ResalesLow Taxes, Good Schools, New Jobs Attract Residents To Vancouver
Washington state"s fourth largest city, Vancouver, is growing rapidly, say local Realtors.
"Vancouver is the gateway to Clark County," explains Realtor Stan Callan. "It is situated along the Columbia River just north of Portland, Oregon and in the heart of the Pacific N.W. and "Recreation Heaven." It is the oldest city in the state, and growing at a rapid pace due to the emergence of high-tech and manufacturing industries along with thousands of service-oriented businesses. The education systems are strong and well supported by the voters. The current sales tax is 7.7 percent and there is no state income tax. Vancouver has cultural richness along with a progressive, people-oriented government."
Callan adds, "Currently, about 140,000 people make Vancouver their home and the numbers of new residents are growing daily. The current median prices of homes sold in the Cascade Park / Fisher"s Landing area (Vancouver"s newest area) are approximately $169,000."
Says Realtor Brigitte Jones, "In addition, because of our great schools and lower property taxes, many Oregonians are crossing the river to reside now in Vancouver. This has lead to a sharp increase in home values.
"Vancouver remains one of the hottest areas in the state to live in," she says. "Home sales during the fall in Vancouver and surrounding areas are traditionally a bit slower than the frenzied spring and summer months. But fall can be a good time to sell because there are (usually) fewer houses on the market - meaning less competition - and buyers typically want to buy quickly before winter and the holidays set in."
About the market, Jones says, "We are seeing fewer homes on the market but still a solid number of buyers. Home buying activity in Vancouver has also been spurred by the fear of many potential homebuyers that this may be the last time they see interest rates under the six percent rate for some time to come. We are seeing many first-time homebuyers enter the market."
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