Author: Linda Rossi

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Local Lake Oswego Updates

Pedestrian Safety – The City of Lake Oswego is letting all know ahead of time of it’s efforts at upholding pedestrian safety.  To this end, the police department is holding a “Pedestrian Safety Operation” on April 19th, from 10:00AM to 2:00PM at the intersection of B Avenue and 2nd Street.  In times past this has involved posting pedestrians at the sidewalk and gauging cars’ responses as they step off the curb into the crosswalk…. usually with citations accompanying undesirable reactions on the part of drivers.  Be forewarned… stay safe… and keep our pedestrians safe!

Overly-Industrious Flicker – There has been a Flicker noticed at Lake Oswego City Hall…. mainly for the noise it produces as it does what Flickers do… and for the damage it is apparently doing to the building.  The city is trying to distract the Flicker from it’s work & encourage it to go elsewhere… (it can come to my house… but it will need to take a vacation!) with brightly colored & decorated balloons.  So, if you see these at city hall (perhaps you are visiting to pay a pedestrian-safety-ticket or some other such thing : )  Don’t be alarmed, and don’t worry that there is a celebration you are missing… it is just the city’s attempt to shush a Flicker to another location. (Yes, I drew this… and no, I have no shame :  )

The City of Lake Oswego’s “Attitude Survey” – Every two years the City of Lake Oswego conducts an attitude survey, and this year phones in Lake Oswego have already started ringing as Campbell Delong Resources calls to inquire as to how citizens are feeling about a variety of things affecting life here. Calls are expected to continue until April 19th.  Here is a link to the last survey in 2008:   Attitude Survey

Lake Oswego Trees –  As most know, Lake Oswego takes its trees rather seriously.  This is great for us at this time of year as we usually have some interesting offerings in terms of classes or events in that regard.  This year we have several workshops to choose from:

* Tree Pruning with Damon Schrosk, a certified arborist of “Treecology” – May 9th, 9:00Am to 12:00PM at the City Hall Council Chambers, 380 A Avenue.

* Gardening with Natives – Stephanie Wagner of Friends of Tryon Creek offers this workshop on native species gardening May 16, 1:00PM to 4:00PM, Tryon Creek Nature Center, 1131 SW Terwilliger Blvd.

* Tree Code Decoded – This one is a must for any Lake Oswego citizen wanting to do something with their trees other than look at them and admire their beauty.  Bill Youngblood, Code Enforcement Officer, and Andy Gulizia, Associate Planner for the city of Lake Oswego will guide you in what’s allowed, what’s not allowed, and proper steps if you want to pursue making any changes on your property with regard to trees. June 5th, 9:00AM to 12:00PM City Hall Council Chambers, 380 “A” Avenue.

* Centennial – Lake Oswego is offering Part 3 of the Oswego Centennial Video. This is great stuff if you are interested in the history of Lake Oswego… and who wouldn’t be!  If you are not familiar with it, our roots are worth investigating.  Part 3 evidently explores the time during which Lake Oswego began to blossom into its recreational destiny with water sports (skiing, boating & swimming)  being a big draw from Portland, and local athletes becoming nationally-known swim stars. This video covers the 40’s through the 60’s.  You can learn more and view the retrospective video at:  LO Centennial

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News & Notes

State of the Market:

  • Have We Hit Bottom? The experts agree that generally speaking, the country has “hit bottom”, with various areas lagging behind a bit.   CNN.Money.com predicts that the Portland area will hit bottom in Q3 of this year. Our latest RMLS Market Action Report for the Portland area indicates that Portland metro area closed sales increased 18.4% when comparing 2009 vs 2010. Pending sales rose 45% and new listings rose 12.4%. The average sales price declined 8.5%.

(Money Magazine) — The drama is nearly over. After a decade of extremes — the ebullient highs of the real estate boom, then the devastating lows of the bust — calmer forces are beginning to prevail in the housing market.

  • Local Lake Oswego Data The RMLS Market Action Report lumps West Linn and Lake Oswego together, but here is some interesting data:
    * In February 2010 the average sales price was $457,700.
    * The average time on the market was 153 days.
    * Pending Sales rose 52.7% in Feb 2010 as compared to Feb 2009.
    * The average sales price has declined 9.7% in a rolling 12-month equation (i.e. 3/1/08 – 2/28/09 compared with 3/1/09 – 2/28/10)
  • Rates are Rising I have clients asking  “Is this the right time to buy or should we wait?”  One thing we know is that rates are rising. Right now they are still in the 5% range…  actually they are up a bit today at 5.125% but overall they’ve been fluctuating between 4.875% and 5.125% for 30-yr fixed.  As for more foreclosures to come, and prices lowering… interest rates are rising, some say 7% is possible NY Times… so if you ARE planning to finance, all the experts agree that this is the time to be buying, because even if prices go lower, the fact that the interest rates go up effectively nullifies your benefits.
  • Portland Area Rating Improves “Mortgage insurance companies have upgraded Portland’s property value housing trends, meaning that they predict values to be stabilizing in the Portland market.”  Pat Goodell, Academy Mortgage
  • Tax Credits For first-time home-buyers and “moving-up” buyers, there is still time to find a property you love & get a mutually-agreed deal in place before April 30th. So….  hang in there if you are still looking for that “right” one.  Work with your Realtor to narrow the field, or give Dianne or me a call if you are not working with a Realtor.  (I love working with Buyers…. it is actually the reason I originally got into real estate.)
  • USDA Loans USDA anticipates running out of funds to lend by end-April 2010.  If you are thinking about rural properties and considering a USDA loan, now would be the time to ink an offer.
  • FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums Rising FHA’s upfront (financed) mortgage insurance premium increased to 2.25% effective April 5. And/but, if you are anticipating taking advantage of an FHA loan, don’t fret too much. You WILL now have the higher premium, however,  it’s not anything that should get you in a tizzy, as it will make very little difference in your mortgage payment.  For example, on a $300,000 loan amount, your payment will only increase by approximately $8./month adding in that higher mortgage insurance premium.  (This according to Pat Goodell of Academy Mortgage  503 380 0953.)
  • “The Deal” One thing I am noticing is that many people are becoming so enamored with “the deal” these days, that some are missing the point of why they decided to purchase to begin with, so I am simultaneously always trying to meet my clients needs & desires in a *property* (i.e. what they are trying to accomplish for themselves in their lives w/the purchase… what they truly like), while at the same time being cognizant of the “deal factor” for them.  Keep in mind these things regarding “deals”…  there are basically three kinds:
  1. People who are pricing their homes to sell. They have their own circumstances (down-sizing/relocation/up-sizing/on & on & on), and they are wanting to move on in some fashion.  There are plenty of these out there these days, especially as home owners look around and face the fact that they are now competing with so many homes in or approaching foreclosure.  There are some very real advantages to buying your home from these folks.  Some include: Often these homes are in tip-top shape / You are dealing directly with the owner of the home and as long as the agreed-upon sales price does not dip below what they owe on the property, you are in “Pending” status when you reach mutual acceptance, and /You are negotiating only with the Seller.  / You proceed through a normal closing process if you are taking out a loan, and notwithstanding any negotiations or hoops you need to jump through for the underwriter, you will most likely close in 30-45 days.
  2. Short Sales. These homes’ owners owe more to the bank than what the property is worth in today’s market. The bank is agreeing to take less than what is owed from the Seller.  There are many, many banks in existence and each has its own methods and processes, so there is no uniformity of what to expect, with a few exceptions that I will get into in a moment.  There may be more than one bank involved if there is a second mortgage or more. There are a few things that you can expect, and they are:   * Even if the Seller accepts your offer, the bank is the one (or ones) to give final approval considering that what they will receive is less than what was contracted with the Seller.   ***The bank (s) will usually have paperwork that you must sign if you want to be in the running that will change how the property proceeds through the sale process including: Notifying you that they will only accept an earnest money check & no promissory notes/ They will keep your money and wait to see how many other offers they receive / They will not give you a time line on when they will respond to your offer / You are usually on your own with regard to any repairs / It is usually several months before you find out if your offer was the one accepted & get to proceed to close / During this process the property very often stays in “Active” position on RMLS / Very often the paperwork you must sign includes a provision wherein the bank retains the right to accept another offer right up to closing.   ***For these reasons,  I counsel clients that they must REALLY be in love with a property to proceed through this process.  Also, depending on the property, you may be entering territory wherein you know that you will be competing with other offers, so the best advice, if this is the case, is to make this your best offer… especially if you plan to sit out the long process and want to have a happy ending.  Don’t try to “wing it”… these are complicated times & even the professionals involved are still feeling out the landscape.  There are all kinds of people calling themselves “experts”.  Make sure you know what you are doing and ask for licenses if you think people on the periphery are operating outside of their scope of expertise. Talk to your Realtor as to what your options are, and rely on that trusted professional relationship for guidance.
  3. Bank-owned properties. These homes have usually been through the short sale phase unsuccessfully.  The property has either been on the market & not sold, or the owners opted not to try a short sale and have simply stayed in the property until they had to move on as the bank proceeded through their legal remedies to regain the property due to non-payment.   These properties are sometimes in sad condition due to hardship (i.e. deferred maintenance), but many times these days, they are in very good condition… a sign of the times & the large numbers of otherwise responsible homeowners who simply found themselves in an untenable position through job loss or other factors. The thing to remember about these properties is that the price is ALWAYS lower than either short-sales or standard “good deals”. The bank wants to move on and prices the home low.  The bank is now the Seller and usually acts just like a normal Seller, i.e. Negotiating (tho usually not for repairs)/ accepting or rejecting an offer/Moving on to close with the property going to “Pending” status once it’s mutually agreed-upon/Proceeding through a normal closing process for the Buyer. For this reason: Investors and others are waiting in the wings to pounce on these very often with cash offers, so you have to be quick, and you want to be very careful about low offers, though this can sometimes still be a viable option. Talk to your Realtor about options as they will vary from property to property.

Hope this info is helpful!

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Lake Oswego Market Activity Report ~ March 29-April 4, 2010

Steady as she goes in Lake Oswego with 30 New, 19 Pending, and 17 Sold properties during last week’s Monday – Sunday period according to RMLS. 
Here’ your data for last week (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (March 29—April 4, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
65 OSWEGO SMT $129,900 2 2 1,140 CONDO 3/29/2010
6120 SHAKESPEARE ST $249,000 3 1.1 1,000 DETACHD 4/3/2010
19032 KRISTI WAY $259,900 2 2 1,390 DETACHD 4/1/2010
2764 GLEN HAVEN RD $294,900 3 1.1 1,352 DETACHD 4/3/2010
16711 MELLON AVE $309,900 3 2 1,346 DETACHD 4/2/2010
1692 FIRCREST CT $329,900 4 3 2,550 DETACHD 3/31/2010
16969 ALDER CIR $344,900 3 2 1,534 DETACHD 3/29/2010
692 2ND ST $379,000 3 1 1,700 DETACHD 4/2/2010
5434 YORKSHIRE PL $489,000 3 3 2,335 DETACHD 4/3/2010
1690 FIRCREST CT $495,000 3 3.1 2,718 ATTACHD 3/29/2010
26 INDEPENDENCE AVE $574,000 4 3 3,694 DETACHD 3/29/2010
9 ABELARD ST $615,000 5 3.1 3,609 DETACHD 4/1/2010
16006 Kimball AVE $698,000 3 2 1,800 RES-MFG 3/31/2010
92 GARIBALDI ST $699,000 4 3.1 3,172 DETACHD 3/30/2010
17080 FERNWOOD DR $699,900 5 3.1 3,681 DETACHD 4/2/2010
14124 HEATHROW LN $785,000 4 3.1 3,812 DETACHD 3/31/2010
331 CHANDLER PL $810,000 4 2.1 2,428 DETACHD 3/29/2010
2358 SUMMIT DR $879,950 3 2.1 2,995 DETACHD 4/1/2010
606 6TH ST 789000 – 898876 4 3 2,850 DETACHD 4/1/2010
17301 CANAL CIR $949,999 3 2.1 1,863 DETACHD 4/2/2010
17979 CRESTLINE DR $1,149,000 4 2.1 4,650 DETACHD 4/2/2010
16805 SCOTT CT $1,190,000 4 3.1 4,321 DETACHD 4/3/2010
1318 HORSESHOE CURV $1,275,000 5 3 3,554 DETACHD 4/2/2010
2111 HAZEL RD $1,349,000 4 4.1 4,894 DETACHD 4/3/2010
1103 LAKE SHORE RD $1,375,000 3 3 3,200 DETACHD 4/2/2010
4011 WESTBAY RD $1,495,000 5 3.1 4,518 DETACHD 4/1/2010
13081 KNAUS RD $1,795,000 5 2.1 3,269 DETACHD 3/29/2010
179 FURNACE ST $2,195,000 3 3.1 4,784 CONDO 3/29/2010
17147 OLD RIVER DR $2,395,000 4 4.2 5,961 DETACHD 3/31/2010
1850 NORTHSHORE RD $15,000,000 4 6.2 13,500 DETACHD 4/3/2010

PENDING SALES (March 29 – April 4, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date CDOM
210 RIDGEWAY RD $113,900 1 1 778 CONDO 8/24/2009 221
4 TOUCHSTONE $129,000 2 2 984 CONDO 3/8/2010 24
852 5TH ST $250,000 2 1 738 DETACHD 11/21/2009 131
5354 LOWER DR $258,500 2 1 1,201 DETACHD 12/27/2009 96
5056 FOOTHILLS DR $269,000 2 2 1,252 CONDO 9/21/2009 194
82 WHEATHERSTONE $289,000 3 2.1 1,692 ATTACHD 2/17/2010 45
15256 BOONES WAY $299,000 2 2.1 1,600 ATTACHD 10/1/2009 350
505 8TH ST $389,000 3 1 1,050 DETACHD 11/6/2009 143
531 2ND ST $399,000 2 2 1,393 CONDO 2/3/2010 57
2753 VALE CT $399,900 3 3 2,786 DETACHD 10/30/2009 153
2251 PRESTWICK RD $407,250 3 2 2,236 DETACHD 4/1/2010 3
14 OTHELLO ST $419,000 4 2.1 2,464 DETACHD 3/12/2010 22
24 INDEPENDENCE AVE $449,950 6 3.1 3,773 DETACHD 3/5/2010 25
5 EL GRECO ST $469,000 4 2.1 2,455 DETACHD 3/29/2010 4
4311 ORCHARD WAY $519,000 4 2.1 2,916 DETACHD 2/24/2010 201
17930 MEADOWLARK LN $575,000 4 4 3,300 DETACHD 1/8/2010 84
17 SCARBOROUGH DR $579,900 4 2.1 3,290 DETACHD 3/6/2010 24
4113 WESTBAY RD $631,000 2 3 2,477 DETACHD 3/25/2010 7
18430 TAMAWAY DR $889,000 4 2.2 3,867 DETACHD 2/1/2010 59

SOLD (March 29- April 4, 2010)

Address O/Price Sold Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
11 Oswego Summit $129,900 $130,000 2 2 1,212 CONDO 320
16250 PACIFIC HWY $200,000 $141,000 3 2 1,626 CONDO 185
45 EAGLE CREST DR $199,000 $175,000 3 2 1,348 CONDO 234
668 MCVEY AVE $209,000 $180,000 2 1 852 CONDO 34
1581 BONNIEBRAE DR $255,000 $220,000 2 2 1,393 ATTACHD 314
5858 LAKEVIEW BLVD $255,000 $227,000 2 1 1,117 DETACHD 248
1248 OAK ST $249,900 $238,500 2 1 900 DETACHD 73
29 ORIOLE LN $317,000 $240,000 3 2.1 1,644 DETACHD 175
15935 KIMBALL AVE $230,500 $257,000 3 2 1,542 DETACHD 9
4 THE GROTTO $289,000 $282,000 3 2.1 1,534 DETACHD 13
1234 MAPLE ST $349,000 $335,500 3 2 1,550 DETACHD 164
13821 REGENCY CT $409,000 $392,000 4 2.1 2,139 DETACHD 223
4137 ORCHARD WAY $475,000 $400,000 5 2.1 3,084 DETACHD 181
551 2ND ST $499,000 $499,000 2 2 1,631 CONDO 28
1430 CHERRY CREST DR $525,000 $510,000 4 3 3,302 DETACHD 158
16705 GLENWOOD CT $799,000 $665,500 4 3 4,243 DETACHD 190
1839 PALISADES LAKE CT $899,900 $899,900 4 3.1 4,570 DETACHD 168

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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Lake Oswego Open Houses ~ Easter 2010

Sunday, April 4th will be a time for all kinds of celebration, good food, activities with loved ones & friends, and…….. Open Houses in Lake Oswego!  There are 7 properties to see according to RMLS.  Enjoy!

Address L/Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type Open
19288 SW Megly CT $579,900 5 3 3594 DETACHD 1-5PM
7 MOUNTAIN VIEW LN $609,000 5 2.1 3324 DETACHD 1-4PM
1015 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $773,000 4 3 3542 DETACHD 12:30-2:30PM
17464 RIDGEVIEW LN $1,199,950 4 3.1 4407 DETACHD 1-3PM
664 OAK MEADOW DR $1,299,950 4 3.1 4198 DETACHD 1-3PM
657 OAK MEADOW DR $1,349,950 4 3.1 4371 DETACHD 1-3PM
17364 RIDGEVIEW CT $1,399,950 4 3.1 4436 DETACHD 1-3Pm
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Lake Oswego Market Activity Report ~ March 15-21, 2010

We are keeping a steady pace of activity with 29 truly New, 20 Pending, and 9 Sold properties during last week’s Monday – Sunday period according to RMLS.  Of those 29 New properties, 2 are bank-owned and 3 are short-sales. (I think I’ll write a refresher soon on the distinction to refresh our readers’ memories, so stay tuned.) I included Northshore even though it was “freshened” as it had a significant $134,000. price reduction.

Here’ your data for last week (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (March 15—March 21, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
58 GALEN ST $87,000 1 1 689 CONDO 3/15/2010
47 EAGLE CREST DR $89,100 2 1 1,009 CONDO 3/16/2010
200 BURNHAM RD $205,850 1 1 820 CONDO 3/18/2010
5054 FOOTHILLS DR $225,000 3 2 1,252 CONDO 3/16/2010
5225 JEAN RD $229,900 2 2 1,400 CONDO 3/15/2010
18420 DON LEE WAY $230,000 3 1 924 DETACHD 3/15/2010
900 CORNELL ST $274,900 3 1.1 1,300 DETACHD 3/18/2010
18 SUMMIT RIDGE CT $299,000 2 2.1 1,548 ATTACHD 3/17/2010
4251 WOODSIDE CIR $305,950 3 2 2,032 ATTACHD 3/18/2010
16540 Lake Forest BLVD $324,900 3 2 1,310 DETACHD 3/15/2010
5291 CHINOOK CT $349,900 7 3 2,331 DETACHD 3/20/2010
18156 PIONEER CT $367,300 3 2 1,600 DETACHD 3/19/2010
1559 WORTHINGTON ST $369,000 4 2 2,016 DETACHD 3/15/2010
19242 TERRY AVE $395,000 4 2 1,872 DETACHD 3/16/2010
5644 WINDFIELD LOOP $425,000 3 3 1,800 DETACHD 3/19/2010
0 Lower DR $449,000 4 2.1 2,575 DETACHD 3/19/2010
12 DA VINCI ST $455,000 4 0.3 3,925 DETACHD 3/21/2010
9 JUAREZ ST $475,000 3 3.1 2,823 DETACHD 3/15/2010
5011 ROSEWOOD ST $534,000 3 1.1 1,698 DETACHD 3/15/2010
3285 CHILDS RD $550,000 3 3 2,423 DETACHD 3/20/2010
960 LAKE FOREST DR $610,000 4 2 2,838 DETACHD 3/18/2010
780 5TH ST $640,000 4 2.1 2,488 DETACHD 3/18/2010
13970 TAYLORS CREST LN $643,490 4 2.1 3,371 DETACHD 3/17/2010
18010 GIMLEY CT $685,000 4 2.5 3,652 DETACHD 3/15/2010
1592 BAY VIEW LN $889,900 4 4.1 4,087 DETACHD 3/15/2010
17537 CARDINAL DR $995,000 4 4 5,282 DETACHD 3/15/2010
18020 SKYLAND CIR $1,198,000 5 3.1 3,328 DETACHD 3/20/2010
425 NORTHSHORE RD $1,395,000 3 3 3,270 DETACHD 3/16/2010
18820 GREENBLUFF DR $1,495,000 4 4.1 5,382 DETACHD 3/21/2010

PENDING SALES (March 15 – March 21, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
100 KERR PKWY $88,500 2 1.1 823 CONDO 77
100 KERR PKWY $90,000 2 1.1 823 CONDO 3
28 WHEATHERSTONE $230,000 3 2.1 1,692 CONDO 145
1137 SPRUCE ST $258,900 3 2 1,214 DETACHD 7
16890 CORTEZ CT $274,900 4 3 2,016 DETACHD 104
3365 UPPER DR $299,999 2 2 1,378 DETACHD 133
5373 LAKEVIEW BLVD $318,500 3 1 2,176 DETACHD 201
12519 27TH PL $339,000 3 2.1 1,975 DETACHD 15
17886 TUALATA AVE $375,000 4 2 1,994 DETACHD 218
12402 27TH PL $375,000 3 2 1,992 DETACHD 26
13707 REGENCY CT $399,000 4 2.1 2,006 DETACHD 18
533 2ND ST $399,000 2 2 1,274 CONDO 42
1414 GREENTREE CIR $449,000 4 2.1 2,330 DETACHD 37
644 7TH ST $449,000 3 2.1 1,640 DETACHD 223
2545 DELLWOOD DR $550,000 5 3.1 3,843 DETACHD 948
18081 WESTMINSTER DR $575,000 4 2.1 2,713 DETACHD 108
17644 WOODHURST PL $629,900 3 2.1 4,509 DETACHD 927
2688 RIVENDELL RD $723,000 4 3 3,720 DETACHD 405
16511 Maple CIR $925,000 3 3 3,341 DETACHD 16
8 DOVER WAY $999,000 6 4.2 6,244 DETACHD 184

SOLD (March 15- March 21, 2010)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
5225 Jean RD $189,500 $160,000 2 2 1,100 CONDO 92
668 MCVEY AVE $249,500 $220,000 3 1.2 992 CONDO 56
15 ORIOLE LN $269,900 $264,000 2 2 1,470 DETACHD 23
4955 GALEN ST $455,000 $410,000 3 2.1 1,887 DETACHD 76
624 LIVINGOOD LN $380,000 $440,000 4 3 2,596 DETACHD 15
26 WESTRIDGE DR $479,900 $479,900 4 3 2,758 DETACHD 308
5546 KODERRA AVE $539,900 $502,707 3 2.1 2,445 DETACHD 632
4699 AVERY LN $575,000 $555,000 4 3 2,829 DETACHD 4
13701 SW KNAUS RD $1,595,000 $775,000 5 4.1 5,730 DETACHD 219

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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Lake Oswego Open Houses ~ March 21, 2010

There is quite a lot to see in Lake Oswego this Sunday! 39 total with 11 over a million & most in the mid to upper price ranges.  There is still time to get in on the tax credits (“1st-Time Buyer” & “Moving-Up Credit”), but the clock is ticking.  Enjoy!

Here is what is Open in Lake Oswego today according to RMLS:

Address L/Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type Open
44 EAGLE CREST DR $119,900 2 1 908 CONDO 1-4PM
12868 BOONES FERRY RD $298,000 2 2.1 1136 CONDO 1-3PM
3269 PHYLLIS CT $349,900 3 1.2 1711 DETACHD 11-1PM
92 GREENRIDGE CT $349,995 3 2.1 1980 ATTACHD 1-3PM
2245 GLEN HAVEN RD $359,000 3 1.1 1276 DETACHD 12-3PM
18922 REDWING WAY $369,900 3 2 2076 DETACHD 2-4PM
119 3RD ST $385,000 3 2 1204 CONDO 1-4PM
405 BOCA RATAN DR $449,000 3 2.1 2040 DETACHD 1-4PM
2104 WEMBLEY PARK RD $469,000 4 3 2052 DETACHD 1-3PM
662 CLARA CT $469,900 3 3 2740 DETACHD 2-4PM
1060 UPPER DEVON LN $559,000 3 2.1 2400 DETACHD 12-2PM
5678 CHARLES CIR $565,000 3 4 3455 DETACHD 1-3PM
17 SCARBOROUGH DR $579,900 4 2.1 3290 DETACHD 2-4PM
19288 SW Megly CT $579,900 5 3 3594 DETACHD 1-5PM
5783 VICTORIA CT $595,000 3 2 2344 DETACHD 1-3PM
7 MOUNTAIN VIEW LN $609,000 5 2.1 3324 DETACHD 1-4PM
13970 TAYLORS CREST LN $643,490 4 2.1 3371 DETACHD 11-2PM
5218 WESTFIELD CT $649,900 4 2.1 3125 DETACHD 1-4PM
1703 VILLAGE PARK LN $789,000 3 2.1 3450 DETACHD 1-3PM
17110 LOWENBERG TER $799,000 4 2.1 2678 DETACHD 1-4PM
18360 DELENKA LN $829,000 4 3.1 4346 DETACHD 2:30-4:30PM
17281 LOWENBERG TER $874,900 4 3.1 3386 DETACHD 1-4PM
17154 LOWENBERG TER $879,900 5 3.1 3497 DETACHD 1-4PM
14480 KRUSE OAKS BLVD $895,000 4 3.1 4661 DETACHD 10-2PM
12439 SW 22ND AVE $899,900 4 3.1 4118 DETACHD 2-4PM
18014 GIMLEY CT $899,950 5 3.1 4887 DETACHD 1-3PM
16827 SCOTT CT $969,000 4 3.1 3952 DETACHD 1-3PM
548 RIDGEWAY RD $999,500 4 3 2830 DETACHD 1-3PM
18222 SIENA DR $1,088,000 6 4.1 3800 DETACHD 1-3PM
1414 COUNTRY COMMONS $1,095,000 4 3.1 5679 DETACHD 1-3PM
18209 SIENA DR $1,178,950 5 3.1 3839 DETACHD 1-3PM
624 ATWATER RD $1,199,000 5 3.1 4858 DETACHD 1-3PM
17464 RIDGEVIEW LN $1,199,950 4 3.1 4407 DETACHD 1-3PM
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR $1,269,000 5 4.1 4155 DETACHD 1-3PM
18246 BELLA TERRA DR $1,294,000 4 3.1 4196 DETACHD 1-3PM
664 OAK MEADOW DR $1,299,950 4 3.1 4198 DETACHD 1-3PM
657 OAK MEADOW DR $1,349,950 4 3.1 4371 DETACHD 1-3PM
17364 RIDGEVIEW CT $1,399,950 4 3.1 4436 DETACHD 1-3PM
2572 GLEN EAGLES PL $2,395,000 5 4.2 6490 DETACHD 1-3PM
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St. Patrick’s Day Fun

Looking for things to do in Lake Oswego to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?  Check out this family-oriented celebration at Maher’s with live entertainment, dance lessons, activities, games, contests, and lots of great food. 10% of all funds received will be donated to the Lake Oswego School Foundation. For more information click here:   St. Patrick’s Day Festival

Then there’s always the option of a quick jaunt into Portland for the annual pilgrimage to Kell’s Irish Restaurant & Pub.  Its been voted one of the top Irish establishments in the U.S., and attracts quite a crowd on St. Patrick’s Day.  Prepare to witness a sea of cabbie’s in downtown Portland, many of whom have already said they’ll take people home even if they can’t find their wallet.  Check out details here:  Kells

Here is a collection of Irish sayings & blessings for your enjoyment.  Maybe one will cone in handy this year!

May you always have
Walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire!

May you be in
Heaven a half hour before the
Devil knows you’re dead!

When Irish eyes are smiling,
Tis like a morn in spring.
With a lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing
When Irish hearts are happy
All the world is bright and gay
When Irish eyes are smiling
Sure, they steal your heart away.

May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.

There are many good reasons for drinking,
One has just entered my head.
If a man doesn’t drink when he’s living,
How in the hell can he drink when he’s dead?

May the best day of your past
Be the worst day of your future.

I’m looking over a four leaf clover
That I overlooked before
One leaf is sunshine, the second is rain,
Third is the roses that grow in the lane.
No need explaining the one remaining
Is somebody I adore.
I’m looking over a four leaf clover
That I overlooked before.

May you live to be a hundred years
With one extra year to repent.

May those who love us, love us
And those who don’t love us,
May God turn their hearts
And if he can’t turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles
So we will know them by their limping!

As you slide down the banister of life,
May the splinters never point in the wrong direction!

May luck be our companion
May friends stand by our side
May history remind us all
Of Ireland’s faith and pride.
May God bless us with happiness
May love and faith abide.

Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter
Lullabies, dreams, and love ever after.
Poems and songs with pipes and drums
A thousand welcomes when anyone comes.
That’s the Irish for you!

There’s a dear little plant that grows in our isle,
‘Twas St. Patrick himself, sure, that sets it;
And the sun of his labor with pleasure did smile,
And with dew from his eye often wet it.
It grows through the bog, through the brake, through the mireland,
And they call it the dear little Shamrock of Ireland.

May your neighbors respect you,
Troubles neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And Heaven accept you.

May you have:
A world of wishes at your command
God and his angels close at hand
Friends and family their love impart,
And Irish blessings in you heart.

May God grant you many years to live,
For sure he must be knowing
The earth has angels all to few
And Heaven is overflowing.

These things I warmly wish to you-
Someone to love
Some work to do
A bit o’ sun
A bit o’ cheer
And a guardian angel always near.

Here’s to a long life and a merry one
A quick death and an easy one
A pretty girl and an honest one
A cold beer and another one!

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,
May good luck pursue you each morning and night,

O Ireland isn’t it grand you look
like a bride in her rich adornin?
And with all the pent up love of my heart
I bid you the top o’ the mornin!

May the lilt of lush laughter lighten ever road,
May the midst of Irish magic shorten every road.
May you taste the sweetest pleasures
that fortune ever bestowed,
And may all your friends remember
all the favors you are owed.

Go mbeannai Dia duit
(May God Bless You)

May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.
God is good, but never dance in a small boat.

May you live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live.

If you’re enough lucky to be Irish…
You’re lucky enough!My wild Irish rose
The sweetest flower that grows
You may search everywhere
But none can compare to my wild Irish rose
My wild Irish rose
The sweetest flower that grows
Someday for my sake she may let me take
A bloom from my wild Irish rose

‘Tis better to buy a small bouquet
And give to your friend this very day,
Than a bushel of roses white and red
To lay on his coffin after he’s dead.

For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way-
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.

Dance as if no one were watching,
Sing as if no one were listening,
And live every day as if it were your last.

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Lake Oswego Market Activity Report ~ March 1-7, 2010

There are a whopping 31 truly New, 16 Pending, and 8 Sold properties during last week’s Monday – Sunday period according to RMLS.

Here’ your data for last week (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (March 1—March 7, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
129 OSWEGO SMT $80,000 1 1 764 CONDO 3/1/2010
4 TOUCHSTONE $184,900 2 2 1,029 CONDO 3/2/2010
87 OSWEGO SMT $209,900 2 1.1 1,116 ATTACHD 3/2/2010
5057 FOOTHILLS DR $229,000 3 2 1,252 CONDO 3/2/2010
18021 TUALATA AVE $269,999 3 1 1,410 DETACHD 3/5/2010
16200 PACIFIC HWY $279,900 2 2 1,208 CONDO 3/1/2010
2320 GLEN HAVEN RD $319,900 3 1.1 1,346 DETACHD 3/7/2010
4505 WILDWOOD ST $329,900 3 2 1,720 DETACHD 3/5/2010
12519 27TH PL $339,000 3 2.1 1,975 DETACHD 3/1/2010
16969 ALDER CIR $369,900 3 2 1,534 DETACHD 3/1/2010
6338 WASHINGTON CT $384,900 3 1 1,558 DETACHD 3/2/2010
13707 REGENCY CT $399,000 4 2.1 2,006 DETACHD 3/1/2010
17763 MARDEE AVE $399,500 5 3 2,300 DETACHD 3/3/2010
446 LIVINGOOD LN $399,900 4 2 2,440 DETACHD 3/1/2010
2104 WEMBLEY PARK RD $469,000 4 3 2,052 DETACHD 3/1/2010
2794 VALE CT $486,000 3 2.1 2,968 DETACHD 3/2/2010
452 EVERGREEN RD $489,000 4 1.1 1,677 ATTACHD 3/3/2010
24 INDEPENDENCE AVE $499,950 6 3.1 3,773 DETACHD 3/5/2010
15266 CANDLEWOOD CT $499,988 4 3 2,569 DETACHD 3/1/2010
19 FALSTAFF ST $500,000 4 2.1 3,207 DETACHD 3/1/2010
17802 HILLSIDE WAY $514,998 4 2.1 2,965 DETACHD 3/1/2010
12 MONTICELLO DR $549,000 4 2.1 3,658 DETACHD 3/4/2010
17 SCARBOROUGH DR $579,900 4 2.1 3,290 DETACHD 3/6/2010
4 NANSEN SUMMIT $625,000 4 2.1 3,257 DETACHD 3/1/2010
1015 SW SOUTHSHORE BLVD $789,000 4 3 3,522 DETACHD 3/1/2010
17151 CORNELL ST $835,000 4 3 3,422 DETACHD 3/2/2010
2886 UPPER DR $850,000 2 3 2,674 DETACHD 3/7/2010
749 SOUTHVIEW RD $899,000 4 2.1 3,052 DETACHD 3/5/2010
16511 Maple CIR $925,000 3 3 3,341 DETACHD 3/1/2010
17344 CEDAR RD $1,099,000 4 2.1 2,831 DETACHD 3/1/2010
408 Northshore RD $1,399,000 4 3.1 3,753 DETACHD 3/1/2010

PENDING SALES (March 1 – March 7, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4 TOUCHSTONE $129,000 2 2 979 CONDO 6
73 GALEN ST $139,900 2 2 995 CONDO 116
668 MCVEY AVE $209,000 2 1 852 CONDO 34
15935 KIMBALL AVE $230,500 3 2 1,542 DETACHD 9
15 BLOCH TER $274,900 3 2.1 1,973 ATTACHD 176
18530 PILKINGTON RD $274,950 3 2 1,925 DETACHD 445
15 SAINT HELENS CIR $309,800 3 2 1,528 DETACHD 6
1234 MAPLE ST $339,900 3 2 1,550 DETACHD 164
1565 BEDFORD CT $344,900 3 2 1,978 DETACHD 251
15921 KIMBALL AVE $389,900 3 2 2,309 DETACHD 3
16044 INVERURIE RD $399,000 2 1 952 DETACHD 27
13052 KNAUS RD $475,000 5 3 3,026 DETACHD 34
551 2ND ST $499,000 2 2 1,631 CONDO 28
4668 HASTINGS PL $574,900 3 2.1 2,630 DETACHD 0
1052 TROON RD $659,900 3 2.1 2,310 DETACHD 112
17379 Canal CIR $998,000 4 4 3,421 DETACHD 7

SOLD (March 1- March 7, 2010)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
17659 DEEMAR WAY $249,000 $140,000 3 2 1,382 DETACHD 90
3 SUMMIT RIDGE CT $300,000 $260,000 2 2.1 1,576 ATTACHD 218
13680 SHIREVA DR $299,900 $289,900 3 2 1,504 DETACHD 23
702 TERRACE DR $475,000 $370,000 3 3 3,429 DETACHD 103
4040 VIRGINIA WAY $524,900 $515,000 3 2.1 2,623 DETACHD 243
4581 HASTINGS PL $574,900 $550,000 4 2.1 2,985 DETACHD 24
17649 WOODHURST PL $776,900 $567,000 6 4.1 5,669 DETACHD 285
567 6TH ST $779,000 $779,000 4 3.1 2,568 DETACHD 81

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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Lake Oswego Open Houses ~ Sunday March 7, 2010

There are 20 properties scheduled to be Open in Lake Oswego Sunday, according to RMLS.  Enjoy!

L/Price Address # Beds # Baths Total SF Style Open
$129,000 4 TOUCHSTONE 2 2 979 TWNHSE 12-4PM
$298,000 12868 BOONES FERRY RD 2 2.1 1136 TWNHSE 1-3PM
$309,000 12892 BOONES FERRY RD 2 2.1 1136 TWNHSE 1-3PM
$329,500 5373 LAKEVIEW BLVD 3 1 2176 DETACHD 2-4PM
$385,900 18414 SANDPIPER ST 3 2.1 1712 DETACHD 11-3PM
$399,900 446 LIVINGOOD LN 4 2 2440 DETACHD 1-4PM
$469,000 57 CONDOLEA TER 2 2.1 2172 TWNHSE 1-3PM
$469,900 662 CLARA CT 3 3 2740 DETACHD 1-3PM
$559,000 14584 PFEIFER WAY 3 2 2600 DETACHD 2-4PM
$699,500 5218 WESTFIELD CT 4 2.1 3125 DETACHD 1-4PM
$789,000 1015 SW SOUTHSHORE BLVD 4 3 3522 DETACHD 12-1:45PM
$845,000 18955 BRYANT RD 4 2.1 3660 DETACHD 12-3PM
$974,500 17896 SW KELOK RD SW 5 5 4323 DETACHD 2:15-4PM
$1,125,000 1809 HEADLEE LN 2 2.1 3836 DETACHD 2-4PM
$1,199,950 17464 RIDGEVIEW LN 4 3.1 4407 DETACHD 1-3PM
$1,299,950 664 OAK MEADOW DR 4 3.1 4198 DETACHD 1-3PM
$1,349,950 657 OAK MEADOW DR 4 3.1 4371 DETACHD 1-3PM
$1,399,950 17364 RIDGEVIEW CT 4 3.1 4436 DETACHD 1-3PM
$1,985,850 15825 OSWEGO SHORE CT 4 3.1 4317 DETACHD 1-3PM
$2,395,000 2572 GLEN EAGLES PL 5 4.2 6490 DETACHD 1-3PM
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New Lake Oswego Lots (River Grove)

There is some buzz in River Grove lately as word spreads that the property off of Childs Rd.,  east of Pilkington between there & Bryant Rd. has been designed for 34 lots by Renaissance Custom Homes.  The area is a sought-after intersection of sleepy River Grove residential living and nearby shops, freeway access and so much more.  Neighbors have been anticipating the future of this land for quite some time as it has languished undeveloped and left many surrounding residents wondering at its fate.

I spoke with Jack Hall of Renaissance who confirmed that they are taking lot reservations for a fully refundable cost of $2500. per lot.  The plats are not recorded as yet, but I’m told that all has been approved, with lots ranging from 7400SF – 11,000SF.  Homes range from 2100SF to 3600SF with prices from $559,900 to $659,900. Excavation with roads and utilities will begin the first week in July. Assuming recording of the plat in October, you would be in your new home by Spring 2011!

The big kick-off party was held at Renaissance this past Monday evening where I’m told floor plans, prices and a fit list were released.  The result was that three of the 34 lots are now reserved.  More information may be obtained by contacting Jack Hall at 503 545 3982.  You may also wish to visit Renaissance Woods online at: http://www.renaissance-homes.com/futureDev.html As always, feel free to give Dianne or me a call as we’d be happy to assist you if you are not already working with a Realtor.