Let’s face it, December is dark. The sun comes up about 7:30 and sets about 4:30. That’s just 9 hours of daylight. And that’s why Christmas lights are pretty darn important to me. I know they are put up to celebrate religious traditions. But as far as I am concerned they are put up for ME. I love them and need them to get through the month of the year with the shortest daylight. My own turkey barely has a chance to go cold on the counter before I am putting up my own Christmas lights. And I push the boundary on the other end too by leaving them up past Christmas. (Yes, one year I had them up until Valentine’s, but haven’t been that extreme in quite awhile.)
So when Linda and I first designed the propertyblotter, and had to think about what links we wanted permanently attached, the Christmas Ship Parade came immediately to mind. You will see our link to the Christmas Ships year around on our left tool bar. However, I don’t want to just assume that you have used it to see what it is all about. This year I want to point it out and suggest that you load up your car with family and a thermos of hot cocoa and drive over to Foothills Park on December 19th at about 6pm. This is the evening that the parade of lighted ships are scheduled to come as far South as George Rogers Park on the Willamette River. You can view them from George Rogers Park, and also from Roehr Park, but you would probably need to get out of your car. Personally, I love to sit in the car to watch them. Just find some Christmas music on the radio and stay toasty warm. When my children were little, we commonly did this with both of them bathed and in their pajamas.
There are about 20 or so ships that are organized and captained by volunteers. They do a nightly parade of both the Willamette and the Columbia Rivers with the evening parade location changing daily. I think the only time between now and Christmas that they will be as far South as LO is the 19th. If you are willing to drive North, you will be able to find them in other locations on other evenings. For a complete schedule, click here.
And if you want to find what I consider to be the top decorated house light displays, I want to recommend driving down Edenberry Drive in Westlake. The homeowners on the street go all out. It is gorgeous. Many of the side streets are also decorated. So swing through when you get the chance.
Enjoy the season. I know that I do: especially the Christmas lights.
There are 8 truly NEW properties in Lake Oswego this last week (I left two of them in here because they were off the market for 30 days), 6 that went to PENDING status, and 7 that SOLD. I am seeing activity across the board in all price ranges, and in all areas of Lake Oswego.
Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes): NEWLY LISTED (Dec. 7—Dec.13, 2009)
Address
List Price
# Beds
# Baths
Total SF
Prop Type
List Date
32 CERVANTES CIR
$148,500
2
1.1
1,092
CONDO
12/9/2009
1248 OAK ST
$249,900
2
1
900
DETACHD
12/11/2009
17756 WESTVIEW DR
$439,900
4
2.1
2,830
DETACHD
12/7/2009
14150 AMBERWOOD CIR
$659,000
3
2.1
2,500
DETACHD
12/7/2009
5245 LANGFORD LN
$719,000
3
2.1
2,957
DETACHD
12/13/2009
64 BERWICK RD
$759,000
4
3.1
3,740
DETACHD
12/7/2009
17833 MARYLCREEK DR
$950,000
5
4.1
6,540
DETACHD
12/10/2009
13961 KNAUS RD
$2,450,000
4
4.2
6,614
DETACHD
12/8/2009
PENDING SALES (Dec. 7 – Dec. 13, 2009)
Address
List Price
# Beds
# Baths
Total SF
Prop Type
CDOM
3433 MCNARY PKWY
$100,000
2
2.1
1,208
CONDO
212
5 FALSTAFF ST
$385,000
4
2.1
2,433
DETACHD
141
1457 BOCA RATAN DR
$399,950
3
2
1,568
DETACHD
70
4191 CHAPMAN WAY
$409,000
4
2.1
2,610
DETACHD
194
106 GREENRIDGE CT
$449,000
4
3
3,127
ATTACHD
136
17404 BERGIS FARM DR
$1,098,000
5
4.1
5,394
DETACHD
326
SOLD (Dec. 7 – Dec. 13, 2009)
Address
O/Price
Close Price
# Beds
# Baths
Total SF
Prop Type
CDOM
31 BECKET ST
$429,800
$400,000
3
2.1
2,365
DETACHD
98
16018 WALUGA DR
$415,000
$405,000
4
2
2,200
DETACHD
9
5 GARIBALDI ST
$574,800
$560,000
4
3.1
3,250
DETACHD
8
163 IRON MOUNTAIN BLVD
$799,000
$700,000
3
1.1
1,968
DETACHD
99
19422 LORNA LN
$805,000
$790,000
5
3.1
4,011
DETACHD
14
975 ENGLEWOOD DR
$899,000
$800,000
4
3.1
4,085
DETACHD
532
753 LAKESHORE RD
$1,385,000
$1,335,000
3
3.1
2,562
DETACHD
51
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.
With just 5 pending sales and 8 closed sales last week, activity seems to be settling into the slower months of winter. However, we still had 20 new listings (not refreshed, truly new). At this time of year, people typically hold off on putting their house up for sale until after the holidays. To list your home now, you have got to be pretty motivated. I am suspicious that some of these homes are in financial trouble. I also know that corporations often move employees during the holidays if they are trying to close out a corporate year that matches the calendar year. Whatever the cause, we are back to more new listings than sales activity.
Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes): NEWLY LISTED (Nov. 30—Dec 6, 2009)
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
59 GALEN ST
$99,000
1
1
550
CONDO
12/2/2009
334 CERVANTES CIR
$144,900
2
1
832
CONDO
12/4/2009
75 GALEN ST
$159,900
2
2
995
CONDO
12/1/2009
4 TOUCHSTONE
$190,000
3
2.1
1,351
CONDO
12/1/2009
287 CERVANTES
$195,000
3
1.1
1,144
CONDO
12/4/2009
45 SW EAGLE CREST DR
$205,000
3
2
1,348
CONDO
12/2/2009
100 LEONARD ST
$264,900
2
2
1,364
CONDO
12/3/2009
16890 CORTEZ CT
$324,900
4
3
2,016
DETACHD
12/4/2009
1841 CLOVERLEAF RD
349000
5
3
2,186
DETACHD
12/1/2009
837 OAK ST
380000
3
2
2,816
ATTACHD
11/30/2009
15 CHURCHILL DOWNS
380000
4
2
2,014
ATTACHD
11/30/2009
17942 SAINT CLAIR DR
524900
4
2.1
2,533
DETACHD
12/1/2009
1250 PINE ST
539000
4
2.1
2,856
DETACHD
12/3/2009
339 6TH ST
599900
3
3.1
2,258
ATTACHD
12/1/2009
18081 WESTMINSTER DR
599950
4
2.1
2,713
DETACHD
12/1/2009
15393 DIAMOND HEAD RD
756400
4
2.1
3,192
DETACHD
12/2/2009
1010 HOODVIEW LN
875000
4
3
3,058
DETACHD
11/30/2009
17802 SW Marylcreek DR
887900
3
4
3,825
DETACHD
12/6/2009
18175 PILKINGTON RD
899900
4
3.1
3,164
DETACHD
12/1/2009
444 6TH ST
1095000
4
4.1
4,541
DETACHD
12/1/2009
PENDING SALES (Nov. 30 -Dec 6, 2009)
ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address
List Price
# BR
# BTHS
Total SF
Prop Type
CDOM
668 MCVEY AVE
$143,550
3
1.1
992
CONDO
59
5077 W SUNSET DR
$299,900
2
2.1
1,720
ATTACHD
102
4051 VIRGINIA WAY
$339,900
3
2.1
1,658
DETACHD
58
2753 VALE CT
$402,000
3
3
2,786
DETACHD
31
1575 IVY CT
$515,000
4
3
2,432
DETACHD
56
SOLD (Nov. 30-Dec 6, 2009)
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
4 TOUCHSTONE CT
$137,900
$105,000
3
2.1
1,350
CONDO
371
14 POLONIUS ST
$300,000
$288,000
4
3
2,754
DETACHD
254
5096 SW TREE ST
$334,900
$318,000
3
1.1
1,410
DETACHD
462
1990 WEMBLEY PARK RD
$399,900
$390,000
4
3
3,162
DETACHD
27
2981 VALE CT
$512,450
$475,500
5
2.1
3,516
DETACHD
436
5382 ROYAL OAKS DR
$555,000
$492,500
4
2.1
2,970
DETACHD
194
135 FURNACE ST
$709,900
$647,000
2
2.1
1,927
CONDO
97
827 8TH ST
$898,000
$835,000
5
3.1
3,852
DETACHD
38
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.
There are 15 homes being promoted in the RMLS as Open Houses this Sunday. I will be holding open my condominium listing in Mt. Park: 4447 Golden Lane. I’ll be there from 1 to 4. I’d love to have you stop by.
Both in my personal experience, as I see transactions through escrow to closing, and in the continuing education classes I have lately been taking, I am seeing some very strong changes in lending guidelines. These changes are coming from the Federal Government as part of addressing the mortgage crisis that our country has recently endured. I think that it is important, no matter where you fit into the real estate picture, to understand these changes and adapt your expectations and behavior to accommodate them. The days of having a credit score and a pulse to get a mortgage are over. The days of a 30 day escrow are going to be rare, and here is why:
The first big change in lending practices happened June 1 of 2009 with the implementation of MIDA, the Mortgage Improvement Disclosure Act. This Federal law requires that every time a borrower receives a Good Faith Estimate (the paperwork that lays out estimated costs to obtain a mortgage) the borrower must be given a 7-day disclosure period in which to become knowledgeable of the terms of the mortgage and either accept those terms or shop for a better deal. It makes sense. Buyers are faced with a very large and important financial decision. They need to understand what they are doing and approve of the loan product that they will be obtaining. It gives a borrower some breathing room in the process so that they are not pressured into a loan that they will later on regret. Where it gets dicey is if any changes happen to the loan while it’s in escrow. Every time a change occurs that affects the APR by more than 1/8th, a new Good Faith Estimate must be issued and a new 7 day disclosure period must pass. So let’s say that a buyer does not lock their interest rate until just prior to closing and the rate changes. The lender can not allow closing of the sale until that 7-day disclosure period has passed. A more common variable would be if the buyer has a home inspection and chooses to have the seller pay some of his closing costs in lieu of repairs. When the seller pays the buyers closing costs it changes the buyers Good Faith Estimate and a new 7-day disclosure period must pass. This is not going to be a big deal if all parties go into the escrow period understanding how important it is to allow time for disclosure periods and being aware of what can trigger them. I think it is more important than ever to lock in your interest rate early in the escrow period so that you don’t get thrown for a loop at the last minute.
The other changes that are occurring are a result of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, which goes into effect on January 1, 2010.
The Federal Government has now defined what constitutes a pre-approval on a loan application. In the past a buyer would make a loan application prior to making an offer on a house. That buyer could then provide a letter of pre-approval from a lender showing that they are approved as a borrower but subject to finding a house. The Federal Government is now saying that no loan approvals can be given without an address attached to the approval. So a borrower can get pre-qualified for a loan (credit report pulled and debt to income factored to estimate that they can be approved in the future) but they can not get pre-approved.
The next big change is the change to required Federal forms for both the Good Faith Estimates and for final HUD Settlement Statements. I have seen the new Good Faith Estimate forms and I like them. They look more like a worksheet. And they have very clear sections where the lender must put in total sum numbers for “all other settlement charges”. So many lenders call their fees by different names. So a borrower, when comparing loan programs, would have to compare a variety of charges that, because they had different names, were confusing. By requiring a lump sum figure it doesn’t matter the names of the charges or even the quantity. What matters is the bottom line and this new form makes it easy for a borrower to see the sum total and compare sum totals between lenders. Once the Good Faith Estimate is given the lender is required to allow the borrower 10 days to shop other loan programs. The Good Faith Estimate has blank columns that line up next to the estimate given that allows a borrower to write in the fees they find with other lenders. The finished form will clearly show the borrower the various costs for various programs. I think it is an improvement.
Another change is that there is a 3-day disclosure program for the appraisal. This means that the borrower must be given a copy of the completed appraisal at least 3 days prior to closing so that they can look it over and understand it. The days of the appraisal being given to the borrower when they sign the loan papers, or perhaps even having to request that it be mailed to them, are over. Again, I think this is an improvement. Not only do buyers deserve to see the documentation of value, it just seems like professional courtesy to take this extra step.
Finally, there is what is called the 10% Tolerance. At closing the numbers given in the Good Faith Estimate are lined up against the actual settlement charges on the HUD Settlement Statement. If there is a difference in the charges of 10% or greater, the lender must absorb the difference. This can be done by reducing the lender charges at closing or by reimbursing the borrower within 30 days of closing. Seriously, this is a big IMPROVEMENT for borrowers.
All of these changes are going to mean that if there is a mortgage involved, it will take a little longer to close a transaction. Realistically, you should expect escrow to last about 45 days. And as much as the buyer and seller might be willing to close sooner, the process can not be rushed. These are Federal guidelines that preclude the terms of the written contract.
I have got to share one more word of advice. If you are buying a home and you have made an offer that has been accepted, do not purchase ANYTHING using credit. Lenders are now pulling credit reports just prior to funding the loan. If your credit score has changed or your credit card balances have increased, it can kick your new mortgage right back into underwriting. This recently happened to a buyer of one of my listings. Not only did he have to pay off the new credit card charges, but we had to wait an entire week for the lower credit card balances to be reflected on a new credit report from one of the National credit reporting bureaus. It delayed closing on the purchase for 2 weeks. So much for moving in by Thanksgiving……
So be aware, be patient, and be realistic about what to expect. There is a new lending environment, but for the most part it does benefit the borrower. Change can be a good thing.
If you would like a pdf of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, click here.
There are 7 truly NEW properties in Lake Oswego this last week, 10 that went to PENDING status, and 8 that SOLD. We are doing pretty well this year as last year at this same time, while we also had 7 NEW, only 4 were PENDING and 4 SOLD. You’ll notice that last week, of 6 NEW listings, 5 of them were under $400,000. 6 out of 10 PENDING were also under $400,000, and 5 out of 8 SOLD were as well.
Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes): NEWLY LISTED (Nov. 23—Nov.29, 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
5852 LAKEVIEW CT
$205,000
2
1
1,032
DETACHD
11/23/2009
16111 LINDSAY CT
$347,500
3
2.1
1,840
DETACHD
11/27/2009
454 5TH ST
$350,000
2
1.1
1,092
ATTACHD
11/28/2009
19167 LONGFELLOW AVE
$375,000
3
2.1
1,782
ATTACHD
11/23/2009
627 1ST ST
$375,500
2
2
2,090
DETACHD
11/27/2009
18269 TAMAWAY DR
$569,000
4
2.1
3,293
DETACHD
11/25/2009
355 6TH ST
$599,900
3
3.1
2,258
ATTACHD
11/29/2009
PENDING SALES (Nov. 23 -Nov. 29, 2009)
ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address
List Price
# Beds
# Baths
Total SF
Prop Type
CDOM
86 KINGSGATE RD
$127,000
2
2
924
CONDO
236
26 WHEATHERSTONE
$225,000
3
2.1
1,692
CONDO
135
16584 ROOSEVELT AVE
$245,000
3
1
1,188
DETACHD
171
5686 WASHINGTON CT
$259,900
2
2
1,342
DETACHD
25
113 KINGSGATE RD
$275,900
3
2
1,436
DETACHD
94
18922 REDWING WAY
$379,900
4
2
2,076
DETACHD
105
4 ICARUS LOOP
$449,000
4
2.1
2,743
DETACHD
57
5502 Langford LN
$699,000
3
2.1
2,957
DETACHD
366
4380 UPPER DR
$708,900
5
4.1
4,071
DETACHD
111
17345 BERGIS FARM DR
$1,249,900
4
3.2
5,199
DETACHD
665
SOLD (Nov. 23-Nov. 29, 2009)
ADDRESS
ORIG. PRICE
SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address
O/Price
Sale Price
# Beds
# Baths
Total SF
Prop Type
CDOM
36 CERVANTES CIR
$159,900
$142,000
2
1.1
912
CONDO
337
73 OSWEGO SMT
$164,900
$145,000
2
2
1,212
CONDO
440
16600 BRYANT RD
$249,900
$224,000
3
2
1,877
DETACHD
106
3497 DEVONSHIRE DR
$259,900
$249,000
3
2
1,556
ATTACHD
145
1991 MAPLELEAF RD
$309,900
$309,000
3
2
1,456
DETACHD
14
1032 LAUREL ST
$424,000
$400,000
4
2
2,384
DETACHD
86
18410 DEERBRUSH AVE
$495,000
$450,000
4
2.1
2,217
DETACHD
78
1924 CHERYL CT
$1,299,000
$1,200,000
4
4.2
5,204
DETACHD
785
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.
There are three beautiful homes being held open on Sunday of Thanksgiving Weekend according to RMLS. It is supposed to be relatively warm and partly sunny…. a nice day to get out and look at homes with those visiting relatives and/or friends you’d love to have closer to you…
Dianne and I are, as always, here for you… even on Thanksgiving weekend : )
There are 14 truly NEW properties in Lake Oswego this last week, 6 that went to PENDING status, and 9 that SOLD. Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Nov. 16—Nov.22, 2009)
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
8 OSWEGO SMT
$135,000
2
2
1,140
CONDO
11/17/2009
668 MCVEY AVE
$143,550
3
1.1
992
CONDO
11/16/2009
16250 PACIFIC HWY
$179,900
1
1
841
CONDO
11/17/2009
323 CERVANTES
$183,000
2
2
1,265
CONDO
11/20/2009
852 5TH ST
$199,000
2
1
738
DETACHD
11/21/2009
1950 BONNIEBRAE DR
$200,000
2
1.1
1,056
ATTACHD
11/21/2009
65 GREENRIDGE CT
$215,000
2
2
1,314
CONDO
11/22/2009
14580 WILMOT WAY
$374,900
3
2.1
1,699
DETACHD
11/19/2009
19 BECKET ST
$399,995
4
3.1
3,818
DETACHD
11/16/2009
3075 ROYCE WAY
$450,000
4
3.1
3,667
DETACHD
11/16/2009
15085 GLEN EAGLES PL
$529,000
3
2
2,996
DETACHD
11/17/2009
4605 CHELSEA LN
$689,000
4
2.1
3,411
DETACHD
11/22/2009
3103 WEMBLEY PARK RD
$720,000
3
1.1
3,774
DETACHD
11/20/2009
18955 BRYANT RD
$859,000
4
2.1
3,610
DETACHD
11/17/2009
PENDING SALES (Nov. 16 -Nov. 22, 2009)
ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address
List Price
# BR
# BTHS
Total SF
Prop Type
CDOM
1581 BONNIEBRAE DR
$255,000
3
2
1,393
ATTACHD
253
1284 HIDE A WAY LN
$349,900
4
3
1,931
DETACHD
46
3521 LANEWOOD ST
$399,500
3
1.1
1,675
DETACHD
5
875 LEE ST
$439,000
3
2
2,200
DETACHD
192
12430 ORCHARD HILL RD
$599,950
3
2.1
2,985
DETACHD
201
4304 WESTBAY RD
$629,900
4
3.1
2,914
DETACHD
153
SOLD (Nov. 16-Nov. 22, 2009)
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
4000 CARMAN DR
$128,900
$120,000
1
1
767
CONDO
38
210 S STATE ST
$199,900
$196,000
2
1
1,284
CONDO
456
17752 SCHALIT WAY
$329,900
$295,000
3
2
1,463
DETACHD
62
805 SW COUNTRY CLUB RD
$279,900
$297,128
3
2
1,981
DETACHD
10
3 MASARYK ST
$499,900
$440,000
4
3
4,283
DETACHD
214
4691 HERITAGE LN
$539,000
$496,000
4
2.1
2,716
DETACHD
324
577 MIDDLECREST RD
$999,900
$872,500
4
2.1
2,000
DETACHD
504
17225 KELOK RD
$1,350,000
$1,350,000
4
3.1
4,161
DETACHD
0
1075 CHANDLER RD
1850000
1712500
5
4.1
5,946
DETACHD
8
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.
There are 15 truly NEW properties in Lake Oswego this last week, 11 that went to PENDING status, and 10 that SOLD. Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes): NEWLY LISTED (Nov. 09—Nov.15, 2009)
ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
73 GALEN ST
$159,900
2
2
995
CONDO
11/10/2009
235 Cervantes
$180,000
2
2
1,100
CONDO
11/14/2009
5225 Jean RD
$189,500
2
2
1,100
CONDO
11/9/2009
244 RIDGEWAY RD
$214,500
2
1
753
CONDO
11/14/2009
17659 DEEMAR WAY
$249,000
3
2
1,382
DETACHD
11/11/2009
4141 COBB WAY
$299,900
3
2
1,236
DETACHD
11/11/2009
4288 SUNSET DR
$359,000
3
2
1,550
DETACHD
11/9/2009
4235 HARVEY WAY
$395,000
3
2
1,384
DETACHD
11/10/2009
3521 LANEWOOD ST
$399,500
3
1.1
1,675
DETACHD
11/15/2009
16150 LAKE FOREST BLVD
$495,000
2
2
2,302
DETACHD
11/12/2009
32 SPINOSA
$499,900
4
2.2
2,542
DETACHD
11/13/2009
2025 WEMBLEY PARK RD
$499,900
4
2
2,288
DETACHD
11/15/2009
136 D AVE
$550,000
2
2.1
1,741
ATTACHD
11/14/2009
3612 TEMPEST DR
$599,900
4
3
2,819
DETACHD
11/9/2009
14435 UPLANDS DR
$825,000
4
3.1
4,822
DETACHD
11/14/2009
PENDING SALES (Nov. 09 -Nov. 15, 2009)
ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
72 CERVANTES CIR
$125,000
2
1.1
912
CONDO
12
668 MCVEY AVE
$179,900
3
1.1
985
CONDO
1092
14431 SHERBROOK PL
$299,900
4
3
3,284
DETACHD
330
17752 SCHALIT WAY
$329,900
3
2
1,463
DETACHD
62
953 A AVE
$375,000
2
2.1
2,908
DETACHD
134
17088 REBECCA LN
$429,000
4
3
2,554
DETACHD
923
566 5TH ST
$448,000
3
2
2,177
DETACHD
114
17332 Lake Haven DR
$749,000
4
2
2,484
DETACHD
125
17384 BERGIS FARM DR
$1,295,000
5
4.1
5,012
DETACHD
8
1924 CHERYL CT
$1,299,000
4
4.2
5,204
DETACHD
785
616 CABANA LN
$2,250,000
5
4
3,800
DETACHD
220
SOLD (Nov. 09-Nov. 15, 2009)
ADDRESS
ORIG. PRICE
SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
44 EAGLE CREST DR
$154,900
$158,900
3
2
1,085
CONDO
123
4330 COUNTRY WOODS CT
$239,900
$280,000
3
1
1,200
DETACHD
86
4662 CARMAN DR
$289,900
$340,000
5
2
1,754
DETACHD
13
161 C AVE
$499,900
$411,000
2
2.1
1,719
ATTACHD
215
2925 ORCHARD HILL PL
$549,000
$460,000
3
2.1
2,418
DETACHD
148
4018 COHO LN
$539,000
$470,000
3
2
2,489
DETACHD
61
353 D AVE
$825,000
$555,000
4
2
3,228
DETACHD
749
540 NORTHSHORE RD
$619,000
$583,900
4
3
2,746
DETACHD
153
17211 KELOK RD
1399000
1230000
3
3.1
5,384
DETACHD
112
397 FURNACE ST
1850000
1400000
3
2.1
2,864
DETACHD
100
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.
Let’s face it, December is dark. The sun comes up about 7:30 and sets about 4:30. That’s just 9 hours of daylight. And that’s why Christmas lights are pretty darn important to me. I know they are put up to celebrate religious traditions. But as far as I am concerned they are put up for ME. I love them and need them to get through the month of the year with the shortest daylight. My own turkey barely has a chance to go cold on the counter before I am putting up my own Christmas lights. And I push the boundary on the other end too by leaving them up past Christmas. (Yes, one year I had them up until Valentine’s, but haven’t been that extreme in quite awhile.)
Both in my personal experience, as I see transactions through escrow to closing, and in the continuing education classes I have lately been taking, I am seeing some very strong changes in lending guidelines. These changes are coming from the Federal Government as part of addressing the mortgage crisis that our country has recently endured. I think that it is important, no matter where you fit into the real estate picture, to understand these changes and adapt your expectations and behavior to accommodate them. The days of having a credit score and a pulse to get a mortgage are over. The days of a 30 day escrow are going to be rare, and here is why: