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Musings on Pricing Your Home

Many wonder how to price their home in our current market.With the twists and turns the market has been making, many believe that special tactics are needed to secure the amount of money they desire from the sale of their home. Two stick out in my mind. Simply put, they are “over-pricing” and “under-pricing”.

I have seen everything from what seems like extreme overpricing ($100,000 or more above what seems like a reasonable asking price) to modest positioning above apparent market value.

The truth is that this can be a successful pricing method if used conservatively… that is: determine the reasonable asking price for your home, and then price slightly above in the expectation of creating negotiation room. I do have to say however, that in the current market climate, even moderate overpricing can be a tricky and dangerous route if you would like to sell, instead of watch your property sit. The longer a property stays on the market, the more you risk losing momentum and appeal. There is a quote from Tom Ferry, a well-known real estate authority that says it all- “The most important decision we’ll make is around price. We have two choices: The Seller price and the Sold price. Which one is higher? …The Seller price.” The dangers of overpricing include:

  • Attracts “lookers”, not legitimate Buyers,
  • Implies that you are not motivated to sell,
  • Reduces the number of showings,
  • Helps the competition, and
  • Invites potential appraisal problems.

The other method, under-pricing, is an effective technique in many cases. This technique does not need to be used extravagantly either… a little can do the trick. It can stimulate interest right off the bat. Instead of your property being one of many that are priced comparably with their property “kin”, yours creates excitement as in “Honey, look at this one… This looks like a really good deal!” When used effectively, this tactic can even trigger bidding wars. I’ve represented at least one Buyer recently where this technique was apparently being employed by two Sellers of properties my client wanted to pursue. We secured the home in the second offer (phew!) but negotiated through two competitive offer situations in one week to accomplish that! (Yes… in this market.)

Note that several factors affecting the appeal of your property are not in your Realtor’s control… Your Realtor cannot control: location, property condition, market conditions, timing… or price. Your Realtor can control marketing, exposure, and the advice they give you. I often remark to my clients that pricing is really not so mysterious, and more a matter of just looking at the facts- We survey comparable properties and what they have SOLD for… then make a decision as to how the subject property measures up, and price accordingly. Most importantly, remember that the ASKING price is your decision, whereas the SOLD price is ultimately the Buyer’s decision, and is what really determines ‘market value’. That said, though a Buyer may offer less than you wish (or they may not!) it is still your decision as to whether you will accept an offer, negotiate, or simply refuse. Listen to your Realtor and then make a decision based on the data presented by him or her. They want to help you sell!

As much as you would like them to, the following conditions do NOT affect your home’s market value/price:

  • The profit you wish to make from the sale,
  • The amount of money you’ve spent on improvements,
  • What friends and trusted associates have told you it is worth, and
  • What you originally paid for the home.

So, bottom line, the price you decide upon should be based on related SOLD data, and then tempered to your home’s specifics, and your desired timetable. Summer is here and homes are selling! Enjoy the ride, and accomplish those changes you want in your life through the sale of your home. Pricing appropriately can really help speed you to your goal.

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Lake Oswego Real Estate Market Activity – July 21, 2008

On VacationWe’d like to post the Lake Oswego real estate market results for the past week, but our highly skilled, but woefully underpaid database guru is on vacation. He apparently will not be publishing Open House information this week, either.

Perhaps his participation and input will be more appreciated during this absence, and he can get paid in something more than Mountain Dew and pizza when he returns.

In the meantime, please return next Monday for a two-week recap. If you have any questions in the interim, give either Dianne or Linda a note or call.

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Lake Oswego in Bloom

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

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

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

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

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

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Lake Oswego Real Estate Market Activity – July 7-13, 2008

A modest number (16) of pending and closed sales made the list in the first part of July, while 47 new listings became available last week. Hopefully, this 3-to-1 ratio will not become a trend.

Remember, Linda, Dianne and Ron are actively engaged in the Lake Oswego real estate market and can provide market analyses for comparable properties if you’re considering a home sale, or, if a homebuyer, give you additional information about what is available in any of Lake Oswego’s delightful neighborhoods. Simply contact us by email.

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

NEWLY LISTED (JULY 7 – JULY 13, 2008)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
4 TOUCHSTONE
$124,900
2
2
984
CONDO
7/11
44 EAGLE CREST DR
$149,500
1
1
798
CONDO
7/11
42 CERVANTES CIR
$167,500
2
1.1
912
ATTACHD
7/10
210 S STATE ST
$279,900
2
1
1,284
CONDO
7/10
4724 SW FIRWOOD RD
$299,900
3
1.1
1,240
DETACHD
7/6
4454 THUNDER VISTA LN
$315,000
3
2.1
2,040
CONDO
7/7
19010 LONGFELLOW AVE
$329,900
3
1
1,732
DETACHD
7/9
16428 SW BONAIRE AVE
$339,900
3
1
1,240
DETACHD
7/6
82 GREENRIDGE CT
$349,900
3
2.1
2,868
ATTACHD
7/10
4211 WOODSIDE CIR
$350,000
3
2
1,688
CONDO
7/7
4291 DOUGLAS WAY
$359,900
3
2
1,365
DETACHD
7/6
4231 FRUITWOOD CT
$369,000
3
2.1
2,070
DETACHD
7/10
915 OAK TER
$395,000
3
1
1,082
DETACHD
7/10
17239 REBECCA LN
$399,900
4
2.1
1,970
DETACHD
7/7
4451 BERNARD ST
$429,900
3
2
1,800
DETACHD
7/9
2600 BREE CT
$445,000
4
2.1
2,895
DETACHD
7/9
1210 WELLS ST
$450,000
5
3.1
4,494
DETACHD
7/6
5207 COVENTRY CT
$465,000
3
2
1,973
DETACHD
7/10
5670 SW CHILDS RD
$479,000
4
2.1
2,298
DETACHD
7/6
18502 BRYANT RD
$479,900
4
2
1,798
DETACHD
7/7
1265 ROCKINGHORSE LN
$499,900
4
3
2,402
DETACHD
7/9
510 5TH ST
$499,999
2
2.1
1,517
ATTACHD
7/9
600 MAPLE ST
$529,000
4
2.1
2,422
DETACHD
7/7
3815 Southshore BLVD
$539,000
4
2
2,638
DETACHD
7/6
13036 SIERRA CT
$539,000
3
2
2,096
DETACHD
7/10
1921 GLENMORRIE LN
$550,000
3
3
2,395
DETACHD
7/6
1448 GREENTREE CIR
$578,900
4
2.1
2,587
DETACHD
7/11
3355 UPPER DR
$595,000
4
2
3,205
DETACHD
7/6
20 WALKING WOODS DR
$599,000
5
3
3,144
DETACHD
7/6
12 YORICK ST
$659,000
4
3.1
2,846
DETACHD
7/11
28 INDEPENDENCE AVE
$669,900
3
3
3,840
DETACHD
7/9
17348 HUNTER CT
$674,900
3
2.1
2,991
DETACHD
7/8
17850 SW PILKINGTON RD
$689,000
3
2.1
3,222
DETACHD
7/9
3723 ELEANOR CT
$749,000
4
2.1
2,736
DETACHD
7/8
540 NORTHSHORE RD
$847,000
4
3
2,486
DETACHD
7/9
2357 HILLSIDE LN
$849,900
5
3
4,162
DETACHD
7/7
5795 Dogwood DR
$919,000
4
2.1
3,305
DETACHD
7/6
0 Kimball ST
$989,000
3
3.1
2,904
DETACHD
7/9
1835 CEDAR CT
$995,000
3
3.1
3,165
DETACHD
7/6
4311 HAVEN ST
$999,950
5
4
3,816
DETACHD
7/10
17370 CANYON DR
$1,024,000
4
3.1
3,408
DETACHD
7/9
920 OAK TER
$1,049,950
4
2.1
3,467
DETACHD
7/9
18051 KELOK RD
$1,150,000
5
3.1
3,670
DETACHD
7/8
1776 OAK ST
$1,187,500
4
3.1
4,012
DETACHD
7/7
14480 KRUSE OAKS BLVD
$1,425,000
4
3.1
4,772
DETACHD
7/9
1913 CHERYL CT
$1,549,900
4
4.1
5,791
DETACHD
7/12
907 TERRACE DR
$2,600,000
6
4.3
6,919
DETACHD
7/6

PENDING SALES (JULY 7 – JULY 13, 2008)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
9 EAGLE CREST DR
$299,000
2
2
1,492
DETACHD
352
16015 SW WALUGA DR
$365,000
4
2
2,010
DETACHD
112
18833 SW INDIAN CREEK AVE
$419,900
4
2.1
2,265
DETACHD
95
791 2ND ST
$429,000
2
1
1,032
DETACHD
148
5657 GRAND OAKS DR
$584,900
3
2.1
2,888
DETACHD
57
17706 MARYLBROOK DR
$699,900
3
2.2
2,977
DETACHD
88
827 8th AVE
$949,000
5
3.1
3,852
DETACHD
307
17385 WALL ST
$950,000
4
3
3,665
DETACHD
106
1725 EDGECLIFF TER
$1,990,000
3
3.5
5,386
DETACHD
361

SOLD (JUNE 30 – JULY 6, 2008)

ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
44 EAGLE CREST DR
$149,500
$151,500
2
1
908
CONDO
4
45 EAGLE CREST DR
$163,333
$167,500
1
1
768
CONDO
18
12542 SW 27TH PL
$558,000
$434,000
4
3
2,270
DETACHD
366
1602 GREENTREE RD
$530,000
$444,000
3
2
1,708
DETACHD
97
5746 CHARLES CIR
$649,000
$585,000
4
2.1
2,737
DETACHD
59
12821 SIERRA VISTA DR
$775,000
$635,000
5
3.1
3,329
DETACHD
66
2005 RIDGEWOOD LN
$799,900
$725,000
4
3
2,380
DETACHD
285

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

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

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Lake Oswego Open Houses – July 12-3, 2008

The July 4th weekend meant a break from open houses (in any meaningful amount, anyway). Tours are back in force this week though.

Here’s the list of Lake Oswego opens for Saturday and Sunday:

Date Time Address
List Price
Bdrms
Baths
Total SF
7/13/08 11:00-2:00pm 4000 CARMAN DR
$155,000
1
1
767
7/13/08 1:00-4:00 pm 98 OSWEGO SMT
$195,000
2
2
1,140
7/13/08 12-3pm 132 OSWEGO SMT
$235,500
2
2
1,140
7/13/08 2-4pm 750 1ST ST
$239,000
2
2
1,350
7/13/08 2PM – 4PM 750 1ST Street, No. 23
$264,500
2
2
1,350
7/13/08 2:00 – 4:00 8 BRITTEN CT
$265,000
2
2
1,175
7/13/08 12-3pm 4458 THUNDER VISTA LN
$334,500
3
2.1
2,200
7/13/08 1:00 – 4:00 4291 DOUGLAS WAY
$359,900
3
2
1,365
7/13/08 1:00-3:00 pm 19250 SW MAREE CT
$385,000
3
2.1
1,519
7/13/08 2-4pm 1210 WELLS ST
$450,000
5
3.1
4,494
7/13/08 2-4pm 5207 COVENTRY CT
$465,000
3
2
1,973
7/13/08 1pm-4pm 1716 HALLINAN ST
$489,000
3
3
1,916
7/13/08 12-2pm 20 El Greco
$499,000
4
3
2,425
7/13/08 1-3pm 1123 ERICKSON ST
$534,900
4
3
2,893
7/13/08 12-2 pm 1041 OXFORD DR
$535,000
4
3.1
2,712
7/13/08 2-4pm 3 MASARYK ST
$540,000
4
3
4,283
7/13/08 1-3pm 2584 PARK RD
$599,999
4
2
2,302
7/13/08 1:00-3:00 pm 2650 LOOKOUT CT
$639,900
4
3.1
3,480
7/13/08 1:30-3:30 41 HILLSHIRE DR
$640,900
4
3
2,670
7/13/08 2-4pm 1141 TROON RD
$747,500
4
3
2,522
7/12/08 1:00-3:00 pm 2704 ORCHARD HILL LN
$749,900
5
3
3,207
7/13/08 3-5pm 5441 DENTON DR
$799,500
4
2.1
3,335
7/13/08 1pm-4pm 2317 STONEHURST CT
$915,900
4
2.1
4,455
7/13/08 1:00-3:00 pm 412 8TH ST
$920,000
3
2.1
2,519
7/13/08 1-4pm 17433 BROOKHURST DR
$925,000
5
4.1
4,002
7/13/08 12-3pm 1606 BAY VIEW LN
$999,950
5
3.1
4,288
7/13/08 1PM-4PM 920 OAK TER
$1,049,950
4
2.1
3,467
7/13/08 1PM – 4PM 950 OAK TER
$1,159,950
4
2.1
3,714
7/13/08 1:00-3:00 pm 17464 RIDGEVIEW LN
$1,298,950
4
3.1
4,407
7/13/08 1:00-3:00 pm 622 OAK MEADOW DR
$1,325,000
4
3.1
4,171
7/13/08 1:00-3:00 pm 664 OAK MEADOW DR
$1,355,000
4
3.1
4,198
7/13/08 1:00-3:00 pm 17538 BROOKHURST DR
$1,450,000
4
5.1
5,451
7/13/08 1:00-3:00 pm 17433 RIDGEVIEW LN
$1,495,000
4
4.1
4,704
7/13/08 1-4pm 17951 MEADOWLARK LN
$1,599,000
4
3.2
5,065
7/13/08 3:30-5:30 13200 SW THOMA RD
$2,950,000
5
5.2
7,648

Please note, dates and times are subject to change without notice. This list may not contain ALL open houses in the city, but represent those that agents have publicized in the multiple listing service as of Friday afternoon. If links to ACTIVE properties do not bring up property information, the listing may no longer be active, but rather expired, cancelled, pending, or sold.

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Lake Oswego Real Estate Activity – June 30-July 6, 2008

The month-end brings on increased activity and June was no exception–in new listings, and a healthy number of sales pending and closed sales.

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

NEWLY LISTED (JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2008)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
4000 CARMAN DR
$155,000
1
1
767
CONDO
6/29
86 KINGSGATE RD
$179,900
2
2
924
CONDO
7/5
3101 MCNARY PKWY
$264,700
3
2.1
1,992
ATTACHD
6/30
8 BRITTEN CT
$265,000
2
2
1,175
ATTACHD
6/29
5054 FOOTHILLS DR
$298,000
2
2
1,312
CONDO
6/30
15930 SW WALUGA DR
$349,000
3
1.1
1,040
DETACHD
6/30
16446 SW INVERURIE RD
$349,900
3
1
2,100
DETACHD
6/29
819 BOCA RATAN DR
$410,000
3
3
3,512
DETACHD
7/3
18978 SW INDIAN SPRINGS CIR
$424,900
3
2
1,900
DETACHD
7/2
14360 UPLANDS DR
$475,000
4
2.1
2,943
DETACHD
6/29
705 ELLIS AVE
$499,000
3
2.1
1,872
DETACHD
6/30
1600 WOODLAND TER
$539,000
3
2
1,993
DETACHD
6/29
17518 REDFERN AVE
$549,000
3
2
1,831
DETACHD
7/3
760 TIMBERLINE DR
$569,000
5
3
3,058
DETACHD
6/29
2584 PARK RD
$599,999
4
2
2,302
DETACHD
7/2
2958 DELLWOOD DR
$624,900
4
3
3,272
DETACHD
6/29
41 HILLSHIRE DR
$640,900
4
3
2,670
DETACHD
7/1
1141 TROON RD
$747,500
4
3
2,522
DETACHD
7/1
17821 HILLSIDE WAY
$749,900
4
3.1
3,480
DETACHD
7/2
3211 ALBER SPRING CT
$759,000
4
2.1
2,993
DETACHD
7/3
18345 HEATHER ANN CT
$799,000
4
2.1
3,224
DETACHD
6/29
5441 DENTON DR
$799,500
4
2.1
3,335
DETACHD
7/2
19177 35TH PL
$799,900
4
2.1
3,459
DETACHD
7/1
1100 UPPER DEVON LN
$889,000
4
3.1
3,672
DETACHD
7/1
4045 PFEIFER CT
$899,000
4
3.1
3,887
DETACHD
6/29
3220 SOUTHSHORE BLVD
$995,000
3
4
3,629
DETACHD
6/29
1606 BAY VIEW LN
$999,950
5
3.1
4,288
DETACHD
7/1
14380 TRILLIUM CT
$1,049,000
5
3
3,833
DETACHD
6/29
4378 Albert CIR
$1,062,500
4
3
3,734
DETACHD
7/2
9th ST
$1,100,000
5
3.1
4,108
DETACHD
6/30
4625 FIRWOOD RD
$1,189,000
3
3
4,976
DETACHD
6/29
17512 GREENBLUFF DR
$1,225,000
3
3.1
2,977
DETACHD
6/30
17512 GREENBLUFF DR
$1,425,000
4
4
3,777
DETACHD
6/30
17388 CEDAR RD
$1,495,000
2
1
2,134
DETACHD
6/30
16840 ALDER CIR
$1,595,000
4
2.1
3,563
DETACHD
7/2
17555 UPPER CHERRY LN
$1,599,999
5
3
5,921
DETACHD
6/29
17512 GREENBLUFF DR
$1,850,000
4
2.1
5,042
DETACHD
6/30
4398 LAKEVIEW BLVD
$1,895,000
4
2.2
3,309
DETACHD
6/29

PENDING SALES (JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2008)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
4398 LAKEVIEW BLVD
$1,895,000
4
2.2
3,309
DETACHD
6/29
1764 CONIFER TER
$319,000
2
1
1,200
DETACHD
21
5057 FOOTHILLS DR
$325,000
2
2
1,312
CONDO
23
2760 OVERLOOK DR
$389,900
4
2.1
2,441
DETACHD
53
4662 CARMAN DR
$400,000
5
1.1
1,754
DETACHD
0
16036 WHITE OAKS DR
$469,000
4
2.1
2,137
DETACHD
13
17 ABELARD ST
$499,800
3
2
2,070
DETACHD
131
12724 ALTO PARK RD
$550,000
3
2
1,820
DETACHD
162
547 MIDDLECREST RD
$799,500
2
2.1
1,881
DETACHD
90
2080 RIDGE POINTE DR
$1,150,000
5
4
4,587
DETACHD
74
13701 SW KNAUS RD
$1,199,000
5
4.1
5,730
DETACHD
118
4464 LAKEVIEW BLVD
$1,975,000
4
4.1
3,612
DETACHD
38
4233 SOUTHSHORE BLVD
$2,500,000
3
3
3,100
DETACHD
9

SOLD (JUNE 23 – JUNE 29, 2008)

ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
1024 GANS RD
$360,000
$340,000
4
2
1,560
DETACHD
8
4952 PARKHILL ST
$579,950
$437,000
3
3
3,274
DETACHD
101
6187 FROST LN
$475,000
$456,000
3
2.1
2,107
DETACHD
73
5400 BAY CREEK DR
$695,000
$579,500
3
2.1
2,856
DETACHD
176
1443 Country Commons LN
$799,500
$760,000
3
2.5
3,357
DETACHD
2
3315 CEDAR CT
$889,500
$780,000
4
3.1
3,739
DETACHD
67
2601 DELLWOOD DR
$950,000
$805,000
4
3.1
4,277
DETACHD
299
1630 COUNTRY COMMONS
$1,184,000
$953,000
4
2.1
3,776
DETACHD
29
4136 CASEY CT.
$1,095,000
$975,000
5
3.1
3,998
DETACHD
394
701 OAK MEADOW CT
$1,175,000
$990,000
5
3.1
4,055
DETACHD
230
2430 SUMMIT CT
$1,400,000
$1,160,000
2
2
2,911
DETACHD
658
1501 COUNTRY CLUB RD
$1,895,000
$1,249,000
4
4
4,687
DETACHD
114
16871 SW GREENBRIAR RD
$2,695,000
$2,450,000
5
4.1
6,050
DETACHD
2

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

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

Posted on

Happy 4th of July!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on

Lake Oswego Real Estate Market Activity – June 22-29, 2008

This week’s new inventory of 39 properties includes 6 new townhomes near Pilkington & Lakeview. Pending and closed sales total 17.

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

NEWLY LISTED (JUNE 23-29, 2008)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
98 OSWEGO SMT
$195,000
2
2
1,140
CONDO
6/26
3844 Botticelli ST
$259,900
2
1.1
1,129
CONDO
6/22
200 BURNHAM RD
$268,850
2
2
1,311
CONDO
6/23
4861 SW LAMONT WAY
$374,900
3
2
1,536
DETACHD
6/26
1924 MAPLELEAF RD
$398,500
4
2
2,040
DETACHD
6/26
4160 CHAPMAN WAY
$399,900
3
2
1,545
DETACHD
6/24
243 D AVE
$410,000
3
1
1,080
DETACHD
6/25
1694 FIRCREST CT
$418,500
3
2.1
2,690
DETACHD
6/22
3269 PHYLLIS CT
$425,000
3
1.2
1,818
DETACHD
6/24
17071 BRYANT RD
$435,000
3
2
1,070
DETACHD
6/23
14371 HOLLY SPRINGS RD
$439,900
4
2.1
1,939
DETACHD
6/22
17101 CHAPIN WAY
$479,000
3
2
1,949
DETACHD
6/27
5456 Willow Court
$486,000
3
2.1
2,400
ATTACHD
6/22
5434 Willow Court
$489,000
3
2.1
2,400
ATTACHD
6/22
1716 HALLINAN ST
$489,000
3
3
1,916
DETACHD
6/25
5453 Willow Court
$495,000
3
2.1
2,400
ATTACHD
6/22
5431 Willow Court
$495,000
3
2.1
2,400
ATTACHD
6/22
5497 Willow Court
$499,000
3
2.1
2,438
ATTACHD
6/22
5475 Willow Court
$509,000
3
2.1
2,438
ATTACHD
6/22
960 9TH ST
$515,000
3
1
1,429
DETACHD
6/23
16913 CANAL CIR
$525,000
3
1.1
2,525
DETACHD
6/22
1041 OXFORD DR
$535,000
4
3.1
2,712
DETACHD
6/25
310 DURHAM ST
$549,000
3
2.1
1,940
ATTACHD
6/24
17140 WALL ST
$564,900
4
3
3,711
DETACHD
6/27
13217 FOX RUN
$610,000
4
3
2,706
DETACHD
6/22
5415 BAY CREEK DR
$619,900
3
2.1
2,827
DETACHD
6/25
14167 TAYLORS CREST LN
$648,900
3
2.1
3,675
DETACHD
6/25
4691 CHELSEA LN
$649,500
4
2.1
3,102
DETACHD
6/25
5869 RIDGETOP CT
$649,900
4
2.1
3,080
DETACHD
6/23
13888 SHIREVA DR
$665,000
5
3
3,832
DETACHD
6/22
17555 BROOKHURST DR
$879,800
4
3.1
4,000
DETACHD
6/25
412 8TH ST
$920,000
3
2.1
2,519
DETACHD
6/22
12840 SW ALTO PARK RD
$1,197,500
3
2.1
3,104
DETACHD
6/22
16359 CHAPIN WAY
$1,429,000
4
3.5
4,158
DETACHD
6/26
1415 CHANDLER RD
$1,665,000
5
4.1
4,654
DETACHD
6/26
2605 SOUTHSHORE BLVD
$1,695,000
4
4.1
4,750
DETACHD
6/27
128 NORTHSHORE CIR
$1,699,000
3
3.1
3,261
DETACHD
6/25
3232 LAKEVIEW BLVD
$6,300,000
3
5.1
7,500
DETACHD
6/22
3214 LAKEVIEW BLVD
$7,500,000
4
5.1
5,800
DETACHD
6/22

PENDING SALES (JUNE 23-29, 2008)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
15570 WALUGA DR
$325,000
2
3
1,577
DETACHD
0
2 BECKET ST
$399,000
4
2.1
2,402
DETACHD
647
1790 YARMOUTH CIR
$409,000
2
2
1,551
DETACHD
91
2 MORNINGVIEW CIR
$434,500
3
2.1
2,954
DETACHD
404
4821 SW DAWN AVE
$437,000
3
2
1,955
DETACHD
129
14433 CAMDEN LN
$454,000
3
3
2,023
DETACHD
123
1000 SW ATWATER RD
$458,652
4
3
2,200
DETACHD
0
4933 PARKHILL ST
$599,900
4
3
2,500
DETACHD
48
55 NORTHSHORE RD
$699,000
3
2
2,750
CONDO
16
569 7TH ST
$849,950
5
4
3,186
DETACHD
396

SOLD (JUNE 16 – JUNE 22, 2008)

ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
4618 LOWER DR
$179,900
$178,000
2
1.1
1,260
CONDO
94
165 OSWEGO SMT
$229,900
$194,000
2
2
1,383
CONDO
458
44 EAGLE CREST DR
$199,950
$196,950
2
2
1,085
CONDO
125
668 MCVEY AVE
$254,900
$249,900
2
1
852
CONDO
10
5333 SW KENNY ST
$339,900
$327,200
3
1.1
1,248
DETACHD
22
3951 CHILDS -Private Lane RD
$1,130,000
$780,900
4
3.1
3,826
DETACHD
377
3122 UPPER DR
$1,550,000
$1,260,000
4
4
3,851
DETACHD
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.

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

Posted on

Lake Oswego Open Houses – June 28-29, 2008

A much smaller list of Open Houses in the Lake Oswego area this weekend. Perhaps a little too hot to venture out?

Please remember, this list comes from the RMLS Open House inventory. If your house is on the market and has an open house planned in the upcoming weeks, remind your agent to include it in the Open House inventory in the RMLS database. They’ll know what to do.

Here’s the list of Lake Oswego opens for Saturday and Sunday:

Date Time Address
List Price
Bdrms
Baths
Total SF
6/29/08 2-4pm 86 KINGSGATE RD
$179,500
2
2
938
6/28/08 11-1pm 1695 MEADOWS DR
$417,500
4
3
2,185
6/29/08 2-4 pm 4664 SW FIRWOOD RD
$425,900
3
2
1,640
6/29/08 1-3 PM 960 9TH ST
$515,000
3
1
1,429
6/29/08 1PM-3PM 16090 SW KIMBALL AVE
$529,950
4
1.1
2,276
6/29/08 1-3pm 322 8TH ST
$575,000
3
2
1,734
6/29/08 1-4 pm 17144 WARREN CT
$585,000
4
2.1
2,558
6/28/08 12-2pm 1338 LAUREL ST
$588,800
3
2.1
2,212
6/29/08 2-4pm 1338 LAUREL ST
$588,800
3
2.1
2,212
6/29/08 1-4pm 8 CAMELOT CT
$623,950
5
3
3,080
6/29/08 2-4 PM 56 SPINOSA
$629,000
5
3.1
3,808
6/29/08 12-2pm 605 SW COUNTRY CLUB RD
$649,000
4
2.1
3,422
6/29/08 1:30 to 4:00 5677 GRAND OAKS DR
$649,900
4
2.1
3,074
6/29/08 11-2pm 14 Del Prado
$680,000
5
3.1
4,094
6/29/08 12-2pm 17960 RIDGE LAKE DR
$720,000
4
2.1
3,124
6/29/08 1-4pm 17755 TREETOP LN
$749,000
5
3.1
3,864
6/29/08 2-4pm 17850 SW PILKINGTON RD
$749,000
3
2.1
3,222
6/29/08 11am-1pm 30 WILBUR ST
$775,000
3
2.1
2,664
6/29/08 1-3pm 412 8TH ST
$920,000
3
2.1
2,519
6/29/08 1-3pm 577 MIDDLECREST RD
$1,200,000
4
2.1
2,000
6/29/08 1-3pm 622 OAK MEADOW DR
$1,325,000
4
3.1
4,171
6/29/08 1-3pm 17464 RIDGEVIEW LN
$1,348,950
4
3.1
4,407
6/29/08 1-3pm 664 OAK MEADOW DR
$1,355,000
4
3.1
4,198
6/29/08 1-3pm 17433 RIDGEVIEW LN
$1,495,000
4
4.1
4,704

Please note, dates and times are subject to change without notice. This list may not contain ALL open houses in the city, but represent those that agents have publicized in the multiple listing service as of Friday afternoon. If links to ACTIVE properties do not bring up property information, the listing may no longer be active, but rather expired, cancelled, pending, or sold.