Hwy 131 Update - Before and After

BEFORE {July 2011}To say "before" is not quite accurate, as this "before" photo was taken after the road had already began to slide.  Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of the road before it began to slide for the obvious reasons: Until it actually began to slip away it didn't seem photo worthy.  It was just a road!  When this photo was taken the road crew was still patching the crack with blacktop on at least a weekly basis.  Every time they'd put a patch on 24 hours later it would open up again.  This hillside clearly had plans of its own.

AFTER {September 2011}
The only word that came to mind while standing at the edge of this mess was, "WOW."  It has been amazing to see the progression of this slide.  To say this is an "after" photo though would not quite accurate here either, as "after" will be once the road is actually repaired and functional again -- If we are lucky (according to the road department) sometime in November of this year.  This really is just a stop along the way.  In this photo you can see the new "rock buttress" that's been constructed to the left intended to stop the slide (reported to be working) and support the new road project.  No word yet as to who will be building the new section of road.  I heard recently emergency vehicles will have an alternative road to access Oceanside from Netarts once the actual road repair gets underway.  That makes me think we are stuck with this situation for a quite a while longer, but thank goodness they have an alternative.  To make myself feel better about this situation I am going to plan on the road not being open until sometime next year, then when it actually opens in November I will be pleasantly surprised.  My hope is a year from now we will look back and it will seem like this never happened!  I can't wait to see how it turns out!

SHUCK & SWALLOW OYSTER CONTEST

48 raw oysters in 10 minutes. Think you can beat that? You might have missed this event last year, but you won't want to let that happen again! This coming Saturday, September 10, 2011 the Netartian Beach and Bay Alliance {NBBA} will be hosting the 2nd Annual Pearl Street Oyster Festival where teams of two (a shucker and a swallower) pay an entry fee of $25 and compete for a $1000 purse (courtesy of the Schooner Restaurant and Lounge.) While not for the squeamish, this event requires these brave duos to shuck and swallow as many raw oysters as humanly possible in the designated time period of 10 minutes. While this is a very exciting event, there is much more than Netart Bay Oyster eating to this successful community event -- You will also find local artists, a variety of food vendors, a beer garden, non-profits and live music throughout the day.

Additionally, Kayak Tillamook will be offering demonstrations and kayak tours of Netarts Bay from the public boat launch, just steps away. Tours are $30 for each 1.5-hour trip, and include some instruction. Tours will be available from about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those 16 and older. EVENT LOCATION: Netarts Boat Basin Road -- In front of the Schooner. Pearl Street will be closed to through traffic during the event. TIME: 11am - Dark. The Oyster eating contest starts at Noon on the deck of the Schooner Restaurant and Lounge. LIVE MUSIC: Noon - 8pm. 12-2pm: H.A.L (from Tillamook) 2-4pm: The Nobodys (from Netarts) 4-6pm: The Exiles (from Rockaway Beach) 6-8pm: Volifonix (from Eugene...this is a GREAT band!)

The Oyster Festival is a family and dog-friendly event. Mapquest this address for driving directions: 2065 Boat Basin Road, Netarts, OR 97143 Come out and support the NBBA! This is going to be a great event...Fun to be had by all! I hope to see you there!

ALOT OF HOUSE FOR THE MONEY

This wonderful home is located on Sandlake Road just North of Tierra Del Mar + Pacific City and is worth taking a very close look at if your are in the luxury bay front home market. It has been on and off the market for the last several years, but as of today, the list price is very competitive and realistic. There is quite a history here: The home was originally listed for sale in 2006 for $1.2M (no sale resulted), then listed in 2007 for $1.4M (no sale again), listed in 2010 for $879,000, reduced to $779,000, listed again in 2011 for $725,000, reduced to $675,000, then $625,000, now to an all time low of $599,000 after 1,268 days on the market! It is pretty easy to see the seller has finally decided it is time to sell..

Now, for the juicy details! Three words that best describe this home: "Casual Coastal Luxury." This is a very comfortable home full of natural light and elbow room with stunning ocean and bay views out of every window and flawless finishes such as slab granite counters, red oak hardwoods, solid maple cabinets, solid fir doors, cedar decking and

exterior, ceramic and glass block tiles, stainless steel appliances, and 9'+ ceilings. There is an ocean & bay view spa just off the fourth bedroom and kitchen area, a private boat launch just West of the home and 2400+ SF of unfinished basement perfect for dry storage of boats, ATV's, or really just about any recreational toy you can imagine. In addition to

all of this is the rarity of overlooking 900 Acres of the serene Sandlake Estuary & constant tidal influx. The 180+ degree ocean & bay front views are all on just one level and provide show-stopping wildlife, sea and shorebird shows 365 days a year. This is a one-of-a-kind property now listed for a price you can hardly turn away from. Somebody is going to end up with one of the nicest homes in Tillamook county and feel really good about what they paid for it!

Here is some additional information about the home: The main level is 2,682 SF, with the same square footage below for storage. The home has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, sits on just over an Acre and has a three car garage. If you would like to take a tour of this home give me a call 503.812.4615, or send me an email wendy@iwantabeachhome.com. I am always happy to help and think this is not only a great house, but also a great deal. View more details at www.iWantABeachHome.com

Oceanside's One and Only Real Estate Office

We couldn't have planned a better weekend for the grand opening of our new Oceanside Real Estate office! It's hovering around 90 degrees outside and there are people everywhere. Do I wish I were out there enjoying this isolated weather event? I'd be lying if I said I no. Soaking up the sun and playing in the surf sounds just about right, but things aren't too shabby in here. The new office is pretty darn nice. And, lucky for me, I was just on vacation and I happen to love what I do!

Now, be me for a just a second...have a seat at my desk. Imagine music piped in from the coffee shop just outside the door. I can also see the ocean out the window to my right, so things are good! To my left is the doorway leading into the coffee shop. I love the chatter at the cafe tables. I have talked to several people here for a weekend getaway, but have also had the chance to chat with many locals just stopping in to see what we are up to. The biggest problem here may be the smell of freshly brewed coffee and good food in the air. I finally broke down and ordered a latte and a hot turkey pesto sandwich. Delicious!

Okay, so you've seen my accommodations for the day, now how about what I am missing. Here a shot from the public parking lot just across the street. While busier than usual (due to the nice weather and holiday weekend) this still looks very inviting. Maybe another hour, or so in here, then I am out the door and on my way! This may be the hottest day of the entire year. I think I should take advantage of the last little bit of the afternoon. Come visit us at our satellite office in Oceanside {503.842.9092} next time you are in town, or in our flagship Netarts office {503.842.9090}. If you can't make it to town search for beach Real Estate on my website www.iWantABeachHome.com.

SEE YOU AT THE BEACH :)