City Chickens….

You’d have to be hiding under a rock somewhere not to have heard all the buzz about “chickens in the city”.  I haven’t witnessed such passionate discourse on anything other than elections, health insurance reform, or bank bailouts in quite a long time…on both sides of the issue. I do have to admit that chicken lovers seem to be most invested in the subject though, and therefore they are winning their battles all across the country.  Believe me, it’s not pretty when people who want chickens are told they cannot have them on their own property. Here’s an article from MSNBC in Sept ’09 entitled  ” In Portland, Ore., urban chickens rule the roost” . They even get into the fact that Portland’s Mayor Sam Adams owns two hens (I didn’t know that!).   Hmmm… Chickens in Portland on the national stage…

Chickens are said to make great pets, produce eggs, and eat table scraps like a dog but bark less. Actually they are said to make less noise (chickens don’t bark, silly!). I have friends with chickens, and witness much Facebooking and Twittering about these feathery pets. Recipes are exchanged online, and of course the fact that the eggs used came from the family pet always features prominently. My friend Pamela (who is a fabulous cook) feeds Adele, Fatima, Georgina, Hera and Irene fruit, vegetable, and bread leftovers.  (That’s Hera at the top of the page.) Just as there are “victory gardens” springing up everywhere these days that fit in nicely with the welcome & spreading focus on organic foods, home-grown eggs are also food you can count on for your family in times both lean and luxurious.

Chicken coops are appearing over backyard fences in every metropolitan area. Some of them are downright “designer”. Now, whether cities allow chickens or not is another matter. Many do not. Portland does… Beaverton does not. Salem does not. Tigard and Gresham only allow them on unusually large lots (must be 100 feet from neighbors). Almost all prohibit roosters (eggs do not require a rooster…  unless you want baby chicks). According to The City Chicken, Lake Oswego does allow them, does not prohibit roosters, and does not place a limit on how many you may have. That said, roosters in particular may end up in violation of city noise ordinances, so Lake Oswego is not about to give up on quality of life for neighbors of chickens.  Here is a resource for basic info about whether or not they are allowed in your location: Chicken Laws

Remember, if you decide to take on the delightful adventure of keeping chickens at your home, they are pets, and do require care and attention. (These are “The Irene’s” to the right… little Irene named after Pamela’s best friend.)  Give some thought to care, feeding, lodging and protection. Cats are attracted to them, and one cat doing what is natural can end up breaking your heart.

Below, you’ll find some links to sites with all kinds of information regarding: chickens, raising them in urban environments, organizing to change your city’s ordinances, educating yourself on avian flu, general upkeep, and lots more:

Mad City Chickens

The City Chicken

Pistils Nursery (Country Living in the City)

Keeping Chickens Blogspot

Feel free to use this forum to discuss your own experiences of “chickens in the city”.  We’d love to hear from you!  (Many thanks to my friend Pamela for the photos of her beauties!)

Lake Oswego Market Activity ~ Feb 1 – 7, 2010

There were 16 New, 15 Pending, and 3 Sold properties during last week’s Monday – Sunday period according to RMLS. It’s interesting to note that if you look in RMLS you will see 51 properties listed as New for this same period. I weeded out 35 that were “freshened”. (Lots of freshening going on.) The “New” properties below are either brand new to the market or have been off the market for at least 30 days.

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

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
28 CRESTFIELD CT $79,950 2 2 923 CONDO 2/3/2010
47 EAGLE CREST DR $110,000 2 1 932 CONDO 2/1/2010
44 EAGLE CREST DR $159,900 2 1 908 CONDO 2/6/2010
750 1ST ST $195,000 2 2 1,350 CONDO 2/1/2010
4948 MEADOWS RD $222,000 3 2 2,491 DETACHD 2/4/2010
16870 FERNWOOD DR $359,000 3 1.1 1,412 DETACHD 2/4/2010
5514 ROYAL OAKS DR $497,500 3 3 2,246 DETACHD 2/2/2010
14584 PFEIFER WAY $559,000 3 2 2,600 DETACHD 2/4/2010
17079 CHERRY CREST AVE $575,000 3 2.1 3,002 DETACHD 2/7/2010
920 EVERGREEN RD $575,000 3 2 1,622 DETACHD 2/1/2010
17973 SAINT CLAIR DR $629,000 4 3 3,323 DETACHD 2/7/2010
1050 Schukart LN $849,900 4 3.1 5,847 DETACHD 2/4/2010
18430 TAMAWAY DR $889,000 4 2.2 3,867 DETACHD 2/1/2010
1643 VILLAGE PARK LN $997,000 4 3.1 4,505 DETACHD 2/5/2010
842 6TH ST $1,175,000 4 3.1 3,840 DETACHD 2/3/2010
100 3RD ST $1,799,000 3 3.1 3,600 DETACHD 2/6/2010

PENDING SALES (Feb. 1 – Feb. 7, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
668 MCVEY AVE $145,000 2 1 852 CONDO 882
16250 PACIFIC HWY $178,900 1 1 859 CONDO 860
15 ORIOLE LN $269,900 2 2 1,470 DETACHD 23
4 THE GROTTO $289,000 3 2.1 1,534 DETACHD 13
1234 MAPLE ST $339,900 3 2 1,550 DETACHD 140
1790 YARMOUTH CIR $419,995 2 2 1,473 DETACHD 134
5026 HARTFORD PL $429,000 4 2.1 2,887 DETACHD 570
702 TERRACE DR $429,000 3 3 3,429 DETACHD 103
4955 GALEN ST $435,000 3 2.1 1,887 DETACHD 76
17121 WALL ST $449,900 3 2.1 2,187 DETACHD 391
18893 INDIAN SPRINGS CIR $459,900 5 3 2,841 DETACHD 213
475 10TH ST $534,950 4 2.1 2,932 DETACHD 227
4581 HASTINGS PL $574,900 4 2.1 2,985 DETACHD 24
557 2ND ST $695,000 2 2.1 1,833 CONDO
4380 UPPER DR $708,900 5 4.1 4,071 DETACHD 181

SOLD (Feb. 1 – Feb. 7, 2010)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
100 KERR PKWY $91,800 $80,000 1 1 617 CONDO 125
16969 ALDER CIR $350,000 $235,000 3 2 1,534 DETACHD 1
18110 Siena DR $1,650,000 $1,350,000 4 3.1 4,311 DETACHD 635

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, Feb 7, 2010

Even on SuperBowl Sunday there are properties Open in Lake Oswego… including Dianne’s on Oswego Summit.  Stop by and say hello!

Here are the Open Houses in Lake Oswego according to RMLS:

Address L/Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type Open
1950 BONNIEBRAE DR $189,900 2 1.1 1056 ATTCHD 1-3PM
211 OSWEGO SMT $229,900 2 2 1506 CONDO 12=3PM
2245 GLEN HAVEN RD $379,000 3 1.1 1276 DETCHD 12-4PM
2688 RIVENDELL RD $745,000 4 3 3720 DETCHD 1-4PM

Linda’s “News & Notes”

1) Some Interesting Updates on the Portland Area Market:

–       (According to RMLS)

  • Home sales in the Portland area showed marked improvement when compared with the same period (December) a year prior. “Closed” sales were up 52.6%, “Pending” sales rose 40.9%, and “New Listings” rose 11.9%.
  • In addition, the average sale price was down 2.5% compared to Dec. 08.
  • The average sales price for the 12-month period of 2009 was down 12.1% from the previous year.

2) Tax Credits: The “First Time Home Buyers” tax credit was extended to this Spring (yikes… getting close) and there has been an additional tax credit extended to those “Buying Up” who have lived in their current home for five years and are buying a property of less than $800,000.  Both of these tax credits expire in April: The contract must be inked by April 30th, and the closing must be by June 30th.  If you or someone you care about are considering taking advantage of this amazing opportunity, you really must start looking for a home now to make the timeline.

3) Interest Rates to Rise: According to Carrie Bay of DSNews.com (among many others), interest are projected to begin rising, and have risen .25% already within the past month.

4) F.H.A to Raise Standards for Mortgage Insurance: No date has been set yet, but the word is “summer”. (ANOTHER reason to put your home-buying plan in motion now…)

–      (excerpted From David Streitfeld of the NY Times)

  • Borrowers who get an F.H.A.-insured loan will soon have to pay a higher initial insurance premium. The new premium will be 2.25 percent of the value of the loan, up from 1.75 percent. 
  • Starting this summer, sellers will not be able to offer as much help to buyers to pay their closing costs. The maximum amount of assistance will drop to 3 percent of the value of the property, from the current 6 percent.
  • Left largely untouched by the changes is the most controversial aspect of the agency’s program: a provision allowing buyers to make a down payment as low as 3.5 percent. Private lenders these days require at least 15 percent.
  • Borrowers who want to put the minimum down will now be required to have credit scores of at least 580. Previously, there was no minimum score. (This is a relatively decent bar though, so this rule may have little effect.)

5) Attention Investors: Yay! HUD has decided to waive the 90 day seasoning financing contingency for buyers!

-(From Pat Goodell of Academy Mortgage ~ 503 380 0953)

Effective February 1st,  2010, there will no longer be a requirement for a seller of a property to be on title for 90 days or more in order for approval of an FHA backed loan. This is incredible news, since the majority of buyers in today’s market are FHA buyers! The 90 day seasoning issue has long been an issue for investors and agents when working with short sales. This is changing on Feb 1st. The policy change will permit buyers to use FHA-insured financing to purchase HUD-owned properties, bank-owned properties, or properties resold through private sales. This will allow homes to resell as quickly as possible, helping to stabilize real estate prices and to revitalize neighborhoods and communities.”

–          ***Linda’s note: There are a few minor restrictions on this.  Let me know if you’re interested & I’ll send you the entire document with more detail.

6)Credit Card Companies Get Slapped w/Restrictions: We all know how hard the new mortgage guidelines have hit some potential home-buyers.  Sometimes it seems like every time you turn around the consumer is facing yet another hurdle from the banking industry.  Well, this time the consumer is being offered protections that should make it easier, less expensive, and less confusing to do business with, or work to pay off credit card companies.   Here’s an excerpt from the Federal Reserve’s Announcement:

The Federal Reserve Board on Tuesday approved a final rule amending Regulation Z (Truth in Lending) to protect consumers who use credit cards from a number of costly practices. Credit card issuers must comply with most aspects of the rule beginning on February 22.

“This rule marks an important milestone in the Federal Reserve’s efforts to ensure that consumers who rely on credit cards are treated fairly,” said Federal Reserve Governor Elizabeth A. Duke.  “The rule bans several harmful practices and requires greater transparency in the disclosure of the terms and conditions of credit card accounts.”

Among other things, the rule will:

  • Protect consumers from unexpected increases in credit card interest rates by generally prohibiting increases in a rate during the first year after an account is opened and increases in a rate that applies to an existing credit card balance.
  • Prohibit creditors from issuing a credit card to a consumer who is younger than the age of 21 unless the consumer has the ability to make the required payments or obtains the signature of a parent or other cosigner with the ability to do so.
  • Require creditors to obtain a consumer’s consent before charging fees for transactions that exceed the credit limit.
  • Limit the high fees associated with subprime credit cards.
  • Ban creditors from using the “two-cycle” billing method to impose interest charges.
  • Prohibit creditors from allocating payments in ways that maximize interest charges.

Consumers can learn more about changes to their credit card accounts by accessing a new online publication. “What You Need to Know: New Credit Card Rules.” It explains key changes consumers can expect from their credit card companies as a result of the new rules. The Board plans to release additional “What You Need to Know” publications in conjunction with other major rulemakings

Lake Oswego Market Activity ~ Jan. 18-24, 2010

There were 16 New, 10 Pending, and 4 Sold properties during last week’s Monday – Sunday period according to RMLS.  (Note: RMLS data is based on data input by Listing Agents up to the date/time of our writing this post.  This means that there is the -possibility- that something might have sold or gone pending and not been entered into RMLS yet, but these things are generally entered right away, so the RMLS data we compile & share is pretty accurate.)

We have been seeing an increase in Buyer activity according to RMLS lockbox stats as well.  This is to be expected as rates are still low (though starting to increase a bit), FHA is still only requiring a low of  3.5% down (though this is supposed to increase significantly in the summertime) and the tax credits are in full force, coming with an April deadline. All this means that “looking” is starting now for those serious about finding that special property either as a First-Time Buyer, or one who is “Moving Up” (meaning: having been in their home for at least 5 years and buying under $800,000.).  Tax credits are $8,000 & $6,500. respectively.

Here’ your data for last week  (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Jan. 18—Jan. 24, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
44 EAGLE CREST DR $139,000 1 1 798 CONDO 1/20/2010
4 TOUCHSTONE $185,000 3 2.1 1,351 CONDO 1/20/2010
4322 BOTTICELLI ST $279,900 2 2.1 2,043 CONDO 1/23/2010
4372 WOODSIDE CIR $284,900 2 2 1,178 ATTACHD 1/18/2010
4 THE GROTTO $289,000 3 2.1 1,534 DETACHD 1/24/2010
4717 FIRWOOD RD $319,000 8 3 2,502 DETACHD 1/22/2010
4730 FIRWOOD RD $375,000 4 2 2,124 DETACHD 1/23/2010
2245 GLEN HAVEN RD $379,000 3 1.1 1,276 DETACHD 1/20/2010
8 POLONIUS $385,000 3 2 1,760 DETACHD 1/22/2010
15965 INVERURIE RD $385,000 4 2 1,915 DETACHD 1/22/2010
1571 WOODLAND TER $450,000 4 2 2,400 DETACHD 1/19/2010
19203 SW Megly Ct $589,900 5 3.1 3,595 DETACHD 1/22/2010
727 6TH ST $895,000 4 2 2,884 DETACHD 1/20/2010
356 9TH ST $1,175,000 4 3.1 3,647 DETACHD 1/21/2010
18735 BRYANT RD $1,181,900 5 3.1 5,597 DETACHD 1/18/2010
95 IRON MOUNTAIN BLVD $1,950,000 5 4.1 4,818 DETACHD 1/21/2010

PENDING SALES (Jan. 18 – Jan. 24, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
45 SW EAGLE CREST DR $205,000 3 2 1,348 CONDO 50
192 RIDGEWAY RD $209,900 2 1 1,659 CONDO 148
4447 GOLDEN LN $229,000 2 2.1 1,980 ATTACHD 531
17350 BLUE HERON RD $330,000 4 2.1 2,880 DETACHD 9
2650 DELLWOOD DR $410,000 4 3 3,238 DETACHD 295
4651 HASTINGS PL $454,900 4 2.1 2,215 DETACHD 15
2000 WEMBLEY PARK RD $540,000 4 3 2,660 DETACHD 89
5310 WASHINGTON CT $624,900 4 3.1 3,328 DETACHD 878
1505 COUNTRY CLUB RD $682,500 6 4.1 5,463 DETACHD 229
2201 HAZEL RD $1,399,000 4 3.5 5,446 DETACHD 605

SOLD (Jan. 18 – Jan. 24, 2010)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4000 SW CARMAN DR $154,900 $143,500 2 2 925 CONDO 137
14431 SHERBROOK PL $299,900 $284,000 4 3 3,284 DETACHD 365
5506 ROYAL OAKS DR $399,900 $410,000 4 3 2,317 DETACHD 19
34 HILLSHIRE DR $598,000 $510,000 3 2.1 3,822 DETACHD 699

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, Jan. 24, 2010

We have 28 properties on tour in Lake Oswego this Sunday.  Once again, all ranges in price, styles and property types are open for your viewing pleasure!  I will be holding 363 6th St. open myself.  It is a stunning, custom town home in the heart of First Addition.  Come on by and say hello!

Here are the Open Houses in Lake Oswego according to RMLS:

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type Open
1950 BONNIEBRAE DR $189,900 2 1.1 1056 ATTCHD 2-4PM
1547 BOCA RATAN DR $208,900 2 1.1 1008 ATTCHD 11-1:30PM
1248 OAK ST $245,900 2 1 900 DETACHD 1-4PM
4372 WOODSIDE CIR $284,900 2 2 1178 ATTCHD 1-4PM
4310 SILVER CT $339,000 2 3.1 1996 ATTCHD 12:30-3:30PM
1025 C AVE $428,950 3 2 2261 DETACHD 1-3PM
4962 BILFORD LN $439,900 3 2.1 2168 DETACHD 1-3PM
16909 CRESTVIEW DR $524,900 4 3 2553 DETACHD 12-3PM
401 ASH ST $525,000 5 4 5320 DETACHD 1-3PM
475 10TH ST $534,950 4 2.1 2932 DETACHD 1-3PM
33 MORNINGVIEW CIR $574,900 3 2.1 2737 DETACHD 1-3PM
363 Sixth ST $599,900 3 3.1 2258 ATTCHD 2-4PM
5218 WESTFIELD CT $699,500 4 2.1 3125 DETACHD 1-4PM
16705 GLENWOOD CT $699,000 – $749,000 4 3 4243 DETACHD 12-3PM
17110 LOWENBERG TER $799,000 4 2.1 2678 DETACHD 1-3PM
17281 LOWENBERG TER $884,900 4 3.1 3386 DETACHD 1-3PM
17154 LOWENBERG TER $889,900 5 3.1 3497 DETACHD 1-3PM
17896 SW KELOK RD SW $990,000 5 5 4323 DETACHD 1-3PM
18222 SIENA DR $1,088,000 6 4.1 3800 DETACHD 1-3PM
2057 SUMMIT DR $1,099,000 4 3.1 4589 DETACHD 1-3PM
1809 HEADLEE LN $1,125,000 2 2.1 3836 DETACHD 1-3PM
18209 SIENA DR $1,178,950 5 3.1 3839 DETACHD 1-3PM
18143 SIENA DR $1,197,000 5 4.1 4152 DETACHD 1-3PM
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR $1,269,000 5 4.1 4155 DETACHD 1-3PM
18246 BELLA TERRA DR $1,294,000 4 3.1 4196 DETACHD 1-3PM
664 OAK MEADOW DR $1,355,000 4 3.1 4198 DETACHD 1-3PM
18110 Siena DR $1,394,000 4 3.1 4311 DETACHD 1-3PM
2572 GLEN EAGLES PL $2,395,000 5 4.2 6490 DETACHD 1-3PM

Broker’s Tour in L.O.~Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010

I thought I’d bring you along with Dianne and I to see some of what was on Brokers’ Tour Tuesday in Lake Oswego.

What do we DO on tour??? Well, we check out properties that are new on the market or that have had a major change such as remodeling work or price reductions. We also enjoy visiting with each other & learning more about the properties (this is a great way to find out material information that is not included on the listing sheet), and you should know that Realtors LOVE to eat on tour! Usually we’ve been at meetings all morning and are ravenous by the time we get out to tour.  Dianne calls it the Pavlov Response… she postulates that even when we don’t tour, we automatically get hungry on Tuesdays at 11:00…  I think she’s right!

I was not able to post everything we saw on Tuesday, but I’ve got quite a bit to show you… Let’s get going! (all photos used with permission ~ remember that you can enlarge any photo by clicking on it)

We headed over to Westridge to 51 Hillshire Dr., to visit a custom contemporary home set up above the road and surrounded by luscious landscaping, giving it peaceful views out the many bright windows.  We were met by Debbie Todd who answered questions and showed us around with warmth and hospitality. This one is stately, with 4306 SF, 4 bedrooms, a formal but open entry, master suite on the main floor, high vaulted ceilings, hardwoods, great room with gorgeous kitchen (yes, that’s Dianne in the kitchen), fireplace and access to the spa/patio area (also accessible from the spacious master).  Daylight basement offers pool table area, 1/2 bath, media area, and a beautiful wet bar.  Three bedrooms are upstairs (one non-conforming). The flow of this home is so elegant, and the feel so open and peaceful… I would highly recommend a look.  This one is set & ready to welcome it’s new owners with style & comfort from day one.

From Westridge we drove to 2057 Summit Dr  in Summit Heights where the neighborhood is nestled up the graceful slope from Lake Oswego. This particular home is a totally remodeled 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath 1975 Craftsman with panache. I mean, this home shouts easy, comfortable living from the street as you enter the circular drive.  It is just a ‘superstar’ sitting there waiting for the perfect occupants. Set back a ways from the road, we meandered up the walk and were met by Susy Darm, another charming local Realtor with tons of information about the property to share. It is 4589 SF on a .45 acre lot overlooking the lake with beautiful views from the upper deck & grand master bedroom.  The outdoor living options begin with the main level deck that wraps from the porch around to the side… vaulted with forest views & accessible from the kitchen and dining areas.  Did I mention the kitchen?  Let’s just say stunning slab granite, Dacor Pro stove, Sub Zero, Viking, alder cabinets, and an open/airy feel.  The great room is wired for surround sound, there are three fireplaces, one of which boasts an alluring river pebble fascia. I could go on & on… media & game room, stellar bathrooms… but really, this one needs to be seen in person.

Leaving Susy, we decided to finish up our tour with the new construction  home at 567 6th Street in First Addition. We walked through this one about a month or two ago when it was in full building mode… we gingerly stepped through the home being careful not to trip and trying to visualize the finished result.  It was fun to see the transformation yesterday.  Shari Newman met us in the beautiful kitchen featuring one of my favorites… Carrera Marble for back-splash.  It offers 2568 SF of brand new home, with 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths.  Floors are luxurious, dark hardwoods. Bathrooms feature granite and elegant fixtures & finishes.  The generous master is conveniently located on the main level. Upstairs also opens to three more bedrooms, one of which has high ceilings and could probably also be used as a game or media room.  Little touches than really shine include the brass gutters, and slatted wood ceilings on the front porch.  Style.

Well, that wraps up our Broker’s Tour for this week.  Hope it was fun tagging along with us! We’re always here to take a call & show you property if you find something that “speaks” to you.

If this is making you want to tour yourself, I’ll be holding 371 6th St. Open on Sunday in Lake Oswego from 2:00 – 4:00 PM.  This is a sweet 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath custom rowhouse in First Addition. C’mon down! We can chat.

Very Best,

Linda

You may reach me at:  503 318 2116

Lake Oswego Market Activity Report ~ Jan 4 – 10, 2010

The pace is picking up a bit. According to RMLS, there are 17 truly NEW properties in Lake Oswego this last week, 9 that went to PENDING status, and 8 that SOLD. Interesting to note that of the 17 NEW properties on the market, there are no shortsales in the bunch according to RMLS, and of the 9 PENDING sales, there were 2 short-sales, with another 2 short-sales out of the 8 SOLDS’s. There are a lot of good deals out there that do not fall into the short-sale or bank-owned categories, and Buyers seem to be looking for that “right” house instead of lasering in on short-sales in general. That said, it is hard to tell how many of the “NEW” properties could be teetering that direction. There is a whole different closing timeline to be considered if you get into that situation, so just be aware and consult with your Realtor.

One thing to be aware of is that we are not able to tell in an RMLS listing exactly how far above the “short-sale line” a property’s asking price may be.  There is always the possibility that a property could turn into a short-sale if the negotiated price with the Seller ends up lower than what they owe.  Just sayin’.  Talk with your Realtor about what that could mean for you if you think you may be offering an amount that could bring up this possibility in your transaction.

Anyway, here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Jan. 4—Jan. 10, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
47 EAGLE CREST DR $99,500 1 1 666 CONDO 1/4/2010
668 MCVEY AVE $164,900 2 1 852 CONDO 1/4/2010
18025 TUALATA AVE $349,000 3 2 1,970 DETACHD 1/6/2010
2705 ORCHARD HILL PL $374,900 3 2.1 2,250 DETACHD 1/8/2010
2530 PALISADES CREST DR $376,200 4 2.1 2,774 DETACHD 1/7/2010
13213 SW 63 PL $399,900 4 3 2,604 DETACHD 1/6/2010
4651 HASTINGS PL $454,900 4 2.1 2,215 DETACHD 1/7/2010
1641 ASH ST $475,000 4 3 2,825 DETACHD 1/4/2010
16909 CRESTVIEW DR $524,900 4 3 2,553 DETACHD 1/7/2010
17930 MEADOWLARK LN $599,900 4 4 3,300 DETACHD 1/8/2010
72 CONDOLEA WAY $629,000 2 2.1 3,088 CONDO 1/7/2010
51 HILLSHIRE DR $679,000 4 2.2 4,306 DETACHD 1/5/2010
5234 WESTFIELD CT $724,900 4 3 3,252 DETACHD 1/4/2010
14435 UPLANDS DR $799,995 4 3.1 4,822 DETACHD 1/6/2010
17884 SW KELOK RD $949,000 4 3.1 4,124 DETACHD 1/4/2010
15444 BOONES WAY $998,500 3 2.1 3,364 ATTACHD 1/4/2010
5665 BONITA RD $1,279,900 2 1 1,500 DETACHD 1/9/2010

PENDING SALES (Jan. 4 – Jan. 10, 2010)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
668 MCVEY AVE $136,400.00 3 1.1 992 CONDO 95
4447 GOLDEN LN $229,000.00 2 2.1 1,980 ATTACHD 521
16546 BONAIRE AVE $239,900.00 3 1 1,064 DETACHD 82
2062 CEDAR CT $299,000.00 4 2 1,800 DETACHD 237
909 CUMBERLAND PL 299000 – 349000 4 3 2,716 DETACHD 43
3634 TEMPEST DR $424,900.00 4 3 2,931 DETACHD 3
4040 VIRGINIA WAY $524,900.00 3 2.1 2,623 DETACHD 243
5310 WASHINGTON CT $624,900.00 4 3.1 3,328 DETACHD 865
1839 PALISADES LAKE CT $899,900.00 4 3.1 4,570 DETACHD 166

SOLD (Jan. 4 – Jan. 10, 2010)

Address O/Price Sold Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
26 WHEATHERSTONE $265,000 $210,000 3 2.1 1,692 CONDO 135
5686 WASHINGTON CT $275,000 $259,800 2 2 1,342 DETACHD 25
5956 FERNBROOK CIR $299,999 $295,000 4 2 1,376 DETACHD 370
4191 CHAPMAN WAY $409,000 $360,000 4 2.1 2,610 DETACHD 194
4 ICARUS LOOP $449,000 $445,000 4 2.1 2,743 DETACHD 57
17675 CARDINAL DR $599,000 $500,000 3 3 3,458 DETACHD 294
2200 PRESTWICK RD $1,095,000 $825,000 4 2.1 3,356 DETACHD 539
17345 BERGIS FARM DR $1,249,900 $1,062,500 4 3.2 5,199 DETACHD 665

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, Jan. 10, 2010

Wow. We have polar ends of the price spectrum on tour this Sunday. 8 over a million, and 5 under $250,000 with a couple in the middle. There are some great properties to see on this list, so get out and enjoy the dry weekend weather & find that “one” to either move-up or buy first-time…. The tax credit time-line is ticking………… Enjoy! & as always, feel free to give Dianne or me a call if you need some help. Here are the Open Houses in Lake Oswego according to RMLS:

Address L/Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type Open
12 CERVANTES CIR $105,000 2 1.1 912 ATTCHD 1-3PM
45 EAGLE CREST DR #122 $199,000 3 2 1348 CONDO 1-3PM
65 GREENRIDGE CT $200,000 2 2 1314 ATTCHD 12-4PM
45 SW EAGLE CREST DR #300 $205,000 3 2 1348 CONDO 12:30-2PM
1248 OAK ST $245,900 2 1 900 DETCHD 1-4PM
136 TOUCHSTONE TER $329,000 3 2.1 1996 ATTCHD 1-3PM
138 KINGSGATE RD $410,000 3 2.1 1600 DETCHD 1:30-3:30PM
4962 BILFORD LN $439,900 3 2.1 2168 DETCHD 12-3PM
18209 SIENA DR $1,178,950 5 3.1 3839 DETCHD 1-3PM
18143 SIENA DR $1,197,000 5 4.1 4152 DETCHD 1-3PM
18246 BELLA TERRA DR $1,294,000 4 3.1 4196 DETCHD 1-3PM
17464 RIDGEVIEW LN $1,298,950 4 3.1 4407 DETCHD 1-3PM
664 OAK MEADOW DR $1,355,000 4 3.1 4198 DETCHD 1-3PM
18110 Siena DR $1,394,000 4 3.1 4311 DETCHD 1-3PM
657 OAK MEADOW DR. $1,395,000 4 3.1 4371 DETCHD 1-3PM
17364 RIDGEVIEW CT $1,425,000 4 3.1 4436 DETCHD 1-3PM

It’s A New… Centennial Year in Lake Oswego!

HappyHappy 2010 to each of you!  I don’t know about you, but I can feel the excitement (and dare I say relief) in the air.  It’s a new year, and things are looking good.  Lake Oswego is already celebrating its Centennial, employment figures are up, real estate tax incentives are in full force (for a few months anyway), stocks started the year with a rally, and “the trend is still up” according to Rob Lutts, chief investment officer at Cabot Money Management.

Are there naysayers and warnings of impending doom?  Yes, as always.  I, however, am “cautiously excited” at the prospect of renewed opportunity all around.  I see my clients achieving their goals and changing their lives, and I know that time does indeed march on.  For my clients, job changes happen, marriages and divorces happen, families grow & need more space, loved ones want to be closer geographically, retirement and downsizing happen, and of course, “upsizing” is also very much alive.

Couple3The beginning of the year also always brings some legislative changes, like needing a hands-free device to talk on your cellphone in the car.  The new law does, however “…exempt motorists who are on their hand-held cell phones ‘in the scope of the person’s employment if operation of the motor vehicle is necessary for the person’s job’.”  Hmmmm, I wonder if that includes Realtors?  Well, I think I’ll opt for safety anyway, but I can smell some friction (is that burning rubber?) ahead in the way of challenges to these minimum $142. tickets.

In the real estate world, there are all manner of regulatory changes, and changes to the “new” forms we’ll be using.  Make sure to talk with your SophieTuckerRealtor (or Dianne and I if you are without a Realtor) if you have any questions.  Some of the changes could affect the timeline of your transaction if you are not aware of them. For instance, if a transaction includes any seller-carried financing, and the document is prepared by escrow, there is a 3-day mandatory review period… so if the Buyer is just seeing the document for the first time at signing, there will be a 3-day delay in closing.  Also, you will notice that our ML#’s have gotten a bit longer.  As we are starting a new decade, the ML#’s now start with “10”… so they’ll be longer numbers & have lots of zero’s for awhile : )   As an aside, the count on these, and therefore the number of new January listings as of today in Lake Oswego number 24, and range in price from $90,000 to $998,500.

CarrieNationLast, but definitely not least, I want to address the excitement of the ongoing Centennial Celebration in Lake Oswego.  I’m including a link here to a pdf that has all kinds of historic Lake Oswego photos, and news stories from 1910. By that time Lake Oswego had been in existence for 60 years already.  Three previous attempts at incorporation had failed due to fears around “additional regulations and taxation” (sound familiar?). Residents in First Addition were interested in: “promoting small businesses, water quality, fire protection, debate over the sale of alcohol, as well as government autonomy. The vote in favor of the measure was 79 to 22.  Only men cast their ballots because Oregon women did not win the right to vote until 1912.” You really MUST check out this link.  Some of the headlines read: “City Government Controls Width of Tires”“Buy a Lake-Front Lot for $50.” “Oswego’s Bear Population”, “Illiterate Cows” “Pig Penmanship”, and many, many more.

Happy, Happy 2010 to you and yours, and thank you for reading the Property Blotter!

Linda