Property Blotter

As we head into the season of gratitude, I want to say thank you. Whether we’ve worked together, you’ve sent a friend my way, or you just enjoy reading these updates, I appreciate you. Home is at the center of so many of our holiday memories, so this month I’m sharing a simple checklist to help you protect your home, your wallet, and your peace of mind before the new year.

1. Get your home ready for winter

Every home benefits from a little prep:

• Clean the gutters, disconnect garden hoses, insulate exposed pipes, and have your furnace serviced.
• Change HVAC filters, check your roof and windows for leaks, and trim any trees that hang over the house.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and reverse your ceiling fans so they push warm air down

2. Organize your year-end paperwork

Tax season will be here soon. Start a folder now for your mortgage interest statement, property tax records, and receipts for any home improvements. Talk with your tax professional about which items apply to you.

3. Review your homeowners insurance

Your home’s value may have changed since you bought your policy. Make sure your coverage still matches what it would cost to rebuild, and ask your agent about discounts for bundling or recent upgrades.

4. Find out what your home is worth

Wondering how your home’s value has changed? Thinking about some change of your own? I’m happy to take a look at info related to your home’s current value & get the results to you. It’s useful for insurance, refinancing, or simply knowing where you stand.

5. Get guest-ready for the holidays

If you’re hosting, a few quick touches go a long way: fresh towels and a nightlight in the guest room, a deep clean of high-traffic areas, and fixing those small things you keep meaning to get to, like a squeaky door or a loose cabinet handle.

Thank you for being part of my community. If you know anyone thinking about buying or selling, I’d be grateful for the introduction. This website dedicated to Lake Oswego is a great resource with updated info every week, and my website where I cover data & resources related to the entire metro area is where anyone can find listings and everything needed to gather the ducks in a row: lindarossi.net.

Last week we saw 9 properties enter the market, 13 move to Pending status and 11 that Closed/Sold. Right now there are 262 homes available ranging from $165,000 to $6,725,000.

Here is the weekly breakdown:

NEW Oct 26-Nov 1, 2026

PENDING Oct 26-Nov 1, 2026

CLOSED/SOLD Oct 26-Nov 1, 2026

Criteria: Homes in the 97034 and 97035 zip code, listed, pending or sold between the dates listed above as reported by the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS). DETACHD refers to Single Family Detached Residence, MFG refers to manufactured housing, and ATTACHD refers to single-family residences with some portion of the structure attached to another property, but not constituting CONDO ownership. DOM stands for days on market, or the number of days from when the listing became active and when it received an acceptable offer, with CDOM standing for “cumulative days on market” accounting for “refreshed” listings (***We’ve used “Days” in each category for ease of understanding).

Last week Lake Oswego saw 8 properties enter the market, 9 move to Pending status and 12 that Sold/Closed. Right now there are 277 homes available ranging from $165,000 to $6,725,000.

Here is the breakdown:

NEW Oct 19-25, 2026

PENDING Oct 19-25, 2026

CLOSED/SOLD Oct 19-25, 2026

Criteria: Homes in the 97034 and 97035 zip code, listed, pending or sold between the dates listed above as reported by the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS). DETACHD refers to Single Family Detached Residence, MFG refers to manufactured housing, and ATTACHD refers to single-family residences with some portion of the structure attached to another property, but not constituting CONDO ownership. DOM stands for days on market, or the number of days from when the listing became active and when it received an acceptable offer, with CDOM standing for “cumulative days on market” accounting for “refreshed” listings (***We’ve used “Days” in each category for ease of understanding).

Last week Lake Oswego had 12 properties enter the market, 11 move to Pending status and 12 that Closed/Sold. Right now there are 305 homes available ranging from $165,000 to $6,725,000.

Here is the breakdown

NEW Sept 28-Oct 4, 2026

PENDING Sept 28-Oct 4, 2026

CLOSED/SOLD Sept 28-Oct 4, 2026

Criteria: Homes in the 97034 and 97035 zip code, listed, pending or sold between the dates listed above as reported by the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS). DETACHD refers to Single Family Detached Residence, MFG refers to manufactured housing, and ATTACHD refers to single-family residences with some portion of the structure attached to another property, but not constituting CONDO ownership. DOM stands for days on market, or the number of days from when the listing became active and when it received an acceptable offer, with CDOM standing for “cumulative days on market” accounting for “refreshed” listings (***We’ve used “Days” in each category for ease of understanding).

Curb appeal isn’t a one-time project, it shifts with the calendar. A home that looks inviting in June can look neglected by November if nothing changes with it, and buyers touring homes in January are picturing a very different yard than the one in front of them in July. For sellers across the country, but especially those in regions with real seasonal swings, knowing what to adjust throughout the year can keep a listing looking its best no matter when it hits the market.

Spring

Spring is when curb appeal work pays off the most, since it’s historically one of the busiest seasons for home sales. After winter, lawns need raking, dead patches need reseeding, and flower beds need a fresh layer of mulch to look intentional rather than overgrown. It’s also the season to pressure wash siding, walkways, and driveways to remove the grime that builds up over winter, and to check gutters and downspouts for debris before spring rains arrive.

A few pots of seasonal flowers near the entryway or window boxes can add color without much cost, and it’s worth inspecting exterior paint and trim for any damage winter weather may have caused.

Summer

By summer, the priority shifts to upkeep and heat management. Lawns need regular mowing and watering to stay green, and any early-planted flowers may need deadheading to keep blooming. Buyers touring in summer heat also notice shade and comfort, so trimming trees to let in natural light while preserving shaded areas on a porch or patio can make outdoor spaces feel more usable.

It’s also a good time to touch up any exterior caulking or paint, since warm, dry weather is ideal for those repairs. Outdoor furniture, if any is staged, should look clean and current rather than faded from the previous summer.

Fall

Fall curb appeal is about managing the visual clutter that comes with changing leaves. Regular leaf removal from the lawn, gutters, and walkways keeps things looking tidy rather than abandoned, and it’s worth aerating and overseeding the lawn to keep it looking full through the following spring.

Seasonal touches like a few tasteful pumpkins or mums at the entryway can add warmth without looking cluttered, but sellers should be careful not to over-decorate for the season, since it can distract from the home itself or date the photos if the listing runs long. Fall is also a smart time to have gutters cleaned and inspected before winter weather arrives.

Winter

Winter is the toughest season for curb appeal, especially in colder climates where snow and bare landscaping can make a home feel stark. Keeping walkways and driveways shoveled and salted isn’t just about safety, it’s often the first thing a buyer notices when pulling up. Exterior lighting becomes more important as days get shorter, so making sure porch lights and any path lighting are working can make a home feel warm and welcoming during evening showings.

Simple, tasteful winter greenery like a wreath or a few potted evergreens can soften an otherwise bare entryway without leaning too heavily into holiday decor, which can make a home feel less neutral to buyers who don’t celebrate the same holidays.

Year-Round Basics

A few things matter no matter the season. Keeping the lawn and beds edged, the exterior free of cobwebs and debris, and the front door and hardware clean and in good repair all contribute to a consistent first impression. Sellers listing during their region’s off-season for outdoor beauty shouldn’t feel discouraged — a well-maintained, appropriately dressed home in January can still stand out, especially against neighbors who haven’t put in the same effort.

Curb appeal isn’t something to check off once before listing photos are taken. The sellers who benefit most are the ones who keep adjusting as the seasons change, especially if a home sits on the market longer than expected. A little seasonal awareness goes a long way toward making sure a home looks its best whenever a buyer happens to pull into the driveway.

If you’re looking for tips on how you can improve your home’s curb appeal and stand out to buyers, I’m happy to provide some suggestions!