Tag: Walk to Farmer’s Market

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Tips & Tidbits

  • Recently, according to a NAR (Natl’ Assoc. of Realtors) publication’s questionnaire, numbers were compiled on how many Realtors would “stage a fridge”.  Here are the interesting results:

– 49%   “Absolutely. No detail is too small for some buyers.”

– 26%   “Only if the fridge is staying with the house.”

– 15%   “Maybe, but it’s overkill.  Anyone who cares what’s in the fridge is too picky.”

– 10%   “Yuck! I’m a real estate professional, not a maid!”

Now me?  I know that staging is important.  And it’s more important in some homes than others.  I will go over strategies  with my clients individually tailored to create great “flow” in their home, and an easy, expansive and pleasant showing experience for their potential Buyers… sometimes by moving furniture a bit, moving, removing or swapping out artwork, de-cluttering and clearing countertops, as well as generally minimizing.  I will say, though, that I am a sucker for the fact that people still need to “Live” in their home during the Selling process, so I am not as strict as some agents. But, I will explain that if someone is distracted by your personal belongings- family photos etc, they are now not looking at your home… they are looking at your things….  You want the Buyer to be able to see themselves living in your home, picturing what their furniture will look like over there, and getting excited at the idea of living in it.  That’s why neutral colors are encouraged, what I call “old lady wallpaper” is discouraged, and things that might evoke a negative response in people such as overly religious decor, lots of alcohol on display or political “statements” are not advised. The way it was explained to me before I was a Realtor and was selling my first home makes the most sense: “The way you live in a home (most people anyway : ) is completely different from the way you sell a home.”    ***I would not stage a fridge : )

  • When Selling your home, make sure to fill out each line of the Property Disclosures. There are boxes for N/A and Unknown.  If you don’t see the appropriate box, just write in N/A or whatever is correct.  The point is to disclose everything you know about your property, and I will tell you that the best policy is “Disclose, Disclose, Disclose”.  If there is something you are not sure you should put on the Disclosure because you think that if you did, it would make someone potentially think twice about buying your home… that is a huge hint to disclose it!  Most Buyers know that they are not buying a brand new home (unless they are : )  and so are expecting there to be some issues here & there.  These are fodder for potential negotiation, and you know that, as a Buyer, you yourself would feel much more comfortable & more likely to remain engaged buying from people who were being up-front with you about their home. You can also make the choice to correct whatever issue it is prior to filling out the Disclosure form. Disclosing “issues” also protects you in the event that something happens later on after the sale, and was the result of something that you normally would have been aware of but didn’t include on your disclosures. You can attach separate pieces of paper to explain certain things, or, if you have room, just make a note on the form itself. Remember… Disclose, Disclose, Disclose!
  • I’m told property taxes were just confirmed yesterday.  At this time of year, if you are in the middle of a transaction, it’s always good to talk w/your Agent and Escrow Offcer about how taxes will play out in your Closing breakdown.  The tax year begins on July 1st, and runs through June 30th of the following year, BUT, the tax amounts are not finalized until around this time of year.  If you are buying in September, for instance, Escrow will likely take a stab at figuring out what your taxes will amount to by taking last year’s number, and adding on a certain percent.  If you over-pay at Closing, you will receive a check in the mail shortly afterward refunding anything over-estimated.  Escrow is your neutral third party. Utilize their services so that you are fully prepared when you get to the closing table!
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Market Activity ~ Sept 23-29, 2013

Wow!  We have been having some crazy Fall weather!  Thunderstorms, downpours, and then sun returning later this week.

Even with all that, last week shows steady activity, albeit slowing a little as we’d expect. RMLS shows 14 New properties entering the market, 11 moving to Pending status, and 15 that “Closed”/Sold.

Here is the breakdown of activity last week according to RMLS:

NEW SALES (Sept 23-29, 2013):

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
14 CRESTFIELD CT $75,000 1 1 550 CONDO
4000 Carman #88 $117,000 2 2 836 CONDO
174 OSWEGO SMT #174 $199,000 2 2 1506 CONDO
6 ORIOLE LN $265,000 3 2.1 1539 DETACHD
1261 BOCA RATAN DR $270,000 3 2 1611 ATTACHD
1287 ROCKINGHORSE LN $479,000 3 2 1686 DETACHD
14010 MAJESTIC CT $499,500 3 2 2913 DETACHD
5353 FIRWOOD RD $579,500 3 2 2292 DETACHD
5831 SUNCREEK DR $659,900 4 2.1 2865 DETACHD
6457 MCDUFF CT $725,000 4 3.1 3120 DETACHD
15411 VILLAGE DR $899,900 4 3.1 3809 DETACHD
583 2ND ST $1,250,000 2 2.1 2304 CONDO
800 TERRACE DR $1,349,900 5 4.1 5166 DETACHD
13571 GOODALL RD $1,849,000 4 4.1 5725 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (Sept 23-29, 2013)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
13 CRESTFIELD CT $69,900 1 0.1 550 CONDO 323
86 KINGSGATE RD #27 $107,500 2 2 938 CONDO 6
5998 SHAKESPEARE ST $229,000 3 1 1227 DETACHD 5
4 WHEATHERSTONE $326,900 3 2.1 1692 CONDO 29
5103 MADRONA ST $349,900 2 2 1329 DETACHD 29
4711 REMBRANDT LN $399,900 3 2.1 2050 DETACHD 8
895 YORK RD $450,000 3 2 1924 DETACHD 39
4979 BILFORD LN $467,590 3 2.1 2200 DETACHD 7
4848 HASTINGS DR $535,000 3 2.1 2174 DETACHD 1
246 GREENWOOD RD $549,900 3 3 1899 DETACHD 73
17600 UPPER CHERRY LN $998,000 4 3.1 3900 DETACHD 171

SOLD (Sept 23-29, 2013)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
57 GALEN ST $69,900 $75,000 1 1 689 CONDO 59
37 CRESTFIELD CT $99,000 $95,000 2 1 923 CONDO 172
18011 TUALATA AVE $200,000 $205,000 3 2 1050 DETACHD 9
6263 WASHINGTON CT $305,000 $285,500 4 3 2826 DETACHD 19
14854 TWIN FIR RD $310,000 $305,000 3 2 1287 DETACHD 52
600 TIPPECANOE CT $359,000 $349,000 3 2 1812 DETACHD 51
13395 VERMEER DR $439,000 $400,000 3 2.1 2461 DETACHD 75
19424 OLSON AVE $525,000 $520,000 4 2.1 2777 DETACHD 5
13432 ROGERS RD $675,000 $660,000 3 2.1 3454 DETACHD 28
5623 GRAND OAKS DR $699,000 $675,000 4 2.1 3323 DETACHD 15
17160 Kelok RD $699,000 $675,000 4 4 4650 DETACHD 10
2833 RIVENDELL RD $718,000 $698,000 4 2.1 2932 DETACHD 72
5405 CHILDS RD $1,095,000 $910,000 4 3.1 4402 DETACHD 298
17912 KELOK RD $919,000 $926,872 5 3 3007 DETACHD 0
12210 ORCHARD HILL RD $1,495,000 $1,300,000 4 3.2 4640 DETACHD 67

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

Here is the latest data for you on the overall Portland area, as well as specific Lake Oswego/West Linn (RMLS lumps them together) activity:

August activity was slightly down from July, but still very much improved from August of 2012.

According to the RMLS Market Action Report for the Portland Metro Area  August, 2013:

  • At 2,623, August Closed Sales were a 5.2% down from July’s 2,766, and/but represent the best the best August for Closed Salws since 2009!
  • There were 3,423 New Listings in August. This was a decrease of 11.7% from July, and an increase of 10.5% over August of 2012.
  • The Average Sale Price in August was $321,900, down from $326,500 in July 2013.
  • Pending Sales (accepted offers) dropped slightly from July 2013’s total of 2,738  to 2,614 in August.

The combined areas of Lake Oswego and West Linn  for August reported :

    • 568 Active Listings
    • 206 New Listings
    • 130Pending Sales
    • 125 Closed Sales
    • An average Sale Price of $548,600.
    • Average Time on the Market: 75Days
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Market Activity ~ Sept 9-15, 2013

Last week shows 13 New properties entering the market, 20 moving to Pending status, and 12 that “Closed”/Sold.

Here is the breakdown of activity according to RMLS:

NEW SALES (Sept 9-15, 2013):

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
100 KERR PKWY $13 $85,900 1 1 617 CONDO
24 CONDOLEA DR / Grnd $258,000 2 2 1500 CONDO
6397 MCEWAN RD $295,000 3 2 1008 DETACHD
16275 WALUGA DR $350,000 3 3 2677 DETACHD
15684 BOONES WAY $449,000 3 2.1 2520 DETACHD
1 PREAKNESS CT $525,000 4 3 2373 DETACHD
13060 ELK ROCK RD $550,000 4 3 3581 DETACHD
15885 WHITE OAKS DR $600,000 4 2.1 2802 DETACHD
14412 MEADOW GRASS ST $619,900 5 2.1 3259 DETACHD
13374 HIDDEN BAY CT $699,000 4 2.1 3520 DETACHD
1920 GLENMORRIE DR $859,000 3 3.1 4370 DETACHD
615 9th ST $889,000 4 2.1 2782 DETACHD
17322 CEDAR RD $1,149,500 4 4.1 3370 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (Sept 9-15, 2013)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
668 MCVEY AVE #15 $117,000 1 1 636 CONDO 1
44 EAGLE CREST DRn #1 $128,000 2 1 908 CONDO 29
159 OSWEGO SUMMIT / Upper $199,000 2 2 1506 CONDO 103
5056 FOOTHILLS DR #D $229,900 2 2 1252 CONDO 195
16291 LAKE FOREST BLVD $239,950 2 1 762 DETACHD 118
17650 DEEMAR WAY $310,000 4 2 1375 DETACHD 31
11 SAINT HELENS CIR $325,000 3 2.1 1904 DETACHD 82
17833 CENTRAL AVE $339,000 3 2 1533 DETACHD 25
1023 LUND ST $375,000 4 2.1 2313 DETACHD 70
18971 Indian Springs CIR $375,000 3 2 1525 DETACHD 93
574 2ND ST #4 $378,500 2 2.1 1394 CONDO 4
668 MCVEY AVE #32 $379,000 3 1.1 992 CONDO 24
6236 WAYZATA CT $387,500 5 2.1 2752 DETACHD 106
2188 OVERLOOK DR $464,900 4 2.1 2594 DETACHD 130
4890 SAGE HEN CIR $474,900 4 2.1 2832 DETACHD 335
17778 MARYLCREEK DR $489,900 3 2.1 2741 DETACHD 28
4836 HASTINGS DR $630,000 4 2.1 2855 DETACHD 32
5501 RACHEL LN $649,500 4 2.2 3509 DETACHD 304
1475 CHANDLER RD $1,485,000 5 4.1 4515 DETACHD 205

SOLD (Sept 9-15, 2013)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
47 EAGLE CREST DR #48 $75,000 $73,800 1 1 696 CONDO 1
668 MCVEY AVE #82 $172,000 $172,000 2 1.1 992 CONDO 34
5966 WASHINGTON CT $229,000 $225,000 3 1.1 1445 DETACHD 5
26 CONDOLEA DR / Main $225,000 $235,500 2 2 1420 CONDO 2
4328 BOTTICELLI ST $259,900 $250,000 2 2.1 2260 CONDO 13
4260 SOUTHSHORE BLVD $319,000 $294,000 2 2 1268 DETACHD 87
4 SAINT HELENS CIR $319,900 $315,000 3 2 1617 DETACHD 25
845 LAKE FOREST DR $399,000 $403,250 3 1 1359 DETACHD 0
2094 SUMMIT DR $698,000 $425,000 4 3.1 3510 DETACHD 156
16878 GASSNER LN $499,000 $480,000 4 2 2998 DETACHD 37
17450 TREETOP WAY $599,950 $520,000 5 3 3752 DETACHD 114
642 8TH ST $949,900 $930,000 4 2.2 3293 DETACHD 220

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 ~ Sept 15, 2013

There is a lot of Open House activity Sunday.

There are 31 properties being held Open in Lake Oswego according to RMLS.

Enjoy!

Address L/Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type Open
45 EAGLE CREST DR #409 $150,000 2 2 1214 TWNHSE 1-3PM
6241 WAYZATA CT $279,000 3 1 1232 DETACHD 2-4PM
6397 MCEWAN RD $295,000 3 2 1008 DETACHD 12-2PM
1250 HEMLOCK ST $399,950 3 2 2656 DETACHD 1-4PM
1602 GREENTREE RD $399,950 3 2 1708 DETACHD 2-4PM
67 TANGLEWOOD DR $434,900 4 2.1 3068 DETACHD 1-3PM
1730 YARMOUTH CIR $454,500 2 2 1775 DETACHD 1-3PM
895 YORK RD $465,000 3 2 1924 DETACHD 12-2PM
429 10TH ST $479,500 4 3 2280 DETACHD 1-3PM
6192 HARRINGTON AVE $479,900 5 3 2817 DETACHD 12-2PM
17730 MARYLBROOK DR $489,000 4 2.1 2951 DETACHD 12-3PM
13378 PETERS RD $525,000 3 2.2 2355 DETACHD 2-4PM
12 BUCKINGHAM TER $535,000 5 3.1 3642 DETACHD 11AM-1PM
15677 FIELDSTONE DR $546,500 3 2.1 2527 DETACHD 11AM-1PM
17088 REBECCA LN $549,900 5 3 2554 DETACHD 1-3PM
5555 FIELDSTONE CT $579,500 3 2.1 2664 DETACHD 12-3PM
11 MASARYK ST $599,900 5 4 4823 DETACHD 1-3PM
18020 JENIFERS WAY $609,888 4 2.1 2966 DETACHD 1-4PM
19524 RIVER RUN DR $638,950 4 2.1 2630 DETACHD 1-3PM
18042 JENIFERS WAY $657,950 4 3 2946 DETACHD 2:30-4:30PM
18064 JENIFERS WAY $667,950 5 3 2965 DETACHD 2:30-4:30PM
2481 MARYLSHIRE LN $675,000 5 3.1 4154 DETACHD 1-4PM
13515 STREAMSIDE DR $799,900 5 4.1 4357 DETACHD 1-3PM
16671 Fir LN $845,000 3 3.1 3129 DETACHD 2-4PM
5 DOVER WAY $865,000 4 4.1 5257 DETACHD 1-4PM
4540 SW LAMONT WAY $899,950 4 2.1 3555 DETACHD 12-2PM
18187 SIENA DR $978,950 4 3.1 3745 DETACHD 11AM-1PM
752 E AVE $998,500 3 3 2818 DETACHD 10AM-3PM
17600 UPPER CHERRY LN $1,049,000 4 3.1 3900 DETACHD 2-4PM
853 D AVE $1,350,000 4 3.1 4710 DETACHD 1-3PM
2786 GLENMORRIE DR $1,600,000 5 4.2 6095 DETACHD 1-4PM
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What’s Goin’ On?

Here are a few of the upcoming “happenings” in the next week or so in Lake Oswego:

  • Kids grades 3 – 8 can participate in “Thursday One-Mile Cross Country Runs”!  CLICK HERE  for more details.

  • Even though we can feel the weather change coming up ahead, we have until October 12th to continue to enjoy the amazing Lake Oswego Farmers Market.  This european-style marketplace is available to all on Saturdays from 8:30 AM – 1:30PM at Millinium Plaza Park.

  • This Saturday, September 14th, consider bringing the kids down to the Lake Oswego Public Library at 11:00AM for a puppet show. Penny’s Puppet Productions will be presenting “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” : )  Lake Oswego is such a great place for kids!

  • Want to play with your landscaping and set it up to take more care of itself?  Learn about using native plants that save water, use fewer fertilizers & pesticides and don’t need much upkeep!  Attend the Landscaping for Conservation workshop this Sunday the 15th.  CLICK HERE for more details.

  • The Lake Oswego Public Library presents the “Third Tuesday Author”,  Lauren Kessler on the 17th at 7PM to discuss her latest work “Counterclockwise: My Year of Hypnosis, Hormones, Dark Chocolate and Other Adventures in the World of Anti-Aging.”

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Market Activity ~ Aug 26-Sept 1, 2013

Lots of folks finishing up the traditional “summer” with real estate purchases.

Last week shows 14 New properties entering the market, 26 moving to Pending status, and 16 that “Closed”/Sold.

Here is the breakdown of activity according to RMLS:

NEW SALES (Aug 26-Sept 1, 2013):

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
4 TOUCHSTONE #119 $144,900 3 2.1 1351 ATTACHD
15240 BOONES WAY $174,500 2 2 1180 CONDO
16250 PACIFIC HWY #64 $249,000 2 2 1305 CONDO
6380 WASHINGTON CT $339,000 3 2 1720 DETACHD
5103 MADRONA ST $349,900 2 2 1329 DETACHD
14372 CAMDEN LN $439,000 3 2.1 2348 DETACHD
855 YORK RD $464,500 4 3 2144 DETACHD
3200 UPPER DR $469,500 4 3 2543 DETACHD
3075 TOLKIEN LN $675,000 3 2.1 2667 DETACHD
832 HOODVIEW LN $699,000 4 2 2456 DETACHD
1623 GLENMORRIE DR $963,000 5 4.1 5894 DETACHD
931 Atwater RD $1,479,000 4 4.1 4764 DETACHD
2950 WEMBLEY PARK RD $2,295,000 4 5.1 6329 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (Aug 26-Sept 1, 2013)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
13 CRESTFIELD CT $69,000 1 0.1 550 CONDO 292
57 GALEN ST $69,900 1 1 689 CONDO 59
100 KERR PKWY #41 $105,000 2 1.1 822 CONDO 37
668 MCVEY AVE #82 $172,000 2 1.1 992 CONDO 34
5051 FOOTHILLS DR #E $189,900 2 2 991 CONDO 6
5836 SW LAKEVIEW CT $195,000 3 1 1296 DETACHD 81
45 EAGLE CREST DR #522 $219,900 3 2 1348 CONDO 38
4302 BOTTICELLI ST #2 $235,000 3 3.1 2298 CONDO 105
200 BURNHAM RD #209 $295,000 2 2 1305 CONDO 28
4221 COBB WAY $299,900 3 2 1724 DETACHD 3
14854 TWIN FIR RD $310,000 3 2 1287 DETACHD 52
4 WHEATHERSTONE #2 $326,900 3 2.1 1692 CONDO 6
1284 ROCKINGHORSE LN $395,000 4 2 1852 DETACHD 22
621 COUNTRY CLUB RD $400,000 4 2.1 3303 DETACHD 391
13395 VERMEER DR $424,000 3 2.1 2461 DETACHD 75
4286 ORCHARD WAY $454,900 3 2 1998 DETACHD 73
17140 WALL ST $455,000 4 3 3711 DETACHD 6
1501 KOAWOOD DR $465,000 4 3 2993 DETACHD 42
2234 FERNWOOD CIR $474,900 4 3 3000 DETACHD 175
6 HILLSHIRE DR $499,000 5 3 3254 DETACHD 60
32 WESTRIDGE DR $499,900 4 2.2 3653 DETACHD 158
817 HOODVIEW LN $769,000 5 3 3446 DETACHD 30
17912 KELOK RD $919,000 5 3 3007 DETACHD 0
18024 SKYLAND CIR $969,000 3 3.2 3960 DETACHD 136
3149 DOUGLAS CIR $1,099,800 5 3.2 5237 DETACHD 443

SOLD (Aug 26-Sept 1, 2013)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
4 TOUCHSTONE #126 $115,000 $117,000 2 2 984 CONDO 116
13 ERASMUS ST $234,900 $216,500 2 2.1 1434 ATTACHD 87
4458 THUNDER VISTA LN $225,000 $225,000 2 2.1 2200 CONDO 36
1706 BOCA RATAN DR $285,000 $280,000 3 2.1 1739 ATTACHD 2
23 MOUNTAIN CIR $289,900 $295,000 2 2 1363 DETACHD 18
1223 HEMLOCK ST $285,000 $295,000 2 1 748 DETACHD 2
46 GREENRIDGE CT $295,000 $300,900 3 2.1 2136 CONDO 9
4779 HERITAGE LN $429,000 $407,500 3 2 2121 DETACHD 26
16966 SUMMER PL $525,000 $513,000 4 2.1 3065 DETACHD 30
4755 AVERY LN $599,000 $595,000 4 2.1 2735 DETACHD 1
1535 LARCH ST $575,000 $605,000 4 3 2712 DETACHD 5
524 WEIDMAN CT $629,000 $605,000 4 2.1 3450 DETACHD 262
18217 DELENKA LN $689,000 $650,000 4 3 4171 DETACHD 53
17903 UPPER CHERRY LN $924,000 $839,000 4 2.1 3912 DETACHD 33
2500 GLEN EAGLES RD $2,295,000 $2,050,000 5 4.1 5565 DETACHD 104

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! Sept 1, 2013

Happy Labor Day Weekend!  There are 7 homes being held Open Sunday according to RMLS:

Address L/Price Beds # Baths Total SF Time
17833 CENTRAL AVE $339,000 3 2 1533 12-1:30PM
1602 GREENTREE RD $412,500 3 2 1708 1-4PM
14 Del Prado ST $599,999 5 3.1 4094 1-3PM
11 MASARYK ST $619,900 5 4 4823 1-3Pm
18042 JENIFERS WAY $657,950 4 3 2946 1-3PM
18064 JENIFERS WAY $667,950 5 3 2965 1-3PM
735 7TH ST $969,000 3 3.1 2945 1-4PM
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You! Celebrate Labor Day!

WkWell, it’s Friday on the forward cusp of Labor Day Weekend!  I’m cheating a bit by excerpting from Wikipedia (below) regarding the history of Labor Day, if you’re interested.

Dianne and I have been running like crazy  all summer long, and I am now, like so many people, getting ready for a big bash out on the deck tonight!  My advice is for you to enjoy this weekend and REALLY take some time off.  Unlike other holidays, where people with extra time off work tend to congregate somewhat guiltily around the barbeque on what is a more somber, reflective day (Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Presidents Day, etc…)  Labor Day is for YOU!  It is actually time off for the purpose of enjoying time off!

Now… I am not saying if you find the home of your dreams, that Dianne or I will not be there for you (we are neve too busy for our Property Blotter readers : ) BUT, please enjoy yourself this weekend.  That is an order (you have official permission)!

Here is what Wikipedia says about Labor Day:

Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September, that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers. It was first nationally recognized in 1894 to placate unionists following the Pullman Strike.  With the decline in union membership, the holiday is generally viewed as a time for barbeques and the end of summer vacations.[1]

Labor Day has come to be celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer. In high society, Labor Day is (or was) considered the last day of the year when it is fashionable to wear white[8] or seersucker.[9][10]

In 1882, Matthew Maguire, a machinist, first proposed the holiday while serving as secretary of the CLU (Central Labor Union) of New York.[2] Others argue that it was first proposed by Peter J. McGuire of the American Federation of Labor in May 1882,[3] after witnessing the annual labour festival held in Toronto, Canada.[4] Oregon was the first state to make it a holiday on February 21, 1887. By the time it became a federal holiday in 1894, thirty states officially celebrated Labor Day.[3]

Following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Strike, the United States Congress unanimously voted to approve rush legislation that made Labor Day a national holiday; President Grover Clevelandsigned it into law a mere six days after the end of the strike.[1] The September date originally chosen by the CLU of New York and observed by many of the nation’s trade unions for the past several years was selected rather than the more widespread International Workers’ Day because Cleveland was concerned that observance of the latter would be associated with the nascent Communist, Syndicalist and Anarchist movements that, though distinct from one another, had rallied to commemorate the Haymarket Affair in International Workers’ Day.[5] All U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the territories have made it a statutory holiday.

In U.S. sports, Labor Day marks the beginning of the NFL and college football seasons. NCAA teams usually play their first games the weekend of Labor Day, with the NFL traditionally playing their first game the Thursday following Labor Day. The Southern 500 NASCAR auto race was held that day from 1950 to 1983 in Darlington, South Carolina. AtIndianapolis Raceway Park, the National Hot Rod Association hold their finals to the U.S. Nationals drag race.

In the U.S., most school districts that started summer vacation 1-2 weeks into June will resume school the day after this day (see First Day of School), while schools that had summer vacation begin on the Saturday before Memorial Day in late May will have already been in session since late August. However this tradition is changing as many school districts end 1-2 weeks into June and begin mid-August.

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Market Activity ~ Aug 12-18, 2013

Great action in Lake Oswego. Summertime interest continues.

Last week shows 20 New properties entering the market, 11 moving to Pending status, and 20 that “Closed”/Sold.

Here is the breakdown of activity according to RMLS:

NEW SALES (Aug 12-Aug 18, 2013):

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type
4 TOUCHSTONE #104 $127,500 3 2.1 1351 CONDO
3433 MCNARY PKWY #702 $167,500 2 2.1 1136 CONDO
3864 SW BOTTICELLI ST $174,950 2 1.1 1132 CONDO
6420 MCEWAN RD $279,900 3 2 1220 DETACHD
668 MCVEY AVE #32 $379,000 3 1.1 992 CONDO
16775 WESTVIEW DR $389,000 3 2.1 1830 DETACHD
17273 BRYANT RD $399,000 3 1.1 1432 DETACHD
67 TANGLEWOOD DR $434,900 4 2.1 3068 DETACHD
18281 WOOD THRUSH CIR $459,500 4 2.1 2240 DETACHD
17778 MARYLCREEK DR $499,900 3 2.1 2741 DETACHD
830 4TH ST $545,000 3 2 1690 DETACHD
4836 HASTINGS DR $630,000 4 2.1 2855 DETACHD
17160 Kelok RD $699,000 4 4 4650 DETACHD
53 D AVE $725,000 3 3 2610 DETACHD
1055 COUNTRY CLUB RD $799,900 2 2 2908 DETACHD
2023 Ridgewood RD $969,000 4 2.1 4340 DETACHD
17375 RIDGEVIEW CT $995,000 4 3.1 4065 DETACHD
17342 RIDGEVIEW CT $1,250,000 4 3.1 4240 DETACHD
14050 GOODALL RD $1,675,000 5 4.2 6834 DETACHD

PENDING SALES (Aug 12-Aug 18, 2013)

Address List Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
3836 BOTTICELLI ST $129,000 2 2 1055 ATTACHD 315
26 CONDOLEA DR $225,000 2 2 1420 CONDO 2
16616 LAKE FOREST BLVD $229,000 2 1 1056 DETACHD 2
1129 CHERRY LN $319,900 4 2.1 2421 DETACHD 91
4 SAINT HELENS CIR $319,900 3 2 1617 DETACHD 25
1274 HALLINAN CIR $339,900 3 2 1337 DETACHD 1
1520 ASH ST $399,900 2 1 1200 DETACHD 10
18 INDEPENDENCE AVE $459,000 4 3 3714 DETACHD 6
5272 TUALATA LN $500,000 4 3 2529 DETACHD 59
45 AQUINAS ST $554,000 3 2.1 2981 DETACHD 62
15203 LILY BAY CT $600,000 4 2.1 3219 DETACHD 1

SOLD (Aug 12-Aug 18, 2013)

Address O/Price Close Price # Beds # Baths Total SF Prop Type CDOM
668 MCVEY AVE #14 $119,900 $117,000 1 1 636 CONDO 2
4420 BERNARD ST $385,000 $385,000 3 2.1 1835 DETACHD 0
29 MORNINGVIEW CIR $440,000 $440,000 3 2.1 2280 DETACHD 3
31 WALKING WOODS DR $450,000 $442,400 4 3 2889 DETACHD 19
15 SPINOSA $459,900 $449,000 3 3 2300 DETACHD 81
18781 INDIAN CREEK WAY $455,000 $460,000 4 2.1 2355 DETACHD 3
18442 DEERBRUSH AVE $479,000 $465,000 4 2.1 2550 DETACHD 40
9 BERNINI CT $515,000 $493,000 3 2.1 3166 DETACHD 18
14066 CHATHAM CT $574,900 $568,300 5 2.1 2800 DETACHD 6
19318 RIVERWOOD LN #LOT 8W $611,451 $613,887 5 4 3110 DETACHD 0
13680 KNAUS RD $749,000 $730,000 3 2.1 3006 DETACHD 57
5676 SUNCREEK DR $819,900 $775,000 4 3.1 3312 DETACHD 102
15559 VILLAGE DR $900,000 $895,000 4 2.1 3458 DETACHD 0
588 9TH ST $795,000 $962,222 4 2.1 2741 DETACHD 42
792 5TH ST $1,195,000 $1,050,000 4 4.1 4379 DETACHD 21
18520 DELENKA LN $1,299,000 $1,235,000 4 4 5986 DETACHD 381
17900 CRESTLINE DR $1,699,000 $1,445,000 5 3.1 4738 DETACHD 212
693 TERRACE DR $1,898,000 $1,750,000 4 3 3296 DETACHD 282
1505 LAKE FRONT RD $2,250,000 $2,100,000 4 3.1 4927 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