Comments for Property Blotter

Comment on Lake Oswego Market Trends by Betty Jung

Betty Jung — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:16:36 +0000

Great post and information Dianne!

Comment on The Peril of Orangeburg – Yes, Cardboard Crumbles by Linda

Linda — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:49:13 +0000

Thanks, Jim! Orangeburg is indeed a looming (lurking?) threat to many a property. It’s just a matter of finding out if it’s there, and then making the appropriate decisions depending on whether you are a homeowner or potential homeowner.

Comment on The Peril of Orangeburg – Yes, Cardboard Crumbles by Jim Allhiser

Jim Allhiser — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 23:15:43 +0000

Thanks Dianne and Linda,
Great article.
I suggested some clients of mine consider a “scope” and they found out about this stuff before they were the owners.
It is easy to forget about what is underground. I think the excavation companies will do just fine in the future with this stuff reaching the end of its useful life.

Comment on Lake Oswego Market Activity ~ Jan. 18-24, 2010 by Linda Rossi (Trotta)

Linda Rossi (Trotta) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:12:05 +0000

Doug,
Yes, this particular home is a great one in a great neighborhood. It originally went on the market in January of 2008 at $799,000. And of course it just sold at $510,000… this for nearly 4000SF of house, built in 1983 on a .28 acre lot in Lake Oswego….. We’re seeing the ones that have been on the market a long time moving now, as well as new ones that are priced right from the get go. Signs of the times!

Comment on Lake Oswego Market Activity ~ Jan. 18-24, 2010 by Doug Francis

Doug Francis — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:19:47 +0000

Wow, those really are “hyper-local” home sales stats! Good job…. 699 CDOM sounds like they must have adjusted the price a few times, and I bet the agent is very happy it finally sold

Comment on Market Activity Report for January 11-17, 2010 by Dianne

Dianne — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:51:32 +0000

An interesting observation, to say the least. I totally get the idea that if this apple sells for X, then that apple should also sell for X. Where it is different is when the first apple is this years crop, all fresh, crisp, and sweet. And then the second apple is a hold-over from last year’s crop. It been down in the cellar, so it’s still safe to eat, but it just lacks that crisp freshness. The house in Bergis Farm was built in 2003. The houses on Oak Meadow and Ridgeview are from 2006 and 2008. They aren’t brand new, but they are newer than the Bergis Farm property.
I was in the house in Bergis Farm. I do have to say it was incredible. The kitchen was one of the nicest I have ever seen. On the not so good side, the yard was not very usable and over 900 square feet of the 5394 was in the basement with zero windows.
I think if Schollander was in a hurry he’d be dropping the prices on Oak Meadow and Ridgeview. I am not a party to his personal finances, but I will tell you that he has a reputation for financial strength and integrity. Perhaps he can afford to wait out the economy.
There are also two recent sales that do support his asking prices. 16359 Chapin, built by Westlake Development, sold for $302 a square foot. And 18224 Bella Terra, built by Eslinger Homes, sold for $314 a square foot. I would imagine that the high-end builders are looking at those homes and hoping for a similar sale.
And, ultimately, a home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it. So we won’t know the end result on these properties until they eventually are sold.
Having said all of that, there are still too many high-end specs for sale. And the thing that will get them sold will be a combination of time and correct pricing.

Comment on Market Activity Report for January 11-17, 2010 by David

David — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:51:51 +0000

17404 BERGIS FARM DR sold for $1,065,000. That is about $197 a square foot for a big McMansion built in 2003.

If we use $200 a square foot to value the newer Schollander Homes on Oak Meadow and Ridgeview, they work out to be around $850K to $950K depending on the house. Those homes are currently priced at $1.3 to $1.4 million.

The Bergis Farm and Oak Meadow subdivision are all built by Schollander so they are of the same quality. I commented on this before. Either those new homes get sold in the $800-$900K range or Schollander will go bankrupt.

David

Comment on Holiday Events in Lake Oswego by Ron Gauthier

Ron Gauthier — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:05:13 +0000

In Dec you have a holiday market. We are a food vender that serves a wond erful variety of popcorn. We are currently seeking off season markets and events to attend. Would you be interested in letting us join in the annual holiday market fun.We are looking to introduce our CARAMELLA, CHEESE, TENDER WHITE, AND SPECIALTY POPCORN to the Lake Oswego area. We had a busy 2008 season keeping 44 markets and festvals in a steady supply of fresh , hot ,and yummy popcorn. Please let us know if this is something that you would be interested in. thanks, Ron,Annie,and Melanie
contact: Ron 503-970-8061
Annie 503-998-2338
Melanie 480-258-4416

Comment on Holiday Events in Lake Oswego by Ron Gauthier

Ron Gauthier — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:05:06 +0000

Comment on Looking Back at the LO Real Estate Market of 2009 by Dianne

Dianne — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:20:04 +0000

Thanks Betty. It’s always good to hear from you. Linda and I both want to wish you much success in 2010.