Breaking into the Lake Oswego Housing Market—Yes You Can!

Posted on May 25, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

company_color_no_slogan[1]If you’ve been reading my blog regularly, you know that Lake Oswego has a lot to offer as a place to live. But what’s the price of entry? How much does a starter home in Lake Oswego cost?

Granted there are high end homes lining Oswego Lake with listing prices that are out of many folks’ price range. But the median sales price in Lake Oswego real estate last year for both single family homes and condos was $458,779, so that means that there are more affordable options for homebuyers looking for a way to get in.

Last year 32 single family homes sold in what I would call the entry-level range with the lowest at $170,000 and the highest at $250,000. The median price came in at $222,000 or $125 per square foot.

Condos offered even better opportunities with 144 sales ranging between $79,000 and $250,000. The median price was $139,000 at $110 per square foot.

While buying a house in Lake Oswego may require a little more up front costs, there is comfort in knowing that the value in a Lake Oswego home is likely to hold up and/or increase better and faster than in other Portland metro areas.

Consider some recent clients of mine. They paid $250,000 in April of 2012 for a one level ranch style home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a 2 car garage on Cobb Way in the Bryant Neighborhood. Over the next 19 months they made improvements: new paint, refinished the hardwood floors, installed new carpets and quartz kitchen countertops. In November of 2013 they sold it in two days for $350,000.

Breaking into the Lake Oswego housing market is doable, but as you can see, good buys require you to act fast. That’s where an experienced Realtor can help. By being plugged into the local market, I can keep you on the fast track when something is coming available. Word of mouth works in real estate just like it does in job hunting.

If you’re interested in seeing if you can start enjoying some of the “52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego,” give me a call at 503939.9801. I’d love to explore your options with you.

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Look What Happened in Lake Oswego While You Were Sleeping

Posted on May 18, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

Flower basketsWhile most of you were sleeping Saturday morning, close to 65 volunteers set out in organized groups across Lake Oswego to hang the flower baskets which will paint our streets with color all summer long.

While these early risers (try 4:30 a.m.) put faces (albeit sleepy-eyed) to the effort behind Lake Oswego’s Village Flower Basket program, there are other hands that pitch in sight unseen.

Those include the donors whose contributions from $5 to $500 help the basket committee meet its $75,000 budget.

This year a record 270 baskets were hung at a cost of $300 each which includes not only the planting, but the maintenance throughout the season.

flower basket 1

Here’s what the baskets look like in all their summer glory.

Few volunteer efforts reap such visual rewards. My wife and I have never had a summer visitor who hasn’t commented on their beauty.

The program has earned national recognition too, winning an “America in Bloom” award in 2003 with a 5 out of 5 rating for floral displays. In addition, the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce, which manages the program, receives requests for help from other communities hoping to establish a similar program.

We are blessed to live in such a beautiful spot. The lake is natural beauty which we can’t take much credit for; however, the flower baskets are man-made-hung-and funded. It’s that kind of collective oomph that makes Lake Oswego such a special place to live. You are welcome to join in the spirit of making it all happen. Donations are still being accepted by calling the chamber at 503.636.3634.

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Just When You Thought the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market Couldn’t Get Any Better…It Did!

Posted on May 11, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERAThe crowds that gather in Lake Oswego’s Millennium Plaza Park on Saturday mornings from mid May to mid October already know that the town’s Farmers’ Market is as good a wake-up call as a rooster’s cock-a-doodle-doo.

From beautiful floral bouquets to fresh picked organic produce to gourmet cheese, there is more than one reason to find your way to Lake Oswego’s outdoor living room where over 80 vendors set up shop, musicians play, and volunteers will even watch your dog for free!

Market organizers aren’t content to roll out the same show every year. That’s why this Farmers’ Market season you’ll find some changes that market manager, Jamie Inglis, is really excited about.

  • Blue Raeven Farmstand joins the lineup offering fresh baked pies featuring produce from their farm. Take your pick from large, 5” mini pies and pocket pies. Blue Raeven’s goodies have been a hit at the annual 4th of July celebration so it will be nice to enjoy them all summer long.
  • Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider will be on hand every other week this season. Another “started in a garage” success story, Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider is made with Oregon and Washington grown apples, including some from another market vendor, Kyokawa Orchards. The cidery creates dry and off-dry hard ciders in a wide range of styles and can be found at Zupan’s, New Seasons and Whole Foods as well as our own Farmers’ Market.
  • TbeeS fills in the honey vendor void the market had since 2012. Ron Stark will be selling his raw bee products (honey, pollen, propolis, and royal jelly), as well as serving as the market’s go-to expert for “everything you wanted to know about bees but didn’t know who to ask.”
  • Sterling Cookies gives culinary meaning to the saying, “Good things come in small packages.” Owner Joe Sterling’s two bite cookies, brownies, tarts and macaroons are favorites at other local Farmers’ Markets including Beaverton and Vancouver and will be adding Lake Oswego market goers to a growing list of fans.
  • Paul’s Paella brings this Spanish rice dish to our outdoor market as a feast to your tastebuds as well as your eyes. You can watch Paul cook it up as he mixes in favorite ingredients like chicken, chorizo, artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, smoked paprika…mouth watering yet? Gluten free foodies—count this one on your list!
  • Parsons Farm fans don’t have to bemoan the closing of the popular stand on the corner of Carman Drive and Kruse Way due to the new development there because they’ll be a regular at the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market, offering a variety of fruits and vegetables grown on their four farms in Canby, Sherwood, Dayton, and Dundee.
  • Rossi Farms returns to the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market after a long hiatus (their last year here was 2006). One of the original vendors when the market started in 2001, they’ll be selling a variety of heirloom potatoes grown on their Parkrose Community farm which has been in operation since 1880.
  • Meals on Wheels from our Farms’ Fields is a new service opportunity for market patrons to give to the Meals on Wheels program at the Adult Community Center in two ways: purchase fresh foods from market vendors that will be used in meals cooked for the ACC program or donate cash.
  • CPR Anytime Training will be offered onsite on Saturday, June 28. Market patrons can learn CPR Anytime, a program developed by the American Heart Association that teaches the core skills of CPR in just 30 minutes. Public Safety officials will teach the program under the green canopy at the elevated stage at the park. The training features the hands-only CPR method.

The Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market opens this Saturday, May 17, at the corner of First and Evergreen in Millennium Plaza Park from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Check the website for more details.

***Remember Oswego Heritage Council’s Historic Home Tour this Saturday too. The Jantzen Estate will be one of the homes featured. Tickets available online.

Be sure to check the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column to receive weekly updates on “52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego.“

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

5 Reasons Why The Lake Run is The Run You Love to Hate

Posted on May 4, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

blog Lake Run photoMost runners who have participated in the Lake Oswego Women’s Club annual Lake Run admit to a love/hate relationship with the event, myself included.

“No matter how hard you train, you’re never quite prepared for it,” explains Kelsey Richards, who won the women’s 10K division last year. “You can’t not train for it,” she adds.

In its 12k version, the Lake Run was a favorite among competitive runners for the challenge the course with its hills presented. For safety and logistical reasons, this year’s race set for Saturday, May 10, is a 10K that wraps around the lake like before, but without passing through some of the neighborhoods.

Here’s why it’s still a run you’ll love to hate.

McVey Hill—Although MapMyRun includes this climb in its “least difficult” category as  a #5, I beg to differ. Maybe it’s because it hits you right out of the starting gate at half a mile in the course, that the climb from 119 foot elevation to 310 leaves you feeling like you’re done rather than just warming up.

You’re Not Done Yet—Sure, you reach the top of McVey and feel like, “Whew! I’m glad that’s over,” but you’re not done yet. The highest elevation of the run at 455 feet still awaits you a little further up South Shore Boulevard so be sure to leave some fuel in your tank. Not to mention the “nuisance climbs” like the rise from the Oswego Hunt Club to the turn on Berwick. “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.”

Distractions—I’ve run in a variety of locations like San Francisco, Rome, Palm Springs, and Fresno, California. One thing that helps when going the distance is to have sufficient distractions along the way (word to the wise—Fresno doesn’t really have any). The scenic beauty of this course is guaranteed to take your mind off any aches and pains that might crop up along the way.

Support—The Lake Oswego Women’s Club has volunteers strategically located along the course to keep your spirits up and keep you hydrated. And Lake Oswegans come out to cheer you on too.

It’s For a Good Cause—Proceeds from the Lake Run benefit local charities, community events and provide college scholarships to high school students. All your hard work pays off…not just for you but for the community!

The Lake Run also features a 5K that has its own lake view with a course that winds around Lakewood Bay and on to Iron Mountain Boulevard before heading to the finish line.

And for the kiddies in your group, there is a two block Kids’ Dash that gives them the thrill of running through the finish line.

Race times and registration fees for each event are:

10K – 8:00 a.m. $40 online; $45 at packet pick-up

5K – 8:15 a.m. $30 online; $35 at packet pick-up

Kids Dash – 10:30 a.m. $15 online and packet pick-up.

Tee shirts are not guaranteed for registrations after April 1. While extras will be ordered, it will be on a first come, first served basis, once early registrants’ orders have been filled. Register here.

After the run, be sure to catch the Lake Oswego Art Council’s Plein Air event giving you an opportunity to watch artists at work in these outdoor locations: Luscher Farm, Sundeleaf Plaza, Foothills and Roehr Park, Millennium Plaza Park, George Rogers Park, Lakeview Village and the Uplands Easement on Oswego Lake. 503.675.3738 for details. Event runs Saturdays and Sundays both this weekend and next.

Be sure to sign up to be notified when a new “52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego” gets posted. Just click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

 

 

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How do Lake Oswego Neighborhoods Compare?

Posted on April 27, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

When you are looking to buy a new home, you can’t always do what one of our neighbors did.

Before she wrote an offer on a house on our block, she knocked on a few doors, including ours, to get a sense for whether her potential new digs were kid-friendly, quiet, and safe.
Neighbors

As a Realtor who has lived in Lake Oswego for over 25 years, I try to give my clients a “feel” for the area in which they are looking to live.

But one place to start looking, short of knocking on doors, is just the facts—what do homes sell for in that area? How many homes are available? What are some of the assets unique to that particular area?

I’ve tried to outline some of these considerations in a series of comparisons I’ll be offering over the next few weeks. At a glance, you can see where homes might be more affordable, what neighborhoods give you access to a swim or boat easement, or where you should look if a short commute is important to you.

This week we’ll start with a look at a few neighborhoods on the southwest side of town: Bryant, Blue Heron and Rosewood/Rivergrove. You can also find out more about Bryant on one of my earlier posts.

Neighborhood 1 table revised
If you want to see any of these neighborhoods for yourself, feel free to give me a call at 503.939.9801–I’d love to show you around!

Photo courtesy of winnond at freedigitalphotos.net.

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5 Reasons Why Lakeridge Company’s Variety Show Is the Talk of the Town

Posted on April 20, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

company poster 2014Take 28  energized, talented teens, give them a stage and sit back and be entertained.  That’s the formula for this week’s Lakeridge Company Variety Show, “Talk of the Town,” in the Lakeridge auditorium at 1235 Overlook Drive. Show times are 7:00 p.m. April 24-26, with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on the 26th.

While overseen by choir diretor Bill Campbell, much of the show is student-driven from many of the song choices to the theme itself. “Talk of the Town” seems fitting because based on past shows, it’s easy to see why this year’s edition will be just that.

  1. A taste of city life. With a population of 37,000, Lake Oswego is more a village than a city but Company members hope to feature some of the hustle and bustle of city life with an urban setting and group numbers like “Rock This Town” (Stray Cats) and “The New Girl in Town” (Hairspray). Other crowd favorites include: “You’re the One That I Want” (Grease),  “Royals” by Lorde and the Academy award winning theme from Frozen, “Let It Go.”
  2. Talent. Company auditions are a nerve wracking time on the Lakeridge campus. Show choir wannabe’s put their best voices forward in front of choir director Bill Campbell and retiring senior members a few weeks after the annual Variety Show. Cast names are posted and wishes are granted for some while hearts are broken for others. Bottom line—the kids you see on stage worked hard to get here and they deliver.
  3. Cheap date. Where else can you go and enjoy live entertainment for $12 (adults; $8/students)?
  4. Costume changes. While Madonna currently holds the Guinness World Record for most costume changes in a film (85 in Evita), Company performers give her a run for the title. My daughter’s show featured boys dressed in caveman outfits singing “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” and ensemble members channeling their inner hippies for “California Dreaming,” not to mention the dozens of switcheroos in between. By the time the curtain goes down, the audience realizes that the costume committee needs to come on stage for a standing ovation.
  5. A chance to make someone’s night. In this age of Instagrams and text messages, there is something refreshing about an old fashioned hand written note and Variety Show volunteers give you the opportunity to send one backstage to cast members of your choice. Having had a daughter in Company a few years back, I know what it means to these kids to receive best wishes from fans in the audience. So take time before the show or during intermission to make someone’s night by sending him or her a note. Or, for a little extra, you can get your message across with a long stemmed rose.

Tickets are available online, through the Lakeridge bookkeeper or at the box office the night of the show.

Stay up-to-date on the “Talk of the Town” when it comes to Lake Oswego, by subscribing to my blog. Click the “Sign me up!” button in the top right hand column and you won’t miss a thing!

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How You Can Enjoy “This Old House”: Lake Oswego Edition

Posted on April 13, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

blog home tour jpegThere is a reason This Old House has been around since 1979. We are home-bodies, fascinated with the stories surrounding where we live and the potential for breathing new life into old 2×4’s.

That explains why the Oswego Heritage Council’s Lake Oswego Historic Home Tour is in its sixth season. Fortunately, every year council members get local homeowners to open their doors to the public so we can all satisfy our natural curiosity to see the history behind and the renovation in many of the beautiful homes in our town.

Tickets ($30 for Heritage Council members; $35 for non-members) are on sale now online, or at one of these locations starting Sunday, April 20: Dennis’ 7 Dees at 1090 McVey, Zupan’s Lake Grove Market, 16380 Boones Ferry Rd., and the Heritage House, 398 Tenth Street.

The tour is set for Saturday, May 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but with a limited number of tickets available, it’s best to plan ahead because you don’t want to miss out on…

  • Beautiful gardens
  • One of a kind homes
  • Dream kitchen
  • Ideas to inspire you
  • A chance to support the only museum in Lake Oswego
  • Celebrating National Historic Preservation Month

For more information, call the Oswego Heritage Council: 503.635.6373

I specialize in selling all Lake Oswego varieties of  “This Old House,” “This New House,” “This Remodeled House,” “This Fixer-upper House,” “This Investment House,” “This Retirement House,” “This Starter House.” If you’re a home-body interested in finding the spinoff that’s right for you, give me a call at 503.939.9801.

 

 

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Why William Shakespeare Would Have Joined the Oregon Wine Reserve

Posted on April 6, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

wineWilliam Shakespeare may have had the Oregon Wine Reserve in Lake Oswego in mind when he wrote, “good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people,” in Henry VIII.

Prior to opening up the Oregon Wine Reserve, Andres Martinez had kept his wine stored elsewhere but knew something was missing—a place where wine lovers could not only store their wine but also gather to socialize, share their favorite wines and discover new ones (that good company and good welcome thing Shakespeare was talking about). When the current location on State Street became available, he and his partner jumped on it.

In addition to locker sizes that hold from nine to 112 cases of wine, the facility includes a tasting room for both public, member, and private tastings as well as a conference room for business people to hold meetings.

Martinez says the community has embraced their idea and that a few of the locker sizes are already sold out.

Customers run the gamut from seasoned wine collectors to newbies just starting out.

You can check it out this week, at a Cakebread Tasting on Thursday, April 10 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The $25 fee includes wines paired with food from Gourmet Productions. 600 N. State Street, 503.342.6269.

To read more about the wine scene in Lake Oswego, read my post on World Class Wines.

Photo credit: suphakit73 at freedigitalphotos.net

Posted in Things to Do in Lake Oswego, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 1 Comment

5 Reasons Why Tim Gunn Would Love Lake Oswego’s “Runway on the Lake”

Posted on March 30, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

The Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department is hosting, "Runway on the Lake," Sunday, April 6 at 2:00 p.m. at the Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue. Tickets are $22 for residents; $33 non-residents and can be purchased by calling the Parks and Rec Department at 503.675.2549 or online at www.lakeoswegoparks.org.

The Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department is hosting, “Runway on the Lake,” Sunday, April 6 at 2:00 p.m. at the Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue. Tickets are $22 for residents; $33 non-residents and can be purchased by calling the Parks and Rec Department at 503.675.2549 or online at http://www.lakeoswegoparks.org.

The Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department is holding the first ever “Runway on the Lake,” on Sunday, April 6, at 2:00 p.m. at the Adult Community Center. If fashion guru Tim Gunn wasn’t already tied up, I’m sure he’d be there. Here’s why.

  1. It’s an inaugural event. Gunn helped launch Project Runway and look what it’s done to stimulate everyone’s interest in the fashion industry. Surely he would support this first-time event designed to showcase local retailers.
  2. It appeals to all ages. Project Runway is one of those guilty pleasures for a lot of people from Conan O’Brien and construction workers (it’s got Heidi Klum, remember?) to teenage girls and working women. Runway on the Lake aims to appeal to a broad audience too. “Our primary goal was to produce a new event that appealed to all ages. We wanted to create something that was truly intergenerational—an event that grandmothers, mothers, and granddaughters could enjoy,” explains Jamie Inglis with the Parks and Recreation Department.
  3. It features celebrities. While Project Runway makes celebrities out of its winning designers, it has also featured celebrities as guest judges including Natalie Portman, Brooke Shields, and LL Cool J. Runway on the Lake will feature several local personalities as models including:

●three time Cupcake War champion Kyra Bussanich

●Kelly Calabria, owner of the award-winning Kelly’s Jelly, along with her two daughters and husband

● Blake and Marta Zoglman, owners of the Oilerie in Lake Oswego

●Officer Keith Wilson of the Lake Oswego Police Department and Batallion Chief David Morris

●as well as more surprise guests!

  1. Local retailers are “making it work.” One of Tim Gunn’s most famous lines from Project Runway is, “Make it work,” as he tells the contestants to work with what they have to produce a winning design. Local retailers are pitching in to outfit the models with what they have to produce a winning look. You’ll be amazed at the fashion haven Lake Oswego has become. Look for pieces from:

●Accessories from the Heart

●Chico’s Lake Oswego

●Columbia Sportswear

●EG Page

●Francesca’s

●Glass Butterfly

●Lake Oswego Municipal Golf Course

●Mela

●New to You: Simply Posh

●Patrick James

●The Clothes Closet

●And more!

  1. Tea will be served. In one of his home visits in Season 10, Gunn sat down for a spot of tea with winner Dmitry Sholokhov so chances are he’d enjoy the afternoon tea planned for the fashion show. It promises to be authentic, thanks to the input of Lady Di’s, complete with sandwiches, scones, shortbread and other tasty goodies.

I love sharing my passion for everything Lake Oswego with you in this blog. Consider subscribing so you can fall in love with this town just like I have. Hit the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

And if you have a “reason to love Lake Oswego” you’d like me to highlight, leave a comment.

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Color Springing Up in Lake Oswego

Posted on March 23, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

While the calendar tells us spring arrived March 20, the colors in Lake Oswego are another way to announce this season’s arrival. Take a look.

This Western Trillium is on its way out, turning from white at its first bloom to this shade and deeper of purple. Trilliums arrive in late March and stick around into May. Much lore surrounds this flower including the warning that if you pick it, rain will follow. In the Pacific Northwest, chances are in the spring, the rain is going to come whether you pick the flower or not.

This Western Trillium is on its way out, turning from white at its first bloom to this, and a deeper shade of purple. Trilliums arrive in late March and stick around into May. Much lore surrounds this flower including the warning that if you pick it, rain will follow. In the Pacific Northwest, chances are that in the spring, the rain is going to come whether you pick the flower or not. Be sure to catch the Trillium Festival and Hardy Plant Sale at Tryon Creek April 5 and 6.

Tulips can be found all around Lake Oswego from yards and parks to meridian plantings buts if you really want a show, head down to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest in Woodburn between March 28-May 4.

Tulips can be found all around Lake Oswego from yards and parks to median plantings but if you really want a show, head down to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest in Woodburn between March 28-May 4.

This well established rhododendron in my front yard puts on a fabulous show for about three weeks every spring.

This well established rhododendron in my front yard puts on a fabulous show for about three weeks every spring.

While the City is known for its hanging baskets that line city streets from spring through summer with color, planted meridians along city streets also infuse the town with colors that change with the seasons. Here is a typical spring display.

While Lake Oswego is known for its hanging baskets that line city streets from spring through summer with cascading color, planted medians along city streets also infuse the town with colors that change with the seasons. Here is a typical spring display.

Just as Lake Oswego blazes in oranges, reds and yellows, in the fall, the streets are lined in pink, yellow and white thanks to all the flowering dogwood, Japanese cherry and magnolia trees around.

Just as Lake Oswego blazes in oranges, reds and yellows in the fall, spring streets are lined in pink, yellow and white thanks to all the flowering dogwood, Japanese cherry and magnolia trees around.

Walking around the lake is always a beautiful stretch, but springtime colors in front yards offer an added bonus to the adventurous.

Walking around the lake is always a beautiful stretch, but springtime colors in front yards offer an added bonus to the adventurous.

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