July MultiGen Home Sales for Clark County WA. We specialize in multigenerational home sales – two or more generations living under one roof. These are not typical family units of parent(s) raising their children. In fact, “multigen” is where adult family members decide to move back in together. Often, this is to care for the elderly, or share in child-rearing responsibilities.
Our multigen homes are often located on acreage or large lots. They have “elbow room for the soul”, which provides lots of room and privacy.
Clark County MultiGen Homes For Sale. We specialize in multigenerational home sales – two or more generations living under one roof. These are not typical family units of parent(s) raising their children. In fact, “multigen” is where adult family members decide to move back in together. Often, this is to care for the elderly, or share in child-rearing responsibilities.
Our multigen homes are often located on acreage or large lots. They have “elbow room for the soul”, which provides lots of room & privacy.
June Report – Waterfront Homes for Sale. The Pacific Northwest is known for its vast natural resources – especially pristine waterways. And Clark County WA has its share of exceptional waterfront homes.
Water is a built-in natural asset. Whether it’s a river, bay, creek or pond, waterfront has a wide appeal to many different buyers. Some want easy access to boating and active water sports. And others just want a peaceful place to enjoy the relaxed, meditative environment.
Waterfront homes are also a year-round luxury. In the summer, waterfront property is a great source of activity and escape from the heat. Kids, of course love it! And during the winter, it can be a great source of reflection and natural solace. As we know, being in nature can be very restorative to us all.
If you are interested in waterfront property in Clark County, it will help to know what the current market conditions are. Here is the June 2019 Report*.
82 Active from $395,000 to $2,500,000
Average SQFT – 3,495
Average $/SQFT – $226
34 Pending from $356,999 to $1,500,000
Average SQFT – 2,751
Average $/SQFT – $212
67 Sold in last 3 Months from $350,000 to $2,300,000
Average SQFT – 2,741
Average $/SQFT – $214
Median Days on Market was 42 days – waterfront homes sell very quickly!
*Averages do not include a spectacular 55-acre property on Lacamas Lake for $13,500,000.
Looking for waterfront homes in Clark County WA? Start your search here. Give us a call – we have a lot of experience with waterfront and recreational property.
Biophilic design is based on the premise that spending time in natural settings is restorative. It’s one of the big reasons we specialize in homes located in soothing environments. A growing body of evidence confirms being in nature has a profoundly positive impact on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being
This nature-wellness link is resulting in a rising interest in biophilic design. “Biophilia” literally translates to “the passionate love of life and all that is alive.” Therefore, from corporate offices to personal homes, architects and designers are working to help people feel happier, healthier, and more focused at work, and at home.
Over a decade ago, the so-called Godfather of Biophilia, Stephen Kellert, identified more than 70 elements to help create a strong connection to nature in an indoor setting. Rather than discuss the various architectural nuances of biophilic design, we are focused on how to easily create it in your current home.
Amanda Sturgeon, author of Creating Biophilic Buildings, believes a structure should reflect a geographic area. An understanding of the region’s ecosystem make us better stewards of the land, and help satisfy our need for a harmonious connection at home. A “Spirit of Place.”
“Spirit of Place” is defined as the tangible and intangible elements that give meaning, value, emotion, and mystery to a place.
Tangible: Buildings, sites, landscapes (rivers, mountains, meadows), routes.
Intangible: Memories, narratives, written documents, rituals, festivals, tradition, values, and textures.
In short, the soul of a place.
Obviously, a soothing and pleasing view is a great way to increase biophila at home. However, if your current view is lacking, there are other simple things you can do to to foster.
Fresh Air – Make sure you allow plenty of fresh air to move freely about your home. Open windows also allow us to hear the rain, the wind blowing through trees, and the sounds of birds chirping.
Play with Light and Shadow – having access to daylight helps balance our circadian rhytmns. Take note of shadows and sunlight moving through your home and landscape. If you have particularly sunny corner on a deck, create little spot to breathe in the outdoors. Try to minimize the boundaries between inside and outside spaces.
Natural Elements – Bring nature inside. Plants, soothing greens, other natural elements ( think wood and stone) and a simple fountain can help connect us to nature.
Promote a Sense of Refuge – enclosed spaces help us feel secure, but with the addition of the ability to survey the landscape the space becomes restorative. Plant trees or shrubs, create a beautiful garden – there are many ways to add a soothing view to a home.
Natural Shapes and Forms – Obviously not all buildings have natural form in their design, but we can use patterns from nature as decorative motifs. Think of art pieces reflecting an evergreen tree, fern, or salmon – or another symbols to reflect your particular region.
Order and Complexity – Nature is orderly, but quite complex in the detail. Consider while every leaf has a similar shape, the size varies. Bring nature’s designs and principles indoors.
The number one rule of biophilic design – go outside and understand your surroundings first. Observe, listen, and learn about your ecosystem – then bring nature’s lessons and gifts inside.
If you enjoyed reading about Biophilic Design, you’ll likely enjoy this article, written by Bernie, What can we learn from Nature? Everything!
Kitchen Remodel
Life is busy at our Multi-Gen house with the kitchen remodel update in full swing. Right now, it’s chaos central. Naturally, the biggest headache is trying to cook and clean up. But a Weber grill with a side burner is getting a lot of use. And a utility sink in the garage works well for washing pots, pans, and dishes.
My sis and her husband, who live on another level of our home, offered to let us use their kitchen. But, honestly, carrying things up and down the stairs would just add to the workload. Plus, it would be pretty crowded with all of us cooking different meals – especially at the same time.
Mom, who lives with us, is a good sport about the remodel and is getting used to the “glamping” aspect of the ordeal. Her morning oatmeal is made in the microwave and we try make sure we still have her favorite foods around. It requires thought, prep, and planning. So far, so good.
Plus, mom is a big Portland Trail Blazers fan and has been pretty distracted with her job as their number one cheerleader. She’s even been wearing her team jersey to her Silver Sneakers classes – we’re sorry they’ve lost the last 3 games, but we also respect and admire the Golden State Warriors. May the best team win.
Back to the kitchen. Hopefully in a few days, we’ll be able to test out the new double ovens. However, installing the new gas stove, the farmhouse sink, and the dishwasher will have to wait until the counter tops are in place. Since the counter fabricators are booked until May 30th, it will be at least a month before we get our new quartz counters.
We’ve been warned, remodeling is an endeavor in patience, and it certainly is. , but we know the end result will be worth the hassles. Tonight, we’re taking a break and having take-out. Woohoo! Happy Sunday.
Related posts:
Kitchen Remodeling Overload – Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Want to learn more about multigen households and surviving a remodel? Contact us, we’ll offer some tips.
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.
What can we learn from Nature? Everything!
It turns out, we are surrounded by brilliantly-designed inventions that can teach us a lot. Biomimicry is the science that studies nature’s inventions to inspire innovations for our daily lives. In short, old ideas are new ideas – and they are just waiting to be discovered. Plus, mimicking nature helps identify sustainable solutions that are compatible with our planet.
Natural resource scientist Janine Benyus is a huge proponent who says biomimicry is a new way of inventing. “[W]e live in a competent universe, we are part of a brilliant planet, and we are surrounded by genius. The core idea is that life’s been on Earth 3.8 billion years and that’s a lot of R&D.”
Nature Inspires Great Inventions
So, what can we learn from nature? Just about everything! Biomimicry is not just a “feel good” activity – it is a real discipline based on eons of awe-inspiring nature. The Biomimicry Institute, for example, is introducing its scientific curriculum to K-12, universities, and other educational institutions. Their goal is to create a new generation of innovators who use nature as a guide to invention. And commerce is paying attention. From agriculture to transportation, the movement is helping corporations design innovations that are both earth-friendly and profitable.
Our connection to nature is profound. Many studies indicate that when we are nature deprived, our health suffers. It’s one of the big reasons we love marketing properties in soothing environments – ViewHomes™! We think home should be a place where you relax, rejuvenate, and feed your soul. Interested in learning more? Contact us today.
Its namesake, the Washougal River, Chinook for “Rushing Water”, is one of the most pristine rivers in the West. Because of its rural location, the small town of Washougal has all the benefits of “nature as neighbors.” It has the peaceful environs of the country, yet easy access to city amenities.
Every year the Easter Bunny brings big hops and big hopes – and lots of Easter eggs. We’re not sure which came first, the Chicken or the Egg. But we do know Easter is the time of year when many thoughts turn to eggs, the universal symbols of rebirth.
In a time when we seem to have so much division, Easter can return us to thoughts of a simpler time in our lives. When we reflect on what makes us more alike than different. And a time when we celebrate the return of a vibrant season. When the earth comes back to life – hence, the egg as a universal symbol of rebirth.
And you may wonder – how did a “Silly Wabbit” become the symbol for Easter? It’s really not clear, but some believe it originated with the pagan festival of Eostre (Easter). She was the goddess of fertility whose animal symbol was a bunny. Known for energetic breeding, it is thought that, from the pagan celebration, the Easter Bunny emerged as a natural symbolize for fertility.
So, Easter – and Spring in general – represent resurrection and renewal in many different cultures. But to children it is one of those magical holidays filled with excitement and wonder. It’s a day when the Easter bunny brings big hops – and big hopes. And our hope is to always remember to view life through the eyes of a child. With wonder and joy at the season!
Spring is almost here and, if you live in the country, you might be thinking about pruning those fruit trees in your yard. Growing fruit trees is not a passive activity – especially on rural property where you often find lots of them. They actually require year-round attention for optimum health and better fruit production.
Obvious chores include watering and fertilizing during spring and summer. But trees also require attention during the winter, even though they are mostly dormant for that season. In fact, late winter is the ideal time for pruning and spraying – hence the term “dormant” oil for the type of spray used.
Cutting off branches from a healthy tree might seem counterintuitive. But careful pruning removes unproductive branches and shapes the tree to produce healthier fruit. After pruning, we spray a light mineral oil that is compatible with organic gardening – no fungicide or herbicide. The oil coats the branches and seals it from mites and other bugs that might show up during the spring bloom.
For ideal conditions, trees should be dry with no foreseeable precipitation for at least 24 hours. Likewise, ideal temps should be close to freezing. Although in some areas, you may be able to prune as late as April as long as the trees have not sprouted leaf buds.
This past winter was a real challenge because it was so wet. Our continuous days of snow and freezing rain made it nearly impossible to get out and take care of the trees. Finally, with dry weather and temperatures still below 40, we found a perfect day in March.
While pruning is not that hard with the right tools, it helps to know what you want to accomplish with the trimming. A fruit tree continues to grow throughout the year, producing new shoots from its limbs. Unless these shoots have fruit buds, they need to be pruned off. Otherwise, they divert nourishment from the branches that have fruit. Pruning helps direct the nutrients from the tree trunk to branches with fruit.
Likewise, the shape of the tree can determine how productive and healthy the harvest will be. There are several schools of thought about this, but we prefer to prune the center lead (trunk) out. This helps the outer branches spread out and grow into an umbrella shape. The open center allows more air circulation and sunlight into the remaining branches, which helps blooming. This approach also makes it easier to harvest – as the outer branches bear fruit, they tend to bend down, making it easier to reach. Proper pruning can help shape a tree into ideal production.
You will often see a mature fruit trees laden with fruit at the very top branches. This makes the fruit nearly inaccessible when the tree hasn’t been pruned regularly. We had a few mature trees on our property when we moved in four years ago. They were overgrown with misshapen branches that criss-crossed inside the canopy. This not only creates a tangled mess, it also invites bugs and disease. And, of course, the harvest was lacking.
So, two winters ago, we did a dramatic pruning that cut back many of the thick, older branches, and opened up the centers. It is a scary proposition and, again, counterintuitive because it looks like the tree will die from all that major surgery. Plus, trees often appear to “suffer” because they will skip a year in production as they recover. However, after a major pruning, trees usually bounce back, and are healthier for it.
And that was the case with our trees – there were no apples last summer. But spring weather has brought tons of flowering fruit buds, and the trees are thriving. Plus, this summer, as the lower branches fill out, the fruit will be a lot easier to reach. Next winter, we will able to return to light pruning.
So don’t be afraid to trim your trees after you’ve determined how you want them to look. Regular pruning and dormant spray will keep them healthy and producing for years.
If you’d like to hear more about life in the country, with Nature as Neighbors, write or give us a call.
Columbia River Gorge – Photo Courtesy of The Columbian
Go Take a Hike – It’s good for body, mind, and soul! The spring hiking season is about to get underway here in the Pacific Northwest. While April’s rainy weather sometimes makes our local trails muddy and slippery, we still try to get out as much as possible. May will bring an influx of adventurous people in boots and backpacks, ready to exercise their bodies and quiet their minds.
We all know that getting out to nature makes us feel good. But now there is data to experiencing the outdoors has physiological effects on our brains. A 2015 study published by the National Academy of Sciences finds that spending time in nature significantly affects our prefrontal cortex where most of our negative thoughts process. Hiking especially helps stop the type of obsessive rumination that can be difficult to break.
In addition, the participants in the study had no electronics as they backpacked through nature. In short, they tuned into Nature, turned on to the environment, and unplugged from electronics. We’re not surprised to learn a nice long hike, without a cell phone, can reduce mental fatigue, soothe our mind, and increase creative thinking. And, once you invest in suitable shoes and a day pack for emergency provisions, it’s free, except for perhaps a parking pass at a trailhead.
Hiking also burns calories (400-700 an hour) and builds muscles and bone density. Your body and mind get in shape as nature works its quiet magic. While we agree with the tech-free advice, we think it’s important to carry a cellphone in your pack for emergencies. Peace of mind while you enjoy the peace-and-quiet is also an important consideration.
There are many trails in our area for hikers to choose from, and because of our close proximately to the Columbia River Gorge, there are some pretty rigorous hikes for those in good shape. However, you can easily find trails for nearly every ability in Southwest Washington. Here’s a list of hikes in the Clark County Washington Parks system.
Want to know our favorites? Send us a note – we’ll let you know, and send directions!
Here’s a video recap of a hike we took several years ago. The Cape Horn Loop gives you fantastic views of the Columbia River Gorge. A bonus for us, in the spring and early summer months, a profusion of colorful wildflowers dot the meadows.
Keep in mind, the loop is closed between February 1 – to July 15 for nesting falcons. Portions of the trail are quite precarious and exposed, dogs should be on leashes and young hikers should be closely supervised.
Do your body and mind a favor this spring – Take a hike!
Top 10 Features Buyers Want
As we enter the 2022 home buying season, it is important to know what buyers say they want in a home. The National Association of Home Builders survey for 2022 is not out, yet, last year’s survey is helpful. One of the key findings is that the majority of home buyers in the study (67%) report the pandemic has not impacted what they want. Yet, there was a slight increase in the desired size of the home – implying that spending more time at home creates a desire for a little more elbow room.
The survey identifies 175 items that are rated “essential”, “desirable”, “indifferent” and (just as important) “do NOT want”. An interesting note is that, while baby boomers trended along with general home buyers in desirables, they have stronger opinions about what they do and do not want.
The survey reveals some features are not surprises – energy efficiency shows up (explicitly or implied) as four of the top 10 items. But, surprisingly, laundry rooms continue at the top of the essential features buyers want. Although this factors in with the other items baby boomers desire – smaller homes with single-level living and open floor plans. Having a laundry room keeps clutter out of view and helps keep smaller homes organized. Ceiling fans are also big – arguably consistent with the energy efficiency theme.
Also, consistent with baby boomers’ desire for one-level living, elevators were rated the least desirable feature in a home – one that would cause them not to buy it. Although – another surprise – this was not as much of a deal killer of buyers from other age groups.
We also learn from the survey what items will discourage a sale. All are certainly subjective, but informative. Percentages who said “No”:
Elevator – 74%
Wine Cellar – 69%
Second-story Family Room – 59%
Dual Toilets in Master Bath – 57%
While this survey can guide new home construction, by building in features from the start, it also can help sellers of existing homes. Adding a laundry room is not on the list of the best returns for home improvement projects. However, there may be other areas in the home that can be converted easily – like a closet in a bathroom with room for a stackable. Or, even the garage might be an option. Access to utilities will determine the ease and expense of such an addition.
Homeowners who are thinking about remodeling should consider which home improvement projects offer the best return for the money spent. Most upgrades will typically not return 100% on the dollar spent. However, some remodels are better than others. Likewise, your local and regional costs may be different than the national averages.
The Right Kitchen Remodel Can Often Be Worth The Investment
|
Project
|
Cost
|
Value
|
Recoup%
|
|
Garage Door
Replacement
|
$3,611
|
$3,520
|
97.5%
|
|
Manufactured
Stone Veneer
|
$8,907
|
$8,449
|
94.9%
|
|
Minor Kitchen
Remodel
|
$22,507
|
$18,123
|
80.5%
|
|
Deck Addition
(Wood)
|
$13,333
|
$10,083
|
75.6%
|
|
Siding
Replacement
|
$16,036
|
$12,119
|
75.6%
|
Project |
Cost |
Value |
Recoup% |
Garage Door Replacement |
$3,785 |
$4,685 |
123.8% |
Manufactured Stone Veneer |
$9,507 |
$10,499 |
110.4% |
Deck Addition (Wood) |
$16,511 |
$14,491 |
87.8% |
Minor Kitchen Remodel |
$24,950 |
$21,723 |
87.1% |
Grand Entrance (Fiberglass) |
$9,568 |
$8,147 |
85.1% |
Project |
Cost |
Value |
Recoup% |
Garage Door Replacement |
$3,626 |
$3,548 |
97.9% |
Entry Door Replacement |
$1,851 |
$1,737 |
93.8% |
Minor Kitchen Remodel |
$22,958 |
$20,290 |
88.4% |
Siding Replacement |
$16,794 |
$14,424 |
85.9% |
Manufactured Stone Veneer |
$8,809 |
$7,311 |
83.0% |
*© 2019 Hanley Wood, LLC. Complete data from the Remodeling 2019 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.
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.”
At Nature As Neighbors, we love the environment with all of its wonderful creatures. We are especially fascinated with frogs and will go to great lengths to ensure their survival. They are an intricate part of a healthy ecosystem, keeping down the populations of disease-borne flies, mosquitos, and ticks. Also, (somewhat ironically) they serve are a food source for snakes that keep down the population of crop-eating rodents. But, much like the canary in the coal mine, frogs are the bellwether of our environmental conditions – their decline indicates a problem with the ecosystem.
So, today, on World Frog Day, we are thrilled to read about the recently-discovered Orange-Bellied Starry Dwarf Frog. Named for its brilliant star-like coat, it is a survivor from ancient lineage that was thought to be gone. No bigger than a human thumbnail, it was extremely hard to discover, scurrying about under dead leaves in the isolated mountains of Western Ghats, India. Given its reclusiveness, we marvel at its discovery and celebrate this little creature’s tenacity for survival.
With Spring just here, we hope this is a positive reminder of the amazing resilience of nature.
We specialize in view homes on acreage or large lots with “elbow room for the soul”. This not only provides homes with plenty of privacy, but also homes that are well-suited for multigenerational living – households with different generations living together. Studies have long-documented this trend in housing which is a projected to continue as our population ages.
Some homes come with separate living quarters, some need to be modified to provide that space. We live in a multigen home, so we know how to find homes suited for this lifestyle.
87 Active Listings – $429,900 to $4,200,000
Average SQFT – 4,338
Average $/SQFT – $218
92 Pending – $400,000 to $2,500,000
Average SQFT- 3,586
Average $/SQFT – $200
52 Sold in last 3 Mos – $400,000 to $2,400,000
Average SQFT – 3,578
Average $/SQFT – $180
Median Days on Market was 45 days – Multigen homes don’t stay on the market very long!
(Note: Report is for homes priced $400,000 and above, and does not include a spectacular $12,000,000 165-acre multigen property in Woodland, WA)
Buyers:
If you are looking for a home for multigen living, you can start your search here.
Sellers:
If you have a home that has multigen features and you want to sell, call us – we are specialists in this field, and we have buyers ready to move!
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.”
Washougal WA is one of those areas in Clark County where you can find privacy on a little acreage with “elbow room for the soul.” Where nature is your neighbor, and sometimes properties are right along the water, which is always a bonus. Combine the luxury of privacy with the diversity of views, and waterfront location – you have a very popular area for homesites. Washougal view homes are in the highly desirable Camas and Washougal School Districts.
The town’s namesake, the Washougal River, starts its 33-mile run from Gifford Pinchot National Forest in the Cascade Mountains and flows into the Columbia River through the towns of Camas and Washougal. About 63% of its watershed is forested, which accounts for its pristine water quality and excellent recreation and fishing activities – and its rural quality. As the “Gateway to the Columbia Gorge”, the diverse topography of riverfront and rolling foothills offer many opportunities for gratifying views.
17 Active from $442,500 to $4,200,000
Average SQFT – 4,438
Average $/SQFT – $238
10 Pending from $429,900 to $995,000
Average SQFT – 2,618
Average $/SQFT – $242
18 Sold in last 3 Months from $410,000 to $810,000
Average SQFT – 3,013
Average $/SQFT – $195
Median Days on Market was 97 days – up from 77 days in January.
Looking for a view home in Washougal, WA? Start your search here.
Have a home in Washougal you want to sell? We sell homes with “Nature As Neighbors.”
Kitchen Remodeling – CabinetsWe are in the planning stages of a kitchen remodel. Oh my goodness. Talk about decisions. The first decision we had to make was a big one. Do we reface, paint, or replace our cabinets? It turns out refacing or repainting is a good option if you love the current layout, have good quality cabinets, and want to avoid the pain of having your kitchen torn-up for weeks, instead of days.
Ours will be replaced. We both like the clean look of shaker style, and also want to add some lighted display cabinets above the upper cabinets. Fortunately, we have plenty of room thanks to vaulted ceilings. There are other cabinet decisions too. For example, adding pull-out shelves and other organizers to make accessing things easier. Thankfully, those decisions are done, and right now, we are trying to be patient waiting for bids.
The hardware has also been chosen for the cabinets. Designers say you can mix metals, but generally only two. Since our kitchen is part of a great room floor plan, oiled bronze is already in play. The farm sink we both like is quartz, in truffle. Therefore, the faucet we have chosen is from Newport Brass, in antique nickel. Happily, we found knobs and pulls we like that pair well with the selections.
Countertops proved to be the most fun. We both love marble, but feel the care and upkeep doesn’t match our lifestyle. We both love to cook, and we, honestly, get a little messy at time. Our counters often see spills of olive oils, tomato sauce and red wine. Since marble is porous…it needs to be sealed frequently to protect it from deep stains. Neither of us wants high maintenance.
Like the rest of the world, we are so over granite. We first considered quartzsite. It too is a natural stone, but it also requires regular sealing. Fortunately, we both remembered a former kitchen with quartz countertops. The quartz was beautiful, and gave us the carefree ease of cooking which we both prefer. No panic when something spills!
We settled on Silestone quartz and a marble look-alike called Eternal Calacatta Gold. Like most on-screen visuals, you don’t see the true colors, or depth, on-line. When we saw it in person, we knew it was “the one.” It will give us the look we’re going for, without the hassles. It’s stain resistant, maintenance free, durable, food safe, and cleans up with a little soap and water. It comes with a lifetime guarantee too.
One of the goals of our remodel is to create a timeless kitchen that will withstand the years. We also favor a light, bright, and clean, fresh, but inviting, feel to the space. Subway tile is often one of the first choices for remodel goals such as ours. What delighted both of us was learning about all the different choices in subway tile. Not just colors, but in design options.
This is where we are still wavering in our decisions. Bernie likes a traditional ceramic subway tile, perhaps with a grout to compliment the darker accent paint of our large kitchen island. I’m swooning over a Clé zellige tile in weathered white. It looks like it comes from a European farmhouse. As you can see from the photo above, the irregular tiles and color variations add up to pure charm. At least to me, not so for Bernie.
Chances are, we’ll decide on something in between. A little less gloss, perhaps something like this one, also from Clé. It’s a classic subway tile, but the bevel gives it a little more interest. Although, there may be hope yet for my choice. This morning, Bernie asked to see photos of zellige tile backsplashes again. Stay tuned…there’s more to come as this adventure unfolds.
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
We specialize in view homes on acreage or large lots with “elbow room for the soul”. This not only provides homes with plenty of privacy, but also homes that are well-suited for multigenerational living – households with different generations living together. According to the most recent 2016 study by the Pew Research Center, 1 in 5 homes in the U.S. are now multigen. This trend is likely to continue as one way to address caring for the elderly in a rapidly aging population.
Some homes come with separate living quarters, some need to be modified to provide that space. We live in a multigen home, so we know how to find homes suited for this lifestyle.
Here is the ViewHomes™ Market Report for homes suitable for multigen living:
Market Report for ViewHomes™ With MultiGen Features
76 Active Listings – $400,000 to $4,200,000
Average SQFT – 4,413
Average $/SQFT – $223
32 Pending – $409,900 to $2,495,000
Average SQFT- 3,800
Average $/SQFT – $194
62 Sold in last 3 Mos – $400,000 to $2,430,750
Average SQFT – 3,405
Average $/SQFT – $182
Median Days on Market was 44 days – down from 62 days in January. Multigen homes don’t stay on the market very long!
(Note: Report is for homes priced $400,000 and above, and does not include a spectacular $12,000,000 165-acre multigen property in Woodland, WA)
Buyers:
If you are looking for a home for multigen living, you can start your search here.
Sellers:
If you have a home that has multigen features and you want to sell, call us – we are specialists in this field, and we have buyers ready to move!
It may seem counterintuitive to talk about waterfront properties during a blustery winter, but it’s actually a great time to consider that lifestyle. We naturally think about being around water during a hot spell in summer – swimming, boating and action sports. In contrast, winter’s chilly calm can offer us meditative solitude along a peaceful waterfront. Studies indicate that being close to water improves our mental health and well-being. So, basically, every season is a good season to consider waterfront property.
While Clark County offers great 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 knowing the market is extremely important.
72 Active from $400,000 to $2,500,000
Average SQFT 3,437
Average $/SQFT $226
24 Pending from $409,900 to $2,495,000
Average SQFT 2,664
Average $/SQFT $240
50 Sold in past 3 months from $409,000 to $2,430,750
Average SQFT 3,233
Average $/SQFT $201
Median Days on Market: 87 days. This is up quite a bit from 33 DOM last July – it might be a good time to make an offer!
*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.”
Many of our ViewHomes of Clark County buyers prefer a home with a 3-bay garage. The reasons vary, but the bottom line is needed space. And as the photo shows, the single car garage in Barbie’s Dream House ( a gift for my granddaughter’s upcoming 4th birthday) is already full.
One parked puppy, and suddenly there’s no room for Barbie’s signature pink convertible. Not to mention her SUV, or Ken’s motorcycle. Barbie is an active woman too. Where will she store her camping gear, skis, bikes, jet-ski, and scuba equipment?
Here are some of the most common reasons we hear from buyers seeking a 3-car garage. And, what we see in garages when previewing ViewHomes™ prior to listing.
Better fit for Larger Cars and SUVs
A third car
Lawn Mowers, pressure washers, etc.
Boats of all kind
Motorcycles
Bikes and other sporting gear
Hobby space
Office
Workshop
Gym
Storage space
Bar and pool table
Potting shed – gardening space
Raising Puppies!
We completely understand the added value of a home with a 3-bay garage. The cost difference when purchasing a home with a 2 car and 3 car garage will vary, but generally speaking, it can a lot of value. For example, in Camas, Washington, a home with a 3-car garage sells for about 8% more than one with a 2-car garage.
In our opinion, the added value is also about preferences and perceptions. Given the current preference for having 3 bays, it makes sense to have a home with the amenities that are most desirable. CC&Rs ( Covenants, conditions, and restrictions), or zoning restrictions might prohibit building a shed, or another type of outbuilding for extra storage space.
Keep in mind though, if the first impression of the house is garage-centric, the curb appeal can be greatly reduced – and perhaps, the value. Oh look, it’s a garage with a house attached! We’ve all seen them.
In more rural areas, where homes tend to be older, many properties have decent sized 2-car garages, with various outbuildings. Zoning often makes it possible to add sheds, RV garages, shops, and barns to make up for any loss associated with the lack of a 3rd bay.
If you’re interested in listing your home with a 3-car garage in Clark County, we know how to price it fairly, and market it to the right demographic. Buyers, we know where to find the view homes with 3 car-garages, and other options to suit your specific needs. Call us today, we’d love to help.
Begin your search here for homes with 3-car garages in Camas.
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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.
All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
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