Location. Where do you want to be? The upper valley is different from the lower valley in geology, views, snowfall, vegetation, types of property available, and price. Lost River might have four feet of accumulated snow in the winter while Mazama has three feet, Winthrop two, and Twisp a foot or so. As you travel west and north, the climate changes and precipitation increases. If you like to ski, you might consider property close to the cross-country trail system. There are biking, hiking, horseback riding, and snowmobile trails easily accessible from many different locations in the valley.

Size of Property. How many acres? Is 20 acres absolutely necessary, or would the right 3-acre property be more than enough? Do you have the time, desire, and resources to manage a remote home site, or would it be wiser to build closer to other people or in a community?

Use. How are you going to use the property, and how often? Do you plan to have horses? If the answer is yes, you will probably want irrigation rights. Is this property for a vacation home used only occasionally? If so, a professionally managed community where roads and driveways are plowed might be for you.

Price Range and Acceptable Terms. We are not trying to be nosy when we ask about your budget for buying property. In order to represent you best, your agent needs to have a general idea of your resources in order to select appropriate properties for you to view.

Utilities. Often a buyer finds the perfect piece of property, except there are no utilities developed. An offer can be constructed with a “Feasibility Study Clause.” Our agents will assist buyers in their research to determine costs of drilling a well, installing a septic and/or electric power.

Waterfront Property. We can provide you a list of properties that have a creek, pond, or river flowing through or along the border. When narrowing down your search, it is important to consider set backs from flood plain and wetlands to determine the actual buildable portion of the property.

Property Amenities. Do you want maximum sun exposure, or would you rather live in a shady wooded area? Does your dream property have 360° views or a park-like setting? Do you want property with covenants and restrictions that stipulate design and other building standards?

Existing Homes. There are a variety of homes for sale in the Methow Valley with vastly different styles and types of construction. Everything from fixer-upper farmhouses, post & beam, and classic log cabins to straw bale, earth-bermed and other “alternative” types of structures.