Independence, OR

The City of Independence is the third largest urban area in Polk County, Oregon. As of 2003, there were 6,850 residents of Independence. Located across the Willamette River from Salem to the Southwest, it has three city parks including a new one on the riverfront.  Independence has two main festivals: Western Days (co-sponsered with Monmouth) and the Hop and Heritage Festival.

 
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For homeowners looking for small town charm, Independence is a good choice. New construction homes are available as well as older historic homes. Whether it is modern amenities or old home charm, Independence has both.

 

Brief History of Independence:

In June of 1845, settlers from Missouri arrived in what was to be called Independence. One of the settlers, John Thorp settled north of Ash Creek in an area that ended up being called Thorps' town. In 1861, a large flood occurred that left the town devastated. A new city, south of the old town, was platted on higher ground in 1867. The town was called Henry Hill's town of Independence. By 1885 the two towns merged to create Independence

 

With its location along the Willamette River, Independence originally benefited from the timber industry. During the 1920's and 30's, Independence became well known for its hop industry. Hops are used in the production of beer, and Oregon has several excellent local microbreweries. With its good soil, Independence has a long history of an agricultural economy.

 

In 1989, the historic district was established in a 30 block area located along the Willamette River. The early character and architecture has been preserved to make the Independence down town area filled with charm. The Riverview Amphitheater and Park were completed a few years ago and is a stunning park that adds to the livability of Independence. Because of its proximity to Salem and highly affordable housing, Independence is considered to be the next “bedroom” community for the Salem metro area.

Ever left a house and later asked yourself "how many bedrooms was that house?". Was it 3 or 4? After touring several homes they can all run together, and buyers may have a hard time remembering a vacant or unattractive room. Add to that several different house hunting trips and those vacant and unappealing rooms are a forgotten glance.

Making sure each bedroom make a fantastic impression will help buyers prevent memory loss! This bedroom is one I think they will remember -- and wish was their own!

Before staging, this room may not have been too memorable -- and if it was, it wouldn't have been a positive memory!

We love helping make better memories -- quick sales for home sellers and beautiful rooms home buyers!

Wondering how to make your home compete in a buyers' market? Contact Creative Concepts and Contracting at 503-881-0886 for ideas on how to prepare your home to appeal to the most buyers and attract top offers.

The first quarter has ended for the real estate market. Here is where our local markets currently stand. Market data information is from the local WVMLS.

Here is what is occurring in the cities of Monmouth-Independence area in real estate...

Average Sales price:

The average sales price so far this year is $188,656, down 8.5 % from last year's $206,077. Prices have corrected slightly in this area. They will probably continue to have some mild correction in the upcoming months.

Inventory:

Monmouth-Independence has an absorption rate of 11.3. This places the current Monmouth-Independence inventory at 7.6 months.

Home Sales Closed:

In the first quarter this year, 34 homes closed on the market. That is down 53 % from the same time frame last year when 64 homes closed in the first quarter. What this means for you as a seller is that you have to be the best house with the best price.

New Home Construction:

In the first quarter this year the average home price was $214,439. This is down 7.8% from the same time frame last year of $232,632. Unfortunately new construction sales are down 67.6% from the same time frame last year.

Condominiums:

Monmouth-Independence does not have enough condo transactions to conduct accurate analysis.

Luxury Market ($500,000+):

Monmouth-Independence does not have a significant luxury market for analysis purposes.

For the Salem Oregon Market Report, click here.

If you need more specific market information, please feel free to call or email me with your specific area, and I will provide you with a more detailed report.

(c) Copyright, 2008. Melina Tomson, All Rights Reserved. DO NOT COPY this without express written permission from the author.