Three Tips on Buying or Selling a Home on Washougal River

Three tips on buying or selling a home on the Washougal River. River life has a few unkown aspects that are helpful and also some that are required. I specialize in the waterfront homes since I live here. I LOVE the river. It's a "lifestyle" because it is like paradise May through October. There are so many awesome things to do and see along the river.

A piece or property, land or home on the Washougal River should have safety first of all:

1. The first thing to consider is whether the home will flood. The best way to really know for sure is a tour of the property, not just browsing on the internet. (As we all know, pictures lie!) If the home is close to the water, a buyer should consider if a rising river would compromise the house. Many Washougal River homes have what are called "flood gates" or "flood doors"underneath that would allow the river to run underneath or through the basement if necessary.

2. Parking along the river waterfront is a premium. A buyer would want to look at the property with the thought that you will have plenty of guests and visitors who want to enjoy the river at your house. So, a buyer would be wise to choose a place that has some parking. (Another side of the Washougal River road parking problem is that in the summer swimmers, etc. who are getting out of their cars and coming into contact with the busy river road traffic.)

3. Elevation certificates for sellers: Most of the properties about the Little Washougal River Road/Blair Rd. have not been surveyed for flood status. They do not have a true "flood rating." When you get an offer on your, lenders will want to know if you have a elevation certificate. This is accomplished by hiring one of the many survey companies in Vancouver, WA to see how high the home sits above the river. The lender will also want you to apply for flood insurance too. Some places are "grandfathered" in for the flood insurance.



Please feel free to call me with any questions you may have about living on the Washougal River! I love to assist buyers and sellers here!