Moving into the full logistics of the holidays, market activity slowed down significantly last week. We had 7 new listings, 2 pending sales, and 6 closed sales.
We receive a weekly accounting of lockbox activity every Monday. It consists of a tally of the number of times that lockboxes were opened and the percentage change from the week prior. Last week saw a 39% decrease. So showings are way down. Having said that, I always like to point out that while there may be fewer buyers out looking, those that are doing so at the holidays are serious buyers. People don’t take the time to look at this time of year unless they are motivated to buy.
See below for further details:
NEWLY LISTED (Nov 29-Dec 5, 2010)
| Address | Price | Type | BR | Bath | Sq Feet |
| 4000 Carman Dr #108 | $109,900 | Condo | 1 | 1 | 767 |
| 4305 Silver Ct | $339,000 | Attached | 3 | 2.5 | 1835 |
| 4198 Glacier Lily St | $389,000 | Detached | 4 | 3 | 2806 |
| 17 Hidalgo | $429,000 | Detached | 4 | 3.5 | 3428 |
| 1217 Tyndall Ct | $699,000 | Detached | 4 | 4 | 5181 |
| 15622 Fieldstone Dr | $725,000 | Detached | 3 | 2.5 | 3113 |
| 582 9th St | $838,950 | Detached | 2 | 3.5 | 2841 |
PENDING SALES (Nov 29-Dec 5, 2010)
| Address | Type | Price | BR | Bath | Sq. Feet |
| 156 Greenwood Rd | Detached | $309,900 | 2 | 2 | 3722 |
| 4114 Casey Ct | Detached | $785,000 | 4 | 2.5 | 3405 |
SOLD (Nov 29-Dec 5, 2010)
| Address | Orig. Price | Sold Price | type | Sq Feet | CDOM |
| 692 2nd St | $299,000 | $255,000 | Detached | 1700 | 213 |
| 5188 Madrona St | $549,000 | $514,500 | Detached | 3183 | 36 |
| 1704 Glenmorrie Terr. | $599,000 | $575,000 | Detached | 3885 | 124 |
| 5001 Denton Dr | $759,000 | $753,000 | Detached | 3303 | 2 |
| 14089 Edenberry Dr | $840,000 | $840,000 | Detached | 3276 | 0 |
| 15446 Boones Way | $998,500 | $936,000 | Attached | 3364 | 84 |
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
Open Houses for December 5, 2010
There are 28 houses scheduled to be help open this Sunday. I am impressed! Local Realtors sure are not taking it easy just because it’s the holidays.
Be sure to stop by and see Linda at her open house at 979 Devon. It is a fantastic property that is a standout in the market. Not only does it have 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths for $449,900, but it has been tastefully updated with granite, sub zero, new heat pump and hot tub as well. And to top it off: sweeping Mt. Hood views. This is a very special house. The floor plan allows for 1 bedroom and a full bath to be in a separate apartment. So the layout is ideal for someone who wants separate guest quarters or perhaps a home office that is its own space. I know LInda would love to meet you in person. She’ll be there from 2 to 4pm.
| Address | Price | # BR | # BTHS | Open | |
| 221 Cervantes | $144,000 | 2 | 1.5 | 1 to 3 | |
| 18530 Pilkington Rd | $229,900 | 3 | 2 | 1 to 3 | |
| 5055 Foothills Dr C | $239,900 | 2 | 2 | 1 to 4 | |
| 13990 Shireva Ct | $289,000 | 3 | 2 | 2 to 4 | |
| 53 Oriole Ln | $295,000 | 3 | 2 | 2 to 4 | |
| 5973 Kennycroft Way | $318,500 | 3 | 1.1 | 1 to 3 | |
| 4840 Lamont Way | $325,000 | 3 | 2 | 11:30 to 1:30 | |
| 4243 Albert Circle | $349,000 | 4 | 3 | 12 to 2 | |
| 17187 Carlson Ct | $395,000 | 4 | 3 | 12 to 3 | |
| 151 Del Prado St | $419,000 | 4 | 2.5 | 3 to 5 | |
| 775 Boca Ratan Dr | $449,850 | 4 | 3.5 | 1 to 3 | |
| 979 Devon | $449,900 | 4 | 3.5 | 2 to 4 | |
| 12 Scarborouh Dr | $479,900 | 4 | 2.5 | 1 to 4 | |
| 19415 SW Dogwood Ct | $499,900 | 5 | 3 | 1 to 4 | |
| 19319 SW Dogwood Ct | $499,900 | 4 | 0.25 | 1 to 4 | |
| 19443 Kokanee Ct | $499,900 | 4 | 2.5 | 1 to 4 | |
| 4398 Glacier Lily St | $500,000 | 4 | 2.5 | 11 to 1 | |
| 19263 Megly Ct | $559,900 | 5 | 3 | 1 to 4 | |
| 17981 Meadowlark Ln | $584,900 | 3 | 2.5 | 1 to 4 | |
| 5533 Fieldstone Ct | $695,000 | 4 | 2.5 | 2 to 4 | |
| 5321 Amberwood Ct | $699,000 | 4 | 3 | 2 to 4 | |
| 1217 Tyndall Ct | $699,000 | 4 | 4 | 2 to 4 | |
| 15622 Fieldstone Dr | $725,000 | 3 | 2.5 | 2 to 4 | |
| 5320 Southwood Dr | $748,000 | 4 | 3 | 12:30 to 2:30 | |
| 18209 Siena Dr | $1,058,000 | 5 | 3.5 | 1 to 3 | |
| 18222 Siena Dr | $1,189,000 | 4 | 3.5 | 1 to 3 | |
| 1104 Forest Meadows Way | $1,495,000 | 4 | 3.5 | 1 to 4 | |
| 1968 Cheryl Ct | $1,595,000 | 4 | 4.5+.5+.5 | 1 to 3 |
Have a great weekend!
Distressed Homes and Home Owners
Running the Numbers
I spent a little time looking more closely at just how foreclosures and short sales are impacting the market here in Lake Oswego. I easily figured out that the two types of distressed housing make up about 20% of the current listings. But what I got to thinking about was a more specific breakdown of the two, and finding out which are actually selling. Here is what I found:
* There are currently 548 properties for sale (these are including all residential: condos, town houses, and detached)
* There are currently 80 sales pending (offer accepted and in escrow)
* In the last 6 months 324 properties have sold and closed. At this rate, it will take it will take a little more than 10 months to sell the current inventory.
* There are 33 Bank foreclosures for sale (6% of the inventory), 17 are currently in escrow (21% of the properties in escrow), and 56 have sold in the last 6 months (which represents 17% of the closed transactions).
* There are 73 short sales currently in the inventory (13% of our LO market), 14 are pending sales that have not closed, and truthfully may never close (17% of the properties in escrow), and just 19 that successfully closed in the last 6 months (just 5% of actual, closed transactions).
I think I had a sense of this: that there are lots of short sales out there but that not a lot of them actually become a sold property. It is clear in the numbers. Short sales represent 13% of the inventory but just 5% of the sales. Whereas foreclosures represent just 6% of the inventory, but are 17% of the sales.
If you or someone you know is a distressed homeowner, pay attention NOW.
There is Federal stimulus money that has not yet been used. So far it feels like it’s all gone to the banks and been of little or no help to actual home owners. This is about to change. Beginning December 10th and ending in mid January, you can apply for mortgage payment help. The program is called MPA (Mortgage Payment Assistance). In Oregon 5000 households will receive help. Here is how it works. Go to www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org and apply. Applying for this help is going to be very similar to applying for a mortgage. You will have to submit bank statements, tax returns, etc. Households will be deemed qualified or not. All of the qualifying households will be entered into a lottery and names will be drawn. The 5000 house holds selected will have the Federal Government pay their mortgage payments for 12 months. The money will be considered a no-interest loan that is forgiven 20% per year for 5 years. So if you stay in your home for 5 years it will be 100% forgiven. There a lots more details, and I am not an expert. If you or someone you know needs this help, go to the website and get the information. Households can begin applying on December 10th.
I know the whole bailout is super controversial. But households in foreclosure is a tragedy that affects families, neighborhoods, and our entire economy.
Helpful Resources:
As part of my continuing education to renew my real estate license I took a 7-hour class yesterday on Short Sales and Foreclosures. While lots of good information was given out, I think I most appreciated getting come contact info for home owners who are financially distressed. Here are some good resources:
* You can find foreclosure avoidance counseling at www.hud.gov/foreclosure
* There are numerous scams preying on distressed homeowners. If you are tempted to hire services from a company who claims to be in a position to help you, check them out first by going to www.fanniemae.com/homeowners/beware-of-scams.shtm , www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/puts/consumer/credit/cre42.shtm , or http://redtape.msnbc.com/2008/09/post.html
* Check out the Federal Government’s Making Home Affordable Program at http://MakingHomeAffordable.gov
* In Oregon check out www.foreclosurehelp.oregon.gov
Putting Things in Perspective
Every month households receive notices of foreclosure. These numbers are for the month of October 2010:
Clackamas County 1 in 402 households received this notice
In Las Vegas, in the same month, it was 1 in 6 households.
I hope you find this useful. Don’t hesitate to give myself or Linda a call if you have any questions.
Dianne
Market Activity Report ~ Nov. 22-28, 2010
Thanksgiving Week Lake Oswego saw 7 New listings, 8 Pending sales, and 6 Closed sales according to RMLS.
I notice that there are several properties re-entering the market after several months. The one on Cardinal is described as a total remodel, and I am looking forward to seeing it in particular! “Cumulative Days on Market” seems to have leveled out a bit with a few exceptions.
See below for further details:
NEWLY LISTED (Nov 22-28, 2010)
| Address | List Price | # Beds | # Baths | Total SF | Prop Type |
| 16546 BONAIRE AVE | $219,900 | 3 | 1 | 1064 | DETACHD |
| 72 GREENRIDGE CT | $224,900 | 2 | 3 | 1825 | ATTACHD |
| 240 4TH ST | $289,000 | 2 | 1.1 | 1080 | DETACHD |
| 16942 CHERRY CREST DR | $410,000 | 4 | 2.1 | 2363 | DETACHD |
| 17471 CARDINAL DR | $899,900 | 4 | 3.1 | 2636 | DETACHD |
| 3136 DOUGLAS CIR | $968,950 | 4 | 3.1 | 4132 | DETACHD |
| 17787 KELOK RD | $1,079,900 | 3 | 2 | 3085 | DETACHD |
PENDING SALES (Nov 22-28, 2010)
| Address | List Price | # Beds | # Baths | Total SF | Prop Type | CDOM |
| 668 MCVEY AVE 14 | $99,000 | 1 | 1 | 627 | CONDO | 123 |
| 18244 PILKINGTON RD | $254,900 | 3 | 1.1 | 1200 | DETACHD | 35 |
| 2000 GREENTREE RD | $349,000 | 4 | 3 | 2548 | DETACHD | 135 |
| 864 6TH ST | $350,000 | 5 | 2.1 | 2403 | DETACHD | 182 |
| 1600 WOODLAND TER | $399,000 | 3 | 2 | 1674 | DETACHD | 115 |
| 4859 SAGE HEN WAY | $415,000 | 4 | 3 | 2417 | DETACHD | 215 |
| 611 IRON MOUNTAIN BLVD | $510,000 | 2 | 1 | 1322 | DETACHD | 149 |
| 610 CABANA LN | $895,000 | 3 | 2 | 1729 | DETACHD | 108 |
SOLD (Nov 22-28, 2010)
| Address | O/Price | Close Price | # Beds | # Baths | Total SF | Prop Type | CDOM |
| 100 KERR PKWY 23 | 99990 | 90000 | 1 | 1 | 617 | CONDO | 179 |
| 3433 MCNARY PKWY 408 | 124900 | 113500 | 2 | 2 | 1008 | CONDO | 49 |
| 200 BURNHAM RD 404 | 264000 | 115000 | 2 | 2 | 1325 | CONDO | 1119 |
| 17787 BLUE HERON DR | 469950 | 445000 | 4 | 3 | 2448 | DETACHD | 59 |
| 13596 STREAMSIDE DR | 579900 | 562000 | 4 | 2.1 | 3430 | DETACHD | 129 |
| 2111 HAZEL RD | 1089000 | 991200 | 4 | 4.1 | 4894 | DETACHD | 382 |
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
Open Houses Nov. 28, 2010
Wow! Lots of New New New houses to look at this Thanksgiving weekend!
Here is what is being held Open Sunday according to RMLS.
Enjoy!
| Address | L/Price | # Beds | # Baths | Total SF | Prop Type | Time |
| 775 BOCA RATAN DR | $449,850 | 4 | 3.1 | 2727 | DETACHD | 1-3PM |
| 19443 KOKANEE CT | $499,900 | 4 | 2.1 | 2812 | DETACHD | 1-3PM |
| 19415 SW DOGWOOD CT | $499,900 | 5 | 3 | 3517 | DETACHD | 1-4PM |
| 19319 SW DOGWOOD CT | $499,900 | 4 | 2.1 | 3105 | DETACHD | 1-4PM |
| 19245 SW MEGLY CT | $559,900 | 5 | 3 | 3490 | DETACHD | 1-4PM |
| 19263 MEGLY CT | $559,900 | 5 | 3 | 3213 | DETACHD | 1-4PM |
| 5511 FIELDSTONE CT | $685,000 | 4 | 2.1 | 3037 | DETACHD | 2-4PM |
| 5533 FIELDSTONE CT | $695,000 | 4 | 2.1 | 3115 | DETACHD | 2-4PM |
| 18209 SIENA DR | $1,058,000 | 5 | 3.1 | 3839 | DETACHD | 1-3PM |
| 18222 SIENA DR | $1,189,000 | 4 | 3.1 | 3998 | DETACHD | 1-3PM |
Gratitude
Greetings to all of our loyal Property Blotter readers this Thanksgiving Day!!!
In between taking care of my clients and getting the turkey into the oven & the side dishes prepared, I wanted to take a moment to let you into my life a little, and say how grateful I am for so many things.
First of all, I am grateful for those I love; family and friends who continually show up in my life in a way that amazes and humbles me. I am grateful to my clients (usually friends or friends of friends who have been referred to me : ) for their confidence and faith in me as I help them through a very big transition in their lives. Here are two of my listings that are in Lake Oswego… two homes you should check out belonging to two awesome people! Click Links: Devon Lane and Lamont Way. And yes, I am grateful to you, our readers, who grace us with your time, support, encouragement, and sometimes your business!
I am so grateful for my home, my health, my community, my warm fireplace, the view out my windows, the food in my refrigerator. I am thankful to those who “play” with me… my music program at PCSL… the Friends Gospel Chorus who sing so clear and bright with hearts so open, and the band who supports everyone so skillfully every week. I am grateful for my networking buddies who show up every month for fun & SpeedNetworking, For my Wheels and Ears cohorts and their work, for my car with the little paper crowns sitting in the back window that my son made for me when in grade school (you might spot me around town now! … the Queen of a little boy’s heart… who is now much older : ). I am grateful for all those little things that make life do-able nowadays… my cellphone, my trusty computer, my fancy indoor/outdoor temperature sensor, my bread-maker (should come in handy today!), my hot/cold water dispenser (tea is so fast!), and of course my lockbox key! On that note, I’d like to say how grateful I am to our Real Estate Firm and our Principal Broker, who is such a rock to all of us who make up this company, to all of our clients, and to anyone who knows her. Additionally, I am so grateful for Dianne Gregoire, with whom I produce this real estate blog, who is not only one of my best buddies, but an amazing and powerful “thriver” in her business, health and personal life… I am so grateful to know her and to call her my friend.
OK…. too sappy? It’s just once a year (though it could be much more often… : ) Try it yourself…. start listing all those things for which you are grateful ~ especially the little things~ then get out there and enjoy this day! I think a nap in front of the fireplace is in order later… Have a very, very very…
Happy Thanksgiving!
Linda
Market Activity Report Nov. 15-21, 2010
Woke up this morning to a dusting of snow and very cold temperatures. Brrrrrrr…….
Last week had just 4 new listings, 11 pending sales, and 15 closed sales. Recent media reports are sounding ever so slightly more positive. That combined with people wanting to move before Christmas has the market moving.
See below for further details:
NEWLY LISTED (Nov 15-21, 2010)
| Address | Price | Type | BR | Bath | Sq Feet |
| 104 Oswego Summit | $89,900 | Condo | 1 | 1 | 764 |
| 6319 Washington Ct | $219,000 | Detached | 3 | 1.5 | 1274 |
| 19010 Longfellow Ave | $284,900 | Detached | 3 | 1 | 1732 |
| 18222 Siena Dr | $1,189,000 | Detached | 4 | 3.5 | 3998 |
PENDING SALES (Nov 15021, 2010)
| Address | Price | Type | BR | Bath | Sq. Feet |
| 3433 McNary Pkwy #204 | $99,900 | Condo | 2 | 2 | 1008 |
| 6447 McEwan Rd | $154,900 | Detached | 2 | 1 | 912 |
| 18462 Don Lee Way | $179,900 | Detached | 4 | 2 | 1904 |
| 5057 Foothills Dr C | $189,900 | Condo | 3 | 2 | 1252 |
| 464 5th St | $197,715 | Condo | 2 | 1.5 | 1092 |
| 1416 Cherry Crest Dr | $259,000 | Detached | 5 | 3 | 2559 |
| 16105 Inverurie Rd | $429,900 | Detached | 3 | 2 | 2356 |
| 13819 Provincial Hill Dr | $445,000 | Detached | 4 | 2.5 | 2096 |
| 1235 Chandler | $865,000 | Detached | 5 | 3.5 | 3717 |
| 13322 Leslie Ct | $1,098,000 | Detached | 5 | 3.5 | 4449 |
| 13795 Cameo Ct | $1,400,000 | Detached | 4 | 5.5+.5 | 7190 |
SOLD (Nov 15-21, 2010)
| Address | Orig. Price | Sold Price | type | CDOM | Sq Feet | |
| 44 Crestfield Ct | $75,500 | $75,500 | Condo | 11 | 923 | |
| 20 Cervantes Cir | $79,900 | $80,000 | Condo | 8 | 912 | |
| 212 Ridgeway Rd | $189,900 | $153,000 | Condo | 483 | 778 | |
| 6120 Shakespeare St | $185,000 | $197,000 | Detached | 177 | 999 | |
| 15139 Quarry Rd | $250,000 | $225,000 | Detached | 402 | 1328 | |
| 37 Bloch Terr. | $300,000 | $280,000 | Attached | 142 | 1972 | |
| 1073 Hallinan St | $359,000 | $338,000 | Detached | 124 | 1828 | |
| 1255 Bayberry Rd | $390,000 | $355,000 | Detached | 335 | 1901 | |
| 1899 Woodland Terr | $389,000 | $360,000 | Detached | 130 | 3031 | |
| 5717 Bonita Rd | $400,000 | $370,000 | Detached | 53 | 2572 | |
| 3541 Red Cedar Way | $404,900 | $385,000 | Detached | 14 | 1963 | |
| 17890 Kelok Rd | $417,900 | $417,000 | Detached | 753 | 3095 | |
| 5916 Sulnbrook Dr | $459,900 | $463,000 | Detached | 9 | 2617 | |
| 15915 Waluga Dr | $598,950 | $550,000 | Detached | 261 | 2939 | |
| 3151 Douglas Cir | $1,349,000 | $1,090,000 | Detached | 125 | 4400 |
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
Open Houses for 11/21/2010
There is a chance of snow this Sunday. Really? I guess I’ll believe it when I see it. We do get snow, so it certainly could happen. But the media always goes waaaaaay over board getting excited about the prospect. So we shall see.
If we do get snow, open houses can be a bit iffy. It all depends on the comfort level of the people involved for driving in it. I would expect some of the open houses to be canceled if we more than a dusting. There are currently 26 open houses scheduled:
86 Kingsgate Rd F106. $99,000 , 2BR, 2 Bath, Open 1 to 3
18430 Pilkington Rd. $219,900, 3 BR, 1.5 Bath, Open 1 to 3
18530 Pilkington Rd. $229,900, 3 BR 2 Bath, Open 1 to 3
5055 Foothills Dr C. $239,900. 2 BR, 2 Bath, Open 1 to 4
5031 Tualata Ln. $279,900, 3 BR, 2 Bath, Open 1 to 3
53 Oriole Ln. $304,900, 3 BR, 2.5 Bath, Open 12 to 3
326 Lake Bay Ct. $464,900, 3 BR, 2 Bath, Open 1 to 3
17360 Hunter Ct. $497,500, 4 BR, 2.5 Bath, Open 12 to 2
19319 SW Dogwood Ct. $499,900, 4 BR, 2.5 Bath, Open 1 to 4
19443 Kokanee Ct. $499,900, 4 BR, 2.5 Bath, Open 1 to 4
19415 SW Dogwood Ct. $499,900, 5 BR, 3 Bath, Open 1 to 4
4303 Sundew Ct. $519,995, 4 BR, 2.5 Bath, Open 1 to 3
19245 SW Megly Ct. $559,900, 5 BR, 3 Bath, Open 1 to 4
19263 SW Megly Ct. $559,900, 5 BR, 3 Bath, Open 1 to 4
17981 Meadowlark Ln. $584,900, 3 BR, 2.5 Bath, Open 11 to 4
5511 Fieldstone Ct. $685,000, 4 Br, 2.5 Bath, Open 12 to 3
15459 Village Dr. $695,000, 4 BR, 3.5 Bath, Open 1 to 4
5533 Fieldstone Ct. $695,000, 4 BR, 2.5 Bath, Open 12 to 3
14480 Kruse Oaks Blvd. $725,000, 4 BR, 3.5 Bath, Open 1 to 3:30
1930 Indian Trail. $739,000, 3 BR, 3 Bath, Open 1 to 3
18842 Bryant Rd. $739,000, 4 BR, 2.5+.5 Bath, Open 1 to 3
18894 Bryant Rd. $749,000, 4 BR, 4.5 Bath, Open 1 to 3
17301 Canal Circle. $764,000, 3 BR, 2.5 Bath, Open 1 to 3
18209 Siena Dr. $1,058,000, 5 BR, 3.5 Bath, Open 12 to 3
18222 Siena Dr. $1,189,000, 4 BR, 3.5 Bath, Open 12 to 3
Have a great weekend! Perhaps you’ll even get the chance to build a snowman.
Oregon Wine Country and Thanksgiving
I know that when you think of wine tasting, if you are like me, you think of summer breezes and lazy afternoons. But, believe it or not, the premier time to tour Oregon vineyards is the weekend following Thanksgiving. This is because the fall harvest is complete and there is a sense of celebration. Many vineyards that are normally not open to the public will hold open houses over Thanksgiving weekend. And nearly every vineyard is decorated for the holidays. It is a wonderful time in Oregon Wine Country.
Living in Lake Oswego, we are only about a half an hour’s drive from Yamhill County, and about an hour’s drive from the start of the vineyards up along the Columbia River. There are literally hundreds of vineyards. Some are quite large and some are very small. Some are run on a corporate level with huge mechanized operations, and others are truly hand crafted.
If you intend to take a wine country tour, you need to do a little prior planning. First of all, there needs to be a designated driver. Those little sips can add up. I also highly recommend trying one of the many companies that put together wine tours. I personally spent a fantastic Friday following Thanksgiving with a company called Grape Escapes. You can arrange a private tour, a group tour, or asked to be a part of a group tour. They also have full day and half day options. On the occasion that I attended a friend and I organized a group tour. We had about 10 people and were picked up here in Lake Oswego. We then spent the day being driven in a 15 passenger van with a wine guide. Each stop was a different vineyard. We were treated to not only a tasting of wine, but a tour of the vineyard and a small meal. It worked like a progressive luncheon that lasted all day. The total cost? About $100 per person plus gratuity. But considering that the wine tastings were included, as well as our meal and the gas, it was a total bargain.
If you do go after the big turkey dinner, my recommendation is to head out Hwy 99 towards Yamhill County. The various vineyards are pretty well marked along the highway. You can also find a map by clicking here. And to help with your planning, here are a few tips:
- Don’t squeeze too many wineries into one day. They’ll still be there when you go back later.
- If you aren’t on a tour that offers food, pack snacks or plan to stop for lunch.
- Don’t bother washing your car before you go. Most drives into the vineyards are not paved.
- There are maps available on-line at the link above to help you avoid the main roads. Traffic can get thick and you may want to favor side roads.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring warm layers and a rain coat.
- Don’t wear cologne or perfume, as they will inhibit your ability to smell and taste.
- If you bring children, bring activities to keep them occupied.
- Be polite. Remember that you are a guest of the winery. Don’t complain about tasting fees as that is what it costs to be able to allow you the sample. And many wineries will reimburse the tasting fee when wine is purchased.
I will personally recommend a stop in McMinville at Stonewolf Vineyards. They have been known to not only have award winning Pinot Gris (in 2008 named a brand favorite by Rachael Ray), but in year’s past have served a spectacular salmon meal with country fiddle players.
Most vineyards charge a tasting fee of about $10. Wine is also for sale by the bottle and by the case.
Celebrating the harvest. Celebrating Thanksgiving and the holidays. Celebrating Oregon. We are so blessed and in so many ways.
Happy Thanksgiving, Dianne
Market Activity Report – Nov 8-14, 2010
It seems to be slowing down a bit as we inch closer to Thanksgiving.
Last week Lake Oswego had 10 New listings, 8 Pending sales, and 2 Closed sales according to RMLS.
See below for further details:
NEWLY LISTED (Nov 8-14, 2010)
| Address | List Price | # Beds | # Baths | Total SF | Prop Type |
| 47 EAGLE CREST DR 4 | $65,000 | 2 | 1 | 932 | CONDO |
| 99 OSWEGO SMT 99 | $109,900 | 2 | 1.1 | 1116 | CONDO |
| 5057 FOOTHILLS DR C | $189,900 | 3 | 2 | 1252 | CONDO |
| 19431 SW TUALAMERE AVE | $255,900 | 3 | 1.1 | 1308 | DETACHD |
| 928 LAKE FRONT RD | $345,000 | 4 | 3 | 2300 | DETACHD |
| 5682 LANGFORD LN | $349,500 | 2 | 2 | 1559 | DETACHD |
| 17121 WALL ST | $424,900 | 3 | 2.1 | 2187 | DETACHD |
| 1677 LAUREL ST | $450,000 | 4 | 3.1 | 2481 | DETACHD |
| 13960 SHIREVA CT | $489,900 | 5 | 3 | 2864 | DETACHD |
| 1872 PALISADES TERRACE DR | $821,500 | 6 | 5 | 5083 | DETACHD |
PENDING SALES (Nov 8-14, 2010)
| Address | List Price | # Beds | #Baths | Total SF | Prop Type | CDOM |
| 668 MCVEY AVE 81 | $129,900 | 2 | 1.1 | 992 | CONDO | 32 |
| 668 MCVEY AVE 32 | $184,900 | 3 | 1.1 | 985 | CONDO | 6 |
| 5060 FOOTHILLS DR E | $275,000 | 2 | 2 | 1252 | CONDO | 111 |
| 32 CHURCHILL DOWNS | $379,900 | 4 | 2.1 | 3016 | DETACHD | 272 |
| 4208 ALBERT CIR | $400,950 | 4 | 3 | 2777 | DETACHD | 15 |
| 942 CLARA CT | $405,000 | 4 | 2.1 | 3123 | DETACHD | 122 |
| 17555 REDFERN AVE | $599,000 | 4 | 3.1 | 3007 | DETACHD | 256 |
| 3140 DOUGLAS CIR | $861,000 | 4 | 3.1 | 3489 | DETACHD | 10 |
SOLD (Nov 8-14, 2010)
| Address | O/Price | Close Price | # Beds | # Baths | Total SF | Prop Type | CDOM |
| 72 CONDOLEA WAY | $375,000 | 375000 | 2 | 2.1 | 2958 | CONDO | 13 |
| 1740 YARMOUTH CIR | $550,000 | 485000 | 2 | 2.1 | 1960 | DETACHD | 127 |
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