The demand for multigenerational homes continues to grow each year. Ten years ago, we bought a townhouse right next to my elderly parents so we could help them out, but still have our own personal space.  When they started having trouble navigating the stairs, we found a daylight basement home with single level living on the first floor and separate living quarters below.  We never thought we would be part of a major trend, but this lifestyle has become mainstream and is growing.

In addition to the economic benefits of shared expenses, there are social and familial benefits of deepened relationships and enriched lives. Adult children have the peace of mind of taking care of their aging parents by not putting them into a facility. Grandchildren have the bonus of quality time with their grandparents on a regular basis.

We think it’s no coincidence that our specialty – view homes with “elbow room for the soul” works well for multigen homes, too.  We know how to evaluate homes on larger lots with the potential for additional living quarters. Whether separate living quarters, or shared space, we understand and live the lifestyle, so we know how to find the right multigen home.

It also helps to know what the market looks like when you start shopping for a multigen home.  Here is a snapshot of ViewHomes™ of Clark County with dual-living features, starting at $400,000:

48 Active Listings – $419,900 to $4,500,000
Average SQFT – 4,810
Average $/SQFT – $195

2 Bumpable Buyers – $798,000 to $2,250,000
Average SQFT- 5,168
Average $/SQFT – $295

20 Pending – $435,000 to $3,290,000
Average SQFT– 4,324
Average $/SQFT – $212

22 Sold in last 3 Mos – $403,000 to $1,250,000
Average SQFT – 3,925
Average $/SQFT – $178

Median Days on Market was 2 Months – multigen homes do not last long in this market!

If you are looking for a home for Multi-Gen living, you can start your search here. Or 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!

Rural Lifestyle With City Amenities

Clark County offers many areas where you can live in the country, but still be close to city amenities like shopping, services, and good schools. Brush Prairie/Hockinson, is one of those areas. It is a region with a population of only 3,000 spread out over 8 square miles. While they are technically one zip code – Brush Prairie, WA is the official mailing address – most people refer to the two areas interchangeably.

It has all the features of a rural area – rolling hillsides, tracts of timber land, and large horse pastures. Yet, it is within easy driving distance of metropolitan amenities, including Portland International Airport right across the river. Combine privacy with the diversity of views, and you have a very popular area for homesites – adding value to your home when it’s time to sell, and pleasure while you live there. This area is in the highly desirable Hockinson School District.

Point of Interest! Neighbors and visitors enjoy stopping in at the Hockinson Market. It’s
located at 15814 NE 182nd Avenue. You can fuel the car, buy ice cream, pizza, cold
beverages – it even has a microbrew tap room. It’s a handy resource for locals and within about a 10 minute drive from most of the area neighborhoods.

Here is a quick market summary of homes over $400,000 in Hockinson with acreage and views:

11 Active Listings – $449,000 to $1,350,000
Average SQFT – 4,259
Average $/SQFT – $163

1 Bumpable – 3,166 SQFT for $639,900 at $202/SQFT  

8 Pending – $449,900 to $900,000
Average SQFT– 3,492
Average $/SQFT – $183

15 Sold in last 3 Mos – $415,000 to $730,000
Average SQFT – 3,181
Average $/SQFT – $175

We specialize in ViewHomes of Clark County™, including Brush Prairie – Hockinson. If you want to learn more about view homes in Brush Prairie-Hockinson, contact us today.

Living in Camas, WA, provides 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.

If you’re looking for a family estate with enough room for live-in relatives, or visiting friends, and room to garden or enjoy privacy, you’re like the majority of our clients. Homes in Camas offer you many opportunities to spend more time with those we love, connect with nature, and live a lifestyle that helps rejuvenate our souls.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all, either – our ViewHomes™ of Clark County come in unique shapes and sizes. 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.

Market Report Snapshot for ViewHomes™ Camas, WA

18 Active Listings –  $549,500 to $1,750,000
Average SQFT 4,560
Average $/SQFT $211

1 Bumpable  $2,250,000 with 7,261 SQFT for a $/SQFT of $310

5 Pending Listings – $520,000 to $3,290,000
Average SQFT: 4,874
Average $/SQFT $293

4 Sold in the last 3 months from  $400,000 to $905,000
Average SQFT 3,967
Average $/SQFT $151

The Median DOM (days on market) was 100, so properties sell quickly!

If you’re looking for a home in Camas, WA, begin your Camas ViewHomes search here.

If you are thinking of 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!

A Washington Post writer treads treacherous territory with a controversial bombshell of an exposé.  No, this is not about D.C. politics, this is about something far more critical to our identity as a civilized culture – food!  Yes, Tom Sietsema wrote “The Top 10 Best Food Cities in America” and actually dared to rank them in order – rating many smaller cities higher than better-known metropolitan culinary standards. (Hint: Portland was ranked #1, New York disappointed, and Seattle didn’t make the cut!) As you can expect, it has sparked backlash from loyal food fanatics who felt slighted by his (admittedly subjective) findings.

Although published in 2015, the writer is still defending his choices based on his three-month gastronomical journey across this country. Unlike Guy Fieri’s titular “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives”, he expanded his criteria beyond restaurants and bars to food carts, farmers markets, even grocery stores to experience a true sense of the city’s food culture.  He interviewed chefs, food critics, merchants, and diners in each city to uncover the best, and lesser-known examples of “creativity, community and tradition” in the local food scene.

His review of Portland names some of our favorite places, including healthy fast-food Burgerville and New Seasons Market  ( both are located across the Columbia River in Clark County, Washington too) – regional treasures that feature locally-sourced fresh produce and fruit, meats, and seafood. He credits a produce clerk with introducing him to the odd-shaped but wonderful honeysuckle fruit. He also cites examples of food varieties available in the immediate area – including 300 styles of truffles, and berries “so delicate, they don’t leave the state”. With amazing ingredients, and a generation of accomplished chefs, (both pros and amateurs), the area offers an abundance of wonderful food experiences.

“Legend has it that the willow is bestowed with magical powers capable of fulfilling wishes. For a wish to be granted, ask permission of the willow explaining your desire. Select a pliable shoot and tie a loose knot in it expressing your wish. When your wish is fulfilled, return and untie the knot. Be sure to thank the willow for your gift.”

Multigenerational households are more than a fad – they have become a mainstream lifestyle. We have seen this trend emerging for several years, and it continues to grow.  Besides the economics of sharing expenses, there are the real social and familial benefits of deepened relationships and enriched lives. Adult children have the peace of mind of taking care of their aging parents, grandchildren have the bonus of quality time with their grandparents on a regular basis.

We think it’s no coincidence that our specialty – view homes with “elbow room for the soul” works well for multi-gen homes, too.  We are familiar with how to convert homes on larger lots into the potential for additional living quarters. Because we understand and live the lifestyle, we know how to find the right multi-gen home.

It also helps to know what the market looks like when you start shopping for a multi-gen home.  Here is a snapshot of ViewHomes™ of Clark County with dual-living features priced starting at $400,000:

47 Active Listings – $419,900 to $4,500,000
Average SQFT – 4,951
Average $/SQFT – $199

3 Bumpable Buyers – $690,000 to $2,250,000
Average SQFT- 6,020
Average $/SQFT – $257

17 Pending – $425,000 to $3,290,000
Average SQFT– 4,048
Average $/SQFT – $212

24 Sold in last 3 Mos – $400,980 to $1,250,000
Average SQFT – 3,676
Average $/SQFT – $180

Median Days on Market – less than 2 Months.  Multi-gen homes do not last long in this market!

If you are looking for a home for Multi-Gen living, you can start your search here. Or if you have a home that has Multi-Gen features and you want to sell, call us – we are specialists in this field, and we have buyers ready to move!

This past winter’s unusually harsh weather makes it hard to keep in mind that Spring will be here soon.  And with Spring, as more people get outside to enjoy the nice weather, buyers start thinking about living on or near water.  Water has a natural, meditative effect on us — the sight and sound of moving water puts us in a relaxed, reflective mode. Waterfront properties have a built-in asset that many buyers want.  Some want easy access to boating and active water sports. Others want a peaceful place for quiet reflection.

The Pacific Northwest has many amazing bodies of water – rivers, bays, lakes and creeks all enhance our connection to nature. But regulations designed to protection our watersheds restrict the development of designated shoreline properties with tight footprints, setbacks, and mitigation requirements. Even creeks are regulated in certain protected watersheds. This can cause frustration for anyone trying to build or expand a house along a natural waterway (previous structures are grandfathered in, but there are still limitations on what you can do to the property.)

Regulation, market demand, and a limited inventory all add up to create a specialized market. 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.

Here is a snapshot of the current market for waterfront ViewHomes™ of Clark County:

52 Active from $409,900 to $3,290,000
Average SQFT 3,584
Average $/SQFT $248

19 Pending from $400,000 to $1,095,000
Average SQFT 3,107
Average $/SQFT $173

27 Sold in past 3 months from $400,000 to $2,000,000
Average SQFT 2,802
Average $/SQFT $212

View properties on water tend to move quickly, so now is a great time to buy or sell waterfront property. Give us a call, we specialize in ViewHomes™ of Clark County.

Walking along Lacamas Lake the other day we saw a lively display of birds flying about, roosting on logs, and playing in the water.  Given the recent ice and freezing rain, we were impressed with all the lively activity.  It was energizing, hinting at spring’s return. We were familiar with most of them, but one brightly-colored bird stood out – we couldn’t quite place it, so we went home to do some research. (More on that later).

What started as a serious research project quickly took an amusing turn. I know there is an amazing variety of resident and transient waterfowl in the lake, since it is located along the migratory Pacific Flyway.  But, reading the many descriptive bird names, I started noticing connections I hadn’t seen before and couldn’t resist a little wordplay. In other words, you could say the lexicology of ornithology is a hoot.

Some observations:
The international representatives are a worldly bunch: Canadian geese, American Coots, European Starlings, and Eurasian Wigeons to name a few.  Kind of like a gaggle of U.N. delegates.

Not to be judgmental, but the Lesser Scaup, Common Mergancer, Great Blue Heron and Greater White-Fronted Geese, are no superlative match for the Stellar Jays.

Hairstyles and sartorial splendor abound: Bald Eagles, Hairy Woodpeckers, Tufted Ducks strut alongside Black-Capped Chickadees, Golden-Crowned Kinglets, Belted Kingfisher, and Double-crested Cormorants. There hasn’t been this much preening since Paris Fashion Week.

On a more contemplative note, we kept our distance from the Townsend’s Solitaire and the Hermit Thrush, while commiserating with the Mourning Dove and Dark-eyed Junco.  But then we partied all night with Harlequins, Evening Grosbeaks, and Warbling Vireos, thanks to Grey Goose and Wild Turkey.  We gave it a rest before we all got too Pie-Billed (Grebe).

Oh, and that bird we were trying to identify?  It’s a Bufflehead! Kind of how I felt after writing this post.

(Posted by Bernie, aka “The Lacamas Lake Loon.”)

We continue to receive inquiries about multigenerational homes now that the lifestyle has become more popular. Besides the economics of sharing expenses, there are the real social and familial benefits of deepened relationships and enriched lives. Adult children have the peace of mind of taking care of their aging parents, grandchildren have the bonus of quality time with their grandparents on a regular basis.

We think it’s no coincidence that our specialty – view homes with “elbow room for the soul” works well for multi-gen homes, too.  We are familiar with how to convert homes on larger lots into the potential for additional living quarters. Because we understand and live the lifestyle, we know how to find the right multi-gen home.

It also helps to know what the market looks like when you start shopping for a multi-gen home.  Here is a snapshot of ViewHomes™ of Clark County with dual-living features priced starting at $400,000:

49 Active Listings – $419,900 to $4,500,000
Average SQFT – 5,072
Average $/SQFT – $212

3 Bumpable Buyers – $690,000 to $2,250,000
Average SQFT- 6,020
Average $/SQFT – $257

11 Pending – $425,000 to $1,250,000
Average SQFT– 3,588
Average $/SQFT – $180

32 Sold in last 3 Mos – $400,980 to $1,250,000
Average SQFT – 3,738
Average $/SQFT – $176

Average Days on Market: 87 – Multi-gen homes do not last long in this market!

If you are looking for a home for Multi-Gen living, you can start your search here. Or if you have a home that has Multi-Gen features and you want to sell, call us – we are specialists in this field, and we have buyers ready to move!

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. Living in Camas, WA, you have many options to experience a lifestyle with “elbow room for the soul”, the ultimate luxury.

Also, if you’re looking for a family estate with enough room for live-in family, or visiting friends, and land to garden or enjoy privacy, you’re like the majority of our clients. Since we specialize in Multi-generational living, we have helped many families find a home suitable for that lifestyle.

Homes in Camas offer you many opportunities to spend more time with those we love, connect with nature, and live a lifestyle that helps rejuvenate our souls. It’s not a one-size-fits-all, either – our ViewHomes™ of Clark County come in unique shapes and sizes.

Since we live in the country north of Camas, we have a real fondness for the area. The charm of a small-town lifestyle meets high-tech industry and offers residents quick access to the big city amenities of Portland, including easy access to Portland International Airport.

Market Report Snapshot for ViewHomes™ Camas, WA

17 Active Listings –  $549,500 to $3,290,000
Average SQFT 4,855
Average $/SQFT $232

1 Bumpable  $2,250,000 with 7,261 SQFT for a $/SQFT of $310

4 Pending Listings – $450,000 to $2,100,000
Average SQFT: 4,527
Average $/SQFT $209

7 Sold in the last 3 months from  $400,000 to $905,000
Average SQFT 3,077
Average $/SQFT $174

The Average DOM (days on market) was 91, so properties are selling quickly!

If you’re looking for a home in Camas, WA, begin your Camas ViewHomes search here.

If you are thinking of selling your home in Camas, call us for a free market analysis. We know the area and know how to market your property for the best result!

Living in the country has many perks – open space, green vistas, and chickens! Yes, chickens.  Even if you don’t raise chickens yourself, they are usually just an acre or two away from you. From the early morning crow of the rooster, to the regular clucking of the hens – chickens add a decidedly rural feeling to the area.

When you see chickens roaming around someone’s property, you might assume they are low-maintenance.  But they actually require a lot of work and care to keep clean and healthy. So we have opted, for now, not to have them on our property.  But we see and hear them all the time at our neighbors’, and that’s fine with us.  Recently, one neighbor asked if we wanted to be in the loop of a regular fresh egg supply. Yes!  So now we have all the benefits of chickens – daily fresh eggs – without the work! We appreciate the bright yolks, firm whites, and they are great for baking too.

So in addition to the normal benefits of living in the country – clean air, privacy, and “elbow room for the soul”, you can add fresh eggs to the list.  They are often just a good neighbor away. If you’re interested in discovering the many benefits of living with Nature As Neighbors, call us today, we love to share our experiences.

This little sweetheart turned two years old, yesterday. She is our family’s tiny Valentine. Raegan Leigh Nelson, as you can likely see in her photo, is full of unbridled joy and delight.
Children truly know how to live in the moment. We FaceTimed last night and she sat with a happy smile while we sang Happy Birthday. The biggest takeaway of the day for little Rae was “Cake!”

Happy Valentines Day to you and to your sweetheart(s).

The Pleasure of Living with Nature As Neighbors

If you are looking for a home with acreage and a view, you should consider homes in Brush Prairie – Hockinson, in Clark County, WA. While they are technically two separate places, most people refer to the area as one. The topography of this region is defined by the foothills of the Cascade Mountains to the east and the Columbia River Gorge to the south. Rolling hillsides – offering territorial views – rise up to dramatic vantage points of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River. Combine privacy with the diversity of views, and you have a very popular area for homesites – adding value to your home when it’s time to sell, and pleasure while you live there. Brush Prairie is in the highly desirable Hockinson School District.

Point of Interest! Neighbors and visitors enjoy stopping in at the Hockinson Market. It’s
located at 15814 NE 182nd Avenue. You can fuel the car, buy ice-cream, pizza, cold
beverages – even a new microbrew tap room. It’s a handy resource for locals and within about a 10-15 minute (or less) drive from most of the area neighborhoods.

Here is a quick market summary of view homes in Hockinson with acreage:

12 Active Listings – $460,000 to $1,350,000
Average SQFT – 4,166
Average $/SQFT – $174

10 Pending – $424,900 to $900,000
Average SQFT– 3,492
Average $/SQFT – $180

14 Sold in last 3 Mos – $415,000 to $730,000
Average SQFT – 3,236
Average $/SQFT – $176

We specialize in ViewHomes of Clark County™. If you want to learn more about ViewHomes of Brush Prairie-Hockinson contact us today.

We continue to receive inquiries about multigenerational homes now that the lifestyle has become more popular. Besides the economics of sharing expenses, there are the real social and familial benefits of deepened relationships and enriched lives. Adult children have the peace of mind of taking care of their aging parents, grandchildren have the bonus of quality time with their grandparents on a regular basis.

We think it’s no coincidence that our specialty – view homes with “elbow room for the soul” works well for multi-gen homes, too.  We are familiar with how to convert homes on larger lots into the potential for additional living quarters. Because we understand and live the lifestyle, we know how to find the right multi-gen home.

It also helps to know what the market looks like when you start shopping for a multi-gen home.  Here is a snapshot of ViewHomes™ of Clark County with dual-living features priced starting at $400,000:

51 Active Listings – $419,900 to $4,500,000
Average SQFT – 4,959
Average $/SQFT – $214

2 Bumpable Buyers – $1,700,000 to $2,250,000
Average SQFT- 6,552
Average $/SQFT – $301

12 Pending – $425,000 to $699,900
Average SQFT– 3,586
Average $/SQFT – $171

35 Sold in last 3 Mos – $400,980 to $1,500,000
Average SQFT – 3,681
Average $/SQFT – $175

If you are looking for a home for Multi-Gen living, you can start your search here. Or if you have a home that has Multi-Gen features and you want to sell, call us – we are specialists in this field, and we have buyers ready to move!

One of the rewards of living in the Pacific Northwest is the predominance of amazing bodies of water – rivers, bays, lakes and creeks all enhance our connection to nature. Water has a natural, meditative effect on us — the sight and sound of moving water puts us in a relaxed, reflective mode. Waterfront properties have a built-in asset that many buyers want.  Some want easy access to boating and active water sports. Others want a peaceful place for quiet reflection.

However, regulations designed to protection our watersheds restrict the development of designated shoreline properties with tight footprints, setbacks, and mitigation requirements. Even creeks are regulated in certain protected watersheds. This can cause frustration for anyone trying to build or expand a house along a natural waterway (previous structures are grandfathered in, but there are still limitations on what you can do to the property.)

Regulation, market demand, and a limited inventory all add up to create a specialized market. 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.

Here is a snapshot of the current market for waterfront ViewHomes™ of Clark County:

17 Active from $419,900 to $3,290,000
Average SQFT 3,897
Average $/SQFT $245

18 Pending from $455,000 to $999,500
Average SQFT 3,240
Average $/SQFT $192

34 Sold in past 3 months from $400,000 to $2,000,000
Average SQFT 3,189
Average $/SQFT $211

View properties on water tend to move quickly, so now is a great time to buy or sell waterfront property. Give us a call, we specialize in ViewHomes™ of Clark County.

You can’t see it, or smell it, or taste it, but Radon gas could be present at a dangerous level in your Clark County, Washington home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. If you live in Washington state, radon is the largest source of radiation for almost everyone. Unfortunately, in Clark County, we have one of the highest rates of radon in the state. And, that’s because of what happened about 15 thousand years ago.

The Missoula Floods refer to the cataclysmic floods that swept through the Columbia River Gorge at the end of the last ice age. In some areas where the glacial Lake Missoula Floods came through, radon can be detected in significant amounts. Environmental Protection Agency maps show certain pockets of Clark County with potential rates of 4 picocuries per liter of air or higher.

The average national indoor level of radon is 1.3 pCi/L. Compare that figure to the average indoor radon levels in Clark County of 3pCi/L as determined by Air Chek, Inc, and you get the seriousness of the problem. Radon can enter a building from the ground underneath it, and the more a person is exposed to it, the higher the risk of cell damage.

Where does Radon come from?

Radon is a colorless and odorless gas. It comes from the decay of radioactive elements, such as uranium, which are found at different levels in soil and rock. Radon gas in the soil and rock can move into the air via ground water and surface water. Radon is present in the air outside and inside. Normally, it’s found at very low levels in outdoor air and drinking water from river and lakes. However, it can be found at higher levels in houses and other buildings, and in well water.

The Dangers of Radon.

Radon breaks down into solid radio active elements called radon progeny. Radon progeny can attach to dust and other particles and can be breathed into the lungs. The process can cause damage to the DNA inside the body’s cells, which creates the potential for lung cancer. The good news, it’s easy to decrease your risk from radon through testing and, if necessary, mitigate the risk in your home. Here are three things that can help reduce the levels of radon in your home.

1. Make it harder for radon to get in. ( Caulking, sealing, vapor barrier)
2. Make it easier for radon to go elsewhere. (RRNC, radon mitigation systems)
3. Increase air exchange to the outside. ( Also, adequate cross-ventilation in crawl space)

The only way to know if you have elevated levels of radon in your home, or potential home, is to test. A professional tester is often hired when radon detection is part of a real estate transaction. As a REALTOR™ and EcoBroker, I understand the importance of living in a healthy and safe environment. However, why wait until you sell your home? January is the month to raise awareness about the dangers of radon gas in homes. If you haven’t had your home tested yet, call a professional today and get peace of mind.

We continue to receive inquiries about multigenerational homes now that the lifestyle has become more popular. Besides the economics of sharing expenses, there are the real social and familial benefits of deepened relationships and enriched lives. Adult children have the peace of mind of taking care of their aging parents, grandchildren have the bonus of quality time with their grandparents on a regular basis.

We think it’s no coincidence that our specialty – view homes with “elbow room for the soul” works well for multi-gen homes, too.  We are familiar with how to convert homes on larger lots into the potential for additional living quarters. Because we understand and live the lifestyle, we know how to find the right multi-gen home.

It also helps to know what the market looks like when you start shopping for a multi-gen home.  Here is a snapshot of ViewHomes™ of Clark County with dual-living features priced starting at $400,000:

47 Active Listings – $419,900 to $4,500,000
Average SQFT – 5,039
Average $/SQFT – $217

2 Bumpable Buyers – $559,900 to $2,250,000
Average SQFT- 5,116
Average $/SQFT – $275

13 Pending – $425,000 to $999,500
Average SQFT– 3,888
Average $/SQFT – $161

35 Sold in last 3 Mos – $400,980 to $1,850,000
Average SQFT – 4,414
Average $/SQFT – $185

If you are looking for a home for Multi-Gen living, you can start your search here. Or if you have a home that has Multi-Gen features and you want to sell, call us – we are specialists in this field, and we have buyers ready to move!

Nature Tweets Sweeter – Black Capped Chickadees

One of our favorite backyard birds is the little cheerful-looking, and cheerful sounding, Black-capped Chickadee. Chickadee is the North American name for birds that are called tits (no snickering please) in rest of the world where these birds are found. Tits is actually an old German word meaning something small. It makes sense to us.
We’ve been filling the feeder with their favorite black-oiled sunflower seeds, as well as suet to help them survive our crazy, cold winter this year. They are quite friendly and don’t seem to mind our presence in the yard with them. It’s interesting to watch them at the feeder too because they exhibit a complex flock hierarchy, allowing dominate birds to feed first.

The North American name for them is based on the sound the birds make, chick-a-dee-dee. However, our favorite tune to hear is their distinctive fee-bee-ee whistle. It always brings us a smile to hear the melodic song outside our windows. We also feel lucky that the fee-bee song is actually distinctly longer for chickadees in Oregon and Washington. We get it, the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest is something to sing about.

I found this fun video, an Ode to Songbirds produced by students and teachers involved in an awesome program sponsored by the Tremont Institute, located within the Great Smokey Mountain National Park.

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. Living in Camas, WA, you have many options to experience a lifestyle with “elbow room for the soul”, the ultimate luxury.

Also, if you’re looking for a family estate with enough room for live-in family, or visiting friends, and land to garden or enjoy privacy, you’re like the majority of our clients. Since we specialize in Multi-generational living, we have helped many families find a home suitable for that lifestyle.

Homes in Camas offer you many opportunities to spend more time with those we love, connect with nature, and live a lifestyle that helps rejuvenate our souls. It’s not a one-size-fits-all, either – our ViewHomes™ of Clark County come in unique shapes and sizes.

Since we live in the country north of Camas, we have a real fondness for the area. The charm of a small-town lifestyle meets high-tech industry and offers residents quick access to the big city amenities of Portland, including easy access to Portland International Airport.

Market Report Snapshot for ViewHomes™ Camas, WA

18 Active Listings –  $560,000 to $3,290,000
Average SQFT 5,119
Average $/SQFT $233

2 Bumpable – $559,900 to $2,250,000
Average SQFT 4,609
Average $/SQFT $155

8 Sold in the last 3 months from  $465,000 to $1,850,000
Average SQFT 4,019
Average $/SQFT $193

The Average DOM (days on market) was 96, so properties are selling fast!

If you’re looking for a home in Camas, WA, begin your Camas ViewHomes search here.

If you are thinking of selling your home in Camas, call us for a free market analysis. We know the area and know how to market your property for the best result!

I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really want. – Spice Girls

Most multi-generational buyers are looking for a home with separate living space for another generation, most often the grandparent(s) of still-at-home children. Three generations living under one roof. In other cases, it’s two generations sharing a home. Returning young-adult children, or baby boomers who choose to care for aging parents in lieu of placing them in nursing homes.

The latter is our situation. However, what’s unusual about our set-up is that my sister and brother-in-law also live on the property too. It created a bit more complications in terms of finding the right situation, but we’ve modified the large home to accommodate our needs. The bottom line, we essentially have separate homes with our own private access. We don’t have to share space, unless we want to.

We applaud new home builders such as Lennar, for their development of multi-generational home plans. The Next-Gen is promoted as The Home Within A Home. Complete separate living quarters make up about 700 square feet of the home, and the suite has a private entrance. They apparently understand the need for everyone to feel independent. It makes it even sweeter when different generations can choose their together-time.

The only negative to the new construction homes we’ve seen is density within the neighborhood. Builders tend to cram as many homes as possible on a plat to increase profitability. We get it, but many of our multigenerational buyers want nature as neighbors and elbow room for the soul.™ In fact, it’s a requirement shared by most all of our buyers and therefore, we also specialize in marketing those types of properties as well. It’s a lifestyle requirement and passion for us too.

In our opinion, homes on acreage with a separate suite off a garage is ideal for multi-generational living. Aging in place is critical when an older generation is part of the household. Key components to consider are privacy, high ceilings and skylights to enhance smaller spaces, thoughtful design such as no-lip showers, and wide halls and doorways to accommodate a wheelchair. Again, giving one another privacy and a sense of independence greatly enhances the enjoyment of this lifestyle.

Enough acreage to garden, room to play, or to soak up soothing views also promotes well-being for the members of a multigenerational property. Connections to nature and green space help all of us feel more grounded and tends to wake up our spirituality. We find that time alone in nature, reminds us that we’re really not alone. It’s quite a remarkable gift for people of any age.

We are the only REALTORS® in Clark County who specialize in Multi-generational housing —and live the lifestyle too. Feel free to contact us to discuss whether a multi-gen home might be a good fit for your family. We’re always happy to share our knowledge and first-hand experience about this rewarding lifestyle.

We are also pleased to be the only REALTORS® in Clark County, WA who specialize in Multigenerational properties. It’s interesting too, as we are now seeing a few other brokerages trying to respond, a bit late we believe, to this growing trend in housing. Our passion for this lifestyle grew from our personal experience. However, we also predicted the trend was picking up in popularity and not just for economic reasons as many believe. Instead, families are often choosing to live together out of love – a desire to share as many moments as possible with one another.

We’re working with a Camas family ( mom, dad, and two kids) who want to live in a Multi-generational property with the wife’s parents. The parents currently live in the midwest, are retiring this Spring, and they haven’t had  a chance to really spend a lot of time around their young grandchildren. Therefore, relocation for them is a top priority. The property they’ve decided to buy together will need an area where the older parents can age in place. In other words, living space with ground level access and one-level.

Purchasing a multi-generational property is a process. Since there are more people in the decision making arena, that increases the need for concessions and compromises. Eventually though, we find a good fit for everyone. In fact, the search is part of the fun because we so enjoy getting to know each member of the family. For example, last weekend, we lingered in the kitchen of a home we’d toured listening to interesting stories of the wife’s time spent in Asia as an English teacher – with her own a popular TV show!

Economics can certainly be a benefit of shared living, but often it’s not the number one priority. Believe it or not, the catalyst for a multi-gen move is often based in love. A desire to share life, as many moments as possible, with family members. We live in a property with our elderly parents, the difference in our situation, my sister and her husband also share our large home. We trade off with cooking responsibilities for mom and dad, doctor visits, and try to engage them socially as often as possible. My sister and I chose to go through this together, giving back to two people who gave us such a solid childhood. We think our husbands are amazing men.

Our first-hand experience with this lifestyle gives us a unique perspective that we share freely. The pros, the cons. Although, the cons can be greatly minimized with advance planning and detailed discussions. For example, be sure to consult with a Family Trust attorney to fully understand how to protect the property in a variety of unforeseen circumstances. We also feel that privacy, and having your own space, is a critical consideration for most of us.

In addition, most of our clients, like us, greatly appreciate the healing and soothing aspects of having Nature As Neighbors. Eco-therapy is now recognized by the mental health community as an important aspect of our human need to connect with nature. More and more people are recognizing this link and seeking homes which offer them a retreat for rejuvenation. We find these homes, in particular, make great multi-gen options. A ViewHome™ on some acreage is like having elbow room for the soul.™

We know our most recent multi-gen family of buyers will enjoy the perks of this lifestyle. They’re taking the time to communicate with one another honestly, setting clear expectations and laying down the groundwork of what’s needed to make a property a good fit for all of them. It’s a privilege to be the only REALTORS® in Clark County who specialize in this growing real estate need. If you’ve been considering a multigenerational home, call us today. We’d be happy to share our experiences and expertise to help determine if this is a good fit for you.

This year, we have experienced two outages, one in December, and one this past weekend. The most recent left us without power for about eight hours. It could have been worse though. We stayed warm and cozy, had plenty of water stored, and even made grilled cheese sandwiches on our wood stove. Still, you could hear cheers throughout our two level home as the lights came back on around 4:00 PM.

We continue to receive inquiries about multigenerational homes now that the lifestyle has become more popular. Besides the economics of sharing expenses, there are the real social and familial benefits of deepened relationships and enriched lives. Adult children have the peace of mind of taking care of their aging parents, grandchildren have the bonus of quality time with their grandparents on a regular basis.

We think it’s no coincidence that our specialty – view homes with “elbow room for the soul” works well for multi-gen homes, too.  We are familiar with how to convert homes on larger lots into the potential for additional living quarters. Because we understand and live the lifestyle, we know how to find the right multi-gen home.

It also helps to know what the market looks like when you start shopping for a multi-gen home.  Here is a snapshot of ViewHomes™ of Clark County with dual-living features priced starting at $400,000:

47 Active Listings – $419,900 to $4,500,000
Average SQFT – 5,121
Average $/SQFT – $218

2 Bumpable Buyers – $559,900 to $2,250,000
Average SQFT- 5,116
Average $/SQFT – $275

12 Pending – $425,000 to $1,295,000
Average SQFT– 3,919
Average $/SQFT – $175

41 Sold in last 3 Mos – $400,980 to $6,500,000
Average SQFT – 4,535
Average $/SQFT – $222

If you are looking for a home for Multi-Gen living, you can start your search here. Or if you have a home that has Multi-Gen features and you want to sell, call us – we are specialists in this field, and we have buyers ready to move!

If you are looking for a view home with privacy, and a little acreage, you should consider the Washougal, WA area. 

The Washougal River, whose name is Chinook for “rushing water”, 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. Homes in the area are typically rural, and open – providing “elbow room for the soul.”

Combine the luxury of privacy with the diversity of views, and you have a very popular area for homesites. Washougal view homes are in the highly desirable Camas and Washougal School Districts. 

Here is a quick market summary of ViewHomes™ in Washougal, WA   

Active Listings- 30 from $449,900 to $3,900,000
Average SQFT – 3,923
Average $/SQFT – $223

Pending – 8 from $425,000 to $835,000
AverageSQFT – 2,898
Average $/SQFT – $207

Sold in last 3 Months – 10 from $400,000 to $710,000
AverageSQFT – 2,389
Average $/SQFT – $220

Average Days on Market was 56 – less than 2 months – which shows that properties are still moving quickly.

Looking for a view home in Washougal, WA? Begin your search here.

We are ViewHomes™ of Clark County and our clients share our appreciation for Nature As Neighbors. A private retreat on acreage provides a serene and calm environment, and there’s room to garden, play with kids or grand kids, and enjoy frequent visits from wildlife – “elbow room for the soul.”

We recently sold another view home along the Washougal River, and checked in to see how they spent their first Christmas.  They are so grateful to live in their version of paradise -surrounded by nature, with the sounds of the river rushing past their home. They even had a few kayakers paddle by one sunny morning – each waving and acknowledging what a gift it is to be on the water.

Water has a natural, meditative effect on us — the sight and sound of moving water helps put us in a relaxed, reflective mode that seems to ameliorate any disruptions around us. This is one of the many reasons waterfront properties are at a premium – there is a built-in asset that many homes don’t have.  Some buyers want easy access to boating and active watersports. Others want a peaceful place for quiet reflection. Either way, we are drawn to water.

We are fortunate to live in an area where there are many diverse bodies of water – lakes, streams, rivers that are still in their natural state.  But, due to regulations designed to protection our waterways, development of any designated shoreline properties comes with tight regulations, setbacks, and mitigation requirements. Even creeks are regulated in certain protected watersheds. This can cause frustration for anyone trying to build or expand a house along a natural waterway (previous structures are grandfathered in, but there are still limitations on what you can do to the property.)

These restrictions also create a specialized market, where water becomes a highly-prized feature of the home.  With these restrictions, and limited inventory, you should always work with someone who has experience with waterfront properties and knows how to find that perfect opportunity for you.

Here is a snapshot of the current market for waterfront ViewHomes™ of Clark County:

17 Active from $449,900 to $3,290,000
Average SQFT 4,382
Average $/SQFT $289

6 Pending from $459,000 to $2,250,000
Average SQFT 3,915
Average $/SQFT $245

11 Sold in past 3 months from $407,100 to $6,500,000
Average SQFT 3,904
Average $/SQFT $353

View properties on water tend to move quickly, so if you are interested, now is a great time to buy. Give us a call, we specialize in ViewHomes™ of Clark County.

“The truth is I now don’t travel back at all, not even for the day, I just try to live everyday as if I’ve deliberately come back to this one day, to enjoy it, as if it was the full final day of my extraordinary, ordinary life.”

We have been celebrating the holiday season with Nature As Neighbors. December snow and cool temperatures have given us many delightful moments. We even caught ourselves dreaming of a White Christmas, and it’s likely going to come true. Not here in Clark County though, we’re heading to Bend, Oregon tomorrow to spend Christmas with our son’s family. There’s so much more magic in the air when you celebrate the holidays with children. We did want to take a moment to thank you for your support, business, and in some cases, friendship. Here’s a short video celebrating the many seasonal gifts of nature in December.

We have been promoting fresh Christmas trees for some time as a green choice for the holidays. Every year, we enjoy the hunt, harvest, and, even the hassle of putting up a fresh tree and have never considered an artificial tree.  Especially now that we live within 2 miles of a great tree farm. Typically, with proper care, they keep their aroma and greenery for many days, and last well past Christmas day.

This year, though, we were in for a surprise, in spite of faithfully following the National Christmas Tree Association guidelines. We took the tree straight home and prepped it properly for the stand. Every morning we checked the water level, and topped it up when necessary.  We even keep a bottle of water right next to the base for easy refill. But for some reason, it dried out faster than usual.  More needles than usual started dropping, and the bright green color started to fade.  When it started to feel brittle to the touch, we decided as a safety measure, to take it down.

Sure enough, as we disassembled the lights and ornaments, it was clear the tree was a goner. We took it outside and put it on our fire pit. With just the flick of a lighter, it blazed into a small inferno.  We were sad to see it go but relieved that it ignited outside, and not while we were gone for the weekend.

A quick search suggests that some trees don’t absorb as much water as others, so that might be a factor.  The other is the extreme cold we experienced for several days caused us to use the wood stove a lot more, and the air might have dried it out faster. Whatever the reason, we are grateful we noticed it and took action.

We still plan to  a fresh tree next year, and maybe pick a cooler spot for it.  According to the NCTA, “less than .0004% of Real Christmas Trees used each year are ignited in home fires.”  This is still a reminder that, while fresh trees are a great way to celebrate the holidays, it is important to pay attention and take steps to keep it from drying out.