Tag: market

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Open Houses in Lake Oswego for 2/28/2010

This Sunday there are 24 houses being promoted to be hold open, according to the Realtor’s Multiple Listing Service:

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type Open
4000 CARMAN DR $160,000 2 2 1,100 CONDO 1 to 4
5373 LAKEVIEW BLVD $329,500 3 1 2,176 DETACHD 1 to4
5299 LAKEVIEW BLVD $379,900 4 2.1 2,165 DETACHD 12 to 2
624 LIVINGOOD LN $380,000 4 3 2,596 DETACHD 1 to 3
119 3RD ST $399,900 3 2 1,204 CONDO 1 to 4
13448 AUBURN CT $474,900 3 2.1 2,535 ATTACHD 1 to 3
5475 WILLOW CT $479,900 3 2.1 2,438 ATTACHD 1 to 3
7 MOUNTAIN VIEW LN $659,500 5 2.1 3,324 DETACHD 1 to 4
15915 WALUGA DR 669000 3 2.1 2,939 DETACHD 2 to 4
5218 WESTFIELD CT 699500 4 2.1 3,125 DETACHD 1 to 4
17110 LOWENBERG TER 799000 4 2.1 2,678 DETACHD 1 to 3
17281 LOWENBERG TER 884900 4 3.1 3,386 DETACHD 1 to 3
17154 LOWENBERG TER 889900 5 3.1 3,497 DETACHD 1 to 3
14480 KRUSE OAKS BLVD 895000 4 3.1 4,661 DETACHD 10 to 2
17896 SW KELOK RD 990000 5 5 4,323 DETACHD 2 to 3:45
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

Have a great weekend!

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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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Market Activity for February 15-21, 2010

This past week brought 26 new listings onto the market in Lake Oswego, 8 houses received offers that were accepted, and 6 houses closed escrow.
(see below the tables for additional notes):

NEWLY LISTED (Feb. 15—Feb. 21, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
7 CRESTFIELD CT $89,900 1 1 689 CONDO 2/16/2010
44 EAGLE CREST DR $154,000 3 2 1,085 CONDO 2/19/2010
1652 BONNIEBRAE DR $219,900 3 1.1 1,303 CONDO 2/21/2010
16250 PACIFIC HWY $259,000 2 2 1,305 CONDO 2/15/2010
82 WHEATHERSTONE $289,000 3 2.1 1,692 ATTACHD 2/17/2010
12892 BOONES FERRY RD $309,000 2 2.1 1,136 CONDO 2/16/2010
2638 GREENTREE RD $319,900 4 2 2,712 DETACHD 2/17/2010
5110 LAKEVIEW BLVD $339,900 3 2 1,340 DETACHD 2/15/2010
5756 KENNY ST 339900 3 2.1 1,542 DETACHD 2/20/2010
2030 GREENTREE RD 368900 3 2 1,613 DETACHD 2/15/2010
14138 KNAUS RD 375000 4 2 2,001 DETACHD 2/18/2010
18414 SANDPIPER ST 385900 3 2.1 1,712 DETACHD 2/19/2010
4200 COBB WAY 399000 3 3 2,400 DETACHD 2/18/2010
4002 TEMPEST DR 430000 4 3.1 4,319 DETACHD 2/17/2010
18640 TUALATA AVE 439000 4 3 2,087 DETACHD 2/15/2010
5475 WILLOW CT 479900 3 2.1 2,438 ATTACHD 2/19/2010
4763 AVERY LN 514900 4 2.1 2,566 DETACHD 2/18/2010
2440 OVERLOOK DR 525000 4 3 3,874 DETACHD 2/15/2010
5043 ROSEWOOD ST 549900 3 3 2,680 DETACHD 2/16/2010
325 3RD ST 559900 2 2.1 1,937 ATTACHD 2/19/2010
5035 ROSEWOOD ST 564900 3 3 2,875 DETACHD 2/17/2010
45 DA VINCI ST 649000 3 3.1 3,122 DETACHD 2/16/2010
14002 TAYLORS CREST LN 650000 4 3 3,086 DETACHD 2/17/2010
5705 SOUTHWOOD DR 739900 3 2.1 3,372 DETACHD 2/18/2010
4114 CASEY CT 879000 4 2.1 3,405 DETACHD 2/18/2010
983 LAKE FRONT RD 1595000 3 2 2,199 DETACHD 2/18/2010

PENDING SALES (Feb. 15 – Feb. 21, 2010)

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
47 EAGLE CREST DR $95,000 2 1 932 CONDO 399
1950 BONNIEBRAE DR $179,500 2 1.1 1,056 ATTACHD 91
860 MCVEY AVE $261,360 8 5.1 3,648 DETACHD 8
16266 LAKE FOREST BLVD $314,999 3 2 1,860 DETACHD 303
4051 VIRGINIA WAY $334,900 4 2.1 1,658 DETACHD 139
18040 ROYCE WAY $649,980 5 3 3,780 DETACHD 259
16705 GLENWOOD CT $699,000 4 3 4,243 DETACHD 190
16764 ALDER CIR $1,679,000 4 4.1 3,456 DETACHD 200

SOLD (Feb. 15 – Feb. 21, 2010)

Address O/Price Close Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
45 SW EAGLE CREST DR $205,000 $197,000 3 2 1,348 CONDO 50
192 RIDGEWAY RD $235,000 $200,000 2 1 1,659 CONDO 148
4447 GOLDEN LN $249,000 $229,000 2 2.1 1,980 ATTACHD 531
19 BECKET ST $399,995 $399,995 4 3.1 3,818 DETACHD 72
4938 MULHOLLAND DR $478,500 $450,000 3 2.1 2,498 ATTACHD 217
13311 LESLIE CT $1,479,000 $1,300,000 4 4.1 5,601 DETACHD 223

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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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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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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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 Open Houses ~ Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010

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

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

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type Open
1950 BONNIEBRAE DR $189,900 2 1.1 1056 ATTCHD 2-4PM
1547 BOCA RATAN DR $208,900 2 1.1 1008 ATTCHD 11-1:30PM
1248 OAK ST $245,900 2 1 900 DETACHD 1-4PM
4372 WOODSIDE CIR $284,900 2 2 1178 ATTCHD 1-4PM
4310 SILVER CT $339,000 2 3.1 1996 ATTCHD 12:30-3:30PM
1025 C AVE $428,950 3 2 2261 DETACHD 1-3PM
4962 BILFORD LN $439,900 3 2.1 2168 DETACHD 1-3PM
16909 CRESTVIEW DR $524,900 4 3 2553 DETACHD 12-3PM
401 ASH ST $525,000 5 4 5320 DETACHD 1-3PM
475 10TH ST $534,950 4 2.1 2932 DETACHD 1-3PM
33 MORNINGVIEW CIR $574,900 3 2.1 2737 DETACHD 1-3PM
363 Sixth ST $599,900 3 3.1 2258 ATTCHD 2-4PM
5218 WESTFIELD CT $699,500 4 2.1 3125 DETACHD 1-4PM
16705 GLENWOOD CT $699,000 – $749,000 4 3 4243 DETACHD 12-3PM
17110 LOWENBERG TER $799,000 4 2.1 2678 DETACHD 1-3PM
17281 LOWENBERG TER $884,900 4 3.1 3386 DETACHD 1-3PM
17154 LOWENBERG TER $889,900 5 3.1 3497 DETACHD 1-3PM
17896 SW KELOK RD SW $990,000 5 5 4323 DETACHD 1-3PM
18222 SIENA DR $1,088,000 6 4.1 3800 DETACHD 1-3PM
2057 SUMMIT DR $1,099,000 4 3.1 4589 DETACHD 1-3PM
1809 HEADLEE LN $1,125,000 2 2.1 3836 DETACHD 1-3PM
18209 SIENA DR $1,178,950 5 3.1 3839 DETACHD 1-3PM
18143 SIENA DR $1,197,000 5 4.1 4152 DETACHD 1-3PM
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR $1,269,000 5 4.1 4155 DETACHD 1-3PM
18246 BELLA TERRA DR $1,294,000 4 3.1 4196 DETACHD 1-3PM
664 OAK MEADOW DR $1,355,000 4 3.1 4198 DETACHD 1-3PM
18110 Siena DR $1,394,000 4 3.1 4311 DETACHD 1-3PM
2572 GLEN EAGLES PL $2,395,000 5 4.2 6490 DETACHD 1-3PM
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Open Houses for Sunday, January 17, 2010

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

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

Have a great weekend!

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First Impressions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking forward to a great 2010, Dianne

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

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

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