Open House in Lake Oswego for May 23rd

The RMLS is promoting 29 open houses for this Sunday. Enjoy!

Address List Price Year Built BR & BTH Prop Type Open
1684 BOCA RATAN DR $248,900 1969 3 & 2 ATTACHD 1 to 3
16535 ROOSEVELT AVE $249,000 1953 3 & 2 DETACHD 1 to 3
2245 GLEN HAVEN RD $348,500 1955 3 & 1.5 DETACHD 1 to 3
19242 TERRY AVE $369,500 1965 4 & 2 DETACHD 2 to 4
231 LAUREL ST $425,000 1956 3 & 3 DETACHD 1 to 3
71 TANGLEWOOD DR $449,000 1972 3 & 3 DETACHD 1 to 3
1931 WOODLAND TER $474,000 1968 4 & 3 DETACHD 1 to 4
5475 WILLOW CT $474,900 2008 3 & 2.5 ATTACHD 1 to 3
17640 TREETOP WAY 524000 1969 4 & 3 DETACHD 2 to 4
535 B AVE 539000 1990 2 & 2.5 ATTACHD 12 to 2
5678 CHARLES CIR 540000 1985 3 & 4 DETACHD 1 to 4
363 6TH ST 549900 2009 3 & 3.5 ATTACHD 1 to 4
1060 UPPER DEVON LN 559000 1974 3 & 2.5 DETACHD 1 to 3
17930 MEADOWLARK LN 575000 1974 4 & 4 DETACHD 1 to 3
4 NANSEN SUMMIT 599000 1982 4 & 2.5 DETACHD 3 to 5
18010 GIMLEY CT 649000 1979 4 & 2.5 DETACHD 12 to 3
18606 WESTVIEW DR 649900 1985 3 & 2.5 DETACHD 12 to 3
1015 SOUTHSHORE BLVD 755000 1953 4 & 3 DETACHD 12 to 2
1687 VILLAGE PARK LN 879000 1989 4 & 3 DETACHD 1 to 3
606 6TH ST 789000 – 898876 1920 4 & 3 DETACHD 2 to 4
17896 KELOK RD 929000 2010 5 & 5 DETACHD 2 to 4
18222 SIENA DR 1088000 2010 6 & 4.5 DETACHD 1 to 3
18209 SIENA DR 1178950 2009 5 & 3.5 DETACHD 1 to 3
18143 SIENA DR 1197000 2009 5 & 4.5 DETACHD 1 to 3
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR 1269000 2010 5 & 4.5 DETACHD 1 to 3
18246 BELLA TERRA DR 1294000 2009 4 & 3.5 DETACHD 1 to 3
112 NORTHSHORE CIR 1695000 1938 4 & 4.5+.5 DETACHD 1 to 3
15825 OSWEGO SHORE CT 1985850 2006 4 & 3.5 DETACHD 1 to 3
2572 GLEN EAGLES PL 2395000 2009 5 & 4.5+.5 DETACHD 1 to 3

Take good care of your credit

I suppose it is somewhat of a no-brainer that as a consumer you need to take good care of your credit, but if you are considering buying real estate, it is more important than ever. The days that qualified you to buy a home by merely having a pulse are long gone. Credit is more important than ever.

What is a FICO Score?
The FICO score was developed by The Fair Isaac Corporation in 1958. It is a statistical analysis of the likelihood of default. It has long been considered the most fair means of analyzing credit because it is purely about statistics with no consideration given for any personal matters such as sex, race, religion, etc. Mortgage lenders reliance on FICO Scores has gained in prominence and only looks to increase.

A FICO Score can be anywhere from 300-850. It is made up of the following considerations:
35% is payment history: do you pay your bills on time?
30% is ratio of available credit used: do you max out your credit cards?
15% is length of credit history.
10% is types of credit (having a variety of credit is good)
10% is recent credit inquiries

So it is more than simply paying your bills on time. If you want an 850 credit score, you certainly need to pay your bills on time, but you also need a variety of credit, not too much of it, that has low balances, that you have managed for years, and that you have not recently applied for. I have heard it said that the magic number of credit cards is 4, most with little or no balances. You do need to be using the credit. If you have 4 credit cards that you never use, it is not going to help you.

By law you are entitled to a free annual credit report. You can obtain one from each of the 3 credit bureaus by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com Because there are 3 credit bureaus, each with their own means of analysis, you will want to obtain copies of all 3 reports. If you see something strange on the report, you will also find links to managing your credit and fixing your credit.

Why FICO matters when you buy a house.
First, having a high credit score will allow you to obtain a lower interest rate on your mortgage. On a 30-year fixed mortgage of $300,000, a person with a FICO score of 760-850 will be able to obtain an interest rate of about 4.567% and that will make the payment $1532 per month. With a credit score of 620-639, that same 30-year mortgage would have an interest rate of 6.156% and a monthly payment of $1829 per month. That is a difference of $300! Yes, you will be rewarded for being financially strong.

Second, your credit is going to be checked more then once when you buy a house. According to a recent article by Kenneth Harney of the Washington Post, on June 1st,Fannie Mae will be requiring a second credit report be pulled just prior to close of escrow. This is to find out if anything has changed with the buyer’s credit since the loan was approved. If it has changed, then, poof, you could be kicked right out of closing and not be able to buy the house you want. This means that once you find a home and get your offer accepted, do not do anything to change your credit. Even making an inquiry for new credit could create disaster. Suppose you go to a furniture store and apply for a line of credit because you are dreaming of furnishing your new home? You don’t even have to make a purchase. Just having the extra credit available could affect your credit. While in escrow, make all payments on time, but make no credit applications, no purchases on credit, and no changes, no matter how small, to your credit situation. This is much more strict than I have ever seen. It is real. I had a closing postponed for 3 weeks while the buyer made a $500 payment on his credit card and we waited for the payment to be reflected in his FICO score with the 3 credit bureaus. I am also aware of 1 late payment on a credit card while in escrow that completely kicked the loan out of underwriting and the transaction sale failed.

Please let me know if you have any questions on this issue or if you need any help. I work with a couple of excellent lenders who are happy to take the time to help you build and repair your credit so that you can qualify for the house of your dreams.

Dianne

Lake Oswego Open Houses ~ Sunday, June 13, 2010

Enjoy this gorgeous Rose Festival Weekend, and add Home Shopping to your agenda with 33 properties open for your viewing pleasure on Sunday.

Here are the Open Houses according to RMLS:

Address L/Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type Time
1684 BOCA RATAN DR $248,900 3 2 1611 TWNHSE 1-3PM
19167 LONGFELLOW AVE $269,000 3 2.1 1782 DETACHD 1-6PM
16711 MELLON AVE $309,900 3 2 1346 DETACHD 1-3PM
18238 TERRY AVE $350,000 3 2.1 1604 DETACHD 12-2PM
5160 TUALATA LN $354,900 3 2 1470 DETACHD 1:30-4PM
5160 TUALATA LN $354,900 3 2 1470 DETACHD 1:30-4PM
5324 LOWER DR $370,000 3 2.1 2034 DETACHD 12-2PM
19026 INDIAN SPRINGS RD $385,000 5 3 2471 DETACHD 10AM-2PM
5827 BONITA RD $399,900 3 2 1771 DETACHD 2-4PM
5364 ROSEWOOD ST $401,500 4 2.1 1980 DETACHD 1-3PM
17460 SCHALIT WAY $418,900 4 3 2197 DETACHD 1-4PM
2697 LOOKOUT CT $429,000 3 2 2219 DETACHD 10-11:30AM
662 CLARA CT $429,900 3 3 2740 DETACHD 4-6PM
1462 GREENTREE CIR $435,000 4 2.1 2507 DETACHD 1-4PM
1970 GREENTREE RD $450,000 4 3 2428 DETACHD 1-4PM
2705 ORCHARD HILL LN $469,900 4 2.1 2841 DETACHD 1-4PM
17640 TREETOP WAY $498,900 4 3 2718 DETACHD 2:30-4PM
5008 HAMPTON CT $529,000 3 2.1 2346 DETACHD 12-2PM
19415 SW DOGWOOD CT $539,900 5 3 3517 DETACHD 12-5PM
19451 SW DOGWOOD CT $559,900 6 3 3547 DETACHD 12-5PM
33 MORNINGVIEW CIR $574,900 3 2.1 2737 DETACHD 2-4PM
4070 VIRGINIA WAY $725,000 3 2.1 3510 DETACHD 1-3PM
5 CELLINI CT $735,000 5 3.1 4895 DETACHD 1-3PM
1930 INDIAN TRL $829,500 3 3 3260 DETACHD 1-3PM
3030 WESTVIEW CT $844,500 4 2.1 3415 DETACHD 11-1PM
18209 SIENA DR $1,178,950 5 3.1 3839 DETACHD 12-2PM
18143 SIENA DR $1,197,000 5 4.1 4152 DETACHD 21-2PM
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR $1,269,000 5 4.1 4155 DETACHD 21-2PM
2569 GLEN EAGLES PL $1,349,000 5 4.2 4591 DETACHD 1-4PM
4700 SW DOGWOOD DR $1,499,900 5 3.1 5401 DETACHD 2:30-4PM
1790 Skyland DR $1,599,000 5 4.1 6033 DETACHD 1-3PM
14242 BRIDGE CT $1,999,950 5 4.2 6139 DETACHD 2-4PM
2572 GLEN EAGLES PL $2,285,000 5 4.2 6490 DETACHD 1-3PM

Market Activity Report ~ May 3-9, 2010

There were 28 New properties entering the market, 10 going to Pending status, and 11 Sold during last week’s Monday – Sunday period according to RMLS.

I notice a lot of nice condos & townhomes hitting the market- The one at Oswego Summit has been off the market for awhile & just came back on with a $25,000 drop in price… it’s a beautiful property. Also, of note: I included Greenwood because it just took a $200,000. drop in price. This is a short sale, and is a really unusual place… an old church I believe… nealy 4000 SF with all sorts of potential and lake views for $650,000. Glenmorrie is a bank-owned property on the Willamette River. Sitting on a .89 acre lot, the house needs some fixing but hey, it’s $519,750. It already has multiple offers as I understand it.

Here’ your weekly update (see below the tables for additional notes):

NEWLY LISTED (May 3—9, 2010)

Address List Price Prop Type # Beds # Baths Total SF List Date
4 TOUCHSTONE $129,000 CONDO 2 2 984 5/5/2010
85 OSWEGO SMT $200,000 CONDO 2 2 1212 5/5/2010
16250 PACIFIC HWY $229,900 CONDO 2 2 1305 5/3/2010
4610 LAMONT WAY $247,500 DETACHD 3 2 1750 5/9/2010
3485 DEVONSHIRE DR $264,900 ATTACHD 3 2.1 1556 5/8/2010
666 3RD ST $299,900 DETACHD 3 1.1 1759 5/7/2010
6301 ALYSSA TER $314,900 ATTACHD 3 2.1 1546 5/4/2010
6317 ALYSSA TER $329,000 ATTACHD 3 2.1 1546 5/3/2010
466 5TH ST $349,900 ATTACHD 2 1.2 1092 5/7/2010
4313 ALBERT CIR $367,900 DETACHD 3 2 1790 5/6/2010
5160 TUALATA LN $369,900 DETACHD 3 2 1470 5/3/2010
5275 ROSEWOOD ST $379,000 DETACHD 4 2.1 2096 5/5/2010
18591 WAXWING WAY $424,900 DETACHD 3 2.1 2145 5/3/2010
5364 ROSEWOOD ST $425,000 DETACHD 4 2.1 1980 5/3/2010
231 LAUREL ST $425,000 DETACHD 3 3 2244 5/9/2010
1055 COUNTRY CLUB RD $449,000 DETACHD 2 2 2528 5/6/2010
13455 AUBURN CT $449,950 ATTACHD 3 2.1 1892 5/3/2010
5490 ROYAL OAKS DR $475,000 DETACHD 3 2 1761 5/4/2010
6 CHURCHILL DOWNS $499,950 DETACHD 5 3.1 2922 5/5/2010
3188 S GLENMORRIE DR $519,750 DETACHD 3 3 3066 5/6/2010
40 MORNINGVIEW CIR $549,500 DETACHD 3 2.1 2164 5/9/2010
5008 HAMPTON CT $594,000 DETACHD 4 2.1 2346 5/5/2010
14 WESTMINSTER DR $599,900 DETACHD 4 3 2768 5/7/2010
1158 BAYBERRY RD $649,000 DETACHD 4 4 2386 5/7/2010
13991 CHELSEA DR $649,000 DETACHD 4 2.1 3357 5/5/2010
156 GREENWOOD RD $650,000 DETACHD 2 2 3918 5/7/2010
4123 CHAD DR $769,950 DETACHD 4 3.1 3836 5/5/2010
620 CABANA LN $1,395,000 DETACHD 3 2.1 2417 5/3/2010

PENDING SALES (May 3-9, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
109 OSWEGO SMT $144,900 2 2 1212 CONDO 47
5051 FOOTHILLS DR $175,000 2 2 991 CONDO 248
5 SUMMIT RIDGE CT $297,500 2 2.1 1576 ATTACHD 58
4251 WOODSIDE CIR $305,950 3 2 2032 ATTACHD 48
16969 ALDER CIR $329,900 3 2 1534 DETACHD 67
454 5TH ST $335,000 2 1.1 1092 ATTACHD 156
18640 TUALATA AVE $349,900 4 3 2076 DETACHD 77
676 9TH ST $435,000 2 1 1850 DETACHD 259
1436 GREENTREE CIR $474,000 4 2 3072 DETACHD 10
610 9TH ST $975,000 4 3.1 3690 DETACHD 575

SOLD (May 3-9, 2010)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
15200 BOONES WAY $175,000 $163,400 2 1.1 1248 CONDO 142
210 Durham ST $199,900 $190,000 3 1.1 1318 CONDO 146
17886 TUALATA AVE $415,000 $358,000 4 2 1994 DETACHD 218
533 2ND ST $399,000 $399,000 2 2 1274 CONDO 42
4002 TEMPEST DR $430,000 $430,000 4 3.1 4319 DETACHD 33
5 EL GRECO ST $469,000 $489,000 4 2.1 2455 DETACHD 4
4311 ORCHARD WAY $519,000 $515,000 4 2.1 2916 DETACHD 201
5830 SUNBROOK DR $539,000 $520,000 5 2.1 2810 DETACHD 29
17 SCARBOROUGH DR $579,900 $525,000 4 2.1 3290 DETACHD 24
19203 SW Megly Ct $575,000 $569,900 5 3.1 3595 DETACHD 76
749 SOUTHVIEW RD $899,000 $885,000 4 2.1 3052 DETACHD 4

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.

Open Houses on Mother’s Day, 5/9/2010

There are just 8 houses being promoted to be held open this Sunday, a reflection that many are celebrating the day with family. If you are able to get out, please take the time to go and see these great houses:

Address List Price Year Built SF Up+Mn Prop Type BR/BTH Open
116 TOUCHSTONE TER $310,000 1972 1,058 ATTACHD 3/2.5 1 to 3
19242 TERRY AVE $370,000 1965 936 DETACHD 4/2.0 2 to 4
9 WESTMINSTER DR $535,000 1976 3,042 DETACHD 4/ 2.5.5.5 2 to 4
339 6TH ST $575,000 2010 1,506 ATTACHD 4/ 3.5 1 to 4
92 GARIBALDI ST $699,000 1991 2,584 DETACHD 4/3.5 12 to 3
16827 SCOTT CT $910,000 1993 3,952 DETACHD 4/3.5 1 to 3
16805 SCOTT CT $1,190,000 1992 4,321 DETACHD 4/3.5 2 to 4
18820 GREENBLUFF DR $1,395,000 2000 4,656 DETACHD 4/4.5 12 to 3

Secrets of Lake Oswego’s Famous Flower Baskets

There are several things that Lake Oswego is famous for: the Lake, beautiful homes, great schools, and the glorious flower baskets. The baskets have been hung annually on the main streets of town for many years. They are spectacular with both great size and great color. As someone who loves flowers and working in my garden, I’ve wondered how they do it. What are the secrets that make the LO baskets thrive? They start out pretty and of good size, but by summer’s end they hang about 6 feet down and are a profusion of color that is just amazing. Last Saturday I attended a class put on by the City Park’s and Recreation Department where I learned how they do it. So here it is: the secrets of Lake Oswego’s famous flower baskets.

Start with a 12 inch hanging pot that is nearly as deep as it is wide. The city uses 16 inch pots, but those are much too large for the scale of most homes. 10 inch pots can also be used, but they require watering twice daily, whereas the 12 inch pot can get by on once daily watering. Also recommended is a pot with a straight side. This allows as much soil and water as possible for root development. These instructions are for a 12 inch pot. If you use one that is either larger or smaller, please make your own adjustments.

Fill the pot about half full of soil. The recommended soil is NW Best Soil Potting Mix. This is what is used by the City. It is the choice because it contains “Sirfactin” which allows the walls of soil to expand so water doesn’t run around the planting mix and out the bottom of the container. To this soil, mix in about 1/4 cup of Plant-Tone, a fertilizer to get the plants off to a good start.

Before adding any more soil, remember the planter is only about half full, place 7, 4-inch plant starts. If they are in plastic containers, pull them out. If they are in the kind that are made of compost you can just set them into the planter in the container and the container will decompose as the roots develop. Think about putting a plant that will grow tall in the center such as a geranium. Then place the other 6 plants around the perimeter that will hang as they spread and grow. Think about having a variety of colors and textures. The planters made for the city are designed to be hung in full sun. You can design your own flowers based upon where you intend to hang your planter. Using a 12 inch planter and 4 inch plants you will find that this really packs the pot completely full of plants. The 7th one has to be pretty much squeezed into the planter. This will leave just a few areas between the edges of the plants that need to be filled with dirt. Find those spots and gently fill dirt in around the plants. When you are done the level of the top of the dirt should be about one inch below the rim of the pot. (It’s a good idea when testing the first plant you put into the container to eye-ball the level and see if you need to fill your planter more than half full when you add the initial soil).

Water immediately and really let the water run. The planter needs to be watered DAILY, even on days that have rain. Rain will not be enough to thoroughly saturate the soil. It is not possible to over-water this planter. Yes, you really have to water it every single day. When you water, let the water gently run and then keep the water going. Count to 50, sing a short song, whatever you can do to force yourself to stand at the planter and thoroughly water the planter.  Do it every single day and on those days with really extreme heat, do it TWICE.

Once a week fertilize with Proven Winners. This is a fertilizer that is widely sold in the area. You mix it into a big gallon watering can with water and poor it into the planter. It has a balance of fertilizers that is 24-12-17. It contains 15 nutrients, not just nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but trace elements as well.

When you hang your planter remember a couple of things. This planter is going to get very large. This means that it will be very heavy so make certain that it is on a hook that will hold the growing weight. Also hang it where it has room to grow. By the end of the season it will hang 4 to 6 feet long. It will be a total show piece in your garden.

If you have questions or need help, or want to buy any and all of the materials listed above, the place to go is The Garden Corner in Tualatin. Located at 21550 SW 108th Ave in Tualatin, this garden center has been the birthplace of the LO hanging baskets for many years. They are proud of their participation in the LO hanging basket program and are happy to be of help to you when you grow a basket of your very own.

I’ve got my basket hanging at my home. I am eager to see just how big it is going to get. Let me know if you do one too. Maybe we can share some photos in September!

Remember, gardening is great therapy for your soul.
Dianne

Double-bottom-line Thinking

I have had an idea swirling around in my head for a few weeks now. It comes from my personal experience with clients as they interact with the current economy and the housing market. This idea really jelled in my thinking when I read Ted Leonsis’ article in the April 12th issue of Newsweek.

My observation with clients, both buyers and sellers, is that there is a tremendous amount of attention and focus put onto the dollars involved in buying and selling. This is nothing new. Real estate is, for most people, the largest financial investment they will make in their entire lifetime. So what is different is that the weight being put onto the investment is in many cases causing people to forget that real estate is also about a home. Yes, I am addressing this to houses that people live in and not to rentals or portfolio properties. What I am seeing is that people are so driven to get the right deal, that they are passing up properties that are far superior in amenities.

Ted Leonsis is a former vice chairman of AOL and the author of a book, The Business of Happiness. His theory is that a company who wants financial success needs to not only think in terms of making money, but also in terms of doing what is often difficult but what is ultimately the right thing to do. This in turn keeps the company on a path of happiness that will ultimately also bring greater financial success. In other words, there is a link between pursuing happiness and also finding financial success. His case in point is the recent move by Google to route Web users from China to an unrestricted search page based out of Hong Kong. While this move may, in the short term, stifle the financial growth of Google in the biggest Internet market in the world, Leonsis believes that in the long term it will have greater financial success by placing its core values to do the right thing for humanity ahead of it’s short-term interest in its bottom line.

“Google aims to make money, of course, but it also has a motto (“Don’t be evil”) and a higher calling: to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible. By refusing to participate in Chinese censorship, the company imperiled billions of dollars in future profit. More important, it protected its status as a happy company at peace with its values—and happy companies are more, not less, likely to continue being successful.”

Ted Leonsis goes on to call this way of looking at business double-bottom-line thinking. In other words, success should be measured by the financial growth of the investment, but also by the positive out come for the happiness of human beings.

It is probably my liberal arts education coming out here, but I find this to be really important. As a Realtor, when I represent buyers my job it to get them the best possible deal. When I represent sellers, by job is to get them the highest possible sales price. I never loose focus on that. But it is hard when I have a buyer who is saying to me “show me foreclosures and short sales because I’ve heard that they are the best deal”. Or when a seller passes up a lower offer that is all cash for a higher offer with a buyer who is only putting down 5%. Focusing strictly on money may cause you to pass up the house that was lovingly cared for and is priced $10,000 higher than the beaten up foreclosure down the street. And in this lending environment, cash buyers are a real blessing.

I guess I think that there is value that needs to be also given to things like timing (short sales take months to close, if they happen at all), good will (they buyer will take the house with the big pile of yard debris in the yard because it doesn’t bother them to have to clean it up), and livability (the big kitchen is ideally designed with loads of cabinets and counter space). For some reason this economy and this real estate market has got both buyers and sellers fixated on money, money, money. And that has them acting blindly to happiness. I thinking buying the right house, where you will live and grow, is just as important as buying the right deal.

The perfect sale does both: the house will be bought or sold at the right deal and it will also be more than a house, it will be a home. That is double-bottom-line thinking and that is a good way to approach both a property purchase and a property sale.

Market Activity Report ~ April 12 – 18, 2010

Lake Oswego saw 21 New properties enter the market, 21 go to Pending status, and 11 Sold during last week’s Monday – Sunday period according to RMLS. Here’ your weekly update (see below the tables for additional notes):

NEWLY LISTED (April 12—April 18, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
4459 THUNDER VISTA LN $215,000 2 2.1 1,925 CONDO 4/18/2010
15 BRITTEN CT $274,999 3 2.1 1,973 ATTACHD 4/12/2010
15148 QUARRY RD $279,000 3 2 1,618 DETACHD 4/16/2010
1005 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $289,900 3 2 2,196 DETACHD 4/16/2010
1225 SPRUCE ST $299,900 3 1.1 1,288 DETACHD 4/16/2010
6218 NOKOMIS CT $309,900 4 2 1,512 DETACHD 4/17/2010
104 KINGSGATE RD $359,000 3 2.1 2,000 DETACHD 4/16/2010
14433 HOLLY SPRINGS RD $384,950 4 2.1 1,939 DETACHD 4/12/2010
4700 LOWER DR $409,900 3 2.1 1,587 DETACHD 4/12/2010
1642 HIGHLAND DR $449,000 4 3 2,234 DETACHD 4/12/2010
5008 HARTFORD PL $463,900 4 3 3,223 DETACHD 4/15/2010
14371 SHERBROOK PL $479,900 4 2.1 2,550 DETACHD 4/16/2010
2650 LOOKOUT CT $495,000 4 3.1 3,480 DETACHD 4/12/2010
1570 Woodland TER $524,900 4 2.1 2,311 DETACHD 4/16/2010
17573 BLUE HERON CT $584,000 4 3 2,396 DETACHD 4/14/2010
4184 SUNSET DR $649,000 6 3 2,916 DETACHD 4/14/2010
3210 FIR RIDGE RD $795,000 4 3.2 2,832 DETACHD 4/13/2010
1176 TROON RD $859,000 3 2 3,022 DETACHD 4/16/2010
12819 ALTO PARK RD $1,097,500 4 4.1 3,944 DETACHD 4/12/2010
16777 PHANTOM BLUFF CT $1,250,000 4 2.2 5,102 DETACHD 4/15/2010
1961 CHERYL CT $1,275,000 5 4.1 5,124 DETACHD 4/12/2010

PENDING SALES (April 12 – April 18, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
96 CERVANTES CIR $129,900 2 1.1 912 CONDO 64
750 1ST ST $185,000 2 2 1,350 CONDO 73
16149 PEARCY ST $229,900 3 2 1,250 DETACHD 17
211 OSWEGO SMT $229,900 2 2 1,506 CONDO 241
5341 CHINOOK CT $249,700 3 2 1,120 DETACHD 598
2764 GLEN HAVEN RD $294,900 3 1.1 1,352 DETACHD 10
1818 COUNTRY CLUB RD $325,000 3 2 1,596 DETACHD 4
4310 SILVER CT $339,000 2 3.1 1,996 CONDO 298
17870 DEERBRUSH AVE $349,900 3 2.1 1,912 DETACHD 18
5834 SEVILLE AVE $350,000 3 2 1,516 DETACHD 5
18156 PIONEER CT $367,300 3 2 1,558 DETACHD 27
119 3RD ST $385,000 3 2 1,204 CONDO 187
15547 PARTRIDGE DR $389,900 3 2.1 2,266 DETACHD 214
1790 YARMOUTH CIR $419,950 2 2 1,473 DETACHD 206
14377 CAMDEN LN $499,900 4 2.1 2,530 DETACHD 2
4705 LAKEVIEW BLVD $529,900 4 2.1 2,700 DETACHD 7
5830 SUNBROOK DR $539,000 5 2.1 2,810 DETACHD 29
17471 CARDINAL DR $564,900 4 2.1 3,056 DETACHD 61
5218 WESTFIELD CT $649,900 4 2.1 3,125 DETACHD 284
4349 LAKEVIEW BLVD $650,000 3 3 3,678 DETACHD 10
13278 ROGERS RD $695,000 3 2.1 2,964 DETACHD 177

SOLD (April 12- April 18, 2010)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4 TOUCHSTONE $129,000 $134,000 2 2 979 CONDO 6
668 MCVEY AVE $219,000 $205,000 3 1.1 985 CONDO 243
505 8TH ST $389,000 $305,000 3 1 1,050 DETACHD 143
12519 27TH PL $339,000 $335,000 3 2.1 1,975 DETACHD 15
516 7TH ST $355,000 $347,500 3 2.1 1,502 DETACHD 12
13052 KNAUS RD $475,000 $400,000 5 3 3,026 DETACHD 34
4763 AVERY LN $514,900 $480,000 4 2.1 2,566 DETACHD 19
14279 CAMDEN LN $525,000 $485,000 4 2.1 2,373 DETACHD 71
10 OTHELLO ST $549,900 $535,000 4 3 3,440 DETACHD 3
17363 BROOKHURST DR $625,000 $605,000 4 2.1 3,420 DETACHD 14
64 BERWICK RD $759,000 $735,000 4 3.1 3,740 DETACHD 66

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.

Local Lake Oswego Updates

Pedestrian Safety – The City of Lake Oswego is letting all know ahead of time of it’s efforts at upholding pedestrian safety.  To this end, the police department is holding a “Pedestrian Safety Operation” on April 19th, from 10:00AM to 2:00PM at the intersection of B Avenue and 2nd Street.  In times past this has involved posting pedestrians at the sidewalk and gauging cars’ responses as they step off the curb into the crosswalk…. usually with citations accompanying undesirable reactions on the part of drivers.  Be forewarned… stay safe… and keep our pedestrians safe!

Overly-Industrious Flicker – There has been a Flicker noticed at Lake Oswego City Hall…. mainly for the noise it produces as it does what Flickers do… and for the damage it is apparently doing to the building.  The city is trying to distract the Flicker from it’s work & encourage it to go elsewhere… (it can come to my house… but it will need to take a vacation!) with brightly colored & decorated balloons.  So, if you see these at city hall (perhaps you are visiting to pay a pedestrian-safety-ticket or some other such thing : )  Don’t be alarmed, and don’t worry that there is a celebration you are missing… it is just the city’s attempt to shush a Flicker to another location. (Yes, I drew this… and no, I have no shame :  )

The City of Lake Oswego’s “Attitude Survey” – Every two years the City of Lake Oswego conducts an attitude survey, and this year phones in Lake Oswego have already started ringing as Campbell Delong Resources calls to inquire as to how citizens are feeling about a variety of things affecting life here. Calls are expected to continue until April 19th.  Here is a link to the last survey in 2008:   Attitude Survey

Lake Oswego Trees –  As most know, Lake Oswego takes its trees rather seriously.  This is great for us at this time of year as we usually have some interesting offerings in terms of classes or events in that regard.  This year we have several workshops to choose from:

* Tree Pruning with Damon Schrosk, a certified arborist of “Treecology” – May 9th, 9:00Am to 12:00PM at the City Hall Council Chambers, 380 A Avenue.

* Gardening with Natives – Stephanie Wagner of Friends of Tryon Creek offers this workshop on native species gardening May 16, 1:00PM to 4:00PM, Tryon Creek Nature Center, 1131 SW Terwilliger Blvd.

* Tree Code Decoded – This one is a must for any Lake Oswego citizen wanting to do something with their trees other than look at them and admire their beauty.  Bill Youngblood, Code Enforcement Officer, and Andy Gulizia, Associate Planner for the city of Lake Oswego will guide you in what’s allowed, what’s not allowed, and proper steps if you want to pursue making any changes on your property with regard to trees. June 5th, 9:00AM to 12:00PM City Hall Council Chambers, 380 “A” Avenue.

* Centennial – Lake Oswego is offering Part 3 of the Oswego Centennial Video. This is great stuff if you are interested in the history of Lake Oswego… and who wouldn’t be!  If you are not familiar with it, our roots are worth investigating.  Part 3 evidently explores the time during which Lake Oswego began to blossom into its recreational destiny with water sports (skiing, boating & swimming)  being a big draw from Portland, and local athletes becoming nationally-known swim stars. This video covers the 40’s through the 60’s.  You can learn more and view the retrospective video at:  LO Centennial

Market Activity Report for Lake Oswego, April 5-11, 2010

It is an absolutely glorious day today, and it is only supposed to get better as the week goes on. I love it! I also want to thank the propertyblotter readers who came by my open house on Sunday. Great to meet you!

Last week Lake Oswego had 24 new listings come onto the market, 19 houses that went pending, and 7 houses that were closed sales. Here is the full data for last week (see below for additional notes):

NEWLY LISTED (April 5-11, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
47 GREENRIDGE CT $100,000 2 1.1 1,176 CONDO 4/5/2010
100 KERR PKWY $134,900 2 1.1 822 CONDO 4/8/2010
4 TOUCHSTONE $184,000 3 2.1 1,350 ATTACHD 4/8/2010
5287 W SUNSET DR $249,900 2 1 822 DETACHD 4/6/2010
1818 COUNTRY CLUB RD $325,000 3 2 1,596 DETACHD 4/9/2010
10 PREAKNESS CT $375,000 4 2.1 2,270 CONDO 4/6/2010
4971 SUNTREE LN $394,900 3 2.1 1,911 DETACHD 4/7/2010
14423 ORCHARD SPRINGS RD $405,000 3 2.1 1,730 DETACHD 4/9/2010
17712 CARDINAL CT 420000 4 3 2,146 DETACHD 4/7/2010
24 PARTRIDGE LN 449000 4 2.1 3,224 DETACHD 4/8/2010
4844 LOWER DR 499000 4 4 2,285 ATTACHD 4/5/2010
4705 LAKEVIEW BLVD 529900 4 2.1 2,700 DETACHD 4/5/2010
745 BERWICK CT 549000 3 2 1,988 DETACHD 4/7/2010
4852 LOWER DR 569000 3 4 2,359 ATTACHD 4/5/2010
110 3RD ST 599000 1 1 915 DETACHD 4/5/2010
1704 GLENMORRIE TER 599000 5 3 3,885 DETACHD 4/9/2010
3899 DANIEL WAY 630000 4 2.1 3,005 DETACHD 4/9/2010
4349 LAKEVIEW BLVD 650000 3 3 3,678 DETACHD 4/7/2010
12211 ORCHARD HILL RD 715000 4 3 4,587 DETACHD 4/5/2010
426 7TH ST 725000 4 2.1 2,902 DETACHD 4/5/2010
4679 DOGWOOD DR 925000 5 3.2 4,456 DETACHD 4/9/2010
190 FURNACE ST 1000000 5 4.1 4,590 DETACHD 4/7/2010
2811 ARROWHEAD CT 1250000 4 3.1 3,740 DETACHD 4/9/2010
16743 GRAEF CIR 1599000 4 2.1 3,772 DETACHD 4/7/2010

PENDING SALES (April 5-11, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4000 CARMAN DR $125,000 2 2 935 CONDO 346
65 OSWEGO SMT $129,900 2 2 1,140 CONDO 8
18420 DON LEE WAY $210,000 3 1 924 DETACHD 25
19032 KRISTI WAY $259,900 2 2 1,390 DETACHD 7
4420 GOLDEN LN $279,900 3 3.1 2,165 CONDO 391
4774 OAKRIDGE RD $329,000 3 1 2,104 DETACHD 220
3056 WEMBLEY PARK RD $339,000 3 2 2,600 DETACHD 36
4548 BLACK FOREST CT $414,000 4 2.1 2,157 DETACHD 649
4962 BILFORD LN 419900 3 2.1 2,168 DETACHD 106
1400 LEE ST 427500 4 3 2,804 DETACHD 106
1851 KILKENNY DR 450000 4 3 2,654 DETACHD 2
561 2ND ST 589000 2 2 1,561 CONDO 67
19203 SW Megly Ct 589900 5 3.1 3,595 DETACHD 76
18010 GIMLEY CT 685000 4 2.5 3,652 DETACHD 27
14124 HEATHROW LN 785000 4 3.1 3,812 DETACHD 5
19175 EASTSIDE RD 799000 5 4.1 5,263 DETACHD 86
3820 SOUTHSHORE BLVD 925000 5 4 4,855 DETACHD 169
842 6TH ST 1099999 4 3.1 3,840 DETACHD 62
17979 CRESTLINE DR 1149000 4 2.1 4,650 DETACHD 7

SOLD (April 5-11, 2010)

Address O/Price Close Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
3365 UPPER DR $299,999 $290,000 2 2 1,378 DETACHD 133
15 SAINT HELENS CIR $309,800 $295,000 3 2 1,528 DETACHD 6
2030 GREENTREE RD $368,900 $365,000 3 2 1,613 DETACHD 12
523 2nd ST $399,000 $399,000 2 2 1,274 CONDO 38
5400 BAY CREEK DR $499,900 $475,000 4 2.1 2,856 DETACHD 277
17079 CHERRY CREST AVE $575,000 $540,000 3 2.1 3,002 DETACHD 30
260 PINE VALLEY RD $1,369,000 $995,000 4 3.1 3,900 DETACHD 522

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.