VOTE by 5 PM  Wednesday - October 15th   VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE PHOTO!   The Categories of Photography   Life in Lake Oswego Places in Lake Oswego People of Lake Oswego Positive Aging in Lake Oswego Pets in Lake Oswego Youth (entrant/photographer must be younger then 18)   Pick YOUR favorite and VOTE     Cooper Jacobs Real Estate is happy to participate in the 2014 Photo Contest   Which one is your favorite?   brian@cooperjacobspdx.com   10/05/2014

It's NOT an annual event but when necessary Lake Corporation announces lowering the lakes water level. Oswego Lake has a controlled dam and runoff flows into Oregon's Willamette River. In order to accommodate homeowners with lakefront property with efforts to work on docks and maintain waterfront property the lake's lowered. There are many properties with access to Oswego Lake. The walls and docks need to be maintained and repaired.  Experienced contractors have barges with expensive pile drivers, cement mixers even porta potties for workers. The increased boat traffic is exciting to watch. Building materials are being moved around to replace broken sections of decking and build new boats lifts. The boat houses are particularly interesting to watch. Check out some of the Lake Oswego pro... 10/03/2014

Portland and Lake Oswego share the honor of having the Evergreen Neighborhood in their vicinity.   The MAP   We think that this area along with FIRST ADDITION are the next big real estate places to happen!   Contact us with your thoughts. Brian C. Olsen 503.853-5506   09/27/2014

  There is a wonderful sound in the air around Oswego Lake and that's the legendary rock band Kiss. Over the weekend there was a fundraiser on Jantzen Island. Thank you to the Millers that own the island and hosted this event. The goal was to raise over 1 MILLION for charity going to the Brigadier General James B. Thayer Oregon Military Museum. We live across from this picture of the island...see the boats lined up!    Island living would be the ultimate in Lake Oswego Waterfront Property!   In honor of Vietnam War Veterans this exclusive charity event wa open to 200 guests at $5,000 a couple Fine Dining and top shelf drinks Scotch and cigar bar  There was a buzz of activity all over Lake Oswego as limousines brought guests close to the island. There is limited parking over the historic... 09/17/2014

Sometimes the problems with buying property are hidden away.     I appreciate that there are times when buying property without contingencies. HOWEVER, having a thorough home buying inspection performed by reputable inspector is usually a good idea. When I personally looked into areas of this home that are not easily accessible I found some potential problems. We understand that these sorts of things happen to the best of properties so it's nothing to worry that much about. All we need to do is have an exterminator look things over and figure out what needs to be done. The insulation must be tacked back up to the studs after the mess is cleaned up. WE can fix this...don't worry. Traps can be set. For some buyers the image above is a deal breaker. They are overly concerned with the poten... 09/05/2014

The real estate market is extremely competitive right now and offers are being written and accepted.     Should your client write up a back up offer? I called the sellers agent today that's representing a listing that's PENDING. She told me the property should close at any time now and that sellers are not considering back up offers.  I guess that settles it then. NO! Not so Fast... Deals go sour all the time. I mentioned to the listing agent, "My client truly loves the property and ready to make a cash offer and ready to move forward in all ways to secure the home for themselves. I appreciate that the agent told me the truth and trying to keep things moving in the right direction for the seller. However, there is a certain obligation to the listing party by the agent to look at all pos... 08/27/2014

Portland's Village on the Lake neighborhood is looking good. There are some options to buy or sell in this Portland suburb due to demand and lack of supply. Let me know if you are interested in learning more about the easement to Oswego Lake. There is one of the nicest docks here and has water slide and floating trampoline in the water. FUN! Take a look at our BLOG or view homes at  LAKE OSWEGO LUXURY HOMES   Lake Oswego Live Where You Play For details on current market conditions around Portland, Oregon please contact me at: bco@cooperjacobs.com 503.853.5506 08/26/2014

555 Second Street Condos If you are looking for Lake Oswego luxury condominiums, then 555 Second Street Condominiums in Lake Oswego is your answer.  These beautiful condos are a collection of spacious luxury condos in the heart of LO.  This Lake Oswego condominium complex was built in 2008 and is comprised of only 30 units.  These include 4 gorgeous penthouses with big views.  555 Second Street is located in First Addition near Lakeview Village in Downtown LO.  These Lake Oswego Condos are high end, pet friendly, have parking, and offer many perks in its centralized location.  According to the RMLS, over the last twelve months, one unit in this Lake Oswego condominium community has sold.  The price on that one was $379,900 for a two bedroom.  There are two active listings of 555 Second ... 08/24/2014

Lake Oswego Waterfront Condos: Villas on Lake Oswego  - Five Villas on Lake Oswego condos have sold in the last twelve months.  These condominium units ranged in price from $116,000 to $360,000.  The price depends on location within the sommunity and also which amenities are offered.  Here are all the recent Villas on Lake Oswego sales through the RMLS:  Villas on Lake Oswego Market 082014 Within this waterfront oasis community, of Villas On Lake Oswego, there are 60 condominium units ranging in size from 496 square feet to 1194 square feet.  Villas On Lake Oswego condominiums are both lakefront and street side units and you can find one, two, and three bedroom condos here. There are some unbelievable condominium amenities here like a private and secured community dock on Oswego Lake, b... 08/24/2014

Lake Oswego Condominiums: Villas on Lake Oswego waterfront condos Lake Oswego waterfront condos Villas on Lake Oswego is a Lake Oswego waterfront condominium building located at 668 McVey Ave and is comprised of 60 units.  Villas on Lake Oswego includes amenities like a private Oswego Lake dock, parking, large waterfront balconies, and even boat slips on Oswego Lake.   If you are interested in Oswego Lake waterfront living and Lake Oswego condos, then this is a great and affordable combination of the two. In the last 12 months, there have been five Villas on Lake Oswego condos that have sold ranging in price from $116,000 to $360,000. __________________________________ Please call or email me if you are interested in buying or selling a Villas on the Lake Lake Oswego condominium or othe... 08/24/2014

OSWEGO HERITAGE COUNCIL Annual Collector CAR SHOW George Rogers Park Lake Oswego, Oregon Cadillac Classic Motor A unique show of Special Interest Cars, Classics, Sports, Hot Rods  and Wooden Boats (2014)   The annual event is a stunning success and there were so many beautiful cars and boats! More then 250 cars were registered and many prizes  Dash Plaques - Award Ribbons - Trophies - Gourmet Basket Raffle    The DIRECTORS CHOICE AWARD went to the 1952 MG TD with yellow exterior on red leather (pictured above) Cooper Jacobs Real Estate has a special interest page listing homes FOR SALE that have garage space for 5 cars or more. Lake Oswego Homes with LARGE Garages 08/20/2014

Oregon's Newest Automobile Dealership IS NOW OPEN! Ferrari of Oregon is off and racing and take a look at what they have listed FOR SALE   Only a few miles from property in Lake Oswego is the suburb of Wilsonville where these premier car showrooms are located.  Acclaimed as America's Oldest Ferrari Dealership Ron Tonkin takes this car dealership investment extremely seriously. The newly renovated building is not far from Mercedes Benz and their expansive sales & service facility.   Ferrari cars have special service requirements and the lifts used to raise the cars up for repairs and maintenance are specific to these high performance automobiles. many of the Ferrari's have carbon fiber panels to decrease wind resistance under the cars. Carbon fiber is amazingly strong and lightweight how... 08/12/2014

Showing up at this particular car gathering was the cats meow as people say.   Many automobiles with their motors purring pulled into the Tigard Starbucks parking lot. I go to socialize with car collectors and get my convertible out for a spin. There are over one hundred cars here on this Saturday in August on what I'm told is one of the largest turnouts of the year. The Ferrari Club of Oregon was there in full force. We counted over 20 Ferrari's as they came and went for a drive down through the Willamette Valley. The final destination was Durham after several stops at Oregon wineries. While talking cars I field many questions from folks looking for homes that have large garages.   Cooper Jacobs Real Estate has a special link to properties with large garages listed FOR SALE with accom... 08/10/2014

Not far away from the active city center of Lake Oswego and restaurant scene around Millenium Plaza is the Skylands neighborhood. This area tends to be more private. Not in a way that you’re not invited through but the community is situated at higher elevation. It has views of Mt Hood out to the East in one direction and royal sunsets in the other.   Skylands homes for sale  tend to be larger and on large lots and are coveted. Skylands is relatively small with about 425 residents and common for lot sizes are about an acre plus. Many of the properties are anchored with large homes and driveways are gated. Not all, just more then other parts of Lake Oswego. It is important to note that there’s not an issue with crime here, but it’s more of a statement that these are estates and larger hom... 08/01/2014

There are several important steps in successfully negotiating on real estate. Here are the important details.   Also, please check out my BLOG at:   Lake Oswego Real Estate   PAY IN CASH Sellers are more likely to accept an "easy" when cash money is involved. When banks are used to assist when purchasing property there are more things that can go wrong and ruin the deal. Sometimes financing is tricky on certain properties such as houseboats or real estate that may not appraise for what you're willing to pay for the property.    COME PREPARED Get together and organize all your paperwork and work together with your real estate agent. DON'T GO ROGUE! Have your mortgage preapproval ready to present with the purchase and sale agreement. The sellers worst fear is that the deal falls apart at ... 07/16/2014

Rare and Exciting Opportunities Own waterfront property on Oswego Lake!   There is so much to do on Oswego Lake. If you enjoy fishing on a quiet bay of water or prefer water sports that involve high horsepower boats, we have it here. Swimming and stand up paddle boarding along with kayaking and afternoon slow cruising around the lake are all popular here. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________     There are many opportunities to get into real estate that's waterfront now.   Oswego Lake homes FOR SALE     Lake Oswego is where we we live and play. Please let us know how we can assist you in searching for the perfect property. I would like to discuss what features are important to you when looking at real estate and what the ide... 07/14/2014

City of Lake Oswego Oregon PRESENTS Movies In The Park - Millenium Plaza There are countless opportunities to enjoy the Summer months in Portland, Oregon and the neighboring city of Lake Oswego. For the list of movies being presented please look at:   Movies In The Park Lake Oswego   List of flicks showing   July 24th is Super Buddies (Rated G) July 31st is Despicable Me 2 (Rated PG) August 7th is The Karate Kid 2010 release (Rated PG) August 14th is The LEGO Movie (Rated PG)   Lake Oswego Real Estate walking distance to Millenium Plaza in downtown Lake Oswego FUN for the family is bringing picnic dinner and puttting down a blanket to watch outdoor movies. You are welcome to bring low sitting chairs and blankets because comfort is key. MOVIES START AT DUSK 8:30 - 9PM  Millenium Plaza La... 07/10/2014

Out boating, taking photos!     Portland has tremendous opportunities to purchase Oswego Lake waterfront property   There are currently about 100 waterfront homes listed FOR SALE in Portland, Oregon   Take a look at this! The range is wide in price. $10,500,000 for this massive property on Oswego Lake.   $4,295,000 is much lower in price for the next property listed FOR SALE in the RMLS     $3,199,900 buys a stunning lakefront home that rolls grassy lawn to the waters edge.   Here we go...$2,399,000 is one of my favorite homes that was recently redone inside with fashion in mind. Please let me know if you are interested in viewing this property and walking down to the lakefront boat house. There's a swimming platform with ladder and boat lift.  This makes water sports easy!      This is... 07/10/2014

There's no better time to learn about Lake Oswego waterfront     IF YOU HAVE LAKE EASEMENT MEMBERS  or OSWEGO LAKE SHAREHOLDERS   Take Ski and Wake board Lessons   Oswego Lake is delighted to offer professional water sports lessons with John Steiner. If you have membership to Oswego Lake please contact Lake Corporation to make reservations.   503.636.1422 Lake Corporation Web Site   We can say from experience that John is a pro and has 25 years of experience teaching and acting out his boating dreams. Our children have taken lesson from John and we have life long memories to share with friends and family. The instructions are approached with safety first mentality and the equipment is in great condition. Lines are kept in order and not tangled and wearing life jackets while boating are ... 07/07/2014

Lake Oswego has reduced paper waste by making the annual water quality report accesible online. Cities are no longer required to inform customers by mail with water quality reports.    2014 Water Quality on Tap   This website is great and good for our planet. this resource saves paper however if you would like a printed copy FREE please call, 503.635.0394. Better yet...visit the water quality report online. There is a message from the mayor of Lake Oswego and loads of information on water. The LO water system conforms Federal and Oregon State drinking water requirements for our safety. More than 36,000 receive quality water from the City of Lake Oswego (LO). The water quality website provides details on how our drinking water is purified and what actions are being taken to protect our s... 06/25/2014