It isn’t often that we shine the spotlight on any particular property, but when we heard that the new luxury town homes on Sixth St in sought-after First Addition had just lowered their prices by $100,000 each to $599,900., Dianne and I just had to run over there and take a look.
There are six of these little gems with four of them left & available for purchase. The address is 363 Sixth St., and the ML# if you want to get a preview is 9057549. Each has 2258 SF, 3 bedrooms, 3 & 1/2 baths, 2 levels with additional full finished basements, and probably just everything you’ve been looking for.
First of all, they really are gorgeous. The finishes in these are superior. The first feature you notice inside are the beautiful plank maple hardwood floors. A sleek yet spacious slab granite kitchen with long island, pantry & light beech cabinets also boasts additional built-ins and smart features like a pull-down bar. The dark french doors to the front porch area off the dining room are a rich contrast, and the white wainscoting throughout adds that crisp old-world cottage feel. The 2-car detached garage out back with private courtyard to the house is an added bonus in First Addition, and from there you enter the great room compete with gas fireplace and more built-ins.
Downstairs you find another gas fireplace and generous media room as well as another bedroom & bathroom w/an additional laundry area for guests or your reclusive teenager. Upstairs is the master bedroom & bath showing off glorious travertine w/onyx, a clawfoot tub & separate shower as well as an additional bathroom w/soaker tub & yet another bedroom. Walk-in closets of course, and the main laundry near the upstairs bedrooms check those final “must-haves” off the list.
Overall, these are just so unique & have that easy-living feel that goes hand in hand with the First Addition lifestyle… you know, walking to all the services, trendy shops and restaurants, not to mention Millenium Park Plaza for a view of the lake & all the festive local activities like Farmer’s Market, open air Movie Nights, Holiday Tree-Lighting festivities and on & on. First Addition is just a strolling kinda place; a small-town feel with all the amenities. Cottage Living magazine named First Addition as one of the ten best cottage communities in the country. American Planning Association name it one of the top 10 neighborhoods in America. The accolades go on & on.
Yes, these are nice indeed. But you know, on the practical side, in addition to the location & amazing price when comparing features & finishes to other offerings, there are also NO HOA fees. Compare that with other HOA’s nearby at anywhere from $136./month to $455./mo.
Come on down & take a look. Bring a Realtor as there has been a lot of interest. They will be held open both Saturday & Sunday from 1 – 4.
There were 17 New properties that came on the market, 13 that went to Pending status, and 4 that Sold in Lake Oswego last week according to RMLS.
We hope that our weekly real estate status updates regarding activity in Lake Oswego are helpful to you.
Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Oct. 12—Oct.18, 2009)
ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
Address
List Price
# Beds
# Baths
Total SF
Prop Type
List Date
5957 SEVILLE AVE
$184,900
1
1
1,199
DETACHD
10/12/2009
450 S STATE ST
$185,000
2
1
800
CONDO
10/12/2009
24 WHEATHERSTONE
$199,950
3
2.1
1,692
CONDO
10/12/2009
668 MCVEY AVE
$219,500
1
1
636
CONDO
10/12/2009
13680 SHIREVA DR
$289,900
3
2
1,504
DETACHD
10/13/2009
5219 DAWN AVE
$289,900
3
1
910
DETACHD
10/13/2009
16000 PACIFIC HWY
$319,000
2
2
1,200
CONDO
10/12/2009
5957 SEVILLE AVE
$339,900
1
1
1,199
DETACHD
10/12/2009
3068 DUNCAN DR
$473,900
4
4
3,281
DETACHD
10/12/2009
13175 THOMA RD
$579,900
3
2
1,920
DETACHD
10/12/2009
5678 SW CHARLES CIR
$625,000
4
4
3,455
DETACHD
10/16/2009
5767 SUNCREEK DR
$769,000
3
3
3,363
DETACHD
10/18/2009
567 6th ST
$769,000
4
3.1
2,558
DETACHD
10/14/2009
19463 LORNA LN
$805,000
4
3.1
4,024
DETACHD
10/14/2009
19422 LORNA LN
$805,000
5
3.1
4,011
DETACHD
10/14/2009
18209 SIENA DR
$1,178,950
4
3.1
3,617
DETACHD
10/12/2009
1075 CHANDLER RD
$1,850,000
5
5
5,946
DETACHD
10/16/2009
PENDING SALES (Oct. 12 -Oct. 18, 2009)
ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address
List Price
# Beds
# Baths
Total SF
Prop Type
CDOM
44 EAGLE CREST DR
$158,900
3
2
1,085
CONDO
123
36 CERVANTES CIR
$159,900
2
1.1
912
CONDO
337
16600 BRYANT RD
$249,900
3
2
1,877
DETACHD
106
5424 WASHINGTON CT
$299,900
2
1
1,296
DETACHD
68
1991 MAPLELEAF RD
$309,900
3
2
1,456
DETACHD
14
26 BRIARWOOD RD
$344,900
4
2.2
2,554
DETACHD
133
315 LAKE BAY CT
$389,900
2
2
1,277
DETACHD
8
905 COUNTRY CLUB RD
$409,900
4
2.1
2,817
DETACHD
238
18410 DEERBRUSH AVE
$475,000
4
2.1
2,217
DETACHD
78
4691 HERITAGE LN
$499,000
4
2.1
2,716
DETACHD
324
400 LAKE BAY CT
$529,000
3
2.1
1,680
DETACHD
198
540 NORTHSHORE RD
$599,000
4
3
2,746
DETACHD
153
17225 KELOK RD
$1,350,000
4
3.1
4,161
DETACHD
0
SOLD (Oct. 12-Oct. 18, 2009)
ADDRESS
ORIG. PRICE
SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address
O/Price
Close Price
# Beds
# Baths
Total SF
Prop Type
CDOM
10 CONDOLEA DR
$250,000
$220,000
2
2
1,312
ATTACHD
398
5044 GREENSBOROUGH CT
$449,000
$411,100
3
2.1
2,124
DETACHD
49
95 D AVE
$608,500
$576,500
4
2
1,809
DETACHD
83
17960 SARAH HILL LN
$1,179,000
$910,000
5
3.1
4,800
DETACHD
163
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.
Sunday is supposed to be our best day of the week… i.e., Sunshine! Get out and enjoy touring some Open Houses in Lake Oswego, and give Dianne or me a call if you are not working with a Realtor and end up finding the house of your dreams! We’d be happy to represent you, and always have time for you.
There are 26 properties on tour in Lake Oswego tomorrow according to RMLS:
Here are a few local events & opportunities currently offered Lake Oswego residents. Wish you were here? We do too! Enjoy:
Scam Jam 2009 ~ The FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association invites you to learn to protect yourself from identity theft. Other topics to be covered include investment fraud, repair scams, financial exploitation and more. Join LOPD and take part in this free event on Saturday, October 17 at Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland.
Unsung Hero Award ~ Lake Oswego is sponsoring this refreshing opportunity to nominate a Lake Oswego neighbor who makes a difference in the lives of those around them. You may nominate someone by picking up a form at City Hall or by calling 503 635 0257. The deadline is October 31st.
Homecoming Parades ~
Lake Oswego High School’s parade: Friday, October 16th 1:30PM – 2:30PM
Lakeridge High School’s parade: Friday, October 23rd 2PM – 3PM
A Avenue will be closed to all eastbound traffic from Chandler to 1st Street during the parades.
Vote for Your Favorite Photo ~ Now that Lake Oswego’s first Photo Contest was a huge success, it is time to vote for your favorite of two finalists which were selected from each category. Lake Oswego residents may vote here: VOTE! Voting closes on October 15th.
Sensitive Lands ~ Lake Oswego is offering a Workshop and FAQ site in response to the tremendous interest of citizenry in the Sensitive Lands policies under discussion now.
There were 34 properties classified in RMLS as “New” on the market last week, but only 12 of them truly are, and are listed as such for you below. We had 14 properties go to “Pending” status, and 21 “Sold”!
Ah… the beauty of the Portland area in the Fall… just the time for a new start in a new home. Lake Oswego is so gorgeous once all the leaves begin to turn. With some rain last week, we are again back to sunshine and seasonably pleasant temperatures around 69/70. Nights are getting chilly though… and there is that beautiful smell in the air. So fresh. We’ll get pictures up here for you once the leaves turn. For now, enjoy your property search/sale adventures, & don’t forget to email or call Dianne or myself if you need a Realtor and are not currently working with one. We would love to meet you.
Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Sept. 28—Oct.5, 2009)
ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
Address
List Price
# Beds
# Baths
Total SF
Prop Type
List Date
3433 MCNARY PKWY
$162,750
2
2.1
1,208
CONDO
10/2/2009
3826 BOTTICELLI ST
$210,000
2
2
1,055
ATTACHD
10/2/2009
18179 SW PILKINGTON RD
$299,900
3
2
1,300
DETACHD
10/2/2009
15430 PARTRIDGE DR
$379,000
3
2.1
2,207
DETACHD
10/3/2009
2245 GLEN HAVEN RD
$379,000
3
1.1
1,276
DETACHD
10/1/2009
980 C AVE
$399,500
3
2
1,312
DETACHD
9/30/2009
1457 BOCA RATAN DR
$445,000
3
2
1,568
DETACHD
9/28/2009
1430 CHERRY CREST DR
$525,000
4
3
3,302
DETACHD
10/2/2009
827 8TH ST
$898,000
5
3.1
3,852
DETACHD
9/29/2009
507 ASH ST
$988,000
3
3
3,000
DETACHD
9/28/2009
2479 PALISADES CREST DR
$1,495,000
4
3.1
6,640
DETACHD
9/28/2009
2201 HAZEL RD
$1,550,000
4
3.1
5,446
DETACHD
10/1/2009
PENDING SALES (Sept 28 -Oct. 5, 2009)
ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address
List Price
# Beds
# Baths
Total SF
Prop Type
CDOM
7202 SW MONTAUK CIR
$99,000
2
1
968
CONDO
74
3433 MCNARY PKWY
$114,900
2
2.1
1,208
CONDO
142
4000 CARMAN DR
$125,900
1
1
767
CONDO
38
141 OSWEGO SMT
$169,900
2
2
1,140
CONDO
77
16573 BONAIRE AVE
$274,900
4
2
1,560
DETACHD
43
4662 CARMAN DR
$289,900
5
2
1,754
DETACHD
13
16250 Pacific Hwy (Hwy 43)
$319,850
2
2
1,200
CONDO
1200
5554 ROYAL OAKS DR
$399,885
3
2
1,861
DETACHD
2
2161 CREST DR
$407,500
4
2.1
2,648
DETACHD
139
1032 LAUREL ST
$424,000
4
2
2,384
DETACHD
86
14666 UPLANDS DR
$499,000
3
2.1
2,568
DETACHD
114
95 D AVE
$585,000
4
2
1,809
DETACHD
83
353 D AVE
$725,000
4
2
3,228
DETACHD
749
5250 DAWN AVE
$855,000
4
3.1
4,333
DETACHD
836
SOLD (Sept 28-Oct. 5, 2009)
ADDRESS
ORIG. PRICE
SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address
O/Price
Close Price
# Beds
# Baths
Total SF
Prop Type
CDOM
45 EAGLE CREST DR
$139,900
$110,000
1
1
768
CONDO
125
3688 SPRING LN
$179,900
$164,500
2
2
1,120
CONDO
81
4 TOUCHSTONE
$179,500
$170,000
2
2
984
CONDO
19
5064 FOOTHILLS DR
$299,900
$262,000
2
2
1,308
CONDO
63
1432 LAUREL ST
$275,000
$265,000
2
1
920
DETACHD
85
17100 BRYANT RD
$278,900
$310,000
3
3
2,032
DETACHD
18
605 COUNTRY CLUB RD
$399,900
$317,500
4
2.1
3,422
DETACHD
163
13899 MAJESTIC CT
$439,000
$360,000
3
2
2,357
DETACHD
86
17760 SW CARDINAL CT
$404,900
$375,000
3
2.1
2,147
DETACHD
60
17221 ROBB PL
$427,500
$380,000
3
2
1,812
DETACHD
12
14431 ORCHARD SPRINGS RD
$439,900
$385,000
4
2.1
1,960
DETACHD
212
3560 TEMPEST DR
$449,900
$437,875
3
2.1
2,847
DETACHD
14
4722 HASTINGS PL
$489,900
$479,000
4
2.1
2,151
DETACHD
505
6110 CHILDS RD
$550,000
$482,000
4
3
3,258
DETACHD
138
14412 MEADOW GRASS ST
$500,000
$490,000
4
2.1
3,563
DETACHD
412
17473 REDFERN AVE
$719,950
$575,000
4
2.1
3,052
DETACHD
105
5421 Bay Creek DR
$649,500
$580,000
4
2.1
3,241
DETACHD
138
17386 BLUE HERON RD
$679,000
$650,000
4
3.1
4,063
DETACHD
796
18051 KELOK RD
$899,000
$799,000
5
3.1
3,670
DETACHD
401
17878 HILLSIDE DR
$895,000
$855,000
5
3
3,462
DETACHD
34
301 IRON MOUNTAIN BLVD
$1,150,000
$950,000
4
3.2
3,004
DETACHD
125
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.
Gorgeous day today (Sat)… Gorgeous day tomorrow!
Is it Fall? Yes. Could there be a few raindrops in between the blinding sunshine? Yes! Is it fun to take in the change of season? Absolutely! (sorry for all the exclamations… against all my better judgement that says “winter is coming…” I really enjoy Fall : )
We have 29 properties on tour in Lake Oswego tomorrow according to RMLS. Get out & enjoy!
Tax Credit ~ The First-Time Home-Buyers’ $8,000. Tax Credit is, of course, the talk of the town (the nation, actually). It is acknowledged that it is and has been helpful in spurring the real estate market (activity in related price ranges is steady if not occasionally feverish… especially lately!) There is much talk about extending the deadline from the current November 30th date to an as-yet-undetermined date in 2010. While it is generally agreed that the housing market is turning the corner, and a large part of this growth is related to the tax credit, there is also concern being expressed about dispersing more government money in light of recent history. So… nothing is decided as of now. There are talks about plans to:
Extend it to all home-buyers,
Not extend it at all,
Increase it to $15,000.,
Extend it and keep the terms the same,
Offer it only to service members who have been out of the country,
Etc.
The important thing to remember if you are a first-time home-buyer, or care about one, is that right now there is an opportunity to get an $8,000. tax credit. That means real money coming to you when you file for 2009. We do NOT know how the debate will play out regarding extending or not extending it… AND right now there is still time to take advantage of it, but you must act now.
Oil Tanks (Reminder & Update) ~ The standards for levels of contaminants are under review. In particular, ethyl benzene and naphthalene have been changed to a “carcinogenic” classification, and therefore cleanup requirements are also changing. There is now concern over the possibility of fumes potentially penetrating a home from underground & causing harm. Remember, if you have an oil tank underground on your property that has not been decommissioned, or if you are a Buyer considering a property with one: Underground oil tanks have a life of approximately 40 years. After that, they leak… and what they leak is toxic. Homeowners can be held liable for damage to soil from leaking tanks, and therefore, proper soil testing and decommissioning through a DEQ-certified environmental service is the wise choice. If you are a Seller in this situation, I would highly recommend just doing this now and getting it out of the way. It makes your home more attractive to potential Buyers, removes an objection, and protects you and the environment at the same time.
Loans ~ There are truly all kinds of loans out there right now for all kinds of Buyers. FHA loans are a current favorite, and the FHA 203 (b) is a little easier to qualify for than most conventional loans these days. There are also “Flex” loans for teachers (administrators & school nurses can also apply!), police, and firefighters. Other than the FHA loan I mentioned, you usually want a credit score of 640 or higher, and for all of them you’ll need 3 to 3.5% down. Talk to your favorite mortgage broker for more information, or give me a call and I can refer you to some great resources.
Homes on Slopes ~ Some precautions, in light of current information gained from recent slides in Portland, Lake Oswego and surrounding areas are worth noting:
At no point should drain water be discharged onto slopes in an uncontrolled manner. Investigate energy dissipation devices to prevent erosion at discharge points.
Make sure that any fill used on the slope is “engineer-fill”. Not all fill is able to handle the specialized drainage requirements of sloped properties.
Make sure gutters remain clear in order to prevent over-saturation in areas not able to handle runoff.
Keep drainage ditches or berms clear during the rainy season so that they do not direct water into areas where erosion & damage may occur.
Keep drain inlets, outlets and weep holes at foundation, retaining walls, driveways etc clean at all times. Remove debris to prevent clogging.
Notice any wet spots on the property. This may indicate either natural seepage, or leaking water or sewer line problems. Seek professional advice immediately.
Regularly check irrigation systems. Drip systems are preferred on hillsides.
Make sure roof drainage is not connected to a subsurface disposal system unless it has been approved by a geotechnical engineer.
Keep water from accumulating next to foundations, retaining walls or basements.
Guard against over-saturation on the hillside, as once this has occurred, damage can result very quickly and without warning.
It’s really interesting… tis the season for “freshening” listings I guess… There were 28 properties listed as New this last week & only 13 of them actually were. It bears noting that Dianne and I go through the properties and remove the ones that are not actually new listings so that our readers can really see what properties have just come on market. I personally make an exception for properties that have been off the market for 30 or more days… It seems to me as though if someone has taken their property off the market for that time, they have probably been working on the property & changing something about it, so I go ahead in those cases & list them as New again. I also noticed that many of the “freshened” listings (not in the table below) have changed Realtors. Although it is then technically a new listing, it is not a new property on the market for our readers’ purposes. It is worth noting that the property is what Buyers are looking for… not the Realtor, and if it is listed in the RMLS and the Realtor has been doing a good job of exposing it online, following up on showings etc., it is (in my opinion) a mistaken notion that switching Realtors is going to help sell the property. It is more likely that the things the Seller has control over, i.e. price and the appearance of the property, will make the difference. The listing that was on the market yesterday with one Realtor and back on today with another is pretty much the same property, and Buyers know that. Just a few musings for what they’re worth : )
Last week we saw, as mentioned, 13 New properties come on market. 16 went to Pending status, and 5 Sold.
Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Sept. 14—20, 2009)
ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
Address
List Price
# Beds
# Baths
Total SF
Prop Type
List Date
12 CERVANTES CIR
$105,000
2
1.1
912
CONDO
9/15/2009
668 MCVEY AVE
$239,900
3
1.1
985
CONDO
9/17/2009
136 TOUCHSTONE TER
$350,000
3
2.1
1,996
DETACHD
9/17/2009
114 TOUCHSTONE TER
$389,000
3
2.1
2,080
ATTACHD
9/14/2009
15547 PARTRIDGE DR
$389,900
3
3
2,266
DETACHD
9/14/2009
16901 LAKERIDGE DR
$435,000
3
3
2,080
DETACHD
9/17/2009
5717 BONITA RD
$439,000
5
2
2,572
DETACHD
9/18/2009
4311 ORCHARD WAY
$564,900
4
2.1
3,082
DETACHD
9/14/2009
19101 INDIAN CREEK AVE
$619,500
2
2.1
2,794
DETACHD
9/15/2009
1809 HEADLEE LN
$1,125,000
2
2.1
3,836
DETACHD
9/14/2009
753 LAKESHORE RD
$1,385,000
3
3.1
2,562
DETACHD
9/16/2009
13 NANSEN SMT
$1,500,000
4
4.1
4,625
DETACHD
9/19/2009
17281 KELOK RD
$1,550,000
4
3
2,682
DETACHD
9/18/2009
PENDING SALES (Sept 14 -20, 2009)
ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address
List Price
# Beds
# Baths
Total SF
Prop Type
CDOM
10 CONDOLEA DR
$240,000
2
2
1,312
ATTACHD
398
19138 PILKINGTON deep flag RD
254500 – 259000
3
1.1
1,099
DETACHD
133
5 PEACOCK PL
$299,950
4
2.1
1,760
DETACHD
169
16964 SW GASSNER LN
$335,000
3
3
2,208
DETACHD
100
5037 CENTERWOOD ST
$349,000
3
1.1
1,340
DETACHD
98
19 TOUCHSTONE
$399,000
4
3
2,789
DETACHD
107
31 DA VINCI ST
$399,900
4
2.1
2,232
DETACHD
34
41 HILLSHIRE DR
$427,000
4
3
2,670
DETACHD
437
3 CELLINI CT
$429,000
4
2.1
2,531
DETACHD
240
1660 CAMPUS WAY
$475,000
4
3
2,042
DETACHD
4
2330 DELLWOOD DR
$495,000
5
3.1
3,468
DETACHD
4
4691 CHELSEA LN
$564,900
4
2.1
3,102
DETACHD
585
559 2ND ST
$600,000
2
2
1,529
CONDO
7 CELLINI CT
$659,000
5
3.1
3,560
DETACHD
10
570 7TH ST
$665,000
3
2.1
2,528
DETACHD
265
2600 DELLWOOD DR
$699,900
4
3
3,690
DETACHD
486
SOLD (Sept 14-20, 2009)
ADDRESS
ORIG. PRICE
SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address
O/Price
Close Price
# Beds
# Baths
Total SF
Prop Type
CDOM
5318 RED LEAF ST
$309,950
$319,950
3
2
1,460
DETACHD
27
799 COUNTRY CLUB RD
$700,000
$500,000
6
2.1
4,410
DETACHD
784
4387 LORDS LN
$875,000
$650,000
3
2.1
3,040
DETACHD
544
1933 SUMMIT DR
$1,675,000
$1,550,000
5
4.1
4,925
DETACHD
26
4313 WESTBAY RD
$2,775,000
$2,100,000
4
3.1
4,000
DETACHD
193
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.
This Sunday we have 15 Open Houses in Lake Oswego according to RMLS. Two of them are under $300,000. if that interests any of you first time home buyers out to find a great home & meet the $8,000. tax credit timeline. As always, give Dianne or me a call if you need some assistance & are not already working with a Realtor. Enjoy!
You know, Dianne and I talk about this a lot, but I think it bears mentioning at this crucial moment when we have so little time before the $8,000. tax credit incentive has timed out (it expires on December 1st… that means that any transaction where there is the intention of taking advantage of this needs to close by November 30th). What is it that Dianne and I harp on so often that comes into play here? I’ll tell you- it’s “affordable homes in Lake Oswego”. You know, the kind that many first time home buyers would be interested in… homes under, let’s say, $350,000… Homes in a great school district, in a community where all types of individuals tend to participate and make their voices heard, where there are farmers markets, art festivals, music in the park, great shops & services, where families are valued and supported with programs and activities specific to those needs… and on & on. Here is a link to the city’s website if you’d like to find out more: http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/
I think that Lake Oswego, as Dianne has pointed out time & time again, is sometimes overlooked by first-time home buyers due to a perception that they just would not be able to afford a home in L.O. Now… each individual circumstance is of course different, but if you can qualify for any number of the great lender programs that I know are out there now, and are looking for a home under $350,000., according to RMLS there happen to be at this moment, today, 53 Detached Homes available in Lake Oswego… and the bottom end is $199,000. In addition, there are 129 Condos & Townhomes available right now under $350,000… and the bottom end there is at $89,800.
If this is sparking some thinking on your part about looking into this idea for yourself, or someone you know, please do not wait to get going. Talk to your Realtor, or give Dianne or myself a call *today* if you are not already working with a Realtor. This is not me pushing here, I am talking about the chance of a lifetime in prices, rates, and this $8,000. tax credit, and this is the moment. Here are a few reasons why:
Now, more than ever, it is important to have a good understanding of the timelines involved in purchasing a home… especially if you want to take advantage of the first-time home buyer tax credit: Fact: The average timeline from when you find a property until it closes is 30-45 days. Fact: You will need some time to find the property that you wish to buy. (Some buyers find their home right away, and some need more time.) Fact: The week before November 30th is Thanksgiving! Many banks and title companies are traditionally closed for the last 3 days of that week. Fact: November 30th is the Monday following the typical 3 day bank shutdowns. Fact: There will surely be many, many buyers who will wait until the last minute to start looking for homes. This means that November 30th is sure to be an extremely busy day and many banks and title companies will not be equipped to handle all of the expected volume. Fact: As more buyers start to frantically hit the market to take advantage of the tax credit, the selection of properties is sure to decrease. Fact: Waiting too long is a gamble you should not take if you are truly interested. The best strategy is to work with a professional who has a great team and can develop a plan with you to hit the deadline.
Ok, I’ll get off my soapbox now : ) I’ve at least done my part in getting the word out.
Happy house-hunting! Please feel free to give me or Dianne a call if you’d like to get going. We are really enjoying working with as many of you as possible to ensure that you get to take advantage of this great opportunity.
It isn’t often that we shine the spotlight on any particular property, but when we heard that the new luxury town homes on Sixth St in sought-after First Addition had just lowered their prices by $100,000 each to $599,900., Dianne and I just had to run over there and take a look.
ML# if you want to get a preview is 9057549. Each has 2258 SF, 3 bedrooms, 3 & 1/2 baths, 2 levels with additional full finished basements, and probably just everything you’ve been looking for.
cabinets also boasts additional built-ins and smart features like a pull-down bar. The dark french doors to the front porch area off the dining room are a rich contrast, and the white wainscoting throughout adds that crisp old-world cottage feel. The 2-car detached garage out back with private courtyard to the house is an added bonus in First Addition, and from there you enter the great room compete with gas fireplace and more built-ins.
Downstairs you find another gas fireplace and generous media room as well as another bedroom & bathroom w/an additional laundry area for guests or your reclusive teenager. Upstairs is the master bedroom & bath showing off glorious travertine w/onyx, a clawfoot tub & separate shower as well as an additional bathroom w/soaker tub & yet another bedroom. Walk-in closets of course, and the main laundry near the upstairs bedrooms check those final “must-haves” off the list.
Overall, these are just so unique & have that easy-living feel that goes hand in hand with the First Addition lifestyle… you know, walking to all the services, trendy shops and restaurants, not to mention Millenium Park Plaza for a view of the lake & all the festive local activities like Farmer’s Market, open air Movie Nights, Holiday Tree-Lighting festivities and on & on. First Addition is just a strolling kinda place; a small-town feel with all the amenities. Cottage Living 
magazine named First Addition as one of the ten best cottage communities in the country. American Planning Association name it one of the top 10 neighborhoods in America. The accolades go on & on.
Come on down & take a look. Bring a Realtor as there has been a lot of interest. They will be held open both Saturday & Sunday from 1 – 4.
Here are a few local events & opportunities currently offered Lake Oswego residents. Wish you were here? We do too! Enjoy:
You know, Dianne and I talk about this a lot, but I think it bears mentioning at this crucial moment when we have so little time before the $8,000. tax credit incentive has timed out (it expires on December 1st… that means that any transaction where there is the intention of taking advantage of this needs to close by November 30th). What is it that Dianne and I harp on so often that comes into play here? I’ll tell you- it’s “affordable homes in Lake Oswego”. You know, the kind that many first time home buyers would be interested in… homes under, let’s say, $350,000… Homes in a great school district, in a community where all types of individuals tend to participate and make their voices heard, where there are farmers markets, art festivals, music in the park, great shops & services, where families are valued and supported with programs and activities specific to those needs… and on & on. Here is a link to the city’s website if you’d like to find out more: