Homes With Views – Camas and Washougal

Owning a home with a view of a river – or any vista – is a unique living experience. Likewise, it will add value when you are ready to sell. We receive requests all the time from buyers who dream of having a home views, and it’s always a pleasure to help them find the right match.

We are fortunate to live in the Pacific Northwest – recognized as one of the most scenic regions in the country.  This is especially true of Clark County, bordered on the south by the Columbia River.  Over the years, the “Mighty” Columbia carved natural canyons and gorges in its wake. In Clark County, this left rolling hillsides along the river which offer many vantage points with stunning views.  Likewise, some of the wildest rivers in the country feed into the Columbia through Clark County – creating many sites with sweeping panoramic views.

Camas and Washougal, in particular, are positioned along the Columbia and Washougal rivers, offering home owners multiple opportunities for views.  Before you start your search, it will help to get a feel for the market and view homes available.  Right now, it is clearly a sellers market in Clark County with only .6 months of inventory in the whole county. This makes view properties even more valuable – with an average price increase over last year of 12% for Camas and Washougal.

ViewHomes™️ Market Report for January 2021 (Note: Averages are for single family homes with views, and does not include a spectacular view home on Dawson Ridge in Camas for $18,997,000.)

Given the limited number of homes with views, it is important to be prepared when you start shopping.  An all-cash purchase will put you in a better position in a competitive market.  If you plan to finance the purchase, make sure you have a Pre-Approval letter from your lender (not just Pre-Qualified.). it will show the sellers you are serious, and you won’t have problems getting the loan.  Likewise, it is best if your down payment-funds are not contingent on another transaction.  It’s not a deal killer, but it will be hard to compete with someone who has cash on hand.

For more information about finding a home with a view, contact us.

Or start your search here.

Clark County Home Sales

Our clients are always asking “How’s the market doing?” And, we are constantly checking see what’s really going on every month.  Especially now that some COVID-19 restrictions are easing in Washington state, it’s important to see how they are impacting the real estate market.

Good News and Bad News:

First, the Bad News: As the green graph and box show on the chart below, Active Residential Listings over the past year have been declining.  But the red box shows listings jumping by over 300 homes in January 2021.  Still, if you are in the market to buy a home, there is a scarcity of selection.  The inventory – the time it takes to sell all homes actively listed – jumped from .6 to .8 months in January.  Even though this is an improvement, five to seven months is “balanced”, so this still clearly points to a Seller’s market.

We are hoping that, as more of the vaccine becomes available, and the infection rate drops, we will see more homes coming on the market.

Now, the Good News:  If you are a homeowner, thinking about selling your home, now is the time to act.  With such a low inventory, you expect a very quick sale, provided you price it correctly and have a realtor market it.  This summer we sold a home for $30,000 over asking with no contingencies. No financing, appraisal, or inspections. Unheard of in a normal market.

Clark County Home Sales

Meanwhile, the reality of a Seller’s market is that the Average Sale Price keeps rising. As the chart shows below, prices have risen regularly since January 2012.  And with low inventory and extremely low interest rates, prices will likely continue to rise for the near future.

Tips For Surviving a Seller’s Market

Sellers: If you are thinking about selling, now is a great time!  Some COVID restrictions have been eased – e.g. open houses are allowed again with certain restrictions.  All showings continue under controlled environments, but houses keep getting shown and sold.  Call us for the latest COVID guidelines and for a free consultation on your home’s value.

Buyers:  Be super-prepared when you start looking.  Have your financing and down payment in order, and be prepared to make an offer as soon as you see what you like.  Waiting will likely mean the house will be gone. You might also find yourself in a bidding war. In that case, know your absolute limits, and don’t fall into the emotional trap of overpaying just to win.  An inflated price will hurt you in the long run when it comes time to sell.  You can start your home search here.