There’s a lot of noise out there about the housing market “crashing.” But is that really what’s happening here in Vancouver, Camas, and the greater Southwest Washington real estate market?
The short answer: No, the market isn’t crashing. What we’re experiencing is a long-overdue adjustment back to a more balanced, pre-COVID market. And if you’re a homebuyer in Clark County, this shift could actually be to your advantage.
The Market Is Adjusting, Not Collapsing
During the pandemic, homes in Vancouver and Camas were selling within days — often with multiple offers and bidding wars. But today, homes are sitting on the market longer, and inventory is building.
Why?
Prices remain elevated compared to pre-2020 levels.
Interest rates are higher, making monthly payments less affordable.
This doesn’t mean disaster. It means buyers finally have room to breathe — and negotiate.
Why Vancouver & Camas Buyers Shouldn’t Wait Forever
If you’re sitting on the sidelines waiting for prices to drop, here’s the risk:
➡️ Once sellers reduce prices, competition increases.
Imagine a home listed at $600,000 in Camas. It sits for weeks, and you’re watching it closely. If the seller drops it to $575,000, suddenly a new pool of buyers enters the market. Now you’re competing, and your negotiating power disappears.
Instead, by making an offer before the price drops, you can often:
Negotiate a lower purchase price
Ask for seller-paid closing costs
Request a rate buy-down to reduce your monthly mortgage
Get repairs covered after inspection
Negotiating Homes Above Your Budget
Here’s another strategy I use with my clients: targeting homes slightly above budget.
Let’s say your max budget is $600,000, but there’s a home in Vancouver listed at $625,000. Instead of walking away, you can negotiate the price down — especially if it’s been sitting unsold. Sellers are far more open to concessions in today’s market than they were just a few years ago.
The Interest Rate Trap
Many buyers in Vancouver and Camas are waiting for interest rates to drop before jumping back in. While lower rates may reduce your monthly payment, there’s a catch:
👉 When rates fall, thousands of other buyers will re-enter the market.
👉 That creates bidding wars.
👉 You’ll lose your leverage — and possibly end up paying more.
By making offers now, you avoid that competition and lock in the home you want under your terms.
Why Now Is the Best Market for Buyers in Years
Five years ago, buyers in Camas and Vancouver had little power. Homes sold above list price, appraisal waivers were common, and concessions were nearly impossible.
Today, it’s different:
Sellers are offering concessions like rate buy-downs and closing cost credits.
Homes are sitting longer, giving buyers more leverage.
You can negotiate terms that fit your budget.
This truly is the moment where buyers have the upper hand — if they’re willing to act.
Final Thoughts
The Vancouver and Camas housing markets aren’t crashing — they’re normalizing. And for homebuyers, that’s actually good news. If you’re ready to explore homes, start making strategic offers, and negotiate terms that work for your budget, this could be the best time in years to buy.
📲 Thinking about buying a home in Vancouver, Camas, or Southwest Washington? I’d love to help. Let’s sit down for a buyer consultation and talk strategy.
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