Market Activity for January 25-31, 2010

Last week brought 13 new listings onto the market in Lake Oswego, 14 pending sales, and 3 closed sales. In the weekly lockbox activity report, lockbox openings were up for the 4th week in a row. So lots of buyers are out there looking.

I am excited this week to have my own new listing in the market activity report. 211 Oswego Summit came onto the market for $229,900. It is a gorgeous (yes, I know I am prejudiced, but seriously, this home is spectacular) one-level condominium in Oswego Summit. It has over 1500 square feet with 2 HUGE bedrooms and 2 full baths. It is on the top floor with commanding views of Mt. St. Helens and SW Portland, but it has an elevator so there are NO STAIRS. I’ll be holding it open on Broker’s Tour on Tuesday the 2nd from 11am to 1pm. The public is welcome to attend Broker’s Open Houses, so come on by. And if you can’t make it on Tuesday, I’ll be there again on Sunday the 7th from noon to 3pm.

Here is last week’s market activity report:
Here’ your data for last week (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Jan. 25—Jan. 31, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
4 TOUCHSTONE DR $156,000 2 2 979 CONDO 1/27/2010
205 CERVANTES $164,900 2 1.1 1,216 ATTACHD 1/26/2010
4 TOUCHSTONE $184,000 3 2.1 1,351 CONDO 1/28/2010
48 EAGLE CREST DR $224,900 2 2 1,370 CONDO 1/26/2010
211 OSWEGO SMT $229,900 2 2 1,506 CONDO 1/31/2010
29 E AVE $289,000 2 1 1,176 DETACHD 1/28/2010
92 GREENRIDGE CT $349,995 3 2.1 1,980 ATTACHD 1/28/2010
5330 LOWER DR $399,000 3 2 2,010 DETACHD 1/29/2010
785 3RD ST 439900 2 1 1,100 DETACHD 1/26/2010
13052 KNAUS RD 475000 5 3 3,026 DETACHD 1/30/2010
4524 AUBURN LN 535000 3 3.1 2,732 DETACHD 1/26/2010
1 BRITTEN CT 625000 4 3 2,325 DETACHD 1/30/2010
15915 WALUGA DR 669000 3 2.1 2,939 DETACHD 1/25/2010

PENDING SALES (Jan. 25 – Jan. 31, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
5225 Jean RD $164,900 2 2 1,100 CONDO 79
105 KINGSGATE RD $269,900 3 2 1,500 DETACHD 203
17650 ARBOR LN $319,000 3 3 2,043 DETACHD 209
2705 ORCHARD HILL PL $374,900 3 2.5 2,250 DETACHD 19
2530 PALISADES CREST DR $376,200 4 2.1 2,774 DETACHD 20
19 BECKET ST $399,995 4 3.1 3,818 DETACHD 72
529 2ND ST $445,000 2 2 1,339 CONDO
19 MORNINGVIEW CIR $469,900 3 2.1 2,337 DETACHD 4
12748 SW 22ND AVE 515000 3 2.1 3,052 DETACHD 188
401 ASH ST 525000 5 4 5,320 DETACHD 469
17649 WOODHURST PL 579900 6 4.1 5,669 DETACHD 285
5322 ROSALIA WAY 699000 4 2.1 3,500 DETACHD 87
17212 CHAPIN WAY 850000 3 2.1 2,541 DETACHD 314
13311 LESLIE CT 1479000 4 4.1 5,601 DETACHD 223

SOLD (Jan. 25 – Jan. 31, 2010)

Address O/Price Close Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
1261 BOCA RATAN DR $239,000 $213,000 3 2 1,611 ATTACHD 93
909 CUMBERLAND PL $374,000 $285,000 4 3 2,716 DETACHD 43
8 WALKING WOODS DR $450,000 $423,000 4 3 3,302 DETACHD 303

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.

Open Houses for January 31, 2010

There are 28 open houses being advertised via the RMLS for Lake Oswego this Sunday:

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type Open
59 GALEN ST $94,950 1 1 550 CONDO 1 to 3
100 LEONARD ST $264,900 2 2 1,364 CONDO 1:30 to 4
5373 LAKEVIEW BLVD $329,500 3 1 2,176 DETACHD 2 to 4
15965 INVERURIE RD $385,000 4 2 1,915 DETACHD 1 to 3
119 3RD ST $399,900 3 2 1,204 CONDO 1 to 4
3075 ROYCE WAY $430,000 4 3.1 3,667 DETACHD 1 to 4
4955 GALEN ST $435,000 3 2.1 1,887 DETACHD 1 to 4
13448 AUBURN CT $474,900 3 2.1 2,535 ATTACHD 1 to 3
2705 SW ORCHARD HILL LN 499350 3 2.1 2,841 DETACHD 1 to 4
73 TANGLEWOOD DR 499500 4 3.1 4,254 DETACHD 1 to 4
4605 CHELSEA LN 649000 4 2.1 3,411 DETACHD 1 to 3
15915 WALUGA DR 669000 3 2.1 2,939 DETACHD 1 to4
520 C AVE 745000 4 4 3,242 ATTACHD 1 to 2:30
540 C AVE 749000 4 3.1 3,539 ATTACHD 1 to 2:30
17110 LOWENBERG TER 799000 4 2.1 2,678 DETACHD 12 to 3
17281 LOWENBERG TER 884900 4 3.1 3,386 DETACHD 12 to 3
17154 LOWENBERG TER 889900 5 3.1 3,497 DETACHD 12 to 3
12439 SW 22ND AVE 949900 4 3.1 4,118 DETACHD 12 to 4
17896 SW KELOK RD 990000 5 5 4,323 DETACHD 1:30 to 3:30
18222 SIENA DR 1088000 6 4.1 3,800 DETACHD 1 to 3
18143 SIENA DR 1197000 5 4.1 4,152 DETACHD 1 to 3
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR 1269000 5 4.1 4,155 DETACHD 1 to 3
18246 BELLA TERRA DR 1294000 4 3.1 4,196 DETACHD 1 to 3
664 OAK MEADOW DR 1299950 4 3.1 4,198 DETACHD 1 to3
657 OAK MEADOW DR 1349950 4 3.1 4,371 DETACHD 1 to3
17364 RIDGEVIEW CT 1399950 4 3.1 4,436 DETACHD 1 to 3
13961 KNAUS RD 2250000 4 4.2 6,614 DETACHD 3 to 4:30
2572 GLEN EAGLES PL 2395000 5 4.2 6,490 DETACHD 1 to 3

Have a great weekend!

Lake Oswego Reads

Beginning in 2007, the City of Lake Oswego has used the month of February to host a city-wide reading program. The concept is to encourage everyone in town to read the same book at the same time. The community then hosts events to show-case and share the ideas found in the book. This year’s book selection is The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig.

The Whistling Season is a coming-of-age story set in 1910. It tells the tale of a rural family of 3 boys and their widowed father. The book was selected because, tying into the Lake Oswego Centennial Celebration,  it will transport the reader back to 1910, the year that the City of Lake Oswego was originally founded. The book was selected by a panel of librarians, community leaders, High School English teachers and High School students.

Throughout the month of February events will be held all over Lake Oswego to bring The Whistling Season to life in the community:
February 1, Lake Oswego Writes, Chuck’s Place, 7pm
February 2-28, Art Exhitition at Graham’s Book and Stationary and at Chrisman Picture Frame and Gallery. 18 artists have created original pieces based upon their vision while reading the book.

February 3, History of the Telephone, Heritage House, 7pm

February 5, Pioneer Lunch, Noon, Adult Community Center

February 8, Book Club Quilter’s Tea, 2 pm, the Library

February 9, One Room School House Panel Discussion, Holy Names Heritage Center, 2pm

February 10, Spelling Bee, Lakewood Center, 7pm

February 11, Tales of the Secret Life of Lake Oswego, Library, 7pm

February 12, Photo Scavenger Hunt for Teens, Library, 7pm

February 13, Apron Making Classes, The Pine Needle, 10 am for kids, 1pm for adults

February 17, Dream Analysis, Lake Oswego Country Club, $15, 11:45 am

February 17, Hear Ivan Doig in Person, Lake Oswego High School, 7pm, tickets are free and given out 1st come 1st serve on January 30, 11 am, at the Library (see you there!)

February 18, Star Gazing, Luscher Farm, 7pm

February 18, Book Discussion, 7pm, West End Building

February 19, Book Discussion. 1 pm, Adult Community Center

February 20, Horse Carriage Rides, 11am to 3pm, Graham’s Stationary

February 20, Hoe Down, 5-8pm, West End Building

February 24, Historic Recipe Tasting, 1pm, Adult Community Center

February 24, Book Discussion, 7pm, the Library

February 25, Book Discussion, 10am, Mt. Park Church

February 25, Hear a real hand whistler, 7pm, the Library

February 26, Book Discussion, 1pm, Adult Community Center

February 27, Horse Show/ Jumper Night, 5:30, Oswego Hunt

For specifics on each event, click here.

I am an avid reader.  I jumped into the Lake Oswego Reads idea when it was first introduced in 2007.  I don’t attend all of the events, but I do try to get to a few of them.  This year I will make the effort to get to the art show as well as the evening with Ivan Doig.  I also plan to take my Mom to the One-Room-School-House discussion on the 9th (she actually went to school in a 1-room school house).  I have  learned that the book discussions are interesting, both in person and on-line.  I think what I like most about Lake Oswego Reads is that it introduces me to really good books that I might otherwise not read.  Here is a brief list of past book choices and my take on them:

2007, Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.  This book takes place in post-WWII Barcelona.  I liked this book.  It reminded me of The Davinci Code with its intrigue and espionage.  I particularly enjoyed the setting.  You feel like you are meandering through alleyways and breathing in Barcelona.  I know that this book was selected  because one of the goals of LO Reads is to draw in High School students as well as adults.  The local High Schools use the selected book in their classrooms.  This is a fast-paced story that successfully appeals to diverse age groups.

2008, Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Relin. This book is hands down one of the most important books of our time.  It is non-fiction.  It is about one man and his mission to bring peace to Afghanistan and Pakistan by building schools.  As I read it I found myself wishing that every world leader could take the time to read it too.  It is remarkable, amazing, and inspiring what one individual can accomplish.  And Greg Mortenson did it rather by chance.  You will find yourself with him as he comes off of climbing K2 and lands in a remote village in the Middle East.  He deals first-hand with The Taliban.  His mission is important and when your read about it you will be forever changed.

2009, Stubborn Twig by Lauren Kessler. This book traces 3 generations of Japanese immigrants from their early beginnings in the Hood River Valley, through their ordeals and the alterations of their lives during WWII, to the gradual assimilation into American culture after several generations.  I was completely touched by their story.  Like Three Cups of Tea, it is non-fiction.  This family came to the United States to find a better life, built a very successful business, and then lost nearly everything while being both jailed and put into Internment Camps.  And yet, they were and are  Americans, with lives of determination and patriotism.

I want to encourage you to get involved with Lake Oswego Reads.  If The Whistling Season is as good as the other book selections have been, then I know it will be a worthwhile experience.  And, let’s face it, one of the great things about February in Oregon is that it is the perfect time of year to curl up with a good book.

Dianne

Market Activity Report for January 11-17, 2010

Here is our latest market activity report. Last week brought us 21 new listings, 10 pending sales, and 9 closed sales.

I want to explain that occasionally a property misses getting into our report. This happens if the property status changes during the week that represents our report, but the data is not changed in the RMLS until after our report is issued. Linda and I want these reports to be as accurate as possible, but we also want them to occur in a timely fashion. We regret that some property data is reported late and thus misses our report.

Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Jan. 11—Jan. 17, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
86 KINGSGATE RD $139,900 2 2 849 ATTACHD 1/11/2010
67 OSWEGO SMT $174,900 2 2 1,212 CONDO 1/12/2010
5225 JEAN RD 174900 – 199876 2 2 1,400 CONDO 1/13/2010
4 TOUCHSTONE $199,995 3 2.1 1,351 CONDO 1/16/2010
15 ORIOLE LN $269,900 2 2 1,470 DETACHD 1/12/2010
17350 BLUE HERON RD $330,000 4 2.1 2,880 DETACHD 1/13/2010
3 SAINT HELENS CIR $355,000 2 2 1,472 DETACHD 1/17/2010
240 4TH ST $399,900 2 1.1 1,080 DETACHD 1/14/2010
4729 FIRWOOD RD 439900 3 2.1 2,357 DETACHD 1/15/2010
4725 FIRWOOD RD 449900 3 2.1 2,296 ATTACHD 1/15/2010
64 TOUCHSTONE 449999 5 2.1 3,641 DETACHD 1/14/2010
2705 SW ORCHARD HILL LN 499350 3 2.1 2,841 DETACHD 1/11/2010
3368 SOUTHSHORE BLVD 499990 3 2 2,160 DETACHD 1/11/2010
14279 CAMDEN LN 525000 4 2.1 2,373 DETACHD 1/13/2010
4102 BUCK BRUSH LN 556900 4 3 2,205 DETACHD 1/15/2010
4581 HASTINGS PL 574900 4 2.1 2,985 DETACHD 1/11/2010
19175 EASTSIDE RD 900000 5 4.1 5,263 DETACHD 1/13/2010
18222 SIENA DR 1088000 6 4.1 3,800 DETACHD 1/12/2010
2057 SUMMIT DR 1099000 4 3.1 4,589 DETACHD 1/14/2010
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR 1269000 5 4.1 4,155 DETACHD 1/12/2010
13764 KNAUS RD 1375000 4 4.1 4,805 DETACHD 1/12/2010

PENDING SALES (Jan. 11 – Jan. 17, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
12 CERVANTES CIR $105,000 2 1.1 912 CONDO 121
668 MCVEY AVE $164,900 2 1 852 CONDO 9
16250 PACIFIC HWY $170,000 3 2 1,626 CONDO 128
775 BOCA RATAN DR $184,500 3 3 2,401 DETACHD 131
3 SUMMIT RIDGE CT $274,000 2 2.1 1,576 ATTACHD 218
13050 BOONES FERRY RD $332,000 3 2 2,632 DETACHD 170
5460 BAY CREEK DR $424,900 3 2.1 2,358 DETACHD 136
38 DA VINCI ST $625,000 4 2.1 2,932 DETACHD 214
9 HIDALGO ST 649900 4 4.2 5,310 DETACHD 525
5234 WESTFIELD CT 724900 4 3 3,252 DETACHD 8

SOLD (Jan. 11 – Jan. 17, 2010)

Address O/Price Close Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
3433 MCNARY PKWY $100,000 $101,500 2 2.1 1,208 CONDO 212
86 KINGSGATE RD $127,000 $132,000 2 2 924 CONDO 236
520 9TH ST $325,000 $300,000 3 2 1,148 DETACHD 151
16824 SW INVERURIE RD $389,900 $310,000 3 3 1,896 DETACHD 245
16824 INVERURIE RD $279,900 $310,000 3 3 1,896 DETACHD 245
1575 IVY CT $515,000 $495,000 4 3 2,432 DETACHD 56
17479 BROOKHURST DR $699,000 $675,000 4 2.1 3,551 DETACHD 78
13010 KNAUS RD $1,099,000 $930,000 4 3.1 4,312 DETACHD 1128
17404 BERGIS FARM DR 1297000 1065000 5 4.1 5,394 DETACHD 326

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.

Open Houses for Sunday, January 17, 2010

There are 23 houses that will be held open this Sunday.  It’s a nice assortment that represents a wide range of prices, sizes, ages and options.  If you are inclined to want to spend an hour or two looking at houses, you should find some good options.

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type Open
323 CERVANTES $175,000 2 2 1,265 CONDO 1 to 3
5225 Jean RD $179,900 2 2 1,100 CONDO 1 to 3
65 GREENRIDGE CT $199,500 2 2 1,314 CONDO 1 to 4
5373 LAKEVIEW BLVD $329,500 3 1 2,176 DETACHD 2 to 4
18922 REDWING WAY $379,900 4 2 2,076 DETACHD 2 to 4
119 3RD ST $399,900 3 2 1,204 CONDO 1 to 4
4651 HASTINGS PL $454,900 4 2.1 2,215 DETACHD 1 to3
2705 SW ORCHARD HILL LN $499,350 3 2.1 2,841 DETACHD 11 to4
14279 CAMDEN LN 525000 4 2.1 2,373 DETACHD 1 to 3
4581 HASTINGS PL 574900 4 2.1 2,985 DETACHD 1 to 3
13278 ROGERS RD 695000 3 2.1 2,964 DETACHD 12 to 2
2688 RIVENDELL RD 745000 4 3 3,720 DETACHD 1 to 4
1225 LAKE GARDEN CT 829950 4 3.2 3,558 DETACHD 1 to 3
18222 SIENA DR 1088000 6 4.1 3,800 DETACHD 1 to 3
18209 SIENA DR 1178950 5 3.1 3,839 DETACHD 1 to 3
18143 SIENA DR 1197000 5 4.1 4,152 DETACHD 1 to 3
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR 1269000 5 4.1 4,155 DETACHD 1 to 3
18246 BELLA TERRA DR 1294000 4 3.1 4,196 DETACHD 1 to 3
17464 RIDGEVIEW LN 1298950 4 3.1 4,407 DETACHD 1 to 3
664 OAK MEADOW DR 1355000 4 3.1 4,198 DETACHD 1 to 3
18110 Siena DR 1394000 4 3.1 4,311 DETACHD 1 to 3
657 OAK MEADOW DR. 1395000 4 3.1 4,371 DETACHD 1 to 3
17364 RIDGEVIEW CT 1425000 4 3.1 4,436 DETACHD 1 to 3

Have a great weekend!

First Impressions

Front doorFirst impressions seems like the ideal subject for my first editorial post of 2010. It’s time to take that big step forward and I don’t know about you, but I want to make the most of it.

So, as a seller of a home, how can you maximize the first impression that your home gives? Of course you want to mow the lawn, clean the roof, trim the bushes and trees, but is that all? And, in fact, are those items even the most important? No, they aren’t. I believe that the single most important area of your home that you need to spiff up and get ready, is the front door.

When ever I take a new listing I give my little talk about getting the front door ready. Think about it. Typically a buyer is waiting at the front door while the Realtor is finding and opening the lock box. The buyer will pause there for a minute or two and have the opportunity to look at every little detail. Is the area clean? Is the paint fresh? Or is there a sofa and a big bag of Alpo on the front porch? And if there is a pile of rubbish to step around, what do you think that the buyer is anticipating finding inside? I really believe that buyers make their decision about the house at the front door. If they like what they see, they go into the house seeking to reinforce that opinion. They go inside looking for things to like. If they have been put off at the front door, they enter the house feeling critical. Will the bag of Alpo be accompanied by crates of rabbits and a barking dog chained in the back yard? This is just a very, very important place to spend a little time getting your home ready for marketing.

First I recommend a good cleaning and fresh paint. Get out a scrub brush, some soap, and take the time to really clean. Wash not only the door but the threshold, the weather-stripping, the light fixtures and everything around the door. Sweep the porch. Wipe away the moths and spider webs around the light fixture. Make certain the paint on the door is fresh with no scuffs or scratches.

Make sure the door knob and the key work easily. You may want to consider updating the hardware for the knob and the lock.

The National Association of Realtors publishes an annual report that is specific to every region of the country telling what sort of re-sale return can be expected from remodeling. The only item on the entire list, including kitchens and bathrooms, that returned of 100% of the investment was the purchase and installation of a new front door. Seriously. It will make you money to do this right. The estimated cost in the Pacific region is $1353 to install a new door and a return on the sale of your home of $1732. That’s a return of 128% on the original investment.

Once you get the door clean, painted and ready, do a little staging of the exterior entry area. Be careful not to crowd the area with too much. People should not have to avoid or step around anything you display. I recommend a pot or two of seasonal flowers (at this time of year you can display primroses and pansies) or perhaps a wreath on the door. Be careful with holiday decorations not to leave them on too long, but they are certainly appropriate during each holiday of the year.

Take a little time as you get ready to sell your home, and be sure to take time at the front door. Your efforts will help you to realize a better sale and probably even make you some money.

Looking forward to a great 2010, Dianne

Market Activity Report for December 28, 2009 to January 3, 2010

Last week brought us 4 truly new listings, 4 pending sales, and 5 closed sales. Kudos to the brave souls who were out working and busy over the holidays. And to my client who managed to schedule his moving day for the exact date and time of our brief snow storm.

Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Dec. 28—Jan. 3, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
100 KERR PKWY $102,500 2 1.1 823 CONDO 12/28/2009
4 TOUCHSTONE $160,000 3 2.1 1,350 CONDO 1/2/2010
19415 SW DOGWOOD CT $529,900 5 3 3,517 DETACHD 1/1/2010
19288 SW Megly CT $579,900 5 3 3,657 DETACHD 1/1/2010

PENDING SALES (Dec. 28 – Jan. 3, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
65 Church ST $159,900 2 1.1 1,040 CONDO 250
952 A AVE $350,000 2 2 2,912 DETACHD 241
5506 ROYAL OAKS DR $399,900 4 3 2,535 DETACHD 19
8 BUCKINGHAM TER $427,900 4 2.1 3,186 DETACHD 144

SOLD (Dec. 21 – Dec. 27, 2009)

Address O/Price Sold Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4000 CARMAN DR $129,900 $123,000 1 1 836 CONDO 103
364 NORTHSHORE RD $629,900 $355,460 2 2 2,220 DETACHD 465
106 GREENRIDGE CT $489,000 $441,000 4 3 3,127 ATTACHD 136
279 EVERGREEN RD $689,000 $615,000 3 3.1 2,136 ATTACHD 129
1980 TWIN POINTS RD $4,987,500 $4,987,500 4 5 6,600 DETACHD 0

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.

Open Houses for January 3, 2010

Happy New Year one and all!  It looks like it’s going to be a bit quiet this Sunday. For those of you who are hoping to attend an open house or two, there will be 5 homes held open in Lake Oswego, according to the RMLS.

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type Open
1950 BONNIEBRAE DR $200,000 2 1.1 1,056 ATTACHD 2 to 4
1547 BOCA RATAN DR $208,900 2 1.1 1,008 ATTACHD 11 to 1:30
65 GREENRIDGE CT $215,000 2 2 1,314 CONDO 11 to 1
5373 LAKEVIEW BLVD $335,000 3 1 2,176 DETACHD 2 to 4
17755 HILL WAY $339,900 4 3 1,831 DETACHD 1 to 3

Looking Back at the LO Real Estate Market of 2009

Red man statueI think the best thing I can say about the Lake Oswego real estate market of 2009 was that it wasn’t 2008. Remember a year ago? We’d seen the collapse of some of the Nation’s largest banks, the first bailout/stimulus package had been put into play, and the entire Nation was in a wait and see mode as the country transitioned to a new Presidency. It was a very difficult time. And it makes today’s market feel, well, pretty darn good.

Let’s start by looking at the Portland Metro area.

  • At this time last year the RMLS was reporting 19.2 months of inventory.  In other words, to sell all of the active listings at the pace that properties were then selling, it would take 19.2 months.  Today that same inventory is just 7.1 months.  Whew!
  • Closed sales from November of 2009 (the most recent report available at the RMLS) are 72.4% greater than they were in November of 2008.  Don’t get too excited about that one.  It’s a reflection of just how horrible sales were in November of 2008 and how great they were comparatively in 2009.  Putting better perspective on it requires doing a 11 month average of January-November for 2008 and then 2009.  When this is done the closed sales are greater in 2009 by 2.6%.  Still, an improvement.
  • November of 2009 compared to November of 2008 has pending sales up by 19.9%
  • November of 2009 compared to November of 2008 has new listings down by 7%
  • We have continued to see a decline in home values of 11.4%, year over year.

Looking at the specifics of Lake Oswego:

  • There are currently 396 single-family homes for sale and 130 condos.  Of the single-family homes, 96 are priced at over $1,000,000 and 54 are priced at $350,000 or less.
  • There are currently 49 single-family homes and 12 condos with pending sales.
  • In the last 12 months 393 single-family homes and 95 condos have sold and closed.  Of those 42 cost $1,000,000 or greater and 93 were priced at $350,000 or less.  In those high-end homes, 7 were priced over $2,000,000.
  • At the pace that $1,000,000 and greater homes are selling, based upon the performance of the last 12 months, there is still 2.2 years of high-end inventory.  And that also means that the less expensive homes ($350,000 or less) has just 7 months of inventory.
  • The average sales price is $419,300.
  • Property values saw a decline of 12.9% in the last 12 months.
  • Average days on the market (length of time between listing a home for sale and accepting an offer) is 163 days.

I just can not leave this subject entirely without doing my compulsive comparison of affordable homes in Lake Oswego versus Sellwood, a neighborhood in SE Porltand.  I like to do this because I used to live in Sellwood, so I think I have a good idea of the area, and because I remain convinced that Lake Oswego is misunderstood by buyers.  Many people assume that Lake Oswego is just too expensive for their budget.  This is, in fact, not true at all.  At this time there are currently 54 houses for sale in Lake Oswego priced at $350,000 or less, whereas in Sellwood there are currently just 27.  Lake Oswego is a good place to find an affordable home.

  • The least expensive home in Lake Oswego is a short-sale property that needs work.  It’s priced at $169,000 and has 1382 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths.  It’s on a quiet street near Waluga Junior High School.  Offers have been submitted to the lender for 3rd party approval.
  • The least expensive home in Sellwood is a short-sale property that is being sold “as is”.  It looks to me like it needs some work but is in better condition than the LO property.  It is priced at $209,000 and has 850 square feet (120 of that in the basement) with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath.  It too has received an offer and is waiting for lender 3rd party approval.
  • The most expensive home in Lake Oswego remains the 5.5 acre private island in Oswego Lake that is priced at $19,500,000.  Built in 1929, it has 13,500 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 6 1/2 baths.  There are waterfalls and a lake side pool.  To arrange a showing, buyers must provide verification of funds. Yep, LO has those kinds of houses too.

We will never be able to foresee the future.  We can only look at the present and the recent past to get an idea of what to expect ahead.  My prediction is that the tax incentives for 1st time buyers, and now for repeat buyers as well, will continue to boost sales.  I think people intending to sell who are serious will continue to price their homes at reasonable levels that will attract an offer.  I also think that people have been beat up in the last couple of years and realize that many mistakes were made.  Even if the economy improves, I predict caution from home buyers for many years.  People will shop carefully and make home choices carefully.  I will also tell you that from my perspective, having survived the housing market of 2008, and now the market of 2009, I am really looking forward to 2010.

Linda and I want to wish you a safe, healthy, and happy New Year.

Yours in real estate, Dianne

Market Activity for December 14-20, 2009

This past week we had 8 new listings, 12 pending sales, and 7 closed sales. I expect this week to be slow as everyone gets into all of the events of the holidays.

Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Dec. 14—Dec.20, 2009)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
47 EAGLE CREST DR $89,500 1 1 696 CONDO 12/14/2009
100 KERR PKWY $97,000 1 1 617 CONDO 12/18/2009
12 WHEATHERSTONE $285,000 3 2.1 1,692 ATTACHD 12/20/2009
210 S STATE ST $339,000 2 1.1 1,495 CONDO 12/15/2009
5511 FIELDSTONE CT $675,000 4 2.1 3,032 DETACHD 12/15/2009
5533 FIELDSTONE CT $695,000 4 2.1 3,112 DETACHD 12/15/2009
1703 VILLAGE PARK LN $789,000 3 2.1 3,450 DETACHD 12/14/2009
17288 LOWENBERG TER $897,000 4 3.1 3,245 DETACHD 12/14/2009

PENDING SALES (Dec. 14 – Dec. 20, 2009)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
Address List Price #BR #BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
668 MCVEY AVE $179,900 2 1.1 985 ATTACHD 1124
5064 FOOTHILLS DR $199,900 3 2 1,252 CONDO 168
14431 SHERBROOK PL $285,000 4 3 3,284 DETACHD 365
520 9TH ST $325,000 3 2 1,148 DETACHD 151
16824 INVERURIE RD $335,000 3 3 1,896 DETACHD 244
8 WALKING WOODS DR 399900 – 429900 4 3 3,302 DETACHD 303
15943 WHITE OAKS DR $430,000 4 2.1 2,773 DETACHD 242
5948 BAY POINT DR $484,950 4 2.1 2,421 DETACHD 226
34 HILLSHIRE DR 565000 3 2.1 3,822 DETACHD 699
17675 CARDINAL DR 599000 3 3 3,458 DETACHD 294
13010 KNAUS RD 995000 4 3.1 4,312 DETACHD 1128
15481 TWIN FIR RD 999000 4 4.1 4,821 DETACHD 593

SOLD (Dec. 14 – Dec. 20, 2009)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
Address O/Price Close Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
113 KINGSGATE RD $309,000 $255,000 3 2 1,436 DETACHD 94
200 BURNHAM RD $399,000 $275,000 3 2 1,960 CONDO 294
3521 LANEWOOD ST $399,500 $394,500 3 1.1 1,675 DETACHD 5
13584 TWIN CREEK LN $449,900 $435,000 4 2.1 2,615 DETACHD 2
12430 ORCHARD HILL RD $649,950 $550,000 3 2.1 2,985 DETACHD 201
4304 WESTBAY RD $629,900 $600,000 4 3.1 2,914 DETACHD 153
762 3RD ST $639,900 $610,000 3 2.1 2,590 DETACHD 309

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.