Tag: camas

Vancouver Market Update Early-August 2024

Posted on by Julia Robertson

Find out what’s happening in the Portland Metro real estate market for Early-August 2024.

Hi, I’m Julia Robertson, Living Room Realty’s new Designated Managing Broker in Washington. I’m here to tell you what you need to know about the market for Early August 2024.

 

Cost Of Living

Over the last decade I’ve personally witnessed Vancouver, Camas, and Ridgefield blossom. The area has a rich history and the overall vibe is clean and safe. The cost of housing and utilities in Vancouver are below the national average, 11% lower than the state average. When we compare Vancouver to Portland, housing is 39% lower and the cost of living is 16.5% lower. Of course you have your outliers: luxury, lakeside living, and riverfront communities- but overall your dollar is stretching further here.

 

Southwest Washington Advantages

Did you know that Vancouver is an extension of Portland Metro? The two locations live differently, but at the same time, living near the Columbia River gives you the best of both worlds. 

Living in Washington has its luxuries, such as lower property taxes, no state income tax, larger parcels of land, affordability, accessibility to outdoor recreation, the ability to shop with no sales tax, and easy access to the Portland international airport. It’s what makes living in SW Washington unique! 

Vancouver itself offers a more suburban feel compared to the bustling city atmosphere of Portland. This might be appealing if you prefer a quieter, more community-focused environment. The downtown Vancouver area has a mix of historic architecture and modern developments, a vibrant public art scene, which is experiencing growth and revitalization with new businesses, restaurants, community events and farmers’ markets. Camas is another suburb with a strong sense of community and is known for its highly regarded public school system. Camas and Wahougal are the gateway to the Columbia river gorge. 

 

Let’s Talk Numbers

If there’s one thing home owners love to hear, it’s how much equity their home has earned from the previous year, so let’s talk about the market in Clark County. When we say Clark County and the greater Vancouver area, we’re talking about areas such as Camas, Washougal, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, Vancouver and everything in between. 

In a report given on August 5th by the NorthwestMLS, Clark County Washington home prices have gone up 4.58%, since this time last year. Available listings are up 37.7% and closings are up 12.12%. Active listing inventory is at the highest it has been in the last 5 years. With this much inventory, homes are still selling fast, and at Living Room our most recent listings in these areas have an offer within the first 2 weeks of being on the market. 1-2 offers are coming in at listed price or just below. This is a good market for both Sellers and Buyers!


Make A Move

 Living Room Realty is committed to connecting you with as much information to help you make an informed decision. We have dual licensed Brokers that can help you explore both sides of the river > If you’re ready to make a move to the Couve, give us a call today, we’d love to help you find your next Living Room.

The newest new home!

Posted on by Beth Benner
We started looking for a new home for the Greenes in early 2019. I’ve worked with many families to help find or build their dream homes and I always learn a little something along the way. Each situation and in this case, builder, is a little different. After the Greenes decided they’d really like a brand new construction home, we got to work, looking for the right community and builder to suit their needs and wants for their family. They just closed on their beautiful Holt Homes house this November and I asked them to share some of their thoughts on what they’ve learned through the process.
Here’s the list they came up with:
  1. Spend time in the neighborhood and try to connect with any new neighbors. We were lucky to have been the 4th home to be built in our cul de sac and even more fortunate to have connected early with the other three families. They shared important insights with us throughout the process!
  2. Ask about the plans for the full street or neighborhood. We did not think about parking when we started building our home because there were literally only a few other houses under construction at the time.
  3. If you are buying a home after seeing a “model home” – make sure you understand all the items within the house that would be considered an upgrade. Having this understanding, with costs listed, in writing is extremely important.
  4. Get every conversation in writing.
  5. Ask for access to the design options before you have your design meeting. We were surprised by the process at our “design center meeting” and had wished we’d had time to research options prior to the meeting.
  6. Understand the exterior masterplan for the street and ask for all of your options.
  7. If you’re interested in upgrades that include things like “hot tub prewiring” make sure you are also aware of the city codes/regulations that could affect the placement on your property.
  8. Look at and understand all the tiny details. Here are some things we did not think to ask about or look into: light switch placement, closet shelf paint, cabinet color next to trim color (ie: dove white cabinets next to pure white trim), countertop height in all bathrooms, and under-sink plumbing finishes.
  9. Ask for the exact placement of how your house will not only be placed on your lot but also how your house will align with any neighbors.
  10. The most important thing we learned is that it is beyond critical to have a trusted real estate professional by your side every step of the way who will advise you and be your champion throughout the process. Beth was able to share insights about what was normal and should be expected as well as hunt down answers for us and in a few cases, go to bat for us. Buying a home is stressful, Beth made it so much better for us and her expertise was invaluable in mansy situations throughout the process.

Stunning in Stoneleaf – The Finest in Camas

Posted on by Beth Benner

It doesn’t get better than this executive level, end unit townhouse, in a gated community, that lives like a model home. Meticulously cared for and like new! Soaring ceilings, gorgeous hardwood floors and custom built-ins surrounding fireplace. Gourmet kitchen with expansive island, granite counters, pendant lights & large pantry. Greatroom leading to cozy backyard against the greenbelt, perfect for indoor/outdoor entertaining and very private.

Plus! Close to the most exciting development Camas has ever seen: Columbia Palisades!

http://www.columbiapalisades.land

Featuring breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge all the way to downtown Portland, this mix of retail, restaurants, high end homes and a boutique hotel will blow you away!