Tag: Linda Rossi

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Lake Oswego Market Trends

I thought it would be interesting to do a couple of snap shots of various price points in the Lake Oswego real estate market. These each cover all listing/sold activity for the last six months and are divided into value ranges. These are for single-family, detached homes and are all located in the 97034 and 97035 zip codes.  Click on any of the graphs to see a larger, easier-to-read version:

Houses priced from $200,000 to $400,000

  • 166 were offered for sale
  • 88 sold
  • There is currently a listing inventory of 6.3 month
  • The average sales price was $324,773
  • Among the sold homes, the CDOM (cumulative days on the market) averaged 129 days

Houses priced from $400,000 to $600,000

  • 156 were offered for sale
  • 71 sold
  • There is currently a listing inventory of 10.7 months
  • The average sales price was $480,964
  • Average cumulative days on the market to sell was 165 days

Houses priced from $600,000 to $800,000

  • 76 were offered for sale
  • 36 sold
  • There is currently an inventory of 10.7 months
  • The average sales price was $701,924
  • Cumulative days on the market to sell was 234

Houses priced from $800,000 to $1,200,000

  • 76 were offered for sale
  • 30 sold
  • There is an inventory of 17.2 months
  • Average sales price was $947,899
  • Cumulative days on the market to sell was 373 days

Homes priced $1,200,000 to $2,200,000

  • 52 were offered for sale
  • 16 sold
  • There is a 24.5 month inventory
  • Average sales price was $1,552,281
  • Cumulative days on the market was 323

I like these little snap shots.  It allows you to visually see the market.  It is very apparent that the first-time-home buyer tax credit that was originally supposed to expire in November had a big impact on the less expensive homes (we will probably see something similar this April with the extension).  It’s also very easy to see that less expensive homes sell more easily than more expensive homes.  Cumulative days on the market in the expensive homes is out and out ugly.

One reason for doing this post, this week, was so that I could play with the new statistics function being offered to Realtors by the RMLS.  Our local multiple listing service was the first in the entire United States to go completely web-based about 8 years ago.  Since then they have continued to push the functions of the website and the new statistics function is the latest enhancement.  It still has some limitations, but it is really cool.  Linda and I can now take snap shots of pretty much any part of the market, depending on what our clients needs are, and produce these spiffy graphs and statistics.  Besides being fun, I think it’s going to be extremely helpful.

I hope you found something useful in the information presented today.  If you have any other areas of the market you’d like studied or questions you’d like answered, just let us know.

Dianne

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City Chickens….

You’d have to be hiding under a rock somewhere not to have heard all the buzz about “chickens in the city”.  I haven’t witnessed such passionate discourse on anything other than elections, health insurance reform, or bank bailouts in quite a long time…on both sides of the issue. I do have to admit that chicken lovers seem to be most invested in the subject though, and therefore they are winning their battles all across the country.  Believe me, it’s not pretty when people who want chickens are told they cannot have them on their own property. Here’s an article from MSNBC in Sept ’09 entitled  ” In Portland, Ore., urban chickens rule the roost” . They even get into the fact that Portland’s Mayor Sam Adams owns two hens (I didn’t know that!).   Hmmm… Chickens in Portland on the national stage…

Chickens are said to make great pets, produce eggs, and eat table scraps like a dog but bark less. Actually they are said to make less noise (chickens don’t bark, silly!). I have friends with chickens, and witness much Facebooking and Twittering about these feathery pets. Recipes are exchanged online, and of course the fact that the eggs used came from the family pet always features prominently. My friend Pamela (who is a fabulous cook) feeds Adele, Fatima, Georgina, Hera and Irene fruit, vegetable, and bread leftovers.  (That’s Hera at the top of the page.) Just as there are “victory gardens” springing up everywhere these days that fit in nicely with the welcome & spreading focus on organic foods, home-grown eggs are also food you can count on for your family in times both lean and luxurious.

Chicken coops are appearing over backyard fences in every metropolitan area. Some of them are downright “designer”. Now, whether cities allow chickens or not is another matter. Many do not. Portland does… Beaverton does not. Salem does not. Tigard and Gresham only allow them on unusually large lots (must be 100 feet from neighbors). Almost all prohibit roosters (eggs do not require a rooster…  unless you want baby chicks). According to The City Chicken, Lake Oswego does allow them, does not prohibit roosters, and does not place a limit on how many you may have. That said, roosters in particular may end up in violation of city noise ordinances, so Lake Oswego is not about to give up on quality of life for neighbors of chickens.  Here is a resource for basic info about whether or not they are allowed in your location: Chicken Laws

Remember, if you decide to take on the delightful adventure of keeping chickens at your home, they are pets, and do require care and attention. (These are “The Irene’s” to the right… little Irene named after Pamela’s best friend.)  Give some thought to care, feeding, lodging and protection. Cats are attracted to them, and one cat doing what is natural can end up breaking your heart.

Below, you’ll find some links to sites with all kinds of information regarding: chickens, raising them in urban environments, organizing to change your city’s ordinances, educating yourself on avian flu, general upkeep, and lots more:

Mad City Chickens

The City Chicken

Pistils Nursery (Country Living in the City)

Keeping Chickens Blogspot

Feel free to use this forum to discuss your own experiences of “chickens in the city”.  We’d love to hear from you!  (Many thanks to my friend Pamela for the photos of her beauties!)

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Market Activity for February 8-14, 2010

Last week brought us 14 new listings, 13 pending sales, and 7 closed sales. I want to point out one of the new listings.  Every now and then something comes on the market that just screams at me that it is a great deal.  The house at 17471 Cardinal does that to me.  It just came onto the market as a foreclosure and is priced at $575,900.  It was built in 1973 and has 3056 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 and a half baths.  That all sounds pretty normal as far as values goes.  What makes this house amazing is that it’s on Blue Heron Canal.  This is Oswego Lake waterfront for $575,900.  It looks to be in average condition.  Not all updated with granite and stainless steel, but also not a total dog house.  The last time I saw something anywhere near this price on a canal it was a total fixer.  I think this house is a great opportunity for someone who wants a deal on the lake.
(see below the tables for additional notes):

NEWLY LISTED (Feb. 8—Feb. 14, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
96 CERVANTES CIR $139,900 2 1.1 912 CONDO 2/10/2010
3433 SW MCNARY PKWY $153,000 2 2 1,008 CONDO 2/10/2010
4340 BOTTICELLI ST $239,900 3 3.1 2,098 CONDO 2/11/2010
860 MCVEY AVE $261,360 8 5.1 3,648 DETACHD 2/11/2010
5055 Foothills DR $274,900 3 2 1,252 CONDO 2/10/2010
44 ORIOLE LN $329,000 4 2.1 2,224 DETACHD 2/14/2010
16044 INVERURIE RD $399,000 2 1 952 DETACHD 2/8/2010
4236 HARVEY WAY $399,500 3 2.1 1,870 DETACHD 2/12/2010
32 CHURCHILL DOWNS 448250 4 2.1 3,016 DETACHD 2/9/2010
17471 CARDINAL DR 575900 4 2.1 3,056 DETACHD 2/11/2010
1000 ATWATER RD 699500 4 3 2,200 DETACHD 2/10/2010
731 F AVE 750000 4 2.1 2,668 DETACHD 2/8/2010
19226 MEGAN PL 765000 3 2.1 3,392 DETACHD 2/8/2010
2125 RIDGE POINTE DR 879000 4 3.1 3,489 DETACHD 2/13/2010

PENDING SALES (Feb. 8 – Feb. 14, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
28 CRESTFIELD CT $79,950 2 2 923 CONDO 5
16250 PACIFIC HWY $99,900 1 1 848 CONDO 1049
3433 MCNARY PKWY $129,900 2 2.1 1,208 CONDO 132
5225 Jean RD $164,900 2 2 1,100 CONDO 92
323 CERVANTES $165,000 2 2 1,265 CONDO 84
17659 DEEMAR WAY $169,000 3 2 1,382 DETACHD 90
65 GREENRIDGE CT $180,000 2 2 1,314 CONDO 80
3009 WEMBLEY PARK RD $329,000 4 1.1 1,754 DETACHD 302
16111 LINDSAY CT 333500 3 2.1 1,840 DETACHD 73
4651 HASTINGS PL 454900 4 2.1 2,215 DETACHD 35
26 WESTRIDGE DR 479900 4 3 2,758 DETACHD 308
5590 KODERRA AVE 689000 4 2.1 3,072 DETACHD 264
64 BERWICK RD 759000 4 3.1 3,740 DETACHD 66

SOLD (Feb. 8 – Feb. 14, 2010)

Address O/Price Close Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
668 MCVEY AVE $143,550 $136,400 3 1.1 992 CONDO 95
13050 BOONES FERRY RD $359,900 $350,000 3 2 2,632 DETACHD 170
19 MORNINGVIEW CIR $469,900 $450,000 3 2.1 2,337 DETACHD 4
401 ASH ST $825,000 $485,000 5 4 5,320 DETACHD 469
18269 TAMAWAY DR $569,000 $490,000 4 2.1 3,293 DETACHD 51
2000 WEMBLEY PARK RD $540,000 $550,000 4 3 2,660 DETACHD 89
17677 WESTVIEW DR $1,423,000 $1,320,000 5 4.1 5,031 DETACHD 130

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 for February 14, 2010

You’ve given your sweetheart the flowers, the chocolates, and the elegant breakfast, now it’s time to take him to an open house! There are 29 open houses in Lake Oswego this Sunday. I’m sure that one of them will have everything your heart desires.

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type Open
1547 BOCA RATAN DR $198,600 2 1.1 1,008 ATTACHD 1 to 3
4372 WOODSIDE CIR $274,900 2 2 1,178 ATTACHD 1 to 3
210 S STATE ST $299,950 2 1.1 1,495 CONDO 12 to 3
5373 LAKEVIEW BLVD $329,500 3 1 2,176 DETACHD 2 to 4
4236 HARVEY WAY $399,500 3 2.1 1,870 DETACHD 1 to 4
662 CLARA CT $469,900 3 3 2,740 DETACHD 2 to 4
1414 GREENTREE CIR $479,000 4 2.1 2,330 DETACHD 12 to 2
73 TANGLEWOOD DR $499,500 4 3.1 4,254 DETACHD 12 to 3
14279 CAMDEN LN 525000 4 2.1 2,373 DETACHD 1 to 3
1060 UPPER DEVON LN 559000 3 2.1 2,400 DETACHD 1 to 3
19101 INDIAN CREEK AVE 599900 2 2.1 3,259 DETACHD 1 to 4
4605 CHELSEA LN 649000 4 2.1 3,411 DETACHD 1 to 3
15915 WALUGA DR 669000 3 2.1 2,939 DETACHD 1 to 4
16705 GLENWOOD CT 699000 4 3 4,243 DETACHD 12 to 3
2688 RIVENDELL RD 745000 4 3 3,720 DETACHD 1 to 4
17110 LOWENBERG TER 799000 4 2.1 2,678 DETACHD 1 to 4
17281 LOWENBERG TER 884900 4 3.1 3,386 DETACHD 1 to 4
17154 LOWENBERG TER 889900 5 3.1 3,497 DETACHD 1 to 4
17896 SW KELOK RD 990000 5 5 4,323 DETACHD 2 to 4
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
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
15825 OSWEGO SHORE CT 1985850 4 3.1 4,317 DETACHD 12 to 2
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Featured Property: 211 Oswego Summit

Newly listed, this home should be at the top of your list if you are considering buying a condo in Lake Oswego. Priced at $229,900, it is a spacious 2 bedroom, 2 full-bath home that has been recently updated. It is immaculate with all new windows, crown moldings, and walnut floors.

This property is on the top floor and at the end of the building. So it is very, very private and very, very quiet. It is also all on one level with an elevator, so there are absolutely zero stairs. It also has an over-sized, one-car garage that is 13×20 feet. The garage is just a few steps from the elevator. So access to your condo is both easy and convenient and you are covered and out of the weather the entire time.

The rooms in this condo are large. The master bedroom is 17×12 and the living room is 21×14. The master has a huge walk-in closet and its own full bath. The living room has a wood-burning fireplace and a deck that goes the entire length of the room.

Did I mention the view? There are spectacular views of SW Portland looking towards the city as well as Mt. St. Helens. Seriously, this is a lot of value for the money without there being a gorgeous view. Then add in the fact that every single day you get to live on top of the world and you have found one great place to live.

This condo is located in Mt. Park on the Western edge of Lake Oswego. Mt. Park is one of the first planned developments in the United States. It features 15 miles of walking paths, tennis, basketball, swimming, weight rooms, exercise classes and a gorgeous rec center that can be used for meetings and receptions.

Here are some of the numbers:
Priced at $229,900
1506 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths
HOA fees are $361 a month (includes 2 pools, weight room, water, sewer, and garbage) and $207 every 6 months to Mt. Park
taxes are just $2799 per year
The condo was built in 1981 and it has recently been remodeled inside.
The complex is extremely well cared for with gorgeous landscaping and all buildings in excellent condition.

I would love to have the opportunity to show you this property in person. Do not hesitate to give me a call to make an appointment. I can be reached via phone at 503-803-6298 or via e-mail at jdgregoire@earthlink.net

Thanks for taking the time to hear about this fabulous property!
—Dianne

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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.

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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

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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.

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Lake Oswego Reads

Beginning in 2007, the City of Lake Oswego has used the month of February to host a city-wide reading program. The concept is to encourage everyone in town to read the same book at the same time. The community then hosts events to show-case and share the ideas found in the book. This year’s book selection is The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig.

The Whistling Season is a coming-of-age story set in 1910. It tells the tale of a rural family of 3 boys and their widowed father. The book was selected because, tying into the Lake Oswego Centennial Celebration,  it will transport the reader back to 1910, the year that the City of Lake Oswego was originally founded. The book was selected by a panel of librarians, community leaders, High School English teachers and High School students.

Throughout the month of February events will be held all over Lake Oswego to bring The Whistling Season to life in the community:
February 1, Lake Oswego Writes, Chuck’s Place, 7pm
February 2-28, Art Exhitition at Graham’s Book and Stationary and at Chrisman Picture Frame and Gallery. 18 artists have created original pieces based upon their vision while reading the book.

February 3, History of the Telephone, Heritage House, 7pm

February 5, Pioneer Lunch, Noon, Adult Community Center

February 8, Book Club Quilter’s Tea, 2 pm, the Library

February 9, One Room School House Panel Discussion, Holy Names Heritage Center, 2pm

February 10, Spelling Bee, Lakewood Center, 7pm

February 11, Tales of the Secret Life of Lake Oswego, Library, 7pm

February 12, Photo Scavenger Hunt for Teens, Library, 7pm

February 13, Apron Making Classes, The Pine Needle, 10 am for kids, 1pm for adults

February 17, Dream Analysis, Lake Oswego Country Club, $15, 11:45 am

February 17, Hear Ivan Doig in Person, Lake Oswego High School, 7pm, tickets are free and given out 1st come 1st serve on January 30, 11 am, at the Library (see you there!)

February 18, Star Gazing, Luscher Farm, 7pm

February 18, Book Discussion, 7pm, West End Building

February 19, Book Discussion. 1 pm, Adult Community Center

February 20, Horse Carriage Rides, 11am to 3pm, Graham’s Stationary

February 20, Hoe Down, 5-8pm, West End Building

February 24, Historic Recipe Tasting, 1pm, Adult Community Center

February 24, Book Discussion, 7pm, the Library

February 25, Book Discussion, 10am, Mt. Park Church

February 25, Hear a real hand whistler, 7pm, the Library

February 26, Book Discussion, 1pm, Adult Community Center

February 27, Horse Show/ Jumper Night, 5:30, Oswego Hunt

For specifics on each event, click here.

I am an avid reader.  I jumped into the Lake Oswego Reads idea when it was first introduced in 2007.  I don’t attend all of the events, but I do try to get to a few of them.  This year I will make the effort to get to the art show as well as the evening with Ivan Doig.  I also plan to take my Mom to the One-Room-School-House discussion on the 9th (she actually went to school in a 1-room school house).  I have  learned that the book discussions are interesting, both in person and on-line.  I think what I like most about Lake Oswego Reads is that it introduces me to really good books that I might otherwise not read.  Here is a brief list of past book choices and my take on them:

2007, Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.  This book takes place in post-WWII Barcelona.  I liked this book.  It reminded me of The Davinci Code with its intrigue and espionage.  I particularly enjoyed the setting.  You feel like you are meandering through alleyways and breathing in Barcelona.  I know that this book was selected  because one of the goals of LO Reads is to draw in High School students as well as adults.  The local High Schools use the selected book in their classrooms.  This is a fast-paced story that successfully appeals to diverse age groups.

2008, Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Relin. This book is hands down one of the most important books of our time.  It is non-fiction.  It is about one man and his mission to bring peace to Afghanistan and Pakistan by building schools.  As I read it I found myself wishing that every world leader could take the time to read it too.  It is remarkable, amazing, and inspiring what one individual can accomplish.  And Greg Mortenson did it rather by chance.  You will find yourself with him as he comes off of climbing K2 and lands in a remote village in the Middle East.  He deals first-hand with The Taliban.  His mission is important and when your read about it you will be forever changed.

2009, Stubborn Twig by Lauren Kessler. This book traces 3 generations of Japanese immigrants from their early beginnings in the Hood River Valley, through their ordeals and the alterations of their lives during WWII, to the gradual assimilation into American culture after several generations.  I was completely touched by their story.  Like Three Cups of Tea, it is non-fiction.  This family came to the United States to find a better life, built a very successful business, and then lost nearly everything while being both jailed and put into Internment Camps.  And yet, they were and are  Americans, with lives of determination and patriotism.

I want to encourage you to get involved with Lake Oswego Reads.  If The Whistling Season is as good as the other book selections have been, then I know it will be a worthwhile experience.  And, let’s face it, one of the great things about February in Oregon is that it is the perfect time of year to curl up with a good book.

Dianne

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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.