November 2007 Market Activity

by Mark Miller, Lake Oswego, Oregon Realtor®

Lake Oswego - West Linn Market Area
From RMLS published data

For the Month of November

Active Listings: 886
New Listings: 191
Pending Sales: 75
Pending Sales 2007 vs. 2006: -22.7%
Closed Sales: 101
Average Sales Price: $592,900

Year to Date
Closed Sales: 1346
Average Sales Price: $562,200
Average Appreciation: 5.1%*

*comparing the last 12 months (12/1/06 - 11/30/07) with the 12 months before (12/1/05 - 11/30/06)

Emergency Supply List

by Mark Miller, Lake Oswego, Oregon Realtor®

This list of emergency supplies relates to my last post about preparing your home for winter.

• Candles, matches (or lighter)
• Flashlight, batteries
• Hand crank or battery operated radio
• Weather radio
• Extra batteries
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• Hand operated can opener
• Paper plates, plastic eating utensils
• Paper towels
• Propane or charcoal for outdoor grill
• Extra firewood
• Fuel for generator (keep generator outdoors when in use)
• Snow shovel
  
  
  

Prepare Your Home for Winter

by Mark Miller, Lake Oswego, Oregon Realtor®

With winter settling upon us it's time to prepare your home for the cold.

The tasks aren't overwhelming when you tackle them one at a time.

This list is not all inclusive, just some of the things I think of as we head into the cold weather.

• Shut off and drain outdoor faucets when you think a hard freeze is coming
• Learn how to turn off water at its source so you can stop leaks immediately if they start
• Take care of known issues with pipes that freeze. Heat tape can be used to keep them warm during extremely cold weather
• Close foundation vents when really cold weather is expected
• Drain garden hoses, roll them up, and store them inside
• Set sprinkler system to “off”, turn off water and drain the pipes
• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Trim tree limbs that are hanging over or touching the roof
• Cover outdoor furniture or store it inside
• Have chimney inspected and cleaned
• Close fireplace damper when not in use