Coast Explorer Blog

Real estate experts from Washington and Oregon Coast communities 
offer their take on current trends in water-view properties.

Beachfront properties seem to come to mind when thinking about homes that overlook the water; however, many communities offer homes that overlook bays, rivers and lakes that are just as breathtaking. Our real estate experts show us various view properties available along the coast and share their take on current trends of water-view properties.

In the past, an ocean view has commanded top dollar. Marianne Pittard, broker at RE/MAX River & Sea in Gearhart says, “Prices have adjusted significantly in the past two years and now opportunities are in abundance as evidenced by the number of listings under a million dollars.” In turn, those properties in the upper million-dollar range have also come down significantly.

High atop a hill sits a crown jewel in Astoria, the Henry Hoefler house (pictured above). From its vantage point, this home delivers 180-degree views of the Columbia River and Washington coastline. This historic jewel, offered at $1,115,000 is situated on over an acre and is a rare blend of Mission and Craftsman architecture that has been thoughtfully restored and mechanically updated.

At the other end of the pricing spectrum, Pittard shows us a Lindal Cedar Custom Home on the canal at Cullaby Lake. This well-appointed three-bedroom home is offered at $294,900 and features a Northwest lodge style with vaulted ceilings and exposed beams as well as maple wood floors.

Currently listed by Windermere Manzanita is the 2000 HGTV Dream Home featuring breathtaking views of the Nehalem Bay and estuary. Magical setting and décor come together in this home to make it a fantasy retreat for a list price of $599,000.


On Nehalem Point sits a two-bedroom riverfront home with large natural timber construction suited for the unspoiled beauty of the point. This home, offered at $399,000 boasts views of the Nehalem Bay and the river. Broker and owner of Windermere Manzanita, Walt Covert, tells us, “The prices for view properties are the best we have seen in ten years.” He also says that choice, good pricing and low interest rates won’t last forever.

Located on Willapa Bay in Washington is a home that offers over eight acres and 275 feet of bay frontage. The 5000-square-foot, five-bedroom, lodge style home has comfort, style and serenity and is priced at $1,485,000. Pacific Realty’s owner/broker, Leslie Brophy says, “Although many folks seem to be looking for bargains, this year we have sold some singular properties on both the ocean and the bay.”

The housing market is in a constant state of flux in the current economy but coastal homes are still being bought and sold on a regular basis. More importantly, homes with amazing water views have become more accessible to buyers in all price ranges. Our real estate experts concur that now is a great time to acquire that property with a view overlooking the ocean, river, bay or lake.