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Camas, WA Real Estate News

By Isabel Da Costa
(John L. Scott Real Estate)
If your home is up for Sale in Camas, Washington are you wondering why your home is getting just a few showings or none???  One of the reasons is the large amount of inventory available (approx. 7.5 months) but the other reason could also be that your home is overpriced!  When you decided to hire your Realtor to market your home was your decision based on the highest comps that your agent provided you with or was it integrity??? One should never get sold on the highest numbers because overpriced homes especially in today's market don't sell, well priced homes are still selling even in this slower market!  If you need to sell, it is imperative that the numbers are right.
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By John Slocum, Broker, SFR - Vancouver WA Real Estate
(Premiere Property Group, LLC - Vancouver Washington)
Camas WA Homes For Sale| Washougal WA Homes For Sale | Market Conditions Report for July 2007 This month homes for sale in Camas and Washougal has 3 more homes in the active category, and the average days on the market has crept up by two days, which is normal for mid-summer. For the listings that are agreeing to offers the average time on the market is about 67 days. For the first half of 2007 the Camas MLS data is showing the Average home Selling Price for these areas ranging from: $354,200 to $445,300; and the Median Selling Price ranging from: $305,500 to $395,000. The Clark County wide Average Home Selling Price is: $309,300; while the Median Selling Price is: $264,900. PS - Nobody sells more homes than RE/MAX. Look to the Alexander ~ Slocum Team for your real estate needs in Vanco...
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By My Essistant
(MyEssistant)
Each year downtown Camas plays host to an array of arts & craft vendors at the best price of any festival in the area! With the help of our events and main parade on Saturday Camas Days, the fourth weekend (Fri. & Sat.) of the month in July, draws 10-15,000 people!Expect to see arts & craft vendors, a gated wine & microbrew street, a food street, concerts in the park, two parades (kids parade on Friday & main parade on Saturday), the ducky derby, the kids activities street, a softball tournament and the famous bathtub races in front of City Hall. Please don't hesitate to contact the Camas Washougal Chamber of Commerce with any questions at 360-834-2472.  If you are interested in becoming a vendor please email the Chamber, as space is limited.   
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By John Slocum, Broker, SFR - Vancouver WA Real Estate
(Premiere Property Group, LLC - Vancouver Washington)
  June 2007 Market Condition Report for Clark County's: Camas & Washougal Areas CamasExpert.com & ClarkCountyExpert.com This report is a simple tabulation of homes in the real estate data base, separated into price ranges, and: Active, Pending and Sold categories.   In our opinion we are continuing to see new listings that are priced correctly selling much faster (Pending in 22 fewer days!) than the existing listings that have been incorrectly priced too high (and waiting for the market to "catch-up" to them) -- even for the higher-priced homes.  Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding this report. Kathryn Alexander & John Slocum,  Alexander ∞ Slocum Real Estate Team   MLS Areas: Total Units Average Days Camas & Washougal on Market on Market Total Active 722 96...
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By John Slocum, Broker, SFR - Vancouver WA Real Estate
(Premiere Property Group, LLC - Vancouver Washington)
Real Estate Market Update for Camas Washington, May 2007 This report on Camas WA Homes For Sale is a simple tabulation of homes in the real estate data base, separated into price ranges, and: Active, Pending and Sold categories.   In our opinion we are continuing to see new listings that are priced correctly selling much faster than the existing listings that have been incorrectly priced too high (and waiting for the market to "catch-up" to them) -- even for the higher-priced homes. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding this report. Kathryn Alexander & John Slocum,  Alexander ∞ Slocum Real Estate Team The Chart Below compares Camas Washington Home Sale Prices and Trends with other nearby Towns: Vancouver WA, Washougal and Portland Oregon: We hope you found va...
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By John Slocum, Broker, SFR - Vancouver WA Real Estate
(Premiere Property Group, LLC - Vancouver Washington)
  Real Estate Market Report for Camas WA, including Washougal:  April 2007 Homes for Sale in Camas Washington and in Washougal WA represent some of the best values today in the greater Clark County WA Real Estate scene. This report is a simple tabulation of homes in the real estate data base, separated into price ranges, and: Active, Pending and Sold categories. In our opinion we are currently seeing new listings that are priced correctly selling much faster than the existing listings that have been incorrectly priced too high (and waiting for the market to "catch-up" to them) -- even for the higher-priced homes. Thanks for your time. As your Friendly Agenst with REMAX Vancouver Washington we look forward to working with you as you save gas while searching for your Camas WA Home!!! The ...
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By Jason Vombaur
(Keller Williams)
Contacting different moving companies is one of the first steps in moving to a new house. You will find a variety of service options and price ranges from which to choose, whether you are moving across town or thousands of miles across the country.Call several companies for estimates. Ask each company exactly how their charges are calculated and what is included. How much insurance is included in the estimate? What is the cost for additional coverage? Are there special provisions for fragile or unusually valuable items? Is the delivery date guaranteed? If economizing is important, ask if there are ways to cut down on the bill by providing your own boxes and packing yourself. Household movers are competitive, and comparison shopping can help you get the best value for your moving dollars...
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By Jason Vombaur
(Keller Williams)
Here is a typical scenario illustrating the effects of buyer's remorse. Your home was on the market for a few weeks, and you are now feeling fortunate because an attractive offer has been presented by qualified buyers. Once the ink dried on the contract forms, however, it seemed that everything suddenly threatened to come unraveled.Once the buyers' earnest money check cleared their account, they suddenly came up with a list of concerns that never occurred to them before the purchase agreement was signed. Their fears and demands have turned them into touchy adversaries instead of the sweet young couple looking forward to starting a family. How could the atmosphere have changed so quickly?Buyers and sellers are both susceptible to different forms of stress reaction known in the real estat...
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American tax law offers a significant capital gains tax exemption that allows taxpaying homeowners to unlock home equity and end the spiraling cycle of "investing up." First-time buyers enjoy expanded rules for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) and 401(k) plans, rules that allow penalty-free withdrawals to purchase a home.Every two years, married sellers of principal residences who file joint federal income tax returns are allowed a $500,000 exclusion ($250,000 for singles) from capital gains tax. For sales that took place after May 6, 2003, the maximum capital gains tax rates for profits above the exclusion dropped from 20% to 15% for higher income taxpayers, and from 10% to 5% for lower income taxpayers. Homeowners can now consider several new options. People who find themselves at...
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By Jason Vombaur
(Keller Williams)
The custom of relying on friends to help make a move from one place to another has been replaced by reliance on professional movers.Professional moving companies offer a wide range of service options, including professional packing. It could cost you less if you pack your things in your own containers. However, some movers will not insure fragile items, such as dishes or glassware, if they do not pack them. Begin your preparations for the move by calling several companies for estimates. And start early! Some companies want three-to-six weeks advance notice. Ask each company how they compute the charges, how much time they expect the move to take, and what kind of insurance coverage they offer against loss or damage. If you have to store your things temporarily, ask what arrangements can...
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By Jason Vombaur
(Keller Williams)
If you are going to sell your present home, the market conditions will play a crucial role in determining the asking price. Market conditions change constantly, so it is important that you get solid advice from a professional who is familiar with your specific area.A good real estate agent will know how houses in your area are selling, as well as the other factors that may influence the sale. Nearby commercial development, which may create congestion and noise, may also mean a greater demand for housing from people who will be working in the new office buildings. A new bus route that cuts commuting time could make your home more valuable and highways close by can be an issue with the price. The economic conditions have a strong impact on the real estate market. Real estate professionals...
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By Jason Vombaur
(Keller Williams)
Many people buy their first homes before they start a family or become established in their careers. A few years later their life circumstance has changed. They need more space or have increased income to invest in a higher priced home.Changes in lifestyle often create changes in housing needs. A big promotion may require you to do more at-home entertaining. This translates into the need for a larger kitchen and additional living space. If you are starting a family, it may be time to trade your sophisticated home in the city for a house which has a big yard and is located in a good school district. If changes in your life have prompted thoughts of moving, an agent will be happy to discuss all of the possibilities with you. Your agent can determine what your present home is worth and sho...
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By Jason Vombaur
(Keller Williams)
When you buy an investment property, finding and keeping a tenant is very important. It's been said that a little caution during the screening process can save a lot of headaches later on.You can rely on an intuitive sense of how a prospect feels to you. While this is an important aspect of a landlord's decision-making process, following up on your intuition by checking on the facts is definitely worthwhile. Have prospective tenants fill out an application giving employment references and the names and addresses of previous landlords. The application should also include written permission for you to run a credit check. In most areas, it is difficult and expensive to evict someone who turns out to be less than a model tenant. Only after you check their references and credit history shoul...
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By Jason Vombaur
(Keller Williams)
There's no doubt about it--the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the whole house for many prospective buyers. Smart sellers will take a close look at how they can make their kitchen a real asset when it is time to sell.Your kitchen doesn't need to be state-of-the-art to be attractive. The first step toward enhancing your kitchen's appeal is a thorough cleaning. This includes the walls, cabinets (inside and out), floors, and appliances. Keep the counter tops as clear as possible of small appliances and gadgets. Consider low-cost improvements which can make a big difference, such as a coat of paint, fresh wallpaper, or new floor covering. Be sure to keep the kitchen sparkling when the house is being shown. This means no dirty dishes in the sink or moldy cucumbers in the refrig...
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By Jason Vombaur
(Keller Williams)
To take much of the guesswork out of your consideration about whether a particular property is a good investment, you can check on the actual selling price of similar homes in the neighborhood.Some sales information, such as the selling price, the financing terms, and the transaction dates, is public information. Your real estate agent will have record of all recent sales. You can find out how properties have been appreciating, based on actual sales, rather than from the neighbors (they could be wrong!). Driving by comparable homes can give you an idea about how they compare with the property you are considering. Your real estate agent may have seen these homes and can give you additional information to help you make a decision.For other useful information you can visit WWW.LiveInClarkC...
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By Jason Vombaur
(Keller Williams)
The quality of the school district is a most important determinant of the market value of a house. For buyers with children, the quality of the local school system may be as critical to their decision as the appeal of the house. The desire for a quality education usually causes parents who are in the market for a home to ask questions about the local school district. What is the annual expenditure per pupil and the average class size? Are special programs available? What percentage of high school graduates go on to college? What is the physical condition of the schools and the district's record in handling school bond proposals? Parents may also want to know the school board's educational philosophy.A professional real estate agent has the experience and knowledge to help you choose the...
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By Jason Vombaur
(Keller Williams)
If you are thinking of selling your home and your house has risen in value since you purchased it, or you have accumulated a lot of deferred profit from previous sales, the Taxpayer Relief Act passed in 1997 could be of tremendous value.Prior to this law, when a homeowner moved to a smaller home, relocated to a less costly area, or made a decision to rent, they were left with unfavorable tax consequences. The old tax law allowed people who sold their homes to defer tax on any profit by buying a replacement home of at least equal value within two years. At age 55, they could permanently escape tax on up to $125,000 of profit, but any profit in excess of that amount was taxable unless a new home was bought. The good news is that with homes sold after May 6, 1997, homeowners can make as mu...
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By Jason Vombaur
(Keller Williams)
When you make an offer on a house, it is accompanied by an earnest money check. Earnest money is intended to demonstrate that you are "in earnest" about purchasing the property. The earnest money check is made out to the listing company. What happens to this check?The party holding the check acts as an escrow agent until you go into closing. At that time you will receive credit for the amount of your check against the down payment and closing costs. Real estate brokers are required by law to keep escrow funds in a special account. These funds cannot be used to pay any other expenses associated with the sale. If you don't complete the transaction, the purchase contract determines the disposition of your earnest money funds. Be sure to review this part of your contract with the real estat...
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By Jason Vombaur
(Keller Williams)
Your family has outgrown your home but you have roots in the community that make it difficult to leave. Is remodeling the solution?      Get professional advice before you jump into a major renovation project. Decide what changes you want to make, and get bids from several contractors. When you have an estimate on the cost of the project, talk to your real estate agent to determine if these changes will be cost-effective. Over-improving your home may make it difficult to get your money back if you sell it soon.      It is a good idea to talk with friends who have remodeled to get a realistic picture about working with contractors and to determine how disruptive the project will be to your family life. Remodeling a home is a major undertaking, so be sure that it is the best solution for ...
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By Jason Vombaur
(Keller Williams)
When a real estate agent begins to work with a new buyer, we will sit down with you, ask a number of questions, and listen carefully to your answers. Our purpose during this initial interview is to get a clear idea of what kind of property you are looking for and your approximate price range. We explain how we will function as your representative, what the local market is like, and what we can do to help you locate that perfect home.It is important for you as a prospective buyer to be as clear as possible about your needs. After we have talked and you have decided how much you can comfortably spend, we will know how to facilitate your home search. We won't take you through a three-story colonial with a top floor master suite if you want to avoid climbing up and down stairs! Establishing...
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