Lake Oswego Real Estate Blog

New Law Regarding Uncertified Woodstoves in Oregon

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:12:10 -0700

Beginning August 1, 2010, anyone selling a home with an old, uncertified woodstove will be required to remove and destroy it.

Senate Bill 102, signed into law in 2009, requires the removal of any uncertified woodstove from a home when it is sold. For more information about this upcoming requirement (including a Frequently Asked Questions page), please visit http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/burning/woodstoves/heatSmart.htm

Clackamas County Fair & Rodeo thru Sunday August 22nd

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:08:30 -0700

The Clackamas County Fair runs through Sunday August 22nd at the Canby fairgrounds. The weather the rest of the week won't be so hot which is a real plus for attending the fair. We enjoy checking out all of the animals: sheep, goats, cattle, llamas, pigs, rabbits, chickens. The rodeo annoucer did a great job entertaining and explaining the events while the pace went at a nice clip. Adult admission is $8 for the fair and another $6 to $8 for the rodeo. Get your wrist stamped when you leave if you plan to come back later in the day. Parking in the nearby lots was $5 for all day, you can leave and come back, just hang on to your stub.

2010 Wilsonville Farmers' Market

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:00:45 -0700

The Wilsonville Farmers' Market is on Sundays May 23rd through October 3rd from 10am to 2pm in Villebois. It is located at the Villebois Village Center, at the corners of Villebois Drive and Barber Street in Wilsonville, Oregon. It has been soggy lately but the weather looks like it should be great tomorrow.

2010 West Linn Artists' and Farmers' Market

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:59:09 -0700

The West Linn Artists' and Farmers' Market, 'Taste of Tuesday', will run every Tuesday 4:30pm-8:00pm from June 1st - September 14th, 2010.

Just off I-205, in the historic Willamette area at the corner of 13th Avenue and Willamette Falls Drive. The Willamette area is fun to walk around, shop in the stores and eat at one of the many restaurants. Local produce, art, live music, flowers, crafts and more.

2010 Oregon City Farmers' Market

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:56:17 -0700

The 2010 Oregon City Farmers' Market opens Saturday May 1st and will be open every Saturday until October 30th. The hours of operation are 9am until 2pm at 2051 Kaen Road (off Beavercreek Road) in the Clackamas County Public Services Parking lot.

Directions:

From I-205, take exit 10 towards Molalla
1. Take exit 10 for OR-213 South toward Molalla 0.2 mi
2. Merge onto OR-213 3.1 mi - 5 mins
3. Turn right at Beavercreek Road 1.1 mi - 3 mins
4. Turn left at Kaen Road 0.1 mi

2010 Lake Oswego Farmers' Market

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:53:45 -0700

The 2010 Lake Oswego Farmers' Market is scheduled to open Saturday May 15th and be open every Saturday until October 9th. The hours of operation are 8:30am until 1:30pm at Millennium Plaza Park at the corner of First and Evergreen in downtown Lake Oswego.

There are always great vendors here: garden produce, flowers, plants, bakery items and good food to eat while you're there.

West Linn Curbside Cleanup : Week of April 5, 2010

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:07:30 -0700

The City of West Linn, West Linn Refuse & Recycling and Metro are partnering to bring free curbside clean-up on your regular garbage day during the week of April 5th. Regular household garbage is not included and must be kept separate from cleanup items.

This is a great opportunity to get rid of stuff you've been meaning to get rid of. There are rules and limits as to what will be picked up. Details are available in the April 2010 edition of "West Linn Update". You may also direct questions to Wes Linn Refuse & Recycling at 503-557-3900.

2009 Farmers' Markets in Lake Oswego and West Linn

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:42:02 -0700

Lake Oswego
Saturdays: May 16 - Oct 10
8:30am - 1:30pm
Millennium Plaza Park

West Linn
Tuesdays: Jun 2 - Sep 29
4:30pm - 8:30pm
1725 Willamette Falls Drive (between 10th and 14th streets)

Rodeo Time in Oregon

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:22:57 -0700

Summertime is rodeo time in some of the nearby rural communities. St. Paul and Molalla have their big rodeo over the 4th of July weekend; the Buckeroo in Molalla holds several events throughout the summer including 4 weekends of the Willamette Valley Junior Rodeo Association (kids ages 2 through 18).

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit for 2009

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:21:24 -0700

The 2009 Federal tax credit of up to $8,000 is a great opportunity for qualified first time home buyers purchasing their principal residence before December 1, 2009. Visit http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/ to learn more and take advantage of the credit to buy a home this year. Here are some of the highlights:

A first-time home buyer is someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.
The tax credit does not have to be repaid if you live in the home for 3 years.
The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

Lake Oswego Market Snapshot - July 21, 2009

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:47:10 -0700

Housing prices in our market started to decline in late 2007. The average Lake Oswego sale price fell 4.5% in 2008 and through the first 6 months of this year it has decreased another 13%.

Year	Average Sale Price	Real Buyers
2005	573,443	756
2006	682,144	634
2007	739,801	598
2008	692,828	384
through June 2009	563,862	146

We are in a strong buyers' market with sellers vying for the attention of buyers by beating the competition in price and condition.

In addition to the decrease in the number of potential buyers, those that can "afford" to sell are faced with competition from:

undervalued bank owned foreclosures
drama-priced "short sales" trying to avoid foreclosure
new construction inventory with below market financing

Distressed Property Information -zip codes 97034 and 97035

Currently Listed For Sale in RMLS

Bank Owned Properties 10

3^rd Party Approval Required -short sale? 46

From Real Quest Investor Data

Received Notice of Default 3

Date Set for Auction on Court House Steps 305

REO Properties -bank owned 10

Stricter appraisal regulations were enacted earlier this year resulting in lower mortgage appraisals. Comps used for appraisal purposes have to be within the last 90 days and the appraiser must note that the local market is in a decline and make a deduction for that. The standard Oregon sale agreement states, "If a new loan is required, this transaction is subject to buyer and property qualifying for the loan and the lender's appraisal being not less the than the purchase price."

Although we are in a challenging market, there are buyers looking and activity seems to be picking up. Good homes, presented and priced well are selling.

December 2007 Market Activity: Lake Oswego-West Linn

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:50:56 -0700

by Mark Miller, Lake Oswego, Oregon Realtor®

Lake Oswego - West Linn Market Area
From RMLS published data

For the Month of December 2007
Active Listings: 762
New Listings: 100
Pending Sales: 71
Pending Sales 2007 vs. 2006: -5.3%
Closed Sales: 84
Average Sales Price: $667,000

Year to Date
Closed Sales: 1,434
Average Sales Price: $567,900
Average Appreciation: 7.8%*

*comparing the last 12 months (01/1/07 - 12/31/07) with the 12 months before (01/1/06 - 12/31/06)

November 2007 Market Activity: Lake Oswego - West Linn

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:12:28 -0800

by Mark Miller, Lake Oswego, Oregon Realtor®

Lake Oswego - West Linn Market Area
From RMLS published data

For the Month of November

Active Listings: 886
New Listings: 191
Pending Sales: 75
Pending Sales 2007 vs. 2006: -22.7%
Closed Sales: 101
Average Sales Price: $592,900

Year to Date
Closed Sales: 1346
Average Sales Price: $562,200
Average Appreciation: 5.1%*

*comparing the last 12 months (12/1/06 - 11/30/07) with the 12 months before (12/1/05 - 11/30/06)

Prepare Your Home for Winter

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 20:13:30 -0800

by Mark Miller, Lake Oswego, Oregon Realtor®

With the winter weather settling upon the Pacific Northwest it's time to prepare your home for winter. I posted this list last year but it is worth repeating; besides, I don't think people are searching through my old posts.

This list is not all inclusive, just some of the things I think of as we head into the cold weather.

Shut off and drain outdoor faucets when you think a hard freeze is coming
Learn how to turn off water at its source so you can stop leaks immediately if they start
Take care of known issues with pipes that freeze. Heat tape can be used to keep them warm during extremely cold weather
Close foundation vents when really cold weather is expected
Drain garden hoses, roll them up, and store them inside
Set sprinkler system to "off", turn off water and drain the pipes
Clean gutters and downspouts
Trim tree limbs that are hanging over or touching the roof
Cover outdoor furniture or store it inside
Have chimney inspected and cleaned
Close fireplace damper when not in use

Emergency Supply List

Candles, matches (or lighter)
Flashlight, batteries
Hand crank or battery operated radio
Weather radio
Extra batteries
Bottled water
Non-perishable food
Hand operated can opener
Paper plates, plastic eating utensils
Paper towels
Propane or charcoal for outdoor grill
Extra firewood
Fuel for generator (keep generator outdoors when in use)
Snow shovel

October 2007 Market Activity: Lake Oswego - West Linn

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:53:18 -0800

by Mark Miller, Lake Oswego, Oregon Realtor®

Lake Oswego - West Linn Market Area
From RMLS published data

For the Month of October

Active Listings: 940
New Listings: 237
Pending Sales: 101
Pending Sales 2007 vs. 2006: -24.6%
Closed Sales: 98
Average Sales Price: $595,300

Year to Date
Closed Sales: 1240
Average Sales Price: $560,400
Average Appreciation: 3.8%*

*comparing the last 12 months (11/1/06 - 10/31/07) with the 12 months before (11/1/05 - 10/31/06)

Lake Oswego Holiday Events 2007

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:11:10 -0800

November 23rd - 5pm - 8pm
Holiday Tree Lighting Downtown Lake Oswego
Lighting of of the giant Sequoia tree near Safeway on A Street and lights at Millennium Plaza Park

December 1st and 2nd - 9am -5pm
Holiday Market
West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way

December 1st and the 7th to the 20th
Christmas Ship Parade on Willamette River
Viewing at Foothills Park Saturday December 8th at 6pm

September 2007 Market Activity: Lake Oswego - West Linn

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 13:00:09 -0800

by Mark Miller, Lake Oswego, Oregon Realtor®

Lake Oswego - West Linn Market Area
From RMLS published data

For the Month of September

Active Listings: 1009
New Listings: 253
Pending Sales: 113
Pending Sales 2007 vs. 2006: -19.9%
Closed Sales: 81
Average Sales Price: $547,700

Year to Date
Closed Sales: 1140
Average Sales Price: $557,300
Average Appreciation: 3.7%*

*comparing the last 12 months (10/1/06 - 9/30/07) with the 12 months before (10/1/05 - 9/30/06)

National Do Not Call Registry

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:02:13 -0700

You can register your home or cell phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry. Right now each registration only lasts for 5 years. To verify that your phone number is registered and to check when it is scheduled to expire, click here to visit the Federal Trade Commission’s “Verify A Registration” service.

Farmer's Market Season is Coming to an End

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:05:16 -0700

The weather has suddenly turned cooler and it reminded me that this year's Lake Oswego Farmer's Market is coming to an end on Saturday October 13th; just two more weekends to enjoy the festive atmosphere at Millenium Park. West Linn's Farmer's and Artist's Market has already closed for the season. You can check out the Oregon Harvest Schedule to see when the various fruit and vegetable crops are in season in Oregon.

August 2007 Market Activity: Lake Oswego - West Linn

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:07:35 -0700

by Mark Miller, Lake Oswego, Oregon Realtor®

Lake Oswego - West Linn Market Area
From RMLS published data

For the Month of August

Active Listings: 1037
New Listings: 326
Pending Sales: 103
Pending Sales 2007 vs. 2006: -34.4%
Closed Sales: 128
Average Sales Price: $559,100

Year to Date
Closed Sales: 1048
Average Sales Price: $559,200
Average Appreciation: 6.3%*

*comparing the last 12 months (9/1/06 - 8/31/07) with the 12 months before (9/1/05 - 8/31/06)

Turn in your Unwanted Electronics at Intel Sept. 22, 2007

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:59:18 -0700

E-Waste Collection and Document Shredding Event
Saturday September 22, 2007

Local residents are invited to bring their obsolete electronic equipment for recycling to the Intel Hawthorn Farm Campus in Hillsboro this Saturday.

A shredding truck will be available during the event to shred confidential personal documents.

Open to all residents and schools in the Greater Portland Area.

Date: Saturday, September 22, 2007
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Place: Intel Hawthorn Farm Campus, HF1 Parking Lot
5200 NE Elam Young PkwyHillsboro, OR 97124
Fee: There is a $5.00 fee (cash only) per monitor and per TV. Receipts will not be provided. All other items will be taken free of charge.

What will be accepted:
Computer CPUs
Copiers
TVs - 27 inches or less and no consoles
Monitors
Cell Phones & Accessories
Printers
Telephones
Scanners
Fax Machines
VCRs/DVD Players
Cables and Wire
Digital Cameras
Tabletop Stereos
Paper

What will NOT be accepted:
Household electronics and large appliances
Televisions that are larger than 27 inches
Microwaves
Refrigerators
Washers/Dryers
Hazardous Waste Materials

What will happen to the materials you drop off?
Items that can be salvaged will be taken by Students Recycling Used Technology (StRUT), an organization founded by Intel, which gives students an opportunity to refurbish computers and then place them in schools throughout Oregon and Washington. StRUT uses a program called Killdisk to wipe hard drives.

Material beyond repair or donation will be taken to Earth Protection Services Inc. (EPSI) in Tualatin for responsible recycling. The recycler will not wipe hard drives since the material goes directly to a shredder.

If you want to clear information from your hard drive before you recycle, there is software available that clears data from hard drives.

July 2007 Market Activity: Lake Oswego - West Linn

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:23:50 -0700

by Mark Miller, Lake Oswego, Oregon Realtor®

Lake Oswego - West Linn Market Area
From RMLS published data

For the Month of July

Active Listings: 1025
New Listings: 306
Pending Sales: 116
Pending Sales 2007 vs. 2006: -21.1%
Closed Sales: 138
Average Sales Price: $565,700

Year to Date
Closed Sales: 914
Average Sales Price: $559,400
Average Appreciation: 9.3%*

*comparing the last 12 months (8/1/06 - 67/30/07) with the 12 months before (8/1/05 - 7/30/06)

Lake Oswego New Home

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:07:56 -0700

Lake Oswego Luxury New Home
18936 Bryant Road, Lake Oswego, OR 97034 Click to View Show General 4 bedrooms / 4 full baths Open, great room floor plan Main floor study Media room Exercise room 4100sf (approximately) Lot size: 11,300sf (approx.) Interior Dark stained birch and oak floors Tile floors in all bathrooms and laundry Extensive millwork throughout Solid core doors High ceilings Staircase: - lower - oak stairs and landing - upper - wrought iron balusters, wood handrail Central vacuum system Great Room Gas fireplace w/tile surround Dark stained birch floor Floor to ceiling cabinets and bookshelves Corner window seat Crown molding Study Hand rubbed, antique finished cabinets and shelves Walk-in closet Connects to hall bath w/mud set tile shower Kitchen Slab granite counter tops Tile backsplash Hand rubbed antique finished cabinets Stainless steel sink w/instant hot water faucet Center island, “furniture-style” - stainless steel prep sink - hand rubbed, antique stain finish Viking stainless steel kitchen appliances: - 6 burner gas stove w/oven - additional wall oven and microwave - dishwasher - refrigerator Walk-in pantry Dark stained birch floor Crown molding Master Suite Double entry door French doors to tile balcony Ceiling fan Master Bath: - double sinks - jetted tub - tile and glass shower Master Bath continued: - 2 shower heads, 1 can be hand held - separate water closet - walk-in closet w/organizers - linen closet Media Room Prewired Sconce lights Exterior Cedar siding, pre-primed Cedar shingles El Dorado stone Craftsman-style front entry door Garage: oversized 2 car, wood door w/opener Architectural-style composition roof Covered outdoor living area with skylights Gas BBQ connection Landscaping w/stone steps, rock walls and sprinklers Other High speed structured wiring: - phone - internet, network - video Security system Plumbed for hot water re-circulation HVAC system: - gas furnace - air conditioning - separate temperature control for each floor - rigid metal duct work Main Level: entry, open great room, dining room and kitchen, study, full guest bath, linen closet, armoire for guests’ coats in entry Upper Level: master suite, bedroom #2, bedroom #3, Continental bathroom (opens to 1 bedroom and hall), laundry room, hall linen closet Lower Level: garage, bedroom #4, hall bathroom, media, small bonus or exercise room, large hall closet

Details Asking Price: $919,900 MLS: 7011307 Sq. Feet: 4100 Lot Size: 11,000+sf Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4 # of Floors: 3 Garage Size: 2 oversized Year Built: 2006		Contact Info Mark Miller Dir 503.534.1591 Email \| Website Other Shows

New Home on Knaus Road, Lake Oswego

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:03:38 -0700

Knaus Road Lake Oswego New Home
Knaus Road, Lake Oswego, OR 97034 Click to View Show Good use of space in this custom 4 or 5 bedroom home built by Hillcroft Homes, Inc. a long time, local builder using quality materials and finishes. Plenty of windows allow for an abundance of natural light. 4 full baths, main floor study (or 5th BD), cherry floors, granite & tile counters, Dacor SS appliances, vaulted family room w/gas fireplace, formal dining room, living room w/wood burning fireplace, upstairs laundry, private rear patio, cedar siding, stone accents, landscaped, 3 car wide garage, near New Seasons Market, Starbucks and shops.

Details Asking Price: $749,900 MLS: 7025262 Sq. Feet: 3200 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 4 # of Floors: 2 Garage Size: 3 Year Built: 2007		Contact Info Mark Miller Dir 503.534.1591 Email \| Website Other Shows

June 2007 Market Activity: Lake Oswego - West Linn

Mark Miller (Luxe Platinum Properties) — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 11:53:53 -0700

by Mark Miller, Lake Oswego, Oregon Realtor®

Lake Oswego - West Linn Market Area
From RMLS published data

For the Month of June

Active Listings: 931
New Listings: 348
Pending Sales: 147
Pending Sales 2007 vs. 2006: -10.9%
Closed Sales: 129
Average Sales Price: $636,200

Year to Date
Closed Sales: 850
Average Sales Price: $564,900
Average Appreciation: 12.6%*

*comparing the last 12 months (7/1/06 - 6/30/07) with the 12 months before (7/1/05 - 6/30/06)