Tag: real estate

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News & Notes

Here are some Market Notes for You~

According to the just-released RMLS Market Action Report for December 2011, the combined area of Lake Oswego and West Linn  reported:

  • 589 Active Listings
  • 153 New Listings
  • 97 Pending Sales
  • 75 Closed Sales
  • An average Sale Price of $364,800.
  • Average Time on the Market: 176 Days

Also:

  • For January 2012, Average Sales Price for the Portland Metro area ($249,100) was virtually unchanged as compared to 2011 ($248,900)
  • For January 20121 as compared to 2011, Closed Sales increased by a whopping 18.3%
  • and Pending Sales increased by 22.4%,
  • but there were 16.5% fewer Newly Listed residential properties
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Market Activity Feb 13-19, 2012

Last week Lake Oswego had 21 homes come onto the market, 15 homes go pending, and 5 closed sales.
See below for further details.

New Listing for Feb. 13-19,2012

47 Eagle Crest DR B17, a condo, $59,900, 2 BR, 1 Bth

4 Touchstone, a condo, $124,900, 3 BR, 1.5 Bths

112 Greenridge CT, a townhouse, $219,900, 2 BR, 3 Bths

6140 Burma Rd, detached, $285,000, 4 BR, 2 Bths

17653 Bryant Rd, detached, $289,000, 3 BR, 2 Bths

17653 Mardee Ave, detached, $289,900, 3 BR, 2 Bths

14316 Holly Springs Rd, detached, $299,000, 3 BR, 2.5 Bths

2491 Overlook Dr, detached, $299,900, 5 BR, 3 Bths

652 8th St, detached, $429,900, 2 BR, 1 Bths

18034 Westview DR, detached, $430,000, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths

5652 Yorkshire Ct, detached, $454,900, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths

17415 Upper Cherry Ln, detached, $479,000, 4 BR, 3.5 Bths

1731 Woodland Terrace, detached, $489,500, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths

13849 Melrose Place, detached, $499,900, 3 BR, 2.5 Bths

5503 Dunmire Dr, detached, $519,900, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths

7 Mountain View Ln, detached, $559,950, 5 BR, 2.5 Bths

5173 Woodcrest Ln Lot23, detached, $609,900, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths

1524 Oak ST, a townhouse, $625,000, 3 BR, 2.5 Bths

16655 Maple Circle, detached, $1,025,000, 2 BR, 2 Bths

2092 Summit Dr, detached, $1,395,000, 4 BR, 4.5 Bths

1115 Lake Front Rd, detached, $1,995,000, 4 BR, 4 Bths

Pending sales for Feb 13-19, 2012

47 Eagle Crest DR #37, a condo, $49,900, 1 BR, 1 Bth, 102 DOM

4 Touchstone #67, a condo, $80,000, 2 BR, 2 Bths, 100 DOM

56 Galen St, a condo, $98,000, 2 BR, 2 Bths, 41 DOM

5054 Foothills Dr H, a condo, $180,000, 3 BR, 2 Bths, 163 DOM

13990 Shireva Ct, detached, $192,500, 3 BR, 2 Bths, 307 DOM

5322 Charleton Ct, detached, $251,000, 3 BR, 2.5 Bths, 331 DOM

2315 Southshore Blvd, detached, $285,000, 3 BR, 1 Bth, 133 DOM

7 Partridge Ln, detached, $300,000, 3 BR, 3 Bths, 112 DOM

4793 Auburn Ln, a townhouse, $377,900, 3 BR, 2.5 Bths, 139 DOM

1837 Cedar Ct, detached, $415,000, 5 BR, 3 Bths, 352 DOM

19 Falstaff ST, detached, $429,900, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths, 24 DOM

1159 Tyndall Ct, detached, $549,000, 4 BR, 3.5 Bths, 237 DOM

4081 Pfeifer CT, detached, $580,000, 5 BR, 3.5 Bths, 12 DOM

2530 Palisades Crest Dr, detached, $639,000, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths, 11 DOM

1644 Leslie Ln, detached, $1,350,000, 4 BR, 3.5 + .5 Bths, 4 DOM

Sold homes for Feb 13-19, 2012

4760 Lower DR, detached, original price $229,900, sold price $232,000, 3 BR, 3 Bths, 148 CDOM

525 2nd ST #102, a condo, original price $415,000, sold price $385,000, 2 BR, 2 Bths, 247 CDOM

18606 Westview Dr, detached, original price $539,000, sold price $461,500, 3 BR, 2.5 Bths, 105 CDOM

183 Furnace St, a condo, original price $495,000, sold price $485,000, 2 BR, 2.5 Bths, 31 CDOM

3899 Daniel Way, detached, original price $509,000, sold price $505,000, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths, 10 CDOM

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 2/19/12

There are 30 open houses planned for this week. Seriously, that’s a lot of houses. Enjoy.

5058 Foothills Dr A, $190,000, 2 BR, 2 Bths, open 1 to 4. This is the only condo on this week’s list. All of the other open houses are for detached homes.

16212 Lake Forest Blvd, $229,900, 3 BR, 2 Bths, open 1 to 3

113 Touchstone Terrace, $269,000, 2 BR, 2.5 Bths, open 1 to 3

21 Britten Ct, $299,000, 3 BR, 2.5 Bths, open 12 to 2

10 Walking Woods Dr, $333,000, 3 Br, 2.5 Bths, open 1 to 3

19061 Indian Springs Rd, $364,900, 4 BR, 3 Bths, open 1 to 4

1657 Campus Way, $385,000, 4 BR, 3 Bths, open 3 to 5

13020 Princeton Ct, $444,000, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths, open 1 to 3

486 Livingood Ln, $459,000, 4 BR, 3.5 Bths, open 2 to 4

5503 Dunmire Dr, $519,900, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths, open 11 to 4

5542 Dunmire Dr, $519,900, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths, open 11 to 4

5515 Dunmire Dr, $536,900, 5 BR, 3 Bths, open 11 to 4

625 4th St, $539,000, 4 BR, 3 Bths, open 12 to 3

29 Spinosa, $549,000, 3 BR, 2 1/2 + 1/2 Bths, open 2 to 4

5595 Luce Ln, $579,900, 5 BR, 3 Bths, open 11 to 4

17802 Treetop Ln, $599,000, 4 BR, 3.5 Bths, open 1 to 4

19245 Megly Ct, $599,000, 5 BR, 3 Bths, open 12 to 3

13226 Rogers Rd, $599,000, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths, open 1 to 3

15633 Fieldstone Dr, $618,950, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths, open 12 to 2

5533 Fieldstone Ct, $628,950, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths, open 12 to 2

1708 Oak St, $638,000, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths, open 1 to 3

17601 Woodhurst Pl., $649,000, 3 BR, 2 1/2 + 1/2 Bths, open 1 to 3

5604 Grand Oaks Dr, $649,000, 5 BR, 3 Bths, open 2 to 5

2479 Palisades Crest Dr, $699,000, 5 BR, 3.5 Bths, open 1 to 3

2358 Summit Dr, $739,000, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths, open 1:30 to 4

4767 Dogwood Dr, $799,900, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths, open 2 to 4

19395 Hilltop Rd, $1,095,000, 4 BR, 3 1/2 + 1/2 Bths, open 1 to 4

18132 Siena Dr, $1,125,000, 4 BR, 3.5 Bths, open 12 to 2

18202 Bella Terra Dr, $1,145,000, 4 BR, 3.5 Bths, open 12 to 2

2092 Summit Dr, $1,395,000, 4 BR, 4.5 Bths, open 1 to 4

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Villa Teresa

Lakefront Living
Al Fresco Dining
Villa Teresa
One of the great side benefits of being a Realtor is having the opportunity to get inside of truly extraordinary homes. There is one house in particular that I have wanted to get into for years. When I returned to Lake Oswego 13 years ago, this house was just being built. The construction took years. Unlike most homes that are built in 4 to 6 months, this house literally took years. Now I know why.

Villa Teresa was open to Realtors during the weekly broker’s tour last Tuesday. My thanks to Joelle Lewis, the listing Realtor with RE/MAX Equity Group, for hosting the open house. And also for allowing me to share her gorgeous listing with you here on the propertyblotter.

Pictures do not begin to convey the grandeur of this house. I don’t mean grandeur as in large or huge. I mean grandeur in that you feel like you are visiting a home that is rare and exquisite. Every surface of everyroom is a work of art. From floors inlaid in artistic parterns with 7 or 8 different types of wood, to one-of-a-kind chandlers made in Italy of Murano glass. This house took so long to build because it was built by artisians using absolutely the finest materials.

The house is listed for $4,600,000. It has 5800 square feet with 4 bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths, a den, a wine cellar, and a card room. This is in addition to the livingroom, familyroom, kitchen and normal living spaces. The house is fully wired for high tech with consoles placed discretely throughout. There is a little booth off of the kitchen with a desk for going on-line and taking calls.

I have had the great good fortune of traveling in Europe and I can tell you that I have never been in a home that truly makes you feel transformed to Italy. There is even an al fresco dining terrace with spray misters for hot summer days.

Topping off this house is its waterfrontage on the coveted Northshore of Oswego Lake for maximum sun exposure.

No, actually, there is one more little item that tops off this house. It has a guest house next door that is also for sale. The guest house is faced completely in stone. It has 7500 square feet that includes an in-door swimming pool. This house was built but not finished as the home owner was relocated to another state before its completion. It is on the market for $3,400,000.

So who buys these sorts of homes? Obviously people with money. Business owners, executives, celebrities, and people who are able to afford the finest lifestyle available. The pool of buyers for homes such as these is pretty limited, so it can take awhile for a house of this nature to sell.

Here are some quick statistics:

There are currently 12 homes for sale in Lake Oswego priced at over $3,000,000.

In the last 3 years, during this terrible economy, just 3 houses priced over $3,000,000 have sold. Interestly, each one of these 3 sales had no real market exposure. 2 sold in zero days and 1 sold in just 8 days. In other words, the buyer and seller were brought together either through friendship or mutual acquaintance.

There is one house currently pending that is on the Willamette River that is pending for $4,395,000. It has 3.89 acres, 7527 square feet, 6 bedrooms, and 7 1/2 baths.

And, of course, Jantzen Island is still for sale. I have never gotten into that house. Like Villa Teresa, it is a Realtor goal of mine to see the interior. Built in 1930, the house and guest house combined have 13,500 square feet. This property is special because it sits on a private island that is actually 5 lots of one acre each. When you consider the house, guest house, and potential land value, it may actually be worth the asking price of $15,000,000. It is uncomparable to anything else around.

Perhaps wealth is not as fashionable as it has been at other times in history. But a truly magnificent home will always be a dream, and for a few, a reality.

Now here is a sobering thought. The property taxes for the Jantzen Island are $99,000 a year.

I hope you have enjoyed this little peek into the world of high-end homes. I know that I have. And I especially am happy that I finally got to see inside of Villa Teresa. Thanks Joelle.

Dianne

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Market Activity ~ Feb. 6-12, 2012

Lots of good activity in Lake Oswego this past week!!
See below for further details:

NEW SALES (Feb 6-12, 2012,, 2011)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
360 CERVANTES CIR $98,500 2 1 832 CONDO
3834 BOTTICELLI ST $129,900 2 2 1055 ATTACHD
5058 FOOTHILLS DR A $190,000 2 2 1252 CONDO
4890 INDIAN CREEK CT $250,000 3 2 2064 DETACHD
5060 FOOTHILLS DR E $279,900 2 2 1252 CONDO
668 MCVEY AVE $315,000 3 1.1 992 CONDO
1872 KILKENNY DR $379,900 5 3 2748 DETACHD
12770 SIERRA VISTA DR $392,900 4 2.1 2592 DETACHD
21 CONDOLEA DR $399,900 3 2.1 2198 CONDO
486 LIVINGOOD LN $459,000 4 3.1 3115 DETACHD
17859 HILLSIDE WAY $502,999 5 3 3926 DETACHD
17802 MARYLCREEK DR $509,000 4 4 3735 DETACHD
5975 NEWCASTLE DR $539,000 3 2.1 3339 DETACHD
17802 TREETOP LN $599,000 4 3.1 4110 DETACHD
1708 OAK ST $638,000 4 2.1 3444 DETACHD
2351 PALISADES CREST DR $699,900 5 2.1 4037 DETACHD
96 GARIBALDI ST $795,000 3 3.1 4819 DETACHD
14066 Edenberry DR $795,000 5 3.1 3835 DETACHD
2311 OSWEGO GLEN CT $839,000 4 4 4529 DETACHD
18493 RAY RIDGE DR $993,500 4 3.3 4283 DETACHD
19395 HILLTOP RD $1,095,000 4 3.2 4911 DETACHD
1644 LESLIE LN $1,350,000 4 3.2 4982 DETACHD
758 SOUTHVIEW RD $3,795,000 5 5.1 5179 DETACHD
1024 NORTHSHORE RD $4,695,000 5 5.1 7000 DETACHD

PENDING (Feb 6-12, 2012, 2011) 

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Prop Type Total SF CDOM
1400 BONNIEBRAE DR $150,000 2 1 ATTACHD 864 36
58 GREENRIDGE CT $164,900 3 2.2 ATTACHD 1996 51
19158 LONGFELLOW AVE $199,000 3 1.1 DETACHD 1232 2
17683 NICOLE LN $219,000 3 2 DETACHD 1200 67
6380 WASHINGTON CT $232,500 3 2 DETACHD 1720 91
5311 TUALATA CT $249,000 3 1.1 DETACHD 1387 293
2025 WEMBLEY PARK RD $299,000 4 2.1 DETACHD 2304 9
14 NORTHVIEW CT $379,000 4 3.1 ATTACHD 3279 264
13854 PROVINCIAL HILL DR $399,900 4 2.1 DETACHD 2726 240
6 CHURCHILL DOWNS $399,900 5 3.1 DETACHD 2922 1
16884 SUMMER PL $419,900 4 2.1 DETACHD 2782 296
13880 KNAUS RD $475,000 4 3.1 DETACHD 3532 131
72 CONDOLEA WAY $495,000 3 2.1 CONDO 2958 18
4730 AVERY LN $499,000 4 2.1 DETACHD 2666 3
2469 MARYLHAVEN PL $500,000 4 3.2 DETACHD 5582 5
17900 GREENBLUFF DR $775,000 4 3.1 DETACHD 4210 211
17951 MEADOWLARK LN $799,900 4 3.2 DETACHD 5065 17
17434 LAKE HAVEN DR $1,595,000 4 2.1 DETACHD 3976 8

SOLD (Feb 6-12, 2012, 2011)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Prop Type Total SF CDOM
210 S STATE ST $174,900 $147,000 2 1 CONDO 1495 86
15 CONDOLEA DR $275,000 $197,550 3 3 CONDO 2388 193
16695 GLENWOOD CT $469,900 $317,000 4 3 DETACHD 3060 176
1877 WOODLAND TER $399,000 $399,000 4 2 DETACHD 2776 4
18116 PIONEER CT $549,000 $549,000 5 3 DETACHD 3500 3
23 HILLSHIRE DR $679,000 $570,000 4 4 DETACHD 3916 194
17110 LOWENBERG TER $689,000 $629,000 4 2.1 DETACHD 2732 1078
18308 MEADOWLARK LN $1,425,000 $1,320,000 4 3.3 DETACHD 6853 171

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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News & Notes

What’s Happening in Lake Oswego? ~

* Really Local Weather –   Three new weather stations installed at City Hall, the Golf Course and Westlake Fire Station are now recording temperature, wind speed & direction, relative humidity, dew point, soil moisture, soil temperature, precipitation and Evapo-transpiration.   CLICK HERE to access current local weather info.

* Portland International Film Festival in Lake Oswego – Feb. 10-16~  The Bank of Lake Oswego and The City of Lake Oswego are sponsors of the festival, and 16 films will be shown in Lake Oswego.  The festival showcases more than a hundred films around the world.  To see showtimes, location & purchase tickets CLICK HERE.

*Virtual Summit – To see the information presented at the Feb 2nd summit, and to add your own thoughts on “inspiring spaces & places”, and “Complete Neighborhoods & Housing”  CLICK HERE  .  The deadline for submitting comments is Feb 12th.

* Lake Oswego Rides Mink River – Feb 18th  ~  Join Mayor Hoffman for a themed bike ride that visits some of the city’s public work sites and runs along the river winding through Sister of the Holy Names & to the Art Spot. Gather at 9:45 for a 10:00AM bike ride at Millennium Plaza Park.  The ride is 10 miles, and registration is completed by calling 503 675 3730.

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Market Activity ~ Jan 30 – Feb 5, 2012

There were 19 New properties entering the market, 13 in Pending status, and 5 marked as Sold during the last week according to RMLS.
See below for further details:

NEW (Jan 30 – Feb 5, 2012)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
204 RIDGEWAY RD $99,500 1 1 778 CONDO
76 OSWEGO SMT $119,900 2 2 1212 CONDO
4 TOUCHSTONE #69 $159,900 3 2.1 1351 CONDO
23 BLOCH TER $195,000 2 2 1394 ATTACHD
65 KINGSGATE RD $259,000 3 2 1237 ATTACHD
5958 KENNYCROFT WAY $298,950 3 2.1 1450 DETACHD
2025 WEMBLEY PARK RD $299,000 4 2.1 2304 DETACHD
1033 Yates $459,900 4 3.1 2889 DETACHD
5947 MEADOWCREEK CT $499,900 4 2.1 2485 DETACHD
3660 LAKE GROVE AVE $550,000 4 2.1 2400 DETACHD
4081 PFEIFER CT $580,000 5 3.1 4070 DETACHD
13226 ROGERS RD $599,000 4 2.1 3691 DETACHD
1700 MAPLE ST $629,900 3 2.1 3098 DETACHD
2530 PALISADES CREST DR $639,000 4 2.1 2854 DETACHD
15468 BOONES WAY $724,900 4 2.1 2425 ATTACHD
2358 SUMMIT DR $739,000 3 2.1 2995 DETACHD
4033 WESTBAY RD $1,295,000 4 3.1 3691 DETACHD
17434 LAKE HAVEN DR $1,595,000 4 2.1 3976 DETACHD
199 FURNACE ST Upper $2,590,000 3 3.1 5772 CONDO


PENDING (Jan 30 – Feb 5, 2012)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
247 CERVANTES $120,600 2 2 1384 CONDO 114
12844 SW BOONES FERRY RD $175,000 2 2.1 1152 ATTACHD 15
908 LAKE FRONT RD $199,900 2 1 1398 DETACHD 62
18609 KRISTI WAY $208,500 4 1 1400 DETACHD 33
7 BRITTEN CT $235,000 4 2 2046 ATTACHD 314
1716 ASPEN CT $239,900 3 2 1528 DETACHD 202
16989 TUALATIN ST $247,000 3 2.1 1491 DETACHD 233
186 D AVE $299,900 3 2.1 1636 ATTACHD 102
10 HILLSHIRE DR $384,900 4 3 3152 DETACHD 12
537 2ND ST $459,900 2 2 1292 CONDO 3
4079 COLTSFOOT LN $486,799 4 4 3308 DETACHD 791
4370 LAKEVIEW BLVD $600,000 3 2 1305 DETACHD 1
16827 Scott CT $769,000 4 3.1 3952 DETACHD 256


SOLD (Jan 30 – Feb 5, 2012)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
5786 WASHINGTON CT $194,400 $147,000 3 2 1876 DETACHD 95
5220 FIRWOOD RD $134,900 $215,000 3 2 1300 DETACHD 18
15085 GLEN EAGLES PL $404,900 $395,000 3 3 2996 DETACHD 715
533 2ND ST $415,000 $403,950 2 2 1274 CONDO 42
16491 CHAPIN WAY $799,000 $717,500 4 3 3648 DETACHD 248

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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Today’s Open Houses

There are 12 houses being held open today. I’ve also got to comment that the past few days have been glorious with crisp, clear, sunny weather. Today is going to be that again. So get out there and enjoy it!

16212 Lake Forest Blvd, detached, $229,900, 3 BR, 2 Bths, Open 1 to 3

1700 Bonniebrae Dr, a condo, $259,000, 3 BR, 3 Bths, Open 12 to 2

668 McVey #57, a condo, $299,000, 3 BR, 1.5 Bths, Open 12 to 2

4700 Lower Dr, detached, $369,900, 3 BR, 2.5 Bths, Open 1 to 3

5542 Dunmire Dr, detached, $529,900, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths, Open 11 to 4

5515 Dunmire Dr, detached, $536,900, 4 BR, 3 Bths, Open 11 to 4

5595 Luce Ln, detached, $579,900, 5 BR, 3 Bths, Open 11 to 4

15633 Fieldstone Dr, detached, $618,950, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths, Open 12 to 2

5533 Fieldstone Ct, detached, $628,950, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths, Open 12 to 2

18231 Siena Dr., detached, $994,000, 4 BR, 3.5 Bths, Open 12 to 2

18132 Siena Dr, detached, $1,125,000, 4 BR, 3.5 Bths, Open 12 to 2

18202 Bella Terra Dr, detached, $1,145,000, 4 BR, 3.5 Bths, Open 12 to 2

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This is Earthquake Country

Earthquake fault
Cascadia Subduction Zone
While not as famous as our neighbor to the South, Oregon is very much earthquake country.

Some background
When recently visiting LO City Hall, I found a wealth of interesting information on a variety of topics, one of which is a handy little magazine called “Living on Shaky Ground“. It’s published by Oregon Emergency Management and is available for free.

We happen to live right on top of the Cascadia Subduction Zone. This zone has a history of 8.0 and 9.0 (we are talking HUGE earthquakes) that goes back 10,000 years with these big quakes happening on average every 250 years. It’s now been 312 years since the last big quake. So it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.

So, what can you do? In particular, when it comes to your home and buying a house.

When buying a home inspect, inspect, inspect

A good home inspector will look at the house from a perspective of its structural soundness. If the inspector has concerns, he or she should recommend further inspection be done by a seismic engineer.

I was recently involved in the potential sale of a home that was partially built on stilts with a very sloped lot. I was representing the buyer. Our home inspector determined that the substructure of the stilts provided for East and West support (or shaking) but not for North and South. Basically the Nouthern stilts all sat on the same retaining wall with no lateral bracing. In an earthquake, any shaking from the North to the South would cause that retaining wall to fall over and, yep, the house would go down the hill. Needless to say, my buyer chose to end that transaction and ended up purchasing an entirely different home.

If a more in-depth inspection is required by a seismic engineer, expect to spend about $250 for a sight visit. At this visit you will be able to walk the property and get a naration of what the engineer thinks. If you want to proceed and you want specific observation put into writing, that would include corrective measures to create a secur home, expect to spend several thousand dollars.

Consider getting earthquake insurance

There are limitations to what homes can qualify for earthquake insurance. Most insurance companies will not issue it to older homes. But if your home was built in the last 50 or so years, it may be eligible. And if it is, it is not that expensive to add as a rider to your home owner’s policy. Look into it.

Consider getting your home retrofitted

Newer homes are built to modern codes and standards that do take earthquakes into consideration. So newer homes are going to be more seismicly sound. However, older homes can be retro-fitted. Strapping the house to the foundation, installing cripple walls in the crawlspace, bolting the mudsills to the foundations: these are just a few of the possible corrective measures to make an older home more seismicly worthy.

Some thoughts

In 1993, Oregon had 3 strong earthquakes. I was awoken from sleep by the “Springbreak Quake”, a 5.6 magnitude quake centered about 25 miles South of Lake Oswego in Scotts Mills. That same year Klamath Falls in Southern Oregon had 5.9 and 6.0 earthquakes. Being awoken from sleep by an earthquake makes you feel like you have been through something quite extraordinary. I can not even imagine the shock and destruction of experiencing an 8.0 or 9.0 quake.

Preparedness is the key. Do some research, think about preparing your family and your home for living through an earthquake.

I have recently read quite a bit that the way to react to an earthquake is to get into what is called “The Triangle of Life”. This involves laying against furniture or large objects so that your body is contained in the triangle created between the top of the object and the floor. According to the Oregon Emergency Management Office this is NOT the best response. They recommend DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON. Get underneath a sturdy object, on your knees and crouching on the floor, tuck your head between your arms, and hold onto the object that is protecting you. Almost all scientific, government, and relief organizations, including the Red Cross, are now recommending this method.

Let’s hope it doesn’t happen. Proper Prior Planning being one of my favority policies, do take earthquakes seriously. For a copy of “Living on Shaky Ground”, click here.

As always, thanks for reading.
Dianne

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Market Activity Jan. 23-29, 2012

Last week in Lake Oswego there were 14 new listings, 22 pending sales, and 5 closed sales. Of the pending sales, 4 had been on the market for more than a year.

See below for further details.

New Listings for January 23-29, 2012

4000 Carman Dr #21, a condo, $106,000, 2 BR, 2Bths, 973 SF

236 Ridgeway Rd, a condo, $156,000, 2 BR, 1 Bth, 914 SF

668 McVey Ave #57, a condo, $299,000, 3 BR, 1.5 Bths, 914 SF

16834 Cherry Crest Ave, detached, $329,600, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths, 2598 SF

4583 Trillium Woods Lot 13, a townhouse, $416,200, 3 BR, 2.5 Bths, 2004 SF

1902 Woodland Terrace, detached, $423,500, 3 BR, 3 Bths, 2138 SF

19 Falstaff St, detached, $429,900, 4 BR, 2.5 Bths, 3222 SF

537 2nd St #106, a condo, $459,900, 2 BR, 2 Bths, 1292 SF

72 Condolea Way, a condo, $495,000, 3 BR, 2.5 Bths, 2958 SF

625 4th St, detached, $559,000, 4 BR, 3 Bths, 3300 SF

5035 Rosewood St, detached, $579,900, 4 BR, 3.5 Bths, 3174 SF

19245 Megly Ct, a townhouse, $599,000, 5 BR, 3 Bths, 3490 SF

5604 Grand Oaks Dr, detached, $649,000, 5 BR, 3 Bths, 3676 SF

17951 Meadowlark Ln, detached, $824,900, 4 BR, 3.5 +.5 Bths, 5065 SF

Pending Sales for January 23-29,2012

47 Eagle Crest Dr #4, a condo, $43,500, 2 BR, 1 Bth, 436 DOM

16250 Pacific Hwy #50, a condo, $99,500, 2 BR, 2 Bths, 94 DOM

4640 Lower Dr, a condo, $99,900, 2 BR, 1.5 Bths, 291 DOM

4 Touchstone, a condo, $107,910, 3 BR, 2.5 Bths, 14 DOM

210 S State St #6, a condo, $149,000, 2 BR, 1 Bth, 86 DOM

5055 Foothills Dr C, a condo $184,999, 2 BR, 2Bths, 527 DOM

5830 SW Burma Rd, detached, $189,000, 3 BR, 1 Bth, 103 DOM

18914 Longfellow Ave, detached, $199,000, 3 BR, 1.5 Bths, 116 DOM

4305 Silver Ct, a townhouse, $207,500, 3 BR, 2.5 Bths, 409 DOM

5270 Red Leaf St, detached, $249,000, 3 BR, 2 Bths, 1 DOM

16475 Bonaire Ave, detached, $255,000, 3 BR, 1 Bth, 243 DOM

975 Southshore Blvd, detached, $285,000, 3 BR, 2.5 Bths, 4 DOM

1685 Cloverleaf Rd, detached, $290,000, 3 BR, 2.5 Bths, 204 DOM

14101 Goodall Rd, detached, $345,000, 4 BR, 2 Bths, 11 DOM

4525 Trillium Woods Lot 16, a townhouse, $409,900, 3 BR, 2.5 Bths, 24 DOM

17026 Crestview Dr, detached, $439,000, 4 BR, 3 Bths, 9 DOM

4527 Trillium Woods Lot 15, a townhouse, $439,900, 3 BR, 2.5 Bths, 134 DOM

183 Furnace St, a condo, $495,000, 2 BR, 2.5 Bths, 31 DOM

345 3rd St, a townhouse, $499,900, 3 BR, 4 Bths, 112 DOM

850 Schukart Ln, detached, $699,000, 4 BR, 3 Bths, 267 DOM

1427 Horseshoe Curve, detached, $879,000, 2 BR, 2 Bths, 240 DOM

1300 Skyland Dr, detached, $1,199,000, 4 BR, 4.5 +.5 Bths, 344 DOM

Closed Sales for January 23-29, 2012

3950 Carman Dr, a condo, listed for $140,450, closed for $126,000, 2 BR, 2.5 Bths, 60 DOM

1228 Maple St, detached, listed for $399,000, closed for $250,000, 3 BR, 2 Bths, 522 DOM

13120 Thoma Rd, detached, listed for $345,000, closed for $350,088, 3 BR, 2 Bths, 32 DOM

18014 Gimley Ct, detached, listed for $599,900, closed for $442,900, 5 BR, 3.5 Bths, 198 DOM

4180 Casey Ct, detached, listed for $739,950, closed for $740,000, 4 BR, 3.5 Bths, 7 DOM

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