Category: Selling Advice

Advice for home sellers in Lake Oswego, Oregon

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News & Notes

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

The latest numbers show robust activity in Portland and the Lake Oswego/West Linn areas for May.

According to the RMLS Market Action Report for the Portland Metro Area  May, 2014:

  • At 2,483, May Closed Sales rose 15.9% from April’s 2,143, but were down 7.4% from 2,682 in May 2013.
  • There were 4,192 New Listings in May... 15.5% higherer than April’s 3,629, and also up 9.4% from May 2013 when there were 3,833.
  • The Average Sale Price in May was $335,300, up $2,700. from April’s $332,600.
  • May Pending Sales (accepted offers) were up 5.8% from April to 2,989, and/but just up .4% from May 2013.

The combined areas of Lake Oswego and West Linn  for May reported:

    • 515 Active Listings
    • 256 New Listings
    • 161 Pending Sales
    • 139 Closed Sales
    • An average Sale Price of $532,100.
    • Average Time on the Market: 74 Days
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Tips and Tidbits

HandyHomeHome Repairs – When a house is in the middle of a transaction, does the Seller need to utilize licensed, bonded contractors to effect repairs that have been agreed upon? Yes! (Gold Star : ) Why? Well… there are several reasons- 1) It’s Oregon State Law when you’re in the middle of a real estate transaction. 2) It may state so in the Addendum you all signed (I always put it in there to make sure everyone is clear) or it is embedded in the current OREF Buyers Repair Addendum. 3) It just makes sense… for the Buyer and the Seller. Why? Well:
* Buyers: Licensed, bonded contractors typically know what they’re doing. We assume that’s how they got licensed and bonded. True, you can have someone who is not licensed and bonded do minor repairs in theory, and maybe come out OK, but what if someone, say, believes that really “pressure-washing” a roof is how to get moss off (too much pressure will, I’m told, wash the crystals off the roof tiles that actually cause them to be effective…), or thinks it’s OK to pour concrete directly up against the wood structure or siding of the house (it’s not OK: How Not To ) or thinks they know enough to do the “minor” wiring called for in the Addendum ummm…(safety first… common sense…).
So. if you’re the Buyer, and work was done that you realize was not done well AFTER you’ve already moved in (This is not good, by the way…you should always do a walk-through prior to close. But occasionally unsafe or shoddy work will not be noticeable till later), you can at least call the contractor up and address that with them and have a leg to stand on if they are licensed and bonded.
* Sellers: In light of what I mention above, wouldn’t you rather have had a licensed, bonded contractor perform repairs on your transaction? Its not about relinquishing responsibility for making sure repairs are done properly, but rather about making sure the contractors you choose can actually back it up, and take responsibility themselves for the work they’ve done.

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News & Notes

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

The numbers are in, and in the month of April 2014 in the Portland area is still going strong! Closed Sales, though only up slightly, were the best since 2007. According to the RMLS Market Action Report for the Portland Metro Area  April, 2014:

  • At 2,143, April Closed Sales rose 15.4% from March’s 1,857, and were up .8% from 2,125 in April 2013.
  • There were 3,629 New Listings in April... 17.4% higherer than March’s 3,090, and also up .2% from April 2013.
  • The Average Sale Price in April was $332,600, up $4,500. from March’s $328,100.
  • April Pending Sales (accepted offers) were up 11.5% from March at 2,825, and/but dropped 4.0% from April 2013.

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

    • 450 Active Listings
    • 211 New Listings
    • 56 Pending Sales
    • 108 Closed Sales
    • An average Sale Price of $565,400.
    • Average Time on the Market: 86 Days
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Market Activity~May 5-11, 2014

Here is your Latest Market Data: Last week in Lake Oswego we saw 22 New properties enter the market, 32 move to Pending status, and 12 “Closed”/Sold.

Following is the breakdown according to RMLS:

NEW on MKT (May 5-11, 2014)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
3988 CARMAN DR $174,900 2 2.1 1098 CONDO
73 CONDOLEA WAY #73 $299,000 2 2 2131 CONDO
136 KINGSGATE RD $345,000 3 2.1 1570 DETACHD
66 WHEATHERSTONE $359,000 4 3.1 2465 ATTACHD
4470 CHAPMAN WAY $389,900 3 3 4250 DETACHD
4711 REMBRANDT LN $399,900 3 2.1 2050 DETACHD
18491 WAXWING CIR $435,000 4 2.1 1934 DETACHD
1731 HIGHLAND DR $473,900 4 2 2636 DETACHD
708 SUNNY HILL DR $495,000 3 2 1977 DETACHD
4867 SAGE HEN WAY $532,500 4 2.1 2523 DETACHD
4713 AMHERST CT (TWNHSE) $589,000 3 2.1 2980 ATTACHD
1286 LARCH ST $600,000 4 2.1 2410 DETACHD
4973 HARTFORD PL $649,900 5 3.1 3672 DETACHD
1585 PATTON RD $650,000 4 3 3167 DETACHD
5904 BAY POINT DR $729,750 4 2.1 3433 DETACHD
17911 HILLSIDE DR $749,900 4 3 3635 DETACHD
14183 TAYLORS CREST LN $749,999 4 2.1 3624 DETACHD
13529 STREAMSIDE DR $799,000 6 4.1 5415 DETACHD
15470 BOONES WAY $897,000 3 2.1 3515 ATTACHD
17230 FERNWOOD DR $898,000 5 4 4046 DETACHD
4333 HAVEN ST $999,900 5 4 3652 DETACHD
3411 LAKE GROVE AVE $1,098,000 4 3.1 4434 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (May 5-11, 2014)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
225 CERVANTES (Grnd) $135,000 2 1.1 1216 CONDO 2
46 CERVANTES CIR (Grnd) $150,000 2 1.1 912 CONDO 6
3884 BOTTICELLI ST #34 $165,000 2 1.1 1132 CONDO 52
4465 GOLDEN LN $229,900 2 2.1 1996 ATTACHD 39
490 BOCA RATAN DR $280,000 3 2 1887 DETACHD 419
16231 PARKER RD $289,000 4 1 1549 DETACHD 3
13 SAINT HELENS CIR $324,900 3 2.1 2022 DETACHD 76
4296 Sunset DR $359,000 3 2.1 1680 DETACHD 2
14074 SUNDELEAF DR $369,900 4 2.1 1760 DETACHD 7
1290 HIDE A WAY LN $400,000 4 3 2530 DETACHD 1
4677 OAKRIDGE RD $424,900 3 2.1 1738 ATTACHD 3
1831 KILKENNY DR $449,500 5 3 2597 DETACHD 34
12 PARTRIDGE LN $450,000 4 2.1 3309 DETACHD 152
29 DEL PRADO ST $459,900 4 2 2972 DETACHD 14
4908 HASTINGS DR $477,000 3 2.1 2096 DETACHD 47
3300 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $479,000 2 2.2 1162 DETACHD 297
14920 TWIN FIR RD $495,000 3 1.1 1530 DETACHD 284
4360 WESTBAY RD $498,000 4 3 2636 DETACHD 120
54 AQUINAS ST $509,900 4 2.1 2632 DETACHD 4
13152 VERMEER DR $525,000 3 2.1 2092 DETACHD 13
18060 CARDINAL DR $529,900 3 3.1 2547 DETACHD 20
885 LAKE FOREST DR $579,000 4 3 2186 DETACHD 186
4303 SUNDEW CT $599,000 4 2.1 3355 DETACHD 21
5767 SUNCREEK DR $679,000 4 3 3363 DETACHD 15
3 CREEKSIDE TER $699,000 4 3.1 4355 DETACHD 108
3109 DOUGLAS CIR $1,475,000 5 4.2 4880 DETACHD 7
1745 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $1,750,000 4 4.1 5545 DETACHD 785
2675 GLEN EAGLES RD $1,895,000 5 5 5609 DETACHD 291
980 EVERGREEN RD $2,195,000 5 5.2 5644 DETACHD 11
2926 LAKEVIEW BLVD $2,195,000 4 4.1 4902 DETACHD 290
3232 LAKEVIEW BLVD $2,590,000 5 5 7000 DETACHD 1113
3214 LAKEVIEW BLVD $3,990,000 4 5 5800 DETACHD 1119

SOLD (May 5-11, 2014)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4626 LOWER DR $99,000 $93,000 2 2 1260 CONDO 15
3433 MCNARY PKWY #206 $132,000 $126,000 2 2 1008 CONDO 162
1694 BONNIEBRAE DR $169,900 $170,000 2 1 864 CONDO 1
6397 MCEWAN RD $295,000 $284,000 3 2 1008 DETACHD 199
5559 ROYAL OAKS DR $468,950 $463,800 4 2.1 2105 DETACHD 10
1571 WOODLAND TER $479,000 $470,000 3 2 2400 DETACHD 164
2440 OVERLOOK DR $549,900 $519,500 4 3 3876 DETACHD 19
19524 RIVER RUN DR $638,950 $595,000 4 2.1 2630 DETACHD 271
18059 WESTMINSTER DR $645,000 $645,000 4 2.1 3214 DETACHD 2
18103 WESTMINSTER DR $699,900 $650,000 4 2.1 3344 DETACHD 241
2390 PALISADES CREST DR $900,000 $892,000 4 4 4823 DETACHD 21
13636 Goodall RD #Lot 2 $1,349,000 $1,399,000 4 4.1 4380 DETACHD 329

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

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

The numbers are in, and in the month of March 2014 in the Portland area is still showing upward momentum!

According to the RMLS Market Action Report for the Portland Metro Area  March, 2014:

  • At 1,857, March Closed Sales ware up 26.6% from February’s 1,467, and/but 4% lower than March 2013.
  • There were 3,090 New Listings in March… 31.3% higherer than February’s 2.354, and also up 2.9% from last March 2013.
  • The Average Sale Price in March was $328,100, up $2,600. from February’s $325,500.
  • March Pending Sales (accepted offers) were up 37.1% from February, and/but down 3.6% from March 2013.

The combined areas of Lake Oswego and West Linn  for March reported:

    • 430 Active Listings
    • 201 New Listings
    • 146 Pending Sales
    • 109 Closed Sales
    • An average Sale Price of $519,900.
    • Average Time on the Market: 110 Days
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Market Activity~Apr 7-13, 2014

Here is your Latest Market Data: Last week in Lake Oswego we saw 22 New properties enter the market, 19 move to Pending status, and 11 “Closed”/Sold.

Following is the breakdown according to RMLS:

NEW on MKT (Apr 7-13, 2014)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
44 EAGLE CREST DR #15 $99,900 1 1 798 CONDO
5052 FOOTHILLS DR #E $249,900 2 2 1252 CONDO
23 BLOCH TER $269,000 2 2 1394 ATTACHD
39 GREENRIDGE CT $270,000 3 1.1 1664 ATTACHD
1878 MAPLELEAF RD $330,000 3 1.1 1347 DETACHD
1402 PARRISH ST $382,000 3 2.1 1863 ATTACHD
17151 CAMPUS WAY $419,000 4 2 2418 DETACHD
1551 WOODLAND TER $468,000 4 2 2712 DETACHD
32 NORTHVIEW CT $475,000 4 3.1 2903 ATTACHD
318 2ND ST $499,900 3 3.1 2098 ATTACHD
2401 GLEN HAVEN RD $535,000 4 3 2779 DETACHD
18893 INDIAN SPRINGS CIR $549,888 4 3 2841 DETACHD
15644 FIELDSTONE DR $575,000 3 2.1 2588 DETACHD
16126 INVERURIE RD $579,000 4 2.1 2492 DETACHD
14559 PFEIFER WAY $698,950 4 2.1 3356 DETACHD
697 LAKE BAY CT $699,900 2 2 2145 DETACHD
13300 FOX RUN $800,000 4 2.1 4484 DETACHD
18106 Pilkington RD $874,900 4 4.1 3575 DETACHD
16672 FIR LN $960,000 4 4.1 4179 DETACHD
1136 WESTWARD HO RD $1,190,000 3 2.1 3344 DETACHD
16645 Graef CIR $1,295,000 4 3.2 3076 DETACHD
1135 LAKE FRONT RD $2,395,000 4 4 4245 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (Apr 7-13, 2014)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
44 EAGLE CREST DR #41 $123,900 2 1 908 CONDO 252
1796 BONNIEBRAE DR $319,900 3 2.1 1782 ATTACHD 17
16227 KIMBALL ST $329,950 4 2.1 1572 DETACHD 80
16041 WALUGA DR $349,900 4 2 1982 DETACHD 5
19244 BENFIELD AVE $350,000 3 2 1202 DETACHD 2
2823 ORCHARD HILL PL $375,000 3 2.1 2288 DETACHD 19
1880 KILKENNY DR $400,000 4 3 2778 DETACHD 140
17200 WARREN CT $424,000 4 2.1 2241 DETACHD 54
1831 KILKENNY DR $449,500 5 3 2597 DETACHD 10
641 8TH ST $449,950 4 2 2319 DETACHD 15
5650 LANGFORD LN $469,000 3 3 1837 DETACHD 3
1571 WOODLAND TER $479,000 3 2 2400 DETACHD 164
4747 UPPER DR $500,000 3 1 2046 DETACHD 7
5300 SW DAWN AVE $524,500 4 3 2544 DETACHD 72
880 WOODWAY CT $525,000 4 3 3478 DETACHD 73
5608 GRAND OAKS DR $629,000 5 3 3147 DETACHD 3
18112 WESTMINSTER DR $700,000 5 4 4391 DETACHD 164
12967 ROGERS RD $775,000 5 3.1 3945 DETACHD 0
18025 Skyland CIR $1,199,000 4 4.2 5379 DETACHD 228

SOLD (Apr 7-13, 2014)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
3696 SPRING LN #3B $141,700 $135,000 2 2 1117 CONDO 53
200 BURNHAM RD #406 $214,500 $200,000 2 1 1199 CONDO 26
575 HEMLOCK ST $335,000 $340,000 3 2 1175 DETACHD 2
61 S CONDOLEA TER #Grnd $395,000 $380,000 3 2.1 2373 CONDO 23
18555 EDGEWOOD CT $419,000 $431,000 3 2.1 2380 DETACHD 2
13057 SIERRA VISTA DR $489,000 $469,000 4 2.1 2510 DETACHD 53
628 LAKE BAY CT $639,000 $539,000 3 2 1729 DETACHD 292
4038 BASS LN $559,900 $542,000 4 3 2816 DETACHD 132
19364 RIVER RUN DR $679,000 $605,000 5 3.1 3010 DETACHD 245
13310 ATWATER LN $1,450,000 $1,249,000 5 4 5697 DETACHD 300
1345 CHERRY LN $1,295,000 $1,295,000 5 3.1 5259 DETACHD 235

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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Popcorn Ceilings

800px-Popcorn_ceiling_texture_close_upPopcorn ceilings were a common and widely used ceiling finish from the 1950’s to the early 1980’s. Builders loved the stuff. It sprayed on, so did not require a lot of skill to apply, it covered defects to create a nice, uniform appearance, and it was a bright white color that consumers liked. What was popular then is not at all popular today.

From an aesthetic perspective, buyers today just don’t like the look. It stamps the house as “dated”. But from a health perspective, these ceilings can be a health hazard because many of them contain asbestos.

Asbestos is a small fiber that if air born and breathed in, lodges itself into the lungs and can not be exhaled. Over time it causes inflammation, irritation, and can lead to lung cancer. So, yes, it’s nasty stuff.

In 1978 the use of asbestos in ceiling treatments was banned by the Clean Air Act. However, to minimize the economic impact, existing supplies were exempt and used until they were gone. So the product continued to be used until sometime in the 1980’s.

For Sellers
If you are selling a home with popcorn ceilings, consider having the ceilings tested. Buyers are going to be asking about the ceilings and having a professional lab report will answer that question right up front. It’s also entirely possible that your ceilings do not contain asbestos. Not all popcorn ceilings do. This same lab report could work to your benefit if this is the case.

I would also suggest that you may want to have the ceilings removed. This would be an instant update and enhance the desirability of your home for prospective buyers. Get professionals to address the ceiling removal. Asbestos must be handled by licensed professionals with all proper precautions taken. I actually represented a buyer on one occasion where we learned the home owners grandson had done the removal of asbestos. We left the house and never went back in considering the entire home to now be a health hazard.

For Buyers
Do not let the popcorn ceilings keep you from buying a house that you love. As part of the inspection process have the ceilings professionally tested and then negotiate a solution with the seller.

Remember too that asbestos, when contained and not in the air is not harmful. You have to breath it in to have it hurt you. So if the ceiling is in good condition and not touched, it is not dangerous. This would come down to your own personal feeling of what is and is not acceptable.

Many really beautiful homes have popcorn ceilings. In time I predict that nearly all of these ceilings will be removed. For both buyers and sellers, you need to be knowledgeable and go into the transaction with open eyes.

Now I am off to enjoy this gorgeous weather!
Dianne

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Market Activity ~ March 24-30, 2014

Here is your Latest Market Data: Last week in Lake Oswego we saw 15 New properties enter the market, 22 move to Pending status, and 11 “Closed”/Sold.

Following is the breakdown according to RMLS:

NEW on MKT (Mar 24-30, 2014)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
16250 PACIFIC HWY #45 $219,500 2 2 1311 CONDO
20 SUMMIT RIDGE CT $364,950 2 2.1 1704 ATTACHD
5644 WINDFIELD LOOP $389,000 3 3 1800 DETACHD
2823 ORCHARD HILL PL $425,000 3 2.1 2288 DETACHD
13364 AUBURN CT $459,900 3 2.1 2451 ATTACHD
641 8TH ST $459,950 4 2 2319 DETACHD
5559 ROYAL OAKS DR $468,950 4 2.1 2105 DETACHD
17488 MARDEE AVE $519,000 4 2.1 2168 DETACHD
6 HILLSHIRE DR $525,000 5 3 3254 DETACHD
2103 RIDGEWOOD RD $583,000 4 2 1650 DETACHD
17356 BRYANT RD $724,900 3 3 2913 DETACHD
5112 WOODCREST LN $799,900 4 4.1 3340 DETACHD
13327 ATWATER LN $979,000 3 2 3004 DETACHD
18325 CRESTLINE DR $1,240,000 5 4 4552 DETACHD
1968 CHERYL CT $1,549,900 4 4.3 6153 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (Mar 24-30, 2014)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4626 LOWER DR $99,000 2 2 1260 CONDO 15
116 OSWEGO SMT #116 $147,000 2 2 1140 CONDO 31
5225 Jean RD #404 $198,988 3 2 1500 CONDO 7
16150 KIMBALL ST $269,900 3 1 960 DETACHD 6
6397 MCEWAN RD $284,900 3 2 1008 DETACHD 199
635 1ST ST $289,900 2 2.1 1100 ATTACHD 7
4555 WILDWOOD ST $389,000 3 2 1565 DETACHD 23
2762 VALE CT $419,500 3 2.1 2709 DETACHD 2
2719 GREENTREE RD $429,950 5 3.1 3886 DETACHD 183
7 DEL PRADO ST $445,000 4 3 2232 DETACHD 4
2766 GREENTREE RD $459,500 5 2 2753 DETACHD 251
4908 HASTINGS DR $489,750 3 2.1 2096 DETACHD 4
5 ABELARD ST $529,000 5 3 4660 DETACHD 16
16311 INVERURIE RD $549,900 4 2 2047 DETACHD 127
2865 PARK RD $568,000 4 2.1 3031 DETACHD 7
13520 KNAUS RD $625,000 4 3 2641 DETACHD 180
17479 BROOKHURST DR $675,000 4 2.1 3552 DETACHD 64
13555 FIELDING RD $699,900 5 3.1 3656 DETACHD 112
14640 UPLANDS DR $779,000 4 3 2675 DETACHD 2
1475 SKYLAND DR $1,000,000 4 4.1 3695 DETACHD 2
13310 ATWATER LN $1,249,900 5 4 5697 DETACHD 300
17226 CHAPIN WAY $1,495,000 4 3.1 4917 DETACHD 353

SOLD (Mar 24-30, 2014)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
19071 LONGFELLOW AVE $279,900 $245,700 3 1 1080 DETACHD 7
6132 MINNEHAHA CT $259,900 $255,000 3 1.1 1232 DETACHD 11
26 BRIARWOOD RD $425,000 $365,000 4 2.2 2554 DETACHD 199
720 8TH ST $425,000 $415,000 3 2 1498 DETACHD 22
4216 ALBERT CIR $459,000 $446,500 3 2 2130 DETACHD 17
17366 CARDINAL DR $465,000 $475,000 4 2.1 2107 DETACHD 3
55 AQUINAS ST $574,900 $579,900 5 3 3720 DETACHD 19
1931 PARK FOREST CT $649,000 $600,000 5 4.1 3866 DETACHD 979
141 DEL PRADO ST $625,000 $617,700 4 2.1 2788 DETACHD 7
18042 JENIFERS WAY $639,950 $635,000 5 3 2946 DETACHD 6
3200 CHILDS RD $1,195,000 $1,068,000 4 3.1 5128 DETACHD 252

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

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

In the month of February 2014 the Portland area is still showing strength with, yet again, the highest Closed Sales since 2007.

According to the RMLS Market Action Report for the Portland Metro Area  February, 2014:

  • At 1,467, February Closed Sales ware up 5.1% from January’s 1.396, and 6.6% higher than February 2013.
  • There were 2,534 New Listings in February… 8.9% fewer than January’s 2.583, and down 4% from last February 2013.
  • The Average Sale Price in February  was $325,500, up $8,300. from January’s $317,200.
  • FebruaryPending Sales (accepted offers) were not as good; down 18.8% from January, and 13.2% from February 2013.

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

    • 412 Active Listings
    • 168 New Listings
    • 101 Pending Sales
    • 79 Closed Sales
    • An average Sale Price of $546,900.
    • Average Time on the Market: 137 Days
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The Open House

photo-1There are few subjects that Realtors are quite as opinionated about as open houses. Some think they are great while others swear them off like the plague. I think it might be helpful to give you my take on the subject.

Open Houses have value and are worth having
It is true that your home is not likely to sell as the result of an open house, but it does happen. I would estimate that I have sold at least a dozen homes over the years from an open house. I have sold homes to people who walk in cold with no Realtor, but more often I have had people who came to my open go back to their own buyer’s agent and ask them to write up the offer.

There are two types of open houses
Public open houses are advertized to the general public, usually on websites like rmls.com, our property blotter, and on-line classifieds like trulia. It is important that the public open be advertized. While I enjoy meeting the neighbors, I want people to come through who know the price and size and are there because it fits their needs. Public open houses are usually on Sundays between noon and 4 pm. They usually are hosted for 2 to 3 hours somewhere in that window of time.

Broker’s opens are held on Tuesdays here in Lake Oswego. They usually go from 11am to 1pm. Most real estate offices have a sales meeting on Tuesday mornings about 9am. The broker tour is intended to create an easy opportunity for one or a group of Realtors to easily gain access to houses to preview them for clients.

Realtor’s have fantastic Internet access to photos and maps for homes which makes the need for Broker’s Tour much less than it used to be. But I put every listing on Broker’s Tour and then I host the open so that I can talk to other Realtors and really point out the features of the house. There are enough Realtors who do physically tour to make this an important part of my marketing. I also really love the professional networking that happens.

Buyers go to Open Houses
I think most people who are considering buying a home feel compelled to hop into their cars on Sundays and go drive about looking for open houses. Even with the Internet, there is nothing like going inside of houses.

Get your house ready!
Have your house spotlessly clean, drapes and blinds wide open, and the rooms properly staged. Open houses can be a real motivator to work on and maintain your house in show-ready condition.

Feel free to give Linda or myself a call if you have any questions or if you are thinking about getting in gear to sell your home. We would love to be of help.
Dianne