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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips & Tidbits

  • Recently, according to a NAR (Natl’ Assoc. of Realtors) publication’s questionnaire, numbers were compiled on how many Realtors would “stage a fridge”.  Here are the interesting results:

– 49%   “Absolutely. No detail is too small for some buyers.”

– 26%   “Only if the fridge is staying with the house.”

– 15%   “Maybe, but it’s overkill.  Anyone who cares what’s in the fridge is too picky.”

– 10%   “Yuck! I’m a real estate professional, not a maid!”

Now me?  I know that staging is important.  And it’s more important in some homes than others.  I will go over strategies  with my clients individually tailored to create great “flow” in their home, and an easy, expansive and pleasant showing experience for their potential Buyers… sometimes by moving furniture a bit, moving, removing or swapping out artwork, de-cluttering and clearing countertops, as well as generally minimizing.  I will say, though, that I am a sucker for the fact that people still need to “Live” in their home during the Selling process, so I am not as strict as some agents. But, I will explain that if someone is distracted by your personal belongings- family photos etc, they are now not looking at your home… they are looking at your things….  You want the Buyer to be able to see themselves living in your home, picturing what their furniture will look like over there, and getting excited at the idea of living in it.  That’s why neutral colors are encouraged, what I call “old lady wallpaper” is discouraged, and things that might evoke a negative response in people such as overly religious decor, lots of alcohol on display or political “statements” are not advised. The way it was explained to me before I was a Realtor and was selling my first home makes the most sense: “The way you live in a home (most people anyway : ) is completely different from the way you sell a home.”    ***I would not stage a fridge : )

  • When Selling your home, make sure to fill out each line of the Property Disclosures. There are boxes for N/A and Unknown.  If you don’t see the appropriate box, just write in N/A or whatever is correct.  The point is to disclose everything you know about your property, and I will tell you that the best policy is “Disclose, Disclose, Disclose”.  If there is something you are not sure you should put on the Disclosure because you think that if you did, it would make someone potentially think twice about buying your home… that is a huge hint to disclose it!  Most Buyers know that they are not buying a brand new home (unless they are : )  and so are expecting there to be some issues here & there.  These are fodder for potential negotiation, and you know that, as a Buyer, you yourself would feel much more comfortable & more likely to remain engaged buying from people who were being up-front with you about their home. You can also make the choice to correct whatever issue it is prior to filling out the Disclosure form. Disclosing “issues” also protects you in the event that something happens later on after the sale, and was the result of something that you normally would have been aware of but didn’t include on your disclosures. You can attach separate pieces of paper to explain certain things, or, if you have room, just make a note on the form itself. Remember… Disclose, Disclose, Disclose!
  • I’m told property taxes were just confirmed yesterday.  At this time of year, if you are in the middle of a transaction, it’s always good to talk w/your Agent and Escrow Offcer about how taxes will play out in your Closing breakdown.  The tax year begins on July 1st, and runs through June 30th of the following year, BUT, the tax amounts are not finalized until around this time of year.  If you are buying in September, for instance, Escrow will likely take a stab at figuring out what your taxes will amount to by taking last year’s number, and adding on a certain percent.  If you over-pay at Closing, you will receive a check in the mail shortly afterward refunding anything over-estimated.  Escrow is your neutral third party. Utilize their services so that you are fully prepared when you get to the closing table!

Market Activity Sept 30-Oct 6, 2013

Last week was extremely balanced with near equal numbers in all categories: 15 new listings, 15 pending sales, and 19 closed sales.

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

NEW SALES (Sept 30-Oct 6, 2013):

Address Type Price BR Bths SF
4000 Carman Dr #79 Condo $135,000 2 2 993
4 Touchstone #62 Condo $159,500 3 2.5 1351
5054 Foothills Dr C Condo $239,000 3 2 1252
19113 Terry Ave Detached $359,900 4 2 1454
924 Laurel St Detached $360,000 3 2 1965
5456 Willow Ct Attached $469,000 3 2.5 2423
17125 Fernwood Dr Detached $478,000 3 3 2688
4545 Dogwood Dr Detached $499,500 3 2 2483
6122 Carman Dr Detached $525,000 4 2 1508
3435 Lake Grove Ave Detached $619,900 4 3 2618
18994 Bryant Rd Detached $699,000 4 2.5 3146
13520 Knaus Rd Detached $699,000 4 3 2641
13900 Goodall Rd Detached $1,299,000 5 3.5 4282
13050 Knaus Rd Detached $1,395,000 4 3.5 4821
16743 Graef Circle Detached $1,495,000 4 2.5 3772

PENDING SALES (Sept 30-Oct 6, 2013)

Address Type Price BR Baths SF DOM
284 Cervantes Circle Condo $100,000 2 2 1052 238
70 Galen St Condo $105,000 2 1 923 231
5225 Jean Rd #401 Condo $129,900 2 2 1080 153
220 Cervantes #c Condo $185,000 2 2 1378 12
6 Oriole Ln Condo $265,000 3 2.5 1539 6
765 Maple Ln Detached $335,000 3 2 1998 68
4361 Albert Circle Detached $429,900 3 2.5 2472 19
1 Hidalgo St Detached $448,500 3 2.5 2489 97
2727 Glen Haven Rd Detached $449,900 3 2 2518 3
13008 Rodgers Rd Detached $479,000 4 2.5 2448 116
14058 Chatham Ct Detached $519,900 3 2.5 2235 4
13250 Sandalwood Ct Detached $539,000 3 2.25 2842 1154
622 Carrera Ln Detached $899,000 4 4.5 5446 84
15411 Village Dr Detached $899,900 4 3.5 3809 7
686 8th St Detached $995,000 4 3 3200 40

SOLD (Sept 30-Oct 6, 2013)

Address Type List Price Closed Price Sq Ft CDOM
668 McVey Ave #15 Condo $117,000 $116,000 636 1
3864 Botticelli St Condo $174,950 $172,000 1132 4
5051 Foothills Dr E Condo $189,900 $190,000 991 6
16616 Lake Forest Blvd Detached $229,000 $209,000 1,056 2
668 McVey Ave Condo $210,000 $210,000 852 1
18420 Don Lee Way Detached $255,000 $243,000 924 68
200 Burnham Rd #209 Condo $295,000 $280,000 1305 28
1274 Hallinan Circle Detached $339,900 $339,900 1337 1
668 McVey Ave #32 Condo $379,000 $360,000 992 24
4286 Orchard Way Detached $478,500 $443,500 1998 73
429 10th St Detached $495,000 $448,786 2280 25
33 Spinosa Detached $459,000 $450,000 2215 60
303 Lake Bay Ct Detached $485,000 $457,400 1560 95
2234 Fernwood Circle Detached $499,900 $460,000 3000 175
32 Westridge Dr Detached $579,900 $499,900 3653 158
5501 Rachel Ln Detached $749,888 $640,000 3509 304
17900 Greenbluff Dr Detached $850,000 $725,000 4210 211
817 Hoodview Ln Detached $769,000 $735,000 3446 30
14635 Uplands Dr Detached $819,000 $799,000 3941 56

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