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Old 05-30-2015, 07:12 PM
 
3 posts, read 3,149 times
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Husband and I want to buy retirement property in Carson or Stevenson, we love the Gorge but currently live near Miami, FL-relocated for work earlier this year-ugh, sold our house in Hazel Dell in 2011 and lost significant equity. The sunshine here is great but we want to be near family in 10 years. That means Vancouver or nearby-not Portland-been there done that.
I've noticed the price of land, mobile and stick homes have increased significantly in the past 8 months and I'm wondering if we should wait until the Fall or try and buy now.
Here is what we are looking for: 1/2-1 acre backing up to green space, well and septic in and mobile approved-price range $55-200K. As soon as land-home becomes available-it's sold within days.
Not sure if we should wait or jump on and purchase a mobile in Carson.

Stealthrabbit-I've perused your postings the past couple of years and wonder what your thoughts are?
Should we wait until Fall or?

Thanks,
Couvfolks
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Old 05-31-2015, 12:18 PM
 
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
34,722 posts, read 58,067,115 times
Reputation: 46190
Keep connected to the market, but only jump in on the right deal for you. Properties are a bit rich (and REALLY rich if marketed by realtor). Not sure fall season will be better, but there is nothing zooming the local economy (except real estate).

Carson is very risky. You might not like it
(Quite rainy, depressed economy, very limited services / shopping, meth, high concentration of Skamaniacs (those on the fringe)). Carson is NOT the place to have a 'long-distance' rental. We_tern WA is very hard place to make rentals cash flow. (high land costs / property taxes / low rents). I will probably have to sell some of mine this yr (Camas 4 plex (senior centric / 2 blks to Crown Park) is top on my list to sell).

Obviously you have lived nearby (Vancouver) so you may have friends or family that can keep you informed of options. You really need someone who can find available stuff BEFORE it hits the market.

I would stay focused on west gorge (Skamania Landing to Mt Pleasant). Much easier to get to Portland / Vancouver (20 min). 3 MH on acreage have sold for under $100k in last yr in that neighborhood (that I know of).

I focus on buying trashed homes on nice acreage. Dozer can make quick work of a trashed home, but if in CGNSA you MUST get replacement permitted BEFORE dozing, or you may find yourself without a legal homesite!.

If you are not coming back for 10 yrs... consider your needs THEN... You might want a small home on acreage in Vancouver / Minnehaha/ Hazel Dell. Just today I was lamenting my sell of fruit farm next to Hazel Dell Park 25 yrs ago. It was idyllic (but lots of work). 5 min from EVERYTHING. (not a bad idea in retirement).

I am still working on my 'senior cottage - mini farm village' near Vancouver Mall, but not QUICKLY (10 yr plan). (I have 20 yrs before I need it).
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