Lake Oswego Open Houses ~ Sunday, April 18, 2010

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

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

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

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.

Lake Oswego Open Houses for Sunday, April 11, 2010

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

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

Lake Oswego Open Houses ~ Easter 2010

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

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

Looking Ahead to Sunny Weather

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Open Houses for Sunday, March 28, 2010

Getting a head start on the weekend, here are the 21 open houses currently being promoted in the RMLS for this Sunday:

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type Open
1597 BONNIEBRAE DR $199,900 2 1 998 ATTACHD 1 to 3
181 Oswego Summit $200,000 2 2 1,383 CONDO 12 to 2
200 BURNHAM RD $205,850 1 1 820 CONDO 12 to 2
4251 WOODSIDE CIR $305,950 3 2 2,032 ATTACHD 12 to 2
3056 WEMBLEY PARK RD $339,000 3 2 2,600 DETACHD 1 to 4
19242 TERRY AVE $395,000 4 2 1,872 DETACHD 2 to 4
13340 AUBURN CT $465,000 3 2.1 2,451 ATTACHD 2 to 4
2031 LILLI LN $550,000 3 3.1 3,262 DETACHD 1 to 3
17 SCARBOROUGH DR 579900 4 2.1 3,290 DETACHD 1 to 4
19288 SW Megly CT 579900 5 3 3,594 DETACHD 1 to 5
7 MOUNTAIN VIEW LN 609000 5 2.1 3,324 DETACHD 1 to 4
15915 WALUGA DR 629000 3 2.1 2,939 DETACHD 1 to 4
17491 BLUE HERON DR 639950 4 2 2,396 DETACHD 1 to 3
13970 TAYLORS CREST LN 643490 4 2.1 3,371 DETACHD 11 to 2
5218 WESTFIELD CT 649900 4 2.1 3,125 DETACHD 1 to 4
18606 WESTVIEW DR 649900 3 2.5 2,783 DETACHD 12 to 3
18010 GIMLEY CT 685000 4 2.5 3,652 DETACHD 12 to 3
5245 LANGFORD LN 719000 3 2.1 2,957 DETACHD 2:30 to 4:30
17896 SW KELOK RD 974500 5 5 4,323 DETACHD 1 to 3:30
18024 SKYLAND CIR 1665000 4 3.2 4,131 DETACHD 1 to 3
2572 GLEN EAGLES PL 2395000 5 4.2 6,490 DETACHD 1 to 3

Have a great weekend!

Lake Oswego Open Houses ~ March 21, 2010

There is quite a lot to see in Lake Oswego this Sunday! 39 total with 11 over a million & most in the mid to upper price ranges.  There is still time to get in on the tax credits (“1st-Time Buyer” & “Moving-Up Credit”), but the clock is ticking.  Enjoy!

Here is what is Open in Lake Oswego today according to RMLS:

Address L/Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type Open
44 EAGLE CREST DR $119,900 2 1 908 CONDO 1-4PM
12868 BOONES FERRY RD $298,000 2 2.1 1136 CONDO 1-3PM
3269 PHYLLIS CT $349,900 3 1.2 1711 DETACHD 11-1PM
92 GREENRIDGE CT $349,995 3 2.1 1980 ATTACHD 1-3PM
2245 GLEN HAVEN RD $359,000 3 1.1 1276 DETACHD 12-3PM
18922 REDWING WAY $369,900 3 2 2076 DETACHD 2-4PM
119 3RD ST $385,000 3 2 1204 CONDO 1-4PM
405 BOCA RATAN DR $449,000 3 2.1 2040 DETACHD 1-4PM
2104 WEMBLEY PARK RD $469,000 4 3 2052 DETACHD 1-3PM
662 CLARA CT $469,900 3 3 2740 DETACHD 2-4PM
1060 UPPER DEVON LN $559,000 3 2.1 2400 DETACHD 12-2PM
5678 CHARLES CIR $565,000 3 4 3455 DETACHD 1-3PM
17 SCARBOROUGH DR $579,900 4 2.1 3290 DETACHD 2-4PM
19288 SW Megly CT $579,900 5 3 3594 DETACHD 1-5PM
5783 VICTORIA CT $595,000 3 2 2344 DETACHD 1-3PM
7 MOUNTAIN VIEW LN $609,000 5 2.1 3324 DETACHD 1-4PM
13970 TAYLORS CREST LN $643,490 4 2.1 3371 DETACHD 11-2PM
5218 WESTFIELD CT $649,900 4 2.1 3125 DETACHD 1-4PM
1703 VILLAGE PARK LN $789,000 3 2.1 3450 DETACHD 1-3PM
17110 LOWENBERG TER $799,000 4 2.1 2678 DETACHD 1-4PM
18360 DELENKA LN $829,000 4 3.1 4346 DETACHD 2:30-4:30PM
17281 LOWENBERG TER $874,900 4 3.1 3386 DETACHD 1-4PM
17154 LOWENBERG TER $879,900 5 3.1 3497 DETACHD 1-4PM
14480 KRUSE OAKS BLVD $895,000 4 3.1 4661 DETACHD 10-2PM
12439 SW 22ND AVE $899,900 4 3.1 4118 DETACHD 2-4PM
18014 GIMLEY CT $899,950 5 3.1 4887 DETACHD 1-3PM
16827 SCOTT CT $969,000 4 3.1 3952 DETACHD 1-3PM
548 RIDGEWAY RD $999,500 4 3 2830 DETACHD 1-3PM
18222 SIENA DR $1,088,000 6 4.1 3800 DETACHD 1-3PM
1414 COUNTRY COMMONS $1,095,000 4 3.1 5679 DETACHD 1-3PM
18209 SIENA DR $1,178,950 5 3.1 3839 DETACHD 1-3PM
624 ATWATER RD $1,199,000 5 3.1 4858 DETACHD 1-3PM
17464 RIDGEVIEW LN $1,199,950 4 3.1 4407 DETACHD 1-3PM
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR $1,269,000 5 4.1 4155 DETACHD 1-3PM
18246 BELLA TERRA DR $1,294,000 4 3.1 4196 DETACHD 1-3PM
664 OAK MEADOW DR $1,299,950 4 3.1 4198 DETACHD 1-3PM
657 OAK MEADOW DR $1,349,950 4 3.1 4371 DETACHD 1-3PM
17364 RIDGEVIEW CT $1,399,950 4 3.1 4436 DETACHD 1-3PM
2572 GLEN EAGLES PL $2,395,000 5 4.2 6490 DETACHD 1-3PM

Lake Oswego Open Houses for March 14, 2010

The RMLS is promoting a boat load of open houses for this Sunday in LO. It’s going to be a lovely day with spring weather and lots of sunshine. So I hope you are able to get out and see some of these houses. Of the 39 homes being held open, 8 are condos, 1 is a townhouse, 4 are detached houses priced under $400,000, and 9 are priced at over one million dollars. Whew!

I want to invite you to come to my open house. I will be holding open 211 Oswego Summit from noon to 3pm. This is a gorgeous, one-level condo with sweeping mountain and city views. Priced at $229,900, with 2 big bedrooms and 2 full baths, it is a very affordable way to live in Lake Oswego. There are NO STAIRS and there is a single-car garage with an opener for easy entry on rainy days. I am just very proud of this property and I think you will see why. Plus, I’d love to meet you!

Here is the full list of this Sunday’s opens:

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type Open
4 TOUCHSTONE $129,000 2 2 984 CONDO 12 to 3
211 OSWEGO SMT $229,900 2 2 1,506 CONDO 12 to 3
4340 BOTTICELLI ST $239,900 3 3.1 2,098 CONDO 1 to 3
5055 Foothills DR $265,000 3 2 1,252 CONDO 1 to 3
5056 FOOTHILLS DR $269,000 2 2 1,252 CONDO 1 to 3
1723 CONIFER DR $312,950 3 2 1,602 DETACHD 12 to 3
2320 GLEN HAVEN RD $319,900 3 1.1 1,346 DETACHD 1 to 4
4310 SILVER CT $339,000 2 3.1 1,996 CONDO 12:30 to 3:30
3056 WEMBLEY PARK RD 339000 3 2 2,600 DETACHD 1 to 4
3269 PHYLLIS CT 349900 3 1.2 1,711 DETACHD 1 to 4
15 CHURCHILL DOWNS 375000 4 2 2,014 DETACHD 1 to 4
12402 27TH PL 375000 3 2 1,992 DETACHD 1 to 4
17763 MARDEE AVE 399500 5 3 2,300 DETACHD 1:30 to 3:30
119 3RD ST 399900 3 2 1,204 CONDO 2 to 4
15655 TWIN FIR RD 437000 3 2 2,095 DETACHD 1 to 3
5475 WILLOW CT 479900 3 2.1 2,438 ATTACHD 1 to 3
2705 SW ORCHARD HILL LN 499350 3 2.1 2,841 DETACHD 1 to 4
17802 HILLSIDE WAY 514998 4 2.1 2,965 DETACHD 1 to 3
14584 PFEIFER WAY 559000 3 2 2,600 DETACHD 3 to 5
33 MORNINGVIEW CIR 574900 3 2.1 2,737 DETACHD 2 to 4
19288 SW Megly CT 579900 5 3 3,594 DETACHD 1 to 5
815 COUNTRY COMMONS LN 595000 4 3 2,376 DETACHD 2 to 3:30
5218 WESTFIELD CT 699500 4 2.1 3,125 DETACHD 1 to 4
17645 OAK MEADOW LN 699900 4 2.1 3,510 DETACHD 12 to3
1015 SW SOUTHSHORE BLVD 789000 4 3 3,522 DETACHD 2:30 to 4
282 GREENWOOD RD 799500 3 2.1 2,538 DETACHD 1 to 4
1633 MAPLE ST 848500 3 3 3,405 DETACHD 1 to 3
17896 SW KELOK RD 974500 5 5 4,323 DETACHD 12:45 to 2:15
8 DOVER WAY 999000 6 4.2 6,244 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
17464 RIDGEVIEW LN 1199950 4 3.1 4,407 DETACHD 1 to 3
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR 1269000 5 4.1 4,155 DETACHD 1 to 3
18246 BELLA TERRA DR 1294000 4 3.1 4,196 DETACHD 1 to 3
664 OAK MEADOW DR 1299950 4 3.1 4,198 DETACHD 1 to 3
657 OAK MEADOW DR 1349950 4 3.1 4,371 DETACHD 1 to 3
17364 RIDGEVIEW CT 1399950 4 3.1 4,436 DETACHD 1 to 3
2572 GLEN EAGLES PL 2395000 5 4.2 6,490 DETACHD 1 to 3
4962 BILFORD LN 429900 3 2.1 DETACHD 1 to 3

Have a great weekend, Dianne

Buying a house on the Lake

Oswego Lake has always had a certain appeal. It is in the middle of the town and is certainly a focus of the community. Years ago the waterfront homes were little vacation cottages that people came from Portland to enjoy on the weekends and on summer break. As rail lines and freeways made the drive quick and easy, the little cottages have gradually been replaced with modern homes and some pretty incredible mansions. Even if you will never aspire to living on the Lake, the real estate on the waterfront is certainly intriguing. And if you do want to live on the Lake, you need to know a little bit about the various values that the waterfront solicits.

There are 4 distinct categories of values for the waterfront. I am going to explore each one and give you a list of the current inventory.

Condominiums
Up until 10 years ago, there just weren’t many condos on the lake. There is a really charming 1940’s 4-plex on Northshore, but that was about it. Then in about 2000 the Lakewood Bay Condomiums and Lofts were built. And in 2008 a couple of apartment complexes were converted to condominiums at the Eastern end of the Lake. Of the various developments, there are two condo complexes that have docks and lawn areas right on the water’s edge. Some units have boat slips. And for anyone with disabilities or trying to avoid stairs, the Lakewood Bay Condos have elevator access. Here is the current inventory of condominiums for sale:

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
244 RIDGEWAY RD $214,500 2 1 753 CONDO 11/14/2009
668 MCVEY AVE $216,000 2 1 852 CONDO 1/28/2010
668 MCVEY AVE 209000 – 229000 3 1.1 985 CONDO 3/9/2010
668 MCVEY AVE $239,998 3 1.1 992 CONDO 11/24/2009
668 MCVEY AVE $395,000 3 1.1 985 CONDO 7/24/2009
119 3RD ST $399,900 3 2 1,204 CONDO 10/11/2009

Houses on the Canals

The canals are less expensive then the other areas of the lake.  Of course this will have a range of value with newer homes generally selling for more than older homes.  I think that location on the canals also affects the value.  Kelok Canal is a flowing body of water where the Lake is filled from the Tualatin River.  So the quality of the water is going to be better and more enjoyable to use than the more shallow and more stagnant water on the other canals.  Also, there is one canal that is so wide that it is often considered a bay, Blue Heron Bay/Canal.  There is a direct relationship between water quality and property values, in my opinion.  Here is what is currently for sale on the canals:

Address List Price # BR # BRHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
3300 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $549,850 2 2.2 1,162 DETACHD 1/1/2010
17471 CARDINAL DR $575,900 4 2.1 3,056 DETACHD 2/11/2010
17455 BLUE HERON RD $750,000 3 2 2,572 DETACHD 12/8/2009
17344 CEDAR RD $1,099,000 4 2.1 2,831 DETACHD 3/1/2010
3220 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $1,099,000 3 3 3,629 DETACHD 2/5/2010
17460 WREN CT $1,295,000 3 3.1 3,300 DETACHD 11/6/2009
17282 LAKE HAVEN DR $1,299,000 4 2.1 3,662 DETACHD 2/2/2010
17281 KELOK RD $1,395,000 4 3 2,682 DETACHD 1/21/2010

West Bay and Lakewood Bay
At each end of the lake is a bay. The bays are rather wide with enough room for boating and water skiing. Not as big as the lake, they still have better water quality than most of the canals. Lakewood Bay has the advantage of being next to Millinium Plaza Park for easy access to the Farmer’s Market. It also shares the water with restaurants with dock-side dining. Here is the current inventory of homes for sale on both of the bays:

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
106 3RD ST $699,900 2 2 1,495 DETACHD 7/16/2009
548 RIDGEWAY RD $999,500 4 3 2,830 DETACHD 10/19/2009
811 NORTHSHORE RD $1,299,900 4 4 4,945 DETACHD 4/8/2008
102 3RD ST $1,490,000 4 4 3,400 DETACHD 2/8/2010
307 NORTHSHORE RD $1,500,000 3 2 2,673 DETACHD 12/19/2009
425 NORTHSHORE RD $1,529,000 3 3 3,270 DETACHD 1/24/2010
1103 LAKESHORE RD $1,599,000 3 3 3,200 DETACHD 7/26/2008
4398 Lakeview BLVD $1,775,000 4 2.2 3,309 DETACHD 12/30/2008
100 3RD ST $1,799,000 3 3.1 3,600 DETACHD 2/6/2010

Main Lake
The prime real estate on the Lake is the main lake. This body of water is a natural lake. At it’s deepest it is about 150′. It is a couple of miles long and about half a mile wide, so it is large enough for boating, sailing, and water skiing. In my experience the values on the lake are affected by the amount of sun that the home is exposed to. On the North shore the houses get full sun all afternoon. On the South shore there are areas that get very little sun light and remain shaded nearly all day long. For this reason, I do think that the North shore has higher values than the South shore. However, the North shore is the home of a rail line that is still in use. So the sunshine is shared with 3 or 4 trains on a daily basis. There is talk of taking out the train track some day and putting in a trail for biking. That’s still in the dream stage and don’t hold me to it. If you buy on the North shore, be aware of the train. Here is the current inventory for houses on the main lake:

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
16511 Maple CIR $925,000 3 3 3,341 DETACHD 3/1/2010
16990 ALDER CIR $995,000 3 2.1 1,926 DETACHD 8/4/2008
3203 Southshore BLVD $1,099,900 4 3.1 3,773 DETACHD 2/23/2009
444 RIDGEWAY RD $1,150,000 3 2 2,099 DETACHD 9/9/2009
16771 MAPLE CIR $1,450,000 3 3 2,074 DETACHD 1/3/2009
983 LAKE FRONT RD $1,595,000 3 2.1 2,199 DETACHD 2/18/2010
1835 PALISADES TERRACE DR $1,748,900 4 3 3,380 DETACHD 1/8/2010
112 NORTHSHORE CIR $1,760,000 4 4.2 3,632 DETACHD 3/9/2010
2557 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $1,775,000 3 3.2 3,604 DETACHD 1/11/2010
333 NORTHSHORE RD $2,500,000 4 4.1 5,152 DETACHD 12/1/2009
961 TERRACE DR $3,495,000 4 4.2 5,795 DETACHD 9/7/2009
1719 LAKE FRONT RD $3,888,850 4 5.1 5,251 DETACHD 5/3/2009
16697 MAPLE CIR $4,695,000 4 3.1 3,146 DETACHD 1/30/2010
3012 LAKEVIEW BLVD $5,750,000 4 4.1 5,957 DETACHD 6/7/2008
1901 PALISADES TERRACE DR $5,950,000 5 4.1 7,284 DETACHD 4/27/2009
3232 LAKEVIEW BLVD $6,300,000 3 5.1 7,500 DETACHD 6/23/2008
3214 LAKEVIEW BLVD $7,500,000 4 5.1 5,800 DETACHD 6/23/2008
1850 NORTHSHORE RD $19,500,000 5 6.2 13,500 DETACHD 9/8/2008

And for those of you who really like to crunch the numbers, I thought I’d give you a list of the water front sales that have occurred in the last 12 months:

Address O/Price Close Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
668 MCVEY AVE 164900 160000 2 1 852 CONDO 9
3688 SPRING LN 179900 164500 2 2 1,120 CONDO 81
668 MCVEY AVE 229900 199900 2 1 852 CONDO 765
668 MCVEY AVE 249850 200000 3 1.1 985 CONDO 982
668 MCVEY AVE 239900 220000 3 1.1 1,184 CONDO 61
668 MCVEY AVE 369900 300000 3 1.1 989 CONDO 521
668 MCVEY AVE 399850 365000 3 1.1 985 CONDO 19
111 3RD ST 419000 390000 2 2 1,206 CONDO 276
101 3RD ST 474900 430000 3 2 1,447 CONDO 376
17675 CARDINAL DR 599000 500000 3 3 3,458 DETACHD 294
830 CABANA LN 668250 572941 4 3.1 3,029 DETACHD 79
17332 Lake Haven DR 749000 710000 4 2 2,484 DETACHD 125
706 MCVEY AVE 949000 780000 3 2 2,000 DETACHD 391
18051 KELOK RD 899000 799000 5 3.1 3,670 DETACHD 401
716 MCVEY AVE 749998 800000 3 2 2,348 DETACHD 805
1755 SOUTHSHORE BLVD 949000 850000 5 3.1 4,757 DETACHD 104
17960 SARAH HILL LN 1179000 910000 5 3.1 4,800 DETACHD 163
1555 BAY VIEW LN 995000 945000 4 4.1 4,775 DETACHD 277
17178 CEDAR RD 1195000 1049000 5 3.1 4,209 DETACHD 92
1149 LAKESHORE RD 1295000 1115000 4 2.1 2,660 DETACHD 143
3270 LAKEVIEW BLVD 1399000 1125000 3 3 3,295 DETACHD 147
17211 KELOK RD 1399000 1230000 3 3.1 5,384 DETACHD 112
128 NORTHSHORE CIR 1479000 1290000 3 3.1 3,550 DETACHD 764
753 LAKESHORE RD 1385000 1335000 3 3.1 2,562 DETACHD 51
2605 SOUTHSHORE BLVD 1395000 1340000 3 4.1 4,750 DETACHD 234
17225 KELOK RD 1350000 1350000 4 3.1 4,161 DETACHD 0
975 LAKE FRONT RD 1899000 1500000 3 3 3,232 DETACHD 157
16840 ALDER CIR 1595000 1555000 4 2.1 3,563 DETACHD 77
4313 WESTBAY RD 2775000 2100000 4 3.1 4,000 DETACHD 193
890 LAKESHORE RD 2275000 2275000 3 3.1 3,200 DETACHD 0
16819 ALLEN RD 5500000 4850000 3 3.1 4,591 DETACHD 8
1980 TWIN POINTS RD 4987500 4987500 4 5 6,600 DETACHD 0

This is a pretty quick summary. But I think it gives you a small insight into what values are like for homes on Oswego Lake. The lake is just a very beautiful and unique place to own a home. In my experience people who aspire to living on the lake will start out in a more affordable home on a canal and then through the course of their professional lives move up to a home on the main lake. I have also known people who bought distressed properties on the canals and made enough money on a good remodel to sell at a profit and move onto the main lake. In any case, what a great place to come home to at the end of a long day at work. Living on the lake is like always being on vacation.

Please let Linda or I know if you have any questions about buying home on Oswego Lake.
Dianne