buying a home in Lake Oswego Archives - Page 140 of 143

March 13, 2009

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!

March 11, 2009March 11, 2009

3.875% Fixed Rate Mortgages

There 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.

March 9, 2009

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	# 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	# 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	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.

March 6, 2009

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

March 3, 2009

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	#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	#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	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

February 27, 2009

Open Houses for Sunday, March 1st

There are 15 houses being promoted on the RMLS as open houses for this Sunday:

5487 Tualata Ct., $264,900-$279,876, 1200 SF, 3 BR, 2 BTHS, open 1-4

4458 Thunder Vista Ln., $319,000, 2200 SF, 3 BR, 2 1/2 BTHS, open 1-4

16 Partridge Ln., $418,900, 2304 SF, 3 BR, 2 1/2 BTHS, open 1-3

14431 Orchard Springs Rd., $439,900, 1960 SF, 4 BR, 2 1/2 BTHS, open 1-4

624 Livingood Ln., $559,000, 2596, 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open 1:30-3:30

3254 Duncan Dr., $575,000, 3997 SF, 4 BR, 3 1/2 BTHS, open 2-4

340 8th St., $575,000, 1992 SF, 3 BR, 2 BTHS, open 1-3

13222 Deerfield Ct., $649,000, 3022 SF, 4 BR, 2 1/2 BTHS, open 1-3

17751 Marylcreek Dr., $719,000, 3505 SF, 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open 2-4

2688 Rivendell Rd., $835,000, 3720 SF, 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open 1-4

15422 Boones Way, $879,000, 2586 SF, 4 BR, 2 1/2 BTHS, open 1-4

2400 Dellwood Dr., $899,000, 3180 SF, 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open 1-3

3030 Westview Ct., $948,000, 3415 SF, 4 BR, 2 1/2 BTHS, open 2:20-4

5677 Bonita Rd., $968,400, 3603 SF, 4 BR, 3 1/2 BTHS, open 2-4

943 Atwater Rd., $1,150,000, 3874 SF, 4 BR, 2 1/2 BTHS, open 1-4

I am going to mention the property at the top of the list, on Tualata Ct. You’ll notice that the pricing is $264,900-$279,876. This is what is called “value-range pricing”. The representation is that the sellers will consider offers within that range. This is a method of marketing that is occassionally used. I believe it is based upon the theory that the range of pricing will bring in more offers and more quickly. I don’t know that I buy into that school of thought, but it is why it is done.

February 25, 2009

Foreclosures vs. Shortsales

With the state of the current economy, there is a lot of attention being paid to the volume of foreclosures as well as shortsales. These are two different situations that are often confused. I thought it would be helpful to clarify what they are.

A foreclosure is a bank-owned property (also referred to as an REO property). The process of foreclosing on a delinquent home owner has been completed and the bank has the full title to the property and the right to sell that property. A quick look at foreclosures.com shows the very sobering statistic that in Lake Oswego right now there are 90 bank-owned properties, there are 17 properties in pre-foreclosure (behind in their house payments) and 587 properties scheduled for auction. When a home owner falls behind in his or her house payments, there is a multi-month process where the homeowner is notified of the delinquency. The final step of the forclosure is public auction where the mortgage holder takes the property back for the amount of money that is owed on it. Bear in mind that the process takes about nine months. Many of the people currently delinquent or scheduled for auction will find a way to either bring their payments up to date, renegoiate the terms of their loan, or sell the property. So not all of the homes currently delinquent will become bank owned. I’d also like to put these numbers in perspective. Lake Oswego has a population of about 35,000 people. With an average of 2.3 people per household, that is about 15,000 households. And with 694 households either in pre-foreclosure or already bank owned, that is about 5% of the households. Yep, that is sobering.

A shortsale is a house that has a market value of less than what is owed on it and the home owner is attempting to negotiate with their mortgage holder to take a discounted amount so that the property can be sold at current market value. In this instance, the sale of the home will require a third-party approval (the bank), and may or may not happen. The process to get this third party approval can take months (I worked with one that took 6 months), so if you are wanting a home that is a shortsale, be prepared to be patient and realize that the approval may or may not occur.

I am often asked how a buyer can find foreclosure and shortsale properties. The reality is that 99% of them are listed with Realtors and made available on the RMLS. People who are in distress and trying to sell their home as a shortsale hire Realtors. And banks with bank-owned properties hire Realtors to sell their inventory of foreclosures. You don’t need to buy a secret publication or pay for a special list. These properties are available to the public on the RMLS and any Realtor can gather information on them to help assist you with finding that great deal.

Having said that, I have two areas of caution. First, a foreclosure is a much better prospect for purchase if you have a time-line you are trying to accomplish. A foreclosed property that is listed for sale can be purchased within a normal transaction period of 30 to 60 days. Whereas a shortsale can take months and then may not occur at all. Second, when you buy a foreclosure it really is buyer beware. Banks make no representations about the condition of the property and often have their own sale agreements with extensive waivers to protect them from any future liablity. In both circumstances you should be able to make your offer subject to a home inspection.

OK, I have a third thought. Be aware that people who loose their homes are people in financial distress. They go through an extended period where they have no resources to make their house payment much less fix the leaky roof or remodel the ancient kitchen. So be prepared to see houses that are dirty and in need of repair. In addiiton, it is not uncommon for these houses to be stripped of appliances and fixtures. Not all foresclosures and shortsales are project properties, but many are.

So you are looking for the great deal? Sure, check out the foreclosures and the short sales, but don’t close your mind to the good old homeowner who needs to move and is motivated. These people will also often sell at great prices, close in a reasonable time frame, and maybe even vaccume the carpet and polish the granite on their way out. To make the most of the market, look at the entire market.

February 23, 2009

Market Activity Update – February 16 – 22, 2009

Lake Oswego saw 16 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 7 go pending, and 4 that closed.

As in my last Market Activity Report on Feb. 9th, we’ve got a good mix of properties that have been on the market for quite awhile selling and going to Pending status, as well as a good number that have been on the market a relatively short period of time. For what it’s worth, my interpretation of this is that prices are coming in line with consumer demand, i.e., homes that have been on the market awhile are at prices agreeable to buyers, and newer listings are starting out at prices that are more in line with buyer expectations. That said, we can’t really see what the Pending sale prices will be until they actually close. So… stay tuned to the Blotter for that info as it becomes available.

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

NEWLY LISTED (February 16—February 22, 2009)

Address	List Price	# Beds	# Baths	Tot. SF	Prop Type	List Date
44 EAGLE CREST DR	$135,900	1	1	798	CONDO	2/20/2009
1615 HALLINAN ST	$285,000	3	1.1	1,500	DETACHD	2/17/2009
18543 LONGFELLOW AVE	$339,900	3	1.1	1,279	DETACHD	2/16/2009
2800 WEMBLEY PARK RD	$374,500	3	2	1,575	DETACHD	2/17/2009
1228 HALLINAN CIR	$389,000	4	2	1,932	DETACHD	2/19/2009
200 BURNHAM RD	$399,000	3	2	1,960	CONDO	2/18/2009
19210 MAREE CT	$415,000	3	2.1	1,634	DETACHD	2/17/2009
221 HIDALGO ST	$419,500	3	2.1	2,628	DETACHD	2/16/2009
131 WILBUR ST	$450,000	2	2	1,312	DETACHD	2/22/2009
905 COUNTRY CLUB RD	399000 – 458876	3	2.1	2,817	DETACHD	2/19/2009
18055 CENTRAL AVE	$495,000	3	1	1,202	DETACHD	2/17/2009
8 WALKING WOODS DR	$519,900	4	3	3,402	DETACHD	2/17/2009
497 ASH ST	$598,800	6	3	3,840	DETACHD	2/18/2009
4605 CHELSEA LN	$752,000	4	2.1	3,411	DETACHD	2/17/2009
1065 LUND ST	$869,000	5	3.1	4,584	DETACHD	2/17/2009
17540 RIDGEVIEW LN	$1,285,000	4	3.1	4,345	DETACHD	2/19/2009

PENDING SALES (February 16—February 22, 2009)

Address	List Price	# Beds	# Baths	Tot. SF	Prop Type	List Date	CDOM
17304 MARJORIE AVE	$333,000	3	1.1	1,340	DETACHD	2/3/2009	16
178 PINE VALLEY RD	$475,000	5	3.1	2,999	DETACHD	2/12/2009	6
964 COUNTRY COMMONS LN	$499,000	3	2.1	2,065	DETACHD	1/23/2009	27
4676 WINTHROP CT	$557,750	4	2.1	3,112	DETACHD	11/18/2008	172
625 CLARA CT	$587,500	3	2.1	2,532	DETACHD	9/4/2008	297
731 F AVE	$624,900	4	2.1	2,668	DETACHD	1/16/2009	327
17860 CRESTLINE DR	$2,795,000	4	5.2	6,810	DETACHD	10/21/2008	485

SOLD (February 16—February 22, 2009)

Address	O/Price	Close Price	# Beds	Tot. Baths	Tot. SF	Prop Type	List Date	CDOM
3 THE GROTTO	$300,000	$292,000	3	2	1,688	DETACHD	11/5/2008	274
4451 BERNARD ST	$349,950	$330,000	3	2	1,800	DETACHD	10/29/2008	190
4 BRITTEN CT	$429,000	$399,000	3	2.1	1,972	ATTACHD	11/4/2008	74
4280 CHAPMAN WAY	$469,000	$441,000	3	2	1,947	DETACHD	12/15/2008	105

February 21, 2009February 21, 2009

Open Houses – Sunday, February 22, 2009

There are 18 properties to see on Sunday in Lake Oswego. Enjoy!

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

5487 Tualata Ct $264,900-$279,876 3 Bd, 2 Ba Open 1-4

19251 Indian Creek Ave $335,000 4 Bd, 2 Ba Open 1-4

18543 Longfellow Av $339,900 3 Bd, 1 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

1685 Mapleleaf Rd $365,000 3 Bd, 2 Ba Open 1- 4

2800 Wembley Park Rd $374,500 3 Bd, 2 Ba Open 1-3

1260 Larch St $399,000 3 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

221 Hidalgo St $419,500 3 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

1265 Rockinghorse Ln $444,000 4 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1-3

111 3rd St $459,900 2 Bd, 2 Ba Open 1-4

17083 Fernwood Dr $525,000 5 Bd, 3 Ba Open 2-4

21 Condolea Dr $579,000 3 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

17960 Ridge Lake Dr $669,000 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

15713 Tara Pl $699,000 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 12-2

15422 Boones Way $879,000 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-4

3030 Westview Ct $948,000 4 Bd 2 1/2 Ba Open 2:30-4

18106 Pilkington Rd $1,095,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 12-2

5250 Dawn Ave $1,095,900 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

15905 Oswego Shore Ct $1,590,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

February 18, 2009February 18, 2009

What’s Your Sense of Style?

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When searching for properties on RMLS, you will first be asked to specify the type of property you are interested in finding. The main property categories include:

Attached- This refers to a townhome which is usually 2-story, part of an HOA, and includes ownership of the lot as well as the structure.
Condo- This refers to a dwelling in an HOA, wherein ownership includes the individual unit together with an undivided interest in common with all unit owners in the “common elements”, which are the land and those parts of the building or buildings intended for common use. Condo ownership is of the interior of the structure, and exterior maintenance is provided by the HOA.
Detached Single Family- This refers to a house on its own lot. Ownership is of the house, inside and out, and the lot itself. Technically, ownership extends up into the atmosphere as well!

When you choose one or more properties for more detailed information, the “style” of the detached homes will be included. Indicating a description of the style of a home for a Realtor is more of an art than a science. This is because a home will potentially contain elements of one style, and also elements of another, particularly if there has been any remodeling of the structure.

I thought it might be fun to give some detail on the characteristics of house styles, and want to thank Judie Teal who contributed data and photographs to RMLS, which RMLS is allowing me to mine and use for your informational pleasure.

There are many, many house styles from which to choose. Here are some significant ones applicable to the larger Portland area:

2-Story: Two-level home with main entrance on lower level. (Photo)

Ranch: Long, low, rambling single-story with simple construction, usually a large picture window in front and an attached garage.

Daylight Ranch: Rambling home with a lower level basement that is partially above ground.

Split-Level: Two-story home split at the entry with one set of stairs going up and another going to the lower level. The entry is not considered a “floor” or story. (Photo)

Tri-Level (NOT to be confused with Split-Level): Usually a ranch style home with a full story added on one end… so, three full floors.

Bungalow: One to one & 1/2 story w/gabled roof & porch across front.

Cottage: Gabled roof line, but lower than the bungalow style, sash windows, and a plain front door. Front porch is either very small or non-existent.

Contemporary: Simple, Uncluttered lines with a non-traditional design. (Photo)

Craftsman: Home has a low pitched gabled roof with wide eaves and exposed rafters. One or two story with a decorative brace and full front porch. Inside there is usually an array of built-in wood cabinetry, often with glass & leaded glass features. (Photo)

Colonial: Two-story home with a steeply pitched roof, small casement windows, and often columns across the front.

Dutch Colonial: This variation has a gambrel or mansard roof and often a side wing. (Photo)

English: Steeply pitched roof, prominent cross gables and tall windows sometimes half-timbered. (Photo at top of post)

Tudor: Similar to the English home, with steeply pitched roof, low doors, small-paned windows and decorative half-timbering. (Photo)

Victorian: Two stories with steep gables, ornate wood detail, Gothic style windows (pointed top), and brackets under eaves. Some also boast turrets.

A-frame: One or two story with peaked, high pitched roof line in the shape of an “A”.

Chalet: A rustic style home featuring projected roofs, large windows and raised foundation. (Photo)

Georgian: A formal square box-like structure with a hipped roof, decorative crown or pediment over the front door with columns on each side, and/or cornice mouldings. (Photo)

Saltbox: Distinctive sloping roof line from the top of the gable which can plunge from 2 and 1/2 stories in the front too a single story in the rear.

Farmhouse: Simple, uncomplicated 2-story construction with a front porch, and sometimes wrap-around porch. (Photo)

Old Portland (Four Square): Very Distinctive style popular in the early 20th century. Large & square two to two & 1/2 story with low hipped roof and deep overhang, large central dormer, full porch w/wide stairs. (Photo)

There are many more styles, but again, these represent the bulk of what you’ll find in the Portland area.