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All About Lake Oswego, Oregon real estate topics

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Lake Oswego Real Estate Market Results – September 1-7, 2008

Late summer real estate activity has picked up in Lake Oswego with 25 closed or pending sales in the past week. However, 42 new or relisted properties arrived on the scene to take their place.

As of September 8, over 750 Lake Oswego homes and condos are for sale in the multiple listing service.

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

NEWLY LISTED (September 1-7, 2008)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
4000 CARMAN DR
$144,000
1
1
767
CONDO
9/5
4 CERVANTES CIR
$157,500
2
1.1
912
CONDO
9/4
62 CERVANTES CIR
$158,900
2
1.1
912
CONDO
9/2
1602 BONNIEBRAE DR
$240,000
2
1
864
ATTACHD
9/5
5057 FOOTHILLS DR
$292,700
3
2
1,252
CONDO
9/2
15 BRITTEN CT
$297,500
3
2.1
1,973
ATTACHD
9/3
1400 PARRISH ST
$299,999
3
2.1
1,880
CONDO
9/1
16584 ROOSEVELT AVE
$317,000
2
1
1,188
DETACHD
9/5
12866 BOONES FERRY RD
$339,900
2
2.1
1,136
ATTACHD
9/2
705 ELLIS AVE
$450,000
3
2.1
1,872
DETACHD
9/6
1043 HALLINAN ST
$479,900
4
2.1
2,484
DETACHD
9/3
16750 PHANTOM BLUFF CT
$485,000
3
3
2,267
DETACHD
9/1
107 3RD ST
$495,000
3
2
1,204
CONDO
9/2
13340 AUBURN CT
$495,000
3
2.1
2,451
ATTACHD
9/5
126 CONDOLEA DR
$499,000
3
3
2,664
CONDO
9/5
2084 RIDGEWOOD RD
$580,000
3
2.1
2,117
DETACHD
9/3
625 CLARA CT
$587,500
4
2.1
2,532
DETACHD
9/4
5947 MEADOWCREEK CT
$589,000
4
2.1
2,485
DETACHD
9/5
5492 YORKSHIRE PL
$599,999
3
2.1
2,515
DETACHD
9/5
14412 MEADOW GRASS ST
$600,000
4
2.1
3,563
DETACHD
9/5
624 LIVINGOOD LN
$619,900
4
3
2,596
DETACHD
9/5
125 3RD ST
$637,500
2
2
1,447
CONDO
9/1
14232 MEADOW GRASS ST
$639,950
4
3
2,965
DETACHD
9/6
3140 ROSEMARY LN
$649,900
3
2.1
3,000
DETACHD
9/1
6351 BURMA RD
$649,900
2
1
2,016
DETACHD
9/5
606 2ND ST
$650,000
4
3
3,022
DETACHD
9/1
5580 KILCHURN AVE
$699,000
4
2.1
2,286
DETACHD
9/4
364 NORTHSHORE RD
$724,900
2
2
2,220
DETACHD
9/7
30 WILBUR ST
$725,000
2
2.1
2,664
ATTACHD
9/4
15725 TARA PL
$749,000
3
2.1
3,331
DETACHD
9/6
114 3RD ST
$750,000
2
1
1,140
DETACHD
9/3
13719 ROGERS RD
$839,000
4
2.1
3,204
DETACHD
9/5
1864 CAMPUS WAY
$849,900
5
4
4,142
DETACHD
9/5
5501 RACHEL LN
$857,000
4
2.2
3,509
DETACHD
9/6
1100 UPPER DEVON LN
$885,000
2
3.1
3,672
DETACHD
9/5
17642 UPPER CHERRY LN
$1,399,000
3
3.1
4,296
DETACHD
9/2
17337 BERGIS FARM DR
$1,635,000
4
3.2
4,810
DETACHD
9/6
1968 GLENMORRIE LN
$1,895,000
5
4.1
4,968
DETACHD
9/4
16852 ALDER CIR
$1,950,000
4
3.1
2,873
DETACHD
9/1
2707 SOUTHSHORE BLVD
$1,989,000
3
3.1
3,200
DETACHD
9/5
13200 THOMA RD
$2,395,000
5
5.2
7,648
DETACHD
9/2
243 10TH ST
$2,495,000
5
4.2
5,644
DETACHD
9/5
2098 CREST DR
$5,900,000
5
5.1
7,847
DETACHD
9/2

PENDING SALES (September 1- 7, 2008)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
609 Ash ST
$349,900
4
2
2,192
DETACHD
205
5413 LANGFORD LN
$724,950
3
2.1
2,891
DETACHD
520
18281 WOOD THRUSH CIR
$448,500
4
2.1
2,296
DETACHD
102
1123 ERICKSON ST
$499,000
4
3
2,893
DETACHD
166
86 KINGSGATE RD
$169,000
2
2
924
CONDO
60
13268 DEERFIELD CT
$669,900
4
2.1
2,895
DETACHD
49
5207 ROSEWOOD ST
$374,500
3
2
1,438
DETACHD
119
13300 FOX RUN
$700,000
4
2.1
2,954
DETACHD
38
4729 CAMBRIDGE CT
$559,900
2
2.1
3,056
ATTACHD
140
5647 BAY CREEK DR
$665,000
5
2.1
3,000
DETACHD
15
5853 SOUTHWOOD DR
$649,900
5
2.1
3,707
DETACHD
314

SOLD (August 25 – 31, 2008)

ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
7200 MONTAUK CIR
$149,900
$145,000
2
1
968
CONDO
30
86 KINGSGATE RD
$159,900
$146,000
2
2
849
CONDO
65
47 EAGLE CREST DR
$149,900
$149,900
2
1
932
CONDO
37
48 EAGLE CREST DR
$324,900
$220,000
2
2
1,495
CONDO
199
750 1ST ST
$239,000
$225,000
2
2
1,350
CONDO
85
18341 SW FERNBROOK CT
$488,000
$342,000
4
2
1,872
DETACHD
457
441 9TH ST
$499,900
$430,000
3
2
2,408
DETACHD
108
1338 LAUREL ST
$588,800
$530,000
3
2.1
2,212
DETACHD
42
557 MIDDLECREST RD
$599,900
$549,900
2
1.1
1,521
DETACHD
113
5017 HARTFORD PL
$699,000
$655,000
3
3.1
3,259
DETACHD
49
544 9TH ST
$699,000
$699,000
3
3
2,088
DETACHD
2
18036 SKYLAND CIR
$925,000
$754,000
3
2.1
3,000
DETACHD
142
17538 BROOKHURST DR
$1,450,000
$1,475,000
4
5.1
5,451
DETACHD
132
1673 CHERRY LN
$2,350,000
$1,995,000
4
4.3
5,732
DETACHD
126

Criteria: Homes in the 97034 and 97035 zip code, listed, pending or sold between the dates listed above as reported by the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS). DETACHD refers to Single Family Detached Residence, MFG refers to manufactured housing, and ATTACHD refers to single-family residences with some portion of the structure attached to another property, but not constituting CONDO ownership. DOM stands for days on market, or the number of days from when the listing became active and when it received an acceptable offer.

If links to ACTIVE properties do not bring up property information, the listing may no longer be active, but rather expired, cancelled, pending, or sold.

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Summertime Groaners

Sorry, I couldn’t resist this collection of real estate jokes from www.realestatehumor.com

Forgive me! …& Enjoy:

All afternoon a real estate agent had been showing a young couple empty houses. The ones they loathed always seemed to be available, but others had already snapped up the ones that struck their fancy. Finally they came to a house at the very edge of town and fell in love with it.
“Please,” they begged, “tell us that this one we can have.”
“It’s yours,” beamed the agent. “It’s last …. but not leased!”

While showing a home to a young mother and her 4 year old daughter, the child kept insisting that we leave. We performed the obvious routine of exploring the bedrooms, the basement and opening closet doors. Finally the little girl looked at her mother and said, “Mommie, we better get out of here before they come home and find us!”

A client bought a new home and the broker wanted to send flowers for the occasion. They arrived at the home and the owner read the card; it said “Rest in Peace”. The owner was angry and called the florist to complain. After he had told the florist of the obvious mistake and how angry he was, the florist said. “Sir, I’m really sorry for the mistake, but rather than getting angry you should imagine this: somewhere there is a funeral taking place today, and they have flowers with a note saying, “Congratulations on your new home”.

If you want to know exactly where the property line is, just watch the neighbor cut the grass.

Houses today don’t have enough closet space. Sure they do. They’re just called guest bedrooms.

Realtor sign–We have “lots” to be thankful for.

The sellers said their house was near the water. It was in the basement.

A home buyer told me that he lived in the same house for 10 years. When I checked, I found out he’d still be there today if the Governor hadn’t pardoned him!

Trivia: The floors of buildings are called stories because early European builders used to paint picture stories on the sides of their houses. Each floor had a different story.

“A lot of homes have been spoiled by inferior desecrators.”–Frank Lloyd Wright

The house is only 5 minutes from shopping . . .if you’ve got an airplane.

House problem: The oven is self-cleaning, but the kids aren’t.

Our new house has one down payment and 240 darn payments!

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Ride, Run, Walk Around the Lake

Absolutely one of the best features of living in Lake Oswego is the ability to enjoy the lake. And one of my favorite ways to enjoy it is by riding a bike, or taking a walk or a jog around it. The first time I ran the lake was in 1980. I have done it many, many times since then. Although I have to admit that these days instead of running it, I bike or walk it. It’s just about 8 miles all the way around. Biking it, the challenge is to do it in one hour’s time. I know that does not seem very fast, but there are two substantial hills in the ride and if you can do it in an hour, you are kicking some serious #*%*. Walking it takes about 2.5 hours, and running it, back in my hey day, took just over an hour.

The route around the lake is not an obvious course. You need to have someone who has done it before show it to you. I suppose you could just journey out and figure it out, but there are a couple of spots where taking the right turn will not only make the route more enjoyable, but it will also make it more safe.

I am going to outline the basic route. **UPDATED: MAP AT BOTTOM OF THIS ARTICLE**

I will try to keep the directions easy to follow. I do the route in a clockwise circle. You can reverse it if you like, but I do it clockwise because with this route you warm up properly for the hills and then also cool down before you finish.

Start at the Lake Grove Swim Park, which is just North of the intersection of Southshore Blvd and Lakeview Blvd, along Lakeview Blvd. Proceed North on Lakeview. I suppose it is actually slightly Northeast, but for the sake of keeping it simple, head North along the shoulder of the road. There is a nice wide bike path and you’ll be enjoying the view of the lake and the stately mansions. You will go about half a mile before you come to the first right hand turn.

This is Summit. Yes, it’s called Summit because it’s a big hill. Summit will take you on a slightly winding route up to the top and then back down again. These are some of the best views of the lake because you are up so high and you really get to see the width and breadth of the water.

After you come down the hill, Summit will dead-end at Iron Mountain Blvd. Turn right which will have you heading East. This is a long, flat stretch of road through a heavily treed area with views of the Lilly Pond. Most of the length of this section does not have houses on it. As you come back into the housing area, in fact almost immediately as soon as the driving speed goes from 40 MPH to 25MPH, you want to watch for a sharp right turn just on the edge of the lower parking lot for Lake Oswego Country Club. This little street is called Milligan Lane. It is only a couple of hundred of feet long, and I don’t think it is well marked. So be watching and don’t miss it. If you miss it, you’ll add about a mile and a good deal of time lost in the surrounding neighborhoods trying to get back on course.

Milligan Lane will take you over a set of train tracks and drop you right on to Northshore Road. Turn left so that you are continuing to head East. This is just a spectacular stretch of scenery. You will be right down at the level of the lake meandering by fabulous homes and across quaint bridges with views of the lake and of Lakewood Bay. The road takes a couple of twists and turns, just follow the signs that identify Northshore. One of the homes you will pass, it will be on your right just before the humongous rock formation, is the house that was briefly occupied by Loren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart, or so local legend has it.

After you cross the bridge with the view to the left of Lakewood Bay you will come to a 3-way stop, turn left. Go about a block and take the first right. This is is Fairmont. You are only going to go about 100 feet before you turn left onto Middlecrest. Middlecrest is not a through street. It has a barrier erected to keep out auto traffic, but there is a pass through for bikes and pedestrians. Stay on Middlecrest a couple of blocks to the traffic light at State Street.

Turn right on State Street and go a long block to the bottom of the hill where there is another traffic light at McVey Avenue. Turn right and head up McVey. This is the big hill in this route. Pace yourself because when you think you’ve gotten to the top, you have not. You could stay on it up to the traffic light at Southshore, but I have found another route that I like that is more scenic and just more interesting.

Before you get to the traffic light at McVey there is a right hand turn at Oak. Take this right and follow the route as it levels out and gives you a bit of a breather before the climb starts again. You’ll cross a little bridge in an area that feels like a grotto. It is cool and moist and very refreshing on a hot day. Just after the little bridge you’ll turn right onto Palisades Terrace. This is another beautiful neighborhood where the houses will completely distract you from your saddle sores or your tired feet. You are now about 5 miles into the route with just a couple more to go. The uphill climb starts again while you are on Palisades Terrace. You’ll know you’re there, believe me. Palisades Terrace dead ends at Southshore Blvd.

Turn right at Southshore so that you are heading West. You’ll continue to climb for about half a mile. At the top, not only is there a bench where you can sit and look out at the lake, but there is also a drinking fountain. Yahoo! Continue down Southshore as you descend the hill and begin to cross the canals. Southshore will end at Lakeview Blvd, where when you turn right you will find yourself back at the beginning where you started.

Once upon a time this was a pretty treacherous route because you shared the road with cars. Today, pretty much the whole way is either on quiet neighborhood streets or has nice bike paths to separate you from the cars.

What I like about it is that it has a variety of terrain. There are a couple of hills to challenge, but not beat you up too badly, and there are so many great views of homes and the lake.

I do have a slight modification I do for the bike ride at the bottom of McVey that will put you onto a more gentle climb up the hill. For the sake of wearing out my welcome in your brain today, I am not including it here. But if you’d like to know it, drop me an e-mail and I”d be happy to share. (jdgregoire@earthlink.net) Or perhaps it will become a future posting.

If you do try my route around the lake I’d love to hear from you. I also apologize if somehow my directions are confusing or get you lost. As always, I think in this public venue I should remind you to observe the rules of the road, wear a helmet, and stay safe. I think you’ll find that it is an amazing way to get some exercise and to take advantage of this great town. Enjoy!


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Let’s Wipe Out Breast Cancer

Please forgive me for using this forum to promote a cause that is very near and dear to my heart. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t think it was extremely important. And I want to give my thanks to Ron and Linda for allowing me to do this in this forum.

I want to encourage you, whether you are a man or a woman, to take good care of yourself and do all of the medical screenings that are recommended by your doctor. And, in particular, screenings for breast cancer. Breast cancer will strike 1 in 8 women in her lifetime. Early detection is the key. So to detect it, to perhaps save your own life, get regular mammograms and do your monthly self exam.

I feel strongly about this because breast cancer touched my life a year ago. I was fortunate that it was caught at a stage that is very treatable and I am feeling great. Every single day is a blessing to be treasured. What I would really like is that no one would ever have to go through it, ever. But that is not possible, at least not yet.

Trying to make people aware of doing breast self exams and getting mammograms is a bit of a passion for me. And in my efforts to be pro-active, I have been very involved with the Susan Komen Foundation. This year, for the second year in a row, I have formed a team to walk in the Race for the Cure on September 21, 2008 in downtown Portland. This event does a tremendous job of raising public awareness and it also raises lots of money. The money raised stays 75% in our local area to help women detect and fight this disease (and men too!). The remaining 25% is used on a National level to pay for research to find a cure. Please consider visiting my website to join me in the walk or to make a donation to my efforts. Here is the link: Let’s Wipe Out Breast Cancer!

On a personal note, fighting this disease was a great concern to me as a full-time Realtor who works 100% on commission. My family relies on my income to support our household. And, you know what? It was possible to do. I got so much support from friends and family and I have wonderful clients who make going to work a joy. I am now completely done with treatment and I am feeling great.

Thank you so much for your support!

Dianne

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It’ Hot Out There! Stay Cool.

In Lake Oswego we are enjoying the warmth of summertime as much as any other Oregon residents, and maybe a little more in some ways! Here, we are very lucky to have some great summertime swimming options… you know, lake and all : ) It’s true, most of the lake is privately owned and not generally accessible to the public, but Lake Oswego has two public swim parks on the lake, and access on the Willamette River as well as a smattering of neighborhood pools that are membership-based, and a pool at Lake Oswego High School that is open to all.

Here is a breakdown of the main swimming options for Lake Oswego residents this summer:

• Lake Oswego Swim Park – 250 Ridgeway Road – Operated by L.O. Parks & Recreation – Open to Lake Oswego residents July through August, noon – 6PM daily (weather permitting) – Lifeguards on duty – No charge for admission.

• Lake Grove Swim Park – 3900 Lakeview Blvd – Operated by the Lake Oswego School District – Open June through Labor Day – For information on Entry Requirements call 503 635 0355, or 503 534 2000.

• Lake Oswego School District Swim Pool – 2400 Hazel Road (Lake Oswego High School Campus) – For complete schedule including information on Open Swim as well as lessons: lap swim, Red Cross programs, synchro swim, diving, aerobics, etc., call 503 534 2330.

If you just LOVE swimming, and you or your children want to get even more involved, check out the Lake Oswego Swim Club. It operates from the Lake Oswego School District Pool at Lake Oswego High School. You may contact Dan Gipe at gipes@earthlink.net or 503-244-7349 for more information. Visit: www.lakeoswegoswimclub.org for details.

The Charlie S. Brown Water Sports Center (WSC) is located on the scenic Willamette River in Roehr Park. It is owned by the City of Lake Oswego and operated by Lake Oswego Community Rowing. Rowing and sculling classes for both adults and youth are offered. Obtain more information about hours, fees, classes and requirements at: http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/parksrec/WSC.HTM

So… stay cool. Have fun. Investigate these options as you enjoy summertime in Lake Oswego!

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Lake Oswego Farmer’s Market

It’s summer time and one of the great joys of the season is all of the fresh produce and bright assortment of flowers that are available at this time of year. In Lake Oswego these can be found in abundance at the local Farmer’s Market. Located in Millenium Plaza Park on Lake Oswego’s East side, the market is open on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm, mid May to the end of October. There is free parking and even doggie daycare (dogs are not allowed in the market).

Arrive hungry because there is so much good food to eat. My personal favorite are the huge omelets that are made by Philly’s Fat Omelets and Breakfast Burritos. They are large and stuffed with an assortment of options that you choose. Topped off with their wonderful salsa, it is something that my mouth starts watering over the minute I wake up on Saturday mornings. You will also find cinnamon rolls that are baked and sold by the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, fresh squeezed juices, Kettlecorn, freshly made pies and breads, as well as a wide variety of lunch fare such as La Vang’s salad rolls, and a booth offering Middle Eastern cuisine.

Numerous farms bring their crops to the market. You’ll find all sorts of fruit and produce. Especially abundant are the berries: strawberries, blue berries, and black berries. There are vendors who sell just organic lettuce, and vendors who sell not only tomatoes, but tomato plants too. There are booths run by local nurseries so that you can purchase plants for your own garden. I have also seen a table set up by local master gardeners where you can ask experts your gardening questions.

Complimenting the fresh produce and good food, you will find an assortment of other vendors. Craft cheese makers, organic meats, and smoked salmon, are a few worth mentioning. And then there are a several artisans mixed in with unique items such as lavender soap and hand crafted jewelry.

Fresh flowers are sold in abundance by several flower growers. They are sold very inexpensively, and you will enjoy the luxury of fresh-cut flowers in your home without having to sacrifice them from your own garden. You can even pick and choose your own bouquet to get exactly the color assortment that you prefer.

While you are eating and shopping there is usually live music being performed on the park stage. There are numerous tables set up to enjoy your meal while you enjoy the music.

It is truly a community gathering place. I don’t know what the attendance is each week, but it is wildly popular and something that many people look forward to as a feature of summer living. I know that I love it and I think that you will as well.

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Lake Oswego in Bloom

The City of Lake Oswego has developed quite a reputation for its amazing displays of flowers. Flowers are everywhere: hanging in baskets, in the meridians of roads, in the round abouts, and along pathways and around intersections. Everywhere you turn in the summer months is an absolute feast of color.

Perhaps the best known displays are in the many hanging baskets. This year there are 266 flower baskets. They are hung rather high up on the light posts of most major streets. They are large and lush when they are first hung in the spring and over the course of the summer will cascade down about 4 to 6 feet. These baskets are privately funded through donations from businesses and individuals. The flower basket program is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and a silhouette of a basket has long been the Chamber’s logo.

I have to give credit for a large part of the City’s strong interest in flowers to one of the City’s former mayors, Bill Gerber. Bill loved this City. He owned a nursery in Lake Grove called Gerber Gardens. He toured the world looking at gorgeous gardens and brought his love of gardens home to Lake Oswego. It was through Bill’s efforts that Lake Oswego entered into, and won, the America in Bloom competition.

In September of 2003, Lake Oswego entered the America in Bloom competition and actually won two prizes. The first was for the finest flower displays for cities with a population of 25,000-50,000. The second was the highest honor for flower displays beating out cities of all sizes including Boston and Indianapolis. The purpose of the America in Bloom competition is to foster civic pride, environmental responsibility, and beautification. Once a city wins the award, they are no longer able to compete in future years, but instead become a mentor to other cities hoping to accomplish similar results. For more details visit the America in Bloom website.

Portland is famous for it’s roses, but Lake Oswego is famous for its flowers too. The climate is ideal for lush displays that start with the spring bulbs in March and last through the fall colors in October. It makes the entire community shine.

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Happy 4th of July!

Lake Oswego embraces the 4th of July with a full heart and makes the celebration of Independence Day easy and fun.

Start the day at 7am with the Lake Oswego Lions Club pancake breakfast. Lasting until noon, the breakfast will be held at George Rogers Park. At 11:30am an old fashioned Independence Day Parade takes place down A Avenue. It will begin at 10th and Chandler with staging starting at 10:30am. Enjoy decorated bikes and wagons and the sight of family and friends decked out in red, white, and blue. A special tribute to veterans will be performed by Lake Oswego’s Millennium Concert Band. The parade ends at Millennium Plaza Park just in time for the Lake Grove Lions Club barbeque which goes from 11am to 5pm. From 1 to 3pm there will be a boat parade on Lakewood Bay which can be watched from Millennium Plaza Park or from the Headlee Walkway.

As is our national custom, the highlight of the day will be the annual fireworks display over Oswego Lake. I saw my first fireworks display over the lake during our Nation’s bicentennial in 1976. I was also present at the fateful display several years later when the entire display was accidentally ignited on the ground and blew up all at once. That is a sight that I will never forget! Today the display is launched at a safe spectator distance from a barge in the middle of the lake. It is easily viewed from the swim parks, the easements, and lakeside roads. Starting at 9:45 pm it is a lovely experience. What I like is that it takes place on the lake. Boats, canoes, and all sorts of water craft venture out for front-row seats. Each boat has small lights front and rear creating a lovely scene. There is someone, I do not know who, who plays the national anthem on a trumpet just prior to the commencement of the show. I have to admit, it chokes me up every time. And the show itself is not skimpy. It is spectacular. Be aware that streets around the lake are often closed to cars and people are encouraged to walk to the display. But the lake is in the middle of the town. No matter where you live, it is a pretty reasonable walk.

The last event of the 4th actually takes place on the 5th. The Portland Water Ski Spectacular and Malibu Wakeboard Competition take place on Lakewood Bay beginning at 1pm.

I have always been a highly patriotic person, and I really love the spirit of the 4th of July. This year it is especially poignant for me as I have a son on active duty serving as a US Marine. This is a very special holiday to me and to my family.

Here is wishing you and your family a safe and spectacular 4th of July.

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Call Before You Dig

Well, it pays to stay on top of rules and regulations… and often that means avoiding liability by understanding your obligations as a property owner. Did you know that digging in your own yard could be hazardous to your pocket book? If you should dig into a utility line (gas, electric, etc.) you will most likely be held financially responsible if you did not call to have utilities “marked” prior to doing so… not to mention the possibility of bodily injury.

“Call Before You Dig” is a mandate in Oregon and other states requiring that utilities be located by the utility company prior to digging in your yard, garden, etc. This, of course, includes digging to install a real estate “for sale” sign too, and so is something to be aware of if you are putting your home on the market. If your agent uses a sign and post company, arrangements may be made with them for utilities to be marked in the general area where your sign will be placed. As the responsible homeowner, it would be a good idea for you to check with your agent regarding whether you or the sign company will be making these arrangements. The utility company will visit your property and actually spray the ground where you’d like the sign placed indicating the “OK” (or not) for digging. This will take an extra couple of days, so be sure to allow time in addition to the notice the sign company or installer will need prior to post & sign placement. More information may be found at: http://www.callbeforeyoudig.org/

Recently the process has been streamlined, and a number to call has been activated to make things easier (and safer) for everyone. Before digging, simply call “811” and you will be connected with the Utility Notification Center which administers the “One Call” system. The Utility Notification Center is open 24 hours a day, everyday. Homeowners, contractors, and anyone planning to dig may call.

Currently there is no charge for this service in most locations. The only areas under the authority of the Utility Notification Center that do have fees are Spokane and Stevens counties in Washington state… so here in Lake Oswego, it’s free!

Enjoy your summer… relish working in your garden, or proceed full steam ahead with the marketing of your home… just do it safely, and protect your health as well as your pocketbook.