Lake Oswego real estate Archives - Page 139 of 139

January 6, 2009January 23, 2009

Market Activity for December 29, 2008 to January 4, 2009

The holidays are over, the snow has melted, and it’s time for the market to get going. This past week there were 13 new listings, 3 pending sales, and 2 closed sales. Of particular interest to me is the sale on Dellwood Dr. Dellwood is absolutely one of the prettiest streets in Lake Oswego. This was a house that Linda and I had toured together during a Broker’s Open. It was a mid-century modern in architectural design and was decorated in the same manner. It had been on the market for a very long time. An offer was accepted on it in mid December and it closed just two weeks later. For the location the house was a nice value and I sure the seller is happy to start the new year with the house sold.

NEWLY LISTED (DECEMBER 29, 2008 – January 4, 2009)

ADDRESS	LIST PRICE	TOT. BEDS	TOT. BATHS	TOT. SQ FT	PROP TYPE	LIST DATE
4 TOUCHSTONE	$129,900	2	2	979	CONDO	1/1/2009
210 S STATE ST	$199,900	2	1	1,284	CONDO	12/30/2008
3433 MCNARY PKWY	$249,900	2	2.1	1,136	CONDO	1/2/2009
1635 ASPEN ST	$345,000	3	2.1	1,618	DETACHD	1/2/2009
17755 HILL WAY	$375,000	4	3	1,887	DETACHD	1/3/2009
845 LAKE FOREST DR	$459,000	3	1.1	1,359	DETACHD	12/31/2008
4750 UPPER DR	$469,900	4	3	2,692	DETACHD	1/4/2009
4691 SW HERITAGE LN	$639,900	4	2.1	2,882	DETACHD	1/4/2009
1189 SUNNINGDALE CT	$699,000	4	2	2,056	DETACHD	1/2/2009
1913 CHERYL CT	$1,380,000	4	4.1	5,791	DETACHD	1/4/2009
16771 MAPLE CIR	$1,650,000	3	3	2,074	DETACHD	1/3/2009
4398 Lakeview BLVD	$1,895,000	4	2.2	3,309	DETACHD	12/30/2008

PENDING SALES (DECEMBER 29, 2008 – Janaury 4, 2009, 2008)

ADDRESS	LIST PRICE	TOT. BEDS	TOT. BATHS	TOT. SQ FT	PROP TYPE	DOM
4206 WOODSIDE CIR	$284,900	2	2	1,799	ATTACHD	8/3/2008
1640 WORTHINGTON ST	$359,000	4	3	2,342	DETACHD	10/28/2008
5350 LAKEVIEW BLVD	$459,990	6	2.5	2,580	DETACHD	8/19/2008

SOLD (December 29, 2008 – January 4, 2009)

ADDRESS	ORIG. PRICE	SALE PRICE	TOT. BEDS	TOT. BATHS	TOT. SQ FT	PROP TYPE	DOM
2958 DELLWOOD DR	$669,900	$547,000	4	3	3,272	DETACHD	775
14527 PFEIFER WAY	$799,000	$650,000	4	3.1	3,788	DETACHD	120

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.

If links to ACTIVE properties do not bring up property information, the listing may no longer be active, but rather expired, cancelled, pending, or sold.

January 2, 2009

Open Houses for Sunday, January 4th, 2009

The holidays are behind us, the snow has melted, and it’s time to get back into the saddle. Here are this weekend’s open houses that are being promoted on the RMLS. All are being held open on Sunday the 4th.

12868 Boones Ferry Rd, a townhouse, $295,000, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, open 1-3

5807 Ridgetop Ct, a house, $539,900, 5 BR, 2.5 Baths, open 1-4

624 Livingood Ln, a house, $574,900, 4 BR, 3 Baths, open 1-3

17512 Greenbluff Lot 1, a house, $1,425,000, 4 BR, 4 Baths, open 1-4

17554 Greenbluff Lot 2, a house, $1,850,000, 4 BR, 4 full + 4 half Baths, open 1-4

Have a great weekend.

December 23, 2008January 23, 2009

Market Activity Report for December 15-21, 2008

It’s Christmas, there is a foot of snow on the ground, and, yes, the market is slow. It is very typical that during the two weeks that kids are out of school and families are gathering, that the market creeps along. I believe the market will pick up when the holidays are over. In the mean time, here is your market activity report for December 15th to December 21st.

NEWLY LISTED (December 15 —December 21, 2008)

Address	List Price	# Bedrm.	# Baths	Total SF	Prop Type	List Date
4 TOUCHSTONE	$184,900	3	2.1	1,350	CONDO	12/18/2008
3190 DUNCAN DR	$304,900	3	2.1	2,401	DETACHD	12/16/2008
17100 BRYANT RD	$425,000	3	3	2,032	DETACHD	12/17/2008
4280 CHAPMAN WAY	$469,000	3	2	1,947	DETACHD	12/15/2008
815 10TH ST	$539,900	3	2	2,190	DETACHD	12/19/2008
4004 MELISSA DR	$598,950	3	2.1	2,840	DETACHD	12/17/2008
12424 SW 22ND AVE	$999,900	5	4.1	4,771	DETACHD	12/15/2008

PENDING SALES (December 15 —December 21, 2008)

Address	List Price	# Bedrm	#l Baths	Total SF	Prop Type	List Date	CDOM
4000 CARMAN DR	$144,000	1	1	767	CONDO	10/30/2008	226
5142 ROSEWOOD ST	$339,900	4	2.1	1,784	DETACHD	9/22/2008	232
1971 PARK FOREST AVE	$549,000	4	2	2,180	DETACHD	12/8/2008	13
13915 SUNDELEAF DR	$998,000	4	3.1	4,090	DETACHD	10/1/2008	797

SOLD (December 15—December 21, 2008)

Address	O/Price	# Bedrm	Total Baths	Total SF	Prop Type	Close Price	CDOM
4 TOUCHSTONE	$124,900	2	2	984	CONDO	$93,000	60
44 EAGLE CREST DR	$154,900	3	2	1,085	CONDO	$145,000	31
801 NORTHSHORE RD	$879,900	4	3	2,144	DETACHD	$925,000	6

December 18, 2008December 19, 2008

Code of Ethics

While having lunch with friends recently one woman was telling us about the difficulty she had with some of her co-workers. I guess there was a good deal of gossiping and even some back stabbing that went on behind people’s backs. My initial reaction to her story was dismay over her situation and then personal gratitude that I don’t work in such circumstances. And then it occurred to me why I don’t have that sort of work environment. It’s the code of ethics! As a Realtor, I must adhere to a code of ethics that requires fair dealings with other Realtors. I simply am not allowed to say bad things about them. It then occurred to me that the general public probably doesn’t know about the Realtor Code of Ethics. At this time of year, when our thoughts are turned to family, friends, and religious celebrations, it seems appropriate to tell you about the Code of Ethics.

In order to be a Realtor in the State of Oregon you must agree to adhere to the Code of Ethics. Both the Oregon Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors require abiding by the Code of Ethics. It is possible to be a real estate agent without being a Realtor, but it is not possible to be a Realtor without meeting the requirements of the Code of Ethics. A Realtor is required to take training on the Code of Ethics every 4 years to make certain that he or she remembers and is familiar with this code. What is it? In a nutshell, it pretty much boils down to the golden rule. Be fair and honest in all of your dealings with clients and with other Realtors, just as you want them to be fair and honest in their dealings with you.

The Code of Ethics is actually a rather beautiful document. The Preamble begins “Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization.” It is well written, well thought out, and something that can be applied to life as a whole. Besides the Preamble, there are 3 sections: Duties to Clients and Customers, Duties to the Public, and Duties to Realtors. Each section contains guidelines for fair and honest business practices, honesty in advertising, as well as professionalism and protection when dealing with the public. This code serves as a promise to the public that when dealing with a real estate agent that is a Realtor you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all of your dealings. How cool is that? Don’t you wish every profession had a Code of Ethics? I do.

Not all real estate agents are Realtors. So when choosing a professional to help you to buy or to sell a home, be certain to find out if they are a Realtor. If they have the Realtor designation, you can gain assurance that your transaction will be handled by someone who adheres to the Realtor Code of Ethics.

If you’d like to read the Code of Ethics, here is a link to the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors where a copy is available: click here.

December 16, 2008January 23, 2009

Lake Oswego Real Estate Activity – December 8-14, 2008

It appears that even in the depth of winter, real estate is alive in Lake Oswego.

There were a total of 18 “new” listings showing in RMLS, however, I am including only the 12 that are either brand new, or have been off the market for at least 4 – 6 weeks.

There are several great homes in this line-up. I especially enjoyed walking through the “Rummer” on Park Forest Ave… really cute!

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

NEWLY LISTED (December 8 – 14, 2008)

5094 GALEN ST $299,999 3 2 1438 DETACHD 12/14

95 KINGSGATE RD $325,000 3 2.1 1669 DETACHD 12/14

16149 PEARCY ST $355,000 3 2 1250 DETACHD 12/9

10 PREAKNESS CT $399,950 4 2.1 2270 ATTACHD 12/11

1971 PK FOREST AVE $549,000 4 2 2180 DETACHD 12/8

181 3RD ST $739,000 2 2 1523 CONDO 12/9

1607 PINE ST $759,000 4 2.1 2943 DETACHD 12/11

220 GREENWOOD RD $849,000 3 4 2639 DETACHD 12/12

17884 SW KELOK RD $959,000 4 3.1 4126 DETACHD 12/8

17896 SW KELOK RD $995,000 4 5 3623 DETACHD 12/8

45 NANSEN SMT $1,500,000 4 4.1 5773 DETACHD 12/10

1020 SKYLAND DR $2,850,000 5 4.2 6653 DETACHD 12/8

PENDING SALES (December 8 – 14, 2008)

1120 HALLINAN CIR $339,000 3 2 1600 DETACHD 153

5254 TIMBERGROVE ST $374,500 4 2 1854 DETACHD 87

2958 DELLWOOD DR $549,900 4 3 3272 DETACHD 165

5960 CLAIRMONT CT $724,900 4 2.1 3000 DETACHD 129

14527 PFEIFER WAY $749,000 4 3.1 3788 DETACHD 120

1600 Country Commons LN $1,950,000 4 3.1 5389 DETACHD 224

SOLD (December 8 – 14, 2008)

668 McVey AVE $199,500	$108,000 0 1 485 CONDO 740
5453 Willow Ct $495,000	$426,500 3 2.1 2400 ATTCHD 146
600 MAPLE ST $529,000	$470,000 4 2.1 2422 DETACHD 126
435 8TH ST $749,900	$649,900 4 3.1 2505 DETACHD 565

If links to ACTIVE properties do not bring up property information, the listing may no longer be active, but rather expired, cancelled, pending, or sold.

December 5, 2008December 5, 2008

Open Houses for Sunday, December 7th

What a gorgeous day today! I guess I need to check the weather for Sunday, but it could be a great day to look at Lake Oswego properties. Here’s what will be open according to RMLS:

18959 Kristi Way, $384,400, 3 Bd, 2 Ba, Open 1-3:30

14371 Holly Springs Rd, $427,500, 4 Bd, 2.5 Ba, Open 2-4

668 4th St, $439,900, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, Open 2-4

5807 Ridgetop Ct, $549,900, 5 Bd, 2.5 Ba, Open 1-4

624 Livingood Ln, $574,900, 4 Bd, 3 Ba, Open 1-3

605 SW Country Club Rd, $595,000, 5 Bd, 2.5 Ba, Open 11-1

4676 Winthrop Ct, $599,900, 4 Bd, 2.5 Ba, Open 2-4

17706 Marylbrook Dr, $699,900, 3 Bd, 2 & 2 1/2 Ba, Open 1:30-4

943 SW Atwater Rd, $1,225,000, 4 Bd, 2.5 Ba, Open 12-2

16359 Chapin Way, $1,439,000, 4 Bd, 3.5 Ba, Open 1-4

24015 SW Newland Rd, $1.695,000, 4 Bd, 4 Ba, Open 1-4

December 2, 2008December 2, 2008

An Amazing Market for Buyers…

What a market. Some of what CNN reports applies here locally and some does not, but no matter how you look at it, this is the time to buy if you’re so inclined. I am told by mortgage and financial planning experts that rates are not likely to go down, but only up (generally speaking) from here on out.

A professional I trust, Pat Goodell, with Prospect Mortgage, says:

“Aggressive measures to keep mortgage financing available for potential homeowners have been established now. This will help to stabilize housing prices and continue to make home ownership an affordable reality. HUD has created new programs to complement existing FHA options, and interest rates remain at very comfortable levels, fluctuating right now around 6% for 30-year fixed loans.

Appraisers in the Portland area are reporting values have leveled off – they are no longer seeing the significant drops in value we have seen in the last year.

Though there are still challenges in the economy and housing market, there are very clear steps being established to ensure that the consumer is able to purchase a home at affordable rates, while providing that the loan does not put them at risk in the future. The Four C’s of mortgage lending are important- Credit, Cash, Collateral (property), and Capacity (ability to make the payment), but there are still great programs available to allow the responsible person to get into a home with as little as 3% down, and even 0 down under the right circumstances.”

We here at the Blotter recommend that you talk to your real estate broker about the market, and assess your options if you have been thinking about buying but have been waiting for the “right moment”. We also welcome a call or an email to us too if you’re not working with anyone & want to talk about what buying would look like for you at this amazing time in real estate history.

Stay informed. Decide what is best for you. Knowledge + Discernment is the winning formula.

…….What a ride!

November 28, 2008November 28, 2008

Open Houses for Sunday November 30th

Our very best Thanksgiving wishes to you and your loved ones this holiday weekend!

Should you be in the mood to browse some available Lake Oswego properties this Sunday (perhaps with those relatives you’ve been wanting to move closer to you so badly!) there are a whopping 3 that will be held open according to RMLS:

1307 Cedar St., $459,900, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, Open 1-4

100 Garibaldi St., $1,299,000, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths + 2 1/2 baths, Open 1-4

16359 Chapin Way., $1,439,000, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths + 1/2 bath, Open 1-4

***Those of you new to the Property Blotter, please scroll down for the most recent market activity, and enjoy perusing our archived posts and features!

November 19, 2008

Rainfall in Lake Oswego

I think it is fair to say that the rainy season has begun. A Russian immigrant, who has become a good friend of my family, once commented to me that Oregon only has two seasons: wet and dry. If you are following the blotter from out of the area, and perhaps even considering moving here, I think it is only fair to be completely honest with you about our weather.

As you have read in several recent posts, we have a glorious fall with the trees turning colors and sunshine that is bright. It is also in the fall that the transition happens from mostly sunny days to mostly rainy days. The rain will dominate the forecast until about April. Then the transition will happen back to mostly sunny days.

Our rainfall is unique in that it seems to fall in a steady mist. While we do have days that the rain falls heavily, for the most part it is a soft and steady drizzle. I have heard it compared to the rainfall in Ireland. Because it is usually a gentle rain, you might be surprised to learn that umbrellas are used infrequently. Oregonians generally just put on a good coat and go out in it. It is really quite lovely, once you get used to it and quit seeing it as an inconvenience. It is also really good for maintaining lovely skin.

The information below gives high and low temperatures, as well as average rainfall, for Lake Oswego. The information is courtesy of www.countrystudies.us. Temperatures are listed in Fahrenheit.

Lake Oswego Weather

US Geography / US Weather / Oregon Weather / Lake Oswego

January:

Average High 46, Average Low 32, Mean 38, Average Precipitation 6.0 inches

February:

Average High 51, Average Low 34, Mean 44, Average Precipitation 4.6 inches

March:

Average High 55, Average Low 36, Mean 46, Average Precipitation 4.1 inches

April:

Average High 58, Average Low 38, Mean 50, Average Precipitation 2.8 inches

May:

Average High 66, Average Low 44, Mean 55, Average Precipitation 2.3 inches

June:

Average High 74, Average Low 48, Mean 62, Average Precipitation 1.7 inches

July:

Average High 78, Average Low 52, Mean 66, Average Precipitation 0.7 inches

August:

Average High 80, Average Low 52, Mean 66, Average Precipitation 1.0 inches

September:

Average High 74, Average Low 48, Mean 62, Average Precipitation 1.8 inches

October:

Average High 64, Average Low 41, Mean 54, Average Precipitation 3.3 inches

November:

Average High 52, Average Low 37, Mean 45, Average Precipitation 6.3 inches

December:

Average High 46, Average Low 34, Mean 40, Average Precipitation 6.9 inches

So we get very little rainfall in the summer and quite a lot of rainfall in the winter. However, in my experience, there are always surprises. The summer after Mt. St. Helens erupted never happened. It was cold and gray with very little sunshine. And it also seems to me that February tends to have many sunny days. Perhaps that is because after November, December, and January, the decreasing rain is so noticeable. I will also tell you that when the sunny weather starts again in the spring, people really make the most of it. On that first nice day everyone spends the day outside: walking, gardening, going to the coast, and just generally taking advantage of the nice conditions.

I have learned to love the rain. The sound of it makes me sleep better at night and I credit it with giving us our lush landscaping. When I visit other states that don’t get this kind of rainfall, I can’t help but feel like they just don’t have the beauty that Oregon does. I’m a fifth generation Oregonian. I guess it is just in my blood.