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Market Activity Update – March 16 – 22, 2009

Lake Oswego saw 15 new properties hit the market last week (these are properties that are brand new on the market -or- have been off the market for a minimum of 30 days).  We had 8 go pending, and 9 that closed.

This is a great time to buy! (no smoke here : )  Rates are great, new & intriguing loan programs are popping up all over the place, and houses appear to be finally jiving with the “reality meter” for Buyers. 

Feel free to call or email anytime.  We love hearing from our local and out-of-state readers, and enjoy meeting you and getting you settled in Lake Oswego!

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

NEWLY LISTED (March 16—March 22, 2009)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type List Date
100 KERR PKWY $132,500 2 1.1 823 CONDO 3/16/2009
15868 PARKER RD $187,500 2 1 780 DETACHD 3/17/2009
11 OSWEGO SMT $194,900 2 2 1,212 CONDO 3/16/2009
45 EAGLE CREST DR $210,000 2 2 1,046 CONDO 3/21/2009
12844 BOONES FERRY RD $257,000 2 2.1 1,398 CONDO 3/16/2009
2 SUMMIT RIDGE CT $354,900 2 2.1 1,750 ATTACHD 3/18/2009
5214 LOWER DR $459,900 4 2.1 2,904 DETACHD 3/19/2009
12735 Alto Park RD $495,000 3 2 1,685 DETACHD 3/20/2009
17860 Sundown CT $499,900 4 3.1 3,480 DETACHD 3/20/2009
1866 KILKENNY DR $511,100 4 3.1 3,600 DETACHD 3/19/2009
15535 VILLAGE DR $799,000 5 3 3,421 DETACHD 3/21/2009
17212 CHAPIN WAY $850,000 3 2.1 2,541 DETACHD 3/17/2009
2 GROUSE TER $989,000 4 3 4,446 DETACHD 3/17/2009
1149 LAKESHORE RD $1,295,000 4 2.1 2,606 DETACHD 3/20/2009
1005 COUNTRY CLUB RD $1,999,000 5 4 5,000 DETACHD 3/18/2009

PENDING SALES (March 16—March 22, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQFT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type List Date CDOM
4 TOUCHSTONE DR $137,500 3 2.1 1,351 CONDO 1/26/2009 52
15570 WALUGA DR $325,000 3 3 1,577 DETACHD 3/21/2009 265
16 PARTRIDGE LN $398,000 3 2.1 2,304 DETACHD 1/30/2009 48
1043 HALLINAN ST $399,900 4 2.1 2,484 DETACHD 9/3/2008 196
13222 DEERFIELD CT $649,000 4 2.1 3,022 DETACHD 1/22/2009 331
14133 AMBERWOOD CIR 750000 – 800000 4 2.1 3,200 DETACHD 6/12/2008 278
1667 VILLAGE PARK LN $899,900 6 3.1 4,743 DETACHD 2/18/2009 279
1961 SUMMIT DR $915,000 3 2.1 3,218 DETACHD 6/21/2008 268

SOLD (March 2—March 8, 2009)

ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address Orig Price Sale Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type List Date CDOM
6291 HARRINGTON AVE $249,900 $239,900 3 2 1,472 DETACHD 1/6/2009 10
4070 WESTBAY RD $350,000 $279,000 1 1 1,828 DETACHD 7/15/2008 0
17304 MARJORIE AVE $333,000 $317,125 3 1.1 1,340 DETACHD 2/3/2009 16
4 OTHELLO ST $434,900 $390,000 4 3 2,184 DETACHD 11/5/2008 111
1480 HEMLOCK ST $488,850 $410,000 4 3 2,246 DETACHD 3/24/2008 305
221 HIDALGO ST $419,500 $420,000 3 2.1 2,628 DETACHD 2/16/2009 13
178 PINE VALLEY RD $475,000 $455,000 5 3.1 2,999 DETACHD 2/12/2009 6
17454 CANAL (boat esmnt) CIR $789,900 $545,900 4 3 2,275 DETACHD 4/19/2008 261
1670 PINE ST $679,987 $579,900 4 3.1 3,286 DETACHD 11/5/2008 110

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. CDOM stands for cumulative days on market, which includes any re-listing and measures from the initial listing date.

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Lake Oswego Open Houses – Sunday, March 22, 2009

There are 15 properties to see on Sunday in Lake Oswego.  Enjoy!

Here are those that will be held open according to RMLS:

45 Oswego Summit         $139,900     1 Bd,    1 Ba       Open 1-3

47 Eagle Crest Dr #12    $139,900     2 Bd,    1 Ba      Open 1-4

11 Oswego Summit         $194,900     2 Bd,    2 Ba     Open 1-3

750 1st St  #23              $197,500     2 Bd,    2 Ba       Open 2-4

166 Oswego Summit      $229,900     2 Bd,    2  Ba      Open 1-3

197 Oswego Summit      $264,197      2 Bd,    2  Ba     Open 1-3

5096 SW Tree St            $334,900      3 Bd,    1 1/2 Ba   Open 2-5

5785 SW Carman Dr       $364,800    3 Bd,    1 1/2  Ba  Open 1-3

5675 Childs Rd               $419,000     2 Bd, 2 1/2  Ba  Open 1-4

1462 Worthington St     $424,000      4 Bd,     3 Ba        Open 3-5

1009 Cumberland Pl      $469,000      4 Bd,     3 Ba      Open 1-4

3254 Duncan Dr             $575,000      4 Bd   3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

17950 Ridge Lake Dr    $634,900        4 Bd   2 1/2 Ba  Open 12-2

18051 Kelok Rd             $899,000        5 Bd  3 1/2 Ba  Open 3:30-5:30     

17282 Lake Haven Dr  $1,349,950      4 Bd   2 1/2 Ba  Open 1-3

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It’s Spring Break! Where Teens Go in LO…

westend-bldgLake Oswego is known far & wide for its family-friendly environment and involved citizenry. The schools here are excellent, there are clubs and outlets for all kinds of interests, and of course a myriad of programs for kids of all ages.  I wanted to take a moment to highlight a terrific resource called the “McKenzie Lounge for Teens”.

bright-roomThe McKenzie Lounge is located in the West End Building at 4101 Kruse Way.  The Youth Action Council, YAC, and other generous donors have made sure that it is packed with the kinds of things teens find inviting, including: a pool table, foosball table, ping pong table, TV’s, couches, comfy chairs, bean bag chairs, video games, refreshments and plenty more.  It was designed specifically for teens by Janet Bocci, as well as YAC and parks and recreation staff members.

tablesAccording to the city’s website, drop-in hours are 6-9PM Monday thru Friday for all teens ages 12-18 who want to come and hang out with friends and/or meet new ones. After school it is open to Jr. High teens from 3-6PM for the After School Program. Since its inception in the Fall of 2007, it has hosted over 3,000 visitors, not including special events like Java Jam, LakeFest and others (figures as of November 2008).  The Lounge is also the magnet meeting place for all teen groups such as YAC, the JavaJam Planning Committee, The After School Activity Program (ASAP) and clubs from both high schools including Ping Pong Club and Reflections.

couches1The best thing about the McKenzie Lounge however, is that teens actually report enjoying it! For instance, during the election, the Lounge hosted a series of “Debate ’08” nights featuring the Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates, opportunities for lively discussion, as well as food and extra credits from social studies teachers. The debate series attendance reportedly totaled 115 students, drop-in attendance is reportedly growing by 25% every three months, and teens have been quoted as saying that the McKenzie Lounge ranks right up there with Taco Bell and the video game store as cool hang-out choices.

With Spring Break upon us, upcoming activities include March Madness games and March’s Java Jam featuring two musical guests and YAC’s “Project Runway” contest.

In addition to the ongoing happenings at McKenzie Lounge, Lake Oswego offers more fun teen activities this Spring Break including: Ski and Snowboard Camp at Timberline Ski Resort, Glow-In-The-Dark-Bowling, Rock Climbing and a Portland Lumberjacks field trip. Check out the city’s website (link above) for more information!

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Market Activity for March 9-15, 2009

Last week in Lake Oswego there were 16 new listings, 8 houses that went pending, and 2 closed sales.  A trend I have been watching appears to be continuing.  When I look at Days on the Market, it seems like houses are either selling very quickly or very slowly.  3 of the 7 pending sales went into escrow in a week or less of market time. 3 more sold within about 2 months.  The last two had extended market time of 236 and 426 days.  Of the closed sales, one sold in 4 days and one sold in 243 days.  I think this is reflective of changing attitudes of sellers.  People who listed their homes in late 2007 and early 2008 are being stubborn about accepting the decline in values that has occured and are either sitting on high prices or dropping prices in such away that they are behind the market trends.  Whereas sellers listing today, who are listening to their Realtor and pricing their homes at values that will meet market conditions, are realizing quick sales at or near their asking prices.   Buyers are smart.  They are watching the market and recognizing value when they see it.  Correct pricing is King.

NEWLY LISTED (March 9—March 15, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
4 TOUCHSTONE $159,900 3 2.1 1,350 ATTACHD 3/11/2009
4000 CARMAN DR $184,500 2 2 1,100 CONDO 3/9/2009
166 OSWEGO SMT $229,900 2 2 1,506 CONDO 3/13/2009
668 MCVEY AVE $260,000 3 1.1 985 CONDO 3/12/2009
140 TOUCHSTONE CT $339,900 3 2.1 1,964 ATTACHD 3/12/2009
4366 WOODSIDE CIR $349,000 3 2 1,762 ATTACHD 3/12/2009
16890 CORTEZ CT $349,000 4 3 2,016 DETACHD 3/13/2009
4420 GOLDEN LN $349,000 3 3.1 2,165 ATTACHD 3/10/2009
5402 CARMAN DR 369900 3 1 1,720 DETACHD 3/9/2009
45 TANGLEWOOD DR 399999 5 3.1 3,166 DETACHD 3/12/2009
1462 Worthington ST 424000 4 3 1,800 DETACHD 3/9/2009
2961 DELLWOOD DR 525000 3 3 2,476 DETACHD 3/14/2009
2550 SOUTHSHORE BLVD 550000 4 3.1 3,472 DETACHD 3/11/2009
1699 VILLAGE PARK LN 675000 3 2.2 2,936 DETACHD 3/9/2009
115 BERWICK RD 998000 4 3.1 4,000 DETACHD 3/13/2009
356 9TH ST 1199000 3 3.1 3,647 DETACHD 3/10/2009

PENDING SALES (March 9—March 15, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQFT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4 TOUCHSTONE $76,500 3 2.1 1,351 CONDO 7
127 OSWEGO SMT $184,900 2 2 1,212 CONDO 0
5487 TUALATA CT $259,000 3 2 1,200 DETACHD 236
790 BOCA RATAN DR $259,900 3 2 2,112 DETACHD 35
1140 HALLINAN CT $339,895 3 2 1,875 DETACHD 3
845 LAKE FOREST DR $399,000 3 1.1 1,359 DETACHD 68
662 9 th ST $975,000 5 3.1 4,108 DETACHD 63
14066 Goodall RD $1,629,000 4 3.1 4,220 DETACHD 426

SOLD (March 9—March 15, 2009)

ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM

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Address O/Price Close Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
16978 CANAL CIR $350,000 $350,000 3 2 1,962 DETACHD 4
22 HOTSPUR ST $799,000 $627,325 6 3.1 4,259 DETACHD 243

Criteria: Statistics given above are obtained from the Realtor’s Multiple Listing Service by searching condos, attached homes, manufactured homes and detached homes in the 97034 and the 97035 zip codes. DOM means Days on the Market and CDOM means Cumulative Days on the Market.

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Open Houses for Sunday, March 15th

According to the RMLS, there will be 21 houses held open in Lake Oswego this Sunday, including my listing at 4447 Golden Lane in Mt. Park.  It’s a very nice1600 square foot townhouse with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.  I’ll be there from 2 to 5 pm.  I’d love to have you come by.

44 Eagle Crest Dr, $129,900, 798 sq. ft., 1 BR, 1 BTH, open 1-3

4447 Golden Ln, $264,900, 1600 sq. ft., 2 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 2-5

5054 Foothills Dr, $278,500, 1312 sq. ft., 2 BR, 2 BTHS, open 1-3

1685 Mapleleaf Rd, $365,000, 1433 sq. ft., 3 BR, 2 BTHS, open 1-4

15 Masaryk St., $375,000-$399,000, 3680 sq. ft., 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open noon-3

5675 Childs Rd, $419,000, 1644 sq. ft., 2 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-4

2838 Greentree Rd, $429,950, 1781 sq. ft., 4 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-3

14431 Orchard Springs Rd, $439,900, 1960 sq. ft., 4 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 2-4

41 Hillshire Dr, $499,000, 2670 sq. ft., 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open 1:30-3:30

8 Walking Woods Dr, $499,900, 3402 sq. ft., 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open 1-4

5807 Ridgetop Ct, $519,900, 2660 sq. ft., 5 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-4

624 Livingood Ln, $559,000, 2596 sq. ft., 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open 1-3

3254 Duncan Dr, $575,000, 3997 sq. ft., 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 2-4

550 Middlecrest Rd, $749,900, 2240 sq. ft., 3 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open noon-2

15422 Boones Way, $879,000, 2586 sq. ft., 4 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-5

18051 Kelok Rd, $899,000, 3670 sq. ft., 5 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 11-1

3030 Westview Ct, $948,000, 3415 sq. ft., 4 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 2:30-4

18106 Pilkington Rd, $1,095,000, 3575 sq. ft., 4 BR, 4.5 BTHS, open 11-1

17600 Upper Cherry Ln, $1,163,000, 3867 sq. ft., 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 2-4

100 Girabaldi St, $1,199,000, 4669 sq. ft., 5 BR, 3 full + 2 half BTHS, open 1-4

785 7th St, $1, 290,000, 4043 sq. ft., 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 1-4

Have a great weekend!

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3.875% Fixed Rate Mortgages

banner-bankThere is currently in Lake Oswego a very large volume of new construction, “spec” homes that are for sale.  A spec house is a house built by a builder who does not yet have a buyer at the time it is built.  The idea is that they will be able to sell the house while it is being built or as soon after it is constructed as possible.  In a good real estate market it is pretty low risk and allows builders to make a good living.  But when the market is slow, like it is right now, it is extremely high risk and forces builders into bankruptcy and the unsold homes into foreclosure.    There is a local lender, Banner Bank, that is trying to do something about this problem.

What they are doing is offering 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages, at 3.875% (APR is 3.973%) to buyers who purchase one of the spec houses on which they are holding the construction loan.  They have over 250 houses that this applies to in Oregon and Southwest Washington, 46 of which are here in Lake Oswego.

These loans are made possible because Banner Bank has borrowed money from the US Government that is available as a result of the TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) money.  While I hate the fact that our country is in the mess that it is currently in, I am pleased to see that the government stimulus is finally trickling down to a tangible level.

The properties upon which these loans can be made here in Lake Oswego inlcude some very nice condominiums in First Addition, a great new neighborhood in Palisades, and quite a few luxury homes.  It really is an opportunity that will benefit people who are ready and able to buy right now.   While standard interest rates are currently hovering at right around 5%, getting an interest rate at 3.875% would have a direct impact on how much house you can afford to buy.  Here’s an example:  buying a $600,000 house, putting 20% down, and getting a standard loan at 5%, would give you a house payment of $2576 (principle and interest).  Using the same scenario, but using the 3.875% interest rate, that same home would now have a payment of $2,257.  The savings in over $300 per month.

This program is available in amounts up to $1,000,000 with no increase in rate for a jumbo mortgage.  A jumbo mortgage in standard lending is a loan amount that is greater than $417,000 and can have interest rates that are substantially higher than rates for homes that are under $417,000.  So the savings becomes even greater if the loan is in the jumbo category.

Buyers do need to qualify for these mortgages with verifiable income and sound credit.  If a buyer has less than 20% to put down, there are additional options for them that involve a slightly higher interest rate of 4.875%.

It is also important to know that this program is currently being offered with a deadline of March 22nd.  The program exists because Banner Bank wants to get these houses sold and they want them sold now.

If you would like additional information about this program, please visit the Banner Bank website by clicking here.  If you would like addtional information about the homes that are for sale and that are offering this financing, please contact either Linda or myself, and we would be happy to send you a list of properties.

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Market Activity Update – March 2nd – 8th, 2009

Lake Oswego saw 13 new properties hit the market last week (these are properties that are brand new on the market -or- have been off the market for a minimum of 30 days). There were actually 27 properties showing “new” on RMLS in Lake Oswego and as you can see, only 13 of them were truly new listings. We had 3 go pending, and 4 that closed.

There are all told, 300 residential properties for sale in Lake Owego on RMLS right now ranging from $76,500. to $19,500,000.

Now that we are into Daylight Savings Time, and are seeing the first hints that Spring is on the way, market activity typically begins to increase.  There are many reasons for this, but the beautiful flowering of trees and gardens we’ll see shortly, teasers of sunny stretches (that make us think it is Summer already!), and of course the perception of longer days are not to be underestimated… I call these “human factors”.  But then, all home buying and selling is based on human factors. Speaking of which…  Is there a change you have been wanting to make in your life through buying and/or selling a home?  If so, we would of course be happy to serve you in making your dreams a reality.  Feel free to call or email anytime…  We love hearing from our local and out-of-state readers, and enjoy meeting you and getting you settled in Lake Oswego!

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

NEWLY LISTED (March 2—March 8, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type List Date
44 EAGLE CREST DR $124,950 1 1 798 CONDO 3/4/2009
86 KINGSGATE RD $161,000 2 2 840 CONDO 3/2/2009
48 EAGLE CREST DR $208,000 2 2 1,489 CONDO 3/8/2009
197 OSWEGO SMT $264,197 2 2 1,383 CONDO 3/3/2009
605 Ash ST $279,900 3 2 1,528 DETACHD 3/4/2009
2001 BONNIEBRAE DR $299,000 3 2.1 1,819 ATTACHD 3/2/2009
1140 HALLINAN CT $339,895 3 2 1,875 DETACHD 3/8/2009
5785 SW CARMAN DR $364,800 3 1.1 1,934 DETACHD 3/4/2009
907 BULLOCK ST $369,950 4 2 2,020 DETACHD 3/4/2009
5675 CHILDS RD $419,000 2 2.1 1,644 DETACHD 3/5/2009
2838 GREENTREE RD $429,950 4 2.1 1,781 DETACHD 3/3/2009
550 MIDDLECREST RD $749,900 3 2.1 2,240 DETACHD 3/4/2009
100 3RD ST $2,495,000 3 3.1 3,600 DETACHD 3/2/2009

PENDING SALES (March 2—March 8, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQFT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type CDOM
5063 FOOTHILLS DR $230,000 2 2 991 CONDO 8
3190 DUNCAN DR $289,900 3 2.1 2,401 DETACHD 80
1265 ROCKINGHORSE LN $444,000 4 3 2,402 DETACHD 237

SOLD (March 2—March 8, 2009)

ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type CDOM
136 OSWEGO SMT $142,000 $140,000 1 1 764 CONDO 10
3433 MCNARY PARKWAY $189,900 $167,000 2 2.1 1,208 CONDO 105
95 KINGSGATE RD $325,000 $314,500 3 2.1 1,669 DETACHD 51
353 ASH ST $409,900 $409,000 3 3.1 2,765 DETACHD 96

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. CDOM stands for cumulative days on market, which includes any re-listing and measures from the initial listing date.

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Lake Oswego Open Houses – Sunday March 8th, 2009

There are 11 properties to see on Sunday in Lake Oswego.  Enjoy!

Here are those that will be held open according to RMLS:

44 Eagle Crest Dr             $129,900     1 Bd,    1 Ba       Open 1-3

3311 Fir Ridge Rd             $459,000     3 Bd,    2 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

3 Cellini Ct                        $465,000     4 Bd,   2  1/2 Ba Open 12-3

624 Livingood Ln              $559,000     4 Bd,    3 Ba       Open 1:30- 3:30

3254 Duncan Dr               $575,000     4 Bd,    3 1/2  Ba Open 2-4

17960 Ridge Lake Dr       $634,900      4 Bd,    2 1/2  Ba Open 1-3

13222  Deerfield Ct         $649,000      4 Bd,    2 1/2 Ba   Open 1-3

5267 Lakeview Blvd         $750,000     4 Bd,    3 1/2  Ba  Open 11-1

14133 Amberwood Cir $750,000-800,000  4 Bd, 2 1/2  Ba  Open 1-4

14067 Goodall Rd        $1,149,000      4 Bd,     3 1/2 Ba    Open 12-4

100 Garibaldi               $1,199,000      5 Bd,   3 & 2 1/2 Ba  Open 2-4

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Real Estate “No No’s”

nono1A while back Dianne wrote a post on the Realtors Code of Ethics.  I loved that post because I don’t think most people are aware of all the standards to which Realtors are held.  It really is great to be in a profession where we are mandated to treat each other and the general public with respect. That mandate then becomes a part of our culture. I notice it in the conversations I have with other Realtors.  There definitely is a flavor of deliberate respect that is not always the experience for most of us in the day-to-day “non-real estate”  wider world of affairs.

I read something in the recent REALTOR magazine published by the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors (PMAR), and written by Jo Becker of the Fair Housing Council of Oregon on subject matter along the same lines that made me think you’d find it interesting. This is regarding words Realtors may and may not use in promoting properties, and the overall guidelines of the Fair Housing Act.

HUD is the federal regulatory body with the power to enforce the Fair Housing Act.  Generally speaking, the Fair Housing Act is in place to ensure that discrimination and something called “steering”, among other things, do not inhibit peoples’ right to live wherever the heck they want and are qualified to. It is also set up to ensure that the public receives information about housing that is fair and as free as possible of inaccurate and/or unduly influencing or discriminatory language.  “Steering” is essentially trying to influence buyers to live in, or not live in, certain areas based on something other than the buyers’ own parameters for what they want in a new home & neighborhood.  Basically, a Realtor is to supply a buyer with options for potential homes based on the information a buyer supplies to the Realtor regarding their wants & needs.  A Realtor will often refer a buyer in the overall Portland area to this website:   www.PortlandMaps.com where the buyer can enter the address of any property and view all kinds of facts on a property including statistical, demographic and crime information. Buyers are ultimately choosing a home that fits their particular needs, and Realtors are there to assist with service, information and real estate expertise.

The Fair Housing Council of Oregon’s website states plainly:

The Fair Housing Council of Oregon (FHCO) is a civil rights organization with a mission of eliminating housing discrimination through enforcement and education across Oregon and southwest Washington.

We promote equal access to housing by providing education, outreach, technical assistance, and enforcement opportunities specifically related to federal, state, and local fair housing laws. These laws protect against illegal housing discrimination based on “protected class status.”

The federally protected classes are:
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability

There are additional state and local protected classes.

When a Realtor enters listing information into RMLS, it is scanned for potential “no no’s” that are most always either unintentional or erroneous, i.e., as the article I mention elaborates- the RMLS program may highlight the word “white” for the Realtor’s attention when it is only being used as a description for a picket fence etc.  A real human at RMLS who understands context always reviews these issues, according to the article. There is no “list” of unnacceptable words as many people believe.  It’s all about intention, and about upholding our highest societal values… as well as the law.  Some terms can seem to be either benign or on the edge but for their context, for instance, the term “Walk-In Closet” is commonly understood to describe a well-known feature in many homes.  As long as the Realtor is not trying to imply a limit on access to someone who is not ambulatory this term is not a problem. “View Property” falls into the same category as long as no one is limiting access to the “view property” to sighted individuals only. The same goes for “Mother-In-Law Suite” and “Bachelor Apartment” according to the article. Where it can become trickier is with words like “near”.  Often a house will be described as “Near shopping, transit” etc., which is OK.  What is not OK, due to implications that certain people may or may not be welcome in that neighborhood, are things like: “Near ABC Mosque” or “Close to the XYZ Church” or “Near the LMN Jewish Community Center”.  It is also not considered proper to refer to specific schools due to the potential for using this technique to promote some schools over others for the same kinds of reasons. It is generally considered all right to refer to school districts as long as this is done consistently throughout a Realtor’s listings.

The article refers to a few blatantly illegal and discriminatory statements that have evidently actually been published on a popular local online service. These are obviously examples of absolute “no no’s” and you will not see these or anything like them on RMLS:

  • “No minorities”,
  • “African Americans and Arabians tend to clash with me so that won’t work out”,
  • “Ladies, please rent from me”,
  • “Requirements: Clean, Godly Christian Male”,
  • “Will allow only single occupancy”,
  • “No children”,
  • “Christians only”.

These are all clear violations of the Fair Housing Act.  Fair Housing Act laws apply in newspapers, flyers, yard signs, verbal statements, and online advertising among other instances & places.

For questions about Fair Housing Laws visit:   www.FHCO.org

or call:   503 223 8197   or   1-800 424 3247.

Posted on

Market Activity for February 23-March 1, 2009

Linda and I work very hard to have our weekly market activity reports posted on Mondays. Yesterday was full of computer challenges and created a delay. So you are getting the report on Tuesday. Thanks for your patience.

Lake Oswego had 16 New Listings, 9 Pending Sales, and 9 Closed Sales:

NEWLY LISTED (February 23—March 1, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
Address List Price #BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
5063 FOOTHILLS DR $230,000 2 2 991 CONDO 2/23/2009
15010 TWIN FIR RD $294,900 8 4 3,526 DETACHD 2/25/2009
13805 REGENCY CT $419,000 4 2.1 2,045 DETACHD 2/27/2009
16026 PARKER RD $425,000 3 1 1,670 DETACHD 3/1/2009
3311 FIR RIDGE RD $459,000 3 2.1 2,112 DETACHD 2/25/2009
20 NORTHVIEW CT $499,999 3 3.1 2,827 ATTACHD 2/26/2009
2084 RIDGEWOOD RD $519,900 3 2.1 2,117 DETACHD 2/28/2009
12836 SIERRA VISTA DR $529,000 3 2.1 2,166 DETACHD 2/26/2009
3140 ROSEMARY LN 619000 4 2.1 3,000 DETACHD 2/27/2009
17675 CARDINAL DR 699000 3 3 3,458 DETACHD 2/23/2009
17751 MARYLCREEK DR 719000 4 3 3,505 DETACHD 2/23/2009
5868 SUNCREEK DR 749900 4 2.1 3,174 DETACHD 2/23/2009
4114 CASEY CT 949000 4 2.1 3,405 DETACHD 2/27/2009
1176 TROON RD 985000 3 2 3,022 DETACHD 2/23/2009
3203 Southshore BLVD 1299900 4 3.1 3,773 DETACHD 2/23/2009
17147 OLD RIVER DR 2795000 5 4.2 5,961 DETACHD 2/25/2009

PENDING SALES (February 23—March 1, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price #BR #BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4640 LOWER DR $115,000 2 1.1 1,170 CONDO 572
4 TOUCHSTONE DR $159,500 3 2.1 1,351 CONDO 45
2800 WEMBLEY PARK RD $374,500 3 2 1,575 DETACHD 10
1228 HALLINAN CIR $389,000 4 2 1,932 DETACHD 7
4 OTHELLO ST $399,900 4 3 2,184 DETACHD 111
221 HIDALGO ST $419,500 3 2.1 2,628 DETACHD 54
16919 LAKERIDGE DR $449,900 5 3 2,710 DETACHD 189
762 3RD ST $650,000 3 2.1 2,710 DETACHD 198
1670 PINE ST 679987 4 3.1 3,286 DETACHD 565

SOLD (February 23—March 1, 2009)

ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address O/Price Close Price #BR #BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
44 EAGLE CREST DR $114,950 $114,950 1 1 798 CONDO 7
86 KINGSGATE RD $145,000 $145,000 2 2 938 CONDO 31
15848 PARKER RD $187,500 $177,000 3 2 1,318 DETACHD 17
1400 PARRISH ST $299,999 $290,000 3 2.1 1,880 CONDO 143
6067 CLAIRMONT CT $529,000 $510,000 4 2.1 2,344 DETACHD 11
5624 SOUTHWOOD DR $740,000 $525,000 4 3 3,120 DETACHD 514
5299 WESTFIELD CT $799,900 $555,000 3 2.1 2,865 DETACHD 156
17561 SHEPHERDS CT $765,900 $589,000 4 2.1 3,011 DETACHD 347
5406 LANGFORD LN 795000 795000 3 2.1 3,341 DETACHD 0

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.