Tag: selling a home in Lake Oswego

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Market Activity Oct 28-Nov 3, 2013

I really enjoy doing this report. It gives me time to really look at trends and see the basic numbers of what is happening in the market. While the market has slowed a bit, which is completely normal at this time of year, it remains strong for selling. This is because the number of homes coming onto the market remain slightly less than the number that are going into pending status. Last week in Lake Oswego 11 new listings came onto the market, 12 went into pending status, and 16 became closed sales.

New Listings October 28 to November 3, 2013

96 Oswego Summit, a condo, 1 BR, 1 Bath, 764 SF, $79,900

15938 Quarry Rd 4-A, a condo, 2 BR, 1 Bath, 991 SF, $139,500

3101 McNary Pdwy #12, a condo, 2 BR, 2.5 Baths, 1726 SF, $223,400

1531 Bonniebrae Dr, a condo, 3 BR, 1.5 Baths, 1303 SF, $244,900

5164 Lakeview Blvd, detached, 4 BR, 2 Baths, 1120 SF, $246,000

61 S Condolea Terrace, a condo, 3 BR, 2.5 Baths, 2373 SF, $395,000

751 Briercliff Ln, detached, 4 BR, 3 Baths, 2534 SF, $508,500

885 Lake Forest Dr, detached, 4 BR, 3 Baths, 2186 SF, $575,000

3333 Royce Way, detached, 4 BR, 3 Baths, 2697 SF, $609,007

3826 Upper Dr, detached, 4 BR. 2.5 Baths, 3194 SF, $739,900

13276 Deerfield Ct, detached, 4 BR, 2.5 Baths, 3066 SF, $749,000

Pending Sales October 28-November 3, 2013

86 Kingsgate Rd C204, a condo, 2 BR, 2 Baths, 938 SF, $100,000, 10 DOM

4000 Carman Dr #60, a condo, 2 BR, 2 Baths, 866 SF, $131,000, 198 DOM

45 Eagle Crest Dr #409, a condo, 2 BR, 2 Baths, 1214 SF, $150,000, 60 DOM

1484 Boca Ratan Dr, a townhouse, 3 BR, 1.5 Baths, 1403 SF, $199,990, 115 DOM

16250 Pacific Hwy #64, a condo, 2 BR, 2 Baths, 1305 SF, $249,000, 60 DOM

6025 Kenny St, detached, 3 BR, 1.5 Baths, 1254 SF, $309,900, 99 DOM

719 Timberline Dr, detached, 3 BR, 2.5 Baths, 2176 SF, $349,000, 3 DOM

4763 Hastings Pl, detached, 4 BR, 2.5 Baths, 2442 SF, $549,000, 4 DOM

13601 Twin Creek Ln, detached, 4 BR, 2.5 Baths, 3156 SF, $599,500, 12 DOM

19342 Riverwood LN Lot6W, detached, 4 BR, 2.5 Baths, 2806 SF, $604,900, 282 DOM

1055 Country Club Rd, detached, 2 BR, 2 Baths, 2908 SF, $749,000, 73 DOM

4153 Westbay Rd, detached, 4 BR, 3.5 Baths, 3374 SF, $1,349,000, 132 DOM

Closed Sales October 28-November 3, 2013

100 Kerr Pkwy #41, a condo, original price $105,000, closed price $104,000, 822 SF, 57 DOM

159 Oswego Summit, a condo, original price $179,000, closed price $170,000, 1506 SF, 103 DOM

16291 Lake Forest Blvd, detached, original price $269,950, closed price $225,000, 762 SF, 118 DOM

837 Country Club Rd, detached, original price $425,000, closed price $320,000, 1729 SF, 138 DOM

4200 Westbay Rd, detached, original price $419,000, closed price $345,000, 944 SF, 101 DOM

2530 Orchard Hill Pl, detached, original price $377,500, closed price $377,500, 2208 SF, 2 DOM

18759 Hillside Way, detached, original price $417,000, closed price $394,000, 3926 SF, 61 DOM

4361 Albert Circle, detached, original price $449,900, closed price $430,000, 2472 SF, 19 DOM

895 York Rd, detached, original price $479,000, closed price $440,000, 1924 SF, 39 DOM

1 Hidalgo St, detached, original price $448,500, closed price $448,500, 2489 SF, 97 DOM

14101 Redwood Ct, detached, original price $605,000, closed price $501,000, 2629 SF, 8 DOM

246 Greenwood Rd, detached, original price $589,900, closed price $540,000, 1899 SF, 73 DOM

4848 Hastings Dr, detached, original price $535,000, closed price $542,500, 2174 SF, 1 DOM

832 Hoodview Ln, detached, original price $699,000, closed price $680,000, 2456 SF, 10 DOM

18024 Skyland Circle, detached, original price $1,000,000, closed price $900,500, 3960 SF, 136 DOM

2240 Summit Ct, detached, original price $2,595,000, closed price $2,375,000, 5036 SF, 93 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

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Featured Property: 17856 Robin View Ct

Robin View 033I am proud to introduce you to 17856 Robin View Ct. Full disclosure here: this house is just South of the Lake Oswego city limits and is actually located in West Linn. However, it is waterfront property and I do believe a person shopping for a house on the water in Lake Oswego would also likely look at this property.

This is a truly special house. Designed by Walter Gordon, it was built in 1956. Walter Gordon was a well-known Northwest Architect who at one time was the Director of the Portland Art Museum as well as the Dean of the School of Architecture at U of O.

The current owner has respected the significance of the original design and the architectural integrity remains intact.

Robin View 026You enter the house through an understated entry that then opens into an amazing clerestory greatroom that features a floor-to-ceiling stone and copper fireplace. The greatroom includes the main living area, the dining room, a den, and a library. All are paneled is rich wood. There is a wall of windows that looks out to the Willamette River.

The house is situated on a private .68 acre lot that has river frontage on the Willamette. There is a level grass area near the water for recreation. The house itself sits up off of the river and has river views from most major rooms.

Robin View 005Here are the specifics:
Built in 1956
3735 square feet
4 bedrooms (2 are non-conforming)
3 baths
Greatroom + Familyroom
Cedaroak Elementary
Rosemont Ridge Jr High
West Linn High
Offered at $895,000

I will be holding this house open this Sunday from Noon to 2pm. Please follow the signs from River Road.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday,
Dianne

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Market Activity Report ~ Oct 21-27, 2013

RMLS shows 13 New properties entering the market, 19 moving to Pending status, and 8 that “Closed”/Sold last week in Lake Oswego.

Here is the breakdown of activity according to RMLS:

NEW SALES (Oct 21-27, 2013):

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
3433 MCNARY PKWY #206 $132,000 2 2 1008 CONDO
48 EAGLE CREST DR #1B $199,000 3 2 1623 CONDO
16775 LAKE FOREST BLVD $287,000 3 2 1544 DETACHD
72 WHEATHERSTONE $364,000 4 3.1 2465 CONDO
18272 WESTVIEW DR $459,000 4 3.2 3626 DETACHD
4038 BASS LN $559,900 4 3 2816 DETACHD
5101 DAWN AVE $574,000 5 3 2700 DETACHD
2701 LAKEVIEW BLVD $629,900 3 3.1 1764 DETACHD
18112 WESTMINSTER DR $750,000 5 4 4391 DETACHD
18325 RIVER EDGE LN $919,000 3 3.1 4115 DETACHD
17852 SW UPPER CHERRY LN $1,450,000 3 3 5105 DETACHD
16767 GRAEF CIR $1,590,000 4 4.1 4449 DETACHD
1780 RIDGECREST DR $3,895,000 4 5.1 5999 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (Oct 21-27, 2013)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
100 KERR PKWY #13 $85,900 1 1 617 CONDO 43
4000 Carman #88 $117,000 2 2 836 CONDO 24
3808 BOTTICELLI ST $189,900 3 2 1288 CONDO 11
18717 PILKINGTON RD $236,000 3 1 1240 DETACHD 88
1261 BOCA RATAN DR $270,000 3 2 1611 ATTACHD 26
5139 TUALATA LN $329,000 3 2 1524 DETACHD 6
3285 SW CHILDS RD $350,000 4 3 2780 DETACHD 37
17310 CANAL CIR $375,000 4 2 1633 DETACHD 2
720 PEBBLE BEACH CT $399,000 4 2.1 1957 DETACHD 62
1528 CEDAR ST $399,900 3 2 2080 DETACHD 33
464 LIVINGOOD LN $409,000 4 2.1 2584 DETACHD 129
3595 TEMPEST DR $424,900 3 2 2126 DETACHD 6
855 YORK RD $449,900 4 3 2144 DETACHD 54
17940 MEADOWLARK LN $459,000 5 3 2508 DETACHD 86
619 CLARA CT $485,000 4 2.1 2958 DETACHD 37
13930 MAJESTIC CT $495,000 3 2.1 2956 DETACHD 60
1168 ANDREWS RD $725,000 3 3 1851 DETACHD 13
18682 WESTVIEW DR $745,500 5 3 3243 DETACHD 49
13052 KNAUS RD $759,000 4 3 3026 DETACHD 36

SOLD (Oct 21-27, 2013)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
45 EAGLE CREST DR #204 $104,900 $105,500 1 1 768 CONDO 2
4000 CARMAN DR #79 $135,000 $130,000 2 2 993 CONDO 4
48 AQUINAS ST $300,000 $310,000 4 2 2635 DETACHD 715
4 WHEATHERSTONE $326,900 $326,900 3 2.1 1692 CONDO 29
15684 BOONES WAY $449,000 $432,000 3 2.1 2520 DETACHD 6
13043 ROGERS RD $479,000 $480,500 3 2 2213 DETACHD 3
19201 MAREE CT $749,000 $600,000 5 2.1 4070 DETACHD 153
13900 GOODALL RD $1,299,000 $1,299,000 5 3.1 4282 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

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Open Houses ~ Oct 27, 2013

This is a fantastic time to get out and tour some beautiful homes in Lake Oswego.  There will be sunshine in the afternoon, crisp air, fall leaves, and some really stellar homes… one might just be “the one” for you! Be sure to call me or Dianne if you need assistance & are not working with another Realtor.

Here are the 26 homes being held Open according to RMLS:

Address L/Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type Open
100 KERR PKWY #13 $85,900 1 1 617 CONDO 11AM-2PM
4000 CARMAN DR #60 $131,000 2 2 866 CONDO 1-3PM
1733 Kilkenny RD $328,900 3 1.1 1654 DETACHD 1-3PM
5139 TUALATA LN $329,000 3 2 1524 DETACHD 1-3PM
1602 GREENTREE RD $399,950 4 2 1708 DETACHD 2-4PM
17125 FERNWOOD DR $478,000 3 3 2688 DETACHD 1-3PM
1287 ROCKINGHORSE LN $479,000 3 2 1686 DETACHD 1-3PM
17730 MARYLBROOK DR $479,000 4 2.1 2951 DETACHD 12-3PM
11 TANGLEWOOD DR $568,950 4 3 3148 DETACHD 1-3PM
19524 RIVER RUN DR $618,950 4 2.1 2630 DETACHD 1-3PM
2478 MARYLVIEW CT $619,000 3 3 3526 DETACHD 1-3PM
5522 ROYAL OAKS DR $624,500 4 2.1 2471 DETACHD 1-3PM
1931 PARK FOREST CT $629,000 5 4.1 3866 DETACHD 1-4PM
14920 TWIN FIR RD $649,000 3 1.1 1530 DETACHD 1-4PM
18042 JENIFERS WAY $657,950 4 3 2946 DETACHD 12-3PM
18064 JENIFERS WAY $667,950 5 3 2965 DETACHD 12-3PM
17613 WOODHURST PL $669,000 5 4 4622 DETACHD 1-3PM
2481 MARYLSHIRE LN $675,000 5 3.1 4154 DETACHD 1-4PM
18994 BRYANT RD $699,000 4 2.1 3146 DETACHD 11AM-2PM
17632 WOODHURST PL $699,900 5 4.1 4423 DETACHD 1-3PM
18499 OLD RIVER DR $819,000 4 3.1 4020 DETACHD 1-3PM
4540 SW LAMONT WAY $899,950 4 2.1 3555 DETACHD 3-5PM
2943 LAKEVIEW BLVD $1,095,000 4 3 3794 DETACHD 1-3PM
13310 ATWATER LN $1,295,000 5 4 5697 DETACHD 1-3PM
448 COUNTRY CLUB RD $1,299,000 4 3.1 4873 DETACHD 11AM-1PM
112 NORTHSHORE CIR $1,550,000 4 3.1 3632 DETACHD 2-4PM
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News & Notes

Here is the latest data for you on the overall Portland area, as well as specific Lake Oswego/West Linn (RMLS lumps them together) activity:

September’s activity is what they’re calling “Tapering Seasonally”  : )   It’s down from August, but very strong compared to last year.  According to RMLS, it was the strongest September for New Listings since 2010!

According to the RMLS Market Action Report for the Portland Metro Area  September, 2013:

  • At 2,158, September Closed Sales were a 17.7% down from August’s 2,623, and/but represent the best the best September for Closed Sales since 2006  when there were 2,506 !
  • There were 2,925 New Listings in September. This was a decrease of 14.5% from August, and an increase of 19.3% over September of 2012’s total of 2,451.
  • The Average Sale Price in August was $317,300, down from $321,900 in August 2013.
  • Pending Sales (accepted offers) dropped slightly from August 2013’s total of 2,614  to 2,219 in September.

The combined areas of Lake Oswego and West Linn  for August reported :

    • 558 Active Listings
    • 161 New Listings
    • 110Pending Sales
    • 111Closed Sales
    • An average Sale Price of $459,800.
    • Average Time on the Market: 78Days
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Market Activity Oct 14-20, 2013

New listings seem to have slowed down last week with just 12 houses entering the market, but pending sales remained strong at 22, and closed sales at 14.

New Listings

86 Kingsgate Rd C204, Condo, 2 BR, 2 Baths, 938SF, $100,000

3808 Botticelli St, Condo, 3 BR, 2 Baths, 1288SF, $189,900

210 S State St, Condo, 2 BR, 1 Bath, 1284SF, $225,000

28 Greenridge Ct, Attached, 3 BR, 2 Baths, 1900SF, $294,950

2440 Greentree Rd, Detached, 3 BR, 1.5 Baths, 1850SF, $349,900

2275 Glen Haven Rd, Detached, 3 BR, 1.5 Baths, 1800SF, $399,000

3595 Tempest Dr, Detached, 3 BR, 2 Baths, 2126SF, $424,900

1571 Woodland Terrace, Detached, 3 BR, 2 Baths, 2400SF, $498,900

17575 Blue Heron Ct, Detached, 3 BR, 3.5 Baths, 2972SF, $599,900

13601 Twin Creek Ln, Detached, 4 BR, 2.5 Baths, 3156SF, $630,000

1168 Andrews Rd, Detached, 3 BR, 3 Baths, 1851SF, $725,000

17224 Cedar Rd, Detached, 3 BR, 2 Baths, 3098SF, $850,000

Pending Sales

47 Eagle Crest, Condo, 3 BR, 2 Baths, 1026SF, $119,900, 153DOM

15938 Quarry Rd B-4, Condo, 2 BR, 1 Bath, 991SF, $138,000, 184DOM

143 Oswego Summit, Condo, 3 BR, 1 Bath, 1212SF, $146,000, 24DOM

17500 Pilkington Rd, Detached, 3 BR, 1 Bath, 1050SF, $204,900, 119DOM

5813 Kennycroft Way, Detached, 3 BR, 1 Bath, 1182SF, $265,900, 107DOM

29 Greenridge Ct, Attacahed, 3 BR, 2 Baths, 1730SF, $279,900, 5DOM

4281 Cobb Way, Detached, 3 BR, 2 Baths, 1626SF, $349,900, 3DOM

3285 Childs Rd, Detached, 4 BR, 3 Baths, 2780SF, $350,000, 28DOM

643 2nd St, Attached, 2 BR, 2 Baths, 1457SF, $400,000, 39DOM

23 Da Vinci St, Detached, 3 BR, 2.5 Baths, 2024SF, $425,000, 8DOM

18321 Wood Thrush Circle, Detached, 3 BR, 2.5 Baths, 2333SF, $458,500, 71DOM

16838 Wight Ln, Detached, 4 BR, 2.5 Baths, 2364SF, $464,500, 85DOM

830 4th St, Detached, 3 BR, 2 Baths, 1690SF, $528,000, 63DOM

15677 Fieldstone Dr, Detached, 3 BR, 2.5 Baths, 2527SF, $546,500, 69DOM

4121 Hedge Nettle Ct, Detached, 3 BR, 2.5 Baths, 2307SF, $552,500, 244DOM

17973 Saint Clair Dr, Detached, 4 BR, 3 Baths, 3323SF, %550,000-$565,500, 27DOM

5780 Childs Rd, Detached, 4 BR, 2 Baths, 2770SF, $629,000, 149DOM

13520 Knaus Rd, Detached, 4 BR, 3 Baths, 2641SF, $699,000, 15DOM

19363 Riverwood Ln, Detached, 4 BR, 3 Baths, 2984SF, $719,000, 783DOM

17342 Ridgeview Ct, Detached, 4 BR, 3.5 Baths, 4240, $1,250,000, 66DOM

13050 Knaus Rd, Detached, 4 BR, 3.5 Baths, 4821SF, $1,395,000, 9DOM

425 G Ave, Detached, 4 BR, 2.5+.5 Baths, 3890SF, $1,400,000, 91DOM

Sold Listings

70 Galen ST, Condo, listed $135,000, Sold $99,000, 923SF, 231DOM

3836 Botticelli St, Attached, listed $138,000, sold $100,000, 1055SF, 315DOM

86 Kingsgate Rd #27, Condo, listed $107,500, sold $107,500, 938SF, 6DOM

5056 Foothills Dr D, Condo, listed $259,000, sold $205,000, 1252SF, 195DOM

6241 Wayzata Ct, Detached, listed $270,000, sold $245,000, 1232SF, 67DOM

17833 Central Ave, Detached, listed $339,000, sold $324,000, 1533SF, 25DOM

17140 Wall St, Detached, listed 455,000, sold $455,000, 3711SF, 6DOM

810 9th St, Detached, listed $535,000, sold $535,000, 2510SF, 0DOM

4836 Hastings Dr, Detached, listed 630,000, sold $600,000, 2855SF, 32DOM

14370 Uplands Dr, Detached, listed $699,000, sold $683,000, 3036SF, 42DOM

547 Middlecrest Rd, Detached, listed 699,000, sold $683,000, 3036SF, 116DOM

17555 Brookhurst Dr, Detached, listed $710,000, sold $710,000, 3846SF, 1DOM

17878 Hillside Dr, Detached, listed $754,900, sold $750,000, 3594SF, 1DOM

19575 35th Ct, Detached, listed $1,135,000, sold $997,000, 6081SF, 43DOM

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 10/20/13

This Sunday there will be 28 Open Houses in Lake Oswego. We are having a glorious, sunny weekend, so it should be a great day to tour. Enjoy!

45 Eagle Crest #409, 2 BR, 2 Baths, $150,000, Open 1 to 3

3595 Tempest Dr, 3 BR, 2 Baths, $424,900, Open 12 to 3

87 Ash St, 3 BR, 2 Baths, $429,900, Open 1 to 3

16038 Reese Rd, 3 BR, 3 Baths, $449,000, Open 1 to 3

5456 Willow Ct, 3 BR, 2.5 Baths, $469,000, Open 1 to 3

6192 Harrington Ave, 5 BR, 3 Baths, $479,900, Open 12 to 2

15677 Fieldstone Dr, 3 BR, 2.5 Baths, $546,500, Open 12 to 2

3435 Lake Grove Ave, 4 BR, 3 Baths, $604,900, Open 1 to 4

18020 Jennifers Way, 4 BR, 2.5 Baths, $609,889, Open 12 to 3

19524 River Run Dr, 4 BR, 2.5 Baths, $618,950, Open 12 to 2

2478 Marylview Ct, 5 BR, 3 Baths, $619,000, Open 1 to 3

14412 Meadow Grass St, 5 BR, 2.5 Baths, $619,900, Open 2 to 4

5522 Royal Oaks Dr, 4 BR, 2.5 Baths, $624,500, Open 12 to 3

113601 Twin Creek Ln, 4 BR, 2.5 Baths, $630,000, Open 1 to 3

421 Middlecrest Rd, 3 BR, 2.5 Baths, $645,000, Open 1 to 3

18042 Jenifers Way, 4 BR, 3 Baths, $657,950, Open 12:30 to 3

5831 Suncreek Dr, 4 BR, 2.5 Baths, $659,900, Open 1 to 3

18064 Jenifers Way, 5 BR, 3 Baths, $667,950, Open 12:30 to 3

5728 Bay Creek Dr, 5 BR, 2.5 Baths, $719,900, Open 2 to 4

13562 Peters Rd, 4 BR, 3 Baths, $875,000, Open 2 to 4

4540 Lamont Way, 4 BR, 2.5 Baths, $899,950, Open 3 to 5

2801 Lakeview Blvd, 3 BR, 3.5+.5 Baths, $925,000, Open 12 to 4

2671 Glen Eagles Rd, 3 BR, 3 Baths, $950,000, Open 1 to 3

14110 Goodall Rd, 4 BR, 3.5 Baths, $995,000, Open 12 to 2

2943 Lakeview Blvd, 4 BR, 3 Baths, $1,095,000, Open 1 to 3

853 D Ave, 4 BR, 3.5 Baths, $1,250,000, Open 2 to 4

16777 Phantom Bluff Ct, 4 BR, 2.5+.5 Baths, Open 1 to 3

67 Nansen Summit, 6 BR, 4 Baths, $1,500,000, Open 1 to 3

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14 Mistakes that can Hurt Your Home’s Value

ST359S_PICMSN Real Estate recently had an excellent article on things people do to homes that actually devalues them. I thought the list was pretty spot on, and so I want to share it with you here. I will also give you my take on each item.

Over Developing for your Area
Your home is directly affected by the surrounding homes in your area. That old adage location, location, location really does hold true. So don’t expect to get all of your money back if the surrounding properties are selling for significantly less.

Inconsistent Remodeling
My personal pet peeve is when a great old house gets gutted and made “up-to-date”. 1980’s kitchens in 1920’s bungalows and just horrible. When you remodel, try to respect the style of the home and work within it’s parameters. You must have liked it at least a little, otherwise you wouldn’t have bought the house, right?

Fully Enclosing a Front Porch
While it may be a good way to create an entry space, it really has a huge impact on the curb appeal of the house. Consider doing a partial enclosure, or perhaps screened porch.

Too Much “You” in Your Home
I once toured a house with about a 100 dolls displayed. They were having little tea parties and sitting on doilies. This creates a total distraction that most people don’t relate to. It certainly puts off potential buyers.

Messing Up the Floorplan
A floor plan should be easy to maneuver in. You shouldn’t have to go through rooms to get to other rooms such as adding a bedroom to the back of a bedroom. If it seems odd, it is.

Keeping an Above-Ground Pool
No one wants to have to remove and take away other people’s abandoned toys. They are also a bit of a monolith to look at. Get rid of it.

Tackling Big Projects Yourself
While the temptation to save money may be strong, you could actually loose money in the end. Get it done right. It needs to look like it was professionally done.

Over-stuffing a Remodel
Less can actually be more. Over-filling a space will make it feel small and cramped. Declutter to enlarge rooms. They should feel spacious and bright.

Too Trendy
This is a tough one. If you are buying a new home, building an addition, or remodeling an existing home, you are restricted by what you can find to purchase. So the show rooms and stores are going to have what is current and popular today. I see 2 solutions: stick with classic colors and styles, or consider shopping at stores that recycle and resell house parts. The author of the article that I obtained this list from specifically mentioned the little skinny tiles currently being used in counter back splashes. It is true that they just scream 2013. But if you like them, use them. Just know that in a few years they’ll we need to be replaced.

Converting the Garage
If you do a garage conversion, leave the door and door tracks in place so that it can be easily converted back. This will preserve the curb appeal of the house and allow a future owner to retain the garage.

Not Getting Permits
Don’t even think of doing remodeling without proper permits. Not only will it create an obstacle at the time of resale, but it could have serious consequences if you ever make a claim with your home owner’s insurance.

Keeping Brass
Brass that was so popular in the 1990’s is out, out, out. You can buy bathroom conversion kits for things like shower doors, and then go after changing out the hinges, knobs, and light fixtures. This sort of project is rather labor intensive. Consider doing it a bit at a time so that after a few months it’s complete. I think this is one of the single easiest items to do to improve value.

thOver-the-top Colors
No, purple is not a good idea. Over-powering decorating is a total distraction. Having said this, don’t be afraid of color. All white is not currently very popular either. My advice is to go and visit some new neighborhoods with model homes. Builders hire designers to tastefully select colors. You’ll get some good ideas that should be pretty safe.

Ignoring Flaws
This one is a bit like the frog in the pan of slowly heated water. We live in our homes and get used to them. When the house is listed for sale, all of those little things you have grown used to may be just the combination that keeps the house from selling. And the single biggest flaw that is easily fixed is cleaning the house. Clean it top to bottom, every window, every closet. Make it sparkle.

I hope you find this helpful.
Dianne

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Market Activity ~ Oct 7-13, 2013

We’ve got steady activity in Lake Oswego. RMLS shows 11 New properties entering the market, 20 moving to Pending status, and 15 that “Closed”/Sold.

Here is the breakdown of activity last week according to RMLS:

NEW SALES (Oct 7-13, 2013):

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
4405 THUNDER VISTA LN $245,500 2 2.1 2002 CONDO
29 GREENRIDGE CT $279,900 3 2 1730 ATTACHD
15 SUMMIT RIDGE CT $339,900 2 2.1 1750 ATTACHD
250 FURNACE ST $389,000 2 1 899 DETACHD
23 DA VINCI ST $425,000 3 2.1 2024 DETACHD
17129 KELOK RD $499,000 3 2 1996 DETACHD
13036 SIERRA CT $549,900 3 2 2214 DETACHD
421 MIDDLECREST RD $645,000 3 2.1 2383 DETACHD
3033 WESTVIEW CIR $900,000 5 4.1 5013 DETACHD
19354 LORNA LN $950,000 4 3.1 4169 DETACHD
1978 EGAN WAY $1,995,000 4 5.2 6761 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (Oct 7-13, 2013)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4000 CARMAN DR #79 $135,000 2 2 993 CONDO 4
45 EAGLE CREST DR #508 $179,900 2 2 1046 CONDO 29
3101 MCNARY PKWY $220,000 3 2.1 1894 ATTACHD 354
15495 BRIANNE CT $232,000 2 2.1 1292 ATTACHD 35
837 COUNTRY CLUB RD $349,000 4 3 1729 DETACHD 121
4200 WESTBAY RD $359,000 2 1 944 DETACHD 101
791 BRIERCLIFF LN $359,900 3 2.1 1736 DETACHD 90
1023 LUND ST $375,000 4 2.1 2313 DETACHD 99
1645 CLOVERLEAF RD $397,000 3 3 2494 DETACHD 33
1250 HEMLOCK ST $399,950 3 2 2656 DETACHD 90
45 TANGLEWOOD DR $433,900 5 3.1 3166 DETACHD 4
5602 SOUTHWOOD DR $498,900 4 2.1 2636 DETACHD 20
4545 DOGWOOD DR $499,500 3 2 2483 DETACHD 8
1941 GREEN ACRES LN $499,900 4 2.1 2449 DETACHD 227
330 D AVE $554,900 3 2 3150 DETACHD 0
113 FURNACE ST / Grnd $635,000 2 2.1 2154 CONDO 6
5267 LAKEVIEW BLVD $674,900 4 3.1 3454 DETACHD 87
5900 SUNCREEK DR $699,900 4 2.1 3736 DETACHD 106
13900 GOODALL RD $1,299,000 5 3.1 4282 DETACHD 8
17700 Lake Haven DR $1,579,900 4 3.1 4006 DETACHD 36

SOLD (Oct 7-13, 2013)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
13 CRESTFIELD CT $46,916 $70,000 1 0.1 550 CONDO 323
284 CERVANTES CIR $104,500 $92,650 2 2 1052 CONDO 238
3930 LAKE GROVE AVE #3B $136,000 $103,000 2 1 952 CONDO 188
44 EAGLE CREST DR $120,000 $124,000 2 1 908 CONDO 29
482 S STATE ST #3B $195,900 $151,380 2 1 1659 CONDO 149
3433 SW MCNARY PKWY #504 $174,700 $165,000 2 2.1 1136 CONDO 43
3978 SW CARMAN DR $169,900 $169,900 2 2.1 1098 ATTACHD 3
12808 BOONES FERRY RD $279,000 $250,000 3 2.1 1174 CONDO 76
17650 DEEMAR WAY $310,000 $295,000 4 2 1375 DETACHD 31
18971 Indian Springs CIR $375,000 $375,000 3 2 1525 DETACHD 93
2 ABELARD ST $449,900 $419,900 3 3.1 2435 DETACHD 100
2188 OVERLOOK DR $499,900 $450,000 4 2.1 2594 DETACHD 130
4860 CENTERWOOD ST $479,000 $460,000 5 2.1 2533 DETACHD 64
17393 GRANDVIEW CT $659,900 $532,000 4 3.1 3672 DETACHD 243
5064 WOODCREST LN / Lt 11 $639,900 $668,530 4 2.1 3215 DETACHD 209

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

Posted on

Open Houses ~ Oct 13, 2013

It’s a Beautiful Fall Day in Lake Oswego!Fall Tree_a

Here are the 29 homes that are being held Open according to RMLS. Enjoy!

The Fall is here

How do I know?

The Trees have all

Become Aglow

And the Blue, Blue Sky

So much more Treasured

Inspiring Memories

Of the Falls We’ve Weathered

(me)

Address L/Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Open
44 EAGLE CREST DR #41 $123,900 2 1 908 1-3PM
4 TOUCHSTONE #62 $159,500 3 2.1 1351 1-3PM
668 MCVEY AVE #46 $217,000 2 1 852 12-3PM
1261 BOCA RATAN DR $270,000 3 2 1611 1-3PM
6380 WASHINGTON CT $324,950 3 2 1720 12-3PM
19113 TERRY AVE $359,900 4 2 1454 1-3PM
924 LAUREL ST $360,000 3 2 1965 1-3PM
1602 GREENTREE RD $399,950 4 2 1708 2-4PM
45 TANGLEWOOD DR $433,900 5 3.1 3166 2-4PM
12 BUCKINGHAM TER $529,000 5 3.1 3642 1:30-3:30PM
15677 FIELDSTONE DR $546,500 3 2.1 2527 1-4PM
5555 FIELDSTONE CT $579,500 3 2.1 2664 1-4PM
3435 LAKE GROVE AVE $619,900 4 3 2618 1-4PM
1981 SUMMIT DR $632,000 3 2.1 2579 1-3PM
18042 JENIFERS WAY $657,950 4 3 2946 12-2:30PM
18064 JENIFERS WAY $667,950 5 3 2965 12-2:30PM
716 LAKESHORE RD $675,000 3 2 1878 2-4PM
18994 BRYANT RD $699,000 4 2.1 3146 12-3PM
5900 SUNCREEK DR $699,900 4 2.1 3736 1-3PM
5 DOVER WAY $865,000 4 4.1 5257 12-4PM
420 RIDGEWAY RD $895,000 2 2 2190 1-4PM
4540 SW LAMONT WAY $899,950 4 2.1 3555 3-4:30PM
18187 SIENA DR $938,950 4 3.1 3745 12-3PM
18430 TAMAWAY DR $939,000 4 2.2 3902 1-4PM
752 E AVE $998,500 3 3 2818 10AM-2PM
2135 RIDGE POINTE DR $1,124,500 5 4.2 6755 1-3PM
13310 ATWATER LN $1,295,000 5 4 5697 2-4PM
13 NANSEN SMT $1,350,000 4 4.1 4625 1-4PM
448 COUNTRY CLUB RD $1,395,000 4 3.1 4873 12-2PM