Over the last two months, my daughter and I have talked several of our buyers OUT of buying houses, instead of buying them.
Is that what a buyer’s agent is supposed to do?
If he or she has the buyer’s best interest at heart!
We are in real estate for the long game, meaning, we only want clients to buy homes that we feel confident we could turn around and sell for them at a profit in a few years. Like I often say, “I don’t care if you buy this house from me right now. I just hope you buy from me when the price and the home is right.”
And what we’ve been seeing is sellers who are holding tight to prices they are too attached to because
They bought at the wrong price and didn’t have an agent telling them to hold out
They think today’s market is the 2021-22 market when sales prices were overshooting listing prices by double digits
They are relying too strongly on Zillow values which can’t take in the nuances of a particular neighborhood or market
One house clients were interested in has seen over 25 showings but no offers. “It has only been on the market a couple of weeks,” the seller’s agent explained in justifying why his buyers were not willing to negotiate on price. To which I recounted the wisdom shared with me by one of the best real estate agents ever, Mike Hasson, “If you have seven serious showings and no offer there’s only one reason. You priced it too high.”
While we were living through it, the bullish housing market of 2021-22 was thrilling and fueled sellers with euphoria over the appreciation they’d earned. But that run was actually an artificial market driven by historically low-interest rates of 2.65+. Now with rates at 7%, sellers are needing a reality check. Neither they nor Realtors can do a market analysis based on sales during that time period to justify prices today.
All the more reason you need a hyperlocal Realtor who is willing to talk you out of a sale, when looking to buy a home in Lake Oswego or the Portland metro area and/or be honest with you about how long you’ll most likely have to hold on to a home in order to make a profit. And why you need the same when pricing your home for sale. A good home in good condition that is well priced will still sell in today’s market, and quickly. Just in the last week a couple that met that criteria sold in two days. As Mike Hasson would say, “It was priced right.”
If you’d like to work with a Realtor who will be honest with you about value and price, whether you’re buying or selling, give one of us a call. I’ve been in the business for over 30 years, and have been working with my daughter, Riley, for several years now. Together we bring a level of expertise and enthusiasm that will make your next move your best one!
Compared to May, real estate activity in Lake Oswego picked up a bit in June, by 9%, but compared to last year, the market is still much slower, with 33% fewer homes sold year-to-date.
Sellers are choosing to stay put, enjoying the record low-interest rates they captured when they were as low as 2.65, compared to today’s 7.1+. (As much as that may cause us to pause, historically, the 30-year mortgage rate averaged 7.74% from 1971 to 2023, so we’re still under that). As a result, inventory remains low for the most part; although we are seeing a more balanced market in the $2M to $2.5M range.
For the sellers who do decide to list their homes, there is good news. There is a large pool of buyers out there and homes are going quickly if…
–they are priced right
and/or
–they work for a lot of people in terms of floor plan, updates
and/or
–they are a unique property.
Now more than ever sellers pay a price for putting a home on the market that doesn’t meet one of these criteria as buyers will swarm at first; however, if it doesn’t strike one of those notes, the property will sit and the longer it sits, the less desirable it seems.
Which means that now more than ever, it’s important to work with a local Realtor who really knows the market and can help you strategize and justify price as well as advise you as to how best to present your home to capture its highest value.
Questions about today’s Lake Oswego housing market? Give me a call at 503.939.9801, or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com. Together with my daughter, Riley, we are helping both buyers and sellers make their next moves successfully. We’d love to do the same for you.
Summer nights are one of Lake Oswego’s greatest selling points as I spell out in a previous blog. With warm weather, longer days and no bugs to annoy us, Lake Oswegans are looking for things to do.
Once again, the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department comes to the rescue with movies in the park and their summer concert series.
MOVIES IN THE PARK (movies start between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m.)
July 20 Minions the rise of Gru Westlake Park
July 27 Turning Red Millennium Plaza Park
August 3 Puss in Boots the Last Wish Foothills Park
SUMMER MUSIC CONCERT SERIES
July 9 The Cabin Project 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Millennium Plaza
July 12 Ty Curtis 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Foothills Park
July 19 Good Day Sunshine 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Foothills Park
July 23 Robert Henry Band 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Millennium Plaza
July 26 Red Light Romeos 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Foothills Park
August 2 Jackson Michelson 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Westlake Park
August 6 Mbracatu 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Millennium Plaza Park
August 9 Jennifer Batten & Full Steam 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Westlake Park
August 16 Rockit Radio 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Westlake Park
August 19 Lajos Balogh Symphony 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Foothills Park
August 20 Reb and the Good News 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Millennium Plaza
August 23 Taken by the Sky 6:30 p.m. to 830 p.m. in Westlake Park
August 30 Foreverland 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Westlake Park
LAKE OSWEGO CORPORATION POP-UP CONCERTS – these concerts begin around 6:00 p.m. at different locations around the lake. The actual location is usually released shortly beforehand.
July 21 The Yachtsmen
August 5 Precious Byrd (This is also known as the Hot August Night concert, usually with a floating dance dock and a definite party atmosphere)
August 18 Christian Lopez
September 1 Andrew Paul Woodworth
Here’s where you can find daytime tunes:
FARMERS’ MARKET MUSIC – Saturdays in Millennium Plaza Park from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
July 15 Brent Rogers and KJ Miller
July 22 Reggie Garrett
July 29 Boka Marimba
August 5 Arietta Ward
August 12 Experience Flamenco
August 19 Kathleen Lavengood
August 26 Mbrascatu (solo)
September 2 Maeve Stier
September 9 Tevis Hodge Jr.
September 16 Warren Dunes
September 23 Redray Frzier
September 30 Rogue Moon
October 7 Thirteen Finches
Stay up-to-date on things to do in Lake Oswego by subscribing to my blog. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column. And if you’re thinking of moving in, out or around Lake Oswego, give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and/or check out my website. I’ve been a Lake Oswego resident and Realtor for over 30 years and would love to put my experience to work for you!
JULY 4TH FESTIVITIES. Read last week’s post to get the lowdown about everything (and it’s a lot!) happening in Lake Oswego to celebrate this national holiday.
CAMP LOPL WORKSHOPS. The library goes outdoors and it spells fun while learning for all who attend. Workshops, which run from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Rossman Park, 555 4th Street, this month include:
Worms and Compost, Wednesday, July 5
Paper Making and Print Art, Wednesday, July 12
Nature Crafts, Wednesday, July 19
Upcycled Crafts, Wednesday, July 26
ROVER POP-UP LIBRARY. The library is on the move this summer to make reaching your summer book challenge that much easier. Here’s where you’ll find the Rover Pop-Up Library in July:
Lakeridge Middle School, Thursday, July 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Westlake Park on Tuesday, July 11 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Lakeridge Middle School, Thursday, July 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Westlake Park on Tuesday, July 25 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
OPENING RECEPTION FOR ANOTHER WORD FOR MEMORY EXHIBIT. The Arts Council of Lake Oswego is hosting an opening reception for the current exhibit, featuring Ruth Ross and Brenda Whitehill Schlenker, whose practices use mixed media, photography and textiles to create a dialogue about aging, family and memory. The reception will feature a poetry reading by Leanne Grabel, who wrote a poem in response to Ruth Ross’ work. Friday, July 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 includes light bites. ARTspace Gallery, 380 A Avenue.
LANGE WINE DINNER. Enjoy a delicious evening of food and Lange wine with owners Don and Wendy Lange in the breezeway at Lake Oswego’s Zupan’s Market. Saturday, July 8 at 6:00 p.m. $125/person.
SUMMER OF MUSIC CONCERT SERIES. This popular series kicks off in July. Here’s the July lineup:
July 9, The Cabin Project at Millennium Plaza Park from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
July 12, Ty Curtis at Foothills Park from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
July 19, Good Day Sunshine, Foothills Park from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
July 23, Robert Henry Band, Millennium Plaza Park from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
July 26, Red Light Romeos, Foothills Park from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
MOVIES IN THE PARK. What better way to celebrate a warm summer evening with your family than by enjoying an outdoor movie in the park. Popcorn and treats are available for purchase but be sure to bring your blankets, pillows and low sand chairs to make for a cozy night. Here’s the July schedule: (shows between at dusk, between 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.)
July 20 at Westlake Park, Minions the Rise of Gu
July 27 at Millennium Plaza Park, Turning Red
LOBSTER AND CLAM BAKE. Zupan’s is hosting this popular feast in the breezeway on Saturday, July 22, beginning with a reception at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Buy your tickets early as it often sells out! $150/person.
Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Lake Oswego. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates.
I think if there were a Guinness World Record for most 4th of July events per capita in a town, Lake Oswego would win.
If you look at the lineup, I think you’ll agree.
SKI & WAKEBOARD EXTRAVAGANZA. Head over to Lakewood Bay and witness a local display of athleticism on water! Good viewing spots include Millennium Plaza Park, the Headlee Walkway and Sundeleaf Plaza. Sunday, July 2. Slalom events start at 10:00 a.m., followed by Wakeboarding at 1:00 p.m.
MILLENNIUM CONCERT BAND. A fitting kickoff to the celebration, this patriotic concert includes both military and marching band compositions, as well as the Presentation of Colors by the Lake Oswego Honor Guard and a tribute to Veterans. Monday, July 3 at 7:00 p.m. Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First Street.
LIONS CLUB PANCAKE BREAKFAST. Start the day off right with all-you-can-eat hot pancakes off the griddle (gluten-free option) and sausage for $10/adult; $7/children under 12. Enjoy music by singer Rae Gordon and her band as well as running into just about everyone you know at this popular annual event. Tuesday, July 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. George Rogers Park, 611 S. State Street.
STAR SPANGLED PARADE. Be prepared for a sea of red white and blue heading down A Avenue as festive floats, decked-out vehicles and costumed kids and canines march their way to Millennium Plaza Park. Tuesday, July 4 beginning at 10:00 a.m. Festivities continue at Millennium Plaza Park with live music, face painting, food trucks and more as well as the annual Pie Eating contest.
BOAT PARADE. Catch patriotic-decked boats head out from the Lake Oswego marina starting at 11:30 a.m. and proceeding along the northern shore until reaching the Lake Grove Swim Park, around 12:00 noon. The Mood Swings band will stop for a few tunes and then continue leading the parade along the southern shore before returning back to where it all began.
FIREWORKS POP-UP CONCERT. Boaters can enjoy the sounds of Britnee Kellogg beginning around 6:00 p.m. at a location TBD on the lake.
INDEPENDENCE DAY ILLUMINATION: A CONCERT AND LASER LIGHT SHOW. Disco and Dance band Satin Love Orchestra will have you on your feet before taking in a spectacular display of lights in the sky. Lasers take flight around 10:05 p.m. Bring your blankets, pillows and low sand chairs and save a spot for family and friends. Additional activities include food trucks, face painting and more. Tuesday, July 4 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Foothills Park, 199 Foothills Rd.
4th of JULY FIREWORKS. Hosted by the Lake Oswego Corporation and held on the west end of the Main Lake, fireworks are shot from a floating barge and put on a fantastic show for boaters and well-situated lake residents. Tuesday, July 4 @ 9:45 p.m.
Thinking of moving to Lake Oswego? I don’t blame you! I’ve lived here for over 30 years and have been helping others do the same as a Lake Oswego Realtor. Let me put my experience to work for you. Give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and/or check out my website.
Festival organizers have outdone themselves this year with a theme (Pop Goes the Festival) and a programming lineup that adds the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts to the list of things that get better with age.
First of all the theme—many of the exhibits and featured artists put the pop in album covers and concert posters, bringing together visual art with music. A one-of-a-kind installation will feature art from local legends Emek, Gary Houston, and Tim Oakley and show you how vinyl records (which we all know are in demand again) are created from start to finish. In addition, the Dee Denton Gallery in the upper level of the Lakewood Center will feature some of the best pop art from around the region and juried artists were also asked to create unique expressions of pop art.
And then the programming—music, art, food for young and old—this year’s festival has it all.
The Festival of Arts & Flowers. Paying tribute to the first Festival of the Arts which was called the Festival of Arts & Flowers, this year’s show will feature art inspired by the natural beauty of flowers and botanicals in the upper level of the Lakewood Center.
Live Music. There will be two stages this year both at George Rogers Park and the Lakewood Center hosting an incredible lineup of musicians. You can dance on the grass at George Rogers or enjoy tunes while browsing the Open Show Express exhibit at the Lakewood Center, both under big white tents.
Missoula Children’s Theatre. This popular touring children’s theatre returns again this year with FREE performances of Cinderella, starring some of Lake Oswego’s brightest young stars. Performances are at George Rogers Park on Friday, June 23 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Saturday, June 24 from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
Drink and Draw. If you’re 21 and over, enjoy a workshop with caricature artist Allen Schmertzler and see what talent lies within! Reservations are limited and available at Lakewood-center.org for $25. Friday, June 23 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Center, lower level.
A Workshop with Mirador: Using art and design for the neurodivergent community. Learn how Mirador Magazine (an age-appropriate, dementia-friendly publication created for people experiencing cognitive change) fuses art and design into each page’s purposeful layout, and why it’s important to create art and reading materials for the neurodivergent community. The talk includes a group activity using pages from the magazine. Saturday, June 24 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. In the Lakewood Center café.
Demonstrations by Local Artists. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of works in progress! Demos run all three days on the deck at the Lakewood Center and cover a variety of art forms including: block printing, repurposing garments into wearable art and layering vellum printed photos with gold leaf. For the full list head to lakewood-center.org/festival-demos.
Art in the Park. Discover (and purchase) original artwork from over 100 artists from all over the country at George Rogers Park. Friday and Saturday, June 23 and 24 from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Youth Art. See what our youth can create at the inaugural Joan Eliot Sappington Youth Gallery in the upper level of the Lakewood Center as well as the exhibits from the Youth Outreach Program, Drawn2Art and area schools in the Lakewood Café.
Festival Food. Whether it’s a snack or a full meal, you can find your favorite foods at the Festival, from coffee to shaved ice. See Festival Food for food listings.
Don’t miss out on all that’s going on this summer in Lake Oswego. Subscribe to my blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates. AND if you’re thinking about moving to Lake Oswego, give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com. I’d love to put my 30+ years as a Lake Oswego resident and Realtor for work for you!
Former Lake Grove Swim Park regular, James McGrew, painted this picture of his daughter enjoying the popular Lake Grove destination. “I lived here for ten years before I knew about this place,” he admitted. But soon he and his family found it the perfect spot for swimming, picnicking, and…painting.
When my wife and I first visited Lake Oswego, Oregon, we drove by the Lake Grove Swim Park and jealously eyed the carefree folks who were spending their summer afternoon in a setting that waterfront homeowners pay millions for. Little did we know the Lake Grove Swim Park would become our summer vacation spot for years to come once we bought a home and decided to live in Lake Oswego.
Even though we lived on one of the canals, giving us access to the entire lake, when our kids were little, the Lake Grove Swim Park was where they wanted to be. What kid wouldn’t with these Top 10 Reasons to Love the Lake Grove Swim Park?
1. It’s a happy place. I think everyone in my family will attest to the fact that when they think back to their Lake Grove Swim Park days, they were some of their happiest (and I’m not just talking about the kids!) It’s a built-in summertime community with friends for the making—all you have to do is show up!
2. Lifeguards/park attendants. These high school/college-age kids were the highlight for each of my lake rats. On any given day you could find one of my daughters shadowing her favorite guard or catch my son up at the snack shack in a furious card game of spit or speed with one of the cashiers. Life has come full circle. My oldest daughter is now a lifeguard.
3. Lifeguards again. For parents, having lifeguards puts your mind at ease. All swimmers are required to swim with a buddy, but lifeguards monitor each of the swimming areas.
4. The view. This is priceless real estate on the Lake Oswego waterfront. Spread out your blanket under the tree or on the dock and take it all in.
5. The lake. On a hot summer day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a dip in the lake. There are three swimming areas of graded depths with swim tests required to advanced to each level.
6. Swim lessons. They could be the best deal in town–two-week sessions run from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to noon on weekdays for only $50 and are already so popular, there’s a waiting list online to join. Lessons start end of June and run through mid-August.
7. Snack shack. In this world of “you are what you eat,” the snack shack is a throwback to the days we didn’t know that or at least didn’t care. Choose from candy bars, chips, popsicles and slushies in a variety of syrupy sweet flavors.
8. Wading pool and play structure. It’s easy to keep the little ones entertained with a concrete wading pool, sandbox and play structures (not to mention those slushies again).
9. Games. Equipment is available for rent including: volleyball balls, badminton racquets and birdies, nets for badminton/volleyball, soccer balls, basketballs, Kan Jam set, cornhole set, swim noodles, frisbees, ping pong paddles and balls, tabletop Weber charcoal grills (bring your own charcoal).
10. Picnic spots. Shade person? Got that. Want to work on your tan? Got that. Barbecue grates, picnic tables…no wonder the swim park is a popular spot for dinner for two after a long day at work or Charlie’s seventh birthday party.
Here’s just a little bit of history. The swim park was originally deeded to the Lake Grove School District by the Oregon Iron and Steel Company so that all the kids in the Lake Grove district could have access to the lake. In 1953 that district merged with the former Oswego School District to form what is now the Lake Oswego School District. Use of the park, however, is still restricted to residents who live within the original Lake Grove School District boundaries and pay an additional property tax toward the maintenance of the park. Residents need to show proof of residency to receive a park pass, good for the season.
Hours: Open noon to 8 p.m. daily starting the first Saturday after LOSD schools close in June until 5 p.m. on the Sunday before Labor Day weekend. This year that means June 17 through August 27.
Check out their website.Better yet, check out the park while there are still lazy summer days to savor.
Want to make sure the house you buy in Lake Oswego has rights to use the Lake Grove Swim Park? Give me a call at 503.939.9801 or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and I’ll show you around.
Real estate activity was up in Lake Oswego by almost 25% compared to last month with 51 homes selling as opposed to 41. The median and list prices were down slightly from the month before; however, the sale-to-list price held at 98%. At 170 homes sold year-to-date in Lake Oswego, we are still down 41% from the 286 homes that sold by this same time in 2022.
Here’s what we are seeing on the ground.
Bidding wars are not a thing of the past. We’ve been involved in (and won) at least two this past month (and one had ten buyers vying for the prize!) This is where an experienced and hyper-local Realtor earns his or her chops. Knowing what is a well-valued home and what it will take to get it is something that comes from knowing the market.
Inventory will most likely stay low as homeowners sitting on 2.65%-3.11% interest rates are hesitant to trade that in.
Buyers are out there, either all-cash or comfortable with the higher interest rates for the time being, anticipating they will be able to refinance down the road.
Some mortgage lenders have tried to sweeten the pot by offering loans at current market rates which can be refinanced later when rates go back down without having to pay the standard closing costs, which can translate to a savings of 2.5% to 5% of the loan amount. The terms vary from lender to lender so buyers should do their due diligence to ensure they fully understand the conditions of their loan and to ensure they are not paying more upfront for the “free” refinance promised down the road.
Thinking about buying or selling a home in Lake Oswego? I’m ready to put my 30+ years experience as a Lake Oswego Realtor and homeowner to work for you. Give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and/or check out my website.
TEEN SUMMER LIBRARY CHALLENGE KICK-OFF PARTY. The Library is hosting an after-hours party for teens to kick off the summer reading challenge complete with pizza and karaoke, escape rooms, and scavenger hunts for small prizes. Everyone is a winner by signing up for the Summer Library Challenge—all teens get a new FREE book to get them started!. Friday, June 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 pm. Lake Oswego Library, 706 Fourth Street.
BLOOD DRIVE. Pay it forward by donating blood at the city’s blood drive and help fill the need—every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. No need to wait in line. Just schedule your appointment with the Red Cross at www.redcrossblood.org. Friday, June 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lake Oswego City Hall, 380 A Avenue.
PORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE: A PRESENTATION FROM MADISON BARRIENTOS-CHINN. Looking to advance or career or explore new interests? Look no further than the Portland Community College. Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator Madison Barrientos-Chinn will explain the application process, speak on different academic programs, degree and certificates as well as how to pay for them. Saturday, June 3 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.
ART DECKED OUT – 2023 FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS KICK-OFF. Come and meet some of the featured artists in this year’s “Pop Goes the Festival” Festival of the Arts: Phyllis Yes, Mark Randall, Raphael Schnepf and Leslie Peterson-Sapp. Each artist will be speaking for seven minutes about their inspiration and technique. The Danny Schauffler Trio plus Anne will be opening the event and playing afterward. Beer, wine, non-alcoholic and light snacks will be available for purchase and attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy at the bistro tables or on the lawn. Free admission but RSVP at this link. Monday, June 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the deck at the Lakewood Center for the Arts. 368 S. State Street.
LIVING WELL DANCE FEATURING THE MILLENNIUM DANCE BAND. Enjoy the sounds of the “Big Bands” of the 1930s, 40s, and 50s with the Millennium Dance Band. All ages are invited, age 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. $7/person at the door. Friday, June 9 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road.
WHO ARE YOU? PART OF THE ADULT SUMMER LIBRARY CHALLENGE. Channel your inner artist in this FREE self-portrait workshop. Colored pencils, other media and paper will be provided as well as basic head drawing methods. No registration necessary. Saturday, June 10 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, second floor. 706 Fourth Street.
EXPERIENCED CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH GROUP. Keep yourself fluent by practicing your language skills with this conversational Spanish group. Monday, June 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street. Contact Diana Boom for more information: 503.312.1206.
PAMELA SLAUGHTER – THE CONVERSATION PROJECT. With all the challenges facing our world today, the more voices we invite to the table the better. However, children and elders are often left out thinking that “They’re too young,” or “They’re just going to talk about how things used to be.” Pamela Slaughter has worked with both youth and the elderly and appreciates the contributions they have to make. She’d like to know your thoughts and have you join in the conversation. Registration is required by contacting Alicia Yokoyama at ayokoyama@lakeoswego.city or 503.534.4228. Tuesday, June 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.
OPENING DAY LAKE GROVE SWIM PARK. The fun begins! This place is magical—my kids spent most of their young summer afternoons hanging out here and after one visit you’ll understand why. There are lifeguards on duty, recreational equipment for rent, a snack shack, swim lessons, picnic tables, and a beautiful view of the lake. Open to residents who live in the original Lake Grove Swim Park boundary. Check online and one of my previous blogs for more information. Open June 17 through August 27, Noon to 8:00 p.m. daily. 3800 Lakeview Blvd.
OUR LOCAL LANDSCAPE: A GEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE. Geology instructor and local resident Mike Goodrich will share his latest research on how plate tectonics, earthquakes, floods and volcanoes have shaped our local landscape. No registration necessary. Saturday, June 17 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.
LOBSTER FEED AND CHARITY AUCTION. This year’s event, brought to you by the Lake Oswego Rotary Foundation and Lakewood Center for the Arts, once again kicks off a star-studded summer lineup of activities in Lake Oswego. Held under the Big Top Tent, which will host the following weekend’s Festival of the Arts, in the Lakewood Center’s parking lot, the lobster feed (featuring flown-in-from-Maine lobsters) and charity auction attract more than 600 people each year to raise funds to benefit local, regional and international charities including: The Lakewood Center for the Arts, Hunger Fighters of Oregon Food Pantry, Family Promise of Tualatin Valley and Easterseals of Oregon Summer Camp for Kids with disabilities. Tickets are available online: $200 for regular seating; $225 for Patrons and $250 for Premier. Steak or vegetarian lasagna are available for non-seafood loving friends. Saturday, June 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. 368 S. State Street.
JUNETEENTH. Join the City, Respond to Racism and LO for Love to commemorate the end of slavery with a community celebration honoring the historic day. The event features musical performances, youth poetry, keynote address, vendors and more. Monday, June 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 4”00 p.m. in Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First Street.
POLLINATION CELEBRATION. Celebrate national pollinator week at Luscher Farm with educational sessions on pollinators, bird walks, bee identification and talks, crafts and activities for kids, sweet treats from Kona Ice, live music and more. The celebration concludes with a special pollinator parade for kids. Thursday, June 22 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Rd.
FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS PATRON PREVIEW PARTY. Get a sneak peek at the party the Lakewood Center has planned for this celebration in honor of 60 years of bringing arts education, culture and community together. This is your chance to see and purchase the art, meet special guests and finds all kinds of surprises. Wine from Willamette Valley Vineyards and food from Nicoletta’s Table. Friday, June 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. $60/guest. Purchase tickets here.
LAKE OSWEGO FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS. This year’s theme, Pop Goes the Festival, promises to be filled with more programming and opportunities to get up close and personal with art than ever, including a community collage project in the style of vintage ‘60s pop art. Check out the complete schedule online. Friday, June 23 through Sunday, June 25. Lakewood Center for the Arts and George Rogers Park. 368 S. State Street and 611 S. State Street.
POPERAPDX INTERACTIVE MUSIC. Take your kids on a musical adventure with Elaina Stuppler who has performed at the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Halal and soon-to-com Sydney Opera House. Children will hear songs from Bob Marley to Mozart. Saturday, June 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.
CAMP LOPL – GIANT BUBBLE SHOW. Kids can experiment with different sizes and shapes of bubble wands, use bubblesand paint for creative designs and enjoy the magic of a giant bubble show. Wednesday, June 28 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Rossman Park, 555 Fourth Street.
Summer programming is in full swing in Lake Oswego. So is the summer homebuying season. Give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com if you’re thinking of moving in, around or out of Lake Oswego. I’d love to put my 30+ years as a Lake Oswego Realtor and resident to work for you!
As the weather warms up, interest in waterfront homes in Lake Oswego heats up too. And as someone who not only sells waterfront homes but lives in one too, I get it. The lifestyle that waterfront living offers is one-of-a-kind and delivers memories that will last a lifetime.
But all those benefits do come with a price, and it’s not just the list price attached to a home for sale. Here’s what else you need to know.
There are 693 properties that border Oswego Lake and its canals. These properties are referred to as “shareholder” properties and are charged annual assessments to maintain and improve the value and quality of Oswego Lake under the stewardship of the Lake Oswego Corporation. In addition, homeowners are issued one share of voting stock for each 10 feet or major fraction of 10 feet of lake frontage property.
These assessment rates are based on two things: the number of linear feet of lake frontage owned by each shareholder and a flat fee of equal amount for each shareholder. These fees go towards managing water quality, providing safety patrols, removing silt from the lakebed, maintaining the dams and other infrastructure and purchasing and maintaining equipment for the operation of the lake. One powerboat and any number of non-power watercraft licenses are included with a paid assessment. Additional powerboats carry a fee of $250 for 9.9 hp or less, $500 for 10 hp or more.
This year an increase of 3.5% was approved by the Board to help offset rising costs due to inflation in addition to a special assessment of $600 a year for the next two years to cover ongoing legal expenses over public lake access from city parks abutting Lakewood Bay. (Read the full story here).
In addition, there is a $7,500 transfer fee due from a new waterfront home buyer that must be paid at the time of closing of a transaction.
One of the things those assessment rates go towards is drawing down the lake every few years to allow for infrastructure projects and dredging. The next drawdown is scheduled for October of this year during which the city is planning to replace the sewer trunk in Blue Heron Bay (south of the bridge). This is also a time for shareholders to conduct any construction projects they have planned along their waterfronts.
As I’ve mentioned before in previous blogs, you don’t need to own a waterfront home to enjoy Oswego Lake.
First off, all Lake Oswego residents have access to the Lake Oswego Swim Park at 250 Ridgeway Road which is open from July 1 through August 31 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. complete with certified lifeguards, diving platforms, inner tubes, lounge chairs, picnic tables and water toys. Residents within the old Lake Oswego School District boundary have access to the Lake Grove Swim Park at 3800 Lakeview Blvd. and open from June 17 through August 27 from noon to 8:00 p.m. daily and also has certified lifeguards as well as a snack shack, picnic tables, swim lessons and recreational equipment for rent like basketballs, cornhole set and ping pong paddles and balls.
Over 3,000 homes in Lake Oswego have special deeded lake access privileges through 20 easements located around the lake. Which particular easement a homeowner has access to is determined largely by location and which easements their property has deeded rights to. Some homes might be deeded rights to more than one easement. Each easement is governed by its own individual set of by-laws and run by its own volunteer board of directors and facilities and rate structures vary. You can find a complete list here. In addition to the easement fees, the Lake Corporation has assessed a one-time fee of $100 in 2023 for easement members to fund the legal fees mentioned above.
Please feel free to reach out to me at 503.939.9801 or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com if you have any questions about buying a home in Lake Oswego, fees associated with living here and/or the status of the lake access litigation. At this point phase two of the trial is expected to proceed regarding the reasonableness of city ordinances that prohibit public access to the lake from city-owned properties such as Millennium Plaza Park.
I feel pretty lucky—I live where I work and I love where I live. As a Realtor in Lake Oswego, Oregon, I get to share that enthusiasm with clients every day. Through this blog, with the help of my freelance writer wife, Genita, I’d like to share that enthusiasm with you. Be sure to visit my website.
Due to the changing nature of activities in response to COVID-19, I am suspending this section of the blog temporarily but wish every mom out there a Happy Mother’s Day today!
52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego 