It was said to me a long time ago that “reality is 90% perspective.” While I questioned the validity of the statement, I quickly began to understand its truth.

Much of life is a journey. People have the privilege of choosing the lens in which they view it through. Why is it that some view life as though the life is half full, while others view life as half empty? The truth is that the glass contains the same amount of liquid as air. We choose how we view that glass.

Living in Hammond is very similar. Take a look at the Peter Iredale – is it a pile of rusty metal or is it a piece of history that pulls in spectators? What about the Columbia River Bar? Is it a boat grave yard or majestic beauty? While many love camping at Fort Stevens, others may look at it as a remembrance of war. Hammond has many areas of interest and opportunities to have our perspective tested.

Well, here it comes – the real estate twist. Take a duplex for example. What side is best when they are the same exact floor plan? It comes down to making a choice. Is it better to live in one side and rent the other to help minimize the mortgage payment? Or is a duplex best left as an investment opportunity? Your perspective is what is key.

It would be my pleasure to help you explore the many perspectives of property ownership. I look forward to hearing from you. -Michael Hague, Broker

Contact Michael at 503.338.9097 | Email Michael

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 11130016 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

Traveling back to the Golden Years, way back in 1962, I had just graduated from Seaside High School and gotten a job as an apprentice carpenter. We did some fixer jobs to start with and come late summer we started a new home in the cove area of Seaside.

As soon as we started I remember hearing the ocean roar all day long. When lunch time came around I remember sitting on a lumber pile eating my lunch on a beautiful sunny day. We didn’t have a radio station in Seaside in those days, so having a quiet lunch was the norm. I can still remember the tranquility and the sound of the ocean and thinking to myself, what a beautiful location.

About three weeks after we started we noticed what looked to be a group of carpenters starting on a project across the street and right next to the ocean. When lunch time rolled around we walked down to see what they were doing. The foreman told us they were starting a motel. WOW, what a location. Right on the beach looking down at the waves, with downtown Seaside in the background and miles of beautiful beach. I thought this had to be the most beautiful location on the entire Oregon Coast.

Upon its completion I had an opportunity to view the motel. Although some of the rooms had purple carpet (not my favorite color), the views were just perfect. It was like a magnet, you’d find yourself drawn to the patio doors and stepping out onto the Lanai. What a breath taking view! They were just putting the sign up outside and guess what the name was – yep, The Lanai Motel.

Since 1962 I have seen many changes in Seaside over the decades. One of the changes was The Lanai Motel – they converted it to condominiums. This gave individuals the opportunity to own a unit at one of the most spectacular locations on the Oregon Coast. The name has been changed to The Lanai at the Cove. Another change that had taken place over the years was my occupation and doing something my mother always wanted me to do. I became a Realtor in 1984 and 27 years later I’m still helping people realize their dreams of home ownership. Although the Lanai at the Cove has had many upgrades and a recent face lift, I’m still stuck with the same face that needs a lift, but at least I still have my hair!

Now we have an opportunity to share this spectacular location with Buyers interested in owning their own piece of paradise. We currently have four units on the market ranging in price for $88,000 to $169,000. These are all studio units, three are oceanfront units and one overlooks the pool area (see listings below for additional details). The property features full time property management, a swimming pool and sun deck, and close proximity to shopping, eateries, groceries and golf. My personal favorite is to get a good book, sit on the lanai and watch the surfers while listening to the tranquil sounds of the ocean. - Dann Pickell, Broker

Contact Dann at 503.440.1650  | Email Dann

Showing properties 1 - 3 of 3. See more Listings for The Lanai at the Cove.
(all data current as of 5/18/2012)

1. $159,000 : 3140 Sunset Blvd ,Unit 35, Seaside
   
   0 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 406 sq ft

   Year built: 1962
   
2. $138,000 : 3140 Sunset Blvd ,Unit 27, Seaside
   
   0 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 349 sq ft

   Year built: 1962
   
3. $88,000 : 3140 Sunset Blvd ,Unit 31, Seaside
   
   0 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 308 sq ft

   Year built: 1962
   

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Regatta Princess Jessica Helligso

Ever since I was a little girl I’ve enjoyed the Astoria Regatta. The parade was a major event for a kid growing up around here. The town was always filled with Sailors and the Columbia River dotted with sailboats. As a teenager I participated in the parade on the Warrenton High School dance team. As an adult I played in the Regatta softball tournaments and went to the Pirates Den. Now I’m taking my own child to the parade and the tradition lives on.

This year is a special year to my family and our office. A beautiful young woman who works in our Astoria branch and whom I’m proud to call a friend is on the Regatta Court. I’ve had the pleasure of watching Princess Jessica Helligso grow from a cute little girl into an intelligent talented young woman. It’s been fun at work listening to her tales of Regatta travels, parades and speeches. She’s matured this summer and has gained a degree of poise that has made us all take notice.

Wednesday night kicked off the 117th Astoria Regatta and the theme is “Happy 200th Birthday Astoria.” Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. is the coronation. I’ll be watching Jessica, hoping she’s crowned queen, but knowing she’s royalty in our book no matter what the outcome! Good Luck Princess Jessica!  - Jen Hillard, Broker/Owner

Here’s a schedule of Regatta Events going on through this weekend.

Contact Jen at 503.791.3078 | Email Jen

Looking to own your own piece of the Columbia River? Check out these great listings all with views of the mighty Columbia.

Showing properties 1 - 1 of 1. See more Columbia River View Homes.
(all data current as of 5/18/2012)

1. $449,000 : 37815 Eagle LN, Astoria
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,666 sq ft

   Lot size: 4.74 ac

   Year built: 1996

   Parking spots: 2
   

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Today I got to do one of the things I love best about my job. I was lucky enough to list a historic home in one of the three nationally registered historic districts in Astoria. This is really one of the best parts of the job. Sure, new construction is fun but older homes tell a story and this one is no exception.

In 2005, the Shively-McClure Historic District became part of the national register. One of three such districts in the city of Astoria known mainly for historic homes is also referred to as “Church Hill” (There are 9 churches in this district). Prominent local architect John E. Wicks designed more houses in Astoria than any other single architect and is responsible for more than 40 houses in the Shively-McClure district alone. This includes the John and Laura Helstrom residence located at 1491 Jerome. John Helstrom was a prominent Astoria builder and stonemason. John emigrated from Sweden and arrived in Astoria in 1916 where he began his career as a brick mason. Helstrom is credited with building the ONG Armory, Astoria High School as well as 30 other residences besides his own.

On the historic resource survey form supplied to us by the current owners we found many interesting historical facts. This form was filled out by John Goodenberger; local historian, architectural buff, and consultant for the Columbia-Pacific Preservation Guild. According to John,  this house “is a rare example of brick residential construction in Astoria and is one of finest examples of ‘Tudor/English Cottage” in the city. We decided that there would be no better person to educate us than John himself. I have read many of his articles in the Cumtux Journal and other local periodicals but never had the pleasure of meeting him in person until this morning. John seemed as excited as we were by how intact the home is and of its uniqueness.  Mr. Goodenberger was in possession of Wicks’ day book and so was able to look back and tell us whom the subcontrators were and answer questions as to originality of certain features. While the home is of the Tudor style it has a few wonderful Arts & Crafts and Art Deco touches. I think John was most surprised and pleased with the living room fireplace and main bathroom. The period fireplace is built of rich earth toned Mission tile, topped by a heavy mantel. The Art Deco bathroom on the main floor is comprised of the most beautiful golden yellow tile extensively used on the walls, floors, shower, tub surround, and mirror.

Part of what makes this home really stand out in a town full of historic homes is the material it was built from. I can think of only 3 brick residences in all of Astoria, there are probably more, but that’s still a pretty small piece of the pie. Not only is this home made of bricks, but it’s a special type of brick called a Clinker. Clinker bricks used to be the cast-offs as they were scorched and had discolorations.

I’ve always admired this home (and I’m finding out many others in town feel the same). It’s so unique and situated on a corner lot, it has always caught my eye. The list of unique historic details are endless with this property, it’s definitely worth viewing in person! We are fortunate to have such a well preserved architectural treasure here in Astoria. - Jen Hillard Broker/Owner

Contact Jen at 503.791.3078 | Email Jen

See additional details about this historic home for sale below:

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 11095538 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

Friendly people, small residential neighborhoods, unique store fronts and beach access make Gearhart a great town to live in.  Gearhart is one of the oldest beach communities on the Oregon coast and they are proud of it. Whether you’re passing through or here to stay, Gearhart has plenty for you to do.

A local activity you can enjoy with the family is a nice lunch at the Pacific Way Bakery & Cafe. You have your pick of Fish Tacos, Dungeness Crab Pizza, or a Grilled Thai Chicken Salad and everything in between. After lunch you can drive to Del Rey Beach to build sand castles, fly kites, or collect the sand dollars that lay upon the sand after the tide goes out. If that doesn’t entice you enough, just remember, there is always golfing. Gearhart Golf  Links is an 18-hole public course complete with a McMenamin’s Pub, so grab a cart and enjoy with the family.

If you’re here on vacation you can stay at the classic boutique lodging known as The Gearhart Ocean Inn. It’s located in the center of Gearhart and has both suites and studios decorated with custom furnishings to make you feel at home. When you come to visit and feel like staying forever, Gearhart has some amazing homes for sale that just might fit your needs. Gearhart features a small community known as “Little Beach”.  Little Beach is set in a secluded nook in Gearhart where nature provides a spectacular view of the Coast Range and the Pacific Ocean. On most days wildlife such as eagles, blue herons and occasionally deer grace the landscape. In the Little Beach community you are steps away from many outdoor activities such as hiking, a walk on the beach, and even kayaking or boating. Make Little Beach your new home, check out the link below to see a home for sale in the prestigious community of Little Beach.  -Sue Pickell, Broker

Contact Sue at 503.738.2463  | Email Sue

961 Little Beach DR, Gearhart, OR 97138 (MLS # 11696422)

View Virtual Tour

Located on 1.53 acres of truly a park setting situated on over 500 feet of Neacoxie Creek guarded by a large rock retaining wall to where the Neacoxie empties into a beautiful estuary also fed by Neawana Creek and the popular Necancicum River. Enjoy this sweeping tranquil view as the estuary joins the mighty Pacific Ocean with its breath taking Breakers where they meet.

Property Type(s): DETACHD

Schools

Additional Details

Features

Location

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Listed with RE/MAX River and Sea

(view all details for MLS #11696422)

I procrastinated too long to signup for a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) this year. I really wanted to do it. I had mentally prepared myself for the menu planning that this would entail and the culinary creativity it might require to get my boys on board with this. Too long we’ve opted for what was quick and readily available. I searched online for a share and soon found out that apparently there were many other people thinking the way I was (who were also a bit quicker to act). It seemed like I had missed my shot. You can imagine how my ears perked up when I heard that Astoria was having it’s own farmers market. Here was a chance to make good on my resolution! And in a way that would require less planning then receiving a weekly mystery box full of fresh veggies from a CSA.

I made my first trip to the River People Farmers Market this evening. The market has made it’s home in the old Lovvolds parking lot on 13th & Duane in the heart of downtown Astoria. Blue Scorcher Bakery and Skipanon Seafood are a but a few of the local noteables participating. Flowers, vegetable plants, fruits, seafood, cheeses and more can be found here. This market is smaller than the Astoria Sunday Market but possibly more relevant to many locals. Their goals may seem lofty to some in this fast-paced world – they aim to increase consumption of fresh whole foods and they intend to make it affordable to all. “Only fresh, farm grown produce and flowers, farm raised eggs, farm grown plant starts, locally caught fish, and producer made value-added or ready-to-consume food products will be sold”. I admire these goals as a working mom pressed for time, who struggles mightily to stay away from “microwave and serve” processed foods and questionable produce. I highly recommend you check it out for yourself. I left with the most beautiful berries from A&B Farms tonight and the intent to change my grocery shopping routine for the rest of the summer. The market runs through September and is open Thursdays 3-7pm. Enjoy! - Jen Hillard, Broker/Owner

Contact Jen at 503.791.3078 | Email Jen

It’s more than just a day at the beach – it’s that time once again for the Miss Oregon Scholarship Program held June 24 – July 2, 2011. This year Seaside and the North Coast will celebrate their 65th year of hosting the pageant. The Miss Oregon Scholarship Program prides itself in empowering Oregon’s women throughout the years to achieve their personal and professional goals. Not only does the program offer training and recognition to 22 Miss Contestants (ages 17 to 24),  but it also encompasses 19 Miss Teens (ages 13 to 16). During the weeklong event the stage is also shared by 22 Princesses (ages 6 to 12) that steal the audience’s hearts. In the past 22 years the Miss Oregon Scholarship Program has offered over $1,500,000.00 in cash and/or in-kind tuition scholarships to young ladies that participate in this incredible program.

Miss Oregon Scholarship is a total nonprofit volunteer-based endeavor. Hours and hours of energy are put in throughout the year. An Executive Director, Board of Directors, Committee chair people, and hundreds of volunteers not only come from the North Coast, but from throughout the State of Oregon. Numerous local pageants take place all over the state during the year preparing young women for state competition. The winner of the Miss Oregon Scholarship Program competes at the national level and becomes the state representative in the Miss America Pageant. As a volunteer with the Miss Oregon Scholarship Program for 40+ years and current President of the State Organization I am proud to be a part of this outstanding program that truly does make a difference in strengthening the lives of young women. For additional information, history, past titleholders and ticket sales contact us at: www.missoregon.org.

Volunteers, family and friends come to the North Coast year after year supporting the program. Falling in love with our coastal community, many decide to purchase a beach home or condo of their own instead of looking for hotel lodging each year  – an excellent opportunity.  Whether it is owning a home, beach cottage, or a condominium (see my listing below) that can be rented out the rest of the year, you’re sure to find plenty of choices to suit your taste and budget. This is an excellent time to think about having your own place at the beach in Seaside, Oregon! - Sue Pickell, Broker

Contact Sue at 503.738.2463  |  Email Sue

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 11167081 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

Amazingly enough, it’s that time of year again!  The Annual Gearhart Fireman’s Ball is scheduled to take place this upcoming weekend.  The celebration will be grander than ever in light of the fact that this is the 50th anniversary of the ball, the largest fundraising event supporting the all volunteer fire department that services our little coastal community of Gearhart.

The Fireman’s Ball is a festive gathering that launches the high season. It’s truly the social event of the year that brings together the young and old, and the locals and tourists, together under one exceedingly large tent erected to support the event. Patrons enjoy libations, card games, music, dancing and visiting all while supporting this worthy cause. This fundraiser takes on greater significance now that the department has expanded to include the new West Lake satellite location to better serve our outlying communities.

Interested in capturing memories by the sea and becoming part of this unique little community? Perhaps, a smaller cottage would be a good place to start. What about a charmingly updated 2 bedroom, 2 bath coastal bungalow where all you have to do is pull up a beach chair and relax? Hard work has it’s rewards, isn’t it time that you began enjoying yours? Take a virtual tour of this charming coastal bungalow by clicking here and see listing information below for additional details! - Marianne Pittard, Broker

Contact Marianne at 503.440.0577  |  Email Marianne

In the real estate world, when someone mentions “virtual tour” they think about experiencing a home or property through a series of photos edited together in a slideshow. This is in fact a true statement, however for me the notion of virtually touring something is completely different.

For me, the true virtual tour is riding along the back roads of North America on my Harley Davidson motorcycle – from way up North in Canada, to sunny Mexico and from sea to shining sea. One might ask, how in the world would someone get started doing something that is so dangerous? Good question! I asked myself the same thing. Back in the old days when I knew just about everything (in my opinion), I bought my son a small trail bike for his 12th birthday. I tried to convey all my fatherly knowledge of motorcycle safety, like never ride without a helmet, never race, and never ride anyone else’s bike but your own. My son’s answer – “yes daddy”.

The following day was my own birthday and as I was sitting on my deck enjoying a cup of coffee in the sun, I suddenly heard what sounded like two trail bikes racing up our field. Yup, you guessed it. Everything I told him the day before was ignored and my son had a bad crash that put him in the hospital for weeks. That day I said I would NEVER ride again. Well, we all know what happens when we say never.

Several years later, a group of us older wiser guys got the idea to get road bikes – before you knew it, five of us took off on a road trip around Oregon. One of the guys and I hit it off right away and everything just seemed to mesh. Since 1993, him and I have racked up over 125,000 miles together and have “virtually toured” most of the National Parks west of the Mississippi River. We have been to Sturgis Motor Cycle Rally in South Dakota five times and even had our daughters meet us there back in 2003. We’ve been to the Laughlin, NV Rally five times as well, and in 2007 we sold my buddy’s family restaurant and took a month off to ride to the big rally in Daytona, FL for Bike Week. From there we rode to Key West, FL to mile post 0 and even saw a night time Shuttle launch in Cocoa Beach, FL.

So, when I hear the words “virtual tour” I think of this beautiful country. The beautiful Rocky Mountains, the Cascades, the snow-capped Sierras, Banff National Park, Yellowstone National Park, the head waters of the mighty Columbia, the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River, Monument Valley, UT and even Death Valley, CA. The freedom to see the ground from your feet to the sky above, from left to right as far as you can turn your head, with no obstruction. The wind in your face, the smell of fresh flowers and pine trees, and oh yes, a few farms here and there – but this is my virtual tour.

We are now marketing my motorcycle buddy’s house so we can take even more time off to enjoy this beautiful country! Please see the listing information below for further details about this great property in Seaside, Oregon. - Dann Pickell, Broker

Contact Dann at 503.440.1650  |  Email Dann

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 10072501 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

There is no better way to start a sunny day then to head out to Cullaby Lake with my kayak for a morning paddle and a great flat-water experience. The beautiful 219 acre lake offers 4400 linear feet of shoreline, including two County Parks and many untouched natural areas. Mornings are especially peaceful, with a variety of birds including eagles, kingfishers, herons, ducks, and buffleheads. With a little luck, you may spot deer, beaver, or raccoons in the surrounding woods. There are some wonderful lakefront homes as well as intriguing cabins tucked away as you head south along the shoreline. Further on you will discover gorgeous natural areas, and you can easily enjoy a 2 hour paddle as you make your way around the lake.

Cullaby Lake County Park is located just 10 minutes north of Seaside, and includes two sheltered picnic and swim areas, boat launch, dock, public restrooms, playground and plenty of bank access for fishing or launching your kayak. Carnahan Park (pictured above) is smaller and located at the north end of the Cullaby Lake neighborhood, also offering lake access and picnicing. For those interested in fishing, the lake has bass, perch and catfish and does allow motorized boats. Sunday afternoons during the summer tend to be the busiest times, so if you are looking for a peaceful paddle on the weekend, head out early in the day, or just about any time during the week. You will be hooked in no time! – Sylvia Stuck, Broker

Contact Sylvia at 503.440.2209 | sylvia@riverandsea.net