife and I like to hike from time to time. It's nice to have this type of scenery just a few minutes from home.

Later,
Steve

Saturday, March 4, 2017

Have you been trying to refinance a high rate mortgage?

Want to Refinance Your Mortgage But You’re Being Turned Down?

The federal program HARP might be able to help you. Here’s how it works. Read

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Corvallis High School presentation of "Cats"....

A quick note: I heard a rumor that the Corvallis High's presentation of Cats was quite worthwhile. It's been running for a while, and along with a matinee tomorrow (March 5th) there will be Presentations on March 10th, 11th and 12th as well.

Here's a link with the schedule information.

Here's some real estate statistics for Lebanon, Oregon from February 2017...

About once a month I'll try to post some local real estate stats for the Corvallis/Albany/Lebanon areas that are made available to us at work at Keller Williams Mid-Willamette. Stats are compiled from the local multiple listing service. Note: I've noticed I'm having trouble seeing the stats in Safari, not sure if it's me or my ancient Ipad.

For Corvallis February 2017 statistics CLICK HERE!
For Albany February 2017 statistics CLICK HERE!
For Lebanon March 2017 statistics CLICK HERE!

If you are looking at buying or selling a home this year, let's talk!

Here's some great winter home repair ideas....

12 Simple Home Repair Jobs to Lift You Out of Winter's Funk

Fight winter doldrums with easy home repairs that’ll raise spirits and get your house ready for spring. Read

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Keller Williams Mid Willamette real estate agent

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Monday, March 27, 2017

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Friday, March 24, 2017

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Click me: Here's some hints on doing your own taxes.

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Monday, March 20, 2017

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Click here for some Corvallis real estate statistics from February 2017

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Monday, March 13, 2017

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Friday, March 10, 2017

Here's some previous articles I've posted that involve taxes for home owners:

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Monday, March 6, 2017

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Saturday, March 4, 2017