Author: Linda Rossi

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Green Water (ing)

perennialThough you wouldn’t know it today to look out my window (cloudy & some drizzle), it is summer, sunbeams have been out in force, and temps have been shooting up along with the plants in our yards and gardens. Some of this has to do with the heat, and some has to do with the fact that we are watering things while there is heat. At this time of year, and especially during a recession, we all need a refresher course on watering, and Lake Oswego is only too happy to oblige!

7dees2Water conservation experts from the Regional Water Providers Consortium (RWPC) are visiting Lake Oswego for a session with local residents where they plan to hand out free water gauges and lots of good tips for water-efficient landscaping and maintenance. This event will be held this Saturday, June 13th, at Dennis’ 7 Dees Garden Center, 1090 McVey Ave., from 10 AM to 2 PM.

The Consortium has an amazing website that reminds me how much there grass4is to learn. I remember thinking, when I was much younger and of course knew much more than I do today (or thought I did), that being a native of Southern California (Hey… No ribbing… I’ve been here since 1978!) , I had a very hard time believing that there was truly any need to conserve water in Oregon… I mean come on! With all the rainfall, the huge river running through town, the snowy mountain peaks dribbling water through Portland all year long… How was I supposed to believe that we actually needed to pay much attention at all to water consumption? Well, in recent years we have all learned how integral our activities are to maintaining the living environment we so cherish and want to hand to our children. There really are limits to what nature can provide us in our current numbers & given the constraints of our infrastructure. Then, there is that money thing… Practical tips for saving money while saving water? I’m all ears!
Among the vast array of uselful material to be found at the RWPC site are the following good pieces of information:

  • Use Mulch! It is important to know what kind to use however: –Organic Mulches (aged manure, bark chips, wood chips) and compost material will significantly decrease the amount of water you will need for plant health. Specifically, the addition of as little as 5% organic material can quadruple your soil’s ability to store water, decreasing the watering needed. – Inorganic mulches like stones, concrete and gravel can be great for creating landscape patterns etc., but also “re-radiate” the sun’s heat and cause an increase in the amount of water needed to care for surrounding plants.
  • Create Watering Zones – These would be areas of your property wherein similar types of plants reside hopefully having similar watering requirements. (Lawn areas, rose garden, annual garden, perennial garden etc) This way you avoid the “one system fits all” mentality and the over-watering that results for some garden areas.
  • Adjust Watering Schedules Frequently – As the temperatures shift during the summer, you will want to adjust your watering schedules accordingly.
  • Managed Stress in the Landscape – There are all sorts of seemingly complicated formulas to help you determine how much to water a lawn at any given temperature. The RWPC site simplifies this information and helps you understand the “Stressing” concept, which basically means watering as little as possible forcing lawns to use their natural coping mechanisms and give you a green lawn all summer without the heavy over-watering that is so prevalent.
  • Water Plants Thoroughly but Infrequently – This causes roots to go deeper and therefore be more drought resistant/require less watering.
  • Water When Temps are Cooler – Preferably before 10:00AM or after 6:00PM.
  • Use Drip Irrigation Where Possible – Large water droplets close to the ground are much more efficient than sprinkler systems which lose a lot of water to evaporation.
  • Don’t Water in the Rain – Use rain sensors and gauges to eliminate unnecessary automatic watering when it is raining.
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Market Activity Report ~ May 25 – 31, 2009

This last week Lake Oswego saw 14 New properties placed on the market, Pending sales at 15 and 8 Sold/closed.

Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):

NEWLY LISTED (May 25—May 31, 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
47 EAGLE CREST DR $99,500 1 1 666 CONDO 5/26/2009
340 CERVANTES CIR $120,000 2 1.1 912 CONDO 5/27/2009
4000 SW CARMAN DR $151,000 2 2 836 CONDO 5/29/2009
458 STATE ST $209,900 2 1 800 CONDO 5/26/2009
3497 DEVONSHIRE DR $299,000 3 2 1,556 ATTACHD 5/28/2009
5 ORIOLE LN $399,000 3 2.5 2,024 DETACHD 5/28/2009
4191 CHAPMAN WAY $409,000 4 2.1 2,610 DETACHD 5/29/2009
44 DA VINCI ST $449,000 4 2 2,005 DETACHD 5/30/2009
1322 GLENMORRIE DR $725,000 3 3 2,752 DETACHD 5/30/2009
14136 HEATHROW LN $734,000 4 2.1 2,955 DETACHD 5/27/2009
1120 HOODVIEW LN 769000 – 875000 4 3 3,454 DETACHD 5/29/2009
3973 CHILDS (Private Rd) RD $950,000 3 3.1 3,861 DETACHD 5/29/2009
885 8th ST $1,075,000 3 2 1,766 DETACHD 5/28/2009
320 CHANDLER PL $1,900,000 5 3.1 4,675 DETACHD 5/28/2009
95 IRON MOUNTAIN BLVD $2,250,000 6 4.1 4,818 DETACHD 5/27/2009

PENDING SALES (May 25-May 31, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date CDOM
12826 Boones Ferry RD $229,900 2 2.1 1,398 CONDO 4/25/2009 156
668 MCVEY AVE $250,000 3 1.1 985 CONDO 3/12/2009 77
30 CONDOLEA DR $275,000 2 2 1,420 ATTACHD 10/31/2008 209
15570 WALUGA DR $325,000 3 3 1,577 DETACHD 3/21/2009 334
4411 Lakeview Blvd 299000 – 338876 4 2 1,828 DETACHD 4/20/2009 239
1716 HALLINAN ST $354,500 3 3 1,916 DETACHD 4/10/2009 47
14141 GOODALL RD $389,900 3 2.1 1,907 DETACHD 5/22/2009 4
15422 PARTRIDGE DR $399,900 4 2.1 1,841 DETACHD 5/21/2009 4
147 6TH ST $425,000 3 1 1,584 DETACHD 5/18/2009 11
4116 ORCHARD WAY $644,900 5 3.1 4,078 DETACHD 1/16/2009 132
4155 CANAL RD $709,000 4 2.1 3,736 DETACHD 5/21/2009 678
1913 CHERYL CT $1,175,000 4 4.1 5,791 DETACHD 3/31/2009 547
18025 SKYLAND CIR $1,425,000 4 3.2 5,379 DETACHD 4/6/2009 54
15805 OSWEGO SHORE CT $1,488,850 3 2.1 3,870 DETACHD 4/22/2009 33
12901 SW GOODALL RD $2,195,000 4 4.1 5,333 DETACHD 3/20/2008 679

SOLD (May 25-May 31, 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 List Date CDOM
4000 CARMAN DR $144,000 $151,000 2 2 932 CONDO 4/19/2009 8
13880 SUNDELEAF DR $234,500 $200,000 2 1 976 DETACHD 1/23/2009 84
5054 FOOTHILLS DR $278,500 $255,000 2 2 1,312 CONDO 2/17/2009 295
3190 DUNCAN DR $304,900 $270,000 3 2.1 2,401 DETACHD 12/16/2008 115
820 MCVEY AVE $335,000 $311,000 3 1.1 1,446 DETACHD 1/12/2009 489
2 SUMMIT RIDGE CT $354,900 $349,900 2 2.1 1,750 ATTACHD 3/18/2009 25
2957 GLEN EAGLES RD $599,000 $390,000 4 3 3,288 DETACHD 2/3/2009 87
4 DA VINCI ST $599,950 $599,950 5 3 3,100 DETACHD 4/6/2009 11

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.

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First Time Home Buyer? ~ What to Expect:

house

I was reading an article recently regarding the $8,000. tax credit for first time home buyers, and the writer expressed shock at how many people are completely unaware of it. I have noticed in my own practice recently that the larger PR machine has evidently not been doing a very good job at educating the public, as some of my clients reveal innocence on this subject as well when they discuss their leisurely plans to purchase “sometime in January of next year” etc. (the tax credit is only applicable if the home purchase is completed before December 1st of this year.) I also have heard more & more folks lately talking about attending “First Time Home Buyer Classes” presented usually by Realtors and Mortgage Brokers as a service to the public.

It seems to me that there is a real need for information out there right now. I thought I’d give a little primer below on at least the basics of what to expect during your first home-buying experience. Hope you find it helpful!

(Note: The sequence below does not apply to each and every transaction as each is individual and scenarios/time lines obviously vary. Your Realtor will be doing many more things behind the scenes than I indicate below as well, but I am sticking to outlining YOUR experience and how you can expect that to unfold… generally speaking.)

  • Retain services of a mortgage professional (lender) to give you best options for financing, and have an approval letter ready for you when you make an offer. Discuss “closing costs” with your mortgage professional, and review the “good faith estimate” that they will provide to you. (If you have a relationship with a Realtor first, ask them to recommend good resources for you.)
  • Work with your Realtor to find the home that meets your needs.
  • Work with your Realtor to determine appropriate offer & details/then write it up.
  • Realtor submits offer to Seller along with approval letter from lender and earnest money check. Note: The EM check is to show good faith, and is applied to the sale should your offer be accepted and proceed to close. Talk with your Realtor about what amount will put your best foot forward. (*Sometimes Promissory Notes may be used, and/but I highly recommend using an EM check to be taken most seriously.
  • Receive response/acceptance/counter from Seller in time frame you specified on the offer (in a normal transaction you typically ask for response within 24 hours, but if it is a “short sale”, the process of hearing back that you are indeed accepted by all parties concerned can take months.)
  • Upon mutual acceptance (usually within 1-3 days), schedule an inspection ASAP (you have 10 business days to conduct inspections & may back out if concerns arise during this time). Your Realtor will help you with this- Ask him or her for good resources to guide you through the process of inspecting the home. Prices vary, but a 2000 square foot house will often run around $400. more or less, and size as well as other factors come into play in the cost of an inspection.
  • Upon mutual acceptance, your earnest money check is sent to the Escrow Office, and held by them on your behalf until closing, or until nullification of the offer if this occurs within your inspection period.
  • Realtor writes and negotiates any Inspection Addendum items during this period according to your wishes (you will work with your Realtor to discuss and determine any give and take in the negotiation process that may occur. Your Realtor will offer you information and give professional advice, negotiating on your behalf and with your permission. You are in the driver’s seat, and you make the final decisions albeit under good counsel.
  • Upon mutual acceptance & reaching the end of your inspection period, your Realtor notifies the lender who orders the appraisal.
  • Your Realtor continues to work with the lender as the lending process moves forward. As long as the appraisal comes back at or above sale/offer price, you will proceed to closing through the underwriting process of the lender. Should the property not appraise for at least the sale amount, the lender will bring this to your attention and there will be some decisions for you to make around the sale price and your desire for the home (you are not required to pay any monies over and above the appraisal amount, and lenders will not lend more than the appraised value generally speaking.)
  • You may be requested by the underwriter to provide additional information on a case by case basis. Your Realtor will work with you and help in any way possible and appropriate to facilitate the flow of information required from you, but you are in the driver’s seat as far as responsibility to provide the necessary information to the lender.
  • When all underwriter/lender requirements have been met, the file is signed off by the underwriter, and passed to Escrow. The whole lender process usually takes around 3-4 weeks.
  • Escrow processes all paperwork, title insurance, and all distribution of funds between you and the seller as per the contract provisions agreed upon between you and the Seller. Documents are drafted, and a “signing date/time” is scheduled. (“Signing” is not the same as “Closing”.)
  • Your Realtor will often attend your signing with you to help with any questions that arise, and to offer moral support. (Frankly, I just love being a part of the exciting culmination of the home buying adventure!)
  • Escrow will then send signed documents back to the lender, and to the county. The transaction will then “close” or “fund & record” in 1-2 days after signing, at which time you will receive a call that you are a homeowner!
  • Your Realtor will usually meet you at your new home and deliver you the keys. (More fun!)
  • The whole process from offer to close usually takes around 30 days… sometimes 40-45. It can take a little longer depending on the lender, and sometimes it takes less time than that. You and your Realtor will assign a “no later than” date on your offer in conjunction with talking to the lender about their current load & closing time line. All parties are then obligated to “perform” within that time frame, or draft an addendum extending the closing date if that proves necessary and IF all parties agree to do it. (Because there always exists the possibility that one party may not agree to sign an extension addendum, and the contract specifically states “on or before” a particular date, the closing date is a binding contractual agreement and should be taken very seriously. As a buyer, your earnest money is at stake if you should not “perform” to contact terms.)

The above may be missing some pieces of the puzzle as each transaction is different, and various issues can arise during the process, but hopefully this give you a basic idea of how it will go!

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Market Activity Report ~ May 11 – 17, 2009

This last week Lake Oswego saw 23 new properties placed on the market, Pending sales at 12 and 4 Sold/closed. We’re still seeing buyers out for all price ranges, and the trend continuing of newer listings selling as well as homes that have been on the market for extended periods… it is one or the other it seems!

Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):

NEWLY LISTED (May 11—May 17, 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
45 EAGLE CREST DR $134,900 2 1.1 1,056 CONDO 5/14/2009
3433 MCNARY PKWY $157,500 2 2.1 1,208 CONDO 5/11/2009
86 KINGSGATE RD $159,900 2 2 924 CONDO 5/11/2009
45 EAGLE CREST DR $259,900 3 2 1,348 CONDO 5/13/2009
222 CERVANTES $259,990 3 1.1 1,464 CONDO 5/15/2009
16850 CORTEZ CT $285,000 4 1.1 1,232 DETACHD 5/12/2009
16501 LAKE FOREST BLVD $319,900 3 1 1,429 DETACHD 5/13/2009
13024 ROGERS RD $389,900 4 1 1,826 DETACHD 5/15/2009
12519 27TH PL $399,000 3 2.1 1,975 DETACHD 5/11/2009
4181 COBB WAY $429,900 4 3 2,248 DETACHD 5/14/2009
17825 SARAH HILL LN $464,900 4 2.1 2,525 DETACHD 5/15/2009
14 TANGLEWOOD DR $499,999 5 3 3,384 DETACHD 5/14/2009
2062 CEDAR CT $525,000 3 1 1,800 DETACHD 5/15/2009
17445 LAKE HAVEN DR $539,900 4 3 2,949 DETACHD 5/11/2009
4040 VIRGINIA WAY $595,000 4 2.1 2,484 DETACHD 5/11/2009
18490 RAY RIDGE DR $679,900 4 3 3,426 DETACHD 5/15/2009
17455 BLUE HERON RD $850,000 3 2 2,572 DETACHD 5/13/2009
3967 CANAL RD $1,150,000 4 4 3,800 DETACHD 5/12/2009
2625 SUMMIT DR $1,337,500 4 3.1 4,212 DETACHD 5/11/2009
624 ATWATER RD $1,438,000 5 3.1 4,465 DETACHD 5/11/2009
18977 BARTON RD $1,695,000 4 3.1 4,648 DETACHD 5/15/2009
397 FURNACE ST $1,850,000 3 2.1 2,864 DETACHD 5/13/2009
13701 GOODALL RD $2,475,000 4 4.1 6,028 DETACHD 5/14/2009

PENDING SALES (May 11-May 17, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date CDOM
1897 BOCA RATAN DR $237,100 3 2.1 1,739 ATTACHD 4/13/2009 33
5101 JEAN RD $242,000 3 1 1,012 DETACHD 1/22/2009 233
200 Burnham RD $264,850 2 2 1,313 CONDO 6/30/2007 682
1615 HALLINAN ST $279,000 3 1.1 1,500 DETACHD 2/17/2009 86
1107 CEDAR ST $324,999 4 3 2,485 DETACHD 5/11/2009 4
18307 LONGFELLOW AVE $329,900 3 2 1,457 DETACHD 5/7/2009 262
18929 TERRY AVE $356,950 4 2 2,065 DETACHD 3/30/2009 44
2317 STONEHURST CT $749,900 4 2.1 4,455 DETACHD 5/1/2009 374
13874 TAYLORS CREST LN $750,000 4 2.1 3,701 DETACHD 5/11/2009 3
5513 RACHEL LN $799,999 4 2.1 3,149 DETACHD 4/16/2009 435
18224 Bella Terra DR $1,294,000 4 4 4,050 DETACHD 4/11/2008 397

SOLD (May 11-May 17, 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 List Date CDOM
4 TOUCHSTONE $93,000 $86,000 2 2 979 CONDO 4/10/2009 10
5235 OAKRIDGE RD $324,900 $290,000 3 2.1 1,576 DETACHD 11/18/2008 129
5441 DENTON DR $599,000 $599,000 3 2.1 3,331 DETACHD 1/26/2009 242
17706 MARYLBROOK DR $685,000 $623,500 3 2.2 3,039 DETACHD 12/14/2008 392

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.

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Lake Oswego Open Houses – Sunday May 17th, 2009

There are 41 great properties to see on Sunday in Lake Oswego. No matter what price level or type of home you are looking for, you will be sure to find some fun options on the list below! Enjoy a beautiful Sunday!

Here are those that will be held open according to RMLS:

100 Kerr Pkwy #35 $97,900 1 Bd, 1 Ba Open 1:30-3:30

45 Eagle Crest Dr #315 $134,900 2 Bd, 1 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

4465 Golden Ln $275,000 2 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-4

5094 Galen St $299,999 3 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

18543 Longfellow Ave $317,500 3 Bd, 1 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

800 Woodway Ct $339,000 4 Bd, 3 Ba Open 2-4

1685 Mapleleaf Rd $365,000 3 Bd, 2 Ba Open 1-4

17311 Ashley Ct $385,000 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 12-2

3009 Wembley Park Rd $395,000 3 Bd, 1 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

3 Cellini Ct $449,000 4 Bd 2 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

41 Hillshire Dr $498,500 4 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1:30-3:30

17088 Rebecca Ln $499,000 4 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1:30-3:30

3745 Tempest Dr $499,900 4 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1-3

161 C Ave $524,900 2 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-4

17445 Lake Haven Dr $539,900 4 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1-4

624 Livingood Ln $549,000 4 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1-4

4114 Glacier Lily St $579,000 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 12-2

16920 Greentree Ave $579,000 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

400 Lake Bay Ct $579,900 3 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

952 A Ave $599,000 3 Bd, 2 Ba Open 1-3

364 Northshore Rd $674,900 4 Bd, 2 Ba Open 1-3

580 Weidman Ct $695,000 5 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

13768 Knaus Rd $699,000 3 Bd, 2 Ba Open 1:30-3

4076 Orchard Dr $719,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

2688 Rivendell Rd $835,000 4 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1-3

511 6th St $928,950 5 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2:30-4:30

17211 Blue Heron Rd $939,900 3 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 3-5

1785 Palisades Terrace Dr $960,000 5 Bd, 4 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

17878 Hillside Dr $970,000 5 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1-4

301 Iron Mountain Blvd $999,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

943 SW Atwater Rd $999,500 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

577 Middlecrest Rd $1,045,000 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

17512 Greenbluff Dr $1,074,900 4 Bd, 4 Ba Open 1-4

18106 Pilkington Rd $1,095,000 4 Bd, 4 1/2 Ba Open 12-2

17464 Ridgeview Ln $1,298,950 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

622 Oak Meadow Dr $1,325,000 4 Bd 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

664 Oak Meadow Dr $1,355,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

657 Oak Meadow Dr $1,395,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

17364 Ridgeview Ct $1,425,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

17433 Ridgeview Ln $1,495,000 4 Bd, 4 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

17554 Greenbluff Dr $1,499,900 4 Bd, 4 & 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-4

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~ The Dog Whisperer ~

valerie_3There is such a panoply of amenities in Lake Oswego that Dianne and I have been talking about incorporating profiles of local favorites from time to time. I thought I’d begin with a very special person who I would be lost without… my local “dog-whisperer”, Valerie Pulley.

Ever notice that periodically certain topics tend to pop up any time you turn on the television or are in conversations with different groups of people? Lately itnyree1 seems it has been the subject of pets, and dogs in particular. We all know what a Portuguese Water Dog is now, thanks to “Beau” at the White House. I know our own friend & blogging cohort, Ron Ares, wrote a post most recently about his own dog, Nyree (left), adopted by the Ares family to save her from becoming a casualty of foreclosure. I’ve seen pieces on local and national news about the amazing number of dogs that have been abandoned or taken to shelters as fallout from the current economy, and it is heartbreaking to consider.

Recently, a friend of mine who has been experiencing the stress of the economy herself, told me a story that made me race out the door, camera and notepad in hand. My friend’s dog was badly in need of grooming, being a breed that really needs some professional upkeep. It had been awhile, and though she felt horrible about it, she just didn’t have the funds to spare. We both frequent the same wonderful dog groomer, Valerie Pulley, and she told me that Valerie was so concerned about her pooch that she called & asked my friend to please just come in and consider it her gift. Valerie knew the dog needed her attention, and decided that this was the most important thing. Well… word about special people like Valerie spreads quickly in a community like Lake Oswego, and while I don’t want to encourage others to solicit favors : ) I DO want folks to know about her, and others like her, and so a few words about this exceptional person:

Valerie has been a professional dog groomer since 1994 when she completed her schooling in Phoenix. Her mother was a dog breeder, and Valerie’s plan in the beginning was simply to assist her mother. It didn’t take her long to realize that she had a special talent, and wanted to make this her career. Valerie just loves dogs, and they tend to sense it. Her ownkato1 Staffordshire Terrier, Fedore, is her pride & joy, I’ve been taking my crazy black Standard Schnauzer, Kato (right) , to Valerie for years, and she is the only one who can calm him down enough to let his toenails be clipped. Turns out others have noticed this talent as well, and dog owners from far and wide bring their “hard to handle” pets to Valerie for tender loving care. Valerie mentions that “Some dogs have been kicked out of every grooming salon in Portland for biting, scratching, and generally squirming and freaking out. They bring them to me because I am the only one they’ve found to be able to handle them.” I valerie_4ask her why she thinks this is, and she says “I’m just not afraid of them, and I care about them.” She has been working in the Lake Oswego area for around 12 years now, spending some of her career at the Lake Oswego Dog Shoppe, and now is working for Groomingdales in Tualatin on Nyberg Rd., just about five minutes from my house & a toe over the Lake Oswego borderline. A customer notices that I am interviewing Valerie and volunteers “I come here all the way from Sherwood. They’re so nice & so good I wouldn’t go anywhere else.” For my part, I’ll go anywhere Valerie is… and Kato is very grateful.

You can reach Valerie at: 503 692 WOOF (9663).

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Market Activity Report ~ April 27th- May 3rd, 2009

We’re seeing activity at all phases and in all price ranges. Take a look at the spread- New listings, Pending sales, and Sold properties are coming in well represented from the lower to the higher ends of the price spectrum, and more higher-end homes are coming on the market. What we want to see is that “Sold” number start to climb, and this week we are at 8 of them, with 15 in Pending status, and 17 New properties coming on the market.

We’re also seeing that same trend continuing of properties achieving Pending status after only a week to 2 months, while the remainder of them are properties that have been on the market for 200 & 300+ days. Dianne and I both believe this is a “priced-right” signal, in that newer listings are priced to market demand, and more seasoned listings are finally at prices that meet the buyer where the buyer is comfortable.

Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):

NEWLY LISTED (April 27—May 3, 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
4000 CARMAN DR $149,500 2 2 935 CONDO 4/28/2009
5051 FOOTHILLS DR $209,900 2 2 991 CONDO 4/30/2009
4325 COUNTRY WOODS CT $334,900 3 2 1,346 DETACHD 4/27/2009
1858 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $449,900 4 2 1,762 DETACHD 4/27/2009
4070 WESTBAY RD $449,996 3 2 1,828 DETACHD 5/1/2009
2 PIMLICO TER $479,900 4 2.1 2,301 DETACHD 4/27/2009
17144 Warren CT $529,000 4 2.1 2,725 DETACHD 4/27/2009
13500 TWIN CREEK LN $572,500 4 2.1 3,049 DETACHD 5/2/2009
4076 Orchard DR $719,000 4 3.1 3,991 DETACHD 4/30/2009
1785 PALISADES TERRACE DR $960,000 5 4.1 5,052 DETACHD 5/1/2009
17814 MARYLCREEK DR $985,000 4 3.1 4,307 DETACHD 5/1/2009
3940 Canal RD $999,900 4 3.1 3,922 DETACHD 5/3/2009
900 FAIRWAY RD $1,094,000 4 3.1 3,508 DETACHD 4/28/2009
2778 GLENMORRIE DR $1,750,000 5 4.3 6,263 DETACHD 5/3/2009
3917 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $2,390,000 3 4.1 3,975 DETACHD 5/1/2009
1719 LAKE FRONT RD $3,888,850 4 5.1 5,251 DETACHD 5/3/2009
1901 PALISADES TERRACE DR $5,950,000 5 4.1 7,284 DETACHD 4/27/2009

PENDING SALES (April 27-May 3, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date CDOM
4000 CARMAN DR $144,000 2 2 932 CONDO 4/19/2009 8
16446 INVERURIE RD $259,900 3 1 2,100 DETACHD 1/21/2009 303
15450 SW KIMBALL CT $260,000 4 1.1 1,104 DETACHD 10/4/2008 208
4724 SW FIRWOOD RD $279,900 3 1.1 1,240 DETACHD 7/7/2008 296
2130 WEMBLEY PARK RD $299,900 3 1.1 1,544 DETACHD 1/14/2009 280
6025 KENNY ST $299,900 3 1.1 1,258 DETACHD 4/16/2009 11
605 COUNTRY CLUB RD $399,900 4 2.1 3,422 DETACHD 3/28/2009 163
2 OTHELLO ST $405,000 4 3 2,265 DETACHD 11/18/2008 166
2957 GLEN EAGLES RD $429,900 4 3 3,288 DETACHD 2/3/2009 87
54 AQUINAS ST $499,900 3 2.1 2,802 DETACHD 4/7/2009 25
569 6TH ST $550,000 4 2 2,168 DETACHD 4/22/2009 359
5868 SUNCREEK DR $659,000 4 2.1 3,174 DETACHD 2/23/2009 68
5392 SOUTHWOOD DR $774,900 5 3 3,871 DETACHD 4/15/2009 14
3515 UPPER DR $1,098,000 4 3.1 4,061 DETACHD 3/27/2009 275
18253 Siena DR $1,197,950 5 4 4,281 DETACHD 4/11/2008 382

SOLD (April 27-May 3, 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 List Date CDOM
47 EAGLE CREST DR $139,900 $130,000 2 1 947 CONDO 1/30/2009 56
3844 BOTTICELLI ST $219,900 $219,373 2 2 1,132 CONDO 3/31/2009 5
17079 CHERRY CREST AVE $430,000 $390,000 3 2.1 3,002 DETACHD 11/3/2008 154
1009 CUMBERLAND PL $525,000 $395,000 4 3 2,294 DETACHD 11/12/2008 332
4676 WINTHROP CT $639,900 $525,000 4 2.1 3,112 DETACHD 11/18/2008 172
5772 BAY CREEK DR $599,000 $543,000 4 3 3,242 DETACHD 2/5/2009 58
14133 AMBERWOOD CIR $850,000 $740,000 4 2.1 3,200 DETACHD 6/12/2008 278
18475 CRESTLINE DR $1,548,500 $1,420,000 4 4.1 4,660 DETACHD 10/27/2008 148

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.

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Lake Oswego Open Houses – Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

There are 26 great properties to see on Sunday in Lake Oswego. Get out there, have fun & tour!

Here are those that will be held open according to RMLS:

30 Condolea Dr $275,000 2 Bd, 2 Ba Open 1-3

4465 Golden Ln $299,900 2 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-4

5094 Galen St $299,999 3 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

16266 Lake Forest Blvd $374,999 3 Bd, 2 Ba Open 12-2

16824 SW Inverurie Rd $389,900 3 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1-3

3009 Wembley Park Rd $395,000 3 Bd, 1 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

624 Livingood Ln $549,900 4 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1-3

4672 Auburn Ln $575,000 3 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 1-4

4114 Glacier Lily St $599,000 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

5382 Royal Oaks Dr $600,000 4 Bd 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

4076 Orchard Dr $719,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

17878 Hillside Dr $970,000 5 Bd, 3 Ba Open 12-4

17512 Greenbluff Dr $1,074,900 4 Bd, 4 Ba Open 1-4

18106 Pilkington Rd $1,095,000 4 Bd, 4 1/2 Ba Open 12-2

18224 Bella Terra Dr $1,294,000 4 Bd, 4 Ba Open 1-3

17464 Ridgeview Ln $1,298,950 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

622 Oak Meadow Dr $1,325,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

664 Oak Meadow Dr $1,355,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

18110 Siena Dr $1,394,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

657 Oak Meadow Dr $1,395,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

16359 Chapin Way $1,398,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 1-4

17364 Ridgeview Ct $1,425,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

17433 Ridgeview Ln $1,495,000 4 Bd, 4 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

17554 Greenbluff Dr $1,499,900 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-4

16737 Maple Cir $1,500,000 3 Bd, 3 Ba Open 2:30-4:30

3114 Douglas Cir $1,650,000 4 Bd, 4 Ba Open 1-4

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Condos, Town Homes, HOA’s, Oh My!

townhomeWhen looking for a new home and desiring easy care and potential community amenities such as pool, larger grounds, meeting space etc (without the responsibility of upkeep), most people will consider either a condo or a town home. Most also aren’t necessarily familiar with several relative factors important to the selection process, so I thought I’d highlight just a few for you here.

First of all, there is a difference between a condo and a town home ~

Let’s start with condos: A condo (condominium) is a kind of home ownership wherein the purchaser owns the air space inside the unit and joint interest in the common areas, typically the grounds, parking lot, any structures and amenities such as swimming pool, meeting rooms etc. Condo owners belong to an HOA (homeowners association) and pay dues for common expenses such as insurance and maintenance of common areas.

Townhomes are what we call “attached” homes, considered not free-standing and usually containing two or more stories. A purchaser owns the structure and the land on which it sits, and like a condo, generally joint interest in the common areas . Often with town homes you will have a small backyard or patio area which is in excess of what many condos provide, so gardeners or pet owners often find this more attractive. As in condo ownership, the town home owner typically pays monthly dues for upkeep of common areas and other amenities. It is wise to check into the insurance setup of on HOA to find out if it is supplied and therefore included in the monthly dues, or whether the town home purchaser needs to secure their own hazard insurance on the property.

Generally speaking, condos and town homes are attractive for more reasons than just low maintenance and the amenities they afford. They usually are priced well below what one would pay for a similar detached single family residence… or “house”. One thing to give attention to however, is finding out how much the HOA dues are, and what they cover. Does the HOA offer parking? water & sewer? trash collection? cable TV? Take these things into consideration and ask yourself how positively you are offset financially (or not) by being free of these normal expenses of home ownership.

Another thing to take into consideration is the solvency and efficiency of the HOA. I have listed condos and town homes and experienced neighbors in surrounding HOA’s visiting on Open House days, exploring the option of getting out of their own nearby complexes! This is reportedly due to the perception of either oppressive or mis-managed HOA’s. I’ve heard stories of frequently raised dues, extreme restrictions, and just plain inattentiveness… while the HOA next door treats its members with appreciation and service. Bottom line- check out the HOA:

  • Call & obtain copies of at least the two most recent board meeting minutes,
  • Obtain financial statements,
  • Take a look at the Bylaws and Regulations,
  • Find out how much the HOA has in reserves so you have an idea of whether they are in need of maintenance funds,
  • Talk to a few neighbors and get a feel for their level of satisfaction ,
  • Find out whether you might or might not be able to rent your unit out in the future if you so choose,
  • Ask how many units are in the complex, and how many are allowed to be rental units,
  • Does the HOA allow gardening in the back patio area?
  • Are there any restrictions that will impact your lifestyle?
  • Determine if there are any lawsuits anticipated or pending,
  • Ask whether there are any big improvement projects planned which will require capital infusion (i.e. significant dues increases).

Condos and town homes are wonderful options for home ownership, and can be a great place to start as first time buyers, as well as a fantastic way to downsize once the kids are gone. Talk to your Realtor about what makes sense for you, and be sure to get all the facts!

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Lake Oswego Market Activity – April 13-19, 2009

p10100071Well, the cherry trees are in full bloom, temps are in the 80’s, and real estate activity continues to move forward… a gradually enlivened, seasonal bustle.

Lake Oswego saw 22 new properties hit the market last week. We had 10 go pending, and 2 that closed. So, nothing earth shattering in the “sold” department, but encouraging nonetheless.

Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):

NEWLY LISTED (April 13—19, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type List Date
100 SW KERR PKWY $97,900 1 1 617 CONDO 4/13/2009
4000 CARMAN DR $144,000 2 2 935 CONDO 4/19/2009
82 OSWEGO SMT $234,900 2 2 1,212 CONDO 4/17/2009
1897 BOCA RATAN DR $249,480 3 2.1 1,739 ATTACHD 4/13/2009
6025 KENNY ST $299,900 3 1.1 1,258 DETACHD 4/16/2009
17683 NICOLE LN $324,900 3 2 1,200 DETACHD 4/13/2009
16824 SW INVERURIE RD $389,900 3 3 1,896 DETACHD 4/13/2009
3009 WEMBLEY PARK RD $395,000 3 1.1 1,754 DETACHD 4/13/2009
18220 BICKEL CT $399,000 3 3 2,075 DETACHD 4/18/2009
1023 LUND ST $419,000 4 2.1 2,313 DETACHD 4/18/2009
68 TOUCHSTONE 349900 – 424880 5 4.1 3,148 DETACHD 4/14/2009
510 2nd ST $439,000 2 1.2 1,520 CONDO 4/13/2009
19061 INDIAN SPRINGS RD $479,900 4 3 2,341 DETACHD 4/16/2009
4920 MULHOLLAND DR $555,000 3 2.1 2,498 ATTACHD 4/17/2009
15943 WHITE OAKS DR $559,500 4 2.1 2,746 DETACHD 4/16/2009
4672 AUBURN LN $575,000 3 3.1 2,732 ATTACHD 4/15/2009
4114 GLACIER LILY ST $599,000 4 2.1 2,470 DETACHD 4/19/2009
5421 Bay Creek DR $649,500 4 2.1 3,241 DETACHD 4/17/2009
133 FURNACE ST $695,000 2 2.1 1,927 CONDO 4/16/2009
5392 SOUTHWOOD DR $774,900 5 3 3,871 DETACHD 4/15/2009
301 IRON MOUNTAIN BLVD $1,150,000 4 3.2 3,004 DETACHD 4/14/2009
19007 EASTSIDE RD $1,390,000 4 3.1 4,651 DETACHD 4/14/2009

PENDING SALES (April 13-19, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # Beds Tot. Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date CDOM
13880 SUNDELEAF DR $234,500 2 1 976 DETACHD 1/23/2009 84
1635 ASPEN ST $319,900 3 2.1 1,618 DETACHD 3/24/2009 285
3 CELLINI CT $449,000 4 2.1 2,531 DETACHD 1/19/2009 86
11 BECKET ST $465,000 3 2.1 4,030 DETACHD 4/9/2009 111
80 TANGLEWOOD DR $469,000 5 3 2,713 DETACHD 10/11/2008 371
855 7TH ST $469,900 4 1 1,392 DETACHD 8/18/2008 240
13470 PETERS RD $474,900 3 2.1 2,324 ATTACHD 4/1/2009 15
19431 KOKANEE CT $529,000 4 2.1 2,250 DETACHD 4/9/2009 8
595 D AVE 625000 3 2 3,760 DETACHD 2/2/2009 309
1915 SW CHILDS RD 1594950 5 5.2 5,689 DETACHD 3/14/2008 397

SOLD (April 13-19, 2009)

ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address O/Price Close Price # Beds Tot. Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
92 GALEN ST $119,500 $100,500 1 1 689 CONDO 42
615 LAKE BAY CT $669,900 $505,000 3 3 2,542 DETACHD 190

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.