Lake Oswego Market Activity – March 30th – April 5th, 2009

blogtreeOk, things are starting to get interesting- Lake Oswego saw 29 new properties hit the market last week (these are properties that are brand new on the market -or- have been off the market for a minimum of 30 days). All told, there were 45 that are either truly new, or have been “freshened” showing as new listings. (Dianne and I will have plenty to see on tour tomorrow!) We had 7 go pending, and 6 that closed, so sales remain steady for now at this rate.

The headlines read: “Mortgage Rates Drop to Record Lows”. According to Bankrate.com, the benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has dropped 6 basis points to 5.13%. The benchmark 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage fell 7 basis points to 4.73%. Mortgage rate applications are up, and many are taking advantage of the 2009 $8,000. tax credit for first time buyers. (Click here for more info from the NAR.)

We can expect to see these factors start to significantly affect market activity. The rise in the number of new listings appears to indicate renewed confidence along with seasonal upswing, and consistent sales activity likely indicates pent-up demand starting to surface, as you’d expect with the incentives of low rates and plentiful options.

Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):

NEWLY LISTED (March 30—April 5, 2009)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type List Date
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type List Date
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type List Date
47 EAGLE CREST DR $132,900 2 1 932 CONDO 4/2/2009
86 KINGSGATE RD $155,000 2 2 849 CONDO 4/2/2009
86 KINGSGATE RD $159,900 2 2 924 CONDO 4/3/2009
86 KINGSGATE RD $169,000 2 2 849 CONDO 3/31/2009
165 OSWEGO SMT $199,900 2 2 1,383 CONDO 4/3/2009
4230 COLLINS WAY $289,000 3 2 1,512 DETACHD 4/1/2009
4465 GOLDEN LN $299,900 2 2.1 1,980 CONDO 4/2/2009
6025 SW CARMAN DR $299,900 3 1.1 1,346 DETACHD 4/5/2009
18929 TERRY AVE $374,950 4 2 2,065 DETACHD 3/30/2009
19060 INDIAN SPRINGS CIR $399,900 3 2 1,525 DETACHD 4/1/2009
37 BERWICK RD $425,000 5 2 2,198 DETACHD 3/30/2009
13470 PETERS RD $474,900 3 2.1 2,324 ATTACHD 4/1/2009
2650 DELLWOOD DR $499,000 4 3 3,238 DETACHD 4/1/2009
161 C AVE $549,900 2 2.1 1,719 ATTACHD 4/1/2009
6110 CHILDS RD $550,000 4 3 3,258 DETACHD 4/1/2009
400 LAKE BAY CT $579,900 3 2.1 1,680 DETACHD 4/1/2009
2830 PARK RD $625,000 4 3.1 3,116 DETACHD 3/31/2009
2188 OVERLOOK DR $639,900 4 2.1 2,618 DETACHD 3/30/2009
246 GREENWOOD RD $674,900 3 3 2,125 DETACHD 4/1/2009
15671 VILLAGE DR $724,000 3 2.1 3,390 DETACHD 4/2/2009
16616 LAKE FOREST BLVD $750,000 4 2.1 3,314 DETACHD 4/1/2009
15543 VILLAGE DR $799,000 4 2.1 3,081 DETACHD 3/31/2009
17215 LOWENBERG TER $850,000 4 2.1 2,819 DETACHD 4/2/2009
13711 FIELDING RD 789000 – 898876 3 4 4,649 DETACHD 3/30/2009
511 6TH ST $988,000 5 3.1 4,000 DETACHD 4/2/2009
917 Evergreen ST $1,000,000 4 3.1 2,700 DETACHD 3/30/2009
17960 SARAH HILL LN $1,179,000 5 3.1 4,800 DETACHD 4/1/2009
1099 TROON RD $1,250,000 5 3.1 3,938 DETACHD 3/30/2009
13371 ATWATER LN $1,299,900 4 3 4,795 DETACHD 4/5/2009

PENDING SALES (March 30—April 5, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQFT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type List Date CDOM
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type List Date CDOM
3844 BOTTICELLI ST $219,900 2 2 1,132 CONDO 3/31/2009 5
18307 LONGFELLOW AVE $329,900 3 2 1,457 DETACHD 8/23/2008 222
785 5TH ST $399,900 3 2 2,208 DETACHD 11/18/2008 132
13581 GOODALL RD $550,000 3 2 1,220 DETACHD 10/10/2008 575
5772 BAY CREEK DR $574,500 4 3 3,242 DETACHD 2/5/2009 58
12611 BOONES FERRY RD $599,900 5 3.1 4,042 DETACHD 2/17/2009 142
2900 WEMBLEY PARK RD $697,000 4 2.1 3,383 DETACHD 3/31/2009 4
               

SOLD (March 30—April 5, 2009)

ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address Orig Price Sale Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type List Date CDOM
Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type CDOM
4 TOUCHSTONE $129,900 $125,000 2 2 979 CONDO 192
4470 CHAPMAN WAY $380,000 $310,000 3 3 2,125 DETACHD 188
2800 WEMBLEY PARK RD $374,500 $342,000 3 2 1,575 DETACHD 10
1228 HALLINAN CIR $389,000 $375,000 4 2 1,932 DETACHD 7
625 CLARA CT $587,500 $542,000 3 2.1 2,532 DETACHD 297
13222 DEERFIELD CT $649,000 $600,000 4 2.1 3,022 DETACHD 331
               
               

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. CDOM stands for cumulative days on market, which includes any re-listing and measures from the initial listing date.

Lake Oswego Open Houses – Sunday, April 5th 2009

It is supposed to by sunny and near 70 degrees on Sunday. Get out there and have some fun!  If looking at properties is on your agenda, there are 12 to see on Sunday in Lake Oswego.  Enjoy!

Here are those that will be held open according to RMLS:

18791 Indian Creek Way$439,900    3 Bd,   2 Ba       Open 1-3

3311 Fir Ridge Rd           $459,000     3 Bd,   2 1/2 Ba Open 1:30-3:30

41 Hillshire Dr                 $499,000     4 Bd,    3 Ba       Open 1:30-3:30

4691 Chelsea Ln            $619,900     4 Bd,    2 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

5868 Suncreek Dr          $694,000     4 Bd,   2 1/2 Ba   Open 1-3

2900 Wembley Pk Rd     $697,000     4 Bd,   2 1/2 Ba  Open 1-3

2 Grouse Ter   $799,000-$850,000    4 Bd,   3  Ba       Open 2:30-4

3030 Westview Ct         $948,000     4 Bd,   2 1/2  Ba  Open 2:30-4:00

13237 Knaus Rd             $999,000    3 Bd,   3 1/2  Ba  Open 1:30-3:30

3114 Douglas Cir          $1,795,000   4 Bd   4 Ba          Open 1-3

975 Lake Front Rd      $1,899,000     3 Bd,   3 Ba         Open 2:30-4:00

2500 Glen Eagles Rd  $2,695,000      5 Bd,   4 1/2 Ba Open 12:15-3:30

Celebrating Trees in Lake Oswego

asterIt was a year or so ago, I think, that I wrote a piece on Lake Oswego and its love affair with trees.  I included all manner of information on laws in Lake Oswego limiting tree removal etc.  This love of trees is a large part of what makes Lake Oswego so beautiful, and so, like the rain, we take the good with the bad and appreciate the end results of being showered with tree legislation.

Did you know that Oregon is the only state to reserve the entire first week of April as Arbor Week?

Here are some events this week and next giving all of us tree-hugging Lake Oswegans (and others who would like to join in) opportunities to celebrate… what else… trees!

plum2Stewardship Event

Saturday, April 4th  –  10:00AM – 1:00PM

Location: George Rogers Park

This is an opportunity to learn more about Lake Oswego’s natural restoration efforts as well as participate in them! You’ll learn proper techniques, and tools & snacks are provided. Plant over 500 native plants while removing invasive species, making way for future plantings and for natives to re-establish themselves. 

Heritage Tree Ceremony

Monday, April 6th – 3:00PM

Location: Lang Farm, 195 South Rosemont Road

Celebrate the city’s newest Heritage Trees.  There will be a ceremony featuring a giant sequoia and a ponderosa pine that have been standing tall over the rolling & changing landscape for many decades. If these trees could only talk!

plumArbor Art Show Opening

Thursday, April 9th – 6:30 – 8:30PM

Location: Lake Oswego Public Library

Enjoy local the work of talented local artists displaying their tree-themed art!

Great Oregon Tree Plant and “Tree City USA” Ceremony

Friday, April 10th – 4:00PM

Location: Stevens Meadows

Witness the planting of a ceremonial Oregon white oak, brought to you by the City of Lake Oswego and the Lake Grove Garden Club as part of the larger statewide effort aiming to inspire 150 tree-planting events in celebration of Oregon’s 150th birthday.  There will be a presentation of Lake Oswego’s Tree City USA award from the Oregon Department of Forestry.

For more information, you may call Lori Summers, Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator, at 503 675 2543.

Market Activity for March 23 to 29, 2009

Last week was spring break for the Lake Oswego School District and it kept the market a bit quiet.  15 new listings, 6 pending sales, and 2 closed listings made for a rather slow week.  That being said, once spring break is over, it is traditionally the time of year when the market picks up steam.  The daffodils are in full bloom with tulips and rhododendrons soon to follow.  Houses really look good in the spring and many home owners time selling their homes around the season when their yards show their home at its best.  Both new listings and pending sales should pick up as the weather improves.

Here is your summary of last weeks activity:

NEWLY LISTED (March 23—March 29, 2009)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type List Date
7 CRESTFIELD CT $115,000 1 1 689 CONDO 3/28/2009
1033 YATES ST $199,900 4 3.1 2,500 DETACHD 3/26/2009
3433 MCNARY PKWY $199,950 2 2.1 1,208 CONDO 3/27/2009
4041 JEFFERSON PKWY $229,000 1 1.1 1,041 ATTACHD 3/26/2009
4316 BOTTICELLI ST $274,900 3 2.1 2,098 CONDO 3/23/2009
103 KINGSGATE RD $319,000 3 2.1 1,352 DETACHD 3/27/2009
5 PEACOCK PL $330,000 4 2.1 1,760 DETACHD 3/29/2009
3290 WEMBLEY PARK RD $379,000 5 3 2,614 DETACHD 3/23/2009
17311 ASHLEY CT $385,000 4 2.1 2,160 ATTACHD 3/27/2009
18601 WAXWING ST $447,000 4 2 1,908 DETACHD 3/27/2009
1250 PINE ST $499,000 4 3 2,856 DETACHD 3/26/2009
17859 HILLSIDE WAY $539,000 5 3 3,418 DETACHD 3/23/2009
12647 SW 21ST CT $649,900 5 2.1 3,212 DETACHD 3/23/2009
1918 INDIAN TRAIL $1,095,000 3 3 3,094 DETACHD 3/25/2009
3545 RED CEDAR WAY $1,350,000 5 4.5 4,625 DETACHD 3/24/2009

PENDING SALES (March 23—March 29, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQFT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
47 EAGLE CREST DR $137,900 2 1 947 CONDO 56
5831 SEVILLE AVE $199,900 4 1 1,320 DETACHD 211
6317 CARMAN DR $219,900 3 1.1 1,344 DETACHD 168
5235 OAKRIDGE RD $304,900 3 2.1 1,576 DETACHD 129
13805 REGENCY CT $399,000 4 2.1 2,045 DETACHD 29
17960 RIDGE LAKE DR $634,900 4 2.1 3,124 DETACHD 271

SOLD (March 23—March 29, 2009)

ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address O/Price Close Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4 TOUCHSTONE DR $194,900 $153,000 3 2.1 1,351 CONDO 45
16840 ALDER CIR $1,749,000 $1,555,000 4 2.1 3,563 DETACHD 249

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. CDOM stands for cumulative days on market, which includes any re-listing and measures from the initial listing date.

Open Houses for Sunday, March 29th

According to the RMLS, there will be 13 homes being held open in Lake Oswego this Sunday:

4316 Botticelli St, $274,900, 2098 sq. ft., 3 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-3

56 Greenridge Ct, $315,000, 1996 sq. ft., 3 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 12:30-3:30

4458 Thunder Vista Ln, $319,000, 2200 sq. ft., 3 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 12-3

41 Hillshire Dr, $499,000, 2670 sq. ft., 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open 1:30-3:30

3254 Duncan Dr, $575,000, 3997 sq. ft., 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 2-4

340 8th ST, $575,000, 1992 sq. ft., 3 BR, 2 BTHS, open 1-3

5868 Suncreek Dr, $725,000, 3174 sq. ft., 4 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-3

2688 Rivendell Rd, $835,000, 3720 sq. ft., 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open 1-3

2941 Westview Circle, $849,000, 3075 sq. ft., 4 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-3

17878 Hillside Dr, $970,000, 3462 sq. ft., 5 BR, 3 BTHS, open 12-2

13237 Knaus Rd, $999,000, 4909 sq. ft., 3 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 1-3

943 Atwater Rd, $999,599, 3874 sq. ft., 4 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-3

2300 Childs Rd, $1,099,900, 3183 sq. ft., 4 BR, 2 BTHS, open 1-4

Enjoy the weekend.

Tryon Creek State Park

tryon-sign1Located along Lake Oswego’s Northern boundary is Tryon Creek State Park.  It consists of over 600 acres of natural areas.  There are trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and a paved trail that is designed to be user friendly for people with disabilities.  It is a gem in the metro area and it is at our back door.

I have been hiking in the park for years.  The trails are varied enough that you can do a short excursion of under a mile or stretch it out to be several miles long.  While hiking in the park last Sunday, I was impressed with the condition of the trails.  Oregon lottery money has been infused into the maintenance of the park and is easily evident in the well maintained paths and bridges.

tryon-creekBridges are necessary because the park is layed out around a canyon that contains a natural watershed.  The creek at the bottom is one of the few remaining creeks in the area with an active run of steelhead trout.

The history of the park goes back to an early pioneer, Socrates Hotchkiss Tryon (gotta love that name!).  He established the first land claim which was sold in the late 19th Century to the Oregon Iron company for $7000.  The Oregon Iron Company logged the canyon to provide fuel for the iron foundry in Lake Oswego.  Logging continued off and on until 1961.

tryon-pathPeople locally began to appreciate the value of the natural area and the Friends of Tryon Creek was formed in 1969 to work toward preserving the area in its natural state.

In 1970 a land developer obtained an option on the property to develop it into homesites.  This set off a firestorm of volunteer support.  In just 3 weeks time 325 volunteers raised $27,000 as the first step in saving the park.  Efforts continued throughout the year and on October 26th of that same year, Governor Tom McCall announced the formation of Tryon Creek Park.  The state then purchased 600+ acres for nearly $3,000,000.  The park was dedicated in 1975.

Today visitors come to the park to enjoy the trails and the nature center.  There are classes for children as well as for adults.  There is an annual art display called Natural Cycles:  Art in the Forest.  And then there is the Trillium Festival.

tryon-trilliumA discussion about Tryon Creek State Park would not be complete without the subject of the native trillium.  Trillium Ovatum are a wildflower that grow in the undisturbed shadows of the forest.  They are a member of the lily family and bloom in March.  They start out white and turn pink as they age.  They are a very delicate plant.  As a child I recall my grandmother telling me “don’t pick the trillium”.  This is because if you pick a the flower, it takes the plant 7 years to recover and to bloom again.

The Trillium Festival is held annually when the forest is in full bloom.  It includes a plant sale where you can purchase trillium to put into your own garden.  This year’s festival is April 4-6.

Admission to the park is free.

This park is so close to Lake Oswego that it is easily enjoyed.  There are trails directly into the park from both the First Addition and Forest Highlands neighborhoods.

Market Activity Update – March 16 – 22, 2009

Lake Oswego saw 15 new properties hit the market last week (these are properties that are brand new on the market -or- have been off the market for a minimum of 30 days).  We had 8 go pending, and 9 that closed.

This is a great time to buy! (no smoke here : )  Rates are great, new & intriguing loan programs are popping up all over the place, and houses appear to be finally jiving with the “reality meter” for Buyers. 

Feel free to call or email anytime.  We love hearing from our local and out-of-state readers, and enjoy meeting you and getting you settled in Lake Oswego!

Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):

NEWLY LISTED (March 16—March 22, 2009)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type List Date
100 KERR PKWY $132,500 2 1.1 823 CONDO 3/16/2009
15868 PARKER RD $187,500 2 1 780 DETACHD 3/17/2009
11 OSWEGO SMT $194,900 2 2 1,212 CONDO 3/16/2009
45 EAGLE CREST DR $210,000 2 2 1,046 CONDO 3/21/2009
12844 BOONES FERRY RD $257,000 2 2.1 1,398 CONDO 3/16/2009
2 SUMMIT RIDGE CT $354,900 2 2.1 1,750 ATTACHD 3/18/2009
5214 LOWER DR $459,900 4 2.1 2,904 DETACHD 3/19/2009
12735 Alto Park RD $495,000 3 2 1,685 DETACHD 3/20/2009
17860 Sundown CT $499,900 4 3.1 3,480 DETACHD 3/20/2009
1866 KILKENNY DR $511,100 4 3.1 3,600 DETACHD 3/19/2009
15535 VILLAGE DR $799,000 5 3 3,421 DETACHD 3/21/2009
17212 CHAPIN WAY $850,000 3 2.1 2,541 DETACHD 3/17/2009
2 GROUSE TER $989,000 4 3 4,446 DETACHD 3/17/2009
1149 LAKESHORE RD $1,295,000 4 2.1 2,606 DETACHD 3/20/2009
1005 COUNTRY CLUB RD $1,999,000 5 4 5,000 DETACHD 3/18/2009

PENDING SALES (March 16—March 22, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQFT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type List Date CDOM
4 TOUCHSTONE DR $137,500 3 2.1 1,351 CONDO 1/26/2009 52
15570 WALUGA DR $325,000 3 3 1,577 DETACHD 3/21/2009 265
16 PARTRIDGE LN $398,000 3 2.1 2,304 DETACHD 1/30/2009 48
1043 HALLINAN ST $399,900 4 2.1 2,484 DETACHD 9/3/2008 196
13222 DEERFIELD CT $649,000 4 2.1 3,022 DETACHD 1/22/2009 331
14133 AMBERWOOD CIR 750000 – 800000 4 2.1 3,200 DETACHD 6/12/2008 278
1667 VILLAGE PARK LN $899,900 6 3.1 4,743 DETACHD 2/18/2009 279
1961 SUMMIT DR $915,000 3 2.1 3,218 DETACHD 6/21/2008 268

SOLD (March 2—March 8, 2009)

ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address Orig Price Sale Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type List Date CDOM
6291 HARRINGTON AVE $249,900 $239,900 3 2 1,472 DETACHD 1/6/2009 10
4070 WESTBAY RD $350,000 $279,000 1 1 1,828 DETACHD 7/15/2008 0
17304 MARJORIE AVE $333,000 $317,125 3 1.1 1,340 DETACHD 2/3/2009 16
4 OTHELLO ST $434,900 $390,000 4 3 2,184 DETACHD 11/5/2008 111
1480 HEMLOCK ST $488,850 $410,000 4 3 2,246 DETACHD 3/24/2008 305
221 HIDALGO ST $419,500 $420,000 3 2.1 2,628 DETACHD 2/16/2009 13
178 PINE VALLEY RD $475,000 $455,000 5 3.1 2,999 DETACHD 2/12/2009 6
17454 CANAL (boat esmnt) CIR $789,900 $545,900 4 3 2,275 DETACHD 4/19/2008 261
1670 PINE ST $679,987 $579,900 4 3.1 3,286 DETACHD 11/5/2008 110

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. CDOM stands for cumulative days on market, which includes any re-listing and measures from the initial listing date.

Lake Oswego Open Houses – Sunday, March 22, 2009

There are 15 properties to see on Sunday in Lake Oswego.  Enjoy!

Here are those that will be held open according to RMLS:

45 Oswego Summit         $139,900     1 Bd,    1 Ba       Open 1-3

47 Eagle Crest Dr #12    $139,900     2 Bd,    1 Ba      Open 1-4

11 Oswego Summit         $194,900     2 Bd,    2 Ba     Open 1-3

750 1st St  #23              $197,500     2 Bd,    2 Ba       Open 2-4

166 Oswego Summit      $229,900     2 Bd,    2  Ba      Open 1-3

197 Oswego Summit      $264,197      2 Bd,    2  Ba     Open 1-3

5096 SW Tree St            $334,900      3 Bd,    1 1/2 Ba   Open 2-5

5785 SW Carman Dr       $364,800    3 Bd,    1 1/2  Ba  Open 1-3

5675 Childs Rd               $419,000     2 Bd, 2 1/2  Ba  Open 1-4

1462 Worthington St     $424,000      4 Bd,     3 Ba        Open 3-5

1009 Cumberland Pl      $469,000      4 Bd,     3 Ba      Open 1-4

3254 Duncan Dr             $575,000      4 Bd   3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

17950 Ridge Lake Dr    $634,900        4 Bd   2 1/2 Ba  Open 12-2

18051 Kelok Rd             $899,000        5 Bd  3 1/2 Ba  Open 3:30-5:30     

17282 Lake Haven Dr  $1,349,950      4 Bd   2 1/2 Ba  Open 1-3

It’s Spring Break! Where Teens Go in LO…

westend-bldgLake Oswego is known far & wide for its family-friendly environment and involved citizenry. The schools here are excellent, there are clubs and outlets for all kinds of interests, and of course a myriad of programs for kids of all ages.  I wanted to take a moment to highlight a terrific resource called the “McKenzie Lounge for Teens”.

bright-roomThe McKenzie Lounge is located in the West End Building at 4101 Kruse Way.  The Youth Action Council, YAC, and other generous donors have made sure that it is packed with the kinds of things teens find inviting, including: a pool table, foosball table, ping pong table, TV’s, couches, comfy chairs, bean bag chairs, video games, refreshments and plenty more.  It was designed specifically for teens by Janet Bocci, as well as YAC and parks and recreation staff members.

tablesAccording to the city’s website, drop-in hours are 6-9PM Monday thru Friday for all teens ages 12-18 who want to come and hang out with friends and/or meet new ones. After school it is open to Jr. High teens from 3-6PM for the After School Program. Since its inception in the Fall of 2007, it has hosted over 3,000 visitors, not including special events like Java Jam, LakeFest and others (figures as of November 2008).  The Lounge is also the magnet meeting place for all teen groups such as YAC, the JavaJam Planning Committee, The After School Activity Program (ASAP) and clubs from both high schools including Ping Pong Club and Reflections.

couches1The best thing about the McKenzie Lounge however, is that teens actually report enjoying it! For instance, during the election, the Lounge hosted a series of “Debate ’08” nights featuring the Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates, opportunities for lively discussion, as well as food and extra credits from social studies teachers. The debate series attendance reportedly totaled 115 students, drop-in attendance is reportedly growing by 25% every three months, and teens have been quoted as saying that the McKenzie Lounge ranks right up there with Taco Bell and the video game store as cool hang-out choices.

With Spring Break upon us, upcoming activities include March Madness games and March’s Java Jam featuring two musical guests and YAC’s “Project Runway” contest.

In addition to the ongoing happenings at McKenzie Lounge, Lake Oswego offers more fun teen activities this Spring Break including: Ski and Snowboard Camp at Timberline Ski Resort, Glow-In-The-Dark-Bowling, Rock Climbing and a Portland Lumberjacks field trip. Check out the city’s website (link above) for more information!

Market Activity for March 9-15, 2009

Last week in Lake Oswego there were 16 new listings, 8 houses that went pending, and 2 closed sales.  A trend I have been watching appears to be continuing.  When I look at Days on the Market, it seems like houses are either selling very quickly or very slowly.  3 of the 7 pending sales went into escrow in a week or less of market time. 3 more sold within about 2 months.  The last two had extended market time of 236 and 426 days.  Of the closed sales, one sold in 4 days and one sold in 243 days.  I think this is reflective of changing attitudes of sellers.  People who listed their homes in late 2007 and early 2008 are being stubborn about accepting the decline in values that has occured and are either sitting on high prices or dropping prices in such away that they are behind the market trends.  Whereas sellers listing today, who are listening to their Realtor and pricing their homes at values that will meet market conditions, are realizing quick sales at or near their asking prices.   Buyers are smart.  They are watching the market and recognizing value when they see it.  Correct pricing is King.

NEWLY LISTED (March 9—March 15, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
4 TOUCHSTONE $159,900 3 2.1 1,350 ATTACHD 3/11/2009
4000 CARMAN DR $184,500 2 2 1,100 CONDO 3/9/2009
166 OSWEGO SMT $229,900 2 2 1,506 CONDO 3/13/2009
668 MCVEY AVE $260,000 3 1.1 985 CONDO 3/12/2009
140 TOUCHSTONE CT $339,900 3 2.1 1,964 ATTACHD 3/12/2009
4366 WOODSIDE CIR $349,000 3 2 1,762 ATTACHD 3/12/2009
16890 CORTEZ CT $349,000 4 3 2,016 DETACHD 3/13/2009
4420 GOLDEN LN $349,000 3 3.1 2,165 ATTACHD 3/10/2009
5402 CARMAN DR 369900 3 1 1,720 DETACHD 3/9/2009
45 TANGLEWOOD DR 399999 5 3.1 3,166 DETACHD 3/12/2009
1462 Worthington ST 424000 4 3 1,800 DETACHD 3/9/2009
2961 DELLWOOD DR 525000 3 3 2,476 DETACHD 3/14/2009
2550 SOUTHSHORE BLVD 550000 4 3.1 3,472 DETACHD 3/11/2009
1699 VILLAGE PARK LN 675000 3 2.2 2,936 DETACHD 3/9/2009
115 BERWICK RD 998000 4 3.1 4,000 DETACHD 3/13/2009
356 9TH ST 1199000 3 3.1 3,647 DETACHD 3/10/2009

PENDING SALES (March 9—March 15, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQFT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4 TOUCHSTONE $76,500 3 2.1 1,351 CONDO 7
127 OSWEGO SMT $184,900 2 2 1,212 CONDO 0
5487 TUALATA CT $259,000 3 2 1,200 DETACHD 236
790 BOCA RATAN DR $259,900 3 2 2,112 DETACHD 35
1140 HALLINAN CT $339,895 3 2 1,875 DETACHD 3
845 LAKE FOREST DR $399,000 3 1.1 1,359 DETACHD 68
662 9 th ST $975,000 5 3.1 4,108 DETACHD 63
14066 Goodall RD $1,629,000 4 3.1 4,220 DETACHD 426

SOLD (March 9—March 15, 2009)

ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM

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Address O/Price Close Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
16978 CANAL CIR $350,000 $350,000 3 2 1,962 DETACHD 4
22 HOTSPUR ST $799,000 $627,325 6 3.1 4,259 DETACHD 243

Criteria: Statistics given above are obtained from the Realtor’s Multiple Listing Service by searching condos, attached homes, manufactured homes and detached homes in the 97034 and the 97035 zip codes. DOM means Days on the Market and CDOM means Cumulative Days on the Market.