Tag: Living in Lake Oswego

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Lake Oswego Reads

Beginning in 2007, the City of Lake Oswego has used the month of February to host a city-wide reading program. The concept is to encourage everyone in town to read the same book at the same time. The community then hosts events to show-case and share the ideas found in the book. This year’s book selection is The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig.

The Whistling Season is a coming-of-age story set in 1910. It tells the tale of a rural family of 3 boys and their widowed father. The book was selected because, tying into the Lake Oswego Centennial Celebration,  it will transport the reader back to 1910, the year that the City of Lake Oswego was originally founded. The book was selected by a panel of librarians, community leaders, High School English teachers and High School students.

Throughout the month of February events will be held all over Lake Oswego to bring The Whistling Season to life in the community:
February 1, Lake Oswego Writes, Chuck’s Place, 7pm
February 2-28, Art Exhitition at Graham’s Book and Stationary and at Chrisman Picture Frame and Gallery. 18 artists have created original pieces based upon their vision while reading the book.

February 3, History of the Telephone, Heritage House, 7pm

February 5, Pioneer Lunch, Noon, Adult Community Center

February 8, Book Club Quilter’s Tea, 2 pm, the Library

February 9, One Room School House Panel Discussion, Holy Names Heritage Center, 2pm

February 10, Spelling Bee, Lakewood Center, 7pm

February 11, Tales of the Secret Life of Lake Oswego, Library, 7pm

February 12, Photo Scavenger Hunt for Teens, Library, 7pm

February 13, Apron Making Classes, The Pine Needle, 10 am for kids, 1pm for adults

February 17, Dream Analysis, Lake Oswego Country Club, $15, 11:45 am

February 17, Hear Ivan Doig in Person, Lake Oswego High School, 7pm, tickets are free and given out 1st come 1st serve on January 30, 11 am, at the Library (see you there!)

February 18, Star Gazing, Luscher Farm, 7pm

February 18, Book Discussion, 7pm, West End Building

February 19, Book Discussion. 1 pm, Adult Community Center

February 20, Horse Carriage Rides, 11am to 3pm, Graham’s Stationary

February 20, Hoe Down, 5-8pm, West End Building

February 24, Historic Recipe Tasting, 1pm, Adult Community Center

February 24, Book Discussion, 7pm, the Library

February 25, Book Discussion, 10am, Mt. Park Church

February 25, Hear a real hand whistler, 7pm, the Library

February 26, Book Discussion, 1pm, Adult Community Center

February 27, Horse Show/ Jumper Night, 5:30, Oswego Hunt

For specifics on each event, click here.

I am an avid reader.  I jumped into the Lake Oswego Reads idea when it was first introduced in 2007.  I don’t attend all of the events, but I do try to get to a few of them.  This year I will make the effort to get to the art show as well as the evening with Ivan Doig.  I also plan to take my Mom to the One-Room-School-House discussion on the 9th (she actually went to school in a 1-room school house).  I have  learned that the book discussions are interesting, both in person and on-line.  I think what I like most about Lake Oswego Reads is that it introduces me to really good books that I might otherwise not read.  Here is a brief list of past book choices and my take on them:

2007, Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.  This book takes place in post-WWII Barcelona.  I liked this book.  It reminded me of The Davinci Code with its intrigue and espionage.  I particularly enjoyed the setting.  You feel like you are meandering through alleyways and breathing in Barcelona.  I know that this book was selected  because one of the goals of LO Reads is to draw in High School students as well as adults.  The local High Schools use the selected book in their classrooms.  This is a fast-paced story that successfully appeals to diverse age groups.

2008, Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Relin. This book is hands down one of the most important books of our time.  It is non-fiction.  It is about one man and his mission to bring peace to Afghanistan and Pakistan by building schools.  As I read it I found myself wishing that every world leader could take the time to read it too.  It is remarkable, amazing, and inspiring what one individual can accomplish.  And Greg Mortenson did it rather by chance.  You will find yourself with him as he comes off of climbing K2 and lands in a remote village in the Middle East.  He deals first-hand with The Taliban.  His mission is important and when your read about it you will be forever changed.

2009, Stubborn Twig by Lauren Kessler. This book traces 3 generations of Japanese immigrants from their early beginnings in the Hood River Valley, through their ordeals and the alterations of their lives during WWII, to the gradual assimilation into American culture after several generations.  I was completely touched by their story.  Like Three Cups of Tea, it is non-fiction.  This family came to the United States to find a better life, built a very successful business, and then lost nearly everything while being both jailed and put into Internment Camps.  And yet, they were and are  Americans, with lives of determination and patriotism.

I want to encourage you to get involved with Lake Oswego Reads.  If The Whistling Season is as good as the other book selections have been, then I know it will be a worthwhile experience.  And, let’s face it, one of the great things about February in Oregon is that it is the perfect time of year to curl up with a good book.

Dianne

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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.

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Open Houses for Sunday, January 17, 2010

There are 23 houses that will be held open this Sunday.  It’s a nice assortment that represents a wide range of prices, sizes, ages and options.  If you are inclined to want to spend an hour or two looking at houses, you should find some good options.

Address List Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type Open
323 CERVANTES $175,000 2 2 1,265 CONDO 1 to 3
5225 Jean RD $179,900 2 2 1,100 CONDO 1 to 3
65 GREENRIDGE CT $199,500 2 2 1,314 CONDO 1 to 4
5373 LAKEVIEW BLVD $329,500 3 1 2,176 DETACHD 2 to 4
18922 REDWING WAY $379,900 4 2 2,076 DETACHD 2 to 4
119 3RD ST $399,900 3 2 1,204 CONDO 1 to 4
4651 HASTINGS PL $454,900 4 2.1 2,215 DETACHD 1 to3
2705 SW ORCHARD HILL LN $499,350 3 2.1 2,841 DETACHD 11 to4
14279 CAMDEN LN 525000 4 2.1 2,373 DETACHD 1 to 3
4581 HASTINGS PL 574900 4 2.1 2,985 DETACHD 1 to 3
13278 ROGERS RD 695000 3 2.1 2,964 DETACHD 12 to 2
2688 RIVENDELL RD 745000 4 3 3,720 DETACHD 1 to 4
1225 LAKE GARDEN CT 829950 4 3.2 3,558 DETACHD 1 to 3
18222 SIENA DR 1088000 6 4.1 3,800 DETACHD 1 to 3
18209 SIENA DR 1178950 5 3.1 3,839 DETACHD 1 to 3
18143 SIENA DR 1197000 5 4.1 4,152 DETACHD 1 to 3
1808 RIDGE POINTE DR 1269000 5 4.1 4,155 DETACHD 1 to 3
18246 BELLA TERRA DR 1294000 4 3.1 4,196 DETACHD 1 to 3
17464 RIDGEVIEW LN 1298950 4 3.1 4,407 DETACHD 1 to 3
664 OAK MEADOW DR 1355000 4 3.1 4,198 DETACHD 1 to 3
18110 Siena DR 1394000 4 3.1 4,311 DETACHD 1 to 3
657 OAK MEADOW DR. 1395000 4 3.1 4,371 DETACHD 1 to 3
17364 RIDGEVIEW CT 1425000 4 3.1 4,436 DETACHD 1 to 3

Have a great weekend!

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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.

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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

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Looking Back at the LO Real Estate Market of 2009

Red man statueI think the best thing I can say about the Lake Oswego real estate market of 2009 was that it wasn’t 2008. Remember a year ago? We’d seen the collapse of some of the Nation’s largest banks, the first bailout/stimulus package had been put into play, and the entire Nation was in a wait and see mode as the country transitioned to a new Presidency. It was a very difficult time. And it makes today’s market feel, well, pretty darn good.

Let’s start by looking at the Portland Metro area.

  • At this time last year the RMLS was reporting 19.2 months of inventory.  In other words, to sell all of the active listings at the pace that properties were then selling, it would take 19.2 months.  Today that same inventory is just 7.1 months.  Whew!
  • Closed sales from November of 2009 (the most recent report available at the RMLS) are 72.4% greater than they were in November of 2008.  Don’t get too excited about that one.  It’s a reflection of just how horrible sales were in November of 2008 and how great they were comparatively in 2009.  Putting better perspective on it requires doing a 11 month average of January-November for 2008 and then 2009.  When this is done the closed sales are greater in 2009 by 2.6%.  Still, an improvement.
  • November of 2009 compared to November of 2008 has pending sales up by 19.9%
  • November of 2009 compared to November of 2008 has new listings down by 7%
  • We have continued to see a decline in home values of 11.4%, year over year.

Looking at the specifics of Lake Oswego:

  • There are currently 396 single-family homes for sale and 130 condos.  Of the single-family homes, 96 are priced at over $1,000,000 and 54 are priced at $350,000 or less.
  • There are currently 49 single-family homes and 12 condos with pending sales.
  • In the last 12 months 393 single-family homes and 95 condos have sold and closed.  Of those 42 cost $1,000,000 or greater and 93 were priced at $350,000 or less.  In those high-end homes, 7 were priced over $2,000,000.
  • At the pace that $1,000,000 and greater homes are selling, based upon the performance of the last 12 months, there is still 2.2 years of high-end inventory.  And that also means that the less expensive homes ($350,000 or less) has just 7 months of inventory.
  • The average sales price is $419,300.
  • Property values saw a decline of 12.9% in the last 12 months.
  • Average days on the market (length of time between listing a home for sale and accepting an offer) is 163 days.

I just can not leave this subject entirely without doing my compulsive comparison of affordable homes in Lake Oswego versus Sellwood, a neighborhood in SE Porltand.  I like to do this because I used to live in Sellwood, so I think I have a good idea of the area, and because I remain convinced that Lake Oswego is misunderstood by buyers.  Many people assume that Lake Oswego is just too expensive for their budget.  This is, in fact, not true at all.  At this time there are currently 54 houses for sale in Lake Oswego priced at $350,000 or less, whereas in Sellwood there are currently just 27.  Lake Oswego is a good place to find an affordable home.

  • The least expensive home in Lake Oswego is a short-sale property that needs work.  It’s priced at $169,000 and has 1382 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths.  It’s on a quiet street near Waluga Junior High School.  Offers have been submitted to the lender for 3rd party approval.
  • The least expensive home in Sellwood is a short-sale property that is being sold “as is”.  It looks to me like it needs some work but is in better condition than the LO property.  It is priced at $209,000 and has 850 square feet (120 of that in the basement) with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath.  It too has received an offer and is waiting for lender 3rd party approval.
  • The most expensive home in Lake Oswego remains the 5.5 acre private island in Oswego Lake that is priced at $19,500,000.  Built in 1929, it has 13,500 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 6 1/2 baths.  There are waterfalls and a lake side pool.  To arrange a showing, buyers must provide verification of funds. Yep, LO has those kinds of houses too.

We will never be able to foresee the future.  We can only look at the present and the recent past to get an idea of what to expect ahead.  My prediction is that the tax incentives for 1st time buyers, and now for repeat buyers as well, will continue to boost sales.  I think people intending to sell who are serious will continue to price their homes at reasonable levels that will attract an offer.  I also think that people have been beat up in the last couple of years and realize that many mistakes were made.  Even if the economy improves, I predict caution from home buyers for many years.  People will shop carefully and make home choices carefully.  I will also tell you that from my perspective, having survived the housing market of 2008, and now the market of 2009, I am really looking forward to 2010.

Linda and I want to wish you a safe, healthy, and happy New Year.

Yours in real estate, Dianne

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Lake Oswego Market Activity Report ~ Dec. 21-27, 2009

There are 5 truly NEW properties in Lake Oswego this last week, 3 that went to PENDING status, and 4 that SOLD.

Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Dec. 21—Dec.27, 2009)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
47 EAGLE CREST DR $90,000 2 1 932 CONDO 12/22/2005
85 OSWEGO SMT $225,000 2 2 1,212 CONDO 12/23/2005
13680 SHIREVA DR $289,900 3 2 1,504 DETACHD 12/21/2005
4962 BILFORD LN $439,900 3 2.1 2,168 ATTACHD 12/20/2005
1400 LEE ST $475,500 4 3 2,804 DETACHD 12/22/2005

PENDING SALES (Dec. 21 – Dec. 27, 2009)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
364 NORTHSHORE RD $399,900 2 2 2,220 DETACHD 465
19 BECKET ST $399,995 4 3.1 3,818 DETACHD 36
4938 MULHOLLAND DR $478,500 3 2.1 2,498 ATTACHD 217

SOLD (Dec. 21 – Dec. 27, 2009)

Address O/Price Sold Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
16200 PACIFIC HWY $368,000 $210,000 2 2 1,208 CONDO 72
15010 TWIN FIR RD $325,000 $260,000 8 2.1 3,526 DETACHD 220
953 A AVE $450,000 $370,000 2 2.1 2,908 DETACHD 134
4688 CHELSEA LN $649,900 $615,500 4 2.1 3,493 DETACHD 9

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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Holiday Notes from Lake Oswego

OrangesA very merry Christmas and holiday season to each of you from Dianne and me!

Here are a few notes from Lake Oswego:

Millenium Park Plaza in Final Phase! ~ The improvements include a small grove of Fuji cherry trees, a water feature and an ADA standard ramp to improve accessibility.  Views of Lakewood Bay will be enhanced, and there will be even more room for Lake Oswego’s famed Farmers’ Market and the Lake Run. The park will re-open in May of 2010 in time for Farmers’ Market.

Historic Belluschi House Moves to Marylhurst ~  A home built by noted Portland architect, Pietro Belluschi will stay in Lake Oswego after all.  Many thanks to Marylhurst University, where it will receive a permanent home on campus, and be restored as a lasting reminder of Belluschi’s architectural legacy.  It is truuly a work of mid-century modernist art, and was about to be demolished until Marylhurst came to the rescue.  Fund-raising efforts are now underway to move and restore the house.  Here is a link to a photo in ModernHomesPortland.com:  Belluschi House

Coat Drive ~ Lake Oswego will be collecting coat for Clackamas County Women and Children’s Centers through the month of February.  If you wish to donate, please stop by City Hall at 380 A Avenue, or call 503 635 0257.

Tree 09 bAdult Community Center New Year’s Luncheon ~ Doors open on Wednesday, December 30th at 11:30 for this fabulous feast & opportunity to celebrate with your neighbors.  Suggested donation is $4.00 for those 60 & older, and $5.00 for all other attendees.  The Community Center is located at the intersection of 5th & G Avenues.

Safety ~ The Lake Oswego Fire Department reminds us to consider safety and the safety of those around us as we move through this beautiful holiday season fraught with its own unusual circumstances.   We are not usually stringing lights all over our homes for instance, and do not usually place trees in our living rooms adorned with lights of their own.  The snaps of really cold weather (which broke many pipes in town a week or so ago) add another twist as we haul out our space heaters on those super frosty days.  Here is a link to some safety tips for you and your family:   Safety at Holiday Time

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Market Activity for December 14-20, 2009

This past week we had 8 new listings, 12 pending sales, and 7 closed sales. I expect this week to be slow as everyone gets into all of the events of the holidays.

Here is the latest market activity for Lake Oswego (see below the tables for additional notes):
NEWLY LISTED (Dec. 14—Dec.20, 2009)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type List Date
47 EAGLE CREST DR $89,500 1 1 696 CONDO 12/14/2009
100 KERR PKWY $97,000 1 1 617 CONDO 12/18/2009
12 WHEATHERSTONE $285,000 3 2.1 1,692 ATTACHD 12/20/2009
210 S STATE ST $339,000 2 1.1 1,495 CONDO 12/15/2009
5511 FIELDSTONE CT $675,000 4 2.1 3,032 DETACHD 12/15/2009
5533 FIELDSTONE CT $695,000 4 2.1 3,112 DETACHD 12/15/2009
1703 VILLAGE PARK LN $789,000 3 2.1 3,450 DETACHD 12/14/2009
17288 LOWENBERG TER $897,000 4 3.1 3,245 DETACHD 12/14/2009

PENDING SALES (Dec. 14 – Dec. 20, 2009)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
Address List Price #BR #BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
668 MCVEY AVE $179,900 2 1.1 985 ATTACHD 1124
5064 FOOTHILLS DR $199,900 3 2 1,252 CONDO 168
14431 SHERBROOK PL $285,000 4 3 3,284 DETACHD 365
520 9TH ST $325,000 3 2 1,148 DETACHD 151
16824 INVERURIE RD $335,000 3 3 1,896 DETACHD 244
8 WALKING WOODS DR 399900 – 429900 4 3 3,302 DETACHD 303
15943 WHITE OAKS DR $430,000 4 2.1 2,773 DETACHD 242
5948 BAY POINT DR $484,950 4 2.1 2,421 DETACHD 226
34 HILLSHIRE DR 565000 3 2.1 3,822 DETACHD 699
17675 CARDINAL DR 599000 3 3 3,458 DETACHD 294
13010 KNAUS RD 995000 4 3.1 4,312 DETACHD 1128
15481 TWIN FIR RD 999000 4 4.1 4,821 DETACHD 593

SOLD (Dec. 14 – Dec. 20, 2009)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
Address O/Price Close Price # BR # BTHS Total SF Prop Type CDOM
113 KINGSGATE RD $309,000 $255,000 3 2 1,436 DETACHD 94
200 BURNHAM RD $399,000 $275,000 3 2 1,960 CONDO 294
3521 LANEWOOD ST $399,500 $394,500 3 1.1 1,675 DETACHD 5
13584 TWIN CREEK LN $449,900 $435,000 4 2.1 2,615 DETACHD 2
12430 ORCHARD HILL RD $649,950 $550,000 3 2.1 2,985 DETACHD 201
4304 WESTBAY RD $629,900 $600,000 4 3.1 2,914 DETACHD 153
762 3RD ST $639,900 $610,000 3 2.1 2,590 DETACHD 309

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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Seeing the Christmas Lights

christmas shipLet’s face it, December is dark. The sun comes up about 7:30 and sets about 4:30. That’s just 9 hours of daylight. And that’s why Christmas lights are pretty darn important to me. I know they are put up to celebrate religious traditions. But as far as I am concerned they are put up for ME. I love them and need them to get through the month of the year with the shortest daylight. My own turkey barely has a chance to go cold on the counter before I am putting up my own Christmas lights. And I push the boundary on the other end too by leaving them up past Christmas. (Yes, one year I had them up until Valentine’s, but haven’t been that extreme in quite awhile.)

So when Linda and I first designed the propertyblotter, and had to think about what links we wanted permanently attached, the Christmas Ship Parade came immediately to mind. You will see our link to the Christmas Ships year around on our left tool bar. However, I don’t want to just assume that you have used it to see what it is all about. This year I want to point it out and suggest that you load up your car with family and a thermos of hot cocoa and drive over to Foothills Park on December 19th at about 6pm. This is the evening that the parade of lighted ships are scheduled to come as far South as George Rogers Park on the Willamette River. You can view them from George Rogers Park, and also from Roehr Park, but you would probably need to get out of your car. Personally, I love to sit in the car to watch them. Just find some Christmas music on the radio and stay toasty warm. When my children were little, we commonly did this with both of them bathed and in their pajamas.

There are about 20 or so ships that are organized and captained by volunteers. They do a nightly parade of both the Willamette and the Columbia Rivers with the evening parade location changing daily. I think the only time between now and Christmas that they will be as far South as LO is the 19th. If you are willing to drive North, you will be able to find them in other locations on other evenings. For a complete schedule, click here.

And if you want to find what I consider to be the top decorated house light displays, I want to recommend driving down Edenberry Drive in Westlake. The homeowners on the street go all out. It is gorgeous. Many of the side streets are also decorated. So swing through when you get the chance.

Enjoy the season. I know that I do: especially the Christmas lights.

Ho Ho Ho, Dianne