Vancouver WA Real Estate Blog

Vancouver WA Condo and Townhome Market Report for October 2009

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:04:44 -0600

Condo and Townhome Market Report for Vancouver Washington - October 2009

Early this month we logged into the MLS for Condos for sale Vancouver WA and Townhomes to obtain a quick update of what happened Condo wise within the confines of Vancouver, in Clark County Washington. Here is what we have to report:

From this snap-shot view we see a 15 more Pending transactions (24%+) and 39 more Solds compared to September, as well as a 10% Decrease in the number of total Active listings available at the end of the month. This month the 3rd Party + Pre-Forclosures + Foreclosures combined are about 27.6% of the Active condo homes listed (23.2% last month), yet they represent about 41.6% of the homes going under contract (35.5% last month). October was a very good month for Condos and Townhomes in Vancouver!

Key items we are looking for in a market turnaround are not just an increase in the number of transactions but, an increase in the non-Pre-Foreclosure / Foreclosure category. In our opinion we have started to see a seasonal shrinkage of inventory and perhaps a rush of buyers trying to close their Condo home purchases prior to the more restrictive FHA lending policies directly impacting Condo Loans.

If you are looking to sell your Condo or Town Home in Vancouver or Clark County Washington in this challenging market time please call or e-mail us with the details of your situation and we'll customize a marketing plan to get your Vancouver Washington Condo Home Sold!

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Definitions:
1) 3rd Party = the sales contract requires the approval of a third party; and includes Short-Sales, Trust Sales, Relocation Company sales, etc.
2) Pre-Foreclosures = aka Short-Sales are homes where the lending bank(s) agrees to take less, allowing a sales transaction to take place.
3) Foreclosures = aka REO's and Bank Owned Homes, already Foreclosed by the Lender(s).
4) PENDING = listed homes that have been marked as under contract by the listing agent during the past 30 days.
5) SOLD = listed homes that have been marked as closed sales by the listing agent in the past 30 days. Note: some of these sold homes may have been "pending sales" for far more than 30 days!

Disclaimer: this information is drawn using custom search parameters from the predominant MLS system covering Vancouver Washington and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

The above information was provided by John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander, recognized as one of the top teams at REMAX Vancouver WA. We hope you enjoy the information in our posts, including videos on real estate and Living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County.

Thinking of selling your home in this market? We have the insight and passion for selling homes to get you moving!

For Southwest Washington homes and Real Estate in Vancouver WA visit Vancouver WA Real Estate. If you have an immediate need to search the MLS for Vancouver WA please visit Vancouver WA Homes For Sale

If your interest is in foreclosures, pre-foreclosures (short-sale homes) and Bank Owned Homes in Vancouver WA we have a special search set up for you at Foreclosures Vancouver WA.

Current MLS Market Report for Vancouver WA and Clark County

La Center WA Real Estate Market Report - October 2009

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:53:33 -0600

Real Estate Market Activity in La Center Washington - October 2009

Early this week we logged into the MLS for Vancouver and La Center to obtain a quick snap-shot view of what happened real estate wise within the confines of La Center, in Clark County Washington. Here is what we have to report:

From this quick view we see 5 fewer Pending transactions and 1 (one) fewer Solds, as well as a 35% DECREASE in the number of Active Listings - we presume about 35 home sellers gave up for the season and took their homes off the market. We now have about 10 month's supply of inventory available at the end of the month. This month the 3rd Party + Pre-Foreclosures + Foreclosures combined are about 33.3% of the Active homes listed (25.2% last month), yet they represent about 56.1% of the homes going under contract (66.7% last month).

Key items we are looking for in a market turnaround are not just an increase in the number of transactions but, an increase in the non-PreForeclosure / Foreclosure category. In our opinion we are starting to see a leveling in that ratio overall in Clark County.

The Chart Below compares La Center Washington Home Sale Prices and Trends with other nearby Towns: Brush Prairie, Battle Ground and Ridgefield Washington:

If you are looking to sell your home in La Center, Vancouver or another part of Clark County Washington in this challenging market time please call or e-mail us with the details of your situation and we'll customize a marketing plan to get your Clark County Home Sold!

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Definitions:
1) 3rd Party = the sales contract requires the approval of a third party; and includes Short-Sales, Trust Sales, Relocation Company sales, etc.
2) PreForeclosures = aka Short-Sales are homes where the lending bank(s) agrees to take less, allowing a sales transaction to take place.
3) Foreclosures = aka REO's and Bank Owned Homes, already Foreclosed by the Lender(s).
4) PENDING = listed homes that have been marked as under contract by the listing agent during the past 30 days.
5) SOLD = listed homes that have been marked as closed sales by the listing agent in the past 30 days. Note: some of these sold homes may have been "pending sales" for far more than 30 days!

Disclaimer: this information is drawn using custom search parameters from the predominant MLS system covering Vancouver Washington and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

The above information was provided by John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander, recognized as one of the top teams at REMAX Vancouver WA. We hope you enjoy the information in our posts, including videos on real estate and Living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County.

Thinking of selling your home in this market? We have the insight and passion for selling homes to get you moving!

For Southwest Washington homes and Real Estate in Vancouver WA visit Vancouver Washington Real Estate. If you have an immediate need to search the MLS for Vancouver WA please visit Vancouver WA Homes For Sale , and Homes For Sale in La Center WA.

If your interest is in foreclosures, pre-foreclosures (short-sale homes) and Bank Owned Homes in Vancouver WA we have a special search set up for you at Vancouver WA Bank Owned Homes For Sale.

Current MLS Market Report for Vancouver WA and Clark County

Battle Ground WA Real Estate Market Report for the month of October 2009

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:30:28 -0600

Real Estate Market Activity in Battle Ground Washington - October 2009

Earlier this weekr we logged into the MLS for Vancouver and Battle Ground to obtain a quick snap-shot view of what happened real estate wise within the confines of Battle Ground, in Clark County Washington. Here is what we have to report:

From this quick view we see an almost 33% Decreas in the number of Pending transactions, while the number of Sold homes decreased by One; as well as about one year's supply of inventory available at the end of the month. This month the 3rd Party + Pre-Forclosures + Foreclosures combined are about 29.9% of the Active homes listed (26.5% last month), yet they represent about 40.7% of the homes going under contract (27.5% last month).

Key items we are looking for in a market turnaround are not just an increase in the number of transactions but, an increase in the non-PreForeclosure / Foreclosure category. In our opinion we are starting to see a leveling in that ratio overall in Clark County, with more fluctuation short-term in Battle Ground

The Chart Below compares Battle Ground Washington Home Sale Prices and Trends with other nearby Towns: Brush Prairie, Ridgefield and La Center Washington - with Battle Ground Home Prices appearing to soften after increasing for the prior three months:

If you are looking to sell your home in Battle Ground, Vancouver or another part of Clark County Washington in this challenging market time please call or e-mail us with the details of your situation and we'll customize a marketing plan to get your Clark County Home Sold!

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Definitions:
1) 3rd Party = the sales contract requires the approval of a third party; and includes Short-Sales, Trust Sales, Relocation Company sales, etc.
2) PreForeclosures = aka Short-Sales are homes where the lending bank(s) agrees to take less, allowing a sales transaction to take place.
3) Foreclosures = aka REO's and Bank Owned Homes, already Foreclosed by the Lender(s).
4) PENDING = listed homes that have been marked as under contract by the listing agent during the past 30 days.
5) SOLD = listed homes that have been marked as closed sales by the listing agent in the past 30 days. Note: some of these sold homes may have been "pending sales" for far more than 30 days!

Disclaimer: this information is drawn using custom search parameters from the predominant MLS system covering Vancouver Washington and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

The above information was provided by John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander, recognized as one of the top teams at REMAX Vancouver WA. We hope you enjoy the information in our posts, including videos on real estate and Living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County.

Thinking of selling your home in this market? We have the insight and passion for selling homes to get you moving!

For Southwest Washington homes and Real Estate in Vancouver WA visit Vancouver Washington Real Estate. If you have an immediate need to search the MLS for Vancouver WA please visit Vancouver WA Homes For Sale

If your interest is in foreclosures, pre-foreclosures (short-sale homes) and Bank Owned Homes in Vancouver WA we have a special search set up for you at Bank Owned Homes Vancouver WA.

Current MLS Market Report for Vancouver WA and Clark County

Ridgefield WA Real Estate Market Report for the month of October 2009

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:13:59 -0600

Real Estate Market Activity in Ridgefield Washington - October 2009

Earlier this week we logged into the MLS for Vancouver and Ridgefield to obtain a quick snap-shot view of what happened real estate wise within the confines of Ridgefield, in Clark County Washington. Here is what we have to report:

From this quick view we see a 5 more Pending transactions (an increase of 31%); 1 (one) more Sold home; as well as more than one year's supply of inventory (based on Solds) available at the end of the month. This month the 3rd Party + Pre-Foreclosures + Foreclosures combined are about 26.1% of the Active homes listed (25.6% last month), yet they represent about 42.9% of the homes going under contract (42.9% last month).

Key items we are looking for in a market turnaround are not just an increase in the number of transactions but, an increase in the non-PreForeclosure / Foreclosure category. In our opinion we are starting to see a leveling in that ratio overall in Clark County. Ridgefield however, was one of the hardest hit areas for distressed properties (foreclosures and short sales), and is slowling healing.

The Chart Below compares Ridgefield Washington Home Sale Prices and Trends with other nearby Towns: Brush Prairie, Battle Ground and La Center Washington - right now the median home price in Ridgefield is the lowest its been in many years!:

If you are looking to sell your home in Ridgefield, Vancouver or another part of Clark County Washington in this challenging market time please call or e-mail us with the details of your situation and we'll customize a marketing plan to get your Clark County Home Sold!

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Definitions:
1) 3rd Party = the sales contract requires the approval of a third party; and includes Short-Sales, Trust Sales, Relocation Company sales, etc.
2) PreForeclosures = aka Short-Sales are homes where the lending bank(s) agrees to take less, allowing a sales transaction to take place.
3) Foreclosures = aka REO's and Bank Owned Homes, already Foreclosed by the Lender(s).
4) PENDING = listed homes that have been marked as under contract by the listing agent during the past 30 days.
5) SOLD = listed homes that have been marked as closed sales by the listing agent in the past 30 days. Note: some of these sold homes may have been "pending sales" for far more than 30 days!

Disclaimer: this information is drawn using custom search parameters from the predominant MLS system covering Vancouver Washington and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

The above information was provided by John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander, recognized as one of the top teams at REMAX Vancouver WA. We hope you enjoy the information in our posts, including videos on real estate and Living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County.

Thinking of selling your home in this market? We have the insight and passion for selling homes to get you moving!

For Southwest Washington homes and Real Estate in Vancouver WA visit Vancouver Washington Real Estate. If you have an immediate need to search the MLS for Vancouver WA please visit Vancouver WA Homes For Sale , and Homes For Sale in Ridgefield WA.

If your interest is in foreclosures, pre-foreclosures (short-sale homes) and Bank Owned Homes in Vancouver WA we have a special search set up for you at Bank Owned Homes Vancouver WA.

Current MLS Market Report for Vancouver WA and Clark County

We Pop Up When the Leaves Are Falling!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:52:42 -0600

One side will make you grow taller... the Caterpillar

Photos by John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander of REMAX Vancouver WA, of the Autumn Mushrooms in Felida, Vancouver WA 2009. (Note: these mushrooms are not considered edible)

For more information, including videos on real estate and living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County, please visit:
Real Estate in Vancouver Washington

Homes for Sale in Vancouver WA

Current MLS Market Report for Camas, Vancouver and Clark County

Camas WA Real Estate Market Report for October 2009

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:50:41 -0600

Real Estate Market Update for Camas Washington, October 2009

We've logged into the MLS for Vancouver and Camas early this month to obtain a quick snap-shot view of what happened real estate wise within the confines of Camas, in Clark County Washington. Here is what we have to report:

From this quick view we see the number of Pending transactions is down 4 Homes when compared to the number of homes gone Pending in September; as well as a modest 7.9% decrease in the number of total Active listings available at the end of the month (a decrease of 6.5% the month before). This month the 3rd Party + Pre-Forclosures + Foreclosures combined are about 32.7% of the Active homes listed (about 31.4% last month in Camas), yet they represent about 42.2% of the homes going under contract (about 38.8% last month in Camas).

Key items we are looking for in a market turnaround are not just an increase in the number of transactions but, an increase in the non-PreForeclosure / Foreclosure category. In our opinion we are starting to see a leveling in that ratio overall in Clark County.

The Chart Below compares Camas Washington Home Sale Prices and Trends with other nearby Towns: Vancouver WA, Washougal and Portland Oregon. As you can see the average home price in Camas has dropped considerably since late June 2009 (about $50,000).

If you are looking to sell your home in Camas, Vancouver or another part of Clark County Washington in this challenging market time please call or e-mail us with the details of your situation and we'll customize a marketing plan to get your Clark County Home Sold!

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Definitions:
1) 3rd Party = the sales contract requires the approval of a third party; and includes Short-Sales, Trust Sales, Relocation Company sales, etc.
2) PreForeclosures = aka Short-Sales are homes where the lending bank(s) agrees to take less, allowing a sales transaction to take place.
3) Foreclosures = aka REO's and Bank Owned Homes, already Foreclosed by the Lender(s).
4) PENDING = listed homes that have been marked as under contract by the listing agent during the past 30 days.
5) SOLD = listed homes that have been marked as closed sales by the listing agent in the past 30 days. Note: some of these sold homes may have been "pending sales" for far more than 30 days!

Disclaimer: this information is drawn using custom search parameters from the predominant MLS system covering Vancouver Washington and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

The above information was provided by John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander, recognized as one of the top teams at REMAX Vancouver WA. We hope you enjoy the information in our posts, including videos on real estate and Living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County.

Thinking of selling your home in this market? We have the insight and passion for selling homes to get you moving!

For Southwest Washington homes and Real Estate in Vancouver WA visit Vancouver Washington Real Estate. If you have an immediate need to search the MLS for Vancouver WA please visit Vancouver WA Homes For Sale

If your interest is in foreclosures, pre-foreclosures (short-sale homes) and Bank Owned Homes in Vancouver WA we have a special search set up for you at Foreclosures Vancouver WA.

Current MLS Market Report for Vancouver WA and Clark County

Washougal WA Real Estate Market Report for October 2009

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:42:48 -0600

Real Estate Market Activity Report for Washougal Washington - October 2009

Early in November we logged into the MLS for Vancouver and Washougal to obtain a quick snap-shot view of what happened real estate wise within the confines of Washougal, in Clark County Washington. Here is what we have to report:

From this quick view we see one more Pending transaction compared to last month, as well as less than one year's supply of inventory available at the end of the month. This month the 3rd Party + Pre-Foreclosures + Foreclosures combined are about 33.5% of the Active homes listed (35.5% last month), yet they represent about 55.2% of the homes going under contract (53.6% last month).

Key items we are looking for in a market turnaround are not just an increase in the number of transactions but, an increase in the non-PreForeclosure / Foreclosure category. In our opinion we are starting to see a leveling in that ratio overall in Clark County. We also want to be able to see more first-time home buyers purchasing Owne-Occupied homes, and not just Vacant homes, which will tell us the Sellers will themselves be making a home purchase as well.

The Chart Below compares Washougal Washington Home Sale Prices and Trends with other nearby Towns: Camas and Vancouver Washington:

If you are looking to sell your home in Washougal, Vancouver or another part of Clark County Washington in this challenging market time please call or e-mail us with the details of your situation and we'll customize a marketing plan to get your Clark County Home Sold!

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Definitions:
1) 3rd Party = the sales contract requires the approval of a third party; and includes Short-Sales, Trust Sales, Relocation Company sales, etc.
2) PreForeclosures = aka Short-Sales are homes where the lending bank(s) agrees to take less, allowing a sales transaction to take place.
3) Foreclosures = aka REO's and Bank Owned Homes, already Foreclosed by the Lender(s).
4) PENDING = listed homes that have been marked as under contract by the listing agent during the past 30 days.
5) SOLD = listed homes that have been marked as closed sales by the listing agent in the past 30 days. Note: some of these sold homes may have been "pending sales" for far more than 30 days!

Disclaimer: this information is drawn using custom search parameters from the predominant MLS system covering Vancouver Washington and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

The above information was provided by John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander, recognized as one of the top teams at REMAX Vancouver WA. We hope you enjoy the information in our posts, including videos on real estate and Living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County.

Thinking of selling your home in this market? We have the insight and passion for selling homes to get you moving!

For Southwest Washington homes and Real Estate in Vancouver WA visit Vancouver WA Real Estate. If you have an immediate need to search the MLS for Vancouver WA please visit Vancouver WA Homes For Sale , and Homes For Sale in Washougal WA.

If your interest is in foreclosures, pre-foreclosures (short-sale homes) and Bank Owned Homes in Vancouver Washington we have a special search set up for you at Bank Owned Homes Vancouver WA.

Current MLS Market Report for Vancouver WA and Clark County

Vancouver WA Real Estate Market Report for the month of October 2009

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:09:09 -0600

Vancouver Washington Real Estate Market for the month of October 2009

This morning we logged into the MLS for Vancouver WA to obtain a quick update of what happened real estate wise within the confines of Vancouver, in Clark County Washington. Here is what we have to report:

From this snap-shot view we see a slightly higher number of Pending transactions compared to the number of SOLDS, as well as a decrease in the number of total Active listings available at the end of the month. This month the 3rd Party + Pre-Forclosures + Foreclosures combined are about 32.5% of the Active homes listed (about 31.3% last month), yet they represent about 37.6% of the homes going under contract (about 35.1% last month).

Key items we are looking for in a market turnaround are not just an increase in the number of transactions but, an increase in the non-Pre-Foreclosure / Foreclosure category. In our opinion we have seen little change in the last three months.

The Chart below shows the current trend of home prices for Vancouver WA, compared to other Pacific Northwest cities of Seattle Washington, and Portland Oregon. For home prices to start going up, we will typically first see a meaningful AND sustained increase in the number of homes purchased. Although there have been increases in home buying activity we are not confident that it will be sustained.

If you are looking to sell your home in Vancouver or Clark County Washington in this challenging market time please call or e-mail us with the details of your situation and we'll customize a marketing plan to get your Vancouver Washington Home Sold!

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Definitions:
1) 3rd Party = the sales contract requires the approval of a third party; and includes Short-Sales, Trust Sales, Relocation Company sales, etc.
2) Pre-Foreclosures = aka Short-Sales are homes where the lending bank(s) agrees to take less, allowing a sales transaction to take place.
3) Foreclosures = aka REO's and Bank Owned Homes, already Foreclosed by the Lender(s).
4) PENDING = listed homes that have been marked as under contract by the listing agent during the past 30 days.
5) SOLD = listed homes that have been marked as closed sales by the listing agent in the past 30 days. Note: some of these sold homes may have been "pending sales" for far more than 30 days!

Disclaimer: this information is drawn using custom search parameters from the predominant MLS system covering Vancouver Washington and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

The above information was provided by John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander, recognized as one of the top teams at REMAX Vancouver WA. We hope you enjoy the information in our posts, including videos on real estate and Living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County.

Thinking of selling your home in this market? We have the insight and passion for selling homes to get you moving!

For Southwest Washington homes and Real Estate in Vancouver WA visit Vancouver Washington Real Estate. If you have an immediate need to search the MLS for Vancouver WA please visit Vancouver WA Homes For Sale

If your interest is in foreclosures, pre-foreclosures (short-sale homes) and Bank Owned Homes in Vancouver Washington we have a special search set up for you at Bank Owned Homes Vancouver WA.

Current MLS Market Report for Vancouver WA and Clark County

Clark County WA Real Estate Market Report for October 2009

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:37:45 -0600

Real Estate Market Activity in Clark County Washington for October 2009

Early this montht we logged into the MLS system for Vancouver and Clark County Washington to obtain a quick snap-shot view of what happened real estate wise within the confines of Clark County Washington for the previous month. Here is what we have to report:

From this quick view we see a 6.9% decrease in the number of Pending transactions over last month (September was already a very good month!), as well as another modest decrease of 4.5% in the number of total Active listings available at the end of the month. This month the 3rd Party + Pre-Foreclosures + Foreclosures combined are about 31.3% of the Active homes listed (about 29.9% last month), yet are about 39.2% of the homes going under contract (about 38.2% last month).

Key items we are looking for in a market turnaround are not just an increase in the number of transactions but, an increase in the non-Pre-Foreclosure / Foreclosure category. In our opinion we have seen a leveling in the mix of sales of activity. The current extremely low mortgage interest rates and the renewal of the First Time Home Buyer's Tax credit should provide for a busier than normal Fall Season!

If you are looking to sell your home in Clark County Washington in this challenging market time please call or e-mail us with the details of your situation and we'll customize a marketing plan to get your Clark County Home Sold!

The largest city in Clark County WA is Vancouver Washington. Other towns include: Amboy, Battle Ground, Brush Prairie, Camas, Ridgefield, Washougal, parts of Woodland and Yacolt.
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Definitions:
1) 3rd Party = the sales contract requires the approval of a third party; and includes Short-Sales, Trust Sales, Relocation Company sales, etc.
2) Pre-Foreclosures = aka Short-Sales are homes where the lending bank(s) agrees to take less, allowing a sales transaction to take place.
3) Foreclosures = aka REO's and Bank Owned Homes, already Foreclosed by the Lender(s).
4) PENDING = listed homes that have been marked as under contract by the listing agent during the past 30 days.
5) SOLD = listed homes that have been marked as closed sales by the listing agent in the past 30 days. Note: some of these sold homes may have been "pending sales" for far more than 30 days!

Disclaimer: this information is drawn using custom search parameters from the predominant MLS system covering Vancouver Washington and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

The above information was provided by John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander, recognized as one of the top teams at REMAX Vancouver WA. We hope you enjoy the information in our posts, including videos on real estate and Living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County.

Thinking of selling your home in this market? We have the insight and passion for selling homes to get you moving!

For Southwest Washington homes and Real Estate in Vancouver WA visit Vancouver Washington Real Estate. If you have an immediate need to search the MLS for Vancouver WA please visit Vancouver WA Homes For Sale

If your interest is in foreclosures, pre-foreclosures (short-sale homes) and Bank Owned Homes in Vancouver Washington we have a special search set up for you at Bank Owned Homes Vancouver WA.

Current MLS Market Report for Vancouver WA and Clark County

Guardian of the Graveyard - Silent Saturday

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:38:49 -0500

Vancouver's Secret Spooky Tree!

Photos by John Slocum of REMAX Vancouver WA, of the Autumn Colors and Spooky Tree at the Vancouver WA Cemetery (est. 1867) October 2009.

For more information, including videos on real estate and living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County, please visit:
Real Estate in Vancouver Washington

Homes for Sale in Vancouver WA

Current MLS Market Report for Camas, Vancouver and Clark County

Ways We Use Our Active Rain Blog to Enhance Relationships With Clients and Prospects

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:57:46 -0500

How We Use Active Rain Blogging to Enhance Relationships, both Old and New, with folks in Vancouver Washington

Back in 2007 we started putting the local Vancouver WA real estate market statistics into our Active Rain Blog. Early on we found that subscribers to our e-mail newsletters liked to get our view of the current real estate market conditions for the areas in Vancouver and Clark County that we've covered. Thus, either within the body of the e-mail or, as a foot-note we'll put the links to our Active Rain posts such as these:

Clark County WA Real Estate Market Snapshot for the month of July 2009
Vancouver WA Real Estate Market Snapshot for the month of July 2009
...

After a few months of life these market report posts typically see from 1,500 hundred to several thousand views, depending on the time of the year -- which is not too shabby for our small town. We get a lot of positive feedback from the folks we e-mail to that they love the detail our reports provide.

John is a graduate from Western Washington University with a degree in Economics/Mathematics with a strong statistics emphasis and thus, our reports are put together with a slightly different perspective than the standard Vancouver MLS public market statistics. What we like to add are the activity items related to short-sales and bank owned listings (Active, Pending and Sold). The relevant data is there but just not reported by the MLS.

One of the inoocuous errors made early on was to copy and past the Excel tables right into the blog post. The extra HTML code that comes with this process makes the data in the table look good but foils the RSS reader to push our blog out to the world using RSS. (Thus, John's spare time project is to clean up old posts!). However, now we use images of the data tables, and our new Facebook Fan Pages read in all of our Active Rain blog posts quite nicely.

The new avenue we are now using, in addition to e-mails, to expose our AR blog to folks is to promote our Facebook Fan Pagers. Thanks to the Real Estate Tomato and Heather Elias and their Facebook Webinar, found here on AR, we were able to get our Facebook Fan pages and AR feed to work without much trouble. We are liking this approach more and more as a way to enhance "permission marketing."

We've also like to use the link-buttons that look good with our existing on-line collateral, and thanks to Brad Andersohn (aka the Magician: Social Media Buttons and Icons - Is Someone Pushing Your Buttons?) we were able to explore a ton of free social media buttons to copy and use in our e-mail signature lines and on-line ads. Here's an example of John's current e-mail signature:

John Slocum

888-525-5597 (toll free)

RE/MAX equity group, inc.
7700 NE Greenwood Dr, Suite 100
Vancouver, WA 98662

We are continuing to look at ways to improve the utility of our Active Rain Blog, and have enjoyed reading the other AR member's post on this topic to date. Thanks!

The above information was provided by John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander, recognized as one of the top teams at REMAX Vancouver WA. We hope you enjoy the information in our posts, including videos on real estate and Living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County.

Thinking of selling your home in this market? We have the insight and passion for selling homes to get you moving!

For Southwest Washington homes and Real Estate in Vancouver WA visit Vancouver Washington Real Estate. If you have an immediate need to search the MLS for Vancouver WA please visit Vancouver WA Homes For Sale

If your interest is in foreclosures, pre-foreclosures (short-sale homes) and Bank Owned Homes in Vancouver WA we have a special search set up for you at Foreclosures Vancouver WA.

Current MLS Market Report for Vancouver WA and Clark County

Fall is IN at the Felida Red Barn - Speechless Sundays

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:42:48 -0500

Felida's Autumn Colors Await You at the Felida Red Barn!

Photos by John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander of REMAX Vancouver WA, of the Autumn Colors at the Felida Red Barn in Vancouver WA 2009.

For more information, including videos on real estate and living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County, please visit:
Real Estate in Vancouver Washington

Homes for Sale in Vancouver WA

Current MLS Market Report for Camas, Vancouver and Clark County

Felida Fall Colors - Silent Saturday

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:43:38 -0500

From Out of the Morning Mist, Felida's Autumn Colors Revealed

Photo by John Slocum of RE/MAX Vancouver WA, of the Autumn Colors of Felida Neighborhood in Vancouver WA 2009.

For more information, including videos on real estate and living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County, please visit:
Real Estate in Vancouver Washington

Homes for Sale in Vancouver WA

Current MLS Market Report for Camas, Vancouver and Clark County

Vancouver WA Luxury Home Market Report - First Nine Months of 2009

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:08:28 -0500

Luxury Home Market Report in Vancouver Washington for Nine Month's ending September 2009

Early this month we logged into the MLS for Luxury Homes for sale Vancouver WA and to obtain an update of what happened to this price tier within the confines of Vancouver, in Clark County Washington. For this report we consider a Luxury Home to be priced and sold over $800,000. Here is what we have to report:

We have found this to be a challenging price category to provide a statistical report on. In general it is clear that there have been few transactions for Vancouver homes priced above $800,000. We have also seen several homes that have at least a Tax Assessed value above this price but owing to being a Vancouver WA Short Sale Luxury Home, the result is tallied in the lower-priced Executive Home Category.

In our opinion, owing to the general economic climate, luxury homes for sale in Vancouver Washington have had a tremendous downward adjustment in value, and at this point in time there are some excellent buys available!

If you are looking to sell your Luxury Home in Vancouver or Clark County Washington in this challenging market time please call or e-mail us with the details of your situation and we'll customize a marketing plan to get your Vancouver Washington Luxury Home Sold!

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Definitions:
1) 3rd Party = the sales contract requires the approval of a third party; and includes Short-Sales, Trust Sales, Relocation Company sales, etc.
2) Pre-Foreclosures = aka Short-Sales are homes where the lending bank(s) agrees to take less, allowing a sales transaction to take place.
3) Foreclosures = aka REO's and Bank Owned Homes, already Foreclosed by the Lender(s).
4) PENDING = listed homes that have been marked as under contract by the listing agent during the past 30 days.
5) SOLD = listed homes that have been marked as closed sales by the listing agent in the past 30 days. Note: some of these sold homes may have been "pending sales" for far more than 30 days!

Disclaimer: this information is drawn using custom search parameters from the predominant MLS system covering Vancouver Washington and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

The above information was provided by John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander, recognized as one of the top teams at REMAX Vancouver WA. We hope you enjoy the information in our posts, including videos on real estate and Living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County.

Thinking of selling your home in this market? We have the insight and passion for selling homes to get you moving!

For Southwest Washington homes and Real Estate in Vancouver WA visit Vancouver Washington Real Estate. If you have an immediate need to search the MLS for Vancouver WA please visit Vancouver WA Homes For Sale

If your interest is in Luxury Homes in Vancouver WA we have a special search set up for you at Vancouver WA Luxury Homes for Sale.

Current MLS Market Report for Vancouver WA and Clark County

Vancouver Washington Fun Things To Do - Joe's Place Farm

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:03:31 -0500

Vancouver Washington's Joe's Place Farms for Great Fruit and Fun!

There once was a time in Vancouver Washington that there were many for-profit farms run by families that also sold their product to the public. Now that number as dwindled to but a few. On the east side of Vancouver one of the last farms is the famous Joe's Place Farms 701 NE 112th Ave, Vancouver, WA. At this location you'll find their retail store, and at this time of year their Pumpkin Patch, Maze and Hayrides!

This year we visited the farm to purchase some of the locally grown apples that they are famous for. We decided to purchase the Macintosh variety and Kat made an awesome pie! They also have a great selection of pumpkins, squash, peppers and broccoli. We also purchased some of their signature fudge -- which is oh so good.

This is a great place to get yourself and your loved ones out to pick out your pumpkins and have a little fun. They've got a fun maze that C and John went into for what seemed like hours, and there is also a fun hayride.

On a more serious note, the Vancouver City Council is on the verge of taking action that will destroy the ability of Joe's Place Farm to stay in business. The City is proposing to widen NE 18th Street from it's current 2-lane configuration to a wide 5 -lane configuration. Much of Joe's farm is right on the south side of 18th Street, and will see an irreplaceable loss of land to produce their crops. In our opinion the loss of Joe's Place Farm would do more harm to both the economy and character of Vancouver Washington than the community would benefit by yet another wide strip of black-top. Thus, please go to Joe's Place Farm, enjoy what they have to offer this year, and ask your City Council to not destroy Joe's Place Farmland.

Photos and story by John Slocum of RE/MAX Vancouver WA, of the Joe's Place Farm in Vancouver WA 2009.

For more information, including videos on real estate and living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County, please visit:
Real Estate in Vancouver Washington

Homes for Sale in Vancouver WA

Current MLS Market Report for Camas, Vancouver and Clark County

Guardian of the West Coast - Silent Saturday

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:45:08 -0500

You're On Your Own If You Get Your Feet Wet!

Photo by John Slocum of RE/MAX Vancouver WA, of Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach Oregon - Daytrips from Vancouver 2009.

For more information, including videos on real estate and living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County, please visit:
Real Estate in Vancouver Washington

Homes for Sale in Vancouver WA

Current MLS Market Report for Camas, Vancouver and Clark County

I'm Retired and Deserve It! -- Speechless Sundays

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:49:17 -0500

Farmer's Friend Retired at the Felida Farm Store.

Photo by John Slocum of RE/MAX Vancouver WA, of the Retired John Deere Tractor - Farmer's Friend in Felida, Vancouver WA.

For more information, including videos on real estate and living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County, please visit:
Real Estate in Vancouver Washington

Homes for Sale in Vancouver WA

Current MLS Market Report for Camas, Vancouver and Clark County

Got Prunes? They're Not Just for Grandpa Anymore! -- Silent Saturday

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:26:18 -0500

What To Do? You Have Any Good Recipes?

Photo by John Slocum of RE/MAX Vancouver WA, of the Bumper Crop of Prunes in Vancouver WA 2009.

For more information, including videos on real estate and living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County, please visit:
Real Estate in Vancouver Washington

Homes for Sale in Vancouver WA

Current MLS Market Report for Camas, Vancouver and Clark County

Corn -- It's What's For Supper -- Wordless Wednesday

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:50:28 -0500

Late Sweet Corn Crop in the Early Autumn --- MMMmm!!!

Photo by John Slocum of RE/MAX Vancouver WA, of the 2009 Sweet Corn Harvest.
For more information, including videos on real estate and living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County, please visit:
Real Estate in Vancouver Washington

Homes for Sale in Vancouver WA

Current MLS Market Report for Camas, Vancouver and Clark County

Vancouver WA Homes For Sale - 4507 NE 135th Ave, Vancouver Washington

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:48:51 -0500

Vancouver WA Real Estate ==> Cute One-Level Ranch Home at 4507 NE 135th Ave Vancouver Washington. Listed at $215,000 with Kathryn Alexander, REMAX Vancouver WA, equity group, inc.

This Vancouver WA Home for sale is located the North Image neighborhood, convenient to most everything in town. For its size it has a smoothly flowing floor-plan, with a large open Kitchen loaded with Oak Cabinets for lots of storage, Island, Vaulted Ceiling and wonderful Greatroom feel. The Living Room features a gas fireplace to keep you cozy on chilly days.

This home features a very large master suite, and a total of Four (4) Bedrooms. Outside the yard is fenced, with an oversized RV parking area, patio and lawn.

This home is priced right for a move-up buyer or a first-time home buyer in today's market.,

Call Kathryn Alexander or John Slocum, your Friendly Realtors with REMAX Vancouver WA today to schedule your own private viewing! Toll Free: 1+888-525-5528 ext 81

View 4507 NE 135th Ave - Vancouver WA Homes For Sale in a larger map

Thinking of purchasing a home in Vancouver or the greater Portland Metro area? Each of us on our team would welcome the opportunity to show you how to capture your own great deal in this market. Call us today!

About the author: This piece was written by John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander with REMAX Vancouver WA; and a key member of the Alexander ~ Slocum Team. Call Kathryn toll free at 1+888-525-5528 ext. 82 and we'll get you movin'!

For more information, including videos on real estate and living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County, please visit:

Real Estate in Vancouver Washington

Homes for Sale in Vancouver WA

Current MLS Market Report for Camas, Vancouver and Clark County

Condo and Townhome Market Report for Vancouver Washington September 2009

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:37:06 -0500

Vancouver Washington Condo and Townhome Market Report for the month of September 2009

From this snap-shot view we see an almost 130% higher number of Pending transactions compared to the number of SOLDS, as well as a high number of total Active listings available at the end of the month. This month the 3rd Party + Pre-Forclosures + Foreclosures combined are about 23.2% of the Active homes listed, yet they represent about 35.5% of the homes going under contract (about the same as single-family homes this month). September appears to have been a Great Month for Condos and Townhomes in Vancouver!

Key items we are looking for in a market turnaround are not just an increase in the number of transactions but, an increase in the non-Pre-Foreclosure / Foreclosure category. In our opinion we have seen little change in the last three months in the overall market.

If you are looking to sell your Condo or Town Home in Vancouver or Clark County Washington in this challenging market time please call or e-mail us with the details of your situation and we'll customize a marketing plan to get your Vancouver Washington Home Sold!

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Definitions:
1) 3rd Party = the sales contract requires the approval of a third party; and includes Short-Sales, Trust Sales, Relocation Company sales, etc.
2) Pre-Foreclosures = aka Short-Sales are homes where the lending bank(s) agrees to take less, allowing a sales transaction to take place.
3) Foreclosures = aka REO's and Bank Owned Homes, already Foreclosed by the Lender(s).
4) PENDING = listed homes that have been marked as under contract by the listing agent during the past 30 days.
5) SOLD = listed homes that have been marked as closed sales by the listing agent in the past 30 days. Note: some of these sold homes may have been "pending sales" for far more than 30 days!

Disclaimer: this information is drawn using custom search parameters from the predominant MLS system covering Vancouver Washington and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

The above information was provided by John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander, recognized as one of the top teams at REMAX Vancouver WA. We hope you enjoy the information in our posts, including videos on real estate and Living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County.

Thinking of selling your home in this market? We have the insight and passion for selling homes to get you moving!

For Southwest Washington homes and Real Estate in Vancouver WA visit Vancouver Washington Real Estate. If you have an immediate need to search the MLS for Vancouver WA please visit Vancouver WA Homes For Sale

If your interest is in foreclosures, pre-foreclosures (short-sale homes) and Bank Owned Homes in Vancouver WA we have a special search set up for you at Foreclosures Vancouver WA.

Current MLS Market Report for Vancouver WA and Clark County

La Center WA Real Estate Market Report - September 2009

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:47:28 -0500

Real Estate Market Activity in La Center Washington - September 2009

Early in October we logged into the MLS for Vancouver and La Center to obtain a quick snap-shot view of what happened real estate wise within the confines of La Center, in Clark County Washington. Here is what we have to report:

From this quick view we see an almost 33% higher number of Pending transactions compared to the number of SOLDS, as well as about one year's supply of inventory available at the end of the month. This month the 3rd Party + Pre-Foreclosures + Foreclosures combined are about 25.2% of the Active homes listed (27.1% last month), yet they represent about 66.7% of the homes going under contract (45.5% last month).

The above information was provided by John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander, recognized as one of the top teams at REMAX Vancouver WA. We hope you enjoy the information in our posts, including videos on real estate and Living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County.

Thinking of selling your home in this market? We have the insight and passion for selling homes to get you moving!

For Southwest Washington homes and Real Estate in Vancouver WA visit Vancouver Washington Real Estate. If you have an immediate need to search the MLS for Vancouver WA please visit Vancouver WA Homes For Sale , and Homes For Sale in La Center WA.

If your interest is in foreclosures, pre-foreclosures (short-sale homes) and Bank Owned Homes in Vancouver WA we have a special search set up for you at Foreclosures Vancouver WA.

Current MLS Market Report for Vancouver WA and Clark County

Washougal WA Real Estate Market Report for September 2009

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:17:15 -0500

Real Estate Market Activity Report for Washougal Washington - September 2009

Early in October we logged into the MLS for Vancouver and Washougal to obtain a quick snap-shot view of what happened real estate wise within the confines of Washougal, in Clark County Washington. Here is what we have to report:

From this quick view we see almost the same number of Pending transactions compared to the number of SOLDS, as well as less than one year's supply of inventory available at the end of the month. This month the 3rd Party + Pre-Foreclosures + Foreclosures combined are about 35.5% of the Active homes listed (36.5% last month), yet they represent about 53.6% of the homes going under contract (60.0% last month).

Key items we are looking for in a market turnaround are not just an increase in the number of transactions but, an increase in the non-PreForeclosure / Foreclosure category. In our opinion we are starting to see a leveling in that ratio overall in Clark County.

The Chart Below compares Washougal Washington Home Sale Prices and Trends with other nearby Towns: Camas and Vancouver Washington:

If you are looking to sell your home in Washougal, Vancouver or another part of Clark County Washington in this challenging market time please call or e-mail us with the details of your situation and we'll customize a marketing plan to get your Clark County Home Sold!

-------
Definitions:
1) 3rd Party = the sales contract requires the approval of a third party; and includes Short-Sales, Trust Sales, Relocation Company sales, etc.
2) PreForeclosures = aka Short-Sales are homes where the lending bank(s) agrees to take less, allowing a sales transaction to take place.
3) Foreclosures = aka REO's and Bank Owned Homes, already Foreclosed by the Lender(s).
4) PENDING = listed homes that have been marked as under contract by the listing agent during the past 30 days.
5) SOLD = listed homes that have been marked as closed sales by the listing agent in the past 30 days. Note: some of these sold homes may have been "pending sales" for far more than 30 days!

Disclaimer: this information is drawn using custom search parameters from the predominant MLS system covering Vancouver Washington and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

The above information was provided by John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander, recognized as one of the top teams at REMAX Vancouver WA. We hope you enjoy the information in our posts, including videos on real estate and Living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County.

Thinking of selling your home in this market? We have the insight and passion for selling homes to get you moving!

For Southwest Washington homes and Real Estate in Vancouver WA visit Vancouver Washington Real Estate. If you have an immediate need to search the MLS for Vancouver WA please visit Vancouver WA Homes For Sale , and Homes For Sale in Washougal WA.

If your interest is in foreclosures, pre-foreclosures (short-sale homes) and Bank Owned Homes in Vancouver WA we have a special search set up for you at Foreclosures Vancouver WA.

Current MLS Market Report for Vancouver WA and Clark County

Oldest Tree of its Kind in Washington - Can You Guess What I Am?

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:11:20 -0500

Oldest Known Tree of its Kind in Washington

Photo by John Slocum of RE/MAX Vancouver WA, of Fort Vancouver's Oldest Living Survivor supported by the local community.

For more information, including videos on real estate and living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County, please visit:
Real Estate in Vancouver Washington

Homes for Sale in Vancouver WA

Current MLS Market Report for Camas, Vancouver and Clark County

Ridgefield WA Real Estate Market Report for the month of September 2009

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:06:58 -0500

Real Estate Market Activity in Ridgefield Washington - September 2009

Early in October we logged into the MLS for Vancouver and Ridgefield to obtain a quick snap-shot view of what happened real estate wise within the confines of Ridgefield, in Clark County Washington. Here is what we have to report:

From this quick view we see an almost 45% higher number of Pending transactions compared to the number of SOLDS, as well as more than one year's supply of inventory available at the end of the month. This month the 3rd Party + Pre-Foreclosures + Foreclosures combined are about 25.6% of the Active homes listed (28.1% last month), yet they represent about 43.8% of the homes going under contract (71.4% last month).

Key items we are looking for in a market turnaround are not just an increase in the number of transactions but, an increase in the non-PreForeclosure / Foreclosure category. In our opinion we are starting to see a leveling in that ratio overall in Clark County.

The Chart Below compares Ridgefield Washington Home Sale Prices and Trends with other nearby Towns: Brush Prairie, Battle Ground and La Center Washington:

If you are looking to sell your home in Ridgefield, Vancouver or another part of Clark County Washington in this challenging market time please call or e-mail us with the details of your situation and we'll customize a marketing plan to get your Clark County Home Sold!

-------
Definitions:
1) 3rd Party = the sales contract requires the approval of a third party; and includes Short-Sales, Trust Sales, Relocation Company sales, etc.
2) PreForeclosures = aka Short-Sales are homes where the lending bank(s) agrees to take less, allowing a sales transaction to take place.
3) Foreclosures = aka REO's and Bank Owned Homes, already Foreclosed by the Lender(s).
4) PENDING = listed homes that have been marked as under contract by the listing agent during the past 30 days.
5) SOLD = listed homes that have been marked as closed sales by the listing agent in the past 30 days. Note: some of these sold homes may have been "pending sales" for far more than 30 days!

Disclaimer: this information is drawn using custom search parameters from the predominant MLS system covering Vancouver Washington and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

The above information was provided by John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander, recognized as one of the top teams at REMAX Vancouver WA. We hope you enjoy the information in our posts, including videos on real estate and Living in Vancouver Washington and the rest of Clark County.

Thinking of selling your home in this market? We have the insight and passion for selling homes to get you moving!

For Southwest Washington homes and Real Estate in Vancouver WA visit Vancouver Washington Real Estate. If you have an immediate need to search the MLS for Vancouver WA please visit Vancouver WA Homes For Sale , and Homes For Sale in Ridgefield WA.

If your interest is in foreclosures, pre-foreclosures (short-sale homes) and Bank Owned Homes in Vancouver WA we have a special search set up for you at Foreclosures Vancouver WA.

Current MLS Market Report for Vancouver WA and Clark County