Southern Oregon Living

Speechless Sunday - You Won't Find Me Dangling From a Tree!

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:02:37 -0600

Speechless Sunday - You Won't Find Me Dangling From a Tree!

Some people just don't mind hanging out on a limb! Not this Southern Cali/Oregon Gal. You won't find me dangling from a tree. Just hanging out with friends on a lovely Sunday afternoon :)

Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner

Grants Pass, Oregon ~ Southern Oregon Real Estate

541-659-1620

Get Your Chocolate Fix Today in Southern Oregon!

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 11:41:26 -0600

Get Your Chocolate Fix Today in Southern Oregon! Feeling a little chocolate craving coming on? Well, today is your lucky day in Southern Oregon. Two chocolatey events are taking place today; The 6th Annual Oregon Chocolate Festival at the Ashland Springs Hotel in Ashland Oregon, and the Cocoa Loco Chocolate Tasting Event at Harry & David in Medford Oregon.

Both events are sure to get those chocolate taste buds going. From assorted chocolate truffles, chocolate brownies (my fav), chocolate fondue, chocolate dipped strawberries, to yummy chocolate cocoa. It's chocolate lover's dream today in Southern Oregon. You can get your chocolate fix today!

Don't waste time diddle daddling on household chores or mowing the lawn, as both of these Southern Oregon events end today at 4pm. So, get your chocolate fix now! See you there!

From one Chocolate Lover to another!

Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner

Grants Pass, Oregon ~ Southern Oregon Real Estate

541-659-1620

Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Statistics

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:46:12 -0600

Here are the latest Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Statistics for February 2010.

900 - Active Residential Listings

43 - Homes Sold

53 - Listings Pending

136 - Average Days on Market

$188,019. - Average Sold Price

Statistics provided courtesy of Real Estate Cafe. Source of information is Southern Oregon MLS - Monthly NAR Statistical Report. Information provided herein has not been verified and is not guaranteed.

Click Here for more information regarding Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate

Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner

Grants Pass, Oregon ~ Southern Oregon Real Estate

541-659-1620

We May Not Have It All Together...

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:43:24 -0600

We May Not Have It All Together... but together, we have it all. This is a saying on a quilt that hangs over the fireplace in our office at Real Estate Cafe. It speaks volumes to those who walk through our red door.

Real Estate Cafe is a quaint boutique-style real estate office situated in a historic building in Grants Pass Oregon. Real Estate Cafe employs 8 real estate agents who previously worked for various other real estate franchises including RE/MAX, Prudential, Keller Williams and ERA. On average, our agents have more than 10 years experience in the business and are top producers in real estate listings and sales.

More importantly, we enjoy working together in our quaint office located near downtown Grants Pass. We would love for you to stop by and visit us sometime. The coffee is always on :)

We may not have it all together... but together, we have it all.

Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner

Grants Pass, Oregon ~ Southern Oregon Real Estate

541-659-1620

Would You Buy a Home with a Creepy Past?

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:41:13 -0600

Would You Buy a Home with a Creepy Past? A great article appeared on MSN's homepage this morning about homes with sordid pasts. Murder, suicide, and homes with dark histories can be difficult to sell. But, there is always someone out there that doesn't seem to mind.

For instance, Chris Butler said yes to a house in Bath, Ohio, which happened to be the childhood home of serial murderer Jeffrey Dahmer. It didn't seem to matter to Chris that this home was where Jeffrey Dahmer committed his first murder in 1978.

Many states do not require disclosure regarding murders, suicides or any other gruesome events which may have occurred in a home. It is up to the Buyer to educate themselves and become an investigator. While disclosure may be lacking with stigmatized properties, the price of a stigmatized property may be favorable for Buyers. Typically homes, where crimes have occurred, often sell for less than market value.

Would You Buy a Home with a Creepy Past?

Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner

Grants Pass, Oregon ~ Southern Oregon Real Estate

541-659-1620

Reasons to Buy a Home in Grants Pass Southern Oregon

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:02:20 -0600

Reasons to Buy a Home in Grants Pass Southern Oregon

If the picture above doesn't grab you, here are some more reasons to move to Grants Pass Southern Oregon. Southern Oregon, otherwise known as the Rogue Valley, is nestled between two mountain ranges (Cascade & Siskiyou) and is considered the "banana-belt" region of Oregon, offering breath-taking mountain views and mild year-round weather. There are two Counties in Southern Oregon, Jackson and Josephine, which are comprised of 20 smaller cities including Ashland, Applegate, Cave Junction, Central Point, Eagle Point, Gold Hill, Grants Pass, Jacksonville, Medford, Merlin, Murphy, Phoenix, Ruch, Rogue River, Shady Cove, Selma, Sunny Valley, Talent, White City and Williams.

Many people who visit Grants Pass Southern Oregon for the first time are surprised to learn that it doesn't rain all the time, like its metropolis counterpart in Portland, Oregon. The Rogue Valley is actually in the south western region of the state, offering four beautiful seasons. Southern Oregon is considered Nature's Playground for the outdoor enthusiast with the Wild & Scenic Rogue River that runs from Crater Lake through Shady Cove, Gold Hill, the town of Rogue River, Grants Pass, Merlin, and finally into the Pacific Ocean. Southern Oregon also offers wonderful golf courses, bike trails, greenway paths, fishing, rafting, and skiing.

If you are considering relocating to Grants Pass Southern Oregon, let's chat. Originally a transplant from Southern California, I have lived in Grants Pass Southern Oregon for over 10 years and I haven't regretted the move one single bit. I can identify with the stresses of moving from one state to another, so I can offer some valuable assistance in making the transition easy and more enjoyable. And, don't worry, high pressure sales is not my style. There will be no arm-twisting here, just good ole' fashioned shoot-from-the-hip Realtor talk from this Grants Pass Southern Oregon gal.

Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner

Grants Pass, Oregon ~ Southern Oregon Real Estate

541-659-1620

Noah's Ark in Schagen, Netherlands!

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:56:38 -0600

Noah's Ark on display in Schagen, Netherlands! The massive central door in the side of Noah's Ark was opened the first crowd of curious townsfolk to behold the wonder. This replica of the biblical Ark was built by Dutch Creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible.

The ark is 150 cubits long, 30 cubits high and 20 cubits wide. That's two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a three-story house. Life-sized models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals greet visitors as they arrive in the main hold.

A contractor by trade, Huibers built the ark of cedar and pine. Biblical Scholars debate exactly what the wood used by Noah would have been. Huibers did the work mostly with his own hands, using modern tools and with occasional help from his son Roy. Construction began in May 2005. On the uncovered top deck - not quite ready in time for the opening - will come a petting zoo, with baby lambs and chickens, and goats, and one camel.

Visitors on the first day were stunned. 'It's past comprehension', said Mary Louise Starosciak, who happened to be bicycling by with her husband while on vacation when they saw the ark looming over the local landscape.

Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner

Grants Pass, Oregon ~ Southern Oregon Real Estate

541-659-1620

When People are Fearful, be Greedy!

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:05:34 -0600

When People are Fearful, be Greedy! This is a now famous quote from billionaire Warren Buffett in the fall of 2008. Buffett said, "When people are fearful, be greedy, and when people are greedy, be fearful." Critics who have mocked the Billionaire's investment strategies, have had to (as The Wall Street Journals puts it) sit down for their traditional three-course meal: humble pie, their own words and a little bit of crow.

Warren Buffett was featured on MSN's home page today in an article written by The Wall Street Journal discussing the "Billionaire Basics." The world's most famous investor lays out his basic principles of investing in this year's annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. Here are the top 6 tips he recommends for investors in todays' market.

1. Stay liquid.

2. Buy when everyone else is selling.

3. Don't buy when everyone else is buying.

4. Value, value, value.

5. Understand what you own.

6. Defense beats offense.

In my mind, Warren Buffett's quote rings true in any real estate market. When people are fearful, be greedy. And, when people are greedy, be fearful. There is something to be said for listening to this intelligent old-timer!

Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner

Grants Pass, Oregon ~ Southern Oregon Real Estate

541-659-1620

Pulling a Late-Nighter!

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:43:28 -0600

Pulling a Late-Nighter! Tonight, I am stuck at the office sorting through piles of paperwork. I have already stopped once for dinner, and some occasional comments on Active Rain. I just can't seem to focus on the task at hand.

Do you ever feel buried in mounds of paperwork? Why do we need all this paper anyway! Are your contracts getting longer each year? It seems like there is always one more piece of paper to process on every deal. And, the fact that we must store these files for 6 years for the Agency... Arghhhh!

Okay, enough ranting. I am off to tackle some more piles. For those of you who are relaxing on the sofa with a warm cup of tea and perhaps a slice of chocolate cake for dessert.... hhhhhmmmm, I will be sitting here pulling a late-nighter and thinking of you!

31 Flavors is sounding pretty good right now! Focus!

Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner

Grants Pass, Oregon ~ Southern Oregon Real Estate

541-659-1620

Medford Oregon's Birthday - 125 Years Old

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:51:00 -0600

Medford Oregon's Birthday - 125 Years Old. Medford Oregon offically celebrated its 125th Birthday on February 24, 2010. Medford Oregon became incorporated as a City on February 24, 1885. Since that time, this sleepy little town with original dirt roads became the largest city in Southern Oregon.

Since it's origin, Medford Oregon was primarily dependent on timber and agriculture for sustainability. Now, Medford Oregon is a thriving regional trade center with a growing residential population, expanding medical facilities, increasing tourism and abundant recreational opportunities.

Happy 125th Birthday Medford Oregon!

Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner

Grants Pass, Oregon ~ Southern Oregon Real Estate

541-659-1620

Home on the Range - 11+ Acres - Rogue River Oregon

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:35:29 -0600

Melinda Peterson, Broker | Real Estate Cafe | 541-659-1620

840 Savage Creek Rd, Rogue River, OR

Gorgeous Views from this 11.17 Acres!

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $399,500

Year Built	1992
Sq Footage	2,766
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	4+ Covered spaces
Lot Size	11.17 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Picture yourself enjoying a cold drink from your deck, overlooking the pond, with picturesque views of the valley below! Enjoy the quiet solitude of the this beautiful property on 11.17 acres, featuring a large home built in 1992, with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2766 s/f, which includes a partial walk-out basement. Two huge shops, 3200 s/f & 1152 s/f, barn, lean-to covered carport, and plenty of room for covered RV parking and lots of cars. Good well (per owner), panoramic views & backed by BLM! What more could you ask for?

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Tile floor	- Family room	- Living room
- Bonus/Rec room	- Dining room	- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven	- Attic
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

View of Shop & Pasture	Pond
View of Shop & House	Front of Home
Front of Home	Back of Home

Contact info:

Melinda Peterson, Broker

Real Estate Cafe

541-659-1620

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Feb 25, 2010, 3:57pm PST

Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner

Grants Pass, Oregon ~ Southern Oregon Real Estate

541-659-1620

Speechless Sunday ~ How Now Brown Cow!

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:23:12 -0600

Speechless Sunday ~ How Now Brown Cow! My fine furry friends decided to mosey on over to be included in picture day. I didn't even have to ask them to pose for the camera, they just did what comes naturally. Perhaps if all my clients mooooved as quickly as these cows, I might end up on the poor farm. But, today it's just another funny farm day in the neighborhood!

Speechless Sunday ~ How Now Brown Cow!

Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner

Grants Pass, Oregon ~ Southern Oregon Real Estate

541-659-1620

Great NW Neighborhood - Grants Pass Oregon

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:10:03 -0600

Great NW Neighborhood - Grants Pass Oregon. In my previous blog, I failed to mention a cool little fact about my neighborhood. Not only do I live in a cool NW neighborhood in Grants Pass, and I have really kind and considerate neighbors, but there is also something unusual about the location of my home in this NW subdivision.

It's interesting, because it is a typical NW Grants Pass subdivision where most of the lot sizes are 1/4 acre on a quiet cul-de-sac. However, on one side of the street, there is a small farm that borders the back yard of several homes, including mine. It's the coolest thing to wake up to some cows grazing in a field. And every time I mow my lawn, the cows come up to my fence hoping to snag the left-over grass clippings.

Here are some pics of the view from my backyard.

Can't see the cows this morning. Hope those cows didn't go to cow heaven!

Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner

Grants Pass, Oregon ~ Southern Oregon Real Estate

541-659-1620

The Next Big Wine Country - Southern Oregon

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:59:06 -0600

The next big wine country - Southern Oregon. Move over Napa, Southern Oregon is the next great place for exciting wines, no crowds, and inexpensive tasting fees. Arm yourself with a map from the Southern Oregon Wineries Association and hit the road.

The inside scoop: Head to the smallest, newest wine region in Applegate Valley, Oregon (part of the larger Rogue Valley) to get your wet your palate. Abacela, Troon, and Schmidt Family Vineyards are setting the bar high.

In Umpqua, the northern, oldest wine valley, check out Brandborg Vineyard & Winery and Spangler Vineyards. Ditch your car in historic Jacksonville, of Britt music fest fame, then wander the cluster of tasting rooms, including Quady North.

Our 3 favorite sips:

Foris Pinot Gris 2008 (Rogue Valley; $14).
Brandborg "Love Puppets" Pinot Noir 2006 (Umpqua Valley; $30).
Abacela South Face Block Reserve Syrah 2005 (Southern Oregon; $45).

This is a re-creation of an article in Sunset magazine. Pick up a copy today!

Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner

Grants Pass, Oregon ~ Southern Oregon Real Estate

541-659-1620

Are You a "Bean" Buyer?

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:39:20 -0600

Are You a "Bean" Buyer? Coffee beans that is! The price of coffee beans may jump in the near future, due to the fact that the nation's production of coffee has dropped to a 33-year low. Excess rain is primarily to blame, but the scarce use of fertilizers is also a reason for lower yields.

Just like homes and land for sale, when there is a high demand for something, and a short supply, prices go up. And considering the fact that coffee happens to be a staple of American life, it may be prudent to not delay your purchase.

So, if you are a regular coffee bean buyer, perhaps you should stock up on your favorite brand of coffee beans right away. Buy your coffee beans today, and don't forget to refrigerate them for longer storage.

This message has been approved by another happy "bean" buyer!

Melinda Peterson, Broker/Owner

Grants Pass, Oregon ~ Southern Oregon Real Estate

541-659-1620