Lake Oswego Real Estate Oregon Financing Update

Lake Oswego Real Estate Oregon Financing Update

Interest rates continued their ascent this week as mixed signals from Ben Bernanke on the future of QE (Quantitative Easing) spooked investors into a selling frenzy of long bond positions. While Bernanke first stated the Fed plans to hold on to its QE, he subsequently said the Fed could begin tapering off QE as soon as the next 3 or 4 meetings.

Market Volatility

The confusion perpetrated by these statements is what drove market volatility this week and will likely continue for the next 2 weeks with the May employment report coming out and increased scrutiny of other economic indicators.

Interest Rates

ALL ABOUT…..Lake Oswego Real Estate. © Copyright 2008-2013. Betty Jung. All Rights Reserved. Use of this article, photos and images without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Lake Oswego Real Estate April RE MAX equity group Housing Report

Lake Oswego Real Estate April RE MAX equity group Housing Report

New Listings

New listings continued to rise—at 3,623, the number of new listings for the month was the greatest in any one month since August 2010. This also represented a 20.7% increase over March’s 3,002 new listings. The increase in new listings helped inventory stabilize: the number currently sits at 3.1 months, down slightly from last month’s 3.2 months.

Days On The Market

Average time on market currently stands at 91 days—the last time market time was that low was July 2008.

Closed Sales

Closed sales are up as well, with April’s 2,125 posted sales representing a 9.8% increase over March 2013.

Portland Real Estate Prices Increase

The average sales price so far this year was $293,600, up 15.3% from the same period in 2012, when the average was $254,600. In the same comparison, the median increased 15.6% from $216,200 last year to $250,000 in the fi rst four months of 2013.

ALL ABOUT…..Lake Oswego Real Estate. © Copyright 2008-2013. Betty Jung. All Rights Reserved. Use of this article, photos and images without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Lake Oswego Real Estate Oregon Financing Update

I honestly don’t know where time goes.  Blogging has taken a back seat to selling real estate which honestly is a good thing and how it should be. Having been hacked now so many times, and still not back on-line with all my blogs, the wind has been taken out of my sail.  And, there are days that blogging has become a chore for me.  I’m trying to rectify that.

For up-to-date Portland metro real estate information, I have been posting daily on my FB blog page.  You can click here and “like” the page to receive those updates.

Lake Oswego Real Estate Oregon Financing Update

It has been a rough past couple of weeks for interest rate markets, with rates rising every day but two. While Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke has stated that the Fed will continue its Quantitative Easing (QE) program until unemployment reaches 6.5%, a WSJ article last weekend commented that the Fed may possibly be planning to wind the program down sooner, causing upward pressure on rates.

Impact On Interest Rates

Another impact causing upward pressure on rates is the continued run up in stocks. Stock market indexes have improved almost every day over the same period, as investor cash flows out of debt markets and into equity markets.  No economic releases to impact markets until next Wednesday, when Bernanke will testify on the economic outlook for the Joint Economic Committee.

ALL ABOUT…..Lake Oswego Real Estate. © Copyright 2008-2013. Betty Jung. All Rights Reserved. Use of this article, photos and images without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Lake Oswego Seniors Diabetes Support Group

Did you know that the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center has a support group for those with diabetes?  Actually, I didn’t.

Lake Oswego Seniors Diabetes Support Group

Diabetes affects an estimated 23.6 million people in the US (90 percent to 95 percent have type 2 diabetes) - 17.9 million have been diagnosed, but 5.7 million are unaware they have the disease. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the American Diabetes Association, those affected include:

• 11.5 million US women (10.2 percent of all women age 20 years and older)
• 12 million US men (11.2 percent of all men age 20 years and older)
• 186,300 people under age 20
• 12.2 million adults over age 60
• 3.7 million African Americans (14.7 percent of all African Americans age 20 years and older)
• 2.5 million Hispanic/Latino Americans (9.5 percent of all Hispanic/Latino Americans)
• 14.9 million Caucasian Americans (9.8 percent of all Caucasian Americans age 20 years and older)

According to the most recent statistics, diabetes was the sixth leading cause of death, and the fifth leading cause of death from disease in 2007. Diabetes costs $116 billion annually in direct medical costs. Diabetes costs $58 billion annually in indirect costs (loss of work, disability, loss of life).  Source:  Wexner Medical Center.

Diabetes Support

This is a mutual support group designed to assist those with diabetes and their family members to self-manage their disease. The group’s facilitator, Janet Meirelles, is an R.N. and Certified Diabetes Educator and the author of Life is Not a Piece of Cake.

Lake Oswego Diabetes Support Group Meeting

The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join in on March 14 at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue or call 503-635-3755.

ALL ABOUT…..Lake Oswego Real Estate. © Copyright 2008-2013. Betty Jung. All Rights Reserved. Use of this article, photos and images without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Lake Oswego Real Estate Condo Stats

Here are the latest stats for condos, townhouses and attached dwellings for Lake Oswego zip codes 97034, 97035.

Lake Oswego Real Estate Condo Stats

Condos For Sale 97034 and 97035

Like the rest of our housing inventory, there seems to be little inventory of condos, townhouses and attached dwellings for sale in Lake Oswego.

Lake Oswego Zip Code 97034 – 10 for sale

Lake Oswego Zip Code 97035 – 27 for sale

Looking for A Lake Oswego Condo?

Here’s a link to search for Lake Oswego properties.  Give me a call at 503-804-9685 if you’d like to see a condo.

ALL ABOUT…..Lake Oswego Real Estate. © Copyright 2008-2013. Betty Jung. All Rights Reserved. Use of this article, photos and images without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Lake Oswego Events May 2013

Spring has finally kicked into gear with the promise of sunshine and lots of outdoor activities to take place in Lake Oswego during the month of May.

Lake Oswego Events May 2013

May 1 – 7-8 p.m. Oswego Heritage Council. Tim Mather. The Belluschi Project

May 2 and May 9 – Budget Committee Meetings 6 p.m. in City Hall. The budget reflects the Council’s direction to first invest in core local government services and second, prioritize funding for services that make Lake Oswego cherished and unique.

May 3 – First Friday 5-8 p.m. Paintings by Lin Loen, Ceramics by Andy Vessely. Located in the Arts Council of LO’s Museum & ARTspace. 510 1^st Street, Lake Oswego, OR 97034

May 4 – Safety Seat Clinic 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the City will hold a free child safety seat clinic at the Main Fire Station, 300 B Avenue. Call 503-635-0275, for more information.

May 5 – Millennium Concert Band. 7:30 p.m. Lakeridge High School.

May 5 – Local History Walking Tour. Meet at George Rogers Park. 4-5 p.m. $5.00

May 7 – 7 p.m.  City Council to discuss Parsons Farm and Kruse Village Development.

May 8 - Library Performing Arts Series. 1 p.m.

May 11 – 37th Annual Lake Run. This event includes a kids’ dash, a 5K race for walkers and runners, and a 10K challenge with an improved new route. The event draws thousands every year for the race and the Family Fun Festival in Millennium Plaza Park with food, crafts, entertainment, and exposition booths. For race and registration information, including route maps, visit http://www.thelakerun.com.

May 11 - Tree Biology Workshop.  WEB. 10:30am-12pm

May 13 - LO Tigard Water Partnership Oversight Committee Mtg. 5:30pm

May 15 - The Greenest Building. 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lake Oswego City Hall Council Chambers, 380 A Avenue.

The Greenest Building, produced by former Lake Oswego resident Jane Turville, presents a compelling
look at the important role building reuse plays in creating sustainable communities.

May 16 – Young At Heart Benefit For 1st Annual Adult Community Center fund-raiser at The Foundry, 320 Oswego Pointe Drive. A four-course meal created by the chefs from Jefe, Scratch, Five Spice, and Gourmet Productions:

• Cocktail competition featuring local bartenders
• Music and dancing with the Johnny Martin Band
• Live and silent auction items

For tickets or more information, call 503-635-3758 or go to http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/acc/young-heartloacc-auction.

May 18 – Farmers’ Market.  Millennium Plaza Park. 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

May 18 – Volunteers will hang over 250 beautiful flower baskets around the city

May 18 – Historic Home Tour. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Oswego Heritage Council will showcase Lake Oswego’s historic past and architectural diversity with the Lake Oswego Historic Home Tour. The tour will feature five historic homes and gardens. Tickets are available for purchase at Dennis’ 7 Dees at 1090 McVey Avenue or at the Heritage House at 398 Tenth Street. Tickets can also be purchased online at http://www.oswegoheritage.org/events/hometour.html. For more information about the Historic Home Tour or about Lake Oswego’s history, please call 503-635-6373.

May 21 – Library Author Series. 7pm

May 22 –  5 p.m. The Bike Gallery clinics for new and seasoned riders every Wednesday.

May 23 – 6-8 p.m. Southwest Corridor Plan at the Tualatin Library (18878 SW Martinazzi Avenue, Tualatin)

May 23 – City Council Lake Oswego Comprehensive Plan 4-6pm

May 28 - Special Author Event. Library. 7-8:30pm

Until September 4 - Fifth Annual City of Lake Oswego Photo Contest. Send in your best photos for a chance to win! In each category: first place winners will receive a $100 gift card; second place winners a $50 gift card; and third place winners a $25 gift card.

Entries need to be submitted by 5 p.m., Wednesday. September 4. For contest details, visit http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/publicaffairs/photo-contest.

More activities at Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation, Lake Oswego Public Golf Course, Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, and the City Library.

ALL ABOUT…..Lake Oswego Real Estate. © Copyright 2008-2013. Betty Jung. All Rights Reserved. Use of this article, photos and images without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Lake Oswego And Portland Area Farmers’ Markets 2013

It’s that time of year when we’re itching to get in our yards, gardens and head to the local farmer markets.

Lake Oswego And Portland Area Farmers’ Markets

Our local Lake Oswego market will be opening May 18 this year.

LAKE OSWEGO FARMERS’ MARKET

Saturdays,
May 18-Oct. 12, 2013
Millennium Plaza Park
200 First Street
8:30am-1:30pm

Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market (LOFM) is a European style market that showcases some of the region’s finest agricultural products.  Discover superior produce sold directly to you by growers.  Boasting an average of over 80 vendors each week, the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market provides a vast array of product variety while maintaining the purity of an agricultural market.  Delight in finding a wide variety of produce, meats, nuts, cheeses, artisan breads, jams and jellies, and fresh seafood.  The Market also features exceptional refreshment vendors including organic donuts, omelets, tapas, Asian cuisine, cupcakes and candies–there is something for everyone!

Portland Area Farmers’s Markets

From the Portland Farmers’ Market blog

May marks three market openings:

• Portland Farmers Market at Shemanski Park in the South Park Blocks between SW Salmon & Main from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1
• Buckman Portland Farmers Market at SE Salmon & 20th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 2
• King Portland Farmers Market at NE 7th & Wygant from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 5

June will welcome farmers back to:

• Northwest Portland Farmers Market at NW 19th & Everett from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 6
• Kenton Portland Farmers Market at N. McClellan & Denver from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 7
• Portland Farmers Market at Pioneer Courthouse Square at SW 6th & Morrison from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, June 17

“Mark your calendar, grab your market basket, and come on over to one of the many markets opening up in these next few weeks,” says Trudy Toliver, Executive Director of Portland Farmers Market. “Every purchase you make at a farmers market not only feeds your family the freshest and healthiest produce and proteins available, your purchase also helps to feed our local farmers and ranchers and their families.”

In its 22 years, Portland Farmers Market has sustained the region’s food and farming community by helping to launch more than 50 small businesses and providing a lively and profitable sales outlet for small family farms, many of which count on farm-direct sales as their main source of income.

BUCKMAN CELEBRATES ITS 10TH BIRTHDAY

The Buckman Portland Farmers Market will celebrate its tenth year of bringing farm fresh food to the residents of Southeast Portland this season. On opening day, vendors will each receive a bottle of sparking cider to uncap at opening bell. Vendors and market staff will toast the past decade and the season ahead, and new and dedicated Buckman shoppers are invited to join in.

DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR MATCHING PROGRAM EXPANDS TO KENTON

As in past seasons, shoppers eligible for SNAP benefits will be able to receive $1 tokens using their Oregon Trail Card to purchase fruit, vegetables, meat, bread, cheese and some baked goods all Portland Farmers Market locations. Additionally, SNAP recipients can receive a dollar-for-dollar match up to $5 in tokens through Fresh Exchange, a program of Farmers Market Fund, at the King,Buckman and Northwest markets and, new for this year, the Kenton location. The program’s expansion to the Kenton Market was made possible through a generous donation from long-time market supporter New Seasons Market, who has donated $11,000 to Farmers Market Fund to support Fresh Exchange in 2013.

Since its inception, nearly $75,000 has been distributed through Fresh Exchangeto residents in need. These funds have ultimately been directed into the hands of regional food producers, contributing to the success of the local food economy and fostering healthier communities. For the past two seasons, market sponsor Dave’s Killer Bread has donated 25 percent of profits from market booth sales to the Farmers Market Fund to support Fresh Exchange. Since 2011, Dave’s Killer Bread has donated more than $11,000 to the program.

NEW VENDORS

These six markets will welcome the following new vendors to the Portland Farmers Market family:

• Able Farms (Kenton) – Portland, OR – Organically grown produce, pastured pork, poultry and eggs from their farms in St. Johns and Sauvie Island.
• Café de Crepe (Kenton) – Portland, OR – Sweet and savory crepes using fresh local ingredients.
• Eva’s Herbucha (Buckman) – Portland, OR – A unique blend of kombucha with the wonderful flavors and effects of herbs and herbal teas. herbucha.com
• Honey Mama’s (Shemanski, PSU) – Portland, OR – Their flagship product is a nutrient rich, cocoa-honey treat called Nectar Fudge, a soy-, dairy- and gluten-free food, made from five pure ingredients.
• InTownAg (King, PSU) – Portland, OR – Neighborhood crops farmed in Portland yards brought to market through garden sharing with homeowners.
• K Family Farm (Kenton) – Albany, OR – Strawberries, raspberries, green beans and other produce.
• Kenton Plant Starts (Kenton) – Portland, OR – Growing edible plant starts in Portland for Portland gardeners.
• Little Localvore (King, PSU) Portland, OR – Always-fresh baby food made in a certified kitchen using locally grown, organic fruits, vegetables and grains.
• Mama Tee’s Farmstead (Buckman) – Willamina, OR – Pesticide- and herbicide-free quality produce grown in a small, diverse, sustainable environment.
• Mickelberry Gardens (Northwest, Shemanski, Buckman, PSU) – Gresham, OR – Specializing in treatment-free raw honey and bee products used to make Honey Tonics and organic skincare.
• Micro Mercantes (King) – Portland, OR – Latino culinary businesses apply to a program of Hacienda CDC, where they can develop their entrepreneurial skills. Rotating menu.
• Momo Cart (Pioneer Courthouse Square, Buckman) – Portland, OR –Authentic Nepali steamed dumplings, served from a bike cart.
• Nightlight Farms (King, Pioneer Courthouse Square, Shemanski, PSU) – Portland, OR – A truly urban farm at 39th and E. Burnside offering specialty microgreens.
• OlyKraut (King, Pioneer Courthouse Square, Shemanski, Buckman) – Olympia, WA – Probiotic, organic, raw and vegan fermented vegetable products, sourced as locally as possible.
• Pacific Northwest Kale Chips (Pioneer Courthouse Square) – Portland, OR – Small-batch kale chip maker dedicated to delivering locally-sourced, organic and sustainable food combined with an artisan approach to flavor and texture.
• Portland Juice Press (Pioneer Courthouse Square) – Portland, OR –Freshly-pressed fruit and veggie juices.
• The Kale Company (Buckman) – Portland, OR – Hand-made kale chips from small batches using super-fresh organic ingredients.
• Thrive Pacific NW (Pioneer Courthouse Square) – Portland, OR –Internationally influenced, gluten-free bowls, using seasonal produce, free-range animal products and sustainable seafood.

ALL ABOUT…..Lake Oswego Real Estate. © Copyright 2008-2013. Betty Jung. All Rights Reserved. Use of this article, photos and images without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Lake Oswego Real Estate This Week Stats

Lake Oswego Real Estate This Week Stats

Lake Oswego Stats As Of April 22, 2013 For Single Family Houses:

Courtesy: Ticor Title Company and Altos Research

ALL ABOUT…..Lake Oswego Real Estate. © Copyright 2008-2013. Betty Jung. All Rights Reserved. Use of this article, photos and images without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Lake Oswego Real Estate Distressed Properties First Quarter Stats 2013

Our RMLS™ just released the stats for bank owned (REO= foreclosures) and  short sale proeprties in the first quarter 2013.

Lake Oswego Real Estate Distressed Properties First Quarter Stats 2013

All RMLS™ 1st Quarter Stats

Fewer Foreclosures/Short Sales In Portland Metro Real Estate Markets

All Portland Metro Distressed Property Stats

As I’ve written here on my blogs, and as the media has been reporting, there are fewer bank-owned (REO) properties and short sales coming on the market for sale.

New Listings And Sales Of Distressed Properties

The last quarter of 2012 showed 78.8% of all new listings that came on the market for sale were non-distressed, and those non-distressed listings increased to 84.7% in the first quarter of 2013.

Sales of those non-distressed listings throughout our area also decreased from 76.4% sold in the 4th quarter of 2012, to 75.5% sold in the first quarter of 2013.

Bank-owned (REO) sales did increase in the first quarter of 2013 most likely because of buyer demand and the low level of housing inventory of non-distressed houses we are experiencing in our Portland real estate market.

Looking For A Short Sale Or Foreclosure?

You can find all those foreclosures and short sale property listings throughout Oregon here.  Give me a call at 503-495-5220 if there are any properties you’d like to take a look at.

ALL ABOUT…..Lake Oswego Real Estate. © Copyright 2008-2013. Betty Jung. All Rights Reserved. Use of this article, photos and images without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Lake Oswego Real Estate Oregon Financing Update

Lake Oswego Real Estate Oregon Financing Update

Global stock markets were hit early this week by weaker than expected economic data for the 1^st quarter of 2013, particularly from China.  Stocks rebounded and ended up essentially unchanged by Friday.

Interest Rates Still At Historic Lows

Not much movement in rate markets this week as rates continue to remain at historic lows and largely unchanged when compared to the end of last week.

Interest Rates As Of Friday April 19, 2013

ALL ABOUT…..Lake Oswego Real Estate. © Copyright 2008-2013. Betty Jung. All Rights Reserved. Use of this article, photos and images without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.