7 Mistakes Your Don’t Want to Make When Pricing Your Home to Sell in Lake Oswego

Posted on March 3, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

Price is considered by many to be the most important marketing decision you can make when it comes to selling your home. Given that, you want to be sure not to make these mistakes:

1. Listing it at a price your neighbors told you they sold theirs for. When deciding how to price your home, you need to do more market research than asking your neighbor. While you may live on the same street, you may not be comparing apples to apples. Theirs might be newer or have been recently updated. Yours might have a bigger yard. Theirs might have a downstairs master while yours is on the second floor.

Timing is another factor to consider. Maybe your houses are pretty similar but they sold theirs in a seller’s market and now there is a backlog of inventory giving buyers the upper hand.

2. Listing your house at a higher price so you have room to negotiate. This is one of those real estate myths that just can’t be put to rest but if you rely on it, it can work against you. Here’s how.

You could be eliminating potential buyers. Buyers shop with a certain budget in mind, many times thanks to a pre-loan approval. If you’ve overpriced your home and out of their budget, they may not even look at it, when in fact, they could have afforded it if you’d listed it at its true value.

You could be lengthening the time your house stays on the market. If your house is overpriced, it’s very likely it will take longer to sell. Days on market is one of the factors that influences a home’s perceived value so the longer it sits there, the more “negotiating room” the buyer believes he or she has. So that “wriggle room” you left room for just got a lot bigger.

3. Listing your house without a comparative market analysis. Remember what I said about comparing apples to apples? That’s what a comparative market analysis done through a professional Realtor does. It takes your house’s square footage, condition, location, age, etc. and compares it to similar homes that have sold. You should start your listing decision with this data-backed information in hand and only list with a Realtor who insists on doing one.

4. Listing your house at a higher price because you’re in no hurry to sell. If you’re not in a hurry to sell, then it’s better to wait before putting your home on the market. This luxury of time that you feel you have can be eaten up by that “days on market” factor I mentioned earlier. An overpriced home will sit on the market longer because (a) experienced Realtors will advise their clients that your home is overpriced (b) potential buyers won’t even look at your home because they think it is out of their price range. Waiting until you’re ready to move on and then list your house at its market value.

5. Listing your house with the real estate agent who comes in with the highest listing price. Sellers often go with what they want to hear, only to pay for it later. Every Realtor has his or her own approach to getting listings and one of those is to essentially “buy” the listing by offering the highest price. But if you’ve interviewed several real estate agents and they’ve all come in with lower values, consider what I’ve said earlier about the perils of overpricing your home.

6. Listing your home before you’ve taken care of repairs. Some sellers prefer to ignore certain home repairs to save money when putting their home on the market. Others, once again, may hike up their asking price anticipating that they will have to chip in later for repairs. This is another decision that can come back to haunt you. Home inspections which are required before a sale goes through will turn up your “dirty laundry” (or loose stair railings, leaky roof or basement moisture)  and could end up costing you more money down the road with credits to the buyer and/or losing a buyer altogether. Better to address the problems head-on when you are in charge of who’s doing the repairs and for how much. Then price your house accordingly, factoring those costs in.

7. Listing your house for less to account for the “condition” it’s in. Sometimes this strategy works and is necessary but in my experience, buyers have a hard time overlooking things. If at all possible, try to present your house in the best condition possible–clean, uncluttered and updated as much as possible. If you’re not in a position to do that, then be sure your listing price is discounted enough to enable buyers to see the potential and be willing to realize it. I can speak to this personally. Recently I tried selling a home I owned in an “as-is” condition with a price that reflected that, assuming the buyers would either tear it down or remodel. After a few months with no offers coming it, I took it off the market and fixed it up–painted, updated the kitchen, redid the hardwood floors, new carpets. When I put it back on the market at a much higher price I was able to recoup my updating costs and increase my profit considerably over what I would have made the first time around.

If you’re thinking of selling your home, I’d love to put my 25 plus years’ experience as a Realtor in Lake Oswego to work for you. Give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or check out my website. Let’s meet and start our conversation with a comparative market analysis. Hope to talk with you soon.

Posted in buying a home in Lake Oswego Oregon | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Presenting Lake Oswego Academy Awards

Posted on February 24, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

It’s not just in Hollywood that performances deserve special recognition. Right here in Lake Oswego we have some individuals and works that merit honoring. I’m sure if you live here you have nominees of your own, but here are mine to get you thinking.

BEST PICTURE: Camp Costello. Every summer for the past several years, our son invites his San Francisco friends to come to Lake Oswego to celebrate the Fourth of July which meant that this past July we had about 15-20 of them sleeping under our roof, swimming in Lakewood Bay at our cabana, and celebrating in the way that twentysomethings do. The year before this large group had gotten their picture in the Lake Oswego Review at the pancake breakfast so this time around they tried for winning Lake Oswego’s Best Photo contest by forming the letters LO in our backyard wearing their 4th of July gear. While we didn’t win that award, it does come out on top in these awards.

BEST DIRECTOR: Bill Baars, retired library director for his eleven years of leadership in making the Lake Oswego library a gathering place where you are as likely to find concerts, live movies, arts and crafts and workshops as you are to find books. His legacy includes the Lake Oswego Reads program as well as the library’s top billing as the Oregon library with the highest per capita usage. Fortunately for us, retired doesn’t mean “done.” Baars recently hosted the LO Reads author presentation with Cristina Henriquez, posing thoughtful questions that gave all of us in the audience greater insight into the author’s workings.

BEST ACTOR or ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE: Jenny Slepian in her role as Sustainability and Management Analyst for not only raising our consciousness about how we can be better stewards of our environment but also suggesting concrete action we can take. Thanks to a recent article she recently wrote in the Lake Oswego Review my wife now walks into grocery stores not only with her reusable shopping bags but also her mesh reusable produce bags. Not to mention the compost bin under our sink that got us to start composting our food waste rather than throwing it down the garbage disposal along with gallons of wasted water. Slepian will be leading a workshop on how to give up single use plastics in our everyday life on Saturday, March 9 at 12:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego library in case you want to learn more.

BEST ENSEMBLE CAST: Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation department that bring us everything from Movies in the Park and Horse-drawn Wagon Rides to Fairy Tale Ballet and Luscher Farm Family Dinners. Their tireless efforts and creative programming go a long way towards keeping Lake Oswego an engaging and engaged community.

BEST MUSICAL: Buddy Returns! This show that doubled as a fundraiser for the Lakewood Center was a hoot—and I don’t just say that because my wife volunteered me to get up on stage and contribute my vocals to “Summertime Blues.” (Is there an award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical?) The night featured 20 of Buddy’s hits from “That’ll Be the Day” to “Peggy Sue” as well as numbers (and appearances) by The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens. The songs, the time travel, the antics, had everyone in the audience smiling, clapping and singing along.

BEST COMEDY: Spilt Milk. Kudos to comediennes Joanie Quinn and Betsy Kauffman for bringing their laughfest to Lake Oswego! The duo have been performing and lining up other local comics under the Spilt Milk tagline for about six years but it was just last year that they set up shop at the Lake Theater and Café on the second Thursday of the month. If ticket sales indicate how well they deliver, then they are definitely worthy of the award as shows have sold out each month since they moved here. The next one is on Valentine’s Day, February 14. You can purchase tickets here (if there are any left!).

BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS: Fireworks show over the lake. Some things never get old and watching the fireworks display from our boat along with hundreds of other boats out on the lake is magical. To think it was cancelled one year back in the early 90s! At that time the fireworks were launched off the small island across from the Lake Grove Swim Park and the close proximity to houses was deemed a fire hazard. The Lake Oswego Corporation tried to remedy the situation with a laser light show that might have had a chance if it was in red white and blue but as I recall it was in green. So my wife and I harnessed an effort to “See them live in ‘95” and raised funds to bring the show back, launching the pyrotechnics off from a floating barge out in the middle of the lake. Since then, the Lake Corporation has used funds from assessment fees to ensure that the show goes on!

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Waiting at Hayden’s book trailer filmed right here in Lake Oswego and Portland. My daughter Riley published her novel, Waiting at Hayden’s this past summer and as part of her marketing campaign she took on the roles of Director, Casting Director, Location Scout, Screenwriter, Wardrobe Director, and Set Designer to produce this trailer. You can buy her book on Amazon.

I like to think if there was an award for Best Realtor, I’d be taking home the honor. Let me win your vote! If you’re thinking of moving in, out or around Lake Oswego or the Portland metro area, give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or check out my website. I’ve been a Realtor for over 30 years and would love to put my experience to work for you! 

Posted in Lake Oswego lifestyle | Tagged , | Leave a comment

5 Reasons Why Loving the Library Is an Easy Thing to Do in Lake Oswego

Posted on February 17, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

It’s Library Lovers Month and in Lake Oswego, loving the library is an easy thing to do. The 13th Annual LO Reads Program is underway in February but there are lots of other reasons to fall in love with our library. Here are a few you may not have known about.

KANOPY. You’ve binge watched the latest season of The Crown, you’ve just finished round 2 of Game of Thrones in preparation of the final chapter, now what? Check out this on-demand streaming service that offers more than 30,000 of the world’s best films including award-winning documentaries, rare and hard-to-find titles, film festival favorites, indie and classic films. Here are some of the titles you’ll find: Catch 22, Lady Bird, The Red Balloon, Memento, Love Story, and the original The Star is Born with Janet Gaynor and Fredric March. And to help you get ready for next week’s Oscars, you can catch these Oscar nominated films: Of Fathers and Sons nominated for Feature Documentary and One Small Step and Weekends for Animated Short Film. Library card holders have five play credits each month with three days to view a movie after selecting PLAY. You can watch on your iPhone, iPad, Roku, Kindle Fire Tablet, Android, Chromecast and Apple TV.

ANSWERLAND. Can’t sleep because you have this great idea for a new organic food meal service and you want to know how much people are willing to pay for something like that. Go online with Answerland chat, text or email a librarian with your question 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During normal working hours you’ll most likely interact with Oregon librarians but in the wee hours of the night, you may be relying on a librarian somewhere else in the world. Either way, someone will be there and/or get back to you within two working days of your inquiry.

TEN IN TEN. Know what you like but don’t know what to read next? Don’t necessarily want to read what everybody else is reading? Then fill out the Ten in Ten reader profile and let a Lake Oswego librarian create a customized list of 10 book recommendations based on some of your favorite and least favorite titles. They’ll have it to you in 10 days.

PINTS FROM THE PAST. You know what they say, “It’s all about the packaging.” The Clackamas County Historical Society has partnered with the Lake Oswego Public Library and Lake Theater and Café to make history fun to learn by hosting this historical lecture series at this popular venue in town. History buffs and newbies find historical facts easier to swallow when washing them down with a pint of beer, glass of wine or cocktail. Beverages are not required but the venue is fun and brings lessons about topics like Black History, Rail History or World War II History in Oregon to the people.

LAKE OZ KINDLES. Thinking of buying an E-reader but want to check it out first? Going on a two-week vacation but don’t want to lug your books around with you? The library has several models of Kindle readers loaded with hundreds of books. They can be checked out for four weeks, no renewal. If you want to ensure that a particular book is on the Kindle you check out, contact librarian Kiira Taylor at 503.697.6581 or ktaylor @ci.oswego.or.us and she’ll make sure the Kindle you get has the title you want.

AND….COMING SOON: LIBRARY OF THINGS. The Lake Oswego library is one of eight libraries within Clackamas County planning to open a Library of Things in 2019. From sewing machines to camping equipment, you name it and they’ll consider it. Complete their survey online or at the library.

AND….WAITING AT HAYDEN’S. Yes, I’m admittedly a proud father and you can check out my daughter’s book, Waiting at Hayden’s at the Lake Oswego Library.

Our library is just one of the many reasons to love Lake Oswego Subscribe to my blog to learn about more. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column. And if you’re already in love with Lake Oswego and want to move here, give me a call at 503.939.97801 and/or check out my website. I’ve been helping people move to Lake Oswego for over 30 years and I’d love to put that experience to work for you!

Posted in Lake Oswego Library | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Sign up now for Spring Break Camps for your Kids in Lake Oswego

Posted on February 10, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

With snow on the ground and in the forecast, you may not be thinking Spring Break is just around the corner but it happens to be little more than a month away. And if you’re planning a staycation, it’s not too early to sign your kids up for camps that will keep them entertained. Activities fill up fast so check these options out.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL. In the past the Community School has offered Lifeguard Training for ages 15+ during Spring Break. Information was not available at press time so check their website and/or call 503.740.7184.

LAKE OSWEGO PARKS AND RECREATION. Please note that this year there is no before, after, or in-between care offered for Spring Break camps. Register by calling 503.675.2549 or on their website.

■Little Ninjas Camp for ages 6-8. Watch the transformation as campers build strength, agility and confidence through challenging games and obstacle courses.  Monday, March 25, through Friday, March 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mary S. Young Park, 19900 Willamette Drive. Fee for Course #18935: $230/Resident; $265/Non-Resident.

■Beginning to Rock Camp for ages 5-7. Consider this a rock immersion course for youngsters as RMC staff introduce them to the tools of the trade: bass, drums, guitar, keyboard and vocals as well as music fundamentals: pitch, harmony and rhythm. Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road. Fee for Course #18659: $147/Resident; $170/Non-Resident.

■Wordsmith Songwriting Camp for ages 8-12. Calling all songwriters—learn how to put your musical ideas on paper. Camp is geared for all skills levels, whether you need to fine tune or learn the basics of piano or guitar. Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road. Fee for Course #18660: $147/Resident; $170/Non-Resident

■Harry Potter Magical Engineering with LEGO® Materials for ages 5-7. Play-Well Teknologies staff will harness your children’s natural curiosity for how things work and love for all things Harry Potter to instill some principles of engineering and problem-solving as they construct the Hogwarts Express Train and the Hogwarts Castle. Using Platform 9 ¾. Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29 from 9:00 a.m.t lo 12:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road. Fee for Course #18657: $183/Resident; $210/Non-Resident.

■Harry Potter Master Engineering with LEGO® Materials for ages 7-12. Your child will hone his or her magical and STEM skills using Build Diagon Alley  for a trip to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road.  Fee for Course #18658: $183/Resident; $210/Non-Resident.

■School’s Out—Let’s Go Fishing! For ages 7-14. Kids will explore local fishing holes and different “angles” on fishing covering rods and reels, fly fishing, tackle, cleaning fish, bait and primitive fishing methods. Transportation off-site provided as needed. Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mary S. Young Park, 19900Willamette Drive.  Fee for Course #18750: $184/Resident; $212/Non-Resident.

■Spring Break Farm Camp for ages 5-12. Luscher Farm is home base while campers learn about organic gardening, seed starts, and how to plant vegetables. Other activities include farm based crafts and feeding the chickens. Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Road. Fee for Course #8733: $160/Resident; $200/Non-Resident.

■Intro to Fencing Camp for ages 7-12. Learn the basic skills of this Olympic sport that challenges quick thinking, coordination, strength and agility. All equipment provided. Tuesday, March 26 through Thursday, March 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road. Fee for Course #18916: $100/Resident; $115/Non-Resident.

■Wild Survival Camp for ages 6-9 and 9-13. Kids will learn shelter and fire building, food and water acquisition, cordage, tracking and more in this wilderness survival camp utilizing team scenarios. Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 at Mary S. Young Park, 19900 Willamette Drive. Fee for Course #18749 for Ages 6-9 and #18751 for ages 9-13: $265/Resident; $305/Non-Resident.

■Junior Golf and Tennis Camp for ages 7-13 gives kids a chance to learn the basics of each sport with Monday/Wednesday sessions at the Indoor Tennis Center and Tuesday/Thursday sessions at the Golf Course. Equipment available for those who do not have their own racquet or clubs. Monday, March 25 through Thursday, March 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Fee for Course #18877 for ages 7-10 and $18878 for ages 11-13: $120/Resident; $150 Non-Resident.

■Intermediate Junior Golf Camp for ages 12-15. Time to take their beginning experience to the next level learning how to choose clubs, execute better shots, chip and putt at competitive level. Wednesday, March 27 and Friday, March 20 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Golf Course, 17525 Stafford Road. Fee for Course #18879: $100/Resident; $125/Non-Resident.

PLAY BOUTIQUE. 464 First Street. 503.675.7529. Register on their website. https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/asp/main_enroll.asp?fl=true&tabID=101

■Nerdy Nummies. This interactive camp will introduce kids to the delicious treats inspired by the popular YouTube show including Dinosaur Fossil Cake and Moon Phase Macaroons. Runs from March 25 through March 29. Sibling discounts available.

  • 1-2 year olds from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Fee: $40 for half day; $85 for full day until 4:00.
  • 3-8 year olds from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Fee: $35 for half day/$65 for full day until 4:00 p.m.

NIC & FIGS. 425 Second Street. 503.479.8596. Register on their website. http://www.nicandfigs.com/classes/

■Spring Break Sewing: Poufs! For ages 8 and up. Create a different project each day. Monday, March 25 – Poufs (#134), Tuesday, March 26 –  Unicorn pillow and headband ($102), Wednesday March 27 – Fur Tote and Patch Pouch ($115). Most supplies included except for pillow insert. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. Bring your own lunch.

■Poop and Emoji Cookies. Back by popular demand from last year! Kids get to make two different kinds of cookies: sugar cookie they can decorate as emojis and a chocolate cookie that looks like…emoji poop! Tuesday, March 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost: $52.

■String Art for Boys and Girls ages 8 and up. Kids will be amazed at the images they can draw by weaving string in and out of strategically placed nails. Wednesday, March 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cost: $109.

■Scented Soy Candles and Spa Products for ages 8 and up. Supplies included to make bath bombs, rainbow soaps, bubble bars, Skittle flavored lip balm and candles. Thursday, March 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cost $108.

MOUNTAIN PARK KIDZONE. Register in person at Mountain Park Clubhouse, 2 Mt. Jefferson Terrace in Lake Oswego. 503.635.3561.

■Spring Break Camp for ages 5-12 from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29 includes sports, swimming and pool activities, arts and crafts, games and more at Mountain Park Clubhouse, Mt. Jefferson Terrace. Full Week Fee: $250/ Mt. Park members; $325/non-members ($50 discount for siblings). Full Day Fee: $55/members; $75/non-members ($5 sibling discount). Register at front desk. Call for information: 503.635.3561.

Spring Break can be a good time to look at homes for sale in Lake Oswego if you’re thinking of moving. I’ll be around so give me a call at 503.939.9801. Would love to show you around.

I update this post every year so be sure to subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss out on the latest edition!

 

 

Posted in Holidays in Lake Oswego, Lake Oswego Recreation, Spring Break in Lake Oswego | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Lake Oswego Family Getaway Plans for This Month’s Three Day Weekend

Posted on February 3, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

Thanks to George Washington, Abe Lincoln and their successors, you’ve got a three day weekend coming up this month. If you’re wondering what to do with the kids, I’ve got some suggestions for you.

If you can take Monday off as well and want to plan a getaway, consider one of these popular winter family escapes.

SUNCADIA RESORT. This Washington vacation spot is only a four hour drive from Lake Oswego and promises to pack a lot of winter fun into your weekend. Snow activities include cross country ski and snowshoeing, sleigh rides, guided cross country ski and snowshoe tours, ice skating, and a rope tow inner tubing hill. The Junior Rangers program has a lineup of themed activities planned for President’s Day weekend. Other recreational activities include Build a Bear, Tie-Dye Snow Art, Canvas and Cocoa and Bounceville with adult offerings that include a Mixology Class and Couples Paint and Sip. Accommodations include rooms in the Inn, Condos and vacation homes.  3600 Suncadia Trail, Cle Elum, WA., 866.904.6300.

SUNRIVER RESORT. Oregon has its own answer to a family friendly winter wonderland that’s only 3 hours and 15 minutes from Lake Oswego. You can pack in a lot of fun without leaving the resort with an indoor pool and Surf Wave Machine, outdoor hot tub, year-round sledding hill, rock climbing gym, indoor basketball court, indoor tennis courts, and fitness studio rooms with classes like Zumba and Spin for adults and Beginning Ballet and Hip Hop for the kids. Don’t forget ice skating on the covered skating rink at the village mall. There is daily shuttle service to Mt. Bachelor which is only 20 minutes away and nearby sno-parks like Edison and Wanoga offer sledding and snow tubing. Accommodations include the lodge and vacation rentals. 17600 Center Drive, Sunriver. 855.420.8206.

BLACK BUTTE RANCH. Located just seven miles west of Sisters, Black Butte Ranch is a popular getaway for many Lake Oswego families. The Hoodoo Ski Area is only 13 miles away with options for downhill and cross country skiing, skating and a tubing park. Sledders will enjoy Santiam Sno Park just across the street from Hoodoo.  Back at the ranch, you can take advantage of the groomed trails around Big Meadow or Glaze Meadow Golf Courses for cross country skiing and snowshoeing as well as a sledding hill near the Glaze Meadow parking lot. Rent fatbikes to go exploring or head over to the Glaze Meadow Recreation Center to enjoy the indoor pool and fitness equipment. Accommodations include condos and vacation homes.

SKAMANIA LODGE. If your kids are older and aren’t afraid of heights, Skamania offers a Zipline Course with seven zip lines from 100 to 900 feet long, and three sky bridges. The guided tour should take about 2.5 hours. For the more adventurous (and strong) the Aerial Park has 19 platforms and 22 elements of varying difficulty to test your ability and balance. It’s all outdoors in the forest so you’ll want to bundle up. Back at the Lodge, you can warm up in the outdoor hot tub, enjoy the indoor pool and mini golf. The drive is only about an hour from Lake Oswego and the lodge is offering 20% off during their winter getaway special through February 28. Just enter the promo code WIN2019. Accommodations include guest rooms in the lodge but for a different experience check into one of their tree houses! 1131 SW Skamania Lodge Way, Stevenson, WA. 844.432.4748.

TIMBERLINE LODGE. This grand majestic spot invites you to just bundle up and stay a spell. But skiing is right outside your door as well as a ¾ mile groomed snowshoe trail. Be sure to pet resident St. Bernards Heidi or Bruno on your way out the door. When you come back in to warm up, enjoy the heated outdoor pool and hot tub, game room with shuffle board, ping pong table and board games and the fire in the towering stone hearth. Extend your stay an extra day and enjoy the Full Moon Snowshoe Stroll Tuesday night, February 19. Accommodations include rooms in the lodge as well as six condos six miles away at Government Camp. 27500 E. Timberline Road, Timberline Lodge, OR. 800.547.1406.

GREAT WOLF LODGE. Leave the snow behind and check into the Great Wolf Lodge with an indoor water park that is guaranteed to wear your kids out. Dry land activities include a ropes course, indoor miniature golf, and arcade and indoor fitness center with character appearances sure to delight the younger set. Located in Washington, the drive is only about 1 ½ hours from Lake Oswego. 20500 Old Highway 99, SW, Centralia, WA. 800.640.9653.

If you decide to stay close to home, here are a few things you can do without leaving the Portland metro area.

ICE SKATING. Check out sessions at the Winterhawks Skating Center in Beaverton, Lloyd Center in Portland or the Sherwood Ice Arena.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION. The Lan Su Chinese Garden will be celebrating the Chinese New Year from February 5 through the 19th with special hours from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Activities include lion dances, cultural performances, martial arts, calligraphy, wishing tree activity, crafts and lantern viewing. Check the complete schedule.

AVALON THEATRE AND WUNDERLAND. Get out your nickels! This throwback hangout features 100 arcade games which after a small admission charge only cost a nickel a game. Could keep your kids busy for a while! Laser tag is available too. Check out the movie schedule as well and you can make an afternoon of it. 3452 SE Belmont Street, 503.238.1617.

HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN™ IN CONCERT. The Oregon Symphony has geared this concert towards the up-and-coming music lovers with a popular storyline and shortened performance. Costumes are encouraged. At press time, tickets to the Sunday evening performance on February 17 at 7:30 p.m. were still available.

Stay current on what’s happening in and around Lake Oswego by signing up for my blog. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column and receive weekly updates! 

 

Posted in Seasons in Lake Oswego Oregon, Things to Do in Lake Oswego | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lake Oswego Reads Launches a Month of Hot Topic Events

Posted on January 27, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

One thing you can say about Lake Oswego Reads—it likes to stay topical. Last year’s book pick, Rise of the Rocket Girls, with its spotlight on the contributions of female mathematicians to NASA’s early space missions ensured that Lake Oswegans were discussing what the rest of America was discovering through the Academy Award nominated movie, Hidden Figures.

This year as immigration is part of the national discussion with legislators grappling over border wall funding and the fate of DACA, the library has a month-long lineup of activities surrounding the theme of The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez. The book lends insight into the immigration experience through the eyes of one family who pick up everything they know in hopes of finding resources and opportunities for their daughter who has sustained a near fatal accident.

Free copies of the book were handed out earlier this month but check with the library—there might be extras. If not, you can try checking a copy out or find one online.

Be sure to take advantage of the variety of events the library has planned throughout the month and throughout the city. Here’s just a sampling of what’s in store. For a complete list check the Lake Oswego library website.

EVERYTHING ABOUT THE U.S. IMMIGRATION SYSTEM. Have questions about the immigration system but didn’t know who to ask? Legal advocate, scholar and Lake Oswego resident Susan Dussalt will be on hand to answer your questions like: How do people become U.S. citizens? How do some people live and work in the U.S. without legal immigration status? Come hear about the legal and human aspects of immigration. Friday, February 1 at 7:00 p.m. Lake Oswego City Hall Council Chambers, 380 A Avenue.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE SCAVENGER HUNT. Here’s fun for the whole family. Translate directions for each clue by completing different games and activities. Saturday, February 2 at 1:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Senior High School Gym, 2501 Country Club Road.

MEET SOME DREAMERS. Try putting some faces to the discussion. Meet Luis Balderas-Villagrana, a junior at Portland State University and student body president who came to the United States when he was seven to escape violence of drug cartels in Mexico. Saturday, February 9 at 10:30 a.m. Oswego Heritage House, 398 10th Street.

INTERRUPTING HATE CONVERSATION. Lake Oswego’s local group, Respond to Racism, offers a presentation on how hate escalates and the things we can do to change it. Sunday, February 10 at 3:00 p.m. Lake Oswego City Hall Council Chambers, 380 A Avenue.

AUTHOR PRESENTATION AND BOOK SIGNING. Hear Cristina Henriquez speak and answer your questions. Ticketed guests receive first seating. At 6:45 if seats remain, others can be seated. Send in your questions in advance. Wednesday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. Lake Oswego High School Auditorium, 2501 Country Club Road.

HERE NOW: ART INSPIRED BY THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE. Attend the opening reception for this art show that gives you insight into the immigration experience through an artist’s lens. Friday, February 15 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ARTspace, 510 1st Street.

CONVERSATIONS WITH IMMIGRANTS. Don’t make assumptions. Educate yourself by listening to locals who have been through the experience. Jorge Zuniga, owner of Casa del Pollo, a Costa Rican restaurant here in Lake Oswego and attorney Luis Garcia with Marandas & Sinlapasai, P.C., also here in Lake Oswego.

MEXICAN COOKING DEMONSTRATION: SOUP TO SWEETS. Enjoy this hands-on presentation with cooking instructor Edurne Garcia-Andre from San Miguel de Allende. She will show you how to make Tarascan soup, Horchata water, Bunuelos and cinnamon tea. Register and prepay $5 at the library (706 Fourth Street) as enrollment is limited. Demonstration takes place at the Chamber of Commerce office, 459 3rd Street.

Stay up to date on what’s happening in Lake Oswego by subscribing to my blog. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

 

 

 

 

Posted in Lake Oswego Library | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Where to Celebrate Soup Month in Lake Oswego

Posted on January 20, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

 

January is Soup Month and there are plenty of restaurants in Lake Oswego that can help you celebrate. From a legendary creamy mushroom version to an authentic Vietnamese pho, you’ll find the variety, warmth, and taste that makes soup a natural dining choice in the midst of our cold, wet winter.

Here are some options for you to consider.

GUBANC’S RESTAURANT. While this third generation owned and operated restaurant features daily selections made fresh from scratch, the Cream of Mushroom soup that is serve d up every Friday is considered legendary. It dates back to one of the original owners—Anne Gubanc—who was known for her delicious creations and this one has stood the test of time. Recent Yelp reviews call it “to die for.” Check their website for this week’s lineup of soups. 16008 Boones Ferry Road, 503.635.2102.

FLYING ELEPHANTS DELICATESSAN. Elephant’s Delicatessen has had a Lake Oswego presence since 2005. They feature monthly soup specials (like Indian Spiced lentil and Mulligatawny) but are often lauded for their classics: Tomato Orange and Mama Leone. Several Yelp reviewers attest to combining the two for a true gastronomic delight! If you’re feeling industrious, you can follow the recipe for their Tomato Soup and make it at home. 5885 SW Meadows Road, 503.620.2444.

LA PROVENCE. The signature soup here is French Onion featuring deeply caramelized onions in a rich homemade beef consommé. Top it with melted Swiss and Parmesan cheese on toasted bread and you may feel so warm and cozy inside you won’t want to leave! One Yelp fan described it as a “rich brown homage to the humble onion with a thick beret of melty cheese.” 16350 Boones Ferry Road, 503.635.4533.

PHO’ LAVANG. Pho is Vietnam’s national dish and this family-owned Vietnamese restaurant does it justice. The rich, aromatic broth is filled with vegetables, rice noodles and your protein of choice from steak and chicken to shrimp and barbecue pork. 16120 Lower Boones Ferry Road, 503.697.6253.

POT BELLY SANDWICH SHOP. Want your soup served your way? You can customize your order here by adding ingredients to your soup. Add-ins include avocado ($1.25 extra), bacon (75¢), cheddar (65¢), jalapeno crisps (60¢), pot pie topping (60¢), or onions. Selections include Chicken Pot Pie, Loaded Baked Potato and Broccoli Cheddar.                  9 Centerpointe Drive, 503.840.6974.

TAVERN ON KRUSE. Priding themselves on their use of seasonal ingredients, you can enjoy Apple and Butternut Squash Soup here right now as well as Steamer Clam Chowder. 4835 Meadows Road, #133, 503.303.5280.

ZUPAN’S. Want to grab and go? Zupan’s rotates their daily selections and label whether they are gluten and/or dairy free. There are six to choose from with recent selections like Turkey Lentil, Steakhouse Beef Vegetable and Wild Salmon Smoked Chowder with Bacon. Call in and ask for the deli to get that day’s lineup. 16380 Boones Ferry Road, 503.210.4190.

Posted in Lake Oswego Restaurants | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

What’s the Housing Market in Lake Oswego Look Like for 2019?

Posted on January 13, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

Stocks aren’t the only investment undergoing a correction right now. So is the housing market. But that’s not necessarily bad news.

After decades of boom and bust cycles, slow and steady can be good for everyone. Here’s what I mean.

Home prices in Portland and Lake Oswego in particular are still going up but at a much slower and sustainable pace making homes more affordable for buyers. Sellers are having to adapt, relying more heavily on comparative market analyses from professional Realtors than on their personal ideas of what their homes are worth. While this may seem like bad news for sellers, if they are planning to move up or move on, the same market conditions work to their advantage.

These circumstances make it an excellent time for buyers to move into Lake Oswego where traditionally higher priced homes may have been out of their reach.

Other factors are also at work making the next five to six months a good time to make your move.

I believe interest rates will come down if not ½, then ¼ of a point in the next 90 days. All you have to do is look at the 10-year treasury note–it has no legs. It’s back where it was a year ago after climbing up 60 basis points and couldn’t hold it at all. The current average rate of 4.4% would look pretty good to buyers in 1981 who took out loans at almost 19% or even to those in 2000 with rates of 8.05%. We’ve enjoyed historically low interest rates under 6% since 2008, and while they’re not at the 3.31% we saw in 2012 they’re still much better than in years past.

That’s not to deny that even an increase of 1 percentage point can affect the price a homeowner can afford to pay for a home, which may keep a check on how fast home prices can increase.

A rebounding stock market will abate people’s fear factor, spilling over into the housing market as well. Why do I say “rebounding?” A couple of factors are at play. Historically stocks perform well in the third year of a presidential term. And while the current gridlock in Congress is frustrating to us voters, more often than not it has been good for the stock market. Psychological factors come into play as much as financial so an upbeat outlook bodes well on all fronts.

Housing supply is another condition that affects the market. I predict that the supply will remain steady for the next 12 months—about a 2 ½ to 4 months inventory of homes. It will be closer to 4 months in Lake Oswego where home prices are higher. This is a range that still tends to favor sellers but I am seeing more price adjustments being made on higher end homes. The Oregonian recently reported that in November, a third of active Portland home listings dropped their price. Again, this reflects the need to involve a professional Realtor when listing your home to ensure that prices reflect market conditions, not seller expectations.

If you’d like a personal assessment of how current market conditions are affecting the value of your home or the type of home you can afford to purchase, please give me a call at 503.939.98901 and/or check out my website. I’ve been helping people move in, move up and move beyond Lake Oswego for over 30 years. I’d love to put my experience to work for you.

Posted in buying a home in Lake Oswego Oregon | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Here’s Your Lake Oswego Holiday Recuperation Plan

Posted on January 6, 2019 by lovelakeoswego

The holidays—whether you love them or hate them, now’s the time to celebrate you survived them! What better way to do that and to start off your new year than by taking a break to revive and restore.  Here are some ideas for how and where to do that in and around Lake Oswego. From a massage to a quiet respite, consider this your holiday recuperation plan.

SPA TREATMENT. Take some time out with a massage or facial that can put you in the ahh zone instead of the aargh one. Here are a few places to check out:

●rumi simone. How’s a candlelit Ritual Bath filled with stress relieving salts sound followed by an aromatherapy massage? Deciding what spa service to select will be challenging but once you cross that hurdle, all you have to do is unwind. 345 First Street, 503.699.8899.

●Skin Sense Spa. Choose from a long list of facials or after a long season of shopping and hitting the mall, you might want to opt for some Peppermint Foot Therapy—a 30 minute treatment that includes an invigorating scrub, soothing oil and foot massage.  15450 Boones Ferry Road, Suite 7. 503.307.3833.

●Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa. It’s a smorgasbord of options here including a massage with heated Himalayan salt stones that add a healing element to all that relaxation. If your partner has been working as hard as you, there’s a couples massage as well. 4328 Meadows Road, Suite 123. 503.308.1516.

LABYRINTH. Dating back to ancient times, a labyrinth has been called everything from a healing tool to a “watering hole for the spirit.” If you’re suffering from decision overload, a labyrinth is a perfect place to give your mind a rest. It’s a pattern of pathways that weave in a circle around a center point with only one way in and one way out. So all you have to decide is to start and the path will guide you. You can find some local ones like at Marylhurst Heights Park, 1800 Valley View Drive in West Linn or by checking out this website.

NATURE WALK. From lowering your blood pressure to improving cognitive function to reducing stress, a walk in the woods is a highly touted do-it-yourself escape route from a stressful day. Luckily for you, you don’t have to go far to get away from the maddening  crowds. Head out to one of these nearby parks.

●Tryon Creek Park. Eight miles of hiking trails and three miles of a paved bike trail help you meander through the 658 acres of second-growth forest right next door to Lake Oswego. Check the map for local access points. 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd., 503.636.9886.

●Elk Rock Garden. Also known as Bishop’s Close, this close getaway is a tranquil spot with a view. A map with suggested garden walks is available in the Visitor Center. 11800 SW Military Lane, Portland. 503.636.5613.

●Lake Oswego Trails. Download one of the city’s maps detailing the growing system of trails and pathways that cut through our town and preserve nature’s beauty. Popular ones include the Iron Mountain Trail that runs behind Hunt Club and Cook’s Butte with one access point at the end of Atherton Drive.

MEDITATION. What better way to take a timeout than to tune in and tap into your awareness of your breath, your sensations and your space. Learn to observe your thoughts without being taken hostage by them. Could come in very handy when your New Year’s resolutions start screaming at you.

●Free classes through Gale Courses and your Lake Oswego library card. Learn different meditation techniques through online courses. Just click on the Gale Courses tab on the library website and register.

●Pause Meditation Studio. If you do better learning in person, then check out a drop-in class at Pause Meditation in Portland. There are a variety of offerings including Introduction to Meditation on Saturday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and Beginner’s Mind on Tuesday evenings from 7:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Drop-in fee is $12. Reserve a cushion online. 213 SW Ash Street, #209. 503.343.4831.

The holidays aren’t the only thing that can stress us out. Buying or selling a home can do the same thing. Let me make the experience stress-free for you by putting my 30+ years experience to work. Check out my website and/or give me a call at 503.939.9801.

Posted in Holidays in Lake Oswego | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Catch Trivia Night Four Days a Week in Lake Oswego

Posted on December 30, 2018 by lovelakeoswego

Ever wonder when the first New Year’s Eve was celebrated? That’s the kind of trivia you might be asked at one of Lake Oswego’s popular Trivia Nights held around town each week. Since Friday is National Trivia Day, I wanted to give you a round-up of where to get your brainpower and your sense of humor tested.

The good news is that if you have a hankering for trivia, you are not alone. From Monday through Thursday nights, you can find a local spot to gather with like-minded folks. Check these places out.

HOP N’ CORK. This Lake Grove neighborhood taproom has added Trivia Nights on the second and fourth Mondays to its offerings. Enjoy premium craft beverages from a local Northwest IPA to authentic German Pilsner to help those brain synapses fire. Food offerings are available too. The fun begins at 7:00 p.m. 17450 Lower Boones Ferry Road, 503.305.5903.

ROOTS GATHER + GIVE. Comes Tuesday nights you have a couple options. This newcomer to the field is located inside Palisades Grocery Store and is Lake Oswego’s first not-for-profit tap room + craft drinkery. All profits go back to charity partners in Education, Literacy, Fighting Hunger and the Arts. Tuesday nights are Trivia Nights here with questions hand-curated by one of your hosts, Derek Abbott. Be ready to roll at 7:00 p.m. 1377 McVey Avenue, Space A, 503.957.2701.

HANKO’S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL. On Tuesdays you can get your trivia fix at this Mountain Park establishment. The questions start firing at 8:00 p.m. but you can warm things up during Happy Hour from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 4 Monroe Parkway, Suite F, 503.697.7819.

LAKE THEATER AND CAFÉ. The competition starts at 7:00 p.m., every Wednesday but you can get there early and order something to eat and drink. Up to seven of your well-read friends can join you on a team. Top three teams get gift certificates valid for the next month at the café. 106 N. State Street, 503.387.3236.

GEMINI BAR AND GRILL. The questions start rolling at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, but if you’re going to make a night of it, come in early for the Happy Hour from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 456 N. State Street, 503. 636.9445.

Back to my earlier trivia question, just in case the questions are New Year’s related this week. The first New Year’s Eve was probably celebrated around 2000 B.C. in Mesopotamia around the time of the vernal equinox in March. It wasn’t celebrated in January until 45 B.C. when the Julian calendar went into effect.

And since I’m a Realtor in Lake Oswego, here’s a little bit of Lake Oswego real estate trivia.

  • The number of homes sold in Lake Oswego through November of this year was 696.
  • The average sales price was $866,118.
  • On average, a home in Lake Oswego took 46 days to sell.
  • Prices increased 3.9% over last year.

Feel free to call me at 503.939.9801 with your real estate questions. Be sure to check out my website as well. I’ve been helping people move in, out and around Lake Oswego for over 30 years and I’d love to put that experience to work for you!

 

Posted in Things to Do in Lake Oswego | Tagged , , | 2 Comments