This is a series of blog posts about real estate in Salem Oregon written by Melina Tomson of Tomson Burnham, a small boutique real estate brokerage in Salem Oregon.  The blog has articles about local real estate market conditions from Salem, Keizer, Independence, Monmouth, Dallas, Stayton, Aumsville and Silverton.

The blog covers topics from market conditions to happenings inside the real estate industry that might impact consumers to new technologies that are housing-related.  Community information for home buyers looking to relocate to Salem is also housed in our blog as we discuss our local favorites.

Is your agent up to the task?

I was on another online group reading some comments. An agent from the Arizona area stated that in her area, only 6% of homes that were listed were heading to a close this year. So that means 94% of the listings in her area are not successful sales. I was intrigued by this statistic so…

A picture is worth a thousand words

I was on the MLS screening homes for my clients to look at this past Saturday. As I was flipping through this listings I came upon one that I was completely confused by…it left me wondering about agents. The photos on this listing were blurry and dark. There were pictures of, I assume, the homeowners…

Selling in a buyer’s market

Seller’s are finally starting to understand the nature of the current real estate market here in Salem. Oregon has not been as hard hit as other parts of the country, but make sure your expectations are appropriate. What do you need to know? Real estate is about supply and demand. It’s that simple. The more…

Dear Mr. and Ms. Seller

Please understand that I want to help you sell your home, but you need to understand a few things first. 1) There are 37% more active listings on the MLS, than the same time last year AND 2) There were only 685 closed sales recorded on the MLS in the month of September. There is…

Escape to the Country?

Salem Oregon seems to be having a recent rash of people wanting to retire here. I have several clients that are looking for that retirement property right now. After the hustle and bustle of living in a city, the number one request is to get away from it all. Well…this is easier said than done…

Family Fun in Salem Oregon

Salem Oregon has many activities for families wanting to get out of the house. For Younger Children The most well known is probably the A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village. Located downtown on the riverfront, the Gilbert House, has many fun activities for children including the Bubble Room, LaBALLatory, and the outside play structure. Pack a picnic…