Tag: ARES

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Lake Oswego Open Houses ~ May 2, 2010

There are 17 homes opening their doors this Sunday in Lake Oswego.  No condos this time.  Two Advanced Real Estate Townhomes on 6th Avenue though (these are absolutely gorgeous high-end homes at amazing prices with no HOA fees… definitely worth a look).  Here are the properties to be held open according to RMLS:

Address L/Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type Open
18238 TERRY AVE $375,000 3 2.1 1604 DETACHD 12-2PM
19242 TERRY AVE $395,000 4 2 1872 DETACHD 2-4PM
32 CHURCHILL DOWNS $448,250 4 2.1 3016 DETACHD 2-4PM
12409 SHELBY CT $449,900 3 2 2238 DETACHD 1-3PM
4859 SAGE HEN WAY $459,000 4 3 2417 DETACHD 1-4PM
73 TANGLEWOOD DR $499,500 4 3.1 4254 DETACHD 12-2PM
17640 TREETOP WAY $524,995 4 3 2718 DETACHD 2:15-4:15PM
33 MORNINGVIEW CIR $574,900 3 2.1 2737 DETACHD 2-4PM
363 6TH ST $575,000 3 3.1 2258 TWNHME 1-4PM
339 6TH ST $575,000 3 3.1 2258 TWNHME 1-4PM
220 GREENWOOD RD $599,900 4 4 2639 DETACHD 2-4PM
2475 MARYLVIEW CT $612,000 4 2.1 3049 DETACHD 1-3PM
1015 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $773,000 4 3 3542 DETACHD 10:30AM-12PM
18209 SIENA DR $1,178,950 5 3.1 3839 DETACHD 1-3PM
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR $1,269,000 5 4.1 4155 DETACHD 1-3PM
18246 BELLA TERRA DR $1,294,000 4 3.1 4196 DETACHD 1-3PM
18820 GREENBLUFF DR $1,495,000 4 4.1 5382 DETACHD 12-3PM
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News & Notes

Real Estate News ~

House Set to Extend Rural Home Loan Guarantee Program – A unanimous vote by the House Financial Services Committee will send the Rural Housing and Stabilization Act of 2010 to the full House of Representatives where it is said that it has been fast tracked for a vote as early as next week.  Passing HR5017 will continue the availability of government guaranteed mortgages for rural home-buyers.  If passed it will correct section 502 of the Single family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program to make it self-funding. Section 502 assists home-buyers living in rural areas to obtain affordable mortgages guaranteed by USDA.  There has been great concern of late at announcements that there were no more funds for this program, so this is a welcome announcement for many. You must qualify credit-wise of course, and have reliable and adequate income.  The average guarantee in 2009 was for $112,000.

Lock Box Activity – According to RMLS, when comparing the week of April 5th through April 11th with the week prior, the number of times a lock box was opened increased 33% in Washington and 26.6% in Oregon.  Spring is in the air!

Community ~

Shred Day! Bring your shred-able items in to the West End Building on May 1st & protect your identity while you recycle. Credit Cards, staples, paper clips and rubber bands are all said to be acceptable.  Up to three boxes per person will be accepted, and all are encouraged to bring cans of food to support the Oregon Food Bank.  10:00 AM till 1:00 PM or until the truck is full!

I LOVE LOPR  Video Challenge – Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation is asking all those who love our parks to grab a camera and illustrate why!  Take a photo of your favorite event, your favorite park, your favorite park activity… the list is endless.  Details can be found HERE The list of prizes and sponsors is growing.  Sign up for the challenge, OR sign up to be a sponsor.

Child Safety Seat Clinic – Come & make sure you know how to install your child’s safety seat property. This clinic will take place May 1st from 10:00 AM till 2:00 PM at 300 B Avenue/The Main Fire Station.  Each seat takes about 30 minutes to check.  Come and spend some time building peace of mind.

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Lake Oswego Real Estate: Market Activity April 19-25, 2010

Lake Oswego market activity for last week brought us 22 new listings, 21 pending sales, and 8 closed sales. Here is your weekly update (see below the tables for additional notes):

NEWLY LISTED (April 19—April 25, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
47 EAGLE CREST DR $110,000 2 2 932 CONDO 4/25/2010
115 OSWEGO SMT $170,000 2 2 1,212 CONDO 4/21/2010
218 RIDGEWAY RD $200,000 2 1 914 CONDO 4/23/2010
3892 BOTTICELLI ST $239,900 3 2 1,288 CONDO 4/22/2010
4490 LAKEVIEW BLVD $325,000 3 2 1,727 DETACHD 4/21/2010
4841 SE DAWN AVE $335,000 3 0.2 1,550 DETACHD 4/22/2010
15144 BOONES WAY $369,000 4 3.1 2,194 DETACHD 4/21/2010
5376 ROSEWOOD ST $394,900 3 2.1 2,457 ATTACHD 4/20/2010
12409 SHELBY CT 449900 3 2 2,238 DETACHD 4/20/2010
4859 SAGE HEN WAY 459000 4 3 2,417 DETACHD 4/21/2010
17640 TREETOP WAY 524995 4 3 2,692 DETACHD 4/22/2010
3718 LAKE GROVE AVE 549000 4 3 2,523 DETACHD 4/19/2010
4080 Coltsfoot 569950 4 2.1 2,884 DETACHD 4/19/2010
5774 BAY POINT DR 625000 5 2.1 3,674 DETACHD 4/23/2010
133 FURNACE ST 629000 2 2.1 1,927 CONDO 4/23/2010
17754 TREETOP LN 649000 5 3.1 3,668 DETACHD 4/20/2010
14120 REDWOOD CT 669000 4 2.1 2,755 DETACHD 4/19/2010
16461 CHAPIN WAY 799900 4 2.1 4,271 DETACHD 4/24/2010
4288 LAKEVIEW BLVD 950000 3 2 2,141 DETACHD 4/22/2010
17951 MEADOWLARK LN 1295000 4 3.2 5,065 DETACHD 4/20/2010
1972 CHERYL CT 2590000 5 4.1 6,952 DETACHD 4/22/2010
1617 LAKE FRONT RD 3950000 4 4.1 4,610 DETACHD 4/25/2010

PENDING SALES (April 19 – April 25, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4000 CARMAN DR $142,000 2 2 973 CONDO 58
109 OSWEGO SMT $144,900 2 2 1,212 CONDO 36
1597 BONNIEBRAE DR $199,900 2 1 998 ATTACHD 46
200 BURNHAM RD $268,000 2 2 1,328 CONDO 942
55 NORTHSHORE RD $275,000 1 1 1,478 CONDO 735
5756 KENNY ST $325,000 3 2.1 1,542 DETACHD 56
627 1ST ST $339,500 2 2 2,090 DETACHD 145
31 DA VINCI ST $362,500 4 2.1 2,232 DETACHD 249
25 CHURCHILL DOWNS 385000 4 3 2,195 DETACHD 0
16200 PACIFIC HWY 388900 2 2 1,208 CONDO 802
3075 ROYCE WAY 395000 4 3.1 3,667 DETACHD 156
827 5TH ST 425000 3 2 2,124 DETACHD 86
1400 LEE ST 427500 4 3 2,804 DETACHD 117
17622 BROOKHURST DR 493000 3 2.1 2,909 DETACHD 42
2650 LOOKOUT CT 495000 4 3.1 3,480 DETACHD 8
5711 SOUTHWOOD DR 539000 4 3 2,655 DETACHD 6
1545 CLOVERLEAF RD 579950 4 3.1 2,723 DETACHD 59
2109 WEMBLEY PARK RD 649900 5 3 3,129 DETACHD 2
18125 WESTMINSTER DR 699888 5 3.1 3,969 DETACHD 244
4211 CHAD DR 874900 5 3.1 3,937 DETACHD 268
3114 DOUGLAS CIR 1395000 4 4 5,420 DETACHD 528

SOLD (April 19- April 25, 2010)

Address O/Price Close Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
852 5TH ST $199,000 $205,000 2 1 738 DETACHD 131
28 WHEATHERSTONE $230,000 $219,500 3 2.1 1,692 CONDO 145
16890 CORTEZ CT $324,900 $274,900 4 3 2,016 DETACHD 104
1565 BEDFORD CT $429,000 $311,000 3 2 1,978 DETACHD 251
14300 SHERBROOK PL $334,500 $334,500 3 2.1 1,924 DETACHD 141
15921 KIMBALL AVE $389,900 $390,000 3 2 2,309 DETACHD 3
1414 GREENTREE CIR $499,000 $435,000 4 2.1 2,330 DETACHD 37
2688 RIVENDELL RD $835,000 $680,617 4 3 3,720 DETACHD 405

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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Lake Oswego Open Houses ~ Sunday, April 18, 2010

OK… did I hear that it’s supposed to be 70 degrees Sunday??? If you are in the market for a home in Lake Oswego, I can’t imagine that this stellar line-up of 34 homes and the blue skies would not be enough to entice you away from brunch… or yard work… or sleeping in : )

Here are the homes held Open according to RMLS.  As always, enjoy!

Address L/Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Style Time
1597 BONNIEBRAE DR $199,900 2 1 998 CONDO 1-3PM
4340 BOTTICELLI ST $239,900 3 3.1 2098 TWNHSE 1-3PM
16711 MELLON AVE $309,900 3 2 1346 DETACHD 1-4PM
16969 ALDER CIR $329,900 3 2 1534 DETACHD 1-3PM
3269 PHYLLIS CT $339,900 3 1.2 1711 DETACHD 1-4PM
4971 SUNTREE LN $394,900 3 2.1 1911 DETACHD 1-4PM
19242 TERRY AVE $395,000 4 2 1872 DETACHD 2-4PM
550 2ND ST $410,000 2 1.2 1520 TWNHSE 1-4PM
1642 HIGHLAND DR $449,000 4 3 2234 DETACHD 1-4PM
24 PARTRIDGE LN $449,000 4 2.1 3224 DETACHD 1-3PM
662 CLARA CT $469,900 3 3 2740 DETACHD 3-5PM
17802 HILLSIDE WAY $489,998 4 2.1 2965 DETACHD 1-3PM
1503 PINE ST $509,000 5 3 2792 DETACHD 2:30-5PM
19735 SUNCREST DR $544,950 4 3.1 3224 DETACHD 2-4PM
12 MONTICELLO DR $549,000 4 2.1 3658 DETACHD 11-2PM
19415 SW DOGWOOD CT $549,900 5 3 3517 DETACHD 10AM-5PM
19288 SW Megly CT $579,900 5 3 3594 DETACHD 10AM-5PM
17491 BLUE HERON DR $639,950 4 2 2396 DETACHD 1-3PM
4184 SUNSET DR $649,000 6 3 2916 DETACHD 2-4PM
19244 35TH PL $729,000 4 3 3503 DETACHD 12-2:30PM
1015 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $773,000 4 3 3542 DETACHD 11-2PM
14480 KRUSE OAKS BLVD $895,000 4 3.1 4661 DETACHD 10-2PM
12439 SW 22ND AVE $899,900 4 3.1 4118 DETACHD 2-4PM
17896 KELOK RD $948,500 5 5 4323 DETACHD 2:15-4PM
18222 SIENA DR $1,088,000 6 4.1 3800 DETACHD 1-3PM
18209 SIENA DR $1,178,950 5 3.1 3839 DETACHD 1-3PM
17464 RIDGEVIEW LN $1,199,950 4 3.1 4407 DETACHD 1-3PM
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR $1,269,000 5 4.1 4155 DETACHD 1-3PM
18246 BELLA TERRA DR $1,294,000 4 3.1 4196 DETACHD 1-3PM
657 OAK MEADOW DR $1,349,950 4 3.1 4371 DETACHD 1-3PM
3114 DOUGLAS CIR $1,395,000 4 4 5420 DETACHD 12-4PM
17364 RIDGEVIEW CT $1,399,950 4 3.1 4436 DETACHD 1-3PM
18820 GREENBLUFF DR $1,495,000 4 4.1 5382 DETACHD 2-4PM
2572 GLEN EAGLES PL $2,395,000 5 4.2 6490 DETACHD 1-3PM
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Lake Oswego Open Houses for Sunday, April 11, 2010

This Sunday is the National Association of Realtors Nationwide Open House. That is reflected here in Lake Oswego by the fact that there are 58 houses being held open on Sunday. So if there ever was a day that you considered driving around to see some houses, this Sunday is that day. I am proud to also let you know that I will be holding open 211 Oswego Summit, a gorgeous, view condo at the top of Mt. Park. I noticed that in the affordability category, it is the 5th least expensive property on the open house roster. Come on by. I’d love to meet you.

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type Open
44 EAGLE CREST DR $119,900 2 1 908 CONDO 1 to 4
4 TOUCHSTONE $189,995 3 2.1 1,350 CONDO 1 to 3
287 CERVANTES $195,000 3 1.1 1,144 CONDO 2 to 4
200 BURNHAM RD $205,850 1 1 820 CONDO 3 to 5
211 OSWEGO SMT $229,900 2 2 1,506 CONDO 12 to 3
4340 BOTTICELLI ST $239,900 3 3.1 2,098 CONDO 1 to 4
12835 SW 62ND AVE $279,500 3 2 1,200 DETACHD 12 to 2
12892 BOONES FERRY RD $299,000 2 2.1 1,136 CONDO 1 to 3
4505 WILDWOOD ST 329900 3 2 1,720 DETACHD 1 to 3
5756 SW KENNY ST 339000 3 2.1 1,542 DETACHD 2 to 4
15965 INVERURIE RD 349900 3 2 1,915 DETACHD 10:30 to 12:30
5324 LOWER DR 370000 3 2.1 2,034 DETACHD 1 to 3
119 3RD ST 385000 3 2 1,204 CONDO 1 to 4
17763 MARDEE AVE 399500 5 3 2,300 DETACHD 1:30 to 3:30
16901 LAKERIDGE DR 399900 4 3 2,080 DETACHD 1 to 3
19026 INDIAN SPRINGS RD 399900 5 3 2,471 DETACHD 2 to 4
138 KINGSGATE RD 399900 3 2.1 1,600 DETACHD 1 to 3
5644 WINDFIELD LOOP 410000 3 3 1,800 DETACHD 1 to 3
405 BOCA RATAN DR 449000 3 2.1 2,040 DETACHD 1 to 4
1641 ASH ST 450000 4 3 2,825 DETACHD 1 to 3
2697 LOOKOUT CT 450000 3 2 2,419 DETACHD 12 to 2
13340 AUBURN CT 465000 3 2.1 2,451 ATTACHD 1 to 3
5475 WILLOW CT 474900 3 2.1 2,438 ATTACHD 1 to 3
1344 TROON DR 475000 3 2 2,600 DETACHD 12 to 2
1931 WOODLAND TER 495000 4 3 2,817 DETACHD 1 to 4
136 D AVE 515000 2 2.1 1,741 ATTACHD 1 to 4
5678 CHARLES CIR 540000 3 4 3,455 DETACHD 1 to 3
745 BERWICK CT 549000 3 2 1,988 DETACHD 1 to 4
19415 SW DOGWOOD CT 549900 5 3 3,517 DETACHD 10 to 5
1060 UPPER DEVON LN 559000 3 2.1 2,400 DETACHD 12 to 2
26 INDEPENDENCE AVE 574000 4 3 3,694 DETACHD 1 to 3
19288 SW Megly CT 579900 5 3 3,594 DETACHD 10 to 5
17879 HILLSIDE DR 584900 3 3 3,049 DETACHD 1 to 4
19266 SW MEGLY CT 589900 4 3 3,575 DETACHD
19101 INDIAN CREEK AVE 599900 2 2.1 3,259 DETACHD 2 to 5
7 MOUNTAIN VIEW LN 609000 5 2.1 3,324 DETACHD 1 to 4
18606 WESTVIEW DR 649900 3 2.5 2,783 DETACHD 12 to 3
18010 GIMLEY CT 685000 4 2.5 3,652 DETACHD 12 to 3
5705 SOUTHWOOD DR 687000 3 2.1 3,372 DETACHD 1 to 3
1015 SOUTHSHORE BLVD 773000 4 3 3,542 DETACHD 11 to 2
282 GREENWOOD RD 799500 3 2.1 2,538 DETACHD 2 to 6
1785 PALISADES TERRACE DR 847000 5 4.1 5,052 DETACHD 1 to 3
12439 SW 22ND AVE 899900 4 3.1 4,118 DETACHD 2 to 4
17896 KELOK RD 948500 5 5 4,323 DETACHD 2:15 to 4
18222 SIENA DR 1088000 6 4.1 3,800 DETACHD 1 to 3
17642 UPPER CHERRY LN 1099000 3 3.1 3,927 DETACHD 12 to 3
1809 HEADLEE LN 1125000 2 2.1 3,836 DETACHD 1 to 4
18209 SIENA DR 1178950 5 3.1 3,839 DETACHD 1 to 3
16805 SCOTT CT 1190000 4 3.1 4,321 DETACHD 12:15 to 2:15
17464 RIDGEVIEW LN 1199950 4 3.1 4,407 DETACHD 1 to 3
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR 1269000 5 4.1 4,155 DETACHD 1 to 3
18246 BELLA TERRA DR 1294000 4 3.1 4,196 DETACHD 1 to 3
408 Northshore RD 1299000 4 3.1 3,753 DETACHD 1 to 3
664 OAK MEADOW DR 1299950 4 3.1 4,198 DETACHD 1 to 3
657 OAK MEADOW DR 1349950 4 3.1 4,371 DETACHD 1 to 3
17364 RIDGEVIEW CT 1399950 4 3.1 4,436 DETACHD 1 to 3
18024 SKYLAND CIR 1665000 4 3.2 4,131 DETACHD 12 to 3
15825 OSWEGO SHORE CT 1985850 4 3.1 4,317 DETACHD 12 to 2
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News & Notes

State of the Market:

  • Have We Hit Bottom? The experts agree that generally speaking, the country has “hit bottom”, with various areas lagging behind a bit.   CNN.Money.com predicts that the Portland area will hit bottom in Q3 of this year. Our latest RMLS Market Action Report for the Portland area indicates that Portland metro area closed sales increased 18.4% when comparing 2009 vs 2010. Pending sales rose 45% and new listings rose 12.4%. The average sales price declined 8.5%.

(Money Magazine) — The drama is nearly over. After a decade of extremes — the ebullient highs of the real estate boom, then the devastating lows of the bust — calmer forces are beginning to prevail in the housing market.

  • Local Lake Oswego Data The RMLS Market Action Report lumps West Linn and Lake Oswego together, but here is some interesting data:
    * In February 2010 the average sales price was $457,700.
    * The average time on the market was 153 days.
    * Pending Sales rose 52.7% in Feb 2010 as compared to Feb 2009.
    * The average sales price has declined 9.7% in a rolling 12-month equation (i.e. 3/1/08 – 2/28/09 compared with 3/1/09 – 2/28/10)
  • Rates are Rising I have clients asking  “Is this the right time to buy or should we wait?”  One thing we know is that rates are rising. Right now they are still in the 5% range…  actually they are up a bit today at 5.125% but overall they’ve been fluctuating between 4.875% and 5.125% for 30-yr fixed.  As for more foreclosures to come, and prices lowering… interest rates are rising, some say 7% is possible NY Times… so if you ARE planning to finance, all the experts agree that this is the time to be buying, because even if prices go lower, the fact that the interest rates go up effectively nullifies your benefits.
  • Portland Area Rating Improves “Mortgage insurance companies have upgraded Portland’s property value housing trends, meaning that they predict values to be stabilizing in the Portland market.”  Pat Goodell, Academy Mortgage
  • Tax Credits For first-time home-buyers and “moving-up” buyers, there is still time to find a property you love & get a mutually-agreed deal in place before April 30th. So….  hang in there if you are still looking for that “right” one.  Work with your Realtor to narrow the field, or give Dianne or me a call if you are not working with a Realtor.  (I love working with Buyers…. it is actually the reason I originally got into real estate.)
  • USDA Loans USDA anticipates running out of funds to lend by end-April 2010.  If you are thinking about rural properties and considering a USDA loan, now would be the time to ink an offer.
  • FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums Rising FHA’s upfront (financed) mortgage insurance premium increased to 2.25% effective April 5. And/but, if you are anticipating taking advantage of an FHA loan, don’t fret too much. You WILL now have the higher premium, however,  it’s not anything that should get you in a tizzy, as it will make very little difference in your mortgage payment.  For example, on a $300,000 loan amount, your payment will only increase by approximately $8./month adding in that higher mortgage insurance premium.  (This according to Pat Goodell of Academy Mortgage  503 380 0953.)
  • “The Deal” One thing I am noticing is that many people are becoming so enamored with “the deal” these days, that some are missing the point of why they decided to purchase to begin with, so I am simultaneously always trying to meet my clients needs & desires in a *property* (i.e. what they are trying to accomplish for themselves in their lives w/the purchase… what they truly like), while at the same time being cognizant of the “deal factor” for them.  Keep in mind these things regarding “deals”…  there are basically three kinds:
  1. People who are pricing their homes to sell. They have their own circumstances (down-sizing/relocation/up-sizing/on & on & on), and they are wanting to move on in some fashion.  There are plenty of these out there these days, especially as home owners look around and face the fact that they are now competing with so many homes in or approaching foreclosure.  There are some very real advantages to buying your home from these folks.  Some include: Often these homes are in tip-top shape / You are dealing directly with the owner of the home and as long as the agreed-upon sales price does not dip below what they owe on the property, you are in “Pending” status when you reach mutual acceptance, and /You are negotiating only with the Seller.  / You proceed through a normal closing process if you are taking out a loan, and notwithstanding any negotiations or hoops you need to jump through for the underwriter, you will most likely close in 30-45 days.
  2. Short Sales. These homes’ owners owe more to the bank than what the property is worth in today’s market. The bank is agreeing to take less than what is owed from the Seller.  There are many, many banks in existence and each has its own methods and processes, so there is no uniformity of what to expect, with a few exceptions that I will get into in a moment.  There may be more than one bank involved if there is a second mortgage or more. There are a few things that you can expect, and they are:   * Even if the Seller accepts your offer, the bank is the one (or ones) to give final approval considering that what they will receive is less than what was contracted with the Seller.   ***The bank (s) will usually have paperwork that you must sign if you want to be in the running that will change how the property proceeds through the sale process including: Notifying you that they will only accept an earnest money check & no promissory notes/ They will keep your money and wait to see how many other offers they receive / They will not give you a time line on when they will respond to your offer / You are usually on your own with regard to any repairs / It is usually several months before you find out if your offer was the one accepted & get to proceed to close / During this process the property very often stays in “Active” position on RMLS / Very often the paperwork you must sign includes a provision wherein the bank retains the right to accept another offer right up to closing.   ***For these reasons,  I counsel clients that they must REALLY be in love with a property to proceed through this process.  Also, depending on the property, you may be entering territory wherein you know that you will be competing with other offers, so the best advice, if this is the case, is to make this your best offer… especially if you plan to sit out the long process and want to have a happy ending.  Don’t try to “wing it”… these are complicated times & even the professionals involved are still feeling out the landscape.  There are all kinds of people calling themselves “experts”.  Make sure you know what you are doing and ask for licenses if you think people on the periphery are operating outside of their scope of expertise. Talk to your Realtor as to what your options are, and rely on that trusted professional relationship for guidance.
  3. Bank-owned properties. These homes have usually been through the short sale phase unsuccessfully.  The property has either been on the market & not sold, or the owners opted not to try a short sale and have simply stayed in the property until they had to move on as the bank proceeded through their legal remedies to regain the property due to non-payment.   These properties are sometimes in sad condition due to hardship (i.e. deferred maintenance), but many times these days, they are in very good condition… a sign of the times & the large numbers of otherwise responsible homeowners who simply found themselves in an untenable position through job loss or other factors. The thing to remember about these properties is that the price is ALWAYS lower than either short-sales or standard “good deals”. The bank wants to move on and prices the home low.  The bank is now the Seller and usually acts just like a normal Seller, i.e. Negotiating (tho usually not for repairs)/ accepting or rejecting an offer/Moving on to close with the property going to “Pending” status once it’s mutually agreed-upon/Proceeding through a normal closing process for the Buyer. For this reason: Investors and others are waiting in the wings to pounce on these very often with cash offers, so you have to be quick, and you want to be very careful about low offers, though this can sometimes still be a viable option. Talk to your Realtor about options as they will vary from property to property.

Hope this info is helpful!

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Lake Oswego Market Activity Report ~ March 29-April 4, 2010

Steady as she goes in Lake Oswego with 30 New, 19 Pending, and 17 Sold properties during last week’s Monday – Sunday period according to RMLS. 
Here’ your data for last week (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (March 29—April 4, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
65 OSWEGO SMT $129,900 2 2 1,140 CONDO 3/29/2010
6120 SHAKESPEARE ST $249,000 3 1.1 1,000 DETACHD 4/3/2010
19032 KRISTI WAY $259,900 2 2 1,390 DETACHD 4/1/2010
2764 GLEN HAVEN RD $294,900 3 1.1 1,352 DETACHD 4/3/2010
16711 MELLON AVE $309,900 3 2 1,346 DETACHD 4/2/2010
1692 FIRCREST CT $329,900 4 3 2,550 DETACHD 3/31/2010
16969 ALDER CIR $344,900 3 2 1,534 DETACHD 3/29/2010
692 2ND ST $379,000 3 1 1,700 DETACHD 4/2/2010
5434 YORKSHIRE PL $489,000 3 3 2,335 DETACHD 4/3/2010
1690 FIRCREST CT $495,000 3 3.1 2,718 ATTACHD 3/29/2010
26 INDEPENDENCE AVE $574,000 4 3 3,694 DETACHD 3/29/2010
9 ABELARD ST $615,000 5 3.1 3,609 DETACHD 4/1/2010
16006 Kimball AVE $698,000 3 2 1,800 RES-MFG 3/31/2010
92 GARIBALDI ST $699,000 4 3.1 3,172 DETACHD 3/30/2010
17080 FERNWOOD DR $699,900 5 3.1 3,681 DETACHD 4/2/2010
14124 HEATHROW LN $785,000 4 3.1 3,812 DETACHD 3/31/2010
331 CHANDLER PL $810,000 4 2.1 2,428 DETACHD 3/29/2010
2358 SUMMIT DR $879,950 3 2.1 2,995 DETACHD 4/1/2010
606 6TH ST 789000 – 898876 4 3 2,850 DETACHD 4/1/2010
17301 CANAL CIR $949,999 3 2.1 1,863 DETACHD 4/2/2010
17979 CRESTLINE DR $1,149,000 4 2.1 4,650 DETACHD 4/2/2010
16805 SCOTT CT $1,190,000 4 3.1 4,321 DETACHD 4/3/2010
1318 HORSESHOE CURV $1,275,000 5 3 3,554 DETACHD 4/2/2010
2111 HAZEL RD $1,349,000 4 4.1 4,894 DETACHD 4/3/2010
1103 LAKE SHORE RD $1,375,000 3 3 3,200 DETACHD 4/2/2010
4011 WESTBAY RD $1,495,000 5 3.1 4,518 DETACHD 4/1/2010
13081 KNAUS RD $1,795,000 5 2.1 3,269 DETACHD 3/29/2010
179 FURNACE ST $2,195,000 3 3.1 4,784 CONDO 3/29/2010
17147 OLD RIVER DR $2,395,000 4 4.2 5,961 DETACHD 3/31/2010
1850 NORTHSHORE RD $15,000,000 4 6.2 13,500 DETACHD 4/3/2010

PENDING SALES (March 29 – April 4, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date CDOM
210 RIDGEWAY RD $113,900 1 1 778 CONDO 8/24/2009 221
4 TOUCHSTONE $129,000 2 2 984 CONDO 3/8/2010 24
852 5TH ST $250,000 2 1 738 DETACHD 11/21/2009 131
5354 LOWER DR $258,500 2 1 1,201 DETACHD 12/27/2009 96
5056 FOOTHILLS DR $269,000 2 2 1,252 CONDO 9/21/2009 194
82 WHEATHERSTONE $289,000 3 2.1 1,692 ATTACHD 2/17/2010 45
15256 BOONES WAY $299,000 2 2.1 1,600 ATTACHD 10/1/2009 350
505 8TH ST $389,000 3 1 1,050 DETACHD 11/6/2009 143
531 2ND ST $399,000 2 2 1,393 CONDO 2/3/2010 57
2753 VALE CT $399,900 3 3 2,786 DETACHD 10/30/2009 153
2251 PRESTWICK RD $407,250 3 2 2,236 DETACHD 4/1/2010 3
14 OTHELLO ST $419,000 4 2.1 2,464 DETACHD 3/12/2010 22
24 INDEPENDENCE AVE $449,950 6 3.1 3,773 DETACHD 3/5/2010 25
5 EL GRECO ST $469,000 4 2.1 2,455 DETACHD 3/29/2010 4
4311 ORCHARD WAY $519,000 4 2.1 2,916 DETACHD 2/24/2010 201
17930 MEADOWLARK LN $575,000 4 4 3,300 DETACHD 1/8/2010 84
17 SCARBOROUGH DR $579,900 4 2.1 3,290 DETACHD 3/6/2010 24
4113 WESTBAY RD $631,000 2 3 2,477 DETACHD 3/25/2010 7
18430 TAMAWAY DR $889,000 4 2.2 3,867 DETACHD 2/1/2010 59

SOLD (March 29- April 4, 2010)

Address O/Price Sold Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
11 Oswego Summit $129,900 $130,000 2 2 1,212 CONDO 320
16250 PACIFIC HWY $200,000 $141,000 3 2 1,626 CONDO 185
45 EAGLE CREST DR $199,000 $175,000 3 2 1,348 CONDO 234
668 MCVEY AVE $209,000 $180,000 2 1 852 CONDO 34
1581 BONNIEBRAE DR $255,000 $220,000 2 2 1,393 ATTACHD 314
5858 LAKEVIEW BLVD $255,000 $227,000 2 1 1,117 DETACHD 248
1248 OAK ST $249,900 $238,500 2 1 900 DETACHD 73
29 ORIOLE LN $317,000 $240,000 3 2.1 1,644 DETACHD 175
15935 KIMBALL AVE $230,500 $257,000 3 2 1,542 DETACHD 9
4 THE GROTTO $289,000 $282,000 3 2.1 1,534 DETACHD 13
1234 MAPLE ST $349,000 $335,500 3 2 1,550 DETACHD 164
13821 REGENCY CT $409,000 $392,000 4 2.1 2,139 DETACHD 223
4137 ORCHARD WAY $475,000 $400,000 5 2.1 3,084 DETACHD 181
551 2ND ST $499,000 $499,000 2 2 1,631 CONDO 28
1430 CHERRY CREST DR $525,000 $510,000 4 3 3,302 DETACHD 158
16705 GLENWOOD CT $799,000 $665,500 4 3 4,243 DETACHD 190
1839 PALISADES LAKE CT $899,900 $899,900 4 3.1 4,570 DETACHD 168

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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Lake Oswego Open Houses ~ Easter 2010

Sunday, April 4th will be a time for all kinds of celebration, good food, activities with loved ones & friends, and…….. Open Houses in Lake Oswego!  There are 7 properties to see according to RMLS.  Enjoy!

Address L/Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type Open
19288 SW Megly CT $579,900 5 3 3594 DETACHD 1-5PM
7 MOUNTAIN VIEW LN $609,000 5 2.1 3324 DETACHD 1-4PM
1015 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $773,000 4 3 3542 DETACHD 12:30-2:30PM
17464 RIDGEVIEW LN $1,199,950 4 3.1 4407 DETACHD 1-3PM
664 OAK MEADOW DR $1,299,950 4 3.1 4198 DETACHD 1-3PM
657 OAK MEADOW DR $1,349,950 4 3.1 4371 DETACHD 1-3PM
17364 RIDGEVIEW CT $1,399,950 4 3.1 4436 DETACHD 1-3Pm
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Looking Ahead to Sunny Weather

Oregon is famous for its rain. From November to early June, that is a big part of living in the Pacific Northwest. So I think of late March and early April in much the same way that the modern office worker thinks of Wednesday. This is the “hump” time: rather like Wednesday in the middle of the week. We are half way through our rainy season and looking ahead to the onset of warm and sunny days.

Last summer I took a trip to the Oregon Garden with the specific idea to share it with readers of the blotter. But rather than post it in July, when everywhere you looked was sunshine and gorgeous, lush foliage, I decided to save it for getting us all over the hump in the rainy season. So here you have it. We are now getting over the hump an looking ahead to sunny weather.

The Oregon Garden
The Oregon Garden has a special place in my heart for a couple of reasons. My sister-in-law’s father, Bill Gerber (former mayor of Lake Oswego), was one of the founders of the garden. And my Mom, back in her active days as a Realtor, worked with Bill Gerber to find the land to create the garden. I also have a huge fondness for the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C. as my husband and I visited them on our honeymoon in 1981. The Oregon Garden was founded by the Oregon Association of Nurserymen, in partnership with the City of Silverton, in 1995. The location of the garden was chosen for its gently rolling terrain, which provides variety and is easy to walk, and the abundant availability of water. The City of Silverton uses the garden to recycle its treated wastewater. This means that there is a constant source of water to serve the garden as well as the fountains and ponds.

To get to the garden, it is an easy drive from several exits off of Interstate 5. The route is well marked with signs near Woodburn and just North of Salem. It is about a 40 minute drive Southeast of Portland. When I go, driving from Lake Oswego, I go South on Stafford Road and take the back-country roads over the Willamette River at the Canby Ferry. I like the back roads because I like to drive and I like to stop at produce stands to buy fruits and vegetables direct from the farmers. It’s a gorgeous way to spend an afternoon.

The Garden is open October to April from 10am to 4pm, and May to September from 9am to 6pm. Admission is $10 for Adults, $9 for Seniors (60 and older), $8 for Students (8-17 years old), and children (7 and younger) are free. The price of admission includes use of the Tram which runs throughout the Garden for anyone who needs assistance getting around or if you’re just ready to sit and relax.

Along with the Garden having a cafe and large meeting room, there is a luxury hotel, The Oregon Garden Resort, which has a spa, restaurant, lounge, and meeting facilities for business conferences and wedding receptions.

The Garden itself is divided into a variety of landscapes to showcase the abundant variety of plants, trees and flowers that thrive in Oregon. There is a whimsical Children’s Garden, a Rose Garden, a Conifer Garden, a Water Garden, a Green Roof, and a Home Demonstration Garden, to name just a few. I am really big on flowers. Give me flowers, flowers, everywhere and I am a happy lady. So I was caught by surprise when I found that I especially enjoyed the Conifer Garden. I was with a friend who has several dogs. She was looking for landscape ideas for trees that wouldn’t hurt if her little blind dog ran into it. So we were touching and smelling and really participating in the Conifer Garden. I was amazed.

The other thing I really recommend is visiting The Gorden House, which is located at The Oregon Garden. The Gordon House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1957. It is the only Frank Lloyd Wright house in Oregon, and the only one open to the public in the Pacific Northwest. Fans of architecture will understand that seeing a Frank Lloyd Wright house is a privilege. To get to do this on the same day that you visit a gorgeous garden is just icing on the cake.

The Garden hosts events year around. Some coming up in the near future are the Easter Egg Hunt on April 3rd (egg hunts for ages 0-3, 4-6, and 7-10; held at 11am, noon, and 1pm), Brewfest on April 23rd and 24th, a Motorcycle Show on May 22nd (I’ll be there with my husband, I can promise you), and a plant sale on June 12th.

So don’t give up. Don’t throw in the towel, although you may need to wring it out. The nice weather is just around the corner. And also remember that it is the long and rainy spring that makes Oregon so lush when the sun comes out in June. See you at the Garden!
Dianne

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Market Activity for March 22-28, 2010

Lake Oswego had 18 properties come onto the market last week, along with 13 houses that went pending and 8 houses that were closed sales. Here is your market report:

NEWLY LISTED (March 22—March 28, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
100 KERR PKWY $99,990 1 1 617 CONDO 3/22/2010
4000 CARMAN DR $147,000 2 2 866 CONDO 3/23/2010
100 KERR PKWY $169,900 2 2 823 CONDO 3/22/2010
16149 PEARCY ST $229,900 3 2 1,250 DETACHD 3/26/2010
653 A AVE $245,000 2 2 1,290 DETACHD 3/24/2010
17870 DEERBRUSH AVE $349,900 3 2.1 1,912 DETACHD 3/26/2010
534 2ND ST $359,000 2 2.1 1,394 CONDO 3/28/2010
75 CONDOLEA WAY $389,000 3 3 2,131 CONDO 3/23/2010
31 NOVA CT 434000 4 2.1 2,107 DETACHD 3/28/2010
13340 AUBURN CT 465000 3 2.1 2,451 ATTACHD 3/22/2010
17701 LEAFY LN 589000 4 3 3,600 DETACHD 3/23/2010
203 EVERGREEN RD 619000 3 3.1 1,973 ATTACHD 3/22/2010
4113 WESTBAY RD 631000 2 3 2,477 DETACHD 3/25/2010
18606 WESTVIEW DR 649900 3 2.5 2,783 DETACHD 3/22/2010
491 COUNTRY CLUB RD 679900 3 2 2,486 DETACHD 3/23/2010
2099 SUMMIT DR 699000 3 2.1 2,250 DETACHD 3/23/2010
901 LAKE SHORE RD 899000 4 3 3,216 DETACHD 3/24/2010
667 LAKE BAY CT 1399000 4 4 3,361 DETACHD 3/25/2010

PENDING SALES (March 22 – March 28, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
15200 BOONES WAY $169,000 2 1.1 1,248 CONDO 142
16200 PACIFIC HWY $239,000 2 2 1,200 CONDO 173
1601 GREENTREE RD $249,900 3 2.1 2,444 DETACHD 149
7 PEACOCK PL $279,950 3 2.1 1,400 DETACHD 143
5 ORIOLE LN $348,000 3 2.1 2,024 DETACHD 14
15 CHURCHILL DOWNS $368,000 4 2 2,014 DETACHD 115
4002 TEMPEST DR $430,000 4 3.1 4,319 DETACHD 33
2440 OVERLOOK DR $500,000 4 3 3,874 DETACHD 36
14279 CAMDEN LN 510000 4 2.1 2,373 DETACHD 71
14584 PFEIFER WAY 559000 3 2 2,600 DETACHD 47
5783 VICTORIA CT 595000 3 2 2,344 DETACHD 14
13315 HIDDEN BAY CT 688000 5 2.1 3,671 DETACHD 151
5245 LANGFORD LN 719000 3 2.1 2,957 DETACHD 104

SOLD (March 22- March 28, 2010)

Address O/Price Close Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
3009 WEMBLEY PARK RD $329,000 $320,000 4 1.1 1,754 DETACHD 302
2705 ORCHARD HILL PL $374,900 $331,500 3 2.5 2,250 DETACHD 19
5026 HARTFORD PL $429,000 $425,000 4 2.1 2,887 DETACHD 570
4651 HASTINGS PL $454,900 $440,000 4 2.1 2,215 DETACHD 35
5310 WASHINGTON CT $624,900 $582,000 4 3.1 3,328 DETACHD 878
5590 KODERRA AVE $689,000 $625,000 4 2.1 3,072 DETACHD 264
4380 UPPER DR $784,900 $710,000 5 4.1 4,071 DETACHD 181
16764 ALDER CIR $1,679,000 $1,350,000 4 4.1 3,456 DETACHD 200

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.