Category: Selling Advice

Advice for home sellers in Lake Oswego, Oregon

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Open Houses

Open houseIt has been a hectic 5 days (2 new listings, both sold within days, whew!) so I apologize for the lateness of this posting. I had intended to do this last week.

Believe it or not, open houses are actually fairly controversial among Realtors. Years ago I worked in an office where one of the agents had a large sign he used at listing appointments. It had the words “Open House” with one of those big red “O’s” with a line through it. In other words, he let people know right up front he would not be doing any open houses. That is one side of the argument, that they don’t work. I am on the other side, I think that they do work.

For some real estate agents I think they feel it is a waste of time. It is true that the Internet is way more affective to generate interest in a house. The other thing that’s affective is correct pricing. And as someone who has spent many, many hours in open houses, it can feel like a waste of time. But I do them anyway.

Why? Because they work. Not every time. In fact, not most of the time. But they are a tool. Why not use every tool available? In 28 years of selling houses, I have held open houses for every listing I have ever had if it stayed on the market for more than a week. This means I do open houses nearly every weekend and sometimes 2 in one day. But you know what? I sell a house off of my open house efforts every now and again. I am writing this post because I sold a listing off of an open house about a week ago.

Now a word of caution. When an open house is held, the listing agent has no control over who attends. This means that the public is coming through the house. As a home owner, you need to put away any tempting items that could be pilfered: jewelry, little clocks and collectables, money, watches, and prescription medications. As a Realtor, you need to not allow anyone to use the bathrooms and you’ve got to keep an eye on the people who come through by going through the house with them and watching them.

In a nutshell, I don’t think open houses are a waste of time. Because I do them, I have seen them work. If I didn’t do them, well that would doom them to failure from the get go.

So here’s wishing you some happy house hunting on a nice, sunny afternoon like today.
Dianne

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News & Notes ~ April Numbers 2015

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Here are the most recent real estate numbers for Portland and the Lake Oswego/West Linn areas (RMLS lumps them together).

Enjoy!   (If you like this kind of thing…. we do : )

According to the RMLS Market Action Report for the Portland Metro Area, April, 2015:

  • There were 3,949 New Listings in April which was up 9.8% from the previous month/March, and up 8.8% from April of 2014.
  • At 2,734 April Closed Sales increased 11.3% over March and were up  27.6% from April of 2014.
  • April Pending Sales (accepted offers), at 3,613, was the strongest April since 2005. Up… 6.8%  from March AND 27.9% better than April of 2014.
  •  The Average Sale Price in April of $347,500 was up $10,300. from March’s Average of $337,200, and $14,900 from April of 2014’s $332,600. 

The combined areas of Lake Oswego and West Linn  for the month of April 2015 reported:

    •  364 Active Listings  (373 in March)
    •  237 New Listings    (209 in March)
    •  200 Pending Sales    (174 in March)
    •  161 Closed Sales   (130 in March)
    • Average Sale Price for April of $506,300.  ($475,900. in March)
      • NOTE: Higher-Priced vs Lower-Priced Homes Sales can scew the “Average” in any given month.  Lake Oswego has quite a variety, so this tends to be a less meaningful stat, generally speaking, in this niche.
    • Average Time on the Market: 73 Days  (104 in March)
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Market Activity ~ May 18-24, 2015

Movin’ right along…………

Last week in Lake Oswego we saw 19 New properties enter the market, 36 move to Pending status, and 20 “Closed”/Sold.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS for last week:

NEW on Mkt (May 18-24, 2015)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
6331 SHAKESPEARE ST $314,900 3 1.1 992 DETACHD
1 PEACOCK PL $348,500 3 2.1 1248 DETACHD
16444 BONAIRE AVE $349,900 3 2 1392 DETACHD
5547 WASHINGTON CT $349,900 4 2 1300 DETACHD
6105 SW SHAKESPEARE ST $399,900 4 2 1550 DETACHD
5748 WINDFIELD LOOP $415,000 3 3 1693 DETACHD
15518 HERITAGE CT $565,000 4 3.1 2700 DETACHD
4220 ALBERT CIR $585,000 3 3 2406 DETACHD
820 LAKE FOREST DR $599,950 4 2.1 2676 DETACHD
345 E AVE $600,000 3 2 1582 DETACHD
17200 CANAL CIR $685,000 2 1.1 1774 DETACHD
5441 BAY CREEK DR $725,000 4 2.1 3117 DETACHD
5349 CARMAN DR $745,000 3 2.1 2633 DETACHD
2395 PALISADES CREST DR $749,000 4 3 3397 DETACHD
104 GARIBALDI ST $799,000 3 2.1 3074 DETACHD
4800 UPPER DR $1,195,000 5 5 5074 DETACHD
4579 UPPER DR $1,198,000 4 3.1 3700 DETACHD
13599 KNAUS RD $1,888,000 5 7 6874 DETACHD
1814 Highlands LOOP $2,295,000 4 4.1 5579 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (May 18-24, 2015)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4630 LOWER DR #Lower $137,000 2 1.1 1260 CONDO 5
336 CERVANTES CIR $139,500 2 1.1 1112 CONDO 198
272 CERVANTES #Lower $159,000 3 2 1209 CONDO 6
48 EAGLE CREST DR #2C $164,900 3 2 1623 CONDO 199
3433 MCNARY PKWY #701 $199,900 2 2.1 1136 CONDO 6
16250 PACIFIC HWY #56 $229,900 2 2 1305 CONDO 439
15495 BRIANNE CT $280,000 2 2.1 1292 ATTACHD 39
208 GREENRIDGE DR $337,500 3 2 1392 ATTACHD 10
21 ORIOLE LN $375,000 2 2 1473 DETACHD 7
1428 GREENTREE CIR $399,950 4 2.1 2236 DETACHD 84
10 ORIOLE LN $410,000 3 2 1536 DETACHD 4
4730 FIRWOOD RD $425,000 4 2 2124 DETACHD 6
304 6TH ST $450,000 1 1 941 DETACHD 21
2705 ORCHARD HILL LN $489,000 4 2.1 2841 DETACHD 24
1427 ASPEN ST $495,000 4 2 2298 DETACHD 2
19226 CHILDS CT $499,000 5 2.5 2552 DETACHD 3
5695 WASHINGTON CT $499,000 4 2 1769 DETACHD 33
14145 REDWOOD CT $539,000 4 3 2452 DETACHD 64
1681 WOODLAND TER $585,000 3 2.1 2304 DETACHD 26
3099 ROSEMARY LN $599,000 4 4 4486 DETACHD 9
4263 SUNSET DR $625,000 3 2.1 3250 DETACHD 27
2699 TOLKIEN LN $670,000 4 2.1 3115 DETACHD 32
5605 SOUTHWOOD DR $689,900 4 2.1 2984 DETACHD 2
1336 GLENMORRIE DR $709,900 3 3.1 3150 DETACHD 3
15761 SPRINGBROOK CT $728,000 4 3 3007 DETACHD 2
13456 PROVINCIAL HILL WAY $729,000 3 2.1 2771 DETACHD 20
5626 GRAND OAKS DR $749,000 3 3.1 3387 DETACHD 21
5987 SUNCREEK DR $775,000 4 2.1 2932 DETACHD 33
16987 Alder CIR $799,000 3 2.1 1989 DETACHD 34
22 HOTSPUR ST $829,000 5 3.1 4002 DETACHD 7
1120 HOODVIEW LN $919,900 4 3 3454 DETACHD 4
2250 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $975,000 4 4.1 4373 DETACHD 1
2609 GLEN HAVEN RD $1,060,000 4 4 3793 DETACHD 66
1411 LAKE FRONT RD $1,395,000 3 4 3349 DETACHD 50
17735 KELOK RD $1,499,000 4 3 4021 DETACHD 163
1836 Highlands LOOP $1,800,000 4 5.1 5400 DETACHD

SOLD  (May 18-24, 2015)

Address Open Price Closed Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
1400 BONNIEBRAE DR $185,000 $175,000 2 1 864 ATTACHD 4
4107 JEFFERSON PKWY $237,500 $245,000 2 2.1 1367 CONDO 7
62 GREENRIDGE CT #Grnd $260,000 $260,000 3 2 1596 CONDO 147
200 BURNHAM RD #209 $299,900 $300,000 2 2 1305 CONDO 5
16875 TRACY AVE $320,000 $315,000 4 2 1825 DETACHD 2
9 CONDOLEA DR #Main $380,000 $364,500 3 3 2198 CONDO 39
550 2ND ST $419,995 $376,000 2 1.2 1540 CONDO 343
321 CERVANTES #Grnd $385,000 $385,000 3 2.1 2474 CONDO 205
5866 RIDGETOP CT $407,500 $407,500 3 2 1866 DETACHD 2
5364 ROSEWOOD ST $449,900 $433,000 4 2.1 1980 DETACHD 28
63 TOUCHSTONE $539,900 $545,000 4 3 2472 DETACHD 4
2550 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $590,000 $565,000 4 3.1 3721 DETACHD 159
1011 Spruce ST $565,000 $585,000 3 2.1 1930 DETACHD 29
80 TANGLEWOOD DR $629,900 $641,000 5 3 2713 DETACHD 3
5157 WOODCREST LN $649,900 $645,000 4 2.1 3144 DETACHD 33
19496 OLSON AVE $750,000 $750,000 4 2.1 3172 DETACHD 1
13371 ATWATER LN $899,000 $899,000 4 3 4795 DETACHD 0
17335 KELOK RD $1,039,000 $930,000 4 3.1 2491 DETACHD 48
717 5TH ST $995,000 $981,200 4 2.1 2809 DETACHD 0
2493 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $2,895,000 $2,650,000 5 5.1 7112 DETACHD 458

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.

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Market Activity ~ Apr 27-May 3, 2015

All the numbers (and our collective subjective experience as Realtors) stack up to a continuing robust market:

Last week in Lake Oswego we saw 29 New properties enter the market, 19 move to Pending status, and 27 “Closed”/Sold.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS for last week:

NEW on Mkt (Apr 27-May 3, 2015)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
104 OSWEGO SMT #104 $99,000 1 1 764 CONDO
47 EAGLE CREST DR #14 $100,000 1 1 666 CONDO
45 EAGLE CREST DR #214 $179,000 1 2 1046 CONDO
4459 THUNDER VISTA LN #Grnd $255,000 2 2.1 1925 CONDO
16953 GREENTREE AVE $420,000 4 3 1941 DETACHD
4596 LAMONT WAY $424,900 4 2 2236 DETACHD
304 6TH ST $450,000 1 1 941 DETACHD
16915 CRESTVIEW DR $469,000 4 2.1 2180 DETACHD
28 AQUINAS ST $499,000 3 2 2000 DETACHD
2464 MARYLHAVEN PL $610,000 4 2.1 2898 DETACHD
19664 RIVER RUN DR $614,900 4 2.1 3051 DETACHD
17244 FERNWOOD DR $649,900 4 2.1 2617 DETACHD
3100 WEMBLEY PARK RD $700,000 3 3 3060 DETACHD
14001 WESTCOTT CT $724,900 4 2.1 3223 DETACHD
139 DEL PRADO ST $725,000 3 2 2895 DETACHD
13456 PROVINCIAL HILL WAY $729,000 3 2.1 2771 DETACHD
17065 TUALATIN ST $739,000 3 2.1 2733 DETACHD
6484 MCDUFF CT $749,000 4 4 3120 DETACHD
5955 SUNBROOK DR $759,000 4 3 3110 DETACHD
5650 BAY CREEK DR $859,900 4 2.1 3668 DETACHD
18360 DELENKA LN $859,900 5 3.1 4828 DETACHD
1055 COUNTRY CLUB RD $879,000 3 2 2908 DETACHD
18262 BRYANT RD $949,900 4 3.1 3428 DETACHD
19229 35TH PL $959,900 5 3.1 4764 DETACHD
910 FAIRWAY RD $1,069,000 4 3.1 3384 DETACHD
17518 RIDGEVIEW LN $1,282,000 4 3.1 4051 DETACHD
983 LAKE FRONT RD $1,595,000 3 2.1 2199 DETACHD
2950 WEMBLEY PARK RD $1,950,000 4 5.1 6329 DETACHD
1125 MAPLE ST $2,395,000 4 3.1 5481 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (Apr 27-May 3, 2015)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
54 GALEN ST #Upper $123,900 2 2 995 CONDO 42
45 EAGLE CREST DR #219 $189,900 3 2 1537 CONDO 14
668 MCVEY AVE #33 $284,900 2 1 852 CONDO 58
6288 SEVILLE AVE $295,000 3 2 1470 DETACHD 3
15434 STEPHANIE CT #Grnd $315,000 3 2.1 1566 ATTACHD 2
2031 BONNIEBRAE DR $319,900 4 2 1611 ATTACHD 6
7 CONDOLEA DR #Grnd $380,000 3 3 2388 CONDO 23
1428 GREENTREE CIR $399,950 4 2.1 2236 DETACHD 62
3919 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $424,900 3 4 2398 DETACHD 3
2705 ORCHARD HILL LN $489,000 4 2.1 2841 DETACHD 7
1297 HIDE A WAY LN $525,000 3 2.1 1832 DETACHD 6
4979 GALEN ST $555,000 4 2.1 3298 DETACHD 12
16920 GREENTREE AVE $625,000 4 2.1 2830 DETACHD 2
221 6TH ST $625,000 3 2 1508 DETACHD 14
6 CELLINI CT $705,000 5 3 3494 DETACHD 19
1854 OAK KNOLL CT $1,025,000 3 3 3530 DETACHD 237
1850 ATHERTON DR $1,179,000 3 2.1 4825 DETACHD 581
17620 BLUE HERON RD $1,198,000 4 3.1 4041 DETACHD 67
1017 LAKE FRONT RD $2,595,000 5 4.2 4070 DETACHD 206

SOLD  (Apr 27-May 3, 2015)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
47 EAGLE CREST DR #52 $89,000 $84,000 1 1 666 CONDO 17
48 EAGLE CREST DR #1C $169,950 $97,500 2 2 1370 CONDO 231
320 CERVANTES CIR $129,900 $120,000 2 1 832 CONDO 44
4 TOUCHSTONE #158 $140,000 $142,000 2 2 984 CONDO 5
4 TOUCHSTONE #89 $160,000 $155,000 3 2.1 1351 CONDO 72
16250 PACIFIC HWY #45 $194,900 $175,000 2 2 1311 CONDO 71
200 BURNHAM RD #402 $199,500 $190,000 2 2 1305 CONDO 261
3144 DIANE DR $224,900 $280,000 3 1.1 1632 DETACHD 31
16472 BONAIRE AVE $289,900 $350,000 3 2 1464 DETACHD 3
5530 BONITA RD $398,000 $389,900 3 2 1200 DETACHD 34
17280 WESTVIEW DR $429,000 $416,000 4 3 2324 DETACHD 6
4711 REMBRANDT LN $450,000 $452,000 3 2.1 2050 DETACHD 3
32 SPINOSA $479,000 $455,900 4 3.1 2542 DETACHD 1964
6459 FROST ST $499,900 $488,500 4 2.1 2627 DETACHD 101
17380 CANYON DR $514,950 $493,000 4 2.1 2526 DETACHD 145
18582 BRYANT RD $499,995 $504,500 3 2.1 2400 DETACHD 7
1585 PATTON RD $539,900 $515,000 4 3 3162 DETACHD 314
18634 Bryant RD $551,995 $534,995 3 2.1 2736 DETACHD
1008 SPRUCE ST $535,000 $535,000 3 2.1 1765 DETACHD 6
1380 BONNIEBRAE DR $730,000 $675,000 5 3 2940 DETACHD 109
2286 WEMBLEY PARK RD $699,000 $699,000 3 3 2000 DETACHD 43
15203 LILY BAY CT $779,000 $765,000 4 2.1 3219 DETACHD 34
5032 DENTON DR $799,900 $800,000 3 2.1 3205 DETACHD 0
17900 GREENBLUFF DR $949,000 $900,000 4 3.1 4210 DETACHD 300
18042 SKYLAND CIR $1,150,000 $1,080,000 5 3 4800 DETACHD 212
16655 MAPLE CIR $1,269,000 $1,189,000 3 2 2030 DETACHD 12
1059 BAYBERRY RD $1,399,950 $1,375,000 4 3.1 3550 DETACHD 89

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.

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News & Notes

The most recent real estate numbers for Portland and the Lake Oswego/West Linn areas (RMLS lumps them together) are available.

According to the RMLS Market Action Report for the Portland Metro Area, February, 2015:

  • There were 2,884 New Listings in February which was up 4.4% from January, and up 22.5% from February of 2014.
  • At 1,648, February Closed Sales increased 11.6% over January, and were up  12.3% from February of 2014.
  • February Pending Sales (accepted offers), at 2,534, was the strongest since 2007. Up… 10.5%  from January, and up a whopping 37.1% from February 2014.
  •  The Average Sale Price in February of $328,000 was down $1,400 from January, and up $2,500 from February of 2014. 

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The combined areas of Lake Oswego and West Linn  for the month of February 2015 reported:

    • 360 Active Listings
    • 198 New Listings
    • 149 Pending Sales
    • 86 Closed Sales
    • An Average Sale Price for February of $518,300.
    • Average Time on the Market: 100 Days
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Market Activity ~ March 16-22, 2015

The Lake Oswego market is humming right along.  Here is your Latest Market Activity Report:

Last week in Lake Oswego we saw 20 New properties enter the market, 24 move to Pending status, and 18 “Closed”/Sold.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS:

NEW on Mkt (Mar 16-Mar 22, 2015)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
2189 FERNWOOD CIR $650,000 4 2.1 2921 DETACHD
15938 QUARRY RD #A5 $164,900 2 1 996 CONDO
5157 WOODCREST LN $649,900 4 2.1 3144 DETACHD
17280 WESTVIEW DR $429,000 4 3 2324 DETACHD
11 CHURCHILL DOWNS $430,500 4 2.1 2336 DETACHD
18481 WAXWING CIR $465,000 3 2.1 1840 DETACHD
279 EVERGREEN RD $639,000 3 3.1 2136 ATTACHD
18977 BARTON RD $875,000 4 3.2 5076 DETACHD
0 STAFFORD RD Lot 2 $899,000 4 3.1 2834 DETACHD
134 KINGSGATE RD $399,000 3 2.1 1794 DETACHD
6109 SUMMER WOODS $485,000 4 2.1 2331 DETACHD
25 PARTRIDGE LN $485,000 3 2.1 3148 DETACHD
14383 HOLLY SPRINGS RD $450,000 5 3 2238 DETACHD
54 GALEN ST Upper $135,900 2 2 995 CONDO
14084 GOODALL RD $1,424,900 5 5.1 5399 DETACHD
4201 HAVEN ST $649,900 4 3 2678 DETACHD
667 3RD ST $679,000 6 6 3120 ATTACHD
2609 GLEN HAVEN RD $1,100,000 4 4 3793 DETACHD
2481 MARYLSHIRE LN $795,000 5 3.1 4154 DETACHD
17701 BLUE HERON WAY $499,900 3 2.1 2002 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (Mar 16-Mar 22, 2015)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
13721 REGENCY CT $492,500 3 2.1 2311 DETACHD 102
13554 PETERS RD $899,850 3 2.5 3036 DETACHD 36
66 GALEN ST Upper $99,900 1 1 689 CONDO 111
550 2ND ST $395,000 2 1.2 1540 CONDO 286
16735 LAKE FOREST BLVD $315,000 3 2 1192 DETACHD 144
1990 GREENTREE RD $459,900 4 3 2100 DETACHD 11
13819 PROVINCIAL HILL DR $549,900 4 2.1 2096 DETACHD 24
703 5TH ST $979,000 4 2.1 2719 DETACHD 4
200 BURNHAM RD #306 $195,000 2 1 1199 CONDO 29
18706 Bryant RD $499,995 3 2.1 2400 DETACHD
9 DA VINCI ST $399,900 3 2 1768 DETACHD 5
1585 PATTON RD $539,900 4 3 3162 DETACHD 314
1015 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $619,900 4 3 3882 DETACHD 43
17763 MARDEE AVE $447,000 5 3 2300 DETACHD 10
4070 VIRGINIA WAY $747,500 3 2.1 3510 DETACHD 44
9 TOUCHSTONE $397,000 3 2 1890 DETACHD 15
44 AQUINAS ST $379,900 4 2 1870 DETACHD 2
1272 ZIVNEY LN $679,900 4 3 2658 DETACHD 16
1725 FERNWOOD DR $479,000 4 2.1 1580 DETACHD 13
4182 GLACIER LILY ST $630,000 4 3 2799 DETACHD 4
5707 YORKSHIRE CT $780,000 4 3.1 3400 DETACHD 0
2286 WEMBLEY PARK RD $699,000 3 3 2000 DETACHD 103
1033 OBRIEN ST $325,000 4 2 1416 DETACHD 25
17101 CHAPIN WAY $519,000 3 2 1949 DETACHD 6

SOLD  (Mar 16-Mar 22, 2015)

Address Opening Price Closed Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4650 LOWER DR /Lower $125,000 $115,000 2 1.1 1260 CONDO 86
1349 BONNIEBRAE DR /Twnhs $239,000 $219,600 3 1.1 1303 ATTACHD 118
17225 CHAPIN WAY $395,000 $347,000 3 2 2257 DETACHD 119
18 OSWEGO SMT #18 $69,900 $53,500 1 1 764 CONDO 176
4524 LOWER DR #A3 $315,000 $265,000 3 2.1 1650 CONDO 147
86 KINGSGATE RD #F-106 $142,000 $142,000 2 2 840 CONDO 3
4171 OLD GATE RD $350,000 $330,000 4 2 1752 DETACHD 7
4 TOUCHSTONE #136 $178,500 $163,700 3 2.1 1351 CONDO 5
124 D AVE /Twnhs $550,000 $550,000 2 2.1 1754 ATTACHD 7
2508 ORCHARD HILL PL $439,900 $452,000 3 2.1 2229 DETACHD 4
368 CERVANTES CIR /Twnhs $129,500 $117,999 2 1 882 CONDO 27
1625 BEDFORD CT $595,000 $574,000 2 2.1 2462 DETACHD 9
5487 TUALATA CT $339,455 $339,455 3 2 1200 DETACHD 1
751 BRIERCLIFF LN $528,950 $519,950 4 3 2534 DETACHD 32
127 DEL PRADO ST $459,000 $459,000 4 3 2310 DETACHD 5
17617 ARBOR LN $390,000 $390,000 3 2 1745 DETACHD 214
116 OSWEGO SMT #116 $139,000 $132,000 2 2 1140 CONDO 323
121 LEONARD ST #C $185,000 $178,000 2 2 1118 CONDO 131

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.

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Home Warranties

Home warranties have become a common part of the majority of real estate transactions. It is basically an insurance policy that covers the home system components and some of the appliances. My most simple description is that if you think about items that have energy or movement in them, it is more likely to be part of the policy. Each policy is slightly different, so please consult the companies who offer them, but what is usually covered are furnace, water heater, plumbing and electric elements. What isn’t covered are stationary elements like the roof, the foundation, the walls.

When policies are purchased, they are good for one full year from the date of purchase and can then be annually renewed thereafter. I have twice had clients who received the policy when they purchased their home and then kept it the entire time they owned the house.

There are numerous companies who offer these policies. I am going to tell you about the three that I see most used in our area.

ahs_logo_176x65American Home Sheild is the big boy in this field. They were the first company I heard of and they do a big percentage of the plans that are sold. They have 3 plans: Esssential, Plus, and Complete. The numbers I am going to give you here are as of this day, and do not include quite a few options that could be added on. It is based upon a home that is single family, in Oregon, 10+ years of age (newer homes are slightly less expensive) and does not include air conditioning (which could be added on).

The Essential Plan does not cover any appliances. It does cover the furnace, water heater, plumbing and electric. It costs $380. The Plus plan covers the appliances, including the refrigerator and the washer and dryer, and it costs $510. The complete plan adds to the coverage things like the garage door opener, the door bell, and ceiling fans. It costs $565.

To use the policy you simply call an 800 number to make a claim. American Home Shield contracts locally and sends a technician to your home. There is a $75 charge for each service call.

It is possible to place the policy on the home at the time it is listed for sale. I highly recommend this. It is not paid for until the house is sold. If the house is never sold then there is no charge for the coverage unless the policy is used and that charge is just $60. So it is really affordable and the policy could potentially be used to deal with home inspection issues.

logoFirst American Home Buyer Protection Corporation is another well known company. They have two plans: Basic and Value+. Basic covers the home systems including the dishwasher and the range, but no refrigerator or washer/dryer. It costs $290. The Value+ plan adds air conditioning and it costs $420. Other items can be added to this plan, as it can be added to the other two, such as septic systems, swimming pools, the washer/dryer and the refrigerator. The service call to make a claim is $60. First American Home Buyer Protection also offers 180 days of coverage to the seller when the house is listed for sale at no charge, unless the policy is used and then the house is not sold, then there is a charge of $60.

home_warrantyLast I will mention Fidelity National Home Warranty They offer two plans: Standard and Comprehensive. The Standard plan does not include air conditioning and it costs $260. The Comprehensive plan does include the air conditioning and it costs $360. Both plans cover the dishwasher and the range, but neither cover the washer, dryer or refrigerator, which can be added on for an additional charge. The service call to make a claim is $65. Coverage for the seller at the time the house is listed for sale is available at no charge.

I think it’s pretty easy to see why purchasing one of these policies makes sense. For someone selling it may help cover repair issues and it certainly helps the buyer have a better comfort level with the home. For buyers, who usually spend most of their money on the down payment and the closing costs, it helps them to feel like they have a financial cushion for the first year that they will own the home.

Who pays for the policy? It’s negotiated between the buyer and the seller. I think it depends a lot on how long the house has been on the market without an offer, and also on how close to the asking price the buyer is offering.

I want to encourage you to do your research before you make or receive an offer. Figure out which plan you like and make sure it covers the elements that are of concern to you.

I am not an expert on these policies. I want to encourage you to contact these companies yourself to get exact information. Here is the contact info:

American Home Shield, 866-406-0440, www.ahs.com

First American Home Buyer Protection Corporation, 888-875-0533, www.homewarranty.firstam/Default.aspx

Fidelity National Home Warranty, 800-308-1420, www.homewarranty.com

Do not hesitate to get in touch with Linda, Whitney, or myself, if you have any questions about real estate!
Dianne

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News & Notes

The most recent real estate numbers for Portland and the Lake Oswego/West Linn areas (RMLS lumps them together) are available.

According to the RMLS Market Action Report for the Portland Metro Area, January, 2015:

  • There were 2,762 New Listings in January which was up a whopping 79.4% from December, and up 6.9% from January of 2013.
  • At 1,477, January Closed Sales dropped 34% from the month prior, but were up a full 5.8% from January of 2013.
  • January Pending Sales (accepted offers), at 2,294, were very strong. Up… 37.6%  from December, and up 13.2% from January 2013.
  • Comparing the 12 months ending January 31st of 2015 with the same 12 month period ending January 2014, Average Sales Price is up 7%.    The Average Sale Price in January of $329,400 was down $2,200 from the month prior. 

__________________________________________

The combined areas of Lake Oswego and West Linn  for the month of January 2015 reported:

    • 337 Active Listings
    • 166 New Listings
    • 113 Pending Sales
    • 68 Closed Sales
    • An Average Sale Price for December of $533,500.
    • Average Time on the Market: 84 Days
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Market Activity ~ Feb 2-8, 2015

Here comes the sun!
The market is pretty steady right now, and all reports are that the Buyers are out in force.

Here is your Latest Market Data: Last week in Lake Oswego we saw 18 New properties enter the market, 22 move to Pending status, and 10 “Closed”/Sold!

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS:

NEW on Mkt (Feb 2-8, 2015)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
1260 HALLINAN ST $298,000 3 1.1 1325 DETACHD
5061 FOOTHILLS DR $199,950 2 2 991 CONDO
0 Atherton 950000 – 1187500 4 4 3415 DETACHD
14128 EDENBERRY DR $749,900 4 2.1 3168 DETACHD
14034 TAYLORS CREST LN $869,000 5 3.2 4007 DETACHD
320 CERVANTES CIR $129,900 2 1 832 CONDO
4 TOUCHSTONE $178,500 3 2.1 1351 CONDO
4 TOUCHSTONE $160,000 3 2.1 1351 CONDO
2701 LAKEVIEW BLVD $724,500 3 2.1 2289 DETACHD
2701 LAKEVIEW BLVD $724,500 3 2.1 2264 DETACHD
368 CERVANTES CIR $129,500 2 1 882 CONDO
17749 LEAFY LN $579,900 2 3 3300 DETACHD
910 TERRACE DR $1,200,000 4 2.1 3934 DETACHD
4070 VIRGINIA WAY $747,500 3 2.1 3510 DETACHD
6310 ALYSSA TER $465,000 4 2.1 2452 DETACHD
127 DEL PRADO ST $459,000 4 3 2310 DETACHD
17617 ARBOR LN $390,000 3 2 1745 DETACHD
18975 INDIAN SPRINGS RD $437,900 4 2.1 1910 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (Feb 2-8, 2015)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
1539 LAKE FRONT RD $1,200,000 4 3.1 3385 DETACHD 119
15365 TWIN FIR RD $449,000 3 1 1201 DETACHD 198
13286 GOODALL RD $1,750,000 5 5.3 6819 DETACHD 142
49 BRIARWOOD RD $950,000 3 2 2412 DETACHD 67
18414 OLD RIVER LNDG $1,795,000 4 4.2 6498 DETACHD 553
15885 WHITE OAKS DR $625,000 4 2.1 2802 DETACHD 55
1401 GREENTREE CIR $419,000 3 2 1800 DETACHD 165
834 6TH ST $459,000 2 1 1062 DETACHD 94
1653 DEVON LN $485,000 4 3 3181 DETACHD 153
18224 BELLA TERRA DR $1,175,000 4 3.1 4050 DETACHD 210
1033 Spruce ST $499,500 2 2.1 1562 DETACHD 28
4504 WILDWOOD ST $399,900 3 2 1655 DETACHD 0
43 CONDOLEA CT $365,000 2 2.1 2157 CONDO 12
808 ELLIS AVE $514,900 3 2.1 2108 DETACHD 28
13024 ROGERS RD $769,000 4 3.1 3333 DETACHD 0
1015 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $629,000 4 3 3882 DETACHD 3
5487 TUALATA CT $339,455 3 2 1200 DETACHD 1
751 BRIERCLIFF LN $528,950 4 3 2534 DETACHD 32
17171 LOWENBERG TER $739,000 4 2.1 3002 DETACHD 118
121 LEONARD ST #C $185,000 2 2 1118 CONDO 131
2286 WEMBLEY PARK RD $699,000 3 3 2000 DETACHD 65
4104 LAKEVIEW BLVD $429,000 4 2 2252 DETACHD 66

SOLD  (Feb 2-8, 2015)

Address Open Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
47 EAGLE CREST DR #40 $89,500 $85,000 1 1 696 CONDO 51
4077 JEFFERSON PKWY $234,500 $234,500 2 2.1 1462 CONDO 24
6101 HARRINGTON AVE $359,000 $361,500 3 2.1 1400 DETACHD 62
2751 SUMMIT DR $648,950 $655,000 3 2 2418 DETACHD 145
19211 TERRY AVE $370,000 $370,000 4 2 1872 DETACHD 41
4080 COLTSFOOT LN $525,000 $525,000 4 2.1 2884 DETACHD 0
18177 DELENKA LN $830,000 $787,500 5 2.2 3802 DETACHD 131
1075 OAK TER $340,000 $350,000 3 2 1356 DETACHD 29
616 4TH ST $1,049,000 $1,049,000 4 2.1 3034 DETACHD 0
3554 TEMPEST DR $449,007 $454,000 3 2.1 2279 DETACHD 4

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.

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Market Activity ~ Dec 15-21, 2014

Yes, real estate is happening  : )

Here is your Latest Market Data: Last week in Lake Oswego we saw 5 New properties enter the market, 9 move to Pending status, and 13 “Closed”/Sold!

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS:

NEW on Mkt (Dec 15-21, 2014)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
490 BOCA RATAN DR $519,000 3 2 2023 DETACHD
6459 FROST ST $529,000 4 2.1 2627 DETACHD
3433 MCNARY PKWY #203 $150,000 2 1.1 1008 CONDO
3009 WEMBLEY PARK RD $598,500 4 2.1 1704 DETACHD
Highlands LOOP $2,195,000 4 4.1 5579 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (Dec 15-21, 2014)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
3986 CARMAN DR $204,900 2 2.1 1107 CONDO 58
3100 WESTVIEW CT $929,000 4 3.1 3750 DETACHD 17
18375 RIVER EDGE LN $897,950 4 2.1 3400 DETACHD 27
17138 CEDAR RD $1,495,000 3 3.1 3017 DETACHD 89
2131 WEMBLEY PARK RD $539,000 4 2.1 3228 DETACHD 188
12810 ALTO PARK RD $964,000 5 3.1 3834 DETACHD 97
820 FAIRWAY RD $1,189,000 4 3.1 3758 DETACHD 331
555 COUNTRY CLUB RD $625,000 3 3 2133 DETACHD 159
169 OSWEGO SMT #169 $100,280 2 2 1330 CONDO 63

SOLD  (Dec 15-21, 2014)

Address Opening Price Closed Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
17547 CHERRY CT $1,225,000 $978,850 4 3.1 3737 DETACHD 337
19354 LORNA LN $950,000 $1,049,888 5 3.1 4169 DETACHD 403
16987 ALDER CIR $395,950 $400,000 3 2 1713 DETACHD 4
16990 LOWER MEADOWS DR $369,900 $374,900 3 2.1 2000 DETACHD 2
37 CHURCHILL DOWNS $470,000 $475,000 3 2.1 2372 DETACHD 4
4724 FIRWOOD RD $329,000 $325,000 3 1.1 1240 DETACHD 5
21 SUMMIT RIDGE CT $339,000 $332,000 2 2.1 1654 ATTACHD 16
200 BURNHAM RD #211 $385,000 $317,000 3 2 1862 CONDO 85
2341 STONEHURST CT $659,000 $659,000 4 2.1 3389 DETACHD 2
1531 BOCA RATAN DR $289,000 $277,000 3 2 1755 ATTACHD 57
804 2ND ST $505,000 $400,000 4 3 2224 ATTACHD 50
17619 Potters RD $575,000 $575,000 4 2.1 2665 DETACHD 9
2612 RIVENDELL RD $799,000 $730,000 4 3 3168 DETACHD 93

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.