Ocean Shores/North Beach
E-Newsletter
Presented by April Swenson,
Realtor & Associate Broker for Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
www.OceanShoresInfo.com
Welcome to Fall!
The leaves are falling. We have had some lovely weather, but the rains are back for a couple of days and then clam digging starts this weekend.
CRAFT FAIR 2009
Our annual Craft Fair was held in the Convention Center in September, along with a Mustang Car Display. Click on the following link to view pictures: www.oceanshoresinfo.com/pics/craftfair2009.html
ROAD CONSTRUCTION 2009
This has been a very trying time for Ocean Shores residents, especially the businesses. With the unwise move of having road construction on our two main streets and main intersections in downtown Ocean Shores, many businesses have felt the economic pinch from the lack of access. But as we face the many detours and road closures here and there, we must keep a good attitude about it all and know that this is a temporary interruption of daily driving. There was a funny posting of a sign by one of the local business saying, "Ocean Shores: Closed Due to Construction"; and another one stating, "We are open when you get around to it." Good, comical signs for all of the detours we face. It will look so nice and be more pedestrian-friendly when it is all done: sidewalks, traffic circle, new roads, curbs, etc.
OTHER NOTABLE LOCAL NEWS
MARKET UPDATE
Summer and the beginning of Fall has seen a continual stream of sales from the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2009. The deals are out there. Click on the links to see some Great Buys.
Homes Under $150K
As of September 30th, there are 32 homes, 9 lots, and 6 condos pending (all of these numbers are up from my last e-mail stating the numbers as of June 30th); and 209 homes, 541 lots, and 108 condos listed for sale (home and lot listings are down from my last e-mail stating numbers as of June 30th). Compared to approximately 310 homes, 758 lots, and 84 condos listed on September 30, 2008. A decrease in listings is a good sign for a more stabilized market.
Here are some Ocean Shores Stats for the 3rd Quarter 2009:
2009 3rd Quarter: 47 Homes closed; average sales price = $172,502; median sales price = $167K; average days on market = 131
Sold Homes (click on this link to view the MLS flyers)
vs.
2009 2nd Quarter: 48 Homes closed; average sales price = $178,681; median sales price = $166K; average days on market = 268
2009 3rd Quarter: 42 Lots closed; average sales price = $37,219; median sales price = $22,250; average days on market = 204
Sold Lots(click on this link to view the MLS flyers)
vs.
2009 2nd Quarter: 37 Lots closed; average sales price = $35,119; median sales price = $25K; average days on market = 269
2009 3rd Quarter: 7 Condos closed; average sales price = $182,357; median sales price = $111K; average days on market = 441
Sold Condos(click on this link to view the MLS flyers)
vs.
2009 2nd Quarter: 3 Condos closed; average sales price = $170,290; median sales price = $103,870; average days on market = 273
Here are some North Beach (Ocean City, Copalis Beach, Pacific Beach & Moclips) Stats for the 3rd Quarter 2009:
2009 3rd Quarter: 6 Homes closed; average sales price = $183,233; median sales price = $138,750; average days on market = 259
Sold Homes (click on this link to view the MLS flyers)
vs.
2009 2nd Quarter: 10 Homes closed; average sales price = $225,680; median sales price = $149,500; average days on market = 117
2009 3rd Quarter: 1 Lot closed; sales price = $27K; days on market = 26
Sold Lot(click on this link to view the MLS flyer)
vs.
2009 2nd Quarter: 2 Lots closed; average sales price = $15,500; median sales price = $15,500; average days on market = 98
FINANCING NEWS
Mortgage Insurance is Now Available for 2nd Homes:
Mortgage Insurance is now available on 2nd/vacation homes with the following terms:
Changes to Truth in Lending Requirements:
On July 30th, changes went into effect relating to when the initial Truth in Lending disclosure needs to be given. These changes are part of the Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act (MDIA) as an amendment to the Truth in Lending Act. While the purpose of the MDIA is to make sure consumers receive cost-related disclosures, the Act may affect the timing of closings in some cases.
Here's a brief summary of the legislation:
Pump Up Sales with FHA 203(k) Rehab Loans:
There is little doubt that more homes listed today are in need of repairs. They could be victims of a short sale, a bank repossession or a home owner needing to sell "as is." Whatever the reason, an FHA 203(k) renovation loan can be a great solution.
With an FHA 203(k) Streamline loan, buyers can get up to $35,000 to use for almost any rehab project to make the home more livable and upgrade its systems -- the perfect solution for short sales, bank REOs or properties where the seller won't do repairs required by a lender.
The features:
The ceiling on FHA 203(k) renovation loans has increased to equal the maximum allowable loan amount for the area, so even buyers in more expensive regions can take advantage of this great loan option. Good news -- there are also 203(k) loans available for larger rehab projects (over $35,000).
For more help on getting pre-approved/qualified, contact our local lender, The Bank of the Pacific. You can call Carol Warfield, the Vice President Residential Loan Officer, at 360-580-0187 (cell) or e-mail her at cwarfield@thebankofpacific.com. Interest rates are still around 5%.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Clam Dig, October 16th-18th: Ocean Shores beaches are open for the 1st clam dig of the season.
Change Your Clocks, Nov 1st: move your clocks back 1 hour at 2am.
Jazz At The Beach, November 6-8: enjoy jazz bands throughout Ocean Shores.
Winter Fanta-Sea Craft Show, November 27-29: arts and craft booths displayed in the Convention Center.
North Beach Singers Christmas Cantata, December 11-12: Christmas singing choir.
Once again, if you every have any questions about Ocean Shores, the surrounding Grays Harbor cities, and/or real estate, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me.
Your Beach Destination Awaits You at the #1 Washington Beach Town!
April Swenson
Coldwell Banker Ocean Shores, WA
888-469-3100 office 360-289-3111 fax 360-589-2777 cell
aswenson25@juno.com
www.OceanShoresInfo.com
NOTE: All statistical information is obtained from the NWMLS and is reliable information, but not guaranteed.
OCEAN SHORES WEATHER
Rain Storm on Labor Day Weekend
September 6, 2009
Labor Day Weekend 2009 was met with gorgous sunny weather and a rain storm. The weather forcasters promised a big rain storm on Friday the 4th, but that day turned out to be a gorgeous day, as well as Saturday the 5th. I was showing in the gorgeous weather on Saturday. But the rain did come, but it was accompanied by thunder and lightening. We do not get many storms with thunder and lightening, so it was neat to listen to. A tree fell in my front yard, but it just fell across the road. These pictures are taken from my front porch. 
Today is again a beautiful day of sun and partly cloudy with a slight breeze.
Always take a chance to visit my web site for pictures, real estate and other info at www.OceanShoresInfo.com
April Swenson
Coldwell Banker Ocean Shores
Associate Broker & Realtor
360-589-2777 cell
aswenson25@juno.com
OCEAN SHORES REAL ESTATE NEWS
Mortgage Insurance is Now Available for Purchasing Vacation/2nd Homes with less than 20% Down
Mortgage Insurance is now available on 2nd/vacation homes with the following terms:
Purchase or rate/term refinance
Up to 90% loan-to-value
At least 720 credit score
41% or lower debt ratio
This was not sent out from the MI company as a big announcement, so you are some of the first to know!
Presented By:
Carol Warfield
VP Real Estate Loan Representative
Central Region
300 E Market Street | PO Box 1826 | Aberdeen, WA 98520
P: 360.537.4044 | C: 360.580.0187 | F: 360.533.0489 |
CWarfield@BankofthePacific.com
Visit our website at www.BankofthePacific.com
Writing from beautiful Ocean Shores!
April Swenson
Ocean Shores Washington Realtor
Associate Broker, Listing & Selling Agent, Marketing Specialist
aswenson25@juno.com
www.OceanShoresInfo.com
360-589-2777 cell
Ocean Shores Featured in The Vacouver Sun
As One of the Most Popular Places in Washington
Our fair beach town of Ocean Shores received some international praise from our neighbor to the north: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. One of the special writers for The Vancouver Sun wrote a piece about Ocean Shores in the Travel Section on January 13, 2009 claiming Ocean Shores as one of the most popular places in Washington. It explained all about Ocean Shores and the fun things to do: hotels, restaurants, shops, games, rides and more. It also went into the history of this peninsula, which was bought for $1M in 1960 and is now assessed of over $670M with about 5,000 full-time residents.
Check-out the full story at http://www.vancouversun.com/travel/Ocean+Shores/1172868/story.html
Writing from beautiful sunny Ocean Shores, Washington!
April Swenson
Associate Broker & Realtor
360-589-2777 cell
aswenson25@juno.com
Ocean Shores Event
Fireworks on the Beach for Independence Day ~ July 4th
Ocean Shores, WA 
July 4, 2009 ~ Independence Day is one of the greatest and most amazing sites visitors and locals can see along the beaches of Ocean Shores and the North Beach. July 4th brings in the most number of tourists than any other weekend or event. The beaches are lined with cars and people packing it in as nightime arrives. The fireworks can be heard as the days lead up to the 4th, but America's birthday brings the most unbelievable sites you will see as the sky is lit up with tons of fireworks. There are personal firework displays one right after the other, with Ocean City providing the big firework display off of 2nd Ave, the beach access street. July 4th fell on a Saturday this year, and even though the fog rolled in, people still enoyed the sounds and sites. I enjoyed the evening and night with some friends around a camp fire, enjoyed good food, and joined in with the rest of the beach and shot off some of our own fountains, roman candles and high in the sky fireworks. I was able to get some great shots overseeing the action on the beach from my GMC Yukon. To all of those who have not spent July 4th in Ocean Shores -- you must come out and see it for yourself.
See more pictures of the Fireworks on the Beach in Ocean Shores
For more information about Ocean Shores, see my web site at www.OceanShoresInfo.com
Here in Beautiful Ocean Shores ~ The #1 Beach Destination on the Washington Coast!
April Swenson
Ocean Shores Washington Realtor
Associate Broker, Listing & Selling Agent, Marketing Specialist
aswenson25@juno.com
360-589-2777 cell
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I live & work in beautiful Ocean Shores, WA. I work with all properties throughout Grays Harbor County. I take great delight in my job by providing attention to detail and a heavy Internet presence.
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