Category: General

All About Lake Oswego, Oregon real estate topics

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Remodeling for Resale

RMS_Uptown-Foursquare_kitchen-remodel-backsplash-after_s3x4_lgIt’s spring and we are heading into the season when home owners are taking on home projects. This is a great time of year to clean up the yard, touch up the paint, and perhaps consider doing some remodeling. I thought I’d share some of my thoughts so that not only will your remodeling bring you additional pleasure as you live in your home, but it may also help you when it comes time to sell.

Best bang for the buck
Without question the best return on the investment in remodeling is the front door. Time and again when the National Association of Realtors puts out their annual rate of return on investment, the front door holds the top position. In fact, it is the only area of the home where you can gain more than the cost of the remodel.

Consider a new door if the door you currently have is beat up or out of character to the house. If it’s a nice door that needs new life, consider paint and new hardware. Also, pay attention to the weather stripping and the threshold. Clean it, paint it, repair it.

As a real estate agent, I know the front door makes the first impression. As I take the time to open the lockbox and unlock the door, my client is looking about and deciding what they think. If they like what they see, they enter the house looking to re-enforce that good impression. If they don’t like what they see, they enter the house ready to criticize.

Kitchen and Baths are the King and the Queen
Buyers today want large, functional kitchens and baths, particularly master baths, that meet contemporary needs. Especially when you get up into higher-end homes, buyers have expectations that the kitchen will have plenty of cabinets, lots of counter tops, and perhaps a pantry. The master bath should have a walk-in shower, a bathtub, double sinks, and perhaps a separate water closet for the toilet.

When showing property in the $600,000+ range, if it does not have the sort of kitchen and baths that I am describing, the house just is not going to sell at top value. Buyers are going to look at the cost to purchase and then calculate the cost to remodel. They will base their offer on that total sum. There is an exception to this broad opinion. Houses with unique features such as waterfront, views, or lush lots are exempt from this. However, it is my opinion that for your standard house on your standard lot, there is a $100,000 difference in value when a house has been properly updated.

Keep the remodeling in character to the house
While it is tempting to gut the house and put in 2013 everything, it may just shoot you in the foot. What is in fashion today will be out of fashion tomorrow. If you intend to sell soon, this year or next, you are probably OK going with 2013 everything because it is shiney and new and popular today. But if you are doing remodeling and not intending to sell immediately, please consult a designer and get advice on sticking with classic elements that will not be be based on fads.

There is nothing worse than a 1940’s house with a 1980s update. There is a fine line between remodeling and destroying. If your house has classic elements such as built-ins, moldings, brick, flagstones and fine touches from it’s original construction, those elements will retain value over time. Perhaps those elements can be salvaged and re-used? Be creative. Get good professional advice from designers and architects.

Most bang for the buck #2
Paint and clean, there is nothing cheaper that goes so far. Declutter, sort out closets, have a garage sale or donate that clutter to a good charity. You will find enjoyment in living in your house when it is fresh and clean, and you will have taken a big step towards having it re-sale ready.

This particular post is based upon my personal experience and opinion. I hope you find it helpful. I hope you can get yourself going and enjoy the rewards of taking good care of your home.
Dianne

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News & Notes ~ Happenings & Market Data

  • Oswego-LakeDuring the period of May 15th and August 31st, Lake Oswego Police will be conducting undercover operations using decoys to determine whether establishments are serving alcohol to underage individuals.  Lake Oswego is being proactive in implementing this program to circumvent alcohol-related incidents involving minors in Lake Oswego.  According to the Dept of Health & Human Services and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Underage alcohol use is a major public health problem. Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in the United States, more than tobacco and illicit drugs, and is responsible for 4,700 deaths of underage persons annually.
  • The 37th Annual “Lake Run” will be held in Lake Oswego on Saturday, May 11th. There will be a kids dash, a 5k for walkers or runners, and a 10k challenge with an “improved new route”.  This event draws thousands every year.  Come enjoy the fun in Millenium Plaza Park with entertainment, lots of great food, and exposition booths.  For more information CLICK HERE.
  • The 2013 Community Survey results show, among other things, that:

* Overall, residents rate the city 8.6 on a 10-point scale, so satisfaction is high as “a place to live”.

* Residents let their “grade” for satisfaction with local government slip to 3.3 on a 5-point scale.  (This is down .1 since 2010, and .5 since 2005)

* 52%, a majority, agree that the city makes efficient use of tax dollars.

* As for the most popular sources of information, 63% of Lake Oswego residents get their information from the Lake Oswego Review and 58% from the Hello LO newsletter among other publications.

* For the detailed report CLICK HERE.

  • Here is a bit of data illustrating how Lake Oswego compares in context with the larger Portland market (you may want to zoom… sorry for the small-ish image…. interesting though, eh?):

Portland May 2013

***Note that Appreciation is based on a comparison of the rolling average sale price for the last 12 months (4/1/12-3/31/13) with the 12 months prior (4/1/11-3/31/12). Days on Market is the number of days from when a property is listed to when an offer is accepted on that same property. If a property is re-listed within 31 days, DOM continues to accrue; however, it does not include the time that it was off the market

 

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Secrets of Lake Oswego’s Famous Flower Baskets

Ever wonder how it’s done? How those baskets get so huge and gorgeous? I am honored to share with you a re-run of a column I wrote 3 years ago. It seems like the perfect week to post this information.

There are several things that Lake Oswego is famous for: the Lake, beautiful homes, great schools, and the glorious flower baskets. The baskets have been hung annually on the main streets of town for many years. They are spectacular with both great size and great color. As someone who loves flowers and working in my garden, I’ve wondered how they do it. What are the secrets that make the LO baskets thrive? They start out pretty and of good size, but by summer’s end they hang about 6 feet down and are a profusion of color that is just amazing. Last Saturday I attended a class put on by the City Park’s and Recreation Department where I learned how they do it. So here it is: the secrets of Lake Oswego’s famous flower baskets.

Start with a 12 inch hanging pot that is nearly as deep as it is wide. The city uses 16 inch pots, but those are much too large for the scale of most homes. 10 inch pots can also be used, but they require watering twice daily, whereas the 12 inch pot can get by on once daily watering. Also recommended is a pot with a straight side. This allows as much soil and water as possible for root development. These instructions are for a 12 inch pot. If you use one that is either larger or smaller, please make your own adjustments.

Fill the pot about half full of soil. The recommended soil is NW Best Soil Potting Mix. This is what is used by the City. It is the choice because it contains “Sirfactin” which allows the walls of soil to expand so water doesn’t run around the planting mix and out the bottom of the container. To this soil, mix in about 1/4 cup of Plant-Tone, a fertilizer to get the plants off to a good start.

Before adding any more soil, remember the planter is only about half full, place 7, 4-inch plant starts. If they are in plastic containers, pull them out. If they are in the kind that are made of compost you can just set them into the planter in the container and the container will decompose as the roots develop. Think about putting a plant that will grow tall in the center such as a geranium. Then place the other 6 plants around the perimeter that will hang as they spread and grow. Think about having a variety of colors and textures. The planters made for the city are designed to be hung in full sun. You can design your own flowers based upon where you intend to hang your planter. Using a 12 inch planter and 4 inch plants you will find that this really packs the pot completely full of plants. The 7th one has to be pretty much squeezed into the planter. This will leave just a few areas between the edges of the plants that need to be filled with dirt. Find those spots and gently fill dirt in around the plants. When you are done the level of the top of the dirt should be about one inch below the rim of the pot. (It’s a good idea when testing the first plant you put into the container to eye-ball the level and see if you need to fill your planter more than half full when you add the initial soil).

Water immediately and really let the water run. The planter needs to be watered DAILY, even on days that have rain. Rain will not be enough to thoroughly saturate the soil. It is not possible to over-water this planter. Yes, you really have to water it every single day. When you water, let the water gently run and then keep the water going. Count to 50, sing a short song, whatever you can do to force yourself to stand at the planter and thoroughly water the planter. Do it every single day and on those days with really extreme heat, do it TWICE.

Once a week fertilize with Proven Winners. This is a fertilizer that is widely sold in the area. You mix it into a big gallon watering can with water and poor it into the planter. It has a balance of fertilizers that is 24-12-17. It contains 15 nutrients, not just nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but trace elements as well.

When you hang your planter remember a couple of things. This planter is going to get very large. This means that it will be very heavy so make certain that it is on a hook that will hold the growing weight. Also hang it where it has room to grow. By the end of the season it will hang 4 to 6 feet long. It will be a total show piece in your garden.

If you have questions or need help, or want to buy any and all of the materials listed above, the place to go is The Garden Corner in Tualatin. Located at 21550 SW 108th Ave in Tualatin, this garden center has been the birthplace of the LO hanging baskets for many years. They are proud of their participation in the LO hanging basket program and are happy to be of help to you when you grow a basket of your very own.

I’ve got my basket hanging at my home. I am eager to see just how big it is going to get. Let me know if you do one too. Maybe we can share some photos in September!

Remember, gardening is great therapy for your soul.
Dianne

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News & Notes – HUD Properties

HUD HomeWe’ve talked with you in the past about distressed property sales, and given you some tips on buying these unique homes; the  difference between short sales and  foreclosures, what to look out for etc.  Today I want to talk with you a bit about HUD properties.

HUD stands for “Housing and Urban Development”, as most of you know. You will sometimes see a foreclosure referred to as a “HUD Property”.  What this means is that, unlike a run-of-the-mill REO (bank-owned) property, in this instance, the home had an FHA loan that was defaulted upon. When this happens, a bank carrying the loan would file a claim with HUD.  Then HUD ends up with the property.

When you decide that you want to make an offer on a HUD property, it is wise to go in armed with some basic information.

  • First of all, your Realtor will want to check to see how long the property has been on the market.  If it has just gone on the market, you should know that the first 30 days of “bidding” are limited to Buyers who plan to live in the home, i.e. “Owner-Occupied”.  After that time elapses, if it is still on the market, it will open up for bids from “Investors” (anyone besides someone who plans to live in it falls into this category).
  • The second thing you want to do is decide whether you really want the property. If you do, then some number-crunching is in order, especially if the property has just recently gone on the market. Basically, HUD will start looking at “bids” after day 10, and these days, with the market getting more competitive, Buyers are often offering above asking price in order to compete.  Considering that the price on a HUD home is always determined by an FHA Appraisal that HUD has completed prior to listing, it might be wise to offer at least this price if the house is newly on the market, and more if you suspect there will be multiple offers. As always, discuss your options with your Realtor.
  • Speaking of this FHA Appraisal, there are significant benefits to a Buyer who secures FHA financing.  One being that the appraisal already paid for by HUD can be used, saving a Buyer $450.-$500. or more.
  • HUD homes are sold “As-Is”. Really. BUT, If you are getting an FHA loan, there are some interesting options here. If there are basic repairs they are typically noted in the FHA Appraisal, and the appraiser has already assigned a dollar-amount to each item (i.e., “needs stove”, “strap-in water heater” etc).  Taking a cap of $5,000. into consideration, these repairs can be added on to the sale price and rolled into the financing by the lender, for repairs to be completed after sale.
  • If a HUD home was built prior to 1978, and potentially has lead-based-paint, FHA will pay for a “Lead-Based Paint Stabilization Report”.  If  it is determined to have lead-based paint, however, my understanding is that the Buyer will need to do a “203-k” or “rehab”  loan in order to have the condition remediated.  Additionally, the transaction cannot “close” until the remediation paint job is approved by HUD. Discuss these potentialities with your lender rep prior to embarking down the path, so that you are prepared with “Plan B” should you end up in this situation.
  • When you have your Realtor check on status/how long the home has been on the market, etc., also make sure to ask about whether the subject property is designated as eligible for the “Good Neighbor Next Door” program. If you are employed as a teacher, EMT, police officer or fire fighter AND the HUD home is one that is eligible, you may be able to end up purchasing it for 50% of what you offer.
  • Escrow rules have changed as of January 2013.  The Buyer now selects the Escrow office/company that will be handling he transaction. This is good if you or your Realtor have an escrow officer or company that you prefer, however, please note that the Buyer also has to pay ALL escrow fees, even those traditionally paid by the Seller. Talk to your Realtor about the possibility of asking for your closing costs to be paid, and whether or not this might be a good solution for you.

As always, you’ll want to choose a Realtor who understands the ins & outs, helps you determine if a HUD property is right for you, and if so, helps you navigate gracefully around potential pitfalls.

I hope that this information has been helpful.  Granted, I just touched on an overview of things you might want to take into consideration. For more information on HUD Properties, visit: www.HudHomeStore.com . There is an FAQ section there that will answer many of your questions.

 

Very Best to you!

Linda

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News & Notes

Here is the “just-released” data for you on the overall Portland area, as well as specific Lake Oswego/West Linn (RMLS lumps them together) activity:

Well, Folks… The market is definitely picking up. Just take a look at how the numbers break out below. According to the RMLS Market Action Report for the Portland Metro Area March, 2013.

  • At 1,935, Closed Sales were the best since 2007, and a 40.6% increase over Feb. 2013!
  • There were 3,002 New Listings, which is an increase of 22.4% over Feb. 2013!
  • The Average Sale Price in March was $299,000, up from $282,000 in Feb. 2013.
  • Pending Sales increased from Feb. 2013 by 23.4% to 2,628.

For our Property Blotter readers, the combined area of Lake Oswego and West Linn also reported every sales aspect improving compared to last month:

    • 435 Active Listings
    • 183 New Listings
    • 154 Pending Sales
    • 125 Closed Sales
    • An average Sale Price of $494,900.
    • Average Time on the Market: 120 Days
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Open Houses 4/7/12

There are 22 houses being held open in Lake Oswego this Sunday. Enjoy!

Address Type Price Bedroom Bath Open
4417 Thunder Vista Ln Attached $192,600 2 2 1 to 3
5056 Foothills Dr D Condo $259,000 2 2 1 to 4
15205 Boones Way Attached $309,900 3 2 3 to 5
14550 Doris Ave Detached $349,900 3 1.5 1 to 3
18357 Heather Ann Ct Detached $409,000 3 2 1 to 3
17433 Schalit Way Detached $436,000 4 2.5 1 to 3
2234 Fernwood Circle Detached $499,900 4 3 1 ro 4
4007 Bass Ln Detached $517,900 4 3 1 to 3
12723 Adrian Ct Detached $569,950 4 3 2 to 4
4121 Hedge Nettle Ct Detached $579,000 3 2.5 1 to 4
1921 Glenmorrie Ln Detached $624,000 3 3 2 to 4
3601 Red Cedar Way Detached $650,000 3 2.5 1 to 4
18460 Ray Ridge Dr Detached $650,000 3 2.5 1 to 3
17393 Grandview Ct Detached $659,900 4 3.5 1 to 3
5501 Rachel Ln Detached $699,000 4 2.5+.5 12 to 3
868 7th St Detached $699,750 4 3 1 ro 3
18383 Old River Dr Detached $850,000 4 4.5 1 ro 3
16805 Scott Ct Detached $892.00 4 3.5 2 to 4
1667 Village Park Ln Detached $899,000 5 3.5 1 to 3
12700 Fielding Rd Detached $1,175,000 3 3 1 to 3
112 Northshore Circle Detached $1,625,000 3 3.5 11 to 4
448 Country Club Rd Detached $1,695,000 4 3.5 2 to 4
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This is important because We Love LO!

In 1978 the State of Oregon mandated that individual communities develop and maintain a comprehensive plan. This plan becomes a road map for the future. How does the community support growing populations, economic development, and prioritize resources? The last time Lake Oswego updated its comprehensive plan was in 1994. With 16 years since being updated, in 2010 the State of Oregon told the City of Lake Oswego to update the comprehensive plan and gave the City 3 years to do so.

In the last 3 years over 2000 citizens of the community have participated in a lengthy process of meeting, discussing, and giving in-put as to what the vision of Lake Oswego should look like in 2035. This was a very involved process that included the school district, neighborhood associations, business associations, and open public forums. In fact, the City received the National Planning Excellence Award for Communications Initiative from the American Planning Association for this effort.

The comprehensive plan has 7 action areas:

• Healthy Ecosystems
• Community Health and Public Safety
• Connected Community
• Inspiring Places and Spaces
• Economic Vitality
• Complete Neighborhoods and Housing
• Community Culture

These action areas support a wide variety of goals. Much emphasis is placed on livability and there was a strong consensus that walking, biking, and public transportation should be encouraged. Value is placed on high-quality schools, library, and recreational opportunities. Economic diversity is encouraged and the support of local businesses is a goal.

Think about it, the gallery without walls didn’t just happen. It is something we treasure and enjoy because in the past the arts were encouraged and supported in this community.

The final step in the adaption of the comprehensive plan is now occurring. Our mayor and city council will be voting on the adaption of the final version of the comprehensive plan at the City Council meeting on April 16th. I want to encourage you to learn about the plan. The easiest way to do this is by watching this short video.

Next I want to encourage you to contact our Mayor and City Council members to support adaption of the current comprehensive plan as it has been developed by the citizens of our community. To contact our Mayor and members of the City Council click here.

There is always a bit of controversy in public planning. That is true in this instance. There are several members of our city council who are not in favor of the comprehensive plan as it has been developed. I guess it could be attributed to a general dislike of planning in general: the idea that government should be smaller and less involved. There certainly are times when I agree with that perspective. But this plan is a good one. It is a vision for the future of our City that was developed by the citizens of this City. Please encourage the adaptation of the plan as the citizens have designed it over the course of the last 3 years.

We do love our City! This vision for the next 20 years is wonderful! Get involved and please encourage the adaptation of the Comprehensive Plan.
Dianne

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News & Notes

Buyer…. Be Informed!

As Realtors, we always encourage our Buyer clients to get information “direct from the horse’s mouth”, or more accurately, to call or visit the city where one is purchasing, and talk directly to the Planning or other related department about records for the home. You can ask any number of questions and talk directly to those “in the know”. We do conduct our own research, and do get involved and assist, but I still believe the best practice is for the Buyer to get their information “direct”. That way there’s no translating involved, and nothing that gets left “un-asked” that a client might wish they had asked their Realtor to find out later on. The people at the City are really nice folks, and are there to help. If you’re looking for a home in Lake Oswego, give them a call or pay them a visit! Here’s the link: City of Lake Oswego/Planning.
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Similarly, the Internet is a fantastic source for much of the information you want to find out regarding a home’s background, development potential, easements, past permits, lot lines, etc etc etc. There is a site called Portland Maps that can be accessed for information on Lake Oswego properties as well. This link is easy to use. Just type in the address, and voila, the aforementioned, along with demographics, crime statistics, and more is at your fingertips. Here’s the link to Portland Maps.

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Spring Around the Lake

I so look forward to spring. Longer days of sunlight, gradual warming, mowing the lawn for that first time, and the abundance of colorful flowers, it feels new everytime it happens.

I thought I’d share with you some of the gorgeous spring color, and also a poem by William Stafford. Mr. Stafford was a resident of Lake Oswego and is the City’s Poet Laureate.

Spring flowers 002

Spring flowers 004

 

 

 

 

 

 

Malheur before Dawn

An owl sound wandered along the road with me.
I didn’t hear it–I breathed it into my ears.

Little ones at first, the stars retired, leaving
polished little circles on the sky for awhile.

Then the sun began to shout from below the horizon.
Throngs of birds campaigned, their music a tent of sound.

From across a pond, out of the mist,
one drake made a V and said its name.

Some vast animal of air began to rouse
from the reeds and lean outward.

Frogs discovered their national anthem again.
I didn’t know a ditch could hold so much joy.

So magic a time it was that I was both brave and afraid.
Some day like this might save the world.

Spring flowers 001

Spring flowers 003

Happy spring,
Dianne

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News & Notes

Here is some recent data for you on the overall Portland area, as well as specific Lake Oswego/West Linn (RMLS lumps them together) activity:

According to the RMLS Market Action Report for the Portland Metro Area  February, 2013.

  • At 1,376, Closed Sales were the best since 2008!
  • There were 2,453 New Listings (virtually the same as January 2013, and an 1.6% decrease from Feb. 2012).
  • The Average Sale Price in February was $282,000. Comparing the average price of $278,600 during the last 12 months ending on Feb 28th 2013, with the same 12 month period ending Feb., 2012 of $263,300, there has been an increase of 5.8%
  • Pending Sales increased from January 2013 by 11.8% to 2,130.

For our Property Blotter readers, the combined area of Lake Oswego and West Linn reported:

    • 432 Active Listings
    • 140 New Listings
    • 112 Pending Sales
    • 74 Closed Sales
    • An average Sale Price of $451,900.
    • Average Time on the Market: 157 Days