It's been a hectic few months and I've been missing the Active Rain community.  Hopefully I'll be able to update this blog a little more often in the coming weeks! Synergy Staging recently staged a 4 Level Occupied home in Lake Oswego, Oregon.  This house overlooks the lake and was quite the challenge since each level was connected only by a narrow spiral staircase.  Our calves burned for days after this project! This ultra-contemporary home has a unique floorplan with the master on the top level.   We began with a consultation and after the owners removed much of their furnishings and artwork based on our recommendations we staged the entire house. Here are some pictures of the before and after results.        Top of the spiral stairs view toward wall of windows overlooking the lake   ... 04/10/2009

Market profile for Lake Oswego, Oregon Lake Oswego located just 7 miles south of the Portland, OR metro area.  Market continues to brave a buyers market with price decreases to move inventories. Though LO has not seen the short sale and REO conditions of some markets, we are experiencing a softening in price due to lack of confidence from the Buyer.  Still holding price average in the mid 500K we wold seasonally see a tick upward heading into spring.  Don't think we will see that is year as sellers are all targeting the same few buyers.  Since many Lake front or view homes are either in the multi million range for the turnkey move in, the others sit just below the 1M and are in need of a major face lift or knockdown.  Those buyers don't have the cash to throw at properties today, and se... 03/10/2009

Spring is upon us and many Portland/Lake Oswego area sellers are about to list their home.  They want or need to sell their home in a buyers market. They need to find the right agent to get the home sold.  Marketing has moved to a whole new level.   Far to many agents still subscribe to the 3P process: put up the sign, place on internet, and pray! That thought process just may put a few agents into the poor house, along with a financially stressed seller.  Many LISTING agents never work with buyers.  NEVER.  Their business plan is the list plan, not the sell plan.  Think about it - just about any agent can take a listing. Tell them what 'they want to hear' and the listing is yours.  But is takes a trusted agent to actually get it sold. Today our market requires a list agent that is bala... 03/08/2009

Just sat down to catch up on emails and write a blog.  I was reading ris medias article on social networking and came across PING.fm.  Sounds pretty cool.  I have a few sites and a few blogs going and being relative new to most of the blog traffic, this ping thing looks like a great opportunity to ease the blog hours. I do have a few questions that I hope AR friends can help with - if the same blog appears on more than one site, what effect will that have on rankings etc. Anyone on active rain using ping.fm or have opinions?  Is it easy to add my active rain account to their site? Thanks - I appreciate your input. Roberta - Lake Oswego Home Sellers   03/08/2009

Lake Oswego is a vibrant community and unique to the Portland market.  Only 7 miles from Portland city center, this prestigious cottage community surrounds Oswego lake.  The lake is the visual center attraction for many new comers learning about Lake Oswego.  It is not uncommon to read listing detail range from unsurpassed quality and attention to detail in a prime lake front location, to the 'peek-a-boo' lake view, or the waterfront property ready to build your dream estate 'value in the land'. As a relocation specialist, I have been fortunate to help many moving into our community.  Many of the calls and emails I receive from my out of state clients want information on waterfront homes.  That's when things get abit interesting.  Price of course is the determining factor, but next to p... 02/16/2009

  While a number of the homes were closed due to weather, there were a few to us who braved the elements.  These two really stood out.   MLS#8064502 I can’t say enough about this sustainable remodel!  It’s cozy, light and bright.  You must see the exceptional skylight in the living room.  Excellent attention to detail.  Good sized bedrooms.  Feels very private.     MLS#9009098 This home has all the charm of an older home, is in great condition and has some amenities you’d never expect.  The floor plan is a pleasant surprise with a kids “suite” upstairs and master on the main.  Loads of character!   ###     Upstage, LLC creates possibilities for real estate in the Portland Metro Area of Oregon. We use our expertise and creativity to make your property shine.  Upstage the competition!  Vi... 02/11/2009

  The City of Lake Oswego recently announced that city residents are invited to pick up items at City Hall to help reduce water consumption.  Items available include:   Shower timers Water-efficient shower heads Kitchen and bathroom sink aerators Toilet dye pellets (to detect leaks)   Items are available on the third floor or the citizen information desk of City Hall, located at 380 A Avenue, Lake Oswego.   Rain sensors are also available for a $5 purchase.   The city’s water conservation specialist will also conduct free home audits to provide recommendations on further reducing water use.  Call 503-675-3747 for more information.   Source:  The Oregonian, Thursday February 5, 2009 ###   Upstage, LLC creates possibilities for real estate in the Portland Metro Area of Oregon. We use our ... 02/09/2009

This just in from the New Seasons insert in Wednesday’s The Oregonian. What: Free chocolate tasting of over 50 different types of chocolate When:  Saturday Feb. 7 and Sunday Feb. 8, 11:00am-5:00pm Where:  All New Seasons locations, including the Lake Oswego store at the corner of Boones Ferry and Monroe Pkwy Why:  Must I really state the obvious?  Well, their ad also reminds us that chocolate contains beneficial antioxidants and vitamins   Visit www.newseasonsmarket.com and click on Chocoholic? for more information.   See you there!  ### Upstage, LLC creates possibilities for real estate in the Portland Metro Area of Oregon. We use our expertise and creativity to make your property shine.  Upstage the competition!  Visit www.upstagehomes.net for more information. 02/05/2009

  There were some exceptional new listings included on the broker tour this week, and I’d like to share with my ActiveRainers.  I did not stage these homes, but thought they were worth a mention for those of you shopping for a new home.   MLS#9007154 This one is so cute!  Absolutely charming cottage with more room than expected, a great backyard and updates make this comfortable with loads of character.     MLS#8099084 Amazing price per square foot for this one.  While not newly updated, this one was built with all features/functions in mind.  Easy, quick an inexpensive projects will make this a stunner.    ###       Upstage, LLC creates possibilities for real estate in the Portland Metro Area of Oregon. We use our expertise and creativity to make your property shine.  Upstage the compe... 02/03/2009

The City Of  Lake Oswego near Portland, OR      A place to "live where you play"  is the motto for the City of Lake Oswego. This beautiful city is located approximately 10 miles south of Portland, OR in Clackamas County. It is considered to be an outstanding residential area and highly sought after Homes, with excellent dining and shopping, an award wining library, top ranked schools and a diverse dedicated Art community. Lake Oswego, Oregon offers 24 parks, a public and privet golf course, a swim park, tennis courts an amphitheater and an outstanding adult community center. Portland ORE Homes  Gresham Oregon Homes  Beaverton Homes Lake Oswego Property   West Linn Houses  Tigard Property 02/02/2009

Lake Oswego is one of the most prestigious communities in the Portland market and has received many accolades over the years.  The newest is an interesting one that I read in the paper last week.  According to Goodwill donation statistics, Lake Oswego/West Linn residents donated 6.2 million pounds of clothing and household goods in 2008 at the local collection center.  The largest volume site in the country.  Wow ~ I had to ponder this.  Thinking back I am a regular to that center.  See we have an Expedition that doesn't get out much.  So I use it as my goodwill storage.  When it gets full I drive it over to Goodwill and make my donation.  My clutter free system works pretty good too.  Now though it is the week before Christmas, still snowed in, but we could get around with chains on th... 01/20/2009

We are finally past the artic blast...biggest snow storm to hit our market since 1968.  I wasn't here yet but we did hear about it, almost as frequently as the snow fell.  For the newcomers, it is not normal for us to have kids home over the Christmas break for 3 weeks.  Yes that was three - count em...weeks.  Today mine finally went back to school. Lets just say ~ in my market the phone doesn't ring much with snow on the ground.  Given the additional quiet days, when I wasn't doing a divide and counger with the girls, I was able to pull together year end stats a few weeks earlier than normal.  I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. Nationally existing home sales for 2008 will be near 5.02 million versus 5.652 million for 2007.  A double digit decrease yes, at just over 11%.  But, and ... 01/06/2009

Here is a look at the latest project that Synergy Staging completed.  We recently staged this gorgeous home that was newly constructed in Lake Oswego, Oregon.  It has spectacular views with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 car garage, bonus room, media room, wine cellar, and all the bells and whistles.  We were thrilled to have the opportunity to stage it. The biggest challenge we faced was actually getting into the home.  The driveway has a steep incline and 90 degree entrance from the street.  Then there are three flights of stairs to the front door!  Defintely our most difficult and challenging load in to date.  Can you say exhausting? While we were doing a property walk through with the builder we were discussing the benefits of staging a vacant home.  Knowing the issues with the driveway h... 11/11/2008

  When problems overwhelm us and sadness smothers us, we often wonder where we'll find the courage and will to go on... In this world it seems that nothing is absolute and despondency is inevitable.  Pablo Reiter was a rare find in this world of mixed up insanity.  He was a true believer of happiness and impacted all that knew him with conversation, a funny face or simply a smile.  You will be forever missed, but never forgotten.  I am thankful for the short time I spent with you and will miss you very much...Godspeed Pablo! 10/02/2008

Hello Friends! Today was an interesting day. What should have been a huge hit to mortgage rates with a "knock it out of the park" type reading on July's Producer Price Index (PPI), I am pleasantly surprised to see traders already "pad" the market with an anticipated bad reading. The main reason this did not make mortgage rates worsen by .25%+ simply is due to the drastic drop in oil prices over the past month. With oil prices dropping and feeling the immediate impact at the gas pump, I guess the traders are comfortable enough to not let the hot PPI number cause things to get out of control. Some other positive news for mortgage backed securities (your interest rate) is tough news for insurance giant AIG and their downgrade in stock value as well as Lehman Brothers stating a 4 billion do... 08/19/2008

Good day on this Magical Monday! It has been a quiet day on the stock market so far. With no global pressures or news hitting the wires, slow trading and not much going on in stocks or MBS (mortgage backed securities). Tomorrow the Producer Price Index as well as the housing numbers are due out 530 AM Pacific time, so those could be either really good or really bad for mortgage rates, but I have a feeling the reports will not be boring regardless. Please watch the video for a detailed description of market pressures and information on OPEC and oil prices. Be Blessed! 08/18/2008

November 23rd - 5pm - 8pmHoliday Tree Lighting Downtown Lake OswegoLighting of of the giant Sequoia tree near Safeway on A Street and lights at Millennium Plaza ParkDecember 1st and 2nd - 9am -5pmHoliday MarketWest End Building, 4101 Kruse WayDecember 1st and the 7th to the 20thChristmas Ship Parade on Willamette RiverViewing at Foothills Park Saturday December 8th at 6pm 11/13/2007

If you still telling your spouse that shag carpet is still cool because you don't know how to finance your home improvement project-I can help!You can finance your project in three ways:Home-equity loans (Fixed Rate Lines) are installment loans, like regular mortgages and auto loans. You're given a certain amount of money, which you typically receive all at once and pay back according to a set schedule, over time. Home-equity loans are typically used for larger projects and are preferred for their fixed rate option.Home-equity lines of credit, by contrast, work more like credit cards. You're given a credit limit that you can borrow against, and paying down your debt frees up more credit that you can potentially spend. Home-equity lines of credit have variable interest rates that are typ... 07/06/2007

Buying your first home can be an intimidating process. You have so many questions, and you need answers. Can I really buy a home? Am I ready?  You will be amazed at the loan options that are available to help you buy a home. The most important step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage to buy your home.  It is easier than you think.  Let's get some of your basic questions answered.Frequently Asked QuestionsHow much can I afford?This is an important question that you need to answer. Many times you can qualify for a house payment that is higher that what you would be comfortable with. Have an idea of what you can afford each month, and we can work to structure your payment to stay within your budget.How much can I qualify for?Most loan programs will allow your total monthly credit debt to... 07/06/2007

    44th Annual FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS - Lakewood Center for the Arts and George Rogers Park (both on State St).  Included will be a judged craft fair, music, food and beer/wine garden.  The theme this year is "Pixel: Artists Who Use the Computer", so there will be a 1,100 piece exhibit with entries from students in the Lake Oswego School District.  10am-9pm June 22-23 and 10am-6pm June 24.  Admission free.  www.lakewood-center.org/Festival2007.htm    THURSDAY NIGHT MOVIES - Millennium Plaza Park.  Movies like "Happy Feet" and "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" will be shown at dusk on Thursday nights.  Concession will be available and feel free to bring blankets, pillows and sand chairs.  July 19-Aug 30.  www.ci.oswego.or.us/parksrec    OUTDOOR CONCERTS - Free concerts! Summer Splash... 06/20/2007