10924 Cowlitz Dr. SE
This property in unincorporated Olympia has a history of buyers regretting their decision. We would caution you as we have repeatedly done to others. Do your research and "due diligence" as stated in the state codes.
Yes, this property has the Deschutes River flowing E -W north of it. However, the HOA owns the property between this lot and the river. Both the north end of the property and the HOA portion are heavily wooded, preventing any view. This property is part of a state Reparian Area, which is monitored and governed by three separate entities; DNR, WDFW, and the local tribe. Cutting down trees is NOT an option. The last community member along the river who tried was issued a Cease & Desist order along with several hefty fines! (The county was here 22 minutes after the first tree fell!)
This property has numerous White Oaks dispersed throughout it. White oak trees are protected, and you can't build within 20 feet of their trunk. As part of the previous owners' efforts, the state documented all of them. Additionally, there's a large old growth tree in which a pair of Great Horned Owls have nested. This presents another issue to contend with!
Yes, the county states that you can build on this property, and so does the current owner. However, with all the limiting factors and constraints, you end up 'building' a mini home. Then, the positioning and configurations are extremely limited.
Yes, you can fish the river. Directly off the back of the property is steep and hazardous. There's an HOA access trail down to the river nearby. Check the regulations. (Current regulations stipulate selective gear; fly fishing only. Plus, it's catch and release.)
The adjacent properties are developed; septic, power, and water with land tax assessments less than $100K. This lot is NOT developed. So, the assessment should be significantly less. Approximately, five years ago, it was less than $40k.
The previous owner, along with over 17 potential buyers, was informed of the above. The previous owner stated they "knew better and could get anything approved!" They purchased the property through an estate sale for $45k, approximately 5 years ago. Three years later, they claimed they spent over $60K learning the hard way. They couldn't build the nice regular home they wanted.
When they listed and advertised the property a few years ago, our community once again activated a campaign to inform any potential buyers we encountered, as well as posting signs encouraging people to do their due diligence. Somehow, the current owner purchased the property without encountering anyone in the community. They purchased the undeveloped property for $103,000. (That's greater than the developed property of the adjacent neighbors.)
We aren't against gaining a new neighbor. We welcome it. This lot is overgrown, has several standing dead pine trees, and the terrain is rough and can be hazardous to walk; previous perk holes are deep and overgrown. The lot is a bit of an eye sore. It would be nice to see it cleaned up.
18 years ago, the first couple who sought to purchase the property uncovered all the problems and limited their loss before closing.
We simply don't want to see anyone else go through what the current owner is experiencing. We feel bad that we never had the opportunity to pass on all of the above to the current owner so they could make a better informed decision. They can't build the home they wanted to. They contemplated legal action. Fortunately, they didn't squander a lot of time and money against that. (Read the state statutes.)
We hope this helps any of you who are looking online and not actually walking the ground.
P.S. On both occasions, several potential buyers had photos stating, "Your view of the river." The photos were taken 28 east of the property in the neighbor's yard who does have a small view.
aka, do your Due Diligence!!
Respectfully