Lake Oswego Real Estate Blog
Well, we still have lots of snow on the ground, but roads are generally passable thanks to some rain & melt-off. So… It’s Open House time! You know those visiting relatives you’ve always wanted close by??? Pile them in the car on Sunday & take a tour. Here is what’s on tap according to RMLS:
18530 Pilkington Road $319,000 3 Bd, 2 Ba, Open 1-4
624 Livingood Lane $574,900 4 Bd, 3Ba, Open 1-3
16359 Chapin Way $1,439,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba, Open 12:30-3:30
Wow! A newscaster said yesterday that we are experiencing the biggest snow event since 1964! For those of you who tune in to the Blotter from out of state, I am attaching a few photos so that you can see what we are talking about. Dianne has posted some for your amusement as well. We usually focus on real estate pretty much exclusively in our Blog, but with this kind of excitement, we can’t resist giving you a little local flavor.
Real estate is happening in Lake Oswego however, as you can see from Monday’s Activity Report. I experienced an inspection last week in a foot of snow… before it REALLY got going : ) But that is another story. For now… here’s what life in Lake Oswego has been like-
Main roads are kept pretty passable with mostly packed snow, and are sanded regularly (Oregon does not use salt), but side streets, especially hilly ones, are let’s say… invigorating! Kids who have been out of school an extra week this Winter Break are sledding everywhere. Lots of folks have bagged their aspirations of mobility as evidenced by the feet of snow burying their cars on the sides of many roads. Others who are able and so inclined have headed for Mt. Hood where skiing is incredible, and road crews are always ahead of the curve. Trees laden with snow and ice have released some of their burden in the form of limbs in yards and on roadsides. But hey… it’s pretty!
Christmas has taken on a completely different tone this year. Instead of filling the malls, people gather in kitchens around batches of cookies. Fireplaces are the center of many homes where friends, family and a variety of hot beverages and toddies complete the picture. The uptick in Internet shopping in the area has kept UPS busy all over! This year is definitely one we will never forget.
Dianne and I would like to take a moment to wish you the very best of the Holiday Season. Whether your beliefs are Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist,+++ or you simply harbor a fondness for Santa, this is a season of hope and love which we all can share. We also want to say thank you to our clients who’ve trusted us with their real estate needs this past year. We are grateful for your business, your loyalty, and your faith in us. We look forward to the New Year ahead, and want to wish you and yours every happiness. Thank you for reading the PropertyBlotter!
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays.
It appears that even in the depth of winter, real estate is alive in Lake Oswego.
There were a total of 18 “new” listings showing in RMLS, however, I am including only the 12 that are either brand new, or have been off the market for at least 4 – 6 weeks.
There are several great homes in this line-up. I especially enjoyed walking through the “Rummer” on Park Forest Ave… really cute!
Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (December 8 – 14, 2008)
| ADDRESS |
LIST
PRICE
|
TOT.
BEDS
|
TOT.
BATHS
|
TOT.
SQ FT
|
PROP
TYPE |
LIST
DATE
|
| 5094 GALEN ST $299,999 3 2 1438 DETACHD 12/14 |
| 95 KINGSGATE RD $325,000 3 2.1 1669 DETACHD 12/14 |
| 16149 PEARCY ST $355,000 3 2 1250 DETACHD 12/9 |
| 10 PREAKNESS CT $399,950 4 2.1 2270 ATTACHD 12/11 |
| 1971 PK FOREST AVE $549,000 4 2 2180 DETACHD 12/8 |
| 181 3RD ST $739,000 2 2 1523 CONDO 12/9 |
| 1607 PINE ST $759,000 4 2.1 2943 DETACHD 12/11 |
| 220 GREENWOOD RD $849,000 3 4 2639 DETACHD 12/12 |
| 17884 SW KELOK RD $959,000 4 3.1 4126 DETACHD 12/8 |
| 17896 SW KELOK RD $995,000 4 5 3623 DETACHD 12/8 |
| 45 NANSEN SMT $1,500,000 4 4.1 5773 DETACHD 12/10 |
| 1020 SKYLAND DR $2,850,000 5 4.2 6653 DETACHD 12/8 |
PENDING SALES (December 8 – 14, 2008)
| ADDRESS |
LIST PRICE
|
TOT. BEDS
|
TOT. BATHS
|
TOT. SQ FT
|
PROP TYPE |
DOM
|
| 1120 HALLINAN CIR $339,000 3 2 1600 DETACHD 153 |
| 5254 TIMBERGROVE ST $374,500 4 2 1854 DETACHD 87 |
| 2958 DELLWOOD DR $549,900 4 3 3272 DETACHD 165 |
| 5960 CLAIRMONT CT $724,900 4 2.1 3000 DETACHD 129 |
| 14527 PFEIFER WAY $749,000 4 3.1 3788 DETACHD 120 |
| 1600 Country Commons LN $1,950,000 4 3.1 5389 DETACHD 224 |
SOLD (December 8 – 14, 2008)
| ADDRESS | ORIG.
PRICE |
SALE
PRICE |
TOT.
BEDS
|
TOT.
BATHS
|
TOT.
SQ FT
|
PROP
TYPE |
DOM
|
| 668 McVey AVE $199,500 | $108,000 0 1 485 CONDO 740 |
| 5453 Willow Ct $495,000 | $426,500 3 2.1 2400 ATTCHD 146 |
| 600 MAPLE ST $529,000 | $470,000 4 2.1 2422 DETACHD 126 |
| 435 8TH ST $749,900 | $649,900 4 3.1 2505 DETACHD 565 |
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.
If links to ACTIVE properties do not bring up property information, the listing may no longer be active, but rather expired, cancelled, pending, or sold.
Here’s a handy resource to help you orient yourself with the myriad of Lake Oswego neighborhoods. Just open the link below & click the colored segments revealing the neighborhood names:
View Larger Map
What a gorgeous day today! I guess I need to check the weather for Sunday, but it could be a great day to look at Lake Oswego properties. Here’s what will be open according to RMLS:
18959 Kristi Way, $384,400, 3 Bd, 2 Ba, Open 1-3:30
14371 Holly Springs Rd, $427,500, 4 Bd, 2.5 Ba, Open 2-4
668 4th St, $439,900, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, Open 2-4
5807 Ridgetop Ct, $549,900, 5 Bd, 2.5 Ba, Open 1-4
624 Livingood Ln, $574,900, 4 Bd, 3 Ba, Open 1-3
605 SW Country Club Rd, $595,000, 5 Bd, 2.5 Ba, Open 11-1
4676 Winthrop Ct, $599,900, 4 Bd, 2.5 Ba, Open 2-4
17706 Marylbrook Dr, $699,900, 3 Bd, 2 & 2 1/2 Ba, Open 1:30-4
943 SW Atwater Rd, $1,225,000, 4 Bd, 2.5 Ba, Open 12-2
16359 Chapin Way, $1,439,000, 4 Bd, 3.5 Ba, Open 1-4
24015 SW Newland Rd, $1.695,000, 4 Bd, 4 Ba, Open 1-4
What a market. Some of what CNN reports applies here locally and some does not, but no matter how you look at it, this is the time to buy if you’re so inclined. I am told by mortgage and financial planning experts that rates are not likely to go down, but only up (generally speaking) from here on out.
A professional I trust, Pat Goodell, with Prospect Mortgage, says:
“Aggressive measures to keep mortgage financing available for potential homeowners have been established now. This will help to stabilize housing prices and continue to make home ownership an affordable reality. HUD has created new programs to complement existing FHA options, and interest rates remain at very comfortable levels, fluctuating right now around 6% for 30-year fixed loans.
Appraisers in the Portland area are reporting values have leveled off – they are no longer seeing the significant drops in value we have seen in the last year.
Though there are still challenges in the economy and housing market, there are very clear steps being established to ensure that the consumer is able to purchase a home at affordable rates, while providing that the loan does not put them at risk in the future. The Four C’s of mortgage lending are important- Credit, Cash, Collateral (property), and Capacity (ability to make the payment), but there are still great programs available to allow the responsible person to get into a home with as little as 3% down, and even 0 down under the right circumstances.”
We here at the Blotter recommend that you talk to your real estate broker about the market, and assess your options if you have been thinking about buying but have been waiting for the “right moment”. We also welcome a call or an email to us too if you’re not working with anyone & want to talk about what buying would look like for you at this amazing time in real estate history.
Stay informed. Decide what is best for you. Knowledge + Discernment is the winning formula.
…….What a ride!
Our very best Thanksgiving wishes to you and your loved ones this holiday weekend!
Should you be in the mood to browse some available Lake Oswego properties this Sunday (perhaps with those relatives you’ve been wanting to move closer to you so badly!) there are a whopping 3 that will be held open according to RMLS:
1307 Cedar St., $459,900, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, Open 1-4
100 Garibaldi St., $1,299,000, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths + 2 1/2 baths, Open 1-4
16359 Chapin Way., $1,439,000, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths + 1/2 bath, Open 1-4
***Those of you new to the Property Blotter, please scroll down for the most recent market activity, and enjoy perusing our archived posts and features!
Real estate activity is chugging right along in Lake Oswego this month.
New properties hitting the market during this last week total 31. 24 are detached, single family residences. Of those 24, the ones listing for under $500,000. total 9.
Sold properties this last week total 9. 6 are detached, single family residences. Of those 6, the ones selling for under $500,000. total 4.
We have 3 properties pending sale, and will just have to hold our horses to see how those “sold” prices come in.
Check it out:
NEWLY LISTED (November 17 —November 23, 2008)
| ADDRESS |
LIST PRICE
|
# BEDS
|
# BATHS
|
TOT. SQ FT
|
PROP TYPE |
LIST DATE
|
| 44 EAGLE CREST DR |
$134,900
|
1
|
1
|
798
|
CONDO |
11/17
|
| 47 EAGLE CREST DR |
$149,900
|
2
|
1
|
932
|
CONDO |
11/18
|
| 15938 QUARRY RD |
$167,400
|
2
|
1
|
991
|
CONDO |
11/20
|
| 16790 LAKE FOREST BLVD |
$199,900
|
2
|
1
|
780
|
DETACHD |
11/16
|
| 3876 BOTTICELLI ST |
$199,900
|
2
|
2
|
1,286
|
CONDO |
11/18
|
| 12846 SW BOONES FERRY RD |
$249,000
|
2
|
2.1
|
1,136
|
CONDO |
11/16
|
| 5063 FOOTHILLS DR |
$259,000
|
2
|
2
|
1,031
|
CONDO |
11/16
|
| 5235 OAKRIDGE RD |
$324,900
|
3
|
2.1
|
1,576
|
DETACHD |
11/17
|
| 5354 LOWER DR |
$339,000
|
3
|
1
|
1,565
|
DETACHD |
11/18
|
| 18530 PILKINGTON RD |
$339,000
|
4
|
2
|
1,925
|
DETACHD |
11/17
|
| 4051 VIRGINIA WAY |
$389,500
|
3
|
2.1
|
1,658
|
DETACHD |
11/18
|
| 6109 SUMMER WOODS |
$449,000
|
4
|
2.1
|
2,331
|
DETACHD |
11/18
|
| 1307 CEDAR ST |
$459,900
|
4
|
3
|
2,054
|
DETACHD |
11/18
|
| 785 5TH ST |
$480,000
|
3
|
2
|
2,208
|
DETACHD |
11/17
|
| 805 COUNTRY CLUB RD |
$489,900
|
5
|
2
|
2,722
|
DETACHD |
11/16
|
| 1921 PARK FOREST CT |
$529,000
|
3
|
2.1
|
2,531
|
DETACHD |
11/20
|
| 4676 WINTHROP CT |
$599,900
|
4
|
2.1
|
3,112
|
DETACHD |
11/17
|
| 17784 TREETOP LN |
$599,900
|
4
|
3
|
3,468
|
DETACHD |
11/17
|
| 4691 SW HERITAGE LN |
$639,900
|
4
|
2.1
|
2,888
|
DETACHD |
11/20
|
| 18212 INDIAN CREEK DR |
$649,000
|
4
|
2.1
|
2,313
|
DETACHD |
11/18
|
| 30 WILBUR ST |
$679,000
|
2
|
2.1
|
2,664
|
ATTACHD |
11/17
|
| 19285 SW Megly CT |
$699,900
|
4
|
2.1
|
2,587
|
DETACHD |
11/17
|
| 14204 KIMBERLY CIR |
$700,000
|
3
|
3.1
|
2,900
|
DETACHD |
11/21
|
| 19263 SW Megly CT |
$749,900
|
4
|
2.1
|
2,743
|
DETACHD |
11/17
|
| 2545 DELLWOOD DR |
$779,000
|
5
|
3.1
|
3,843
|
DETACHD |
11/17
|
| 19245 SW Megly CT |
$789,900
|
4
|
2.1
|
2,884
|
DETACHD |
11/17
|
| 19266 SW Megly CT |
$789,900
|
4
|
2.1
|
3,025
|
DETACHD |
11/16
|
| 5435 WASHINGTON CT |
$849,900
|
4
|
3.1
|
3,323
|
DETACHD |
11/18
|
| 1250 Andrews RD |
$849,900
|
4
|
2.1
|
3,137
|
DETACHD |
11/20
|
| 17649 WOODHURST PL |
$899,000
|
5
|
4.1
|
5,793
|
DETACHD |
11/16
|
| 3136 DOUGLAS CIR |
$1,289,000
|
4
|
3.1
|
4,022
|
DETACHD |
11/20
|
PENDING SALES (November 17 —November 23, 2008)
| ADDRESS |
LIST PRICE
|
# BEDS
|
# BATHS
|
TOT. SQ FT
|
PROP TYPE |
DOM
|
| 68 WHEATHERSTONE CT |
$325,000
|
4
|
3.1
|
2,465
|
CONDO |
299
|
| 17079 CHERRY CREST AVE |
$469,000
|
3
|
2.1
|
3,002
|
DETACHD |
17
|
| 2057 SUMMIT DR |
$998,000
|
4
|
3.1
|
4,396
|
DETACHD |
522
|
SOLD (November 9 —November 16, 2008)
| ADDRESS | ORIG. PRICE | SALE PRICE |
# BEDS
|
# BATHS
|
TOT. SQ FT
|
PROP TYPE |
DOM
|
| 3680 SPRING LN |
$199,900
|
$187,000
|
2
|
2.1
|
1,152
|
CONDO |
220
|
| 595 6TH ST |
$314,800
|
$257,050
|
3
|
1
|
1,520
|
DETACHD |
40
|
| 22 CONDOLEA DR |
$339,900
|
$275,000
|
2
|
2
|
1,454
|
CONDO |
36
|
| 2870 PARK RD |
$379,900
|
$396,000
|
4
|
2.1
|
2,380
|
DETACHD |
4
|
| 20 El Greco |
$549,000
|
$420,000
|
4
|
3
|
2,425
|
DETACHD |
354
|
| 13340 AUBURN CT |
$589,000
|
$485,000
|
3
|
2.1
|
2,451
|
ATTACHD |
222
|
| 1012 ANDREWS RD |
$590,800
|
$495,000
|
3
|
2
|
2,246
|
DETACHD |
133
|
| 17760 LAKE HAVEN DR |
$1,169,000
|
$800,000
|
4
|
2.1
|
2,051
|
DETACHD |
224
|
| 4256 LAKEVIEW BLVD |
$1,295,000
|
$950,000
|
3
|
3.1
|
3,117
|
DETACHD |
436
|
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.
Lake Oswego’s historic Iron Furnace in George Rogers Park is set for a face lift, to be completed in June 2009.
This local treasure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is in need of some tender loving care. The exterior of the 44-foot high furnace is in decent shape, but the interior stonework is severely deteriorated.
Having been abandoned in 1885, the elements have taken their toll, and there is a danger of falling debris, therefore the furnace is fenced off and considered unsafe in its current condition. The restoration will replace grout, chink stones, bricks and basalt stones according to the City of Lake Oswego. The city anticipates that this work, plus a roof for protection, and compliance with current seismic standards will enable it to conduct regular pre-arranged group tours through the furnace structure.
The stone furnace was built by the Oregon Iron Company and began operating in August of 1867. With Oswego’s iron deposits, the company was the first manufacturer of iron on the West Coast, and the Oswego iron industry was reportedly the biggest manufacturing enterprise in Oregon during the nineteenth century. This amazing piece of Oregon history is said to be the only surviving iron furnace west of the Rocky Mountains.
The Lake Oswego City Council has awarded the $830,785 contract, to Pioneer Waterproofing, Inc. Requiring specialized skills, Pioneer Waterproofing fits the bill and has met the standard for brick and masonry restoration in conformance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Pioneer Waterproofing has also completed impressive restoration projects which include Vista House, Crater Lake Lodge, Timberline Lodge, and the Portland Art Museum.
I crunch my way to the mailbox to pick up the daily paper thrown there in the walkway, and look up half asleep at the clear blue sky feathered with white brush strokes.
Another gorgeous day in Lake Oswego.
I turn around and head back in to my coffee, passing my tomatoes in their pots on the kitchen patio, inspecting them to see which green ones have started to turn so that I can bring them in to finish on my counter (I like to watch them ripen there). As I start to close the door I decide to leave it open to look out at the beautiful array of colors… red, yellow, green, and all stages in between on their way to the next hue.
A friend told me the other day that she loves Fall… I said I don’t, because it reminds me that summer is fading… gone. But as I think of it today, I guess I lied because even though summer is my favorite season (OK… I’m into excess… maximum exposure to sun/greenery/life in bloom) Fall does have that peaceful, lazy feel of knowing that cozy nights by the fireplace are not too far off- snow days here & there for my 16-year old, and watching kids slide down the hill on trash can lids or whatever else they can find on those rare days- even the big turkey on the table with friends gathered round- it’s all coming closer.
Yes, summer is gone, but this special time… this crisp, colorful season is so… what? I guess it is comforting. Warm even as temperatures chill. Though everything changes, nature is kind. There is beauty and pleasure in every single phase of the year. For now we can enjoy the relatively warm weather, the crisp skies, the amazing, fiery colors and the unique gifts of this season which seem to whisper: Live now. Always now.
Lake Oswegans: Remember to either dispose of your Fall leaves at designated drop-off sites including Grimm’s Fuel, compost them, or place them in “kraft” bags available at hardware and home-improvement stores for pick-up by Allied Waste for an additional $3.04 per bag charge. Happy Fall!