Author: Dianne Gregoire

Posted on

8 Ways to Make a House Feel Larger

I think it is pretty well understood that proper staging of a house will help it to sell both more quickly and also at a higher price. One of the key elements in good staging is to make the rooms in the house feel as large as possible. In some houses this is easy because they already have large rooms. In other houses it needs to be enhanced and here are a few tips to help get this accomplished.

1. Think vertical. Decorating elements that draw the eye up to the ceiling will help the room feel taller. This can be done with a book shelf that goes all the way to the ceiling or a pendant light fixture that hangs down from the ceiling.

2. Use furniture that you can see under or through. Sofas and chairs with legs rather than skirts allows the eye to see under and beyond them. A glass coffee table or dining table also accomplishes this.

3. White walls and trim lightens the room and gives a sense of soaring, bright space.

4. Go with a few big accents as opposed to a bunch of little ones. A big piece of art or a single large chair has more impact than a bunch of little stuff that makes a room feel cluttered and cramped.

5. Get away from the wall. Pull furniture way from the wall and into the room to create conversation areas. When a sofa is pushed up against a wall, it drawers your eye to the wall, which brings the walls forward and makes the room feel smaller.

6. Simplify the color scheme. When walls and furniture are complimentary shades of the same color scheme it makes the room feel unified and more spacious. A bunch of different colors draws the eye to each individual object as opposed to a unified and uncomplicated space.

7. Don’t hang curtains. Curtains obstruct views to the outside and block natural light.

8. Bring the outside in. See #7 above, but also consider having a few house plants and decorating with natural objects and fibers. This helps to bring the outdoors inside to combine the space and enlarge the feeling of living area.

One of the services that Linda and I provide is that we go through a house with the homeowner before it is listed for sale. Visiting each room, we advise what to do to get that room ready so that it will show at its very best. Please don’t hesitate to give one of us a call if you are wanting to get your house ready to sell.

I hope you have found this information helpful. As always, thanks for reading the blotter.
Dianne

Posted on

Market Activity Sept 7-13, 2020

The Portland Metro area has been all over the National news this past week due to the intense smokey conditions from the surrounding wildfires. I am happy to say that heavy rain yesterday has cleared the air and we are enjoying bright blue skies. Hallelujah!

Despite the smoke, last week was another busy time for Lake Oswego real estate with 16 new listings, 28 pending sales, and 25 closed sales.

New on the Market (Sept 7-13, 2020)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft
6930 Montauk Circle Condo $235,000 2 1 924
5 Summit Ridge Ct Attached $429,900 2 2.5 1576
1001 Cedar St Detached $499,000 4 2.5 2572
12 Saint Helens Circle Detached $525,000 3 2 1780
1920 Southshore Blvd Detached $579,900 3 2 1313
5364 Rosewood St Detached $599,000 4 2.5 1980
25 Becket St Detached $650,000 5 3 3112
4045 Melissa Dr Detached $758,000 4 2.5 2529
12793 Sierra Vista Dr Detached $779,000 4 3.5 3650
100 D Ave Attached $825,000 2 2.5 1847
6435 McDuff Ct Detached $975,000 5 3.5 3424
2900 Upper Dr Detached $1,040,000 3 2 2272
928 Cedar St Detached $1,175,000 4 3.5 3182
15650 Quarry Rd Detached $1,298,000 3 2.5 3126
2120 Glenmorrie Dr Detached $1,449,000 4 3.5 4383
18035 Skyland Circle Detached $1,595,000 4 3.5 3893

Pending Sales (Sept 7-13, 2020)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft CDOM
75 Oswego Summit Condo $178,000 1 1 1058 11
126 Oswego Summit Condo $195,000 1 1 764 30
4000 Carman Dr G97 Condo $259,000 2 2 926 3
6 Britten Ct Attached $425,000 2 2 1317 18
6024 Fernbrook Circle Detached $494,900 3 2 1616 2
5767 Baleine St Detached $509,900 3 1.5 1160 45
2823 Orchard Hill PL Detached $550,000 3 2.5 2302 4
14781 Rainbow Dr Detached $585,000 4 3 1612 3
200 Burnham Rd #311 Condo $599,000 3 2 1894 63
875 Boca Ratan Dr Detached $699,000 5 3 2502 24
17897 Sundown Ct Detached $699,900 5 3 3755 403
400 4th St Attached $724,900 2 2.5 1731 27
5820 Stewart Glenn Ct Detached $739,000 5 2.5 3262 123
12883 Sierra Ct Detached $779,000 3 3 2996 1
18857 Indian Springs Circle Detached $839,900 4 3 2572 9
17931 Meadowlark Ln Detached $899,900 5 3.5 4385 14
3200 Upper Dr Detached $900,000 4 3 2543 4
5269 Denton Dr Detached $940,000 4 2.5 3173 3
1029 Laurel St Detached $959,900 5 3.5 3195 55
4140 Melissa Dr Detached $1,149,000 5 5.5 3910 14
749 Southview Rd Detached $1,300,000 4 3.5 3123 95
14480 Kruse Oaks Blvd Detached $1,325,000 4 3.5 4661 79
13744 Knaus Rd Detached $1,450,000 4 3.5 3667 8
3920 Upper Dr Detached $1,500,000 4 3.5 3800 115
16877 Canyon Dr Detached $1,629,900 4 4 3771 21
3735 Upper Dr Detached $1,800,000 4 4 4056 0
3109 Douglas Dr Detached $1,895,000 5 4.5+.5 4880 79
15608 Village Dr Detached $2,589,000 5 3.5 5407 497

Sold/Closed (Sept 7-13, 2020)

Address Type List Price Sold Price Sq Ft CDOM
16 Cervantes Circle 6E Condo $220,000 $215,000 912 6
750 1st St #D25 Condo $325,000 $316,000 1,350 8
13 Becket St Detached $550,000 $452,000 4064 7
17175 Rebecca Ln Detached $575,000 $575,000 1833 2
12 Walking Woods Dr Detached $568,000 $660,000 2177 3
1953 Indian Trail Detached $675,000 $680,000 2110 12
12562 Orchard Hill Rd Detached $739,000 $730,000 2574 47
4108 Orchard Way Detached $774,000 $755,000 3010 25
1500 Eastview Ct Detached $829,999 $790,000 3872 116
4405 Sundew Ct Detached $850,000 $840,000 4535 107
19263 Megly Ct Detached $899,900 $865,000 3242 66
12641 Adrian Ct Detached $896,448 $896,448 3602 9
1766 Palisades Terrace Dr Detached $930,000 $907,600 2805 67
16754 Quail Ct Detached $1,088,000 $920,000 3329 131
6016 Clairmont Ct Detached $950,000 $930,000 3210 $9
2655 Dellwood Dr Detached $915,000 $950,000 3164 28
17517 Oak Meadow Ln Detached $949,900 $993,000 2952 3
5677 Charles Circle Detached $995,000 $995,000 2976 5
18400 Delenka Ln Detached $998,800 $1,000,000 5245 27
18820 Green Bluff Dr Detached $1,395,000 $1,325,000 5572 183
14190 Sundeleaf Dr Detached $1,459,900 $1,422,500 3688 28
12812 Alto Park Rd Detached $1,500,000 $1,480,000 4040 26
14530 Uplands Dr Detached $1,639,000 $1,589,000 4080 174
17036 Canal Circle Detached $1,650,000 $1,600,000 3931 708
17147 Old River Dr Detached $2,350,000 $2,350,000 6936 52

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.

Posted on

LO’s Gallery Without Walls

There are a few things that Lake Oswego is known for: great schools, the amazing hanging flower baskets, and the Gallery Without Walls. These three items, in my opinion, pretty much define this town. Personally, I moved to LO for the schools. I’ve never regretted that decision. The schools are profoundly better than the community I moved away from. So that’s why I moved here. But why did I stay?

My kids are now in their 30’s. I do appreciate the schools, but I stayed because of the town. This town is wonderful. I have been very active in Girl Scouts and various groups like book clubs and the Festival of the Arts. There is true community here. I also stayed because, well, it’s beautiful in LO. Driving about town I just so enjoy the famous hanging flower baskets and the many out door sculptures that make up the Gallery Without Walls. They make me feel optimistic. Art is an important part of my life. I want to see it as much as I can!

The Gallery Without Walls was started 20 years ago. Each winter a committee from the Lake Oswego Arts Council begins the selection process for the years selections. The sculptures are installed in October and remain for two years. So every year half the on loan sculptures are switched out and new installations are installed.

Also each year the citizens of LO vote on the People’s Choice. The winning sculpture is purchased by the Arts Council and installed in a new location as a permanent feature. Over the years the permanent collection has grown to include 50 pieces that are located all over town. Along with the permanent collection and on the on-loan collection, the city now enjoys 90 sculptures. That’s a lot of art to enjoy as you drive to drop your kids off at school or go to get groceries. It makes the day just a little bit sweeter.

Gallery Without Walls is just one more reason that I love living in LO.
Dianne

Posted on

Market Activity August 24-30, 2020

Last week in Lake Oswego we had 18 new listings come onto the market, 37 properties that went into pending status, and 26 sold/closed properties. What I find interesting is that of the 26 new listings, 13 sold for over the asking price, and 5 sold for the asking price. It is certainly a seller’s market right now.

New on the Market (August 24-30, 2020)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft
75 Oswego Summit Condo $178,000 1 1 1058
6136 Fernbrook Circle Detached $449,900 3 1 1250
18508 Benfield Ave Detached $479,900 4 2 1521
5626 Fernbrook Way Detached $511,000 3 1.5 1250
19175 Pilkington Rd Detached $599,900 3 1.5 1820
620 Tippecanoe Ct Detached $649,900 3 2 1718
151 C Ave Attached $795,000 2 2.5 1934
17838 Lake Haven Dr Detached $839,900 4 3 2214
5335 Westfield Ct Detached $889,900 4 2.5 3122
14527 Rainbow Dr Detached $895,000 5 3 3339
17931 Meadowlark Ln Detached $899,900 5 3.5 4385
15550 Quarry Rd Detached $900,000 4 3 2714
1149 Cherry Ln Detached $1,050,000 3 2.5+.5 3231
4471 West Rd Lot 4 Detached $1,125,000 4 3 3885
4140 Melissa Dr Detached $1,149,000 5 5.5 3910
18024 Eastridge Ln Detached $1,289,000 5 3.5 3781
711 7th St Detached $1,829,000 4 2.5+.5 2763
1308 Northshore Rd Detached $3,740,000 4 3.5 4194

Pending Sales (August 24-30, 2020)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft CDOM
100 Kerr Pkwy #49 Condo $179,999 2 1.5 823 18
104 Oswego Summit Condo $195,000 1 1 943 61
668 McVey Ave #43 Condo $239,000 1 1 636 174
45 Eagle Crest Dr #402 Condo $249,000 1 1 768 7
4642 Lower Dr Condo $275,000 2 1.5 1260 9
205 Oswego Summit Condo $285,000 2 2 1383 8
3844 Botticelli St Condo $310,000 2 1.5 1132 30
37 Greenridge Ct Attached $360,000 2 1.5 1176 52
1764 Conifer Dr Detached $499,900 3 1 1200 7
77 Condolea Way Condo $510,000 3 3 2143 164
5237 Washington Ct Detached $519,900 3 2 1352 7
78 Greenridge Ct Attached $525,000 3 3 2000 37
13 Becket St Detached $550,000 4 3 4064 7
1280 Oak Terrace Detached $579,900 3 2 1685 1
1714 Meadows DR Detached $583,000 3 2 1804 4
12401 Shelby Ct Detached $660,000 3 2.5 2718 1
5834 Seville Ave Detached $665,000 3 2 2056 13
322 2nd St Condo $755,000 3 3.5 1971 6
13885 Provincial Hill Dr Detached $799,500 4 2.5 2870 2
18125 Pilkington Rd Detached $929,000 4 3 3229 81
47 Hillshire Dr Detached $1,085,000 4 2.5 3324 6
17281 Lowenberg Terr Detached $1,099,900 4 3.5 3792 24
27 Berwick Rd Detached $1,100,000 5 3 2968 4
6040 Lakeview Blvd Detached $1,125,000 5 3 3701 42
18124 Pioneer Ct Detached $1,197,000 4 2.5 3201 42
3050 Stonebridge Way Detached $1,198,000 3 3.5 2948 4
2085 Ridge Pointe Dr Detached $1,199,000 5 4.5+.5 6575 61
18002 Pilkington Rd Detached $1,225,000 4 3 3634 23
4311 Haven St Detached $1,260,000 4 4 3915 5
16429 Bonaire Detached $1,299,900 4 3.5 2967 30
13592 Goodall Rd Detached $1,345,000 5 3.5 3735 42
17522 Bryant Rd Detached $1,399,000 4 4 3545 14
14110 Goodall Rd Detached $1,475,000 4 3.5 3945 40
16881 Canyon Dr Detached $1,629,900 4 4 3854 4
18320 River Edge Ln Detached $1,790,000 4 5 4608 17
16743 Graef Circle Detached $2,000,000 4 2.5 3772 10
736 Southview Rd Detached $3,098,000 4 3.5+.5 4639 54

Sold/Closed (August 24-30, 2020)

Address Type List Price Sold Price Sq Ft CDOM
6 Wheatherstone #3 Condo $404,000 $405,000 1692 11
5881 Fernbrook Circle Detached $419,000 $430,000 1,416 2
16518 Inverurie Rd Detached $425,000 $477,000 1233 3
26 Briarwood Rd Detached $495,000 $495,000 2554 4
6430 McEwan Rd Detached $549,000 $525,500 1595 108
5711 McEwan Rd Detached $529,950 $529,950 1467 6
18554 Hallberg Ct Detached $524,900 $530,000 1202 2
29 Da Vinci St Detached $519,000 $550,000 2632 5
1276 Hide A Way Ct Detached $510,000 $568,500 1603 3
6352 Dawn St Detached $584,900 $590,000 1709 5
1601 Ash St Detached $629,999 $596,000 2045 57
17207 Rebecca Ln Detached $599,000 $618,000 1944 6
4890 Indian Creek Ct Detached $699,000 $675,000 2064 15
16969 Alder Circle Detached $729,000 $699,000 1676 18
14074 Sundeleaf Dr Detached $685,000 $700,000 1760 $5
521 2nd St #104 Condo $700,000 $700,000 1339 4
14655 Uplands Dr Detached $899,000 $730,000 2462 126
13005 Sierra Vista Dr Detached $819,900 $795,000 3448 3
5734 Charles Circle Detached $785,000 $806,000 2663 2
12821 Sierra Vista Dr Detached $819,500 $819,500 3352 5
2944 Vale Ct Detached $984,000 $950,000 3414 81
1061 Chandler Rd Detached $990,000 $990,000 2879 139
15628 Quarry Rd Detached $1,249,000 $1,305,898 3074 0
792 5th St Detached $1,499,999 $1,480,000 4379 33
3244 Upper Dr Detached $1,595,000 $1,575,000 3730 11
1575 Country Commons Detached $1,949,950 $2,050,000 3951 817

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.

Posted on

What’s in the Blotter?

Linda and I have been writing this blog for a very long time. I would say at least 10 years. When we started this blog we wanted to name it after something uniquely associated with Lake Oswego. We chose The Property Blotter, which was a reference to the column in the local newspaper, The Lake Oswego Review. The column was called the Blotter. It lists every call to the Lake Oswego Police from the previous week. Bear in mind that LO is famous for having low crime, and a very well funded police department. Thus, many of the calls are a source of light humor.

With this in mind, I thought I’d give you a taste of this week’s police blotter, now known as the Police Log:

8/7 1:36 p.m. A resident said she was concerned about her elderly neighbor who had to use a double key deadbolt to get out of the gate to her condo near the 30 block of Condolea Drive. She worried the neighbor wouldn’t be able to get out in an emergency.

8/7 2:37 p.m. A caller said a dog showed up on their porch near the 14000 block of Goodall Road.

8/7 2:55 p.m. Kids were seen boxing near the 15500 block of Waluga Drive.

8/7 4:35 p.m. A man was seen yelling at buildings while walking in a parking lot near the 5000 block of Foothills Road.

8/7 6:26 p.m. A woman wondered if she was allowed to park her boat in her driveway for the winter.

8/7 7:33 p.m. A resident said a man was standing in grass and staring at his house near Overlook Drive and Stafford Road. Apparently this was an ongoing issue, with the man standing there “for hours.” It turned out the man worked for a care facility and he went across the street to smoke away from residents.

8/7 11:57 p.m. A resident said a “fugitive” was in their backyard and under the deck at an undisclosed location. Police found no one under the deck, though they did notice bird seeds on the ground and evidence of rats. Under the deck, a vent leading to a crawl space was missing, and the noise could have been from rats or a raccoon.

8/8 4:06 p.m. A caller said a skunk was dying in his yard and it needed to be put down near the 800 block of Clara Court.

And so goes the high drama of life in LO. We have it pretty good here when we have a police department who will answer the call about a dying skunk. I do love LO.

Enjoy your week.
Dianne

Posted on

Market Activity August 17-23, 2020

The real estate market in Lake Oswego continues to be booming. Far more houses are selling than are coming onto the market. It’s a great time to list your house for sale!

Last week in Lake Oswego we had 20 properties come onto the market, 31 move into pending status, and 28 sold/closed homes.

New on the Market (August 17-23, 2020)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft
47 Eagle Crest Dr #62 Condo $249,000 3 1.5 1026
45 Eagle Crest Dr #402 Condo $249,000 1 1 768
217 Cervantes Condo $250,000 2 1.5 1204
4642 Lower Dr Condo $275,000 2 2 1260
205 Oswego Summit #205 Condo $285,000 2 2 1383
71 Condolea Way Condo $425,000 3 3 2131
6 Britten Ct Attached $425,000 2 2 1317
1402 Parrish St Condo $469,000 3 2.5 1863
1764 Conifer Dr Detached $499,900 3 1 1200
17 Laurel St Detached $675,000 3 1.5 3096
322 2nd St Condo $755,000 3 3.5 1971
13745 Cameo Ct Detached $964,500 4 4 2846
4297 Albert Circle Detached $999,995 3 2.5 2335
47 Hillshire Dr Detached $1,085,000 4 2.5 3324
1816 Palisades Lake Ct Detached $1,200,000 3 2.5 4598
16877 Canyon Dr Detached $1,629,900 4 4 3771
3509 Lanewood St Detached $1,799,900 4 4 3830
16743 Graef Circle Detached $2,000,000 4 2.5 3772
1287 Cherry Ln Detached $2,595,000 5 4.5 5312
16337 Chapin Way Detached $2,599,000 5 4.5 5115

Pending Sales (August 17-23, 2020)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft
47 Eagle Crest Dr #62 Condo $249,000 3 1.5 1026
45 Eagle Crest Dr #402 Condo $249,000 1 1 768
217 Cervantes Condo $250,000 2 1.5 1204
4642 Lower Dr Condo $275,000 2 1-Jan 1260
205 Oswego Summit #205 Condo $285,000 2 2 1383
71 Condolea Way Condo $425,000 3 3 2131
6 Britten Ct Attached $425,000 2 2 1317
1402 Parrish St Condo $469,000 3 2.5 1863
1764 Conifer Dr Detached $499,900 3 1 1200
17 Laurel St Detached $675,000 3 1.5 3096
322 2nd St Condo $755,000 3 3.5 1971
13745 Cameo Ct Detached $964,500 4 4 2846
4297 Albert Circle Detached $999,995 3 2.5 2335
47 Hillshire Dr Detached $1,085,000 4 2.5 3324
1816 Palisades Lake Ct Detached $1,200,000 3 2.5 4598
16877 Canyon Dr Detached $1,629,900 4 4 3771
3509 Lanewood St Detached $1,799,900 4 4 3830
16743 Graef Circle Detached $2,000,000 4 2.5 3772
1287 Cherry Ln Detached $2,595,000 5 4.5 5312
16337 Chapin Way Detached $2,599,000 5 4.5 5115

Sold/Closed (August 17-23, 2020)

Address Type List Price Sold Price Sq Ft CDOM
7 Crestfield Ct Condo $155,000 $145,000 689 31
59 Oswego Summit Condo $244,900 $230,900 1,140 59
16250 Pacific Hwy #81 Condo $249,000 $231,500 841 43
207 Oswego Summit Condo $289,000 $289,000 1506 20
13 Mountain Circle Attached $375,000 $390,000 1374 4
6301 Alyssa Terr Attached $400,000 $408,000 1546 4
5071 Tualata Ln Detached $449,000 $440,000 1540 45
1400 Parrish St Condo $460,000 $448,000 1863 130
18545 Kristi Way Detached $434,900 $460,000 1307 4
4260 Chapman Way Detached $630,000 $618,777 2301 16
14825 Rainbow Dr Detached $650,000 $636,000 2582 12
205 Hidalgo St Detached $679,900 $679,900 3032 4
4087 Trout Way Detached $659,000 $710,000 2320 4
720 Briercliff Ln Detached $650,000 $720,000 2152 3
17430 Schalit Way Detached $689,900 $725,000 2379 1
14321 Camden Ln Detached $759,900 $750,000 2553 3
18709 Mirkwood Dr Detached $729,000 $770,000 3086 3
3778 Rivers Edge Dr Detached $799,000 $770,000 3012 53
19398 River Run Dr Detached $799,900 $800,000 2790 24
19242 Indian Springs Rd Detached $995,000 $925,000 3365 54
14380 Trillium Ct Detached $1,072,000 $976,000 3962 128
18707 Bryant Rd Detached $995,000 $985,000 2184 0
1658 Village Park Ln Detached $1,258,000 $1,180,000 4634 97
4150 Upper Dr Detached $1,425,000 $1,390,000 3466 14
1103 C Ave Detached $1,639,000 $1,538,000 3530 110
310 Iron Mountain Blvd Detached $2,150,000 $2,025,000 4927 14
3124 Lakeview Blvd Detached $2,950,000 $2,700,000 3825 16
4175 Southshore Blvd Detached $4,999,999 $3,300,000 6332 1133

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.

Posted on

Featured Neighborhood: Westlake

Westlake is probably the most classic “American” neighborhood in Lake Oswego. Developed in the 1980’s it is winding, quiet streets of lovely homes that just beg you to take your dog for a walk, or your kids to get on their bikes and spend the day outside. It is truly a wonderful neighborhood.

It’s also unbelievably convenient. Located at the very Western edge of Lake Oswego, it is bounded by I-5 on the West, Melrose St on the North, Fosberg Rd on the East, and Kruse Way on the South. It is literally at the junction of I-5 and Hwy 217. I remember when it was being developed there was a big sign that said “If you lived here, you’d be home right now”. This is because as you leave the freeway, it’s right there. If you live in First Addition, you’ve got another 10 minutes of driving to get home. If you live in Palisades, you’ve also got another 10 minutes of driving to get home. It’s just super convenient.

Westlake has 2 parks, Westlake Park and Southwood Park. Southwood Park is more of a nature area with green lawns and walking paths. Westlake Park is more of a recreation area with a huge playground and an athletic field for baseball and soccer. It is also the sight of the August portion of the Lake Oswego Summer concert series. In a non-covid 19 world, there is a free outdoor concert every Wednesday evening in the month of August.

Westlake Elementary School is also adjacent to this neighborhood, which makes it close enough for kids to walk or ride their bikes to school.

Do you see what I”m saying about a classic “American” neighborhood. It’s like something straight out of a movie. The American dream. A family home and everyone enjoying recreation and friendships.

The housing in Westlake is primarily single family residential. There are some apartments, but no condos. There is also a very small commercial area with a dozen businesses and a pizza restaurant.

There are currently 8 houses for sale in Westlake. The least expensive is 1861 square feet, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, built in 1986, the interior is mostly original and would benefit from updating. It’s priced at $549,900. The most expensive is 2976 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, built in 1985, it is beautifully updated and priced at $995,000.

Homes in Westlake sell fast. Because of everything I have shared here, it is a wildly popular place to live and buyers are watching and waiting. When the right house comes onto the market, they jump on it. This makes it not only a great place to live, but owning a home there is also a great investment.

The photos shared here are of homes that I have recently sold in Westlake. I know the neighborhood and would love to help you realize your dream of living in a classic “American” neighborhood.

As always, thanks for reading the blotter.
Dianne

Posted on

Market Activity July 27-August 2, 2020

Last week was another very active week for real estate in Lake Oswego. We had 13 new listings, 34 properties move to pending status, and 38 sold/closed sales.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS:

New on the Market (July 27-August 2, 2020)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft
4000 Carmen A-16 Condo $264,900 2 2 1025
3433 McNary Pkwy #804 Condo $269,900 2 2.5 1136
750 1st St A12 Condo $369,000 2 2 1350
1 Pheasant Run Detached $475,000 3` 2.5 1780
17015 Denny Ct Detached $549,977 3 2 1756
16715 Ford Pl Detached $875,000 3 2.5 3081
6016 Clairmont Ct Detached $950,000 3 2.5 3210
13822 Melrose Pl Detached $990,000 4 3.5 3529
1507 Cedar St Detached $1,099,900 3 2.5 2505
16429 Bonaire Ave Detached $1,299,900 4 3.5 2967
1111 C Ave Detached $1,549,000 4 3.5 3354
1003 Terrace Dr Detached $3,500,000 5 5.5+.5 7428
1415 Chandler Rd Detached $4,250,000 6 4.5+.5 7054

Pending Sales (July 27-August 2, 2020)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft CDOM
7 Crestfield Ct Condo $160,000 1 1 689 31
16 Cervantes Circle 6E Condo $220,000 2 1.5 912 6
207 Oswego Summit Condo $289,000 2 1.5 1506 20
750 1st St #D25 Condo $325,000 2 2 1350 8
12844 Boones Ferry Rd Condo $390,000 2 2.5 1177 21
6 Wheatherstone #3 Condo $404,000 3 2.5 1692 11
5071 Tualata Ln Detached $449,000 3 2 1540 45
26 Briarwood Rd Detached $495,000 4 2.5+.5 2554 4
5767 Baleine St Detached $499,900 3 1.5 1160 4
29 Da Vinci St Detached $519,000 4 3 2632 5
18554 Hallberg Ct Detached $524,900 3 1.5 1202 2
6352 Dawn St Detached $584,900 3 2 1709 5
86 Greenridge Ct Attached $599,000 4 3.5 2718 39
1941 Green Acres Ln Detached $599,900 4 2.5 2459 394
12 Mozarteum Ct Detached $659,000 4 2.5 2915 30
16969 Alder Circle Detached $699,000 3 2 1676 18
397 Livingood Ln Detached $719,000 3 2.5 2631 6
28 Westridge Dr Detached $724,900 4 2.5 2580 25
12562 Orchard Hill Rd Detached $739,000 4 2.5 2574 47
14655 Uplands Dr Detached $739,000 3 2 2462 126
1868 Glenmorrie Dr Detached $769,000 4 4 3158 12
2782 Tolkien Ln Detached $769,000 4 3.5 3207 19
12821 Sierra Vista Dr Detached $819,500 5 3.5 3352 5
32 Wilbur St Condo $862,500 3 2.5 2671 1
1523 Pine Detached $869,900 3 2.5 2390 151
18283 Lothlorien Way Detached $889,000 4 3 3053 13
2944 Vale Ct Detached $958,000 4 2.5 3414 81
44 Touchstone Detached $975,000 5 3 2507 25
3122 Glenmorrie Dr Detached $1,299,000 4 3.5 3724 14
714 Evergreen Rd Detached $1,349,000 4 3 3464 135
610 4th St Detached $1,550,000 4 2.5 3394 157
17322 Cedar Rd Detached $1,950,000 4 4 3432 30
17147 Old River Dr Detached $2,350,000 4 4.5+.5 6936 52
18414 Old River Landing Detached $2,980,000 4 4.5+.5 7022 55

Sold/Closed (July 27-August 2, 2020)

Address Type List Price Sold Price Sq Ft CDOM
86 Kingsgate Rd C-102 Condo $225,000 $225,000 924 3
668 McVey Ave #82 Condo $235,000 $235,000 992 24
200 Burnham Rd #304 Condo $329,000 $309,000 1305 25
5225 Jean Rd #304 Condo $329,500 $325,000 1400 23
4324 Botticelli St Condo $359,000 $340,000 2260 89
1373 Bonniebrae Dr Attached $370,000 $375,000 1477 3
4386 Thunder Vista Ln Condo $399,900 $390,000 1980 41
111 Touchstone Terr Attached $420,000 $420,000 1341 16
76 Kingsgate Attached $434,900 $430,000 1527 73
19 Bloch Terr Attached $425,000 $430,000 1527 73
885 McVey Ave Detached $469,000 $450,000 1292 29
6397 McEwan Rd Detached $439,900 $453,000 1008 3
17635 Deemar Way Detached $549,000 $489,000 1488 201
121 Wilbur St Condo $537,500 $528,750 1631 117
1778 Fern Pl Detached $499,900 $529,500 1146 $11
13841 Verte Ct Detached $649,000 $560,000 2341 78
2388 Overlook Dr Detached $678,000 $657,000 2765 5
1069 Timberline Dr Detached $725,000 $725,000 2173 7
121 Condolea Dr Condo $799,000 $752,800 2143 1
64 Condolea Terr Condo $799,000 $799,000 2958 3
1010 Laurel St Detached $849,000 $800,000 2498 15
5608 Grand Oaks Dr Detached $879,000 $880,000 3129 2
205 5th St Detached $895,000 $895,000 2556 52
24 Del Prado St Detached $969,000 $959,000 3357 22
15371 Twin Fir Rd Detached $1,050,000 $1,012,500 2876 19
815 Oak ST Detached $1,035,000 $1,020,000 3836 6
18803 Rivendell Ct Detached $1,100,000 $1,050,000 4538 310
14260 Uplands Dr Detached $1,284,000 $1,267,000 2831 5
540 8th ST Detached $1,289,000 $1,279,000 2920 2
824 9th St Detached $1,375,000 $1,375,000 2800 0
163 Iron Mountain Blvd Detached $1,795,000 $1,500,000 4314 424
17475 Canal Circle Detached $1,650,000 $1,570,000 2290 0
4277 Upper DR Detached $1,595,000 $1,640,000 3851 141
18099 Green Bluff Dr Detached $1,695,000 $1,650,000 5343 43
16645 Graef Circle Detached $1,825,000 $1,825,000 3187 16
17537 Cardinal Dr Detached $1,995,000 $1,850,000 3187 16
1098 Chandler Rd Detached $1,995,000 $1,950,000 3934 12
16723 Maple Circle Detached $2,450,000 $2,150,000 2515 17

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.

Posted on

The Magic that is Escrow

I want to take a moment to explain not only what escrow is, but also to give a shout out to the amazing title companies that we have in the Portland area.

Escrow is the time that happens between an offer being accepted and the title being recorded for the new owner of the property. The Realtors involved submit a copy of the agreed upon paperwork to the title company that has been chosen. The buyer or the seller can select the title company, if they have a preference. By practice though, I’d say 90% of the time the seller’s agent will choose the title company. This is because prior to and during the course of the listing being marketed, it’s pretty common for the listing side Realtor to ask for information and favors from a title company. This can be things like obtaining a plat map, getting a copy of the deed, all sorts of favors. The title company will do these services at no charge. They do them, because they are hoping to be selected to handle a transaction. Just like Realtors, they don’t get paid until the transaction closes.

Upon receiving the new sale agreement, the “escrow officer”, which is what the person at the title company is usually called, will order a preliminary title report. It takes about a week to receive it and it is sent out to all parties involved: the buyer and their Realtor, the seller and their Realtor, and the lender if there is a lender involved. The title report shows what legal liens and encumbrances, such as easements, Home Owner Association documents, and mortgages are attached to the property. Once received, the buyer needs to review the prelim and they have 2 days to notify the seller if there is an issue that needs to be cleared up. The seller then has 5 days to fix the issue. If the seller can’t fix it, then the buyer can terminate and get their earnest money back. The sort of issue that might create this situation would be something like a judgement for alimony that must be proven to be current. That sort of thing.

Escrow lasts 30 to 45 days, typically. During this time the escrow officer will collect the needed information to close on the sale. They are the people who receive the lenders wire of funds from the new mortgage, and who contact the buyer to let them know how much money to bring to closing. They make appointments with the buyer and the seller and are in charge of everyone signing all of the documents correctly. They use the money that they have received to pay off any current liens and then they are the ones who take the new deed to the county and have it recorded, along with the new mortgage. Today this is done electronically.

On the day of closing they do the final title report to confirm that no knew encumbrances have been recorded on the property. With this in hand they issue a title insurance policy. This insurances benefits the buyer and is the title companies evidence that all of the seller encumbrances have been removed and the buyer is receiving the property with clear title and only the encumbrances that they place upon it, such as their new mortgage.

To a person, every single escrow officer I have ever met or worked with has been the utmost professional, competent and friendly person. In addition, the title companies perform these services for a very reasonable charge. Combining title and escrow charges, the average transaction earns the title company, perhaps, $3500. The charge for the title insurance is regulated by the state of Oregon. Escrow charges are pretty uniform between companies. The charges are split approximately 60/40, with the seller paying the larger amount because seller paid title insurance to benefit the buyer is more expensive than buyer paid title insurance to benefit the buyer’s lender.

If you ask any Realtor who their favorite title company is, every single one of them will have an immediate answer. For me, it’s Roni Winters at Fidelity National Title in Lake Oswego. But I would trust any of the companies and escrow officers in the metro area. They are all that good.

Stay cool in this heat, and as always, thank you for reading the blotter.
Dianne

Posted on

Market Activity July 13-19, 2020

The Lake Oswego real estate market is on fire! It feels like we are having our spring market in July. I’m sure it’s because in the spring the pandemic had just hit us and we all felt a sense of decision paralysis. But as time has gone by, and we’ve all adapted to the new normal, our confidence has come back. The Lake Oswego market truly is booming. Last week we had 26 properties come onto the market, 28 go into pending status, and 20 sold/closed purhases.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS:

New on the Market (July 13-19, 2020)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft
48 Eagle Crest Dr 5E Condo $269,000 2 2 1443
4621 Lakeview Blvd Condo $279,999 2 2 1178
5061 Foothills Dr G Condo $395,000 2 2 991
6 Wheatherstone #3 Condo $404,000 3 2.5 1692
151 Kingsgate Rd Detached $499,999 3 2 1585
17207 Rebecca Ln Detached $599,000 3 2.5 1944
38 Northview Ct Attached $638,900 4 4 3125
1868 Glenmorrie Dr Detached $769,000 4 4 3158
4108 Orchard Way Detached $769,000 4 2.5 2981
5124 Rosewood St Detached $799,900 5 3.5 3516
802 Clara Ct Detached $849,000 4 3 2886
18283 Lothlorien Way Detached $889,000 4 3 3053
12641 Adrian Ct Detached $896,448 4 4 3602
19345 Riverwood Ln Detached $969,000 4 3.5 3383
1029 Laurel St Detached $974,000 5 3.5 3195
18400 Delenka Ln Detached $998,800 5 3.5 5245
100 Leonard St 4-2 Condo $1,079,000 3 2.5 3137
428 C Ave Attached $1,149,888 3 3 2607
6040 Lakeview Blvd Detached $1,200,000 5 3 3701
3122 Goodall Rd Detached $1,345,000 5 3.5 3735
17684 Stafford Lot 3 Detached $1,499,950 6 4.5 4407
17787 Cardinal Dr Detached $2,199,000 4 4 3270
16655 Maple Circle Detached $3,498,000 3 3 3100
4321 Southshore Blvd Detached $3,950,000 5 4.5 6731
1500 Northshore Rd Detached $11,888,000 5 6.5+.5+.5 13462
3122 Glenmorrie Dr Detached $1,299,000 4 3.5 3724

Pending Sales (July 13-19, 2020)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft CDOM
44 Eagle Crest Dr #9 Condo $194,900 2 1 908 4
668 McVey Ave #14 Condo $239,900 1 1 636 9
2164 Goodall Ct Detached $300,000 3 2 2016 17
16500 Lake Forest Blvd Detached $439,900 3 1 960 1
1400 Parrish St Condo $450,000 3 2.5 1863 130
5711 McEwan Rd Detached $529,950 3 2 1467 6
4910 Centerwood St Detached $650,000 4 2.5 2481 0
4746 Amherst Ct Attached $675,000 3 2.5 2985 55
205 Hidalgo St Detached $679,900 4 3.5 3032 4
17430 Schalit Way Detached $689,900 4 2.5 2379 1
3778 Rivers Edge Dr Detached $799,000 4 3.5 3012 53
121 Condolea Dr Condo $799,000 3 3 2143 1
19398 River Run Dr Detached $799,900 4 3 2790 24
5267 Lakeview Blvd Detached $895,000 4 3.5 3454 118
1425 Morning Sky Ct Detached $895,000 4 3 3282 2
1766 Palisades Terrace Dr Detached $914,000 4 2.5 2805 67
18707 Bryant Rd Detached $995,000 3 2 2184 0
1061 Chandler Rd Detached $999,000 4 3 2879 139
15371 Twin Fir Rd Detached $1,050,000 4 2.5 2876 19
17690 Blue Heron Rd Detached $1,199,900 4 3 3869 21
1301 Horseshoe Curve Detached $1,299,000 3 2 2260 3
13344 Briarwood Ln Detached $1,359,000 4 3 3413 394
4150 Upper Dr Detached $1,395,000 4 3.5 3466 14
792 5th St Detached $1,480,000 4 4.5 4379 69
1103 C Ave Detached $1,585,000 4 3.5 3530 110
1225 Oak Terrace Detached $1,600,000 5 4 3771 11
310 Iron Mountain Blvd Detached $2,150,000 5 3.5 4927 14
16793 Graef Circle Detached $2,150,000 4 3.5 69

Sold/Closed (July 13-19, 2020)

Address Type List Price Sold Price Sq Ft CDOM
100 Kerr Pkwy #2 Condo $170,000 $165,000 822 9
44 Eagle Crest Dr #441 Condo $228,900 $224,900 908 30
65 Church St Condo $299,950 $248,792 1040 38
715 Hemlock St Detached $357,000 $357,000 1312 8
4292 Galewood St Detached $549,900 $561,000 1644 3
2745 Greentree Rd Detached $598,500 $600,000 3548 245
19200 Redwing Ct Detached $599,900 $620,000 2128 2
1110 Hallinan Circle Detached $699,000 $660,000 3548 245
1268 Spruce St Detached $665,000 $680,000 2220 3
14183 Taylors Crest Ln Detached $796,000 $748,750 3551 45
5950 Harrington Ave Detached $795,000 $790,000 1927 78
125 Furnace St #125 Condo $799,000 $790,000 1927 78
5382 Royal Oaks Dr Detached $796,000 $819,000 2970 7
4680 Upper Dr Detached $825,000 $825,000 1656 3
17065 Tualatin St Detached $869,900 $830,000 2808 89
285 Berwick Rd Detached $1,250,000 $900,000 2518 111
2795 Rivendell Rd Detached $915,000 $930,000 3518 3
815 E Ave Detached $1,379,000 $1,379,000 2796 3
2260 Summit Ct Detached $2,158,000 $1,700,000 3797 436
1415 Skyland Dr Detached $4,250,000 $3,995,000 6085 3

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.