Lake Oswego Open Houses – Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

There are 26 great properties to see on Sunday in Lake Oswego. Get out there, have fun & tour!

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

30 Condolea Dr $275,000 2 Bd, 2 Ba Open 1-3

4465 Golden Ln $299,900 2 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-4

5094 Galen St $299,999 3 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

16266 Lake Forest Blvd $374,999 3 Bd, 2 Ba Open 12-2

16824 SW Inverurie Rd $389,900 3 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1-3

3009 Wembley Park Rd $395,000 3 Bd, 1 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

624 Livingood Ln $549,900 4 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1-3

4672 Auburn Ln $575,000 3 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 1-4

4114 Glacier Lily St $599,000 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

5382 Royal Oaks Dr $600,000 4 Bd 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

4076 Orchard Dr $719,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

17878 Hillside Dr $970,000 5 Bd, 3 Ba Open 12-4

17512 Greenbluff Dr $1,074,900 4 Bd, 4 Ba Open 1-4

18106 Pilkington Rd $1,095,000 4 Bd, 4 1/2 Ba Open 12-2

18224 Bella Terra Dr $1,294,000 4 Bd, 4 Ba Open 1-3

17464 Ridgeview Ln $1,298,950 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

622 Oak Meadow Dr $1,325,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

664 Oak Meadow Dr $1,355,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

18110 Siena Dr $1,394,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

657 Oak Meadow Dr $1,395,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

16359 Chapin Way $1,398,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 1-4

17364 Ridgeview Ct $1,425,000 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

17433 Ridgeview Ln $1,495,000 4 Bd, 4 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

17554 Greenbluff Dr $1,499,900 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-4

16737 Maple Cir $1,500,000 3 Bd, 3 Ba Open 2:30-4:30

3114 Douglas Cir $1,650,000 4 Bd, 4 Ba Open 1-4

Condos, Town Homes, HOA’s, Oh My!

townhomeWhen looking for a new home and desiring easy care and potential community amenities such as pool, larger grounds, meeting space etc (without the responsibility of upkeep), most people will consider either a condo or a town home. Most also aren’t necessarily familiar with several relative factors important to the selection process, so I thought I’d highlight just a few for you here.

First of all, there is a difference between a condo and a town home ~

Let’s start with condos: A condo (condominium) is a kind of home ownership wherein the purchaser owns the air space inside the unit and joint interest in the common areas, typically the grounds, parking lot, any structures and amenities such as swimming pool, meeting rooms etc. Condo owners belong to an HOA (homeowners association) and pay dues for common expenses such as insurance and maintenance of common areas.

Townhomes are what we call “attached” homes, considered not free-standing and usually containing two or more stories. A purchaser owns the structure and the land on which it sits, and like a condo, generally joint interest in the common areas . Often with town homes you will have a small backyard or patio area which is in excess of what many condos provide, so gardeners or pet owners often find this more attractive. As in condo ownership, the town home owner typically pays monthly dues for upkeep of common areas and other amenities. It is wise to check into the insurance setup of on HOA to find out if it is supplied and therefore included in the monthly dues, or whether the town home purchaser needs to secure their own hazard insurance on the property.

Generally speaking, condos and town homes are attractive for more reasons than just low maintenance and the amenities they afford. They usually are priced well below what one would pay for a similar detached single family residence… or “house”. One thing to give attention to however, is finding out how much the HOA dues are, and what they cover. Does the HOA offer parking? water & sewer? trash collection? cable TV? Take these things into consideration and ask yourself how positively you are offset financially (or not) by being free of these normal expenses of home ownership.

Another thing to take into consideration is the solvency and efficiency of the HOA. I have listed condos and town homes and experienced neighbors in surrounding HOA’s visiting on Open House days, exploring the option of getting out of their own nearby complexes! This is reportedly due to the perception of either oppressive or mis-managed HOA’s. I’ve heard stories of frequently raised dues, extreme restrictions, and just plain inattentiveness… while the HOA next door treats its members with appreciation and service. Bottom line- check out the HOA:

  • Call & obtain copies of at least the two most recent board meeting minutes,
  • Obtain financial statements,
  • Take a look at the Bylaws and Regulations,
  • Find out how much the HOA has in reserves so you have an idea of whether they are in need of maintenance funds,
  • Talk to a few neighbors and get a feel for their level of satisfaction ,
  • Find out whether you might or might not be able to rent your unit out in the future if you so choose,
  • Ask how many units are in the complex, and how many are allowed to be rental units,
  • Does the HOA allow gardening in the back patio area?
  • Are there any restrictions that will impact your lifestyle?
  • Determine if there are any lawsuits anticipated or pending,
  • Ask whether there are any big improvement projects planned which will require capital infusion (i.e. significant dues increases).

Condos and town homes are wonderful options for home ownership, and can be a great place to start as first time buyers, as well as a fantastic way to downsize once the kids are gone. Talk to your Realtor about what makes sense for you, and be sure to get all the facts!

Market Activity Report for April 20-26, 2009

Last week brought us 20 genuinely new listings, 10 Pending sales, and 6 closed sales. It was a very slight up-tick in all 3 areas. Probably the normal activities associated with the spring market, but still well behind the spring sales of the last few years.

NEWLY LISTED (April 20—26, 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
47 EAGLE CREST DR $137,500 2 1 932 CONDO 4/26/2009
65 OSWEGO SMT $169,900 2 2 1,140 CONDO 4/23/2009
65 CHURCH ST $179,900 2 1.1 1,040 CONDO 4/23/2009
4000 CARMAN DR $179,900 2 2 1,100 CONDO 4/21/2009
578 S STATE ST $209,500 2 1 914 CONDO 4/20/2009
17928 ROYAL CT $299,900 3 2 1,272 DETACHD 4/22/2009
16266 LAKE FOREST BLVD $374,999 3 2 1,860 DETACHD 4/20/2009
440 BOCA RATAN DR $419,900 3 2 1,932 DETACHD 4/20/2009
14798 DAVIS LN $424,900 3 2.1 1,670 ATTACHD 4/22/2009
2851 PARK RD $429,950 4 2.1 2,674 DETACHD 4/20/2009
875 LEE ST $499,900 3 2 2,442 DETACHD 4/23/2009
9 SW WESTMINSTER DR $597,000 4 2.1 3,814 DETACHD 4/24/2009
13275 TWIN CREEK CT $599,000 4 2.1 3,041 DETACHD 4/25/2009
5382 ROYAL OAKS DR $600,000 4 2.1 2,970 DETACHD 4/21/2009
17950 MEADOWLARK LN $665,000 5 3 2,710 DETACHD 4/21/2009
2814 VALE CT $719,900 4 3 3,192 DETACHD 4/25/2009
14135 EDENBERRY DR $799,900 4 2.1 3,174 DETACHD 4/24/2009
17512 GREENBLUFF DR $1,074,900 4 4 3,777 DETACHD 4/21/2009
1901 CHERYL CT $1,399,500 4 4.1 4,863 DETACHD 4/20/2009
13575 GOODALL RD $1,599,000 4 4.1 4,271 DETACHD 4/26/2009

PENDING SALES (April 20-26, 2009)

table >

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4 TOUCHSTONE $93,000 2 2 979 CONDO 10
100 KERR PKWY $132,500 2 1.1 823 CONDO 35
204 CERVANTES $248,900 3 1.1 1,138 CONDO 79
925 IRON MOUNTAIN BLVD $269,900 3 2 2,070 DETACHD 626
5054 FOOTHILLS DR $278,500 2 2 1,312 CONDO 295
820 MCVEY AVE $299,900 3 1.1 1,446 DETACHD 489
18601 WAXWING ST $425,000 4 2 1,908 DETACHD 26
1699 VILLAGE PARK LN $675,000 3 2.2 2,936 DETACHD 44
5868 SUNCREEK DR $694,000 4 2.1 3,174 DETACHD 56
115 BERWICK RD $998,000 4 3.1 4,000 DETACHD 39

SOLD (April 20-26, 2009)

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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
6317 CARMAN DR $275,000 $219,000 3 1.1 1,344 DETACHD 77
1043 HALLINAN ST $499,900 $385,000 4 2.1 2,484 DETACHD 196
1265 ROCKINGHORSE LN $499,900 $395,000 4 3 2,402 DETACHD 237
845 LAKE FOREST DR $459,000 $399,000 3 1.1 1,359 DETACHD 68
17960 RIDGE LAKE DR $720,000 $607,500 4 2.1 3,124 DETACHD 271
1667 VILLAGE PARK LN $1,100,000 $845,000 6 3.1 4,743 DETACHD 279

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.

Lake Oswego Market Activity – April 13-19, 2009

p10100071Well, the cherry trees are in full bloom, temps are in the 80’s, and real estate activity continues to move forward… a gradually enlivened, seasonal bustle.

Lake Oswego saw 22 new properties hit the market last week. We had 10 go pending, and 2 that closed. So, nothing earth shattering in the “sold” department, but encouraging nonetheless.

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

NEWLY LISTED (April 13—19, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
LIST DATE
Address List Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type List Date
100 SW KERR PKWY $97,900 1 1 617 CONDO 4/13/2009
4000 CARMAN DR $144,000 2 2 935 CONDO 4/19/2009
82 OSWEGO SMT $234,900 2 2 1,212 CONDO 4/17/2009
1897 BOCA RATAN DR $249,480 3 2.1 1,739 ATTACHD 4/13/2009
6025 KENNY ST $299,900 3 1.1 1,258 DETACHD 4/16/2009
17683 NICOLE LN $324,900 3 2 1,200 DETACHD 4/13/2009
16824 SW INVERURIE RD $389,900 3 3 1,896 DETACHD 4/13/2009
3009 WEMBLEY PARK RD $395,000 3 1.1 1,754 DETACHD 4/13/2009
18220 BICKEL CT $399,000 3 3 2,075 DETACHD 4/18/2009
1023 LUND ST $419,000 4 2.1 2,313 DETACHD 4/18/2009
68 TOUCHSTONE 349900 – 424880 5 4.1 3,148 DETACHD 4/14/2009
510 2nd ST $439,000 2 1.2 1,520 CONDO 4/13/2009
19061 INDIAN SPRINGS RD $479,900 4 3 2,341 DETACHD 4/16/2009
4920 MULHOLLAND DR $555,000 3 2.1 2,498 ATTACHD 4/17/2009
15943 WHITE OAKS DR $559,500 4 2.1 2,746 DETACHD 4/16/2009
4672 AUBURN LN $575,000 3 3.1 2,732 ATTACHD 4/15/2009
4114 GLACIER LILY ST $599,000 4 2.1 2,470 DETACHD 4/19/2009
5421 Bay Creek DR $649,500 4 2.1 3,241 DETACHD 4/17/2009
133 FURNACE ST $695,000 2 2.1 1,927 CONDO 4/16/2009
5392 SOUTHWOOD DR $774,900 5 3 3,871 DETACHD 4/15/2009
301 IRON MOUNTAIN BLVD $1,150,000 4 3.2 3,004 DETACHD 4/14/2009
19007 EASTSIDE RD $1,390,000 4 3.1 4,651 DETACHD 4/14/2009

PENDING SALES (April 13-19, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # Beds Tot. Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date CDOM
13880 SUNDELEAF DR $234,500 2 1 976 DETACHD 1/23/2009 84
1635 ASPEN ST $319,900 3 2.1 1,618 DETACHD 3/24/2009 285
3 CELLINI CT $449,000 4 2.1 2,531 DETACHD 1/19/2009 86
11 BECKET ST $465,000 3 2.1 4,030 DETACHD 4/9/2009 111
80 TANGLEWOOD DR $469,000 5 3 2,713 DETACHD 10/11/2008 371
855 7TH ST $469,900 4 1 1,392 DETACHD 8/18/2008 240
13470 PETERS RD $474,900 3 2.1 2,324 ATTACHD 4/1/2009 15
19431 KOKANEE CT $529,000 4 2.1 2,250 DETACHD 4/9/2009 8
595 D AVE 625000 3 2 3,760 DETACHD 2/2/2009 309
1915 SW CHILDS RD 1594950 5 5.2 5,689 DETACHD 3/14/2008 397

SOLD (April 13-19, 2009)

ADDRESS ORIG. PRICE SALE PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQ FT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address O/Price Close Price # Beds Tot. Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
92 GALEN ST $119,500 $100,500 1 1 689 CONDO 42
615 LAKE BAY CT $669,900 $505,000 3 3 2,542 DETACHD 190

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.

Lake Oswego Open Houses – Sunday, April 19, 2009

Ok, call me the harbinger of good weather every time it’s my turn to list the Open Houses for you… but it’s true! Sunday is supposed to be gorgeous! Great house-hunting weather. There are 17 really diverse properties to see on Sunday in Lake Oswego. Happy hunting.

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

100 SW Kerr Way $97,900 1 Bd, 1 Ba Open 1-3

4041 Jefferson Pkwy $229,000 1 Bd, 1 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

4465 Golden Ln $299,900 2 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 12-4

3 St. Helens Cir $359,000 2 Bd, 2 Ba Open 1-3

1685 Mapleleaf Rd $365,000 3 Bd, 2 Ba Open 1-4

17311 Ashley Ct $385,000 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

14371 Holly Springs Rd $414,900 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

108 Ridgeway Rd $425,000 3 Bd, 1 Ba Open 1:30-3

3254 Duncan Dr $549,900 4 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 2-4

161 C Ave $549,900 2 Bd 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-4

4 Da Vinci St $599,950 5 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1-3

580 Weidman Ct $695,000 5 Bd, 3 1/2 Ba Open 1-3

2888 Vale Ct $699,000 5 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1-3

15543 Village Dr $ 799,000 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 2-3:30

2 Grouse Ter $ 799,000-$850,000 4 Bd, 3 Ba Open 1-3

943 SW Atwater Rd $999,500 4 Bd, 2 1/2 Ba Open 1-4

3270 Lakeview Blvd $1,275,000 3 Bd, 3 Ba Open 3-5

Notable & Affordable Lake Oswego Properties

As many of you know, Dianne and I tour Lake Oswego every Tuesday. We use this scheduled time to view properties that are new on the market, and also to take a look at some we may have missed along the way. Our aim is to be inside every property we possibly can in our community in order to better serve our clients and readers.

Yesterday I meant to take you along with us as we toured, but forgot my camera (darn it!). I did, however, decide to pass along a few properties that we both believe are worth noting. So, here we go:

(All square footage and house info used is from listing agents’ data in RMLS so, deemed reliable, but not guaranteed by the Property Blotter.)

enter23190 Duncan Drive – This property is 2401 SF, 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, built in 1986, and is bank-owned. It is at the bottom end of a long, steep, private drive shared by a couple of properties, and sits on a hill/perched above Boones Ferry Rd., which you can hear when outside, but not really see too well through the beautiful, natural greenery surrounding the home. Practically speaking, you enter from the driveway side into the kitchen back_main-entry4area. Double attached garage, deck, large laundry room… generous living room w/fireplace opening to a dining room… flows nicely. Nice master on the main with walk-in closet and jetted tub. Large bath and bedrooms upstairs… You’d want to do some updating, especially in the kitchen and with flooring/new carpeting, but this just seems like a great opportunity in Lake Oswego for someone at $259,900!

front2a4411 Lakeview Blvd.– This home is a split level (sometimes I confess not to like them personally), but this one is a nice layout with a very open entry where you feel like you’re in the living room as you are entering/not in a little hallway as some tend to feel. It is 1828 SF, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, built in 1972 and remodeled. It has seasonal lake views, and is basically across the street from the kitchenwater. It is close to the intersection of Bryant and Lakeview, and so is close to schools, shops etc etc etc. It is just a really nice house with a great flow, and tasteful updates. Enter the back from a sitting room off the kitchen with beautiful picture window. The backyard is large & very relaxing.You’ll hear the train when it passes (I happen to LOVE the sound), but you’ll be in good company! …other homes on livingsmallerLakeview currently for sale range from $425,000 to $7,500,000. The listing agent states: “Sellers will entertain offers between $299,000 and $338,876.” This home is also listed as a “possible short sale w/one lender”. I am told that the Broker’s Price Opinion (BPO) has already been finished, and the listing agent’s experience is that the Rep is very responsive. Seems like a great deal to me, especially at the bottom end of the range that is specified!

indianfront18791 Indian Creek Way – This property is 1965 SF, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, built in 1977 and remodeled. When we say remodeled, this one is really gorgeous. Dianne and I both looked at each other and said “This is nicely done.” The living room and fireplace are inviting, the feel is open and airy, there are stainless gas appliances, a wine fridge, 2 gas fireplaces, hardwoods, vinylpatiosmaller1 windows… lots of them, skylights, and a beautiful backyard patio surrounded by English Gardens (it was evidently featured in Sunset magazine) great for entertaining. The home is advertised as having Bryant Woods pool membership, and proximity to the grade school and middle school is excellent. The price on this one is $439,900. Compare what’s out there… this one is special.
parkforest-frnta1 1921 Park Forest Ct– This home is 2531 SF, 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, built in 1975 & remodeled. The owners have relocated, and I have to say that both Dianne and I were very impressed with this one. The owners took great care in special details, and this home includes high-end features like a gourmet kitchen with beautiful slab spatubaquartz countertops, a spa w/fireplace, walk-in stone & tile steam shower, air jet tub & heated floors. The plank wood floors are a favorite of mine. The windows in the living room are large and feature beautiful tree’d views, the baseboard detail is stonework throughout the home, and there is a hot tub outside which is windowsbincluded “as is”. This one is situated above SouthShore Rd in back. Greentree Pool and Lake Easement is advertised as available. The entry to this home is deceiving… Once you’re in the door you feel like you’re on vacation. There is a water feature to your left as you enter, and the beautiful quartz kitchen with spacious pantry to your right. Walk in and the fireplace and windows say “relax”. The owners wanted that “spa feel” throughout. The asking price is $529,000.

frontb17675 Cardinal Drive – This home on the Blue Heron Canal is 3458 SF, 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, built in 1966 and is advertised as a fixer. Dianne and I took a look at it yesterday, and were very impressed with the waterfront location. The living room is open and the window views are out onto the deck & water. The home needs p1010003-3extensive cosmetic fixing such as wallpaper removal, flooring updates, kitchen updates, etc. We are not inspectors, but truly, the feel is of a solid home that has been well lived in with just not much attention to updating. At $599,000 on the canal, I’d say this one deserves some attention.

Hope this information is useful to you. As always, feel free to email or call for more info or some help in locating or viewing these properties. There are lots of great buys out there!

Very Best,

Linda

Market Activity for April 6th to 12th, 2009

daffodils2It feels like the new listings are coming onto the market in a fairly consistent way with 15 to 20 new listings, not “refreshed” but actually new, each week.  Last week we saw 16 new listings.  There were 4 pending sales and 5 closed listings.  I keep waiting to see evidence of the spring market kicking in.  That would be reflected in an increase in both pending and closed sales.  So far, it remains a bit sluggish.   On the plus side, we have one pending sale at close to $1,000,000.  The remainder of the pending and closed sales continue to favor the more moderately priced homes.  I am also continuing to see that the cumulative days on the market continue to embrace both extremes.  It seems like houses that were over-priced, and that have gradually bitten the bullet to bring the price down to a point where price meets market demand, are selling with very long market times.  The other extreme are the new listings that are able to look at current market conditions, price realistically, and are selling in a very short period of time.

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

NEWLY LISTED (April 6—April 12, 2009)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Tot. SF Prop Type List Date
Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type List Date
4 TOUCHSTONE $93,000 2 2 979 CONDO 4/10/2009
3433 MCNARY PKWY $169,900 2 2 1,008 CONDO 4/8/2009
18055 CENTRAL AVE $299,000 2 2 1,202 DETACHD 4/10/2009
15256 BOONES WAY $339,900 2 2.1 1,600 ATTACHD 4/12/2009
1716 HALLINAN ST $369,500 3 3 1,916 DETACHD 4/10/2009
4105 DOUGLAS WAY $384,900 7 2.1 2,856 DETACHD 4/12/2009
54 AQUINAS ST $499,900 3 2.1 2,802 DETACHD 4/7/2009
6 NORTHVIEW CT $525,000 4 3.1 3,188 DETACHD 4/10/2009
73 TANGLEWOOD DR $539,000 4 3.1 3,576 DETACHD 4/9/2009
1025 C AVE $549,000 3 2 2,261 DETACHD 4/7/2009
2925 ORCHARD HILL PL $549,000 3 2.1 2,418 DETACHD 4/9/2009
4 DA VINCI ST $599,950 5 3 3,100 DETACHD 4/6/2009
13456 PROVINCIAL HILL WAY $639,900 3 2.1 2,771 DETACHD 4/6/2009
18402 ANDUIN TER $699,995 5 3.1 4,302 DETACHD 4/6/2009
18025 SKYLAND CIR $1,425,000 4 3.2 5,379 DETACHD 4/6/2009
616 CABANA LN $2,795,000 5 4 3,800 DETACHD 4/6/2009

PENDING SALES (April 6—April 12, 2009)

ADDRESS
LIST PRICE
TOT. BEDS
TOT. BATHS
TOT. SQFT
PROP TYPE
DOM
Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
3190 DUNCAN DR $259,900 3 2.1 2,401 DETACHD 115
17079 CHERRY CREST AVE $430,000 3 2.1 3,002 DETACHD 154
615 LAKE BAY CT $599,000 3 3 2,542 DETACHD 323
716 MCVEY AVE $959,998 3 2 2,348 DETACHD 805

SOLD (April 6—April 12, 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
4640 LOWER DR $189,900 $115,000 2 1.1 1,170 CONDO 572
127 OSWEGO SMT $184,900 $179,595 2 2 1,212 CONDO 0
5063 FOOTHILLS DR $230,000 $225,000 2 2 991 CONDO 8
16 PARTRIDGE LN $418,900 $398,000 3 2.1 2,304 DETACHD 48
731 F AVE $939,000 $605,000 4 2.1 2,668 DETACHD 327

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

Open House for Sunday, April 12th

Yes, it does say open house and not open houses.  It must be Easter Sunday because there is only one house being promoted for an open house this Sunday, in Lake Oswego, by the RMLS.  I hope everyone will go by and tell this Realtor that they are giving it a great effort by being there on Easter.  The property is at:

26 Westridge, $569,000, 2862 square feet, 4 BR, 3 BTHS, open noon-2:00

Happy Easter

Featured Neighborhood: Forest Highlands

mt-hoodTwo weeks ago I posted information about Tryon Creek State Park and mentioned that there are two neighborhoods in Lake Oswego with trail access into the Park. One is First Addition and the other is Forest Highlands. In our archives you’ll find a neighborhood profile for First Addition, and now you will also find this one for Forest Highlands.

Forest Highlands is located on the North side of Lake Oswego. It’s Southern boundary is Country Club Rd. It’s Western boundary is Boones Ferry Rd. It’s Northern boundary is the city limits, and it’s Eastern boundary is First Addition. It is 1.198 square miles in size.

The most striking characteristic of the neighborhood is that the houses are mostly situated on large lots. To put this into perspective, the average density of the population of Lake Oswego is 3410 people per square mile. In Forest Highlands it is 1353 people per square mile. Fewer people and fewer homes means that the area feels spacious: not at all like a subdivision. It feels like an area of fine estates. That is not to say that all of the houses are mansions.

red-fox-hills-signThere is, in fact, a beautiful condominium development in Forest Highlands, Red Fox Hills. The condominiums are all townhouse style: they are attached on the sides but do not have neighbors above or below. Amenities include expansive lawns and gardens as well as a pool and a recreation facility. Current pricing ranges from $226,000 for a 2 bedroom, bath and a half unit, to $399,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 full bath unit. All units have garages.

For detached homes the range is much more broad. The least expensive house currently listed is $439,800. Built in 1973, it has 1812 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. It’s on a cul-de-sac and the lot is .28 of an acre. The most expensive currently listed is $2,995,000. It was built in 2006 with 7582 square feet, 6 bedrooms and 5 and a half baths. It’s on 1.89 acres.

Besides large lots, another characteristic of the area is that many homes have Mt. Hood views. The entire neighborhood is located on a gentle slope that faces East. Not all houses have views, but a surprising number of them do.

Then I like the street names: Hideaway Ct, Tippecanoe Ct, Dapple Grey Ln, Pebble Beach Ct, Rockinghorse Ln. Who wouldn’t want to live on Hideaway Ct? Except for Livingood Lane over in the Palisades neighborhood, I think Tippecanoe Ct is my favorite street name in Lake Oswego.

tryon-creek-park-signAnd then there is that wonderful proximity to Tryon Creek Park. The entrance from Forest Highlands is at the turn about at the end of Boca Ratan Dr (right behind Red Fox Hills).

It’s just a very pretty area. As you know if you have been looking at real estate in Oregon, or if you live in Oregon, our land use laws have created fairly high-density housing in order to preserve more of our farms and forests. So when a client asks me to recommend homes with larger lots, lots as big as an acre, the first neighborhood that comes to my mind in Lake Oswego is Forest Highlands.

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.