Ian Carter

🌲 Unique Washington Real Estate 🌲 Your Washington Connection - Changing lives through property ownership. Realtor and occasional miracle worker. 🏡

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

Just launched https://t.co/2W4UjOn9tf and wanted to share why I'm genuinely excited about this one.

I live directly across the North Fork Lewis River from this development. That video above? I filmed it from my sled on a steelhead trip — that's the river right along side these homes.

North Fork Landing is a new construction community in Woodland, WA with homes from the mid $400s. But the price isn't the story — the lifestyle is.

The North Fork Lewis runs Spring Chinook starting in April. Summer steelhead in June. Fall Chinook through November. And when every other river in SW Washington blows out in winter, the dam-controlled Lewis stays fishable. Year-round. From your backyard.

Beyond the fishing: Woodland is 20 minutes from Vancouver, 40 from Portland. Above-average schools. Old Town main street with real local character. Rolling Freedom Skate Park. Lilac Days every spring. Deer in your yard at dusk. Mount St. Helens an hour away on SR-503.

I've lived in this region my whole life. I know this river, these schools, this commute, and this market. If you're curious about North Fork Landing, I'm the person to talk to.
https://t.co/2W4UjOn9tf [phone]

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

Due to another issue with @GoDaddy my website is down. Time to move to a Wordpress site I think.

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

https://t.co/TJbg0gtNm1

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

Crazy morning in the Woodland area. I5 NB closed at MP 22 for a landslide. On a personal note the beavers blocked the pond culvert on our road, should be interesting. My neighbors yard filling fast.

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

https://t.co/ULLwZLwwjg

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

https://t.co/PjZukkX9vk

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

There are no smelt in the Cowlitz according to local reports. Hopefully @wdfw rescedules.

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

I'll follow up on Monday after I find out if there are actually smelt in the Cowlitz and if it's worth the trip. I know the commercials have been getting them on the main stem Columbia.

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

https://t.co/7y4dg12bPS

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

https://t.co/QvduZrZVYO

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

Real Estate Alert: Steering Lawsuits Shaking Up Mortgage Lending 🚨

Hey folks, as a WA real estate pro, let's break down two big class-action suits accusing major players of illegal "steering" under RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act). This could affect how agents & lenders work together.

Rocket Mortgage Case: Filed recently, homebuyers claim Rocket violated RESPA by pressuring real estate agents (who get leads from Rocket Homes) to push clients toward Rocket's potentially higher-cost loans. Involves alleged kickbacks & referral fees, limiting borrower choices and breaching fiduciary duties.

Zillow Lawsuits: Similar vibes—multiple suits from 2025 (consolidated in Seattle fed court) allege Zillow's Premier Agent & Flex programs incentivize agents to steer buyers to Zillow Home Loans for leads. Claims include hidden monitoring, RICO violations, & monopolistic practices. Same law firm (Hagens Berman) behind both.

Why it matters: These challenge "captive lending" models where platforms tie referrals to in-house loans, potentially inflating costs for you, the buyer. If successful, could mean big changes for transparency & competition in the industry.Stay informed—shop around for loans! What are your thoughts?

https://t.co/WCklprmz5u

[Lance Lambert @NewsLambert]

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate today: 6.16%

Same day last year: 7.07%

------------------
10 Year Treasury: 4.26%
Spread today: 190 bps

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

Why are home prices still rising, even adjusted for bigger, better houses?

1. Chronic supply shortages: 3-7M unit deficit from underbuilding.
2. Local Zoning regs & red tape limit new construction.
3. Surging demand from millennials, job growth, & immigration.

Inventory's up slightly, but prices may climb 1-3% in '26. #RealEstate #HousingMarket

[John Stossel @JohnStossel]

Home prices keep rising.

One reason is that today’s houses are bigger. Buyers now want more rooms, washers and dryers and air-conditioning. But even if you adjust for the improvements, houses cost more today.

Why?

https://t.co/2SDYXmuLZc

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

https://t.co/Vhyi4AyqHf

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

Thinking about buying a home in SW Washington?

From down payments & first-time buyer loans to red flags during inspections and what closing costs really look like—I've got answers! Check out my Home Buyer FAQ for the straight talk you need → https://t.co/zbW18YpPwt
DM me with questions!

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

Check out The Guides Forecast for SW Washington Fishing reports.

[The Guide's Forecast @OregonFishingUS]

🎣 SW Washington fishing report: The first Lewis River springer is in, and early‑season action is heating up fast. Don’t miss the full breakdown with our latest SW Washington fishing report.🐟 https://t.co/jtsNT7rdOX

Photo: Kalama River drift boat by Ian Carter

#WashingtonFish

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

Rates Plummet to 3 Year Lows, But There Are Caveats https://t.co/HyGvpLdg86

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

Here are a few fun things happening around the Vancouver area this weekend — from local activities and live music to family-friendly classes and big events nearby.

🛥️ Portland Boat Show — Portland Expo Center
The 66th annual Portland Boat Show returns with hundreds of boats, accessories, and gear — plus a 2-for-1 discount coupon available online.
📍 2060 Marine Dr W, Portland, OR
🗓 Jan 9–11 · Fri 11–9 · Sat 10–8 · Sun 10–6
🎟 Tickets at the door · 2-for-1 coupon at https://t.co/S9Phtl9wX7

🚂 Great Train Show — Clark County Fairgrounds
Hundreds of tables of trains for sale plus huge operating model train displays, free workshops & demonstrations, a kids play area, and a free test track to try out your trains. Great for collectors and families!
📍 Clark County Fairgrounds, 17402 NE Delfel Rd, Ridgefield, WA 98642
🗓 Saturday–Sunday, Jan 10–11 · 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

🏃‍♀️🍻 Run + Lunch — Vancouver Run, Grub & Chug Club (Lacamas Heritage Trail)
Join the group for a scenic 7-mile out-and-back run along the Lacamas Heritage Trail, then head to Grains of Wrath for lunch afterward.
📍 Lacamas Lake, Camas, WA
🗓 Saturday, Jan 10 · Meet 9:45 a.m. · Run 10:00 a.m.

🎶 Live Music Saturdays — The Local Pub
Enjoy a laid-back night of local live music, bites, and drinks. No cover — just good times!
📍 1101 W Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA
🗓 Saturday, Jan 10 · 7:30–9:30 p.m.
🎟 Free

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🌀 Family Pottery Wheel Class — Kilnfolk Studio & Gallery
A fun, hands-on pottery wheel class for all ages — create something together while learning the basics of working on the wheel.
📍 108 W 6th St, Vancouver, WA
🗓 Sunday, Jan 11 · 12:30–2:00 p.m.
🎟 $35 kids under 8 · $45 ages 8–17 · $75 ages 18+

Enjoy your weekend!

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

Hi everyone,

Here are a few fun things happening around the Vancouver area this weekend — from local art and live music to community events and weekend hangouts.

🎨 First Friday Art Walk — Downtown Vancouver
Kick off the new year exploring galleries, studios, and art-centric businesses featuring local and regional artists. Expect live music, dinner specials, hands-on workshops, and special events throughout downtown.
📍 Downtown Vancouver, WA
🗓 Friday, Jan 2 · 4:00–8:00 p.m. (most venues)
🔗 https://t.co/Vs6J3zkZi5

🏃‍♀️🍳 Run + Brunch — Vancouver Run, Grub & Chug Club
Start your Saturday with a beautiful out-and-back run along the Salmon Creek Trail (about 5 miles), followed by brunch at Heathen Brewing.
📍 Meet at 800 NE 117th St, Vancouver, WA
🗓 Saturday, Jan 3 · Meet 9:45 a.m. · Run 10:00 a.m.

🎶 Fleetwood Mac Tribute — Taken By The Sky
A Fleetwood Mac tribute band known for gorgeous harmonies, top-tier musicianship, and an authentic live show.
📍 Billy Blues Bar & Grill, Vancouver, WA
🗓 Saturday, Jan 3 · Music at 9:00 p.m.
🎟 $15 cover · 21+ (no advance ticket sales)

🪓🍹 Spirit-Free Cocktail Class — Firehouse Axes
Perfect for Dry January (or anyone who wants fun NA options). Learn 4 spirit-free cocktails, take home recipe cards, try NA bitters & syrups, enjoy snacks, and meet others in the community.
📍 3701 Main St, Vancouver, WA
🗓 Sunday, Jan 4 · 1:00 p.m.

🏈 49ers Watch Party — Heathen Brewing
A Red & Gold takeover! Join the Faithful for a high-energy watch party with first-down chants, raffle prizes, and fun for all ages. Kids get a free raffle ticket.
📍 Heathen Brewing, Vancouver, WA
🗓 Sunday, Jan 4 · Kickoff time varies
🎟 Free event · All ages welcome

Enjoy your weekend!

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

Link: https://t.co/0O5BL6h8DA

[Ian Carter @WAHomesRE]

Turning 62 on Dec 28th! 🎣 Celebrating with "62 Fishing Tips for My 62nd Birthday - Reeling In A Lifetime." From Columbia salmon secrets to Lewis River memories, these tips are gold for SW WA anglers. Love fishing? Dreaming of a riverside home? Text "FISHING" to 503-810-2737. Read the full post: [Blog Link] #FishingLife #RealEstate