Street of Dreams Comes to LO!

carousel-new_0003_House-9Since 1985, August is the month for the Street of Dreams in the Portland metro area. This showcase of luxury homes can be found nation wide, but it actually originated in Portland in 1985 when the Home Builder’s Association of Metroplitan Portland decided to have this showcase to highlight and promote home builders and designers.

While I have not attended every Street of Dreams, if it’s in LO I am going to go. LO has hosted the Street of Dreams at least 3 times, that I am aware of.

There is a real WOW! factor to it. I like to look at homes that are beautiful and that are perfectly decorated. It’s a bit inspiring, but more than that I always take away ideas. It lets me see color trends, architectural trends, and even take away ideas that I use on a small scale in my own home.

What are this year’s trends? Here are some of my take aways:

Blue is the hot color right now. I saw it everywhere: even in the trim color on the exterior of a house. Seriously, that is a big color commitment. This same house had blue cabinets in the kitchen. Yes, it had BLUE cabinets.

Natural stone and granite remains a must-have element. And just as I observed after the street of dreams about 3 years ago, the stone colors are trending to black, gray, and white. There was little or no use of what are called “earth tones” such as brown or rust.

Exterior kitchens remain popular with built-in gas grills, fireplaces, and refrigerators.

The floorplans are mostly greatrooms with a huge bonus or second greatroom upstairs. The second greatroom generally has a huge sofa area for watching a mega-size TV, a wet bar or second full kitchen, and a game table area. Two of this years houses have balconies off of the upstairs greatroom that are huge and have views of the valley or Mt Hood: really nice!

Contemporary is back in demand. Over half of the homes are extremely contemporary.

Here are some things that surprised me:

There is a house with only a 2-car garage. OK, this actually shocks me. A person with the financial capability to buy in this price range ($1,500,000-$2,750,00) is a person who not only has 2 cars, but perhaps a 3rd car in addition to all of the toys that need storage like snowboards, jet skis, etc. I think the lack of a 3rd car bay is a HUGE mistake for resale.

Some of the houses have unbelievably small master closets. Again, a big “duh”, this is so basic when folks buy expensive, new homes. The master needs a gigormous closet!

The remodeled Shaw house was not well done. This classic mid-century modern is the original home for the area. It is architecturally wonderful and I give credit to the Home Builder’s Association for saving it and doing a full remodel. But the resulting floorplan is chopped up with too many small rooms. There is a lovely courtyard, but none of the major living area looks out onto it. I just came away feeling that somehow it could have been done better.

Not one of the houses was built with a lodge motif. I think this is a big gap. The look and feel of wood-beamed ceilings and the use of lots of natural stone inside remains in demand.

Last, I show a lot of property in Lake Oswego, including up in this price range. These houses are gorgeous, but they are not over the top. Many homes in Lake Oswego could hold their own in this group, quite easily.

I do want to encourage you to go. It’s the best way to see these gorgeous homes without having to get your real estate license.

Details:
August 1-30, 10am to 9pm
$17 admission, kids under 10 years are free
Park at a shuttle pickup spot (M-F at LO Jr High, 2500 Country Club Rd/Sat, Sun park at 4000 Kruse Way). The shuttles come regularly and there is very little wait time.
Saturday and Sunday you can also take the Trolley from 2nd and A in downtown LO.
Food and beverages are available for sale.

If you want to visit the Street of Dreams website, click here.

Have a good time!
Dianne

Market Activity July 27-Aug 2, 2015

Another busy week of real estate in LO. Last week we had 31 houses come onto the market, 22 go into “pending” status with accepted offers, and 25 sold/closed sales.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS for last week:

New on Market (July 27-Aug 2, 2015)

Address Type Price Bedrooms Baths Sq Ft
4 Touchstone #153 Condo $145,000 2 2 1031
668 McVey Ave #4 Condo $179,000 1 1 636
4045 Jefferson Pkwy Condo $230,000 2 2.5 1182
48 Eagle Crest Dr 4D Condo $245,000 2 2 1445
16200 Pacific Hwy #24 Condo $285,000 2 2 1190
3497 Devnshire Dr Attached $329,900 3 2 1556
147 Kingsgate Rd Detached $349,900 2 2 1120
15879 Kimball St Detached $349,900 3 1.5 1076
4582 Trillium Woods Attached $459,900 3 2.5 1835
15144 Boones Way Detached $465,000 4 3.5 2409
143 Kingsgate Rd Detached $475,000 3 2 2110
6511 Frost St Detached $539,000 3 2.5 2430
1371 Koawood Dr Detached $659,000 6 3 3534
17126 Hofer Ct Detached $668,000 3 3 2541
13852 Shireva Dr Detached $699,000 5 3 3065
4369 Sundew Ct Detached $718,950 4 2.5 3325
4467 Thunder Vista Ln Condo $725,000 4 3.5+.5 4494
4090 Buck Brush Ln Detached $750,000 4 3 2878
4079 Coltsfoot Ln Detached $759,900 4 4 3308
3778 Rivers Edge Dr Detached $765,000 4 3.5 3022
5724 La Mesa Ct Detached $799,900 5 2.5 3669
5635 Bay Creek Dr Detached $799,900 5 2.5 3669
18009 Braeden Ct Detached $849,000 4 2.5 3286
5455 Langford Ln Detached $860,000 3 2.5 3341
426 7th St Detached $925,000 4 2.5 3046
4176 Upper Dr Detached $950,000 5 3 2968
4200 Upper Dr Detached $950,000 3 1 1371
725 5th Ave Detached $1,124,900 3 3 2748
17442 Ridgeview Ln Detached $1,375,000 4 3.5+.5 5036
1933 Highlands Lp Detached $2,750,000 4 3.5 5031
16715 Phantom Bluff Ct Detached $4,195,000 4 4.5 4585

Pending Sales (July 27-Aug 2, 2015)

Address Type Price Bedrooms Baths Sq Ft DOM
44 Eagle Crest Dr #10 Condo $93,900 1 1 798 56
41 Oswego Summit Condo $105,000 1 1 764 865
103 Oswego Summit Condo $135,000 2 1.5 1116 283
4000 Carman Dr #25 Condo $143,500 2 2 836 4
3433 McNary Pkwy #704 Condo $169,000 2 2 1008 13
48 Eagle Crest Dr 4E Condo $209,900 2 2 1489 12
3892 Botticelli St Condo $235,000 3 2 1288 120
16536 Inverurie Rd Detached $315,000 3 1 1064 4
210 State St #9 Condo $360,000 2 1.5 1516 12
39 Condolea Ct Condo $375,000 3 3 2198 39
258 Cervantes Attached $385,000 3 2.5 2312 13
5725 Windfield Loop Detached $409,900 2 2 1615 14
1528 Cedar St Detached $445,622 3 2 2760 5
37 Berwick Rd Detached $498,000 3 2 2198 65
41 Spinosa Detached $519,000 3 2.5 2389 2
4004 Melissa Dr Detached $625,000 4 2.5 2865 133
4896 Hastings Dr Detached $650,000 4 2.5 2785 30
1775 Palisades Terrace Dr Detached $661,000 4 2.5 2112 0
4833 Hastings Dr Detached $665,000 4 2.5 2831 1
159 5th ST Detached $849,000 4 3 2970 212
3119 Wembley Park Rd Detached $1,125,000 4 3.5 3633 7
500 Ridgeway Rd Detached $1,749,000 4 3.5 4554 424

Sold/Closed  (July 27-Aug 2, 2015)

Address Type List Price Sold Price Sq Ft CDOM
45 Eagle Crest DR #216 Condo $112,900 $115,000 600 3
750 1st St #32 Condo $165,000 $135,000 986 64
44 Eagle Crest Dr #29 Condo $139,900 $140,500 798 5
4 Oswego Summit Condo $144,900 $150,000 1140 5
3814 Botticelli St Attached $189,900 $184,000 1055 21
200 Burnham Rd #103 Condo $199,000 $203,000 873 2
750 1st St #14 Condo $250,000 $237,150 1350 11
7 Saint Helens Circle Detached $335,000 $325,000 1275 3
1790 Conifer Dr Detached $325,000 $325,000 1003 33
236 Greenridge Dr Attached $344,900 $350,000 1492 2
1600 Ash St Detached $399,900 $405,000 2037 8
6145 McEwan Rd Detached $399,000 $405,000 1850 3
925 York Rd Detached $425,000 $425,000 2232 3
1931 Kilkenny Rd Detached $430,000 $435,000 2411 1
16889 Wight Ln Detached $469,000 $438,500 2,579 86
2550 Greentree Rd Detached $499,000 $478,000 2852 53
1458 Greentree Circle Detached $757,000 $545,000 2156 22
5020 Hampton Ct Detached $559,500 $552,000 2253 257
16873 Cherry Crest Dr Detached $550,000 $575,000 2394 4
15930 Twin Fir Rd Detached $669,000 $705,000 2620 770
930 Cumberland Rd Detached $715,000 $715,000 2960 3
3 Mountain View Ln Detached $750,000 $715,000 3672 127
4055 Orchard Dr Detached $795,000 $750,000 3354 44
251 D Ave Detached $849,000 $842,200 2635 8
1947 Summit Dr Detached $1,595,000 $1,450,000 5570 104

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.

Tips & Tidbits

BankI find that lots of Buyers are a bit confused about Earnest Money and what its purpose is, how they might be at risk for losing it, etc. It is basically to compensate the Seller for taking their home off the market in the event you violate the terms of your Sale Agreement, but there are nuances to it in addition to that. Here are a few pieces of info & pointers in that regard:

A Few Notes About Earnest Money:

  • Earnest Money is a deposit you make at the time you make your Offer. This is to show that you are “earnest” or serious about your Offer, and to compensate the Seller for removing their property from the market  (while you perform your inspections & due diligence)  should you violate the terms of the Contract/Offer/Sale Agreement.
  • Talk to your Realtor about how much an Earnest Money Check should be….  It varies from situation to situation. The ultimate choice, however, is yours. A substantial amount of Earnest Money can demonstrate to the Seller that you are serious about the purchase, and shows a certain amount of stability, though this is not necessary or even advisable in all circumstances.
  • Earnest Money goes toward your closing costs & other transactional terms. It is held usually by Escrow as your neutral 3rd party and applied to the bottom line of your transaction, generally speaking. By virtue of its definition as Earnest Money, its NOT an additional fee.
  • There are several ways for a Buyer to cancel a sale and receive their Earnest Money back (during specified & agreed-upon timelines & specific acceptable reasons that are all outlined in the Offer itself). This action is not to be taken lightly, and/but, there are definitely provisions for it.
  • The Earnest Money check (a photocopy of it) accompanies the Approval Letter, a Cover Letter your Buyer’s Agent will create, and the Offer when your Realtor submits it to the Seller’s Agent (at least… that’s how   always do it).  In the event you are unable to physically hand your Realtor a check prior to when you want to get your Offer in to the Seller, you may have the option of using a Promissory Note redeemable/sent to Escrow in check form within a specified number of days following mutual acceptance of your Offer.  ***I advise my clients that a check is always preferable. A photocopy of it going along with your Offer makes a statement to the Seller that you are serious. This is especially true in a competitive situation. Again, though, each situation is different. Discuss YOUR best options with your Realtor.
  • Carefully study the Sale Agreement (Offer) wording to make sure you understand how and under what circumstances you are allowed to have your Earnest Money returned, and under what circumstances you are not. Basically, staying within outlined timelines and giving notice in writing within those timelines assures your Earnest Money is protected. It is important that, with your Realtor’s assistance and advice, you stay on top of timelines as outlined in the Sale Agreement. ***Bring ANY questions you may have to your Realtor’s attention.

I hope this information was helpful!

Very Best,

Linda

Market Activity ~ July 20-26, 2015

Here you go!  Gotta run………….. Please call if you need help. Each of us, though very busy, always have time for our Property Blotter readers.

Last week in Lake Oswego we saw 27 New properties enter the market, 29 move to Pending status, and 17 “Closed”/Sold.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS for last week:

NEW on Mkt (June 20 – July 26, 2015)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
48 EAGLE CREST DR #4E $209,900 2 2 1489 CONDO
196 CERVANTES $239,900 2 1.1 1241 CONDO
3910 CARMAN DR $239,900 2 2.1 1129 CONDO
4425 THUNDER VISTA LN $269,900 2 2.1 1518 CONDO
6155 MCEWAN RD $320,000 2 2 1294 DETACHD
15 GREENRIDGE CT #Main $324,900 3 2.1 1996 ATTACHD
19431 TUALAMERE AVE $339,900 3 1.1 1200 DETACHD
210 S STATE ST #9 $360,000 2 1.1 1516 CONDO
5402 CARMAN DR $400,000 3 1 1699 DETACHD
1528 CEDAR ST $445,622 3 2 2760 DETACHD
523 2ND ST #105 $489,000 2 2 1208 CONDO
2701 LAKEVIEW BLVD $589,000 4 2.1 3448 DETACHD
6150 KENNY ST $599,000 3 2.1 2070 DETACHD
5466 BAY CREEK DR $615,000 3 3 2535 DETACHD
607 ASH ST $659,000 4 3.1 2860 DETACHD
999 OXFORD DR $664,500 4 3 3191 DETACHD
159 5TH ST $849,000 4 3 2970 DETACHD
15550 QUARRY RD $850,000 4 3 2674 DETACHD
17980 KELOK RD $899,900 4 2.1 2969 DETACHD
475 8th ST $999,950 4 2.1 2699 DETACHD
3119 WEMBLEY PARK RD $1,125,000 4 3.1 3633 DETACHD
18012 EASTRIDGE LN $1,295,000 4 3.1 4526 DETACHD
2201 HAZEL RD $1,600,000 4 4.1 5446 DETACHD
1175 CHERRY CIR $2,349,000 6 4.1 6000 DETACHD
16852 ALDER CIR $2,395,000 4 3.1 2873 DETACHD
1193 FAIRWAY RD $3,188,000 5 4.2 7028 DETACHD
16842 ALDER CIR $4,750,000 5 3.2 5144 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (June 20 – July 26, 2015)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
100 KERR PKWY #35 $109,900 1 1 617 CONDO 41
47 EAGLE CREST DR#27 $129,000 2 1 947 CONDO 36
170 OSWEGO SMT #Grnd $145,000 2 2 1506 CONDO 105
5061 FOOTHILLS DR #E $221,000 2 2 991 CONDO 3
48 EAGLE CREST DR #Upper $250,000 3 2 1550 CONDO 169
6331 SHAKESPEARE ST $299,900 3 1.1 992 DETACHD 67
12844 BOONES FERRY RD #Grnd $309,900 2 2.1 1152 CONDO 19
4725 LAKEVIEW BLVD $349,900 3 2 1589 DETACHD 18
5132 TIMBERGROVE ST $380,000 3 2 1430 DETACHD 11
4545 DOGWOOD DR $519,000 3 2 2483 DETACHD 2
13611 BLAZER TRL $519,900 4 2.1 2549 DETACHD 3
15518 HERITAGE CT $525,000 4 3.1 2700 DETACHD 66
13010 SIERRA CT $545,000 4 2.1 3065 DETACHD 1
345 E AVE $575,000 3 2 1582 DETACHD 59
432 LIVINGOOD LN $575,000 4 3 2527 DETACHD 11
3752 TEMPEST DR $583,000 4 2.1 3017 DETACHD 3
19664 RIVER RUN DR $585,000 4 2.1 3051 DETACHD 84
17721 OVERLOOK CIR $599,900 4 2.1 3172 DETACHD 44
1270 HIDE A WAY CT $625,000 3 2.1 2312 DETACHD 4
7140 CHILDS RD $649,700 3 3 2600 DETACHD 9
877 CORNELL ST $659,000 3 3 3100 DETACHD 415
5148 WOODCREST LN $699,000 5 3 3110 DETACHD 3
1562 CHANDLER RD $779,000 3 3 2307 DETACHD 2
1330 PINE ST $799,900 4 3.1 3775 DETACHD 12
18383 OLD RIVER DR $895,000 4 4.1 4548 DETACHD 33
18245 RIVER EDGE CT $1,100,000 3 3 4830 DETACHD 18
17327 KELOK RD $1,150,000 3 3 2300 DETACHD 105
18418 OLD RIVER LNDG $1,799,000 4 3.2 6404 DETACHD 190
16829 GREENBRIER RD $2,395,000 5 3.1 3927 DETACHD 158

SOLD  (June 20 – July 26, 2015)

Address Opening Price Closed Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
100 KERR PKWY #42 $100,000 $95,000 2 1.1 822 CONDO 28
234 GREENRIDGE DR $329,900 $325,000 3 2 1492 ATTACHD 2
686 8TH ST $995,000 $375,000 4 3 3200 DETACHD 40
1428 GREENTREE CIR $425,000 $395,000 4 2.1 2236 DETACHD 120
1448 CEDAR ST $500,000 $420,000 4 3 2544 DETACHD 628
11 CHURCHILL DOWNS $430,500 $430,500 4 2.1 2336 DETACHD 81
4793 AUBURN LN $450,000 $435,000 3 2.1 2083 ATTACHD 20
1500 WOODLAND TER $486,000 $472,500 3 2.1 2499 DETACHD 42
2251 SUMMIT DR $599,000 $500,000 5 3 2676 DETACHD 118
71 TOUCHSTONE $509,900 $516,000 4 3 2211 DETACHD 3
674 LIVINGOOD LN $548,900 $548,900 4 2.1 2714 DETACHD 6
18420 DEER OAK AVE $629,900 $630,000 4 3 2476 DETACHD 1
6484 MCDUFF CT $749,000 $724,100 4 4 3120 DETACHD 18
5590 KODERRA AVE $828,800 $829,000 4 2.1 3289 DETACHD 10
50 BRIARWOOD RD $949,000 $880,000 6 6 6000 DETACHD 497
1578 VIEW LAKE CT $1,549,000 $1,449,000 4 4.1 4476 DETACHD 35
983 LAKE FRONT RD $1,595,000 $1,451,000 3 2.1 2199 DETACHD 76

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.

The Swim Parks

Lake Oswego has two swim parks. Who can use them can be a bit confusing. There is a common misconception that you must live within the Lake Oswego School District to be eligible. While that is partially true, it is not the case.

Lake Oswego Swim Park
Lake Oswego Swim Park
The Lake Oswego Swim Park

This swim park is located at 250 Ridgeway Rd on the West end of the Lake. To use this park you must be a resident of Lake Oswego. Use of the park is free. Hours of operation at 1-6 pm daily, weather permitting. The park features life guards on duty during all operating hours, diving platforms, water sprayers, inner tubes, outdoor showers, and lounge chairs. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by someone who is at least 16 years of age. So this park is widely available to any one who is a resident of Lake Oswego.

Lake Grove Swim Park
Lake Grove Swim Park
The Lake Grove Swim Park

This swim park is located at 3800 Lakeview Blvd on the East end of the lake. This swim park was originally deeded to the former Lake Grove School District by the Oregon Iron and Steel Company. The Lake Grove School District merged with the Lake Oswego School District in 1953. While the districts merged, the use of this swim park remains with people who live within the former Lake Grove School District’s boundary. (For a link to the website that has a copy of this map, click here) People who live within this district pay an additional property tax to maintain and operate this park. To use the park you simply must provide photo ID with proof of your address and a park pass will be issued. You then show your pass when you use the park.

This park has life guards on duty during all operating hours (12-8pm daily, weather permiting). There is also ping pong, volleyball, tether ball, and basketball. There is a concrete wading pool for children 7 and younger. Additionally, swim lessons are offered for all children in Lake Oswego, even those who are not eligible for a park pass.

With the hot summer days we’ve been enjoying, now is the time to get out to the swim parks and take advantage of the recreational opportunities that come from living in Lake Oswego.

Enjoy!
Dianne

Market Activity July 6-12, 2015

Robust is the adjective that comes to mind when I think about what is happening with Lake Oswego real estate. Seriously, our market is hot. Houses are selling fast and buyers are in a frenzy. Last week in Lake Oswego there were 29 new listings, 33 houses that accepted offers to go into pending status, and 26 closed sales.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS for last week:

New on Market (July 6-12, 2015)

Address Type Price Bedrooms Baths Sq Ft
3926 Carman Dr Condo $234,900 2 2.5 1129
200 Burnham Rd #305 Condo $269,900 2 2 1328
668 McVey Ave #42 Condo $285,000 2 1 836
4458 Thunder Vista Ln Condo $289,000 2 2.5 2200
12844 Boones Ferry Rd Condo $315,000 2 2.5 1152
5882 Kennycroft Way Detached $315.00 3 2 1272
4725 Lakeview Blvd Detached $349,900 3 2 1589
5132 Timbergrove St Detached $380,000 3 2 1420
93 Kingsgate Rd Detached $389,900 3 2.5 1669
3508 Red Cedar Way Detached $429,900 4 2 1425
5749 Windfield Loop Detached $499,900 3 3 1873
31 Walking Woods Dr Detached $500,000 4 3 2889
16064 Waluga Dr Detached $575,000 7 3 2366
432 Livingood Ln Detached $575,000 4 3 2527
7140 Childs Rd Detached $649,800 3 3 2600
1495 Woodland Terrace Detached $715,000 4 2.5 3960
15960 Parker Rd Detached $720,000 3 2.5 2566
17766 Marylcreek Dr Detached $769,000 4 3.5 4439
5343 Greystoke Dr Detached $816,000 4 3 3097
4867 Upper Dr Detached $849,000 4 3 2852
1600 Oak St Detached $950,000 4 3.5 4385
18245 River Edge Ct Detached $1,100,000 3 3 4830
575 B Ave Detached $1,125,000 5 3.5 3534
400 D Ave Detached $1,239,000 5 3.5 4000
12822 Alto Park Rd Detached $1,299,000 4 4.5 3426
462 9th St Detached $1,395,000 5 3.5 4357
548 Ridgeway Rd Detached $1,690,000 4 3 2830
1952 Highlands Loop Detached $1,789,000 4 3.5 4100
4140 Canal Rd Detached $4,495,000 8 8.5 11956

Pending Sales (July 6-12, 2015)

Address Type Price Bedrooms Baths Sq Ft DOM
100 Kerr Pkwy #42 Condo $100,000 2 1.5 822 28
47 Eagle Crest Dr #24 Condo $109,000 1 1 672 56
47 Eagle Crest Dr #29 Condo $139,900 1 1 798 5
170 Oswego Summit Condo $145,000 2 2 1506 91
100 Kerr Pkwy #1 Condo $149,900 2 2 1188 94
53 Church St Condo $153,500 1 1 588 3
668 McVey Ave #85 Condo $199,900 2 1.5 976 14
109 3rd ST Condo $249,000 2 2 1016 20
12826 Boones Ferry Rd Attached $304,500 2 2.5 1136 6
1033 Hallinan St Detached $309,900 3 1 1128 159
27 Aquinas Detached $380,000 3 2.5 1568 10
14328 Holly Springs Rd Detached $439,900 4 2.5 1939 24
230 3rd St Detached $450,000 2 1 1316 4
16889 Wight Ln Detached $459,000 4 2.5 2579 86
17359 Ashley Ct Detached $475,000 4 2.5 2370 32
1293 Hide A Way Ln Detached $489,000 3 2.5 1720 4
5020 Hampton Ct Detached $559,500 3 2.5 2253 257
4220 Albert Circle Detached $565,000 3 3 2406 49
18910 Terry Ave Detached $579,900 4 3.5 4290 159
1097 C Ave Detached $599,000 3 2 1650 21
855 G Ave Detached $599,000 3 1.5 3165 5
12448 Orchard Hill Rd Detached $599,900 4 3 3336 178
4896 Hastings Dr Detached $650,000 4 2.5 2785 7
729 Southview Rd Detached $695,000 3 2 2657 141
17024 Canal Circle Detached $720,000 3 1 1267 39
13254 Twin Creek Ct Detached $749,900 4 2.5 3470 21
14009 Chelsea Dr Detached $765,000 4 2.5 3060 5
18137 Delenka Ln Detached $789,000 4 2.5 3555 0
17340 Oak Meadow Ln Detached $929,000 3 3.5 3718 35
983 Lake Front Rd Detached $1,595,000 3 2.5 2199 76
16511 maple Circle Detached $1,670,000 3 2.5 3342 93
1000 Atwater Rd Detached $2,095,000 4 4.5+.5 6391 120
1345 Chandler Rd Detached $2,695,000 5 4.5 6800 98

Sold/Closed (J6-12, 2015)

Address Type List Price Sold Price Sq Ft CDOM
272 Cervantes Condo $159,000 $163,000 1209 6
208 Oswego Summit Condo $169,900 $169,900 1383 4
4334 Botticelli St Condo $225,000 $217,750 2298 43
16250 Pacific Hwy #56 Condo $247,500 $229,900 1305 439
25 Oriole Ln Detached $299,900 $293,000 1460 18
1023 Oriole Ln Detached $299,900 $293,000 1460 18
1023 Hallinan St Detached $329,900 $320,000 1097 58
1 Peacock Pl Detached $348,500 $360,000 1248 13
4965 Suntree Ln Detached $399,900 $425,000 1572 5
304 6th St Detached $450,000 $435,000 941 21
5431 Willow Ct Attached $475,000 $460,000 2465 8
18581 Waxwing Way Detached $479,000 $464,000 2076 24
101 3rd St Condo $485,000 $485,000 1447 3
1426 Orchard Way Detached $549,000 $553,000 2700 4
1681 Woodland Terrace Detached $585,000 $585,000 2304 26
17348 Hunter Ct Detached $609,000 $609,900 2991 4
17336 Hunter Ct Detached $609,900 $609,900 3023 28
2084 Ridgewood Rd Detached $799,000 $650,000 2117 109
1770 Headlee Ln Detached $750,000 $680,000 2434 112
2737 Tolkien Detached $699,000 $722,337 4397 3
5728 Bay Creek Dr Detached $799,000 $799,000 3504 5
22 Hotspur St Detached $829,000 $835,000 4002 7
1854 Oak Knoll Ct Detached $1,995,000 $925,000 3530 237
610 9th St Detached $1,200,000 $1,160,000 3690 5
3301 Upper Dr Detached $1,400,000 $1,160,000 3690 5
16645 Graef Circle Detached $1,540,000 $1,450,000 3075 56

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.

Tips & Tidbits

  • Documentation and timelines will be changing soon around your Lending and Closing Disclosures.  Make sure to discuss with your Realtor and your Lender as these changes can affect your ability to meet your contractual Closing date if not monitored properly. Specifically, there are a certain number of days mandated for your review of them prior to being able to Close, so find out your Lender’s plan for timing in getting them to you. Also, Escrow’s documents for your revew will depend on when they receive information from your Lender. Expected current timeline for implementation has now been moved to Oct 1st.
  • Speaking of meeting the Closing date and plotting timelines carefully, also remember to factor in the potential need for sign-off by an Appraiser if there were repairs that require that (either because of FHA or other loan requirements), or because an Appraiser calls something out that will necessitate it…such as the common issue of a Carbon Monoxide Detector not being in the home at the time of the Appraisal (…really  a Good idea to make sure there is one in the home before the Appraisal : )
  • Buyers- Make sure to discuss your Offer pricing with your Realtor in the context of current market value research before making your Offer.  In this competitive market, reports are varying widely that Appraisals are coming in just fine in some instances, and/but low in others. Per the Oregon Residential Real Estate Sale Agreement generally used, you are not obligated to pay over Appraised Value, and a bank will not lend over that value either. So… this becomes an uncomfortable negotiating point toward the end of a transaction should you really Love the house and the Seller won’t budge on price. Sometimes people are able to meet somewhere in the middle on price, but if you decide you want to proceed with some kind of arrangement in this realm of options, any monies over the Appraised Value will need to come out of your pocket. Take a close look at the best info available on values in that neighborhood in the recent past at the outset so that you don’t go too far afield in your eagerness to compete.
  • The same is true for Sellers. Make sure you take into account, when you price your home for sale with your Realtor, that your property will need to appraise “at value” in order to close at the agreed-upon price… without headaches, drama and potential “sale fail”.

 

Market Activity ~ June 29 – July 5, 2015

Basic CMYKIt’s hot, and real estate activity shows no sign of cooling anytime soon!

Last week in Lake Oswego we saw 13 New properties enter the market, 26 move to Pending status, and 32 “Closed”/Sold.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS for last week:

NEW on Mkt (June 29 – July 5, 2015)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
44 EAGLE CREST DR #29 $139,900 1 1 798 CONDO
5225 JEAN RD #203 $219,950 3 2 1400 CONDO
27 AQUINAS ST $380,000 3 2.1 1568 DETACHD
15601 TANAGER DR $435,000 3 2.1 2046 DETACHD
16935 LAKERIDGE DR $637,500 5 3 3048 DETACHD
1545 CLOVERLEAF RD $640,000 4 3.1 2723 DETACHD
2 CREEKSIDE TER $649,990 5 2.1 2906 DETACHD
17901 MEADOWLARK LN $729,000 4 3 4044 DETACHD
14009 CHELSEA DR $765,000 4 2.1 3060 DETACHD
14102 Goodall RD $950,000 3 2.1 3000 DETACHD
1944 PALISADES TERRACE DR $954,000 4 2.1 4256 DETACHD
14050 GOODALL RD $2,150,000 5 4.2 6714 DETACHD
2912 WEMBLEY PARK RD 1200000 – 1400000 4 4.1 4500 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (June 29 – July 5, 2015)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
100 KERR PKWY #2 $139,000 2 2 820 CONDO 8
200 BURNHAM RD #103 $199,000 1 1 873 CONDO 2
25 ORIOLE LN $299,900 3 2 1460 DETACHD 18
12828 BOONES FERRY RD $320,000 2 2.1 1136 ATTACHD 15
1790 CONIFER DR $325,000 2 1 1003 DETACHD 33
208 GREENRIDGE DR $329,000 3 2 1392 ATTACHD 55
15112 QUARRY RD $329,900 3 2 1968 DETACHD 35
5392 TREE ST $373,900 3 1.1 1232 DETACHD 7
5051 TUALATA LN $410,000 4 2 1581 DETACHD 7
2705 ORCHARD HILL PL $435,000 3 2.1 2250 DETACHD 6
17000 CANYON DR $439,900 3 2 2129 DETACHD 11
6276 FROST LN $449,000 4 3.1 2304 DETACHD 71
14480 CAMDEN LN $475,000 3 2.1 1944 DETACHD 10
2891 DELLWOOD DR $500,000 3 3.1 2928 DETACHD 4
71 TOUCHSTONE $509,900 4 3 2211 DETACHD 3
5554 ROYAL OAKS DR $525,000 3 2 1861 DETACHD 77
4979 GALEN ST $555,000 4 2.1 3298 DETACHD 74
16750 PHANTOM BLUFF CT $614,500 3 3 2267 DETACHD 19
17 EL GRECO ST $644,000 5 2.1 2778 DETACHD 4
38 DA VINCI ST $699,000 4 2.1 2932 DETACHD 4
5364 LANGFORD LN $799,000 3 2.1 3022 DETACHD 27
18977 BARTON RD $875,000 4 3.2 5076 DETACHD 106
4540 LAMONT WAY $949,900 4 2.1 3555 DETACHD 6
595 D AVE $1,075,000 3 3 3760 DETACHD 1
401 9TH ST $1,299,900 4 3.1 4288 DETACHD 138
17096 CHAPIN WAY $1,495,000 4 5 4395 DETACHD 128

SOLD  (June 29 – July 5, 2015)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4 TOUCHSTONE #107 $158,000 $158,000 3 2.1 1351 CONDO 26
5051 SW FOOTHILLS DR #31 $209,000 $221,000 2 2 991 CONDO 3
4459 THUNDER VISTA LN $255,000 $260,000 2 2.1 1925 CONDO 32
115 TOUCHSTONE TER $329,900 $334,900 4 2.2 2848 ATTACHD 24
16444 BONAIRE AVE $349,900 $349,900 3 2 1392 DETACHD 14
6461 SW EDGEWOOD ST $399,900 $370,000 4 2.1 1950 DETACHD 72
1647 DEVON LN $399,900 $380,000 4 2.1 2494 DETACHD 13
820 BOCA RATAN DR $399,000 $386,100 4 3 2220 DETACHD 4
3919 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $424,900 $425,000 3 4 2398 DETACHD 3
15365 TWIN FIR RD $468,500 $435,000 3 1 1201 DETACHD 198
4730 FIRWOOD RD $425,000 $438,700 4 2 2124 DETACHD 6
2705 ORCHARD HILL LN $489,000 $489,000 4 2.1 2841 DETACHD 24
15941 INVERURIE RD $495,000 $495,000 4 2 2611 DETACHD 14
17902 MEADOWLARK LN $519,900 $500,000 3 2.1 1950 DETACHD 38
17101 CHAPIN WAY $519,000 $500,000 3 2 1949 DETACHD 74
17820 WESTVIEW DR $524,900 $520,000 3 2.1 2407 DETACHD 25
4798 AUBURN LN $529,000 $529,000 3 3.1 2700 ATTACHD 5
2043 RIDGEWOOD RD $579,900 $585,000 5 3 3016 DETACHD 2
3099 ROSEMARY LN $599,000 $599,000 4 4 4486 DETACHD 9
2699 TOLKIEN LN $670,000 $640,000 4 2.1 3115 DETACHD 32
5312 CHILDS RD $735,000 $735,000 3 3 2507 DETACHD 0
1336 GLENMORRIE DR $709,900 $770,000 3 3.1 3150 DETACHD 3
17572 SHEPHERDS CT $779,900 $775,000 4 3 2983 DETACHD 36
4405 SUNDEW CT $789,000 $789,000 5 3.1 4820 DETACHD 11
4974 CASCARA LN $799,000 $799,000 4 2.1 3351 DETACHD 2
5987 SUNCREEK DR $775,000 $800,000 4 2.1 2932 DETACHD 33
1917 PALISADES LAKE CT $995,000 $894,000 4 2.1 3852 DETACHD 343
1120 HOODVIEW LN $919,900 $925,000 4 3 3454 DETACHD 4
4579 UPPER DR $1,198,000 $1,150,000 4 3.1 3720 DETACHD 20
4350 LORDS LN $1,199,000 $1,175,000 5 4 3888 DETACHD 5
16902 CHAPIN WAY $1,299,000 $1,275,000 5 4 3696 DETACHD 84
3140 DOUGLAS CIR $1,395,000 $1,300,000 4 3.1 4333 DETACHD 54

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.

Changes With Appraisals

l-lake-oswego-mansionSomething is going on with appraisals these days and it is significant enough to impact the purchase or sale of a home if the sale involves a mortgage. There are two specific changes with one leading to the other.

Appraisals are taking longer

For pretty much my entire real estate career the time for an appraisal to be ordered and completed has typically been about 10 days. When things got busy, it may take a day or two longer. When things slowed down, it might come in more quickly. This quick turn around allowed buyers the luxury of completing all of their home inspections and having the certainty that the house is something that they wanted to buy, before they had to pay for an appraisal. No more.

I am experiencing appraisals that are taking a minimum of two weeks and I currently have an FHA loan being processed in which the appraisal took a full month.

Oswego-LakeWhat is causing this? It certainly has to do with the fact that we are in the peak of the selling season with an above average amount of loans being processed. But I think there is another factor. Just as qualifying for a loan has become more difficult, the appraisal process has tightened up. Appraisers have to factually prove the value based upon collateral. They can not fudge the numbers with things like “an upwardly trending market”. So where there may have been 14 offers and a bidding war to gain a sale, that does not mean that the house will appraise out. This is not about emotion. This is about factually proving the value.

Plan to pay for and order the appraisal within days of acceptance of your offer

This means that to have a closing within 45 days of acceptance, a typical time expectation, you need to pay for the appraisal right away. Buyers just do not have the luxury of waiting until after the home inspection. I suppose you could simply ask for a 60 day close to allow time to inspect before buying the appraisal. Good luck with that in this seller’s market. I am seeing sellers agents commonly write that the appraisal must be ordered right away as a part of the contract negotiation at the time of the offer.

So just a heads up. This change is having a pretty big impact on closing transactions. Plan ahead, get the appraisal ordered early, and close on time. This will make everyone happy.

Dianne

Market Activity June 15-21, 2015

Inventory seems to have picked up this past week with 26 new listings, however, sales continue to outpace the inventory with 36 houses going into pending status. We had 17 closed/sold sales.

See below of further explanation of the RMLS data.

New on the Market (June 15-21, 2015)

Address Type Price BR Bths SF
47 Eagle Crest Dr #27 Condo $129,000 2 1 947
3964 Carman Dr Condo $229,800 2 2.5 1129
109 3rd St Condo $249,000 2 2 1016
12828 Boones Ferry Rd Attached $320,000 2 2.5 1136
7 Saint Helens Circle Detached $335,000 2 2 1275
39 Condolea Ct Condo $375,000 3 3 2198
14328 Holly Springs Rd Detached $439,000 4 2.5 1939
15948 Quarry Rd Detached $464,000 2 1 920
5895 Burma Rd Detached $474,900 4 2.5 1781
674 Lexington Ct Detached $574,000 3 2.5 2477
213 Hidalgo St Detached $575,000 4 3.5 3964
2302 Overlook Dr Detached $579,000 4 2.5 3125
1097 C Ave Detached $599,000 3 2 1650
13254 Twin Creek Ct Detached $749,900 4 2.5 3470
16717 Sylvan Ct Detached $749,999 4 3.5 4949
19133 Megan Pl Detached $774,500 4 3.5 3724
14205 Edenberry Dr Detached $792,500 3 2.5 3051
18383 Old River Dr Detached $895,000 4 4.5 4548
4948 Hampton Ct Detached $939,000 3 3.5 3434
17622 Lake Haven Dr Detached $1,089,000 2 2 1400
18347 Lothlorien Way Detached $1,098,000 5 3.5+.5 4141
3820 Southshore Blvd Detached $1,295,000 5 4 4855
16847 Greenbrier Rd Detached $1,895,000 3 2.5 2304
2025 Cedar Ct Detached $2,200,000 3 4 4062
674 Livingood Ln Detached $548,900 4 2.5 2714
5413 Langford Ln Detached $759,995 3 2.5 2879

Pending Sales (June 15-21, 2015)

Address Type Price BR Baths SF DOM
16 Crestfield Ct Condo $95,500 1 1 550 36
10 Condolea Dr Attached $240,000 2 2 1312 33
668 McVey Ave #24 Condo $249,900 1 1 626 70
750 1st St #14 Condo $250,000 2 2 1350 11
4851 Madrona St Detached $299,900 3 2 1434 14
1033 Hallinan St Detached $309,900 3 2 1128 134
234 Greenridge Attached $329,900 3 2 1492 2
236 Greenridge Attached $344,900 3 2 1492 2
5861 Benfield Ct Detached $379,000 4 2 1557 36
6145 McEwan Rd Detached $399,000 2 2.5 1850 3
1600 Ash St Detached $399,900 3 2 2037 8
4965 Suntree Ln Detached $399,900 3 2.5 1572 5
11 Churchill Downs Detached $430,500 4 2.5 2336 81
7 Hidalgo St Detached $439,900 3 2.5 2408 57
14594 Wilmot Way Detached $448,000 3 2.5 1710 10
4793 Auburn Ln Attached $450,000 3 2.5 2083 20
643 2nd St Attached $450,000 2 2 1457 2
16889 Wight Ln Detached $459,000 4 2.5 2579 65
1500 Woodland Terrace Detached $486,000 3 2.5 2645 42
2550 Greentree Rd Detached $499,000 4 3 2852 53
4124 Orchard Way Detached $549,000 4 2.5 2700 4
16873 Cherry Crest Dr Detached $550,000 4 3 2394 4
2250 Park Rd Detached $559,900 3 2 2072 98
5045 Greensborough Ct Detached $569,900 4 2.5 2107 9
4311 Orchard Way Detached $585,000 4 2.5 2804 20
1511 Woodland Terrace Detached $599,900 5 2.5 3439 78
820 Lake Forest Dr Detached $599,950 4 2.5 2676 29
16750 Phantom Bluff Ct Detached $614,500 3 3 2267 7
18420 Deer Oak Ave Detached $629,900 4 3 2476 1
930 Cumberland Rd Detached $715,000 4 2.5 2960 3
321 5th St Detached $719,000 3 3.5 2737 158
251 D Ave Detached $849,000 4 2.5+.5 2635 8
2024 Palisades Terrace Dr Detached $975,000 4 3.5 4819 6
19320 Lorna Ln Detached $1,100,000 4 3.5 4192 208
1578 View Lake Ct Detached $1,499,000 4 4.5 4476 35
16645 Graef Circle Detached $1,549,000 4 4.5 3075 56

Sold/Closed (June 15-21, 2015)

Address Type List Price Closed Price Sq Ft CDOM
15 Oswego Summit Condo $131,000 $100,619 1212 373
19 Crestfield Ct Condo $157,900 $154,000 923 19
17780 Hill Way Detached $275,000 $275,000 960 4
18651 Don Lee Way Detached $399,000 $399,000 1,630 21
14145 Redwood Ct Detached $539,000 $508,000 2452 64
4725 Firwood Rd Detached $569,900 $575,000 2557 6
4263 Sunset Dr Detached $625,000 $615,000 3250 27
2464 Marylhaven Pl Detached $610,000 $630,000 2898 4
8 Cellini Ct Detached $705,000 $671,920 3494 19
5626 Grand Oaks Dr Detached $749,000 $741,000 3387 21
5955 Sunbrook Dr Detached $759,000 $759,000 3110 5
18120 Delenka Ln Detached $759,900 $759,900 3157 14
17583 Shepherds Ct Detached $774,900 $770,000 2997 47
18430 Pilkington Rd Detached $795,000 $795,000 2946 18
2764 Rivendell Rd Detached $819,000 $812,000 3220 0
17620 Blue Heron Rd Detached $1,198,000 $1,150,000 4041 67
2322 Knaus Rd Detached $1,595,000 $1,539,000 4875 19

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.