Tag: houses

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L.O. Weather Information ~ Our Neck of the Woods….

sunOut of state and wondering what you can expect for weather in Lake Oswego after your big move?  Planning your house-hunting trip and wondering what you can expect?   I’ve added a few tidbits of information for you below to help give a better picture of life in Lake Oswego… weather-wise.

My personal experience in Lake Oswego is that July varies from cloudy days here & there to weeks of cobalt blue skies, ranging from a high of 70 degrees to the 90’s. We spend most of the month of  August in the 90’s with some 80’s thrown in here & there and the occasional 100… that’s based on the last few years, and/but the table below lists the “normal” high temps in Lake Oswego in August at 80 degrees. So, we then get into definitions of “normal” : )  Anyway, it came from AccuWeather.com . This site also shows you the pollen index and other helpful data such as yesterday’s weather breakdown:

Normal High: 45°F
Normal Low: 34°F
Normal Average: 40°F
Normal High: 50°F
Normal Low: 36°F
Normal Average: 43°F
Normal High: 56°F
Normal Low: 39°F
Normal Average: 47°F
Normal High: 60°F
Normal Low: 42°F
Normal Average: 51°F
Normal High: 67°F
Normal Low: 47°F
Normal Average: 57°F
Normal High: 72°F
Normal Low: 53°F
Normal Average: 63°F
Normal High: 80°F
Normal Low: 57°F
Normal Average: 68°F
Normal High: 80°F
Normal Low: 58°F
Normal Average: 69°F
Normal High: 75°F
Normal Low: 53°F
Normal Average: 64°F
Normal High: 64°F
Normal Low: 45°F
Normal Average: 55°F
Normal High: 52°F
Normal Low: 40°F
Normal Average: 46°F
Normal High: 45°F
Normal Low: 35°F
Normal Average: 40°F

Now, the Farmers Almanac is ‘Old Faithful’ as far as weather goes.  This link will allow you to look at any date in Portland (they don’t call out Lake Oswego, but hey, it’s close). It will also give you precipitation and pressure data.

If you’d like blow-by-blow information on Lake Oswego weather, WeatherForYou.com will accommodate with detailed forecasts & hour-by-hour breakdowns for the previous 48-hour period.  Then there is detailed morning & evening information for  every day in the forecast at City-Data.com

Most of these sites will challenge you with advertising, but I hope some of them prove helpful prior to your next trip to Lake Oswego.  Remember, if you are heading this way, you can always email Dianne or myself to find out whether you will need to bring your bathing suit or sweater.  It’s the summer home-buying season, and we’re really enjoying working with all of our Property Blotter readers. We look forward to meeting you soon as well.  Gotta run…. houses to show!

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Open Houses for July 5th, 2009

Along with enjoying hot dogs, sparklers, and Old Glory this weekend, there are 6 houses being held open on the day after the 4th of July:

668 McVey Ave., $399,850.  985 sq. feet, 3 BR, 1.5 BTHS, open 1-3

11 Morningview Circle, $547,000. 2921 sq. feet, 3 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-3

624 Livingood Ln., $549,000.  2596 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open 1:30-3:30

26 Westridge Dr., $549,900.  2862 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open 1-3

475 10th St., $593,950.  2932 sq. feet, 4 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open noon-2

511 6th St., $896,950. 4000 sq. feet, 5 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open noon-2

Have a safe and happy 4th of July.  Remember there will be a fireworks display over the lake at about 10pm.  There is great viewing from the many streets that surround the lake, from the Lakeview Swim Park, and even from surrounding hillsides.  Enjoy!

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Observations on Inventory, the S & P Price Index, and Broken Sewers, Oh My!

Today’s editorial post is going to be a bit of a potpouri of information.  There were just so many nice tidbits, I couldn’t seem to pick just one.

Observations On Current Inventory

Last February I ran the break down of the Inventory in Lake Oswego.  At that time there were 418 detached homes for sale.  I think my biggest concern was that of those homes 136 were priced at $1,000,000 or more.  That is a lot of high-end homes.  And that seems to be the slowest part of the market that is selling.  What’s it look like today?  Not much has changed.  While sales have picked up a bit, the number of new listings coming onto the market is keeping the inventory from diminishing.  Here is today’s breakdown:

Homes priced $100,000-$199,000, 1

Homes priced $200,000-$299,000, 19

Homes priced $300,000-$399,000, 46

Homes priced $400,000-$499,000, 54

Homes priced $500,000-$599,000, 51

Homes priced $600,000-$699,000, 38

Homes priced $700,000-$799,000, 35

Homes priced $800,000-$899,000, 30

Homes priced $900,000-$999,000, 31

Homes priced $1,000,000+, 135

That is a total inventory of detached homes of 440 with 135 priced at over $1,000,000.  Probably the most interesting observation that I see is that while we have 22 more homes for sale, the $1,000,000+ is about the same.  Perhaps people listing their homes this spring are being a bit more realistic and not shooting for the million dollar sales price?  At any rate, there are still way more homes over a million than the market activity will support.  In the last six months 10 homes over $1,000,000 have sold and 11 have gone pending.  At this rate, it will take a little over 3 years to sell all of the high-end inventory.

A Glimmer of Hope

The Standard and Poor’s Case-Shiller Home Price Index was recently released.    In the 20-city year-over-year averages the Portland area managed to fair better than most.  The average 12-month loss of home values was 18%, while Portland’s was 16%, the eighth best of the report.  The best fairing market was Denver with a loss of just 4.9%.  The worst was Phoenix with a loss of 35.3% (ouch!)

My personal observation is that things have picked up quite a bit.  My listings are getting lots of showings and also receiving offers.  It could simply be the normal up-tick that happens with spring and summer, but it could also be a bit of much-needed stability.  And even if the market is not necessarily trending up, it does seem to me that it is not getting worse.

Always get a sewer scope!

martha-sewerThis is a photo that you really never want to see, but when this sort of thing happens, it is soooooo much better to have it happen before the sale than after.  This photo was taken of a home that I have currently got in escrow.  The older home was recently remodeled, including a new sewer line from the house to the street.  That should be enough and there’s no need for a sewer scope, right?  NOT!  In the course of the home inspection the buyer did have a sewer scope and a chunk of concrete was found to be blocking  the line.  In the course of the remodel, a stray piece of concrete had somehow found its way into the line.  Who would have known without the sewer scope?  And how irritating would it have been to move into a gorgeous home that was fully remodeled just to have the sewer back up immediately?  This is a good lesson for one and all.  Always get a sewer scope!

LO vs Sellwood

It’s a bit of a habit of mine to compare affordable housing in Lake Oswego vs the popular neighborhood in SE Porltand, Sellwood.  I like to do this for two reasons.  First, I’ve lived in both areas and just have a general curiosity.  Second, I think LO is often overlooked by buyers.  There is just a general assumption that LO is full of million dollar mansions and therefore out of the price range of people seeking an affordable home.  My definition of affordable is $350,000 or less, and I am only comparing detached homes and not including condos.  When I first did this in April of 2008, there were 20 houses in LO and 18 in Sellwood price at $350,000 or less.  Today the number is 44 in LO and 25 is Sellwood.  So not only does Lake Oswego continue to offer more affordable homes than Sellwood, but the number has increased from a difference of 2 more to a difference of 19 more.  In Sellwood the least expensive home currently for sale is 608 square feet, 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, built in 1924.  In Lake Oswego the least expensive home currently for sale is 780 square feet, 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, built in 1944.  So if you are looking for affordable, sure check out SE Portland, but don’t rule out Lake Oswego.  You have options here as well.

I can not let the week go by without wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July!

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Lake Oswego Market Activity Report ~ June 22-28, 2009

This last week Lake Oswego saw 23 New properties placed on the market, Pending sales at 17 and 11 Sold/closed. Fewer ‘New Listings’ (we were at 33 last week), but a steady uptick in ‘Pendings’ and ‘Solds’. As we’ve been seeing for some time, all price ranges are represented in these three categories as well.

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

NEWLY LISTED (June 22—June 28, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
100 KERR PKWY $124,500 1 1 617 CONDO 6/23/2009
4000 CARMAN DR $155,000 2 2 866 CONDO 6/26/2009
4 TOUCHSTONE $179,900 3 2.1 1,351 CONDO 6/24/2009
5064 FOOTHILLS DR $299,900 2 2 1,308 CONDO 6/27/2009
12806 BOONES FERRY RD $299,950 3 2.1 1,174 ATTACHD 6/22/2009
17141 SW BRYANT RD $364,900 3 2 1,228 DETACHD 6/26/2009
127 3RD ST $395,000 2 2 1,006 CONDO 6/24/2009
17760 SW CARDINAL CT $404,900 3 2.1 2,147 DETACHD 6/25/2009
623 ATWATER RD $425,000 3 3 2,009 DETACHD 6/24/2009
14251 CAMDEN LN $535,900 3 2.1 2,179 DETACHD 6/26/2009
2704 ORCHARD HILL LN $649,000 5 3 3,207 DETACHD 6/25/2009
535 B AVE $649,000 2 2.1 1,691 ATTACHD 6/26/2009
17017 CANAL CIR 574900 – 649876 3 2.1 2,665 DETACHD 6/25/2009
1504 OAK ST $679,900 3 3.1 2,598 ATTACHD 6/26/2009
279 EVERGREEN RD $689,000 3 3.1 2,136 ATTACHD 6/27/2009
1564 OAK ST $729,900 3 2.1 3,070 ATTACHD 6/26/2009
1524 OAK ST $825,000 3 2.1 3,070 ATTACHD 6/26/2009
17177 OLD RIVER DR $950,000 4 3.1 3,200 DETACHD 6/25/2009
13090 KNAUS RD $995,000 4 3 5,578 DETACHD 6/25/2009
1584 OAK ST $1,100,000 3 3 3,674 ATTACHD 6/26/2009
11 HILLSHIRE DR $1,149,000 5 4.1 5,163 DETACHD 6/26/2009
5770 DOGWOOD DR $1,295,000 3 3 3,218 DETACHD 6/23/2009
16847 GREENBRIER RD $1,950,000 3 2.2 2,315 DETACHD 6/24/2009

PENDING SALES (June 22-June 28, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
100 SW KERR PKWY $95,400 1 1 617 CONDO 70
44 EAGLE CREST DR $130,000 1 1 798 CONDO 41
82 GREENRIDGE CT $227,900 3 2.1 2,868 CONDO 79
16428 SW BONAIRE AVE $249,950 3 1 1,240 DETACHD 35
1695 MEADOWS DR $344,900 4 3 2,185 DETACHD 396
45 TANGLEWOOD DR $345,000 5 3.1 3,166 DETACHD 102
17860 Sundown CT $365,000 4 3.1 3,480 DETACHD 94
14798 DAVIS LN $399,900 2 2.1 1,670 ATTACHD 67
1462 Worthington ST $424,000 4 3 1,800 DETACHD 108
4114 GLACIER LILY ST $529,000 4 2.1 2,470 DETACHD 65
181 3RD ST $699,000 2 2 1,523 CONDO 196
15195 LILY BAY CT $788,000 4 2.1 4,099 DETACHD 163
17814 MARYLCREEK DR $899,000 4 3.1 4,307 DETACHD 56
815 E AVE $1,185,000 3 2.1 2,676 DETACHD 148
1340 CHERRY LN $1,200,000 4 4.1 5,795 DETACHD 445
975 LAKE FRONT RD $1,695,000 3 3 3,232 DETACHD 157
2500 GLEN EAGLES RD $2,275,000 5 4.1 5,565 DETACHD 431

SOLD (June 22-June 28, 2009)

ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
100 KERR PKWY $125,000 $120,000 2 1.1 823 CONDO 91
4000 CARMAN DR $179,900 $170,000 2 2 1,100 CONDO 72
18543 LONGFELLOW AVE $339,900 $310,000 3 1.1 1,279 DETACHD 97
1107 CEDAR ST $324,999 $315,000 4 3 2,485 DETACHD 4
1299 HIDE A WAY LN $425,000 $340,900 3 2 1,893 DETACHD 127
111 3RD ST $419,000 $390,000 2 2 1,206 CONDO 276
606 2ND ST $420,000 $390,000 4 3 3,022 DETACHD 34
4116 ORCHARD WAY $683,950 $610,000 5 3.1 4,078 DETACHD 132
13874 TAYLORS CREST LN $750,000 $735,000 4 2.1 3,701 DETACHD 3
3515 UPPER DR $1,098,000 $1,050,000 4 3.1 4,061 DETACHD 275
12901 SW GOODALL RD $2,395,000 $1,715,000 4 4.1 5,333 DETACHD 679

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.

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Lake Oswego Open Houses ~ June 28, 2009

Sunday is supposed to be gorgeous, & there are 37 great properties to see in Lake Oswego. Get out there, maybe stroll the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts, see some properties and have some fun! Who knows… you might find “the one” you’ve been looking for… Wouldn’t that be great ~ Hey, call Dianne or me if you do! (That is if you do not already have a Realtor : )

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

15210 Boones Way $175,000 2 Bd, 1 1/2 Ba Open 11-1

4458 Thunder Vista Ln $299,500 3 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

12806 Boones Ferry Rd $299,950 3 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-4

1140 Hallinan Ct $339,895 3 Bd, 2 Ba Open 2:30-4:30

3269 Phyllis Ct $379,900 3 Bd, 2 X 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

668 McVey Ave #70 $399,850 3 Bd, 1 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

17088 Rebecca Ln $479,000 4 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1:30-3:30

13342 Auburn Ct $489,900 3 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

2062 Cedar Ct $494,900 3 Bd 2 Ba Open 11-2

3745 Tempest Dr $499,900 4 Bd, 3 Ba Open 12-2

2405 Dellwood Dr $505,000 5 Bd, 3 Ba Open 12-2

3254 Duncan Dr $524,900 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

340 8th St $535,000 3 Bd, 2 Ba Open 1-3

11 Morningview Cir $547,000 3 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

5830 Sunbrook Dr $549,000 5 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 12-2

952 A Ave $550,000 2 Bd, 2 Ba Open 11:30-1:30

475 10th St $623,500 4 Bd, 2 1/2Ba Open 12-2 & 2-4

4208 Albert Cir $639,900 3 Bd, 3 Ba Open 3-5

2704 Orchard Hill Ln $649,000 5 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1-4

15837 Allison Pl $649,000 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

580 Weidman Ct $659,000 5 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

1322 Glenmorrie Dr $725,000 3 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1-4

3030 Westview Ct $898,000 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 2:30-4

18051 Kelok Rd $899,000 5 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

511 6th St $928,950 5 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2:30-4:30

1785 Palisades Terr Dr $960,000 5 Bd, 4 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

3300 River Woods Pl $988,500 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-4

1015 Andrews Rd $999,900 4 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1-3

900 Fairway Rd $1,094,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

17464 Ridgeview Ln $1,298,950 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

622 Oak Meadow Dr $1,325,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

664 Oak Meadow Dr $1,355,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

18110 Siena Dr $1,394,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2:30-4:30

657 Oak Meadow Dr $1,395,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

16737 Maple Cir $1,400,000 3 Bd, 3 Ba Open 12-2

17364 Ridgeview Ct $1,425,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

17433 Ridgeview Ln $1,495,000 4 Bd, 4 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

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Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts!!! ~ June 26, 27 & 28

artshow2The 2009, 46th annual Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts is just a couple of days away! It is always such a thrill to be in Lake Oswego during the festival. There is an air of celebration with pedestrians everywhere in the summer sun walking from the Lakewood Center for the Arts to George Rogers Park and local eateries and gathering places. Of course residents wade through some additional traffic, but we don’t seem to mind… taking in the sights and sounds of art, music, and visitors from all over.

This year the event includes the exhibit, “Cutting Edges: Contemporary Mosaic Art”, and it promises to be one for the record books. Aside from being an awesome display of mosaic work by an international group of participating artists, it is also the largest mosaic fine art exhibit ever offered in the United States (wow). World-renowned artists will display gorgeous pieces using stone, metal, precious jewels, glass, recycled and found items. You may wish to stroll and take it all in at the Lakewood Center, and/or take the opportunity provided to learn about the history of the ancient art, its materials and methods.

Downstairs in the first floor hallway you may enjoy the juried exhibit, “The Artist’s Vision” by Northwest artists. Also here you will find the “Visual Arts Invitational Chronicle” exploring the artist’s vision of Lake Oswego, and at the end of the hall is art from our Lake Oswego Grade Schools and Jr. High Schools. Outside in the pavilion tent will be more than 1,000 pieces of art by both professional and emerging artists, along with the High School exhibit, and hands-on activities for children.

All the artwork at the Lakewood Center will be offered for sale, with the exception of some of the school pieces.

Across the street at George Rogers Park you will be able to stroll through the juried “Fine Arts Crafts Faire” and take in a visual feast from more than 110 artisans. Enjoy music while you do from such artists as Linda Hornbuckle & Janice Scroggins, Marv & Rindy Ross, the Crazy 8’s, Ellen Whyte, 3 Leg Torso and others! Kids will enjoy the “Missoula Children’s Theatre” and “Kids Day in the Park”, and Mom & Dad might enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine at the pavilion staffed by the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce.

Music at the Lakewood Center will include a wide array of delectable fare including piano, saxophone, samba guitar, and jazz from artists including Hailey Niswanger, Ronnie Robbins, John NIlsen, and many more.

For more information on exhibit locations, music schedules, activity schedules, parking & shuttle locations, please visit: http://www.lakewood-center.org/pages/lakewood-festival-events

See you at the Festival!

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Lake Oswego Market Activity Report ~ June 15 – June 21, 2009

This last week Lake Oswego saw 33 New properties placed on the market, Pending sales at 15 and 9 Sold/closed.

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

NEWLY LISTED (June 15—June 21, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
89 GALEN ST $107,500 1 1 550 CONDO 6/17/2009
29 CRESTFIELD CT $154,900 2 2 995 CONDO 6/16/2009
3688 SPRING LN $179,900 2 2 1,120 CONDO 6/19/2009
12822 BOONES FERRY RD $234,900 2 2.1 1,136 CONDO 6/16/2009
3480 DEVONSHIRE DR $308,000 2 2.1 1,649 ATTACHD 6/20/2009
4948 SW MEADOWS AVE $319,000 3 2 2,491 DETACHD 6/19/2009
1140 HALLINAN CT $339,895 3 2 1,875 DETACHD 6/21/2009
4310 SILVER CT $367,500 2 3.1 1,996 CONDO 6/18/2009
104 KINGSGATE RD $379,500 3 2.1 2,000 ATTACHD 6/16/2009
668 MCVEY AVE $399,850 3 1.1 985 CONDO 6/17/2009
1651 LARCH ST $399,900 4 3 2,225 DETACHD 6/18/2009
17349 BANYON LN $419,900 5 2.1 2,846 DETACHD 6/15/2009
540 2ND ST $425,000 2 2.1 1,520 CONDO 6/17/2009
4693 LAKEVIEW BLVD $449,000 3 2.1 1,728 DETACHD 6/19/2009
13342 AUBURN CT $489,900 3 2.1 2,389 ATTACHD 6/20/2009
2405 Dellwood DR $505,000 5 3 2,336 DETACHD 6/17/2009
11 MORNINGVIEW CIR $547,000 3 2.1 2,921 DETACHD 6/17/2009
16925 Depot $549,000 4 2.1 2,500 DETACHD 6/19/2009
668 MCVEY AVE $549,000 3 1.1 997 ATTACHD 6/18/2009
953 A AVE $599,000 3 2 2,628 DETACHD 6/15/2009
475 10TH ST $623,500 4 2.1 2,932 DETACHD 6/19/2009
14121 GABRIELLE CT $624,900 4 2.1 3,006 DETACHD 6/16/2009
4208 ALBERT CIR $639,900 3 3 2,777 DETACHD 6/18/2009
113 FURNACE ST $669,000 2 2.1 2,154 CONDO 6/19/2009
22 INDEPENDENCE AVE $724,000 7 4.1 4,066 DETACHD 6/21/2009
4304 WESTBAY RD $729,000 4 3.1 2,973 DETACHD 6/18/2009
13461 STREAMSIDE DR $749,000 4 2.1 3,321 DETACHD 6/15/2009
898 CORNELL ST $759,000 3 2.1 3,000 DETACHD 6/21/2009
3220 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $1,199,999 3 3 3,629 DETACHD 6/18/2009
2070 RIDGE POINTE DR $1,225,000 4 5 5,530 DETACHD 6/16/2009
1933 SUMMIT DR $1,675,000 5 4.1 4,925 DETACHD 6/18/2009
2557 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $1,895,000 3 3.2 3,604 DETACHD 6/15/2009
102 3RD ST $1,999,999 4 4 3,400 DETACHD 6/18/2009

PENDING SALES (June 15-June 21, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
100 KERR PKWY $125,000 2 1.1 823 CONDO 91
47 EAGLE CREST DR $129,900 2 1 932 CONDO 52
276 CERVANTES $183,000 3 2 1,209 CONDO 27
5063 Foothills DR $229,000 2 2 1,031 CONDO 213
4366 WOODSIDE CIR $319,000 3 2.1 1,762 ATTACHD 97
13840 VERTE CT $324,900 3 2 1,926 DETACHD 8
18481 WAXWING CIR $375,000 3 2.1 1,840 DETACHD 13
1299 HIDE A WAY LN $399,000 3 2 1,893 DETACHD 127
17985 BRAEDEN CT $554,900 3 2.1 2,559 DETACHD 38
762 3RD ST $639,900 3 2.1 2,590 DETACHD 309
17751 MARYLCREEK DR $690,000 4 3 3,505 DETACHD 112
15535 VILLAGE DR $799,000 5 3 3,421 DETACHD 88
17215 LOWENBERG TER $850,000 4 2.1 2,819 DETACHD 550
13010 KNAUS RD $1,199,000 4 3.1 4,312 DETACHD 945
17334 BERGIS FARM DR $1,399,000 5 4.1 5,654 DETACHD 335

SOLD (June 15-June 21, 2009)

ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
668 MCVEY AVE $239,900 $220,000 3 1.1 1,184 CONDO 61
204 CERVANTES $249,900 $246,000 3 1.1 1,138 CONDO 79
2130 WEMBLEY PARK RD $379,000 $299,900 3 1.1 1,544 DETACHD 280
1716 HALLINAN ST $369,500 $362,000 3 3 1,916 DETACHD 47
12103 ORCHARD HILL WAY $429,000 $399,000 4 2.1 2,332 DETACHD 226
17445 LAKE HAVEN DR $539,900 $537,000 4 3 2,949 DETACHD 9
15713 TARA PL $615,000 $580,000 4 2.1 3,442 DETACHD 143
17970 ROYCE WAY $995,000 $900,000 4 4.2 5,226 DETACHD 285
2605 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $1,395,000 1340000 3 4.1 4,750 DETACHD 234

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.

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Open Houses for Sunday, June 21st, 2009

Along with being Father’s Day, this Sunday will find 24 open houses in Lake Oswego:

15210 Boones Way, $175,000.  1124 sq. feet, 2 BR, 2 BTHS, open 1:30-4:30

109 Oswego Summit, $182,900. 1212 sq. feet, 2 BR, 2 BTHS, open 2-5

12844 Boones Ferry Rd, $229,900. 1136 sq. feet, 2 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-4

4447 Golden Ln, $249,000. 1980 sq. feet, 2 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 2:30-5

4465 Golden Ln, $259,000. 1980 sq. feet, 2 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 2-4

16964 Gassner Ln, $330,000. 2208 sq. feet, 3 BR, 3 BTHS, open 1-4

5096 Tree St, $334,900. 1410 sq. feet, 3 BR, 1.5 BTHS, open 2-4

2315 Southshore Blvd, $335,000.  1970 sq. feet,  3 BR, 1 BTH, open 2-4

140 Touchstone Ct, $339,900. 1964 sq. feet,  3 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 12-2

15265 Boones Way, $349,900. 1560 sq. feet, 2 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-3

2705 Orchard Hill Pl, $434,900. 2250 sq. feet, 3 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-4

41 Hillshire Dr, $474,000. 2670 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open 1:30-3:30

11 Morningview Cir, $547,000. 2921 sq. feet, 3 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 2-4

16920 Greentree Ave, $579,000.  2830 sq. feet, 4 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 2-4

11 Celllini Ct, $584,950. 3392 sq. feet, 5 BR, 3 BTHS, open noon-2

2814 Vale Ct, $659,000. 3192 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open 1-4

18246 Bella Terra Dr, $1,294,000. 4052 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 1-3

17464 Ridgeview Ln, $1,298,950. 4407 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 2-4

622 Oak Meadow Dr, $1,325,000. 4171 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 2-4

664 Oak Meadow Dr, $1,355,000. 4198 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 2-4

18110 Siena Dr, $1,394,000. 4311 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 1-3

657 Oak Meadow Dr, $1,395,000. 4371 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 2-4

17364 Ridgeview Ct, $1,425,000. 4436 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 2-4

17433 Ridgeview Ln, $1,495,000. 4704 sq. feet, 4 BR, 4.5 BTHS, open 2-4

Enjoy your weekend and a very Happy Father’s Day to the wonderful men in our lives, whether they be your father or simply someone who brings that fatherly spark to your day.

Posted on

1-Level Homes

verte-frontThere are many reasons why a person might prefer to live in a single level home.  Some are purely by choice.  Things like the easy of movement while carrying laundry, or the preference for vaulted ceilings.  Others are truly out of necessity due to disabilities whether they be mobility problems, advancing age, or even blindness.  But for many people, living in a 1-level home is their preference.

For these people, when they go to purchase a home, it means that they have a much smaller inventory of homes to select from.  And for the seller of a 1-level home, it means that they have a very specific niche in the real estate market.  So when a single level home comes up for sale, it is likely to be well received by buyers.

Some quick statistics:  in the year 2000, the size of the U.S. population that was age 65 or older was 35,000,000 people or 12.4% of the population.  It is projected that by the year 2030 that percentage will grow to 19.6%, or 71,000,000 people.  This means that the desirability of a one-level home is only going to increase.

Now the twist, just as the demand for single level homes in increasing, the availability of land to build single level homes is decreasing, at least in Oregon.  Every city and county has building codes that require specific distances, or set backs, from the property lines.  A builder is simply restricted to foundations that fit within the set backs of any particular piece of property.  Because a 1-level home usually has a larger foundation, it means that the smaller lots that are common in today’s developments do not have the area necessary to build 1-level homes.  And this means that the land that is big enough to build a 1-level home will cost more because it is larger.  It also means that the 1-level homes that currently exist will be high-demand and valuable into the future.

An important concept to understand when you are buying or selling a single level home is how the value compares to other properties.  Why is it that a 1500 square foot, single level home, can sell for as much as a 2000 square foot 2-story home?  This goes back to the construction of the building.  The two most expensive components in building a home are the roof and the foundation.  When you have a 2-story house, this big expense goes twice as far.  So a 1-level home is more expensive to build per square foot, and through out it’s life of being purchased and sold it will continue to pass along this higher expense.

So if you are lucky enough to have a 1-level home, I hope that you feel good about your investment.  If you are looking to buy a 1-level home, there are currently 70 of them for sale in Lake Oswego.  The least expensive is 1346 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, and was built in 1956.  It is listed for $229,900.  The most expensive is 5389 square feet, with 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, and was built in 1993.  It is listed for $1,850,000.  The other 68 single level homes for sale cover every sort of size and pricing.

Whether you are wanting to buy or sell, whether you want a 1-level or several levels, Linda and I are here to help.  Please do not hesitate to give us a call or to drop us an e-mail.

Dianne

Posted on

Market Activity for June 8-June 14, 2009

I know that in my personal business it feels like things have picked up a bit.  I think last week’s market activity also reflected that.  We had 19 new listings come on the market, 12 homes go pending, and 14 sales that closed.

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

NEWLY LISTED (June 8—June 14, 2009)

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ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
15210 BOONES WAY $175,000 2 2 1,124 CONDO 6/8/2009
109 OSWEGO SMT $182,900 2 2 1,212 CONDO 6/8/2009
44 EAGLE CREST DR $185,000 3 2 1,085 CONDO 6/11/2009
212 RIDGEWAY RD $204,900 1 1 778 CONDO 6/12/2009
41 GREENRIDGE CT $249,900 3 2.1 1,652 ATTACHD 6/8/2009
4438 THUNDER VISTA LN $265,000 2 2.1 2,040 CONDO 6/8/2009
1432 LAUREL ST $275,000 2 1 920 DETACHD 6/8/2009
3 SUMMIT RIDGE CT $300,000 2 2.1 1,576 ATTACHD 6/11/2009
343 5TH ST 315000 2 1 910 CONDO 6/11/2009
16808 INVERURIE RD 324900 3 2 1,182 DETACHD 6/8/2009
16964 GASSNER LN 330000 3 3 2,208 DETACHD 6/8/2009
6310 CARMAN DR 349900 3 2.2 1,270 DETACHD 6/9/2009
19040 INDIAN SPRINGS CIR 369950 5 2 2,050 DETACHD 6/9/2009
5037 CENTERWOOD ST 379000 3 1.1 1,340 DETACHD 6/13/2009
2705 ORCHARD HILL PL 434900 3 2.1 2,250 DETACHD 6/12/2009
16439 LEXINGTON CT 474900 2 2 1,563 DETACHD 6/9/2009
891 G AVE 529900 5 2.1 2,420 DETACHD 6/11/2009
17471 CARDINAL DR 850000 4 2.1 3,056 DETACHD 6/9/2009
667 IRON MOUNTAIN BLVD 1650000 5 4.1 5,000 DETACHD 6/8/2009

PENDING SALES (June 8-June 16, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
3876 BOTTICELLI ST $169,900 2 2 1,275 ATTACHD 202
668 MCVEY AVE 194900 – 224876 2 1 852 CONDO 765
4325 COUNTRY WOODS CT $299,900 3 2 1,346 DETACHD 40
17850 PILKINGTON RD $372,000 3 2.1 3,222 DETACHD 388
762 LAKE FOREST DR $412,125 4 3 1,970 DETACHD 9
14371 HOLLY SPRINGS RD $414,900 4 2.1 1,939 DETACHD 354
131 WILBUR ST $425,000 2 2 1,312 DETACHD 106
16919 LAKERIDGE DR $425,000 4 3 2,710 DETACHD 295
4181 COBB WAY 429900 4 3 2,248 DETACHD 28
15713 TARA PL 615000 4 2.1 3,442 DETACHD 143
17600 UPPER CHERRY LN 699000 4 3.1 3,867 DETACHD 133
17090 FERNWOOD DR 765000 4 3.1 3,998 DETACHD 302

SOLD (June 8-June 16, 2009)

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ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
 PROP TYPE
DOM
Address O/Price Close Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
5101 JEAN RD $295,000 $235,000 3 1 1,012 DETACHD 233
16446 INVERURIE RD $349,900 $250,000 3 1 2,100 DETACHD 350
17071 BRYANT RD $435,000 $320,000 3 2 1,500 DETACHD 302
1666 LAKE FRONT RD $874,900 $395,000 4 3 2,825 DETACHD 680
13581 GOODALL RD $1,100,000 $475,000 3 2 1,220 DETACHD 575
54 AQUINAS ST $575,000 $485,000 3 2.1 2,802 DETACHD 249
11 BECKET ST $550,000 $487,500 3 2.1 4,030 DETACHD 111
19431 KOKANEE CT $529,000 $520,000 4 2.1 2,250 DETACHD 8
5868 SUNCREEK DR 749900 645000 4 2.1 3,174 DETACHD 68
2317 STONEHURST CT $945,900 660000 4 2.1 4,455 DETACHD 374
4155 CANAL RD $1,199,000 685000 4 2.1 3,736 DETACHD 678
2900 WEMBLEY PARK RD 697000 690000 4 2.1 3,383 DETACHD 4
3407 LAKE GROVE AVE $1,298,000 875000 4 3.1 4,475 DETACHD 402
18224 Bella Terra DR 1495000 1275000 4 4 4,050 DETACHD 397

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.