Florence Oregon Neighborhoods, Part 5: Munsel Creek Estates

One of my absolute favorite in-town neighborhoods in Florence is Munsel Creek Estates, a small cul-de-sac subdivision of 35 lovely homes built in 2003 to 2005. The homes are all one story except one and range in size from 1700 square feet to 2200 square feet. Lots are just shy of one quarter of an acre, large enough to garden, low maintenance landscaping already in place. I think the reason that I especially like this subdivision is that all the homes are gracefully placed on their lots, are very well kept and the subdivision is tucked away and quiet. The developer left some large trees, a sought-after feature for many who move to Florence. In addition, the homes are different from one another but harmonious. Munsel Creek runs along the northern edge of the subdivision and makes a nice destination for a dog walk. Munsel Creek Estates begins at 13th Street, making it only 13 blocks from Old Town Florence's boutiques, yummy restaurants and harbor, an easy walk or bike along pretty flat streets or along the Munsel Creek bike path. Since Munsel Creek Estates is located on the east side of highway 101, it's sunny when subdivisions at the beach are fogged in and it's a little warmer, making it more likely that you'll get a good crop of strawberries and fat squash in the summer. Since it's a small neighborhood, all the neighbors know one another and virtually every home is owner occupied, an added plus. Homes are not that frequently on the market. There's is only one for sale right now:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/yb4h4aq. If you'd like to stay in touch with this neighborhood's sales, let me know and I'll email you future listings as soon as they come onto the market. http://www.oregonflorencerealestate.com/, www.twitter.com/Florence_OR

My Favorite Neighborhoods, Part Two: Greentrees Village

Greentrees Village is one of two over 55 gated communities in Florence. Greentrees residents enjoy the privileges of owning both their home and their land. Established in the early 70's, Greentrees has about 700 homes located east and west of Rhododendron Drive perhaps a mile from highway 101 near Old Town. Some homes on the west side are river front where owners have a spectacular view of the Siuslaw River and the ocean dunes. These home owners have their own beach available to them, especially at low tide. For those residents who don't own river front property, there is river and beach access for all residents who want to take advantage of Greentrees' fabulous location. Greentrees Village has so many advantages and amenities, it's hard for me to decide which I love the most. Perhaps it's the two swimming pools, pool table, sauna, tennis courts, library, popcorn machine, club house and so forth. Or maybe its all the fun events that one resident or another sponsors. Check out their calendar at http://www.greentreesvillage.com/ Or maybe it's one of the many clubs. Perhaps the well-kept pet-friendly streets where the speed limit is 10 mph. Or the native vegetation that must be kept as a visual barrier between homes. Perhaps the flock of wild turkeys that stand in the road. Or maybe it's the price of homes ranging from $75,000 to $322,650. There's a home in most every one's price range. I am particularly impressed with what's covered in the $146.00 a month home owner's association fees: maintenance of all the recreational facilities and the club house; the beach access; paving and maintenance of private roads; garbage collection; water and sewer; basic cable; and of course staffing. There's not a better deal anywhere else in friendly Florence, Oregon. I've represented several buyers who now are happy home owners in Greentrees Village. And soon one of my buyers, who has just sold her home in Oklahoma City will be one of the newest residents of Greentrees. All my buyers would be so pleased to speak with anyone thinking of relocating to Florence about the joys of living in their neighborhood. Just email or call me, and I'll put you right in touch with them.

5 Things to do Before Putting your Home on the Market

1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.

2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin.

4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you’re a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

Peaches, Pooches and Pocketbooks on the Old Town Florence Boardwalk

I love strolling the Old Town Boardwalk during Saturday Market. What a lovely assortment of food and fun stuff to pick from. I think just about every dog in town visits the boardwalk. I saw hot dog doggies, fluffy doggies, short doggies and tall doggies, barky doggies and standoffish doggies. My dog, Maeve, is a whiner doggie, not to be confused with a weiner doggie, a cross between a Chow and a Golden Retriever, about 35 pounds, a redheaded shedder extraordinaire. If I were smart, I'd collect all that red hair and knit a sweater for the cool months I spend in front of the fire. Or maybe I could figure out a way to incorporate her hair into my watercoloring. Anyone with suggestions, please shout them out. Anyway, when Maeve sees another dog, she whines and sings out her hello, hoping someone will come over and pet her. She thinks she's the prettiest pooch on the boardwalk and lots of folks must think the same or love her singing because they come over and give her a pet. She gives them a toothy smile and that results in more pets, then she sings a little more and the pet goes on. Last time we were on the boardwalk, the fresh veggie vendors were there in force. I bought my husband and I a peach each from an organic farm, the kind of peach that you just have to eat right then and there, the kind I call a two paper towel peach, so much juice dripping down your chin, you attract bees and butterflys to the sweet nectar. Could August possibly get any better than this? Not in my book. The Saturday Market goes on until the weather gets fall-like, maybe a little rainy. I hope we've got another 6 weeks and that those peaches keep coming. But you never know, so if you've a yen for juicy peaches, pooches, pocketbooks and more, set your sites for Florence Old Town right away.

Florence Oregon Real Estate Goes to the Dogs!

It's another fabulously beautiful day in Old Town Florence, Oregon. Lots of Eugenians and Rosebergians have made a hasty departure from the sodden heat of the valley in search of cool breezes and delicious smoothies at the Herb Jar next door to the Home Finder Service Real Estate office in Laurel Crossing. Many of the folks who drift into our lovely office with its comfy overstuffed leather chairs, doors open of course so that we can enjoy the splashing of the fountain--bring their dogs in. Yes, we're a dog-friendly place, as is all of Florence. We are so proud of our animal shelter which operates primarily on volunteer love and labor and the proceeds of sales made at the Florence Humane Society Thrift Store located a couple of blocks from the Home Finder's office. Today Harry the fox terrier stopped in with my friend, Pam, to get a few tasty biscuits. I'm wild about Harry and you'd be wild about Harry too, he's so handsome, polite and perky. Pam and I talked real estate for a few minutes. Pam has discovered the wonders of Florence and is escaping the heat of Oklahoma City. She's so enamored of our fair town that she's returning to Okieland in a couple of weeks, selling her home there, and plans to buy a home in Florence either in Greentrees Village, one of our two 55+ gated communities, or a little bungalow within walking distance of all the pleasures of Old Town Florence. And boy, are there some real estate deals to be found right now. One of the Laurel Crossing condominiums above our office is listed below $150,000. When these condos were first on the market in 2004, they sold for $300,000 plus. If you're looking for the next great deal, let me know. I'll send you a "Picks of the Week" report and you'll be on your way to owning a piece of "Paradise on the Pacific." http://www.oregonflorencerealestate.com/ email: hope@hopemacmanus.net