Corvallis, OR

An ECHO (Elder Cottage Housing Opportunities) unit is often a separate, small, manufactured home added in the side or backyard of a single-family house - usually an adult child's house. It can also be an apartment within the main house or added onto the main structure. Older parents can then live near their children but not with them.

ECHO is an ideal answer for many families. It allows older adults to get the support they need while all can stay independent in their own homes. It gives everyone the privacy they may desire.

ECHO units permit closeness without sacrificing self-reliance or independence. Often, they foster a spirit of mutual support between the households. Grandparents and grandchildren are more apt to develop close relationships. An ECHO unit can eliminate the hassle of distance traveling to offer needed support to loved ones.

With a little magic, vacant rooms can come alive and show buyers the full potential on the internet and in person. Here's a quick snipit of a job we completed last week.

The best way to entice potential buyers to envision living in a home is to make sure it appeals to their senses - which is nearly impossible to do when it is vacant!

Leave a comment and let us know what you think! For other examples and ideas check out our website too!

Corvallis, Oregon - 37th Annual Fall Festival Weekend...Lots to Do!

The last weekend in September is big in Corvallis, Oregon. The OSU students are back, the air is a little crisper, and it's time for Fall Festival, the annual arts and crafts event that fills Central Park downtown.

This year Fall Festival celebrates 37 years with 170 arts and crafts booths, food court, wine tasting, and a beer garden. There will be kids art zones and plenty of things to do over the weekend.

There will be free music at the Festival all weekend and a big street dance on Saturday night. Also on Saturday, the OSU Beavers will take on Pac-10 rival Arizona in Reser Stadium for a home footbal game.

Then on Sunday "the largest road race in Benton and Linn Counties" takes off with the Fall Festival 10k and 5k race and the 1k fun run/walk.

Over 20 non-profit organizations are providing food booths at the Festival with treats ranging from hot dogs and burgers, to pad thai and falafel. So grab an elephant ear, and come make a weekend of it! (For more: http://corvallisfallfestival.org)

2009 Corvallis Fall Festival Poster
Image: "It Was A Sunny Day"
Gouache on watercolor paper by Mark Allison

Friday September 25:

• United Way Day of Caring for local volunteers
• OSU Marching Band Preview performance, 7:15 pm at Reser Stadium. Free.

Saturday September 26:

• Fall Festival begins. 10am - 6 pm. Central Park, downtown.
• Fall Fetival Street Dance. 6 pm - 10 pm.
• Oregon State Beavers football vs. Arizona, Reser Stadium, 4:30 pm

Sunday Septmber 27:

• Fall Festival 10k,5k run and 1k fun run/walk. Starts at 9 am, 8th & Madison downtown.
• Fall Festival, 10 am - 5 pm.

Thinking About Buying a Home in Corvallis, Oregon? Now's a Great Time!

It's really true that now is a great time to buy a home in Corvallis. Here's why:

• Inventory is good at most price points

• Interest rates are low

• There's still time to take advantage of the $8,000 credit for first-time buyers

According to a search of our Multiple Listing Service, there are currently 252 single-family homes for sale in Corvallis ranging from $130,000 - $1,075,000. The average list price is currently $344,655. There are 35 homes under $200,000.

In the condo market, there are currently 20 units active in the MLS ranging from $59,900 - $795,000.

The price point for homes in Corvallis depend on many factors including age, condition, and location. Properties located in the western sections of Corvallis are generally higher priced than properties in the eastern areas.

If you are thinking about buying a home, contact your credit union, bank, or other lender and get pre-approved for a loan, if you need one to buy. That way you will know how much home you can afford and will be able to move quickly when you find the right property.

Then call me to schedule a meeting to discuss your wants and needs in a home. I can then set up showings of homes currently on the market that fit that profile! I would love to help you find your next house and make Corvallis home!

I have been checking out senior facilities in Corvallis but hadn't gotten around to Albany yet. This past week I had the sad job of helping research an appropriate place for my uncle.

Eugene Davidson, ex POW of the Japanese, survivor of the Bataan Death March. 90 years old and just in the past year stricken with Alzheimers to the point that his wife can no longer care for him at home. The Corvallis Manor won't take him and the VA won't pay for Regent Court. So, to Albany we went. Timberview is on 6th Street right across the street from the hospital. I talked with Admissions and went on a short tour of the building. It was just a quick preview because ultimately it was his wife and children who would make the decision. I was just a scout. It was lunch time when I was there and everything was bright and clean. No smells evident and residents seemed well attended. They have a fenced in garden area where folks who want to get outside are able to walk in safety.

His family visited and were pleased with what they saw and sometime this week Eugene will move into his new residence. Maybe he will think he is visiting a fancy hotel in a far away country. Hopefully he will forget the unbearable hunger of his war years.

How thankful I am for the people who dedicate their lives to care for these folk that have no where else to go. They take on tasks that most of us could never imagine ourselves doing. They care for our Vets everyday, those who have been dedicated enough to care for us. God Bless.