Tag: house

Posted on

Lake Oswego Market Activity ~ Feb 1 – 7, 2010

There were 16 New, 15 Pending, and 3 Sold properties during last week’s Monday – Sunday period according to RMLS. It’s interesting to note that if you look in RMLS you will see 51 properties listed as New for this same period. I weeded out 35 that were “freshened”. (Lots of freshening going on.) The “New” properties below are either brand new to the market or have been off the market for at least 30 days.

Here’ your data for last week (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Feb. 1—Feb. 7, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
28 CRESTFIELD CT $79,950 2 2 923 CONDO 2/3/2010
47 EAGLE CREST DR $110,000 2 1 932 CONDO 2/1/2010
44 EAGLE CREST DR $159,900 2 1 908 CONDO 2/6/2010
750 1ST ST $195,000 2 2 1,350 CONDO 2/1/2010
4948 MEADOWS RD $222,000 3 2 2,491 DETACHD 2/4/2010
16870 FERNWOOD DR $359,000 3 1.1 1,412 DETACHD 2/4/2010
5514 ROYAL OAKS DR $497,500 3 3 2,246 DETACHD 2/2/2010
14584 PFEIFER WAY $559,000 3 2 2,600 DETACHD 2/4/2010
17079 CHERRY CREST AVE $575,000 3 2.1 3,002 DETACHD 2/7/2010
920 EVERGREEN RD $575,000 3 2 1,622 DETACHD 2/1/2010
17973 SAINT CLAIR DR $629,000 4 3 3,323 DETACHD 2/7/2010
1050 Schukart LN $849,900 4 3.1 5,847 DETACHD 2/4/2010
18430 TAMAWAY DR $889,000 4 2.2 3,867 DETACHD 2/1/2010
1643 VILLAGE PARK LN $997,000 4 3.1 4,505 DETACHD 2/5/2010
842 6TH ST $1,175,000 4 3.1 3,840 DETACHD 2/3/2010
100 3RD ST $1,799,000 3 3.1 3,600 DETACHD 2/6/2010

PENDING SALES (Feb. 1 – Feb. 7, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
668 MCVEY AVE $145,000 2 1 852 CONDO 882
16250 PACIFIC HWY $178,900 1 1 859 CONDO 860
15 ORIOLE LN $269,900 2 2 1,470 DETACHD 23
4 THE GROTTO $289,000 3 2.1 1,534 DETACHD 13
1234 MAPLE ST $339,900 3 2 1,550 DETACHD 140
1790 YARMOUTH CIR $419,995 2 2 1,473 DETACHD 134
5026 HARTFORD PL $429,000 4 2.1 2,887 DETACHD 570
702 TERRACE DR $429,000 3 3 3,429 DETACHD 103
4955 GALEN ST $435,000 3 2.1 1,887 DETACHD 76
17121 WALL ST $449,900 3 2.1 2,187 DETACHD 391
18893 INDIAN SPRINGS CIR $459,900 5 3 2,841 DETACHD 213
475 10TH ST $534,950 4 2.1 2,932 DETACHD 227
4581 HASTINGS PL $574,900 4 2.1 2,985 DETACHD 24
557 2ND ST $695,000 2 2.1 1,833 CONDO
4380 UPPER DR $708,900 5 4.1 4,071 DETACHD 181

SOLD (Feb. 1 – Feb. 7, 2010)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
100 KERR PKWY $91,800 $80,000 1 1 617 CONDO 125
16969 ALDER CIR $350,000 $235,000 3 2 1,534 DETACHD 1
18110 Siena DR $1,650,000 $1,350,000 4 3.1 4,311 DETACHD 635

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.

Posted on

Linda’s “News & Notes”

1) Some Interesting Updates on the Portland Area Market:

–       (According to RMLS)

  • Home sales in the Portland area showed marked improvement when compared with the same period (December) a year prior. “Closed” sales were up 52.6%, “Pending” sales rose 40.9%, and “New Listings” rose 11.9%.
  • In addition, the average sale price was down 2.5% compared to Dec. 08.
  • The average sales price for the 12-month period of 2009 was down 12.1% from the previous year.

2) Tax Credits: The “First Time Home Buyers” tax credit was extended to this Spring (yikes… getting close) and there has been an additional tax credit extended to those “Buying Up” who have lived in their current home for five years and are buying a property of less than $800,000.  Both of these tax credits expire in April: The contract must be inked by April 30th, and the closing must be by June 30th.  If you or someone you care about are considering taking advantage of this amazing opportunity, you really must start looking for a home now to make the timeline.

3) Interest Rates to Rise: According to Carrie Bay of DSNews.com (among many others), interest are projected to begin rising, and have risen .25% already within the past month.

4) F.H.A to Raise Standards for Mortgage Insurance: No date has been set yet, but the word is “summer”. (ANOTHER reason to put your home-buying plan in motion now…)

–      (excerpted From David Streitfeld of the NY Times)

  • Borrowers who get an F.H.A.-insured loan will soon have to pay a higher initial insurance premium. The new premium will be 2.25 percent of the value of the loan, up from 1.75 percent. 
  • Starting this summer, sellers will not be able to offer as much help to buyers to pay their closing costs. The maximum amount of assistance will drop to 3 percent of the value of the property, from the current 6 percent.
  • Left largely untouched by the changes is the most controversial aspect of the agency’s program: a provision allowing buyers to make a down payment as low as 3.5 percent. Private lenders these days require at least 15 percent.
  • Borrowers who want to put the minimum down will now be required to have credit scores of at least 580. Previously, there was no minimum score. (This is a relatively decent bar though, so this rule may have little effect.)

5) Attention Investors: Yay! HUD has decided to waive the 90 day seasoning financing contingency for buyers!

-(From Pat Goodell of Academy Mortgage ~ 503 380 0953)

Effective February 1st,  2010, there will no longer be a requirement for a seller of a property to be on title for 90 days or more in order for approval of an FHA backed loan. This is incredible news, since the majority of buyers in today’s market are FHA buyers! The 90 day seasoning issue has long been an issue for investors and agents when working with short sales. This is changing on Feb 1st. The policy change will permit buyers to use FHA-insured financing to purchase HUD-owned properties, bank-owned properties, or properties resold through private sales. This will allow homes to resell as quickly as possible, helping to stabilize real estate prices and to revitalize neighborhoods and communities.”

–          ***Linda’s note: There are a few minor restrictions on this.  Let me know if you’re interested & I’ll send you the entire document with more detail.

6)Credit Card Companies Get Slapped w/Restrictions: We all know how hard the new mortgage guidelines have hit some potential home-buyers.  Sometimes it seems like every time you turn around the consumer is facing yet another hurdle from the banking industry.  Well, this time the consumer is being offered protections that should make it easier, less expensive, and less confusing to do business with, or work to pay off credit card companies.   Here’s an excerpt from the Federal Reserve’s Announcement:

The Federal Reserve Board on Tuesday approved a final rule amending Regulation Z (Truth in Lending) to protect consumers who use credit cards from a number of costly practices. Credit card issuers must comply with most aspects of the rule beginning on February 22.

“This rule marks an important milestone in the Federal Reserve’s efforts to ensure that consumers who rely on credit cards are treated fairly,” said Federal Reserve Governor Elizabeth A. Duke.  “The rule bans several harmful practices and requires greater transparency in the disclosure of the terms and conditions of credit card accounts.”

Among other things, the rule will:

  • Protect consumers from unexpected increases in credit card interest rates by generally prohibiting increases in a rate during the first year after an account is opened and increases in a rate that applies to an existing credit card balance.
  • Prohibit creditors from issuing a credit card to a consumer who is younger than the age of 21 unless the consumer has the ability to make the required payments or obtains the signature of a parent or other cosigner with the ability to do so.
  • Require creditors to obtain a consumer’s consent before charging fees for transactions that exceed the credit limit.
  • Limit the high fees associated with subprime credit cards.
  • Ban creditors from using the “two-cycle” billing method to impose interest charges.
  • Prohibit creditors from allocating payments in ways that maximize interest charges.

Consumers can learn more about changes to their credit card accounts by accessing a new online publication. “What You Need to Know: New Credit Card Rules.” It explains key changes consumers can expect from their credit card companies as a result of the new rules. The Board plans to release additional “What You Need to Know” publications in conjunction with other major rulemakings

Posted on

Market Activity for January 25-31, 2010

Last week brought 13 new listings onto the market in Lake Oswego, 14 pending sales, and 3 closed sales. In the weekly lockbox activity report, lockbox openings were up for the 4th week in a row. So lots of buyers are out there looking.

I am excited this week to have my own new listing in the market activity report. 211 Oswego Summit came onto the market for $229,900. It is a gorgeous (yes, I know I am prejudiced, but seriously, this home is spectacular) one-level condominium in Oswego Summit. It has over 1500 square feet with 2 HUGE bedrooms and 2 full baths. It is on the top floor with commanding views of Mt. St. Helens and SW Portland, but it has an elevator so there are NO STAIRS. I’ll be holding it open on Broker’s Tour on Tuesday the 2nd from 11am to 1pm. The public is welcome to attend Broker’s Open Houses, so come on by. And if you can’t make it on Tuesday, I’ll be there again on Sunday the 7th from noon to 3pm.

Here is last week’s market activity report:
Here’ your data for last week (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Jan. 25—Jan. 31, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
4 TOUCHSTONE DR $156,000 2 2 979 CONDO 1/27/2010
205 CERVANTES $164,900 2 1.1 1,216 ATTACHD 1/26/2010
4 TOUCHSTONE $184,000 3 2.1 1,351 CONDO 1/28/2010
48 EAGLE CREST DR $224,900 2 2 1,370 CONDO 1/26/2010
211 OSWEGO SMT $229,900 2 2 1,506 CONDO 1/31/2010
29 E AVE $289,000 2 1 1,176 DETACHD 1/28/2010
92 GREENRIDGE CT $349,995 3 2.1 1,980 ATTACHD 1/28/2010
5330 LOWER DR $399,000 3 2 2,010 DETACHD 1/29/2010
785 3RD ST 439900 2 1 1,100 DETACHD 1/26/2010
13052 KNAUS RD 475000 5 3 3,026 DETACHD 1/30/2010
4524 AUBURN LN 535000 3 3.1 2,732 DETACHD 1/26/2010
1 BRITTEN CT 625000 4 3 2,325 DETACHD 1/30/2010
15915 WALUGA DR 669000 3 2.1 2,939 DETACHD 1/25/2010

PENDING SALES (Jan. 25 – Jan. 31, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
5225 Jean RD $164,900 2 2 1,100 CONDO 79
105 KINGSGATE RD $269,900 3 2 1,500 DETACHD 203
17650 ARBOR LN $319,000 3 3 2,043 DETACHD 209
2705 ORCHARD HILL PL $374,900 3 2.5 2,250 DETACHD 19
2530 PALISADES CREST DR $376,200 4 2.1 2,774 DETACHD 20
19 BECKET ST $399,995 4 3.1 3,818 DETACHD 72
529 2ND ST $445,000 2 2 1,339 CONDO
19 MORNINGVIEW CIR $469,900 3 2.1 2,337 DETACHD 4
12748 SW 22ND AVE 515000 3 2.1 3,052 DETACHD 188
401 ASH ST 525000 5 4 5,320 DETACHD 469
17649 WOODHURST PL 579900 6 4.1 5,669 DETACHD 285
5322 ROSALIA WAY 699000 4 2.1 3,500 DETACHD 87
17212 CHAPIN WAY 850000 3 2.1 2,541 DETACHD 314
13311 LESLIE CT 1479000 4 4.1 5,601 DETACHD 223

SOLD (Jan. 25 – Jan. 31, 2010)

Address O/Price Close Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
1261 BOCA RATAN DR $239,000 $213,000 3 2 1,611 ATTACHD 93
909 CUMBERLAND PL $374,000 $285,000 4 3 2,716 DETACHD 43
8 WALKING WOODS DR $450,000 $423,000 4 3 3,302 DETACHD 303

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.

Posted on

Lake Oswego Market Activity ~ Jan. 18-24, 2010

There were 16 New, 10 Pending, and 4 Sold properties during last week’s Monday – Sunday period according to RMLS.  (Note: RMLS data is based on data input by Listing Agents up to the date/time of our writing this post.  This means that there is the -possibility- that something might have sold or gone pending and not been entered into RMLS yet, but these things are generally entered right away, so the RMLS data we compile & share is pretty accurate.)

We have been seeing an increase in Buyer activity according to RMLS lockbox stats as well.  This is to be expected as rates are still low (though starting to increase a bit), FHA is still only requiring a low of  3.5% down (though this is supposed to increase significantly in the summertime) and the tax credits are in full force, coming with an April deadline. All this means that “looking” is starting now for those serious about finding that special property either as a First-Time Buyer, or one who is “Moving Up” (meaning: having been in their home for at least 5 years and buying under $800,000.).  Tax credits are $8,000 & $6,500. respectively.

Here’ your data for last week  (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Jan. 18—Jan. 24, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
44 EAGLE CREST DR $139,000 1 1 798 CONDO 1/20/2010
4 TOUCHSTONE $185,000 3 2.1 1,351 CONDO 1/20/2010
4322 BOTTICELLI ST $279,900 2 2.1 2,043 CONDO 1/23/2010
4372 WOODSIDE CIR $284,900 2 2 1,178 ATTACHD 1/18/2010
4 THE GROTTO $289,000 3 2.1 1,534 DETACHD 1/24/2010
4717 FIRWOOD RD $319,000 8 3 2,502 DETACHD 1/22/2010
4730 FIRWOOD RD $375,000 4 2 2,124 DETACHD 1/23/2010
2245 GLEN HAVEN RD $379,000 3 1.1 1,276 DETACHD 1/20/2010
8 POLONIUS $385,000 3 2 1,760 DETACHD 1/22/2010
15965 INVERURIE RD $385,000 4 2 1,915 DETACHD 1/22/2010
1571 WOODLAND TER $450,000 4 2 2,400 DETACHD 1/19/2010
19203 SW Megly Ct $589,900 5 3.1 3,595 DETACHD 1/22/2010
727 6TH ST $895,000 4 2 2,884 DETACHD 1/20/2010
356 9TH ST $1,175,000 4 3.1 3,647 DETACHD 1/21/2010
18735 BRYANT RD $1,181,900 5 3.1 5,597 DETACHD 1/18/2010
95 IRON MOUNTAIN BLVD $1,950,000 5 4.1 4,818 DETACHD 1/21/2010

PENDING SALES (Jan. 18 – Jan. 24, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
45 SW EAGLE CREST DR $205,000 3 2 1,348 CONDO 50
192 RIDGEWAY RD $209,900 2 1 1,659 CONDO 148
4447 GOLDEN LN $229,000 2 2.1 1,980 ATTACHD 531
17350 BLUE HERON RD $330,000 4 2.1 2,880 DETACHD 9
2650 DELLWOOD DR $410,000 4 3 3,238 DETACHD 295
4651 HASTINGS PL $454,900 4 2.1 2,215 DETACHD 15
2000 WEMBLEY PARK RD $540,000 4 3 2,660 DETACHD 89
5310 WASHINGTON CT $624,900 4 3.1 3,328 DETACHD 878
1505 COUNTRY CLUB RD $682,500 6 4.1 5,463 DETACHD 229
2201 HAZEL RD $1,399,000 4 3.5 5,446 DETACHD 605

SOLD (Jan. 18 – Jan. 24, 2010)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4000 SW CARMAN DR $154,900 $143,500 2 2 925 CONDO 137
14431 SHERBROOK PL $299,900 $284,000 4 3 3,284 DETACHD 365
5506 ROYAL OAKS DR $399,900 $410,000 4 3 2,317 DETACHD 19
34 HILLSHIRE DR $598,000 $510,000 3 2.1 3,822 DETACHD 699

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.

Posted on

Lake Oswego Open Houses ~ Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010

We have 28 properties on tour in Lake Oswego this Sunday.  Once again, all ranges in price, styles and property types are open for your viewing pleasure!  I will be holding 363 6th St. open myself.  It is a stunning, custom town home in the heart of First Addition.  Come on by and say hello!

Here are the Open Houses in Lake Oswego according to RMLS:

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type Open
1950 BONNIEBRAE DR $189,900 2 1.1 1056 ATTCHD 2-4PM
1547 BOCA RATAN DR $208,900 2 1.1 1008 ATTCHD 11-1:30PM
1248 OAK ST $245,900 2 1 900 DETACHD 1-4PM
4372 WOODSIDE CIR $284,900 2 2 1178 ATTCHD 1-4PM
4310 SILVER CT $339,000 2 3.1 1996 ATTCHD 12:30-3:30PM
1025 C AVE $428,950 3 2 2261 DETACHD 1-3PM
4962 BILFORD LN $439,900 3 2.1 2168 DETACHD 1-3PM
16909 CRESTVIEW DR $524,900 4 3 2553 DETACHD 12-3PM
401 ASH ST $525,000 5 4 5320 DETACHD 1-3PM
475 10TH ST $534,950 4 2.1 2932 DETACHD 1-3PM
33 MORNINGVIEW CIR $574,900 3 2.1 2737 DETACHD 1-3PM
363 Sixth ST $599,900 3 3.1 2258 ATTCHD 2-4PM
5218 WESTFIELD CT $699,500 4 2.1 3125 DETACHD 1-4PM
16705 GLENWOOD CT $699,000 – $749,000 4 3 4243 DETACHD 12-3PM
17110 LOWENBERG TER $799,000 4 2.1 2678 DETACHD 1-3PM
17281 LOWENBERG TER $884,900 4 3.1 3386 DETACHD 1-3PM
17154 LOWENBERG TER $889,900 5 3.1 3497 DETACHD 1-3PM
17896 SW KELOK RD SW $990,000 5 5 4323 DETACHD 1-3PM
18222 SIENA DR $1,088,000 6 4.1 3800 DETACHD 1-3PM
2057 SUMMIT DR $1,099,000 4 3.1 4589 DETACHD 1-3PM
1809 HEADLEE LN $1,125,000 2 2.1 3836 DETACHD 1-3PM
18209 SIENA DR $1,178,950 5 3.1 3839 DETACHD 1-3PM
18143 SIENA DR $1,197,000 5 4.1 4152 DETACHD 1-3PM
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR $1,269,000 5 4.1 4155 DETACHD 1-3PM
18246 BELLA TERRA DR $1,294,000 4 3.1 4196 DETACHD 1-3PM
664 OAK MEADOW DR $1,355,000 4 3.1 4198 DETACHD 1-3PM
18110 Siena DR $1,394,000 4 3.1 4311 DETACHD 1-3PM
2572 GLEN EAGLES PL $2,395,000 5 4.2 6490 DETACHD 1-3PM
Posted on

Open Houses for Sunday, January 17, 2010

There are 23 houses that will be held open this Sunday.  It’s a nice assortment that represents a wide range of prices, sizes, ages and options.  If you are inclined to want to spend an hour or two looking at houses, you should find some good options.

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type Open
323 CERVANTES $175,000 2 2 1,265 CONDO 1 to 3
5225 Jean RD $179,900 2 2 1,100 CONDO 1 to 3
65 GREENRIDGE CT $199,500 2 2 1,314 CONDO 1 to 4
5373 LAKEVIEW BLVD $329,500 3 1 2,176 DETACHD 2 to 4
18922 REDWING WAY $379,900 4 2 2,076 DETACHD 2 to 4
119 3RD ST $399,900 3 2 1,204 CONDO 1 to 4
4651 HASTINGS PL $454,900 4 2.1 2,215 DETACHD 1 to3
2705 SW ORCHARD HILL LN $499,350 3 2.1 2,841 DETACHD 11 to4
14279 CAMDEN LN 525000 4 2.1 2,373 DETACHD 1 to 3
4581 HASTINGS PL 574900 4 2.1 2,985 DETACHD 1 to 3
13278 ROGERS RD 695000 3 2.1 2,964 DETACHD 12 to 2
2688 RIVENDELL RD 745000 4 3 3,720 DETACHD 1 to 4
1225 LAKE GARDEN CT 829950 4 3.2 3,558 DETACHD 1 to 3
18222 SIENA DR 1088000 6 4.1 3,800 DETACHD 1 to 3
18209 SIENA DR 1178950 5 3.1 3,839 DETACHD 1 to 3
18143 SIENA DR 1197000 5 4.1 4,152 DETACHD 1 to 3
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR 1269000 5 4.1 4,155 DETACHD 1 to 3
18246 BELLA TERRA DR 1294000 4 3.1 4,196 DETACHD 1 to 3
17464 RIDGEVIEW LN 1298950 4 3.1 4,407 DETACHD 1 to 3
664 OAK MEADOW DR 1355000 4 3.1 4,198 DETACHD 1 to 3
18110 Siena DR 1394000 4 3.1 4,311 DETACHD 1 to 3
657 OAK MEADOW DR. 1395000 4 3.1 4,371 DETACHD 1 to 3
17364 RIDGEVIEW CT 1425000 4 3.1 4,436 DETACHD 1 to 3

Have a great weekend!

Posted on

First Impressions

Front doorFirst impressions seems like the ideal subject for my first editorial post of 2010. It’s time to take that big step forward and I don’t know about you, but I want to make the most of it.

So, as a seller of a home, how can you maximize the first impression that your home gives? Of course you want to mow the lawn, clean the roof, trim the bushes and trees, but is that all? And, in fact, are those items even the most important? No, they aren’t. I believe that the single most important area of your home that you need to spiff up and get ready, is the front door.

When ever I take a new listing I give my little talk about getting the front door ready. Think about it. Typically a buyer is waiting at the front door while the Realtor is finding and opening the lock box. The buyer will pause there for a minute or two and have the opportunity to look at every little detail. Is the area clean? Is the paint fresh? Or is there a sofa and a big bag of Alpo on the front porch? And if there is a pile of rubbish to step around, what do you think that the buyer is anticipating finding inside? I really believe that buyers make their decision about the house at the front door. If they like what they see, they go into the house seeking to reinforce that opinion. They go inside looking for things to like. If they have been put off at the front door, they enter the house feeling critical. Will the bag of Alpo be accompanied by crates of rabbits and a barking dog chained in the back yard? This is just a very, very important place to spend a little time getting your home ready for marketing.

First I recommend a good cleaning and fresh paint. Get out a scrub brush, some soap, and take the time to really clean. Wash not only the door but the threshold, the weather-stripping, the light fixtures and everything around the door. Sweep the porch. Wipe away the moths and spider webs around the light fixture. Make certain the paint on the door is fresh with no scuffs or scratches.

Make sure the door knob and the key work easily. You may want to consider updating the hardware for the knob and the lock.

The National Association of Realtors publishes an annual report that is specific to every region of the country telling what sort of re-sale return can be expected from remodeling. The only item on the entire list, including kitchens and bathrooms, that returned of 100% of the investment was the purchase and installation of a new front door. Seriously. It will make you money to do this right. The estimated cost in the Pacific region is $1353 to install a new door and a return on the sale of your home of $1732. That’s a return of 128% on the original investment.

Once you get the door clean, painted and ready, do a little staging of the exterior entry area. Be careful not to crowd the area with too much. People should not have to avoid or step around anything you display. I recommend a pot or two of seasonal flowers (at this time of year you can display primroses and pansies) or perhaps a wreath on the door. Be careful with holiday decorations not to leave them on too long, but they are certainly appropriate during each holiday of the year.

Take a little time as you get ready to sell your home, and be sure to take time at the front door. Your efforts will help you to realize a better sale and probably even make you some money.

Looking forward to a great 2010, Dianne

Posted on

Lake Oswego Market Activity Report ~ Jan 4 – 10, 2010

The pace is picking up a bit. According to RMLS, there are 17 truly NEW properties in Lake Oswego this last week, 9 that went to PENDING status, and 8 that SOLD. Interesting to note that of the 17 NEW properties on the market, there are no shortsales in the bunch according to RMLS, and of the 9 PENDING sales, there were 2 short-sales, with another 2 short-sales out of the 8 SOLDS’s. There are a lot of good deals out there that do not fall into the short-sale or bank-owned categories, and Buyers seem to be looking for that “right” house instead of lasering in on short-sales in general. That said, it is hard to tell how many of the “NEW” properties could be teetering that direction. There is a whole different closing timeline to be considered if you get into that situation, so just be aware and consult with your Realtor.

One thing to be aware of is that we are not able to tell in an RMLS listing exactly how far above the “short-sale line” a property’s asking price may be.  There is always the possibility that a property could turn into a short-sale if the negotiated price with the Seller ends up lower than what they owe.  Just sayin’.  Talk with your Realtor about what that could mean for you if you think you may be offering an amount that could bring up this possibility in your transaction.

Anyway, here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Jan. 4—Jan. 10, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
47 EAGLE CREST DR $99,500 1 1 666 CONDO 1/4/2010
668 MCVEY AVE $164,900 2 1 852 CONDO 1/4/2010
18025 TUALATA AVE $349,000 3 2 1,970 DETACHD 1/6/2010
2705 ORCHARD HILL PL $374,900 3 2.1 2,250 DETACHD 1/8/2010
2530 PALISADES CREST DR $376,200 4 2.1 2,774 DETACHD 1/7/2010
13213 SW 63 PL $399,900 4 3 2,604 DETACHD 1/6/2010
4651 HASTINGS PL $454,900 4 2.1 2,215 DETACHD 1/7/2010
1641 ASH ST $475,000 4 3 2,825 DETACHD 1/4/2010
16909 CRESTVIEW DR $524,900 4 3 2,553 DETACHD 1/7/2010
17930 MEADOWLARK LN $599,900 4 4 3,300 DETACHD 1/8/2010
72 CONDOLEA WAY $629,000 2 2.1 3,088 CONDO 1/7/2010
51 HILLSHIRE DR $679,000 4 2.2 4,306 DETACHD 1/5/2010
5234 WESTFIELD CT $724,900 4 3 3,252 DETACHD 1/4/2010
14435 UPLANDS DR $799,995 4 3.1 4,822 DETACHD 1/6/2010
17884 SW KELOK RD $949,000 4 3.1 4,124 DETACHD 1/4/2010
15444 BOONES WAY $998,500 3 2.1 3,364 ATTACHD 1/4/2010
5665 BONITA RD $1,279,900 2 1 1,500 DETACHD 1/9/2010

PENDING SALES (Jan. 4 – Jan. 10, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
668 MCVEY AVE $136,400.00 3 1.1 992 CONDO 95
4447 GOLDEN LN $229,000.00 2 2.1 1,980 ATTACHD 521
16546 BONAIRE AVE $239,900.00 3 1 1,064 DETACHD 82
2062 CEDAR CT $299,000.00 4 2 1,800 DETACHD 237
909 CUMBERLAND PL 299000 – 349000 4 3 2,716 DETACHD 43
3634 TEMPEST DR $424,900.00 4 3 2,931 DETACHD 3
4040 VIRGINIA WAY $524,900.00 3 2.1 2,623 DETACHD 243
5310 WASHINGTON CT $624,900.00 4 3.1 3,328 DETACHD 865
1839 PALISADES LAKE CT $899,900.00 4 3.1 4,570 DETACHD 166

SOLD (Jan. 4 – Jan. 10, 2010)

Address O/Price Sold Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
26 WHEATHERSTONE $265,000 $210,000 3 2.1 1,692 CONDO 135
5686 WASHINGTON CT $275,000 $259,800 2 2 1,342 DETACHD 25
5956 FERNBROOK CIR $299,999 $295,000 4 2 1,376 DETACHD 370
4191 CHAPMAN WAY $409,000 $360,000 4 2.1 2,610 DETACHD 194
4 ICARUS LOOP $449,000 $445,000 4 2.1 2,743 DETACHD 57
17675 CARDINAL DR $599,000 $500,000 3 3 3,458 DETACHD 294
2200 PRESTWICK RD $1,095,000 $825,000 4 2.1 3,356 DETACHD 539
17345 BERGIS FARM DR $1,249,900 $1,062,500 4 3.2 5,199 DETACHD 665

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.

Posted on

Lake Oswego Open Houses ~ Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010

Wow. We have polar ends of the price spectrum on tour this Sunday. 8 over a million, and 5 under $250,000 with a couple in the middle. There are some great properties to see on this list, so get out and enjoy the dry weekend weather & find that “one” to either move-up or buy first-time…. The tax credit time-line is ticking………… Enjoy! & as always, feel free to give Dianne or me a call if you need some help. Here are the Open Houses in Lake Oswego according to RMLS:

Address L/Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type Open
12 CERVANTES CIR $105,000 2 1.1 912 ATTCHD 1-3PM
45 EAGLE CREST DR #122 $199,000 3 2 1348 CONDO 1-3PM
65 GREENRIDGE CT $200,000 2 2 1314 ATTCHD 12-4PM
45 SW EAGLE CREST DR #300 $205,000 3 2 1348 CONDO 12:30-2PM
1248 OAK ST $245,900 2 1 900 DETCHD 1-4PM
136 TOUCHSTONE TER $329,000 3 2.1 1996 ATTCHD 1-3PM
138 KINGSGATE RD $410,000 3 2.1 1600 DETCHD 1:30-3:30PM
4962 BILFORD LN $439,900 3 2.1 2168 DETCHD 12-3PM
18209 SIENA DR $1,178,950 5 3.1 3839 DETCHD 1-3PM
18143 SIENA DR $1,197,000 5 4.1 4152 DETCHD 1-3PM
18246 BELLA TERRA DR $1,294,000 4 3.1 4196 DETCHD 1-3PM
17464 RIDGEVIEW LN $1,298,950 4 3.1 4407 DETCHD 1-3PM
664 OAK MEADOW DR $1,355,000 4 3.1 4198 DETCHD 1-3PM
18110 Siena DR $1,394,000 4 3.1 4311 DETCHD 1-3PM
657 OAK MEADOW DR. $1,395,000 4 3.1 4371 DETCHD 1-3PM
17364 RIDGEVIEW CT $1,425,000 4 3.1 4436 DETCHD 1-3PM
Posted on

It’s A New… Centennial Year in Lake Oswego!

HappyHappy 2010 to each of you!  I don’t know about you, but I can feel the excitement (and dare I say relief) in the air.  It’s a new year, and things are looking good.  Lake Oswego is already celebrating its Centennial, employment figures are up, real estate tax incentives are in full force (for a few months anyway), stocks started the year with a rally, and “the trend is still up” according to Rob Lutts, chief investment officer at Cabot Money Management.

Are there naysayers and warnings of impending doom?  Yes, as always.  I, however, am “cautiously excited” at the prospect of renewed opportunity all around.  I see my clients achieving their goals and changing their lives, and I know that time does indeed march on.  For my clients, job changes happen, marriages and divorces happen, families grow & need more space, loved ones want to be closer geographically, retirement and downsizing happen, and of course, “upsizing” is also very much alive.

Couple3The beginning of the year also always brings some legislative changes, like needing a hands-free device to talk on your cellphone in the car.  The new law does, however “…exempt motorists who are on their hand-held cell phones ‘in the scope of the person’s employment if operation of the motor vehicle is necessary for the person’s job’.”  Hmmmm, I wonder if that includes Realtors?  Well, I think I’ll opt for safety anyway, but I can smell some friction (is that burning rubber?) ahead in the way of challenges to these minimum $142. tickets.

In the real estate world, there are all manner of regulatory changes, and changes to the “new” forms we’ll be using.  Make sure to talk with your SophieTuckerRealtor (or Dianne and I if you are without a Realtor) if you have any questions.  Some of the changes could affect the timeline of your transaction if you are not aware of them. For instance, if a transaction includes any seller-carried financing, and the document is prepared by escrow, there is a 3-day mandatory review period… so if the Buyer is just seeing the document for the first time at signing, there will be a 3-day delay in closing.  Also, you will notice that our ML#’s have gotten a bit longer.  As we are starting a new decade, the ML#’s now start with “10”… so they’ll be longer numbers & have lots of zero’s for awhile : )   As an aside, the count on these, and therefore the number of new January listings as of today in Lake Oswego number 24, and range in price from $90,000 to $998,500.

CarrieNationLast, but definitely not least, I want to address the excitement of the ongoing Centennial Celebration in Lake Oswego.  I’m including a link here to a pdf that has all kinds of historic Lake Oswego photos, and news stories from 1910. By that time Lake Oswego had been in existence for 60 years already.  Three previous attempts at incorporation had failed due to fears around “additional regulations and taxation” (sound familiar?). Residents in First Addition were interested in: “promoting small businesses, water quality, fire protection, debate over the sale of alcohol, as well as government autonomy. The vote in favor of the measure was 79 to 22.  Only men cast their ballots because Oregon women did not win the right to vote until 1912.” You really MUST check out this link.  Some of the headlines read: “City Government Controls Width of Tires”,  “Buy a Lake-Front Lot for $50.”,  “Oswego’s Bear Population”, “Illiterate Cows”,  “Pig Penmanship”, and many, many more.

Happy, Happy 2010 to you and yours, and thank you for reading the Property Blotter!

Linda