Tag: Whitney Gregoire

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Earth Advantage Designation

I am pleased to let you know that I have become an Earth Advantage Designated Broker. What does this mean? It means that I have attended and passed a course that gives me this accreditation. I have a very strong personal interest in living my life sustain-ably and making choices based upon being environmentally aware (yes, I used cloth diapers on my children and adore re-usable grocery bags). So this felt like an easy and natural thing to take on. I want to share with you a bit of what I have learned.

Earth Advantage is a third-party organization that is very active here in Oregon. These organizations tend to be regional with about 70 of them around the United States. What they do is set standards that are regionally acknowledged to allow home owners, builders, and Realtors to have a basis of understanding a criteria of environmental sustainability.

Earth Advantage is commonly seen in new construction. Builders long ago learned that building to these standards is popular with home buyers. An Earth Advantage designation on a new home makes that home more competitive as a commodity to be sold. So it not only helps the environment, but it helps the profitability of the home for the builder. An Earth Advantage home must have met sustainability standards that are 15% more stringent than building just to local code requirements. This means the house is built to be energy efficient, it takes into consideration where materials come from, and how materials are disposed of. Did you know that it takes an average of 13 years for the world to recover the resources that go into building a new home?

Earth Advantage designations can also be given to homes that are already built. In fact, the most sustainable home you can buy is one that is already built. You can do improvements to an already built home, think new windows, insulation, water conservation, that will make the existing home come up to modern standards for sustainability. A good place to start is by contacting Energy Trust of Oregon (energytrust.org) and obtaining one of their free energy saver kits. To go straight to the website, click here.

This is going to come into play in a big way, particularly in the City of Portland. Beginning January 1, 2018, selling a house in Portland will require providing a home energy score to prospective purchasers. While this is not going to be required in Lake Oswego, I do believe it is going to raise awareness of houses energy efficiency for consumers, and that we will see buyers of homes in Lake Oswego asking for similar accommodations from sellers.

I think we pretty easily understand the benefits of energy efficiency and sustainability for houses. It saves money, particularly over time. It can be better for our health. And it is environmentally responsible. I think some of the most exciting things you can do when you start to prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability are also just super easy. Did you know that putting in a $10 low-flow shower head can save you about $150 a year? Wrapping your water heater with a $25 insulated blanket can save you $200 a year? Things like light bulbs, programmable thermostats, and smart power strips are inexpensive and give you big pay back.

OK. I’ll get down off of my soap box. I hope you can tell that this is a subject that I really like. Feel free to reach out with questions on this subject. All three of us, Linda, Whitney, and myself, love to hear from you.
Dianne

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Market Activity April 24-30, 2017

Our spring market is moving right along with 18 new listings this past week, 31 pending sales, and 22 closed/sold properties. Only 18 new listings up against 31 pending sales continues to reflect that demand is out pacing supply. Expect to see prices continue to rise in this real estate climate.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS:

New on the Market (April 24-30, 2017)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft
7190 Childs Rd Detached $450,000 3 2.5 2316
1705 Conifer Dr Detached $499,900 3 1.5 1774
19101 Redwing Ct Detached $549,900 3 2 1434
12 Scarborough Dr Detached $650,000 4 2.5 2966
10 Buckingham Terr Detached $674,900 4 3 3428
2272 Park Rd Detached $675,000 4 3 2325
18034 Westview Dr Detached $715,000 4 2.5 3562
5228 Lower Dr Detached $795,000 4 2.5 2712
17739 Overlook Circle Detached $800,000 4 2.5 3391
810 9th St Detached $829,000 3 2 2417
725 Oak Meadow Ct Detached $1,119,000 4 2.5+.5 3753
426 7th St Detached $1,178,000 4 2.5 3088
1555 Country Commons Detached $1,279,000 3 2.5 4191
4933 Lakeview Blvd Detached $1,295,000 3 3 3988
14711 Uplands Dr Detached $1,375,000 4 4.5 3504
635 Iron Mountain Blvd Detached $1,598,000 5 3.5 4736
705 Terrace Dr Detached $2,395,000 4 3.5 3686
18785 Westview Dr Detached $2,995,000 4 3.5+.5+.5 6008

Pending Sales (April 24-30, 2017)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft CDOM
100 Kerr Pkwy #11 Condo $120,900 1 1 617 48
86 Kingsgate Rd F202 Condo $164,900 2 2 849 23
29 Crestfield Ct Condo $174,900 2 2 995 3
111 Oswego Summit Condo $195,500 1 1 764 21
216 Cervantes A Condo $220,000 2 1 1336 2
5056 Foothills Dr #58 Condo $339,900 2 2 1252 7
34 Weatherstone #17 Attached $375,000 3 2.5 1692 2
4454 Thunder Vista Ln Condo $379,900 3 3.5 1894 36
1033 Hallinan St Detached $399,900 3 1 936 8
81 Kingsgate Rd Detached $419,500 2 2 1270 13
4968 Suntree Ln Attached $429,000 2 2.5 1680 12
1410 Spruce St Detached $439,900 3 2 1242 2
440 Boca Ratan Dr Detached $499,000 3 2 1932 21
39 Aquinas St Detached $525,000 2 2.5 1986 4
4067 Melissa Dr Detached $599,000 4 2.5 2623 4
19155 Bryant Dr Detached $600,000 4 1.5 1826 20
17085 Chapin Way Detached $619,900 3 3 3330 20
980 C Ave Detached $625,000 3 2 1317 0
1666 Fircrest Dr Detached $638,000 4 3 2817 25
5875 Bay Point Dr Detached $649,000 3 2.5 2511 10
940 Hoodview Ln Detached $649,900 4 2.5 2520 8
960 Bullock St Detached $649,900 3 2 3200 3
16 Del Prado St Detached $749,000 4 2.5 2682 4
5332 Lower Dr Detached $795,000 4 2.5 2600 42
50 Becket St Detached $849,900 4 2.5 4162 10
3 Dover Way Detached $899,999 5 2.5+.5 4988 21
17577 Brookhurst Dr Detached $995,000 4 2.5 3894 6
14113 Amberwood Circle Detached $1,039,000 4 2.5 3512 15
5250 Dawn St Detached $1,425,000 4 3.5 4387 2
148 5th St Detached $1,479,000 4 3.5 3540 119
3133 Douglas Circle Detached $1,499,000 4 3.5 3981 25

Sold/Closed (April 24-30, 2017)

Address Type List Price Sold Price Sq Ft CDOM
512 S State St Condo $170,000 $170,000 829 3
4000 Carman Dr A6 Condo $215,000 $205,000 866 2
234 Ridgeway Rd Condo $330,000 $293,000 914 11
5056 Foothills Dr F Condo $350,000 $329,000 1252 17
2 Summit Ridge Ct Attached $449,900 $385,000 1750 26
4418 Thunder Vista Ln Condo $385,000 $386,000 2040 12
17224 Greentree Ave Detached $465,900 $460,000 1554 7
6122 Carman Dr Detached $520,000 $481,000 1508 4
17872 Pilkington Rd Detached $595,000 $540,000 1610 169
16510 Maple Circle Detached $609,000 $585,000 2295 191
15939 Twin Fir Rd Detached $649,000 $657,900 2480 131
17927 Ridge Lake Dr Detached $659,000 $659,000 2544 54
3660 Olson Ct Detached $675,000 $670,000 3172 3
3758 Olson Ct Detached $675,000 $675,000 3193 1
4587 Trillium Woods Attached $650,000 $680,000 2211 2
3333 Royce Way Detached $749,000 $706,000 2697 44
5043 Rosewood St Detached $849,000 $799,000 2963 24
13970 Taylors Crest Ln Detached $869,000 $869,000 3371 2
4720 Firwood Rd Detached $1,150,000 $1,150,000 3483 0
17473 Canal Circle Detached $1,550,000 $1,506,000 2815 4
17104 Cedar Rd Detached $1,699,000 $1,565,000 3310 263
757 Lake Shore Rd Detached $2,895,000 $2,750,000 4098 126

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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Radon. What is it? What to do.

PortlandRadonZIPCodeMap

We haven’t addressed this in awhile, and though Lake Oswego has a “Moderate” risk of radon, it is still a concern, and when buying a home, should be addressed.

What is radon? Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and comes from the natural breakdown (radioactive decay) of uranium. Certain rocks, like granite, lie in random accumulations down under the ground, and if the home you’re living in or contemplating buying has some underneath it, you may have radon gases seeping up into your home. That said, you might see a radon mitigation system on a neighboring property, and test finding no signs of radon emanating from underneath yours.

Radon is a known cause of lung cancer….so, its important to mitigate it. Luckily, mitigating is pretty simple and not too costly. It involves putting some type of piping into the area underneath the home and venting the gases high up, out and away from the home into the atmosphere. The cost is usually somewhere around $1400.00, give or take.

Testing for radon is a part of most every home inspection I oversee. There are several ways to test. If you own a home and wish to have it tested, there are kits you can purchase and then mail away for results. I prefer to know pretty quickly as transaction timelines necessitate all kinds of decision-making within some tight timelines. My preferred method is enlisting the services of an environmental services company to place a small machine in the home at the lowest living area. After 48 hours, a ticker tape of sorts will give a readout of radon levels throughout that time, and you can discuss whether the levels are within the “safe” range…or not.

Here is a recent piece on radon mitigation in the Portland area: CLICK HERE

Hope this information has proven helpful.

Very Best,
Linda

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Market Activity ~ April 17-23, 2017

Last week saw 16 New properties enter the market in Lake Oswego, 28 move to Pending status, and 22 “Closed”/Sold.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS:

NEW on Mkt (Apr 17-23, 2017)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
12 OSWEGO SMT / Upper $190,000 2 2 1140 CONDO
5056 FOOTHILLS DR #58 $339,900 2 2 1252 CONDO
4268 WOODSIDE CIR $375,000 4 2 1944 ATTACHD
1033 HALLINAN ST $399,900 3 1 936 DETACHD
975 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $579,995 3 2.1 2191 DETACHD
20 MORNINGVIEW CIR $619,000 3 2.1 2698 DETACHD
1991 WEMBLEY PL $625,000 4 2 3042 DETACHD
5875 BAY POINT DR $649,000 3 2.1 2511 DETACHD
940 HOODVIEW LN $649,900 4 2.1 2520 DETACHD
880 WOODWAY CT $700,000 4 3 3513 DETACHD
18439 DEERBRUSH AVE $719,900 4 2.1 2694 DETACHD
16493 GLENWOOD CT $799,000 4 3.1 4530 DETACHD
3088 ROSEMARY LN $824,000 4 2.1 3233 DETACHD
592 7TH ST $988,000 2 3 2562 DETACHD
3151 ALBER SPRING CT $999,950 5 3.1 3802 DETACHD
1130 OAK TER $1,099,000 4 3.1 3729 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (Apr 17-23, 2017)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4 TOUCHSTONE #126 $183,000 2 2 1000 CONDO 5
44 EAGLE CREST DR #36 $189,900 2 1 908 CONDO 14
4 TOUCHSTONE #76 $199,900 2 2 984 CONDO 7
200 BURNHAM RD #400 $210,000 1 1 968 CONDO 2
146 OSWEGO SMT / Upper $229,900 2 2 1212 CONDO 2
245 CERVANTES / Lower $250,000 2 2 1292 CONDO 17
32 GREENRIDGE CT $353,000 3 2.1 1996 CONDO 107
4756 CARMAN DR $379,000 3 1 1455 DETACHD 4
16393 KIMBALL ST $459,400 3 2 1522 DETACHD 52
1658 GREENTREE RD $479,000 4 3 2394 DETACHD 40
16650 LAKE FOREST BLVD $479,000 3 2 1646 DETACHD 2
19201 SW RED WING CT $514,900 4 3 2471 DETACHD 1
18791 INDIAN CREEK WAY $545,000 3 2 1965 DETACHD 4
16500 LEXINGTON CT $550,000 2 2 1688 DETACHD 7
17582 CARDINAL DR $599,900 4 2.1 2326 DETACHD 73
1662 WORTHINGTON ST $599,999 4 2.1 2116 DETACHD 7
5656 LA MESA CT $674,500 4 3 2748 DETACHD 214
17568 BLUE HERON CT $675,000 4 3.1 3909 DETACHD 295
17020 CHAPIN WAY $675,000 4 3 3258 DETACHD 60
4182 GLACIER LILY ST $685,000 4 3 2799 DETACHD 107
16872 CANYON DR $689,900 5 3.1 4069 DETACHD 30
4819 HASTINGS DR $699,900 4 2.1 2453 DETACHD 4
16038 REESE RD $699,900 4 3 3189 DETACHD 48
586 WEIDMAN CT $850,000 5 3.1 3796 DETACHD 4
15963 BONAIRE AVE $868,000 3 2.1 3050 DETACHD 43
950 CEDAR ST $993,000 4 3.1 3135 DETACHD 417
4230 SUNSET DR $1,200,000 4 2.1 3250 DETACHD 14
16645 GRAEF CIR $1,750,000 4 4.1 3075 DETACHD 1

SOLD (Apr 17-23, 2017)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
64 CERVANTES CIR $179,698 $180,000 2 1.1 912 CONDO 2
86 KINGSGATE RD #D-201 $189,500 $195,000 2 2 938 CONDO 6
5056 FOOTHILLS DR #G $309,000 $309,000 2 2 1252 CONDO 3
14372 SHERBROOK PL $335,000 $315,000 2 1.1 1216 DETACHD 203
16514 CARNEGIE AVE $440,000 $390,000 3 1.1 1182 DETACHD 7
16821 CORTEZ CT $375,000 $409,900 3 2 1192 DETACHD 5
5000 CARMAN DR $499,900 $430,000 2 2.1 2010 DETACHD 110
18455 SW Terry $449,000 $447,000 3 2 2257 DETACHD 8
19064 BENFIELD AVE $465,000 $447,100 4 2 1928 DETACHD 5
6276 FROST LN $549,000 $551,000 4 3.1 2304 DETACHD 6
145 DEL PRADO ST $525,000 $561,000 3 2 2074 DETACHD 3
4680 UPPER DR $575,000 $599,999 3 2 1656 DETACHD 4
17372 HUNTER CT $699,000 $622,325 3 2.1 3424 DETACHD 229
15155 BROOK CT $599,900 $630,000 4 3 2388 DETACHD 5
6 DEL PRADO ST $635,000 $655,000 4 3 3318 DETACHD 3
17560 WESTVIEW DR $670,000 $715,000 3 2.1 2590 DETACHD 4
13745 CAMEO CT $895,500 $825,000 4 3 3380 DETACHD 10
17521 LAKE HAVEN DR $899,900 $879,500 4 2.1 3080 DETACHD 5
14021 EDENBERRY CT $875,000 $903,000 4 2.1 3238 DETACHD 5
17512 GREENBLUFF DR $1,150,000 $998,000 4 4 4033 DETACHD 245
15112 QUARRY RD $1,099,000 $1,099,000 5 3.1 3285 DETACHD 25
671 5TH ST $1,178,000 $1,160,000 4 2.1 2781 DETACHD 161

Criteria: Homes in the 97034 and 97035 zip code, listed, pending or sold between the dates listed above as reported by the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS). DETACHD refers to Single Family Detached Residence, MFG refers to manufactured housing, and ATTACHD refers to single-family residences with some portion of the structure attached to another property, but not constituting CONDO ownership. DOM stands for days on market, or the number of days from when the listing became active and when it received an acceptable offer, with CDOM standing for “cumulative days on market” accounting for “refreshed” listings.

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Market Activity Report, April 10th – 16th 2017

Here is the Market Activity Report for April 10th through the 16th. The market continues to speed up as we enjoy a sunny spring. We saw 19 homes enter the market, many of which are over 1 million, WOW!
22 houses went pending, and 10 houses sold.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS:

New on the Market (April 10-16, 2017)

Address Type Price Bedrooms Bathrooms Sqft
750 1ST ST #32 CONDO 199,900 1 1 986
224 RIDGEWAY RD 15-B CONDO 275,000 1 1 700
4469 GOLDEN LN ATTACHED 325,000 2 2.5 1888
81 KINGSGATE RD DETACHED 419,500 2 2 1270
4968 SUNTREE LN ATTACHED 429,000 2 2.5 1680
1059 DEVON LN DETACHED 514,900 2 2.5 2188
5189 TREE ST DETACHED 549,900 4 3 1470
4913 HASTINGS DR DETACHED 668,000 3 2.5 2280
840 BOCA RATAN DR DETACHED 774,000 4 3.5 3595
18052 HOBBIT CT DETACHED 800,000 4 3.5 3289
50 BECKET ST DETACHED 849,900 4 2.5 4162
1100 TYNDALL CT DETACHED 889,500 3 2.5 3142
3938 EDENS EDGE DR DETACHED 1,019,000 4 3.5 3882
14113 AMBERWOOD CIR DETACHED 1,039,000 4 2.5 3512
3458 LAKEVIEW BLVD DETACHED 2,998,000 4 4.5 4647
13961 KNAUS RD DETACHED 3,000,000 4 4.5 6614
951 ATWATER RD DETACHED 3,100,000 6 5.5 7582
14390 UPLANDS DR DETACHED 4,295,000 4 4.5 7656
1527 LAKE FRONT RD DETACHED 6,285,000 5 6.5 7220

Pending Sales (April 10-16, 2017)

Address Type Price Bedroom Bathrooms DOM
47 EAGLE CREST DR #11 CONDO 179,900 2 1 7
332 SW CERVANTES CIR CONDO 184,900 2 1 10
24 OSWEGO SMT CONDO 199,000 2 2 54
50 OSWEGO SMT CONDO 199,900 1 1 2
48 EAGLE CREST DR CONDO 224,900 2 2 26
200 BURNHAM RD CONDO 285,000 2 2 13
1233 BOCA RATAN DR ATTACHED 325,000 2 2 4
5053 FOOTHILLS DR ATTACHED 349,900 3 2 15
16725 LAKE FOREST BLVD DETACHED 389,900 3 2 33
17554 SCHALIT WAY DETACHED 419,900 3 2 3
19021 INDIAN SPRINGS RD DETACHED 485,000 3 2 0
3211 ROYCE WAY DETACHED 499,900 3 2.5 32
56 AQUINAS ST DETACHED 529,000 4 3 10
5966 FROST LN DETACHED 550,000 4 2.5 37
2401 MAYORS LN DETACHED 595,000 3 3 32
46 DA VINCI ST DETACHED 639,900 4 3 34
5919 BAY POINT DR DETACHED 660,000 4 2.5 4
18247 MORIA CT DETACHED 664,950 4 2.5 8
1411 CHERRY CREST DR DETACHED 728,000 8 4.5 21
16672 FIR LN DETACHED 1,238,000 4 4.5 98
18000 EASTRIDGE LN DETACHED 1,750,000 4 4.5 69
17399 CANAL CIR DETACHED 2,395,000 4 3.5 31

Sold/Closed (April 10-16, 2017)

Address Type List Price Close Price Sqft DOM
4000 CARMAN DR CONDO 200,000 207,000 866 2
200 BURNHAM RD CONDO 375,000 362,500 1966 979
5717 SW LANGFORD LN DETACHED 487,500 503,000 1800 3
383 ASH ST DETACHED 575,000 570,000 1697 0
14061 TAYLORS CREST LN DETACHED 779,000 760,000 2970 114
205 5TH ST DETACHED 799,000 780,000 2556 111
35 TANGLEWOOD DR DETACHED 950,000 950,000 4202 3
3155 UPPER DR DETACHED 1,100,000 1,040,000 2950 226
4434 LAKEVIEW BLVD DETACHED 1,375,000 1,285,000 2803 89
4250 UPPER DR DETACHED 1,580,000 1,570,000 4337 7

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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LO Elementary Schools are Best in Oregon

I am of the opinion that the #1 reason that people move to Lake Oswego is for the quality of the public schools. Sure, the town is conveniently located to both Portland and the tech industry in Beaverton. It has low crime, great shopping and restaurants. There are lots and lots of reasons to want to live in Lake Oswego, but the #1, hands down, is the schools.

This was born out, again, this week by the release of a study done by Niche. Niche is a private research group in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who studies schools all over the United States. This last week they released their list of the best elementary schools in the State of Oregon. Here are the top 10:

#1 Oak Creek in Lake Oswego
#2 Westridge in Lake Oswego
#3 Hallinan in Lake Oswego
#4 Lake Grove in Lake Oswego
#5 Riverdale in Portland
#6 Forrest Hills in Lake Oswego
#7 Rivergrove in Lake Oswego
#8 John Muir in Ashland
#9 Willamette Primary in West Linn
#10 Bolton in West Linn

That is every single elementary school in Lake Oswego listed within the top 10 in the state and dominating with 6 out of the top 7. To see the full article, please click here.

I will never forget the day that I decided to move to Lake Oswego. I lived in Sellwood in Southeast Portland, a very trendy and popular area that has only grown more desirable with time. My kids were 8 and 11. My oldest had just started at Sellwood Middle School. I was so completely underwhelmed by the academics. I had been a class room parent volunteer since day 1 in Kindergarden. I knew first hand what the class rooms were like. I just new that I wanted more for my kids. It was a simple as that. The time to move was at that moment, before my kids got any further entrenched socially in Portland Public Schools. And so I moved my kids to Lake Oswego. What a breath of fresh air! Books in the class room (not photo copied everything), teachers who were engaged, kids who ready to learn. It was one of the best decisions that I have ever made for my kids.

You may be in the very same spot. Maybe your kids are growing fast and you know that you want to give them every opportunity possible. Maybe your thinking about the move to Lake Oswego. Please give Linda, Whitney or myself a call. We would love to be of help.
Dianne

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Market Activity April 3-9, 2017

Driving across town yesterday I put on and took off my sunglasses 3 times. That’s how spring rolls in Lake Oswego: beautiful blue skies and sunshine, pouring rain, beautiful blue skies and sunshine, pouring rain. I will also say that the sunsets with the dramatic cloud formations have been incredible. The spring market is kicking into gear as well. Last week LO had 21 properties come onto the market, 22 go into pending status, and 16 closed/sold homes.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS:

New on the Market (April 3-9, 2017)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft
4615 Lakeview Blvd Condo $99,900 1 1 753
15 Crestfield Ct Condo $125,000 1 1 552
86 Kingsgate Rd F202 Condo $164,900 2 2 849
47 Eagle Crest Dr #11 Condo $179,900 2 1 932
332 Cervantes Cir Condo $184,900 2 1 832
86 Kingsgate RdD 201 Condo $189,500 2 2 938
44 Eagle Cresst Dr #36 Condo $189,900 2 1 908
750 1st St E28 Condo $199,950 1 1 902
1233 Boca Ratan Dr Attached $325,000 2 2 1393
56 Aquinas St Detached $529,000 4 3 2119
5 Grouse Terr Detached $579,000 3 2.5+.5 2527
14542 Rainbow Dr Detached $597,000 6 3 3642
17085 Chapin Way Detached $619,900 3 3 3330
18247 Moria Ct Detached $664,950 4 2.5 2791
103 Girabaldi St Detached $949,000 4 3.5 3940
13658 Provincial Hill Way Detached $990,000 5 4 3853
4081 Pfeifer Ct Detached $999,990 5 3.5 4078
3926 Edens Edge Dr Detached $1,199,000 5 3.5+.5 4624
4230 Sunset Dr Detached $1,200,000 4 2.5 3250
3133 Douglas Cir Detached $1,499,000 4 3.5 3981
13571 Westlake Dr Detached $1,500,000 5 4.5 4078

Pending Sales (April 3-9, 2017)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft CDOM
111 Oswego Summit Condo $195,500 1 1 764 1
168 Oswego Summit Condo $197,000 2 2 1383 64
169 Oswego Summit Condo $199,999 2 2 1383 352
181 Oswego Summit Condo $237,000 2 2 1383 12
245 Cervantes Condo $250,000 2 2 1292 3
5063 Foothills Dr A Condo $310,000 2 2 991 2
17901 Tualata Ave Detached $347,000 3 1 912 3
17224 Greentree Ave Detached $465,900 3 2 1554 7
19 Bloch Terr Attached $365,000 2 2 1527 2
5463 Tree St Detached $485,000 3 1.5 1460 5
440 Boca Ratan Dr Detached $499,000 3 2 1932 2
5750 Washington Ct Detached $549,900 3 2.5 2238 182
4688 Firwood Rd Detached $569,000 5 2.5 2436 2
1227 Ash St Detached $599,900 2 2 2151 37
1666 Fircrest Dr Detached $640,000 4 3 2817 5
17465 Upper Cherry Ln Detached $645,000 4 3 3856 228
18461 Waxwing Cir Detached $649,900 5 2.5 3109 3
2397 Hillside Ln Detached $739,000 5 3 2950 8
2481 Marylshire Ln Detached $799,000 5 3.5 4154 37
5640 Meridian Ct Detached $850,000 5 3.5 3493 1
1273 Wells St Detached $979,000 5 3 4091 55
13327 Atwater Ln Detached $1,395,000 3 3 3004 7

Sold/Closed (April 3-9, 2017)

Address Type List Price Sold Price Sq Ft CDOM
1 Crestfield Ct Condo $149,500 $155,629 689 4
47 Eagle Crest Dr #62 Attached $190,000 $203,000 1,026 4
151 Oswego Summit Condo $199,900 $213,000 1,506 37
44 Eagle Crest Dr #28 Condo $219,950 $215,000 1085 39
550 S State St Condo $254,900 $246,000 920 19
18225 SW 65th Ave Detached $225,500 $258,944 1701 33
3970 Carman Dr Attached $250,000 $275,000 1129 2
15256 Boones Way Attached $424,500 $422,085 1618 57
5115 Firwood Rd Detached $479,900 $485,000 1657 1
4750 Upper Dr Detached $550,000 $550,000 3091 14
5 Preakness Ct Detached $565,000 $565,000 3003 2
2060 Ridge Pointe Dr Detached $760,000 $727,060 4120 157
5328 Lower Dr Detached $795,000 $785,000 2600 32
286 D Ave Attached $799,900 $799,000 2302 83
2100 Ridge Pointe Dr Detached $799,900 $825,000 5375 228
776 Carrera Ln Detached $1,000,000 $991,700 3449 25

Criteria: Homes in the 97034 and 97035 zip code, listed, pending or sold between the dates listed above as reported by the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS). DETACHD refers to Single Family Detached Residence, MFG refers to manufactured housing, and ATTACHD refers to single-family residences with some portion of the structure attached to another property, but not constituting CONDO ownership. DOM stands for days on market, or the number of days from when the listing became active and when it received an acceptable offer, with CDOM standing for “cumulative days on market” accounting for “refreshed” listings.

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Market Activity ~ March 27-April 2, 2017

Last week saw 11 New properties enter the market in Lake Oswego, 15 move to Pending status, and 15 “Closed”/Sold.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS:

NEW on Mkt (Mar 27-Apr 2, 2017)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
181 OSWEGO SMT $237,000 2 2 1383 CONDO
#405 $285,000 2 2 1325 CONDO
668 MCVEY AVE $349,900 2 1 852 CONDO
5053 FOOTHILLS DR #F $365,000 3 2 1252 ATTACHD
5463 TREE ST $485,000 3 1.1 1460 DETACHD
1031 OXFORD DR $549,000 3 2.1 2492 DETACHD
8 PIMLICO TER $695,000 5 3 3120 DETACHD
2397 HILLSIDE LN $739,000 5 3 2950 DETACHD
13327 ATWATER LN $1,395,000 3 3 3004 DETACHD
888 FAIRWAY RD $1,770,000 5 2.2 5788 DETACHD
16819 GREENBRIER RD $1,995,000 4 4 3022 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (Mar 27-Apr 2, 2017)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
318 CERVANTES CIR $189,900 2 1 832 CONDO 35
3970 CARMAN DR $250,000 2 2.1 1129 ATTACHD 2
1602 BONNIEBRAE DR $275,000 2 1 864 ATTACHD 7
234 RIDGEWAY RD $289,900 2 1 914 CONDO 11
5056 FOOTHILLS DR #F $350,000 3 2 1252 CONDO 17
3190 DUNCAN DR $439,999 3 2.1 2401 DETACHD 3
2 DEL PRADO ST $550,000 5 4 3287 DETACHD 2
4587 TRILLIUM WOODS $650,000 3 2.1 2211 ATTACHD 2
5533 KENNY ST $700,000 4 3 2900 DETACHD 5
15845 SW Alston WAY $755,000 4 2.1 2682 DETACHD 575
820 BOCA RATAN DR $785,000 4 3.1 2628 DETACHD 263
13 NANSEN SMT $899,900 4 4.1 4625 DETACHD 1340
203 RIDGEWAY RD $949,000 4 3.1 3624 DETACHD 646
18246 BELLA TERRA DR $1,349,900 4 3.1 4196 DETACHD 52
4394 Lords LN $1,350,000 4 3.1 3748 DETACHD

SOLD (Mar 27-Apr 2, 2017)

Address Opening Price Closed Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
45 OSWEGO SMT $109,899 $90,000 1 1 764 CONDO 45
16250 PACIFIC HWY #43 $229,000 $226,500 2 2 1311 CONDO 189
5333 TREE ST $400,000 $400,000 3 1 1114 DETACHD 3
1180 OXFORD DR $409,900 $450,000 3 3 1760 DETACHD 8
6462 FROST ST $499,000 $490,000 4 2.1 2279 DETACHD 9
17605 HILL WAY $500,000 $510,000 3 2.1 2054 DETACHD 3
4585 TRILLIUM WOODS $575,000 $587,500 3 2.1 2004 ATTACHD 7
17821 SUNDOWN CT $599,000 $590,000 4 2.1 3368 DETACHD 165
4668 HASTINGS PL $649,900 $649,900 3 2.1 2432 DETACHD 3
1276 ROCKINGHORSE LN $679,900 $685,000 5 3 3304 DETACHD 4
4847 HASTINGS DR $699,000 $710,000 4 2.1 2703 DETACHD 4
2055 RIDGE POINTE DR $775,000 $745,000 5 3 3454 DETACHD 236
115 3RD ST – Upper $799,000 $754,400 4 2.1 2453 CONDO 216
18653 PILKINGTON RD $1,100,000 $1,100,000 4 3.1 3260 DETACHD 6
915 CEDAR ST $1,200,000 $1,200,000 4 3.1 3219 DETACHD 327

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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A bit About Condos

I have always felt that my real estate business goes in waves. There have been times when I was heavily working waterfront on the lake, times when all my business seemed to be new construction, and times when I seemed to be selling older houses. Today I am in a condo wave. I have two listings that are condos and this weekend I have written offers on two more condos. I am up to my ears in condos. I think it is the universe telling me that I need to write a blog post about condos. So here are a few things to keep in mind if you are considering buying a condo.

First, and in my opinion the most important, is that you are not just buying a home, you are buying into a community. Condominiums are governed by Home Owner’s Associations. Your home inspection will have all of the usual criteria for checking out the structure and the components, but you will also have an inspection of the HOA documents.

HOA documents include rules and regulations that tell you what is and what is not allowed. All usually have a clause for “nuisance” behavior, but some can be pretty restrictive. I have seen rules that don’t let you have anything showing inside of your window that could be objectionable. The two most common issues that you will want to be sure of is whether or not pets are allowed and whether or not rentals are allowed. You need to know these things going in and not after you own it.

Other important documents are about the financial health of the association. You want to see that they have money in reserve to take care of maintenance and repairs. This will include the current year’s budget, and also a reserve study. The reserve study projects into the future for replacement of big items like roofs and siding. While I know everyone hates to pay a monthly HOA fee, and often will rule out buying a condo because the fee seems too high, it is actually super important that the fees collected are enough to not just pay for the current maintenance like mowing the lawns and paying for garbage removal, but also are enough to over time add up to some rather significant amounts of savings. If proper saving isn’t done, then when the time comes to do major repairs the association will be forced to do a special assessment to cover the costs. A special assessment is much more financially painful than smaller amounts collected monthly over time.

You will also want to see the meeting notes from the HOA meetings of the last year. If there is a problem in the complex, they are likely talking about it at the meetings.

Financing of a condo can also be challenging when you go to get a mortgage. Most HOA’s restrict how many units can be rented out and this is important. Fannie Mae lending guidelines require that at least 50% of the units be owner occupied. For financing such as VA and FHA, the criteria to obtain these types of loans require that the Home Owner’s Association apply for the qualification. The VA loan application is a one time issue and runs with the complex forever once it’s approved. FHA is more complicated and must be renewed every few years at a cost of both time and money. So to have FHA approval it requires a Board of Directors that is motivated and on the ball.

Condos are terrific because they are generally less expensive than a house, require much less personal labor to up keep, and are ideal if you want a lifestyle where you can lock your door and be away for extended periods. With the cost of housing being a premium, they are truly the only option for many people.

There are also a really wide variety of condos. Some are super luxurious with top-of-the-line finishes and services. Others are bare bones and feel like what they once were, apartments. The least expensive condo for sale in Lake Oswego right now is a 1 bedroom, 1 bath unit on State Street. It has 829 square feet and is for sale for $170,000. The most expensive has 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, with 4911 square feet and is listed for $1,798,000.

If you have other questions, please contact any one of us. Linda, Whitney and I are all here to help.
Dianne

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Market Activity March 13-19, 2017

Last week in Lake Oswego there were 17 new listings, 21 properties that went into pending status, and 3 sold/closed sales.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS:

New on the Market (Mar 13-19, 2017)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft
48 Eagle Crest Dr 5F Condo $224,900 2 2 1370
234 Ridgeway Rd Condo $289,900 2 1 914
5056 Foothills Dr F Condo $350,000 3 2 1252
4418 Thunder Vista Ln Condo $385,000 3 3.5 2040
1121 Devon Ln Detached $550,000 5 3 2968
4680 Upper Dr Detached $575,000 3 2 1656
13876 Provincial Hill Dr Detached $725,000 4 3.5 2798
15845 Alston Way Detached $755,000 4 2.5 2682
2675 Dellwood Dr Detached $775,000 4 3 3128
5332 Lower Dr Detached $795,000 4 2.5 2600
3355 Upper Dr Detached $825,000 4 2 3126
1403 Greentree Circle Detached $829,000 5 4.5 4047
3115 Rosemary Ln Detached $839,900 4 2.5 3220
1100 Tyndall Ct Detached $950,000 3 2.5 3142
1976 Palisades Terrace Dr Detached $1,050,000 4 2.5 3898
12808 Elk Rock Rd Detached $1,100,000 5 3.5 3970
1500 Ridgecrest Dr Detached $1,950,000 5 5 4817

Pending Sales (Mar 13-19, 2017)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft CDOM
16250 Pacific Hwy #43 Condo $229,000 2 2 1311 189
1658 Greentree Rd Detached $479,000 4 3 2394 3
5717 Langford Ln Detached $487,500 3 3 1800 8
145 Del Prado St Detached $525,000 3 2 2074 3
5966 Frost Ln Detached $550,000 4 2.5 2036 6
17872 Pilkington Rd Detached $559,900 3 2 1610 169
15155 Brook Ct Detached $559,900 4 3 2388 5
1641 Devon Ln Detached $619,000 4 2.5 2013 9
17372 Hunter Ct Detached $629,900 3 2.5 3424 229
37 Churchill Downs Detached $634,000 3 2.5 2410 6
2388 Overlook Dr Detached $650,000 4 3 2765 23
15939 Twin Fir Rd Detached $664,900 3 2 2480 131
1510 Cherry Crest Dr Detached $714,000 6 4 3786 3
3333 Royce Way Detached $729,000 3 2.5 2697 44
4265 Albert Circle Detached $779,000 5 3.5 3022 189
13745 Cameo Ct Detached $895,500 4 3 3380 10
776 Carrera Ln Detached $1,000,000 4 3 3449 25
13052 Knaus Rd Detached $1,299,000 3 3 2292 5
17327 Kelok Rd Detached $1,299,000 3 3 2292 5
17104 Cedar Rd Detached $1,599,000 3 3 3310 263
2600 Glenmorrie Dr Detached $1,695,430 4 3.5 4232 0

Sold/Closed (Mar 13-19, 2017)

Address Type List Price Sold Price Sq Ft CDOM
24 Crestfield Ct Condo $149,900 $165,000 698 19
4092 Coltsfoot Ln Detached $684,750 $684,750 2,405 4
142 Cornell Ct Detached $1,195,000 $930,000 2,918 173

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.