Real Estate News ~
Have a wood stove? Planning to buy or sell a home with one? Note that beginning August 1st, 2010, in an effort to control emissions from smoke, when selling a home you will be required to remove the wood stove if it is “uncertified” by the DEQ. Here is a link for more information: Woodstoves in Oregon
Greece and Mortgage Rates – MBS Quoteline reports: ” Despite stronger than expected economic data, the financial situation in Greece held the greatest influence on mortgage rates this week. A flight to quality and prospects of slower economic growth in Europe were favorable for mortgage markets and negative for the stock market, and mortgage rates ended the week lower.”
Current Mortgage Rates and Mortgage Insurance Updates – According to Pat Goodell of Academy Mortgage:
“Some of the Mortgage Insurance companies have gone to tiered pricing based on credit scores which is good news to those with good credit scores. Mortgage insurance companies also will now allow “up front mortgage insurance” (in lieu of monthly mortgage insurance) to be paid by the seller. The potential advantage of this is that the seller can pay the up front mortgage insurance as part of any allowable closing costs that a buyer might negotiate for a seller to pay. Then the buyer has no mortgage insurance premium to pay as part of their mortgage – this may or may not be an advantage to the buyer depending on their situation; but it does help for qualifying by reducing their monthly mortgage payment. There are qualifying parameters for this option and the lender also has to approve this option as well.” “Interest rates are holding steady now with the 30-yr fixed still hovering around 5% — 30-yr fixed today is actually available at 4.875% with 0 pts, depending on the buyer’s qualifications.”
Community Notes ~
Farmers Market opens this Saturday, May 15th in Lake Oswego. (yay!) This is the 10th Anniversary Celebration. You can find the food & fun at Millennium Plaza Park from 8:30AM – 1:30PM on Saturdays through October 9th. Local musical group, Southern Nights, will perform from 10:30AM till 12:30PM at the kickoff, and the Bike Gallery will be there to check your kids’ helmets!
May is Sustainability Action Month. Take advantage of these local events:
- Free screening of the film Deep Green with local film-maker Matt Briggs. This is an insightful look at “uncovering the best people with the best solutions for “de-carbonizing energy and restoring the natural world.” It will be held Saturday evening, May 15th at 7:30Pm at the Lake Grove Presbyterian Church, 4040 Sunset Drive. Bring your family and friends!
- Get a good look at Lake Oswego’s Century Trees on the Century Tree Bike Ride, May 22nd. The bike ride is hosted by the Planning Dept.’s Green Team, and more information can be had by contacting Laura Weigel at Lweigel@ci.oswego.or.us .
Lake Oswego’s city council created the Sustainability Action Board (SAB) in 2008. For more information on sustainability, visit: The Sustainability Resource Page
To Move or Not To Move / Lifestyle Options for Older Adults , an educational program for seniors and their families is designed to give information on housing options and resources in Lake Oswego. You are invited to attend on May 16th, from 2:00PM to 5:00Pm at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue.