Meandering through the countryside…a pictorial from Vernonia to Fishhawk Lake

Posted on February 3, 2011 by fishhawklakerealtor

By: Gayle Rich-Boxman, Broker with Vernonia Realty

For listings, please see my website: http:/ www.lakehomesatfishhawk.com 

Your Gateway to the Lake!

I love to take photos, have since I got my first 35MM camera, a Canon AE-1 way back in the 70s. Most of the time, I like to take rather odd photos, and especially love old barns, landscape shots, sunsets…you get the idea. Here is a smattering of photos I’ve taken since we’ve owned property at Fishhawk Lake, starting about 2002 (unless otherwise noted).  Whether it’s spring, summer, winter or fall, it’s a lovely drive from Portland to Fishhawk Lake.

My lovely and historical landmark office: Vernonia Realty (photo courtesy of Helen Bateman)

Another landmark along Hwy. 47 through VernoniaThe Historical Museum:

(Photo courtesy of Helen Bateman)

Next stop on the drive: Vernonia Lake

(Photos courtesy of Helen Bateman)

Just outside of town, Farmwoman’s Nursery:

We head along the Nehalem River for several miles until we come upon this barn at sunset:

As you drive along Hwy. 47, it veers off through the little town of Mist and onto Clatskanie:

Historical home built in 1870 in Mist, OR. currently for sale: $325,000

We meet up with many misty areas along the Highway from 47 to Hwy. 202

A Barn and pastures at the entrance of Fishhawk Rd.

 

Then, we head down Fishhawk Rd. past another beautiful farm, the Berg homestead in the flush of autumn:

A big red barn in the mist along Fishhawk Rd. (no longer there after the winter storms of ’08):

Down the road apiece, horses graze under ominous skies: 

Another fall view as you enter Fishhawk Lake:

At the other end of the lake is one of the oldest houses built:

Welcome to the Lake!!

Posted in family memories, lake tours, Nature, Pictures of the Lake and Surrounding Area | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Fishhawk Lake Lauded as a Firewise Community!

Posted on January 31, 2011 by fishhawklakerealtor

Firewise Community at Fishhawk Lake

Gayle Rich-Boxman, Broker Vernonia Realty

Firewise Committee Member

Being a man made private  lake Fishhawk Lake Reserve and Community, tucked in the basin of the coastal range surrounded by forests and forests and trees and trees, well you get the picture…we can be looking at potential wildfires wreaking havoc in our small community.

So a small group of us volunteered to be a Firewise Committee and clean up our area in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Forestry. This was decided last fall and on a boggy nasty wet weekend, we grabbed our mukluks, rain gear and gloves, along with equipment of various types to tackle pruning, cutting and ridding ourselves of hazardous materials that could fuel a wildfire.  All in all about 40 of us showed up that weekend. I dragged my husband out of our perfectly warm and dry home to slog around the lake with me for several hours getting bedraggled as the hours went on. Being fearless, I scooted up the steepest slopes pulling  scads of scotchbroom a virulent weed, and shot them down to the fellas below. Whew, what a work out we all had! The homeowners really got behind this and cut large limbs and there were gobs of piles to be chipped by the chipping crew who were paid by grant money offered up by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

As a result, this January, we were given a plaque and signs to let the world know that we are the first Firewise Community in Northwest Oregon and one of only eight other communities in the whole state to have that accredidation. It was presented by Kevin Nelson of the Oregon Department of Forestry and Fire Chief Dave Crawford of the Mist-Birkenfeld Rural Fire Protection District. 

As my granny used to say “We are quietly proud”.

Posted in Common Questions About Fishhawk Lake, Firewise Community, Fishhawk Lake Home Insurance Information, Fishhawk Lake Real Estate, Homeowner's Association, Real Estate Expert, Real estate Financial information | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Old Woodstoves…Can’t Live With’em, Can’t Kill’em!

Posted on January 25, 2011 by fishhawklakerealtor

Gayle Rich-Boxman, Broker with Vernonia Realty

Your Gateway to Fishhawk Lake!

  

New Certified Woodstove, Home for Sale,  71624 Fishhawk Rd.

There’s a new law in town, one that’s fightin’ to get rid of  those gosh darn ole woodstoves hangin’ around! Any lawabiding citizen in Oregon may think that they can take matters into their own hands, but before you do, know the FACTS.

Just the Facts Ma’am:

  1. As of August 1, 2010, the state of Oregon put into effect a new law that requires a seller to remove and destroy an uncertified woodstove or fireplace insert. 
  2. It has to be certified  by DEQ, the Department of Environmental Quality (state of Oregon) or EPA, the Environmental Protection Agency (national).
  3. Go to: www.oregon.gov/DEQ/aq/burning/woodstoves for more information
  4. You can also check DEQ’s webpage to see if your wood heating device is listed on the EPA’s or the DEQ’s certification list: www.deq.state.or.us/aq/burning/woodstoves/heatSmart.htm It will have a label/metal for example, with the date of manufacture (US EPA cert label, for example) or one that shows the Certified Test Performance (Oregon DEQ cert label)
  5. If your wood heating device is NOT CERTIFIED by either of these two agencies, you are responsible for removing and destroying it prior to the close of the sale.* (see below) The certification sticker is located on the back of the stove from only the two agencies above. A safety label in not the same as the DEQ or EPA certification
  6. If your stove does NOT have a label, you cannot get it certified! And you can’t sell it–sorry!
  7. To remove your woodstove, etc. you can remove it yourself OR contact your local woodstove retailer or chimney sweep company who may be able to remove and destroy the stove for you.  You MUST NOTIFY DEQ prior to the close of the sale of your home. How to do this: submit woodstove  form online to the DEQ. You can find this form on:www.deq.state.or.us/aq/burning/woodstoves/heatSmart.htm OR: you can print out a paper form from this website and and fax it to: (503) 229-5675 OR: mail it to: Oregon DEQ–Heat Smart Notification Form, 811 SW Sixth Ave, Portland, OR 97204
  8. The seller has to give the buyer the seller’s disclosure form indicating whether there is a wood burning device on the property and if so, it is up to the seller to remove and dispose of it * UNLESS the seller and buyer agree IN WRITING that it will be the buyer’s responsibility to remove and destroy the stove and the buyer must remove it within 30 days after the closing date of the sale.    The buyer also needs to obtain a receipt indicating that the seller has destroyed the stove and submit notification to the DEQ, if the seller has removed/disposed of it.
  9. Exemptions: pellet stoves, central wood fired furnaces, antique stoves, masonry fireplaces and masonry heaters.
  10. “Residential Structures”-this includes one+ dwellings that are four stories or less above grade, condos, rental unit or something similar that is part of a larger structure, modular homes constructed “off site”, manufactured homes, floating homes.  This includes a garage or a shop–all buildings on the property that are being sold.

 

But Wait, There’s More!!

These are a concern because they burn about 70% dirtier. They’re less efficient, require more fuel (i.e., cost more money!) can pose more fire hazards and may have been installed improperly.  As a result of this new law, we will experience cleaner air and safer homes.

Excerpt from National Property Inspection’s Monthly Newsletter, February 2011

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that your wood-burning appliance be professionally installed by a certified technician to insure its safety and proper performance. Once your wood-burning appliance is properly installed, use these practical tips while using it:

  • Season wood outdoors through the summer for 6 months before burning it.
  • Burn only dry, well-seasoned wood that has been split properly.
  • Start fires with newspaper and dry kindling.
  • Regularly remove ashes into a metal container with a cover and store outdoors.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
  • Keep all flammable household items (drapes, furniture, newspaper, etc.) away from the appliance.
  • Keep the doors of your wood-burning appliance closed unless loading or stoking the live fire.
  • Install and maintain a smoke alarm.
  • Install and maintain a carbon monoxide detector. 

For more information, go to www.epa.gov.

So, if you’re in a quandary as to whether or not this means YOU, just call me before you list your property (503) 755-2905 and we can go over it. As the seller, you can also just remove and dispose of it without anything further or you can offer a credit for a new certified stove to the buyer or you can dicker over the price, or or or…so many choices! But, if you have a 25-year-old woodstove sitting in your oh-so-cozy cabin, don’t take the law into your own hands, call your expert at the Lake–me if you aren’t sure what to do!!!

For listings and more,  please see my website: www.lakehomesatfishhawk.com

Posted in Buyer/Seller Questions, Home Repairs/Resources | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Turnkey Property or Leaving the “Extras” Outside the Deal?

Posted on January 18, 2011 by fishhawklakerealtor

Gayle Rich-Boxman

Realtor at the Lake

Your Gateway to Fishhawk Lake!

With 2nd homes, vacation homes, retirement retreats–whatever you want to call it–a common question that comes up for both sellers and buyers is about the personal items in the home or on the property. I have some sellers who just want to walk away and leave EVERYTHING because it’s just easier (also referred to as turnkey, where a new owner just takes over the property with everything already there). Then I have those sellers who slowly move furniture out, give away items to kids, friends, other family members or they just want to remove artwork and those personal items that have emotional value to them. I suggest that what a seller DOES NOT want included be taken out right away so that there is no gray area when it comes time to list the property. Very often, when buyers are looking at a home for sale, they will most certainly ask, “What comes with it?”  “Is the furniture included?” It can get very dicey in determining value vs. need in the sale of a property that can possibly include “stuff”. I have often had to ask that a seller keep this part of it outside the “deal” or agreement, because as a realtor it gets so MESSY! You end up writing out all of these personal items, like the grill and dishes and mower, etc., then the homeowner decides they want to give the mower to the kids when initially they had included it in the listing–oh my it can be a paperwork NIGHTMARE!

In a perfect world, you could offer a property truly as a turnkey–bring your toothbrush and your clothes and you’re in!–or use the KISS method, i.e., Keep It Simple Stupid and leave all of that STUFF outside the agreement and deal with it amongst yourselves without involving your realtor. Otherwise, you’ve got all kinds of amendments,crossing out of words then initials, more initials–oh what a potential mess. 

I also suggest that the items in your home that you absolutely don’t want a buyer to have need to be removed BEFORE LISTING THE PROPERTY. I had a “sale fail” (an offer that didn’t go through to close) over a darned flat-screened TV!!!! I’m sure there were other underlying issues, but originally the owners said it was staying with the home, then after the sale agreement got started they decided they were going to keep it and all HELL broke loose. It wasn’t even terribly expensive, but it became a much bigger issue than the money.

Up here it’s easy to sell your excess furniture by simply taking good pictures and putting together a flyer and advertising it on the “kiosks” which house our postal boxes as these are somewhat like community bulletin boards and people are always looking for quick and easy buys that are already up here.  Just like with  garage sales, though, you want to have very reasonable prices or be ready to dicker. You can even make it a Free to a Good Home sort of sale!  I’ve often ended up calling a neighbor whom I knew was looking for that certain something and when my new listing is trying to get rid of that very item, I will sometimes make a quick call and get those folks together right away, getting needs fulfilled in one step!

Posted in Buyer/Seller Questions, Fishhawk Lake Real Estate, Real estate, Real Estate Expert, Staging Your Home | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Need a Good Neighbor? Fishhawk Lake is There!

Posted on January 16, 2011 by fishhawklakerealtor

 

 

Gayle Rich-Boxman, Fulltime Resident of Fishhawk Lake

Broker, Vernonia Realty

Your Gateway to Fishhawk Lake!

One of the perks of living at Fishhawk Lake is one you won’t find on RMLS or a website with real estate listings because it’s not about property it’s about people.  Since it’s been over eight years of living out in the country, tucked away from the urban sprawl, my social network “in town” (Portland and the surrounding areas) has gotten used to the idea of me living where I do and when they come to visit, they don’t want to leave!  It’s incredibly peaceful and gives one a sense of balance because it forces you to stop and see nature, breathe really clean air, have conversations instead of going to the mall….you get the drift.  But, my point is that not only is it an amazing “slice of paradise”, but we just happen to have a community FILLED with very enjoyable people!!!

The other day a friend asked me if I get lonely out here and I replied, emphatically  NO!  The reason being is that my group of girlfriends at Fishhawk Lake love to get together for cards, shooting pool, eating yummy dinners or just snacks and sitting around sharing memories of our lives. We support each other in many ways, too. For example, one person may be heading into Hillsboro, about an hour and fifteen minutes away and will be buying a bunch of produce at Costco and offer to share some of it with another friend or pick up an ingredient  that they may be lacking for a recipe. We’ll throw  birthday parties (I had a fifties party for my 50th and made everyone come in 50’s costume!)  or simply have leftovers  so we’ll call one another and have an impromptu meal together.

                                                                                                                                                          

A client from California (who has become a friend)  bought a gorgeous home here on the lake about 9 months ago called me the other night with an idea. She wanted to have a girlfriend gathering at her home to get a new social network going for herself at Fishhawk Lake.  So, I called some of my dear girlfriends here and two of the five that came had never even met my client/neighbor before, but it sounded like fun and it was.  Out here you create memories over a walk in the woods, a game of dominoes, a boat ride, fishing or a glass of wine.  It feels like a throwback to another time, a simpler time. Any of us who grew up in the 50’s recall this feeling. I spent the first twelve years of life an a very small town in upstate New York, and it was the same feeling, one of camaraderie, knowing your neighbors intimately, being there  at the drop of a  hat when someone needs you or being able to make a quick call to ask for a favor and your neighbor will unfailingly be there to help! I’ve had someone pop by or call and ask if we had a tool for some project or use of a phone if they don’t have one, etc.  We don’t have to have TV or a bunch of strip malls nearby to find things to do together.  There are certain special hidden advantages to living in such a small community and these are just some of them. You actually get to know your neighbors and you look out for each other, you know each other’s habits and your privacy will be honored as well as enjoying the compliment of being invited to someone’s home simply because they want to get to know you!  The  genuine interest and welcome embrace from a brand new friend is priceless.

 Genny and Me

The first month I moved out here fulltime, I ended up going “mushroom picking” (for chantrelles–in our woods surrounding the lake) and met a truly remarkable woman, Genny, who has become one of my dearest friends. Even though she could essentially be old enough to be my mom, it doesn’t feel like there is any age difference between us!  We love good healthy foods to snack on, rock’nroll music (especially loud!) and a glass or two of wine and meaningful conversation.

I have resurrected my interest in all kinds of card games which our family ALWAYS did when I was growing up and a group of us gals will play dominoes in one room  on a Wednesday night while the guys are shooting pool in another room or just sit over a group dinner and laugh and share stories from our past. Each year my husband and I invite football aficianados and their spouses for our annual SuperBowl Party. Fun for everyone, because it’s something to look forward to in February when not much else is going on socially speaking and you can catch up on each other’s news since the holidays.

 

Twice a year there is an organized Progressive Dinner put on by the Social Committee of Fishhawk Lake Recreation Club that gives everyone up here a chance to get to know each other and check out cabins, decor, different views of the lake. The summer event is called Dock Crawl held in August and the winter event is Cabin Crawl held sometime in early December.  Usually there are 3-5 hosts and you start out at one place for appetizers, the next one is salad, the next the main course, then dessert and some  will host an “after hours” gathering at their homes if you want to continue to socialize into the wee hours!  These are terrific venues for seeing people you haven’t caught up with during the winter months or just getting to know someone new, as these events can bring in 50- 100 people (more or less) depending upon the season, the weather, etc. The Dock Crawl gives many of us an opportunity to get our boats on the water and hook up to the hosts’ dock, or another boat or simply walk from home to home so that you can get exercise as well as food/libation.  Cabin Crawl is fun because you get to see the homes decorated for Christmas and it’s  lovely to see…almost like a Kinkaid painting with the glow of light on the snow or mirrored off the lake–simply heartwarming.

                 

The Birkenfeld Store, 4 miles away also has been a  live music venue for many months now since mid-2010. On many  Saturday nights you can go enjoy blues, country or rock’nroll music and the drink prices are inexpensive. A small dance floor gets mighty crowded as everyone’s invited to partake whether you have a partner or not–very fun–but you can get sweaty really quickly!

The Birkenfeld Store

 

There are people from all kinds of backgrounds and we are an eclectic bunch. You don’t have to live here fulltime to be a part of this community either. There are faithful weekenders, some who fly from back east or drive up from CA., AZ  and spend weeks at a time in their “vacation” homes. There are even those who split their fulltime living between an inner-city dwelling and a home out here.

Just know one thing: when you come out to Fishhawk Lake, you need to WAVE–whether you know someone or not!!!

Posted in family memories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Good Price….Good Start!

Posted on January 12, 2011 by fishhawklakerealtor

Gayle Rich-Boxman, Broker with Vernonia Realty

(503)755-2905

Your Gateway to Fishhawk Lake!

One of the reality checks for a new seller is discovering exactly what value their property has and this can also be one of the more emotional conversations the seller and realtor can have in the beginning of their relationship. The way I like to approach it is to sit down with the sellers in their home or view their lot and get a feel for the particular amenities their property offers that makes it stand out from all of the others on the market. Then I go and do my research, number-crunch and then offer a range of pricing from low to high-end and basically suggest that the owner(s) decide where to start. It certainly can be an on-going dialogue as time goes by if the property isn’t moving or getting the attention it deserves.  Some think if they start out higher it gives room to negotiate especially since they feel that many buyers right now will offer rock-bottom pricing. Others want to be really aggressive right from the start. That’s where I have to offer some “tough love” advice sometimes and try to remove the emotional connection they have to the property and  gently guide them to a smart decision, but ultimately it’s up to the seller to choose. There are many schools of thought and it really is case-by-case according to the seller’s situation (financial or otherwise), the type of property, what it has to offer and what it’s missing. That’s also where my expertise comes in handy in guiding them regarding changes that need to take place, when, what kind,  how much it might cost, etc. For example, there is a new law about woodstoves in Oregon. If they don’t meet the new standards then they have to be removed by the seller, disposed of and show who did it, etc.before closing. I had a recent seller who had an old woodstove that I knew wouldn’t meet the current standards so we addressed that in an early conversation and he took that into consideration regarding credit at closing for a new one, or even removing it prior to selling, ultimately his choice, but all of that has to be considered in the listing price. 

HOWEVER, I have noticed that if someone prices themselves out of the market from the start, it is a very long road from listing it to selling it. I have seen homes and lots sit on the market for 3-4 years here at Fishhawk Lake…ones that have been on the market since I got started in this business four years ago!!!! It can be almost painful to be the agent who has to say to the client that their property really isn’t very special, or it’s way too overpriced or BOTH. This is why it’s ALL important that I consistently do my best to get feedback from my buyers and from other agents who occasionally show my listings as well as pricing it correctly from the start.  I ask for comments about what they like and what constructive criticism they have as well as ask that they try to rate it between 1-5, 1 being lowest, 5 being highest and their rating is completely subjective. For example, I had someone say that a 5 rating was one that they could never afford! Others will give the view a “5”, but the actual house a “3”. If it’s a couple, they may have different ratings and that’s okay, I’ll take that information and share all of it with the sellers. Now, if someone completely HATES it and has NOTHING positive to say, I will still impart the information to the seller without being rude about it. It reminds me of the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”.  You can also be honest without being brutally honest and hurting feelings.  Some people think that the decor from the 70’s in yellows and avocado greens are still okay! 

Thankfully, there is a tremendous amount of variety to offer clients right now and there are buyers who want the deal of the century because they see the “potential”, others simply want a turn-key property with all of the upgrades and are willing to pay the higher price because they won’t have to do anything and they see the value in that and don’t feel the need to dicker much. I like to know the comfort level of both the buyers and the sellers which makes it much easier in creating a sale that works for everyone without anger or resentment. I usually end up representing both buyer and the seller in almost all of my dealings and I let them know that in a case like that I become a mediator.  Personally, it’s my integrity that plays the biggest part in this and a big part of that is being completely honest and still be honorable to the emotions involved with each transaction as well as keeping certain aspects of the deal private–an ethical part of the business–for example NOT SAYING how low one party will go in the negotiation if they’ve asked me not to share that with the other party. I think you have to thoroughly understand people and really ENJOY people because you can read what’s NOT being said in a tone of voice, an expression of the face and all of that can truly show you the way to make it a success for everyone involved. My mantra is that both parties leave the table gaining something even if they have to compromise along the way. I don’t want one party to feel that they took great advantage of the other party’s situation…to me EVERYONE needs to win!!!

Posted in Buyer/Seller Questions, Fishhawk Lake Real Estate, Lake Realtor, Real estate, Real Estate Expert | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Where-To-Go, Who-To-Call Guide to Resources for Fishhawk Lake Homeowners

Posted on January 10, 2011 by fishhawklakerealtor

Gayle Rich-Boxman, Broker with Vernonia Realty

Your Gateway to the Lake!

It seems that whenever a question comes up as to who to use locally or within a reasonable cost/distance for many types of services, I get a call from clients both past and present. Where do you go to get a load of firewood? Who do you know that can repair/replace a roof?  Do you know anyone who can cut down a tree for me? Who do you use for pest control?  These are typical questions that come up.  I have compiled a list of resources that I add to as I find other companies, or small businesses that I’ve personally used or who have been pre-qualified by a homeowner in our community. If a question comes up that I can’t answer or don’t have a resource person for that particular need, I’ll either guide the person to someone who does know or call my office in Vernonia because they’ve been in business for over 25 years and can help me, too. I’ve been asked about real estate attorneys, granite experts, where the nearest hardware store is, local builders–you name it!

     

The following is a basic list of resources in alpabetical order according to the service provided. If you care to add to it, please send me an e-mail and I would be happy to share that information so long as you’ve used to resource or know someone from our Fishhawk Lake community who can recommend them.

Resource List

The following contractors have worked at Fishhawk Lake.  It is the member’s responsibility to obtain current licensing, bonding and insurance (and other appropriate) information from the contractor/company before hiring.

Appraiser 

Mark Macaulay with Northwest Realty Advisors-(503)784-7644

Jeffrey Yohe-Great Metro Appraisal Services-(360)521-4049

 

Architect

Cam Dutz – 503/524-8016

Appliance

J & S Appliance in Warrenton (503-861-0929)
For appliances purchases and service…they will deliver and service to Fishhawk

Builder

Jon Ruby-Builder located at Fishhawk Lake-(503)755-0721

Carpenter

Shawn Wells – 503-816-2376

Cabinetry

Bryan Wood-owner The Wood Place-503-755-2444

 

Chimney

Woodstove Warehouse – 360-425-7248

Concrete-Decorative and Traditional

Hardcore Construction LLC-Myron Smiens-owner (503)366-1137

Contractor

Five Star Electric Inc.-(503) 324-0948

Chandler Electric – 503-245-7774

Plugs & Switches – 503-925-8450 – Electrical Contractor

Decks/Patios/Fencing/Landscapes

All Natures Construction Elmer Aranda, owner-503-261-1836

Exterminator/Pest Elimination

American Extermination Plus, Inc (800)455-4514

Fire Damage Restoration

ServiceMaster by Samburg 58360 Rigdon Rd. Warren, OR 97053
Paul Samburg, owner 503-366-5390 cell: (360) 431-0924

Flood Repair

ServiceMaster by Samburg 58360 Rigdon Rd. Warren, OR 97053
Paul Samburg, owner 503-366-5390 cell: (360) 431-0924

Glass replacement/repair

Jerrid Sedlmeyer, owner of J Shapes Glass Design Construction503-369-4636

Granite and Marble

Absolute Marble and Granite-Derek Handegaard, owner (503)429-2617

Gravel

Steve Hemeon – 503-755-2767

Gutters

American Gutter Service – St. Helens – 503-397-2894 or 503-640-1945

Heating/Service/Repair

Columbia NW Heating and Air Conditioning – Scappoose – 503-543-3624

Gadget’s Gadgets-(503)429-0517

Handyman

Forest Teele – 503-755-2635 

Home Inspector

House Detectives-Jon Nichols, owner-(503)324-2000

Insurance

Arthur Strand Insurance-Jim Jansen-owner (503) 429-2010

State Farm Insurance-Richard Downie-(503)645-5616

Janitorial

A-1 Janitorial Services, Ron Tate-owner (503)440-1043

 Landscaping

All Natures Construction – 503-261-1836 – also Water Features

Aric Brown    Will do Landscaping  (Lives Local)  503-755-2605

Farmwoman’s Nursery – 503-429-8200 – 2121 N. Mist Drive Vernonia, OR

Greg Kosharek Landscape Maintenance   503-324-3503

Loan Officer

Shawn Baeschlin, Senior Loan Officer with Northwest Mortgage Group,Inc (503)528-9800

 

Locksmith

Century Locksmith – 503-397-7127

Painting

Shawn Wells-503-816-2376

Plumbing

JP Plumbing – 503-325-3830 – Plumbing Contractor

Roto-Rooter – 360-577-1400 – Plumbing – Emergency Service

Property Management

V.I.P. Property Management, Inc-Ted Vogelpohl-owner-(503)255-2959

Propane

Pacer Propane-(503)829-5560

Ferrell Gas-(800)709-0087

 

Real Estate Attorney

Jim Lucas-(503)359-1201

Real Estate Office

Vernonia Realty-(503)429-6203 or (800)488-6203

Remodeling

Brian Orr & Craig Norris – 360-957-3594

Rock

Vinson Brothers – Excavation – 503-458-6561

Roofing

Columbia Construction & Exteriors – 503-396-0087 – Roofing/ Repairs

Metro Roofing and Construction – 503-693-8408 – Metal Roofing

Site Preparation

Robert Watts Construction, Inc. – 503-429-5504

Surveying

Keenon Land Service – 503-429-6115

Title Company

Devon Morse, Escrow Officer, Ticor Title Amber Glen Parkway-(503)219-1061

Towing Services

Hillsboro Towing-(503) 648-0559

Tree Service

STTS-Full Line Tree Service
Take Downs-Topping-Deadwooding-Stump Grinding Licensed and Bonded Trent Reed-owner>
(360) 414-1267

Treescape Pruning and Removal
(503) 519-7434 Arbor Tree Care, Luke Colvin-Arborist (503)791-0853

Watercraft

Ken Estes, owner of Cascade Marine Center (503)407-1401

 Water Damage

ServiceMaster by Samburg 58360 Rigdon Rd. Warren, OR 97053
Paul Samburg, owner 503-366-5390 cell: (360) 431-0924

Other Local Resources

Animal Control-Columbia Cty.(503)397-3935

Animal Control-Clatsop Cty.(503)861-0737

Astoria Chamber of Commerce: (503)325-6311

Columbia Veterinary Hospital (in Astoria)-(503)325-2250 no appt. necessary

CenturyLink-(local phone and Internet)-(866)681-5154

Fishhawk Lake office: (503)755-2132

Mist-Birkenfeld Fire Department: (503)755-2710

Mike’s Christmas Tree Farm-(503)429-5940

Surfsand (dog-friendly) Resort Hotel in Cannon Beach(800)547-6100

Waste Management-(800)808-5901

West Oregon Electric Cooperative-(800)777-1276 or (503)429-3021 // //

Posted in Home Repairs/Resources, Real estate, Real Estate Expert | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Yup, I’m the Expert Realtor at the Lake!

Posted on January 7, 2011 by fishhawklakerealtor

Gayle Rich-Boxman

Broker with Vernonia Realty

website:www.lakehomesatfishhawk.com

Your Gateway to Fishhawk Lake!

011 Sold! November 2011

It feels sort of self-serving to put that down for the world to see, but after seven+ years of doing this successfully in spite of the economy I can honestly say business is still happening and I LOVE WHAT I DO.
After living here fulltime for over seven years and being an avid weekender prior to that for several years, my husband and I are definitely here to stay. It will eventually be our “retirement home” in the far-off future. My husband has been a past Board President of our Homeowners Association and helps me with questions that he is better equipped to answer having had that position and I also am a volunteer for the Firewise committee. We have been  given an award for being the first Firewise Community in the Pacific Northwest to be presented by the Oregon  Department of Forestry.

My main support of this community is to bring  people into it as new homeowners and/or owners of lots as well as list most of the properties here at Fishhawk Lake.  We’ve had interest from all over the country (and outside of it!) because of my website and daily blogging on ActiveRain, a real estate social network, I  reach far more people from out-of-state than any other kind of marketing I could do and I’ve had several sales/offers happen with folks from California, Arizona, and I’ve even had a fellow from Indonesia who has been e-mailing me for two years now and is trying to get here to take a look at our beautiful and unusual community. We do get lots of interest from people in Portland, too and they either have been told about me through my past clients, my neighbors or friends that have come up here to visit and find out how exciting it is to discover a private lake community only 90 minutes from their home with lots of choices in both price range and style of home or vacant lot and a local realtor that can show them around while they’re here! I’ve had many drop-ins, or we may be walking our dogs around the lake and someone will stop us and ask about property and pretty soon I’m doing a tour of the lake! I’ve managed to create prosperity for sellers and match the right property at the right price for buyers during a time when other realtors who’ve been doing real estate for ten+ years are getting out of the business. This is my specialty, my niche and I’m not going ANYWHERE. One of the biggest compliments I’ve had is that realtors who own property up at Fishhawk Lake and want to sell have used me as their listing agent. One seller was actually a family of FOUR realtors and they had tried on their own to sell their listing and after many months, they turned it over to me and I got it sold in August of 2010. I have a seller, Mary Norquist who is a realtor in Portland and  is getting ready to retire and travel the world and this is what she had to say recently,  “I defer to your knowledge of how the market works up there” when we were discussing a price change and where  and how to market her property.  That speaks volumes coming from someone who’s been in the business for many years.

I just read part of an article in Active Rain  written by Larry Bettag on how to prepare your financing and then what to look for in a realtor. I’ve included part of it below:

 

  • Get with a REAL realtor!  What does that mean?  It means get with someone who’s doing this as a profession, not as a side job.  Not as someone who’s moonlighting to pick up a few extra bucks.  After you meet with your licensed loan officer, have them refer you to someone who’s known in your community for really working for their clients.  They have to be knowledgeable.  So many folks work with their neighbor who has a license.  That’s OK if the realtor is serious about this business and has demonstrated a history of success in this business.  If not, run for the hills!

Larry Bettag – Regional Vice President, Midwest Region

Illinois FHA Specialist

Don’t run for the hills, just drive to Fishhawk Lake or call me, I”m here for you! (503)755-2905

P.S. And I have a GREAT loan person here at the lake who is terrific!

Posted in Buyer/Seller Questions, Fishhawk Lake Real Estate, Homeowner's Association, Real estate | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

2010 Real Estate Recap at the Lake

Posted on January 7, 2011 by fishhawklakerealtor

Gayle Rich-Boxman, Broker with Vernonia Realty

Direct: (503)755-2905

Your Gateway to Fishhawk Lake!

January 2011 marks the beginning of my fourth year in “real estate at the lake” and I still love what I do! Out of all of the years, the one that has proven to be the slowest and more “seasonal” than any other was 2010.  Not sure why, but there ya go!  In the two counties of Clatsop and Columbia there were 11 properties sold that were listed on RMLS in the Fishhawk Lake area. The lowest priced property to sell was a home foreclosure and it sold at the end of the year for $42,500 and the highest priced home sold for $649,000–quite a range! We have  had three foreclosures  that sold out here at Fishhawk Lake and one short sale on a partially built home on the lake that sold for $245,000.  Otherwise, thankfully, there haven’t been many foreclosures or short sales in comparison to other communities and even though values and selling prices have decreased we haven’t been hit like some of the coastal communities who can hardly give away properties!

MLS#10087209

This foreclosure sold for $42,500.

MLS#8046312

This home on the lake sold for $649,000.

I noticed that unlike in years past, the selling time was more “seasonal” this past year. My last completed sale was  in August and even though September was very busy for me, and I made several offers or had several made to my sellers, nothing “stuck”. In the past, I have sold homes/lots here in November, December, January and February; months that many vacation communities don’t see interest generated after school starts and the good weather wanes. Not so in 2010! There were several dry spells last year. In March of last year, I sold a darling log cabin to a cash buyer and then it was really slow until about May. Right around Memorial Day it started to get busier. June, July and August were somewhat busy, then September, people came out of the woodwork in a flurry of activity.  Since then, there has only been an occasional inquiry about vacant lots and that’s about it until this first week in January.

I get many inquiries from out-of-state and most people find me via the internet. The clients who come from Portland sometimes just stumble upon us, or a friend/relative tells them about our incredible community. So often I hear,”I’ve lived in Portland my whole life and I’ve never heard of Fishhawk Lake!”  Other times, people are just driving around and find us. The internet has been the easiest way for most to discover us, though.

Check out my website: www.lakehomesatfishhawk.com

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To Sell or Not To Sell…That is the Question!

Posted on December 8, 2010 by fishhawklakerealtor

 

Gayle Rich-Boxman-Broker with Vernonia Realty, Fulltime Fishhawk Lake Resident!

www.lakehomesatfishhawk.com

(503) 755-2905

 

Lately, I’ve spent hours with potential sellers going over all of their questions about the market in the last year, how sellable their home or lot is and how long it might take to sell. This is not a black and white issue and I like to  be really honest with potential sellers to try to steer them in the right direction according to their financial situation and their ultimate goals.

Reasons for selling:

Some people have lost jobs, some are looking at retirement a couple of years down the road and divesting themselves of two properties, while others are looking at just getting out from under spending extra dollars every month for a 2nd property that they may not be using as much as they would like.  We all can understand this, especially in times when you are looking around you and seeing others losing their first homes, jobs or having salaries cut in half with no end in sight.  I do tell my “potential sellers” that it seems that those people who have been smart about their money are still being smart about their money, and see deals. Along with that there are (still) low interest rates available as well as much-lower pricing on vacation homes and vacant lots at Fishhawk Lake and other vacation destinations, so they are looking very seriously at buying property right now.

Weighing your options as a seller:

There are many variables to look at when deciding whether or not to sell at this juncture. I’ve had clients who have had major remodels done on property that they bought less than five years ago. On the positive side, that adds value to the home, especially if it is a kitchen, bathroom, roof, etc. These all add a higher percentage of value back into the property. Now, the question arises as to how much the homeowner spent, what they owe on the property as far as an existing loan and adding those together then looking at a potential selling price that is reasonable in this down market and seeing if they can walk away without owing any money or possibly making some kind of profit.

                                                

 

 

I’ve actually suggested to potential sellers to wait if they possibly can, because they either owe too much, have time to wait before retiring (in hopes that the market will turn around) or they may need to get some updating/remodeling done on the home to make it more presentable in lieu of what’s currently on the market that may present better than their property in comparison.

How is your pricing?

Another variable that must be looked at is pricing it correctly. That, of course involves my expertise as the realtor who specializes in this area. I always try to give a range in pricing, according to properties that have sold recently, any pending, and several listings and let the homeowner ultimately choose. I also know what buyers are most interested in and that can help in pricing or whether or not to sell at this point or wait, because there is a glut of listings at Fishhawk Lake (just like other markets in Portland, the coast, and elsewhere) so a potential buyer has a WHOLE LOT to choose from and your very rustic cabin that is in dire need of updating better be priced really aggressively unless you can sit on it for another 2+ years and hope the market turns around.

Some sellers price on the higher side with the intention of having flexibility in countering an offer made by a buyer. This can work to their advantage or simply price them out of the market for anyone to even bother viewing the home period. I’ve noticed that if you don’t price it properly from the START, you will find yourself STUCK down the road with a home that sits and sits, possibly for years because you got a little too greedy in the beginning. Buyers DO look at pricing, especially right now and since there is a TON of inventory for them to choose from, they will most certainly scrutinize and ask many questions about why the highest priced home is priced that way and if the listing realtor can’t readily answer that question with some compelling reasons why, then that home will automatically be dismissed without an opportunity for the seller to have it shown.

As far as vacant lots, there are GOBS of them available up here and I am getting more and more calls and e-mails about buying something CHEAP and building later or simply camping on it for years. IF you have a lot that you want to get rid of, you better have water/sewer already hooked up, or have lake front or at least water accessibility or have a ROCK BOTTOM price, because EVERYONE who is calling about a lot wants to buy it for very little money because that’s all they have right now. Another great way to get more interest in selling your lot is to have contract terms. This is a terrific selling point and I’ve done several sales on vacant lots here with contract terms, which can be written case-by-case to fit whatever is most comfortable for BOTH parties. Getting a loan on vacant land is pretty close to impossible as well as new construction loans. Also, you have to take into consideration, that our Homeowner’s Association has certain restrictions on building that are in the CC&Rs which you need to be aware of. No manufactured homes, has to be at least 900 sq. ft. concrete foundation, 18 months to build, tree removal for homesite only,  etc.

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