Author: Linda Rossi

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What… Dispose of These Beautiful Leaves?

I crunch my way to the mailbox to pick up the daily paper thrown there in the walkway, and look up half asleep at the clear blue sky feathered with white brush strokes.

Another gorgeous day in Lake Oswego.

I turn around and head back in to my coffee, passing my tomatoes in their pots on the kitchen patio, inspecting them to see which green ones have started to turn so that I can bring them in to finish on my counter (I like to watch them ripen there). As I start to close the door I decide to leave it open to look out at the beautiful array of colors… red, yellow, green, and all stages in between on their way to the next hue.

A friend told me the other day that she loves Fall… I said I don’t, because it reminds me that summer is fading… gone. But as I think of it today, I guess I lied because even though summer is my favorite season (OK… I’m into excess… maximum exposure to sun/greenery/life in bloom) Fall does have that peaceful, lazy feel of knowing that cozy nights by the fireplace are not too far off- snow days here & there for my 16-year old, and watching kids slide down the hill on trash can lids or whatever else they can find on those rare days- even the big turkey on the table with friends gathered round- it’s all coming closer.

Yes, summer is gone, but this special time… this crisp, colorful season is so… what? I guess it is comforting. Warm even as temperatures chill. Though everything changes, nature is kind. There is beauty and pleasure in every single phase of the year. For now we can enjoy the relatively warm weather, the crisp skies, the amazing, fiery colors and the unique gifts of this season which seem to whisper: Live now. Always now.

Lake Oswegans: Remember to either dispose of your Fall leaves at designated drop-off sites including Grimm’s Fuel, compost them, or place them in “kraft” bags available at hardware and home-improvement stores for pick-up by Allied Waste for an additional $3.04 per bag charge. Happy Fall!

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Dogs and Dugouts at Hazelia Field

Well, Hazelia Field at Luscher Farm has withstood the test of two seasons and is now receiving not only raves, but awards as well!

Construction was completed on the new multi-use field near Lakeridge High School in the spring, the first sporting events being soccer and lacrosse. The field also accommodates football and baseball. It boasts a playing field made of plastic fibers and ground-up rubber which has excellent lasting capacity and drainage according to Gary Evans, assistant director at Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation. Neighbors’ concerns were addressed with state-of-the-art, computer-controlled, “green” lighting that uses a minimum number of fixtures and reduces energy-wasting light “spill”. The park is open until 10:00PM, but lights may be turned off by teams if they’re finished early by calling a toll-free number and entering a password. Most local leagues may use the field for free once a seasonal fee is paid.

Amenities of the 12-acre site include walking paths and access to trailheads, a beautiful 1.5 acre wetland, playground, parking lot, restroom facility and two luxurious off-leash dog parks- one is 1.6 acres and intended for larger gregarious dogs (though it is open to all dogs), whereas the other is 1.1 acres and reserved for smaller and/or timid dogs. Both dog parks include incredible fencing that is seemingly jump-, dig-, and escape-proof with double-entry gates. There are also benches and picnic tables for dog owners to relax and/or socialize, covered/shady areas for rainy or too-sunny days, water-stations, garbage cans, you-scoop-bags, and open areas for playing fetch or just letting the dogs play.

All this has caught the attention of Oregon Parks and Recreation, who awarded Hazelia Field its “2008 Design Award”. The Design Award recognizes the most well-designed public recreation area, park, athletic field, urban mall or recreation building. Criteria includes maintenance design, cost-effectiveness, visibility and appearance, energy efficiency, price, size, special challenges, innovative design and/or equipment, and most efficient use.

In addition to all Hazelia Field’s offerings, it strives to maintain the rural feel of the neighborhood and the “farm feel” of the site itself. It also implemented an impressive storm water management system wherein open rainwater gardens in the middle of the parking lot collect water and convey it into the wetlands where sediments are settled and water is purified. This is also the case for water collected from the artificial turf field.

So… take a coffee break and give your dog a treat! Head on over and support your local team! But do enjoy this local treasure this fall season, and in all seasons.

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Cost vs. Value for Your Remodeling Dollar

You may have noticed that the market has been changing for awhile now. Many buyers are out this fall scouting for great deals (they are not hard to find!), and many sellers who are pricing and marketing appropriately are benefiting from the uptick in activity in Lake Oswego (see Ron’s blog post of Monday 9/29). It is also true that some decided in the spring and summer to spruce up their homes in anticipation of changing market conditions, and the expectation of reaping some profit from their efforts when the time comes to sell.

I thought you might find it interesting to note some of the trends in the 2007 “cost vs. value” report for the Portland area according to www.costvsvalue.com. The data for Portland is “Pacific” data as compared to national averages. Here are some tidbits to hopefully give you an idea of what you might expect as a return for your remodeling investment according to this report:

Midrange Projects: Pacific / National Average

Deck Addition/Wood / 108% / 85.4%

Minor Kitchen Remodel / 103.5% / 83%

Window Replacement/Wood / 102.9% / 81.2%

Window Replacement/Vinyl / 98.5% / 79.3%

Basement Remodel / 96.8% / 75.1%

Bathroom Remodel / 96.6% / 78.3%

Major Kitchen Remodel / 96.6% / 78.1%

Two-Story Addition / 90.9% / 73.9%

Garage Addition / 88% / 69.5%

Master Suite Addition / 87.2% / 69%

Roofing Replacement / 85.1% / 67.4%

Family Room Addition / 84.8% / 68.6%

Bathroom Addition / 83.5% / 66%

Upscale Projects:

Window Replacement/Wood / 103.4% / 79.3%

Window Replacement/Vinyl / 100.7% / 81%

Deck Addition/Composite / 98.4% / 77.6%

Major Kitchen Remodel / 88.9% / 74.1%

Bathroom Remodel / 84.7% / 68.4%

Bathroom Addition / 84.1% / 69%

Roofing Replacement (Steel) / 79.9% / 65.7%

Garage Addition / 78.1% / 64.6%

Master Suite Addition / 77.3% / 64.1%

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Say What?

SEERMKS

Recently, one of my clients voiced exasperation regarding abbreviations on the MLS. She wondered if I might change them so that others looking at her property online would not be as confused as she was. I explained that as much as I might like to do that for her, these abbreviations are mostly generated automatically by the system, and not under my control as a Realtor.

This got me to thinking… Those of us in “the business” get used to seeing these abbreviations, and though occasionally one comes up with which we are unfamiliar, we are acclimated to most of them. I am sure that many people searching for properties would benefit from a resource to assist in this regard. Until that time comes, I thought I’d offer a list of some of the more interesting ones. A few of these may only show up on Realtor-accessible information, but most can pop up for you when you’re searching and cause you to see stars… or question marks:

ACC-ACT According to Accountant

ACC-OWN According to Owner

ACT-SOL Active Solar Heat

ALY Alley

APOD Annual Property Operation Data

BI-DOVN Built-In Double Oven

BINLITE Built-In Lighting

CC&RS Conditions, Covenants & Restrictions

DEEDRES Deed Restrictions

ENG-RPT Engineering Structural Reports

EXTMANT Exterior Maintenance

FEASIBL Feasibility Study

FRM/FOR Farm/Forest

FRT-ELE Freight Elevator

GA+500’ Natural Gas over 500’ From Site

INVN Inventory Included

IRR-WAT Irrigation Water Available

I-STORG Inside Storage

JOINT-V Owner Would Consider Joint Venture

L Lower Level

LEGDESC Legal Description

LIM-ACC Limited Access

LSE-BAK Owner Occupied Will Lease Back

LSE-ESC Lease With Escalation

LSSECUR Leased Security System

M Main Level

MANTREC Maintenance Records Available

MINI-ST Mini Storage

MINRTRS Mineral Rights Reservations

MINSTEP Minimal Steps

MO HOA Dues Frequency Every Month

MRCHTIM Merchantable Timber

NATLITE Natural Lighting

NEGO Possession Negotiable

NONCONF Non-Conforming Use

NO-VALU Existing Structure of No Value

OPR-EXP Operating Expense Report

OWSECUR Owned Security System

PAS-SOL Passive Solar/Passive Solar Heat

PASTACC Past Accessibility

PDS Pressure Distribution System

PLB-ICE Plumbed For Ice

PW+500’ Power Over 500’ From Site

RDSPLIT Road Splits Property

REQFILL Requires Land Fill

ROD+1 Recording of Deed + 1 Day

ROLLSHR Roll in Shower

ROWCRP Row Crop

RPROTIM Reproduced Timber

SEERMKS See Remarks

SEPLVQT Apartment or Auxiliary Living Unit

SGI State GI Loan

SH-SEP Shared Septic

SOILRPT Soil Report Required

SPT-APP Septic Site Approved

SPT-CT Sport Court

SUB-INS Subject To Inspection

SUBJTEN Subject To Tenancy

SW+500’ Sewer Over 500’ From Site

SWR-AVL Sewer Available at Property Line

TAN-BDS Tanning Beds

TEST-AV Soil Test Available

TEST-RQ Soil Test Required

TIMB-CR Timber Cruise

U Upper Level

UG-UTIL Underground Utilities

W/D-HUP Washer/Dryer Hookup

WA+500’ Public Water Over 500’ From Site

WALKSHR Walk-In Shower

WD-DOOR Wide Door

WT-CERT Water Rights Certification

WT-RM Weight Room

WT-USEP Water Use Permit

XASTFAN Exhaust Fan

YR HOA Dues Frequency Every Year

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Summertime Groaners

Sorry, I couldn’t resist this collection of real estate jokes from www.realestatehumor.com

Forgive me! …& Enjoy:

All afternoon a real estate agent had been showing a young couple empty houses. The ones they loathed always seemed to be available, but others had already snapped up the ones that struck their fancy. Finally they came to a house at the very edge of town and fell in love with it.
“Please,” they begged, “tell us that this one we can have.”
“It’s yours,” beamed the agent. “It’s last …. but not leased!”

While showing a home to a young mother and her 4 year old daughter, the child kept insisting that we leave. We performed the obvious routine of exploring the bedrooms, the basement and opening closet doors. Finally the little girl looked at her mother and said, “Mommie, we better get out of here before they come home and find us!”

A client bought a new home and the broker wanted to send flowers for the occasion. They arrived at the home and the owner read the card; it said “Rest in Peace”. The owner was angry and called the florist to complain. After he had told the florist of the obvious mistake and how angry he was, the florist said. “Sir, I’m really sorry for the mistake, but rather than getting angry you should imagine this: somewhere there is a funeral taking place today, and they have flowers with a note saying, “Congratulations on your new home”.

If you want to know exactly where the property line is, just watch the neighbor cut the grass.

Houses today don’t have enough closet space. Sure they do. They’re just called guest bedrooms.

Realtor sign–We have “lots” to be thankful for.

The sellers said their house was near the water. It was in the basement.

A home buyer told me that he lived in the same house for 10 years. When I checked, I found out he’d still be there today if the Governor hadn’t pardoned him!

Trivia: The floors of buildings are called stories because early European builders used to paint picture stories on the sides of their houses. Each floor had a different story.

“A lot of homes have been spoiled by inferior desecrators.”–Frank Lloyd Wright

The house is only 5 minutes from shopping . . .if you’ve got an airplane.

House problem: The oven is self-cleaning, but the kids aren’t.

Our new house has one down payment and 240 darn payments!

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It’ Hot Out There! Stay Cool.

In Lake Oswego we are enjoying the warmth of summertime as much as any other Oregon residents, and maybe a little more in some ways! Here, we are very lucky to have some great summertime swimming options… you know, lake and all : ) It’s true, most of the lake is privately owned and not generally accessible to the public, but Lake Oswego has two public swim parks on the lake, and access on the Willamette River as well as a smattering of neighborhood pools that are membership-based, and a pool at Lake Oswego High School that is open to all.

Here is a breakdown of the main swimming options for Lake Oswego residents this summer:

• Lake Oswego Swim Park – 250 Ridgeway Road – Operated by L.O. Parks & Recreation – Open to Lake Oswego residents July through August, noon – 6PM daily (weather permitting) – Lifeguards on duty – No charge for admission.

• Lake Grove Swim Park – 3900 Lakeview Blvd – Operated by the Lake Oswego School District – Open June through Labor Day – For information on Entry Requirements call 503 635 0355, or 503 534 2000.

• Lake Oswego School District Swim Pool – 2400 Hazel Road (Lake Oswego High School Campus) – For complete schedule including information on Open Swim as well as lessons: lap swim, Red Cross programs, synchro swim, diving, aerobics, etc., call 503 534 2330.

If you just LOVE swimming, and you or your children want to get even more involved, check out the Lake Oswego Swim Club. It operates from the Lake Oswego School District Pool at Lake Oswego High School. You may contact Dan Gipe at gipes@earthlink.net or 503-244-7349 for more information. Visit: www.lakeoswegoswimclub.org for details.

The Charlie S. Brown Water Sports Center (WSC) is located on the scenic Willamette River in Roehr Park. It is owned by the City of Lake Oswego and operated by Lake Oswego Community Rowing. Rowing and sculling classes for both adults and youth are offered. Obtain more information about hours, fees, classes and requirements at: http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/parksrec/WSC.HTM

So… stay cool. Have fun. Investigate these options as you enjoy summertime in Lake Oswego!

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Musings on Pricing Your Home

Many wonder how to price their home in our current market.With the twists and turns the market has been making, many believe that special tactics are needed to secure the amount of money they desire from the sale of their home. Two stick out in my mind. Simply put, they are “over-pricing” and “under-pricing”.

I have seen everything from what seems like extreme overpricing ($100,000 or more above what seems like a reasonable asking price) to modest positioning above apparent market value.

The truth is that this can be a successful pricing method if used conservatively… that is: determine the reasonable asking price for your home, and then price slightly above in the expectation of creating negotiation room. I do have to say however, that in the current market climate, even moderate overpricing can be a tricky and dangerous route if you would like to sell, instead of watch your property sit. The longer a property stays on the market, the more you risk losing momentum and appeal. There is a quote from Tom Ferry, a well-known real estate authority that says it all- “The most important decision we’ll make is around price. We have two choices: The Seller price and the Sold price. Which one is higher? …The Seller price.” The dangers of overpricing include:

  • Attracts “lookers”, not legitimate Buyers,
  • Implies that you are not motivated to sell,
  • Reduces the number of showings,
  • Helps the competition, and
  • Invites potential appraisal problems.

The other method, under-pricing, is an effective technique in many cases. This technique does not need to be used extravagantly either… a little can do the trick. It can stimulate interest right off the bat. Instead of your property being one of many that are priced comparably with their property “kin”, yours creates excitement as in “Honey, look at this one… This looks like a really good deal!” When used effectively, this tactic can even trigger bidding wars. I’ve represented at least one Buyer recently where this technique was apparently being employed by two Sellers of properties my client wanted to pursue. We secured the home in the second offer (phew!) but negotiated through two competitive offer situations in one week to accomplish that! (Yes… in this market.)

Note that several factors affecting the appeal of your property are not in your Realtor’s control… Your Realtor cannot control: location, property condition, market conditions, timing… or price. Your Realtor can control marketing, exposure, and the advice they give you. I often remark to my clients that pricing is really not so mysterious, and more a matter of just looking at the facts- We survey comparable properties and what they have SOLD for… then make a decision as to how the subject property measures up, and price accordingly. Most importantly, remember that the ASKING price is your decision, whereas the SOLD price is ultimately the Buyer’s decision, and is what really determines ‘market value’. That said, though a Buyer may offer less than you wish (or they may not!) it is still your decision as to whether you will accept an offer, negotiate, or simply refuse. Listen to your Realtor and then make a decision based on the data presented by him or her. They want to help you sell!

As much as you would like them to, the following conditions do NOT affect your home’s market value/price:

  • The profit you wish to make from the sale,
  • The amount of money you’ve spent on improvements,
  • What friends and trusted associates have told you it is worth, and
  • What you originally paid for the home.

So, bottom line, the price you decide upon should be based on related SOLD data, and then tempered to your home’s specifics, and your desired timetable. Summer is here and homes are selling! Enjoy the ride, and accomplish those changes you want in your life through the sale of your home. Pricing appropriately can really help speed you to your goal.

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Call Before You Dig

Well, it pays to stay on top of rules and regulations… and often that means avoiding liability by understanding your obligations as a property owner. Did you know that digging in your own yard could be hazardous to your pocket book? If you should dig into a utility line (gas, electric, etc.) you will most likely be held financially responsible if you did not call to have utilities “marked” prior to doing so… not to mention the possibility of bodily injury.

“Call Before You Dig” is a mandate in Oregon and other states requiring that utilities be located by the utility company prior to digging in your yard, garden, etc. This, of course, includes digging to install a real estate “for sale” sign too, and so is something to be aware of if you are putting your home on the market. If your agent uses a sign and post company, arrangements may be made with them for utilities to be marked in the general area where your sign will be placed. As the responsible homeowner, it would be a good idea for you to check with your agent regarding whether you or the sign company will be making these arrangements. The utility company will visit your property and actually spray the ground where you’d like the sign placed indicating the “OK” (or not) for digging. This will take an extra couple of days, so be sure to allow time in addition to the notice the sign company or installer will need prior to post & sign placement. More information may be found at: http://www.callbeforeyoudig.org/

Recently the process has been streamlined, and a number to call has been activated to make things easier (and safer) for everyone. Before digging, simply call “811” and you will be connected with the Utility Notification Center which administers the “One Call” system. The Utility Notification Center is open 24 hours a day, everyday. Homeowners, contractors, and anyone planning to dig may call.

Currently there is no charge for this service in most locations. The only areas under the authority of the Utility Notification Center that do have fees are Spokane and Stevens counties in Washington state… so here in Lake Oswego, it’s free!

Enjoy your summer… relish working in your garden, or proceed full steam ahead with the marketing of your home… just do it safely, and protect your health as well as your pocketbook.

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Lake Oswego Flood Zone Changes

Lakefront property owners in Lake Oswego are pretty comfortable overall with the knowledge that the lake is managed and dammed, and so concerns regarding rising water during heavy rains etc are not prevalent. The lake is owned and managed by the Lake Oswego Corporation (LOC), a local entity to which lakefront residents establish membership and pay dues. Every few years the lake is drained for a few months to allow residents to clean and repair boat docks along the lake and canals, and generally speaking, it is understood that the lake is a controlled body of water. Even so, in the flood of 1996, water did spill over in some areas because it was not able to be released quickly enough at the dam to compensate for the heavy inflow.

FEMA recently completed a study of the Lake Oswego area and has determined that it will change the flood zone designation for properties on the lake, as well as properties surrounding the canals, Tualatin River, and Spring Creek. The maps for the 100-year flood zone have been altered, and are available for viewing at www.ci.oswego.or.us/plan. The city’s website states: “Text amendments are intended to comply with FEMA’s regulations so that the City can retain eligibility for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.”

Lake Oswego must be compliant with FEMA’s requirements in order for Lake Oswego residents to be able to take advantage of their flood insurance policies in the event of a natural disaster. Lake Oswego property owners, especially those near the lake, would be well advised to double-check their property’s location on these new maps and its relation to the new flood zones, as they may be required to carry flood insurance now, even though that was not the case when the property was purchased.

According to Kelley Woodwick at Chicago Title, there is good news for sellers, in that flood insurance contracts may be transferred to new buyers at grandfathered rates and zones. Again, check the city’s new maps before June 18th to acquire information on the grandfathered areas… after the 18th, I am told that the information will most likely be removed from the website.

There are also new regulations resulting, including elevation requirements for remodeling and new construction. Significant remodeling jobs now require that the structure be at 104.5 ft elevation as compared to the old standard of 103.5 ft. New construction after June 18, 2008 will also be required to meet a 104.5 ft elevation requirement.

Checking with the City of Lake Oswego is always a good idea, and much information can be found at their website (above). Stay informed, stay protected, and stay dry!