FORKS — Never better. That’s how two Forks real estate brokers describe the land market on the North Olympic Peninsula’s West End.
“I’ve been in the business since 1977, and it’s probably the best year I’ve ever had,” said Shelia Wahlgren, owner of United Country/Evergreen Properties in Forks.
“We’ve been really busy.”
Due to a steady stream of retirees and former urbanites leaving their choked cities and heading for greener pastures — as well as low national interest rates — Forks’ home-selling business is doing great, said Carrol Lunsford of Lunsford and Associates.
“I don’t know that it’s ever been this strong,” said Lunsford.
“We’re having a greater influx of people from outside the area . . . including California, Texas, Nevada, Utah, Florida.”
While the Forks region has a solid base of willing buyers, the number of new homes springing up is almost nil.
“Inventories are pretty low,” said Lunsford.
“We don’t have a good balance between buyers and sellers — it’s probably a seller’s market.”
Homes still a bargain
“We could use someone brave enough to come out and build a few spec homes,” Wahlgren said, referring to the fact that only about two new homes have sprung up in the Forks area in recent months.
“We certainly have lots available that have been cleared out and are ready to go.
“As long as inflation stays level and interest rates don’t go flying up, we should have some pretty good years.”
Despite the seller’s market in Forks, buying a home is still a good bargain.
“For instance, a brand new spec home, 1,200 square feet, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two-car garage — you couldn’t touch that for less than $200,000 in Port Angeles,” Wahlgren said.
“In Forks, that’s listed for $135,000.”
