Mooncake Flower Farm in Camas, Washington is such a wonderful addition to the local community. And the swoon-worthy name is perfection. Would a flower farm by any other name smell so sweet? I think not!
The story starts several years ago when one of our favorite neighbors asked me to sell her farm house on five-acres. It was a bittersweet sale. Our family hated to see her go, but we were happy for the new adventures waiting on her horizon.
However, a big question hung in the air. Who will move in, and will we be compatible? Turns out, the answer is a big and enthusiastic, yes! They are the perfect people to have living on nearby acreage. Bonus, our two white Golden Retrievers love to keep tabs on their rescue dog, Mouse, through the fences of our two parcels.
Since we are nature-lovers at heart, you’ll find no toxic chemicals used for gardening at our rural home. We think anything called Round-up is best found at the annual cowboy gathering in Pendleton, not in a potion that can impact the health of our pollinators.
Therefore, we were thrilled to discover Mooncake Flower Farm in Camas, Washington is committed to healthy, organic farming practices. Specifically, they prioritize soil health and water conservation. What a treat to have responsible stewards of the earth growing flowers next-door. Imagine we can learn a thing or two from them.
Right now, you can support their endeavors while brightening your home with artfully-arranged, weekly floral bouquets. Their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program offers several different schedule options and two price points, $100 for 4 weeks, or $200 for 8 weeks. It’s easy to sign up at Mooncake Flower Farm’s website.
The couple behind the vision of Mooncake Flower Farm hail from the east coast. Since it’s best to get the scoop directly from the source. You can read more about Annie and Stephen, their farming philosophy, and the origin of their farm’s name, at their website Mooncake Flower Farm.
Driving up our road, it’s fun to catch glimpses of the rows of colorful flowers swaying in the breeze. The sight always brings me smiles. To quote Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Earth laughs in flowers.” My family is indeed grateful to have Mooncake Flower Farm in Camas, WA as our next-door neighbor.
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MultiGen Homes in Camas Washington
Are you one of many families searching for a multigenerational home in Camas, Washington? We know it’s not always easy to find an exact match for your specific wants and needs. We know first-hand. In fact, our home multigenerational home in Camas required some post-purchase modifications to make it work for us.
For example, we transformed a wet bar downstairs into a full kitchen, and upgraded a bonus room into a bedroom with the addition of closet space. Required egress, with windows and an exterior door, leading to a garden patio, were already in place.
We’ve been living a multigenerational lifestyle since 2006. In that time, we’ve learned so much about the process of transitioning into shared housing. The obvious benefit of shared expenses is a well-known perk. And so is sharing life with people you love.
Naturally, there are also plenty of adjustments. We think it’s important to make sure everyone gets the privacy they need – and their own space. Speaking of space, we specialize in rural properties having exterior natural space – something we both greatly appreciate. It’s especially appealing when the acreage is surrounded by serene and pleasing views.
MultiGenHomes in Camas Washington
Currently, there are 11 homes classified as “dual living” for sale in Camas ranging from $469,900 to more than $3.5 million. Bu there might be others that could be converted into multigen with the right modifications. So, we are also quite proficient at finding other homes not listed as dual living that might fit your needs.
Just ask us, we can help you find the right home. Or Search for MultiGen Listings Here
For more multigen family resources, check out MultiGen Homes.
Here’s To More Frilutsliv! (“Free-Loofts-Leev”)
January flew in this year with its usual vengeance. Gray overcast days with rainy and windy weather – typical for this time of year. Yet, even when anticipated, these dark winter days can often leave us feeling a bit gloomy. Especially with a pandemic raging, being cooped up inside can add to the sense of isolation.
Paradoxically, one of the best antidotes for the winter blues is to get outside, in spite of the rough weather. The Scandinavians have a term for it, too, it’s called friluftsliv – free-loofts-liv. The word roughly translates to “open-air living.”
Many Nordic parents practice the concept with their children at a young age. Babies, at ages under one year-old, are often spotted napping outdoors, in all weather, throughout the year. No wonder they are a hardy bunch! The phrase. “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes,” is a mantra children hear frequently during their formative years.
Recent polls suggest more of us have gained a greater appreciation for nature during the past year. Too many days spent indoors certainly take their toll. Outdoor activities offer us new ways to feel connected to others while still maintaining social distancing protocols. While winter weather can be a challenge, we can still embrace the frilutftsliv attitude and remain outdoor enthusiasts.
We’re lucky to live within close proximity to nature. And, most of us have closets filled with the right clothes to make year-round outside adventures more comfortable. Down jackets, boots, gloves, and rain gear are designed to help us brave the elements. Often, it’s getting out the door that represents the toughest part of bad weather outings. Perhaps we need to shift our perception of the winter months and adopt the Scandinavian mindset.
One recent day, with bitterly cold east winds blowing, we met our daughter and grandchildren at a public park. We all bundled up in layers, toasty jackets, and hats and gloves. The children played and road their bikes around the trails as we walked for over two hours. Large tree branches swayed in the wind, and our golden retriever happily chased leaves as they flew across the pathways. It was a delightful way to reconnect with family and enjoy the outdoors.
Researchers at the University of Exeter in the U.K. found that people who spend at least 120 minutes in nature a week, enjoy better health and well-being. Whether it’s walking the dog at a park, or hiking up a mountain trail, fresh air and exercise is good for our body and soul. Here’s to embracing more friluftsliv this winter!
Remember, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.”
Want to learn more about living close to nature to get outdoors?
Clark County Market Recap
The real estate market in Clark County WA is still lively, but starting to reach a more “reasonable” level. Even during this hot lazy summer, activity is high, inventory low, and prices are still up compared to a year ago.
During this time of year, buyers are pretty serious, especially families with school children. They want to relocate before school starts. Likewise, sellers are eager to move on and are now willing to negotiate over price or terms as the Springtime frenzy has died down. It is a good time to consider buying if you are in the market.
Here’s a recap of the July market activity in Camas, East County, and Washougal. Plus, the latest market report for MultiGen homes in Clark County.
Clark County Market Recap
Meanwhile, even with a slight downturn, Average home prices in Clark County are up 15% over last year.
If you are thinking about selling, now is a great time! Most COVID restrictions have been lifted, but we still observe all health protocols. restrictions. All showings continue under controlled environments, and houses continue to be shown and sold.
Want To Know What Your Home is Worth? Just Ask US!
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 can start your home search here.
Want to hear more about Clark County Home Sales, or receive our Week-End Market Report? Send us an email and we’ll send you the latest reports.
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.
(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.)Camas Home Sales Report – It’s a Great Time To Sell
In spite of last year and ongoing real estate restrictions, Camas home sales remain strong. Pending sales in December were up 5.5% over last year at this time. There were only 62 closed sales in Camas because overall inventory in Clark County is still extremely low at .6 months. December Numbers (RED) Show Lowest Active Listings in RMLS History 
Projections Point to More Limited Inventory in January.
Even as more new homes come on the market, prices continue on a steady rise. The annual percentage increase in sales price in Camas was 8.4% for the month. This bodes well for sellers thinking about putting their home on the market.
Camas Offers Many Amenities to Buyers Camas has a small town atmosphere with close proximity to city amenities and services – all without the traffic jams! You can find rural estates, classic bungalows, waterfront homes, and homes with views. So, ask for it – we’ve probably got it.
This historic downtown offers many fun activities while observing COVID-19 protocols. Plus, the Camas School District is highly rated and families appreciate knowing their children attend award-winning schools.
Although more new homes are coming on the market, older homes tend to have larger lots and more room for a growing family, live-in relatives, or visiting friends. Some are even suited for multigen households with separate living quarters.
Likewise, you are more likely to have space for that garden or just a quiet place with privacy. Homes in Camas offer you opportunities to spend more time doing things you love, connect with nature, and live a lifestyle that helps rejuvenate your soul. Then add a view, and you have a wonderful home with “Nature as Neighbors” and “Elbow room for the Soul.”
Camas Home Sales Report January 2021*
(*Report is for single family homes on larger lots or acreage priced $350,000 and above. Averages do not include an amazing home listed for $18,997,000 on Dawson Ridge)
Sellers, if you want to find out how much your home is worth, give us a call.
Buyers, start your search here.
Clark County Home Sales.
2021 brought a wild Sellers market to Clark County home sales. Buyers are driving up the demand for homes. Inventory is at historical lows, and bidding wars have been crazy. Many were waiving contingencies and even offering to match any shortfalls in appraisals. As a result, homes were selling for way over asking price. Inventory shortage hasn’t eased yet, but there is some light at the end of this tunnel. Inventory rose last month for the first time since January – not much, but hopefully a sign of a coming trend.
Bad News, Good News and Better News:
First, the Bad News: As the green graph shows on the chart below, Active Residential Listings over the past year have been declining. The red line shows them dropping a bit more before ticking up in April. 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 listed – dropped from .8 months in January to .5 in March but ticked up to .6 in April . Five to seven months is “balanced”, so this indicates it is still a Seller’s market.
The good news – if there is any: the red line below shows New Listings on the market are back up to 2019 levels after a precipitous drop last year.
We hope to see more homes coming on the market soon and that will help take the pressure off prices.
Now, the Better News (for Sellers): If you are a homeowner, thinking about selling your home, now is the time to act. With such a low inventory, you can expect a very quick sale, provided you price it correctly and have a realtor market it. Last summer we sold a home for $30,000 over asking with no contingencies. No financing, appraisal, or inspections. Unheard of in a normal market. And that was just the beginning of the buying frenzy.
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.
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.
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.
Want to hear more about Clark County Home Sales? Send us an email and we’ll send you the latest reports. (We will not spam you and you can unsubscribe any time.
Feeding Hummingbirds in Cold Weather
We have native, year-round Anna’s hummingbirds living in the woods at our rural home in Camas, Washington. For several winters, we have used a heated feeder to make sure the tiny birds have a reliable source of nectar when the temperatures drop. Otherwise, the nectar freezes and the birds can’t drink. But this year, the feeder is leaking. So, we decided to explore other options.
The one that caught our eye is called the Hummingbird Heinie Warmer. Admittedly, it’s a bit of a curiosity during the day, but as the daylight fades, it comes to life and gets prettier and prettier. The string of C7 lights give off enough heat to prevent the nectar from freezing, and give cold birds a perch to warm their heinie. You might think the the extra chains holding the bowl of lights might scare them.
The little guys are not deterred at all. If anything, the new lights seem to attract them just as much. And just as in the summer, they are already territorial over “their” new-found feeding station.
Feeding hummingbirds in cold weather – it’s easy!
Since, it’s November, we chose fall colored bulbs for the 25 light string. For December, we’ll switch it up for Christmas. After December, we’ll likely use clear lights until we take it down in Spring. We think it’s festive and fun, and so far, seems to do the trick. When the snow flies, we’ll do an update and let you know how the birds are using it. We’re hoping to see them perched on the bowl riding out the worst of our winter storms in toasty comfort.
Want to know more about feeding hummingbirds in winter? Just contact us.
Rural Homes on Acreage for Sale in Camas
We’re such fans of rural living, we made the move ourselves in 2015, happily leaving the suburbs behind. The ability to enjoy soothing views and elbow room for the soul has been especially comforting in 2020. Our veggie garden and fruit trees were lovingly tended all summer long, and it paid off with a bountiful harvest this fall. Anyone in need of zucchini? Talk about an overachiever.
The stars shine brighter in the country too. The farther you get away from light pollution, the clearer the constellations sparkle. Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn have all been showing off all month in the night sky. Venus is best spotted when the planet shines its brightest – just before dawn. We’re hoping for clear skies on Halloween night as there is going to be a rare Blue Moon appearance. Apparently, it only happens once every 19 years.
Admittedly, living in a rural location in Camas requires a different mindset. You aren’t likely to be within five minutes to a nearby grocery store. In fact, it might be 30 minutes, or more, away. At least to a large store. Though many of our rural areas do have smaller markets which are closer. For example, we often shop at the Fern Prairie Market. Naturally, the price of convenience is higher, and we understand why.
Rural living brings out the independent streak in some people. They choose to live away from populated areas to enjoy the freedom to shoot guns and fireworks, ride motocross bikes, work on cars in the front yard, and basically live life their own way. Most are considerate, some are not. It’s something worth considering if you are sensitive to any of the aforementioned behavior.
If you do have concerns, we know neighborhoods where residents have acreage and privacy, but also have CC&Rs (Covenants, conditions, and restrictions) to ensure a quiet, rural lifestyle experience for all residents. Feel free to contact us today for more information.
Search here for Homes on acreage in Camas, Washington. Or, better yet, let us set up a custom search geared specifically to your wants and needs.
The Summit at Autumn Hills – View Homes in Camas, Washington
The Summit at Autumn Hills – View Homes in Camas, Washington. Livingston Mountain in Camas, WA is a lovely neighborhood. Residents live in custom homes sited on large lots, five acre parcels to be exact. Many of the properties have sweeping views of the valley, mountains, and Portland city lights.
Towering pines and alder create an ideal environment for frequent wildlife visits. Residents claim to have more sunny days than lowlanders, and, if you’re a fan of a white Christmas, there’s a better chance of that happening here too.
Trails wrap through the neighborhood and are managed by the neighborhood HOA, home owners association You’ll often see neighbors out and about on the community trails marked for horseback riding and/or hiking.
Speaking of the HOA, there are CCRs ( Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions ), as well as, easements for The Summit at Autumn Hills. We advise all of our buyer clients to read through them carefully prior to making any purchase.
Children who live in The Summit attend highly-rated Camas Schools. Many shops and services are only about 20-25 minutes away. However, Fern Prairie Market is only about 15 minutes aways and is a good spot for grocery items, plus gas and propane.
Currently, there are no homes listed for sale in The Summit at Autumn Hills. But, we’d be happy to set up a customized search for you. Plus, we’ll put out our feelers to see if we can flush out any coming-soon properties.
Two properties have sold in recent months. One built in 1996 for $705,000. And another, for $1.38-million. The latter pricing reflects beautiful updates, a 400 sq ft apartment unit, and a 5200 sq foot shop with an office, gym, and a theatre room with kitchen, bath, and deck.
The Summit at Autumn Hills offers a true Nature As Neighbors lifestyle. No wonder we are big fans.
City Dweller Join Growing Trend.
With more people stuck at home, recent reports of the renewed interest in gardening is no surprise. Nurseries report an uptick in sales of vegetable starts over ornamentals. Oregon State University’s offer of a free gardening class crashed their site. And our favorite seed source, Baker Creek had to shut down for several days to restock and catch up on all their orders.
There are many benefits, both practical and therapeutic to growing your own food. Many see it as a way to control the food they eat, without going to a store. But there are also great psychological benefits – something we can all use during times of stress. The biggest benefit is often just starting a living thing from scratch and nurturing it to full growth. It is very satisfying – even in the Pacific Northwest with a relatively short growing season.
The Container Gardening Option
Now, someone living in an urban or suburban settings might think “Yeah, but I don’t have any land for a garden”. Well, the good news is, you can grow many items in containers and still reap the benefits of growing your own food. Before moving to our country home, we lived in a townhome subdivision with tiny lots. Even there, we used our patio and small patches of ground to grow a variety of container vegetables. Many plants are especially well-suited for containers: lettuce, patio tomatoes, and any numbers of herbs come to mind.
We feel extremely fortunate we have the yard space for our garden. Yet, we still grow a few patio vegetables for convenience – they are both decorative and practical.
Our best success has been with Northwest specific tomatoes like Home Slice and Silvery Fir. It’s great to be fixing a salad and, instead of running out to the garden, just stepping out on the deck and picking a few tomatoes. Or adding fresh-clipped herbs to any dish.
So, start small and try a few things. Do some research on what grows best in your area. There are any number of web sites and YouTube videos to help you. Pick a few plants that are designed to grow in containers. Starting from seed might work, but can sometimes be tricky. So it’s best to start with seedling plants. There are several online services that will ship live plants to your home. Also, you may be able to order starter plants from your local nursery and have them delivered, or do a safe pickup like a grocery order.
However you do it, you will be rewarded with your own food and the mental satisfaction of growing and nurturing something living.
Camas Home Sales Report
In spite of the COVID-19 shutdown, home sales in Camas are brisk. Pending sales in August were up 6.2% over last year at this time. There were 80 closed sales last month and overall inventory in Clark County is still low at 1.6 months.
Even with more new homes coming on the market, prices continue on a steady rise. The annual percentage increase in sales price was 7.5% for the month. This bodes well for sellers thinking about putting their home on the market. Even fall and winter months are good times to sell.
Camas offers a small town atmosphere with close proximity to city amenities and services – all without the traffic jams! You can find rural estates, classic bungalows, waterfront homes, and homes with views. So, ask for it – we’ve probably got it.
This historic town – located right on the Columbia River – is always hopping with fun and activities. Plus, the Camas School District is highly rated and families appreciate knowing their children attend award-winning schools.
Although more new homes are coming on the market, older homes tend to have larger lots and more room for a growing family, live-in relatives, or visiting friends. Some are even suited for multigen households with separate living quarters.
Likewise, you are more likely to have space for that garden or just a quiet place with privacy. Homes in Camas offer you opportunities to spend more time doing things you love, connect with nature, and live a lifestyle that helps rejuvenate your soul. Then add a view, and you have a wonderful home with “Nature as Neighbors” and “Elbow room for the Soul.”
(*Report is for single family homes priced $350,000 and above, and does not include an amazing listing for $18,997,000 on Dawson Ridge)
Homeowners, if you want to find out how much your home is worth, give us a call.
Buyers, start your search here.
Rural life has great benefits – clean air, beautiful views, and elbow room for the soul. But it also has its share of hazards: Lions (Mountain), and Tigers (Lillies – toxic to pets) and Pears! (Well, pears are not exactly hazardous, but they can lead to frustration and disappointment.) Here’s the full story:
Earlier this year, we posted a video explaining how to prune fruit trees for better production. After that demo, spring brought excellent results – full, bright blossoms that promised a bounty of apples and pears.
I continued to prune unwanted suckers, spray with organic oil, and generally ensure there were no bugs. I also took the additional precaution of placing mesh bags over the fruit as it started to form – this was mostly to ward off the large wasps that showed up last year at the end of the season.
As the season continued with exceptional weather the trees produced large clusters of fruit that grew and started to ripen. (Unfortunately, I did not take a photo, so you’ll just have to trust me on this.) I was extremely excited that we would have an exceptional variety of fresh, organic fruit this year. I even started researching different recipes for preserving them.
Then that fateful morning, I walked out to the trees and poof!!
Every single fruit was gone!!
To add insult to injury, the nasty marauders left chewed-up bags – the very bags designed to protect the fruit!!
AAARRGGHH! So there I was, like Yosemite Sam, stomping around, shaking my fists, mumbling pseudo-curses “racken fracken, ya dirty varmint, why I’m gonna getcha.” And so forth…
After continuing in that vein, mumbling to myself for quite a while, I eventually settled down. It dawned on me the raiders were the family of deer we often see on the property. And who could blame them? I had carefully prepared an all-you-can-eat buffet, then graciously presented it in an easy-to-reach, help-yourself arrangement. I should know better. When living with wildlife, you have to anticipate such things, and I had (naively) assumed that the small fences I had were sufficient. The lesson is: never leave anything to chance. So, what can I do to prevent this from happening next year?
I immediately set out searching the internet for the best solution. And I was a little shocked at the vast range of options – from dangling soap and hanging noise makers to wolf urine and commercial repellent to (Gasp!) hunting! Yes, one web site actually suggested shooting them for game. But we’re more gatherers than hunters. So after rejecting the options, including repellents (they small like rotten meat) I settled on Occam’s Razor – “the simplest solution is usually the best” – a taller fence. Doh! I already had fences – just add to them!
I guess we’ll see how that works next year. In the meantime, Debb reminds me that the deer are a gift from our “nature as neighbors” surroundings. And if I’m really craving a pear, there are plenty of them at our local Farmers Markets.
Want to learn more about how NOT to grow organic fruit to feed wildlife? Just Ask!
Camas home sales remain strong in August of 2019. And, it’s no wonder. Charming Camas is capturing the attention of relocation buyers – singles, couples, and families. Surrounded by nature, but also close to city amenities and services all without the traffic jams!
You can find rural homes, bungalows in downtown Camas, homes on lakes, rivers, and ponds, homes in gated neighborhoods, homes with views. So, ask for it, we’ve probably got it. Plus, the Camas Schools district is highly rated and families appreciate knowing their children attend award-winning schools.
This historic town – located right on the Columbia River – is always hopping with fun and activities. And the Downtown Camas Association knows the importance of visitors in keeping shops and services in business. So, here are a few of the events to look forward to in the coming months.
Camas home sales have picked up in the last year. Although one of the oldest towns in the region, it has been discovered as the next “new” place for buyers. Many are relocating from out of state – or just across the river from Portland. And it’s no wonder. Here, you can find a home close to nature, but also close to city amenities and services. Without the traffic jams!
Although there are many new homes coming on the market, older homes tend to have larger lots and more room for a growing family, live-in relatives, or visiting friends. Add a view, and you can have a wonderful home with “Nature as Neighbors”.
Likewise, you are more likely to have space for that garden or just a quiet place with privacy. Homes in Camas offer you opportunities to spend more time with those you love, connect with nature, and live a lifestyle that helps rejuvenate your soul.
44 Active Listings – $434,800 to $2,950,000
Average SQFT – 4,082
Average $/SQFT – $273
21 Pending – $425,000 to $2,100,000
Average SQFT- 3,622
Average $/SQFT – $216
37 Sold in last 3 Mos – $420,000 to $925,000
Average SQFT – 3,511
Average $/SQFT – $184
Median Days on Market was 32 days – down from 44 days in April. The Camas market is heating up!
(Note: Report is for view homes priced $400,000 and above, and averages do not include a spectacular $13,500,000 55-acre lake-side property on Leadbetter.)
If you are a buyer interested in a home in Camas, give us a call.
Market Report for Homes With Columbia River Views:
28 Active from $489,500 to $4,200,000 Average SQFT 4,158 Average $/SQFT $214 16 Pending from $434,995 to $1,195,000 Average SQFT 3,394 Average $/SQFT $207 19 Sold in past 3 months from $410,000 to $1,850,000 Average SQFT 4,088 Average $/SQFT $173 Median Days on Market: 54 days – homes with Columbia River views don’t last long!Looking for a home with Columbia River Views, or own a home with a view of the Columbia you want to sell? We specialize in finding and selling view homes of Clark County with “Nature As Neighbors.”
Nature as Neighbors – Waterfront Property
As Spring approaches, we all spend more time in the great outdoors – especially on the water. Some folks want easy access to boating and active water sports, while others just want a peaceful place to enjoy the relaxed, meditative environment. Water activities here are so popular, many buyers decide they want to live year-round on a river, bay, creek or pond. Whatever venue they choose, waterfront homes have a built-in natural asset that provides years of enjoyment and adds greatly to its resale value.
While Clark County offers many opportunities for waterfront living, the challenges of regulations, market demand, and a limited inventory have made this a specialized market. Shoreline protections, alone, can dictate home site footprints, setbacks, and mitigation requirements that are very different from normal home sites. Buyers and sellers should work with a broker who has expertise in waterfront properties and knows this market well.
75 Active from $400,000 to $2,100,000
Average SQFT 3,508
Average $/SQFT $217
27 Pending from $400,000 to $2,500,000
Average SQFT 2,678
Average $/SQFT $241
43 Sold in past 3 months from $409,000 to $2,430,750
Average SQFT 3,384
Average $/SQFT $209
(Averages do not include the 55-acre parcel on Lacamas Lake for $13,500,000.)
Median Days on Market: 64 days. This is down a bit from 87 DOM in February – these properties will start heating up as the weather gets better!
*Focusing on homes priced $400,000 and above
Looking for a waterfront property? Start your search here.
Have a home on the water you want to sell? We specialize in selling homes with “Nature As Neighbors.”
We regularly post Market Reports to show the home sales activity in Clark County. Throughout the year we show activity in many towns in the RMLS, reporting more frequently on the areas where we concentrate our efforts – East County – Camas, Hockinson, and Washougal. We use a pictograph to show Active, Pending, and Recent Sales, including average prices, etc.
At the bottom of our chart, we show the “Annual Increase in Sales Price” – which is derived from the RMLS monthly “AVG Price % Change” for that area.
The RMLS defines this as the rolling average sale price for the last 12 months compared to the average price 12 months prior. Monthly reports include this change for all of Clark County, as well as specific RMLS areas.
We started to notice an interesting change in this indicator for the past several months. So we decided to plot it. Since around 2011, the AVG Price % Change for most areas kept going up year after year. That continued until 12 months ago. Now the numbers show a different trend – leveling off, or even heading down slightly.
What does this mean? The rate at which prices were going up is now cooling. Average price increases in most areas are still positive, just not as high as previous years. Here are the trends in the areas where we focus our efforts:
Simultaneously, inventory, although still low, has been creeping up slowly as more new construction comes on line in the area.
A quick comparison of the larger Portland market (based on RMLS numbers) shows the same trajectory down in AVG Price % Change. A more comprehensive indicator – the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index also shows that, for the Portland metro market (which includes Clark County) there is a year-over-year decrease in the rate of home price increases.
So, are we entering a cooling off period in the area? In addition to a lower percent price change, overall closings are trending down. This could, of course, be due to some of the Fed’s interest rate hikes last year. The promise of no new rate increases in the coming months might boost overall sales again. Plus, inventory is going up as new construction adds more homes.
The message for Sellers is, when listing your property be very realistic about your pricing. Inventory is still low, but qualified buyers are clearly expecting lower prices than last year. Likewise, buyers should be aware of the opportunities as inventory increases.
For now, it appears to be a slight (and needed) pricing correction in the market. Due to the low inventory, we are still in a Sellers market. Buyers who find a home they love, need to act quickly and realistically with offers.
We don’t expect wild drops in pricing, but the trend appears to be downward for now. It will be interesting to see how this plays out as we continue to track and report on price changes in the coming months.
Living close to nature and having privacy and space provide the daily pleasures of a relaxing retreat. Many homes in Camas offer the luxury of nature as neighbors, with “elbow room for the soul”. Camas has an award-winning small-town lifestyle with easy access to city amenities, including close proximity to Portland International Airport. Even if you choose a home on a smaller lot, you are never far from parks and forests for recreation in a natural environment.
42 Active Listings – $449,900 to $2,699,000
Average SQFT 4,391
Average $/SQFT $241
15 Pending Listings – $425,000 to $1,998,000
Average SQFT: 4,140
Average $/SQFT $196
26 Sold in the last 3 months from $400,000 to $2,100,000
Average SQFT 3,163
Average $/SQFT $216
Living close to nature and having privacy and space provide the daily pleasures of a relaxing retreat. Many homes in Camas offer the luxury of nature as neighbors, with “elbow room for the soul”. Camas has an award-winning small-town lifestyle with easy access to city amenities, including close proximity to Portland International Airport. Even if you choose a home on a smaller lot, you are never far from parks and forests for recreation in a natural environment.
42 Active Listings – $449,900 to $2,699,000
Average SQFT 4,391
Average $/SQFT $241
15 Pending Listings – $425,000 to $1,998,000
Average SQFT: 4,140
Average $/SQFT $196
26 Sold in the last 3 months from $400,000 to $2,100,000
Average SQFT 3,163
Average $/SQFT $216
If you’re looking for a home in Camas, WA, begin your Camas ViewHomes search here.™
Homes in rural parts of Camas offer the luxury of nature as neighbors, with “elbow room for the soul”. Living close to nature and having privacy and space provide the daily pleasures of a relaxing retreat. Camas has an award-winning small-town lifestyle with easy access to city amenities, including close proximity to Portland International Airport. Even if you choose a home on a smaller lot, you are never far from parks and forests for recreation or peace and quiet in a natural environment.
61 Active Listings – $439,900 to $2,100,000
Average SQFT 3,971
Average $/SQFT $236
19 Pending Listings – $425,000 to $1,100,000
Average SQFT: 3,158
Average $/SQFT $200
56 Sold in the last 3 months from $400,000 to $2,100,000
Average SQFT 3,528
Average $/SQFT $215
If you are thinking about selling your home in Camas, call us for a free market analysis. We know this area well and know how to attract buyers for the best result!
If you’re looking for a home in Camas, WA, begin your Camas ViewHomes search here.
The triplets are growing. ( Only two cooperated for the photo.) Our resident nest of Dark-eyed Juncos has kept us (well, more me) busy in the past week and a half – nervously watching. The nest hangs in a flower basket right outside one of our bedroom windows. Therefore, I’ve taken it upon myself to keep a check on them while their mom is out finding food. Bernie calls me the surrogate mom – neurotic, but well-meaning. I think he’s right. One day, I failed to see either of the parent birds come to the nest and was certain a cat, or something, must have gotten them. I worried throughout the night that they’d be cold without mom sitting on the nest. In fact, I had planned to call the local bird folks to ask for advice. However, the next morning, mom and dad were both there, taking turns feeding the babies.
Today, I’m worried about tonight’s fireworks activity. Since we live in a rural area of Camas, many of the independent folks who live nearby enjoy the privilege of being able to shoot off fireworks. Some we hear and see, are likely not legal in our state. It’s one of those things that’s tough to monitor. It will start up early this evening and continue until about 2AM. At any rate, I know loud noises are often used to scare off unwanted birds who feast on crops. So, I can’t help but wonder if it will frighten our little family. I’m concerned the parent birds might flee in fear, or that the noise might startle the triplets and cause them to leap out of the nest too soon.
What’s a human bird mother supposed to do? To top it off, today is also our anniversary. We are normally both big fans of this patriotic day, but I can’t help but wish it wasn’t happening until a few weeks from now, when my baby birds have left the nest.
Living in Camas can provide you with the luxury of nature as neighbors, with “elbow room for the soul”. We all know about the rejuvenating powers of living close to nature and having privacy and space – add to that the daily pleasures of a fantastic view, and your home really becomes a retreat. An award-winning small-town lifestyle with easy access to city amenities, including close proximity to an international airport, makes Camas a very desirable area.
47 Active Listings – $424,900 to $1,650,000
Average SQFT 3,781
Average $/SQFT $225
28 Pending Listings – $425,000 to $2,100,000
Average SQFT: 3,538
Average $/SQFT $251
27 Sold in the last 3 months from $405,000 to $2,011,000
Average SQFT 3,734
Average $/SQFT $202
If you are thinking about selling your home in Camas, call us for a free market analysis. We know this area well and know how to attract buyers for the best result!
If you’re looking for a home in Camas, WA, begin your Camas ViewHomes search here.
When the weather warms up, buyers often start talking about being outdoors on the water. Some folks want easy access to boating and active water sports, while others just want a peaceful place to enjoy the relaxed, meditative environment. Whether it’s a river, bay, creek or pond, waterfront homes have a built-in natural asset many buyers want.
While Clark County offers opportunities for waterfront living, the challenges of regulations, market demand, and a limited inventory have made this a limited, and specialized market. Regulations designed to protection our watersheds restrict the development of shoreline properties with tight footprints, setbacks, and mitigation requirements. Even creeks are regulated in certain protected watersheds, so this can cause frustration for anyone trying to build or expand a house along a natural waterway.
Whether you are looking for, or want to sell, waterfront property, you should work with a broker who has experience in this specialized market and knows how to achieve that perfect outcome for you.
63 Active from $425,000 to $2,790,000
Average SQFT 3,594
Average $/SQFT $239
37 Pending from $400,000 to $1,200,000
Average SQFT 3,127
Average $/SQFT $208
50 Sold in past 3 months from $400,000 to $1,675,000
Average SQFT 3,211
Average $/SQFT $199
Median Days on Market: 34 days. Waterfront homes don’t last for long!
Looking for a waterfront property? Start your search here.
Have a home on the water you want to sell? We specialize in selling homes with “Nature As Neighbors.”
Align with nature…Magic happens. ~ John Friend
The magic of gnomes and fairies has always been celebrated at our household. The grandchildren, who call me Oma, substitute it for Gn-oma at times, because they know how much I love these mythical nature spirits.
Therefore, we are especially excited about the Camas First Friday event next month. The Garden Gnome and Fairy Gala on May 4, is in honor of the Camas Plant and Garden Fair which follows in the next week.
If you too appreciate Nature, no doubt you know gnomes are often considered the protector of the forest and healers of animals. According to some legends, the fairies work in concert with the gnomes to carry out this large responsibility.
We think it should be a fun evening in downtown Camas with gnomes and fairies making a rare appearance throughout in shops and businesses. There’s also a treasure hunt for hidden fairy houses, an enchanted fairy garden cake decorating contest, and fairy and gnome crafts for kids.
Naturally the businesses will be open late as usual, from 5-8PM, and the local eateries will be eager to serve hungry families. Don’t forget too, you earn tickets to win great prizes for each location you visit.
At ViewHomes of Clark County we are always game for celebrating Nature As Neighbors. We hope to see you at First Friday on May 4, 2018 in charming downtown Camas.
One of our favorite woodland flowers is the Trillium. This Northwest native belongs to the Liliaceae (lily) family. And while they are relatively easy to grow from their rhizomatous root, they are very slow to develop and spread. The upside – the plants can live for up to 25 years!
We spotted them yesterday afternoon while getting some exercise on the Lacamas Heritage Trail in Camas. Nothing screams Spring like spotting these beautiful white flowers popping up between the rocks and moss. The name trillium comes from the Latin word for three – they have three leaves, three sepals, and three petals.
We have them growing in the forested area of our acreage in the hills above Camas. Due to the higher elevation our trilliums are still in the bud stage.
As they age, the flowers fade from white to pink to purple.
Wherever your travels take you today, we wish you the unexpected surprise of early Spring wildflowers. What a joy it is to celebrate Nature.
Living in Camas can provide you with the luxury of nature as neighbors, with “elbow room for the soul”. We all know about the rejuvenating powers of living close to nature and having privacy and space – add to that the daily pleasures of a fantastic view, and your home really becomes a retreat. An award-winning small-town lifestyle with easy access to city amenities, including close proximity to an international airport, makes Camas a very desirable area.
If you’re looking for a home that is close to nature, but also close to city amenities, you should check out the Camas area. Although you will see many new homes for sale, older homes tend to have larger lots and more room for a growing family, live-in relatives, or visiting friends. You’re also more likely to have space for that garden or just a quiet place with privacy. Homes in Camas offer you opportunities to spend more time with those we love, connect with nature, and live a lifestyle that helps rejuvenate our souls.
34 Active Listings – $409,900 to $1,650,000
Average SQFT 3,781
Average $/SQFT $228
16 Pending Listings – $400,000 to $1,725,000
Average SQFT: 3,789
Average $/SQFT $230
27 Sold in the last 3 months from $419,000 to $2,011,000
Average SQFT 3,648
Average $/SQFT $204
If you are thinking about selling your home in Camas, call us for a free market analysis. We know this area well and know how to attract buyers for the best result!
If you’re looking for a home in Camas, WA, begin your Camas ViewHomes search here.
Living in Camas, WA provides us with the luxury of nature as neighbors, with “elbow room for the soul”. We all know about the rejuvenating powers of living close to nature and having privacy and space – add to that the daily pleasures of a fantastic view, and your home really becomes a retreat. An award-winning small-town lifestyle with easy access to city amenities, including close proximity to an international airport, makes Camas a very desirable area.
If you’re looking for a home with that is close to nature, but also close to city amenities, you should check out the Camas area. Although you will see many new homes for sale, older homes tend to have larger lots and more room for a growing family, live-in relatives, or visiting friends. You’re also more likely to have space for that garden or just a quiet place with privacy. Homes in Camas offer you opportunities to spend more time with those we love, connect with nature, and live a lifestyle that helps rejuvenate our souls.
27 Active Listings – $400,000 to $1,687,500
Average SQFT 3,877
Average $/SQFT $210
16 Pending Listings – $485,000 to $1,350,000
Average SQFT: 4,034
Average $/SQFT $234
29 Sold in the last 3 months from $400,000 to $1,350,000
Average SQFT 3,530
Average $/SQFT $205
If you are thinking about selling your home in Camas, call us for a free market analysis. We know this area well and know how to market your property for the best result!
If you’re looking for a home in Camas, WA, begin your Camas ViewHomes search here.
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The content relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the IDX program of the RMLS™ of Portland, Oregon. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than ViewHomes™ of Clark County are marked with the RMLS™ logo, and detailed information about these properties includes the names of the listing brokers. Listing content is copyright © 2023 RMLS™, Portland, Oregon.
This content last updated on Friday, July 1 at 03:15AM. Some properties which appear for sale on this web site may subsequently have sold or may no longer be available.
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