Hood River Real Estate Update

The sky was beautiful the other evening when I took this picture as the sun was setting with the top of Mt. Adams in the distance. I took this from my neighborhood in East Stonegate, Hood River.

Here's the combined sales for the entire Columbia Gorge Region: Hood River & Wasco Counties in Oregon Klickitat & Skamania Counties in Washington.  These are the cities and towns reporting sales from west to east. These sales are only LISTED sales not FSBO's or unlisted sales.

• Skamania- 1 sale
• North Bonneville- 1 sale
• Cascade Locks- 3 sales
• White Salmon-2 sales
• Husum- 1 sale 
• Hood River- 10 sales
• Hood River/eastside -1 sale
• Odell-1 sale
• Parkdale-2 sales
• Lyle-3 sales 
• Klickitat-1 sale
• Dallesport/Murdock-2 sales  
• The Dalles-12 sales
• Wamic- 2 sales
• Goldendale-5 sales

This gives us a total of 47 homes sold Gorge wide in the month of August 2008.  There are currently 83 homes sale pending throughout the 4 gorge counties.  Wasco County-24   Hood River County-27       Klickitat County-23  Skamania County-9    

There are also 27 unimproved lots/land sale pendings throughout the 4 gorge counties. Wasco County- 3  Hood River County- 4  Klickitat County- 15  Skamania County-5

Here's a further comparison of each counties residential sales for Jan- Aug 2008

 Gorge County                            Monthly sales totals

Skamania    Jan-6    Feb-7    March-3    April-4    May-4    June-0   July-3   Aug-2    

Klickitat       Jan-10   Feb-5   March-16  April-12  May-10  June-9  July-14   Aug-15                           

Hood River  Jan-10   Feb-12  March-12   April-15   May-27   June-13  July-19   Aug-17 

Wasco          Jan-10   Feb-14  March-14   April-16    May-23   June-18   July-17  Aug-14

From this data it appears that Klickitat, Hood River, and Wasco Counties have been remaining near the same sales volume fairly consistently so far this year. Skamania County has the lowest sales overall. Now is a great time to buy your piece of The Gorge.  I hope you find this information helpful.  

Here's how 2008 sales are looking compared to 2007 sales:

 2008 Gorge total sales    Jan-36    Feb-38    March-43     April-47     May-64    June-40   July-53   Aug-48

 2007 Gorge total sales    Jan-40    Feb-48    March-82     April-72     May-73    June-85   July-95   Aug-72

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.  

Here's the latest sales info from the RMLS for Klickitat County. These sales comps reflect only properties listed on the RMLS.  Unlisted or fsbo properties are not included. There were 15 total residential sales and 9 total unimproved sales for Klickitat County for August 2008.  Here's the break down.

White Salmon/Bingen- 2 sales of single family homes- Listed for $229,000  SOLD for $215,000  Listed for $335,000 SOLD for $347,000   

Husum- 2 sales  Listed for $295,000 SOLD for $292,500  Listed for $449,000  Sold for $350,000

Lyle-  3 single family home sales    listed for $ 199,500   SOLD for $150,000  20 acres & 700 sq ft cabin  listed-$239,000 Sold-$215,000  listed-$229,000 Sold-$226,000

Dallesport- 2 single family homes- listed for $189,500   SOLD for $198,750  Listed for $545,000 SOLD for $430,000  

Goldendale- 5 single family homes  listed for $59,000  SOLD for $50,000   Listed for $125,000  SOLD for $125,000  Listed for $229,000 SOLD for  $183,000   Listed for $319,000  SOLD for  195,000  Listed-$339,000 Sold for $317,500

Klickitat- 1 single family home Listed for $299,000 Sold for $220,000

Unimproved Lots and Land Sold- 9 total sales- 2 White Salmon    1 Lyle  1 Dallesport  1 Appleton  1 Centerville   3 Goldendale

SALE PENDINGS- there are currently 23 homes and 15 unimproved lots/land under contract in Klickitat County.

Homes sale pending 1-Northwestern Lake   3-White Salmon   1-Snowden  2-Trout Lake  2-Lyle  3-Dallesport 11-Goldendale

Land sale pending 1-Bingen  2-White Salmon  1-Trout Lake  1-Lyle  1-Dallesport  1-Appleton  8-Goldendale

 Goldendale has become a popular spot and is having the most activity in Klickitat County according to the sales comps and sale pendings. 

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.  

Sales are still very low in Skamania County Washington. According to the RMLS data there were 2 listed residential sales and 1 unimproved property sales in Skamania County in the month of August 2008.

The good news is there are 9 homes and 5 unimproved lots/land currently under contract and sale pending in Skamania County. 

These are the sales for Skamania County for August 2008 -a total of 3:

• Skamania Landng- 1 single family home  listed-$550,000 Sold-$525,000 1515 sq ft  DOM-59  
• North Bonneville- 1 single family home- listed-$249,000  Sold-$248,500 1657 sq ft  DOM-23
• Skamania Landing- 1 unimproved lot- listed-$84,000 Sold-$82,000  DOM-70

There are plenty of unimproved properties in Skamania County to choose from.  There are 111 properties currently listed ranging in price from $58,900 for an oversized lot in Stevenson to $2,500,000 for a 22+ acre approved 70 lot subdivision in Stevenson.

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.  

Here's the latest sales data from the RMLS for August 2008 in Wasco County. These are homes that are listed on the RMLS.  Unlisted properties and fsbo homes are not included.  There were 14 total homes sold in Wasco County in August 2008 and 2 sales of unimproved properties. Here's the breakdown.

The Dalles- 11 single family homes -Listed-$146,000 Sold- $88,500 1360 sq ft commercial zoning DOM-86 Listed-$149,900 Sold-$153,450 1576sq ft DOM-24  Listed-$172,500 Sold-$160,900  869 sq ft  DOM-88 Listed-$225,000 Sold-$170,000  1496 sq ft  DOM-303 Listed $184,900 Sold-$ $180,000 1288 sq ft DOM-40 Listed-$199,900 Sold-$199,900  1934 sq ft DOM-32 Listed-$249,700 Sold-$200,000 1924sq ft DOM 110 Listed-$214,000 Sold-$223,500 2000 sq ft DOM-6 Listed-$225,000 Sold-$231,659  2160 sq ft  DOM-3   Listed-$$299,900 Sold-$290,000 2264 sq ft  DOM-12  Listed-$399,000 Sold-$330,000 4268 sq ft 1.5 acres DOM-98

1 condo - Listed-$399,000 Sold-$330,000 1776 sq ft  DOM-664

Wamic- 2 homes sold - 1 manufactured home Listed-$159,000 Sold-$145,000  1295 sq ft DOM-390  1 log home Listed-$510,000 Sold-$510,000 1372 sq ft  DOM-53 

 UNIMPROVED LOTS/LAND SOLD- 2 sales- building lot listed-$65,000 Sold-$60,000 DOM-24  building lot liste-$72,800  Sold-$72,500  DOM-148

SALE PENDINGS: There are currently 24 homes under contract in Wasco County. There are currently 3 land listings under contract in Wasco County- 1 in The Dalles and 2 in Mosier.

The Dalles-17  Dufur-1  Mosier-6 

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.  

Here's the latest sales data from the RMLS. This includes only listed property sales, not FSBO's. Hood River County home sales in August 2008 were a total of 17 sales.  This is down slightly from July when there were 19 total sales in Hood River County.

Cascade Locks-3 sales- Listed-$179,000 Sold-$165,000 DOM-27 1456 sq ft Manufactured home   Listed $179,900 Sold-$179,900 DOM 487  2147 sq ft Manufactured home  Listed-$100,000  Sold-$95,000 DOM 865 sq ft 

Hood River/City- 2 sales-condo- Listed-$539,000-Sold-$500,000 1614 sq ft  DOM 82  Listed-$180,000- Sold-$200,000 1075 sq ft  DOM 368  

Hood River/City-1 sale townhome- Listed-$368,000 Sold $359,000 DOM 440 2410 sq ft

Hood River/City-7 sales-single family homes

 Listed $249,000  Sold-$248,400  1250 sq ft  DOM 11

 Listed $256,000  Sold-$232,907  1108 sq ft  DOM 180

 Listed $265,000 Sold-258,500  1682 sq ft DOM 30

 Listed $277,500 Sold-$259,700 1274 sq ft   DOM 139

 Listed $289,000 Sold-$285,700 1330 sq ft  DOM 186

 Listed $325,000  Sold-$ 302,000  1542 sq ft   DOM 116

Listed $400,000  Sold-$392,000  2032 sq ft  DOM 278

Odell-1 sale-single family home- listed $495,000 Sold-$420,000 2304 sq ft on 4.5 acres DOM 103

Eastside-1sale-single family home- listed $619,000  Sold-$595,000 3339 sq ft  on acreage DOM 119

Parkdale-2 sales- listed $350,000  Sold-$330,000  1700 sq ft  DOM 108  Listed $259,000 Sold-$245,000 DOM 72

There was 1 sale of Unimproved land in Hood River- .65 acres on the westside w/shop bldg listed $265,000  Sold-$240,000  DOM 16 

There are currently 27 sale pendings in Hood River County. Here's the breakdown: Hood River/City-2 condos, 13 single family homes    Hood River/Westside- 4 single family homes  Hood River/Eastside-1 Odell- 3 single family 1 MH in park   Parkdale-3 single family homes

There are also 4 unimproved lots/land parcels currently sale pending in Hood River County- Listed as follows: .16 acre-$175,000    27.41 acres-Comm/Industrial-$5,900,000  1.08 acres-$345,000  and 4.12 acres-$400,000  These are the listed prices as we do not know the actual sales price until these close.

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.  

• Hood River's Recreation. There is so much to do in and near Hood River. From windsurfing, kiteboarding, mountain biking, kayaking, snowboarding, skiing, hiking, you name it we've probably got it. Hood River is known for it's outdoor and sports minded lifestyle.

• Arts and Music. Hood River seems to be a hub for festivals and music all year long. There's the Hood River Saturday Market every Saturday downtown from May till October. The ever popular First Friday has lots of art and music on the first Friday of every month in downtown Hood River from March through December. Every week there is also ongoing music to hear at many fine restaurants and locations in town. The Columbia Center for the Arts has a busy schedule with displays and productions throughout the year. In the summer there is Music in the Park every Thursday in August, free at Jackson Park

• Fine Dining. There are many fine dining establishments to choose from. Whether you like Sushi, Mexican, healthy, or something in between, you'll find plenty of good choices of where to eat while you're here in Hood River. Some of the restaurants to choose from are: Sixth St. Bistro, Stonehenge Gardens, Sushi Okalani, The Trillium Cafe, Sage's Cafe, Annz Panz, Nora's Fish House, Three River's Grill, Riverside Grill and Cebu Lounge(at the Hood River Inn), Mongolian Grill, The Charburger, The Good River Restaurant (Mosier), Crazy Pepper Cantina, Brian's Pourhouse, Andrew's Pizza, Hood River Taqueria(on the Heights), and Grace Su's China Gorge.

• Fresh and locally grown produce and food.  The Hood River Valley is known as the Pear capitol of the world for the large number of D'anjou pears it produces. However not only pears, but apples, cherries, and other fresh locally grown fruit and veggies are available especially in the summer and fall.  Every Thursday afternoon you can find farmers and growers selling their homegrown foods at the GorgeGrown Market that is held at the Middle School on May St. in Hood River. The Hood River Harvest Festival is always a busy place. It has been held every year in Late Sept for about 25 years now. People come to buy fresh picked fruits and vegies, hear the music, and buy arts and crafts.

• Hood River Scenery.  With Mt. Adams in our front yard and Mt. Hood in our backyard, Hood River enjoys plenty of scenic beauty year round. Throw in the Columbia River, Underwood Mtn, and the orchards all around the valley and you will never get tired of the views.

  Looking South toward Mt. Hood                             Looking North at Mt. Adams

Here are the hikes offered in Sept. 2008 by Friends of the Gorge. There are other "Members Only" hikes offered including: Indian Point, Oregon-a hike through an old growth forest, Petroglyph Tour, WA-near Horsethief Lake you will view ancient petroglyphs including "Tsagaglalal-She Who Watches"

Sunday, September 7   Dalles Mt. Ranch Hike, WA

This is a moderate to strenuous 7 mile hike with 1000 ft elevation gain. Enjoy wide open landcapes and sweeping views of the eastern gorge and Klickitat County scenery.

Saturday, September 11  Indian Springs Loop, OR

This is considered a strenuous 9.5 mile hike with a 2200 ft. elevation gain/loss. You will descent on Indian Springs Trail to Eagle Creek Trail. Take a break near Inspiration Point, then hike up the Eagle Creek Trail to Wahtum Lake and return via the Pacific Crest Trail.

Saturday, September 13   Nesika Lodge, OR

This will be a trek to historic Nesika Lodge led by Trails Club volunteers from Multnomah Falls to the recently restored lodge that was originally built in 1923. You will pass waterfalls and stunning gorge views on the way. It is a moderate to strenuous 8 mile hike with 1700 ft elevation gain. 

There is something special about old homes. I mean the ones that are from about 1900-1930. I find it interesting to notice the detail work and craftsmanship from this era of home. It is hard to compare the classic old homes to the homes that are being built today. It takes someone with an eye for detail to be able to build a new house that truly captures the look and feel of a vintage home. Here are some of the Historic Homes I enjoy seeing when I go for walks in Hood River, Oregon.

According to many sources, Skamania County, Wash., claims to have the highest number of reported Bigfoot sightings in the world.

August 22-24, 2008  The Bigfoot Bash and Bounty comes to Home Valley Park in Skamania County, Washington.   The activities begin Friday August 22, 2008 at 7:00 pm with an open mic for music and Bigfoot sighting stories. 

Saturday you can explore popular outdoor recreation spots in the area in the hunt for twelve hidden "Bigfeet". Each Bigfoot that is found will get you an entry into a drawing for great prizes! There will be food and craft vendors at the Home Valley Park as well as a beer garden featuring Walking Man beer, softball games, and a kids activity & craft corner.  You can learn more about the legend of Bigfoot with presentations by Bigfoot experts Leann McCoy and Henry Franzoni. There will be live music starting at 6:00 pm by "The Shop" and at 8:00 pm by "Jive Turkey"  

On Sunday there will be a 4 person Golf Scramble at Carson Hot Springs and a 12K Walk/Run. You'll have to decide on one or the other as both start at 9:00 am.