Columbia Gorge Real Estate Blog

This Queen Anne style farmhouse in Hood River has been recently restored and includes a new foundation,furnace, electrical,plumbing, and paint. It is FSBO and I attended the open house.  The owners are selling it for $426,000.

It is in a nice neighborhood within walking distance of the swimming pool, parks, and schools. Located on an oversized lot with mature landscaping.

I always like to see when old houses are restored to their previous livability rather than torn down and replaced.

This one was in dire need of repairs before it was purchased and underwent this transfomation back to useful life.

Below is the before picture

This may help the right people. There are Loans and Grants available to repair homes from USDA rural development. If the family income is below 50% of the median county income, homeowners may qualify for a grant or loan for needed repairs. The loan maximum amount is $20,000 with interest rate of just 1% for up to 20 years. For those 62 or older, grants are available for essential repairs and are available for up to $7500.  For information go to http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/sfhlink_files/504.htm  in Oregon or http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/wa/SFH504lg.htm in Washington state.  Only certain communities in counties are eligible depending on population size. (towns and cities must be considered rural and under 50,000)

If you are interested in buying a home or property in Portland/Vancouver, The Columbia  River Gorge, or other parts of Oregon & Washington the following public MLS search sites may be helpful.

try the RMLS-Regional Multiple Listing Service 

          MCLS-Mid-Columbia Listing Service

          Northwest Real Estate

There are five counties in the Columbia River Gorge area in Oregon and Washington. Here are the county websites for each of these five counties. You may find helpful and specific information you may need for the county you are interested in.

OREGON COUNTIES

Multnomah County- http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/

Hood River County- http://www.co.hood-river.or.us/

Wasco County- http://co.wasco.or.us/

WASHINGTON COUNTIES

Skamania County-   http://www.skamaniacounty.org/

Klickitat County- http://www.klickitatcounty.org/ 

Here's a glimpse of Hood River. Hope you enjoy!

Beacon Rock is located in Skamania County along the Columbia River. It was originally named Beacon Rock by Lewis and Clark on their expedition to the Pacific Ocean on Oct 31, 1805. Lewis and Clark first measured tidal influences from the Pacific Ocean near Beacon Rock. The rock was  called "Inoshoak Castle"  by the John Jacob Astor expedition of 1811. It was known as "Castle Rock" until 1916 when the U.S. Board of Geographic Names restored the name to "Beacon Rock"

A trail was built to the top by Henry J. Biddle and in 1935 Beacon Rock was turned over to Washington State for use as a park.

Beacon Rock is actually the core of an ancient volcano. The floods that came through the Columbia River Gorge eroded the softer material away and left this unique geological structure standing by itself on the banks of the Columbia River.

The park is open for hiking the trail. There is also camping on a first come first serve basis, showers in the campgrounds, and  picnic facilities. for more info go to:

  http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp

The annual Sternwheeler Days Festival is almost here. Located at the Cascade Locks Marine Park. A parade is on Saturday morning. There will be  art and craft vendors, rock and gem vendors, music, kids crafts, food and interactive displays. The Bridge of the Gods Quilt Show is Saturday and Sunday as well. Sternwheeler rides with special guests.  The Columbia Gorge Lions Club sponsors this event and proceeds will go to benefit the community and the programs the Lions Club supports.  http://www.sternwheeler.com/