Summer Real Estate Tidbits

  • DucksAccording to the latest Market Action Report for the Portland area “Closed sales in the Portland metro area for July 2009 eclipsed last July’s total by 8.6%, marking the first time same-month closed sales have increased since April 2007.  Pending sales also grew 8.3%.  New listings dropped 25.4% .  Comparing July 2009 with June 2009, closed sales increased 11.9% (1,988 v. 1,776) and pending sales were up a slight 0.3% (2,170 v. 2,164). New listings fell 8.2% (3,907 v. 4,257).”
  • RMLS now offers a “Short Sale” search field for Agents to search using this criteria.  It seems as though Agents are slow to be updating their listings to reflect this, but once all records are updated, this should be a helpful tool.
  • Amtrak may soon be cruising through Lake Oswego if feasibility and other studies yield positive results. The opportunity has come about as a direct result of avaiable funds from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which has earmarked $8 billion for high-speed rail.  It appears that going this route would be less expensive than repairing the line AMTRAK is currently using, which takes it through Oregon City.  The benefits also reportedly include projected increased ridership, increased timliness, and reduced carbon emissions. This change would replace the Oregon City stop with one in Tualatin.  ODOT has decided to apply for the funds to do a 2-year Environmental Impact Study.
  • The NW Natural 2009 Street of Dreams is underway, running from August 1 – 30.  This year is a little different than most in that it showcases four premier condo home developments in Portland’s “Pearl District”, including nine incredible penthouses ranging in price ffrom $1 to $2.5 million.  This year also focuses on LEED standard and eco-friendly building.  Check it out and buy your tickets at: http://www.streetofdreamspdx.com/home/home.php
  • Lake Oswego is in the middle of discussions with citizens regarding proposed “Sensitive Lands” changes.  To learn more about sensitive lands & view an FAQ page on this subject, visit: http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/plan/Nature/FAQ_Handout_080609.pdf Opinions run the gamut and there is currently lively debate on all sides.

Market Activity for August 10-16, 2009

Last week brought 11 new listings to Lake Oswego, 12 Pending sales, and 12 closed sales. Interesting to me was that all of the new listings are around 500k or less. That is the price range that is selling best. There is a very direct impact, in my opinion, on the sales activity that has been created by the First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit that is part the Federal Government’s stimulus package. No, I don’t think a first-time buyer will be buying a $500,000 house. But I do think the houses that are $350,000 or less will be in large part purchased by first-time buyers. And the homeowners who sell those will either buy again or choose to rent. So there may be some push up to the homes priced just up from the $350,000 range. The tax credit requires that buyers close on their purchase by the end of November. So for this week’s new listings, I would think that they are well positioned for a quick sale if they a in nice condition and priced correctly.

Having said all of that about last week’s new listings, I also make note of the sale at 890 Lakeshore: $2,275,000 and it sold in just 13 days, for full price.

(see below the tables for additional notes):

NEWLY LISTED (August 10—August 16, 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 $179,500 2 2 984 CONDO 8/13/2009
5354 LOWER DR $309,000 3 1 1,565 DETACHD 8/10/2009
406 8th ST $365,000 3 1.1 2,437 DETACHD 8/13/2009
16240 PARKER RD $374,700 3 2 1,454 DETACHD 8/15/2009
18922 REDWING WAY $379,900 4 2 2,076 DETACHD 8/12/2009
15580 PARTRIDGE DR $398,000 4 2.1 2,245 DETACHD 8/13/2009
31 DA VINCI ST $424,900 4 2.1 2,232 DETACHD 8/13/2009
17221 ROBB PL $427,500 3 2 1,812 DETACHD 8/13/2009
138 KINGSGATE RD 435000 3 2.1 1,600 DETACHD 8/12/2009
17886 TUALATA AVE 468500 4 2 1,994 DETACHD 8/10/2009
939 SUNNY HILL DR 515000 4 2.1 3,254 DETACHD 8/15/2009

PENDING SALES (August 10-August 16, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
14431 SHERBROOK PL $249,900 4 3 2,605 DETACHD 254
17928 ROYAL CT $269,900 3 2 1,272 DETACHD 111
5 PEACOCK PL $299,950 4 2.1 1,760 DETACHD 135
4 WHEATHERSTONE $334,950 3 2.1 1,692 CONDO 86
16695 GLENWOOD CT $449,000 4 3 3,104 DETACHD 336
3355 UPPER DR $470,000 4 2 3,205 DETACHD 23
2981 VALE CT $475,000 5 2.1 3,516 DETACHD 436
14121 GABRIELLE CT $609,000 4 2.1 3,006 DETACHD 55
5501 RACHEL LN 679900 4 2.2 3,509 DETACHD 623
5831 SUNCREEK DR 685000 4 2.1 2,733 DETACHD 27
18051 KELOK RD 799000 5 3.1 3,670 DETACHD 401
1149 LAKESHORE RD 1150000 4 2.1 2,660 DETACHD 143

SOLD (August 10-August 16, 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
82 OSWEGO SMT $220,000 $210,000 2 2 1,212 CONDO 82
16501 LAKE FOREST BLVD $319,900 $299,900 3 1 1,429 DETACHD 52
5214 LOWER DR $659,000 $356,000 4 2.1 2,904 DETACHD 547
12537 27TH PL $369,000 $369,500 4 2.1 2,375 DETACHD 12
1462 Worthington ST $424,000 $395,000 4 3 1,800 DETACHD 108
17144 Warren CT $585,000 $500,000 4 2.1 2,725 DETACHD 335
2161 HILLSIDE CT $699,900 $519,900 4 3 3,347 DETACHD 357
645 COUNTRY CLUB RD $975,000 $750,000 4 2.1 3,262 DETACHD 570
17259 LOWENBERG TER $999,900 770000 4 2.1 2,955 DETACHD 662
943 SW ATWATER RD $1,435,000 930000 4 2.1 3,874 DETACHD 331
3155 DOUGLAS CIR $1,379,000 965000 5 3.2 4,517 DETACHD 385
890 LAKESHORE RD 2275000 2275000 3 3.1 3,200 DETACHD 0

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

Open Houses for Sunday, August 16, 2009

The RMLS is currently showing 20 homes that will be held open this Sunday in Lake Oswego.  I will be at two of them.  I will be holding open 13638 SW 62nd from 11-1:30 and 4447 Golden Lane from 2-4.

41 Greenridge Ct, $225,000.  1652 sq. feet, 3 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-4

4447 Golden Ln, $239,000.  1980 sq. feet, 2 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 2-4

13638 SW 62nd, $319,900.  2268 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open 11-1:30

1023 Lund St, $399,000.  2313 sq. feet, 4 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-4

3 Cellini Ct, $429,000.  2531 sq. feet, 4 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-3

5299 Lakeview Blvd, $429,900.  2165 sq. feet, 3 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-3

41 Hillshire Dr, $459,000.  2670 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open 12:30-3:30

3254 Duncan Dr, $509,900.  3997 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 2-4

644 7th St, $530,000.  1658 sq. feet, 3 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-3

17393 Grandview Ct, $624,900.  3672 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 1-3

12748 SW 22nd Ave, $625,000.  3052 sq. feet, 3 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-4

570 7th St, $665,000.  2528 sq. feet, 4 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1-3

16705 Glenwood Ct, $799,000.  4243 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open 1-3

3030 Westview Ct, $849,000.  3415 sq. feet, 4 BR, 2.5 BTHS, open 1:30-3:30

5250 Dawn Ave, $855,000.  4333 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 2-3

1225 Lake Garden Ct, $995,000.  3558 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3 full + 2 half BTHS, open 1-3

12439 SW 22nd Ave, $998,800.  4118 sq. feet, 4 BR, 2 half baths?, open 1-3

18246 Bella Terra Dr, $1,294,000.  4052 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 1-4

18110 Siena Dr., $1,394,000.  4311 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, open 1-4

2778 Glenmorrie Dr., $1,750,000.  6263 sq. feet, 5 BR, 4 full + 3half baths, open 1-3

I hope to see you on Sunday!

Race for The Cure

pink ribbonIf you have been reading the Propertyblotter for awhile, you know that I am a big supporter of the annual Race for the Cure.  I am now a 2-year breast cancer survivor.  It’s a club I never wanted to join, but now that I’m in it, I’m doing whatever I can to keep other women (and men too) from having to join.

teamdianne1Breast cancer will strike one in 8 women in her lifetime.  My great-grandmother died of breast cancer in 1929, at the age of 48, the same age that I was when I got my diagnosis.  Luckily for me, in the 80 years since my great-grandmother died, thousands of people have put time and money into education and finding a cure.  I see it as my duty to pay that forward so that future generations don’t have to live in the shadow of this terrible disease.

This year, for the 3rd year, I have formed Team Dianne Crusades for a Cure.  I would like to invite you to join me on September 20th, 2009 at Waterfront Park in downtown Portland for the 19th annual Race for the Cure.  $5 of every entry fee goes to the Susan Komen Foundation.  The money is used to help women pay for mammograms, get financial aid and counseling for treatment, and to educate and to raise awareness.  Last year, even with the money raised, there were 40,000 women in Oregon and SW Washington who should have had mammograms and didn’t.  75% of the money raised is used right here in our community.  25% goes to the National research effort.

teamdianne2Even more than inviting you to walk with me, I would like to ask you to consider making a donation.  It is such a worthwhile cause.  $77 pays for one un-insured or under-insured woman to get a mammogram.

To join my team or to make a donation, please click here.  Thank you for your support and thank you for allowing me to make this appeal on the propertyblotter.  Now, let’s get back to real estate……

Community Gardens and the Bounty of Summer

luscher5Here in Lake Oswego we are blessed with the long, warm days of summer that come on the heals of the misty and rainy days of May and June.  The combination, along with personal commitment to gardening, leads to a rich bounty that is currently at its abundant peak.  I don’t know of a better place to see this, in all of its glory, than at the community garden at Luscher Farm.

Luscher Farm was purchased by the City of Lake Oswego between the years of 1991 and 1999.  It actually consists of 5 properties that when combined have an area of 47.71 acres.  The main farm, Luscher, is considered to be the most intact historic farm in Clackamas County.  Originally used as a dairy farm and for cattle, it was built at the turn of the century.  It is located just outside of the Southeast edge of the city at the corner of Stafford and Rosemont Roads.  It is now a public park that provides both recreation and educational opportunities for learing about farming, gardening, environmental education, and community supported agriculture.  And I am not talking about some hoity-toity experience where you drive up in your SUV and marvel at the cows and the chickens.  I’m talking about you and your family having a plot of land where you can nurture your own harvest and get dirt under your finger nails.

luscher1The community garden is just one part of Luscher Farm, but it is a high-light, for sure.

This year there are 188 garden plots being cultivated by individuals and families.  The plots are assigned by offering them to last year’s gardeners first, in November, and then any remaining plots are offered to the public in December.  The demand for the plots is large, so be in the game early if you want to reserve one for next year.  The prices I’m going to give are what was charged in 2009.  Prices for 2010 have not been determined, so there could be an increase.  But I believe that even with an increase it will still be a bargain.  Prices include access to a tool shed, where they have most anything you could imagine needing, organic fertilizer at the start of the season, and water.  A 10×20 plot is $47 for residents of LO and $52 for non-residents.  A 20×20 plot is $67 for residents of LO and $74 for non-residents.  There are also raised beds for older folks and people with disabilities who might have a hard time bending over to tend their garden.  The raised beds are $37 for residents and $41 for non-residents.  This fee is for the entire season and while you do have to go to your garden to do the watering, it does include the water.  Along with paying your fee, you are required to give 4 hours of your time to volunteer in the garden:  helping to build new plots (the garden gets expanded pretty much every year), weeding and mowing.

luscher2If you are not a returning gardener, but would like to have a garden plot next summer, I recommend that you call the City of Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department on December 1st to find out the date and time that the plots will be distributed.  In the past they were given out on a first-come-first-served basis and all plots were gone within an hour or two of being offered.  This year they are considering a lottery system, but that decision has not been made.  The phone number for Parks and Recreation at the City of Lake Oswego is 503-697-6500.

Besides the community garden, Luscher Farm has got some other very cool offerings.

The city works in cooperation with Oregon Tilth’s Organic Education Center to operate a demonstration garden that is all about showing people biologically sound urban agriculture.  It teaches about organic gardening and how to grow sustainable food.

luscher7Luscher Farm is also home to the Brewster Rogerson Clematis Collection.  You know clematis?  Those gorgeous vines with the unbelievably huge blossoms?  We have lots of clematis in LO.  Different varieties bloom at different times of the year with some even blooming in winter.  If you like to garden and you live in LO, you probably know about and love clematis.

And then there is the Community Supported Agriculture program.   This program consists of 12 acres that are cultivated and maintained by 47th Avenue Farms .  This is a co-op farming program.   It consists of 12 acres at Luscher Farms that are cultivated with a variety of vegetables for year-around consumption.  These include beets, brocolli, carrots, cauliflower, chard, cilantro, garlic, greens, herbs, kale, leeks, lettuce, onion, parsley, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, scallions, spinach, squash, and swiss chard.  Yum!  The produce is grown for a set number of harvest share holders.  These share holders buy into the bounty, but they also buy into the risk.  A late freeze or unusual storm can damage a crop.  So you become a share holder in the good and the bad.  Looking at the good, it means fresh grown organic produce that is locally sustainable for your palate and luscher6your good health.  In the summer shareholders pick up the bounty of the crops on a weekly basis.  In the late fall through early spring it is less frequent, but it still happens.  I visited the wesite for 47th Avenue Farms and found discriptions of various share options, but no specific pricing.  I would imagine that next year’s membership is still being formulated.  There is a link to a waiting list as well as for e-mailing to get information.  The website is www.47thavefarm.com .

Writing about all of the wealth of summer is making me hungry.  I think it’s time to go and to steam some brocolli!

Lake Oswego Market Activity ~ August 3 – 9, 2009

Last week Lake Oswego saw 15 New properties hit the market, while 12 went Pending and 9 Sold.

Of the 9 that sold, 7 were under $500,000. 7 of the 12 Pending sales were also priced under $500,000. While, of the 15 coming on the market fresh, 5 are priced under $500,000.

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

NEWLY LISTED (August 3—August 9, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
4749 FIRWOOD RD $229,900 3 1.1 1,440 DETACHD 8/4/2009
6137 CHILDS RD $240,000 3 1 946 DETACHD 8/7/2009
5424 WASHINGTON CT $299,900 2 1 1,296 DETACHD 8/6/2009
3290 WEMBLEY PARK RD $309,900 5 3 2,614 DETACHD 8/5/2009
8 BUCKINGHAM TER $465,000 4 2.1 3,186 DETACHD 8/7/2009
676 9TH ST $525,000 2 1 1,850 DETACHD 8/6/2009
644 7TH ST $530,000 3 2.1 1,658 DETACHD 8/7/2009
1570 WOODLAND TER $569,500 3 2.1 2,212 DETACHD 8/3/2009
17479 BROOKHURST DR $699,000 4 2.1 3,551 DETACHD 8/6/2009
4380 UPPER DR $784,900 4 4.1 4,071 DETACHD 8/5/2009
16705 GLENWOOD CT $799,000 4 3 4,243 DETACHD 8/9/2009
5459 WESTFIELD CT $875,000 5 3.1 3,670 DETACHD 8/3/2009
1920 GLENMORRIE DR $995,000 3 3.1 4,284 DETACHD 8/7/2009
3136 DOUGLAS CIR $1,125,000 4 3.1 4,022 DETACHD 8/5/2009
1101 Crestline CT $3,995,000 4 4.3 7,226 DETACHD 8/7/2009

PENDING SALES (August 3-August 9, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
45 EAGLE CREST DR $139,900 1 1 768 CONDO 78
23 MOUNTAIN CIR $285,000 2 2 1,300 DETACHD 17
4090 WESTBAY RD $299,900 2 1 917 DETACHD 34
17860 Sundown CT $310,000 4 3.1 3,480 DETACHD 136
13024 ROGERS RD $369,900 4 1 1,826 DETACHD 83
802 SUNNY HILL DR $429,000 4 2.1 2,508 DETACHD 16
5807 RIDGETOP CT $479,900 4 2.1 2,650 DETACHD 15
6 NORTHVIEW CT $500,000 4 3.1 3,188 ATTACHD 115
745 4TH ST $500,000 3 2 2,662 DETACHD 206
20 DA VINCI ST $599,900 5 3 3,089 DETACHD 25
4305 UPPER DR $749,000 4 2.1 3,474 DETACHD 78
16359 CHAPIN WAY $1,289,000 4 3.1 4,158 DETACHD 404

SOLD (August 3-August 9, 2009)

ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
82 GREENRIDGE CT $249,900 $218,000 3 2.1 2,868 CONDO 79
2071 BONNIEBRAE DR $295,000 $279,900 3 2 1,611 CONDO 392
15265 BOONES WAY $349,900 $338,500 2 2.1 1,560 ATTACHD 46
108 RIDGEWAY RD $499,000 $379,000 3 1 1,468 DETACHD 112
16919 LAKERIDGE DR $425,000 $400,000 4 3 2,710 DETACHD 295
2802 GREENTREE RD $449,500 $449,500 3 2.1 2,280 DETACHD 3
15195 LILY BAY CT $524,900 $730,000 4 2.1 4,099 DETACHD 163
320 CHANDLER PL $1,900,000 $1,800,000 5 3.1 4,675 DETACHD 38
2793 POPLAR WAY $2,395,000 $1,825,000 5 5.1 6,300 DETACHD 1290

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.

Lake Oswego Open Houses ~ Sunday, August 9, 2009

We’ve got 36 properties to see in Lake Oswego on Sunday.

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

Address L/Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Open
45 OSWEGO Summit $129,900 1 1 764 1-4 PM
65 OSWEGO SMT $169,900 2 2 1140 1-4 PM
141 OSWEGO SMT $169,900 2 2 1140 1-4 PM
11 OSWEGO SMT $179,900 2 2 1212 1-4 PM
109 OSWEGO SMT $179,900 2 2 1212 1-4 PM
3433 MCNARY PKWY #401 $199,950 2 2.1 1208 12 – 4 PM
166 OSWEGO SMT $229,900 2 2 1506 1-4 PM
4465 GOLDEN LN $249,000 2 2.1 1980 1-4 PM
150 KINGSGATE RD $324,900 3 2 1502 11-1 PM
5 ORIOLE LN $387,000 3 2.5 2024 1-3 PM
1531 WOODLAND TER $429,000 3 2.1 1895 1-4 PM
3745 TEMPEST DR $479,500 4 3 2573 12-2PM
2405 Dellwood DR $505,000 5 3 2336 11-2 PM
14371 SHERBROOK PL $509,900 3 2.1 2550 3-5 PM
340 8TH ST $535,000 3 2 1992 12-2 PM
11 MORNINGVIEW CIR $547,000 3 2.1 2921 1-3 PM
24 INDEPENDENCE AVE $549,950 6 3.1 3561 1-3 PM
475 10TH ST $593,950 4 2.1 2932 1-3 PM
38 DA VINCI ST $649,000 4 2.1 2932 12 – 4 PM
4380 UPPER DR $784,900 4 4.1 4071 11-2 PM
1836 PALISADES LAKE CT $795,000 5 3 4251 2-4 PM
2886 UPPER DR $797,000 3 2 2674 1-3 PM
18132 WESTVIEW RD $849,000 4 3.1 3871 11-2 PM
3030 WESTVIEW CT $874,000 4 2.1 3415 1:30-3:30 PM
1785 PALISADES TERRACE DR $879,000 5 4.1 5052 2-4 PM
17878 HILLSIDE DR $895,000 5 3 3462 1-3 PM
16461 CHAPIN WAY $947,500 4 2.1 4271 1-3 PM
1839 PALISADES LAKE CT $985,000 4 3.1 4570 2-4 PM
17464 RIDGEVIEW LN $1,298,950 4 3.1 4407 2-4 PM
622 OAK MEADOW DR $1,325,000 4 3.1 4171 2-4 PM
664 OAK MEADOW DR $1,355,000 4 3.1 4198 2-4 PM
18110 Siena DR $1,394,000 4 3.1 4311 2-4 PM
657 OAK MEADOW DR. $1,395,000 4 3.1 4371 2-4 PM
17433 RIDGEVIEW LN $1,495,000 4 4.1 4704 2-4 PM
18024 SKYLAND CIR $1,699,000 4 3.2 4131 2-4 PM
1835 PALISADES TERRACE DR $1,899,500 4 3 3380 2:30-4:30 PM

Insulation Anyone?

Insulation 1-1So…. you’re moving, or getting ready to sell, or in the middle of a home inspection on either end of the transaction.  One of the myriad things that may cross your path is the issue of insulation.  Some homes have it, some don’t.  Some have it in the walls but nowhere else, some have it in the floors and ceilings.  A lot depends on the era of the home and whether and how much updating has been done.   If you are selling your home and your home has insulation, say underneath, that has been damaged (squirrels, etc), you may be asked to repair or replace it.  If you have an older home with blown-in insulation in the attic, you may want to know what the material consists of.  If you are buying a home without insulation in the walls, you may be wanting to add some after the purchase is complete.   Here are some hopefully helpful tidbits on insulation:

  • Insulation is one of the lowest-cost options for improving energy efficiency (saving money : )  You can reduce your heating and cooling needs by up to 30% just by investing a few hundred dollars in insulation and weatherization products.
  • Should you insulate your home? Well, only 20% of homes built before 1980 are said to be well insulated, so you may want to investigate whether yours fits into this category.
  • How does insulation work?  Heat moves naturally from a warmer to a cooler space. So, in winter, it is trying to move to the outdoors through walls, ceilings, floors etc.  In the summer, the hot air outside is trying to make it indoors.
  • Insulation comes in a variety of forms:  in blankets, in batts, bagged & pour-ready, and “blown-in” material.
  • An important consideration when choosing a form of insulation is flammability. Keep insulation at least 3 inches from light fixture wiring and other heat-producing equipment unless it is marked “IC” allowing for direct insulation contact.
  • Insulation is made of either:
  1. “Mineral Wool” (which includes rock & fibrous glass).  These can be blown-in or purchased in blankets or batts with foil or paper vapor barrier.  Rock Wool can also be purchased in bagged form.  *This material is inherently non-flammable, but the products that have paper vapor barrier attached may be flammable.
  2. “Plastic Foam Resin” (made of polystyrene, polyurethane, or urea formaldehyde).  It can be purchased in sheets or bolts, or a contractor may spray the foam in place. *These products are generally not ‘Fire-Proof”, but check to find out whether the product you are using is “Flame Retardant”, “Flame Resistant” or neither.  Also ask about the ignition temperature… depending on the area in which you live, and other factors, some products, when approaching high ignition temperatures, can emit toxic gases.  Additionally, polystyrene and polyurethane cannot be used safely unless enclosed in a flame and heat-resistant material such as gypsum board.
  3. “Cellulose Insulation” (made of finely ground cellulose such as recycled newspaper).  This can be blown in place. *Flame-retardant chemicals are usually added to reduce flammability. One thing to ask about is the type of chemical that may be part of this product as the use, for instance, of too much sulfate can cause potential corrosion of pipes and other metal material.

(NOTE: Bottom line, talk to your contractor or supplier to discuss which type of insulation is right for your home in whatever location and for whatever use you are employing it.  This is ONLY meant as a primer to give you a better understanding of your options.)

  • The US Dept of Energy (DOE) measures insulation in R-Values, which are different for different areas of the country, and dependent on weather & temperature variations etc.  Here is a link that will take you to a map allowing you to find your particular area & check the recommended R-Values:        http://www.naima.org/pages/resources/library/pdf/BI487.PDF
  • When using fiberglass insulation remember that “looser is better”. Tightly packed fiberglass reduces the R-Value.
  • Do not block vents with insulation.
  • Use high density insulation such as rigid foam boards on areas such as cathedral ceilings and exterior walls.
  • Contrary to popular belief, when installing fiberglass insulation under the flooring in a crawlspace, you attach the paper or foil vapor barrier toward the heated area, not YOU.  Secure with rope or wire. Also, remember to insulate piping and ducting if you are opting for insulating under the floor. (NOTE: Consult your contractor or supplier as there are different ways of insulating a crawlspace depending on whether it is vented or un-vented.)
  • When installing this fiberglass insulation w/backing in walls under construction you will again face the backing material toward the heated space… so this time it will be facing YOU.
  • When insulating walls in already-built homes lacking it, you will again want to consult with a contractor as there are varying opinions about whether to blow in insulation or not.  Should you decide to do this, it is generally done through holes punched in the walls from the exterior of the home, and obviously is the material is blowin-in insulation of the kind you and your contractor have agreed-upon.
  • It is amazing how much energy can be saved by insulating around doors and windows (Having energy-efficient doors and windows also obviously helps too).  Usually you are using a foam insulation here that can be applied directly into any cracks & openings.
  • There is a lot of talk about the environmental pluses and minuses of insulating.  Obviously saving energy use is good for the planet, AND it can be argued that insulating too much creates an environment where a house cannot breathe, and the potential for toxic buildup inside the home of various substances can exist. Here are several links to more information on this issue so that you can decide for yourself : http://www.utilitybillbusters.com/articles/do-it-yourself-projects/hidden-dangers-of-home-repairs-over-insulating-and-weatherproofing/ ,   http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/QandA/natural/insulation.htmhttp://www.greenfootsteps.com/best-insulation-for-homes.html , http://www.ehow.com/how_5197129_install-fiber-insulation-attic-walls.html
  • Here is a link to the DOE’s fact sheet and other helpful information regarding insulation and energy-efficiency: http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_01.html

I hope this information has proven helpful to you in your individual situation.  Obviously this is a large subject, and so maybe we’ll cover some specific issues in the future.  Feel free to comment and add your own information, and/or request information directly relating to your needs.

Open Houses for Sunday, August 2nd, 2009

62nd frontThis Sunday there are currently 25 houses scheduled in the RMLS to be held open, including my listing at 13638 SW 62nd in Southwood Park.  It’s a big, family home with 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and 2 family rooms for just $319,900. Yes, it does need some cosmetic updating, but it has a newer 50 year roof, new windows, and new paint in and out.   I’ll be there from noon to 3pm.  I’d love to have you stop by.  Look for my signs on Westlake Dr and Southwood Dr and follow them in to SW 62nd.

Here are the open houses scheduled for this Sunday:

1597 Bonniebrae Dr, $216,900.  2 BR, 1 BTH, 998 sq. feet, open 1-3

1581 Bonniebrae Dr, $265,000. 2 BR, 2 BTHS, 1393 sq. feet, open 11:30-1:30

343 5th St, $279,999. 2 BR, 1 BTH, 910 sq. feet, open 1-3

13638 SW 62nd Dr, $313,900, 4 BR, 3 BTHS, 2268 sq. feet, open noon-3

17311 Ashley Ct, $350,000. 4 BR, 2.5 BTHS, 2160 sq. feet, open 2-4

18407 Deer Oak Cir, $365,000. 4 BR, 2 BHTS, 1812 sq. feet, open 1-3

5845 McEwan Rd, $379,000. 3 BR, 1 BTH, 1824 sq. feet, open 2-4

41 Hillshire Dr, $459,000. 4 BR, 3 BHTS, 2670 sq. feet, open 1:30-3:30

18410 Deerbrush Ave, $495,000. 4 BR, 2.5 BTHS, 2217 sq. feet, open 1-3

4040 Virginia Way, $560,000. 3 BR, 2.5 BTHS, 2623 sq. feet, open 1-4

1508 Pine St, $579,000. 3 BR, 2.5 BTHS, 2300 sq. feet, open 1-3

475 10th St, $593,950. 4 BR, 2.5 BTHS, 2932 sq. feet, open 1-3

20 Da Vinci St, $599,900. 5 BR, 3 BTHS, 3089 sq. feet, open 1-4

570 7th St, $665,000. 4 BR, 2.5 BTHS, 2528 sq. feet, open 1-3

5218 Westfield Ct, $765,000. 3 BR, 2.5 BTHS, 3125 sq. feet, open 1-4

18360 Delanka Ln, $898,000. 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, 4346 sq. feet, open noon-2

1015 Andrews Rd, $999,900. 4 BR, 3 BTHS, 3367 sq. feet, open 2-4

14480 Kruse Oaks Blvd, $1,049,000. 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, 4661 sq. feet, open 1-3

17464 Ridgeview Ln, $1298,950. 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, 4407 sq. feet, open 2-4

622 Oak Meadow Dr, $1,325,000. 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, 4171 sq. feet, open 2-4

664 Oak Meadow Dr, $1,355,000. 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, 4198 sq. feet, open 2-4

18110 Siena Dr, $1,394,000. 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, 4311 sq. feet, open 1-4

657 Oak Meadow Dr, $1,395,000. 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, 4371 sq. feet, open 2-4

17364 Ridgeview Ct, $1,425,000. 4 BR, 3.5 BTHS, 4436 sq. feet, open 2-4

17433 Ridgeview Ln, $1, 495,000. 4 BR, 4.5 BTHS, 4704 sq. feet, open 2-4

It’s going to be another beautiful summer weekend.  Come on out and see some houses, and please don’t forget to come and see me at open house on SW 62nd.

Preparing Your House for the Home Inspection

blog flowersThe last 12 months have been a pretty rough time to be selling a home.  Your home may have even been on the market for a period of time longer than you ever thought possible.  But now you’ve gotten a good offer that you have accepted.  This is a key time in any home sale.  You must now get your home to pass the home inspection.   I want to give you a list of 10 simple repairs you can do to prepare your home as well as a few things to do on the day of the inspection.

10 simple repairs to do before the home inspection:

1.  Prune vegetation away from the house.

2.  Clean the gutters.

3.  Replace or clean any dirty furnace filters.

4.  Install missing covers on electrical switches, outlets, and junction boxes.

5.  Replace all smoke alarms installed before January 1, 2002 to comply with current standards.

6.  Replace burned out light bulbs.

7.  Pull soil 6″ away from the siding, basement windows, foundation vents, and decks.

8.  Install 6mil. black, plastic vapor barrier in the crawlspace over exposed soil.

9.  Install earthquake straps on the water heater.

10. Repair leaking faucets.

On the day of the inspection:

1.  Remove any belongings that block access to the furnace, water heater, electrical panel, attic and crawl spaces so the inspector may get to these areas.

2.  Verify the gas, water, and electricity are on, even in vacant homes.

3.  Make sure all gas pilot lights are lit.

4.  Make sure that all appliances normally operated by you can be tested as needed.

It is normal to feel a bit stressed when your home is inspected, but you can greatly increase a positive outcome on the inspection if you do a little prior planning.  And a good home inspection directly affects your ability to maximize the proceeds that you will receive from the sale of your home.  It is worth the time, effort, and a few dollars that it takes to get your home ready.