Columbia Gorge Real Estate Blog

The Hood River Real Estate Update is a blog I started about 1 1/2 yrs ago. I like to share information on what's happening in the real estate market mainly related to Hood River County. At the end of each month I include my monthly market reports on current home sale statistics in Hood River, Westside HR, Eastside HR, Odell, Parkdale & Cascade Locks. I also include information on upcoming events, local Hood River photos and other things that you may find interesting. If you are looking for a home in Hood River County you can search all listings on my website.

I took these pictures this morning at Stratton Gardens in downtown Hood River.

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.

There are many places you may want to live in the Columbia River Gorge. If you are interested in relocating to Skamania County the small towns you may want to choose from are North Bonneville, Stevenson or Carson. There are several areas that are more rural but have some services like a post office or a small market. These are Skamania, Home Valley, Mill A and Underwood.  Stevenson is the county seat of Skamania County. Stevenson has a nice library, public indoor swimming pool, several nice restaurants, The Skamania Lodge, and the Interpretive Center Museum. The scenery in Stevenson is beautiful, lush and green. Stevenson gets about 75-85 inches of rain annually. It's an easy drive to Portland-about 45 minutes.

Mike's Ice Cream is pretty much a Hood River landmark. It has been here for I think at least 18 yrs. You may have to wait in line but once you get your ice cream you can enjoy it out front of the tiny Ice Cream Venue. There are tables & chairs, benches and grass to sit on while you eat your treats. Mike's Ice Cream is located right on Oak St. across from the Library lawn. Watch the busy Hood River tourist scene go by as you enjoy your cone. Mike's is usually open from May till about October.

It's time to think about the start of summer in Hood River. This Memorial Day weekend has brought many visitors to town. There was a lot of activity out on the river-kiteboarding and windsurfing. Downtown was busy with lots of people on the streets and looking at the shops. Mike's Ice Cream was an especially popular spot today. Blue sky, sunshine, and plenty of wind = Hood River.

In Skamania County there were 7 home sales in May 2009. This data reflects only properties that are listed on the RMLS. Sales of unlisted and FSBO properties are not included.  Four of the sales were in North Bonneville where we are starting to see many of the bank owned homes going sale pending and selling. One home sold in Stevenson and one home sold in Carson.

There are currently 16 homes sale pending in Skamania County. North Bonneville-6   Skamania-1 Stevenson-3   Carson-3  Underwood-1   Cougar-2  It is good news to see the high number of pendings. However many of the sales are distress and bank sales and this is ultimately bringing the sold prices down lowering home values from the sales comps.

North Bonneville- Listed for $149,000 Sold for $156,000 Bank sale 1448 sq ft 3 bdrm 2.1 bath DOM 203

 North Bonneville- Sold for $159,000  bank sale   3bdrm 2 ba  1307 sq ft. New home  Days on market(DOM)-227

North Bonneville- Listed for $269,900 Sold for $205,000 3 bdrm 2 bath 1651 sq ft DOM-316

North Bonneville- Sold for $300,000   3 bdrm 2 bath  2400  sq ft DOM-142

 Stevenson-  Sold for $285,000  3 bdrm  2.1 bath  1950 sq ft  DOM-166

Carson - Listed for $219,000 Sold for $190,000   manufactured home 3 bd  2 bath 1629 sq ft  DOM - 158 days

Carson-Listed for $149,950  Sold for $145,000 single wide mobile home 3 bdrm 2 bath 1140 sq ft. DOM-583

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.

The "Home With a View" has finally sold!  After 1126 days on the market it's about time.  One of the reasons this listing of mine took so long to sell was the surroundings. It is located in a rural neighborhood with some very, lets see,- how do I say it nicely?- not so great homes in need of many repairs, much yard clean up and junk removal. Also, directly across the street is a fairly large apartment complex.

This newer manufactured home was probably the nicest on the block. After 2 yrs and two price adjustments, the right buyers were ready to purchase. This was not the only bump in the road to closing this deal. Five days before the closing date we were informed the lender was requiring a foundation inspection for the loan. The inspection by the engineer revealed the covered deck had only been attached to the facia and needed 4x4 posts and a 4x6 beam supporting all the way down to the ground.

Handy for me that my husband is a contractor. He spoke with the engineer and knew just what was needed. The selling agent and I agreed to split the material costs and the three of us put in a days work to get this home financeable.

This shows the posts and beam that were needed to support the deck roof. We attached simpson hurricane ties and post caps above the deck. Underneath we added concrete blocks with pressure treated 4x4 blocking. After the work was completed the report came in fine, a few more delays going through underwriting but today this home has been recorded and is now officially sold.

These are some of the hikes planned this spring by Friends of the Columbia Gorge.  I have never actually gone on a hike with Friends of the Gorge but they sound like fun. I hope I can one of these days.

Friday, May 29, 2009, 08:00 AM- This will be a late afternoon hike with views and wildflowers. Angels Rest at Dusk, OR

Saturday, June 06, 2009, 08:00 AM-  This easy hike will Start at the John B. Yeon trailhead.  Elowah Falls is a large waterfall. McCord Creek falls in a single hyperbolic curve to the splash pool below. There is a small bridge that crosses the creek just below the falls. Elowah Falls Kids Hike, OR

1.4 miles with 280 ft. elevation gain

The Hood River County School District is negotiating the purchase of 17 acres of land at 30th and Montello. Building two schools, an elementary school and a middle school, on the property is being considered. The School District would use money for the purchase from a $25.1 million bond measure that was approved by local voters in May 2008. The district has had historic growth rate with 40 students per year or the equivalent of 1.5 classrooms annually. It is estimated that 47 more students are enrolled in school this year than were in 2007-2008. Currently there are nine schools in the  Hood River County School District  .

Cascade Locks School, Hood River Middle School, Hood River Valley High School, May St. Elementary, Mid Valley Elementary, Parkdale Elementary, Pine Grove Elementary, Westside Elementary and WyEast Middle School

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.