Tag: home

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To Stage or Not To Stage

Twenty years ago staging a home prior to putting it on the market was not very common. Cleaning the house and hiding the litter box was enough. That has really changed. I think the biggest difference for this change is the Internet. 99% of buyers shop for their new home on line. Not only does staging your home dramatically improve the look of the house when people come to see it, but it makes the photos of the house really pop.

The National Association of Realtors did a study in which they surveyed Realtors who work with buyers and Realtors who work with sellers. 58% of Realtors think that a house will sell for more if it is staged. How much more varies. 29% believed a house would sell for 1-5% more. 21% believed a house would sell for 6-10% more. 3% felt it could sell for as much as 20% more.

Bear in mind that this still means that 42% did not give an opinion that it would sell for more.

My opinion is that the house still needs to be priced at market value. When you combine this with the staging the house will get lots of interest because the value will be so obvious. This can generate multiple offers and that is what will drive the price up. How far up? Easily 1-5%. More than that? Maybe.

What you don’t want to do is stage the house and expect to get more for it, and then price it above market value. Buyer’s are smart. They shop, they have aps, they are not likely to pay more than the property is worth, even if the staging makes the house look great. So when it comes to pricing, proceed with caution.

How much does it cost? According to themortgagereports.com, the initial consultation costs an average of $675. If you can do the staging with stuff you already own, then that would be it. Pretty cheap. If you are also needing furnishings the cost averages about $500-$600 a month for as long as it is needed in the house.

You don’t need to stage every room. The most important room is the living room, the family room, the kitchen/dining area, and the master bedroom. Beyond that, see what your budget can handle.

Last, staging is not a requirement. I still think decluttering and deep cleaning take the prize for the must do preparation for selling.

Please let Linda or I know if you need a reference for a staging company. We have our favorites and are happy to provide you with a list that will give you a good start.

As always, thanks for reading The Blotter,
Dianne

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Market Activity May 4-10, 2020

Market activity picked up in Lake Oswego last week. There were 15 new listings, 25 houses that went into pending status with accepted offers, and 14 closed sales. Buyers are making offers at really nice rate.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS:

New on the Market (May 4-10, 2020)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft
4 Touchstone #71 Condo $199,000 2 2 984
4 Touchstone #146 Condo $244,900 2 2 979
65 Church St Condo $299,950 2 2 1040
1042 Yates St Detached $469,900 3 1.5 1100
16251 Reese Rd Detached $745,000 3 2.5 2555
5675 Victoria Ct Detached $800,000 3 2.5 2546
173 Furnace St Condo $819,000 2 2.5 2090
5820 Stewart Glen Ct Detached $849,000 5 2.5 3262
2944 Vale Ct Detached $984,000 4 2.5 3718
13592 Goodall Rd Detached $1,345,000 5 3.5 3735
15444 Boones Way Attached $1,380,000 3 2.5 3488
1471 Woodland Terr Detached $1,399,000 5 4.5 5724
792 5th St Detached $1,550,000 4 4.5 4379
13337 Leslie Ct Detached $2,250,000 4 4.5 4638
961 Terrace Dr Detached $3,095,000 5 4.5+.5 5542

Pending Sales (May 4-10, 2020)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft CDOM
8 Cervantes Circle Condo $209,900 2 1.5 912 17
86 Kingsgate Rd H104 Condo $224,900 2 2 840 59
5225 Jean Rd #208 Condo $255,000 2 2 1100 43
16200 Pacific Hwy #15 Condo $395,000 2 2 1190 56
5237 Dawn St Detached $479,000 3 1.5 1412 42
668 McVey Ave #72 Detached $495,000 3 2 1184 221
1010 Hallinan St Detached $479,900 3 1.5 1225 6
1 El Greco St Detached $499,900 4 2.5 2296 69
2091 Country Club Rd Detached $550,000 5 2 2112 109
100 Leonard St 3-4 Condo $569,000 3 2 1736 188
383 Ash St Detached $639,000 3 2.5 1825 1
905 York Rd Detached $649,000 3 2 1657 10
15773 Springbrook Ct Detached $649,900 3 2 1616 200
1639 Worthington St Detached $649,900 4 3 1920 16
8 Partridge Ln Detached $659,000 4 2.5 3583 5
1771 Campus Way Detached $668,000 3 3 3247 3
10 Buckingham Terr Detached $759,900 4 3 3763 19
14564 Kruse Oaks Blvd Detached $879,500 5 2.5 3001 5
4904 Lower Dr Detached $939,000 4 3 2803 3
4121 Childs Rd Detached $956,000 4 3.5 3396 76
1267 Maple St Detached $1,098,000 4 2.5 3388 56
16 Bernini Ct Detached $1,150,000 6 5 4786 53
4484 West Bay Rd Detached $1,250,000 5 2.5 4417 53
852 Northshore Rd Detached $1,898,000 4 5 4211 343
3015 Wembley Park Rd Detached $2,499,900 4 4.5 5211 249

Sold/Closed (May 4-10, 2020)

Address Type List Price Sold Price Sq Ft CDOM
668 McVey Ave #45 Condo $249,000 $225,000 852 208
5053 Foothills Dr D Condo $325,000 $305,000 1,252 124
1664 Bonniebrae Dr Condo $359,000 $359,000 1303 1
6313 Alyssa Terr Attached $389,000 $389,500 1546 1
5936 Dove Ct Detached $575,000 $564,850 1980 0
17835 Hillside Dr Detached $535,000 $575,000 2924 1
324 4th St Attached $625,000 $625,000 1731 3
1285 Oak Terr Detached $600,000 $635,000 1421 23
4036 Melissa Dr Detached $849,000 $855,000 3118 2
8 Dover Way Detached $1,299,000 $1,160,000 6093 130
17506 Hill Way Detached $1,125,000 $1,189,900 3163 300
1455 Timberline Dr Detached $1,200,000 $1,200,000 3554 1
1190 Fairway Rd Detached $2,599,000 $2,495,000 5855 90
16470 Phantom Bluff Ct Detached $2,699,900 $2,507,000 4975 303

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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Why You Buy a House

There are lots of great reasons to buy a home.

The reasons you’ll usually hear are practical and financial ones like:

  • Appreciation (grow your nest egg/investment)
  • Mortgage Interest and Property Tax Deductions (especially where it makes sense on a higher-end/jumbo loan home)
  • Exclusion from Capital Gains
  • Prices are Attractive/Bending toward Buyer’s benefit
  • Mortgage Rates are Low

These are all very good reasons!  But, as I read recently, if financial considerations were the only motivator, we’d all “Buy Low/Sell High” every single time.  We don’t do that.  I mean, sometimes the circumstances are just right for us to do that & that’s fabulous! But mostly people buy homes for the following reasons:

  • Family is growing/need more space
  • Just want a nicer house
  • Renting now & tired of contributing to landlord’s equity w/no personal gain
  • Be closer to work, work location changed, etc
  • Get child into a desired school or district
  • Move out of a condo to have more control over property
  • Move into a condo to have less responsibility for maintenance
  • Downsizing
  • Want to be closer to shops/restaurants/services
  • Want to be farther away from the hubbub of activity and traffic

So… all of these reasons revolve around making your Life better. That’s why I always say I help people change their lives through buying or selling real estate. Its just what its all about ; )

 

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Market Activity ~ Apr 27-May 3, 2020

Things are really holding very steady. Last week in Lake Oswego, 10 New properties entered the market, 18 moved to Pending status, and 10 were “Closed”/Sold. We also have 217 homes for sale here, right now.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS:

NEW on Mkt (April 27-May 3, 2020)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
6073 HARRINGTON AVE $448,000 2 1 1050 DETACHD
16229 Lake Forest BLVD $549,900 4 3 2094 DETACHD
14183 TAYLORS CREST LN $796,000 4 2.1 3551 DETACHD
16495 GLENWOOD CT $1,195,000 5 3.1 4533 DETACHD
3125 ALBER SPRING CT $1,198,000 4 3.1 4308 DETACHD
1225 LAKE GARDEN CT $1,295,000 4 3.2 3558 DETACHD
16364 IVY LN $1,595,950 5 3.1 4862 DETACHD
16621 GRAEF CIR $1,700,000 2 3.1 2506 DETACHD
14005 GOODALL RD $1,800,000 4 3.1 4809 DETACHD
3358 LAKEVIEW BLVD $4,485,000 5 4 5133 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (April 27-May 3, 2020)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
3956 CARMAN DR $299,990 2 2.1 1107 CONDO 63
12888 BOONES FERRY RD $415,000 2 2.1 1182 CONDO 44
15 SUMMIT RIDGE CT $419,960 2 2.1 1750 ATTACHD 42
1485 GREENTREE CIR $565,000 4 3.1 2440 DETACHD 3
19026 ARROWWOOD AVE $572,000 3 2 1850 DETACHD 3
4900 INDIAN CREEK CT $599,900 4 3 2124 DETACHD 33
16885 SW Denney CT $600,000 3 2 1712 DETACHD 26
4007 BASS LN $699,000 4 3 2648 DETACHD 14
620 1ST ST $750,000 3 3.1 1916 ATTACHD 34
4208 ALBERT CIR $790,000 5 3 2777 DETACHD 11
2152 WEMBLEY PL $799,000 4 3 2854 DETACHD 2
960 BULLOCK ST $849,900 3 2 3062 DETACHD 11
3996 TEMPEST DR $849,900 4 2.2 3397 DETACHD 5
5015 DENTON DR $950,000 4 2.1 3131 DETACHD 32
1666 LAKE FRONT RD $1,375,000 4 3 3312 DETACHD 54
718 3RD ST $1,590,000 4 2 3759 DETACHD 1
1646 LESLIE LN $1,868,000 4 4.1 4879 DETACHD 28
18404 OLD RIVER LNDG $2,098,000 4 4 4295 DETACHD 17

SOLD (April 27-May 3, 2020)

Address Opening Price Closed Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
66 GALEN ST / Upper $179,900 $175,400 1 1 690 CONDO 39
15490 BRIANNE CT $329,900 $329,900 2 2.1 1250 ATTACHD 5
102 GREENRIDGE CT $424,000 $424,000 3 2.1 2004 ATTACHD 197
731 CLARA CT $629,000 $629,000 4 2.1 2700 DETACHD 1
4595 HASTINGS PL $703,000 $695,000 4 2.1 2178 DETACHD 3
700 PEBBLE BEACH CT $850,000 $870,000 4 2 2527 DETACHD 2
5331 W SUNSET DR $960,500 $925,000 3 3.1 3606 DETACHD 137
2397 HILLSIDE LN $925,000 $925,000 5 3 3158 DETACHD 0
17084 CANAL CIR $1,850,000 $1,685,000 5 3.1 5104 DETACHD 68
1350 Andrews RD $2,150,000 $1,800,000 3 3.1 3377 DETACHD 530

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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Helping Locally During Covid 19

Did you ever have any idea that we would experience a pandemic? I just didn’t conceptualize this circumstance at all. We are certainly learning a lot about personal strength, patience, and perseverance. And all of us are facing this time with different abilities to cope. Some are better off financially than others. Here in LO there are several ways that you can help, if you are in a position to do so.

The city of Lake Oswego has created a temporary utility assistance program. Starting with a $20,000 fund contributed by the city, individuals are also being encouraged to donate. Donations are voluntary and tax deductible. To apply for assistance, or to donate, you can go to www.lakeoswego.city/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/temporary-utility-assistance.

To help feed local families the city has partnered with Hunger Fighters to collect gift card donations. Folks are encouraged to buy gift cards from their favorite restaurants and then to drop them off at city hall (380 A Ave, drop the cards into the utility payment box in the South entrance vestibule). The gift cards will then be distributed to local families in need by Hunger Fighters. This is such a win-win. It helps local restaurants that are struggling to pay employees and to stay in business, and it helps those who are needing food.

Meals on Wheels has become more important than ever. This program is seeking donations for both their home delivery program and their lunch-to-go program. For information and to make a donation go to www.lakeoswegomealsonwheels.org or telephone 503-635-3758.

Together we will get through this. Thank you for any help you are able to give the community. Thank you for reading the blotter.
Dianne

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Market Activity April 20-26, 2020

I think that the market activity is about half of what is normal for this time of year. Pending sales appear to be holding fairly steady with about 10 properties accepting offers each of the last several weeks. Check out the days on the market for the pending properties. Of the 10 pending sales 8 sold in 25 days or less. Along with the 8 pending sales, last week Lake Oswego saw 6 properties come on the market and 8 sold/closed sales.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS:

New on the Market (April 20-26, 2020)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft
8 Cervantes Circle Condo $209,900 2 1.5 912
5364 Langford Ln Detached $869,000 4 2.5 3022
205 5th St Detached $895,000 4 3 2556
13275 Riverside Dr Detached $1,099,000 4 2-Jan 2756
16850 Cortez Ct Detached $1,299,900 4 4 3550
749 7th St Detached $1,385,000 4 3.5 4651

Pending Sales (April 20-26, 2020)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft CDOM
4268 Woodside Circle Attached $340,000 4 2 1944 351
5237 Dawn St Detached $494,800 3 1.5 1412 25
77 Kingsgate Rd Detached $529,900 3 2.5 1739 3
17835 Hillside Dr Detached $535,000 5 3 2924 1
17200 Robb PL Detached $610,000 3 2.5 2206 0
4188 Cobb Way Detached $649,900 4 3 2586 4
92 Garibaldi St Detached $769,000 4 3.5 3172 37
10 Othello St Detached $825,000 5 3 3600 25
5623 Bay Creek Dr Detached $845,000 5 2.5 3042 20
4500 West Rd Detached $899,000 3 2.5 2479 17

Sold/Closed (April 20-26, 2020)

Address Type List Price Sold Price Sq Ft CDOM
48 Cervantes Circle Condo $299,000 $260,000 1368 162
5054 Foothills Dr E Condo $355,000 $345,000 1,252 38
19415 Sycamore Ave Detached $450,000 $450,000 1584 12
16106 Lake Forest Blvd Detached $649,900 $505,000 3440 575
47 Da Vinci St Detached $599,000 $652,507 2467 6
18263 Anduin Terr Detached $749,000 $685,000 3103 133
3781 Tempest Dr Detached $899,900 $875,000 3927 21
13483 Fielding Rd Detached $949,999 $890,000 3149 62

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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News & Notes ~ March 2020 Numbers

Here is your look at the most recent data for the entire Portland area (March 2020) and how Lake Oswego fits in to this picture just below.

Inventory remains low and so basically, we have a housing shortage going on right now. Mortgage Rates are at 3.3% as of this writing. For the most part, Portland Real Estate is holding steady with prices improving and New Listings and Closed Sales, for instance up right around 25% from last month along with  Areas in & around Gresham, Oregon City, Milwaukie/Clackamas, & Hillsboro, are still the strongest as far as Appreciation goes.

According to the RMLS Market Action Report for the Portland Metro Area, March 2020:

  • There were 3,468  New Listings in March 2020 which decreased 1.0%  from March of 2019’s 3,504, and also increased significantly- up 25% from the previous month/February’s 2,759.
  • At 2,536, March 2020’s Closed Sales rose 7.9% over March 2019’s 2,183, but are up a whopping 24.2% from the previous month/February 2020’s total of 1,897.
  • At 2,347, March 2020’s Pending Sales are down 14.3% from March 2019’s 2,738, and also fell 9.7% from the previous month/February 2020’s total of 2,598.
  • The Average Sale Price in March 2020 of $465,500 is up $17,600 from last year/March 2019’s $447,900, and also up $7,600 from the previous month/February 2020’s $457,900.  
  • The “Median” Sale Price (the price smack dab in the middle of all sales) in March 2020 of $425,000 rose from last year/March 2019’s $399,000 by $26,000, and is also up $18,000 from the previous month/February 2020’s $407,000.   

Neighborhoods: March’s Average Sale Price + 12-month Appreciation:

  • North Portland:  $441,300              1.3%   (Feb $407,900)
    •                                                     YTD Median: $405,000
  • NE Portland:  $470,500                   3.3%   (Feb $482,200)
    •                                                     YTD Median: $420,000
  • SE Portland:  $442,600                   1.1%   (Feb $424,700)
    •                                                     YTD Median: $380,000
  • Gresham/Troutdale:   $355,000     4.7%   (Feb $376,600)
    •                                                     YTD Median: $356,000
  • Milwaukie/Clackamas:  $466,100  4.9%   (Feb $443,700 )
    •                                                     YTD Median: $425,000
  • Oregon City/Canby:   $447,000      3.8%   (Feb $448,600)
    •                                                     YTD Median: $430,000
  • Lake Oswego/West Linn:$687,400  2.7%  (Feb $705,100)
    •                                                      YTD Median: $586,000
  • West Portland:    $580,400             -1.5%  (Feb $581,600 )
    •                                                     YTD Median: $512,000
  • NW Wash County:  $544,200          0.1%   (Feb $510,400)
    •                                                      YTD Median: $475,000
  • Beaverton/Aloha:     $445,100       3.0%   (Feb $412,800)
    •                                                     YTD Median: $410,000
  • Tigard/Wilsonville:   $487,200        1.7%   (Feb $485,600)
    •                                                      YTD Median: $460,000
  • Hillsboro/Forest Grove: $406,900  5.8%   (Feb $414,200)
    •                                                      YTD Median: $391,000

LAKE OSWEGO:

The combined areas of Lake Oswego and West Linn  for  the month of February 2020 reported:

    •  305 Active Listings (Feb 226)
    •  183 New Listings     (Feb 151)
    •   87 Pending Sales    (Feb 119)
    •  103 Closed Sales      (Feb  72)
    • Average Sale Price for February: $687,400  (Feb $705,100)
      • 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.
    •  106 Average Days on the Market   (Feb 86)

 

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Market Activity ~ April 13-19, 2020

Last week in Lake Oswego, 13 New properties entered the market, 8 moved to Pending status, and 14 were “Closed”/Sold. We also have 211 homes for sale here, right now.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS:

NEW on Mkt (April 13-19, 2020)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
100 KERR PKWY#3 $210,000 2 2 823 CONDO
47 OSWEGO SMT / Main $249,900 2 2 1212 CONDO
45 EAGLE CREST DR #401 $285,000 3 2 1348 CONDO
4340 BOTTICELLI ST $399,999 3 3.1 2285 CONDO
17200 ROBB PL $610,000 3 2.1 2206 DETACHD
4007 BASS LN $699,000 4 3 2648 DETACHD
19 MONTICELLO DR $729,988 6 3 3537 DETACHD
10 BUCKINGHAM TER $759,900 4 3 3763 DETACHD
4208 ALBERT CIR $790,000 5 3 2777 DETACHD
960 BULLOCK ST $849,900 3 2 3062 DETACHD
4405 SUNDEW CT $850,000 5 3.1 4535 DETACHD
800 TERRACE DR $1,559,000 5 4.1 5359 DETACHD
18008 GREENBLUFF DR $1,849,000 3 3.1 4402 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (April 13-19, 2020)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4 TOUCHSTONE #94 $145,900 3 2.1 1351 CONDO 198
18357 HEATHER ANN CT $560,000 3 2 1832 DETACHD 1
16212 SW KIMBALL ST $599,000 4 2.1 1844 DETACHD 4
1448 CEDAR ST $615,000 4 3 2544 DETACHD 244
2103 RIDGEWOOD RD $660,000 4 2 1650 DETACHD 83
4092 COLTSFOOT LN $750,000 4 3 2405 DETACHD 3
5745 Washington CT $1,149,000 4 3.1 2841 DETACHD
1350 Andrews RD $2,150,000 3 3.1 3377 DETACHD 530

SOLD (April 13-19, 2020)

Address Opening Price Closed Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
6207 HARRINGTON AVE $389,000 $389,500 3 1 960 DETACHD 11
15003 TWIN FIR RD $492,000 $470,000 2 1 984 DETACHD 88
1611 LEE ST $589,900 $599,900 3 2.1 2539 DETACHD 58
3745 DIVISION CT $599,900 $615,000 3 2 1390 DETACHD 3
1640 WOODLAND TER $619,900 $627,500 4 3 2398 DETACHD 6
1 PREAKNESS CT $645,000 $635,000 4 3 2373 DETACHD 6
17200 CANAL CIR $665,000 $665,000 3 1.1 1774 DETACHD 6
1925 MAPLELEAF CT $750,000 $750,000 4 2.1 2096 DETACHD 0
22 DOVER WAY $900,000 $900,000 4 2.1 3335 DETACHD 0
533 WEIDMAN CT $992,500 $980,000 5 3.1 4092 DETACHD 122
1259 LAKE GARDEN CT $1,099,000 $997,750 4 3 2263 DETACHD 0
13845 AMBERWOOD CIR $1,089,000 $1,100,000 4 3 3283 DETACHD 3
17614 BLUE HERON RD $1,239,000 $1,239,000 4 3 3320 DETACHD 2
467 9TH ST $1,385,000 $1,285,000 3 2.1 2979 DETACHD 54

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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Run, Ride, Walk Around the Lake

This is a re-post of one I did many years ago. It will give you the directions for exercising with a trip around the lake. Please be sure to observe social distancing. We are getting some beautiful weather and getting outside to enjoy it is a real treat.

Absolutely one of the best features of living in Lake Oswego is the ability to enjoy the lake. And one of my favorite ways to enjoy it is by riding a bike, or taking a walk or a jog around it. The first time I ran the lake was in 1980. I have done it many, many times since then. Although I have to admit that these days instead of running it, I bike or walk it. It’s just about 8 miles all the way around. Biking it, the challenge is to do it in one hour’s time. I know that does not seem very fast, but there are two substantial hills in the ride and if you can do it in an hour, you are kicking some serious #*%*. Walking it takes about 2.5 hours, and running it, back in my hey day, took just over an hour.

The route around the lake is not an obvious course. You need to have someone who has done it before show it to you. I suppose you could just journey out and figure it out, but there are a couple of spots where taking the right turn will not only make the route more enjoyable, but it will also make it more safe.

I am going to outline the basic route. **UPDATED: MAP AT BOTTOM OF THIS ARTICLE**

I will try to keep the directions easy to follow. I do the route in a clockwise circle. You can reverse it if you like, but I do it clockwise because with this route you warm up properly for the hills and then also cool down before you finish.

Start at the Lake Grove Swim Park, which is just North of the intersection of Southshore Blvd and Lakeview Blvd, along Lakeview Blvd. Proceed North on Lakeview. I suppose it is actually slightly Northeast, but for the sake of keeping it simple, head North along the shoulder of the road. There is a nice wide bike path and you’ll be enjoying the view of the lake and the stately mansions. You will go about half a mile before you come to the first right hand turn.

This is Summit. Yes, it’s called Summit because it’s a big hill. Summit will take you on a slightly winding route up to the top and then back down again. These are some of the best views of the lake because you are up so high and you really get to see the width and breadth of the water.

After you come down the hill, Summit will dead-end at Iron Mountain Blvd. Turn right which will have you heading East. This is a long, flat stretch of road through a heavily treed area with views of the Lilly Pond. Most of the length of this section does not have houses on it. As you come back into the housing area, in fact almost immediately as soon as the driving speed goes from 40 MPH to 25MPH, you want to watch for a sharp right turn just on the edge of the lower parking lot for Lake Oswego Country Club. This little street is called Milligan Lane. It is only a couple of hundred of feet long, and I don’t think it is well marked. So be watching and don’t miss it. If you miss it, you’ll add about a mile and a good deal of time lost in the surrounding neighborhoods trying to get back on course.

Milligan Lane will take you over a set of train tracks and drop you right on to Northshore Road. Turn left so that you are continuing to head East. This is just a spectacular stretch of scenery. You will be right down at the level of the lake meandering by fabulous homes and across quaint bridges with views of the lake and of Lakewood Bay. The road takes a couple of twists and turns, just follow the signs that identify Northshore. One of the homes you will pass, it will be on your right just before the humongous rock formation, is the house that was briefly occupied by Humphrey Bogart and his 3rd wife, Mayo Methot, or so local legend has it.

After you cross the bridge with the view to the left of Lakewood Bay you will come to a 3-way stop, turn left. Go about a block and take the first right. This is is Fairmont. You are only going to go about 100 feet before you turn left onto Middlecrest. Middlecrest is not a through street. It has a barrier erected to keep out auto traffic, but there is a pass through for bikes and pedestrians. Stay on Middlecrest a couple of blocks to the traffic light at State Street.

Turn right on State Street and go a long block to the bottom of the hill where there is another traffic light at McVey Avenue. Turn right and head up McVey. This is the big hill in this route. Pace yourself because when you think you’ve gotten to the top, you have not. You could stay on it up to the traffic light at Southshore, but I have found another route that I like that is more scenic and just more interesting.

Before you get to the traffic light at McVey there is a right hand turn at Oak. Take this right and follow the route as it levels out and gives you a bit of a breather before the climb starts again. You’ll cross a little bridge in an area that feels like a grotto. It is cool and moist and very refreshing on a hot day. Just after the little bridge you’ll turn right onto Palisades Terrace. This is another beautiful neighborhood where the houses will completely distract you from your saddle sores or your tired feet. You are now about 5 miles into the route with just a couple more to go. The uphill climb starts again while you are on Palisades Terrace. You’ll know you’re there, believe me. Palisades Terrace dead ends at Southshore Blvd.

Turn right at Southshore so that you are heading West. You’ll continue to climb for about half a mile. At the top, not only is there a bench where you can sit and look out at the lake, but there is also a drinking fountain. Yahoo! Continue down Southshore as you descend the hill and begin to cross the canals. Southshore will end at Lakeview Blvd, where when you turn right you will find yourself back at the beginning where you started.

Once upon a time this was a pretty treacherous route because you shared the road with cars. Today, pretty much the whole way is either on quiet neighborhood streets or has nice bike paths to separate you from the cars.

What I like about it is that it has a variety of terrain. There are a couple of hills to challenge, but not beat you up too badly, and there are so many great views of homes and the lake.

I do have a slight modification I do for the bike ride at the bottom of McVey that will put you onto a more gentle climb up the hill. For the sake of wearing out my welcome in your brain today, I am not including it here. But if you’d like to know it, drop me an e-mail and I”d be happy to share. (diannegregoire@oregonfirst.com) Or perhaps it will become a future posting.

If you do try my route around the lake I’d love to hear from you. I also apologize if somehow my directions are confusing or get you lost. As always, I think in this public venue I should remind you to observe the rules of the road, wear a helmet, and stay safe. I think you’ll find that it is an amazing way to get some exercise and to take advantage of this great town. Enjoy!


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Market Activity April 6-12, 2020

Doing this market activity report is super interesting in today’s market. Each week I am so eager to see what the numbers are. What I feel is happening is that yes, we’ve had a contraction in the market, but that it is stable. For the last few weeks the numbers have been pretty consistent. I think we have about half of what I would call “normal” activity, but it’s steady. In Lake Oswego last week we had 14 properties come onto the market, 11 accepted offers that put properties into pending status, and 13 closed/sold sales. While it is less than normal for April, it’s balanced. The range is 11-14 for all three categories.

Following is the breakdown for you according to RMLS:

New on the Market (April 6-12, 2020)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft
4000 Carman Dr #31 Condo $249,900 2 2 993
16200 Pacific Hwy #24 Condo $389,900 2 2 1190
6151 Carman Dr Detached $589,750 3 2 1641
2 Abelard St Detached $650,000 3 3-Jan 3080
49 Tanglewood Dr Detached $695,000 4 2.5 2502
5625 Ridgetop Ct Detached $725,000 4 2.5 2711
5 Westminster Detached $749,900 7 3 3104
461 Country Club Rd Detached $750,000 2 1.5 1500
55 Aquinas Detached $774,900 5 3 3720
14 Independence Ave Detached $779,000 5 3 3120
125 Furnace St #125 Condo $799,000 2 2.5 1927
1500 Eastview Ct Detached $829,999 4 3,5 3872
828 7th St Detached $939,000 3 4 2418
937 Atwater Detached $3,680,000 5 4.5 5123

Pending Sales (April 6-12, 2020)

Address Type Price BR Baths Sq Ft CDOM
5053 Foothills Dr A Condo $309,000 3 2 1252 78
18540 Kristi Way Detached $424,900 3 1.5 1277 26
1731 Aspen Ct Detached $489,000 3 2 1440 6
1001 Hallinan St Detached $515,000 4 2 2580 30
121 Wilbur St A2 Condo $537,500 3 2 1631 21
5511 Royal Oaks Dr Detached $575,000 3 2 1898 6
18679 Indian Creek Dr Detached $659,428 4 2.5 2292 2
15569 Village Park Ct Detached $729,000 3 2.5 2850 4
700 Pebble Beach Ct Detached $850,000 4 2 2527 2
1259 Lake Garden Ct Detached $1,099,000 4 3 2263 0
467 9th St Detached $1,385,000 3 2.5 2979 54

Sold/Closed (April 6-12, 2020)

Address Type List Price Sold Price Sq Ft CDOM
13 Oswego Summit Condo $178,000 $178,000 764 16
40 Cervantes Circle Condo $210,000 $210,000 912 3
107 Oswego Summit Condo $214,900 $212,000 1116 158
45 Eagle Crest Dr #200 Condo $265,000 $265,000 1348 44
48 Eagle Crest Dr #1B Condo $295,000 $290,000 1623 172
2415 Glen Haven Rd Detached $584,950 $580,000 2614 8
28 Tanglewood Dr Detached $575,000 $585,000 2282 8
1610 Ash St Detached $575,000 $599,475 2181 3
19505 Olson Ave Detached $842,700 $842,700 3022 21
1560 Cherry Crest Dr Detached $909,000 $909,000 3334 3
4485 West Rd Detached $1,095,000 $1,095,000 3678 537
14536 Pfeifer Dr Detached $1,495,000 $1,500,000 3957 4
1164 Crestline Ct Detached $2,495,000 $2,409,000 6800 21

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.