Hidden Gems in Clark County, WA - Added Home Value
One of the most delightful finds in residential real estate is discovering hidden gems. If they’re not yet maximized, they have the potential to translate into big value down the road. Quite often these finds can increase your enjoyment too - and that’s worth a lot.
My husband and I purchased a fixer about ten years ago. The property had good bones, but needed quite a bit of updating and elbow grease. We suspected that removing and trimming a few trees would open up an amazing view of a nearby lake. It did.
Obviously, if that view had been optimized, our original purchase price would have been quite a bit higher. Not only did our hard work pay off in terms price when we sold it several years later, but we enjoyed that fabulous view every minute while we lived there.
When Active Rain members were asked to rate the hidden gems for home buyers, a view was at the top of the list. However, in this case, even when it’s included in the purchase price, a view represents great value in terms of resale ( and it’s enjoyable).
Other gems reflect our climate in Clark County
The only items I might add to this list, given our Northwest weather, is a covered patio for year-round grilling, an airy and open floor plan with high ceilings, and plenty of large windows for light.
We live in a gorgeous area filled with natural beauty, majestic mountains, pristine waterways, and lush green forests. Naturally, those lush green forests are the result of a about 37” of rain a year - typically between the months of November and March — hence the need for covered patios.
Higher ceilings help visually open up homes and help deflect the low “cloud cover” ceiling outdoors. In addition, a house with 9 foot ceilings sells on average for about 6.2 percent more than an identical home with low ceilings. ( RealtyTimes 2004 article) That figure would likely be higher today, especially in this region.
Low ceilings can make some people feel claustrophobic. Plus, high ceilings give the illusion of more living space, and vaulted ceilings in particular, often let in more light. The only down side, there’s more space to heat and cool. Regardless, the majority of people tell us they prefer higher ceilings.
Large, or floor to ceiling windows and sky lights are other gems desired by many buyers in the area. Few of us keep windows draped, and prefer instead, to use lightweight blinds, and they remain open for light unless needed for privacy. ( Note: Energy efficient windows are a big plus for managing heating and cooling costs - another hidden gem?)
Requests in Clark County for these Floor-plan Gems
We’re experiencing a large number of requests at The Carl Group for homes with a Master on the Main, or homes with separate living quarters for the in-laws. It’s no surprise, as a huge portion of the population is now baby boomers and seniors.
A lack of inventory for single level ranch homes in many markets around the country underscores the increasing popularity of this plan. And, with multigenerational homes also gaining in popularity, smart builders are adding those plans and product to their inventory.
If you're interested in discovering the hidden gems in our real estate market, I'd love to be your guide. Call me today and let's go on a treasure hunt.
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