Category: General

All About Lake Oswego, Oregon real estate topics

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Tree City USA

This year is the 32nd year that Lake Oswego has maintained the designation of “Tree City USA”. To have this designation a city must maintain four standards: have a Tree Board that brings together Parks, Recreation, and a Natural Resources Advisory Board; have a tree ordinance; spend a minimum of $2 per capita on urban forest management; and proclaim and celebrate Arbor Day annually.

Arbor Day is the last Friday in April, and April is Arbor Month. There are numerous ways that Lake Oswego is celebrating.

Tree Pruning Workshop

April 24th, 10am to 12pm, at the Pavilion at Foothills Park. Due to covid, attendance is limited and pre-registration is required. Pruning and maintaining trees is crucial, not just for the health of the tree, but truly for the safety of the home. Our big ice storm last month was a perfect example. Lake Oswego has lots and lots of trees. That ice storm took down so many limbs and many of those limbs were distructive to property, not to mention the power outages. At my home, we had an arborist clean up our trees about 5 years ago. I have 5 huge trees on my property. In the ice storm, not one limb came down. Not one. To register for this workshop telephone 503-635-0290 or email planning@lakeoswego.city. The class is free

Lake Grove Swim Park

Gnomes in Nature

Gnomes are being hidden at three parks: Foothills, River Run, and Stevens Meadows. The gnomes have names: Blossom, Greenie, and Oak. Between now and October get out to enjoy the parks and when you find a gnome, take your picture with the gnome and post it to social media using the hashtag #LOparksgnomes. Each time you post this hashtag you will be entered into a contest to win your very own gnome. Did you know that LO has over 460 acres of natural park areas? Visit lo-stewardship.org for park locations, gnome clues, and to learn more about each gnome.

Heritage Trees

Lake Oswego has annually been designating trees as “Heritage Trees” for 40 years. They are magnificent and each year when a tree is designated I like to go and see it. Most are on private property, so viewing them is done from the street, but wow, they are gorgeous. This years tree is a 55′ tall Japanese Zelkova that measures 6′ 10″ in circumference and has a crown with a 60′ spread. It is located at 3209 Lake Grove Blvd. To see a complete list of the Heritage Trees and where they are located, visit lakeoswego.city/planning/heritage-tree-program.

I honestly think that people move to Oregon, not just Lake Oswego, because they love the natural beauty and being in the outdoors. We’re now moving into the time of year when going outside is such a pleasure! I’m proud that my city, Lake Oswego, knows this and values its natural resources. Three cheers for LO and Tree City USA!

Dianne

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Lake Grove is getting a Farmer’s Market

As a resident of the Lake Grove area, I am just super excited about the new Farmer’s Market. It is a pilot program to gage the level of interest for a Farmer’s Market on the West side of town. The market is currently happening on Sundays from 1-5. It will run through April 25th. At that point a decision will be made as to whether or not the market will become permanent.

The market is located on Hallmark Drive between Mercantile Dr and Collins Way. There is abundant parking available at Lake Grove Elementary School

Each week there are 15-20 vendors selling produce, meats, seafoods, flowers, and hot foods. For more information and for a complete list of vendors click here.

This market is in addition to the Farmer’s Market that has occured on the East side of town at Millenium Plaza Park. That market runs Saturdays, 8:30-1:30, May 5th thru October 2nd.

I hope to see you at the market!

Dianne

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News & Notes ~ Feb 2021 Numbers

Here is your wider Portland Market Report according to RMLS data, with overall Neighborhood changes and Lake Oswego data broken out below.

Overview/Fluctuations ~  Market Data February 2021:           Inventory is holding steady with one month of supply available.  Competition is heavy, though we finally see more properties hitting the market now in March, which should alleviate that a little.  Competition pushes prices up as you can see in the Neighborhood Report below comparing January & February prices. Rolling 12-month Appreciation rates in all areas are up.

Mortgage rates will be rising inspired by the economy’s steady recovery. Today’s rates are hovering around 3% or a little higher based on a number of factors, but most can “buy the rate down” a bit & get it lowered. My trusted Mortgage Advisors can give you  more info.      

According to the RMLS Market Action Report  for the Portland Metro Area, Feb. 2021:

  • There were 2,474 New Listings in Feb 2021 decreased  10.3% from Feb of 2020’s 2,759  and also dropped 4.1% from the previous month/January’s 2,579.
  • At 1,978, Feb 2021’s Closed Sales are up 4.3% from Feb 2020’s 1,897, and also up 7.1% from the previous month/January’s total of 1,847
  • At 2,208, Feb 2021’s Pending Sales are down 15% from Feb 2020’s 2,598, and also down 11.5% from the previous month/January’s total of 2,496.
  • The Average Sale Price in Feb 2021 of $542,000 is up $84,100 from last year/Feb 2020’s $457,900, and up $27,300. from the previous month/January’s $514,700.   
  • The “Median” Sale Price (the price smack dab in the middle of all sales) in Feb 2021 of $470,100 rose $63,100 from last year/Feb 2020’s $407,000, and also increased 10,100 from the previous month/January’s $460,000.

                                        LAKE OSWEGO

The combined areas of Lake Oswego and West Linn  for  the month of February 2021 reported:

  • 82 Active Listings (Jan 84)
  • 97 New Listings    (Jan 112)
  • 92 Pending Sales  (Jan 121)
  • 92 Closed Sales    (Jan 97)
  • Average Sale Price for Feb: $876,900  (Jan $812,700)
    • NOTE: Higher-Priced vs Lower-Priced Homes Sales can skew the “Average” in any given month.  Lake Oswego has quite a variety, so this tends to be a less meaningful stat, generally speaking, in this niche.
  •  77 Average Days on the Market   (Jan 46)

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News & Notes ~ Jan 2021 Numbers

Overview/Fluctuations ~  Portland Area Market Data Jan 2021: 

The big story in January is that our Inventory increased from .8 to 1.0 months of supply. If you  think that’s not much, you’re right! We continue to be at record lows in available homes. Last year in January we had 2.2 months of Inventory, which was low. The previous year (Jan 2019) we had 3.3 months of Inventory. So, the field is still competitive out there which means it is a terrific time to sell a home and if you’re buying, rates are still low hovering around 3.125, so better not to wait!

According to the RMLS Market Action Report  for the Portland Metro Area, Jan. 2021:

  • There were 2,579 New Listings in Jan 2021 decreased  6.4% from Jan of 2020’s 2,754, and increased 48.2% from the previous month/Dec’s 1,740.
  • At 1,847, Jan 2021’s Closed Sales are up 11.1% from Jan 2020’s 1,663, and down 33.8% from the previous month/Dec 2020’s total of 2,789
  • At 2,496, Jan 2021’s Pending Sales are up 9.9% from Jan 2020’s 2,271, and also up 24.6% from the previous month/Dec 2020’s total of 2,003.
  • The Average Sale Price in Jan 2021 of $514,700 is up $51,700 from last year/Jan 2020’s $463,000, and up $700. from the previous month/Dec 2020’s $514,000.   
  • The “Median” Sale Price  (the price smack dab in the middle of all sales) in Jan 2021 of $460,000 rose from last year/Jan 2020’s $406,000 by $54,000, and decreased 5,000 from the previous month/Dec 2020’s $455,000

LAKE OSWEGO

The combined areas of Lake Oswego and West Linn  for  the month of January 2021 reported:

  • 84 Active Listings (Dec 114)
  • 112 New Listings    (Dec 73)
  •  121 Pending Sales (Dec 110)
  •   92 Closed Sales    (Dec 137)
  • Average Sale Price for Jan: $812,700  (Dec $845,700)
    • NOTE: Higher-Priced vs Lower-Priced Homes Sales can skew the “Average” in any given month.  Lake Oswego has quite a variety, so this tends to be a less meaningful stat, generally speaking, in this niche.
  •  46 Average Days on the Market   (Dec 60)
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This Week in Lake Oswego

February is Black History Month and the Lake Oswego Library in particular offers special Virtual Events all month long focusing on Black History and Racial Awareness.
Here are my picks for happenings in Lake Oswego this week:

Mon, Feb 8, 2021- 7:00-8:00PM –  The Origination Points & Role of Race in a Caste System ~ Bill de la Cruz will discuss the role of race in perpetuating a caste system of division. He will talk about the narratives and mindsets of superiority and its effects on socializing stereotypes and perceived inferior groups. Online – More Info & Registration: CLICK HERE

Tue, Feb 9, 2021 –  7:00-8:00PM – Ralph Ellison and Race in America~ John Callahan will explore race in America through author Ralph Ellison’s work – fiction, essays, and letters. Professor Emeritus of Humanities, and Literary Executor to the Ralph Ellison Estate, Callahan earned his BA from the University of Connecticut and his M.A. and PhD from the University of Illinois. Callahan joined the faculty at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon in 1967 and taught there for 48 years, retiring in 2015. Online –   More Info & Registration:  CLICK HERE  

Wed, Feb 10, 2021 – 7:30-9:00PM (Every Wed)- VIRTUAL Mindfulness Meditation: Pain Management  ~ More Info & Reg:  CLICK HERE     

Thu, Feb 11, 2021 7:00-8:00PM – Racial Hygeine in Nazi Germany~ Professor Maureen Healy of the Department of History at Lewis & Clark College will examine the legal avenues through which the Nazi regime excluded Jews from German society in the 1930s.  Online –   CLICK HERE

Fri , Feb 12, 2021:  10:0AM-12:00PM, Abstract Painting for Adults (Every Fri)  ~ Join in with this virtual class offered every Friday ~ Online- More Info & Registration : CLICK HERE 

Sat , Feb 13 2021:  10:00AM-11:00AM, Introduction to Magic (Ages 7-12) ~ Using simple items found around the house, Professor Dr Schreiber, The Historical Conjurer, teaches you magic at your home!  More Info & Registration: CLICK HERE 

Sun, Feb 14, 2021- 4:00-10:00PM (Every Sunday/18 yrs & over) –  Adult Coed 7v7 Soccer League ~ Help restore 50 acres of treasured natural habitat. Bring a shovel, pruners, gloves and a container of water. -Hazelia Field, 17800 SW Stafford Rd-  More Info & Registration: CLICK HERE

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Market Activity ~ Jan 25-31, 2021

We logged 4 New Listings, 21 (not bad for a rainy week) moving to Pending status, and 6 Properties Sold/Closed last week. Here’s the breakdown according to RMLS data:

NEW Jan 25-31, 2021

AddressList Price# Beds# BathsTotal SFProp Type
4580 TRILLIUM WOODS$739,90032.11992ATTACHD
1920 Park Forest AVE$1,125,000332679DETACHD
1483 WOODLAND TER$1,199,999543135DETACHD
1870 TWIN POINTS RD$2,895,00044.14649DETACHD

PENDING Jan 25-31, 2021

AddressList Price# Beds# BathsTotal SFProp TypeCDOM
16250 PACIFIC HWY  #50$284,000221305CONDO2
16250 PACIFIC HWY  #73$319,000221305CONDO87
16250 PACIFIC HWY  #59$319,000221305CONDO9
750 1ST ST,  E34$335,000221350CONDO3
18667 SW BENFIELD AVE$485,000421414DETACHD5
1790 CONIFER DR$524,900211003DETACHD13
28 AQUINAS ST$529,000321960DETACHD6
17095 WESTVIEW DR$649,000433356DETACHD90
4361 SOUTHSHORE BLVD$819,000432441DETACHD75
1780 YARMOUTH CIR$845,00032.12307DETACHD0
17596 GREEN BLUFF DR$959,90042.13039DETACHD75
5900 SUNCREEK DR$999,00052.13942DETACHD4
3600 PIPER CT$1,050,00053.14549DETACHD4
19125 35TH PL$1,114,90044.15153DETACHD257
2120 GLENMORRIE DR$1,298,00053.14293DETACHD115
639 CARRERA LN$1,350,00043.14447DETACHD16
312 9TH ST$1,350,00032.12686DETACHD103
3175 DOUGLAS CIR$1,425,00043.25400DETACHD3
13701 KNAUS RD$1,849,00054.15730DETACHD2
14080 GOODALL RD$2,095,00064.26005DETACHD23
1340 CHERRY LN$2,145,00044.25922DETACHD9

SOLD Jan 25-31, 2021

AddressOpening PriceClosed Price# Beds# BathsTotal SFProp TypeCDOM
5859 KENNYCROFT WAY$499,900$511,00031.11205DETACHD4
1599 OAK ST$664,900$655,00042.12468DETACHD31
4584 TRILLIUM WOODS$739,900$715,00032.12179ATTACHD44
18064 JENIFERS WAY$930,000$895,000532965DETACHD44
6429 Mission CT$1,165,000$1,184,00043.13182DETACHD277
16337 CHAPIN WAY$2,599,000$2,270,00054.15115DETACHD71

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.

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Lake Oswego Reads: Caste

This February is the 15th annual Lake Oswego Reads and the selected book is Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. This event invites the entire town to read the same book and then come together with special events to commemorate the subject and the author. Of course, this year due to covid, there’s a lot of adaptation to keep everyone safe and healthy.

A top 10 New York Times best seller, the book compares caste systems throughout global history. It examines how social customs and legislation combine to keep segments of society oppressed in order for other segments of society to prevail and to profit. The message is both profound and important.

Special events include a trivia night, a history lesson about 450 years of Black history in Oregon, a discussion of the role of race in the castes system, a discussion about curriculum reform in the Lake Oswego School District, a virtual art show featuring 17 local artists’ interpretation of the book, and much, much more.

For a full list of Lake Oswego Reading events click here.

Enjoy the book and keep on reading!

Dianne

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2021 Is Here

We hope you all are looking forward to new and exciting adventures in 2021! Dianne and I will be here bringing you the lay of the land in Lake Oswego each week with current market stats, real estate insights, marketing tips, community information & more. The horizon is looking good according to all the forecasters, and of course we’re all looking forward to upcoming immunization assistance in all of our communities. Rates are expected to rise a bit, and we’re all expecting Inventory, which is at an all-time low, to rise.

Dianne and I wish you the very best this year and extend our reminder that we’re always at the other end of a phone call or email. Always here for you!

Happy New Year.