Americana Series-Old Car In Astoria OregonWhile showing my dear NYC galpal, Joanna Cohlan Astoria Oregon for the day, I happened upon this delight of history. Too great to pass up, so she went about her shopping while I snapped a few quick photos.Astoria has lots of history and has been a locaton for shooting several movies, Goonies being the most famous. Kindergarten Cop and Stand By Me were two others.     04/24/2016

Speechless Sunday--A Lotta Talk and Not Much Action!This scenario could relate to real estate if you think about it!This could be any crowded city or a place where there are many buyers but not much inventory! Just watch and see what I mean.                           10/25/2015

Friday's Fotos-What To Do When You Have Wet Wings in Astoria Oregon!I was in Astoria Oregon a bit over a week ago and spent all day waiting for surgery to be done one of my Golden Retrievers. So, I took my other one, Kasa and she and walked along the shoreline and I found opportunities to take photos and video. There were many Cormorants darting to and fro or simply hanging out. This guy was my perfect muse for a photo shoot, as he stayed very still. Perched on a piling, he was  as happy as could be, drying his wings and taking in the sights. (Here's a video I took of a Cormorant at Fishhawk Lake. )There is always something to see in Astoria Oregon. The same place where I found a local painter a number of years ago, (see the link above) I took video of a dockload of sealions that I'll s... 10/09/2015

What year was The Goonies released in Theaters?   ANSWER: Bottom of page... Astoria, Oregon is a fun destination and not terribly far from Portland. My photograph included here is from the Astoria Column that's 125 feet high and we climbed the 164 steps to view the water and surrounding scenery. So beautiful and wish it was legal and not terrified of base jumping that would be really neat. The column was built in 1926 by the Astor Family which was in part responsible for developing the city and owned the Pacific Fur Company. The economy boomed and in ways was competitive with Portland Real Estate and Seattle, WA. Many different types of industry kept Astoria thriving. From 1921 to 1966 there were ferries transporting people across the Columbia River (body of water in picture). Back and ... 07/02/2014

Fishhawk Lake Tuesday Travelogue--Local Astoria Artist  Meet Noel Thomas-Painter I was walking along the boardwalk in Astoria Oregon, finding lots of photo opportunities and trying my best to get closer to the sea lions that I heard just off the coastline. After walking for about 7-8 minutes,  a pier turned up that allowed me to walk out closer to them to get better photos. I came upon this little crunched soul, slouching in an outdoor canvas chair, a sweater wrapped around his head. As I got closer, I noticed that he was painting. The wind was whipping pretty good, so I spoke in loud tones to let him know I was standing behind him. He didn't move. So, I spoke LOUDER, hoping that he would not be startled. Eventually, I came closer and practically yelled at the poor man! He finally came ... 05/20/2014

Kids, dogs and jeeps, you can't beat that combination for an easy marketing strategy! Who knew that they made Jeep strollers??   I captured the expression on the puppy's face when the toddler let out a happy squeal. The pup's ear popped up just after the toddler squealed, they were so cute together! (I got this the same day I strolled down a boardwalk in Astoria on the way to seeing the sea lions in Tuesday's post).  05/07/2014

Fishhawk Lake Travelogue-Sea Lions on The Astoria Piers Last week was filled with interesting opportunities for any photographer in search of unusual moments. I happened to be walking along the coastline in Astoria Oregon in the mid-day sun when I heard the rather mournful sounds of sea lions, wailing, grunting and just raising a raucous. I kept following the sound til I got close enough to a pier to take photos that created something more interesting than brownish lumpy dough-like creatures that were all molded together, like a large unformed blob of shimmery brown blubber.  I'm actually quite fond of their spirited nasal-like throaty grumphs (my word) when they are drying off in the sun, planning a swim, looking for a place to land their gelatinous roley-poley bodies or simply wanting... 05/06/2014

Wordless Wednesday-Rainbows and Farms--Another Trip To Astoria Oregon   01/22/2014

  Fishhawk Lake--Keep Your Camera in Hand! Yesterday while driving in Astoria, Oregon, I had just gone over a bridge when out of the corner of my eye, I saw something large swooping down towards an old pier sitting in the bay. I raced through the roundabout and pulled over, grabbing my camera. A solitary bald eagle was quite a ways away and the sun was fading, so the light was poor, but I didn't have anything to lose so I just kept shooting into the sun. He landed.   As I tried different angles, suddenly, I saw another bird fly by towards the eagle.       Oh my gosh, it was a SECOND eagle! They were too far for clarity, but then the other one headed across the street, and I just followed with my lens. I got a few more shots even though it was moving really fast. Moving with it in sports... 01/05/2014

  The Wet Dog Cafe & Astoria Brewing Company   I had to go into Astoria yesterday, an hour from Fishhawk Lake and have my sweet dog, Kasa spayed. What better place to wait for her than at The Wet Dog Café?   The Wet Dog Cafe, located at 144 11th St. Astoria Oregon has a great vibe as soon as you walk in the door. There are sweet little “scenes” or venues in the windows all with a dog theme of sorts, from the OPEN sign in the shape of a bone to the Big Dog dressed up for the holidays in one of the front windows.       The décor is a blend of antique signs,    old-fashioned this’n’that, eclectic bits of memorabilia.    It feels historic as soon as you walk in and the extended bar offers their wide selection of their locally made brews and plenty of seating for locals and visitors alike. T... 01/03/2013

I've had it on my mind for some time to highlight some fairly new voices here in The Rain.  You know, we've grown so big that it's easy to get lost in The Rain. This week, I want to introduce you to Ann Samuelson of Astoria, Oregon in Clatsop County.  Astoria is the county seat of Clatsop County.       Ann is at Atwater Real Estate.  She joined ActiveRain in May of this year, has written 40 blog posts.   A few samples of her blogs:   A great  local post discussing exhibits about Columbia River.   Energetic Door Color - A short but to the point post about making one of her listings more inviting by asking the owner to change the door color. I left a comment about inserting pics.  A discussion about the importance of the quality of your potable water.    Clicking on her photo to the left ... 08/15/2012

My friend Jenni Van Hook is a Realtor in Astoria Oregon.  Jenni and I have worked on many transactions and I can tell you from experience that she is simply the best.  If you are looking to buy a vacation home or want to relocate to the Oregon coast I strongly suggest you contact Jenni for your real estate related needs!   05/10/2011

  The Mack-Daddy of All Open Houses  Last summer I had the unique experience of showcasing one of my listings, a real architectural gem, in the local Historical Home Tour.  The experience was overwhelmingly wonderful & offered a unique opportunity to expose Astoria's Crown Jewel to a massive amount of people.  It was estimated that over 200 people toured the Henry Hoefler home on that beautiful summer afternoon.  Suffice it to say, this was the largest open house that I've ever experienced! Fast forward 8-months - Imagine my surprise when I recently received a call from an agent proclaiming to have offer in hand.  This was especially amazing in light of the fact that he hadn't shown the home.  Ironically enough, his client had been one of the many that fawned over the details of this wo... 04/13/2011

THE ASTORIA BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Did you know that: Astoria, Oregon was established in 1811 by the John Jacob Astor fur trading party, and became the first permanent U.S. settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.   City leaders began planning for a huge 200th. birthday celebration as early as 2008.  Committees have been actively planning for the event, which will include many educational & community-wide events of interest to the entire family.  A permanent exhibit at the Heritage Museum will enlighten us on the founding of Astoria, John Jacob Astor & the race for the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Like many historical venues, this celebration will include lectures, presentations & a full schedule of activities.  For more information please defer to the birthday party celebration websi... 02/05/2011

  Astoria has been the recipient of much attention of late.  It appears that Astoria is on the map again as it was highlighted in the February 2011 issue of the highly acclaimed, Sunset Magazine as an Oregon day trip destination.  Author, Jennifer Margulis penned a wonderful article subtitled, "get cozy on a winter visit to the North Oregon Coast."  Margulis also paid tribute to many of our historical highlights, wonderful local businesses & more importantly our upcoming Bicentennial celebration.  For more information be sure to click on the following link: Sunset Magazine Article Our competitive juices are flowing as we strive to take over the top honor as one of Budget Travel's 20 American Towns that stand out in the crowd.  Selected from a list of 80 communities, Astoria is now among... 02/04/2011

I have been thinking about this topic lately and here is the conclusion I have come up with.  Lets start with what is not important in a listing agent. 1. They don't need 50 designations behind their name to make them a good listing agent 2. They don't need lots of experience listing. They need lots of experience getting their listings sold. 3. They don't have to work with a firm that has a Recognizable name. In my opinion, here are the six most critical things you need to ask a listing agent if her or she does in their service to you. 1. The listing agent you hire needs to know how to do a CMA and adjust for every comparable that they use. Simply put, it is important to compare apples to apples.  There are several adjustments to take into consideration. Size of home, condition of home,... 04/17/2010

Price: $399,000 FIZBER.com ID 15325310 Farm/Ranch with 3 bed, 2.0 bath, in 89008 Hwy 202 Astoria, OR, 97103 http://www.fizber.com/15325310/ 89008 Hwy 202 - For Sale By Owner Property Details: Type: Farm/Ranch Address: 89008 Hwy 202, Astoria, OR, 97103 Sq footage: 2200.0 Floors: n/a Bathrooms: 2.0 Bedrooms: 3 Year built: 0 View full property details and seller's contacts. View more Oregon homes for sale. Homes for Sale by Owner. Description: 54 acres located in Astoria, Oregon about 8 miles south of the city limits. Over 2,000 ft of frontage on the Klaskanine river. Kayak from property to the Columbia River and ocean. Excellent fishing from the banks and plentiful wildlife, especially elk and deer. Diverse terrain includes a large level pasture, gently sloping hillside producing spruce ... 03/28/2010

Search homes for sale in Astoria, Seaside and throughout Clatsop county by clicking on the picture of the home below for Clatsop county MLS.  Compliments of Jenni Clark.  If you want the most up to date mortgage rates click on the picture that says "rates".    Search homes for sale   Get current mortgage rates   If you are shopping mortgage rates to finance your home in Astoria/Seaside:   being misled!    Advertised mortgage rates are usually out of date because mortgage rates change daily. Sometimes a few times a day.  It's impossible to ask for rate quotes from a few lenders and compare unless you ask all of the lenders for a rate quote at the same exact time.  If your quotes are within an hour the rates could have changed so trying to accurately compare is impossible.   The only way ... 01/06/2010

If you're searching homes for sale in Astoria Oregon then there's two things you need to do before making an offer to purchase: 1)  Get pre approved  2)  Find a buyer agent to show you properties and represent you                 Jenni Clark of RE/MAX River & Sea can help you find your perfect home!  Click her photo to send her an e-mail       Click on the house below for current Oregon  mortgage rates for Astoria, Seaside and Clatsop County.  Advertised mortgage rates normally aren't accurate because mortgage rates change daily.  Sometimes they'll change several times in one day! With the higher than national average home prices in Clatsop county it's important to make sure the advertised mortgage rates are current or you could spend thousand of dollars in interest.  Check out our 30 y... 01/04/2010

    If you are looking for homes for sale in Astoria and Clatsop county you must first find out how much house you can buy. We can help!  We're a California direct lender serving coastal Oregon. Contact us by clicking the Apply button below for a complimentary no obligation pre approval.   Do you look at last years sales ads? Of course not! If you're shopping for mortgage rates in a newspaper or online then you'll get the same results. The rates you're seeing are usually old.  Even online rates can be wrong because in many cases they are only updated once a day.  Mortgage rates can change several times a day.  Mortgage rates are determined by the purchase and sale of mortgage backed securities (MBS) which trade on the bond market. The rate quotes we provide are current up to the minute.... 12/23/2009