Simplify Holiday Shopping by Shopping in Lake Oswego

Posted on December 6, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

HOLIDAY SHOPPINGOne way to simplify your holidays is to shop local. Lake Oswego businesses have decked their halls with all kinds of goodies for loved ones on your list. Take a look at what they have to offer.

Soletta Shoe Boutique. 390 N. State St., Suite 116. 503.210.4125. Owner Carrie Elliott has lots planned this holiday season to make your shopping easier and merrier. This week (December 11-12) she’s helping husbands out with her “Hints for Husbands” sale featuring 20% off selected items and “Wish Lists” for the ladies. And all month long, she has new items arriving so be sure to check in on a regular basis. In addition to a sophisticated shoe selection, you’ll find handbags, belts, jewelry, and scarves…all with a designer touch.

Accessories From the Heart. 220 A Avenue, Suite 100. 503.675.1144. Owner Carol Winston is out to make your gift giving easy by bringing some of the best that over 100 vendors have to offer. There is clothing by Sympli, sleepwear by PJ Salvage, fine leather Hobo handbags, clutches and wallets. Got a traveler on your list? A Mycra Pac designer packable travel coat would be perfect! Simplify the life of the entertainer on your list by getting her a Nora Fleming platter which she can personalize for each occasion with interchangeable mini ornaments that snap on to the dish.

Grapevine. 310 N. State Street. 503.635.6009. Sweaters are always a good fit under the tree and Grapevine has them in all price points from brands like Wooden Ships and Sanctuary to Repeat, Vince and Eileen Fisher. Check out the selection of scarf and mitten sets, warm winter hats, and one of their top sellers—plaid shirts from Rails. Grapevine is partnering up with the Lake Oswego Mother’s Club to help people in need by offering a $25 store credit for every gift you bring into the store—that’s quite a return on your holiday giving.

Holiday Gallery. 510 First Street. 503.675.3738. Choose from handcrafted art by 30 local artists, many of whom could be your neighbors. Choose from a variety of mediums including ceramic lamps, hand turned exotic wood bowls, paints, prints, woven scarves, glassware, jewelry, candles and greeting cards. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through December 23. Friday receptions with wine and treats are scheduled for December 12 and 19 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and December 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

R Blooms. 267 A Avenue, 503.636.5876. You’ll feel like you walked into Santa’s workshop once you make your way past the 12 foot Nutcracker greeting you at the entrance to this more-than-a-florist-shop-florist-shop. This is the Christopher Radko headquarters with almost three walls devoted to his collection. For home décor you’ll also find interactive wall art that lights up when you press a button as well as Lifetime Liquid Candles. Inside the glass containers holding the replaceable oil, are beautiful preserved natural and man-made accents such as bright red apples, greens, orchids and hand painted butterflies, making this a work of art whether the candle is glowing or not. And check out the Hot Skwash collection of pumpkins all decked out in holiday colors as well as the silk velvet strawberries accented with Swarovski crystals seeds.

SnapCurate. 460 Second St. 408.750.4888. Rose Laughlin is an art lover who wants to share her passion with others by providing a venue where artwork and those who appreciate it can come together. Just in time for the holidays she has moved into Graham’s Book & Stationary’s former space and lined up an offering of art pieces from both local as well as national artists. You’ll find greeting cards designed by a Lake Oswego high school student, jewelry, sculpture, a rare Ed Hardy poster, work by Portland visual artist Arnold Pander and lavishly decorated Christmas trees ready to bring the holidays to your home.

Lucky Me Boutique. 385 1st St, Suite 115. 503.636.9595. There’s lots to choose from here and lots to just make you stand back and smile. How about a bedazzled bracelet for your Laker or Pacer fan? There are twistable scarf accessories to embellish this popular cold weather wardrobe must-have. Stocking stuffers include a melting snowman, PDX carpet socks and undies, and wish bracelets. Lucky Me also offers a colorful jewelry collection as well as Pandemonium faux fur vests, scarves, hats and gloves, and bSoft sleepwear.

Wishbone Home and Design. 41 B Avenue, 503.636.1229. Dress up your home for the holidays with seasonal décor that includes fresh or preserved plants, rugs and holiday candles. Gift items include jewelry, Oregon Olive Mill products, candlesticks, frames and gift cards. Pick up a little decorating advice while you’re at it from the experts on hand.

Nic & Figs Makery. 425 Second Street, Suite 120. 503.479.8596. Everything here is handmade and much of it locally in Lake Oswego and Portland. For kids, you’ll find “maker kits” so they can create their own dream catchers, hot chocolate or cupcakes. Hands-on adults might like cheese making supplies or a starter package of Kombucha. There’s also a selection of books, jewelry and art prints for you to choose from.

Lady Di’s British Store and Tea Room. 430 Second Street. 503.635.7298. Load up for the anglophile on your list with mince pies, shortbread, Christmas crackers, English bone china and Christmas pudding. And grab some respite for yourself with a pot of tea and crumpets in the tea room.

Paper Caper. 16829 65th Avenue. 503.620.9460. From stocking stuffers to hostess gifts you can check a lot of people off your list at this store. You’ll find a large assortment of adult coloring books which seem to be a craze this season along with different shades and sizes of colored pencils. Other selections include holiday salt and pepper shakers, wine tags, ugly beer sweaters, and knitted head warmers. For ambiance, include some Fraiser Fir products in your shopping bag—candles, mist, and sachet will ensure your home will smell like Christmas.

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Your Guide to Ringing in the Holidays in Lake Oswego (Part 2)

Posted on November 29, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

christmas-xmas-santa-claus-adventThe holiday activities just keep on coming! Here are some more to usher you all the way through.

Holiday Magic Breakfast Theatre. Since this event repeats next weekend, I included it here again. Enjoy a special holiday continental breakfast ½ hour before the curtain goes up for this interactive production of The Peppermint Bear Show: The Taming of the Shoe featuring area high school student performers. Geared for ages 3-12. Saturdays, December 5, 12, and 19 and Sundays, December 13 and 20, at 9 and 11 a.m. in the Lakewood Center Community Meeting Room at the Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street. Advance reservations are required by purchasing tickets either online, at the box office or by calling: 503.635.3901. Fee: $14/adults;$12/youth 18 and under.

Herbal Gift Workshop for ages 16+. Learn how to infuse oils and make salt scrub, lip balm and massage oils perfect for gift giving. Saturday, December 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Road. Register for Class #12326. $30/Resident;$45/Non-Resident.

Tinseltown Trolley. Enjoy a Yuletide ride on the Willamette Shore trolley all decked out for the holidays on Saturday, December 12. Includes story time, treats, carols and a visitor from the North Pole. Reservations for the 45 minute rides can be made for departures at 1:00 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 4:45 p.m. Cost is $15 (12 and under); $18 for adults. Departs from 311 N State Street. 503.675.2549.

High School Holiday Choir Concerts. Holiday carols have a way of bringing out the merry in all of us. Let local high school students work their magic as they perform in their auditoriums over the next couple of weeks. Lake Oswego High School on Tuesday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. 2501 Country Club Rd., 503.534.2313. Lakeridge High School on Wednesday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. 1235 Overlook Drive. 503.534.2319.

Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Watch what happens when a teacher casts the worst kids in school to star in the Christmas play. Performances at 7:30 p.m. on December 17-23 and at 2:00 p.m. on December 19-20. Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street. Purchase tickets online, at the box office or by calling: 503.635.3901. Fee: $15/adults;$12/youth 18 and under.

Horse Drawn Wagon Rides. Here’s another opportunity to slow the season down and take in the sights as you ride through downtown Lake Oswego and the First Addition neighborhood. Saturday, December 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Reserved seating is no longer available so it’s first come, first served. $5/adults; $3/children. Rides leave on the half hour from the main fire station, 300 B Avenue. 503.675.2549.

Christmas Ships Parade. Catch a glimpse of up to 60 boats decked out in holiday lights as they make their way from the River Place Marina in Portland to George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego. Boats due to pass by Foothills Park around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 19.Warm up by the fire in the park shelter while you wait. 199 Foothills Drive. 503.675.2549.

Holidays Around the World for ages 5-12. Keep the kids busy in the days leading up to Christmas as they learn about other cultures, do crafts and bake cookies. Monday, December 21 through Wednesday, December 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Road. Register for Class #12332. $125/Resident;$145/Non-Resident. 503.675.2549.

Last Minute Gift Crafts for grades 6 and up. Materials and snacks will be provided for last minute Santas. Tuesday, December 22 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street. 503.675.2538.

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Where to Get Your Pumpkin Fix in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on November 22, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

pumpkinA month ago my 26 year old son alerted my wife and I to the news that there might be a pumpkin shortage this season. I think he was trying to ensure that my infamous pumpkin cream cheese pie would still be served at Thanksgiving.

If you’re a pumpkin fan, don’t let the rumors scare you. There is plenty of pumpkin to go around, especially here in Lake Oswego. Here are some places where you can get your fill this Thanksgiving.

Zupan’s has done their homework—bringing in pumpkin delicacies from around the Portland metro area. You’ll find:
●Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake by Finales both to serve a crowd as well as in an individual 3 oz. serving
●Jaciva Pumpkin Pie
●Sarah’s Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie
●and on a healthier note, Pumpkin Ginger Snap Cheesecake Greek Yogurt by Ellenos at their Greek yogurt bar.
16380 Boones Ferry Rd., 503.210.4190.

La Provence is in the neighborhood as well and has added a few seasonal temptations to their already enticing lineup of goodies.
●Cranberry Pumpkin Rolls come both individually and arranged as a beautiful centerpiece.
●Pumpkin Cheesecake in various sizes
●Pumpkin Tart available in both individual, 7” and 10” sizes
●Pumpkin Croissant
16350 Boones Ferry Rd., 503.635.453

Kyra’s Bake Shop ensures that gluten-free pumpkin lovers don’t have to do without.
●Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes will be available from November 22-30.
●Pumpkin Doughnuts on November 22
●Pumpkin Spice Scones on Wednesdays and Saturdays
599 A Ave., 503.212.2979.

St. Honoré Boulangerie. As though there wasn’t enough to choose from at St. Honoré, they’ve added seasonal specialties that include pumpkin. But hurry because they won’t be around much longer.
●Pumpkin mille-fuille. If you don’t speak French, it means a decadent combination of layered puff pastry filled with pumpkin custard mousseline. Must be good. I stopped by on a Saturday at 11 a.m. and they were out.
●Pumpkin macaroons
315 1st St., 503.496.5596

UU Yogurt, Yodelish, Lake Oswego Ice Creamery. If you want your pumpkin smooth and creamy, try one of these spots, where pumpkin flavors have made their way into the selections.
●UU Yogurt. A Street Station, 345 1st St., 503.699.6284.
●Yodelish. 3 Monroe Pkwy, 503.305.6574.
●Lake Oswego Ice Creamery. 37 SW A Ave., 503.636.4933.

Local Coffee Shops. From the big guys like Starbucks and Peet’s to the locals like Chuck’s Place and Blue Moon, you can drink your pumpkin with a pumpkin café latte.
●Chuck’s Place. 148 B Ave., 503.675.7861.
●Blue Moon. 3975 Mercantile Dr., 503.805.1883.

R Bloom’s. If you’d rather decorate with your pumpkin than eat it, then stop by this Lake Oswego florist and select one of Hot Skwash’s high-end collectible pumpkins. A local company, Hot Skwash has hit it big, now being carried in Gump’s and Neiman Marcus, but you can hand select your favorite from the crop at R Bloom’s right here in town.  267 A Ave., 503.636.5876.

Paper Caper. And if you’d rather smell your pumpkin instead of serving it on a plate, pick up a popular Pumpkin Spice candle at this popular greeting card and gift shop. 16829 65th Ave., 503.620.9460.

Stay tuned for more reasons to love Lake Oswego. Subscribe to my blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

 

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Your Guide to Ringing in the Holidays in Lake Oswego (Part 1)

Posted on November 15, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

sugar-cookies-christmas-xmasFrom the 51st annual Holiday Tree Lighting to the Von Trapp Holiday Concert, Lake Oswego has a wonderful lineup of traditional and new activities to brighten your holiday season. There are so many, in fact, you’ll find them listed as part of a two-part series. Here is the first batch.

Keeping it Local. Authors and illustrators from the area will be scattered throughout the Lake Oswego Library on Sunday, November 15 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., sharing the stories behind their work and making it available for book lovers on your gift lift. Coffee, tea, and cookies will be provided. 706 Fourth Street. 503.636.7628.

Grapevine Denim Drive. Here is another opportunity to get into the holiday spirit of giving by supporting Grapevine Boutique‘s clothing drive for families and individuals in need served by Portland’s Sunshine Division. Bring your gently used denim and warm coats to the store between November 19-21 and receive 20% off any denim purchases made that day. Refreshments will be served and the AG Denim Trunk Show will be featured all weekend. Grapevine Boutique, 310 N. State Street, 503.635.6009.

Reunion Farmer’s Market. Local farms bring autumn’s bounty to downtown Lake Oswego. Enjoy shopping in the crisp fall air and pick up some fresh ideas for your Thanksgiving feast. Saturday, November 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Millennium Plaza Park, First and Evergreen.

Holiday Craft Workshop for ages 6-12. Materials and instructions will be on hand to make gifts, decorations, and cards. Pizza lunch included. Saturday, November 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department, 1500 Greentree Road. Register for Class 12223. $30/Resident; $45/Non-Resident. 503.675.2549

51st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy one of Lake Oswego’s longest standing traditions which includes tree lighting, caroling, treats, and a visit from the big guy decked out in red and white. Friday, November 27 at 5:30 p.m. Begins at Bigelow Plaza on the corner of 5th and A Avenue and proceeds down to Millennium Plaza Park.

Holiday Gift Show at Oswego Heritage House. Get your holiday shopping done early and local with selections that include hats, jewelry, puppets, wine and more. Santa will be on hand from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 2, 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Oswego Heritage House. 398 10th Avenue. 503.635.6373.

Lakewood in Lights. This annual event features food, complimentary wine, entertainment, live and silent auctions and festive trees to benefit the rising star program at Lakewood Theatre Company. Wednesday, December 2, 5:30 p.m. at the Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street. Tickets are $75/person ($50 tax deductible) and can be purchased at the box office, online or by calling 503.635.3901.

Dennis’ 7 Dees Reindeer Magic. Bring the kids to pet baby reindeer and have their picture taken with Santa. They’ll also enjoy holiday craft activities, hot cocoa and cookies while you’ll enjoy shopping for holiday gifts and greens. Friday, December 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Garden Center, 1090 McVey Avenue. 503.636.4660.

Gingerbread House Workshop for ages 6-12. Chef Laura Content will help kids bake and decorate gingerbread houses and send them home with dough to bake. Held at Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Road. Register for Class #12323 for Saturday, December 5 or Class #12324 on Sunday, December 6, both from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. $52/Resident; $78/Non-Resident.

Teen Movie Matinee featuring Elf for grades 6 and up. Teens will get in the spirit of things with this holiday favorite on Saturday, December 5 at the Lake Oswego Public Library from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 706 Fourth Street. 503.675.2549.

Von Trapp Holiday Concert. The streets of Lake Oswego will be alive with the sound of music that has been handed down through the generations. Siblings Sofia, Melanie, Amanda and August are the great-grandchildren of Captain and Maria von Trapp, who inspired the popular musical, The Sound of Music. Saturday, December 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Lake Oswego High School auditorium, 2501 Country Club Road. General seat admission purchases can be made by visiting the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation website or calling 503.675.2549. $14 for children, ages 2-11; $20 for adults.

Holiday Magic Breakfast Theatre. Enjoy a special holiday continental breakfast ½ hour before the curtain goes up for this interactive production of The Peppermint Bear Show: The Taming of the Shoe featuring area high school student performers. Geared for ages 3-12. Saturdays, December 5, 12, and 19, and Sundays, December 13 and 20, at 9 and 11 a.m. in the Lakewood Center Community Meeting Room at the Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street. Advance reservations are required by purchasing tickets either online, at the box office or by calling: 503.635.3901. Fee: $14/adults;$12/youth 18 and under

Let me know if I can help you in any way if you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Lake Oswego. As you can see, I love living here and as a Realtor in Lake Oswego, feel like I’m marketing more than homes…I’m selling a way of life!

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5 Ways to Give Thanks in Lake Oswego

Posted on November 8, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

As my blog tries to prove, there is a lot to be thankful for when you live in Lake Oswego. ‘Tis the season to not only reflect on that, but pay it forward. Here are five ways you can do that in the coming weeks.

5 ways to give thanks 21. Help disadvantaged women in our community who are trying to become more economically independent by supporting the Dress for Success clothing drive. Donations can be dropped off at any of the Hasson Company Portland Metro offices, including mine at 15400 Boones Ferry Road, from November 9-13. Items needed include gently used dresses, pants/slacks, blouses/professional tops, blazers/jackets/winter coats, professional shoes, handbags, jewelry, accessories (belts, scarves, gloves, umbrellas), new and packaged bras, hosiery and cosmetics. Financial contributions are also being accepted–$500 supports one woman’s services through the program for an entire year. Clothing is just one piece of the package that Dress for Success offers. Women also receive résumé, job search, and interview preparation as well as job success services. Dress for success is definitely not just a “help out” program but a “hand up.”

2. “Fill a Stocking, Fill a Heart.” Brighten the holidays for clients of Clackamas County social service agencies. Pick up a handmade stocking or two at one of several city locations and fill with unwrapped needed items like socks, gloves, toothbrushes and shampoo. Once the basics have been met, you can add age appropriate extras like stuffed animals, art supplies, movie tickets, bus passes and store gift cards. Then return the stockings by December 11. Pick-up and drop-off locations include Lake Oswego City Hall at 380 Avenue, the Adult Community Center at 505 G Avenue, or the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department at 1500 Greentree Road. In the past, at least a hundred stockings have been filled each year in Lake Oswego alone, and Clackamas County has distributed 2500 to 3000 stockings to over 20 different agencies. For many individuals, this is the only gift they’ll receive. For further information check out the website or call Diana Smith-Bouwer at City Hall at 503.635.0257.

3. Bring a smile to a child by donating to the Lake Oswego Fire Department’s Toy Drive. Starting in mid-November, you can drop off new, unwrapped toys to any of the Lake Oswego fire stations. Donations will go to the Elks Club who will distribute them to families in need. Drive ends December 16.

4. Support Clackamas Women’s Services by visiting the Giving Tree at the Lake Oswego Library (706 Fourth Street) and fulfilling someone’s wish list. Starting November 23, the Lake Oswego Mother’s Club will be coordinating the tree, decorating it with gift tag ornaments, and collecting donations. Select an ornament, purchase the item and then return the unwrapped gift to the box under the tree by December 15. Clackamas Women’s Services assists women and children trying to live a life free of domestic violence.

5. Contribute to the canned food drives at local high schools. Both Lake Oswego and Lakeridge High Schools will be sponsoring canned food drives during the holidays. Lakeridge’s runs from November 30 to December 11; Lake Oswego’s from December 7 through December 11. Contact them for drop-off details. Or if you know a student, send your cans in with them. Second period classes at Lakeridge are waging “Food Wars”–competing for most cans collected so your donations will be greatly appreciated on several levels. Lakeridge: 503.534.2319; Lake Oswego High School: 503.534.2313.

Stay up-to-date on all there is to be thankful for in Lake Oswego by subscribing to my blog. As a Realtor here in Lake Oswego, I like to point out all the reasons why you might want to buy a house here and call Lake Oswego home. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

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Finish this sentence: Only in Lake Oswego….

Posted on November 1, 2015 by lovelakeoswego
Fortuna. reduced jpg

Only in Lake Oswego do outdoor sculptures get dressed.

If you follow my blog, you know that Lake Oswego is a unique place to live. Of course, residents of New York or San Francisco might make the same claims. BUT…can they say this?

Only in Lake Oswego….

  • does the hometown you were excited to leave as a kid now serve as your favorite vacation spot as an adult (my 27 year old son visited three times this summer for anywhere from 5 to 10 days).
  • would motorists wait patiently and applaud two rescuers who stop traffic to herd a mama duck and her three ducklings off a busy street and on to a safe place.
  • can you ring in the New Year by bundling up in your wet suit and Santa hat and skiing on the lake.
  • does the police department field calls from the likes of a driver who wants to file charges against a motorist for flipping him off to a daughter whose mother locked her out of the house for refusing to clean her room.
  • would a bubble be something you live in, can’t wait to get out of, and then when you’re ready to raise a family, be something you want to get back into.
  • can you finally convince “an outsider” to join you when you visit and then have him ask to join you every time you return (one of my son’s friends visited Lake Oswego for Hot August Night last year and just completed his third return visit with a fourth scheduled for this year’s Hot August Night)
  • will volunteers get up before dawn to hang over 250 flower baskets throughout town (after many of those volunteers have already donated money to fund those baskets!)
  • can you celebrate the 4th of July with a boat parade AND a kids parade down main street.
  • does the maintenance department have a “duck rescue crew” to retrieve ducks from places like storm drains.
  • can a school Foundation raise a record $304,000 in one month’s phonathon.
  • does the library give away close to 1,000 FREE books to local bookworms as part of their community-wide reading program.
  • does a neighborhood block party take place on the water every year in August.

How would you finish this sentence—“Only in Lake Oswego…” Leave your suggestions here for all our readers to enjoy.

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Lake Oswego Neighborhoods Put Out Their Spook Mats to Welcome Trick-or-Treaters

Posted on October 25, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

Halloween vertical 6I’ve praised Lake Oswego neighborhoods for being welcoming and kid-friendly. But drive around from mid to late October, and they can come across as downright scary. With Halloween just around the corner, that’s a good thing! In an attempt to let trick-or-treating kids know that “this house will be handing out treats,” Lake Oswego homeowners have put out the spooky mats.

Don’t let these decorations scare you off. Check out my guide to best neighborhoods for trick-or-treating in Lake Oswego and brave the goblins, skeletons and ghosts. You won’t be disappointed.

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Halloween horizontal 3 Halloween horizontal 4If the thought of buying or selling your home scares you, give me a call and I promise I’ll make the whole process of home ownership in Lake Oswego a treat. You can reach me at 503.939.9801 or check out my website. 

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To Everything There is a Season in Lake Oswego–What’s Yours?

Posted on October 18, 2015 by lovelakeoswego
It's this kind of fall color scene that we have to look forward to now that cold nights are upon us in Lake Oswego.

It’s this kind of fall color scene that we have to look forward to now that cold nights are upon us in Lake Oswego.

If you’ve read my blog for very long, you know that summer is my favorite season here. How do I love the summer in Lake Oswego? Let me count the ways—boating on the lake, swimming at the swim park, fireworks on the lake, Lions Club 4th of July pancake breakfast, warm summer nights, out of town guests, Hot August Night, just to mention a few.

But one of the many things to love about Lake Oswego is that we have four seasons and for every summer lover, chances are you’ll find someone to sing the praises of the other three.

FALL. Changing colors. Homecoming parades. High school civil war games. Luscher Farm scarecrows. Harvest moonlit boat rides. Halloween festivities and neighborhoods that really get into it. Wine walk.

WINTER. Holiday tree lighting. Horse drawn wagon rides. Christmas ships parade. The chance that it might snow. Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Bus. Finding all kinds of excuses to cuddle up with a good book. Snow days. Being only 1 ½ hours away from a ski slope. Lake Oswego Reads.

SPRING. Blossoms. Tulips, azaleas and rhododendrons. Maher’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival. Lake Run. Village flower baskets first appear. Oswego Heritage Council Historic Home Tour. Farmer’s Market starts back up. Neighbors come out of their winter hibernation and start chatting over the fence again.

Give your favorite season in Lake Oswego a shout-out. Let’s hear what you love and why.

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Hot Neighborhoods in Lake Oswego’s Real Estate Market

Posted on October 11, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

welcome reduced for blogWhen buying a home in Lake Oswego, Oregon, it’s hard to go wrong. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, it’s the kind of place that once you’re a homeowner, you can find yourself making money while you sleep as your home in this highly desirable community appreciates.

But, certain neighborhoods have certain profiles which you can glean from their assets (as mentioned in some of my posts) as well as from their market activity. Today I’d like to address the latter to give you an idea as to what neighborhoods in Lake Oswego are hottest in different price ranges.

Let’s start with the lowest price of entry—from $100,000 to $400,000. In the last six months, there have been 191 sales, with 33 currently active and 49 pending. That’s an average of 31 sales per month, making for a one month inventory of homes that average $258,000, with a median sales price of $260,000. The Mountain Park and Lake Grove neighborhoods dominate in this category, followed by Hallinan, so if you are looking in this price range, those are the areas you’re most likely to end up. Chances are you could also find yourself in a condominium or townhome which are well represented at this end of the scale.

Things change a bit as we move up in price range from $500,000 to $700,000. You’ll find fewer townhomes and condominiums as most homes are detached. There have been 236 sales in the last six months, with 72 currently active and 50 pending, creating a two month inventory at roughly 40 sales per month. The Lake Grove neighborhood is the leader, representing 25% of the sales with Mountain Park, Bryant, Westlake and First Addition all bringing in about 15% each. Only 10% of the sales occur in the Westridge neighborhood and less than 5% in Uplands. You’ll find an average sales price of $530,000 with the median at $522,000.

It becomes more of a buyer’s market as you move into the $700,000 to $1,000,000 category with a three month inventory of homes that average $827,000 with a median of $800,000. There is a shift in neighborhoods represented here with Westlake leading the pack at 25% of sales, followed by the First Addition, Westridge and Hallinan at 15%. Only 10% of the sales in this price range occurred in the Lake Grove and Bryant neighborhoods, with 6% in Uplands and 4% in Mountain Park. Even at this level, there was movement of 111 homes sold in the last six months, or about 19 per month.

Waterfront property dominates sales in the $1,000,000 to $1,500,000. Of the 51 sales in the last six months, 20 were on the lake or canals, followed by nine in the First Addition as well as new construction throughout town. Together, these three areas represented 75% of the sales in this price range with an average sales price of $1,193,451 and median of $1,160,000. With 44 active listings and an average of eight homes selling per month in this category, the inventory is five months out, giving buyers more breathing room than at the lower end of the spectrum.

Hopefully what you’ll see is that there are lots of options for you if you want to live in Lake Oswego, or, if you already live here, are looking to move around. Let me explore some of those possibilities with you given my experience and market knowledge. I’ve helped people break into the market, move up, downsize, invest…you name it—I’ve got a success story to share. Would love to include yours! Give me a call at 503.939.9801.

Posted in Lake Oswego neighborhoods, Lake Oswego real estate | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Where to Get Your Spook on in Lake Oswego Oregon

Posted on October 4, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

Halloween spookHalloween may not be until the end of this month, but there are lots of opportunities in Lake Oswego to get your spook on before then. Check these out.

Create a Pumpkin Treat Bowl. It may not be scary, but it will make handing out your treats a lot more festive. This class teaches you how to build a pumpkin paper mache container for all your Halloween goodies. Friday, October 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center. Cost is $24 for Residents; $36 for Non-Residents. Register for Class #12343 at the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department.

Lakewood Theatre Company Halloween Costume Sale. There are treasures to be found at this event to make your Halloween costume a one-of-a-kind. Check out my previous post. 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, October 16-17. 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 18. Lakewood Center for the Arts Community Meeting Room. 368 S. State Street.

Luscher Farm Scarecrows. Take a tour of the more than 90 scarecrows and see if you can find sneaky Pete! 125 Rosemont Rd.

Teen Lounge Scary Movie Campout. A full evening of spooky fun for 11-17 year olds includes s’mores, scary movies and planning who is going trick-or-treating and where. Friday, October 23 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Palisades School, 1500 Greentree Rd. 503.675.2549.

Halloween Night at Lakeridge High School features games and activities for young children. Wednesday, October 28, from 5:30 p.m .to 8:00 p.m. in the lower gym and hallway. 1235 Overlook Drive. 503.534.2319.

Halloween Movie Night. The library will be hosting a Family Movie Night for the younger crowd and their parents showing The Nightmare Before Christmas from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Snacks are included but bring your own blankets for cuddling up. Thursday, October 29. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street. 503.697.6580.

Zombie Garden Day for ages 5-12. With school out the Friday before Halloween, the kids will have lots of excitement to burn off. Let them do it while planting a zombie garden, dressing up in zombie rags and doing the zombie stomp to spooky music. Friday, October 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Road in West Linn. Cost is $60 for Residents; $90 for Non-Residents. Register for Class #12322.503.675.2549.

Go Trick-or-Treating in the Best Lake Oswego Neighborhoods. Check out my round-up of the most popular neighborhoods for trick-or-treating in Lake Oswego.

Don’t be spooked by trying to figure out how to sell your home or find a new one in Lake Oswego. Give me a call at 503.939.9801 or check out my website — I’d love to put my over 25 years experience and love for Lake Oswego to work for you.

Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net.

 

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