Category: General

All About Lake Oswego, Oregon real estate topics

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Preparing for Winter Weather

In this month’s Hello LO (the monthly newsletter mailed to the residents of this fine city) there is an excellent Winter Preparedness Guide. In the interest of helping you to protect your real estate investment, I thought I’d share with you some of the important suggestions.

The City is asking you
* To be sure your address is clearly visible and not covered with snow or ice
* To keep a path clear from your street to your front door
* To have an emergency supply kit
* To use flashlights instead of candles to help prevent fires
* To be aware of carbon monoxide hazards from outdoor heating devices used indoors

Make sure your smoke alarm is in good working order
Now is the time of year to check the batteries in your alarm and be certain that they are working. Current Oregon law requires that homes that are bought or sold have smoke alarms with a hush button feature, and either a 10-year lithium battery or be hard-wired with a back-up battery. There should be a working smoke detector on every level of the house with special attention paid to areas with bedrooms.

Food Safety
In a power outage, if your freezer is full, food will stay frozen for about 2 days. If it is less than half full food will stay frozen for about 1 day. Cover the freezer with blankets or sleeping bags to help food stay frozen longer. When the power comes back on, examine all of the food for spoilage and if in doubt, throw it out.

For food in the refrigerator, be especially careful of meat, fish, milk, mayo, and eggs. Again, if in doubt, throw it out.

Gas Shutoff
If you need to have your gas shut off, contact NW Natural at 503-226-4211 and they will send a technician to assist you. If, however, an emergency arises where you need to shut the gas off immediately, follow this simple procedure:
1) Locate the shutoff valve on the riser pipe (the pipe running from the ground or through the foundation wall to your meter). To turn the valve you will need a crescent or pipe wrench. A wonderful home inspector I use suggests every home owner buy a simple wrench that fits this valve and hang it on a nail behind the riser pipe. This way in a true emergency you aren’t fumbling around in the garage looking for the right tool. When the valve head is parallel to the riser pipe, it is in the OPEN position.
2) Turn the valve head crosswise (perpendicular) to the pipe and it will be in the CLOSED position. There are also natural gas shutoff valves on the lines fueling individual gas fireplaces. Once the gas is off, LEAVE IT OFF.
3) Call NW Natural, 503-226-4211, when you are ready to have the gas restarted.

Storm Clean Up and the Tree Code
A permit is not required to remove downed trees. However, pictures are encouraged for documentation.

An Emergency Tree Permit or a Hazard Tree Permit needs to be issued for trees that present an immediate danger of collapse or present a danger to either people or property. Again, be sure to take pictures. Both permits are obtained thru the City and may require a Hazard Evaluation Form completed by a Certified Arborist, along with photos. For more information, call the Community Development Department at 503-635-0290 or click here.

Photo courtesy of Cornell University
Don’t Forget Your Pet
OK, I know this isn’t about your real estate investment, but it is about an entirely important emotional investment.
* Consider inviting your outdoor dog or cat inside when the temperatures dip to freezing.
* More dogs are lost in the winter than any other time of year. In snow or ice dogs loose their scent and more easily become lost. Keep them on a leash or in their fenced yard, and be sure that they are wearing an ID tag and/or an ID chip.
* Cats will seek warmth and have been known to crawl under the hoods of cars. Get in the habit of banging on your car hood before starting your engine to give a cat the chance to escape.
* Thoroughly wipe your pet’s legs and stomach when you bring them inside out of the snow. They can ingest anti-freeze and other chemicals when licking their paws and grooming after they come indoors.
* Don’t leave your cat or dog alone in a car. They can freeze to death in January just as easily as they can die of heat exposure in July.
* Don’t let your dog run loose on a pond or lake where ice could break and they could drown. And this year, with the lake drawn down, keep them out of the murky mud in which they could become stuck.

It is really hard to know what to expect from Old Man Winter. Some years we get next to no snow or ice. Other years we get hammered. But in any case, we need to be prepared. I hope you have found this guide useful.

Dianne

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Dianne’s Junk Drawer

Winding down the summer, gearing up for the fall, there are a few fun and quick topics I wanted to cover.

Lake Oswego’s Famous Flower Baskets
Remember that flower basket I planted last May? I wanted to share with you how it turned out. This basket is amazing. It hangs about 5′ long and is easily 2-3 feet wide. It is so heavy that I had to move it from it’s original hook, which it was bending. I got a lot of enjoyment out of planting it and watching it grow. I will plan to do it again next year. I also have to confess that I wasn’t as good about fertilizing it as I should have been. Early on, I did fertilize it once a week like I was supposed to. But as the summer progressed, well, I slipped up on that component. That didn’t keep the basket from getting huge. So even an imperfect gardener can grow one of these amazing baskets.

Planning Vacations for Next Year
One of the wonderful benefits of living in the Pacific Northwest is that taking a quick vacation, at not a lot of expense, is really easy. I thought I would list some of the destination spots that my husband and I have been to in the last few years. All trips were 3-5 days long with amazing scenery.
San Juan Islands WA
Joseph, Hells Canyon, and the Wallawas, OR
Coeur d’Alene, ID
Ashland Shakespeare Festival and Jacksonville, OR
Skamania Lodge, WA
Leavenworth, WA
Wenthrop, WA
Bend and Sisters, OR
The Olympic Peninsuala, WA
And, of course, anywhere on the Oregon Coast
And yes, that is me in the photo. My husband and I do our trips on his Yamaha. No, it’s not what I ever imagined doing. Yes, we have fun and my husband loves the adventure. I’ve been riding on the back of his motorcycle since I was 18 years old. I trust him to keep me safe. And that feeling of the wind and the open road really is pretty amazing.

My Personal Commitment
I am once again fundraising for the Portland Race for the Cure, which is being held September 19, 2010 in downtown Portland. Every dollar raised supports awareness, assistance, and research that benefits women right here in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Over 10,000 women received mammograms last year that would not have without assistance from the Susan Komen Foundation and Race for the Cure. As a breast cancer survivor, this effort helps me to make something good come from something very bad. If you are inclined to make a donation, you can do so by clicking here. Thank you!

Thank you for letting me clean out my junk drawer. Let me know if you have any ideas of your own for a great get-a-way in the Pacific Northwest. I’d also love to hear from any of you who planted hanging baskets of your own.
Dianne

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Where did the Lake go?

For the last 2 years the City of Lake Oswego has had a major infrastructure project going on:  the replacement of the aging and inadequate sewer interceptor line that ran along the bottom of the lake.  The line is about 9000 feet and was both too small, causing over-flow when it reached capacity in heavy rain, and prone to damage in the event of an earthquake.  Replacement of the system has happened in stages with the second stage now winding down and the third stage about to begin.  Completion of the third stage will complete the project.

Sometime in September the water level of the lake will be drawn down.  Remember that the water level is controlled at a dam that is located at the East end.  When the water is drawn down, the lake will look almost completely empty with the exception of the very deepest areas.  Mostly, it will look empty.  This will be the status of the lake until next March when the lake will be allowed to refill.  The new water will come from rain runoff, the Tualatin River, and area streams and creeks.  The goal is to have the lake re-filled in plenty of time for summer recreation.

I’ve lived in Lake Oswego long enough to recall the days when the lake level was lowered regularly.  It was part of normal management of the lake to drain the water out for a few weeks every other winter.  This allowed water-front property owners to do needed repairs on their sea walls and boat houses.  Then, about 10 or so years ago, the decision was made to not drain the lake on any regular basis.  Which means that it has now been quite a few years since it was drained and that means it is going to come as quite a shock to local residents who haven’t been paying attention.

It is my experience that following the draining of the lake not only does the lake look better (from all of the work that gets done around the lake when the water level is down), but the water quality also tends to be much improved.  Swimming in the lake next summer will be great!

So don’t be surprised when the lake is drained in a month or so.  The water level will be restored.

For further info, including an exact schedule and e-mail updates, you can visit the City of Lake Oswego’s website and get all of the details.

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News & Notes

~News & Notes~

  • Mortgage Rates fell further last week from the already-lowest level in decades.  Rates for a 30-year conventional loan are now hovering at between 4.5% & 4.75%, even with an increase today of .25 basis points according to Pat Goodell of Academy Mortgage.  Slower economic growth last week was good for mortgage rates and negative for the stock market.  This is actually an interesting point to note- When you see the stock market take a dip, check in on mortgage rates… they will almost always be improving during such periods.
  • The deadline for closing on those transactions taking advantage of the tax credits was finally extended to September 30th. So, that’s very good news for all those who were pushing up against the June 30th closing deadline & not quite making it.  I love second-chances… they’re so American!
  • Woodstove Reminder – Have a wood stove?  Planning to buy or sell a home with one? Note that beginning August 1st, 2010, in an effort to control emissions from smoke, when selling a home you will be required to remove the wood stove if it is “uncertified” by the DEQ.  Here is a link for more information: Woodstoves in Oregon
  • Lake Oswego Pricing Snapshot– Today there are 74 Detached Residences for sale in Lake Oswego priced at $350,000 or under.  There are 144 priced between $350,000 and $550,000.  Between $550,000 and 1 million there are 206 properties.  And at 1 million and over there are 105 to choose from.
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News & Notes

Real Estate Notes:

Tax Credit Extension Update: Well, most expected HR 4213 to pass the Senate, but it was rejected in a test vote on Monday 52 – 45.  This bill would have extended the mandatory closing deadline for real estate closings to September, thereby cutting some slack to the many Buyers, Escrow officers and Lenders who are working their way through the morass… all with the same deadline.  There is a real concern that as next Wednesday approaches, the bottleneck will strangle many of these deals due to sheer volume and limited capacity and resources to finish on time.

As of today, June 24th, the Senate will “continue considering” the bill, and a number of amendments.  This bill also includes other considerations including extending unemployment benefits, and will reportedly add 80 billion to the deficit. This is the reason being given for it’s defeat in the test vote on Monday in it’s then-current form.

Community News:

Community-Wide Garage Sale! Get ready to say goodbye to those items you no longer need in your home.  To someone else they will be a “find”!  Register your sale and your location will be mapped with your sale items listed.  Free to Lake Oswego citizens, and Free publicity to boot!    The event is July 10th from 8AM till 3PM.  You have until June 28th to register. Click Here

The Sensitive Lands debate has been quite high profile for some time now, with citizens very concerned on all sides of the issue… concerned with how properties will be affected; concerned about how the natural landscape will be affected; concerned about how local government is handling an issue so important to citizens and the environment alike.   The Second Look Task Force is completing their review of the environmental and regulatory purposes, and providing recommendations for changes that increase flexibility & clarity, and maintain the community’;s committment to the natural environment.  If you’d like to know how you can provide input, Click Here.  (All meetings except for July 10th will be televised live beginning at 6:30 PM on TVCTV Channel 23 or 28.)

Herbicides on Lake Front: From July 21 – 25 aquatic herbicides will be applied to shorelines along the main lake and Blue Heron Canal.  For more information call Casey Deck at 503 636 1422.

Take A Free Tour! Have you been wanting to learn more about all of those sculptures & works of art you see around town?  You can enjoy a walk with a Docent who will show you many of them in Lake Oswego’s “Gallery Without Walls”.  Learn what the artist was thinking and how the piece was crafted. Tours are scheduled for June 25, 26, and 27 from 11AM till noon and 3PM till 4PM.  No reservations are required.  Proceed to the front of St. Honore Bakery at 315 1st St. next to Millenium Park Plaza.  For more information call 503 675 3738.

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Analyzing Market Trends

Foothills Park, Lake Oswego, Oregon

I think the most common question I am asked is “How’s business?”, which I think really means “What’s the market doing?”  In my circle of friends, homeownership is the norm.  And in today’s economy, everyone is hoping that their home is holding it’s value.  For my clients, they are wanting me to give them insight into the buying/selling climate.  So staying on top of trends is pretty critical.  Today I am going to break down the Lake Oswego market and give you some specifics.

First, some good news:  Lake Oswego, according to the latest market action report from the RMLS, has done the second best job of holding value in the metro area comparing May of  ’09 to May of ’10.  Values are down in Lake Oswego, year over year, 7.8%.  The only part of the metro area that did better was North Portland with a loss of 6.3%.  The worst faring area was Yamhill County, which is down 13%.  Wow, did I really just call that good news?  We are down 7.8%!  Perhaps the better way to see it is that this is less bad news than it could have been.

The average sales price in area 147, which is Lake Oswego and West Linn combined, is $443,500.  The total days on the market is averaging 153 days.

I think it is important to do this analysis by price range.  Watching our weekly market action reports, it is pretty obvious that the houses priced in the less expensive range, such as $600,000 or less, are selling much more actively than the houses in the higher prices.  Here is a breakdown by price:

Price Currently for Sale Sold in Last 6 Months # Per Month Length of Inventory
$1,000,000 + 105 15 3 42 months
$900,000-$1,000,000 19 4 1 28 months
$800,000-$900,000 50 6 1 50 months
$700,000-$800,000 42 12 2 21 months
$600,000-$700,000 53 21 4 15 months
$500,000-$600,000 74 35 6 12 months
$400,000-$500,000 79 43 7 11 months
$300,000-$400,000 60 60 10 6 months
$200,000-$300,000 29 36 6 4 months
$100,000-$200,000 3 2 0 9 months

At a glance, the idea is that the lower the length of inventory, the stronger that part of the market is. And that makes it easy to see that the lower the price on the house, the stronger the market. There are also two surprising quirks. Notice that the market inventory is actually worse in the $800,000-$900,000 price range than it is in the houses priced at $1,000,0000+. Why? I am thinking that part of the market is competing with the houses that are at $1,000,000 plus and that when buyers get up that high in price, it is still easy to justify pushing the purchase up just a bit more to get what they really want. In other words, there still is not enough of a value difference at $800,000 vs $1,000,000. However, that idea is just my speculation. I also think at $800,000 you are seeing a lot of older homes. They do have a hard time competing against the newer homes, which there are lots of, that have the soaring ceilings and palatial kitchens and baths. Second, the houses priced under $200,000 just aren’t selling fast either. I am quite certain that this is because at that price the house is pretty much a tear down and in such rough shape that the value is in the land. That means the buyer is going to be a builder and the builders are still sitting on so much inventory that they aren’t buying up the land.

I also have to say that the market is very balanced between buyers and sellers in the homes valued $300,000-$400,000 and even up into $400,000-$500,000. This part of the market is moving well with homes coming onto the market and selling respectably within reasonable periods of time. If you are buying in this part of the market, and the house is in nice condition, be aware of values. If it’s priced right, it’s going to sell and your buying power is not as strong as it would be in the higher price ranges.

And for those of you in the upper pricing, you are still in a very strong buyer’s market. Sellers are still competing with way too many other houses. You should be able to negotiate hard on price and terms.

Affordable Houses: LO vs Sellwood
I periodically like to compare affordable houses in Lake Oswego to the same houses in Sellwood, a neighborhood I used to live in not too far away in SE Portland. I like to do this because I remain convinced that Lake Oswego is often overlooked by buyers who are seeking affordable housing. This is because of LO’s reputation as a wealthy community. Time and again I have been able to prove that there are more homes to choose from in LO than in Sellwood that are affordable. Today is no different. Affordable, by my definition, are homes price below $350,000.

As of today, there are currently 61 homes for sale in Lake Oswego priced below $350,000. The least expensive is a 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bath house with 1000 square feet and a single car garage that was built in 1957. It is actually in pretty nice condition,although close to I-5, and it is priced at $189,000. In Sellwood there are 19 houses priced under $350,000. The least expensive is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath house with a single car garage that was built in 1920. It has 838 square feet + 810 square feet in an unfinished basement. It’s priced at $234,500.

I think the most burning question today is what is going to happen to the market now that the tax credit is over. I do think that there was a huge boost in the market by people trying to get into escrow by the end of April. I also know that May was slow for me, as far as new business. However, June has got my phone ringing and I am very busy. So my personal observation is that our normal spring/summer upswing is happening. Time will tell.

Yours, Dianne

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Our Own University: Marylhurst

Technically, Marylhurst University is located in Marylhurst, Oregon:  until a few minutes ago I had never heard of such a town! Actually, Marylhurst University is sandwiched exactly between Lake Oswego and West Linn on the banks of the Willamette River.  Founded in 1893 by the Sisters of Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, it is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the West.  Originally a school for girls, it became co-ed in 1974 and was officially incorporated as an entity separate from the Sisters of Holy Names in 1959.  As a school, it has continued to grow and to gain respect.  In 2003 it was ranked by US News and World Report as a “Best Value”

Today the University offers a traditional classroom curriculum as well as on-line education.  Bachelor of Arts and Science degrees are offered in Art, Interior Design, Business, Communications, English and Writing, Religious Studies, Music, Real Estate, and Science.  Master’s Degrees are offered in Education, Business, Sustainable Business, and Interdisciplinary Studies.  So right here, in the backyard of our town, you can pursue higher education and on-going education.  I see this as a real asset to our community.  It makes education easier to obtain when it is nearby, and for our town, it adds many benefits.

Mary’s Woods
Along with the University, there is a retirement community known as Mary’s Woods. Offering all levels of assistance from independent living to extensive care, this retirement community is well regarded. And being attached to the University, it offers many opportunities for retired folks who want to take classes and to remain active.

The Christie School
The Christie School was founded in 1953 and is Oregon’s oldest and largest residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed children. The program serves the needs of about 80 kids at any given time. It helps children 8-18 years of age who are coping with any number of needs from depression issues to over-coming abuse. It’s roots go back to the original school, St. Mary’s Home for Girls, which was founded to house and to educate orphaned and abandoned girls.

And then there was the battle with the KKK
One of the more interesting bits of trivia surrounding Maryhurst was the landmark court case known as “Pierce v. Society of Sisters” from 1925. Back in the 1920’s the KKK was pretty strong in Oregon and had a good deal of influence in Oregon politics, including with the Governor of the State, Walter Pierce. The KKK, in concert with the Oregon Scottish Rite Masons, wanted to make public education mandatory, thereby ending access to private education. The Sisters boycotted businesses that supported the KKK and challenged the KKK in court. The 1925 case, decided unanimously by the United States Supreme Court, ruled in favor of the Sisters. The court case ruled that while states may compel attendance at some school, the parents have the constitutional right to choose between public and private schools. The ruling was a legal precedent for our country that has effected court rulings across the United States ever since.

Marylhurst is just one more reason I like living in Lake Oswego. It is a wonderful resource, on so many levels.

Yours,
Dianne

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News & Notes

Real Estate News ~

Have a wood stove?  Planning to buy or sell a home with one? Note that beginning August 1st, 2010, in an effort to control emissions from smoke, when selling a home you will be required to remove the wood stove if it is “uncertified” by the DEQ.  Here is a link for more information: Woodstoves in Oregon

Greece and Mortgage Rates – MBS Quoteline reports: ” Despite stronger than expected economic data, the financial situation in Greece held the greatest influence on mortgage rates this week. A flight to quality and prospects of slower economic growth in Europe were favorable for mortgage markets and negative for the stock market, and mortgage rates ended the week lower.”

Current Mortgage Rates and Mortgage Insurance Updates – According to Pat Goodell of Academy Mortgage:

  • “Some of the Mortgage Insurance companies have gone to tiered pricing based on credit scores which is good news to those with good credit scores.  Mortgage insurance companies also will now allow “up front mortgage insurance” (in lieu of monthly mortgage insurance) to be paid by the seller.  The potential advantage of this is that the seller can pay the up front mortgage insurance as part of any allowable closing costs that a buyer might negotiate for a seller to pay.  Then the buyer has no mortgage insurance premium to pay as part of their mortgage – this may or may not be an advantage to the buyer depending on their situation; but it does help for qualifying by reducing their monthly mortgage payment.  There are qualifying parameters for this option and the lender also has to approve this option as well.”
  • “Interest rates are holding steady now with the 30-yr fixed still hovering around 5% — 30-yr fixed today is actually available at 4.875% with 0 pts, depending on the buyer’s qualifications.”

    • Community Notes ~

    Farmers Market opens this Saturday, May 15th in Lake Oswego. (yay!)  This is the 10th Anniversary Celebration.  You can find the food  & fun at Millennium Plaza Park from 8:30AM – 1:30PM on Saturdays through October 9th.   Local musical group, Southern Nights, will perform from 10:30AM till 12:30PM at the kickoff, and the Bike Gallery will be there to check your kids’ helmets!

    May is Sustainability Action Month. Take advantage of these local events:

    • Free screening of the film Deep Green with local film-maker Matt Briggs. This is an insightful look at “uncovering the best people with the best solutions for “de-carbonizing energy and restoring the natural world.” It will be held Saturday evening, May 15th at 7:30Pm at the Lake Grove Presbyterian Church, 4040 Sunset Drive.  Bring your family and friends!
    • Get a good look at Lake Oswego’s Century Trees on the Century Tree Bike Ride, May 22nd.  The bike ride is hosted by the Planning Dept.’s Green Team, and more information can be had by contacting Laura Weigel at Lweigel@ci.oswego.or.us .

    Lake Oswego’s city council created the Sustainability Action Board (SAB) in 2008. For more information on sustainability, visit: The Sustainability Resource Page

    To Move or Not To Move / Lifestyle Options for Older Adults , an educational program for seniors and their families is designed to give information on housing options and resources in Lake Oswego.  You are invited to attend on May 16th, from 2:00PM to 5:00Pm at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue.

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    Secrets of Lake Oswego’s Famous Flower Baskets

    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

    Real Estate News ~

    House Set to Extend Rural Home Loan Guarantee Program – A unanimous vote by the House Financial Services Committee will send the Rural Housing and Stabilization Act of 2010 to the full House of Representatives where it is said that it has been fast tracked for a vote as early as next week.  Passing HR5017 will continue the availability of government guaranteed mortgages for rural home-buyers.  If passed it will correct section 502 of the Single family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program to make it self-funding. Section 502 assists home-buyers living in rural areas to obtain affordable mortgages guaranteed by USDA.  There has been great concern of late at announcements that there were no more funds for this program, so this is a welcome announcement for many. You must qualify credit-wise of course, and have reliable and adequate income.  The average guarantee in 2009 was for $112,000.

    Lock Box Activity – According to RMLS, when comparing the week of April 5th through April 11th with the week prior, the number of times a lock box was opened increased 33% in Washington and 26.6% in Oregon.  Spring is in the air!

    Community ~

    Shred Day! Bring your shred-able items in to the West End Building on May 1st & protect your identity while you recycle. Credit Cards, staples, paper clips and rubber bands are all said to be acceptable.  Up to three boxes per person will be accepted, and all are encouraged to bring cans of food to support the Oregon Food Bank.  10:00 AM till 1:00 PM or until the truck is full!

    I LOVE LOPR  Video Challenge – Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation is asking all those who love our parks to grab a camera and illustrate why!  Take a photo of your favorite event, your favorite park, your favorite park activity… the list is endless.  Details can be found HERE The list of prizes and sponsors is growing.  Sign up for the challenge, OR sign up to be a sponsor.

    Child Safety Seat Clinic – Come & make sure you know how to install your child’s safety seat property. This clinic will take place May 1st from 10:00 AM till 2:00 PM at 300 B Avenue/The Main Fire Station.  Each seat takes about 30 minutes to check.  Come and spend some time building peace of mind.