Jim Farrell

Hi John,
I am an agent for Windermere/Glenn Taylor Real Estate in Goldendale. I will attempt to give you an answer with some modification. Prices for unimproved land have roughly tripled in the last 3 years so giving you a four year average would have little meaning. Also going out 25 miles would get into the higher priced markets of High Prairie and Glenwood thus skewing the data. Further, due to zoning, the preponderance of lots sold are either 5 or 20 acres in size. The highest prices paid for unimproved 5 and 20 acre lots in the last two years within 15 miles of Goldendale were $69,000 and $180,000 respectively. Prices ranged from a low of $25,000 for both 5 & 20 acre lots to a high of $69,000 for a 5 acre lot and $180,000 for a 20 acre lot. Improvements such as wells, septic systems, ect. resulted in higher prices. The wide variability in prices is caused by a number of factors. The existance of snow-capped mountain views, creeks, and ponds can drastically increase the price. The quality of access, nearness of power, type of land, presence of trees can all radically affect the price. The current market conditions have affected land sales in the Goldendale area. Prices are not increasing at the rate they were last year, but are fairly stable. We are not experiencing the high competition for a few lots that we were last year, However, while there are many many more lots on the market than in the past, there are still a lot of buyers out looking for their ideal property. The difference now is that they can take their time, be more selective, and look for the really good deal. Finally, from my perspective, the mojority of land buyers in the Goldendale area are out-of-state babyboomers preparing to retire in 2-5 years. Hope this gives you some insight on the Goldendale market. - Wed Jun 11 2008, 15:08