Vancouver Washington Real Estate Blog By Rita Scott

Homes for Sale | Beautiful Horse Property | 11400 NE 131st St, Vancouver, WA

Homes for Sale | Beautiful Horse Property | 11400 NE 131st St, Vancouver, WA

• 925 sq ft
• 2bed, 1 bath
• Pellet Stove
• Great Investment Property
• 2.5 Acres

Enjoy this adorable well maintained home, nestled among 2.5 acres of serene land! The property boasts 36 x 36 shop/storage, a 3 stall horse barn (could be 6), dog run, hot tub, & beautiful fruit trees. Property is quiet, easy access to freeways and schools. Can be used as long term investment. Zoned as light industrial but w/ overlay. (Buyer must verify.) This is a must see!!!

For more information in Vancouver Washington Real Estate, homes, listings, or any questions, please contact the Rita Scott Group at 360-256-4980 or 4ritascott@comcast.net

Welcoming our NEWEST member of our Team!!

The Rita Scott Group
would like to introduce our newest member of our team!

Elizabeth Suchinda
Buyer’s Agent

Elizabeth has a strong customer service background of 10 years, has financial experience, and is licensed in WA and OR.

Feel free to contact her with any Vancouver Washington real estate questions!

Elizabeth Suchinda
Phone: 360-921-5990
Fax: 360-885-1329
E-mail: esuchinda@kw.com

Vancouver Washington Farmer’s Market

Vancouver Washington Farmer’s Market

The annual Vancouver Washington Farmer’s Market is during the summer located at Esther Shore Park. It is every weekend on Saturday from 9am-3pm and Sunday from 10am-3pm. There are many stands, musicians, and exhibits to look at. There are fresh fruit and vegetables being sold, many different cultural foods being sold, and many exhibit stands that explains an organization or a support group. There are also tents for many items being sold from wooden furniture to beaded necklaces. The farmer’s market is also pet-friendly so you will see many different breeds of dogs. I went to the Farmer’s Market for the first time last weekend and I had a great time. It was so much fun and there was so much to see. Don’t hesitate to check it out and don’t forget the camera!

Vancouver Washington Farmer’s Market Website

Facts about Condos

Facts about Condos

Condominiums and townhouses are a great and affordable option to a single-family home in most areas. But here are some facts to consider before you buy.

1. Amenities. Many condo properties provide fitness centers, swimming pools, and other facilities. It would be very expensive in a single-family home to buy all these amenities.

2. Maintenance. Many condos have onsite maintenance personnel to fix repairs needed in your unit and to upkeep the common areas. However, they can let workers inside your unit when you’re not home.

3. Security. Many condos take some efforts to make sure that the area is secure. Some have gated communities, keyed entries and or even door attendants. Also, in case of an emergency people are closer around you.

4. Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but there are no attics or basements, like a single-family home, to store belongings.

5. Outdoor space. You don’t need a lawnmower when you own a condo. However, if love to entertain outdoors or garden, yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos so this may not be suitable for your needs

6. Association fees. Fees are used to help pay for amenities and offer savings for future repairs agreed to by the condo board. You will have to pay these fees whether or not you are interested in using an amenity.

7. Neighbors. You proximity is much closer to your neighbors in a condo or townhome. Try and see how the “sound proofing” is and try to meet your closest prospective neighbors if possible before making a decision.

8. Resale. Since units are usually fairly similar when selling your unit, it is more dependent on what else is for sale in your building. Single-family homes are usually are more individual.

9. Freedom. Although you have a vote, the rules of the condo association can affect your ability to use your property. For example, some condos prohibit pets while others prohibit home-based businesses. Before you make an offer, make you’re your read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of the condo carefully.

If you have any questions about Condos or would like more Vancouver Washington Real Estate information, please contact us at 360-256-4980 or email us at 4RitaScott@comcast.net.

8 Steps to Getting Your Finances in Order

8 Steps to Getting Your Finances in Order

1. Develop a family budget. Instead of budgeting what you’d like to spend, use receipts to create a budget for what you actually spent over the last six months. One advantage of this approach is that it factors in unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, illnesses, etc., as well as predictable costs such as rent.
2. Reduce your debt. Generally speaking, lenders look for a total debt load of no more than 36 percent of income. Since this figure includes your mortgage, which typically ranges between 25 percent and 28 percent of income, you need to get the rest of installment debt—car loans, student loans, revolving balances on credit cards—down to between 8 percent and 10 percent of your total income.
3. Get a handle on expenses. You probably know how much you spend on rent and utilities, but little expenses add up. Try writing down everything you spend for one month. You’ll probably see some great ways to save.
4. Increase your income. It may be necessary to take on a second, part-time job to get your income at a high-enough level to qualify for the home you want.
5. Save for a downpayment. Although it’s possible to get a mortgage with only 5 percent down—or even less in some cases—you can usually get a better rate and a lower overall cost if you put down more. Shoot for saving a 20 percent downpayment.
6. Create a house fund. Don’t just plan on saving whatever is left toward a downpayment. Instead decide on a certain amount a month you want to save, then put it away as you pay your monthly bills.
7. Keep your job. While you don’t need to be in the same job forever to qualify, having a job for less than two years may mean you have to pay a higher interest rate.
8. Establish a good credit history. Get a credit card and make payments by the due date. Do the same for all your other bills. Pay off the entire balance promptly.

If you need any help, The Rita Scott Group has many referrals than can help with your real estate needs. You may contact us at 360-256-4980 or email at 4RitaScott@comcast.net and we can refer you to a Financial Specialist that best suites you and situation. We would love to be your Vancouver Washington real estate consultant!

Brush Pairie, Washington | Vancouver, Washington

Brush Prairie is located north of the Vancouver suburban, and south of Battle Ground. It was named by the daughter of Merrit and Maddora Bowman, Elmarine Bowman, who were one of the first families to settle in the area. Elmarine gave the area its name because of its brushy prairie and swamp near her father’s farmstead. It is still a fairly quiet rural setting that is destined to grow due to its location and growth of areas.

Brush Prairie is the place where the Wildlife Botanical Gardens started construction and planting in 1995 and has spread over three acres which is open to the public. It will serve as a place to display and explain the plants that are attractive to birds and wildlife, landscaping for wildlife methods and serve as models for homeowners planning in their own yards. The Wildlife Gardens will be complete when the cohesive blend of twelve specialty gardens contains over 500 species and varieties of plants. Here is their website for more information: http://www.naturescaping.org

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Homes for Sale | Cozy Vancouver Home | $219,500 | 823 NE 96th Ave, Vancouver, WA

Homes for Sale | Cozy Vancouver Home | $219,500 | 823 NE 96th Ave, Vancouver, WA

MLS# 8047386

823 NE 96th Ave, Vancouver, WA

1200 sq ft Ranch with 3 bedroom and 2 bathrooms homes has a great floor plan with new flooring. This home has updated bathrooms and kitchen and its family room has a wood burning fireplace. It is on a corner lot with a fenced backyard and is a drought resistant yard. It is located within the Evergreen school district.

1200 total sq ft
3 bedrooms
2 baths
2 car garage
Wood Fireplace
Updated bathroom
DeWills Kitchen cabinets
Drought resistant yard

If interested, please contact Rita Scott at 360-256-4980 or email at 4RitScott@comcast.net. Check out the RMLS Search for more listings. Click here for more Vancouver Real Estate

Homes for Sale | Exquisite North Orchards Home | $250,000 | 14511 NE 82nd St., Vancouver, WA

14511 NE 82nd St., Vancouver, WA - Featured Listings

MLS # 8030299

Many NEW items! New Roof, fiber cement siding, windows, laminated flooring with trim & doors, paint inside & out. Newer heat pump, gas fireplace & appliances. Large master bedroom has open feeling w/ great light. Private backyard and beautiful landscaping. Sprinkler system front back. Quiet neighborhood w/ great neighbors and close by park and grocery store.

For a Virtual Tour of the Home, click the Picture of the Home above.

If you have any Vancouver Real Estate needs, feel free to contact the Rita Scott Group at 360-256-4980 or email at 4RitaScott@comcast.net. We would love to help!

Homes for Sale | Gorgeous Brush Prairie Home w/ 1.48 ACRES! | $439,900 | 13510 NE 228th Ct., Vancouver, WA

13510 NE 228th Ct., Vancouver, WA

MLS # 8031749

Escape to the country! Beautiful 2420 sq. ft. home on 1.48 acres with a travertine entry, formal dining, and large bedrooms with huge closets. Entertain in the sunken living room with a bay window. Relax in the master bath jacuzzi tub or in the gorgeous fenced backyard by the pond and gardens. Be on the look out for deer! Shop and RV parking, too. All this and NEW paint, flooring, countertops, stove, and microhood. Only 25 minutes to airport. Act fast, don’t let your dream home slip through your fingers!

For a Virtual Tour of the Home, click the Picture of the Home above.

If you have any Vancouver Real Estate needs, feel free to contact the Rita Scott Group at 360-256-4980 or email at 4RitaScott@comcast.net. We would love to help!