According to the latest Market Action Report for the Portland area “Closed sales in the Portland metro area for July 2009 eclipsed last July’s total by 8.6%, marking the first time same-month closed sales have increased since April 2007. Pending sales also grew 8.3%. New listings dropped 25.4% . Comparing July 2009 with June 2009, closed sales increased 11.9% (1,988 v. 1,776) and pending sales were up a slight 0.3% (2,170 v. 2,164). New listings fell 8.2% (3,907 v. 4,257).”- RMLS now offers a “Short Sale” search field for Agents to search using this criteria. It seems as though Agents are slow to be updating their listings to reflect this, but once all records are updated, this should be a helpful tool.
- Amtrak may soon be cruising through Lake Oswego if feasibility and other studies yield positive results. The opportunity has come about as a direct result of avaiable funds from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which has earmarked $8 billion for high-speed rail. It appears that going this route would be less expensive than repairing the line AMTRAK is currently using, which takes it through Oregon City. The benefits also reportedly include projected increased ridership, increased timliness, and reduced carbon emissions. This change would replace the Oregon City stop with one in Tualatin. ODOT has decided to apply for the funds to do a 2-year Environmental Impact Study.
- The NW Natural 2009 Street of Dreams is underway, running from August 1 – 30. This year is a little different than most in that it showcases four premier condo home developments in Portland’s “Pearl District”, including nine incredible penthouses ranging in price ffrom $1 to $2.5 million. This year also focuses on LEED standard and eco-friendly building. Check it out and buy your tickets at: http://www.streetofdreamspdx.com/home/home.php
- Lake Oswego is in the middle of discussions with citizens regarding proposed “Sensitive Lands” changes. To learn more about sensitive lands & view an FAQ page on this subject, visit: http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/plan/Nature/FAQ_Handout_080609.pdf Opinions run the gamut and there is currently lively debate on all sides.
Race for The Cure
If you have been reading the Propertyblotter for awhile, you know that I am a big supporter of the annual Race for the Cure. I am now a 2-year breast cancer survivor. It’s a club I never wanted to join, but now that I’m in it, I’m doing whatever I can to keep other women (and men too) from having to join.
Breast cancer will strike one in 8 women in her lifetime. My great-grandmother died of breast cancer in 1929, at the age of 48, the same age that I was when I got my diagnosis. Luckily for me, in the 80 years since my great-grandmother died, thousands of people have put time and money into education and finding a cure. I see it as my duty to pay that forward so that future generations don’t have to live in the shadow of this terrible disease.
This year, for the 3rd year, I have formed Team Dianne Crusades for a Cure. I would like to invite you to join me on September 20th, 2009 at Waterfront Park in downtown Portland for the 19th annual Race for the Cure. $5 of every entry fee goes to the Susan Komen Foundation. The money is used to help women pay for mammograms, get financial aid and counseling for treatment, and to educate and to raise awareness. Last year, even with the money raised, there were 40,000 women in Oregon and SW Washington who should have had mammograms and didn’t. 75% of the money raised is used right here in our community. 25% goes to the National research effort.
Even more than inviting you to walk with me, I would like to ask you to consider making a donation. It is such a worthwhile cause. $77 pays for one un-insured or under-insured woman to get a mammogram.
To join my team or to make a donation, please click here. Thank you for your support and thank you for allowing me to make this appeal on the propertyblotter. Now, let’s get back to real estate……
Community Gardens and the Bounty of Summer
Here in Lake Oswego we are blessed with the long, warm days of summer that come on the heals of the misty and rainy days of May and June. The combination, along with personal commitment to gardening, leads to a rich bounty that is currently at its abundant peak. I don’t know of a better place to see this, in all of its glory, than at the community garden at Luscher Farm.
Luscher Farm was purchased by the City of Lake Oswego between the years of 1991 and 1999. It actually consists of 5 properties that when combined have an area of 47.71 acres. The main farm, Luscher, is considered to be the most intact historic farm in Clackamas County. Originally used as a dairy farm and for cattle, it was built at the turn of the century. It is located just outside of the Southeast edge of the city at the corner of Stafford and Rosemont Roads. It is now a public park that provides both recreation and educational opportunities for learing about farming, gardening, environmental education, and community supported agriculture. And I am not talking about some hoity-toity experience where you drive up in your SUV and marvel at the cows and the chickens. I’m talking about you and your family having a plot of land where you can nurture your own harvest and get dirt under your finger nails.
The community garden is just one part of Luscher Farm, but it is a high-light, for sure.
This year there are 188 garden plots being cultivated by individuals and families. The plots are assigned by offering them to last year’s gardeners first, in November, and then any remaining plots are offered to the public in December. The demand for the plots is large, so be in the game early if you want to reserve one for next year. The prices I’m going to give are what was charged in 2009. Prices for 2010 have not been determined, so there could be an increase. But I believe that even with an increase it will still be a bargain. Prices include access to a tool shed, where they have most anything you could imagine needing, organic fertilizer at the start of the season, and water. A 10×20 plot is $47 for residents of LO and $52 for non-residents. A 20×20 plot is $67 for residents of LO and $74 for non-residents. There are also raised beds for older folks and people with disabilities who might have a hard time bending over to tend their garden. The raised beds are $37 for residents and $41 for non-residents. This fee is for the entire season and while you do have to go to your garden to do the watering, it does include the water. Along with paying your fee, you are required to give 4 hours of your time to volunteer in the garden: helping to build new plots (the garden gets expanded pretty much every year), weeding and mowing.
If you are not a returning gardener, but would like to have a garden plot next summer, I recommend that you call the City of Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department on December 1st to find out the date and time that the plots will be distributed. In the past they were given out on a first-come-first-served basis and all plots were gone within an hour or two of being offered. This year they are considering a lottery system, but that decision has not been made. The phone number for Parks and Recreation at the City of Lake Oswego is 503-697-6500.
Besides the community garden, Luscher Farm has got some other very cool offerings.
The city works in cooperation with Oregon Tilth’s Organic Education Center to operate a demonstration garden that is all about showing people biologically sound urban agriculture. It teaches about organic gardening and how to grow sustainable food.
Luscher Farm is also home to the Brewster Rogerson Clematis Collection. You know clematis? Those gorgeous vines with the unbelievably huge blossoms? We have lots of clematis in LO. Different varieties bloom at different times of the year with some even blooming in winter. If you like to garden and you live in LO, you probably know about and love clematis.
And then there is the Community Supported Agriculture program. This program consists of 12 acres that are cultivated and maintained by 47th Avenue Farms . This is a co-op farming program. It consists of 12 acres at Luscher Farms that are cultivated with a variety of vegetables for year-around consumption. These include beets, brocolli, carrots, cauliflower, chard, cilantro, garlic, greens, herbs, kale, leeks, lettuce, onion, parsley, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, scallions, spinach, squash, and swiss chard. Yum! The produce is grown for a set number of harvest share holders. These share holders buy into the bounty, but they also buy into the risk. A late freeze or unusual storm can damage a crop. So you become a share holder in the good and the bad. Looking at the good, it means fresh grown organic produce that is locally sustainable for your palate and 
your good health. In the summer shareholders pick up the bounty of the crops on a weekly basis. In the late fall through early spring it is less frequent, but it still happens. I visited the wesite for 47th Avenue Farms and found discriptions of various share options, but no specific pricing. I would imagine that next year’s membership is still being formulated. There is a link to a waiting list as well as for e-mailing to get information. The website is www.47thavefarm.com .
Writing about all of the wealth of summer is making me hungry. I think it’s time to go and to steam some brocolli!
Market Activity Report ~ July 20 – 26 2009
Now we’re cookin’… in more ways than one! Last week Lake Oswego saw 25 New properties hit the market, while 15 went Pending and 15 Sold.
Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (July 20—July 26, 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 |
| 7202 SW MONTAUK CIR | $99,900 | 2 | 1 | 968 | CONDO | 7/23/2009 |
| 45 EAGLE CREST DR | $199,000 | 3 | 2 | 1,348 | CONDO | 7/20/2009 |
| 1889 BOCA RATAN DR | $229,900 | 3 | 2 | 1,393 | ATTACHD | 7/20/2009 |
| 4610 LAMONT WAY | $299,900 | 3 | 2 | 1,750 | DETACHD | 7/20/2009 |
| 595 6TH ST | $349,900 | 3 | 2 | 893 | DETACHD | 7/23/2009 |
| 18407 DEER OAK CIR | $365,000 | 4 | 2 | 1,812 | DETACHD | 7/23/2009 |
| 17501 HILL WAY | $369,900 | 3 | 2 | 1,694 | DETACHD | 7/23/2009 |
| 1520 LABURNUM WAY | $419,000 | 4 | 2 | 1,724 | DETACHD | 7/23/2009 |
| 36 NOVA CT | $425,000 | 4 | 2.1 | 2,256 | DETACHD | 7/25/2009 |
| 802 SUNNY HILL DR | $429,000 | 4 | 2.1 | 2,508 | DETACHD | 7/20/2009 |
| 5 FALSTAFF ST | $430,650 | 4 | 2.1 | 2,433 | DETACHD | 7/23/2009 |
| 14 MONTICELLO DR | $434,500 | 4 | 2 | 2,766 | DETACHD | 7/20/2009 |
| 5044 GREENSBOROUGH CT | $449,000 | 4 | 2.1 | 2,124 | DETACHD | 7/25/2009 |
| 566 5TH ST | $459,000 | 3 | 2 | 2,177 | DETACHD | 7/20/2009 |
| 3355 UPPER DR | $470,000 | 4 | 2 | 3,205 | DETACHD | 7/22/2009 |
| 5587 CARMAN DR | $519,000 | 4 | 3.1 | 2,617 | DETACHD | 7/24/2009 |
| 24 INDEPENDENCE AVE | $549,950 | 6 | 3.1 | 3,561 | DETACHD | 7/23/2009 |
| 14867 TWIN FIR CT | $579,000 | 6 | 3.1 | 3,641 | DETACHD | 7/25/2009 |
| 14175 TAYLORS CREST LN | $649,900 | 3 | 3 | 3,250 | DETACHD | 7/23/2009 |
| 13504 STREAMSIDE DR | $679,000 | 4 | 2.1 | 3,467 | DETACHD | 7/21/2009 |
| 12748 SW 22ND AVE | $699,000 | 3 | 2.1 | 3,052 | DETACHD | 7/22/2009 |
| 363 Sixth ST | $699,900 | 3 | 3.1 | 2,258 | ATTACHD | 7/22/2009 |
| 135 FURNACE ST | $709,900 | 2 | 2.1 | 1,927 | CONDO | 7/22/2009 |
| 1876 PALISADES LAKE CT | $779,900 | 3 | 2.1 | 3,178 | DETACHD | 7/20/2009 |
| 5587 CARMAN DR | $850,000 | 4 | 3.1 | 2,617 | DETACHD | 7/24/2009 |
PENDING SALES (July 20-July 26, 2009)
| ADDRESS |
LIST PRICE
|
TOT. BEDS
|
TOT. BATHS
|
TOT. SQ FT
|
PROP TYPE |
DOM
|
| Address | List Price | # Beds | # Baths | Total SF | Prop Type | CDOM |
| 86 KINGSGATE RD | $139,900 | 2 | 2 | 849 | CONDO | 419 |
| 668 MCVEY AVE | $249,850 | 3 | 1.1 | 985 | CONDO | 982 |
| 17570 MARDEE AVE | $264,900 | 3 | 1 | 1,050 | DETACHD | 47 |
| 805 SW COUNTRY CLUB RD | $279,900 | 3 | 2 | 1,981 | DETACHD | 10 |
| 5318 RED LEAF ST | $309,950 | 3 | 2 | 1,460 | DETACHD | 4 |
| 705 ELLIS AVE | $374,500 | 3 | 2.1 | 1,872 | DETACHD | 366 |
| 20 HOTSPUR ST | $425,000 | 4 | 2.1 | 2,456 | DETACHD | 5 |
| 11 CELLINI CT | $569,950 | 5 | 3 | 3,392 | DETACHD | 76 |
| 2130 HILLSIDE CT | $675,000 | 5 | 2.2 | 3,954 | DETACHD | 8 |
| 17386 BLUE HERON RD | $679,000 | 4 | 3.1 | 4,063 | DETACHD | 796 |
| 799 COUNTRY CLUB RD | $700,000 | 6 | 2.1 | 4,410 | DETACHD | 742 |
| 645 COUNTRY CLUB RD | $769,000 | 4 | 2.1 | 3,262 | DETACHD | 175 |
| 950 OAK TER | $999,950 | 4 | 2.1 | 3,714 | DETACHD | 595 |
| 17178 CEDAR RD | $1,095,000 | 5 | 3.1 | 4,209 | DETACHD | 92 |
| 2625 SUMMIT DR | $1,289,900 | 4 | 3.1 | 4,212 | DETACHD | 72 |
SOLD (July 20-July 26, 2009)
| ADDRESS | ORIG. PRICE | SALE PRICE |
TOT. BEDS
|
TOT. BATHS
|
TOT. SQ FT
|
PROP TYPE |
DOM
|
| Address | O/Price | Close Price | # Beds | # Baths | Total SF | Prop Type | CDOM |
| 44 EAGLE CREST DR | $165,000 | $162,000 | 3 | 2 | 1,085 | CONDO | 20 |
| 3876 BOTTICELLI ST | $169,900 | $165,000 | 2 | 2 | 1,275 | ATTACHD | 202 |
| 4705 LAKEVIEW BLVD | $425,000 | $200,000 | 3 | 0.1 | 1,208 | DETACHD | 143 |
| 1897 BOCA RATAN DR | $249,480 | $221,500 | 3 | 2.1 | 1,739 | ATTACHD | 77 |
| 6025 SW CARMAN DR | $299,900 | $238,900 | 3 | 1.1 | 1,346 | DETACHD | 86 |
| 4325 COUNTRY WOODS CT | $334,900 | $285,000 | 3 | 2 | 1,346 | DETACHD | 40 |
| 907 BULLOCK ST | $369,950 | $313,800 | 4 | 2 | 2,020 | DETACHD | 125 |
| 1695 MEADOWS DR | $407,500 | $320,000 | 4 | 3 | 2,185 | DETACHD | 396 |
| 15 MASARYK ST | $349,900 | $349,900 | 3 | 3 | 3,680 | DETACHD | 131 |
| 131 WILBUR ST | $450,000 | $350,000 | 2 | 2 | 1,312 | DETACHD | 106 |
| 14371 HOLLY SPRINGS RD | $414,900 | $385,500 | 4 | 2.1 | 1,939 | DETACHD | 354 |
| 762 LAKE FOREST DR | $412,125 | $412,000 | 4 | 3 | 1,970 | DETACHD | 9 |
| 14232 MEADOW GRASS ST | $530,000 | $495,000 | 4 | 3 | 2,965 | DETACHD | 298 |
| 17090 FERNWOOD DR | $949,900 | $730,000 | 4 | 3.1 | 3,998 | DETACHD | 302 |
| 1340 CHERRY LN | $1,950,000 | $1,200,000 | 4 | 4.1 | 5,795 | DETACHD | 445 |
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.
Running, Running, and….. Running Jokes : )
I was going to write this spectacular post on insulation today… but I am too busy with, well… Real Estate! Nose to the grindstone & all that… but that made me think, Hey! We all need a little time out for laughter, so please accept my modest “jokes” post today. Happy House Adventures to you all! (I’ll tell you all about insulation next time : )
Communication styles
How do mathematicians communicate?
Sine language.How do chiropractors communicate?
Spine language.How do astrologers communicate?
Star Sign language.How do naval cadets communicate?
Ensign language.How do shoe repairmen communicate?
Shine language.How do real estate closers communicate?
Sign Here and Sign Here and Sign Here and Sign Here and sign… language.
The trouble with owning a home is that no matter where you sit, you’re looking at something you should be doing.
Two women were walking through the woods when a frog called out to them and said: “Help me, ladies! I am a real estate agent who, through a curse, has been transformed into a frog. If one of you will kiss me, I’ll be returned to my former state!”
One woman took out her purse, grabbed the frog, and stuffed it inside her handbag. The other woman said, “Didn’t you hear him? If you kiss him, he’ll turn into a real estate agent!”
The second woman replied, “Sure, but I’m taking him home first… I want to make sure I get my Free Market Analysis!”
A real estate agent was driving around with a new trainee when she spotted a charming little farmhouse with a hand-lettered “For Sale” sign out front.
After politely introducing herself and her associate to the occupant, the agent proceeded from room to room, opening closets and cupboards, testing faucets, and pointing out where a “new light fixture here and a little paint there” would help. Pleased with her demonstration for her new trainee’s benefit, the woman was hopeful that the owner would offer her the listing.
“Ma’am,” the man said, “I appreciate the home-improvement tips and all, but I think you read my sign wrong. It says, ‘HORSE for sale.’’
Hope you’re smiling!
L.O. Weather Information ~ Our Neck of the Woods….
Out of state and wondering what you can expect for weather in Lake Oswego after your big move? Planning your house-hunting trip and wondering what you can expect? I’ve added a few tidbits of information for you below to help give a better picture of life in Lake Oswego… weather-wise.
My personal experience in Lake Oswego is that July varies from cloudy days here & there to weeks of cobalt blue skies, ranging from a high of 70 degrees to the 90’s. We spend most of the month of August in the 90’s with some 80’s thrown in here & there and the occasional 100… that’s based on the last few years, and/but the table below lists the “normal” high temps in Lake Oswego in August at 80 degrees. So, we then get into definitions of “normal” : ) Anyway, it came from AccuWeather.com . This site also shows you the pollen index and other helpful data such as yesterday’s weather breakdown:
|
Normal High: 45°F
Normal Low: 34°F
Normal Average: 40°F
|
Normal High: 50°F
Normal Low: 36°F
Normal Average: 43°F
|
Normal High: 56°F
Normal Low: 39°F
Normal Average: 47°F
|
Normal High: 60°F
Normal Low: 42°F
Normal Average: 51°F
|
|
Normal High: 67°F
Normal Low: 47°F
Normal Average: 57°F
|
Normal High: 72°F
Normal Low: 53°F
Normal Average: 63°F
|
Normal High: 80°F
Normal Low: 57°F
Normal Average: 68°F
|
Normal High: 80°F
Normal Low: 58°F
Normal Average: 69°F
|
|
Normal High: 75°F
Normal Low: 53°F
Normal Average: 64°F
|
Normal High: 64°F
Normal Low: 45°F
Normal Average: 55°F
|
Normal High: 52°F
Normal Low: 40°F
Normal Average: 46°F
|
Normal High: 45°F
Normal Low: 35°F
Normal Average: 40°F
|
Now, the Farmers Almanac is ‘Old Faithful’ as far as weather goes. This link will allow you to look at any date in Portland (they don’t call out Lake Oswego, but hey, it’s close). It will also give you precipitation and pressure data.
If you’d like blow-by-blow information on Lake Oswego weather, WeatherForYou.com will accommodate with detailed forecasts & hour-by-hour breakdowns for the previous 48-hour period. Then there is detailed morning & evening information for every day in the forecast at City-Data.com
Most of these sites will challenge you with advertising, but I hope some of them prove helpful prior to your next trip to Lake Oswego. Remember, if you are heading this way, you can always email Dianne or myself to find out whether you will need to bring your bathing suit or sweater. It’s the summer home-buying season, and we’re really enjoying working with all of our Property Blotter readers. We look forward to meeting you soon as well. Gotta run…. houses to show!
Observations on Inventory, the S & P Price Index, and Broken Sewers, Oh My!
Today’s editorial post is going to be a bit of a potpouri of information. There were just so many nice tidbits, I couldn’t seem to pick just one.
Observations On Current Inventory
Last February I ran the break down of the Inventory in Lake Oswego. At that time there were 418 detached homes for sale. I think my biggest concern was that of those homes 136 were priced at $1,000,000 or more. That is a lot of high-end homes. And that seems to be the slowest part of the market that is selling. What’s it look like today? Not much has changed. While sales have picked up a bit, the number of new listings coming onto the market is keeping the inventory from diminishing. Here is today’s breakdown:
Homes priced $100,000-$199,000, 1
Homes priced $200,000-$299,000, 19
Homes priced $300,000-$399,000, 46
Homes priced $400,000-$499,000, 54
Homes priced $500,000-$599,000, 51
Homes priced $600,000-$699,000, 38
Homes priced $700,000-$799,000, 35
Homes priced $800,000-$899,000, 30
Homes priced $900,000-$999,000, 31
Homes priced $1,000,000+, 135
That is a total inventory of detached homes of 440 with 135 priced at over $1,000,000. Probably the most interesting observation that I see is that while we have 22 more homes for sale, the $1,000,000+ is about the same. Perhaps people listing their homes this spring are being a bit more realistic and not shooting for the million dollar sales price? At any rate, there are still way more homes over a million than the market activity will support. In the last six months 10 homes over $1,000,000 have sold and 11 have gone pending. At this rate, it will take a little over 3 years to sell all of the high-end inventory.
A Glimmer of Hope
The Standard and Poor’s Case-Shiller Home Price Index was recently released. In the 20-city year-over-year averages the Portland area managed to fair better than most. The average 12-month loss of home values was 18%, while Portland’s was 16%, the eighth best of the report. The best fairing market was Denver with a loss of just 4.9%. The worst was Phoenix with a loss of 35.3% (ouch!)
My personal observation is that things have picked up quite a bit. My listings are getting lots of showings and also receiving offers. It could simply be the normal up-tick that happens with spring and summer, but it could also be a bit of much-needed stability. And even if the market is not necessarily trending up, it does seem to me that it is not getting worse.
Always get a sewer scope!
This is a photo that you really never want to see, but when this sort of thing happens, it is soooooo much better to have it happen before the sale than after. This photo was taken of a home that I have currently got in escrow. The older home was recently remodeled, including a new sewer line from the house to the street. That should be enough and there’s no need for a sewer scope, right? NOT! In the course of the home inspection the buyer did have a sewer scope and a chunk of concrete was found to be blocking the line. In the course of the remodel, a stray piece of concrete had somehow found its way into the line. Who would have known without the sewer scope? And how irritating would it have been to move into a gorgeous home that was fully remodeled just to have the sewer back up immediately? This is a good lesson for one and all. Always get a sewer scope!
LO vs Sellwood
It’s a bit of a habit of mine to compare affordable housing in Lake Oswego vs the popular neighborhood in SE Porltand, Sellwood. I like to do this for two reasons. First, I’ve lived in both areas and just have a general curiosity. Second, I think LO is often overlooked by buyers. There is just a general assumption that LO is full of million dollar mansions and therefore out of the price range of people seeking an affordable home. My definition of affordable is $350,000 or less, and I am only comparing detached homes and not including condos. When I first did this in April of 2008, there were 20 houses in LO and 18 in Sellwood price at $350,000 or less. Today the number is 44 in LO and 25 is Sellwood. So not only does Lake Oswego continue to offer more affordable homes than Sellwood, but the number has increased from a difference of 2 more to a difference of 19 more. In Sellwood the least expensive home currently for sale is 608 square feet, 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, built in 1924. In Lake Oswego the least expensive home currently for sale is 780 square feet, 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, built in 1944. So if you are looking for affordable, sure check out SE Portland, but don’t rule out Lake Oswego. You have options here as well.
I can not let the week go by without wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July!
Green Water (ing)
Though 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!
Water 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 
is 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.
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
Condos, Town Homes, HOA’s, Oh My!
When 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!